The transcript will be saved to the file. Type SCRIPT OFF to discontinue scripting. >about Forbidden Lore was written by Alex Crossley. Thank you to Michael J. Roberts for creating TADS 3 and Eric Eve for the excellent documentation. >credits Forbidden Lore was written by Alex Crossley. Thank you to Michael J. Roberts for creating TADS 3 and Eric Eve for the excellent documentation. >help 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. Continue with the game. 3 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Rolled up maps spill from the desk drawers, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x parrot An exotic red bird with a penchant for yapping, this creature was your grandfather's sole companion in his later years. The bird surveys the room from its perch near the armchair. "What a fine evening," your grandfather's parrot reflects. >talk to parrot The bird yaps a variety of greetings. "Hello! Good day! Nice to meet you!" >parrot, hello The bird yaps a variety of greetings. >ask parrot about princess The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask parrot about rubies The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask parrot about books "What do you know about these books?" you ask. "Always reading," the bird says. "Too much reading." >ask parrot about alluvian empire The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >x me For a practitioner of the dark arts, you are very ordinary looking. "So many books," the bird squawks. >i You are dressed in plain attire and carrying nothing of importance. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Rolled up maps spill from the desk drawers, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x books Bookcases consume the entirety of the north wall, continuing on both sides of the door and flanking the desk. Some of the books on the far wall are written in Aulerian, which you learned in your youth, while others are in languages you do not know. Most of the books are sorted according to the region they concern, with the third bookcase containing those about the Illuvian empire. Introductory texts seem to be kept on a row of shelves above the desk. As you investigate the books, a cool breeze blows through the partially open window and you take a deep breath of the night air. >n You have no immediate reason to leave the study. >x desk The dark oak desk is covered in numerous books and papers. >x papers Your grandfather clearly engaged in a voluminous correspondence. A mass of papers covers the desk, most of them letters in a variety of different hands. >read papers An inspection of your grandfather's letters reveals a wide range of correspondents. He appears to have been on close terms with the renowned scholar Edward Dovenby, whose last letter states that he would be leaving your grandfather some very important items. It is clear from the letters that Dovenby expected some impending cataclysm. >ask parrot about dovenby You inquire about Edward Dovenby. "Famed scholar," the bird replies. "Many letters." >ask parrot about cataclysm "Do you know of any forthcoming calamity?" you ask your grandfather's parrot. "Wouldn't worry," the bird replies, reassuringly. "No need to worry." >* lol, what a relief! Comment recorded. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Rolled up maps spill from the desk drawers, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x maps A number of rolled up maps are jutting out of the desk drawers. >get map Curious as to their contents, you carefully begin to unfurl the maps and place them on the desk, ready for perusal. >x maps Eagerly, you turn your attention to the maps now covering the desk. Most depict a variety of ancient polities, such as Kaduska and Abilawi. On one of the maps of Tairamar, there is an addition in your grandfather's hand of a point of interest at a place called Kardeva, marked 'chief temple'. >ask parrot about kardeva The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >x map of alluvian empire The story doesn’t understand that command. >x globe A drab, beige globe sits by the mirror, mounted on wooden legs. >spin globe You idly spin the globe. >turn globe You cannot turn that. >x telescope A finely crafted telescope is set up near the window, looking out on the night sky. >look through telescope Pressing your face to the telescope, you gaze out at the stars, taking in the beauty of the night sky. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x bust Sitting on the mantelpiece is the brass bust of a distinguished-looking figure, its thick furrowed eyebrows giving it a wise countenance. >ask bird about bust "What can you tell me about the brass bust?" you ask. "That thing," the bird replies. "More talkative than most statues." >talk to bust "Good evening," the bust intones deeply. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." > I beg your pardon? >* aaah! Comment recorded. >ask bust about himself The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about bust "What can you tell me about yourself?" you ask. "I was created by the scholar Lucian Calenso," the bust explains. "He animated me with magic so that I might serve as a repository for knowledge. I am capable of responding to many queries." >ask bust about alluvian empire The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about princess "Do you know who the ruby-adorned princess is?" you ask. "She was a figure closely associated with the emperor Travaria," the bust replied. "She was part of a religious order that fought against the enemies of mankind." >ask bust about travaria "What can you tell me about the emperor Travaria?" you ask. "He made some attempt to resolve the conflict between earth and sky," the bust explains. "It did not succeed." >ask bust about conflict The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask parrot about travaria The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about calenso "What can you tell me about Lucian Calenso?" you ask. "He was my creator," the bust replies. "He perfected the magic necessary to animate me so that I might serve as a repository of knowledge and pass on the information he held to others when he could no longer do so." >ask bust about grandfather "How did you come to be in my grandfather's possession?" you ask. "I was bequeathed to your grandfather by Edward Dovenby," the bust explains. "And came here after the latter's death." >ask bust about dovenby "What do you know of Edward Dovenby?" you ask. "He was a remarkable man," the bust replies. "I learnt much from him, and imparted on him what knowledge I could." >ask bust about cataclysm The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about letters The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x mirror A large, ornate mirror hangs on the wall of the study, not far from the window. >x reflection You look into the mirror and see yourself, just as you would expect. >x me For a practitioner of the dark arts, you are very ordinary looking. >ask bust about mirror "What do you know about the mirror?" you ask. "Does it have any special properties?" "It is a magic mirror, if that's what you mean," the bust declares. "It can be used to reach almost any destination. One need only picture the place one wishes to visit and then step through the glass. The traveler can return by concentrating on the thought of the mirror." >picture alluvia You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror Trying to do that to the mirror would probably prove dangerous. >enter mirror That is not something you can enter. >step through glass You see no glass here. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x maps Eagerly, you turn your attention to the maps now covering the desk. Most depict a variety of ancient polities, such as Kaduska and Abilawi. On one of the maps of Tairamar, there is an addition in your grandfather's hand of a point of interest at a place called Kardeva, marked 'chief temple'. >picture kardeva You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >picture alluvia You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >* to prove I can! Comment recorded. >ask bust about kardeva The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about temple The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >ask bust about globe The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >x chair Which chair do you mean, the desk chair, or the armchair? >desk A simple wooden chair accompanies the desk. >x desk The dark oak desk is covered in numerous maps, books and letters. >x armchair Standing on a luxurious, woven rug is your grandfather's large velvet armchair, upholstered in purple. >search armchair You see nothing on the armchair. >sit in armchair You sink deep into the armchair, which is as comfortable as it looks. >l Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x books Bookcases consume the entirety of the north wall, continuing on both sides of the door and flanking the desk. Some of the books on the far wall are written in Aulerian, which you learned in your youth, while others are in languages you do not know. Most of the books are sorted according to the region they concern, with the third bookcase containing those about the Illuvian empire. Introductory texts seem to be kept on a row of shelves above the desk. >ask bust about Illuvian empire "What do you know about the Illuvian empire?" you ask. "A great many things," the bust replies. "However, if you mean to ask about what your grandfather sought, I can only advise that it related to one of the cults that might have had the power to defend against an imminent calamity." >ask bust about calamity The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about cult The bust has nothing to say on that subject. > I beg your pardon? >look up cult in books You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. > I beg your pardon? >look up princess in books You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >look up illuvian empire in books You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >read books It would take an eternity to read all of the books. >l Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. > I beg your pardon? >x books Bookcases consume the entirety of the north wall, continuing on both sides of the door and flanking the desk. Some of the books on the far wall are written in Aulerian, which you learned in your youth, while others are in languages you do not know. Most of the books are sorted according to the region they concern, with the third bookcase containing those about the Illuvian empire. Introductory texts seem to be kept on a row of shelves above the desk. >x aulerian books Many of the books in the library are written in Aulerian. You notice among them An Introduction to The Unseen World, in its original language. >read introduction The book explains how the priests of Kaduska would commune with spirits by fire dancing in front of their immense bonfires. In Abilawi, they revered the sky, worshipping snake gods who were said to live on the moon. The kingdom of Tairamar, meanwhile, had its robed priests who worshipped the chthonic lords of death. All of these entities were dangerous, but some were useful. "Starting at the beginning," the bird squeaks. "Much better than starting at the end." >read illuvian books There are too many books here to read all at once. >read illuvian book You see no illuvian book here. >x introductory texts A variety of texts that you deem to be of an introductory nature are stored on the shelves above the desk. Among the books here are An Introduction to The Unseen World and the The Magician's Tools. There is also the Collected Letters of Lucian Calenso. >read magicians tools The story doesn’t understand that command. >read magician's tools The book moves briskly over crystals, potions and talismans. It explains scrying stones and magic carpets that can be used for flight. It tells you about magic mirrors that you can step through to almost any destination you can think of, returning home simply by thinking about it. On the topic of familiars, it explains how one can ask them to bestow their magic. It describes how magicians can empower their spells with a magic circle, and gives somewhat lacking instructions for drawing one. "Fascinating!" the bird observes. >ask bust about magic circle The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about familiar "What do you know about this bird?" you ask. "It is more knowledgeable than it appears," the bust says. >ask bird for magic "Can you give me any magical power?" you ask. "If really must," the bird says. "As long as used for good." >* oh, I promise! Comment recorded. >ask bird about magic circle The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird about drawing circle The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird about mirror "Is there more to this mirror than meets the eye?" you ask. "Magic! Magic!" the bird squeaks. >x carpet A soft, luxurious rug occupies much of the wooden floor, weighed down by the armchair and a number of books. >ask bird about carpet The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >read collected letters The letters portray a man fascinated by all facets of science. He corresponded widely with the leading figures of his day, including Edward Dovenby. Calenso describes his numerous metereological observations. He was proficient in astronomy and botany. He was said to have been one of the few scholars familiar with the language of Eoixete glyphs. He tried his hand at summoning various spirits and another of his projects was what he referred to as the brazen head, an attempt to animate a sculpture with magical power so it could serve as a repository of knowledge. >ask bust about astronomy The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about glyphs "Do you know anything of the Eoixete language, by any chance?" you ask the bust. "I do indeed have the pleasure of being fluent in that language," the bust replies. >ask bust about eoixete "Would it be possible for you to teach me Eoixete?" you ask. "I could certainly attempts to do so if that is your wish," the bust replies. >bust, teach me eoixete Together, you and the bust set about the long process of studying the Eoixete glyphs. After what seems like an eternity, you finally begin to gain some grasp on the language. >read eoixete You see no eoixete here. >l Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls, of which you have barely scratched the surface. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x books Bookcases consume the entirety of the north wall, continuing on both sides of the door and flanking the desk. Some of the books on the far wall are written in Aulerian, which you learned in your youth, while others are in languages you do not know. Most of the books are sorted according to the region they concern, with the third bookcase containing those about the Illuvian empire. Introductory texts seem to be kept on a row of shelves above the desk. >x eoixete books Some of the books are written in the Eoixete language, which consists entirely of strange glyphs, among which you notice one which you think means Apocalypse. > I beg your pardon? >read apocalypse The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld. For thwarting the enemy from above, it includes a sequence of characters that its author foresees will be their undoing. >x characters The story doesn’t understand that command. >ask bust about gems The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask parrot about gems The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >read illuvian books There are too many books here to read all at once. >l Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls, of which you have barely scratched the surface. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >help 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What can be done about the impending cataclysm? 4. Continue with the game. 1 1/8. You can examine each of the bookcases separately, e.g. 'examine first bookcase'. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What can be done about the impending cataclysm? 4. Continue with the game. 4 Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls, of which you have barely scratched the surface. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x shelves Sturdy oak bookcases surround you, occupying the entirey of the north wall and flanking both door and desk. Yet more shelves are mounted on the wall above the desk, these ones seeming to contain introductory texts. Among the books here are An Introduction to The Unseen World and the The Magician's Tools. There is also the Collected Letters of Lucian Calenso. >x first shelf The first bookcase contains texts about a range of subjects, including astronomy, mathematics and navigation. On the lower shelves, the books begin to take a more sinister turn. Though unremarkable at first glance, the titles betray their true nature, with such volumes as Demonological Investigation and Sorcerous Secrets. >read demonology The story doesn’t understand that command. >read investigation Sadly, the author enjoyed little success in his demonic contact, only managing to conjure very minor spirits that could be of little use. He attributes his failure to a decline of magic in the world. >read secrets Written by a court sorceror in the time when such a position still existed, this book contains a great many rituals for acquiring wealth, love and other such things. It also includes an incantation, called the Thurian chant, which can be used to strengthen virtually any spell or ritual. >ask bust about thurian chant The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >read about thurian chant You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >look up thurian chant in books You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >ask parrot about thurian chant The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >x second shefl The story doesn’t understand that command. >x second shelf The second bookcase is dedicated to ancient history, with many regions covered. One interested in religion might wish to peruse Fire Worship in Kaduska or Snake Gods of Abilawi, while those concerned with temporal matters could opt for a biography of queen Ithilkyra of Tairamar. You might easily have missed it but there is also a row of esoteric texts on one of the bottom shelves. Titles here include Conjurations and Invocations. >read invocations You sink yourself deep into study of this esoteric text. The book describes many entities that can be summoned, including one called Eyveru that requires only a simple chant of its name to conjure. >ask bust about eyveru "What can you tell me about a spirit called Eyveru?" you ask. "It is a minor spirit," the bust replies. "It is commonly considered easier to summon on account of its lack of status." >ask parrot about eyveru "Have you heard of an entity called Eyveru?" you ask. "Minor spirit," the bird replies. >conjure eyveru As you complete the ritual, the outline of a figure appears before you, dark and spectral. >x eyveru The spirit is a faintly visible outline, flitting gracefully before the fire. >ask eyveru about grandfather The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about princess The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about illurian empire The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about bust The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about eyveru "What manner of creature are you?" you ask. The apparition regards you warily. "Some calls us spirits, some call us demons. And then, some call us gods, which I prefer." >ask eyveru about apocalypse The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about calamity "Do you know of any approaching calamity?" you ask. "A greater spirit than I will soon walk this world," the spirit replies. "And, when it does, there will be great destruction." >ask eyveru about spirit Eyveru has nothing further to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about thurian chant The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >l Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >dispell eyveru The story doesn’t understand that command. >release eyveru You can't release Eyveru. >ask eyveru about circle The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >x books Bookcases consume the entirety of the north wall, continuing on both sides of the door and flanking the desk. Some of the books on the far wall are written in Aulerian, which you learned in your youth, while others are in languages you do not know. Most of the books are sorted according to the region they concern, with the third bookcase containing those about the Illuvian empire. Introductory texts seem to be kept on a row of shelves above the desk. >x third shelf The third bookcase contains a wealth of historical material, including a prodigious collection of texts about the Illuvian empire. Here, you find Great Conquests, Cults of the Illuvian Empire and a biography of the emperor Travaria. There is also Imperial Defeat and the The Fall of the Illuvian Empire. Below that, there is a section for more esoteric tomes. It includes Unnatural Sciences and Infernal Pacts. >read conquests The book explains that the Illuvians quickly went from being a minor people to becoming the dominant power in their region thanks to their innovation of heavy cavalry. >read about travaria You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >read travaria Clearly a brilliant man, the emperor Travaria saved his people from a calamitous invasion but endured internecine conflict in his later years. The emperor favored a foreign religion, giving its chief priestess a place of prominence in his court. Though of royal birth in her homeland, she earned the ire of his nobles, who later rebelled, compelling him to have her buried alive in her own temple. >x maps Eagerly, you turn your attention to the maps now covering the desk. Most depict a variety of ancient polities, such as Kaduska and Abilawi. On one of the maps of Tairamar, there is an addition in your grandfather's hand of a point of interest at a place called Kardeva, marked 'chief temple'. >ask eyveru about kardeva The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about travaria The bust has nothing further to say on that subject. >read defeat The empire was never short on enemies, but it was used to finding a way to prevail against the odds. As its cults fought among themselves, there were invasions from Kaduska and Tairamar in the east, and the empire's vassals in the west ceased their tribute. >ask bust about tairamar "The ancient kingdom of Tairamar was one of the foremost powers of its day," the bust explains. "Its people worshipped the lords of death, an order of subterranean deities who rule over the underworld." >ask eyveru about tairamar The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about abilawi "The people of Abilawi revered the sky," the bust explains. "They worshipped moon and stars as well as a race of reptilian creatures." >ask bust about kaduska "Kaduska was one of the great kingdoms of the ancient world," the bust explains. "Its people revered fire, using it both as a tool of divination and a weapon. They were associated more closely with the earth than the air." >read fall Beyond the usual focus on internal religious conflict, the author blames years of mismanagement, which the emperor Travaria could not reverse. >read acts The story doesn’t understand that command. >read pacts Having reviewed the book more thoroughly, it is safe to say that you hope none of these fates will befall you. >read unnatural The book describes the power one can exert over life and death. Unfortunately, it also concedes that one would need to accrue tremendous magical energy in order for any of these rites to be feasible. >l Study (sitting on the armchair) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x fourth shelf The fourth bookcase contains more recent historical texts, dealing primarily with the island republics, which rose to prominence after the fall of the Illuvian empire, and the northern kingdoms, which attained power after that. Among the books here are Ancient Religion of the North and Early Kings of Arikara. There is also a section for mystical texts, including one simply titled Forbidden Lore. >read ancient There are too many books here to read all at once. >read arikara The book is very enlightening, telling of a period before the northern kingdoms had achieved the prominence they have now. The early kings united a number of minor fiefdoms beneath their rule. During this time, the ancient religion of the north was quashed and replaced by the sacrament of the white lady, which persists to this day. Of particular interest, it is said that the early kings employed sorcerors to combat the magical strength of their enemies. >read ancient religion This book addresses the system of belief that prevailed in the north before the sacrament of the white lady. The ancient religion was a simple faith, whose practitioners drew their power from holy sites, such as the great shrine at Harvopa. >ask bust about harvopa The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about harvopa The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >picture harvopa You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror Druidic Shrine (sitting) This remote locale was a holy site to the ancient religion of the north. Strange magic clings to the place. You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >x stones You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >get stone You can’t get the shrine. >x shrine You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >n Your only business here is with the shrine itself. >stand Okay, you’re now standing. >l Druidic Shrine This remote locale was a holy site to the ancient religion of the north. Strange magic clings to the place. You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >pray The story doesn’t understand that command. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >read early kings The book is very enlightening, telling of a period before the northern kingdoms had achieved the prominence they have now. The early kings united a number of minor fiefdoms beneath their rule. During this time, the ancient religion of the north was quashed and replaced by the sacrament of the white lady, which persists to this day. Of particular interest, it is said that the early kings employed sorcerors to combat the magical strength of their enemies. "Read it again! Read it again!" the bird squawks. >read early kings The book is very enlightening, telling of a period before the northern kingdoms had achieved the prominence they have now. The early kings united a number of minor fiefdoms beneath their rule. During this time, the ancient religion of the north was quashed and replaced by the sacrament of the white lady, which persists to this day. Of particular interest, it is said that the early kings employed sorcerors to combat the magical strength of their enemies. "Must be a very good book," the bird observes. >ask bird about white lady "The truth, hereabouts," the bird replies. >ask bust about white lady The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyvara about white lady The story doesn’t understand that command. >read forbidden It is with immense trepidation that you beging your foray into this sinister text. Many are the blasphemies contained within. There is a spell for snuffing out stars, a ritual for protection from the void, performed by praying to the god of the abyss, and a spell for subjecting one's foes to banishment, a fate too terrifying to contemplate. >ask bird about forbidden The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyvara about forbidden The story doesn’t understand that command. >x fourth shelf The fourth bookcase contains more recent historical texts, dealing primarily with the island republics, which rose to prominence after the fall of the Illuvian empire, and the northern kingdoms, which attained power after that. Among the books here are Ancient Religion of the North and Early Kings of Arikara. There is also a section for mystical texts, including one simply titled Forbidden Lore. >x fifth shelf The fifth bookcase contains books about a range of topics, including geology, statecraft and warfare. A significant area is taken up by a pristine encyclopedia, comprised of a number of satisfyingly uniform volumes. There is also a section for more sinister texts, including An Attempt to Categorize Demons and Conversations with a Mysterious Entity. >read attempt The fire spirits of Kaduska, the snake gods of Abilawi and the lords of death from Tairamar are all represented in this text. Many demons worshipped in the north after the fall of the Illuvian empire also appear. The author considers those from Tairamar to be the most powerful, with one among them so fearsome that it must have first place in any hierarchy. >ask bust about fire spirits The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyvara about fire spirits The story doesn’t understand that command. >ask eyvara about demons The story doesn’t understand that command. >x eyvara The story doesn’t understand that command. >x eyveru The spirit is a faintly visible outline, flitting gracefully before the fire. >x eyveru about fire spirits You see no eyveru about fire spirits here. >ask eyveru about fire spirits The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >read conversations The entity is certainly loquacious, which explains the book's length. The relationship beween author and demon fluctuates considerably over the course of the text, varying between friendship and antagonism. The entity frequently boasts about its powers, but often fails to deliver on its promises. >ask eyveru about conversations The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >x sixth shelf The sixth bookcase is dedicated to foreign tomes. Many are in the Aulerian language, which you learnt in your youth. Others are in a variety of tongues, which you barely recognize. Some are written in the language of the Eoixete glyphs, among which you notice glyphs which you think means Apocalypse. >x eoixete glyph boods The story doesn’t understand that command. >x seventh shelf The seventh bookcase appears to be dedicated entirely to esoteric texts. You shudder involuntarily just beholding them. Among the tomes here are Malicious Spirits, Prophecies and Visions and Strange Arcana. >x malicious This book describes a number of malicious spirits and counsels on how to defend against them. "To read or not to read," the bird adds. >read visions The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld, secure in their chief temple. For thwarting the enemy from above, those worshipped in Abilawi, it mentions a sequence of characters that will prove to be their undoing, which have been committed to writing in Eoixete glyphs . >read strag The story doesn’t understand that command. >read strange arcana You peruse the book, learning a great deal of obtuse supernatural lore. While you hold the book in your hands, you feel a strange energy coursing through you. >i You are dressed in plain attire and carrying nothing of importance. >x me For a practitioner of the dark arts, you are very ordinary looking. >ask bird about energy The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about energy The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about energy The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >read strange arcana You peruse the book, learning a great deal of obtuse supernatural lore. While you hold the book in your hands, you feel a strange energy coursing through you. >x energy The story doesn’t understand that command. >get strange arcana You decide to keep the Strange Arcana on your person, hoping that its magical energy will remain with you. >x eigth shelf The story doesn’t understand that command. >x eighth shelf The story doesn’t understand that command. >x shelves Sturdy oak bookcases surround you, occupying the entirey of the north wall and flanking both door and desk. Yet more shelves are mounted on the wall above the desk, these ones seeming to contain introductory texts. Among the books here are An Introduction to The Unseen World and the The Magician's Tools. There is also the Collected Letters of Lucian Calenso. >x seventh shelf The seventh bookcase appears to be dedicated entirely to esoteric texts. You shudder involuntarily just beholding them. Among the tomes here are Malicious Spirits and Prophecies and Visions. >x eighth shelf The story doesn’t understand that command. >help 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 1/8. You can examine each of the bookcases separately, e.g. 'examine first bookcase'. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 2/8. You know that your grandfather was interested in the Illuvian empire. If you 'examine books', you will learn that the books about the Illuvian empire are kept on the third bookcase. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 3/8. You may also have noticed that introductory level arcane texts are kept on shelves above the desk. You can 'examine books above desk' to review these. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. x books above desk Please choose a response. 6 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x books above desk The row of books above the desk appears to contain texts of an introductory nature. Among the books here are An Introduction to The Unseen World and the The Magician's Tools. There is also the Collected Letters of Lucian Calenso. >help 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 1/8. You can examine each of the bookcases separately, e.g. 'examine first bookcase'. 2/8. You know that your grandfather was interested in the Illuvian empire. If you 'examine books', you will learn that the books about the Illuvian empire are kept on the third bookcase. 3/8. You may also have noticed that introductory level arcane texts are kept on shelves above the desk. You can 'examine books above desk' to review these. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 4/8. Additionally, there may be other books scattered around the room in various places. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 5/8. You can 'examine books on desk', for example. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 6/8. The seventh bookcase is dedicated entirely to esoteric texts, indicating its importance. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 7/8. A book of particular importance here is Prophecies and Visions. 1. Tell me more. 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 8/8. On the sixth bookcase, there are some books written in strange symbols. You might try to find out if you can learn to read them. 1. What is there to do besides read? 2. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 3. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. Continue with the game. 5 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >i You are dressed in plain attire and carrying a Strange Arcana. >x maps Eagerly, you turn your attention to the maps now covering the desk. Most depict a variety of ancient polities, such as Kaduska and Abilawi. On one of the maps of Tairamar, there is an addition in your grandfather's hand of a point of interest at a place called Kardeva, marked 'chief temple'. >picture kardeva You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >picture tairamar You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >picture kaduska You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >picture abilawi You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >read arcana You peruse the book, learning a great deal of obtuse supernatural lore. While you hold the book in your hands, you feel a strange energy coursing through you. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 1/8. You can examine each of the bookcases separately, e.g. 'examine first bookcase'. 2/8. You know that your grandfather was interested in the Illuvian empire. If you 'examine books', you will learn that the books about the Illuvian empire are kept on the third bookcase. 3/8. You may also have noticed that introductory level arcane texts are kept on shelves above the desk. You can 'examine books above desk' to review these. 4/8. Additionally, there may be other books scattered around the room in various places. 5/8. You can 'examine books on desk', for example. 6/8. The seventh bookcase is dedicated entirely to esoteric texts, indicating its importance. 7/8. A book of particular importance here is Prophecies and Visions. 8/8. On the sixth bookcase, there are some books written in strange symbols. You might try to find out if you can learn to read them. 1. What is there to do besides read? 2. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 3. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. Continue with the game. read visions Please choose a response. 5 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >read visions The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld, secure in their chief temple. For thwarting the enemy from above, those worshipped in Abilawi, it mentions a sequence of characters that will prove to be their undoing, which have been committed to writing in Eoixete glyphs . >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 2 1/7. Be sure to investigate the letters on your grandfather's desk for some clues about what's going on. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 2/7. The maps may also prove significant later. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 3/7. The room contains some magical artifacts, though you will probably need a guide as to their use. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 4/7. Try examining the introductory books stored above the desk. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 5/7. If you read the The Magician's Tools, you will learn about magic mirrors. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 6/7. The mirror in this room is one such device. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 7/7. To use it, you need to 'think about [destination]' and then 'step through mirror'. After using it the first time, you can simply 'go to [destination]'. 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 3. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. Continue with the game. 2 1/7. If you read the biography of the emperor Travaria, you will discover that he favored a foreign priestess of royal birth, who may be the ruby-adorned princess. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 2/7. It is said that the priestess was buried alive in her own temple. It may be useful to find the location of that temple. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 3/7. By consulting Cults of the Illuvian Empire, you will learn that the jeweled priests' temple was based at Daranassa. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 6 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >read cults Contending with the empire's traditional veneration of the earth, lunar worship became common and a serpent cult was also popular. A sect known as the jeweled priests enjoyed prominence, operating from their mysterious temple at Daranassa. Sadly, it seems like this group was responsible for inciting the religious conflict that plagued the later years of the empire. >read cults Contending with the empire's traditional veneration of the earth, lunar worship became common and a serpent cult was also popular. A sect known as the jeweled priests enjoyed prominence, operating from their mysterious temple at Daranassa. Sadly, it seems like this group was responsible for inciting the religious conflict that plagued the later years of the empire. >read cult of the illuvian empire Contending with the empire's traditional veneration of the earth, lunar worship became common and a serpent cult was also popular. A sect known as the jeweled priests enjoyed prominence, operating from their mysterious temple at Daranassa. Sadly, it seems like this group was responsible for inciting the religious conflict that plagued the later years of the empire. >picture daranassa You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You enter the mirror, traveling to the crypt beneath the temple. Crypt Beneath the Daranassa Temple You find yourself in a dark crypt containing a number of glass topped coffins. There is a strange hum in the air. Fortunately, the room is currently unoccupied. >x coffins You quickly set about searching the coffins. After some exploration, you locate one that contains a woman with a ruby necklace. >get ruby You see no ruby here. >open coffin You swing the lid open and are surprised when the figure within begins to stir. By the time you have gathered your bearings, she has fully revived, as if waking from a deep sleep. >talk to princess "There is much to be done," the priestess tells you. "I suspect I have slept longer than I intended." >ask about ruby "Is there any special significance to your ruby necklace?" you ask. "It is not merely decorative," the priestess replies. "It protects its wearer from assault by demonic entities, at least noncorporeal ones." >ask about demons "What do you know of demons?" you ask. "There is one demon who means only destruction," the priestess explains. "And it is this one who threatens to enter into our world." >ask about demon The priestess has nothing further to say on that subject. >priestess, follow me You don't think that priestess would be interested in doing that. >ask priestess for ruby "I think I might be needing your necklace," you tell the priestess. "You are correct," she replies, removing it from her neck and handing it to you. "I am presently too weak to do what must be done. The task falls to you." >ask priestess for advice The priestess has nothing to say on that topic. >x ruby This is the magnificent ruby that was given to you by the ruby-adorned princess. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >go to darnassa You do not have occasion to go to such place. >go to daranassa You enter the mirror, traveling to the crypt beneath the temple. Crypt Beneath the Daranassa Temple You find yourself in a dark crypt containing a number of glass topped coffins. There is a strange hum in the air. Fortunately, the room is currently unoccupied. >x priestess The priestess has an ethereal, otherworldly quality to her. She is radiant, her appearance thoroughly dazzling you, and you feel like it would be blasphemy to describe it further. Needless to say, you can feel the magic she commands. >* unoccupied? why you dissin the priestess?? Comment recorded. >ask priestess about magic The priestess has nothing to say on that topic. >ask priestess about ruby The priestess has nothing further to say on that subject. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >show ruby to bust The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about ruby The bust has nothing further to say on that subject. >show ruby to eyveru The spirit shows no interest. >ask eyveru about ruby The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >look up ruby in books You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >* not so! Comment recorded. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 2 1/7. Be sure to investigate the letters on your grandfather's desk for some clues about what's going on. 2/7. The maps may also prove significant later. 3/7. The room contains some magical artifacts, though you will probably need a guide as to their use. 4/7. Try examining the introductory books stored above the desk. 5/7. If you read the The Magician's Tools, you will learn about magic mirrors. 6/7. The mirror in this room is one such device. 7/7. To use it, you need to 'think about [destination]' and then 'step through mirror'. After using it the first time, you can simply 'go to [destination]'. 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 3. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. Continue with the game. read about Please choose a response. 5 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x maps Eagerly, you turn your attention to the maps now covering the desk. Most depict a variety of ancient polities, such as Kaduska and Abilawi. On one of the maps of Tairamar, there is an addition in your grandfather's hand of a point of interest at a place called Kardeva, marked 'chief temple'. >ask parrot about magic "What do you know about magic?" you ask. "Too much," the bird replies. >ask parrot to enhance ruby The story doesn’t understand that command. Please use ASK ACTOR ABOUT TOPIC (or just A TOPIC). >ask parrot about ruby The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird for magic The bird has already promised you magical support. >ask bird about support The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >read fire worship To show their devotion, the priests of Kaduska built enormous bonfires and performed elaborate fire dances in front of them. They were able to control fire and wielded it as a weapon, using it to confound their enemies. >read snake You see no snake here. >read snake rituals The story doesn’t understand that command. >read snake gods The people of Abilawi were known for their fondness of the stars and their religion was mainly concerned with the sky. It is said that they worshipped snakes who lived on the moon. >look at moon through telescope The story doesn’t understand that command. >look through telescope Pressing your face to the telescope, you gaze out at the stars, taking in the beauty of the night sky. >find moon You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the books. >x moon The moon shines brightly in the night sky, casting its silver glow over the leafy grounds. >x moon with telescope You gaze through the telescope at the moon. >read ilthikyra The story doesn’t understand that command. >x second shelf The second bookcase is dedicated to ancient history, with many regions covered. One interested in religion might wish to peruse Fire Worship in Kaduska or Snake Gods of Abilawi, while those concerned with temporal matters could opt for a biography of queen Ithilkyra of Tairamar. You might easily have missed it but there is also a row of esoteric texts on one of the bottom shelves. Titles here include Conjurations and Invocations. >read ithilkyra Ithilkyra was a renowned scholar. She spoke many languages, patronized the arts and was an avid stargazer. She ruled ably, and treated her people with kindness. Later, she warred with the robed priests, which proved her undoing. It is said that she still has followers to this day, who invoke her name in their rituals. >ask eyveru about ithilkyra "What do you know about Ithilkyra?" you ask. "An insignificant stargazer," the spirit replies. "My kind easily defeated her." >ask bust about ithilkyra "She was a renowned queen," the bust explains. "She ruled over the country of Tairamar and was renowned for her erudition. In particular, she was fond of gazing at the stars and made great strides in astronomy. She died as a result of conflict with her country's hereditary priesthood, who worshipped the lord of the underworld." >ask bird about ithilkyra "What do you know about Ithilkyra?" you ask. "Ancient queen," the bird replies. "Wise. Beautiful. Dead." >picture ithilkyra You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >x third shelf The third bookcase contains a wealth of historical material, including a prodigious collection of texts about the Illuvian empire. Here, you find Great Conquests, Cults of the Illuvian Empire and a biography of the emperor Travaria. There is also Imperial Defeat and the The Fall of the Illuvian Empire. Below that, there is a section for more esoteric tomes. It includes Unnatural Sciences and Infernal Pacts. >read defeat The empire was never short on enemies, but it was used to finding a way to prevail against the odds. As its cults fought among themselves, there were invasions from Kaduska and Tairamar in the east, and the empire's vassals in the west ceased their tribute. >read defeat The empire was never short on enemies, but it was used to finding a way to prevail against the odds. As its cults fought among themselves, there were invasions from Kaduska and Tairamar in the east, and the empire's vassals in the west ceased their tribute. >read fall Beyond the usual focus on internal religious conflict, the author blames years of mismanagement, which the emperor Travaria could not reverse. >read travaria Clearly a brilliant man, the emperor Travaria saved his people from a calamitous invasion but endured internecine conflict in his later years. The emperor favored a foreign religion, giving its chief priestess a place of prominence in his court. Though of royal birth in her homeland, she earned the ire of his nobles, who later rebelled, compelling him to have her buried alive in her own temple. >read cults Contending with the empire's traditional veneration of the earth, lunar worship became common and a serpent cult was also popular. A sect known as the jeweled priests enjoyed prominence, operating from their mysterious temple at Daranassa. Sadly, it seems like this group was responsible for inciting the religious conflict that plagued the later years of the empire. >x fourth shelf The fourth bookcase contains more recent historical texts, dealing primarily with the island republics, which rose to prominence after the fall of the Illuvian empire, and the northern kingdoms, which attained power after that. Among the books here are Ancient Religion of the North and Early Kings of Arikara. There is also a section for mystical texts, including one simply titled Forbidden Lore. >read ancient religion This book addresses the system of belief that prevailed in the north before the sacrament of the white lady. The ancient religion was a simple faith, whose practitioners drew their power from holy sites, such as the great shrine at Harvopa. >picture harvopa You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror Druidic Shrine This remote locale was a holy site to the ancient religion of the north. Strange magic clings to the place. You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >dispell demon The story doesn’t understand that command. >x ruby This is the magnificent ruby that was given to you by the ruby-adorned princess. >i You are dressed in plain attire and carrying a ruby necklace and a Strange Arcana. >wear necklace You wear your ruby necklace. >read arcana You peruse the book, learning a great deal of obtuse supernatural lore. While you hold the book in your hands, you feel a strange energy coursing through you. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x fifth shelf The fifth bookcase contains books about a range of topics, including geology, statecraft and warfare. A significant area is taken up by a pristine encyclopedia, comprised of a number of satisfyingly uniform volumes. There is also a section for more sinister texts, including An Attempt to Categorize Demons and Conversations with a Mysterious Entity. >look up ruby in encyclopedia There is no mention of any such figure. >look up ithilkyra The encylopedia describes the ancient queen's wisdom and briefly relates the conflict with the ancient priesthood that destroyed her. >look up travaria You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >read attempt The fire spirits of Kaduska, the snake gods of Abilawi and the lords of death from Tairamar are all represented in this text. Many demons worshipped in the north after the fall of the Illuvian empire also appear. The author considers those from Tairamar to be the most powerful, with one among them so fearsome that it must have first place in any hierarchy. >look up illuvian empire You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >read conversations The entity is certainly loquacious, which explains the book's length. The relationship beween author and demon fluctuates considerably over the course of the text, varying between friendship and antagonism. The entity frequently boasts about its powers, but often fails to deliver on its promises. >x sixth shelf The sixth bookcase is dedicated to foreign tomes. Many are in the Aulerian language, which you learnt in your youth. Others are in a variety of tongues, which you barely recognize. Some are written in the language of the Eoixete glyphs, among which you notice glyphs which you think means Apocalypse. >read eoixete glyphs You see no eoixete glyphs here. >read eoixete books You set about reviewing the books written in Eoixete glyphs. Among these is one called Apocalypse. >read apocalypse The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld. For thwarting the enemy from above, it includes a sequence of characters that its author foresees will be their undoing. >ask eyveru about characters The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about sequence The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >look up sequence You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >ask bust about sequence The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird about sequence The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask about gems The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >read aulerian books There are too many books here to read all at once. >x aulerian books Many of the books in the library are written in Aulerian. You notice among them An Introduction to The Unseen World, in its original language. >read introduction The book explains how the priests of Kaduska would commune with spirits by fire dancing in front of their immense bonfires. In Abilawi, they revered the sky, worshipping snake gods who were said to live on the moon. The kingdom of Tairamar, meanwhile, had its robed priests who worshipped the chthonic lords of death. All of these entities were dangerous, but some were useful. >look up kaduska Kaduska was an ancient kingdom where the people worshipped fire, which they used both for divination and combat. >look up abilawi Abilawi was an ancient kingdom whose people revered the sky. It is sometimes said they worshipped snake gods who lived on the moon. >look up tairamar Tairamar was an ancient kingdom, known for its worship of an order of underworld deities known as the lords of death. >x sixth shelf The sixth bookcase is dedicated to foreign tomes. Many are in the Aulerian language, which you learnt in your youth. Others are in a variety of tongues, which you barely recognize. Some are written in the language of the Eoixete glyphs, among which you notice glyphs which you think means Apocalypse. >x seventh shelf The seventh bookcase appears to be dedicated entirely to esoteric texts. You shudder involuntarily just beholding them. Among the tomes here are Malicious Spirits and Prophecies and Visions. >read spirits The book advises that various gems offer protection against demonic power. >read prophecies The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld, secure in their chief temple. For thwarting the enemy from above, those worshipped in Abilawi, it mentions a sequence of characters that will prove to be their undoing, which have been committed to writing in Eoixete glyphs . >get glyphs You don't need to remove the books from the shelf except to read them. >picture harvopa You concentrate your mind on that topic. >go to harvopa Druidic Shrine This remote locale was a holy site to the ancient religion of the north. Strange magic clings to the place. You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >x stones You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >put glyphs on stones You see no glyphs here. >climb stones That is not something you can climb. >l Druidic Shrine This remote locale was a holy site to the ancient religion of the north. Strange magic clings to the place. You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >n Your only business here is with the shrine itself. >do magic The story doesn’t understand that command. > I beg your pardon? >touch stones You reach out and touch the shrine. As your hand lingers on the cold stone, you feel a sudden surge of ancient magic delving within you. >dispell magic The story doesn’t understand that command. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 3 1/7. If you read the biography of the emperor Travaria, you will discover that he favored a foreign priestess of royal birth, who may be the ruby-adorned princess. 2/7. It is said that the priestess was buried alive in her own temple. It may be useful to find the location of that temple. 3/7. By consulting Cults of the Illuvian Empire, you will learn that the jeweled priests' temple was based at Daranassa. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 4/7. Make sure you consult the introductory texts above the desk, if you haven't already. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 5/7. In particular, it may be useful to read The Magician's Tools. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 6/7. You can visit the Daranassa temple using the magic mirror. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 7/7. To use it, 'think about Daranassa temple' and then 'step through mirror'. After using it the first time, you can simply 'go to [destination]'. 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. Continue with the game. 3 1/9. If you read Prophecies and Visions, you will learn that the attack from above is being launched by the gods worshipped in Abilawi. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 2/9. By reading An Introduction to The Unseen World or Snake Gods of Abilawi, you will discover that these gods are said to reside on the moon. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 1 3/9. It will be necessary to journey to the moon to defeat them. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. Continue with the game. 6 Druidic Shrine This remote locale was a holy site to the ancient religion of the north. Strange magic clings to the place. You find yourself standing before several gigantic stones, rough and uneven, which seem to radiate with ancient, sinister power. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >* d'oh! I am a moron Comment recorded. > I beg your pardon? >picture moon You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You are unlikely to survive long on the moon. >ask bust about moon The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about moon The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird about moon The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >look up moon You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >* really? the moon??? Comment recorded. >read about moon You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >hold breath The story doesn’t understand that command. > I beg your pardon? >x moon through telescope The story doesn’t understand that command. >ask bird about spells The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about spells The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about spells The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >eyveru, go to moon You don't think that Eyveru would be interested in doing that. >picture moon You concentrate your mind on that topic. >eyveru, step through mirror You don't think that Eyveru would be interested in doing that. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I get to the moon? 7. Continue with the game. 4 1/9. If you read Prophecies and Visions, you will learn that the attack from above is being launched by the gods worshipped in Abilawi. 2/9. By reading An Introduction to The Unseen World or Snake Gods of Abilawi, you will discover that these gods are said to reside on the moon. 3/9. It will be necessary to journey to the moon to defeat them. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I get to the moon? 7. Continue with the game. 6 1/3. As you can imagine, one would not ordinarily be able to survive in space. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 6. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 7. Continue with the game. 1 2/3. However, the book Forbidden Lore contains a ritual for protection against the void, which you can perform if you have sufficient magical power. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 6. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 7. How do I gain more magical power? 8. Continue with the game. 8 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >read lore It is with immense trepidation that you beging your foray into this sinister text. Many are the blasphemies contained within. There is a spell for snuffing out stars, a ritual for protection from the void, performed by praying to the god of the abyss, and a spell for subjecting one's foes to banishment, a fate too terrifying to contemplate. >learn void spell The story doesn’t understand that command. >read about protection You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >read about protection in lore You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the Forbidden Lore. >cast protection The story doesn’t understand that command. >ask bird about protection The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about protection spell The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask about void The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >get lore You don't need to remove the book from the shelf except to read it. >learn spell The story doesn’t understand that command. >read about spell You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the Forbidden Lore. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I gain more magical power? 7. How do I get to the moon? 8. Continue with the game. 7 1/3. As you can imagine, one would not ordinarily be able to survive in space. 2/3. However, the book Forbidden Lore contains a ritual for protection against the void, which you can perform if you have sufficient magical power. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 6. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 7. How do I gain more magical power? 8. Continue with the game. 1 3/3. You will need to 'pray to the god of the abyss'. 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from above? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I gain more magical power? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >How do I gain more magical power? The story doesn’t understand that command. >read lore It is with immense trepidation that you beging your foray into this sinister text. Many are the blasphemies contained within. There is a spell for snuffing out stars, a ritual for protection from the void, performed by praying to the god of the abyss, and a spell for subjecting one's foes to banishment, a fate too terrifying to contemplate. >pray to the god of the abyss As you complete the prayer, you feel a new strength deep down with yourself, and you can tell that you are now protected against some fate that would otherwise destroy you. >go to moon You step through the mirror and emerge somewhere very different. Moon It is difficult to believe, but you are now on the surface of the moon. It is cool but there is no breeze. You stand on a waste of fine gray sand, pocked by small pits, which extends endlessly to the dark horizon. The stars shine above you but they look...strange. Ahead, there is a conspicuous silver structure, unlike anything you have ever seen. >in You approach the structure cautiously and, as you do, an opening appears suddenly. Curiosity winning out, you proceed inside. Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. In the middle of the room, two bipedal reptillians converse, and more poke and prod various devices elsewhere. "It is bold of you to intrude upon our fortress," one of the figures snarls, its voice a harsh and bizarre approximation of human language. >talk to snake god The creatures make no response to that topic. >ask snake about cataclysm "We mean you no harm," the creature explains. "On the contrary, we intend only to protect your world from a grave danger." >ask about danger The creatures make no response to that topic. >ask about sky The creatures make no response to that topic. >show ruby to snake The creatures make no response to that topic. >x devices The story doesn’t understand that command. >x carpet The structure has an immaculate beige carpet. >x furniture The sparse furniture is made in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >x implements The walls are lined with strange implements, whose purpose you can only guess. >x snakes There are several reptilian creatures here. >ask snakes about protection The creatures make no response to that topic. >ask about protection The creatures make no response to that topic. >banish snakes You perform the spell and the creatures are simply...gone. Even though they were your enemy, you cannot help but shudder. >* hope that was right! Comment recorded. >l Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >get implement You can’t get the strange implements. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >ask eyveru about snake gods The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about snake "What do you know about the reptilians?" you ask. "They are a formidable people," the spirit replies. "It is only demonkind that protects you from them." >tell eyveru about snakes The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >tell eyveru about snake The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bust about snake The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask parrot about snake "Terrifying creatures!" the bird exclaims. >l Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 6 1/10. You will need to utilize the strange implements. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I gain more magical power? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >How do I gain more magical power? The story doesn’t understand that command. >go to moon You step through the mirror and emerge somewhere very different. Moon It is difficult to believe, but you are now on the surface of the moon. It is cool but there is no breeze. You stand on a waste of fine gray sand, pocked by small pits, which extends endlessly to the dark horizon. The stars shine above you but they look...strange. Ahead, there is a conspicuous silver structure, unlike anything you have ever seen. >in You approach the structure cautiously and, as you do, an opening appears suddenly. Curiosity winning out, you proceed inside. Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >x snakes You see no snakes here. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 6 1/10. You will need to utilize the strange implements. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I gain more magical power? 7. Continue with the game. 1 2/10. However, you can currently make no sense of them. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I gain more magical power? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 5 1/11. You will only need to find a few sources of magical power to be capable of casting spells and performing rituals. You can begin by lighting the candles on the mantelpiece. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >x mantle The story doesn’t understand that command. >x mantelpiece You see no mantelpiece here. >l Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x mantl The story doesn’t understand that command. >x mantle The story doesn’t understand that command. >x mantlepiece The story doesn’t understand that command. >x mantel A large, sturdy wooden mantelpiece runs above the fireplace, bearing the bust of a distinguished-looking figure. Besides it are several purple candles. >x candles Several purple candles line the mantelpiece. >x candles Several purple candles line the mantelpiece. >ask bust about candles The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird about candles The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >ask eyveru about candles The spirit has nothing to say on that subject. >look up candles You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the Forbidden Lore. >light candles You light the candles and a sweet scent quickly fills the room, which you are certain will be conducive to mystical activity. >x candles Several purple candles line the mantelpiece. >i You wearing a ruby necklace and carrying a Strange Arcana. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 5 1/11. You will only need to find a few sources of magical power to be capable of casting spells and performing rituals. You can begin by lighting the candles on the mantelpiece. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 1 2/11. The Magician's Tools tells you that rituals can be powered with a magical circle, though its instructions for drawing one are lacking. Perhaps one can be found. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >x circle You see no circle here. >go to moon You step through the mirror and emerge somewhere very different. Moon It is difficult to believe, but you are now on the surface of the moon. It is cool but there is no breeze. You stand on a waste of fine gray sand, pocked by small pits, which extends endlessly to the dark horizon. The stars shine above you but they look...strange. Ahead, there is a conspicuous silver structure, unlike anything you have ever seen. >in You approach the structure cautiously and, as you do, an opening appears suddenly. Curiosity winning out, you proceed inside. Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >l Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >find circle You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the Forbidden Lore. >x magic books The library is replete with sinister tomes throughout its shelves, but the greatest concentration seems to be on the seventh bookcase. >x seventh shelf The seventh bookcase appears to be dedicated entirely to esoteric texts. You shudder involuntarily just beholding them. Among the tomes here are Malicious Spirits and Prophecies and Visions. >reak prophecies The story doesn’t understand that command. >read prophecies The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld, secure in their chief temple. For thwarting the enemy from above, those worshipped in Abilawi, it mentions a sequence of characters that will prove to be their undoing, which have been committed to writing in Eoixete glyphs . >read apocalypse The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld. For thwarting the enemy from above, it includes a sequence of characters that its author foresees will be their undoing. >x first shelf The first bookcase contains texts about a range of subjects, including astronomy, mathematics and navigation. On the lower shelves, the books begin to take a more sinister turn. Though unremarkable at first glance, the titles betray their true nature, with such volumes as Demonological Investigation and Sorcerous Secrets. >read secrets Written by a court sorceror in the time when such a position still existed, this book contains a great many rituals for acquiring wealth, love and other such things. It also includes an incantation, called the Thurian chant, which can be used to strengthen virtually any spell or ritual. >chant It is a harsh chant, difficult on your throat. You perform it exactly as the book specifies and, when you are finished, you feel yourself surging with magical strength. >x me For a practitioner of the dark arts, you are very ordinary looking. >x magic The library is replete with sinister tomes throughout its shelves, but the greatest concentration seems to be on the seventh bookcase. >x second shelf The second bookcase is dedicated to ancient history, with many regions covered. One interested in religion might wish to peruse Fire Worship in Kaduska or Snake Gods of Abilawi, while those concerned with temporal matters could opt for a biography of queen Ithilkyra of Tairamar. You might easily have missed it but there is also a row of esoteric texts on one of the bottom shelves. Titles here include Conjurations and Invocations. >read conjurations You sink yourself deep into study of this esoteric text. The book describes many entities that can be summoned, including one called Eyveru that requires only a simple chant of its name to conjure. >x third shelf The third bookcase contains a wealth of historical material, including a prodigious collection of texts about the Illuvian empire. Here, you find Great Conquests, Cults of the Illuvian Empire and a biography of the emperor Travaria. There is also Imperial Defeat and the The Fall of the Illuvian Empire. Below that, there is a section for more esoteric tomes. It includes Unnatural Sciences and Infernal Pacts. >rea sciences The story doesn’t understand that command. >read sciences The book describes the power one can exert over life and death. Unfortunately, it also concedes that one would need to accrue tremendous magical energy in order for any of these rites to be feasible. >read pacts Having reviewed the book more thoroughly, it is safe to say that you hope none of these fates will befall you. >x fourth shelf The fourth bookcase contains more recent historical texts, dealing primarily with the island republics, which rose to prominence after the fall of the Illuvian empire, and the northern kingdoms, which attained power after that. Among the books here are Ancient Religion of the North and Early Kings of Arikara. There is also a section for mystical texts, including one simply titled Forbidden Lore. >read lore It is with immense trepidation that you beging your foray into this sinister text. Many are the blasphemies contained within. There is a spell for snuffing out stars, a ritual for protection from the void, performed by praying to the god of the abyss, and a spell for subjecting one's foes to banishment, a fate too terrifying to contemplate. >x fifth shelf The fifth bookcase contains books about a range of topics, including geology, statecraft and warfare. A significant area is taken up by a pristine encyclopedia, comprised of a number of satisfyingly uniform volumes. There is also a section for more sinister texts, including An Attempt to Categorize Demons and Conversations with a Mysterious Entity. >read conversations The entity is certainly loquacious, which explains the book's length. The relationship beween author and demon fluctuates considerably over the course of the text, varying between friendship and antagonism. The entity frequently boasts about its powers, but often fails to deliver on its promises. >read sixth shelf There are too many books here to read all at once. >x sixth shelf The sixth bookcase is dedicated to foreign tomes. Many are in the Aulerian language, which you learnt in your youth. Others are in a variety of tongues, which you barely recognize. Some are written in the language of the Eoixete glyphs, among which you notice glyphs which you think means Apocalypse. >read introduction The book explains how the priests of Kaduska would commune with spirits by fire dancing in front of their immense bonfires. In Abilawi, they revered the sky, worshipping snake gods who were said to live on the moon. The kingdom of Tairamar, meanwhile, had its robed priests who worshipped the chthonic lords of death. All of these entities were dangerous, but some were useful. >x seventh shelf The seventh bookcase appears to be dedicated entirely to esoteric texts. You shudder involuntarily just beholding them. Among the tomes here are Malicious Spirits and Prophecies and Visions. >read spirits The book advises that various gems offer protection against demonic power. >read visions The book predicts an invasion from the sky and another from beneath the earth. It claims that magic gems will resist the demons of the underworld, secure in their chief temple. For thwarting the enemy from above, those worshipped in Abilawi, it mentions a sequence of characters that will prove to be their undoing, which have been committed to writing in Eoixete glyphs . >draw gluphs The story doesn’t understand that command. >draw circle The story doesn’t understand that command. >make circle The story doesn’t understand that command. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 5 1/11. You will only need to find a few sources of magical power to be capable of casting spells and performing rituals. You can begin by lighting the candles on the mantelpiece. 2/11. The Magician's Tools tells you that rituals can be powered with a magical circle, though its instructions for drawing one are lacking. Perhaps one can be found. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >look under rug You move the rug aside, revealing an intricate magic circle drawn in chalk on the floorboards. >x circle An intricate magic circle is drawn in chalk on the floor of the room, its detail clearly the result of considerable dedication. >get into circle A little trepidatiously, you step inside the chalk circle. There is no immediate change, at least of the visible kind, but you do feel some magic flowing. It's flowing out of the air and into you. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 5 1/11. You will only need to find a few sources of magical power to be capable of casting spells and performing rituals. You can begin by lighting the candles on the mantelpiece. 2/11. The Magician's Tools tells you that rituals can be powered with a magical circle, though its instructions for drawing one are lacking. Perhaps one can be found. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 3 1/7. Be sure to investigate the letters on your grandfather's desk for some clues about what's going on. 2/7. The maps may also prove significant later. 3/7. The room contains some magical artifacts, though you will probably need a guide as to their use. 4/7. Try examining the introductory books stored above the desk. 5/7. If you read the The Magician's Tools, you will learn about magic mirrors. 6/7. The mirror in this room is one such device. 7/7. To use it, you need to 'think about [destination]' and then 'step through mirror'. After using it the first time, you can simply 'go to [destination]'. 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 3. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 4. How do I gain more magical power? 5. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 6. Continue with the game. 4 1/11. You will only need to find a few sources of magical power to be capable of casting spells and performing rituals. You can begin by lighting the candles on the mantelpiece. 2/11. The Magician's Tools tells you that rituals can be powered with a magical circle, though its instructions for drawing one are lacking. Perhaps one can be found. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 1 3/11. Look under the rug. You will need to enter the circle, though the benefit is permanent once you have done so. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 1 4/11. If you consult the biography of Ithilkyra, you will discover that her followers still invoke her name in their rituals. You can 'invoke Ithilkyra'. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Study (sitting in the magic circle) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >invoke ithilkyra You invoke the name of Ithilkyra, beseeching her to aid you in your endeavors. Where she may reside now, you cannot say, but you do feel strengthened by your appeal. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 5 1/11. You will only need to find a few sources of magical power to be capable of casting spells and performing rituals. You can begin by lighting the candles on the mantelpiece. 2/11. The Magician's Tools tells you that rituals can be powered with a magical circle, though its instructions for drawing one are lacking. Perhaps one can be found. 3/11. Look under the rug. You will need to enter the circle, though the benefit is permanent once you have done so. 4/11. If you consult the biography of Ithilkyra, you will discover that her followers still invoke her name in their rituals. You can 'invoke Ithilkyra'. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 1 5/11. Sometimes merely having an arcane tome in your possession provides magical support. If you read the Strange Arcana, you will notice that you feel magical power while it is in your hands. You simply need to take the book and keep it with you. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 1 6/11. Consulting Celestial Observations will tell you that ancient priests incorporated observation of the planet Vesuva in their rituals. 1. Tell me more. 2. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 3. What is there to do besides read? 4. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 5. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 6. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 7. Continue with the game. 7 Study (sitting in the magic circle) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >read observations You peruse the astronomy book, which is written with verve and enthusiasm. Among the planets are Calerus, the wanderer, Kiteroth, the warrior, and Vesuva, the sorceress, which it is said that ancient priests conducted their ceremonies beneath, for they thought that looking upon it imbued them with magical power. >look at vesuva through telescope The story doesn’t understand that command. >x vesuva You are unsure where exactly to find the planet Vesuva in the night sky. >invoke vesuva You can't invoke that. >picture vesuva You concentrate your mind on that topic. >step through mirror You have no need to go to such a destination. >ask bust about vesuva The bust has nothing to say on that subject. >ask bird about vesuva The bird has nothing to say on that subject. >go to priestess You enter the mirror, traveling to the crypt beneath the temple. Crypt Beneath the Daranassa Temple (sitting on the floor) You find yourself in a dark crypt containing a number of glass topped coffins. There is a strange hum in the air. Fortunately, the room is currently unoccupied. >ask preistesss about vesuva The story doesn’t understand that command. >ask preistess about vesuva The story doesn’t understand that command. >x preistess The story doesn’t understand that command. >ask priestess about vesuva The priestess has nothing to say on that topic. >return Study (sitting on the floor) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >ask evyeru about vesuva The story doesn’t understand that command. >look up vesuva in encyclopedia You are unable to find any mention of that topic in the encylopedia. >hint 1. How do I find the books I'm looking for? 2. What is there to do besides read? 3. What do I need to discover about the Illuvian empire? 4. How do I thwart the invasion from below? 5. How do I gain more magical power? 6. How do I find objects in the night sky? 7. How do I defeat the reptilians more permanently? 8. Continue with the game. 5 [Runtime error: string is too long ] >hint Nothing obvious happens. >hint Nothing obvious happens. >8 The story doesn’t understand that command. >l Study (sitting on the floor) This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >hint Nothing obvious happens. >help Nothing obvious happens. >go to moon You step through the mirror and emerge somewhere very different. Moon (sitting on the ground) It is difficult to believe, but you are now on the surface of the moon. It is cool but there is no breeze. You stand on a waste of fine gray sand, pocked by small pits, which extends endlessly to the dark horizon. The stars shine above you but they look...strange. Ahead, there is a conspicuous silver structure, unlike anything you have ever seen. >in (first standing up) You approach the structure cautiously and, as you do, an opening appears suddenly. Curiosity winning out, you proceed inside. Inside the Structure on the Moon The inside of the structure is dazzlingly bright. Its shining silver walls are lined with strange implements, the purpose of which you can only guess. There is an immaculate beige carpet and sparse furniture in a thoroughly unfamiliar design. >dance You do not think you have sufficient skill to elicit any effect. >return Study This was your grandfather's refuge from the world, which he seldom left in his waning years. An immense library of arcane lore is contained within these walls. Nearly all of the capacious chamber is dominated by books, which tower above you on great oaken shelves and overflow onto almost every surface. What other accoutrements adorn the room are of an equally scholarly bent. Maps cover the desk, a globe sits beside a telescope, looking out on the night sky, and a distinguished-looking brass bust perches on the mantel above the fireplace. For comfort, you can sink into a velvet armchair or view your reflection in an ornate mirror. >look through telescope You gaze through the telescope at the moon. >point telescope at vesuva You direct the telescope at the planet Vesuva, which shimmers magnificently in the night sky. It is a sight to behold, and you feel yourself coursing with energy for having seen it. >* thought I was unsure?? Comment recorded. >hint Nothing obvious happens. >quit Do you really want to quit? (Y is affirmative) > y