Start of a transcript of Stuff of Legend A Lazy Medieval Comedy of Errors by Lance Campbell Release 2 / Serial number 201006 / Inform 7 build 6M62 (I6/v6.33 lib 6/12N) Identification number: //C1B474FB-00DE-4EE7-8BE5-79872BC2AB32// Interpreter version 2.1.7 / VM 3.1.2 / Library serial number 080126 Standard Rules version 3/120430 by Graham Nelson Hybrid Choices version 7 by Aw Freyr >l Hillside The road travels over a small hillside before descending west into the village below. To the east, the road continues through the forested region. Through the trees to the south, you can just make out the surface of the stream shimmering in the late afternoon sunlight. >x me You are Ichabod Stuff, former village idiot of Swineford. You are a middle-aged man of nineteen years, with luxurious, greasy tresses cascading down from atop your mostly mange-free scalp. You have a face like a pile of mashed potatoes and a body like a much taller pile of mashed potatoes. You are wearing your finest sackcloth ensemble. >i You are carrying nothing. >w The last thing you want to do is go back into Swineford. It seems like a better idea to head home to the east and talk to Farmer Jackson about what happened today. And since you don't usually have better ideas, let alone good ideas, following up on your good idea to follow up on your better idea seems like the best idea of all. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go east. (Note: You can type EXITS at any time to see all obvious exits.) >s A walk in the forest might clear your head. On the other hand, your head is pretty empty already. Maybe you should head home to the east and talk to Farmer Jackson about what happened today. He usually has good advice. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go east. >e Once you were proud to work as the Swineford village idiot, but now you feel as though the people there have no appreciation for your art form. Especially the town drunk, Tom Timmons. He's always yelling at you and carrying on and calling you a no-talent scoundrel. What does he know about your craft? He wouldn't recognize true talent if it came up and punched him in the face. Which was why today, just to test that theory, you did walk up to Tom and punch him in the face. Turns out the theory was wrong, because he definitely recognized you. But that was probably just a lucky guess... Village Road The dirt road runs alongside the stream to the south and the forest to the north. East of here you can just make out the farm where you live. To the west the road climbs over a hillside and eventually leads to Swineford. >e Mister Timmons is not a popular man, what with his ranting and raving and vomiting all over the village. That's probably what saved you from getting arrested and locked in the pillory. But the elders were concerned about the attack. They said that violence wasn't the answer to this one. They didn't want a punch-drunk drunk, they wanted a drink-drunk drunk. They escorted you out of town and informed you that your idiotic services would no longer be needed. They told you to leave and never return. You did as you were told... Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. Arriving at the farm gives you a new idea. Since your career as a village idiot now appears to be down the privy without a paddle, maybe you could talk to Farmer Jackson and convince him to hire you. A new job might be just what you need. >se Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly can be seen in the distance, grazing in the pasture. >x horace Horace Neighborly is a large draft horse. He is big and he is brown and he is wearing a blanket. That's about all you know about horses. Farmer Jackson originally christened his draft horse "Horse" because, despite all of his scientific and technical genius, he has never had a talent for coming up with good animal names. His daughter, Annabelle, was very young at the time and, mishearing the name, would always call the animal "Horace", a reference to Mrs. Jackson's shiftless older brother. Farmer Jackson was so pleased with the name -- noting with amusement that his brother-in-law's face did, in fact, bear an uncanny resemblance to that of a horse -- that he and Annabelle began calling the animal "Uncle Horace". Eventually, at Mrs. Jackson's request, the "Uncle" portion of the name was begrudgingly dropped. Several years later, Annabelle added the last name of "Neighborly", but most people around here just call him "Horace". >e Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >take bucket You attempt to squeeze past Minnie Moomoo and take the bucket. Minnie lets out an anxious moo and starts to turn her back legs towards you. You should probably try to calm her down first if you want to avoid being kicked. >x moo You can't see any such thing. >x minnie You don't know much about cows but Minnie Moomoo -- so named by Annabelle when Annabelle was four years old -- seems to be a physically healthy example of the species. Minnie's mental health, on the other hand, is highly suspect; she is a very nervous cow. Currently, Minnie appears to be agitated. >pet minnie You need to calm Minnie down more before we even consider petting her. >take grain The grain doesn't belong to you. Leave it be. >give grain to minnie (first taking the grain) The grain doesn't belong to you. Leave it be. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >talk to minnie Minnie Moomoo watches you closely and tries to listen but it is clear she doesn't understand what you are saying. She lets out a frustrated moo. Maybe that's her way of trying to talk to you... >x equipment The farm equipment is stored on shelves and hung on pegs. You don't know the names of any of the equipment, or even what they are used for. The only thing you know is that you are to leave them alone. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >s Stall Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. Except that you live in a stall built for livestock, so there are, in fact, three other places in this barn that are exactly like your home. Regardless, the stall is clean and dry, and a thin mattress provides a safe place to sleep at night. To the north the stall opens into the barn. >x mattress Perhaps the phrase "thin mattress" is a bit too generous. It is more like two gunny sacks sewn together and stuffed with a small amount of straw. Also, given that there is a gaping hole running all the way down the right side of the mattress, "sewn together" is probably too generous a phrase as well. >take straw You can't see any such thing. >x hole You see some straw in the hole, which you carefully extract. Not too much, mind you. You don't want to ruin your fancy sleeping accommodations. >i You are carrying: some straw >n Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >give straw to minnie You attempt to give the straw to Minnie Moomoo but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >e Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a crazy-looking tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, tinkering with the forge. >x forge The forge is a brick and iron beauty, cobbled together over a period of several years. Farmer Jackson never allows you to get too close to the forge, but from here you can see all the different components. There's the wood-burning gizmo and the water-filled thingie and the air-pumping whatsit, and all of the forging doodads he uses to make a bunch of his farming doohickeys, which he then uses to do his job. It's all very complex, which is why you have to use so many technical terms to describe it. Right now, the forge is silent and cold. Looks like Farmer Jackson is working on the wood-burning gizmo in an effort to make the forge put out more heat. >x tree Farmer Jackson sees what you are trying to do and steps in front of you, raising his hand. "Stop right there, Ichabod, you know the rules. Keep away from my stuff." You can't argue with Farmer Jackson when he speaks so quickly -- not when he's using said-fast logic. You back away. >x farmer Farmer Jackson is tall and lanky, with angular features, an unruly pile of graying hair and a scowl custom-made for you. He looks more like a wizard than a farmer and acts more like one as well. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "Make it quick, Ichabod. I've got to get this forge fixed by the end of the day." 1) "I lost my job today. Can I work for you?" 2) "What's with that crazy-looking tree?" 3) "What's with that mangled cage?" 4) End the discussion. >1 "I lost my job today. Can I work for you?" "No, you can't." "Why not?" Farmer Jackson gestures towards the mangled cage in the corner of the workshop. His jaw muscles tighten. "After what you did to the squirrels? How could I ever trust you again?" "I was just trying out an experiment..." "I know what you intended. It's the results that I am worried about. Regardless, I think you should check with Clara instead. Maybe she can find a way to occupy your time and keep you out of trouble." 1) "Are you sure I can't work for you?" 2) "What's with that crazy-looking tree?" 3) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 4) End the discussion. >1 "Are you sure I can't work for you?" "I think you should check with Clara instead. Maybe she can find a way to occupy your time and keep you out of trouble." 1) "Are you sure I can't work for you?" 2) "What's with that crazy-looking tree?" 3) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 4) End the discussion. >2 "What's with that crazy-looking tree?" "That's the tropical fruit salad tree I've been working on for the past year, one of my greatest natural science experiments. I obtained branch clippings from exotic locales so I can grow a wide variety of tropical fruits on a single tree. Recreating the proper growth conditions is the tricky part...the forge provides plenty of dry heat but the moisture levels aren't right...the soil composition might be off as well...plus, you wasted all of my plant growth formula on the squirrels...at any rate, so far, all the tree has produced is a bunch of coconuts." "Oh yeah...that darn soil competition...being competitive with the tree and all that..." "What's that you're saying?" "My thoughts exactly! So...hey...do you mind if I take a look at it?" Farmer Jackson shrugs. "I suppose, if it will keep you from bothering me. Just don't...you know...destroy it." 1) "Are you sure I can't work for you?" 2) "Tell me again about that fruit tree..." 3) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 4) End the discussion. >3 "Remind me again about the squirrels..." Farmer Jackson stares deep into your soul and scowls at what he sees. "You mean, in addition to the part where you fed my experimental plant growth formula to the test squirrels and created mutants that broke out of the cage and are now roaming around somewhere in the forest? In addition to that?" You roll your eyes. "Uh...yeah...Mr. Exhibition..." "It's ex-position...ex-PO -- never mind! The answer is...I don't know yet. I can create an antidote, but it is useless unless I can locate the squirrels, and I have no idea how to track them down." "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I also have no idea how to track them down." "No...that doesn't make me feel better." 1) "Are you sure I can't work for you?" 2) "Tell me again about that fruit tree..." 3) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 4) End the discussion. >4 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Farmer Jackson shrugs and returns to his work. Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, tinkering with the forge. >x cage At one time, this large brass cage might have housed several small animals. Now it is useless, its bars bent open and outwards. Whatever used to be in here appears to have escaped without using the door. >take it The cage is bulky and useless. You don't see any reason to carry it around. >search it The squirrel cage is empty. >x tree The tree sits in an enormous pot next to the wood-fired forge. Although it appears fully grown, it is barely taller than you. A hodgepodge of different branches have been grafted onto an apple tree trunk. Most of the branches are not doing well, but a few fronds are growing on the healthier specimens. As you are examining the tree, a single coconut falls from a branch and lands with a hollow thump on workshop floor. Looks like you accidentally knocked loose the only fruit growing on the tree. Farmer Jackson hears the coconut hit the floor and glances at it. "You can take it if you want. I've already got more coconuts than I will ever need." >take coconut Taken. >x it This is the largest nut-like fruit, or fruit-like nut, that you have ever seen. Round and hairy, with a hard shell that surrounds whatever mystery meat lurks inside. No wonder Farmer Jackson didn't want this thing. You can't imagine how anyone could possibly eat it. >l Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, tinkering with the forge. >n Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >x stream The small stream curves around the barn from the southwest and runs into the dense forest to the north. The water looks relatively safe aside from a sharp-edged boulder that emerges from the west bank and reaches to the center of the stream. >x boulder That is one nasty looking boulder. Better be careful exploring the stream. If you slipped and fell, that sharp edge looks like it could break you open. >throw coconut at boulder Ever heard that expression "throws like a village idiot"? No? Well, let's just say it's not an effective throwing technique. Which is why you wisely decide not to throw the coconut. >hit boulder with coconut You bang the coconut on the sharp edge of the boulder with the chaotic and frenetic energy of a newly decapitated chicken. After four or fives attempts, the coconut splits open, spraying your hands and face with the water inside. As a result of your efforts, you now hold two surprisingly symmetrical coconut halves. >knock coconut I didn't understand that sentence. >i You are carrying: a left coconut half a right coconut half some straw >hit left with right You clap the coconut halves together, creating a faint, wet thumping noise. Well, that was underwhelming. You need to figure out how to remove the coconut meat if you want to make a louder, clearer sound. >eat coconut Which do you mean, the left coconut half or the right coconut half? >left You don't see any obvious way to get the coconut meat out of the shell and eat it. >nw Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >x forest As far as forests go, this isn't too bad; the less trees the better. >w Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. >x tree The English oak is a magnificent example of the species, with twisted and gnarly branches going every which way. >x branches The English oak is a magnificent example of the species, with twisted and gnarly branches going every which way. >take branches Maybe it's because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to take the oak tree. >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. The view above you is blocked by an abundance of leaves. >take leaves You are able to pull off a few leaves and discard them, but it doesn't help much. You really need to figure another approach. >x boughs There is an abundance of branches in this tree. Granted, trees often have a lot of branches, but in this case, it feels like the oak is just showing off. >pull boughs You give the branch a good, solid pull and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >push boughs You give the branch a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >enter it Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out how to enter the branch. >hit it You might the village wise guy but you are not the village hitman. >d Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. >nw Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >x nutshells A graveyard of nutshells litter the ground, crunching beneath your feet as you walk over them. Something with a big appetite for nuts has been occupying this clearing. >take nutshells You don't see any point in picking up the nutshells. >search nutshells You find nothing of interest. >drop left coconut Dropped. >drop right Dropped. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. >nw Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. You can see a right coconut half and a left coconut half here. >take all right coconut half: Taken. left coconut half: Taken. >x left You've cracked the coconut wide open, exposed meat glistening an impossible white in a brown, hairy shell. The left coconut half looks a lot like the right coconut half but you are pretty sure you can still tell them apart. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. >sw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >x table The large table is where the family normally gathers to eat. You often eat here as well, whether you are invited or not. Usually not. >x oven The stone oven stands against the southern wall. The fire pit below and the cooking surface above are currently not being used. A stack of firewood sits beside the oven waiting to be used as fuel. Looks like Sassy Britches might have knocked her catnip toy in between the oven and the firewood while she was playing. You decide to take the toy. >x firewood A stack of firewood is piled up neatly against the south wall. The wood must provide fuel for the oven. >take firewood The firewood is far too bulky to carry around with you. You don't want to end up looking like an idiot... >put firewood in oven (first taking the firewood) >l Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >x oven The stone oven stands against the southern wall. The fire pit below and the cooking surface above are currently not being used. A stack of firewood sits beside the oven waiting to be used as fuel. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >x bed A large bed, most likely fashioned through the combined efforts of the farmer and his wife, Clara. >x table A small table covered with various odds and ends. This is where Clara works on most of her projects. >x chairs Just a convenient place to sit while Clara works on her projects. >x chest The chest contains odds and ends that Clara uses in her projects. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) "I lost my job today. Do you need my help with anything?" 2) End the discussion. >1 "I lost my job today. Do you need my help with anything?" "Oh, my! Uh...no, dear! Bless your heart...but no..." "Why not?" "Well, because I have a certain way of doing things, and you have a certain way of doing things, and those two ways don't work together." "What's wrong with my way of doing things?" "Nothing when you first get started. It's really the middle and the end parts that cause most of the...um...undesirable results. Why don't you check with Annabelle instead. She is an intelligent girl, always has a good idea or two. I'm sure she can help you." 1) "Are you sure you don't need my help?" 2) End the discussion. >1 "Are you sure you don't need my help?" "Why don't you check with Annabelle instead. She is an intelligent girl, always has a good idea or two. I'm sure she can help you." 1) "Are you sure you don't need my help?" 2) End the discussion. >2 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >search chest You find nothing of interest. >take all There are none at all available! >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >u Loft You are standing in a loft has been converted into a child's room. There is just enough space for a small bed, a shelf of books and an open trunk filled with clothes. A ladder leads back down to the main area of the house. Annabelle is here, absorbed in her reading. Sassy Britches lounges on the floor. >x bed Looks like a comfortable enough place to sleep. >x shelf The shelf is filled with books, which seems like a waste of a perfectly good shelf. >x books You don't read a lot in your profession and you aren't about to start now. >x trunk Looks like the trunk holds some clothing and a leather ball. The clothes don't interest you but the leather ball might be useful, so you take it. >x clothes (the clothes) A couple of tunics, a dress and some stockings. Nothing in your size though. >x ball The leather ball is one of the few toys that Annabelle owns. Patches of leather sewn together and stuffed with scraps of cloth. Not the most sophisticated toy but at least Annabelle is playing with something. >x annabelle Annabelle is the precocious eight-year old daughter of Farmer Jackson. Her face is intelligent and kind and almost always hidden behind a book. You like to think of her as your little sister, although lately, that role seems to be reversing more and more. >talk to annabelle "Annabelle, can I talk to you for a moment?" Annabelle puts down her book. "Yes, Icky, what do you want to talk about?" 1) "I lost my job today." 2) End the discussion. >1 "I lost my job today." "That's too bad." "Yes, well, I thought I would throw some ideas against you and see what sticks..." Annabelle wrinkles her nose. "Ewww...what ideas?" 1) "Here's an idea I had..." 2) End the discussion. >1 "Here's an idea I had..." Annabelle looks at you expectantly. "If I learned to make shoes from the skins of fruits, I could be an apple cobbler." "I don't think your shoes would last very long." 1) "Here's another idea I had..." 2) End the discussion. >1 "Here's another idea I had..." Annabelle nods in your direction and waits for you to continue. "If I got a job aboard a ship, then acted like a mischievous child, I could be a sea urchin." "You are quite childish...but we are nowhere near the sea." 1) "Here's yet another idea I had..." 2) End the discussion. >1 "Here's yet another idea I had..." Annabelle waits for you to share your insight with her. "I thought about a job in medicine but I have no sense of humors." "I agree, especially with puns like that." 1) "Here's still another idea I had..." 2) End the discussion. >1 "Here's still another idea I had..." Annabelle looks a bit skeptical, but awaits your next reply. "I like to complain in high pitched tones, so maybe I could be a whine-maker." "I doubt anyone would want to pay for your services." 1) "Here's one last idea I had..." 2) End the discussion. >1 "Here's one last idea I had..." Annabelle looks at you with relief in her eyes and waits for your last idea. "I could keep an eye on the heroes of our realm and call myself a knight watchman." "But you don't know anything about knights." "Yes I do. In fact, forget the watchman idea. I should be a knight." "Now there is something I would like to see..." "Then we are in agreement! I will be a knight!" Giddy with the possibilities and a newly founded sense of purpose, you dance around the room in mad abandon, only to step squarely on the cat's tail with your full weight. With an ungodly yowl, Sassy Britches scrambles down the ladder and shoots out of the front door. Annabelle gasps, descends from the loft and follows her pet outside. It appears the conversation is over. Loft You are standing in a loft has been converted into a child's room. There is just enough space for a small bed, a shelf of books and an open trunk filled with clothes. A ladder leads back down to the main area of the house. >take all There are none at all available! >d Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) "I've decided to become a knight." 2) End the discussion. >1 "I've decided to become a knight." "Oh, well, isn't that interesting. I've read a few chivalric romances in my time. Maybe I can help." 1) "I need to find a knight's quest. Have you seen any lying around?" 2) End the discussion. >1 "I need to find a knight's quest. Have you seen any lying around?" "Oh, dear, no...you don't want to start your quest yet. First, you need to be properly attired." "I'm not really tired right now. I had a nap just after I woke up this morning...and one just before work..." Clara takes a deep breath and begins again. "If you are going to be a knight then you need to dress like a knight. You need some armor and a helmet to protect yourself. Oh, and you also need a weapon." 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) "Tell me more about the helmet..." 3) "Tell me more about the weapon..." 4) End the discussion. >1 "Tell me more about the armor..." "Well, dear, you aren't exactly endowed with upper body strength, or lower body strength, or strength in general, so I would say you need to find something thick, light and durable to wear." 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) "Tell me more about the helmet..." 3) "Tell me more about the weapon..." 4) End the discussion. >2 "Tell me more about the helmet..." "Hmmm...I suppose you could use anything that you can wear on your head. Oh, and you will need a visor..." "I thought you were my advisor..." "No, dear, a visor. It's part of the helmet. You need some sort of hole in the helmet so you can, at the very least, see where you are going." 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) "Tell me more about the helmet..." 3) "Tell me more about the weapon..." 4) End the discussion. >3 "Tell me more about the weapon..." "I suppose you could use any sort of bladed item...hmmm..." Clara searches around in her sewing supplies "Ah yes, here we are." She pulls out a huge pair of shears and hands them to you. "You can use these as a weapon." "Thank you." Clara smiles at you. "Glad I could help. My husband made them for me but they are much too large for my delicate work." You take a few practice swings with the shears, the blades cutting through the air like -- well, you were going to finish that thought with the word "butter", but then you realize that butter is more difficult to slice than air, so you stop the making the comparison altogether. Clara looked a bit alarmed at your enthusiasm. "Careful, dear, those shears are very sharp. Don't let me catch you running with them." "Running with them, hah! What do you think I am...an idiot?" Clara looks away from you quickly and stares at the ceiling. An awkward silence ensues. 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) "Tell me more about the helmet..." 3) End the discussion. >3 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >se Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly can be seen in the distance, grazing in the pasture. From across the pasture you hear Horace Neighborly whinnying. >e Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >e A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, mixing chemicals. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "I don't have much time, Ichabod. I need to get the squirrel antidote formulated before they cause any serious problems." 1) "I've decided to become a knight." 2) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 3) End the discussion. >1 "I've decided to become a knight." "I see. Well, let me know how that works out for you." 1) "I need a knight's quest. Know of anything questionable that I could do?" 2) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 3) End the discussion. >1 "I need a knight's quest. Know of anything questionable that I could do?" "No, I think you've got that part of your life covered pretty well on your own." Farmer Jackson starts to turn back to his work, but then he pauses and thinks for a moment. "Actually, you could help me out with those crazy squirrels you unleashed upon the world. I'm working on an antidote now. If you could find them, maybe I can fix your mistake." 1) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 2) End the discussion. >2 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Farmer Jackson shrugs and returns to his work. Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, mixing chemicals. >i You are carrying: some shears a leather ball a catnip toy a left coconut half a right coconut half some straw >cut left with shears That seems a bit destructive and, really, you have no compelling reason to cut the left coconut half with the shears. >dig left with shears I didn't understand that sentence. >x left You've cracked the coconut wide open, exposed meat glistening an impossible white in a brown, hairy shell. The left coconut half looks a lot like the right coconut half but you are pretty sure you can still tell them apart. >x meat Which do you mean, the left coconut half or the right coconut half? >left You've cracked the coconut wide open, exposed meat glistening an impossible white in a brown, hairy shell. The left coconut half looks a lot like the right coconut half but you are pretty sure you can still tell them apart. >x ball The leather ball is one of the few toys that Annabelle owns. Patches of leather sewn together and stuffed with scraps of cloth. Not the most sophisticated toy but at least Annabelle is playing with something. >open it Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to open the leather ball. >cut it What do you want to cut the leather ball with? >shears That seems a bit destructive and, really, you have no compelling reason to cut the leather ball with the shears. >cut straw with shears That seems a bit destructive and, really, you have no compelling reason to cut the straw with the shears. >x toy A bird-shaped cat toy made of gunny sack and stuffed with catnip. It used to be covered with feathers but it has been played with so much that most of them have fallen off. Still, not a bad likeness of a bird. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >give toy to minnie You attempt to give the catnip toy to Minnie Moomoo but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >give left to minnie You attempt to give the left coconut half to Minnie Moomoo but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >give ball to minnie You attempt to give the leather ball to Minnie Moomoo but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >give left to minnie You attempt to give the left coconut half to Minnie Moomoo but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >x straw Some clean straw which, until very recently, was part of your mattress. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >take bucket You attempt to squeeze past Minnie Moomoo and take the bucket. Minnie lets out an anxious moo and starts to turn her back legs towards you. You should probably try to calm her down first if you want to avoid being kicked. >l Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >w Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly can be seen in the distance, grazing in the pasture. >give straw to horace You may be a village idiot, but you still understand that you need to be closer to Horace Neighborly before you even attempt do that. >pet horace You may be a village idiot, but you still understand that you need to be closer to Horace Neighborly before you even attempt do that. From across the pasture you hear Horace Neighborly let out a whinny. >s You are stopped by the fence. It's not surprising. That's what fences are supposed to do. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northwest and east. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >exits Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northeast, southeast, and east. >w The last thing you want to do is head back to Swineford. Besides, the village elders already told you that you are no longer welcome. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northeast, southeast, and east. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >talk to annabelle "Annabelle, can I talk to you for a moment?" Annabelle slowly turns from the oak tree to you. "What do you want now?" 1) "What's wrong?" 2) End the conversation. >1 "What's wrong?" "Sassy Britches ran up this tree and I can't get her to come back down!" "Ah ha! This looks like a perfect knight's quest. Rescuing a damsel in distress." "That's the least you can do since you are the one who scared her up there in the first place." 1) "Any ideas on how to rescue her?" 2) End the conversation. >1 "Any ideas on how to rescue her?" "We need to create something to lure her down from the highest branches and then we might be able to grab her." "What kind of lure?" "She likes to hunt for birds in nests when she is up in the trees. Maybe we can create a decoy." "That sounds like a lot of work..." "Well...normally I would just climb up there and call to her. Unfortunately, I'm not tall enough. The tree branches are too far apart for me to climb safely." "I'm tall enough to reach the branches." Annabelle lowers her eyes and purses her lips. "Ye-esss, that's true...but before you climb up there you will need to disguise yourself." 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "You said that Sassy enjoys hunting birds?" 3) "Why do I need to disguise myself?" 4) End the conversation. >3 "Why do I need to disguise myself?" "I don't think it's a secret that Sassy doesn't like you..." "Sassy doesn't like me!?" "Hmmm...maybe it was a secret...but now it's not a secret. Anyway, you need to figure out how hide your face from her." "Well, I don't like Sassy either. Stupid cat!" "And she has a pretty good sense of smell, so you should disguise your scent as well...are you even listening to me?" "What? Yeah, I heard you. You said Sassy doesn't like me." "Never mind." 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "You said that Sassy enjoys hunting birds?" 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >2 "You said that Sassy enjoys hunting birds?" "Yes. I don't approve of it but she is a cat after all. Hmmm...maybe if you put a decoy up in the tree." "What do you mean?" "If you had a bird's nest, you could put it up in the tree...she might be curious enough to come investigate. Then you could grab her." "Where am I supposed to get a bird's nest?" "I don't know. Be creative. Get some muddy straw and dry it out in the shape of a nest." "I see. And the shape of a nest, that would be..." "Nest-shaped. Like half of a hollowed out sphere." "How am I going to hollow out a spear?" "Not a "spear", a "sphere". You know...ball-shaped. Oh, and putting a fake bird in the nest would help as well." You sigh deeply. Yes, you were right. This is going to be a lot of work. 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >4 End the conversation. "On second thought, I've got nothing to say." Annabelle nods and her gaze returns to the oak tree. Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >nw Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. You can hear scuttling and the sounds of tiny twigs breaking above you. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >listen You hear the sounds of chattering and squeaking above you. >take nutshells You don't see any point in picking up the nutshells. >u Climbing a tree sounds like a lot of effort, especially when you have no compelling reason to do so. You would rather expend that energy on something more fun, like avoiding climbing trees. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go southeast. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. The view above you is blocked by an abundance of leaves but you can hear something rustling around on the highest branches. >d Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >i You are carrying: some shears a leather ball a catnip toy a left coconut half a right coconut half some straw >e Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >se Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >enter stream You don't feel like getting wet today. Besides, there is nothing but dense forest on the other side of the stream. >put straw in stream That can't contain things. >drink water You take a quick drink of water from the stream. Cool, refreshing and, hopefully, not swarming with gut parasites. >dip I didn't understand that sentence. >put straw in water That can't contain things. >put water on straw (first taking the stream) Maybe it's because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to take the stream. >i You are carrying: some shears a leather ball a catnip toy a left coconut half a right coconut half some straw >x mud The stream bank is a muddy area that runs alongside the water, on the west side of the stream. >put straw in mud That can't contain things. >take mud You attempt to take some of the mud from the stream bank but it runs right through your fingers. Maybe you should try to find find a container for it. >put mud in left (first taking the stream bank) You attempt to take some of the mud from the stream bank but it runs right through your fingers. Maybe you should try to find find a container for it. >s A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, mixing chemicals. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "I don't have much time, Ichabod. I need to get the squirrel antidote formulated before they cause any serious problems." 1) "Remind me again about the squirrels..." 2) End the discussion. >2 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Farmer Jackson shrugs and returns to his work. Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, mixing chemicals. >x forge The forge is a brick and iron beauty, cobbled together over a period of several years. Farmer Jackson never allows you to get too close to the forge, but from here you can see all the different components. There's the wood-burning gizmo and the water-filled thingie and the air-pumping whatsit, and all of the forging doodads he uses to make a bunch of his farming doohickeys, which he then uses to do his job. It's all very complex, which is why you have to use so many technical terms to describe it. The forge is blazing away, putting out a tremendous amount of heat. That explains the increase in the temperature of the workshop. >put left in forge Farmer Jackson probably wouldn't let you put things in the forge so you decide to drop the left coconut half near the forge instead... Dropped. >take it Taken. >x tree The tree sits in an enormous pot next to the wood-fired forge. Although it appears fully grown, it is barely taller than you. A hodgepodge of different branches have been grafted onto an apple tree trunk. Most of the branches are not doing well, but a few fronds are growing on the healthier specimens. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >x minnie You don't know much about cows but Minnie Moomoo -- so named by Annabelle when Annabelle was four years old -- seems to be a physically healthy example of the species. Minnie's mental health, on the other hand, is highly suspect; she is a very nervous cow. Currently, Minnie appears to be agitated. >talk to minnie Minnie Moomoo watches you closely and tries to listen but it is clear she doesn't understand what you are saying. She lets out a frustrated moo. Maybe that's her way of trying to talk to you... Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >milk minnie Why would you do farm work if you don't have to? >enter minnie Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out how to enter Minnie Moomoo. >climb minnie Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to climb Minnie Moomoo. >s Stall Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. Except that you live in a stall built for livestock, so there are, in fact, three other places in this barn that are exactly like your home. Regardless, the stall is clean and dry, and a thin mattress provides a safe place to sleep at night. To the north the stall opens into the barn. >search mattress Perhaps the phrase "thin mattress" is a bit too generous. It is more like two gunny sacks sewn together and stuffed with a small amount of straw. Also, given that there is a gaping hole running all the way down the right side of the mattress, "sewn together" is probably too generous a phrase as well. >open it Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to open the thin mattress. >look under it You lift up the thin mattress and see nothing hidden beneath it. >enter it Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out how to enter the thin mattress. >sleep Sleep is a critical part of any village idiot's daily regimen, but you have more important things to focus on right now. >search hole The gaping hole is empty. >n Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >w Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly can be seen in the distance, grazing in the pasture. >talk to horace Even if Horace could understand what you are saying, he is much too far away to hear you. You will have to find a different way to get his attention. >wave straw You attempt to get Horace's attention by waving the straw in his general direction. Horace takes a brief look at the straw, lets out a whinny, then goes back to grazing in the pasture. Who knew he was such a foodie? Maybe you should try something a little more horse-like... >i You are carrying: a left coconut half some shears a leather ball a catnip toy a right coconut half some straw From across the pasture you hear Horace Neighborly whinnying loudly. >wave left You wave the left coconut half all around like the village idiot you are. From across the pasture you hear Horace Neighborly letting out a loud whinny. >wave ball You wave the leather ball all around like the village idiot you are. From across the pasture you hear Horace Neighborly whinnying. >wave toy You wave the catnip toy all around like the village idiot you are. >wave shears You wave the shears all around like the village idiot you are. >take all There are none at all available! >l Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly can be seen in the distance, grazing in the pasture. From across the pasture you hear Horace Neighborly let out a whinny. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >take all There are none at all available! >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. The view above you is blocked by an abundance of leaves but you can hear something rustling around on the highest branches. >cut leaves with shears You cut back the leaves with the shears until you can see the top of the tree. >l In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. Sassy Britches sits high in the upper branches. >d Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >take all There are none at all available! >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. Sassy Britches sits high in the upper branches. >take all There are none at all available! >x sassy Sassy Britches is one of Annabelle's most appropriately named pets. The cat is sassy and, due to the unusual color pattern of her fur, does indeed appear to be wearing a pair of black britches. She regards you with a look that is severely contemptuous, even by feline standards. >give toy to sassy You attempt to give the catnip toy to Sassy Britches but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >d Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >talk to annabelle "Annabelle, can I talk to you for a moment?" Annabelle slowly turns from the oak tree to you. "What do you want now?" 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >4 End the conversation. "On second thought, I've got nothing to say." Annabelle nods and her gaze returns to the oak tree. Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >nw Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. You can hear scuttling and the sounds of tiny twigs breaking above you. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >take all There are none at all available! >x nutshells A graveyard of nutshells litter the ground, crunching beneath your feet as you walk over them. Something with a big appetite for nuts has been occupying this clearing. >drop left The moment the coconut half thumps against the ground, a group of cats scurry down the trees and surround it. Wait. No. Not cats. Squirrels! Giant squirrels! From within the huddled mass of furry bodies, you hear the unholy sound of greedy mouths scraping, chewing and devouring the meaty innards of the fruit. By the time you realize what you are looking at, most of the squirrels have finished eating, and are already scrambling back up the trees and into the shadows of the canopy. Only an empty shell is left behind. >drop right With no small amount of trepidation, you drop the second coconut half on the ground. The mutant squirrels respond immediately, scurrying down the trees and descending upon the offered meal. You watch in horror as the giant furry bodies surround the hapless fruit and writhe like a nest of maggots, a choir of crunching and chattering voices ringing in your ear. The feeding frenzy is quick, the carcass picked clean within a matter of seconds. The squirrels climb back into the trees, sluggish with bloated bellies, and slink into the darkness. You are alone again in the forest clearing and all that remains of the once majestic coconut is a quiet, empty shell. >take all right coconut shell: Taken. left coconut shell: Taken. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >sw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >se Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly can be seen in the distance, grazing in the pasture. >wave left You wave the left coconut shell all around like the village idiot you are. >hit left with right You clap the coconut shells together, creating a noise that sounds very similar to horse hooves thumping against the ground. The sound is sharp and loud enough to be clearly heard, even at a distance. Across the pasture, Horace Neighborly hears the sound and looks up. He stares for a moment, then trots up to the fence and lets out a neigh. >pet horace You need to calm Horace down more before we even consider petting him. >talk to horace Horace Neighborly watches you closely and tries to listen but it is clear he doesn't understand what you are saying. He neighs in frustration. Maybe you should try something a little more horse-like... >give straw to horace You attempt to get Horace's attention by waving the straw in his general direction. Horace takes a brief look at the straw, lets out a whinny, then goes back to grazing in the pasture. Who knew he was such a foodie? Maybe you should try something a little more horse-like... >i You are carrying: a left coconut shell a right coconut shell some shears a leather ball a catnip toy some straw >give ball to horace You attempt to give the leather ball to Horace Neighborly but he doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >give toy to horace You attempt to give the catnip toy to Horace Neighborly but he doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >e Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >x barrels Barrels full of wheat and barley, though you have no idea which is which. Good thing you are not the farmer. >open barrels Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to open the grain. >take grain The grain doesn't belong to you. Leave it be. >take all milking bucket: You attempt to squeeze past Minnie Moomoo and take the bucket. Minnie lets out an anxious moo and starts to turn her back legs towards you. You should probably try to calm her down first if you want to avoid being kicked. >search barrels You find nothing of interest. >search stalls You find nothing of interest. >search equipment You find nothing of interest. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >e A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, mixing chemicals. >take all There are none at all available! >search cage The squirrel cage is empty. >n The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >nw Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >x forest As far as forests go, this isn't too bad; the less trees the better. >w Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >sw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) "Tell me more about the helmet..." 3) End the discussion. >3 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >x chest The chest contains odds and ends that Clara uses in her projects. >search it You find nothing of interest. >x odds You can't see any such thing. >x ends You can't see any such thing. >look under table You look under the table but see nothing of interest. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >search table You find nothing of interest. >look under table You look under the table but see nothing of interest. >x benches Good thing those benches are there because it is annoying to eat while standing at a table. >search benches You find nothing of interest. >look under benches You look under the bench but see nothing of interest. >search oven You find nothing of interest. >enter oven Last time you checked, you weren't a wicked witch living in a candy house. For this reason, and this reason alone, you avoid entering the stone oven. >x firewood A stack of firewood is piled up neatly against the south wall. The wood must provide fuel for the oven. >move firewood You give the firewood a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >pull firewood You give the firewood a good, solid pull and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >u Loft You are standing in a loft has been converted into a child's room. There is just enough space for a small bed, a shelf of books and an open trunk filled with clothes. A ladder leads back down to the main area of the house. >search shelf You find nothing of interest. >search trunk You find nothing of interest. >search books You find nothing of interest. >take books The books don't belong to you. Let them be. >search bed You find nothing of interest. >look under bed You look under the bed but see nothing of interest. >search clothes (the clothes) You find nothing of interest. >take clothes (the clothes) An interesting idea, but even if you could find a style that you liked, you couldn't possibly fit into them. >x ladder The ladder provides a convenient way to get back down to the main area of the house. Certainly better than jumping or falling, at any rate. >d Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >x wall One of the four sturdy walls that make up the house around you. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >save Ok. >l Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >i You are carrying: a left coconut shell a right coconut shell some shears a leather ball a catnip toy some straw >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >e Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >se Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >swim What do you want to swim? >stream You don't feel like getting wet today. Besides, there is nothing but dense forest on the other side of the stream. >wash What do you want to wash? >me You do your best to wash yourself in the water but it doesn't do much. You basically look and smell the same as before. >wash ball The leather ball isn't particularly dirty, so you don't see any reason to do any washing. >i You are carrying: a left coconut shell a right coconut shell some shears a leather ball a catnip toy some straw >wash shears The shears aren't particularly dirty, so you don't see any reason to do any washing. >wash straw The straw isn't particularly dirty, so you don't see any reason to do any washing. >wash toy The catnip toy isn't particularly dirty, so you don't see any reason to do any washing. >x me You are Ichabod Stuff, former village idiot of Swineford. You are a middle-aged man of nineteen years, with luxurious, greasy tresses cascading down from atop your mostly mange-free scalp. You have a face like a pile of mashed potatoes and a body like a much taller pile of mashed potatoes. You are wearing your finest sackcloth ensemble. >x sackcloth Your sackcloth ensemble may not be fancy, but it is the only thing protecting the outside world from your unbridled nakedness. >remove it Nobody wants that to happen so you wisely decide to keep yourself clothed. >cut hair You can't see any such thing. >d You are an unemployed village idiot. You are as low as you are ever going to get. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northwest and south. >s A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, mixing chemicals. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "I don't have much time, Ichabod. I need to get the squirrel antidote formulated before they cause any serious problems." 1) "I found the mutant squirrels!" 2) End the discussion. >1 "I found the mutant squirrels!" Farmer Jackson raises his eyebrows. "What? You did? Where?" "I saw them in a clearing in the forest, not far from the house." Farmer Jackson rubs his chin as his eyebrows nosedive into a scowl. "They could be dangerous." "Especially if you happen to be a coconut!" Farmer Jackson reaches into the labyrinth of glass tubes and strangely colored chemicals on his workbench, and displays a small bottle that contains a bright blue liquid. "I've finished the antidote, but I still need a way to administer the dose to the squirrels. Perhaps some sort of pumping spray device." "Or perhaps a spraying pump device." "Yes, yes, now let me be. I need some time to figure this out." 1) "How are things going with the squirrel spraying pump thingie?" 2) End the discussion. >1 "How are things going with the squirrel spraying pump thingie?" "Slower, now that you have interrupted me." "I see. Yes. Well, good talk." "Good for you...bad for me." 1) "How are things going with the squirrel spraying pump thingie?" 2) End the discussion. >2 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Farmer Jackson shrugs and returns to his work. Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, assembling an antidote sprayer. >x forge The forge is a brick and iron beauty, cobbled together over a period of several years. Farmer Jackson never allows you to get too close to the forge, but from here you can see all the different components. There's the wood-burning gizmo and the water-filled thingie and the air-pumping whatsit, and all of the forging doodads he uses to make a bunch of his farming doohickeys, which he then uses to do his job. It's all very complex, which is why you have to use so many technical terms to describe it. The forge is blazing away, putting out a tremendous amount of heat. That explains the increase in the temperature of the workshop. >touch it There's no point. Farmer Jackson would just stop you again. He doesn't like you messing with his stuff without his permission. >touch tree You feel nothing unexpected. That is to say, you expected the tropical fruit salad tree to feel like a tropical fruit salad tree, and that's what it feels like. >take it The tropical fruit salad tree is far too heavy to carry around with you. >climb it Climbing the tropical fruit salad tree seems like a lot of effort. You would rather do nothing. >search it You find nothing of interest. >x it The tree sits in an enormous pot next to the wood-fired forge. Although it appears fully grown, it is barely taller than you. A hodgepodge of different branches have been grafted onto an apple tree trunk. Most of the branches are not doing well, but a few fronds are growing on the healthier specimens. >x branches The tree sits in an enormous pot next to the wood-fired forge. Although it appears fully grown, it is barely taller than you. A hodgepodge of different branches have been grafted onto an apple tree trunk. Most of the branches are not doing well, but a few fronds are growing on the healthier specimens. >x fronds The tree sits in an enormous pot next to the wood-fired forge. Although it appears fully grown, it is barely taller than you. A hodgepodge of different branches have been grafted onto an apple tree trunk. Most of the branches are not doing well, but a few fronds are growing on the healthier specimens. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >sing You manage to hum a few bars of a tune called "Song of the Rakish Nightingale". >take bucket You attempt to squeeze past Minnie Moomoo and take the bucket. Minnie lets out an anxious moo and starts to turn her back legs towards you. You should probably try to calm her down first if you want to avoid being kicked. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >sing to minnie I only understood you as far as wanting to sing. >push minnie You are already pushy enough as it is. No need to drive the point home so literally by pushing Minnie Moomoo. >danc I didn't understand that sentence. >dance You manage to remember a few steps from The Dance of the Magical Lord. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >jump Whoa, hold on there, Icky B. Nimble! You don't have the strength, skill or balance to be doing that. Best if you keep both of your feet planted firmly on the floor. >s Stall Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. Except that you live in a stall built for livestock, so there are, in fact, three other places in this barn that are exactly like your home. Regardless, the stall is clean and dry, and a thin mattress provides a safe place to sleep at night. To the north the stall opens into the barn. >take mattress The thin mattress is far too bulky to carry around with you. You don't want to end up looking like an idiot... >move it You give the thin mattress a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >n Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. >x bucket It is difficult to see the milking bucket from here with Minnie Moomoo blocking your view. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >w Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly is standing near the fence, watching you warily. >sing You manage to hum a few bars of a tune called "O, Sweet Unfortunate Mackerel". >pet horace You need to calm Horace down more before we even consider petting him. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >take all There are none at all available! >search firewood You find nothing of interest. >take it The firewood is far too bulky to carry around with you. You don't want to end up looking like an idiot... >move it You give the firewood a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >search oven You find nothing of interest. >move it You give the oven a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >move table You give the table a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >take ladder The ladder is far too bulky to carry around with you. You don't want to end up looking like an idiot... >move it You give the ladder a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >search it You find nothing of interest. >look under firewood Looking under the firewood would require you to lift up the firewood first and you are far too lazy to put in that much effort. >look under oven Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out how to look under the oven. >look under ladder You look under the ladder but see nothing of interest. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) "Tell me more about the helmet..." 3) End the discussion. >3 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >take all There are none at all available! >search chest You find nothing of interest. >search table You find nothing of interest. >search bed You find nothing of interest. >look under it You look under the bed but see nothing of interest. >look under table You look under the table but see nothing of interest. >look under chest Looking under the chest would require you to lift up the chest first and you are far too lazy to put in that much effort. >look under clara The only thing you see under Clara is the floor beneath her feet. >search clara You find nothing of interest. >x clara Clara is a pretty woman with intelligent eyes and a radiant smile. She is a devoted wife and mother, and she is always says nice things to you, although some of those nice things seem less nice than others. >move table You give the table a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >u Loft You are standing in a loft has been converted into a child's room. There is just enough space for a small bed, a shelf of books and an open trunk filled with clothes. A ladder leads back down to the main area of the house. >move bed You give the bed a good, solid push and it does absolutely nothing. That ought to show it who is in charge around here. >look under bed You look under the bed but see nothing of interest. >search bed You find nothing of interest. >look under shelf You look under the shelf but see nothing of interest. >look under clothes (the clothes) You look under the clothes but see nothing of interest. >read books You don't read a lot in your profession and you aren't about to start now. >d Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >talk to annabelle "Annabelle, can I talk to you for a moment?" Annabelle slowly turns from the oak tree to you. "What do you want now?" 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >3 "Tell me again about disguising myself..." "Sassy doesn't like you so you need a way to hide your face and your scent from her before you attempt to grab her." 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >4 End the conversation. "On second thought, I've got nothing to say." Annabelle nods and her gaze returns to the oak tree. Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >nw Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >hit left with right You clap the coconut shells together, creating a noise that sounds very similar to horse hooves thumping against the ground. The sound is sharp and loud enough to be clearly heard, even at a distance. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >e Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >se Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >s A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, assembling an antidote sprayer. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking agitated. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >moo You moo at Minnie as best you can. Minnie nods her head in thoughtful manner and turns her eyes towards you. Yes, you see now. It appears that Minnie understands what you are saying even if you don't. Your mind whirls with questions and possibilities: Have you always been able to communicate in this way without knowing it? Could you communicate with other animals in a similar manner? If you speak the language of animals, can you ever truly understand what it is to be an animal? Regardless, you are in a conversation with an animal now, and she is clearly waiting for you to speak to her: 1) "MOO! MOO!" 2) "Moo. Moo." 3) "Moooooo. Moooooo." 4) End the discussion. >2 "Moo. Moo." Minnie considers what you just said but it doesn't appear to have had any impact on her. Incidentally, it's not the first time this has happened to you... Minnie appears to be agitated now. 1) "Moo moo moooooooo, moo moo moooooooo." 2) "Moo. Moo." 3) "Moo moo mah-oo moo? Moo mah-OO!" 4) End the discussion. >1 "Moo moo moooooooo, moo moo moooooooo." Minnie considers what you just said and it appears to put her a bit more at ease, your words acting on her like verbal valerian root. Minnie appears to be anxious now. 1) "Moo moo moooo moo? Moo mah-oo." 2) "MOOooOOooOOooOOooOO." 3) "Moo mah-oooooo moo moooo moooooooo." 4) End the discussion. >1 "Moo moo moooo moo? Moo mah-oo." Minnie considers what you just said but it doesn't appear to have had any impact on her. Incidentally, it's not the first time this has happened to you... Minnie appears to be anxious now. 1) "Moo, moo moo moooo moo moo." 2) "MOO! MOO!" 3) "Moo mooo, moo mah-oooo...maaah-oooo." 4) End the discussion. >3 "Moo mooo, moo mah-oooo...maaah-oooo." Minnie considers what you just said and it appears to put her a bit more at ease, your words acting on her like verbal valerian root. Minnie appears to be wary now. 1) "Moo mah-OO...mah-OO!" 2) "Moooo mmmmmmmm...oooooo." 3) "Moo moo, moo moo moo." 4) End the discussion. >3 "Moo moo, moo moo moo." Minnie considers what you just said but it doesn't appear to have had any impact on her. Incidentally, it's not the first time this has happened to you... Minnie appears to be wary now. 1) "Moo moo mah-oo-oo, moo mah-oo." 2) "moo moo moo moo moo moo moo moo" 3) "Moo moo-oo-oooo...moo moo-oo-oooo." 4) End the discussion. >3 "Moo moo-oo-oooo...moo moo-oo-oooo." Minnie considers what you just said and it appears to put her a bit more at ease, your words acting on her like verbal valerian root. Minnie appears to be calm now. There doesn't appear to be any reason to continue the discussion. 1) End the discussion. >1 End the discussion. "I'm no longer in the moooo-ood to talk to you." Minnie turns away from you and focuses her blank stare on the barn wall in front of her. Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. An old milking bucket lies discarded in a corner. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking calm. >take bucket You manage to squeeze behind Minnie Moomoo and grab the milking bucket. >pet minnie You give Minnie a quick pat. Quite a bonding moment for the both of you. Minnie Moo turns her eyes to you and lets out a moo. >e A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, assembling an antidote sprayer. >n The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >put mud in bucket The milking bucket is practically falling apart and there is a big hole in its side. You decide not to put anything in it. >x hole You can't see any such thing. >x bucket The milking bucket is fashioned from wooden staves and metal rings, with a handle at the top. Unfortunately, this bucket is pretty useless for milking. Between the loose staves and the big hole near the bottom ring where the cow kicked it several days ago, you doubt it could safely hold even a small amount of liquid. And judging by the smell of spoiled milk, it needs to be cleaned as well. >wash bucket You wash the milking bucket in the water. >x bucket The milking bucket is fashioned from wooden staves and metal rings, with a handle at the top. Unfortunately, this bucket is pretty useless for milking. Between the loose staves and the big hole near the bottom ring where the cow kicked it several days ago, you doubt it could safely hold even a small amount of liquid. >wear it You put the milking bucket over your head, turning it until you can see through the hole. Probably not the most impressive looking helmet, but it hides your identity and offers protection. >s A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, assembling an antidote sprayer. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "The antidote sprayer isn't finished yet, Ichabod. I need more time. What do you want?" 1) "How are things going with the squirrel spraying pump thingie?" 2) End the discussion. >2 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Farmer Jackson shrugs and returns to his work. Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, assembling an antidote sprayer. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking calm. >w Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly is standing near the fence, watching you warily. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) "Tell me more about the armor..." 2) End the discussion. >2 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >ne Unless you want to walk into one of the walls, it's probably not a good idea to go that direction. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go east, west, and up. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >talk to annabelle "Annabelle, can I talk to you for a moment?" Annabelle slowly turns from the oak tree to you. "What do you want now?" 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >3 "Tell me again about disguising myself..." "Sassy doesn't like you so you need a way to hide your face and your scent from her before you attempt to grab her." 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >4 End the conversation. "On second thought, I've got nothing to say." Annabelle nods and her gaze returns to the oak tree. Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >s You walk into the north side of the house. Doesn't seem like the best way to get inside. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northwest, southwest, east, and up. >sw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >se Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly is standing near the fence, watching you warily. >moo You moo loudly at Horace. The blank expression on his face makes it clear that he doesn't understand the language you are speaking. >neigh You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. You see a gleam of comprehension in Horace's eyes which confirms your theory. You can speak to horses. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a thoughtful neigh. >pet horace You need to calm Horace down more before we even consider petting him. >neigh Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a neigh is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an excited neigh. >snort You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. For some reason, that response was correct. You have no idea why it was correct but you have never let ignorance stop you before. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an excited nicker. >snort Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a snort is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a thoughtful neigh. >snort You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. Apparently, you responded to him correctly this time, although you have no idea what you said. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a loud nicker. >neigh Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a neigh is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a loud neigh. >snort You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. For some reason, that response was correct. You have no idea why it was correct but you have never let ignorance stop you before. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an excited nicker. >nicker Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a nicker is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh, snort You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >neigh then snort You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a thoughtful neigh. You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. Apparently, you responded to him correctly this time, although you have no idea what you said. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a loud nicker. >whinny You whinny loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. It seems that you gave the proper response, even though you don't understand the words you used. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an impassioned snort. >pet horace You need to calm Horace down more before we even consider petting him. >squeal I didn't understand that sentence. >neigh Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a neigh is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh then snort then whinny You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an impassioned neigh. You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. For some reason, that response was correct. You have no idea why it was correct but you have never let ignorance stop you before. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a thoughtful nicker. You whinny loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. It seems that you gave the proper response, even though you don't understand the words you used. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an impassioned snort. >snort Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a snort is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh then snort then whinny You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a loud neigh. You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. For some reason, that response was correct. You have no idea why it was correct but you have never let ignorance stop you before. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a thoughtful nicker. You whinny loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. This horse language isn't as difficult as you thought it was, though you really have no idea what you are saying to Horace. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an excited snort. >whinny Horace shakes his mane in disgust and turns away. You aren't sure what you said to him but it's pretty clear that a whinny is not the proper response. Horace ends the conversation with you and goes back to grazing in the pasture. >neigh then snort then whinny You neigh at Horace in a loud, clear voice. He nods his head and faces you. Horace carefully considers your neigh, then responds with a snort. Apparently, a snort is the proper response to a neigh. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an excited neigh. You snort loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. It seems that you gave the proper response, even though you don't understand the words you used. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out a thoughtful nicker. You whinny loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. For some reason, that response was correct. You have no idea why it was correct but you have never let ignorance stop you before. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an impassioned snort. >nicker You nicker loudly at Horace. Horace nods his head eagerly and moves a little closer to you. Apparently, you responded to him correctly this time, although you have no idea what you said. Horace pauses a moment, then lets out an excited whinny. >neigh You neigh loudly at Horace. Horace flips his head and circles his nose in the air in what you can only assume is a friendly gesture. He sidles up to the fence and begins grazing, all signs of anxiety towards you melting away. Clearly, the conversation went well and you now have a new friend. >pet horace You give Horace a quick pat. Quite a bonding moment for the both of you. >x horace Horace Neighborly is a large draft horse. He is big and he is brown and he is wearing a blanket. That's about all you know about horses. >take blanket Taking advantage of your newly founded friendship with Horace, you reach out and take the horse blanket off of his back. Horace is too involved with his grazing to even notice what you have done. >x it A woven wool blanket covered with red, white and black diamond patterns. It is thick, light and durable. It also smells strongly of horses. >wear it You attempt to wear the horse blanket by draping it over your shoulders, but it slips off a moment later. Perhaps if there were some holes in the blanket it would be easier to wear... >cut blanket What do you want to cut the horse blanket with? >shears You put what little tailoring skills you have to the task and manage to cut three holes in the horse blanket: one for your head and two for your arms. The placement of the holes are more or less correct, providing you with some makeshift armor. >wear blanket You put on the makeshift armor and feel more protected. Also, it makes you smell exactly like a horse. Not making any judgments, just stating facts. >smell me You take a quick sniff of yourself. The makeshift armor you are wearing hides your natural smell with a strong horse-like odor. >n You walk into the south side of the house. Doesn't seem like the best way to get inside. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northwest and east. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >sw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) End the discussion. >1 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >ne Unless you want to walk into one of the walls, it's probably not a good idea to go that direction. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go east, west, and up. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >talk to annabelle "Annabelle, can I talk to you for a moment?" Annabelle slowly turns from the oak tree to you. "What do you want now?" 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >2 "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." "You need to make a fake nest, you know, dried out muddy straw in the shape of a nest...like, half of a hollowed out sphere. Putting a fake bird in the nest would probably help as well. You can put it on a tree branch to lure Sassy close to you...and then you can grab her." 1) "Tell me again about rescuing the cat..." 2) "Tell me again about the bird's nest..." 3) "Tell me again about disguising myself..." 4) End the conversation. >e You are currently in discussion mode. Please review the list of numbered choices and type in the number corresponding to what you want to say. Type in LOOK to see the list of choices again. To exit back to normal gameplay, end the discussion by selecting the last choice. >4 End the conversation. "On second thought, I've got nothing to say." Annabelle nods and her gaze returns to the oak tree. Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >ne You have no compelling reason to go wandering off into the forest. You might even get lost if you do. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northwest, southwest, east, and up. >e Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >se Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >put straw in mud That can't contain things. >put ball in mud That can't contain things. >put mud on ball (first taking the stream bank) You attempt to take some of the mud from the stream bank but it runs right through your fingers. Maybe you should try to find find a container for it. >put mud on straw (first taking the stream bank) You attempt to take some of the mud from the stream bank but it runs right through your fingers. Maybe you should try to find find a container for it. >i You are carrying: some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a left coconut shell a right coconut shell some shears a leather ball a catnip toy some straw >put mud in left You scoop some of the mud from the stream bank into the left coconut shell. >put straw in left You put the straw into the left coconut shell and it mixes with the mud. >put ball in left You put the leather ball into the left coconut shell and push it firmly into the muddy straw. The muddy straw rises up, filling in the space between the leather ball and the inside of the shell, until it nearly reaches the rim. >s A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, assembling an antidote sprayer. >put left in forge Farmer Jackson probably wouldn't let you put things in the forge so you decide to drop the coconut shell near the forge instead... You find a good spot on the floor near the forge and drop the left coconut shell there. A small amount of dirt falls from the edge of coconut shell as the muddy straw inside dries out a little more. >x left You've cracked the coconut wide open and all that remains after the attack of the ravenous mutant squirrels is this brown, hairy shell. The left shell of the coconut looks a lot like the right shell of the coconut but you are pretty sure you can still tell them apart. In the left coconut shell is a leather ball pressed into muddy straw. A small amount of dirt falls from the edge of coconut shell as the muddy straw inside dries out a little more. >x left You've cracked the coconut wide open and all that remains after the attack of the ravenous mutant squirrels is this brown, hairy shell. The left shell of the coconut looks a lot like the right shell of the coconut but you are pretty sure you can still tell them apart. In the left coconut shell is a leather ball pressed into muddy straw. A small amount of dirt falls from the edge of coconut shell as the muddy straw inside dries out a little more. >x left You've cracked the coconut wide open and all that remains after the attack of the ravenous mutant squirrels is this brown, hairy shell. The left shell of the coconut looks a lot like the right shell of the coconut but you are pretty sure you can still tell them apart. In the left coconut shell is a leather ball pressed into hardened mud and straw. >take left You take the coconut shell, still hot to the touch from the heat of the forge. You pull the leather ball out of the dried mud and straw, and then turn over the shell, shaking it carefully, until something that looks very much like a bird's nest pops out into your hands. >put toy in nest You put the catnip toy into the nest. >nn I didn't understand that sentence. >n The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >nw Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >w Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle stands near the oak tree, looking worried. >i You are carrying: a nest a catnip toy a leather ball a left coconut shell some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. Sassy Britches sits high in the upper branches. >u You can't climb any higher in the tree. The branches would never support your weight. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go down. >put nest on branches You find a sturdy branch nearby and place the nest there. Sassy is intrigued by the nest and moves closer to investigate it. >z Time passes and you do nothing. It's your favorite thing to do. >z Time passes and you do nothing. It's your favorite thing to do. >x sassy Sassy Britches is one of Annabelle's most appropriately named pets. The cat is sassy and, due to the unusual color pattern of her fur, does indeed appear to be wearing a pair of black britches. She regards you with a look that is severely contemptuous, even by feline standards. >take sassy You slowly creep upwards towards Sassy Britches while she is focused on the fake nest you prepared for her. Finally, she has been lured close enough to be rescued. Unfortunately, the moment you grab Sassy, she turns into a hissing, spitting cyclone of claws and fur and teeth. Although your helmet and armor protect you from most of the feline's unbridled wrath, the ensuing struggle pushes you off-balance, which results in a spectacular back flip off of the tree branch, and a much less spectacular full frontal face-plant onto the ground below. Sassy travels with you for most of the fall, but the moment her feet touch the ground she takes off like a shot and disappears into the forest. Annabelle whimpers in despair as she watches her cat run away. Finally reaching her emotional threshold, she crumples to the ground by the edge of the forest and begins to cry. All in all, probably not your best work. But at least you finished what you set out to do... Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >nw As you make your way back to the forest clearing, you hear a mournful caterwaul echoing through the trees. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. The noise sounded like it came from the northwest... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >save Ok. >nw Following the sound of the mournful caterwauling, you stumble northwest through the trees. Unable to orient yourself, you continue your random wandering, until you eventually find yourself... Lost in the Forest You are lost among the trees and the dense undergrowth. Large patches of slippery moss make for treacherous footing. All possible directions look equally confusing. You can still see the trail you made getting this far. Maybe you could follow it back out of the forest. >take moss You are a village idiot, not a village herbalist. You would be better off focusing on finding your head way through the forest. >follow trail You carefully return the way you came and manage to find your way back to the clearing... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >talk to annabelle Annabelle is upset about losing her cat, and even more upset with you for losing her cat. This is probably not the best time to strike up a conversation. >s You walk into the north side of the house. Doesn't seem like the best way to get inside. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go northwest, southwest, east, and up. >sw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) End the discussion. >1 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >se Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly is nearby, calmly grazing in the pasture. >e Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking calm. >e A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, working on a new project. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "I'm nearly finished with the antidote sprayer, Ichabod. What do you want?" 1) "I completed my knight's quest!" 2) End the discussion. >1 "I completed my knight's quest!" "What are you talking about? I haven't even given you the antidote for the mutant squirrels yet." "Ah...yes, what I mean to say is...I completed one of my quests...sort of..." "Wait a minute, I thought you were helping me get rid of the mutant squirrels. What was your other quest?" "I saved Sassy Britches from the clutches of the evil English Oak!" "What? Why was the cat in the oak tree?" 1) "She's sassy." 2) "She sat on an acorn and waited." 3) "Who can say how these things happen?" 4) End the discussion. >3 "Who can say how these things happen?" "You can. That's why I am asking you." "I was asking a historical question." "Do you mean a 'rhetorical' question?" "Is that a historical question?" "No. I mean...no, it's not...it's a...what were we talking about?" "The details aren't important. What's important is the cat is safely out of the tree and back in the forest where she belongs." "The cat is in the forest?" "Yes!" "Near the clearing by the house?" "Yes!" "Where you last saw the giant mutant squirrels?" 1) "What's your point?" 2) "Ummmm...no-oooo?" 3) "Well, yes...but it's not like she's a coconut!" 4) End the discussion. >3 "Well, yes...but it's not like she's a coconut!" "That's true, but cats are natural predators of squirrels. The squirrels might view her as a threat." Farmer Jackson turns and grabs the antidote sprayer from his work area. His eyes narrow to slits and his jaw tightens. "It's time to deal with our mutant problem." 1) "Sounds good. You go. I'll stay here." 2) "Give me the antidote sprayer. I need to finish this myself." 3) End the discussion. >2 "Give me the antidote sprayer. I need to finish this myself." Farmer Jackson nods and hands you the antidote sprayer. "I'm not sure going in alone is the wisest move, but I can respect a man who wants to clean up his own mess. Good luck!" Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, cleaning up his workshop. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking calm. >w Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly is nearby, calmly grazing in the pasture. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >nw As you make your way back to the forest clearing, you hear a mournful caterwaul echoing through the trees. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. The noise sounded like it came from the northwest... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >nw Following the sound of the mournful caterwauling, you stumble northwest through the trees. Unable to orient yourself, you continue your random wandering, until you eventually find yourself... Lost in the Forest This part of the forest is unknown to you, much like every other part of the forest. Thick, thorny bushes snag on your armor. Movement is nearly impossible in every direction. Or you could give up and return the way you came by retracing your steps. >follow trail You carefully return the way you came and manage to find your way back to the clearing... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >i You are carrying: an antidote sprayer a leather ball a left coconut shell some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >spray trees What do you want to spray the tree with? >antidote You don't want to waste the antidote on the tree. >nw Following the sound of the mournful caterwauling, you stumble northwest through the trees. Unable to orient yourself, you continue your random wandering, until you eventually find yourself... Lost in the Forest You have stumbled and fumbled your way into another part of the forest. The roots and undergrowth clutch at your feet, bending your ankles and toes into unnatural angles. You have become completely disoriented and have no idea which direction to travel. The only other option is to return the way you came by going out the forest. >out You carefully return the way you came and manage to find your way back to the clearing... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >take nutshells You don't see any point in picking up the nutshells. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. You can see a nest (in which is a catnip toy) here. >take nest Taken. >d Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >nw As you make your way back to the forest clearing, you hear a mournful caterwaul echoing through the trees. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. The noise sounded like it came from the northwest... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >nw Following the sound of the mournful caterwauling, you stumble northwest through the trees. Unable to orient yourself, you continue your random wandering, until you eventually find yourself... Lost in the Forest You are lost among the trees and the dense undergrowth. You are thankful for the protection of your helmet and armor, despite the fact that the surrounding branches and bushes keep catching and snagging you. You have no idea where you are or where you are headed. Or you could give up and return the way you came by retracing your steps. >drop nest You should probably hang onto the nest while you are wandering around, lost in the woods; otherwise, you might not see it again. >out You carefully return the way you came and manage to find your way back to the clearing... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >drop nest Dropped. >z Time passes and you do nothing. It's your favorite thing to do. >z Time passes and you do nothing. It's your favorite thing to do. >x nest Half of a hollow sphere made of dried mud and straw that looks approximately like a nest. Exactly what you were going for. In the nest is a catnip toy. >take it Taken. >meaow I didn't understand that sentence. >call I didn't understand that sentence. >sing You manage to hum a few bars of a tune called "Maids, Beware the Phlegmatic Knave". >u Climbing a tree sounds like a lot of effort, especially when you have no compelling reason to do so. You would rather expend that energy on something more fun, like avoiding climbing trees. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go southeast. >i You are carrying: a nest a catnip toy an antidote sprayer a leather ball a left coconut shell some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >hit left with right You clap the coconut shells together, creating a noise that sounds very similar to horse hooves thumping against the ground. The sound is sharp and loud enough to be clearly heard, even at a distance. >drop left Dropped. >z Time passes and you do nothing. It's your favorite thing to do. >take all left coconut shell: Taken. >throw ball Dropped. >take it Taken. >spray antidote on nutshells You don't want to waste the antidote on the nutshells. >x nuts You can't see any such thing. >se Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >talk to annabelle Annabelle is upset about losing her cat, and even more upset with you for losing her cat. This is probably not the best time to strike up a conversation. >u In an English Oak You are balanced precariously on the thick branches of a large English oak tree. Several boughs stretch out from where you sit and, although you can probably reach them, you dare not climb any higher or further than you already have. >x nw You see nothing unexpected in that direction. >x forest You can't see any such thing. >d Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >e Sparse Forest You are walking in a sparse area of the forest near the north side of the farmhouse. The trees and undergrowth are much thicker to the north and the east. The edge of the forest lies to the west, while to the southeast, around the corner of the house, you can see the stream. >n You have no compelling reason to go wandering off into the forest. You might even get lost if you do. Your idiotic senses are tingling, telling you that you can go southeast and west. >x forest As far as forests go, this isn't too bad; the less trees the better. >x trees Only a few trees grow in this sparse area of the forest. >se Stream Bank The grassy backyard of the farmhouse turns into a bank running alongside a small stream to the east. There is a narrow boulder running from bank to the center of the stream. To the south a sliding door leads into the barn. Forest lies to the north but you could walk northwest to get around the corner of the house. >s A blast of dry heat hits you as walk into the workshop. It is very uncomfortable... Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, cleaning up his workshop. >talk to farmer "Farmer Jackson, can I talk to you for a moment?" Farmer Jackson turns to face you. "I don't think I can help you anymore, Ichabod. You need to finish this." 1) End the discussion. >1 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Farmer Jackson shrugs and returns to his work. Workshop This is Farmer Jackson's workshop. Several home-brewed projects, in various stages of completion, surround you. The most predominant of these are a wood-fired forge and a tropical fruit salad tree. There is also a mangled cage lying discarded in a corner. To the north a sliding door opens to the outside world and the rest of the barn lies to the west. Farmer Jackson is here, cleaning up his workshop. >w The temperature cools down back to normal as you exit the workshop. What a relief... Barn The barn is the largest building on the farm, housing farming equipment, barrels of stored grains and four animal stalls. The stall where you live is to the south. To the east the barn continues into Farmer Jackson's workshop, while to the west the barn doors open up to the outside world. Minnie Moomoo is here, looking calm. >pet minnie You give Minnie a quick pat. Quite a bonding moment for the both of you. >w Barnyard You are standing in the middle of the barnyard near the south side of the house. Fallow fields and pastures lie to the south and west, surrounded by a tall wooden fence. To the east you see the open doors of the barn. The entrance to the farm lies to the northwest. Horace Neighborly is nearby, calmly grazing in the pasture. >pet horace You give Horace a quick pat. Quite a bonding moment for the both of you. >nw Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >e Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >e Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >talk to clara "Clara, can I talk to you for a moment?" Clara sets aside her sewing and turns to face you. "Yes, Ichabod, what do you need?" 1) End the discussion. >1 End the discussion. "On second thought, I've got nothing more to say." Clara shrugs and returns to her sewing. Back of Farmhouse The back of the farmhouse provides the sleeping quarters for the farmer and his wife. There is a large bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. An open chest sits at the end of the bed. The front of house is to the west. Clara is here, working on a sewing project. >w Front of Farmhouse This is the front area of the farmhouse, a modest and comfortable home for the family. In the center of the room stands a large wooden table with benches on either side. A stone oven and a stack of firewood stand up against the south wall. The front door leads outside to the west while the rest of the house can be accessed to the east. Near the north wall a ladder provides access to the loft. >w Jackson Farm The road ends here at Jackson farm. The family maintains a few wheat and barley fields, and a small amount of livestock. You rent a stall in their barn, so this farm is your home, too. From here, you can see the farmhouse, which you can enter to the east. You can also make your way northeast along the edge of the forest. To the southeast the farmyard curves around to the barn and Farmer Jackson's workshop. >ne Edge of Forest The farmyard is bordered to the north and the west by dense forest. You might be able to make your way along a faint trail going to the northwest. You can make your way around the farmhouse to the southwest, or travel alongside its side to the east. Before you stands a large oak tree. Annabelle sits near the forest edge, quietly sobbing. >cut tree What do you want to cut the oak tree with? >shears That seems a bit destructive and, really, you have no compelling reason to cut the oak tree with the shears. >nw As you make your way back to the forest clearing, you hear a mournful caterwaul echoing through the trees. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. The noise sounded like it came from the northwest... Forest Clearing The forest opens into a dimly lit clearing. Large trees and dense undergrowth grow thick and dark in all directions. A variety of nutshells crunch beneath your feet as you walk around. The only reliable exit appears to be a faint trail to the southeast. >cut trees What do you want to cut the tree with? >shears That seems a bit destructive and, really, you have no compelling reason to cut the tree with the shears. >cut undergrowth What do you want to cut the undergrowth with? >shears That seems a bit destructive and, really, you have no compelling reason to cut the undergrowth with the shears. >call sassy I didn't understand that sentence. >talk to sassy You can't see any such thing. >nw Following the sound of the mournful caterwauling, you stumble northwest through the trees. Unable to orient yourself, you continue your random wandering, until you eventually find yourself... Lost in the Forest This part of the forest is unknown to you, much like every other part of the forest. The roots and undergrowth clutch at your feet, bending your ankles and toes into unnatural angles. You have no idea where you are or where you are headed. You can still see the trail you made getting this far. Maybe you could follow it back out of the forest. >listen For a moment, the forest is quiet. Then, a mournful caterwaul breaks the silence. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. You think it came from the east. >e You stumble to the east... Lost in the Forest You are lost among the trees and the dense undergrowth. Thick, thorny bushes snag on your armor. All possible directions look equally confusing. You can still see the trail you made getting this far. Maybe you could follow it back out of the forest. >listen For a moment, the forest is quiet. Then, a mournful caterwaul breaks the silence. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. You think it came from the southeast. >se You stumble to the southeast... Lost in the Forest You are lost among the trees and the dense undergrowth. Large patches of slippery moss make for treacherous footing. Movement is nearly impossible in every direction. Or you could give up and return the way you came by retracing your steps. >listen For a moment, the forest is quiet. Then, a mournful caterwaul breaks the silence. That must be Sassy Britches and she doesn't sound happy. You think it came from the northeast. >ne You stumble to the northeast... Secluded Glade You have discovered a small glade nestled deep within the forest. The trees here are much larger and older than the rest of the forest, lending an air of ancient dignity to the surroundings. In the center of the glade you see a circle of six giant squirrels, standing upright and surrounding a frazzled looking cat. You have tracked down Sassy Britches and it looks like she is in trouble. >spray squirrels with antidote Taking careful aim at the nearest giant squirrel, you pull back the rod on the device and prepare to do some serious spraying. "Hey you mutant furballs! Get ready for some hardcore...HEALTHCARE!" That definitely sounded better in your head. The squirrels turn to face you with a chatter of surprise. You brace yourself, push forward on the sprayer handle with all of your strength and -- it doesn't move. It's jammed! [press any key to continue] One of the squirrels breaks from the circle and latches onto the end of the sprayer with its teeth. The surprise attack nearly rips the device from your grasp. As you attempt to shake the squirrel loose, the movement frees up the pump mechanism and the rod slides forward under the pressure of your hand. A concentrated cloud of antidote sprays directly into the mutant's mouth. The effect is immediate. The squirrel screams and spasms as the mutation is purged from its body, fur and muscles rippling as the creature shrinks back down to a normal size. The other squirrels watch the transformation, unclear on what they are witnessing, mesmerized by confusion and fear. [press any key to continue] Spotting the gap in the circle around her, Sassy darts past the remaining squirrels and scales you like a young sapling, digging her front claws into the exposed skin between your armor and helmet. Your high-pitched squeals of pain are enough to recapture the attention of the remaining squirrels. The entire group turns and races towards the two of you in a clicking and chattering frenzy. You begin pumping the sprayer as fast as you can, but between the adrenaline coursing through your body, and the panicky cat clawing at your neck and head, you are only able hit a couple of the squirrels with a weak dose as they close in. One squirrel reaches you before the others and smashes into your chest with its full weight. Sassy leaps away, causing the bucket to spin wildly on your head. You stumble backwards over a fallen log and end up lying on your back, unable to see anything except the inside your helmet. You blindly spray the antidote into the air, hoping for a miracle. As you feel the last of the liquid leaving the cylinder, you steel yourself for the inevitable embrace of death. And then... [press any key to continue] Nothing happens. You listen for a moment. Only the sound of your ragged breath. You cautiously sit up and turn your helmet back around so you can see... Secluded Glade You have discovered a small glade nestled deep within the forest. The trees here are much larger and older than the rest of the forest, lending an air of ancient dignity to the surroundings. An eerie blue mist hangs in the air, blocking out the dwindling light of the setting sun. Nearby, a group of blue-tinged squirrels stumble around in a daze. Sassy approaches you slowly, every inch of her fur covered in the antidote, and mews in a soft voice. You pick her up and she settles into your arms. >x sassy Sassy Britches is one of Annabelle's most appropriately named pets. The cat is sassy and, due to the unusual color pattern of her fur, does indeed appear to be wearing a pair of black britches. Of course, it is difficult to see the color of her fur since she is currently covered from head to tail with blue antidote. She looks relaxed and focused. >x squirrels A group of confused looking squirrels are wandering around the area in a daze. Their fur is stained blue from the antidote but at least they are transformed back to a normal size. >out The blue mist and the setting sun make it too dark to see your original trail. You can no longer easily return the way you came. Your idiotic senses are not tingling. That means any direction is equally good. Or is it equally bad? You forget. >i You are carrying: Sassy Britches a leather ball a left coconut shell a nest a catnip toy an antidote sprayer some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >s You stumble to the south back into the forest... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >drop sassy You should probably hang onto Sassy Britches while you are wandering through the forest in the dark; otherwise, you might not see her again. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you where to go? >drop sassy You should probably hang onto Sassy Britches while you are wandering through the forest in the dark; otherwise, you might not see her again. >talk to sassy Sassy Britches watches you closely and tries to listen but it is clear she doesn't understand what you are saying. >meaow I didn't understand that sentence. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You can't make out much in the dwindling light, but you can feel branches and bushes scraping you as you walk. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you something? >yowl You take in a deep breath and let out a yowl. It's no caterwaul, but it will do in a pinch. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you yowl. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >u The only way to go up is to climb a tree and you really need to focus on other things right now. Your idiotic senses are not tingling. That means any direction is equally good. Or is it equally bad? You forget. >i You are carrying: Sassy Britches a leather ball a left coconut shell a nest a catnip toy an antidote sprayer some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >give toy to sassy (first taking the catnip toy) You attempt to give the catnip toy to Sassy Britches but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >give ball to sassy You attempt to give the leather ball to Sassy Britches but she doesn't appear to be interested in taking it from you. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >purr You take in a small breath and let out a sultry purr. Well, maybe not sultry so much as creepy. But it was definitely a purr. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you purr. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >meow Feeling feline, you take a breath and then let out a loud meow. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you meow. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >yowl You take in a deep breath and let out a yowl. It's no caterwaul, but it will do in a pinch. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you yowl. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >howl You get in touch with your inner animal and let out a loud howl. Too bad your inner animal is a corgi puppy. Sassy looks up briefly at you as you howl, but her irritation is short-lived. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >hiss Showing off your catty side, you take a breath and let out an evil hiss. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you hiss. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >growl You take a breath and let out a growl. Unfortunately, you sound less like a wild animal and more like an empty stomach. Sassy looks up briefly at you as you growl, but her irritation is short-lived. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >snarl I didn't understand that sentence. >trill You take a breath and let out a trill. You know, that weird, non-committal, meowing and purring thing that cats do sometimes? You do that. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you trill. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >chirp You take a breath and then chirp like a bird. The chirp is the poor man's chirrup, but since you are poor, it seems appropriate. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you make the bird sound. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >l Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. >drop sassy You should probably hang onto Sassy Britches while you are wandering through the forest in the dark; otherwise, you might not see her again. >turn sassy Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out how to turn Sassy Britches. >x sassy Sassy Britches is one of Annabelle's most appropriately named pets. The cat is sassy and, due to the unusual color pattern of her fur, does indeed appear to be wearing a pair of black britches. Of course, it is difficult to see the color of her fur since she is currently covered from head to tail with blue antidote. She looks relaxed and focused. >i You are carrying: a catnip toy Sassy Britches a leather ball a left coconut shell a nest an antidote sprayer some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >x sprayer The sprayer is a typical Farmer Jackson contraption, cobbled together from a bunch of spare parts. A thin metal tube sit atop a large metal cylinder, which is filled with the antidote for the mutant squirrels. A rod and handle extends out of the tube. That must be the mechanism for spraying the antidote. >open it Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to open the antidote sprayer. >search it You find nothing of interest. >hit right with left You clap the coconut shells together, creating a noise that sounds very similar to horse hooves thumping against the ground. The sound is sharp and loud enough to be clearly heard, even at a distance. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you something? >yowl You take in a deep breath and let out a yowl. It's no caterwaul, but it will do in a pinch. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you yowl. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You can't make out much in the dwindling light, but you can feel branches and bushes scraping you as you walk. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >purr You take in a small breath and let out a sultry purr. Well, maybe not sultry so much as creepy. But it was definitely a purr. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you purr. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Does she know how to get home? >trill You take a breath and let out a trill. You know, that weird, non-committal, meowing and purring thing that cats do sometimes? You do that. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you trill. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >snarl I didn't understand that sentence. >growl You take a breath and let out a growl. Unfortunately, you sound less like a wild animal and more like an empty stomach. Sassy looks up briefly at you as you growl, but her irritation is short-lived. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you something? >hiss Showing off your catty side, you take a breath and let out an evil hiss. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you hiss. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Does she know how to get home? >howl You get in touch with your inner animal and let out a loud howl. Too bad your inner animal is a corgi puppy. Sassy looks up briefly at you as you howl, but her irritation is short-lived. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you something? >yowl You take in a deep breath and let out a yowl. It's no caterwaul, but it will do in a pinch. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you yowl. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >meow Feeling feline, you take a breath and then let out a loud meow. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you meow. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >hmm I didn't understand that sentence. >sing You manage to hum a few bars of a tune called "Song of the Mystical Nightingale". >out You wish it was that easy. Unfortunately, the forest is too dark now for you follow your previous trail back home. Your idiotic senses are not tingling. That means any direction is equally good. Or is it equally bad? You forget. >throw sassy You should probably hang onto Sassy Britches while you are wandering through the forest in the dark; otherwise, you might not see her again. >i You are carrying: a catnip toy Sassy Britches a leather ball a left coconut shell a nest an antidote sprayer some makeshift armor (being worn) a milking bucket (being worn) a right coconut shell some shears >throw toy You should probably hang onto the catnip toy while you are wandering through the forest in the dark; otherwise, you might not see it again. >throw ball You should probably hang onto the leather ball while you are wandering through the forest in the dark; otherwise, you might not see it again. >cut forest What do you want to cut the shadows with? >shears Maybe it's because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to do that to the shadows. >x shadows To be honest, you can't really see anything in the dwindling light except dark shadows. >l Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? >x trail You can no longer see the trail you made coming into the forest. How are you going to find your way back home? >x sun You're pretty sure the sun is still up there without staring directly at it. You hardly ever double check anymore. >sleep Sleep is a critical part of any village idiot's daily regimen, but you have more important things to focus on right now. >dance You manage to remember a few steps from The Waltz of the Solemn Old Lord. >talk to sassy Sassy Britches watches you closely and tries to listen but it is clear she doesn't understand what you are saying. >chirp You take a breath and then chirp like a bird. The chirp is the poor man's chirrup, but since you are poor, it seems appropriate. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you make the bird sound. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >trill You take a breath and let out a trill. You know, that weird, non-committal, meowing and purring thing that cats do sometimes? You do that. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you trill. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >chirrup You take a breath and then chirrup like a bird. Not a chirp but a chirrup. It's an advanced move. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you make the bird sound. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >chatter You take a deep breath and let loose with a bunch of chattering, moving one step close to utter madness. Sassy flinches a little when she hears the chattering sound but that's about it. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >caterwaul You take a deep breath and then let out a heartbreaking caterwaul. Yes, even Sassy Britches would be moved by the emotional depth of your performance. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you caterwaul. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >scream I didn't understand that sentence. >snarl I didn't understand that sentence. >growl You take a breath and let out a growl. Unfortunately, you sound less like a wild animal and more like an empty stomach. Sassy looks up briefly at you as you growl, but her irritation is short-lived. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >meow Feeling feline, you take a breath and then let out a loud meow. Sassy doesn't even look up at you as you meow. Clearly, she is too exhausted to care about what you do. >n Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the north. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >point w I didn't understand that sentence. >x w You see nothing unexpected in that direction. >look west You see nothing unexpected in that direction. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Does she know how to get home? >n Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the north... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >w Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the west. Apparently, that is the direction she wanted to go... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a caterwaul, followed by a yowl. Is she trying to tell you where to go? >w Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the west. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >e Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the east... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she giving you directions? >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you where to go? >n Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the north... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >n Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the north. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. You can't make out much in the dwindling light, but you can feel branches and bushes scraping you as you walk. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you where to go? >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Does she know how to get home? >sw Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the southwest. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >ne Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the northeast... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she giving you directions? >nw Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the northwest. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >se Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the southeast... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you something? >ne Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the northeast. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Does she know how to get home? >sw Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the southwest... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >se Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the southeast. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. Shadows in the trees play tricks on your eyes. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she giving you directions? >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the south. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. Is she trying to tell you where to go? >n Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the north... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. You can't make out much in the dwindling light, but you can feel branches and bushes scraping you as you walk. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. What is she trying to say to you? >turn What do you want to turn? >me You turn yourself around in a circle. Well now, that was certainly a thing to do, wasn't it? >turn north You must name something more substantial. >turn me north I only understood you as far as wanting to turn yourself. >show What do you want to show Sassy Britches? >north You can't see any such thing. >show What do you want to show Sassy Britches? >forest What do you want to show the shadows? >show sassy forest Maybe it's because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out a good way to do that to the shadows. >show forest sassy Maybe it is because you are a village idiot, but you can't figure out how to show Sassy Britches to the shadows. >ask I didn't understand that sentence. >talk to sassy Sassy Britches watches you closely and tries to listen but it is clear she doesn't understand what you are saying. >w Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the west... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You can't make out much in the dwindling light, but you can feel branches and bushes scraping you as you walk. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a caterwaul, followed by a yowl. Is she giving you directions? >sw Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a loud hiss as you stumble to the southwest. Apparently, she did not want to go in that direction... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. You have completely lost track of your trail into the forest. How will get home? Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a yowl. >w Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the west. Apparently, that is the direction she wanted to go... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a caterwaul, followed by a yowl. Does she know how to get home? >nw Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the northwest... Leaving the Forest You are still lost in the forest and the sun is rapidly setting. You attempt to watch your footing but it is difficult in the fading light. Every possible direction of travel looks dark and menacing. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a trill. >s Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the south. Apparently, that is the direction she wanted to go... Leaving the Forest You are lost in the dark, thick forest. You can't make out much in the dwindling light, but you can feel branches and bushes scraping you as you walk. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a trill, followed by a meow. Is she trying to tell you where to go? >se Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the southeast... Leaving the Forest You have somehow found your way to another part of the dark forest. You feel you courage wavering as the dark trees close in on you. You really wish you knew which way to go to get home. Sassy Britches fidgets in your arms and lets out a meow. Is she giving you directions? >e Sassy Britches looks up at you and lets out a satisfied purr as you stumble to the east. Apparently, that is the direction she wanted to go... Back at the forest clearing, Annabelle, Clara and Farmer Jackson have been waiting for your triumph return. When Annabelle sees that you are carrying Sassy Britches, she runs up to you and squeals with delight. You gladly deliver your prickly passenger into the arms of her loving owner. Clara lets out a big sigh of relief and hugs you. "We were so worried about you Ichabod. But it looks like you really did finish your quest. You may not be a true knight but you are a true hero." "I'm pretty sure I am a true knight as well." "Of course you are, dear. You just keep telling yourself that." [press any key to continue] Farmer Jackson claps you on the shoulder and does his best to smile at you through his natural scowl. The resultant expression is much more disturbing than welcoming, but you know his heart is in the right place, even if his facial muscles are not. "Any trouble with the mutants?" he whispers to you. "I had a little trouble tracking them down, but once I did I followed your plan and the solution fell into my face." "Do you mean the solution fell into place?" "No, I mean that after I sprayed the antidote everywhere, a bunch of it got under my helmet and in the eyeholes and all over my face. I think I inhaled and swallowed a bunch of it, too. Should I be concerned?" Farmer Jackson squints and rubs his chin. "Maybe...but it's nothing a good bloodletting won't fix." [press any key to continue] Later on, as you lie on your slightly thinner straw mattress waiting for sleep, you reflect on the day's events. Getting banished from the village was a bad situation, but then again, your job as a village idiot was going nowhere fast. Being a knight wasn't nearly as fulfilling as you thought it would be either. Yes, you completed all of your quests without causing too much damage, but the job was a lot more work than you originally anticipated and it was dangerous as well. There is something else to consider though: the animals. Today, you discovered a new skill, a dormant ability to communicate with animals in a way that others cannot. Perhaps you should explore this idea further. There are farms and animals all over this tiny community, and they might need your help. "Maybe I have a new career after all," you murmur as you drift off to sleep, dreaming of cats and coconuts, and a brighter tomorrow. *** The End. *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, see some suggestions for AMUSING things to do, QUIT, or UNDO the last command? > amusing Did you try... ...examining yourself? ...examining the village and its details at the beginning of the game? ...examining and appreciating the dirt road? ...going IN, OUT, UP or DOWN when there are no exits in those directions? ...XYZZY or counting something? ...throwing something? ...smelling the unwashed milking bucket? ...eating one of the other characters? ...tasting things or characters or yourself? ...milking the horse? ...jumping or jumping over something? ...SING or DANCE multiple times? ...making other animal noises: BARK, OINK, WARBLE or others? Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, see some suggestions for AMUSING things to do, QUIT, or UNDO the last command? >