Welcome to Hildy, an exciting tale of magic and adventure in the universe of The Great Underground Empire! I. HINTS: To find contact information for the author, learn how the magic system works, or get help with the story and its puzzles, type "hint" at any time. II. FOOTNOTES: From time to time, you may see a number in parentheses that looks something like this (3). Whenever that happens, type "Footnote #" where # is the number in parentheses. This will give you access to humorous asides, tiny hints or additional information. III. COMMUNICATION: To communicate verbally with other characters, use the "ask about" command. For example: "Ask Jane about the clock." Showing things to characters can also get a valuable reaction. For example: "Show dagger to Wadsworth." IV. DIAGNOSE and SCORE: The "diagnose" command will inform you of your current physical condition. The "score" command will tell you your current score. It takes no turns or game time to complete these actions. V. SAVE OFTEN: This is an adventure game and there is no adventure without danger. Do yourself a favor and save often! VI. EXITS: Visible exits will normally be listed in the status bar at the top of the screen. To see these instructions again, just type "intro" at any time. Well, that's enough for now. Let's get started! Please press SPACE to continue. 953 GUE Seventy years after the fall of The Great Underground Empire. Please press SPACE to continue. The old enchanter looks at you from his desk with a mixture of exasperation and pity. It's not an uncommon expression on Frobar's face when the two of you are alone. This time, it's probably due to the large amounts of blood, gore and other best-left-undescribed bits of troll plopping from your robes, face and hair onto his fine Antharian rug. "Apprentice Hildegund," he says with a sigh, "can you explain your performance in the exams today?" "Yes, Master Frobar," you reply. "We were, like, supposed to use magic to subdue this cave troll, you know? And-" "The key word here being subdue," interrupts Frobar. "Well, yeah, I guess. And see, like I was saying-" "And you decided," the old man interrupts again, "that the best way to demonstrate your magical learning this semester was to use the plumdo spell to transport yourself into the troll's belly." "Ok, but the thing is, trolls can re-" "Exploding half of the troll all over yourself, the examination hall, the examination committee and Belboz the Necromancer himself!" "Yeah, I know, but-" "Apprentice-" Frobar stops himself and takes a breath. "Hildy," he continues, "you are my goddaughter. I sponsored your entry into the Guild of Enchanters. I appreciate your...unique way of seeing the world and attacking problems. But the Circle of Enchanters expects a certain level of decorum of its members. As does the community outside these walls. We can't go around granting the gift of speech to people's sandwiches, giving every storm cloud a smiley face or exploding monsters from the inside out. It upsets people!" You close your eyes and take a breath. "I get that, Master Frobar," you reply. "I just kinda feel-" "Do you 'get that,' Hildy? Because this is hardly the first-" And that interruption does it. The camel's back breaks and four months of pent up anxiety, frustration and resentment explode out of you in an agonized scream followed by a rushing torrent of words, tears and shouting. "Arrggghh! Frobar! For Imps' sakes, will you please just let me talk for one second? I'm trying to tell you something! I don't belong here, Frobar! Can't you see that? I'm the youngest apprentice in five generations, which you think would be great, but it isn't. In fact, it royally glocks. Everyone treats me like I'm a baby. I have all these ideas and everyone thinks they're dumb 'cause the Masters all act like there's just one way to do everything and they never want any creativity or thought or originality or anything like that. They all just want me to recite back what they've forced us to memorize and to only do exactly what we've already done a million times. It's stupid and pointless and boring and..and...and...and my roommate hates me and...and everyone thinks I'm weird and nobody understands me and I...I...I hate it here! Nothing is like what I expected! I just...I...just..." Gulping for breath, you plop in a chair and put your head in your hands. "Oh, I just don't fit in, Frobar," you groan through your fingers. "I just don't fit in at all." You pause before admitting out loud what has been on your mind for the past several weeks. "Spring holiday starts in two days. I don't think I'm coming back." There is a long moment of silence. Finally, Frobar breaks it. "Hildy," he begins. "Hildy, please look at me." You lift your face from your hands and wipe your eyes and nose on your sleeve. Unfortunately, given the appalling state of your robes, this hardly helps. "Hildy, I have something that might help," he says. "Go clean up, get your gear and meet me in the lobby at ten o'clock. I'll explain more then." Please press SPACE to continue. Hildy An Interactive Fiction by J Michael Release 1 / Serial number 240903 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Hallway The living quarters of the senior members of the Circle of Enchanters line both sides of this corridor. The lobby and the apprentice quarters lie to the south (1). Type "footnote 1" to access the footnote at the end of the preceding sentence. > transcript Start of a transcript of: Hildy An Interactive Fiction by J Michael Release 1 / Serial number 240903 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //ED44ADAE-3B89-46D2-A228-92B99C9ADB0A// Interpreter version 2.2.1 / VM 3.1.3 Rideable Vehicles version 3 by Graham Nelson Variable Time Control version 4 by Eric Eve > footnote 1 1. A few reminders and notes: - You can see the introduction text by typing "intro" at any time. - The HINT command gives access to puzzle hints and basic instructions on how interactive fiction works. - The FOOTNOTE command can be abbreviated as either "foot [number]" or "f [number]" if you wish. - Type "footnotes seen" or "foot seen" or "f seen" to display how many footnotes you have seen so far. > x self You are Hildegund (Hildy for short), a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress at the Accardi Guild of Enchanters. You are currently covered in exploded cave troll. You are wearing: some disgusting robes > clean off robes You can't see any such thing. > clean robes The laundry under the guild hall will take care of that. > s Lobby This is the entrance to the Hall of the Accardi Chapter of the Guild of Enchanters. Its lavish architecture and elegant style are the envy of the members of lesser guilds the world over. Passages lead in several directions, but the apprentice quarters are to the northwest. > nw Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > sw Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > n (first opening the room door) It seems to be locked. > unlock door You lack a key that fits the room door. > x locked door You can't see any such thing. > x door The doors in this hall lead to the shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to the north leads to the room you share with Mabellabeth. It is closed. > e Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > sw Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > w Bath This is the bathing area for your dormitory. It is a large, underground cavern dimly lit by a soft carpet of phosphorescent moss. A number of alcoves have been carved into the walls of the cavern. A staircase to the east leads back to your dormitory. > x moss In addition to its serene glow, the moss provides comfortable traction for wet feet. > e Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > e Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > se Lobby This is the entrance to the Hall of the Accardi Chapter of the Guild of Enchanters. Its lavish architecture and elegant style are the envy of the members of lesser guilds the world over. Passages lead in several directions, but the apprentice quarters are to the northwest. > nw Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > nw A tiny winged nymph pops into existence, barring your way. "Nuh, uh, uh," she says, wagging one minuscule finger in your face. "No women are allowed in the male dormitory after seven o' clock!" She gives one final finger-wag before vanishing again. > ask nymph about mabellabeth You can't see any such thing. > se Lobby This is the entrance to the Hall of the Accardi Chapter of the Guild of Enchanters. Its lavish architecture and elegant style are the envy of the members of lesser guilds the world over. Passages lead in several directions, but the apprentice quarters are to the northwest. > se You can't go that way. > n Hallway The living quarters of the senior members of the Circle of Enchanters line both sides of this corridor. The lobby and the apprentice quarters lie to the south. > s Lobby This is the entrance to the Hall of the Accardi Chapter of the Guild of Enchanters. Its lavish architecture and elegant style are the envy of the members of lesser guilds the world over. Passages lead in several directions, but the apprentice quarters are to the northwest. > nw Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > look Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > sw Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > i You are wearing: some disgusting robes You are carrying: a spell book > x spell book Hildy's Spell Book The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). That's funny, the plumdo spell has been altered. The "or to its nearest empty space" bit wasn't there before (2). > rezrov door You don't have that spell memorized. > memorize spell You cannot memorize multiple spells at once. They must be memorized sequentially. > memorize rezrov Using your best habits, you learn the rezrov spell (3). > rezrov door The door glows with a brilliant golden light! You hear a distinct click and the light fades away. > n (first opening the room door) You start to step in the room, but you are immediately shoved back out and the door is slammed in your face. "What do you think you're doing?" screams your roommate from the other side of the door. "You're not stepping one foot in this room covered in troll guts! Go away!" > look Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > down Bath This is the bathing area for your dormitory. It is a large, underground cavern dimly lit by a soft carpet of phosphorescent moss. A number of alcoves have been carved into the walls of the cavern. A staircase to the east leads back to your dormitory. > wash You can't bathe out here. You need to enter one of the alcoves. > n As you enter the alcove, the opening back to the main cavern turns opaque, offering you perfect privacy. Alcove A steaming whirlpool sits in the floor of this chamber. In the moss surrounding the pool are growing several toomfoo sponges. In one wall is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. You can see a shelf (on which is a fluffy pink towel) here. > wash You shouldn't take things into the whirlpool. An eruption of stampeding footsteps and boisterous chatter from the stairwell outside the chamber tells you that the Accardi Lucksuckers (4) have finished their practice and are heading to the baths. > i You are wearing: some disgusting robes You are carrying: a spell book > drop spell book You shouldn't set things on the ground in here as they could too easily fall into the whirlpool. > put spell book on shelf You put the spell book on the shelf. > put robes on shelf You shouldn't leave your dirty clothes there. They go in the laundry chute to be cleaned. > take off robe You take off the disgusting robes. > wash You shouldn't take things into the whirlpool. > drop robe You shouldn't set things on the ground in here as they could too easily fall into the whirlpool. > put on robe Ugh. Fine, but putting the robes back on almost makes you gag. You put on the disgusting robes. > s Master Meeples would burst into flames if she knew you were contemplating wandering off without taking your spell book with you. > take spell book Taken. > s Bath This is the bathing area for your dormitory. It is a large, underground cavern dimly lit by a soft carpet of phosphorescent moss. A number of alcoves have been carved into the walls of the cavern. A staircase to the east leads back to your dormitory. It appears that most of the alcoves are now occupied by the field snooker players, as the openings leading to those alcoves are opaque. > x laundry chute You can't see any such thing. > n Alcove A steaming whirlpool sits in the floor of this chamber. In the moss surrounding the pool are growing several toomfoo sponges. In one wall is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. You can see a shelf (on which is a fluffy pink towel) here. > take off robes You take off the disgusting robes. > put robes in chute You place the disgusting robes into the chute and they slide away. A moment later, you hear faint cries of disgust and alarm coming from the laundry chute. > put spellbook on shelf You put the spell book on the shelf. > save Ok. > wash You step into the whirlpool and lower yourself into the water. AHHHHH.....that is so very nice! For a time, you just lie back, close your eyes and soak, trying to empty your mind of any thought except how good this feels... Please press SPACE to continue. After a while, you reach up and grab one of the toomfoo sponges growing near the edge of the whirlpool. You gratefully scrub away the troll guts, paying a great deal of attention to your hair. It takes quite a while before you feel clean again, but eventually (and regretfully) you climb out of the whirlpool. Alcove A steaming whirlpool sits in the floor of this chamber. In the moss surrounding the pool are growing several toomfoo sponges. In one wall is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. You can see a shelf (on which are a spell book and a fluffy pink towel) here. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > wear towel You don't have that! > take towel Taken. > wear towel You wrap the towel snugly around yourself, tucking in one corner. The towel clings uncomfortably to your wet skin. > take spell book Taken. > s Bath This is the bathing area for your dormitory. It is a large, underground cavern dimly lit by a soft carpet of phosphorescent moss. A number of alcoves have been carved into the walls of the cavern. A staircase to the east leads back to your dormitory. It appears that most of the alcoves are now occupied by the field snooker players, as the openings leading to those alcoves are opaque. > up Your wet feet slip several times as you climb up the stairs. Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > n (first opening the room door) Dorm Room (Your Side) This is your side of the room that you share with your roommate Mabellabeth. It isn't much, but it's home. You can see the same standard furniture that every apprentice gets. The room is partially bisected into northern and southern halves by a closet that stretches from the western wall to about halfway across the room, offering each of you some privacy. Mabellebeth's side of the room is to the north. Near the door is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. Huh. You were expecting a package today. Normally the postal nymph leaves packages on your bed when you are away from the apprentice quarters, but there's nothing there. You can see a desk (on which are a memorizing headband, a pair of gnusto glasses and a pair of ekato gloves) here. > x closet The closet is closed. > open closet As you reach for the closet, you are reminded that you are out of clean clothes. If only that package had been delivered... You open the closet, revealing a denim berzio jacket and a bullwhip. > x jacket This jacket is your own invention: a denim jacket infused with the magic of the berzio potion, obviating the need for food or drink for its wearer. You showed it to Master Helistar, but she was unimpressed, saying that "berzio is a potion, not a fashion statement." You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > x whip It is ten feet long and made of braided leather. Your great-grandfather used it for maintaining control of his hungus herd. He gifted it to you on your eighth birthday and you have become quite proficient with it (5). > footnote 5 5. You can whip things with the bullwhip using the "whip [something]" command. If you try going a direction while the bullwhip is wrapped around something overhead, you will swing the direction indicated. > footnote 3 3. The MEMORIZE command can be abbreviated as "mem" if you wish. > wear jacket It's customary to put some clothes on before putting on a jacket. > x desk It's a very simple wooden desk. On the desk are a memorizing headband, a pair of gnusto glasses and a pair of ekato gloves. > x headband It is a flexible U-shaped accessory worn in such a way as to keep hair away from one's face. You invented this particular headband. When wearing it, spells that you have memorized are "stored" in the headband, preventing them from being forgotten. Its spells are cleared when you remove the headband. You showed it to Master Disandretta, but she merely dubbed it "less than useless." > x glasses These glasses are one of your inventions. Nothing is more tedious than having to memorize and cast the gnusto spell onto a scroll just to get a spell written into your spell book. The one who wears these glasses will gnusto a spell into his or her spell book just by reading the scroll the spell is written on (6). > footnote 6 6. The fact that these glasses allow you to get around the prohibition on first-year apprentices having access to the gnusto spell is an added bonus. > x gloves These black lace fingerless gloves are your invention. Infused with the power of the ekato spell, they greatly increase the carrying capacity of the wearer. You showed them to Master Rostopher, but he found them to be "unnecessary and unfashionable in equal measure." > look Dorm Room (Your Side) This is your side of the room that you share with your roommate Mabellabeth. It isn't much, but it's home. You can see the same standard furniture that every apprentice gets. The room is partially bisected into northern and southern halves by a closet that stretches from the western wall to about halfway across the room, offering each of you some privacy. Mabellebeth's side of the room is to the north. Near the door is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. You can see a desk (on which are a memorizing headband, a pair of gnusto glasses and a pair of ekato gloves) here. > n Dorm Room (Mabellabeth's Side) This is Mabellabeth's side of the room that you share. (Naturally, Mabellabeth insisted that she get the side with a window.) You can see the same furniture that every apprentice gets. The room is partially bisected into northern and southern halves by a closet that stretches from the western wall to about halfway across the room, offering each of you some privacy. Your side of the room is to the south. Mabellabeth is on her bed, reading a magazine. > talk to mabellabeth For information on how to communicate with others in this story, use the INTRO command. > intro I. HINTS: To find contact information for the author, learn how the magic system works, or get help with the story and its puzzles, type "hint" at any time. II. FOOTNOTES: From time to time, you may see a number in parentheses that looks something like this (1). Whenever that happens, type "Footnote #" where # is the number in parentheses. This will give you access to humorous asides, tiny hints or additional information. III. COMMUNICATION: To communicate verbally with other characters, use the "ask about" command. For example: "Ask Jane about the clock." Showing things to characters can also get a valuable reaction. For example: "Show dagger to Wadsworth." IV. DIAGNOSE and SCORE: The "diagnose" command will inform you of your current physical condition. The "score" command will tell you your current score. It takes no turns or game time to complete these actions. V. SAVE OFTEN: This is an adventure game and there is no adventure without danger. Do yourself a favor and save often! VI. EXITS: Visible exits will normally be listed in the status bar at the top of the screen. To see these instructions again, just type "intro" . > ask mabellabeth about postal nymph Mabellabeth ignores you completely. Mabellabeth offers no response. > ask mabellabeth about package "Oh, right. I forgot." Mabellabeth reaches behind the bed and pulls out a cylindrical package, which she tosses in your general direction. She then says with bright eyes and a false smile, "And hey, tell that kripping postal nymph that the next time she leaves your kripping mail on my bed, I'm going to throw it out the kripping window, mmkay?" Without waiting for a response, she goes back to reading her magazine. > take package Taken. > s Dorm Room (Your Side) This is your side of the room that you share with your roommate Mabellabeth. It isn't much, but it's home. You can see the same standard furniture that every apprentice gets. The room is partially bisected into northern and southern halves by a closet that stretches from the western wall to about halfway across the room, offering each of you some privacy. Mabellebeth's side of the room is to the north. Near the door is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. You can see a desk (on which are a memorizing headband, a pair of gnusto glasses and a pair of ekato gloves) here. > open package As you open the package, it disappears in a flash of light, leaving behind a scarlet scroll! > x scarlet scroll The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). > memorize noogle It is customary to gnusto the spell into your spell book first. > gnusto noogle You seem to be trying to cast a spell, but something may have been worded incorrectly. > i You are wearing: a fluffy pink towel You are carrying: a scarlet scroll a spell book > x spell book Hildy's Spell Book The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > wear glasses You put on the pair of gnusto glasses. Your eyes water for a few moments after putting on the glasses, but the sensation goes away quickly. > read scarlet scroll The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The scarlet scroll and your spell book both glow with a brilliant golden light. When the light fades, you see that the scarlet scroll has disappeared. Your body has finally dried off (7). [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > memorize noogle Using your best habits, you learn the noogle spell. > take off towel (first closing the room door) You take off the fluffy pink towel. > noogle You boldly cast the noogle spell at your surroundings. Naturally, the spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > noogle self You don't have that spell memorized. > noogle self You don't have that spell memorized. > memorize noogle Using your best habits, you learn the noogle spell. > noogle self POOF! You are surrounded by a cloud of pink smoke. When it dissipates, you find that you are wearing the perfect outfit! > wear headband You put on the memorizing headband. Your scalp itches for just a moment after putting on the memorizing headband, but the feeling soon passes. > x self You are Hildegund (Hildy for short), a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress at the Accardi Guild of Enchanters. You are wearing: a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses > look Dorm Room (Your Side) This is your side of the room that you share with your roommate Mabellabeth. It isn't much, but it's home. You can see the same standard furniture that every apprentice gets. The room is partially bisected into northern and southern halves by a closet that stretches from the western wall to about halfway across the room, offering each of you some privacy. Mabellebeth's side of the room is to the north. Near the door is a chute for delivering dirty clothes, towels, etc. to the laundry below. You can see a desk (on which are a pair of ekato gloves) here. > wear gloves You put on the pair of ekato gloves. A brief tingling sensation starts in your palms and creeps up to your shoulders. When it passes, you feel...different. It's hard to explain. Your body looks completely normal, but you now feel as if you have one hundred arms. > wear jacket You put on the denim berzio jacket. You didn't realize it until right now, but you are feeling a bit hungry. The feeling passes as soon as you put on the jacket. > take whip Taken. > x self You are Hildegund (Hildy for short), a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress at the Accardi Guild of Enchanters. You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses > save Ok. > s (first opening the room door) You place the fluffy pink towel into the chute (8) and it slides away. Female Dormitory Doors along both sides of this east-west hall lead to shared dorm rooms for the female apprentices. The door to your room is to the north. The common room lies to the east and at the western end of the hall a staircase leads down. > se It is doubtful that the other apprentices would appreciate you barging into their rooms uninvited. Your room lies to the north. > e "Hey, thanks for closing the door!" cries a heavily sarcastic voice from behind you right before the door to your room slams shut. Apprentice Quarters This is the common area for the dormitories that house the guild apprentices. The living quarters for the female apprentices are to the southwest and the living quarters for the male apprentices are to the northwest. The lobby is to the southeast. > se Lobby This is the entrance to the Hall of the Accardi Chapter of the Guild of Enchanters. Its lavish architecture and elegant style are the envy of the members of lesser guilds the world over. Passages lead in several directions, but the apprentice quarters are to the northwest. Frobar enters from the library. "Oh, good," he says. "You're early!" Frobar walks over, carrying a brass lantern. "Excellent," he says, looking you up and down. "It looks like you've remembered everything." He offers you an elbow, which you clasp with both hands as he begins chanting a long, complicated spell. As his voice rises to a crescendo, gusts of wind threaten to knock you off your feet and green and golden lights swirl around the both of you, obscuring everything else from sight. As Frobar finishes the last word of the spell, there is a loud BOOP! and everything goes dark... Please press SPACE to continue. A moment later, you find yourself standing in a dark woods. "This is the Forest of Berlyn in the western foothills of the Flathead Mountains," Frobar says. "It is a good place for one to think. Whenever I've had a difficult decision to make or a stubborn problem to think over, I come here." He hands you his brass lantern. "You'd better take this," he says. He looks around, takes a deep breath and sighs with contentment. "This place has been good to me, Hildy. Perhaps it will be good to you as well. Walk around and think things through. I'll meet you in these woods in a few hours and I won't have any trouble finding you." He gives you an affectionate pat on the shoulder and wanders a few yards away before disappearing among the same violent pyrotechnics that brought you both here. And now, you are alone. Woods This is a dark, but not unpleasant woods. The animal sounds here are quaint, rather than menacing. Paths wander off in several directions (9). [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > i You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses You are carrying: a brass lantern a bullwhip a spell book You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. Something out of the corner of your eye catches your attention, but when you turn your head, nothing is there. > x lantern The brass lantern is currently switched on. A bluish light flickers back among the trees and then vanishes. > footnote 9 9. If this forest truly does border the Flathead Mountains, then Frobar just transported the two of you across the Flathead Ocean in a heartbeat. That's no small feat (10). > footnote 10 10. The world of Zork, being a flat disc that rests upon the shoulders of The Great Brogmoid, has only one time zone, so the clock in the status bar is unchanged. > n Woods This is a dark, but not unpleasant woods. The animal sounds here are quaint, rather than menacing. Paths wander off in several directions. A shimmering blue light approaches through the trees. As it comes closer, the light coalesces into the form of a translucent blue coyote. You hold your breath, uncertain what to do. The coyote is carrying something in its mouth, which it drops on the ground before stepping back a few paces. > look Woods This is a dark, but not unpleasant woods. The animal sounds here are quaint, rather than menacing. Paths wander off in several directions. You can see a crumpled parchment and a coyote (providing light) here. > read parchment The parchment is not much bigger than the palm of your hand. The following is printed on it in neat, but very faded writing: JC Z rk id r at Und und Sh ping M l G t Un gro d E pire E ch nter's St ff: 10zm Pl id S cks: 5zm ax: 30zm T tal: 45zm Jelly 1 th, 882 The coyote gives you a meaningful look before running to the east. > take parchment Taken. > e Dense Woods This is a dark forest. The trees and vegetation are closer here than in other parts of the woods, making navigation a bit more precarious. Still, the animal sounds here are quaint, rather than menacing. Paths twist away in several directions. You can see a coyote (providing light) here. The coyote gives you a meaningful look before running to the southeast. > se Dense Woods This is a dark forest. The trees and vegetation are closer here than in other parts of the wood, making navigation a bit more precarious. Still, the animal sounds here are quaint, rather than menacing. Paths twist away in several directions. You can see a coyote (providing light) here. The coyote gives you a meaningful look before running to the east. > save Ok. > e Foothills Here the going is tougher as the land slopes up toward the Flathead Mountains. You can see a coyote (providing light) here. The coyote gives you a meaningful look before running farther up. > u Cave Entrance You are standing at the entrance to a cave, well hidden among the thick forest of the foothills. You'd never have found it without the coyote's help. You can see a coyote (providing light) here. The coyote gives you a meaningful look before running inside the cave. > in Cave This cave is roomy and dry with plenty of space for you to stand. The cave continues to the southeast. You can see a coyote (providing light) here. The coyote looks at you once more and then it fades into nothingness, its mysterious task apparently complete. > save Ok. > se Tight Slope This is an uncomfortably steep tunnel. The ceiling is quite low here, forcing you to crouch your way through. You can continue northwest or down from here. > down Tight Slope Navigating this section of the tunnel is quite unnerving. This slope is exceedingly steep and the ceiling of the cave is no more than three feet above the cave floor, forcing you to crawl through on your belly. You can continue up or down from here. > down Fissures This room is large enough for you to move around freely and it gradually slopes down toward the north. Its only other notable features are two thin fissures in the rock: a horizontal one in the ceiling near the top of the slope and a vertical one in the northern wall. > x horizontal fissure The horizontal crack is six or seven feet wide, but fewer than three feet from top to bottom. > x vertical fissure The vertical crack is about six or seven feet high, but fewer than three feet wide. > n Paved Passage (East) This is a wide east/west passage, the floor of which has been paved. There is a fissure in the southern wall. The eastern end of the passage has been blocked by a cave-in. > x floor It has been expertly paved at some point in the past. > x fissure You can't see any such thing. > look in fissure You can't see any such thing. > x cavein You can't see any such thing. > x spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > memorize plumdo Using your best habits, you learn the plumdo spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > plumdo e As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically at the cave-in and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence right next to the cave-in. > save Ok. > plumdo e As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically at the cave-in and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence right next to the cave-in. > look Paved Passage (East) This is a wide east/west passage, the floor of which has been paved. There is a fissure in the southern wall. The eastern end of the passage has been blocked by a cave-in. > s Fissures This room is large enough for you to move around freely and it gradually slopes down toward the north. Its only other notable features are two thin fissures in the rock: a horizontal one in the ceiling near the top of the slope and a vertical one in the northern wall. > n Paved Passage (East) This is a wide east/west passage, the floor of which has been paved. There is a fissure in the southern wall. The eastern end of the passage has been blocked by a cave-in. > i You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses You are carrying: a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a bullwhip a spell book You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > x parchment The parchment is not much bigger than the palm of your hand. The following is printed on it in neat, but very faded writing: JC Z rk id r at Und und Sh ping M l G t Un gro d E pire E ch nter's St ff: 10zm Pl id S cks: 5zm ax: 30zm T tal: 45zm Jelly 1 th, 882 > buy staff That noun did not make sense in this context. > x cave-in It completely blocks any further movement to the east. > plumdo e As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically at the cave-in and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence right next to the cave-in. > e The cave-in completely blocks any further movement to the east. > w Paved Passage (West) This is a wide east/west passage, the floor of which has been paved. Hanging upside down from the center of the ceiling is an immense colony of bats. Upon seeing the bat colony, you gasp in horror and plaster yourself against the wall, unable to move (11). > footnote 11 11. chiroptophobia (noun): an intense and irrational fear of bats. > plumdo west As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the west and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Spiral Staircase (Top) This is the uppermost portion of a shaft that descends into the darkness. A spiral staircase has been constructed to make it possible to safely reach the bottom of the shaft. There is also a passage to the east. > d Spiral Staircase (Bottom) This is the lowermost portion of a shaft that ascends into the darkness. A spiral staircase has been constructed to make it possible to climb to the top of the shaft. There is also a passage to the west. > w Great Bridge (East) This is the eastern terminus of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about five feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. > save Ok. > w Great Bridge (East of Collapse) This is the center of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about five feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to this portion of the bridge. A large section of floor has completely collapsed, leaving a ten-foot gap of emptiness between here and the western side. > plumdo w As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically at the western side and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence right in front of the western edge of the gap. Unfortunately, there is nothing between you and the canyon floor several hundred feet below. Your descent is long and terrifying before its sudden (and grisly) end. *** You have died due to an excess of gravity. *** In that game you scored 15 out of a possible 75, in 110 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > undo Great Bridge (East of Collapse) [Previous turn undone.] > e Great Bridge (East) This is the eastern terminus of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about five feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. > e Spiral Staircase (Bottom) This is the lowermost portion of a shaft that ascends into the darkness. A spiral staircase has been constructed to make it possible to climb to the top of the shaft. There is also a passage to the west. > down You can't go that way. > w Great Bridge (East) This is the eastern terminus of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about five feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. > x beams You see nothing special about the lowest overhead beams. > take beam That's hardly portable. > i You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses You are carrying: a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a bullwhip a spell book You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > noogle bridge You don't have that spell memorized. > memorize noogle Using your best habits, you learn the noogle spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > noogle bridge You boldly cast the noogle spell at your surroundings. Naturally, the spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > memorize plumdo You don't need to memorize the spell again as long as you're wearing the memorizing headband. > x whip It is ten feet long and made of braided leather. Your great-grandfather used it for maintaining control of his hungus herd. He gifted it to you on your eighth birthday and you have become quite proficient with it (5). > footnote 5 5. You can whip things with the bullwhip using the "whip [something]" command. If you try going a direction while the bullwhip is wrapped around something overhead, you will swing the direction indicated. > whip beam CRACK! The bullwhip snaps smartly around one of the lowest beams. Not sure what else to do, you shake the whip loose from the beam and wrap it back up. > whip beam west I only understood you as far as wanting to whip the lowest overhead beams. > whip beam CRACK! The bullwhip snaps smartly around one of the lowest beams. Not sure what else to do, you shake the whip loose from the beam and wrap it back up. > w Great Bridge (East of Collapse) This is the center of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about five feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to this portion of the bridge. A large section of floor has completely collapsed, leaving a ten-foot gap of emptiness between here and the western side. > whip beam CRACK! The bullwhip snaps smartly around the beam above the middle of the hole. > w With a firm grip on the whip, you jump out and s-w-i-n-g over the gaping hole! You land triumphantly on the far side and with a practiced flip of the wrist, shake the bullwhip loose from the beam before rolling it back up. Please press SPACE to continue. Great Bridge (West of Collapse) This is the center of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about five feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to this portion of the bridge. A large section of floor has completely collapsed, leaving a ten-foot gap of emptiness between here and the eastern side. > save Ok. > w Great Bridge (West) This is the western terminus of a truly impressive covered bridge that spans a vast underground canyon. The bridge is fifteen feet wide and the lowest overhead beams are about four feet above your head, with the ceiling itself much higher than that. > w Mall Entrance This is the eastern entrance to the Great Underground Shopping Mall. Back in the heyday of the GUE, this mall would be teeming with citizens of all ages, but it was a special hangout for the empire's youth on the weekends. Now it reflects a mere shadow of its former glory. The glass in the doors shattered long ago and the sign above them has been vandalized. Strangely, even the engraved portrait of Dimwit Flathead has been replaced. You can't think of any reason why somebody would do that. > x sign It reads "THE GREAT UNDERGROUND SHOPPING MALL" (12). > footnote 12 12. The sign has been vandalized at some point; the first "L" in "MALL" has been painted over with a giant red "U." > w Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. Some magical power remains as the overhead lights flicker on and off intermittently, drawing your attention to the elaborately decorated ceiling. One store remains intact to the west. > x ceiling The ceiling above this section of the mall is quite elaborate. It is an arched ceiling painted with frescoes depicting major and minor events in the lives of The Twelve Flatheads. Given the style, you suspect that it was painted by Leonardo Flathead himself (13). > footnote 13 13. Well, that and the fact that the historical Leonardo was a slight balding figure, while every image of him in the fresco depicts a towering, ruddy figure with bulging pectorals and long, flowing blond hair. > w Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. > x display The display is a waist-high pedestal with a sign affixed to it that reads as follows: THE FLARO SPELL! Turn the dreariest day sunny with this spell that causes a brilliant burst of sunlight to appear over your location! Never worry about cloudy days ruining picnics or backyard barbecues ever again! Unfortunately, the display is empty. > e Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. Something in the large pile of rubble catches your eye. > x rubble This pile of concrete, glass, metal, wood and other debris almost completely covers the lower level floor from one wall to the other and towers far above your head. As you move your gaze over the rubble, a sparkling light catches your eye deep in its center. > x light There's a small empty space in the middle of the pile. It's hard to say for sure, but there's a sparkling object in that space that might be a scroll. The overhead lights flicker back on. > take scroll You can't reach it from here. > whip scroll With a loud CRACK! you crack the whip at the sparkling light. Nothing else happens. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). The overhead lights go out. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. The overhead lights flicker back on. > n Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. The overhead lights go out. You notice something unusual about the fresco on the ceiling. > x fresco As you examine the fresco in more detail, you note that in the background of many scenes, an unearthly being can be seen performing obscene and unspeakable acts of depravity. Intense feelings of dread and disgust overwhelm you and you lower your eyes, unable to look any longer. > w Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. > x vendbot Vendbots were all the rage a while back. These short, magically-powered automata could roll along a predetermined route within a designated space, offering various wares to eager customers. There is a placard affixed to the Vendbot's chest. The Vendbot is slumped over and appears to be inert. The overhead lights flicker back on. > read placard The placard depicts various snacks that were popular before the fall of the Great Underground Empire (Jolly Adventurers, Bottle Corks, Crossbow Gum, Blockheads and Kettles) as well as various personal care products (shaving cream, toothpaste, makeup compacts and deodorant). Below the images is written the following: To purchase something from the Vendbot, say "BUY [ITEM] FROM [VENDBOT'S NAME]." Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Vendbot Company. > e Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > n Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. The overhead lights go out. > w As you step up to the concession stand, a puff of blue smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. Nothing else happens. It appears that the cinema's food, snacks and beverages were all pillaged long ago, so you make your way back to the center of the lobby. The overhead lights flicker back on. > e Will Call Window As you step up to the window, a puff of pink smoke appears on the other side of the glass. The smoke dissipates, leaving behind an ancient-looking elf. "Good evening," she croaks. "And welcome to the Great Underground Cinema. What name are your tickets under?" What name do you give?> hildy The elf looks through a drawer under the window for a moment, but finds nothing. "I'm sorry," she says. "We don't have any tickets under that name." With that, she vanishes in another puff of pink smoke. Defeated, you step back from the window. Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. > nw West Hall After several yards, this hall bends to the north to run alongside the western wall of the theater. There is an advertisement on one wall. A door leading into the theater is closed. Extremely loud moaning, wailing and other unsettling noises are coming from the other side of that door. It might be the movie making those noises. Then again, it might not. > x ad The advertisement reads, "Only a sucker would forget his Diddlebucker!" Beneath the words is an artistic rendition of a large tub of buttery Diddlebucker brand popcorn. The overhead lights go out. > sav I didn't understand that sentence. > save Ok. > e (first opening the door) As you head to the door, a gigantic puff of green smoke appears between you and the entrance to the theater. The smoke dissipates, leaving behind a nine-foot tall cyclops! "You have ticket?" thunders the giant, glaring down at you suspiciously with its lone eye. How do you respond?> undo Please answer yes or no.> no "No ticket, no show," the cyclops rumbles. It's clear that the cyclops isn't going anywhere, so you decide that now would be a good time to think things over elsewhere. Please press SPACE to continue. Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. > s Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > e Lower Level Northeast You are standing at the western end of a short hallway off the main section of the mall. There is one store at the eastern end called "The Sharper Mage" which appears to be intact. The floor in front of you is covered in green slime, preventing further travel to the east. > x slime Slimes of many different colors are known to grow in the dark corners of the underground. All of them are dangerous, but none more so than the green variety, which has been known to melt through a suit of armor in seconds. It is a silent testament to the length of time the mall has been unused that this slime has grown as large as it has, covering the entire floor between here and the store at the eastern end of the hall. > w Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. The overhead lights flicker back on. > up You step into the elevator, but nothing happens. It appears there is no magical power running to the elevator, so you step back out again. The overhead lights go out. > w Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. The overhead lights flicker back on. > talk to vendbot For information on how to communicate with others in this story, use the INTRO command. > s (first opening the door) It seems to be locked. The overhead lights go out. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). The overhead lights flicker back on. > memorize rezrov Using your best habits, you learn the rezrov spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. The overhead lights go out. > rezrov door The door glows with a brilliant golden light! You hear a distinct click and the light fades away. The overhead lights flicker back on. > s (first opening the door) Maintenance This is a smallish room full of odd arcane machines of mysterious design. The machines seem to be connected to a panel on one wall. A mechanical-sounding voice speaks from nowhere, saying, "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > panel I didn't understand that sentence. > x panel The main section of the panel consists of nine buttons aligned in three columns labeled "a," "b" and "c" and three rows labeled "1," "2" and "3." Some of the buttons are lit and others are dark. abc xoo 1 xox 2 xox 3 There is a label affixed near the bottom of the panel and below that, a red handle. There are some scratches on the wall below the handle. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxo 1 oxo 2 xxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 oxx 2 xxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xoo 2 xox 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xxo 2 oxo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xxx 2 oox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 oxx 2 xxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxx 1 xox 2 oxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 oxx 2 xxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 oox 2 xxx 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 oxx 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xoo 2 oxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 oxx 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 ooo 2 oox 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 xxo 2 xox 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xoo 2 xox 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xxo 2 oxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xxx 2 oox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 xox 2 oox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 oox 2 xxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 ooo 2 xoo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 oxx 2 xox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 xxx 2 oxx 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xxo 2 oxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxo 1 xox 2 oxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 oox 2 oxo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xxo 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xxx 2 oxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 oxx 2 xox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 xxx 2 xox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xxo 2 xox 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xxx 2 xxo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 oxx 2 xxo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 oox 2 oox 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 oxo 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xox 2 oxo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 oox 2 xoo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 ooo 2 xoo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xoo 2 xoo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xox 2 xxx 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 oox 2 xxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 ooo 2 xoo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 xxo 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 xox 2 oox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 xoo 2 oxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxx 1 xxo 2 oxo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xox 2 oxx 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 oox 2 oxx 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 ooo 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > x panel The main section of the panel consists of nine buttons aligned in three columns labeled "a," "b" and "c" and three rows labeled "1," "2" and "3." Some of the buttons are lit and others are dark. abc xoo 1 ooo 2 ooo 3 There is a label affixed near the bottom of the panel and below that, a red handle. There are some scratches on the wall below the handle. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > x handle It is the kind of handle that can be pulled. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > save Ok. > pull handle You pull the handle down and it flips back up to its original position. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons is now the following: abc xoo 1 xox 2 xox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxx 1 xxx 2 xox 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxx 1 oxx 2 oxx 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxx 1 oxo 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 ooo 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xoo 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xox 2 oxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 xoo 2 oxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 xxx 2 oxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 ooo 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 xxx 2 oxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 xoo 2 oxx 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 ooo 2 oxx 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxo 1 oxx 2 oxo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 xoo 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxx 1 xxo 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xox 2 oox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xxx 2 xxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 oxx 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 oxo 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 oox 2 oox 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 ooo 2 oxo 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b12 You can't see any such thing. > press b2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oxo 1 xxx 2 ooo 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xox 1 xox 2 ooo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > rezrov panel The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > x spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > look Maintenance This is a smallish room full of odd arcane machines of mysterious design. The machines seem to be connected to a panel on one wall. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > x panel The main section of the panel consists of nine buttons aligned in three columns labeled "a," "b" and "c" and three rows labeled "1," "2" and "3." Some of the buttons are lit and others are dark. abc xox 1 xox 2 ooo 3 There is a label affixed near the bottom of the panel and below that, a red handle. There are some scratches on the wall below the handle. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > pull red handle You pull the handle down and it flips back up to its original position. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons is now the following: abc xoo 1 xox 2 xox 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xoo 1 xoo 2 xxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xox 2 xxo 3 "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press b3 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc xxx 1 xxx 2 oox 3 The overhead lights flicker back on. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press a1 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc oox 1 oxx 2 oox 3 The overhead lights go out. "Warning: Structural integrity has been compromised." > press c2 Click. The orientation of lit and unlit buttons on the panel has changed. abc ooo 1 ooo 2 ooo 3 All of the arcane machines spring to life. The overhead lights stop their flickering and remain on. The mechanical-sounding voice says, "Structural integrity has been restored," before falling blissfully silent. Music starts playing, seemingly from out of nowhere and an odd whining sound starts up just outside this room. > n Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. The whining sound is coming from the Vendbot, which appears to be powering up. Its eyes have lit up and there are little mechanical whirring noises coming from inside its chassis. Suddenly, the whining sound stops and the Vendbot turns its lighted eyes on you. A synthesized voice speaks to you: "Reinitialization incomplete due to minor data loss. Probable cause: It has been more than six hundred thirteen thousand one hundred seventy-three hours since this unit's last activation. Please assign the unit a new personality matrix." A slot opens up on the side of the Vendbot. It is flashing red. > save Ok. > x slot It is about an inch tall and three inches wide. It is flashing red. "Please assign this unit a new personality matrix," repeats the Vendbot. The open slot on the side of the Vendbot is flashing red. > look Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. "Please assign this unit a new personality matrix," repeats the Vendbot. The open slot on the side of the Vendbot is flashing red. > s Maintenance This is a smallish room full of odd arcane machines of mysterious design. The machines seem to be connected to a panel on one wall. > x machines While each machine has mechanical parts, it is clear that magic plays a significant role in its operation. The machines must have each had a name printed on them at one time, but most of them have worn away over the years. Based on the ones that are still legible, it looks like these machines fuel the magical power in the mall, allowing for the lights to stay on and so forth. They all seem to be functioning in good order. > n Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. "Please assign this unit a new personality matrix," repeats the Vendbot. The open slot on the side of the Vendbot is flashing red. > e Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > up You step into the elevator which appears to be nothing more than a transparent shaft without panels, doors or visible machinery of any kind. A brief puff of wind hits you from below and you accelerate toward the ceiling! At the last moment, a gap opens in the ceiling just long enough for you to pass through it before it closes again beneath you. When your upward momentum stops, you step out of the elevator onto the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > w Restroom This is not a nice place. While most of the rest of the mall has been damaged by time, cave-ins and thieves, this room has been changed into something...unwholesome. The plumbing fixtures have all been removed and grotesque symbols have been carved into every available surface: floor, ceiling and walls. You don't recognize any of the symbols, but looking at them makes you feel unclean, like you're being secretly watched by someone plagued with nasty, profane thoughts. The only surface free of these symbols is the wall-length mirror which has been painted completely black with strange words painted across it in giant red letters. You do not like standing in here. > x mirror Its placement, size and shape make it obvious that this large rectangle was once a mirror hanging over sinks which have long since been removed. But the entire reflective surface has been hidden underneath a coat of black paint and the words "Gash hovor Zava Dreden" have been painted across it. > e Gash hovor Zava Dreden > e Gash hovor Zava Dreden > take off headband Gash hovor Zava Dreden > x self Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Your mind is whirling around that one phrase over and over and over and over and over and just when you decide to give yourself over to the incipient madness, it stops and you find yourself somewhere else... Please press SPACE to continue. Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > x chest From here you can tell that it's closed and made of wood. > rezrov chest The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. Perhaps the chest is too far away. > n Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > plumdo chestward You seem to be trying to cast a spell, but something may have been worded incorrectly. > plumdo e As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the east and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > x self You are Hildegund (Hildy for short), a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress at the Accardi Guild of Enchanters. You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses > x glasses These glasses are one of your inventions. Nothing is more tedious than having to memorize and cast the gnusto spell onto a scroll just to get a spell written into your spell book. The one who wears these glasses will gnusto a spell into his or her spell book just by reading the scroll the spell is written on (6). > footnote 6 6. The fact that these glasses allow you to get around the prohibition on first-year apprentices having access to the gnusto spell is an added bonus. > x headband It is a flexible U-shaped accessory worn in such a way as to keep hair away from one's face. You invented this particular headband. When wearing it, spells that you have memorized are "stored" in the headband, preventing them from being forgotten. Its spells are cleared when you remove the headband. You showed it to Master Disandretta, but she merely dubbed it "less than useless." > take off headband As you take off the headband, your thoughts suddenly seem confused and muddled. The feeling passes after a moment. > x chest From here you can tell that it's closed and made of wood. The darkness begins to swirl around you and you feel yourself being taken elsewhere by strange forces... Please press SPACE to continue. Maintenance This is a smallish room full of odd arcane machines of mysterious design. The machines seem to be connected to a panel on one wall. > wear headband You put on the memorizing headband. Your scalp itches for just a moment after putting on the memorizing headband, but the feeling soon passes. > n Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. "Please assign this unit a new personality matrix," repeats the Vendbot. The open slot on the side of the Vendbot is flashing red. > e Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > up You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > w Restroom This is not a nice place. While most of the rest of the mall has been damaged by time, cave-ins and thieves, this room has been changed into something...unwholesome. The plumbing fixtures have all been removed and grotesque symbols have been carved into every available surface: floor, ceiling and walls. You don't recognize any of the symbols, but looking at them makes you feel unclean, like you're being secretly watched by someone plagued with nasty, profane thoughts. The only surface free of these symbols is the wall-length mirror which has been painted completely black with strange words painted across it in giant red letters. You do not like standing in here. > x mirror Its placement, size and shape make it obvious that this large rectangle was once a mirror hanging over sinks which have long since been removed. But the entire reflective surface has been hidden underneath a coat of black paint and the words "Gash hovor Zava Dreden" have been painted across it. > e Gash hovor Zava Dreden > e Gash hovor Zava Dreden > e Gash hovor Zava Dreden > e Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Your mind is whirling around that one phrase over and over and over and over and over and just when you decide to give yourself over to the incipient madness, it stops and you find yourself somewhere else... Please press SPACE to continue. Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > whip chest With a loud CRACK! you crack the whip at the chest. Nothing else happens. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > noogle chest You don't have that spell memorized. > memorize noogle Using your best habits, you learn the noogle spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > noogle chest The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > x chest From here you can tell that it's closed and made of wood. > up You can't go that way. > w Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > x chest From here you can tell that it's closed and made of wood. > memorize plumdo Using your best habits, you learn the plumdo spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. The darkness begins to swirl around you and you feel yourself being taken elsewhere by strange forces... Please press SPACE to continue. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > memorize rezrov Using your best habits, you learn the rezrov spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > u You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > ne Little Flatheads "Two pizzas for the price of four!" was the catchy motto of this once ubiquitous pizza shop. Designed to be one of many eateries in the food court, this particular franchise was smaller than the full-scale restaurants one could find in other parts of the empire. It consists of a counter, where customers would place their orders and an area behind the counter where the workers could prepare the pizzas in full view of those waiting in line. None of the ovens or other machinery remains, though a small lonely chalkboard still stands dolefully upon the counter. Hanging on the wall behind the counter is a framed portrait. On the counter is a tiny nub of chalk. > x chalkboard The phrase "This Month's Special: The Famous Garlic Lover's Pizza!" takes up most of the chalkboard. > x chalk You won't be able to write much with this. There's hardly any of it left. > x portrait This lifelike painting is a portrait of a pretty adolescent girl with a crooked smile wearing a flour-dusted uniform. A small plaque attached to the bottom of the frame reads "Employee of the Month." > take chalk Taken. > sw Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > s Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > w Bab-Witches This was a popular magigame store back in the day. Home magigame systems were wildly popular during the height of the Great Underground Empire and Bab-Witches sold nearly every magiware program one could ever want. Unfortunately, it looks like this store was looted of nearly all of its wares long ago. You can see a magiware cartridge here. > x cartridge The script on it is very faded. You can make out the following: RUFUS ON...YE P..ATE: MALE Another................... Fro..zz Magic ..ndb.t ...sonal..y ..t..x Co..any. > take cartridge Taken. > e Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > down You step into the elevator and float serenely in the shaft. After a moment, a brief puff of wind pushes down upon you as a gap in the floor opens just long enough for you to pass through it. You continue to descend smoothly and when your downward momentum stops, you step out of the elevator onto the lower level of the mall. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > w Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. You can see a Vendbot here. "Please assign this unit a new personality matrix," repeats the Vendbot. The open slot on the side of the Vendbot is flashing red. > save Ok. > insert cartridge What do you want to insert the magiware cartridge in? > insert cartridge into vendbot The cartridge slides into the robot and the slot closes. The Vendbot trembles for a moment. Suddenly, one of his eyes winks out and he starts bellowing in a surprising West Quendorian brogue. "Yarrrr, I be Rufus One-Eye!" he cries, while rolling toward the east. "And I be carryin' the finest booty ye never heard tale of. Come see me wares! Ye won't be disappointed, I promise ye that, me hearties! Yo ho!" His voice trails off as he heads east and then disappears around the corner to the south. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > e Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > talk to rufus For information on how to communicate with others in this story, use the INTRO command. > ask rufus about wares "If ye aren't gonna buy none o' me booty, then ye'll walk the plank!" Rufus One-Eye offers no response. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Before you take a step, the background music stops abruptly and a ghastly voice screeches throughout the mall. "My, my," it says. "You have been a busy girl, haven't you? Whatever your insignificant plans are, they matter not. You will die here, and quite soon, I think. At first I enjoyed the momentary diversion of watching you, but all good things must come to an end. Sadly, you are no exception." After a beat of silence, the music starts back up. You lower your hands, only now realizing that you have been covering your ears with your hands in a vain attempt to suppress the horrible voice. Shaken, you continue south. Please press SPACE to continue. Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > x rufus Vendbots were all the rage a while back. These short, magically-powered automata could roll along a predetermined route within a designated space, offering various wares to eager customers. There is a placard affixed to Rufus One-Eye's chest. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > e Quendorian Phoenix You can still find Quendorian Phoenix stores around, their clothing marketed towards students, apprentices and other young adults. This store, like much of the mall, has been vandalized and its wares have long since disappeared. A door lies to the east. > e (first opening the door) BRAWWGGHHH! With an inhuman howl, a wretched figure charges from the dressing room and shoves you back into the store, knocking you onto your backside! As you scramble to your feet, you get a better look at your assailant. At one time, it was probably a handsome young man, but now it is a nightmarish figure of rotten gray flesh barely covered with shredded clothing. You recognize it as a ghoul (14). The ghoul swipes at you with its dirty, broken fingernails, drawing blood. > footnote 14 14. You have learned a great deal about ghouls during your apprenticeship. Somewhat like zombies, a ghoul is a human being whose soul was trapped in its corpse at the moment of death by a malevolent being of significant magical power to whom the ghoul is now enslaved. > noogle ghoul The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. Perhaps the spell won't work if the target is already wearing something. The ghoul swipes at you with its dirty, broken fingernails, drawing blood. > w Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. The ghoul arrives from the east. The ghoul jumps at you and pummels you with its rotting fists. You just manage to shove it off and scramble away. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid (15) was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. The ghoul arrives from the north. The ghoul jumps at you and pummels you with its rotting fists. You just manage to shove it off and scramble away. Before you have a chance to react, the ghoul leaps on you again. This time, it successfully knocks you onto your back, bouncing the back of your skull painfully off the ground. Stars explode in your vision as you feebly try to fight off the ghoul's relentless attacks. With a howl of triumph, the ghoul slashes your neck with its claws. It takes only a few moments for you to die. Please press SPACE to continue. You find yourself traveling toward a bright light. Just as you are about to reach it, a dreadful voice echoes unfamiliar words all around you and you are jerked painfully away from the light and back into a world of darkness, pain and misery, surrounded by other similarly tortured beings. There is no thought. There is only the horrifying fanged face of your new master. He is your whole world now. Forever. *** You have been turned into a ghoul. *** In that game you scored 20 out of a possible 75, in 308 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > undo Lower Level South [Previous turn undone.] > undo Quendorian Phoenix [Previous turn undone.] > undo Quendorian Phoenix [Previous turn undone.] > undo Quendorian Phoenix [Previous turn undone.] > undo Quendorian Phoenix [Previous turn undone.] > undo Lower Level South [Previous turn undone.] > look Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye circles around and continues his journey to the north. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid (14) was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > footnote 14 14. That's strange. You could have sworn that the store's name was either "JCZorkmid" or "J.C. Zorkmids." It must be an example of the Bivotar and Juranda effect (15). > footnote 15 15. The Bivotar and Juranda effect describes the confabulation of false memories. The name originates from the phenomenon by which many people swear they have vivid memories of the classic folk myth "Zork" concerning a tale of one unnamed treasure-hunting adventurer, rather than the pair of historical nobles known as Bivotar and Juranda. > x machine The machine, which is fastened to a stand, reminds you a bit of a microscope. It consists of a vertical tube suspended over a tray (which is empty), but while there is a lens on the bottom of the tube, there is no eyepiece lens on the top such as a microscope would have. Instead, a yellow button sits at the top of the tube. There are two dials built into the tube: a red dial and a green dial. The following words are stenciled on the front of the tube in gold lettering: Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe Below that, in one continuous line that wraps around the tube several times is the following: Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Loupe Company. While you were fiddling with the magic jewelry loupe machine, a silver notice fell to the ground. > read notice WARNING: Use of the Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe on highly reflective items which have not been properly treated with Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe Anti-Reflection Spray is a violation of GUE law 12592. > x dials You can't see any such thing. > turn dial Which do you mean, the red dial or the green dial? > turn red dial You set the red dial to 4X. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/6 min. > i You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses You are carrying: a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a bullwhip a spell book You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/4 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/2 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/6 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/4 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/2 min. > turn red dial You set the red dial to 6X. > turn red dial You set the red dial to 2X. > turn red dial You set the red dial to 4X. > turn red dial You set the red dial to 6X. > x machine The machine, which is fastened to a stand, reminds you a bit of a microscope. It consists of a vertical tube suspended over a tray (which is empty), but while there is a lens on the bottom of the tube, there is no eyepiece lens on the top such as a microscope would have. Instead, a yellow button sits at the top of the tube. There are two dials built into the tube: a red dial and a green dial. The following words are stenciled on the front of the tube in gold lettering: Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe Below that, in one continuous line that wraps around the tube several times is the following: Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Loupe Company. > put chalk in tray You put the tiny nub of chalk on the tray. > press button A glowing blue beam briefly shoots out of the lens and hits the center of the tiny nub of chalk, which suddenly grows to six times its normal size! The tiny nub of chalk slides off the tray and falls to the floor. After thirty seconds or so, the tiny nub of chalk shrinks back to its normal size and you pick it up. > i You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses You are carrying: a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a bullwhip a spell book You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > x whip It is ten feet long and made of braided leather. Your great-grandfather used it for maintaining control of his hungus herd. He gifted it to you on your eighth birthday and you have become quite proficient with it (5). > footnote 5 5. You can whip things with the bullwhip using the "whip [something]" command. If you try going a direction while the bullwhip is wrapped around something overhead, you will swing the direction indicated. > n Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > x rufus Vendbots were all the rage a while back. These short, magically-powered automata could roll along a predetermined route within a designated space, offering various wares to eager customers. There is a placard affixed to Rufus One-Eye's chest. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the north. > n Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > e Lower Level Northeast You are standing at the western end of a short hallway off the main section of the mall. There is one store at the eastern end called "The Sharper Mage" which appears to be intact. The floor in front of you is covered in green slime, preventing further travel to the east. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > w Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > up You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > w Bab-Witches This was a popular magigame store back in the day. Home magigame systems were wildly popular during the height of the Great Underground Empire and Bab-Witches sold nearly every magiware program one could ever want. Unfortunately, it looks like this store was looted of nearly all of its wares long ago. > e Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye enters the panoramic elevator and descends to the lower level. > s Upper Level This north/south concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the south, where a section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the southern side. None of the stores here are intact, but a sign for "PigeonShack" (16) did survive the destruction. > footnote 16 16. PigeonShack was originally known for selling all things related to communicating by carrier pigeon. They long ago expanded into various areas of magical communication. > s The gap is far too big to step across. Even jumping across it seems foolhardy. > x sign It's about five feet south of here. Unlike most of the store signs, this one sticks out perpendicular the wall, hanging over what was once the floor. > whip sign CRACK! The bullwhip snaps smartly around the sign sticking out of the wall above the gap. > s With a firm grip on the whip, you jump out and s-w-i-n-g over the gaping hole! As the sign is much nearer this side of the gap, you only make it partway across before swinging back to where you started. Disappointed, you shake the bullwhip loose from the sign before rolling it back up. > x gap About twenty feet of the concourse is completely missing, having collapsed into a giant pile of rubble down onto the lower level. > s The gap is far too big to step across. Even jumping across it seems foolhardy. > look Upper Level This north/south concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the south, where a section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the southern side. None of the stores here are intact, but a sign for "PigeonShack" (16) did survive the destruction. > i You are wearing: a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves a memorizing headband a pair of orange high tops a pair of yellow leggings a pair of pink shorts an oversized T-shirt a pair of gnusto glasses You are carrying: a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a bullwhip a spell book You have 10 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > n Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > w Restroom This is not a nice place. While most of the rest of the mall has been damaged by time, cave-ins and thieves, this room has been changed into something...unwholesome. The plumbing fixtures have all been removed and grotesque symbols have been carved into every available surface: floor, ceiling and walls. You don't recognize any of the symbols, but looking at them makes you feel unclean, like you're being secretly watched by someone plagued with nasty, profane thoughts. The only surface free of these symbols is the wall-length mirror which has been painted completely black with strange words painted across it in giant red letters. You do not like standing in here. > e Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > ne Little Flatheads "Two pizzas for the price of four!" was the catchy motto of this once ubiquitous pizza shop. Designed to be one of many eateries in the food court, this particular franchise was smaller than the full-scale restaurants one could find in other parts of the empire. It consists of a counter, where customers would place their orders and an area behind the counter where the workers could prepare the pizzas in full view of those waiting in line. None of the ovens or other machinery remains, though a small lonely chalkboard still stands dolefully upon the counter. Hanging on the wall behind the counter is a framed portrait. > x counter It once separated the customers from the workers making the pizzas and taking orders. A chalkboard is securely fastened to it. > x chalkboard The phrase "This Month's Special: The Famous Garlic Lover's Pizza!" takes up most of the chalkboard. > x portrait This lifelike painting is a portrait of a pretty adolescent girl with a crooked smile wearing a flour-dusted uniform. A small plaque attached to the bottom of the frame reads "Employee of the Month." > remove portrait from frame You can't see any such thing. > take plaque That seems to be a part of the framed portrait. > take portrait You can't reach it from here and you can't think of anything you would do with it anyway. > read name You can't see any such thing. > sw Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > s Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > down You step into the elevator and descend to the lower level of the mall. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > give money to rufus If you wish to purchase something from someone, try "BUY [SOMETHING] FROM [SOMEONE]." Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > buy something from rufus (the sparkling light from Rufus One-Eye) "All hands on deck!" Rufus One-Eye circles around and continues his journey to the north. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > ask rufus about buying "Shiver me timbers!" Rufus One-Eye offers no response. > n Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. Rufus One-Eye arrives from the south. > w Lower Level Northwest This is a short, enclosed hallway off the main section of the mall. There are no stores here and the destruction seems to be minimal. A door with the word "Maintenance" stenciled on it lies to the south. > e Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > x rufus Vendbots were all the rage a while back. These short, magically-powered automata could roll along a predetermined route within a designated space, offering various wares to eager customers. There is a placard affixed to Rufus One-Eye's chest. Rufus One-Eye enters the panoramic elevator and rises to the upper level. > up You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > x placard The placard depicts various snacks that were popular before the fall of the Great Underground Empire (Jolly Adventurers, Bottle Corks, Crossbow Gum, Blockheads and Kettles) as well as various personal care products (shaving cream, toothpaste, makeup compacts and deodorant). Below the images is written the following: To purchase something from the Vendbot, say "BUY [ITEM] FROM [VENDBOT'S NAME]." Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Vendbot Company. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Upper Level This north/south concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the south, where a section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the southern side. None of the stores here are intact, but a sign for "PigeonShack" (16) did survive the destruction. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > buy makeup compact from rufus "Yo ho!" cries Rufus One-Eye. "So ye be seeking me out to purchase some o' me wares, eh? Very well, the makeup compact be costin' but one mere zorkmid, me lassie." Do you wish to make the purchase? > yes You hand over one zorkmid and Rufus One-Eye produces a small item from somewhere and hands it to you. "Great doin' business with ye, me darlin', but I must be off to sell me wares to other fine folk. Farewell!" Rufus One-Eye circles around and continues his journey to the north. > take compact You already have that. > x compact Like most makeup compacts, this small clamshell-like case opens up to an L shape, with the interior of the top lid containing a small mirror and the interior of the bottom lid designed to contain powdered makeup of one kind of another. It allows one to easily apply makeup to the face while on the go. The compact is closed. > open compact You open the makeup compact, revealing a mirror. Dry dust pours out of the compact and drifts away. > x mirror You hold the compact up in one hand and move the top lid back and forth with the other until the mirror is angled properly. The face of a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress stares back at you. > n Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > down You step into the elevator and descend to the lower level of the mall. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. Rufus One-Eye arrives from the north. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. You can see a silver notice here. > save Ok. > put compact in tray You put the makeup compact on the tray. > x compact Like most makeup compacts, this small clamshell-like case opens up to an L shape, with the interior of the top lid containing a small mirror and the interior of the bottom lid designed to contain powdered makeup of one kind of another. It allows one to easily apply makeup to the face while on the go. The makeup compact is open. The bottom lid appears to be weighted, allowing the compact to easily stand upright when opened. > press button A glowing blue beam briefly shoots out of the lens and hits the mirror, which reflects an orange beam across the length of the store. The orange beam dissipates before hitting anything. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > wait Time passes. > press button A glowing blue beam briefly shoots out of the lens and hits the mirror, which reflects an orange beam across the length of the store. The orange beam dissipates before hitting anything. > aim compact What do you want to aim the makeup compact toward? > aim compact toward hildy Leaving the compact on the tray, you move the top lid back and forth until the mirror is angled properly. The face of a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress stares back at you. > press button A glowing blue beam briefly shoots out of the lens and hits the mirror, which reflects an orange beam straight into your face sending the memorizing headband flying off your head! Everything you are carrying tumbles from your hands as you feel yourself falling into a soft, cushiony mass... Please press SPACE to continue. Darkness You are in the midst of a gigantic pile of something soft. It's too dark to see anything, but you could probably feel your way out. Having the memorizing headband knocked from your head has left your thoughts confused and muddled. The feeling passes after a moment. > feel What do you want to feel? > feel pile You can't see any such thing. > n You can't go that way. > w You can't go that way. You're feeling pretty hungry. You feel yourself start to grow back to your original size as you burst through the pile of clothes and other items. Please press SPACE to continue. JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. You can see a spell book, a pair of gnusto glasses, a memorizing headband, a pair of ekato gloves, a denim berzio jacket, a bullwhip, a brass lantern (providing light), a crumpled parchment, a tiny nub of chalk and a silver notice here. You immediately grab your clothes and get dressed. > i You are wearing: an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: nothing > wear glases You can't see any such thing. > wear glasses You put on the pair of gnusto glasses. Your eyes water for a few moments after putting on the glasses, but the sensation goes away quickly. > wear headband You put on the memorizing headband. Your scalp itches for just a moment after putting on the memorizing headband, but the feeling soon passes. > wear jacket You put on the denim berzio jacket. The feelings of hunger and thirst have left you. > wear gloves You put on the pair of ekato gloves. A brief tingling sensation starts in your palms and creeps up to your shoulders. When it passes, you feel...different. It's hard to explain. Your body looks completely normal, but you now feel as if you have one hundred arms. > take whip Taken. > look JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. You can see a spell book, a brass lantern (providing light), a crumpled parchment, a tiny nub of chalk and a silver notice here. > take spell book Taken. > take lantern Taken. > take parchment Taken. > take chalk Taken. > take notice Taken. > aim compact north I didn't understand that sentence. > x makeup compact Like most makeup compacts, this small clamshell-like case opens up to an L shape, with the interior of the top lid containing a small mirror and the interior of the bottom lid designed to contain powdered makeup of one kind of another. It allows one to easily apply makeup to the face while on the go. The makeup compact is open. The bottom lid appears to be weighted, allowing the compact to easily stand upright when opened. > aim compact What do you want to aim the makeup compact toward? > north You must name something more substantial. > aim compact What do you want to aim the makeup compact toward? > exit Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > read silver notice WARNING: Use of the Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe on highly reflective items which have not been properly treated with Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe Anti-Reflection Spray is a violation of GUE law 12592. > n Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > w Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. > x shelves It takes some time to search through the prone shelves, but eventually you find one book that somehow escaped the vandals. As you bend to pick it up, you pause when a puff of multi-colored smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. When nothing else happens, you shrug your shoulders and pick up the book. > x book Which do you mean, the dusty book or the spell book? > x dusty book Although Waldenscrolls specialized in spell scrolls, apparently they also sold the odd book now and then. This one is odder than most. It is a ponderous tome covering the obscure (and extremely dull) study of temporal thaumaturgical semiotics. At the moment, you can't think of any possible use this book could be to you. > read book Which do you mean, the dusty book or the spell book? > read dusty book Although Waldenscrolls specialized in spell scrolls, apparently they also sold the odd book now and then. This one is odder than most. It is a ponderous tome covering the obscure (and extremely dull) study of temporal thaumaturgical semiotics. At the moment, you can't think of any possible use this book could be to you. > take dusty book A puff of multi-colored smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. You already have that. > x smoke You can't see any such thing. > e BAM! You walk face first into an invisible barrier as you attempt to leave the store. > x spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > plumdo e You don't have that spell memorized. > memorize plumdo Using your best habits, you learn the plumdo spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > plumdo e As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the east and...the spell fizzles and dies. You remember from your earlier lessons that the plumdo spell cannot be used to transport through walls, doors or doorways of any kind. > memorize rezrov Using your best habits, you learn the rezrov spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > rezrov barrier You seem to be trying to cast a spell, but something may have been worded incorrectly. > rezrov You boldly cast the rezrov spell at your surroundings. Naturally, the spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > rezrov e The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > throw dusty book east You throw the dusty book to the east. It bounces off of an invisible barrier and lands at your feet. Disappointed, you pick it back up. > drop dusty book Dropped. > e Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > w Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. You can see a dusty book here. > whip dusty book With a loud CRACK! you crack the whip at the dusty book. Nothing else happens. > x spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > throw dusty book e You aren't carrying the dusty book. > push dusty book e The dusty book cannot be pushed from place to place. > take dusty book A puff of multi-colored smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. Taken. > drop book Which do you mean, the dusty book or the spell book? > drop dusty book Dropped. > e Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye circles around and continues his journey to the north. > e Quendorian Phoenix You can still find Quendorian Phoenix stores around, their clothing marketed towards students, apprentices and other young adults. This store, like much of the mall, has been vandalized and its wares have long since disappeared. A door lies to the east. > save Ok. > e (first opening the door) BRAWWGGHHH! With an inhuman howl, a wretched figure charges from the dressing room and shoves you back into the store, knocking you onto your backside! As you scramble to your feet, you get a better look at your assailant. At one time, it was probably a handsome young man, but now it is a nightmarish figure of rotten gray flesh barely covered with shredded clothing. You recognize it as a ghoul (17). The ghoul jumps on you and pummels you with its rotting fists. You just manage to shove it off and scramble away. > whip ghoul CRACK! The whip wraps around the ghoul's waist. Pressing your advantage, you pull the foul creature in close before kicking it right in the gut! The ghoul falls back with a howl before managing to untangle itself from your whip and backing away. The ghoul jumps on you and pummels you with its rotting fists. You just manage to shove it off and scramble away. > whip ghoul CRACK! The whip wraps around the ghoul's legs. You pull on the whip, sending the fiend crashing to the ground. It howls furiously before freeing itself from your whip and scrambling away. The ghoul jumps at you and pummels you with its rotting fists. You just manage to shove it off and scramble away. > whip ghoul CRACK! The whip wraps around the ghoul's neck. You yank hard, decapitating the creature. Its head rolls a few feet away while the rest of the ghoul collapses motionless to the ground. A cloud of sinister black fog envelops both head and body, and when the fog lifts, the remains have disappeared. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > e Dressing Room This is a small area where people could try on clothes in relative privacy. You can see a crinkly scroll and a viridian vial here. > read scroll You have to be holding the scroll in order to read it. > take scroll Taken. > read scroll The rella spell (mend torn fabric). The crinkly scroll and your spell book both glow with a brilliant golden light. When the light fades, you see that the crinkly scroll has disappeared. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > x vial It is a bit larger than most potion vials. The words "dysmu potion (temporarily change one's appearance to that of another)" are written on the vial. There is enough potion for four doses. > take vial As you pick up the vial, a slip of paper flutters to the ground. Taken. > x paper (the crumpled parchment) The parchment is not much bigger than the palm of your hand. The following is printed on it in neat, but very faded writing: JC Z rk id r at Und und Sh ping M l G t Un gro d E pire E ch nter's St ff: 10zm Pl id S cks: 5zm ax: 30zm T tal: 45zm Jelly 1 th, 882 > x slip of paper Hello, Imbiber! Instructions for use: To benefit from the full effects of the dysmu potion, one must first DRINK the potion and then LOOK AT or EXAMINE another being of similar size and shape (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) within the next five minutes. Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Potion Company > take slip of paper Taken. > i You are wearing: a pair of ekato gloves a denim berzio jacket a memorizing headband a pair of gnusto glasses an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a slip of paper a viridian vial a silver notice a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a spell book a bullwhip You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > w Quendorian Phoenix You can still find Quendorian Phoenix stores around, their clothing marketed towards students, apprentices and other young adults. This store, like much of the mall, has been vandalized and its wares have long since disappeared. A door lies to the east. > w Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > up You can't go that way. > n Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > up You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > save Ok. > s Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > down You step into the elevator and descend to the lower level of the mall. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > n Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. > n As you step up to the booth, a puff of yellow smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. Nothing else happens and the booth appears to be empty, so you make your way back to the center of the lobby. > e Will Call Window As you step up to the window, a puff of pink smoke appears on the other side of the glass. The smoke dissipates, leaving behind an ancient-looking elf. "Good evening," she croaks. "And welcome to the Great Underground Cinema. What name are your tickets under?" What name do you give?> Will The elf looks through a drawer under the window for a moment, but finds nothing. "I'm sorry," she says. "We don't have any tickets under that name." With that, she vanishes in another puff of pink smoke. Defeated, you step back from the window. Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. > read slip of paper Hello, Imbiber! Instructions for use: To benefit from the full effects of the dysmu potion, one must first DRINK the potion and then LOOK AT or EXAMINE another being of similar size and shape (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) within the next five minutes. Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Potion Company > nw West Hall After several yards, this hall bends to the north to run alongside the western wall of the theater. There is an advertisement on one wall. A door leading into the theater is closed. Extremely loud moaning, wailing and other unsettling noises are coming from the other side of that door. It might be the movie making those noises. Then again, it might not. > se You can't go that way. > s Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. > s Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > u You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye enters the panoramic elevator and descends to the lower level. > s Upper Level This north/south concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the south, where a section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the southern side. None of the stores here are intact, but a sign for "PigeonShack" (16) did survive the destruction. > s The gap is far too big to step across. Even jumping across it seems foolhardy. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rella spell (mend torn fabric). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > save Ok. > plumdo s As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the south and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Top of Pile You are standing atop a pile of concrete, glass, metal, wood and other debris that almost completely covers the lower level floor from one wall to the other. From up here, you can get just about eight feet from the northern or southern edges of the gap. > save Ok. > d The pile of rubble looks far too dangerous to climb down. > s You can't step across the gap from here, nor can you get a running start, making jumping a dangerous proposition. > plumdo s As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the south and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Upper Level South The concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the north, where a large section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the northern side. The only intact store in this section is a They "B" Toys toy store to the south. A sign for "PigeonShack (16)" also survived the destruction. > s They "B" Toys The They "B" Toys chain of stores has been a mainstay of childhood delight for generations. You have fond memories of your grandmother taking you to the Borphee store every summer. It makes you sad to see this one in its current state, with its broken display cases and nearly empty shelves. On the nearly empty shelves is a pink box (closed). > x box You'd recognize this box anywhere. It's the kind of box that every Barbarian Doll comes in. > open box (first taking the pink box) As you open the pink box, it disappears in a flash of light, leaving behind the doll! > x doll You had your own collection of these perky warrior princess dolls as a young girl: Ballerina Barbarian, Color Magic Barbarian, Back to School Barbarian, etc. You remember this one well. It was one of your favorites (18). The doll is wearing a nightshirt that glows in the dark. > footnote 18 18. Your Pajama Party Barbarian doll was a gift from your parents for your sixth birthday. When you opened it, your father remarked that it must not have been easy for its creators to blend the innocence of a teenaged slumber party attendee with the lust for vengeance of a bloodthirsty barbarian in one little face (19). > x nightshirt It's a vibrant turquoise and says "Slumber Party Girl!" on the front in bright fuchsia letters. It is giving off a faint turquoise glow. > take doll You already have that. > i You are wearing: a pair of ekato gloves a denim berzio jacket a memorizing headband a pair of gnusto glasses an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a slip of paper a viridian vial a silver notice a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a spell book a bullwhip You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > look They "B" Toys The They "B" Toys chain of stores has been a mainstay of childhood delight for generations. You have fond memories of your grandmother taking you to the Borphee store every summer. It makes you sad to see this one in its current state, with its broken display cases and empty shelves. > x display cases You can't help but wonder what toys they held at one time. > n Upper Level South The concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the north, where a large section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the northern side. The only intact store in this section is a They "B" Toys toy store to the south. A sign for "PigeonShack (16)" also survived the destruction. > n You can't step across the gap from here, nor can you get a running start, making jumping a dangerous proposition. > plumdo n As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the north and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Top of Pile You are standing atop a pile of concrete, glass, metal, wood and other debris that almost completely covers the lower level floor from one wall to the other. From up here, you can get just about eight feet from the northern or southern edges of the gap. > plumdo down The first thing they teach you when you get the plumdo spell is never plumdo someplace above you. The second thing is to never plumdo someplace below you. You decide to heed this advice. > plumdo n As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the north and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Upper Level This north/south concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the south, where a section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the southern side. None of the stores here are intact, but a sign for "PigeonShack" (16) did survive the destruction. > n Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > d You step into the elevator and descend to the lower level of the mall. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. Rufus One-Eye arrives from the north. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > aim compact at doll It's too difficult while you are carrying the Pajama Party Barbarian doll. > drop doll Dropped. > aim compact at doll You can't keep the compact on the tray and angle the mirror toward the Pajama Party Barbarian doll. > take doll Taken. > put doll in tray There's no room. > take compact Taken. > put doll in tray The Pajama Party Barbarian doll won't fit on the tray. > put compact in tray You put the makeup compact on the tray. > aim compact at doll It's too difficult while you are carrying the Pajama Party Barbarian doll. > hold doll You already have that. > look JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > x nightshirt It's a vibrant turquoise and says "Slumber Party Girl!" on the front in bright fuchsia letters. It is giving off a faint turquoise glow. > take nightshirt Taken. > i You are wearing: a pair of ekato gloves a denim berzio jacket a memorizing headband a pair of gnusto glasses an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a doll-sized nightshirt a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a slip of paper a viridian vial a silver notice a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a spell book a bullwhip You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > take compact Taken. > put nightshirt in tray The doll-sized nightshirt won't fit on the tray. > noogle doll You don't have that spell memorized. > memorize noogle Using your best habits, you learn the noogle spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > noogle doll The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > x spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rella spell (mend torn fabric). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > noogle barbarian doll The spell crackles and dies. Nothing else happens. > x doll You had your own collection of these perky warrior princess dolls as a young girl: Ballerina Barbarian, Color Magic Barbarian, Back to School Barbarian, etc. You remember this one well. It was one of your favorites (18). > x nightshirt It's a vibrant turquoise and says "Slumber Party Girl!" on the front in bright fuchsia letters. It is giving off a faint turquoise glow. > n Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > n Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > up You step into the elevator and ascend to the upper level of the mall. Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Rufus One-Eye exits the panoramic elevator. > score You have so far scored 30 out of a possible 75, in 516 turns. > up You can't go that way. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > w Restroom This is not a nice place. While most of the rest of the mall has been damaged by time, cave-ins and thieves, this room has been changed into something...unwholesome. The plumbing fixtures have all been removed and grotesque symbols have been carved into every available surface: floor, ceiling and walls. You don't recognize any of the symbols, but looking at them makes you feel unclean, like you're being secretly watched by someone plagued with nasty, profane thoughts. The only surface free of these symbols is the wall-length mirror which has been painted completely black with strange words painted across it in giant red letters. You do not like standing in here. > read mirror (the mirror) Its placement, size and shape make it obvious that this large rectangle was once a mirror hanging over sinks which have long since been removed. But the entire reflective surface has been hidden underneath a coat of black paint and the words "Gash hovor Zava Dreden" have been painted across it. > wait Gash hovor Zava Dreden > wait Gash hovor Zava Dreden > wait Gash hovor Zava Dreden > wait Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Gash hovor Zava Dreden Your mind is whirling around that one phrase over and over and over and over and over and just when you decide to give yourself over to the incipient madness, it stops and you find yourself somewhere else... Please press SPACE to continue. Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > x nightshirt It's a vibrant turquoise and says "Slumber Party Girl!" on the front in bright fuchsia letters. It is giving off a faint turquoise glow. > ne Abyss You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. Some distance away (distance and direction don't make a lot of sense here) you can make out a chest of some kind. Like you, it is inexplicably visible in the darkness. > x chest From here you can tell that it's closed and made of wood. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rella spell (mend torn fabric). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > plumdo chest As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically at the chest and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence right next to the chest. Abyss (Near Chest) You are in total darkness, yet you can clearly see yourself and all of your possessions as if they were well lit. You can see a chest (closed) here. > rezrov chest The chest glows with a brilliant golden light! You hear a distinct click and the light fades away. > open chest You open the chest, revealing a manuscript, a magenta vial and some fragments of linen. > take manuscript Taken. > take vial (the magenta vial) Taken. > take linen Taken. The darkness begins to swirl around you and you feel yourself being taken elsewhere by strange forces... Please press SPACE to continue. They "B" Toys The They "B" Toys chain of stores has been a mainstay of childhood delight for generations. You have fond memories of your grandmother taking you to the Borphee store every summer. It makes you sad to see this one in its current state, with its broken display cases and empty shelves. > i You are wearing: a pair of ekato gloves a denim berzio jacket a memorizing headband a pair of gnusto glasses an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: some fragments of linen a magenta vial a manuscript a makeup compact a doll-sized nightshirt a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a slip of paper a viridian vial a silver notice a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a spell book a bullwhip You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > x magenta vial Written on the vial are the words "shisa potion (comprehend other languages)." > x manuscript It consists of a bundle of pages of sickly-looking yellowish parchment covered in a spidery scrawl of black ink. You can make no sense of the words. It is no language that you have ever seen. > x fragments of linen The fabric has been torn into hundreds of pieces, many of which have blots and dashes of ink on them, but its original pattern is impossible to determine. > x spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rella spell (mend torn fabric). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > memoriza rella You seem to be trying to cast a spell, but something may have been worded incorrectly. > memorize rella Using your best habits, you learn the rella spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > rella linen fragments The fragments of linen are engulfed in red sparkly lights. When the lights fade, the fragments have been mended into a linen scroll! > x linen scroll The aometh spell (sanctify a place). The linen scroll and your spell book both glow with a brilliant golden light. When the light fades, you see that the linen scroll has disappeared. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] > n Upper Level South The concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the north, where a large section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the northern side. The only intact store in this section is a They "B" Toys toy store to the south. A sign for "PigeonShack (16)" also survived the destruction. > plumdo n As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the north and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Top of Pile You are standing atop a pile of concrete, glass, metal, wood and other debris that almost completely covers the lower level floor from one wall to the other. From up here, you can get just about eight feet from the northern or southern edges of the gap. > plumdo n As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the north and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence in... Please press SPACE to continue. Upper Level This north/south concourse ends abruptly a few feet to the south, where a section of the mall has collapsed into a large pile of rubble on the lower level, leaving a twenty-foot gap between here and the southern side. None of the stores here are intact, but a sign for "PigeonShack" (16) did survive the destruction. > n Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > n Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > w Restroom This is not a nice place. While most of the rest of the mall has been damaged by time, cave-ins and thieves, this room has been changed into something...unwholesome. The plumbing fixtures have all been removed and grotesque symbols have been carved into every available surface: floor, ceiling and walls. You don't recognize any of the symbols, but looking at them makes you feel unclean, like you're being secretly watched by someone plagued with nasty, profane thoughts. The only surface free of these symbols is the wall-length mirror which has been painted completely black with strange words painted across it in giant red letters. You do not like standing in here. > memorize aometh Using your best habits, you learn the aometh spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > aometh A ball of radiant white light starts to form a few feet away from you as a sublime chorus of celestial voices sings an unearthly song. Light and chorus continue to grow in both size and intensity until the blinding light and thunderous choir are your entire universe. The light and song seem to burn within you. The pain is sharp, but not unbearable. You are reminded of recent transgressions: acts of selfishness, uncharitable thoughts toward others and the like. This remembrance of lapses that seemed minor at the time brings a profound sense of remorse, but also hope. Hope that your actions, thoughts and choices can, if you wish, make the world a better place. After what may be moments or centuries, the light and song fade away and you find yourself once again in... Restroom This room has changed and looks like a regular restroom (though all of the fixtures are still missing). The grotesque symbols have been replaced with symbols of little ducks and the paint has been removed from the wall-length mirror. You feel none of the dread that you felt earlier. > x mirror (the mirror) The long mirror is sparklingly clean. Staring back at you is a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress. > x ducks The grotesque symbols are gone. The room is now covered with cute little ducks. > e Food Court This was once a grand plaza surrounded by a large number of food vendors offering delights from all over the Great Underground Empire. Weary shoppers could find a bite to eat here and a moment's rest before charging back into the maelstrom of commercial euphoria that was the main concourse of the mall. None of that former glory exists today. Whatever tables and chairs once existed are long gone. A pizzeria to the northeast is the only vendor still standing, the others all having collapsed some time in the past. An exit to the caverns outside has similarly been completely blocked by a cave-in. There is a restroom to the west. > s Upper Level North This is the northern end of the upper level of the mall. The destruction is just as bad up here as it is on the lower level. It looks like many of these stores collapsed onto the stores beneath them at some point, taking out two stores at once in the process. The Food Court is to the north and there is a store to the west which appears to be intact. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. > down You step into the elevator and descend to the lower level of the mall. Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. > n Cinema Lobby The lobby of the Great Underground Cinema is intact and in fairly good shape considering its age. Some posters advertising the movies "Now Showing" when the Empire fell in 883 hang around the room. The ticket booth is to the north, the will call window is to the east and the concession stand is to the west. A hallway to the northwest leads to the theater itself and the way south leads back to the mall proper. > s Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. Rufus One-Eye arrives from the south. > x ceiling The ceiling above this section of the mall is quite elaborate. It is an arched ceiling painted with frescoes depicting major and minor events in the lives of The Twelve Flatheads. Given the style, you suspect that it was painted by Leonardo Flathead himself (13). > aometh A ball of radiant white light starts to form a few feet away from you as a sublime chorus of celestial voices sings an unearthly song. Light and chorus continue to grow in both size and intensity until the blinding light and thunderous choir are your entire universe. The light and song seem to burn within you. The pain is sharp, but not unbearable. You are reminded of recent transgressions: acts of selfishness, uncharitable thoughts toward others and the like. This remembrance of lapses that seemed minor at the time brings a profound sense of remorse, but also hope. Hope that your actions, thoughts and choices can, if you wish, make the world a better place. After what may be moments or centuries, the light and song fade away and you find yourself once again in... Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > s Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > x ceiling The ceiling above this section of the mall is quite elaborate. It is an arched ceiling painted with frescoes depicting major and minor events in the lives of The Twelve Flatheads. Given the style, you suspect that it was painted by Leonardo Flathead himself (13). > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > x ceiling The ceiling is mostly gone, having collapsed some time in the past. > x rubble This pile of concrete, glass, metal, wood and other debris almost completely covers the lower level floor from one wall to the other and towers far above your head. As you move your gaze over the rubble, a sparkling light catches your eye deep in its center. > i You are wearing: a pair of ekato gloves a denim berzio jacket a memorizing headband a pair of gnusto glasses an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a magenta vial a manuscript a makeup compact a doll-sized nightshirt a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a slip of paper a viridian vial a silver notice a tiny nub of chalk a crumpled parchment a brass lantern a spell book a bullwhip You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > save Ok. > drink magenta vial You drink the potion. As the last drop goes down your throat, the vial vanishes. > read parchment Which do you mean, the manuscript or the crumpled parchment? > read manuscript The first part of the document tells the story of a cruel nobleman named Zava Dreden whose pursuit of immortality led him to learning the dark and perverted forms of magic necessary to turn himself into a vampire lord. Over the next several years, he converted thousands of his fellow countrymen into ghoulish slaves upon whom he fed in order to maintain his powers. Eventually, a cadre of the land's most powerful mages confronted him and although he proved too powerful to destroy, they were able to banish him from their realm to an abyss of eternal incarceration. There is an odd thing about this section of the document. It reads like a straight history, but the kingdoms mentioned are unfamiliar to you and the geography described matches no lands that you recognize. The second half of the document is a kind of political manifesto purporting to be written by Dreden himself. It briefly details his escape from the abyss, but after that point it consists mostly of ravings harshly condemning humanity for its perfidy as well as its lack of will, competence and vision. Reading it is an unpleasant experience. > look Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > x machine The machine, which is fastened to a stand, reminds you a bit of a microscope. It consists of a vertical tube suspended over a tray (which is empty), but while there is a lens on the bottom of the tube, there is no eyepiece lens on the top such as a microscope would have. Instead, a yellow button sits at the top of the tube. There are two dials built into the tube: a red dial and a green dial. The following words are stenciled on the front of the tube in gold lettering: Frobozz Magic Jewelry Loupe Below that, in one continuous line that wraps around the tube several times is the following: Another fine product of the Frobozz Magic Loupe Company. > put compact in tray You put the makeup compact on the tray. > aim compact at hildy Leaving the compact on the tray, you move the top lid back and forth until the mirror is angled properly. The face of a twenty-year-old apprentice enchantress stares back at you. > press button A glowing blue beam briefly shoots out of the lens and hits the mirror, which reflects an orange beam straight into your face sending the memorizing headband flying off your head! Everything you are carrying tumbles from your hands as you feel yourself falling into a soft, cushiony mass... Please press SPACE to continue. Dark Softness You are in the midst of a pile of things, most of which are soft. It's too dark to see much, but you could probably feel your way out. You can see a doll-sized nightshirt (providing light) here. Having the memorizing headband knocked from your head has left your thoughts confused and muddled. The feeling passes after a moment. > wear nightshirt Whoa, you didn't realize until right now that you're naked! You quickly put on the nightshirt. It's a little loose, but it fits. > out On the Floor (JC Zorkmid) You are on the floor of JC Zorkmid. Since you are now about ten inches tall, everything appears gigantic in size. Likewise, the distances between everything also appear quite long. There is a pile of enormous things here, consisting of gigantic versions of your clothes and other possessions. A huge pole also towers over you. The nightshirt tightens around your neck and arms before bursting at the seams as you start growing back to your original size! Please press SPACE to continue. x x x x JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. You can see a manuscript, a Pajama Party Barbarian doll, a slip of paper, a viridian vial, a silver notice, a tiny nub of chalk, a crumpled parchment, a brass lantern (providing light), a spell book, a bullwhip, a pair of ekato gloves, a denim berzio jacket, a memorizing headband and a pair of gnusto glasses here. You immediately grab your clothes and get dressed. > take all manuscript: Taken. Pajama Party Barbarian doll: Taken. slip of paper: Taken. viridian vial: Taken. silver notice: Taken. tiny nub of chalk: Taken. crumpled parchment: Taken. brass lantern: Taken. spell book: Taken. bullwhip: Taken. pair of ekato gloves: Taken. denim berzio jacket: Taken. memorizing headband: Taken. pair of gnusto glasses: Taken. 9 zorkmid coins: It would be safer to keep the money in your jacket pocket. makeup compact: Taken. > wear gloves You put on the pair of ekato gloves. A brief tingling sensation starts in your palms and creeps up to your shoulders. When it passes, you feel...different. It's hard to explain. Your body looks completely normal, but you now feel as if you have one hundred arms. You're feeling pretty hungry. > wear nightshirt Be serious! You're feeling pretty thirsty. > wear jacket You put on the denim berzio jacket. The feelings of hunger and thirst have left you. > wear headband You put on the memorizing headband. Your scalp itches for just a moment after putting on the memorizing headband, but the feeling soon passes. > wear glasses You put on the pair of gnusto glasses. Your eyes water for a few moments after putting on the glasses, but the sensation goes away quickly. > i You are wearing: a pair of gnusto glasses a memorizing headband a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a makeup compact a bullwhip a spell book a brass lantern a crumpled parchment a tiny nub of chalk a silver notice a viridian vial a slip of paper a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a manuscript a doll-sized nightshirt You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > x nightshirt It's a vibrant turquoise and says "Slumber Party Girl!" on the front in bright fuchsia letters. It is giving off a faint turquoise glow. The night shirt is in tatters. > memorize rella Using your best habits, you learn the rella spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > rella nightshirt The doll-sized nightshirt is engulfed in red sparkly lights. When the lights fade, the doll-sized nightshirt looks good as new! > put chalk in tray You put the tiny nub of chalk on the tray. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/6 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/4 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/2 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/6 min. > press button A glowing blue beam briefly shoots out of the lens and hits the center of the tiny nub of chalk, which suddenly grows to six times its normal size! The tiny nub of chalk slides off the tray and falls to the floor. After ten seconds or so, the tiny nub of chalk shrinks back to its normal size and you pick it up. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/4 min. > turn green dial You set the dial to 1/2 min. > n Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye circles around and continues his journey to the north. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > w Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. You can see a dusty book here. > x dusty book A puff of multi-colored smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. Taken. Although Waldenscrolls specialized in spell scrolls, apparently they also sold the odd book now and then. This one is odder than most. It is a ponderous tome covering the obscure (and extremely dull) study of temporal thaumaturgical semiotics. At the moment, you can't think of any possible use this book could be to you. > read dusty book Although Waldenscrolls specialized in spell scrolls, apparently they also sold the odd book now and then. This one is odder than most. It is a ponderous tome covering the obscure (and extremely dull) study of temporal thaumaturgical semiotics. At the moment, you can't think of any possible use this book could be to you. > read spellbook Hildy's Spell Book The aometh spell (sanctify a place). The noogle spell (dress the target in an outfit perfect for his or her personality). The plumdo spell (teleport to a chosen location, or to its nearest empty space, within ten feet of the caster). The rella spell (mend torn fabric). The rezrov spell (open even locked or enchanted objects). > memorize plumdo Using your best habits, you learn the plumdo spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > plumdo e As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically to the east and...the spell fizzles and dies. You remember from your earlier lessons that the plumdo spell cannot be used to transport through walls, doors or doorways of any kind. > memorize aometh Using your best habits, you learn the aometh spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > aometh A ball of radiant white light starts to form a few feet away from you as a sublime chorus of celestial voices sings an unearthly song. Light and chorus continue to grow in both size and intensity until the blinding light and thunderous choir are your entire universe. The light and song seem to burn within you. The pain is sharp, but not unbearable. You are reminded of recent transgressions: acts of selfishness, uncharitable thoughts toward others and the like. This remembrance of lapses that seemed minor at the time brings a profound sense of remorse, but also hope. Hope that your actions, thoughts and choices can, if you wish, make the world a better place. After what may be moments or centuries, the light and song fade away and you find yourself once again in... Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. > e BAM! You walk face first into an invisible barrier as you attempt to leave the store. > x barrier You can't see any such thing. > touch barrier You can't see any such thing. > touch invisible barrier You can't see any such thing. > i You are wearing: a pair of gnusto glasses a memorizing headband a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a dusty book a tiny nub of chalk a makeup compact a bullwhip a spell book a brass lantern a crumpled parchment a silver notice a viridian vial a slip of paper a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a manuscript a doll-sized nightshirt You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > drop dusty book Dropped. > e Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > whip west You must name something more substantial. > whip dusty book You can't see any such thing. > w Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. You can see a dusty book here. > close door You can't see any such thing. > plumdo dusty book As you finish the final words of the spell, you point dramatically at the dusty book and...CRACK! You pop out of existence and explode back into existence right next to the dusty book. > kick dusty book east I didn't understand that sentence. > touch dusty book If there is anything significant about the texture of something, it will be revealed when you examine it. > x dusty book A puff of multi-colored smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. Taken. Although Waldenscrolls specialized in spell scrolls, apparently they also sold the odd book now and then. This one is odder than most. It is a ponderous tome covering the obscure (and extremely dull) study of temporal thaumaturgical semiotics. At the moment, you can't think of any possible use this book could be to you. > w You can't go that way. > n You can't go that way. > s You can't go that way. > e BAM! You walk face first into an invisible barrier as you attempt to leave the store. > drop dusty book Dropped. > score You have so far scored 35 out of a possible 75, in 608 turns. > e Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > x rubble You can't see any such thing. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > x rubble This pile of concrete, glass, metal, wood and other debris almost completely covers the lower level floor from one wall to the other and towers far above your head. As you move your gaze over the rubble, a sparkling light catches your eye deep in its center. > x sparkling light There's a small empty space in the middle of the pile. It's hard to say for sure, but there's a sparkling object in that space that might be a scroll. > take scroll You can't reach it from here. > climb rubble The pile of rubble looks far too dangerous to climb. > plumdo sparkling light Unfortunately, the debris blocks most of your view of the center of the pile and you cannot plumdo to a place that you cannot see clearly. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > n Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > e Quendorian Phoenix You can still find Quendorian Phoenix stores around, their clothing marketed towards students, apprentices and other young adults. This store, like much of the mall, has been vandalized and its wares have long since disappeared. A door lies to the east. > e Dressing Room This is a small area where people could try on clothes in relative privacy. > w Quendorian Phoenix You can still find Quendorian Phoenix stores around, their clothing marketed towards students, apprentices and other young adults. This store, like much of the mall, has been vandalized and its wares have long since disappeared. A door lies to the east. > n You can't go that way. > w Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > u The pile of rubble looks far too dangerous to climb. Rufus One-Eye arrives from the north. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > w Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. You can see a dusty book here. > i You are wearing: a pair of gnusto glasses a memorizing headband a denim berzio jacket a pair of ekato gloves an oversized T-shirt a pair of pink shorts a pair of yellow leggings a pair of orange high tops You are carrying: a tiny nub of chalk a makeup compact a bullwhip a spell book a brass lantern a crumpled parchment a silver notice a viridian vial a slip of paper a Pajama Party Barbarian doll a manuscript a doll-sized nightshirt You have 9 zorkmid coins in the pocket of your jacket. > whip dusty book With a loud CRACK! you crack the whip at the dusty book. Nothing else happens. > x lantern The brass lantern is currently switched on. > turn lantern off You switch the brass lantern off. > look Waldenscrolls Although the structure of the store is intact, it appears to have been ransacked. The store is littered with shelves that have either been knocked over or completely destroyed. The only piece of furniture that seems to have been left upright is a display in the center of the store. You can see a dusty book here. > turn lantern on You switch the brass lantern on. > pull dusty book east I only understood you as far as wanting to pull the dusty book. > pull dusty book Nothing obvious happens. > slide dusty book east I didn't understand that sentence. > throw dusty book east You aren't carrying the dusty book. > pick up dusty book A puff of multi-colored smoke appears out of nowhere and then dissipates unceremoniously. Taken. > throw dusty book east You throw the dusty book to the east. It bounces off of an invisible barrier and lands at your feet. Disappointed, you pick it back up. > set dusty book against invisible barrier I didn't understand that sentence. > drop dusty book near invisible barrier You can't see any such thing. > drop dusty book on east side of room You can't see any such thing. > drop dusty book Dropped. > east Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. > look west You see nothing unexpected in that direction. > whip west You must name something more substantial. > whip west into store with dusty book I only understood you as far as wanting to whip west. > n Lower Level North This is the northern end of the lower level. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris: signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. To the north is a cinema and short hallways lie to the east and west. A panoramic elevator stands in the middle of this section of the mall. Surprisingly, the elevator seems to have survived the general destruction much of the rest of the mall has suffered. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > noogle rufus You don't have that spell memorized. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > memorize noogle Using your best habits, you learn the noogle spell. The spell seems extremely clear and fixed in your mind. > s Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. Rufus One-Eye continues his journey to the south. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > noogle rufus POOF! Rufus One-Eye is surrounded by a cloud of pink smoke. When it dissipates, you find that Rufus One-Eye is wearing the perfect outfit! Rufus One-Eye circles around and continues his journey to the north. > n Lower Level This is the lower level of what must have once been a majestic shopping mall. This north/south concourse is covered by an elaborate ceiling separating this level from the level above it. Many of the stores are completely filled with dirt, rocks and other debris, signs of numerous cave-ins that have happened over the years. One store remains intact to the west. You can see Rufus One-Eye here. > x rufus Vendbots were all the rage a while back. These short, magically-powered automata could roll along a predetermined route within a designated space, offering various wares to eager customers. There is a placard affixed to Rufus One-Eye's chest and he is wearing an eyepatch and a tricorn hat. He seems extremely pleased with himself. > s Lower Level South This is the southern end of the lower level. The destruction is even more pervasive here as a section of the upper level collapsed at some point in the past, leaving a large pile of rubble covering the floor almost from wall to wall. There are two stores here that are still intact: a Quendorian Phoenix to the east and a JC Zorkmid to the south. > s JC Zorkmid JC Zorkmid was one of the most successful department stores during the time of the Great Underground Empire. The state of this store is mute testimony that those days were long ago. Every counter and clothing rack has been destroyed and every item of merchandise has been stolen. You can see an unusual machine here. > save Ok. > script off End of transcript. > score You have so far scored 35 out of a possible 75, in 647 turns. > restore Restore failed. > script on Start of a transcript of: Hildy An Interactive Fiction by J Michael Release 1 / Serial number 240903 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //ED44ADAE-3B89-46D2-A228-92B99C9ADB0A// Interpreter version 2.2.1 / VM 3.1.3 Rideable Vehicles version 3 by Graham Nelson Variable Time Control version 4 by Eric Eve > script restore I only understood you as far as wanting to script. > script display I only understood you as far as wanting to script. > transcript Transcripting is already on. > script off End of transcript. > restore Restore failed. > restore Restore failed. > download transcript I didn't understand that sentence. > transcript display I only understood you as far as wanting to transcrip. > display transcript You can't see any such thing. > transcript Start of a transcript of: Hildy An Interactive Fiction by J Michael Release 1 / Serial number 240903 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //ED44ADAE-3B89-46D2-A228-92B99C9ADB0A// Interpreter version 2.2.1 / VM 3.1.3 Rideable Vehicles version 3 by Graham Nelson Variable Time Control version 4 by Eric Eve > restore Restore failed. >