Start of a transcript of Our Lady of Thorns A medieval monastic mystery/tragedy by Joel Burton Site: https://lady-of-thorns.netlify.app Release 2 / Serial number 260410 / Inform v6.44 PunyInform v6.4.1 SR > * OK here we go! [Comment recorded] > about In this case, you'll be exploring a small monastery in the fourteenth century, and investigating a possible murder. Some games like this focus heavily on difficult puzzles to solve; others focus on puzzle-free narrative. This game aims in between those two poles. It's difficult to know how difficult puzzles are for different people, or how long games will take. Many testers used a few hints, though a few used none. The amount of time they needed was between 3 and 6 hours. This game uses some non-traditional IF commands; use the game command HELP to see them. You may also find the first item shown by HINTS to be very helpful; it provides non-spoiler advice for solving the puzzles. If you aren't familiar with monastic terms or locations, you may find the "Monastic knowledge" of the HELP section useful. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Our Lady of Thorns was written by Joel Burton. I'm a teacher and software developer in San Francisco, California. This is my first attempt at interactive fiction, but I've been playing games like this since the Infocom games of the 1980s. While I'm the primary author, many others have helped: see the sections "Technical information" and "Credits". You can reach me at intfiction.org, where I am "joelburton" or at joel@joelburton.com. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Like many monastic mystery authors, I was inspired by Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose". Both the novel and the movie are excellent and rich in the texture of monastic life. I also wrote this after enjoying the Cadfael television series (which itself was based on books by Edith Pargeter/Ellis Peters). While they share the setting of a monastery in a very similar time period, this wasn't consciously influenced by the earlier IF work "Vespers", by Jason Devlin---only because in the 20 years since I briefly played it, I had unfortunately forgotten about it. I have since played it through and enjoyed it. The piece of IF that I thought of the most in creating this was Gareth Reed's excellent "Christminster", a medium-length game rich in setting and with a very specific characterization of the player character. If you're not familiar with it and you enjoyed this, you should check it out. [Please press SPACE to continue.] While there are many humans that provided critical support, I'm dedicating this to Auden, my feline companion for twenty years. He passed away during the testing period of this game, and is much missed. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Like most projects, this was possible only with much help from others. Handles are usernames on intfiction.org. PLAYTESTERS: - Allyson Gray (@Ally) - Daniel Stelzer (@Draconis) - Rovarsson (@Rovarsson) - Robert Eggleston (@AERobert) - Garry Francis (@Warrigal) - Andy Galilee (@AndyG) - Doug Egan (@Doug_Egan) - Melissa "Moth" Higuchi - Thomas Mack (@tmack) - rh (@rh) - Hellzon (@Hellzon) - Andrew (@andrewj) - Deborah (@dsherwood) - Javier Garza (@Jade) - Hannah (@Hannah31415) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: - Fredrick Ramsberg (@fredrik) - Daniel Stelzer (@Draconis) - Andrew (@andrewj) - Garry Francis (@Warrigal) - Dannii (@Dannii) - Giger Kitty (@Giger_Kitty) - Andrew Plotkin (@zarf) - Pontus I (@pontusi) - Tara McGrew (@vaporware) BUG REPORTS: - Phil Riley (@rileypb) - Tabitha (@alyshkalia) [Please press SPACE to continue.] Like most projects, this was possible only with much help from others. Handles are usernames on intfiction.org. PLAYTESTERS: - Allyson Gray (@Ally) - Daniel Stelzer (@Draconis) - Rovarsson (@Rovarsson) - Robert Eggleston (@AERobert) - Garry Francis (@Warrigal) - Andy Galilee (@AndyG) - Doug Egan (@Doug_Egan) - Melissa "Moth" Higuchi - Thomas Mack (@tmack) - rh (@rh) - Hellzon (@Hellzon) - Andrew (@andrewj) - Deborah (@dsherwood) - Javier Garza (@Jade) - Hannah (@Hannah31415) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: - Fredrick Ramsberg (@fredrik) - Daniel Stelzer (@Draconis) - Andrew (@andrewj) - Garry Francis (@Warrigal) - Dannii (@Dannii) - Giger Kitty (@Giger_Kitty) - Andrew Plotkin (@zarf) - Pontus I (@pontusi) - Tara McGrew (@vaporware) BUG REPORTS: - Phil Riley (@rileypb) - Tabitha (@alyshkalia) [Please press SPACE to continue.] Like most projects, this was possible only with much help from others. Handles are usernames on intfiction.org. PLAYTESTERS: - Allyson Gray (@Ally) - Daniel Stelzer (@Draconis) - Rovarsson (@Rovarsson) - Robert Eggleston (@AERobert) - Garry Francis (@Warrigal) - Andy Galilee (@AndyG) - Doug Egan (@Doug_Egan) - Melissa "Moth" Higuchi - Thomas Mack (@tmack) - rh (@rh) - Hellzon (@Hellzon) - Andrew (@andrewj) - Deborah (@dsherwood) - Javier Garza (@Jade) - Hannah (@Hannah31415) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: - Fredrick Ramsberg (@fredrik) - Daniel Stelzer (@Draconis) - Andrew (@andrewj) - Garry Francis (@Warrigal) - Dannii (@Dannii) - Giger Kitty (@Giger_Kitty) - Andrew Plotkin (@zarf) - Pontus I (@pontusi) - Tara McGrew (@vaporware) BUG REPORTS: - Phil Riley (@rileypb) - Tabitha (@alyshkalia) [Please press SPACE to continue.] Dorter (on your cot) This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects pale moonlight on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. You can see four Brothers (Anselm, Benedict, Hugh and Aelred) here. > * NB the "BUG REPORTS" is tagged onto the previous name, missing carriage return [Comment recorded] > about The game is written using: - Inform6, primarily authored by Graham Nelson and now managed by David Kinder. - PunyInform, a replacement library particularly focused on retro computers, primarily authored by Johan Berntsson and Fredrik Ramsberg. Special thanks to Garry Francis, who supplied some code for better handling of locking/unlocking doors. [Please press SPACE to continue.] The game text, characters, and puzzle ideas were authored by Joel Burton and without the use of AI. Claude Sonnet 4.5 and 4.6 (both from Anthropic) were used to: - check for anachronisms and American-isms in text - suggest debugging steps for misbehaving code - help create non-game scripts, like my testing/build system [Please press SPACE to continue.] If you find a bug in the game or would like to tell me about anything confusing, I'd very much welcome it. I can be reached at joel+thorns@joelburton.com. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Dorter (on your cot) This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects pale moonlight on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. You can see four Brothers (Anselm, Benedict, Hugh and Aelred) here. > x me You're a novice in your first year, younger than all of the professed monks. Your black habit marks you as Benedictine, though you haven't yet taken your final vows. Brother Hugh heads down. > undo Previous turn undone. > x hugh Brother Hugh, the cellarer, is lean and blond, barely thirty but already worry-worn. He manages the priory's worldly goods---trade, stores, accounts---and the weight of it shows in his troubled expression. Brother Hugh heads down. > x benedict Brother Benedict, the infirmarer, is a heavyset man in his forties with gentle hands and a warmer smile than his bulk might suggest. He moves with the careful efficiency of one who tends the suffering daily. Brother Benedict heads down. Brother Martin arrives from the south. > x martin Brother Martin, the kitchener, is short, round, and quick to laugh---unusual in this sombre place. He and Brother Remigio, the lay monk, produce the simple meals that sustain the community. Brother Aelred heads down. Brother Anselm heads down. Brother Martin heads down. Brother Wilfred arrives from the south. > x wilfred Brother Wilfred, the librarian, is the most venerated of the brethren, well over seventy. He's lean and wiry, with wisps of white hair shooting in all directions from his head. His habit has bits of orange fluff or fur on it. Brother Remigio arrives from the south. > x remigio Brother Remigio is a lay brother from Tuscany---not fully professed, but devoted to the work. He's in his late thirties, with sharp features and expressive hands. His English is poor, and he often lapses into his native tongue. Brother Remigio heads down. > x me You're a novice in your first year, younger than all of the professed monks. Your black habit marks you as Benedictine, though you haven't yet taken your final vows. Brother Wilfred heads down. > i You're carrying your robe (worn). > x robe A simple black woollen cloth, marking you as a novice of this house. It doesn't have pockets, but a large hood hangs at your back. > l Dorter (on your cot) This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects pale moonlight on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. Brother Oswald finds you, exasperated. "Why aren't you with the others in the Quire? This is no time to dawdle." He brings you down to the Quire and you find a seat. Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) You hear the brothers singing. > undo Previous turn undone. > d (first getting up from your cot) Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. In the distance, you can hear your brothers start to sing. Brother Oswald finds you, exasperated. "Why aren't you with the others in the Quire? This is no time to dawdle." He brings you down to the Quire and you find a seat. Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) You hear the brothers singing. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > * timing on the opening is a little tight, would be nice to get to check things and people out before getting hustled along [Comment recorded] > undo Previous turn undone. > d (first getting up from your cot) Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. You can also see Brother Wilfred here. Brother Wilfred heads down. > x candle This candle is a "canonical hour candle". It is used by Brother Cuthbert to tell the hours for offices and when to ring the great bell. It has burned down past 2 marks, leaving 22 marks remaining below the flame. From it, you estimate the time as two in the morning. > take candle Brother Cuthbert would be very annoyed if this disappeared, and if you were suspected, you'd have heavy penance. You think better of this act. In the distance, you can hear your brothers start to sing. Brother Oswald finds you, exasperated. "Why aren't you with the others in the Quire? This is no time to dawdle." He brings you down to the Quire and you find a seat. Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) You hear the brothers singing. > undo Previous turn undone. > d Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) Brother Anselm lifts his voice---clear, unwavering---and the office begins, with the other brothers joining in. The brothers look at you, puzzled. Why aren't you seated? > sit You sit on a stall next to your mentor, the herbalist Brother Aelred. > x aelred Your beloved mentor. Brother Aelred is in his sixties, tall and broad-shouldered, with gentle eyes that often crinkle with quiet amusement. In the five months you've studied under him, his kindness has been matched only by his knowledge of healing herbs. Brother Anselm looks at you. Why aren't you joining the others in song? > sing O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. --- The Book of Psalms You join the others in song. [You'll automatically continue singing throughout the office. You may perform other allowed actions. When you'd like to skip to the end of the service, just WAIT.] [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > x anselm Brother Anselm, the cantor, is barely thirty, young for his office. He joined the priory at a young age and was put under the tutelage of Brother Wilfred for many years. He has a clear, strong voice and an easy smile. You've learned that unlike many of the other brothers, he seems to enjoy conversation where the Rule permits it. You continue to sing with the others. > x oswals Sorry, I don't understand what "oswals" means. > x oswald Brother Oswald, the prior. Lean and grey-haired, in his early fifties, he governs the priory with stern discipline. You've learned to measure your words and deeds carefully in his presence. You continue to sing with the others. > x wilfred Brother Wilfred, the librarian, is the most venerated of the brethren, well over seventy. He's lean and wiry, with wisps of white hair shooting in all directions from his head. His habit has bits of orange fluff or fur on it. You continue to sing with the others. > x cuthbert Brother Cuthbert, the sacrist, is in his late forties. Dark-haired and sharp-featured, he keeps the sacred vessels spotless, the candles well-stocked, and the bell hours precise. He rarely smiles. You continue to sing with the others. > pray Your song is your prayer. You continue to sing with the others. > x rood A wooden rood screen separates the Nave from the Quire, dividing the public space from the sacred. A simple carved cross tops the screen---the "rood" that gives the screen its name. The wood is dark with candle smoke. You continue to sing with the others. > commands These are always available and do not use game time: - HINTS: show context-aware hints - MAP: show map of area you're in - OBJECTS: list objects you've handled - PLACES: list places visited - EXITS: show exits from location - QUOTES ON|OFF: show boxed quotes (defaults to on) - WHO: list all monks in game - HERE: list monks in the room Time and the passing of is important. You can use: - TIME: get the time from your rough internal clock - WAIT UNTIL hh:mm: wait until that time (12 hour clock) - WAIT n HOURS|MINUTES: wait that length of time There are other commands that will be revealed during game play. Some of these are specific to this game; others may be used in other games, but will be especially useful: - CLIMB UP thing - CONFESS TO person - DIG IN thing WITH thing - EXTINGUISH source of light - FOLLOW brother - HIDE BEHIND thing - KNEEL ON thing - KNOCK ON thing - LISTEN - LOOK UNDER thing - LOOK UP topic IN book - PRAY - READ thing - RING thing - SEARCH thing - SING - SMELL - SMELL thing - TASTE thing > l Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) You continue to sing with the others. > x stalls You've sat on these for months now during offices. While sacred to you, the carpentry is plain. On them are nine Brothers (Wilfred, Remigio, Oswald, Martin, Cuthbert, Anselm, Aelred, Benedict and Hugh). You continue to sing with the others. > x altar You can only see the altar from here, but you should head east for a closer look. You continue to sing with the others. > listen You hear the brothers singing. You continue to sing with the others. > smell Centuries of incense have worked themselves into the very stone here. The smell is deep and resinous, threaded with beeswax. It is a smell that seems to belong to God rather than to men. You continue to sing with the others. > * nice [Comment recorded] > x hugh Brother Hugh, the cellarer, is lean and blond, barely thirty but already worry-worn. He manages the priory's worldly goods---trade, stores, accounts---and the weight of it shows in his troubled expression. You continue to sing with the others. > x martin Brother Martin, the kitchener, is short, round, and quick to laugh---unusual in this sombre place. He and Brother Remigio, the lay monk, produce the simple meals that sustain the community. You continue to sing with the others. > x remigio Brother Remigio is a lay brother from Tuscany---not fully professed, but devoted to the work. He's in his late thirties, with sharp features and expressive hands. His English is poor, and he often lapses into his native tongue. You continue to sing with the others. > x benedict Brother Benedict, the infirmarer, is a heavyset man in his forties with gentle hands and a warmer smile than his bulk might suggest. He moves with the careful efficiency of one who tends the suffering daily. You continue to sing with the others. > x wilfred Brother Wilfred, the librarian, is the most venerated of the brethren, well over seventy. He's lean and wiry, with wisps of white hair shooting in all directions from his head. His habit has bits of orange fluff or fur on it. You continue to sing with the others. > x path You can't see any such thing. > l Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) You continue to sing with the others. > x me You're a novice in your first year, younger than all of the professed monks. Your black habit marks you as Benedictine, though you haven't yet taken your final vows. You continue to sing with the others. > raise hood Underneath the hood is your robe. You continue to sing with the others. > wear hood It's part of your robe, which you're already wearing. You continue to sing with the others. > lift hood Underneath the hood is your robe. You continue to sing with the others. > * hrm, odd spacing [Comment recorded] > l Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Aelred, the herbalist (seated) - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) You continue to sing with the others. > sing You continue singing. [You can continue interacting during the service; as a reminder, if you'd like to skip to the end, just WAIT.] > * oh, that's right [Comment recorded] > z Using WAIT during a service skips to the end of the service. Is this what you want (y/n)? y (skipping about fifteen minutes to end of service) ----------------------- && ----------------------- The office ends. Brother Aelred touches your shoulder. "The hour is early, my son, but our herbs call for our care. First, though, I must conclude a conversation with another brother. Seek me out in the gardens when you are ready. The air is pleasant this morning, is it not?" All of the brethren head out, leaving you alone in the Quire. You spend several long minutes reflecting on your life now: ritual, timing, prayer, silence. It feels both comforting and confining. You're not sure which feeling prevails. Our Lady of Thorns A medieval monastic mystery/tragedy by Joel Burton Site: https://lady-of-thorns.netlify.app Release 2 / Serial number 260410 / Inform v6.44 PunyInform v6.4.1 SR > * Oh man Aelred is totally the one getting offed, huh? [Comment recorded] > save Ok. > * let's explore first then reload I think [Comment recorded] > l Quire (on the stalls) The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > e (first getting up from the stalls) Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > x ceiling It's lovely---and also far above you. > x gate The gate is made of sturdy iron and has a heavy lock built into it. It is closed. > x lock The lock is the opening for a key in the crypt gate. > x altar The austerity of the priory is evident in the simplicity of this altar, a stone structure supporting a cross. > d You can't, since the crypt gate is locked. > s You shouldn't be exploring the Sacristy now. Perhaps later, when Brother Cuthbert is occupied. > l Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. You remember Brother Aelred's request to meet him this morning. You know he'll be in the gardens, south of the Cloister. > e You shouldn't go to the Lady Chapel now. Brother Benedict will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > l Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > w Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > u Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. > x candle This candle is a "canonical hour candle". It is used by Brother Cuthbert to tell the hours for offices and when to ring the great bell. It has burned down past 3 marks, leaving 21 marks remaining below the flame. From it, you estimate the time as three in the morning. > u Dorter This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects pale moonlight on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. You know you should go to the gardens. You wouldn't want to keep your mentor waiting. > x cots Thin straw mattresses on wooden frames, one for each brother. Comfort is not the point. > x chest Do you mean Brother Aelred's chest, Brother Anselm's chest, Brother Benedict's chest, Brother Cuthbert's chest, Brother Hugh's chest, Brother Martin's chest, Brother Wilfred's chest or your chest? > my chest Your chest is like all of the other brothers' chests: A simple wooden box with a lid. > open it Searching another brother's property without reason just feels wrong. > open my chest Searching another brother's property without reason just feels wrong. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points down. > * huh [Comment recorded] > open your chest Searching another brother's property without reason just feels wrong. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > * the "huh" was on trying to look at my chest, not the others [Comment recorded] > open all chests You can't use multiple objects with that verb. > open I think you wanted to say "open something". Please try again. > open chest Do you mean Brother Aelred's chest, Brother Anselm's chest, Brother Benedict's chest, Brother Cuthbert's chest, Brother Hugh's chest, Brother Martin's chest, Brother Wilfred's chest or your chest? > open my You can't see any such thing. > open your You can't see any such thing. > x me You're a novice in your first year, younger than all of the professed monks. Your black habit marks you as Benedictine, though you haven't yet taken your final vows. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x remigio Brother Remigio looks panicked. He keeps gesturing toward the Slype and saying "Frate Aelred". Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > l Dorter This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects pale moonlight on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him down to the Slype. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > s Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him down to the Slype. > e Necessarium This narrow chamber extends from the Hall. A wooden bench with several latrine holes runs along one wall, each opening onto the dung pit far below. The smell is overpowering. Cold, foul air rises from the pit. The only exit is out to the west. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him west to the Slype. > * lol [Comment recorded] > x bench Even if you could see anything far down in the pit, you wouldn't want to. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x holes Even if you could see anything far down in the pit, you wouldn't want to. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > smell In this foul place, you dare not. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > w You follow Brother Remigio west. Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him down to the Slype. > s Lay Dorter This chamber was built to house the lay brothers, those who serve without taking full vows. The walls are marked with darker patches where other cots once stood, and you can see the worn floorboards where chests were dragged back and forth over the years. Now the room holds only Brother Remigio's single cot and chest, pushed against a far wall. The priory's decline is nowhere more visible than in this emptiness, this quiet room that once held the sounds of simple men at their evening prayers. The only exit is north to the Hall. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > x cot Brother Remigio's cot is a simple straw mattress, lacking any ornamentation---but also lacking anything on or under it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x chest It is a simple wooden box with a lid. Unfortunately, you arrive at the Slype too late. Brother Aelred had died by the time you got there, and you missed his final words. You'll never forgive yourself for not comforting him at his end. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 1 out of a possible 55, in 68 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? restore Ok. > * OK timing is fair [Comment recorded] > w (first getting up from the stalls) Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits pale moonlight. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door out to the west is closed. > x glass You remember the first time you saw this glass, on the second day of your novitiate. Unlike some other things in the priory that show signs of decay, these still shine brightly on sunny days. The centre pane, the largest, has a golden hammer labelled "II: LABOR OMNIA VINCIT" ("Work Conquers All"), a reminder of the mission of monks. > x door A great oaken door. Carved deeply into its face: EGRESSUS FRUCTUM FERT ("Going out bears fruit"). The door is closed. > open it You open the great door. > u Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and pale moonlight flows down from above. > u You shouldn't go to the Bell Tower now. Brother Cuthbert will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > d Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits pale moonlight. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. > w Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door is open, revealing the Nave to the east. > close door You close the west door, revealing the carving on this face. You remember Brother Aelred's request to meet him this morning. You know he'll be in the gardens, south of the Cloister. > x carving A great oaken door. Carved deeply into its face: NOSTRA DOMINA SPINARUM ("Our Lady of Thorns") FUNDATUM ANNO DOMINI MCLII Almost two hundred years of wind and rain have worn the letters down. The door is closed. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > * hmm [Comment recorded] > s The Passage (North) A covered walkway that runs along the west edge of the priory. The stones underfoot are set carefully to make this a clear path. You can go north to the Porch or south to the southern end of the Passage. The West Gate, allowing entrance into the Cloister, is here and closed. > s The Passage (South) The narrow walkway ends here. This part seems less travelled, with weeds growing from between the stones underfoot. To the east, the ground slopes down to a wide closed door. > x weeds Just small weeds. > e The door blocks the way. > open door You try to pull it open, but have no success. You know you should go to the gardens. You wouldn't want to keep your mentor waiting. > n The Passage (North) A covered walkway that runs along the west edge of the priory. The stones underfoot are set carefully to make this a clear path. You can go north to the Porch or south to the southern end of the Passage. The West Gate, allowing entrance into the Cloister, is here and closed. > e You can't, since the West Gate is locked. > n Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door in to the east is closed. > e (first opening the great door) Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits pale moonlight. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points east. > e You follow Brother Remigio east. Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him south to the Slype. > s You follow Brother Remigio south. Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > x sundial The sundial isn't casting a discernible shadow without sunlight. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x well An old stone well, its edges worn down by centuries of drawing water. You can recall a story Aelred told about this: "The summer of... thirty-one, I think it was. Perhaps thirty-two. The well ran so low you could hear the bucket scrape the bottom, and Brother Oswald, then our cellarer, was rationing water like a miser counts farthings. We processed around the garth singing the litany, 'Ora pro nobis'." "Nothing happened, of course. Not that day. We went to bed parched and unconvinced. But in the morning the level had risen a foot. Prior Wilfred wept for joy. Brother Oswald said it was condensation." Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > nw This game uses only north, south, west, east, up, down, in, and out. > w Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > n Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > w You can't, since the prior door is locked. > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > n Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > x door A heavy door made of fine cedar, upon which a large brass plate is set. There are seven buttons on it, each bearing a symbol: a compass, a hammer, a scroll, a cross, a key, a lamp, and a sheaf of wheat. Below them, an inscription in elegant script: HIS TRIBUS FUNDATA EST DOMUS MEA --- GORDIAN, PRIMUS PRIOR You read that as "On these three my house is founded --- Gordian, First Prior". The door is currently closed. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > * puzzle! [Comment recorded] > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > w A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. --- Ecclesiastes Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. Brother Anselm is standing here, smiling at you. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. Unfortunately, you arrive at the Slype too late. Brother Aelred had died by the time you got there, and you missed his final words. You'll never forgive yourself for not comforting him at his end. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 2 out of a possible 55, in 68 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? restore Ok. > w (first getting up from the stalls) Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits pale moonlight. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door out to the west is closed. > w (first opening the great door) Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door is open, revealing the Nave to the east. > close door You close the west door, revealing the carving on this face. > x carving A great oaken door. Carved deeply into its face: NOSTRA DOMINA SPINARUM ("Our Lady of Thorns") FUNDATUM ANNO DOMINI MCLII Almost two hundred years of wind and rain have worn the letters down. The door is closed. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > * is the year important? 1152 I think [Comment recorded] > e (first opening the great door) Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits pale moonlight. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. > e Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > s Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > x well An old stone well, its edges worn down by centuries of drawing water. You can recall a story Aelred told about this: "The summer of... thirty-one, I think it was. Perhaps thirty-two. The well ran so low you could hear the bucket scrape the bottom, and Brother Oswald, then our cellarer, was rationing water like a miser counts farthings. We processed around the garth singing the litany, 'Ora pro nobis'." "Nothing happened, of course. Not that day. We went to bed parched and unconvinced. But in the morning the level had risen a foot. Prior Wilfred wept for joy. Brother Oswald said it was condensation." You remember Brother Aelred's request to meet him this morning. You know he'll be in the gardens, south of the Cloister. > w Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > n Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. > x door A heavy door made of fine cedar, upon which a large brass plate is set. There are seven buttons on it, each bearing a symbol: a compass, a hammer, a scroll, a cross, a key, a lamp, and a sheaf of wheat. Below them, an inscription in elegant script: HIS TRIBUS FUNDATA EST DOMUS MEA --- GORDIAN, PRIMUS PRIOR You read that as "On these three my house is founded --- Gordian, First Prior". The door is currently closed. > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > s Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points east. > n Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > w A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. --- Ecclesiastes Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. Brother Anselm is standing here, smiling at you. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. > x anself Sorry, I don't understand what "anself" means. > x anself Sorry, I don't understand what "anself" means. > x anselm Brother Anselm, the cantor, is barely thirty, young for his office. He joined the priory at a young age and was put under the tutelage of Brother Wilfred for many years. He has a clear, strong voice and an easy smile. You've learned that unlike many of the other brothers, he seems to enjoy conversation where the Rule permits it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x table This is the table where necessary business is conducted. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > talk to anselm [Instead, try: ASK monk ABOUT person/thing or TELL monk ABOUT person/thing. But: many monks follow their vow of silence and others speak only in certain locations.] > ask anselm about anselm Looking frantic, Remigio says something in his native tongue. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > * hmm [Comment recorded] > l Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. Brother Anselm is standing here, smiling at you. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > * extra space between "him" and "to the Slype" [Comment recorded] > e Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > s Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > x lavatorium The Lavatorium is the alcove south of here. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > s Lavatorium A small alcove off the Cloister where the brothers wash before entering the Refectory. A basin is built into the wall. You can only return the way you came. A threadbare towel hangs on a peg by the basin. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > x basin The basin normally contains water for washing but, perhaps given the events today, someone has failed to fill it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x towel It's a simple linen towel, well-worn by use. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > * a little off to refer to the events today before they've really kicked off [Comment recorded] > take towel Leave this here. The other brothers will want to use it. Unfortunately, you arrive at the Slype too late. Brother Aelred had died by the time you got there, and you missed his final words. You'll never forgive yourself for not comforting him at his end. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 2 out of a possible 55, in 63 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? restore Ok. > s (first getting up from the stalls) Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > w Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points east. > s Lavatorium A small alcove off the Cloister where the brothers wash before entering the Refectory. A basin is built into the wall. You can only return the way you came. A threadbare towel hangs on a peg by the basin. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > x basin The basin normally contains water for washing but, perhaps given the events today, someone has failed to fill it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > n You follow Brother Remigio north. Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > e You follow Brother Remigio east. Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > x tables The tables are bare and well-washed. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > smell The scent of pottage from previous meals. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x lectern A plain wooden stand, used for reading during meals. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > x martin Brother Martin, the kitchener, is short, round, and quick to laugh---unusual in this sombre place. He and Brother Remigio, the lay monk, produce the simple meals that sustain the community. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x table A long high table, big enough for two or three people to work at. It has a collection of utensils, knives, a piece of smoked fish, and vessels of spices on it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x knives You needn't worry about these---Brother Martin is the kitchener. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. Brother Martin smiles broadly. "Hungry, are we, Brother Novice?" He takes a piece of smoked fish and presses it into your hands. "There. Now leave us to our work." He ushers you out north, to the Refectory. Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > x fish Cod? Haddock? You're a gardener, not a fisherman. Unfortunately, you arrive at the Slype too late. Brother Aelred had died by the time you got there, and you missed his final words. You'll never forgive yourself for not comforting him at his end. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 1 out of a possible 55, in 53 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? restore Ok. > s (first getting up from the stalls) Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > takefish That is not a verb I recognise. > take fish You can't see any such thing. > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > * hmm [Comment recorded] > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. You remember Brother Aelred's request to meet him this morning. You know he'll be in the gardens, south of the Cloister. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. You know you should go to the gardens. You wouldn't want to keep your mentor waiting. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points north. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > * hmm [Comment recorded] > take fish Brother Martin is right here. You can't just steal food. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x fish Cod? Haddock? You're a gardener, not a fisherman. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > l Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. Brother Martin smiles broadly. "Hungry, are we, Brother Novice?" He takes a piece of smoked fish and presses it into your hands. "There. Now leave us to our work." He ushers you out north, to the Refectory. Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > restore Ok. > s (first getting up from the stalls) Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > d You can only go north or south. > s You shouldn't go to the Kitchen now. Brother Martin will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > d You can only go north or south. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. You remember Brother Aelred's request to meet him this morning. You know he'll be in the gardens, south of the Cloister. > e Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > n Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > u Day Stairs You're in the middle of a set of broad stone steps. The steps dip in the centre from generations of sandaled feet. This staircase is used by you and the brethren to travel between the Cloister and the dorters above when there's enough light and warmth to use outdoor stairs. Above is the upper living areas and below is the Cloister walk. > d Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > e Chapter House The Chapter House is a modest hall where the brothers gather each morning to discuss priory business. A painted panel on the wall depicts the hours of the Divine Offices. In one corner stands a wooden statue. The only exit is west, out to the Cloister. Two benches are in the centre of the room. A broad table lies between the benches. > x panel It shows the offices: Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM (Since you know these by heart, you can see this list at any time with the command OFFICES). You know you should go to the gardens. You wouldn't want to keep your mentor waiting. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > * handy [Comment recorded] > offices Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM > x statue It's a wooden statue, worn and with the paint flaking in places. You know it to be Brother Gordian, the founder of the priory. His face is filled with reverence and curiosity, and he is depicted holding a scroll reading "III: SAPIENTIA", reflecting one of his three creeds, wisdom. > * aha [Comment recorded] > ; That is not a verb I recognise. > l Chapter House The Chapter House is a modest hall where the brothers gather each morning to discuss priory business. A painted panel on the wall depicts the hours of the Divine Offices. In one corner stands a wooden statue. The only exit is west, out to the Cloister. Two benches are in the centre of the room. A broad table lies between the benches. > x benches The benches are simple and made of wood. > x tables You can't see any such thing. > x table A large wooden table. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points . > w Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him south to the Slype. > s You follow Brother Remigio south. Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him south to the Slype. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. > x wilfred Brother Wilfred, the librarian, is the most venerated of the brethren, well over seventy. He's lean and wiry, with wisps of white hair shooting in all directions from his head. His habit has bits of orange fluff or fur on it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x fluff Brother Wilfred's habit is a plain black robe, like yours. You're not sure what the orange fluff is. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > take fluff Tidying the fur from Brother Wilfred's habit is well-intended, but you refrain from it. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. Brother Wilfred yawns sleepily. > l Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > * secret cat? [Comment recorded] > smell A comfortable mix of ink and burning wood from the fire. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x cire Sorry, I don't understand what "cire" means. > x fire The fireplace is a stone recess in the wall with a fire going. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > l Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. Brother Wilfred rubs his temples wearily. > x sample Brother Wilfred's current work: an unfinished breviary for the office. The Latin text flows in careful Gothic script across vellum pages. Several decorated initials have been illuminated with silver leaf and vermilion, their intricate patterns revealing the master's eye even as the slightly wavering lines betray his trembling hands. Many pages still await illumination. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x table Large enough for four monks to work here, the table is laden with implements for producing illuminated manuscripts. A breviary, presumably a current work, is open on the table, along with a silver key. Brother Remigio implores you to move quickly. > x key A silver key, tarnished with age. Brother Wilfred guards it jealously: it's his responsibility as librarian to control access to the priory's precious books. Unfortunately, you arrive at the Slype too late. Brother Aelred had died by the time you got there, and you missed his final words. You'll never forgive yourself for not comforting him at his end. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 2 out of a possible 55, in 68 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? restore Ok. > s (first getting up from the stalls) Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > e Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > e You shouldn't go to the Scriptorium now. Brother Wilfred will be there and will report you for not working in the Garden with Brother Aelred. > n Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > e Chapter House The Chapter House is a modest hall where the brothers gather each morning to discuss priory business. A painted panel on the wall depicts the hours of the Divine Offices. In one corner stands a wooden statue. The only exit is west, out to the Cloister. Two benches are in the centre of the room. A broad table lies between the benches. > x statue It's a wooden statue, worn and with the paint flaking in places. You know it to be Brother Gordian, the founder of the priory. His face is filled with reverence and curiosity, and he is depicted holding a scroll reading "III: SAPIENTIA", reflecting one of his three creeds, wisdom. > x panel It shows the offices: Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM (Since you know these by heart, you can see this list at any time with the command OFFICES). [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > w Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. You remember Brother Aelred's request to meet him this morning. You know he'll be in the gardens, south of the Cloister. > s Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points east. > m That is not a verb I recognise. > Come again, Brother? > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him south to the Slype. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him to the Slype. > e You wouldn't dare try to enter the Library with Brother Wilfred watching you. Access to the Library is restricted to him. > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him south to the Slype. > s You follow Brother Remigio south. Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him north to the Slype. > n You follow Brother Remigio north. Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > e You follow Brother Remigio east. Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. Brother Remigio desperately signals you to follow him east to the Slype. > e You follow Brother Remigio east. Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. Brother Remigio is here, looking terrified. Brother Aelred lies on the stone floor. Brother Aelred is clearly unwell. His movements are frantic and his eyes look unusual. > x bushes These bushes were a point of pride for Aelred, given how hard it can be to grow roses in this climate. Given the season, the flowers are largely gone, replaced by only rosehips and their scent. Brother Aelred seems gripped with delirium. "Gathering... he was always gathering... I wanted to know why..." > e You wouldn't dare abandon Brother Aelred. Brother Aelred's hand jerks, trembling, gesturing north toward the bushes lining the Slype and the Scriptorium behind. His lips move. "The letter... the letter told me everything..." > restore Ok. > s (first getting up from the stalls) Cloister North You emerge on the northern edge of the Cloister walk, the covered stone arcade at the centre of the priory. It's a continuous square path surrounding the Garth, a large open yard. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. [Since the Cloister is so large, it is divided into eight parts: Cloister Northwest, Cloister North, and so on.] > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. The lay monk, Brother Remigio, runs up to you, his face ashen. "You!" he cries, grabbing your sleeve. "Come---Frate Aelred, l'erborista, he is, the Slype---" He cannot find the words. His eyes say everything. He urgently points east. > e You follow Brother Remigio east. Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. Brother Remigio is here, looking terrified. Brother Aelred lies on the stone floor. Brother Aelred is clearly unwell. His movements are frantic and his eyes look unusual. > x eyes His pupils are unnaturally dilated and black, like you have never seen in a person living or dead. Brother Aelred seems gripped with delirium. "Gathering... he was always gathering... I wanted to know why..." This definitely feels like an unnatural condition. You resolve to discover what happened to Aelred. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > x aelred Your beloved mentor. In normal moments, Brother Aelred's eyes twinkled with kindness. Right now, though, he looks desperately ill. Sweat beads on his flushed face, and his pupils look strange. His limbs grab wildly at his habit, making it seem as though he is trying to remove something that isn't there. Brother Aelred's hand jerks, trembling, gesturing north toward the bushes lining the Slype and the Scriptorium behind. His lips move. "The letter... the letter told me everything..." > x habit You see nothing unusual about his habit, and don't see the things he was picking at. Brother Aelred convulses wildly. The end of his earthly time cannot be far. > ask aelred about letter Perhaps in response, he points north. "They're not alive." A strange peace crosses Brother Aelred's face. He finds your hand and holds it with surprising strength. "One life for two, my friend." He smiles, looking towards Heaven---and is gone. > pray You pray fervently for Brother Aelred. ----------------------- && ----------------------- Having heard Remigio's cries, Prior Oswald arrives and, upon seeing the wide and still eyes of Brother Aelred, makes the sign of the cross and whispers a prayer. The other brothers assemble. Brother Benedict, the infirmarer, is called upon to determine if Aelred is dead, and does so. You find yourself in the garden without quite knowing how you got there, standing among Brother Aelred's carefully tended beds. Your friend. Your mentor. The pangs of loneliness that have eaten at you on long nights return cruelly. Brother Wilfred, the venerable librarian, finds you in the Garden and tries to offer consolation: "My child", he says, "you will always have a friend in me. Brother Aelred lived a joyful life, and we can carry on in his spirit with your help." He gestures to the gardens that you have grown to love so much. You are told by others that there is a meeting in the Chapter House. You dry your eyes and make your way there. ----------------------- && ----------------------- Chapter House The Chapter House is a modest hall where the brothers gather each morning to discuss priory business. A painted panel on the wall depicts the hours of the Divine Offices. In one corner stands a wooden statue. The only exit is west, out to the Cloister. Two benches are in the centre of the room. A broad table lies between the benches. You can also see eight Brothers (Wilfred, Remigio, Oswald, Martin, Hugh, Cuthbert, Benedict and Anselm) here. The brothers gathered here begin to find seats, and Brother Oswald, the prior, begins to speak. > sit You sit on the benches. "Brothers," starts Brother Prior Oswald, "this is a terrible day for our community: the loss of our herbalist, Brother Aelred." > x oswald Brother Oswald, the prior. Lean and grey-haired, in his early fifties, he governs the priory with stern discipline. You've learned to measure your words and deeds carefully in his presence. Brother Oswald pauses. "Brother Aelred's passing was... sudden. He did have a weak heart. Let us thank God that his passing was quick." > x panel It shows the offices: Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM (Since you know these by heart, you can see this list at any time with the command OFFICES). Brother Oswald continues: "We will observe a day of fasting today and break our fast after Matins tomorrow. Brother Benedict has placed our dear brother in the Infirmary Chapel. You may pay your final respects to him there." [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > x statue It's a wooden statue, worn and with the paint flaking in places. You know it to be Brother Gordian, the founder of the priory. His face is filled with reverence and curiosity, and he is depicted holding a scroll reading "III: SAPIENTIA", reflecting one of his three creeds, wisdom. Brother Oswald continues: "Our novice"---he gestures toward you---"is doing adequately in his role, and will spend today cataloguing the gardens. He and I will meet after the burial tomorrow to decide how to proceed without our herbalist." > pray You pray fervently, but nothing apparent happens. Brother Oswald continues: "Of course, we will continue to hold the rest of our Divine Offices today---however, given the circumstances, some of you may be absent. To this, I give my blessing." > * I mean that's more reassuring than not (the "nothing apparent happens") [Comment recorded] > z You listen intently to Brother Oswald. The meeting draws to a close and the brethren stand. [You can always get a list of brothers with you with the command HERE.] > here Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor - Benedict, the infirmarer - Cuthbert, the sacrist - Hugh, the cellarer - Martin, the kitchener - Oswald, the prior - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant - Wilfred, the librarian > ask oswald about aelred Brother Oswald is quite stern about maintaining silence, and makes no effort to hide his displeasure. Brother Wilfred yawns sleepily. Brothers Oswald, Hugh, Benedict, Cuthbert and Remigio leave. > undo Previous turn undone. > x wilfred Brother Wilfred, the librarian, is the most venerated of the brethren, well over seventy. He's lean and wiry, with wisps of white hair shooting in all directions from his head. His habit has bits of orange fluff or fur on it. Brother Wilfred yawns sleepily. Brothers Oswald, Hugh, Benedict, Cuthbert and Remigio leave. > * wonder if that's a clue -- was Wilfred up late? [Comment recorded] > l Chapter House (on the benches) The Chapter House is a modest hall where the brothers gather each morning to discuss priory business. A painted panel on the wall depicts the hours of the Divine Offices. In one corner stands a wooden statue. The only exit is west, out to the Cloister. Two benches are in the centre of the room. A broad table lies between the benches. You can also see three Brothers (Wilfred, Martin and Anselm) here. Brothers Wilfred, Martin and Anselm depart, leaving you alone. You feel a deep sense of obligation to Brother Aelred. Something about this death doesn't feel right or natural. You vow to discover what happened and why. You'll need to finish your investigation by the end of Compline tonight, since Brother Aelred will be buried tomorrow morning. You're not sure where to begin, but examining his body in the Infirmary Chapel or searching his Herbarium might be good places to start. Of course, such an investigation would be unsanctioned by the prior. You'll have to cover your tracks carefully. > save Ok. > w (first getting up from the benches) Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > n The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > s Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. [There is no clock here, but between bells ringing for offices and your own internal sense, you decide that it is very approximately four in the morning. You can check this sense at any time with the command TIME.] > tiem That is not a verb I recognise. > time From your vague sense of time, it is four in the morning. > offices Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > x wilfred Brother Wilfred, the librarian, is the most venerated of the brethren, well over seventy. He's lean and wiry, with wisps of white hair shooting in all directions from his head. His habit has bits of orange fluff or fur on it. > x table Large enough for four monks to work here, the table is laden with implements for producing illuminated manuscripts. A breviary, presumably a current work, is open on the table, along with a silver key. > x key A silver key, tarnished with age. Brother Wilfred guards it jealously: it's his responsibility as librarian to control access to the priory's precious books. Brother Wilfred rubs his temples wearily. > ask wilfred about key "I'm afraid I can't let you in. The Library is off-limits to everyone but me. Strict orders from the prior." > ask wilfred about fluff "Oh." He looks abashed, and brushes at his habit. > ask wilfred about aelred "What a loss for our community. I knew him his entire adult life, and such a pleasant acquaintance it was. He was always thoughtful---he began to bring me rosemary sprigs after he learned that that was my mother's name." > ask wilfred about rosemark Brother Wilfred hushes you kindly. "Never mind that." [There are other things you can ask, but one good idea is to ask the brothers about each other.] Brother Wilfred stifles a yawn. > ask wilfred about tiredness Brother Wilfred hushes you kindly. "Never mind that." > ask wilfred about yawn Brother Wilfred hushes you kindly. "Never mind that." > ask wilfred about yawning Brother Wilfred hushes you kindly. "Never mind that." > ask wilfred about oswald "He's done very well as prior. That was once my role, but---" He looks at you with tenderness. "Age comes for us all, my son." Brother Wilfred rubs his eyes. > ask wilfred about himself Brother Wilfred hushes you kindly. "Never mind that." > ask wilfred about wilfred "Me? I'm simply a child of God, like you, dear Aldwin." > * Oh we do have a name! [Comment recorded] > ask wilfred about martin "Brother Martin keeps us all well-fed, even in these lean times. A generous soul." > ask wilfred about anselm "Such a beautiful voice for one so young." Brother Wilfred blinks his eyes heavily. > ask wilfred about sample "Ah, my breviary. I have done finer work." A pause that does not invite contradiction. "But the patterns are sound. Whatever else, the patterns are sound." > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > n There is an open area between here and the Scriptorium, but you can't get to it. > x bushes These bushes were a point of pride for Aelred, given how hard it can be to grow roses in this climate. Given the season, the flowers are largely gone, replaced by only rosehips and their scent. > search bushes You see nothing in the bushes. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see an orange cat here. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > s You can only go west or east. > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see an orange cat here. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > s Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > x pot A substantial container, perfect for repotting a large plant. It is empty. > x herbs The different bunches of herbs hang from the rafters. From here, you can't make out what they are. > x table The table is the one where you and Brother Aelred did your daily work. On top of it are some jars, some gloves and Aelred's Herbal. > x jars There are almost two dozen of them, each carefully labelled. You know these well---managing these has been your daily labour for the past few months. You don't see anything missing or unusual about them. > x gloves These are rough gloves, used by Aelred in the gardens. > take gloves Taken. > x herbal A thin volume, but very handy: it lists many herbs and other plants, along with descriptions of them and their uses. > take it You take the Herbal, aware that this was among his most prized possessions. You can only hope you'll make as good use of it as he did. > read it It's much too dense to read the entire thing. (You can consult it by looking up a plant by name, like CONSULT HERBAL ABOUT YARROW.) > consult herbal about rosemary Rosemary: one of God's most beneficial gifts, useful for the digestion and for nerves. Can be made into a decoction or served as a tea. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > * hmm, point for that? [Comment recorded] > consult herbal about yarrow Yarrow: called also "woundwort" and "nosebleed plant", for its chief virtues. Applied as a poultice to a fresh wound, it stanches bleeding with remarkable speed---the ancients said Achilles himself used it on the battlefield. A tea of the dried flowers will bring down a fever by encouraging sweat. One of the most useful herbs in the infirmarer's store. > stand on table You climb up onto the worktable. > x herbs Three different bunches hang from the rafters. They're still out of your grasp---Brother Aelred was much taller than you---but you recognise them as thyme, rosemary, and feverfew. > consult herbal about thyme Thyme: powerful for cleaning the blood and warding off the plague. Can be made into a decoction or served in a tea. > consult herbal about feverfew Feverfew: also known as "featherfoil" or "featherfew". A sovereign remedy for headaches and the agues that bring fever. Women take it for monthly afflictions. Chew the fresh leaves or make a tea, though the bitterness is formidable. Some claim it prevents the megrim when taken daily. > consult herbal about megrim You find no entry for that in Aelred's Herbal. > l Herbarium (on the worktable) This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. On the worktable you can see some jars. > take pot You can't reach the pot from the table. > d You climb down from the worktable. > take pot It's too large to carry about easily. > s Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. A closed gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > x gate This wooden fence protects access to the dangerous plants. It is closed. > open it It's locked. > x beds Neat rows of raised beds, carefully tended and weeded. Woody rosemary grows tall in one corner, its leaves green against the autumn sky. Low-growing thyme spreads in silvery-green mats, while feverfew's white daisy-flowers still bloom despite the season. In the most sheltered spot, a tiny basil plant catches what little sun reaches this northern garden. It's a small miracle that Aelred coaxed it to survive this long. > x basil Less than half a foot tall, with oval leaves of tender green. It appears to be in its first season. [If you want to take part of the basil plant: PICK plant.] Spending time here reminds you of a conversation from spring, when Brother Aelred was tending part of the garden. "This one's a challenge, my son," he said, gesturing at a new basil plant. "It wants warmth and sun we can barely give it here. But there's a brother of ours---he came from sunnier lands, seeking refuge. He never complains, but I see the homesickness in his eyes." Aelred touched the leaves gently. "If I can coax this to grow, it will remind him of home. A small kindness, perhaps, but sometimes those matter most." You will miss Aelred so much. "RING! RING!" You hear the bell ring two times to call the brothers to the Lauds office. Prior Oswald excused you from offices today, but you know the choir monks will be in the Quire for the next forty-five minutes or so. > * yay [Comment recorded] > consult herbal about basil Basil: difficult to grow in these northern climes, but common in warmer lands like southern France and especially Tuscany, where it is prized as both culinary herb and remedy. Effective for digestive troubles and inflammation of the eyes. > pick basil You break a sprig off of it. > * inflammation of the eyes, huh? [Comment recorded] > save Ok. > x path The path is merely the space between the beds. > w You can't, since the restricted garden gate is locked. > open gate It's locked. > n Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > n Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see an orange cat here. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. You can see an orange cat here. > x cat She is small and lean with hunger. The orange cat rubs against the walls. > pet cat Cats usually need to be bribed to let you touch them. The orange cat licks a paw contentedly. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. > take fish "Ladro, ladro---uh--thieves!" Brother Remigio cries, and stops you from taking the fish. > give basil I think you wanted to say "give basil sprig to someone". Please try again. > give basil to remigio The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you. --- The Book of Leviticus Inform error: 25 Remigio's weathered face transforms. "Basilico!" he exclaims, taking the herb and breathing deeply. "I not smell since Toscana." His eyes glisten. "Frate Aelred grew for me? He was brav'uomo, a good man." He clasps your hand warmly. "Grazie mille, uh, thanks you. You need to do something, Remigio let you. Yes?" [The score has just gone up by 2 points.] > * Erp, flagging the "Inform error: 25" up there in the block quote [Comment recorded] > take fish Brother Remigio slyly looks away while you take the smoked fish. > n Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit pale moonlight that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. You can see an orange cat here. > give fish to cat The orange cat eats the fish hungrily then rubs against you, purring. > pet cat She pushes her nose affectionately against your hand. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the pale moonlight that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. > take key You can't see any such thing. > e The library door is locked. > * bah [Comment recorded] > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. You can see an orange cat here. > n Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > e Chapter House The Chapter House is a modest hall where the brothers gather each morning to discuss priory business. A painted panel on the wall depicts the hours of the Divine Offices. In one corner stands a wooden statue. The only exit is west, out to the Cloister. Two benches are in the centre of the room. A broad table lies between the benches. > x table A large wooden table. > w Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > w Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > * can't really slip into the sacristy, unfortunately [Comment recorded] > n Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) Office! Entering the Quire when a service is underway means you'll be obligated to participate in it. The brothers look at you, puzzled. Why aren't you seated? > undo Previous turn undone. > w Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see an orange cat here. > w You can't, since the prior door is locked. > x door A heavy door made of fine cedar, upon which a large brass plate is set. There are seven buttons on it, each bearing a symbol: a compass, a hammer, a scroll, a cross, a key, a lamp, and a sheaf of wheat. Below them, an inscription in elegant script: HIS TRIBUS FUNDATA EST DOMUS MEA --- GORDIAN, PRIMUS PRIOR You read that as "On these three my house is founded --- Gordian, First Prior". The door is currently closed. > * So that's the scroll [Comment recorded] > push scroll You press the button and feel it click into place. > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > w A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. --- Ecclesiastes Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. > x table This is the table where necessary business is conducted. > e Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > e Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its pale moonlight. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > x well An old stone well, its edges worn down by centuries of drawing water. You can recall a story Aelred told about this: "The summer of... thirty-one, I think it was. Perhaps thirty-two. The well ran so low you could hear the bucket scrape the bottom, and Brother Oswald, then our cellarer, was rationing water like a miser counts farthings. We processed around the garth singing the litany, 'Ora pro nobis'." "Nothing happened, of course. Not that day. We went to bed parched and unconvinced. But in the morning the level had risen a foot. Prior Wilfred wept for joy. Brother Oswald said it was condensation." > x dial The sundial casts a shadow showing the time as quarter to six in the morning. > e Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit cold night air and pale moonlight. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > e Infirmary The Infirmary serves both the brothers and visiting villagers who seek healing. Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. A polished metal mirror hangs from a hook on the wall. A curious cabinet, perhaps for medicines, sits against a wall. > x bench A plain wood table holding the mortars and bowls. > smell The air smells of herbs, vinegar, and illness. > x mirror A young face, barely requiring shaving, stares back at you. Your black Benedictine habit hangs loose on your thin frame. No tonsure marks your crown---you're still a novice, not yet bound by final vows. Brother Aelred used to say you had honest eyes. You hope he was right. > take mirror You take it, promising yourself you will return it. [Carrying items not related to your work here (such as the mirror) is against priory rules. Find a way to hide these or carry them unnoticed.] > i You're carrying a mirror, Aelred's Herbal, some gloves and your robe (worn). > put mirror in robe Your robe has no pockets. > put mirror in hood You put the mirror into the hood. You found a way to carry illicit things unnoticed. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > * boom [Comment recorded] > x cabinet A wooden cabinet secured with a brass lock mechanism. Four brass wheels, each engraved with digits "0" through "9", can be rotated independently. Carved into the wood above the lock: "Historia nostra, fides nostra". You remember Brother Aelred mentioning this cabinet: "A clever device, this. The secret is something any brother would know---I myself guessed it years ago. At least it should protect the villagers from getting to our medicines." The four wheels currently show: 0-0-0-0. > * ah, must be the founding date [Comment recorded] > * i know this from another playthrough [Comment recorded] > set wheels to 1152 You set the wheels to 1-1-5-2. You hear a satisfying click as the lock disengages. [The score has just gone up by 3 points.] > open cabinet You open the medicine cabinet, revealing three decoctions (foxglove, henbane and feverfew). Brother Benedict arrives from the west. Oh no! Brother Benedict found the infirmary cabinet open---you've been caught. You are given a very stern speech. If you want to keep investigating, you'll need to be more careful. > undo Previous turn undone. > * lol timing [Comment recorded] > l Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. Brother Benedict arrives from the west. > x benedict Brother Benedict, the infirmarer, is a heavyset man in his forties with gentle hands and a warmer smile than his bulk might suggest. He moves with the careful efficiency of one who tends the suffering daily. > ask benedict about aelred "Our dear brother is in the Infirmary Chapel and you may seek him there." > s Infirmary Chapel This is a tiny chapel attached to the Infirmary, barely large enough for a priest and one or two others. A simple stone altar stands against a wall, and a statue stands in a corner, worn smooth by many hands. This chapel is where the dying receive extreme unction, where the desperately ill make their final prayers. The air is heavy with the memory of fear and hope. The only exit, for the living, is out to the north. You can see an altar (with Brother Aelred's body on it) here. > x statue It depicts St Roch, patron saint of the plague-stricken and the sick. He's depicted as a pilgrim, with a hand pointing to a sore on his leg. > x sore The artist was clearly aiming for realism with these. You recall Brother Aelred telling you vivid stories of illness he saw on his travels. > touch sore You don't feel anything unexpected. > x altar A simple stone altar, worn by generations of prayer. On it is Brother Aelred's body. > x body Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. --- The Book of Psalms Your beloved mentor lies still on the altar, still dressed. His face is peaceful now, though you remember his agony earlier. His eyes are wide open---staring upward as if fixed on Heaven---and his hands are folded across his chest. Something seems odd about him, though you can't quite place it. > x hands You notice nothing unusual about his hands. > x eyes His pupils are unnaturally dilated and black, like you have never seen in a person living or dead. > x face You detect nothing unusual about Brother Aelred's face and mouth, except for his eyes and the odour coming from his mouth. > smell There is an odd faint odour in the air. > smell mouth There's an odd smell about his remains, something like alcohol and urine in his mouth. Unusual. > open mouth You find nothing in his mouth and close it. > x nose Sorry, I don't understand what "nose" means. > x clothes A simple black woollen cloth, marking you as a novice of this house. It doesn't have pockets, but a large hood hangs at your back. > x aelred's clothes You can't see any such thing. > x aelred's habit You see nothing unusual about his habit, and don't see the things he was picking at. > search aelred In an inner pocket of his robe, you find an iron key. You take it. [The score has just gone up by 2 points.] > * That's a little over-specific [Comment recorded] > x key Heavy and iron, its surface pitted with rust from years hanging in the damp Herbarium. You know this key from seeing Aelred use it: it opens the gate to the Restricted Garden where the dangerous herbs are grown. > put key in hood You put the iron key into the hood. > l Infirmary Chapel This is a tiny chapel attached to the Infirmary, barely large enough for a priest and one or two others. A simple stone altar stands against a wall, and a statue stands in a corner, worn smooth by many hands. The only exit, for the living, is out to the north. You can see an altar (with Brother Aelred's body on it) here. > n Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > ask benedict about cabinet "The medicines are kept secure here." > ask benedict about eyes "They were very dilated. Perhaps he was in pain?" > ask benedict about basil Brother Benedict nods kindly but gestures toward his work. "Forgive me, Brother Novice, but I have much to attend to." > ask benedict about hands Brother Benedict nods kindly but gestures toward his work. "Forgive me, Brother Novice, but I have much to attend to." > ask benedict about mouth Brother Benedict nods kindly but gestures toward his work. "Forgive me, Brother Novice, but I have much to attend to." > ask benedict about odor Brother Benedict nods kindly but gestures toward his work. "Forgive me, Brother Novice, but I have much to attend to." > tell benedict about mouth Brother Benedict nods kindly but gestures toward his work. "Forgive me, Brother Novice, but I have much to attend to." > tell benedict about odor Brother Benedict nods kindly but gestures toward his work. "Forgive me, Brother Novice, but I have much to attend to." > n You can only go south or west. > w Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > s Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > s Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. A closed gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > w You can't, since the restricted garden gate is locked. > unlock gate (with the iron key) You unlock the restricted garden gate and open it. > w Restricted Garden Here is Aelred's collection of dangerous plants---those too potent for casual use, too deadly for error. The beds here are smaller, more carefully separated. Aelred brought you here only twice, making you repeat each plant's name, its use, its danger. "Respect them, my son", he said. "In the right dose, they heal. In the wrong, they kill." The only exit is out through the gate to the east, which is open. A small gnarled mandrake root pushes from the earth, pale and forked like a tiny human figure. > x beds The beds are smaller and carefully separated here---no risk of cross-contamination. You recognise monkshood by its dark leaves and hooded flowers, foxglove by its pink bells, henbane by its sickly-sweet smell. > x monkshood Several feet high, with spikes of helmet-shaped, deep blue flowers. > consult herbal about it You can't see "it" (monkshood plant) at the moment. > consult herbal about monkshood Aconite: called also "wolfsbane" and, in the common tongue, "monkshood", for the shape of its flower. When used with caution, can reduce inflammation or problems with breathing. When used without care, can result in a death that looks like rabies: with frothy saliva, slurred speech, and impaired vision. Used as a liniment or decoction. > x foxglove A tall plant with distinct stems of flowers: bell-shaped and pink. > consult herbal about foxglove Foxglove: some claim it strengthens a weak heart, though its use is controversial and dangerous. Even small amounts can cause the heart to beat irregularly. Handle with great caution, as the plant irritates the skin terribly. > x henbane A sprawling plant, with yellow and purple bell-shaped flowers. > consult herbal about henbane Henbane: of great virtue against toothache and the pains of rheumatism when taken in very small amounts as a decoction. Yet henbane is treacherous in larger quantity. The dying man's eyes grow wide and strange, the pupils swallowed up by darkness, as though he looks upon things unseen. Visions come upon him---some report them as blessed, others as torments. Let the infirmarer dispense this herb with great caution, for the difference between remedy and poison is a matter of mere drops. You recognise in Brother Aelred's symptoms the signs of henbane poisoning. This death wasn't caused by a heart attack. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > consult herbal about henbane Henbane: of great virtue against toothache and the pains of rheumatism when taken in very small amounts as a decoction. Yet henbane is treacherous in larger quantity. The dying man's eyes grow wide and strange, the pupils swallowed up by darkness, as though he looks upon things unseen. Visions come upon him---some report them as blessed, others as torments. Let the infirmarer dispense this herb with great caution, for the difference between remedy and poison is a matter of mere drops. > x henbane A sprawling plant, with yellow and purple bell-shaped flowers. > x mandrake A small, pale, forked root twisted into a vaguely human shape. > consult herbal about mandrake Mandrake: called also Mandragora, and by some the sleeping root or gallows root. In small doses brings drowsiness and eases pain. The smoke of the root, carefully breathed, brings a deep and restful sleep---useful before surgery or for the gravely restless. The root itself should not be eaten in quantity, but it is not dangerous to handle. > take mandrake You wrap your fingers around it carefully and pull it free. The root forks into two distinct limbs below the crown---the shape the ancients called anthropomorphon, the man-formed. They said it screamed when pulled from the earth. The silence feels like a small mercy. > save Ok. > e Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. An open gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > time From your vague sense of time, it is approaching seven in the morning. > n Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > n Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > e Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > ask benedict about henbane "I keep that here for medicine." > * hmm [Comment recorded] > smell The air smells of herbs, vinegar, and illness. > s Infirmary Chapel This is a tiny chapel attached to the Infirmary, barely large enough for a priest and one or two others. A simple stone altar stands against a wall, and a statue stands in a corner, worn smooth by many hands. The only exit, for the living, is out to the north. You can see an altar (with Brother Aelred's body on it) here. > x mouth You detect nothing unusual about Brother Aelred's face and mouth, except for his eyes and the odour coming from his mouth. > smell mouth That same odd smell lingers. > n Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > w Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see an orange cat here. Hint: Now that you've searched both gardens and examined the body in the Infirmary Chapel, your next step could be to search all the Priory locations looking for evidence. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the cool morning light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > ask wilfred about cat His eyes glisten. "Forgive an old brother, but that cat has become very dear to me. I was the one who named her---'Pax', for the peace she brings to these old halls." "RING! RING! RING!" You hear the bell ring three times to call the brothers to the Prime office. Prior Oswald excused you from offices today, but you know the choir monks will be in the Quire for the next forty-five minutes or so. > take key You are carrying too many things already. > x key Heavy and iron, its surface pitted with rust from years hanging in the damp Herbarium. You know this key from seeing Aelred use it: it opens the gate to the Restricted Garden where the dangerous herbs are grown. Brother Wilfred takes the silver key from the table and heads out. > i You're carrying a mandrake root, Aelred's Herbal, some gloves and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: an iron key and a mirror). > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. You can see Brother Benedict here. Brother Benedict heads north. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see Pax here. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. > d You dare not head down to darkness without a light source. > i You're carrying a mandrake root, Aelred's Herbal, some gloves and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: an iron key and a mirror). > put root in hood You put the mandrake root into the hood. > n Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > w You can only go north or south. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax rubs against the walls. > w Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. > s Lavatorium A small alcove off the Cloister where the brothers wash before entering the Refectory. A basin is built into the wall. You can only return the way you came. A threadbare towel hangs on a peg by the basin. > take towel Leave this here. The other brothers will want to use it. > x towel It's a simple linen towel, well-worn by use. > x basin The basin normally contains water for washing but, perhaps given the events today, someone has failed to fill it. > smell basin You sniff carefully, but don't smell anything unexpected. > smell towel It smells damp and musty. > n Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. > n Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > w Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. > e Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > n Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > w You can't, since the prior door is locked. > n The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > e Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > e Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > w Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its cool morning light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see Pax here. Pax wriggles. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > e Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > open cabinet You open the medicine cabinet, revealing three decoctions (foxglove, henbane and feverfew). > x henbane A small bottle of a concentrated greenish-brown liquid, labelled "Henbane". You know from Brother Aelred that this is used for sedative purposes, though it does have disturbing side-effects. If used in excess, it can be fatal. This bottle is almost entirely empty, with only a few drops remaining. Now that you've recognised the symptoms of henbane poisoning in Brother Aelred and found the henbane decoction, you're even more certain he died of unnatural means. Henbane causes violent convulsions and terrible pain before death. No herbalist would choose such suffering for themselves, even if they were desperate enough to commit the mortal sin of self-murder. This was murder. [The score has just gone up by 5 points.] > take henbane Taken. > put it in hood You put henbane decoction into the hood. > close cabinet You close the medicine cabinet. > savve That is not a verb I recognise. > save Ok. > offices Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM > e You can only go south or west. > e You can only go south or west. > w Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see Pax here. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > n Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > u Day Stairs You're in the middle of a set of broad stone steps. The steps dip in the centre from generations of sandaled feet. This staircase is used by you and the brethren to travel between the Cloister and the dorters above when there's enough light and warmth to use outdoor stairs. Above is the upper living areas and below is the Cloister walk. > n You can only go up or down. > u Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > s Lay Dorter This chamber was built to house the lay brothers, those who serve without taking full vows. The walls are marked with darker patches where other cots once stood, and you can see the worn floorboards where chests were dragged back and forth over the years. Now the room holds only Brother Remigio's single cot and chest, pushed against a far wall. The priory's decline is nowhere more visible than in this emptiness, this quiet room that once held the sounds of simple men at their evening prayers. The only exit is north to the Hall. > n Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > n Dorter This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects cool morning light on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. > x window An unglazed opening in the stone wall, high above you. > d Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. > x candle This candle is a "canonical hour candle". It is used by Brother Cuthbert to tell the hours for offices and when to ring the great bell. It has burned down past 7 marks, leaving 17 marks remaining below the flame. From it, you estimate the time as eight in the morning. > d Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > e Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > s (first opening the door) Sacristy A small room where items used during services are kept. Shelves hold neatly folded linens, precious chalices, and other miscellaneous vestry items. The smell of beeswax and old incense lingers. Brother Cuthbert maintains this space with meticulous care. Through the open door, cool morning light spills in from the Sanctuary. > smell Dusty and fragrant with wax and wood. > x shelves You find linens, chalices, a pewter platter, and other smaller vestry items useful for services. > x platter The platter is used to hold items during Mass. > x linens The linens are worn but clean. > n Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > e Lady Chapel The largest of the three chapels, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. This chapel sees more use than the others: the brothers pray here for the priory's patroness, Our Lady of Thorns. To the west is the Sanctuary. Small doorways lead north and south to smaller chapels. A statue of Mary stands in a niche and a stone altar is next to her. > x mary A stone statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her hands are open in a gesture of welcome and mercy. Her carved face is serene. Carved on the base: BEATAE MARIAE MATRIS DEI (Blessed Mary, Mother of God) > play to mary That is not a verb I recognise. > pray to mary You make the sign of the cross and murmur an Ave Maria. > * nice [Comment recorded] > x altar A simple stone altar, worn by generations of prayer. > n FitzAlan Chantry The FitzAlan family chantry, endowed long ago for masses. But the FitzAlans are gone now---their line ended in the pestilence---and no masses are said here anymore. You can return out to the Lady Chapel through the south. A stone altar is set against a wall. > x altar A heavy-looking block of stone on the floor. Gouges in the floor by the altar testify to its weight. Above the altar, carved into the wall, are the FitzAlan arms and motto. > x arms A lion? It's a bit too far up to see clearly. > x motto It's high above the altar, but you can make it out: "LEO VIAM DUCIT". They certainly thought highly of themselves. > x gouges You're not sure what caused them. Perhaps the altar was moved? > move altar While it seems that the altar isn't built into the floor, it also doesn't budge when you try to move it. > stand altar I only understood you as far as "stand" but then you lost me. > stand on altar You climb onto the altar. From here you can better see the arms above. > x arms A finely-detailed brass rampant lion standing out from the stone. > x motto "LEO VIAM DUCIT". They certainly thought highly of themselves. > push lin Sorry, I don't understand what "lin" means. > push lion You push against the lion and, surprisingly, it moves inward slightly. A deep click is heard in the wall. > move altar You can't move the altar while standing on it. > d You climb down from the altar. > move altar You push against the altar and it swings away from the wall, revealing an opening in the floor. Roll a great stone to me here. --- The First Book of Kings The opening reveals a ladder descending into darkness. [The score has just gone up by 3 points.] > * do need a lamp... [Comment recorded] > d You dare not head down to darkness without a light source. > s Lady Chapel The largest of the three chapels, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. This chapel sees more use than the others: the brothers pray here for the priory's patroness, Our Lady of Thorns. To the west is the Sanctuary. Small doorways lead north and south to smaller chapels. A statue of Mary stands in a niche and a stone altar is next to her. > s St Jude Chapel A small chapel dedicated to St Jude, patron of desperate causes. The stone floor is worn down---many souls have visited here over the generations, praying for urgent escape from terrible situations. A doorway leads north, out to the Lady Chapel. A statue of the saint is in a corner. Near it is a stone altar with a prayer mat laid before it. > x statue A wooden statue of St Jude, simply carved and painted. The saint holds a staff in one hand. His painted eyes seem to gaze down with deep concern at those who kneel before him in desperation. > x staff The staff, while artistically painted as a curved branch of white pine, is merely a detail on the statue. > x mat A rough flax mat before the altar, worn thin by countless hours of kneeling. Someone has been using it recently---very recently. > look under mat Nothing is under it but the floor. > x altar A simple stone altar. Someone has left an offering of small red berries on it. > x berries Small seed pods. You don't know them by sight, though. Someone carefully gathered these as an offering. They're fresh and fragrant, picked within the last day or two. > smell berries A faint, floral scent, but clearly of a rosehip. I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. --- Song of Solomon This action brings back a memory from summer: Aelred in the Garden, showing you a rose in full bloom. "Beautiful now, Brother, but its true gift comes later. These petals fall, and by autumn the hip swells with seed, tart and rich. We gather them after the first frost for winter cordials." He'd smiled. "The rose serves us twice: beauty in summer, medicine in autumn." He pauses, then continues: "For some, though, they portend painful loss." [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > consult herbal about rosehips Rosehips: as a tea, useful for warding off colds and chest pain. > time From your vague sense of time, it is half past eight in the morning. > save Ok. > l St Jude Chapel A small chapel dedicated to St Jude, patron of desperate causes. The stone floor is worn down---many souls have visited here over the generations, praying for urgent escape from terrible situations. A doorway leads north, out to the Lady Chapel. A statue of the saint is in a corner. Near it is a stone altar with a prayer mat laid before it. > take mat You are deeply certain it belongs here and dare not take it. > pray You murmur a brief prayer to St Jude. > n Lady Chapel The largest of the three chapels, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. This chapel sees more use than the others: the brothers pray here for the priory's patroness, Our Lady of Thorns. To the west is the Sanctuary. Small doorways lead north and south to smaller chapels. A statue of Mary stands in a niche and a stone altar is next to her. > w Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > w Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > w Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits cool morning light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door out to the west is closed. > u Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and cool morning light flows down from above. > u Bell Tower The bell chamber. Wind whistles through the open arches on all four sides. Dead leaves have drifted into the corners and along the walls, blown in through the open arches. The great bell hangs overhead. A rope from it hangs to within your reach. From here, you have clear views in all four directions---such fine views that the priory allows outsiders into this space. Brother Cuthbert is here, looking dour and staring at the view. You can also see a wooden chest (which is closed) here. > x leaves The leaves that settled across the floor are less prominent immediately around the chest, as though it was moved more recently. > search leaves The leaves that settled across the floor are less prominent immediately around the chest, as though it was moved more recently. > x bell A bronze bell, green with age. Cast nearly two centuries ago, you recall Brother Oswald once telling you it was cast by the priory founder, Brother Gordian. It bears the inscription "I: FIDES"---a reminder that our primary task is faith. > * ah [Comment recorded] > x north To the north, you can see rough coast and cliffs, dotted with small farms. > x west You can see a small path from the west door to the gate for the priory and, beyond that, the village in the dale. > x south South of here, you see the Cloister surrounding the Garth, the priory's roofs, and the Garden. How you've learned to love that garden. > x east East, you can see the Infirmary and its chapel and, beyond that, the cliffs and the sea. > l Bell Tower The bell chamber. Wind whistles through the open arches on all four sides. Dead leaves have drifted into the corners and along the walls, blown in through the open arches. The great bell hangs overhead. A rope from it hangs to within your reach. From here, you have clear views in all four directions---such fine views that the priory allows outsiders into this space. Brother Cuthbert is here, looking dour and staring at the view. You can also see a wooden chest (which is closed) here. > x cuthbert Brother Cuthbert, the sacrist, is in his late forties. Dark-haired and sharp-featured, he keeps the sacred vessels spotless, the candles well-stocked, and the bell hours precise. He rarely smiles. > ask cuthbert about bell Brother Cuthbert refuses to engage in unnecessary speech, and considers almost all speech as such. > ask cuthbert about henbane Brother Cuthbert refuses to engage in unnecessary speech, and considers almost all speech as such. > ask cuthbert about aelred Brother Cuthbert refuses to engage in unnecessary speech, and considers almost all speech as such. > x chest An old wooden chest, about one foot long on each side, weathered by years of wind and rain blowing through the open tower. The lid bears an engraved inscription: "VOCA POPULUM AD PRECES" ("Call the people to prayer"). > open it You dare not, especially with another brother in the area. > pull rope You dare not, especially with another brother in the area. > d Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and cool morning light flows down from above. > d Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits cool morning light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door out to the west is closed. > w (first opening the great door) Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door is open, revealing the Nave to the east. "RING! RING! RING! RING!" You hear the bell ring four times to call the brothers to the Terce office. Prior Oswald excused you from offices today, but you know the choir monks will be in the Quire for the next forty-five minutes or so. > close door You close the west door, revealing the carving on this face. > x carving A great oaken door. Carved deeply into its face: NOSTRA DOMINA SPINARUM ("Our Lady of Thorns") FUNDATUM ANNO DOMINI MCLII Almost two hundred years of wind and rain have worn the letters down. The door is closed. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > open carving You open the great door. > e Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits cool morning light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. > u Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and cool morning light flows down from above. > u Bell Tower The bell chamber. Wind whistles through the open arches on all four sides. Dead leaves have drifted into the corners and along the walls, blown in through the open arches. The great bell hangs overhead. A rope from it hangs to within your reach. From here, you have clear views in all four directions---such fine views that the priory allows outsiders into this space. You can also see a wooden chest (which is closed) here. > open chest You open the wooden chest, revealing some bell-repairing tools. > x tools Some maintenance items: a small vial of oil and some wooden wedges. All the practical things needed to keep the great bell ringing true. > x oil Some maintenance items: a small vial of oil and some wooden wedges. All the practical things needed to keep the great bell ringing true. > smell oil They smell, naturally, of oil and wood. > x wedges Some maintenance items: a small vial of oil and some wooden wedges. All the practical things needed to keep the great bell ringing true. > take oil Leave them be---you have no need of bell-repairing tools, and Brother Cuthbert will want these left here. > close chest You close the wooden chest. > move chest Moving the chest reveals a note that was hidden under it. > x note (first taking the note) The note is folded and sealed with wax. You tear it open and unfold it. It is written in an educated hand on fine paper. It reads: "The manuscript was exquisite---the illumination work exceptional. Should other such works become available, I remain most interested. Leave word at our usual place." It is unsigned. Who wrote this note? An outsider? Buying precious priory property? And who was meant to find it and read it? [The score has just gone up by 5 points.] > move chest Nothing else is found under it. > d Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and cool morning light flows down from above. > d Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits cool morning light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > save Ok. > e Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) Office! Entering the Quire when a service is underway means you'll be obligated to participate in it. The brothers look at you, puzzled. Why aren't you seated? > undo Previous turn undone. > w Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door is open, revealing the Nave to the east. > n As a novice, you're not to leave the priory grounds without permission. > s The Passage (North) A covered walkway that runs along the west edge of the priory. The stones underfoot are set carefully to make this a clear path. You can go north to the Porch or south to the southern end of the Passage. The West Gate, allowing entrance into the Cloister, is here and closed. > e You can't, since the West Gate is locked. > unlock gate You can't unlock that. > climb gate You cannot climb the gate---it is too tall and the top is part of the wall around the Cloister. > s The Passage (South) The narrow walkway ends here. This part seems less travelled, with weeds growing from between the stones underfoot. To the east, the ground slopes down to a wide closed door. > e The door blocks the way. > open door You try to pull it open, but have no success. > unlock door There's no apparent way to unlock this. > xweeds That is not a verb I recognise. > x weeds Just small weeds. > pull weeds No need to pick these---they'll just grow back. > l The Passage (South) The narrow walkway ends here. This part seems less travelled, with weeds growing from between the stones underfoot. To the east, the ground slopes down to a wide closed door. > x door It's a large wooden door. You've seen Brothers Hugh and Remigio roll barrels out of the Undercroft through it. You can't open it---in fact, there isn't even a handle on this side. > n The Passage (North) A covered walkway that runs along the west edge of the priory. The stones underfoot are set carefully to make this a clear path. You can go north to the Porch or south to the southern end of the Passage. The West Gate, allowing entrance into the Cloister, is here and closed. > xdate That is not a verb I recognise. > x gate The West Gate is the gate for the entrance into the Cloister. The gate is closed. > e You can't, since the West Gate is locked. > n Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door is open, revealing the Nave to the east. > n As a novice, you're not to leave the priory grounds without permission. > Come again, Brother? > e Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits cool morning light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > e Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) Office! Entering the Quire when a service is underway means you'll be obligated to participate in it. The brothers look at you, puzzled. Why aren't you seated? > sit You sit on a stall with a certain sense of familiarity. You should be more careful. If Brother Anselm had noticed you carrying the treacherous note, you'd have faced severe punishment. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > put note in hood You put the treacherous note into the hood. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > e Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) Office! Entering the Quire when a service is underway means you'll be obligated to participate in it. The brothers look at you, puzzled. Why aren't you seated? > sit You sit on a stall with a certain sense of familiarity. > sing You join the others in song. [You'll automatically continue singing throughout the office. You may perform other allowed actions. When you'd like to skip to the end of the service, just WAIT.] > z (skipping about five minutes to end of service) ----------------------- && ----------------------- The office ends. Brother Benedict gets up from the stalls. Brother Cuthbert gets up from the stalls. Brother Hugh gets up from the stalls. Brother Martin gets up from the stalls. Brother Oswald gets up from the stalls. > s (first getting up from the stalls) Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. Brother Benedict arrives from the north. Brother Hugh arrives from the north. Brother Martin arrives from the north. Brother Oswald arrives from the north. > n Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor - Wilfred, the librarian Brother Anselm heads south. Brother Wilfred heads south. > e Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > d You can't, since the crypt gate is locked. > w Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > s Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. You can see Pax here. > e Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > s Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the cool morning light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > x key A silver key, tarnished with age. Brother Wilfred guards it jealously: it's his responsibility as librarian to control access to the priory's precious books. > take it Brother Wilfred's eyes snap up just as your hand reaches for it. "Ah-ah," he says kindly but firmly, stifling a yawn. "Not without the prior's leave, young Brother." > ask wilfred about note Brother Wilfred hushes you kindly. "Never mind that." > show note to wilfred You aren't holding it. > take note Taken. > show note to wilfred You consider showing Brother Wilfred the treacherous note but realizing carrying it isn't something you're supposed to be doing, you decide not to. > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. > d You dare not, especially with another brother in the area. You should be more careful. If Brother Martin had noticed you carrying the treacherous note, you'd have faced severe punishment. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > put note in hood You put the treacherous note into the hood. > * hmm, feels like I need the light source -- can I take the timing candle? [Comment recorded] > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its cool morning light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > n Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > e Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > u Day Stairs You're in the middle of a set of broad stone steps. The steps dip in the centre from generations of sandaled feet. This staircase is used by you and the brethren to travel between the Cloister and the dorters above when there's enough light and warmth to use outdoor stairs. Above is the upper living areas and below is the Cloister walk. > u Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > d Day Stairs You're in the middle of a set of broad stone steps. The steps dip in the centre from generations of sandaled feet. This staircase is used by you and the brethren to travel between the Cloister and the dorters above when there's enough light and warmth to use outdoor stairs. Above is the upper living areas and below is the Cloister walk. > take candle You can see no candles here now---the autumn light provides enough illumination that candles wouldn't be needed. > u Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > s Lay Dorter This chamber was built to house the lay brothers, those who serve without taking full vows. The walls are marked with darker patches where other cots once stood, and you can see the worn floorboards where chests were dragged back and forth over the years. Now the room holds only Brother Remigio's single cot and chest, pushed against a far wall. The only exit is north to the Hall. > d You can only go north. > n Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > x chest You can't see any such thing. > n Dorter This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects cool morning light on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. > x chest Do you mean Brother Aelred's chest, Brother Anselm's chest, Brother Benedict's chest, Brother Cuthbert's chest, Brother Hugh's chest, Brother Martin's chest, Brother Wilfred's chest or your chest? > my Your chest is like all of the other brothers' chests: A simple wooden box with a lid. > open it You open your chest, revealing nothing. > d Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. > take candle You now know how useful a candle would be---but Brother Cuthbert would be very annoyed if this disappeared, and if you were suspected, you'd have heavy penance. You'll have to find another source of light than this. > * blarg [Comment recorded] > d Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > s Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > w Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > w You can't, since the prior door is locked. > x door A heavy door made of fine cedar, upon which a large brass plate is set. There are seven buttons on it, each bearing a symbol: a compass, a hammer, a scroll, a cross, a key, a lamp, and a sheaf of wheat. Below them, an inscription in elegant script: HIS TRIBUS FUNDATA EST DOMUS MEA --- GORDIAN, PRIMUS PRIOR You read that as "On these three my house is founded --- Gordian, First Prior". The door is currently closed. Pax twitches, sensing movement somewhere. > push cross You press the button and feel it click into place. > * for faith [Comment recorded] > push key You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a dull click from within the door. All the buttons spring back out. Perhaps you pressed the wrong combination? > undo Previous turn undone. > push lamp You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a dull click from within the door. All the buttons spring back out. Perhaps you pressed the wrong combination? > undo Previous turn undone. > push compass You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a dull click from within the door. All the buttons spring back out. Perhaps you pressed the wrong combination? > undo Previous turn undone. > push hammer You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a dull click from within the door. All the buttons spring back out. Perhaps you pressed the wrong combination? > undo Previous turn undone. > push wheat You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a dull click from within the door. All the buttons spring back out. Perhaps you pressed the wrong combination? > * hmm, definitely scroll -- does order matter? [Comment recorded] > push cross You press the button and feel it click into place. > push compass You press the button and feel it click into place. Pax wriggles. > push scroll You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a dull click from within the door. All the buttons spring back out. Perhaps you pressed the wrong combination? > push cross You press the button and feel it click into place. Pax wriggles. > push hammer You press the button and feel it click into place. > push scroll You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a satisfying series of clicks from within the door. The lock disengages. Pax licks a paw contentedly. [The score has just gone up by 3 points.] > * there we are -- I assume there's a place to find that somewhere ele [Comment recorded] > w You can't, since the prior door is closed. > open door You open the door. Brother Oswald looks shocked from inside. "Brother Novice, what are you doing, trying to gain entrance to my private quarters?" He closes the door on you and you hear the lock click. > undo Previous turn undone. > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > w Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. Brother Anselm is standing here, smiling at you. > ask anselm about henbane "Brother Benedict stores the medicines, that's all I know." > i You're carrying Aelred's Herbal, some gloves and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: a treacherous note, henbane decoction, a mandrake root, an iron key and a mirror). > ask anselm about note Brother Anselm is more interested in questions about other brothers. > ask anselm about benedict "When I had quinsy last year, he took excellent care of me. We were meeting earlier this morning in the Garth." > ask anselm about cuthbert "He's so serious about the rule of silence that I've never really talked to him." > ask anselm about oswald "He's extremely capable---but I never get a chance to talk with him." > monks That is not a verb I recognise. > monk That is not a verb I recognise. > who Priory brethren: - Aelred, the herbalist - Anselm, the cantor - Benedict, the infirmarer - Cuthbert, the sacrist - Hugh, the cellarer - Martin, the kitchener - Oswald, the prior - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant - Wilfred, the librarian > ask anselm about wilfred "He is such an excellent illuminator and has such a sharp mind." > ask anselm about aelred "He was so kind." Anselm's voice catches. "We're all going to miss him terribly." > ask anselm about hugh "Brother Hugh used to be so joyful when I arrived. I fear something has been on his mind for months." > ask anselm about martin "He's so busy in the Kitchen that I almost never get to talk with him." > * shouldn't be capitalized [Comment recorded] > ask anselm about remigio "Oh, our poor foreign lay brother. He seems a bit like a lost soul. It must be very lonely for him here, especially given how little English he has." > l Locutory A sparse rectangular room. A plain table is in the centre, surrounded by two benches. This is the Locutory, where the prior meets with merchants, where brothers discuss monastery business, where the silence of the Rule may be broken for practical needs. The only exit is out the way you came. Brother Anselm is standing here, smiling at you. > e Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > s Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. > e Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. > n Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the cool morning light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > ask wilfred about library "I'm afraid I can't let you in. The Library is off-limits to everyone but me. Strict orders from the prior." > x candle You can't see any such thing. > l Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the cool morning light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > x lamp You can't see any such thing. > e You wouldn't dare try to enter the Library with Brother Wilfred watching you. Access to the Library is restricted to him. > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > x candle You can't see any such thing. > s Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > x candle You can't see any such thing. > x pot A substantial container, perfect for repotting a large plant. It is empty. > push pot Nothing is under the pot. > w You can only go north or south. > s Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. An open gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > w Restricted Garden Here is Aelred's collection of dangerous plants---those too potent for casual use, too deadly for error. The beds here are smaller, more carefully separated. The only exit is out through the gate to the east, which is open. > e Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. An open gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > n Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > e You can only go north or south. > n Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > e Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > x hook A simple bent nail driven into the wall, meant to hold the mirror. > smell The air smells of herbs, vinegar, and illness. > s Infirmary Chapel This is a tiny chapel attached to the Infirmary, barely large enough for a priest and one or two others. A simple stone altar stands against a wall, and a statue stands in a corner, worn smooth by many hands. The only exit, for the living, is out to the north. You can see an altar (with Brother Aelred's body on it) here. > x altar A simple stone altar, worn by generations of prayer. On it is Brother Aelred's body. > x statue It depicts St Roch, patron saint of the plague-stricken and the sick. He's depicted as a pilgrim, with a hand pointing to a sore on his leg. > n Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > w Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see Pax here. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see Pax here. > follow pax Pax is too nimble for you to follow. > pet pax She pushes her nose affectionately against your hand. > commands These are always available and do not use game time: - HINTS: show context-aware hints - MAP: show map of area you're in - OBJECTS: list objects you've handled - PLACES: list places visited - EXITS: show exits from location - QUOTES ON|OFF: show boxed quotes (defaults to on) - WHO: list all monks in game - HERE: list monks in the room Time and the passing of is important. You can use: - TIME: get the time from your rough internal clock - WAIT UNTIL hh:mm: wait until that time (12 hour clock) - WAIT n HOURS|MINUTES: wait that length of time There are other commands that will be revealed during game play. Some of these are specific to this game; others may be used in other games, but will be especially useful: - CLIMB UP thing - CONFESS TO person - DIG IN thing WITH thing - EXTINGUISH source of light - FOLLOW brother - HIDE BEHIND thing - KNEEL ON thing - KNOCK ON thing - LISTEN - LOOK UNDER thing - LOOK UP topic IN book - PRAY - READ thing - RING thing - SEARCH thing - SING - SMELL - SMELL thing - TASTE thing > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > hint - This isn't the kind of game where every object in the room is listed in the room description. Look around and examine objects carefully. You may also find it useful to examine "ordinary" objects, like doors and tables. - Use other senses. As a novice herbalist, SMELL may be particularly useful. - Not every location or object connects to a puzzle. Some locations and objects are present because, thematically, they would be in the priory. - Learn the schedule for offices; knowing when services start and stop will let you use your time efficiently. There are useful commands for waiting for a longer time than just a minute; see the section on "Special commands" in HELP if you haven't already. - Every location in the priory can be reached in-game, though some take some effort to access. If you feel stuck and don't know what to do next, try to get into the unexplored areas on the map. - In some interactive fiction, you're supposed to try to collect any item you find, in case it's important for a puzzle. This isn't a game like that; while there are some important things you should take, simply trying to get everything you can will be burdensome and likely to get you into trouble. Think of the priory like a real place: you wouldn't just steal everything in sight for no reason. - Latin phrases appear throughout; some are translated, some are not. While it's not critical, you may find it helpful to translate some of them. Google Translate can be useful for this. [Please press SPACE to continue.] - This isn't the kind of game where every object in the room is listed in the room description. Look around and examine objects carefully. You may also find it useful to examine "ordinary" objects, like doors and tables. - Use other senses. As a novice herbalist, SMELL may be particularly useful. - Not every location or object connects to a puzzle. Some locations and objects are present because, thematically, they would be in the priory. - Learn the schedule for offices; knowing when services start and stop will let you use your time efficiently. There are useful commands for waiting for a longer time than just a minute; see the section on "Special commands" in HELP if you haven't already. - Every location in the priory can be reached in-game, though some take some effort to access. If you feel stuck and don't know what to do next, try to get into the unexplored areas on the map. - In some interactive fiction, you're supposed to try to collect any item you find, in case it's important for a puzzle. This isn't a game like that; while there are some important things you should take, simply trying to get everything you can will be burdensome and likely to get you into trouble. Think of the priory like a real place: you wouldn't just steal everything in sight for no reason. - Latin phrases appear throughout; some are translated, some are not. While it's not critical, you may find it helpful to translate some of them. Google Translate can be useful for this. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) Alas, no. (2/3) But I've tried to make it realistic in the architecture and setting. (3/3) There are really priories like this. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 2 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/2) The game doesn't give an exact location. (2/2) But references in it strongly suggest the southeastern end of England, near France. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 2 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/2) In the twelfth century. (2/2) If you want to learn a more exact date, you'll have to figure it out in the game. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) You're a novice monk at the priory of Our Lady of Thorns. (2/3) A dramatic thing happens early in the game that will give you a sense of your purpose in the game. (3/3) If that hasn't happened yet, explore the priory until that happens. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) Many monasteries have strict vows of silence at many times and places. (2/3) There are many places where you'll never be able to talk to them. (3/3) And some monks are very strict about the vow of silence. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 5 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/5) He's allergic to cherries. (2/5) You could try THROW CHERRIES AT DRAGON. (3/5) Of course, there are no cherries. (4/5) There's also no dragon. (5/5) Don't read hints for problems you're not facing---they'll spoil the game. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 9 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/9) Firstly, this isn't a game where you should try you take everything. Think of the priory like a real place, filled with real people: you shouldn't just try to steal everything, and there can be consequences if you do. (2/9) If you do take things not related to your duties, you'll need to find a way to hide them. (3/9) There are two containers that will let you carry things without others noticing. (4/9) One is something you can find in a location Aelred used. (5/9) Another is something you already have. (6/9) Search the Herbarium. (7/9) Or examine your habit. (8/9) In the Herbarium, LOOK UNDER TABLE and GET BASKET. (9/9) Or X HOOD and then you can PUT ___ IN HOOD. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 5 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/5) If you haven't witnessed a death and sat through a meeting, just explore. (2/5) Once you have, the game will give you some hints: examine the body and search the gardens. (3/5) Once you've done that, you should explore the priory. Every location can be reached (though some require some effort). (4/5) There are four main pieces of evidence (each giving 5 points) and some less critical pieces of evidence. You don't need to find them all to solve the mystery. (5/5) If you're still stuck, look at the hints for specific locations and that can give you ideas of what to do there. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 10 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/10) Have you seen any candles? (2/10) You can't take the canonical hour candle in the Night Stairs, though. (3/10) But surely, there must be some in storage? (4/10) Who manages things like candles? (5/10) Have you smelled wax anywhere? (6/10) Have you found a room where items are stored? (7/10) Go to the Sacristy, south of the Sanctuary, and search carefully. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit cool morning light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its cool morning light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > n Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit fresh morning breeze. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax licks a paw contentedly. > n Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > e Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > s Sacristy A small room where items used during services are kept. Shelves hold neatly folded linens, precious chalices, and other miscellaneous vestry items. The smell of beeswax and old incense lingers. Brother Cuthbert maintains this space with meticulous care. Through the open door, cool morning light spills in from the Sanctuary. > x shelves You find linens, chalices, a pewter platter, and other smaller vestry items useful for services. > x cadles Sorry, I don't understand what "cadles" means. > search shelves You find linens, chalices, a pewter platter, and other smaller vestry items useful for services. > x candles You can't see any such thing. > x items Among the miscellany: a beeswax candle and a brush. > * oh whew [Comment recorded] > take candle You hesitate before proceeding to steal it. God sees, you think. God sees everything. > x it It's of good quality, made from beeswax from the priory's own bees. > take candle You already have it. > light it You have no source of flame. > n Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > w Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > u Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. > light candle You light the beeswax candle using the canonical hour candle. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > d Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > e Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > n You can only go south, west, east, or down. > n You can only go south, west, east, or down. > d You can't, since the crypt gate is locked. "RING! RING! RING! RING! RING!" You hear the bell ring five times to call the brothers to the Sext office. Prior Oswald excused you from offices today, but you know the choir monks will be in the Quire for the next forty-five minutes or so. > e Lady Chapel The largest of the three chapels, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. This chapel sees more use than the others: the brothers pray here for the priory's patroness, Our Lady of Thorns. To the west is the Sanctuary. Small doorways lead north and south to smaller chapels. A statue of Mary stands in a niche and a stone altar is next to her. > n FitzAlan Chantry The FitzAlan family chantry, endowed long ago for masses. But the FitzAlans are gone now---their line ended in the pestilence---and no masses are said here anymore. You can return out to the Lady Chapel through the south. A stone altar is swung open from the wall (revealing a ladder leading down into darkness). > d You climb down the ladder. "SNAP!" As you step off the bottom rung, a counterweight somewhere in the mechanism snaps the ladder back to the ceiling, far out of reach. Are you trapped? FitzAlan Crypt This is a small vaulted chamber, no more than ten feet across. The central tomb bears the effigy of a knight. Flanking this is a smaller undecorated tomb. The walls here are finished stone rather than rough-hewn rock, and a narrow recess has been cut into them---likely once holding offerings or relics. The air is still, undisturbed for decades or longer. A patina of dust covers everything, unmarred by footprints save your own. Against the southern wall hangs a faded wooden panel depicting a painted scene, its Latin inscription barely legible in the gloom. > x effigy The knight, shield, and lion are well done, but they're mere carvings in the stone. > x tomb Do you mean the larger tomb or the smaller tomb? > larger Large, heavy, and sealed. The carving shows a knight in chainmail, his hands clasped in prayer. His shield displays a lion, the FitzAlan arms. > x smaller Probably for the FitzAlan wife or children, this is a simple square block, fully sealed. > x recess The recess is a space cut into the wall. > x panel A large wooden painted panel set in a distinctive brass frame, it depicts the Three Living and the Three Dead---three noble youths recoiling from three crowned corpses who gesture toward them. Woven beneath in Gothic script: "QUOD FUIMUS, ESTIS; QUOD SUMUS, ERITIS" (What we were, you are; what we are, you will be). Time has taken its toll on the pigments. > x frame The brass frame encloses the art panel. Examining it closely, you find a small button on the right-hand side of the panel. > x button It's a small brass button on the side of the frame. > push it You push the button and hear a faint click from inside the frame. The panel pops ajar from the wall, revealing an opening to the south. [The score has just gone up by 2 points.] > s You head south through the opening behind the panel, revealing... Main Crypt The crypt stretches dimly before you, thick stone pillars supporting low vaulted arches. Rows of tombs line the walls; the air is thick and damp. An opening in the north wall reveals a passage. A large bell is in a stand by the stairs heading upward, and a small doorway is to the south. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x tombs You cast your eyes over the tombs. Son of man, can these bones live? --- The Book of Ezekiel There are six tombs holding the earthly remains of former priors: Brothers Gordian, Ezra, Crispin, Dunstan, Godric, and Ambrose. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x bell A large bell in a stand, both made of pewter. You've heard it once rung during a Mass in the crypt, and it was loud enough that you heard it on the Cloister. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x gordian Brother Gordian's tomb is a stone block with a lid on which his name is carved. It is otherwise like the others in the room. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x name Sorry, I don't understand what "name" means. > open gordian The tomb is sealed solidly with mortar. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > l Main Crypt The crypt stretches dimly before you, thick stone pillars supporting low vaulted arches. Rows of tombs line the walls; the air is thick and damp. An opening in the north wall reveals a passage. A large bell is in a stand by the stairs heading upward, and a small doorway is to the south. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x tombs There are six tombs holding the earthly remains of former priors: Brothers Gordian, Ezra, Crispin, Dunstan, Godric, and Ambrose. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x ezra Brother Ezra's tomb is a stone block with a lid on which his name is carved. It sits in the dankest corner of the crypt, positioned between two thick pillars that cast deep shadows behind it. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x crispin Brother Crispin's tomb is a stone block with a lid on which his name is carved. It is otherwise like the others in the room. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x dunstan Brother Dunstan's tomb is a stone block with a lid on which his name is carved. It is otherwise like the others in the room. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x godric Brother Godric's tomb is a stone block with a lid on which his name is carved. It is otherwise like the others in the room. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > x ambrose Brother Ambrose's tomb is a stone block with a lid on which his name is carved. It is otherwise like the others in the room. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > open ezra The tomb is sealed solidly with mortar. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > search ezra There is nothing on Brother Ezra's tomb. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > look behind ezra You push, pull, twist and try to raise it, without any result. The tomb and the lid must weigh several hundredweight. It would take multiple men with levers to shift one. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > commands These are always available and do not use game time: - HINTS: show context-aware hints - MAP: show map of area you're in - OBJECTS: list objects you've handled - PLACES: list places visited - EXITS: show exits from location - QUOTES ON|OFF: show boxed quotes (defaults to on) - WHO: list all monks in game - HERE: list monks in the room Time and the passing of is important. You can use: - TIME: get the time from your rough internal clock - WAIT UNTIL hh:mm: wait until that time (12 hour clock) - WAIT n HOURS|MINUTES: wait that length of time There are other commands that will be revealed during game play. Some of these are specific to this game; others may be used in other games, but will be especially useful: - CLIMB UP thing - CONFESS TO person - DIG IN thing WITH thing - EXTINGUISH source of light - FOLLOW brother - HIDE BEHIND thing - KNEEL ON thing - KNOCK ON thing - LISTEN - LOOK UNDER thing - LOOK UP topic IN book - PRAY - READ thing - RING thing - SEARCH thing - SING - SMELL - SMELL thing - TASTE thing > s Crypt Vestry The Crypt Vestry is a long passage of rough stone. This may have originally been designed to be another crypt, but it is used to store materials needed for masses held in the crypt, and there are some such things on a ledge. The room is very infrequently used, since such masses are quite rare. The only exit out is the way you came. > x materiams Sorry, I don't understand what "materiams" means. > x ledge It's a thick plank fastened to the wall. It contains several items, likely needed for services held down here. > x items Searching around, you find some pewter platters, a cup, and some old cloth. > x platters These are heavy and simply made. > x cip Sorry, I don't understand what "cip" means. > x cup A simple vessel for water and wine in services. > x cloth They have clearly been here for years, as they are mouldy from the damp. > hint There are 8 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/8) The ladder is too far up to reach. (2/8) It really is---you won't be able to reach it, no matter what you do. (3/8) There is another way out. (4/8) Have you examined everything in the room? (5/8) That art panel is striking. (6/8) And there's a part of it that is distinctive. (7/8) Examine the frame. (8/8) Once you have, you can PUSH BUTTON. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 23 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/23) The gate is locked and you don't have a key. (2/23) And you'll never get it. It's guarded closely. (3/23) There are three ways to get out. (4/23) If you got someone else to open the door, you might be able to escape. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 6 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/6) You can learn interesting things about the former priors. (2/6) There's also something important to find. (3/6) Have you looked carefully in the Crypt Vestry? (4/6) Search the shelves. (5/6) Where might someone hide something here? (6/6) Those coins are very suspicious, and definitely a clue to the mystery. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Crypt Vestry The Crypt Vestry is a long passage of rough stone. This may have originally been designed to be another crypt, but it is used to store materials needed for masses held in the crypt, and there are some such things on a ledge. The room is very infrequently used, since such masses are quite rare. The only exit out is the way you came. > x ledge It's a thick plank fastened to the wall. It contains several items, likely needed for services held down here. > x plank It's a thick plank fastened to the wall. It contains several items, likely needed for services held down here. > look under plank You find nothing special. > search plank Searching around, you find some pewter platters, a cup, and some old cloth. > x cloth They have clearly been here for years, as they are mouldy from the damp. > open cloth You can't open those. > search cloth Aha! While the cloths are rotting and ruined, under them, you find a sack. > x coins You can't see any such thing. > x sack (first taking the sack) You are carrying too many things already. > i You're carrying a beeswax candle (providing light), Aelred's Herbal, some gloves and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: a treacherous note, henbane decoction, a mandrake root, an iron key and a mirror). > put herbal in hood You put Aelred's Herbal into the hood. > take sack You take it, noting metallic clinking as you do. > open it The sack is dark burlap, smeared with yellow powder, tied with simple cord. Opening it, your hands tremble: the weight is unmistakable. Silver coins spill into view: groats and pennies, perhaps ten shillings' worth. Your breath catches. A small fortune, enough to feed the priory for a season. Hidden here, among the dead, where none have need of it. These coins are certainly evidence of wrongdoing and may have come from the buyer who wrote that note. [The score has just gone up by 5 points.] > put sack in hood There is no more room. > i You're carrying a sack of coins, a beeswax candle (providing light), some gloves and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: Aelred's Herbal, a treacherous note, henbane decoction, a mandrake root, an iron key and a mirror). > n Main Crypt The crypt stretches dimly before you, thick stone pillars supporting low vaulted arches. Rows of tombs line the walls; the air is thick and damp. An opening in the north wall reveals a passage. A large bell is in a stand by the stairs heading upward, and a small doorway is to the south. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > save Ok. > rink bell That is not a verb I recognise. > ring bell You sound it with vigour which produces an almost deafening peal as it echoes. You feel certain someone above will have heard that. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > u Crypt Stairs At the midpoint of these stairs, you can sense the damp below. A thin veil of bright afternoon light comes from the area above, but the path down descends into darkness. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. Brother Cuthbert stops short. "Brother Novice? What brings you to the crypt?" When this is reported to Brother Oswald, you are summoned before him. "Why would you be wandering the crypt?" he asks unkindly. For violating a serious rule of the priory, you are sentenced to bread and water for seven days. By the time your penance ends, any chance of solving any mystery has long passed. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 39 out of a possible 55, in 574 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > s Crypt Vestry The Crypt Vestry is a long passage of rough stone. This may have originally been designed to be another crypt, but it is used to store materials needed for masses held in the crypt, and there are some such things on a ledge. The room is very infrequently used, since such masses are quite rare. The only exit out is the way you came. You can hear a key turning in the gate above. If you get caught here, you'll be in serious trouble. > z You wait a minute. You can hear footsteps coming down the crypt stairs. > z You wait a minute. The footsteps are closer, and you can see some light coming from the stairs. > z You wait a minute. "The panel is open? Someone must have been robbing that old family crypt?" When this is reported to Brother Oswald, you are summoned before him. "Why would you be wandering the crypt?" he asks unkindly. For violating a serious rule of the priory, you are sentenced to bread and water for seven days. By the time your penance ends, any chance of solving any mystery has long passed. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 39 out of a possible 55, in 577 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > extinguish candle You extinguish the beeswax candle. The footsteps are closer, and you can see some light coming from the stairs. They grope in the dark without light. --- The Book of Job It is now pitch dark in here. > hide behind ezra You can't see any such thing. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > hide behind ezra You can't see any such thing. > l Crypt Vestry The Crypt Vestry is a long passage of rough stone. This may have originally been designed to be another crypt, but it is used to store materials needed for masses held in the crypt, and there are some such things on a ledge. The room is very infrequently used, since such masses are quite rare. The only exit out is the way you came. The footsteps are closer, and you can see some light coming from the stairs. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > n Main Crypt The crypt stretches dimly before you, thick stone pillars supporting low vaulted arches. Rows of tombs line the walls; the air is thick and damp. An opening in the north wall reveals a passage. A large bell is in a stand by the stairs heading upward, and a small doorway is to the south. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. You can hear footsteps coming down the crypt stairs. > hide behind ezra You crouch far down on the darkest side of Brother Ezra's tomb. The singing from the Quire stops. The footsteps are closer, and you can see some light coming from the stairs. > extinguish candle You extinguish the beeswax candle. "The panel is open? Someone must have been robbing that old family crypt?" When this is reported to Brother Oswald, you are summoned before him. "Why would you be wandering the crypt?" he asks unkindly. For violating a serious rule of the priory, you are sentenced to bread and water for seven days. By the time your penance ends, any chance of solving any mystery has long passed. *** You have failed *** (To do so, you get up from crouching) In that game you scored 39 out of a possible 55, in 577 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > close panel You pull the panel closed and hear a click in the frame. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. You can hear a key turning in the gate above. If you get caught here, you'll be in serious trouble. > hide behind ezra You crouch far down on the darkest side of Brother Ezra's tomb. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. You can hear footsteps coming down the crypt stairs. > extinguish candle You extinguish the beeswax candle. The singing from the Quire stops. The footsteps are closer, and you can see some light coming from the stairs. > z You wait a minute. Someone has entered the crypt bearing a light. > z You wait a minute. Very close, you hear "Is someone down here?" You recognise the voice as Brother Cuthbert's. > z You wait a minute. Very close, you hear "Helloooo?" > out You stand. Brother Cuthbert stops short. "Brother Novice? What brings you to the crypt?" When this is reported to Brother Oswald, you are summoned before him. "Why would you be wandering the crypt?" he asks unkindly. For violating a serious rule of the priory, you are sentenced to bread and water for seven days. By the time your penance ends, any chance of solving any mystery has long passed. *** You have failed *** In that game you scored 39 out of a possible 55, in 580 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > z You wait a minute. The light moves to the south and you sense Brother Cuthbert is now searching the Crypt Vestry. > u You stand. To the south, you hear "Is someone in the Vestry?" > u Crypt Stairs At the midpoint of these stairs, you can sense the damp below. A thin veil of bright afternoon light comes from the area above, but the path down descends into darkness. Faintly, you hear "Helloooo?" > u You slip through the open gate. Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. The crypt gate is open. You can see the high altar here. Faintly, you hear rustling noises. > w Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. You escaped the Crypt without being discovered. Faintly, you hear "Must have been a draft from the church above." (You hear him muttering a brief prayer.) [The score has just gone up by 3 points.] > * yay! [Comment recorded] > * refectory next, then library? [Comment recorded] > s Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. You can see Pax here. > s Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its bright afternoon light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. > d You dare not, especially with another brother in the area. > d You dare not, especially with another brother in the area. Brother Martin says "Out, out, Brother. Remigio and I are working." He ushers you out north, to the Refectory. Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > hint There are 20 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/20) You could use the key, of course. (2/20) But Brother Wilfred guards it jealously. (3/20) Can you distract him? (4/20) He's old enough that he always seems close to sleep. (5/20) If only you could help him fall asleep. (6/20) There's something in the Restricted Garden that could help. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 4 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/4) Stop and smell the grass? (2/4) You can use it to go across the Cloister efficiently. (3/4) The sundial is also useful. (4/4) It can give you a more accurate sense of time. [Please press SPACE to continue.] (1/4) Stop and smell the grass? (2/4) You can use it to go across the Cloister efficiently. (3/4) The sundial is also useful. (4/4) It can give you a more accurate sense of time. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) Mostly, these just connect other areas you want to visit. (2/3) Do notice that interesting door in the northwest part. (3/3) And the gate on the southwest part. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 4 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/4) You can do hardly anything while Martin is here. (2/4) Remigio will let you look around once Martin is gone. (3/4) But there isn't anything you need here. (4/4) But you'd really like to get to the Undercroft below. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > offices Matins 2 AM Sext Noon Lauds 5 AM None 3 PM Prime 7 AM Vespers 5 PM Terce 9 AM Compline 7 PM > time From your vague sense of time, it is one in the afternoon. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax wriggles. > w Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and closed. > x gate The West Gate is the gate for the entrance into the Cloister. The bar is lowered, locking the gate. The gate is closed. > open gate You raise the bar, unlocking the gate. You open the West Gate. > e Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > s Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > w You can only go north or south. > s Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. An open gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > w Restricted Garden Here is Aelred's collection of dangerous plants---those too potent for casual use, too deadly for error. The beds here are smaller, more carefully separated. The only exit is out through the gate to the east, which is open. > x plants The beds are smaller and carefully separated here---no risk of cross-contamination. You recognise monkshood by its dark leaves and hooded flowers, foxglove by its pink bells, henbane by its sickly-sweet smell. > consult herbal about monkshood Aconite: called also "wolfsbane" and, in the common tongue, "monkshood", for the shape of its flower. When used with caution, can reduce inflammation or problems with breathing. When used without care, can result in a death that looks like rabies: with frothy saliva, slurred speech, and impaired vision. Used as a liniment or decoction. > consult herbal about foxglove Foxglove: some claim it strengthens a weak heart, though its use is controversial and dangerous. Even small amounts can cause the heart to beat irregularly. Handle with great caution, as the plant irritates the skin terribly. > consult herbal about henbane Henbane: of great virtue against toothache and the pains of rheumatism when taken in very small amounts as a decoction. Yet henbane is treacherous in larger quantity. The dying man's eyes grow wide and strange, the pupils swallowed up by darkness, as though he looks upon things unseen. Visions come upon him---some report them as blessed, others as torments. Let the infirmarer dispense this herb with great caution, for the difference between remedy and poison is a matter of mere drops. > hint There are 20 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/20) You could use the key, of course. (2/20) But Brother Wilfred guards it jealously. (3/20) Can you distract him? (4/20) He's old enough that he always seems close to sleep. (5/20) If only you could help him fall asleep. (6/20) There's something in the Restricted Garden that could help. (7/20) You'll have to look it up in the Herbal to know how to use it. (8/20) It's the mandrake root. It is often used to put people under during surgery. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Restricted Garden Here is Aelred's collection of dangerous plants---those too potent for casual use, too deadly for error. The beds here are smaller, more carefully separated. The only exit is out through the gate to the east, which is open. > consult herbal about mandrake Mandrake: called also Mandragora, and by some the sleeping root or gallows root. In small doses brings drowsiness and eases pain. The smoke of the root, carefully breathed, brings a deep and restful sleep---useful before surgery or for the gravely restless. The root itself should not be eaten in quantity, but it is not dangerous to handle. > n You can only go east. > e Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. An open gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > n Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > n Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > n Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. You can see Pax here. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the bright afternoon light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. > put mandrake in fire (first taking the mandrake root) You are carrying too many things already. > i You're carrying a sack of coins, a beeswax candle, some gloves and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: Aelred's Herbal, a treacherous note, henbane decoction, a mandrake root, an iron key and a mirror). > wear gloves You pause for a second. His gloves, and now they'll pass to you. You hope you can honour his work in the garden. You put on Aelred's gloves. > put mandrake in fire (first taking the mandrake root) You throw the mandrake root into the fireplace. An unpleasant, acrid stench starts to fill the room. To be cautious, you move to the other side of the room, far from the fireplace. > z You wait a minute. Now under the influence of the burning mandrake, Brother Wilfred starts to snore. The sleepy like to make excuses. --- The Rule of St Benedict > take silver You are carrying too many things already. Brother Wilfred seems deeply asleep. > i You're carrying a mandrake root, a sack of coins, a beeswax candle, some gloves (worn) and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: Aelred's Herbal, a treacherous note, henbane decoction, an iron key and a mirror). > put mandrake in hood You put the mandrake root into the hood. The mandrake root has burned, and the air starts to clear. Wilfred is still deep in sleep, and will be for a while. > take silver Being as quiet as you can be, you take the key from the table. > e The library door is locked. > unlock door (with the silver key) You unlock the library door and open it. > e Library This is a small private room. There is a bookshelf on one wall and a large map of the priory on the other. The only exit is out to the west. [The score has just gone up by 3 points.] > x map Finely etched into brass and signed "Prior Gordian". It shows both the indoor and outdoor areas, from the two dorters on the upper floor all the way down to two crypts below ground. > x crypts Two crypts: a larger one, simply labelled "Crypt" and another, "FitzAlan Crypt". > x outdoor Sorry, I don't understand what "outdoor" means. > x dorters One dorter for the choir monks and one for the lay brothers, naturally. > x shelf The bookshelf has about fifty items, most of which are manuscripts, used for the work in the Scriptorium. One that draws your attention because of its thin size and small format is titled "Registrum Fratrum". > search shelf There are many items on the bookshelf. One that draws your attention because of its thin size and small format is titled "Registrum Fratrum". > x fratrum The "Registrum Fratrum" ("Register of the Brothers"). A small leather-bound registry that Brother Wilfred has been keeping for decades, back to when he was prior. It has notes on brothers who have served in the priory, even including some historical ones. > read it It's too long to read through, but you can look up particular entries by name. You can hear stirring from the Scriptorium, suggesting Wilfred is starting to waken. > take it You are carrying too many things already. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > i You're carrying a silver key, a sack of coins, a beeswax candle, some gloves (worn) and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: Aelred's Herbal, a treacherous note, henbane decoction, an iron key and a mirror). You can hear stirring from the Scriptorium, suggesting Wilfred is starting to waken. > undo Previous turn undone. > drop iron You can't see any such thing. > take fratrum You are carrying too many things already. You can hear stirring from the Scriptorium, suggesting Wilfred is starting to waken. > undo Previous turn undone. > w Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the bright afternoon light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the open door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace, snoring heavily. Brother Wilfred starts to stir. He may awaken soon. > drop silver Dropped. > e Library This is a small private room. There is a bookshelf on one wall and a large map of the priory on the other. The only exit is out to the west. Oh no! Brother Wilfred discovered that the library door was open---you've been caught. You are given a very stern speech. If you want to keep investigating, you'll need to be more careful. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > l Library This is a small private room. There is a bookshelf on one wall and a large map of the priory on the other. The only exit is out to the west. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > l Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the bright afternoon light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace, snoring heavily. > unlock door (with the silver key) You unlock the library door and open it. > put silver on table You place the key on the table, hoping that it's in the same place it was before. > e Library This is a small private room. There is a bookshelf on one wall and a large map of the priory on the other. The only exit is out to the west. [The score has just gone up by 3 points.] > take fratrum You carefully remove the Registrum Fratrum from the shelf. Brother Wilfred would be furious if he knew. > w Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the bright afternoon light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the open door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace, snoring heavily. > lock door (first closing it) You don't have the key. > drop fratrum Dropped. > take silver Being as quiet as you can be, you take the key from the table. Brother Wilfred starts to stir. He may awaken soon. > lock door (with the silver key) You lock the library door. > put silver on table You place the key on the table, hoping that it's in the same place it was before. Brother Wilfred now is groggily awake. > take fratrum Taken. > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. You can see Pax here. > sae That is not a verb I recognise. > save Ok. > read fratrum It's too long to read through, but you can look up particular entries by name. > consult fratrum about gordian Gordian (1112-1192). Founder of the priory in 1152, formerly Master Builder to the Earl of Pembroke. A man of great skill and piety, he lived by three great creeds that he impressed upon the brethren drawn to the new priory. Gordian designed the church and Cloister himself, from the great bell in the tower to the stained glass of the Nave. It is said he built the priory as penance for worldly pride, each clever mechanism a reminder that God's mysteries surpass man's cleverness. He served as prior from its founding until his death. [The score has just gone up by 1 point.] > save Ok. > n Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > n The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > w Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > n Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > x glass You can't see any such thing. > w Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits bright afternoon light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. > x glass You remember the first time you saw this glass, on the second day of your novitiate. Unlike some other things in the priory that show signs of decay, these still shine brightly on sunny days. The centre pane, the largest, has a golden hammer labelled "II: LABOR OMNIA VINCIT" ("Work Conquers All"), a reminder of the mission of monks. > * oh, missed that [Comment recorded] > e Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > s Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > consult fraturm about me Sorry, I don't understand what "fraturm" means. > consult fratrum about me Aldwin (1326-). Joined us in 1346, coming from a family serving Lord Thornbury. Educated by that Lord. Mother died young. Interested in gardening, so he is being mentored by Brother Aelred. > consult fratrum about aelred Aelred (1284-). Entered the priory 1295 as a youth. Serves as herbalist. Fluent in several languages beyond English and Latin. Written below this, in fresh ink in Wilfred's scratchy hand, it reads: "Requiescat in pace, care frater". > consult fratrum about oswald Oswald (1294-). Entered in 1312 from a minor noble family. Elected prior 1338 upon the retirement of Brother Wilfred. Governs with strict adherence to the Rule of St Benedict. > consult fratrum about wilfred Wilfred (1273-). Entered 1290 from a scholarly family in Norwich. Elected prior 1310, serving until 1338 when he stepped down due to age. Now serves as librarian and master illuminator, though his hands tremble with the years. The oldest brother in living memory, he has seen the priory through plague, famine, and decline. You note that this entry was written by Brother Wilfred himself, but in his way, he tried to maintain a scholarly and truthful tone. > who Priory brethren: - Aelred, the herbalist - Anselm, the cantor - Benedict, the infirmarer - Cuthbert, the sacrist - Hugh, the cellarer - Martin, the kitchener - Oswald, the prior - Remigio, the lay kitchen assistant - Wilfred, the librarian > consult fratrum about anselm Anselm (1316-). Entered 1332. Studied under Brother Wilfred as a youth. Appointed cantor 1344 despite his youth, owing to the exceptional clarity of his voice. Leads the brothers in the Divine Office. > consult fratrum about benedict Benedict (1298-). Entered 1318. Served as infirmarer from 1328. Treats both brothers and villagers who seek healing. Known for his patience with the dying. > consult fratrum about cuthbert Cuthbert (1300-). Entered 1315, son of a nobleman from the south. Appointed sacrist 1325. Maintains the sacred vessels and vestments with meticulous care. Keeps the canonical hours by ringing the great bell. > consult fratrum about hugh Hugh (1314-). Brought to the priory in 1322 as a child of eight, his family unable to feed him after failed harvests. Raised and educated by the brothers. Appointed cellarer 1342. Manages stores and trade with exceptional diligence. Has a widowed sister in the village of Coldport who visited once. > * hmm maybe he needs money? [Comment recorded] > consult fratrum about martin Martin (1304-). Entered 1322. Born into a prominent Welsh family. Appointed kitchener 1334. Oversees the preparation of meals for the community, assisted by Brother Remigio. > consult fratrum about remigio Remigio (c.1308-). A lay brother from Tuscany, came to the priory in 1340 seeking refuge from troubles in his homeland. Works in the Kitchen and performs manual labour. Has not taken full vows. > * no points [Comment recorded] > tine That is not a verb I recognise. > time From your vague sense of time, it is past two in the afternoon. > save Ok. > l Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > w Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > n Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > s Cloister West This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Locutory lies in to the west. You can also go north to the northwestern corner of the Cloister, south to the southwestern corner, or east into the Garth. > e Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its bright afternoon light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its bright afternoon light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > x sundial The sundial casts a shadow showing the time as half past two in the afternoon. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax wriggles. > pet pax She allows a small head kiss. Pax wriggles. > l Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax wriggles. > i You're carrying the Registrum Fratrum, a sack of coins, a beeswax candle, some gloves (worn) and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: Aelred's Herbal, a treacherous note, henbane decoction, an iron key and a mirror). Pax wriggles. > score You have so far scored 46 out of a possible 55, in 678 turns. > e Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > s Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > i You're carrying the Registrum Fratrum, a sack of coins, a beeswax candle, some gloves (worn) and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: Aelred's Herbal, a treacherous note, henbane decoction, an iron key and a mirror). > put herbal on table (first taking Aelred's Herbal) You are carrying too many things already. > put coins on table You put the sack of coins on the worktable. > put fratrum on table You put the Registrum Fratrum on the worktable. > put note on table (first taking the treacherous note) You put the treacherous note on the worktable. > put herbal on table (first taking Aelred's Herbal) You put Aelred's Herbal on the worktable. > n Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > * not sure why we have the mirror [Comment recorded] > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its bright afternoon light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > x sundial The sundial casts a shadow showing the time as quarter to three in the afternoon. > save Ok. > s Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > z You wait a minute. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > z You wait a minute. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. Brother Martin says "Out, out, Brother. Remigio and I are working." He ushers you out north, to the Refectory. Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > z You wait a minute. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. Brother Martin says "Out, out, Brother. Remigio and I are working." He ushers you out north, to the Refectory. Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax licks a paw contentedly. "RING! RING! RING! RING! RING! RING!" You hear the bell ring six times to call the brothers to the None office. Prior Oswald excused you from offices today, but you know the choir monks will be in the Quire for the next forty-five minutes or so. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. Brother Martin arrives from the south. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. You can also see Brother Hugh here. Brother Hugh heads north. > s You can only go north or down. > light candle You light the beeswax candle using the hearth. > d Brother Remigio looks away slyly as you head down the stairs. Undercroft Barrels crowd this vaulted space beneath the Refectory. Many things the priory needs to survive are here: tallow, salt, wine, mustard, grain. Smaller items are spread across a table in the corner. The cellarer's careful hand is evident in the organisation---each item labelled, stacked, accounted for. As cellarer, Brother Hugh alone manages this space: organising the stores, counting what remains, arranging what must be purchased. No other brother would have reason to come here uninvited. Stairs lead up to the Kitchen. A wide door to the west allows barrels to be rolled in and out for deliveries. > x door It's a broad wooden door. > open door You push the door open and head west, emerging at the Passage. The door closes behind you. The Passage (South) The narrow walkway ends here. This part seems less travelled, with weeds growing from between the stones underfoot. To the east, the ground slopes down to a wide closed door. Your candle blows out in the breeze. > e The door blocks the way. > undo Previous turn undone. > undo Previous turn undone. > l Undercroft Barrels crowd this vaulted space beneath the Refectory. Many things the priory needs to survive are here: tallow, salt, wine, mustard, grain. Smaller items are spread across a table in the corner. The cellarer's careful hand is evident in the organisation---each item labelled, stacked, accounted for. Stairs lead up to the Kitchen. A wide door to the west allows barrels to be rolled in and out for deliveries. > x barrels You see five barrels: grain, wine, salt, tallow and mustard. > x grain A stout wooden barrel bearing the charcoal mark "GRAIN". > x wino Sorry, I don't understand what "wino" means. > x wine A stout wooden barrel bearing the charcoal mark "WINE". > x salt A stout wooden barrel bearing the charcoal mark "SALT". > x tallow A stout wooden barrel bearing the charcoal mark "TALLOW". > x mustard A stout wooden barrel bearing the charcoal mark "MUSTARD". > * that's a lot of mustard [Comment recorded] > l Undercroft Barrels crowd this vaulted space beneath the Refectory. Many things the priory needs to survive are here: tallow, salt, wine, mustard, grain. Smaller items are spread across a table in the corner. The cellarer's careful hand is evident in the organisation---each item labelled, stacked, accounted for. Stairs lead up to the Kitchen. A wide door to the west allows barrels to be rolled in and out for deliveries. > x table The table here is made of rough wood. On it are a ledger and a pointed stick. > x ledger It's a sheaf of coarse paper, tied with a simple cord. It seems to record recent purchases and sales of goods for the priory. > read it It's filled with Hugh's cramped hand. The most recent items listed are the sale of beeswax candles, a purchase of a barrel of mustard seeds, and the sale of sheep from the priory's fields. > x stick It's a long branch from a tree. It may be used for hitting at rats, as there's a bit of dried blood on one end. > take it It's long enough that it's awkward to carry, but you take it all the same. > x blood The blood is well-dried and doesn't seem recent. > l Undercroft Barrels crowd this vaulted space beneath the Refectory. Many things the priory needs to survive are here: tallow, salt, wine, mustard, grain. Smaller items are spread across a table in the corner. The cellarer's careful hand is evident in the organisation---each item labelled, stacked, accounted for. Stairs lead up to the Kitchen. A wide door to the west allows barrels to be rolled in and out for deliveries. > hint There are 9 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/9) There are stairs going down from Kitchen. (2/9) And also a door from the South Passage. (3/9) The door, though, only opens from the inside. You won't be able to get in that way. (4/9) You can't go down from the Kitchen while Brother Martin is in the Kitchen. (5/9) Brother Remigio won't let you, either---unless you convince him. (6/9) His English is poor, but perhaps a gift would do? (7/9) Given what you may have learned about him, is there anything he might appreciate? (8/9) Aelred was growing something as a treat for him. (9/9) Give him the basil from the Garden. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 5 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/5) Search around, of course. (2/5) The ledger is worth reading. (3/5) The barrels should be tempting. (4/5) One in particular, perhaps, depending on what you've seen so far. (5/5) Opening and searching each one will take a long time. If you've found anything in the Crypt Vestry, this could give you a clue which one to search. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Undercroft Barrels crowd this vaulted space beneath the Refectory. Many things the priory needs to survive are here: tallow, salt, wine, mustard, grain. Smaller items are spread across a table in the corner. The cellarer's careful hand is evident in the organisation---each item labelled, stacked, accounted for. Stairs lead up to the Kitchen. A wide door to the west allows barrels to be rolled in and out for deliveries. > search mustard You cannot, since the barrel is closed. > open mustard Opening the sealed barrel will take several minutes. Are you sure? y With some time and effort, you succeed in opening it. > search it Searching a barrel will take several minutes. Continue? y After digging around with the stick for several minutes, you find something buried deep in the mustard. You pull it free: a small package, its burlap stained deep yellow. You take it. > x package A small package of burlap, tied with simple cord. Originally dark, it has stained deep yellow from the mustard. > open it You untie the cord, revealing a small illuminated psalter. > x psalter Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. --- The Gospel of Matthew A small psalter, exquisitely crafted. The leather cover is tooled with a design of intertwined vines and lilies. Opening it, you see Brother Wilfred's unmistakable hand, each page a work of devotion. The opening initial 'B' of Psalm 1 ("Beatus vir") is illuminated in brilliant azure and gold leaf, depicting a tree bearing fruit by streams of water. Marginal decorations show doves, wheat, and grapes. This is clearly one of Wilfred's finest works. It should be kept in the Library before it is sold, not hidden away. There's some serious wrongdoing here. Why was this hidden? You wonder if this is related to that note you found. Note: You've learned enough to solve the crime, but you can continue if you'd like to better understand the crime. To make a public accusation, you can do so at the next office. Or you could first talk with a sympathetic Brother. [The score has just gone up by 5 points.] > save Ok. > n You can only go west or up. > u You need to drop the pointed stick first. It's much too large and conspicuous to carry around the priory. > drop stick Dropped. > close barrel You pound on the lid to shut the mustard barrel. > i You're carrying a mustard-yellow package (which contains an illuminated psalter), a beeswax candle (providing light), some gloves (worn) and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: henbane decoction, an iron key and a mirror). > put package in hood You put the mustard-yellow package into the hood. > u Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. > extinguish candle You extinguish the beeswax candle. > n Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > w You can only go north or south. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. Pax licks a paw contentedly. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its bright afternoon light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > n Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > w Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. > save Ok. > open door It's locked. > w You can't, since the prior door is locked. > push cross. push hammer. push scroll You dare not, as any brother in the Cloister walk could see you. Brother Oswald arrives from the east. You dare not, as any brother in the Cloister walk could see you. Brother Anselm arrives from the east. You dare not, as any brother in the Cloister walk could see you. Brother Anselm heads south. Brother Oswald goes to the Prior's Solar. > Come again, Brother? > e Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > e Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. You can see Pax here. Pax twitches, sensing movement somewhere. > s Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > e Scriptorium The Scriptorium---where brothers create the illuminated manuscripts that are a primary source of priory income---smells of ink, manuscripts, and woodsmoke. High windows admit the bright afternoon light that the season allows, and a modest fire burns in the fireplace, keeping the manuscripts dry despite the sea air. The large central table is covered with the materials of the illuminator's art as well as a sample of their work. The Cloister is out to west; the Library is east, through the closed door. Brother Wilfred sits at the table, close to the fireplace. Brother Wilfred looks up from his work and immediately sees the pain and confusion in your face, the weight of carrying around what you've discovered. "My child", he says, "I can see that you carry much sorrow. Would you like to unburden yourself? Might I offer you confession?" Talk with Brother Wilfred about the murder? You can do so with CONFESS TO WILFRED. > save Ok. > confess to wilfred Wilfred listens as you explain your discoveries. The coins hidden among the dead. The discovered stolen psalter. The deadly henbane decoction. The note seeking priory manuscripts. A great sadness crosses Wilfred's face. "My son," he begins, then pauses. "No. 'Aldwin'. You are no longer a child." He sighs deeply. "I have grown more forgiving in my old age. I no longer feel it is my place to judge others' sins---only to hear them and offer what comfort I can. "But you... you have chosen this life. And if you are to be a true brother here, you must be capable of making great and terrible choices." He looks at you steadily. "So I leave this to you, Aldwin. Will you bring these accusations to our prior? If you do, Hugh will surely hang. Or will you forgive him, even knowing justice may demand otherwise? "This is your choice. Choose wisely, and choose with prayer." What will you do? Choose justice or mercy? > justice You tell Prior Oswald everything. The coins hidden among the dead. The discovered stolen psalter. The deadly henbane decoction. The note seeking priory manuscripts. Hugh is taken by the sheriff within days. He is tried, condemned, and hanged before the month is out. Rose dies alone that winter, with no brother to tend her. You inquire among travellers about William, but hear nothing. You gave Brother Oswald the stolen psalter and the sack of silver, saving the priory from further financial ruin. You kept your vows of obedience to your Prior. You served truth. But standing in the herb garden near where Brother Aelred died, you wonder if justice and mercy can ever live in harmony---or if, in choosing one, you always betray the other. Brother Aelred's words echo: "One life for two, my son." You will never know if you honoured his sacrifice, or squandered it. *** You chose justice *** In that game you scored 51 out of a possible 55, in 757 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game, read the full SOLUTION, or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > mercy You and Brother Wilfred confront Hugh and tell him to leave. Tonight. Before questions are asked. Hugh takes flight, and you never learn what becomes of him---or of his family. You lied to the prior about your day's activities and received penance for your actions that day. At least you can give Prior Oswald the stolen psalter and the silver coins, saying you found them after being assigned to organise the Undercroft after the unexplained disappearance of Hugh. But when you pray before the Lady of Thorns, you remember Brother Aelred's last words: "One life for two, my son." Perhaps mercy, not justice, was what he hoped for. Still, you wonder. A murderer walks free. Does forgiveness make you holy, or complicit? You will carry this question all your days. *** You chose mercy *** In that game you scored 51 out of a possible 55, in 757 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game, read the full SOLUTION, or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > w You must choose JUSTICE, MERCY, or NEITHER (to not decide). > neither You choose neither and postpone your responsibility. You can see the disappointment on Brother Wilfred's face. > w Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. You can see Pax here. > n Garth The Garth is the small grass courtyard at the heart of the Cloister. The covered Cloister walk surrounds it on all sides, its arches framing the sky above with its bright afternoon light. In the centre is a sundial and a stone well. > n Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. > n Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > n You can only go south, west, east, or up. > e Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > s Sacristy A small room where items used during services are kept. Shelves hold neatly folded linens, precious chalices, and other miscellaneous vestry items. The smell of beeswax and old incense lingers. Brother Cuthbert maintains this space with meticulous care. Through the open door, bright afternoon light spills in from the Sanctuary. > n Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > u You can only go south, west, east, or down. > e Lady Chapel The largest of the three chapels, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. This chapel sees more use than the others: the brothers pray here for the priory's patroness, Our Lady of Thorns. To the west is the Sanctuary. Small doorways lead north and south to smaller chapels. A statue of Mary stands in a niche and a stone altar is next to her. > u You can only go north, south, or west. > w Sanctuary A domed ceiling rises above this, the area where Prior Oswald leads public Mass. The Quire is to the west and a chapel is to the east. The Sacristy is through a doorway to the south. A closed gate bars the path descending to the Crypt. You can see the high altar here. > u You can only go south, west, east, or down. > w Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > u Night Stairs Midway on the narrow stone stairs connecting the Dorter to the Quire. These are the Night Stairs: three times each night, monks file down in darkness for Matins, Lauds, and Prime. The walls are close, the air still. A lone candle flickers in its niche. > u Dorter This great room is used by all of the choir monks except the prior, Brother Oswald. It could easily provide rest for twenty brothers, but there are only eight cots in here now. Each cot has a chest at its foot for any meagre possessions the brother has. A window high up reflects bright afternoon light on the floor. A doorway leads south to the Hall. Narrow stairs descend to the Quire, where offices are held. > s Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > s Lay Dorter This chamber was built to house the lay brothers, those who serve without taking full vows. The walls are marked with darker patches where other cots once stood, and you can see the worn floorboards where chests were dragged back and forth over the years. Now the room holds only Brother Remigio's single cot and chest, pushed against a far wall. The only exit is north to the Hall. > d You can only go north. > d You can only go north. > n Hall This plain corridor connects the two dorters. Wooden floorboards creak underfoot. There are passages to the north, south, and east. Broad stairs lead down to the Cloister. > d Day Stairs You're in the middle of a set of broad stone steps. The steps dip in the centre from generations of sandaled feet. This staircase is used by you and the brethren to travel between the Cloister and the dorters above when there's enough light and warmth to use outdoor stairs. Above is the upper living areas and below is the Cloister walk. > d Cloister Northeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Chapter House is in to the east, and the Day Stairs to the upper floor head upward from here. You can also go west to the northern end of the Cloister or south to the eastern end. > s Cloister East This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. To the east is the entrance to the Scriptorium. You can also go north to the northeastern corner, south to the southeastern corner, or west into the Garth. > s Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. > s The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > e Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > s Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > s Garden Aelred's garden. You can still see where his hands touched everything: the carefully weeded beds, the path worn by his daily rounds. You can enter the Herbarium to the north. An open gate west guards plants too dangerous for common use. > n Herbarium This room still carries Brother Aelred's presence in every corner. Bundles of dried herbs hang from the rafters. The worktable in the centre, laden with materials above and below, bears the marks of much use. A large terracotta pot in the corner was used often to transfer plants. Without him here, the room feels hollow. The Slype lies north, and the Garden---his garden---waits to the south. > n Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > e Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > s Infirmary Chapel This is a tiny chapel attached to the Infirmary, barely large enough for a priest and one or two others. A simple stone altar stands against a wall, and a statue stands in a corner, worn smooth by many hands. The only exit, for the living, is out to the north. You can see an altar (with Brother Aelred's body on it) here. > n Infirmary Several narrow beds line the western wall. A workbench holds mortars and bowls for preparing remedies. The air has a sharp tang. The Infirmary Chapel is to the south, and the Slype is out to the west. Brother Benedict is here, tidying the workbench and looking reflective. An empty hook hangs on the wall. The medicine cabinet sits against a wall, closed. > confess to benedict Brother Benedict isn't interested in your confession right now. > w Slype The Slype is a long east-west corridor lined with decorative bushes. West is the Cloister, east is the Infirmary. A small passage heads south to the Herbarium and the gardens. > w Cloister Southeast This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The long Slype, leading to the Infirmary and the Herbarium, lies to the east. You can also go north to the eastern end of the Cloister, and west to the southern end. You can see Pax here. > w Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > s Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > s Kitchen The priory kitchen is a large room, lit by high windows. A door leads north to the Refectory, and stairs descend to the Undercroft below. A large table dominates the centre, scattered with implements and vessels. A hearth is built into a wall, its fire warming the room. Brother Martin is here, chopping vegetables. Brother Remigio is here, tidying the table. Brother Martin says "Out, out, Brother. Remigio and I are working." He ushers you out north, to the Refectory. Refectory The Refectory is a long, austere hall where the community takes its meals in silence while one brother reads aloud from the lectern. Two rows of trestle tables stretch the length of the room, their surfaces scrubbed clean. High windows along the wall admit bright afternoon light that barely reaches the floor. The smell of pottage lingers faintly in the air. A doorway to the south leads to the Kitchen, and a wide opening to the north returns out to the Cloister. > n Cloister South This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The Refectory lies in to the south. You can also go west to the southwestern corner of the Cloister, east to the southeastern corner, or north to the Garth. > w Cloister Southwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. A small alcove, the Lavatorium, is to the south. You can go north to the western edge, or east to the southern edge. The West Gate, allowing outsiders to enter the Cloister, is to the west and open. > w The Passage (North) A covered walkway that runs along the west edge of the priory. The stones underfoot are set carefully to make this a clear path. You can go north to the Porch or south to the southern end of the Passage. The West Gate, allowing entrance into the Cloister, is here and open. > n Porch This covered entrance protects the great door from the winds that come across the sea from the east. Villagers used to gather here before services, but the number who do so has been declining for years. You can go south out to the covered walkway the brothers call "The Passage", or you can go east into the church. The great door is open, revealing the Nave to the east. > n As a novice, you're not to leave the priory grounds without permission. > e Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits bright afternoon light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. > n Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and bright afternoon light flows down from above. > n You can only go south, up, or down. > u Bell Tower The bell chamber. Wind whistles through the open arches on all four sides. Dead leaves have drifted into the corners and along the walls, blown in through the open arches. The great bell hangs overhead. A rope from it hangs to within your reach. From here, you have clear views in all four directions---such fine views that the priory allows outsiders into this space. Brother Cuthbert is here, looking dour and staring at the view. You can also see a wooden chest (which is closed) here. > confess to cuthbert Brother Cuthbert isn't interested in your confession right now. > d Tower Stairs A spiral staircase winds up and down from here. The stone steps are narrow and treacherously steep. Cool air and bright afternoon light flows down from above. > d Nave The public space, where villagers stand for Mass weekly. The stone floor is worn smooth by centuries of feet. Detailed stained glass admits bright afternoon light. The Quire lies to the east, separated by a screen. A doorway in the north wall leads up to the Tower Stairs. The great door is open, revealing the Porch to the west. > d You can only go north, west, east, or up. "RING! RING! RING! RING! RING! RING! RING!" You hear the bell ring seven times to call the brothers to the Vespers office. Prior Oswald excused you from offices today, but you know the choir monks will be in the Quire for the next forty-five minutes or so. > e Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. > s You manage to slip out before the Vespers office starts. Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. Brother Oswald arrives from the west. > w Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax and Brother Anselm here. Brother Anselm heads east. > time From your vague sense of time, it is five in the afternoon. > push cross. push hammer. push scroll You dare not, as any brother in the Cloister walk could see you. Pax twitches, sensing movement somewhere. You dare not, as any brother in the Cloister walk could see you. Pax twitches, sensing movement somewhere. You dare not, as any brother in the Cloister walk could see you. Pax licks a paw contentedly. > push cross. push hammer. push scroll You press the button and feel it click into place. You press the button and feel it click into place. You press the button and feel it click into place. You hear a satisfying series of clicks from within the door. The lock disengages. Pax wriggles. > open door You open the door. > w Prior's Solar Prior Oswald's private chamber. A narrow bed stands against one wall. A writing desk sits next to it. A chest sits at the foot of the bed. The room is austere but private---a privilege of rank in a community that otherwise shares everything. The only exit is out to the east. > save Ok. > x bed A simple bed, better than your straw pallet in the Dorter, but hardly luxurious. > x desk A well-crafted desk with a single drawer. On it is a cross. > x cross A finely detailed cross in dark wood. The brass base bears a small inscription: "CONVERTIMINI". You recognise this from the prophet Joel, a call to repentance and turning to God. > x drawer A simple drawer. It is closed. > open it Though you don't see a lock on the drawer, it won't open. > i You're carrying a beeswax candle, some gloves (worn) and your robe (worn) (hidden in the hood: a mustard-yellow package (which contains an illuminated psalter), henbane decoction, an iron key and a mirror). > l Prior's Solar Prior Oswald's private chamber. A narrow bed stands against one wall. A writing desk sits next to it. A chest sits at the foot of the bed. The room is austere but private---a privilege of rank in a community that otherwise shares everything. The only exit is out to the east. > x chest It is a simple wooden box with a lid. > open it You open Brother Oswald's chest, revealing nothing. > close chest You close Brother Oswald's chest. > look under bed Under it is nothing but dust. > push cross Pushing down on the cross does nothing. > pull cross Tugging on the cross does nothing. > l Prior's Solar Prior Oswald's private chamber. A narrow bed stands against one wall. A writing desk sits next to it. A chest sits at the foot of the bed. The room is austere but private---a privilege of rank in a community that otherwise shares everything. The only exit is out to the east. > move chest You move it enough to establish that there's nothing under it, and return it to its original location. > move bed Under it is nothing but dust. > move desk That's fixed in place. > search bed There is nothing on or below the cot. > search desk On it is a cross. > x cross A finely detailed cross in dark wood. The brass base bears a small inscription: "CONVERTIMINI". You recognise this from the prophet Joel, a call to repentance and turning to God. > turn cross Turning the cross on its base, you hear a click within. The drawer opens, revealing a book. The cross snaps back to its original place. > x book Do you mean the illuminated psalter or the chronicle? > chronicle It is the chronicle, a record of the prior's daily business. > read it The chronicle contains the prior's notes on daily affairs. The recent entries: 15 June 1346: Brother Martin reports the grain stores are adequate for winter, though we had to purchase an additional barrel of flour from the village due to poor harvest. The cost continues to strain our resources. 6 July 1346: Brother Hugh informs me that the sale of our honey and beeswax brought less income than anticipated. Several benefactors who once supported us have redirected their charity elsewhere. Our revenues have declined steadily these past three years. 28 July 1346: Brother Wilfred has misplaced his latest work---a small psalter with illuminations of remarkable quality. He recalls completing the opening of Beatus vir with azure and gold, but cannot remember where he shelved it. At his age, such lapses are not uncommon---this is the second time in this season he has lost a work. This is causing a significant loss of income for us. 3 August 1346: The roof above the Refectory shows signs of damage from the autumn storms. Brother Benedict inspected it and says it will require material and builders to repair---funds we can ill afford. I have written to the Bishop requesting assistance, but hold little hope of reply. Perhaps the missing psalter is the one you found in the Undercroft? [The score has just gone up by 2 points.] > e Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > hint There are 2 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/2) A historic name for his private living quarters. (2/2) As the prior, he gets a bit of privacy. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 9 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/9) Have you examined the door? (2/9) It's a kind of combination lock---you just need to know the symbols to press and in what order. (3/9) It was designed by Prior Gordian, the founder. (4/9) First, you'll need to read about him from a book in the library. (5/9) He lived by three creeds, which you can discover. (6/9) Does the entry on him suggest places to look? (7/9) Have you seen a statue of him around? (8/9) You can find his creed in the stained glass in the Nave, on his statue in the Chapter House, and on the bell in the tower. (9/9) PUSH CROSS. PUSH HAMMER. PUSH SCROLL. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 4 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/4) Look around. (2/4) Particularly, at the desk. (3/4) Did you find the Chronicle? (4/4) It sounds like valuable art has been disappearing. [Please press SPACE to continue.] (1/4) Look around. (2/4) Particularly, at the desk. (3/4) Did you find the Chronicle? (4/4) It sounds like valuable art has been disappearing. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 5 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/5) The drawer doesn't open, but it doesn't have an obvious lock. (2/5) It's another one of the founders' ingenious devices. (3/5) Take a look at the cross on the desk. (4/5) What a nice Latin inscription. (5/5) Try turning the cross. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 8 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/8) There's a book that will be very useful to you. (2/8) The Registrum Fratrum. (3/8) There are a few hints there. You can look up monks you learn about. (4/8) The map is worth looking at. (5/8) Read the description carefully and compare it to what your map shows. (6/8) There are two crypts? Examine the crypts. (7/8) A FitzAlan Crypt, hmm? I wonder how you can get to it. (8/8) It'll be below the FitzAlan Chantry, naturally. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 6 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/6) During the meeting, just pay attention and don't act up. (2/6) Brother Oswald will invite everyone to pay respects to Brother Aelred in the Infirmary Chapel. That's a good idea. (3/6) Otherwise, there are two useful things here. (4/6) The panel shows the hours of the offices, which is very useful. (5/6) Knowing these can help you plan when to visit locations, in case you need a monk there or in case you need a monk not to be there. (6/6) The statue is also worth examining. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 6 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/6) Examine the body, of course. (2/6) Just looking at the body in general may not tell everything. (3/6) You may remember some descriptions of him when he was dying. (4/6) Examine his eyes. Those looked 'strange' during the death scene. (5/6) Also, try SMELL AELRED. (6/6) Searching body may also be useful. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 14 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/14) "Historia nostra, fides nostra" = "Our history, our faith" (2/14) What might be something about history that the monks would know? (3/14) Brother Aelred figured it out years ago, so it couldn't be a recent thing. (4/14) The founding date of the monastery. (5/14) You can discover this in a few ways. (6/14) Buildings often have a cornerstone showing a building date. (7/14) Unfortunately, the priory doesn't have that, exactly. (8/14) But it's carved onto the West Door. (9/14) You'll need to look at the face of the door from the outside to see it. (10/14) Another possibility is you could use the Registrum Fratrum, if you've found it. (11/14) Do you know who the founder was? (12/14) There's a statue of him in the Chapter House. (13/14) You can look up Brother Gordian in the registry. (14/14) Either way, you'll learn: 1152. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) Mirrors are very rare in monasteries. You can look at yourself. (2/3) That's all it's really good for, though. (3/3) The locked cabinet just begs to be opened. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 5 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/5) They're toxic and harmful to touch. (2/5) But Brother Aelred must have been able to handle them safely. (3/5) What might he have used? (4/5) Find the gloves. (5/5) They're in the Herbarium. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 4 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/4) They're much too far up. (2/4) Really---you won't be able to reach them. (3/4) But you should figure out what they are; that may give you a hint for elsewhere. (4/4) You can do so by climbing on the table. [Please press SPACE to continue.] (1/6) You can learn interesting things about the former priors. (2/6) There's also something important to find. (3/6) Have you looked carefully in the Crypt Vestry? (4/6) Search the shelves. (5/6) Where might someone hide something here? (6/6) Those coins are very suspicious, and definitely a clue to the mystery. [Please press SPACE to continue.] (1/1) It's just a hallway between the dorters. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) You've already slept all you will today. (2/3) But there's plenty to search in these rooms. (3/3) Examine the chests. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) You've studied herbalism with Brother Aelred; what could you do with them to try to figure out what they are? (2/3) Try SMELL BERRIES or TASTE BERRIES. (3/3) Rosehips, hmm? The final stage of decline for a rose. That might be useful to think on. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 6 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/6) Pray for desperate causes, of course. (2/6) It looks like someone has beat you to this. (3/6) What are those red berries? (4/6) You can also pray here. (5/6) You might want to get on the prayer mat first. (6/6) If you do pray to St Jude, you may get a blessing when you are in a desperate state. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 10 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/10) Have you seen any candles? (2/10) You can't take the canonical hour candle in the Night Stairs, though. (3/10) But surely, there must be some in storage? (4/10) Who manages things like candles? (5/10) Have you smelled wax anywhere? (6/10) Have you found a room where items are stored? (7/10) Go to the Sacristy, south of the Sanctuary, and search carefully. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 11 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/11) Wealthy families sometimes bought private chapels where prayers would be said for them. (2/11) They would also often have the right to be buried in the crypt. (3/11) Or even have a private crypt. (4/11) There is a hidden entrance to their private crypt. (5/11) Have you examined the altar carefully? (6/11) The gouges might have come from moving the altar. (7/11) Do you know what the family motto means? [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 3 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/3) Our Lady is the patroness of the priory. (2/3) This chapel is visited often by the brothers. (3/3) There's nothing specific you need to do here. [Please press SPACE to continue.] There are 10 hints: press H for next hint, or any other key to exit. (1/10) Enjoy the views? (2/10) The bell is also very handsome. (3/10) And cast by the founder, Brother Gordian. (4/10) And has an inscription on it. (5/10) The chest begs to be opened. (6/10) But there's nothing useful in it. (7/10) This is an area where the public can get to. (8/10) So an outsider could hide something here. (9/10) Do you see anything interesting when examining the leaves? (10/10) Look under the chest. [Please press SPACE to continue.] (1/1) The stained glass is worth looking at. [Please press SPACE to continue.] Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > * Not sure where the last couple points come from [Comment recorded] > l Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > n The walls of the Cloister block that direction. > w Prior's Solar Prior Oswald's private chamber. A narrow bed stands against one wall. A writing desk sits next to it. A chest sits at the foot of the bed. The room is austere but private---a privilege of rank in a community that otherwise shares everything. The only exit is out to the east. > n You can only go east. > e Cloister Northwest This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The high walls of the church rise imposingly to the north, and a curious door lies to the west. You can also see Pax here. > e Cloister North This is one of the eight sections of the Cloister. Arched openings admit slanted autumn sun. The wall of the Nave rises imposingly to the north. A passageway into it leads to the Quire. You can also go west to the northwest corner, east to the northeastern corner, or south into the Garth. From a distance, you can hear your brothers singing. > n Quire The Quire is the heart of monastic worship and the centre of the church. Two stalls face each other across a narrow gap, where the brothers gather to chant the Divine Offices. The high altar rises to the east. The Nave lies west, beyond the rood screen. The Night Stairs ascend to the Dorter, and a path leads south, out to the Cloister. Brothers here: - Anselm, the cantor (seated) - Benedict, the infirmarer (seated) - Cuthbert, the sacrist (seated) - Hugh, the cellarer (seated) - Martin, the kitchener (seated) - Oswald, the prior (seated) - Wilfred, the librarian (seated) The brothers look at you, puzzled. Why aren't you seated? Accusation? You know this may be your best chance to make the accusation and help catch the killer. If you'd like to do so, SHOUT to interrupt the office. > shout You shout loudly. Every face turns to you---shocked, confused, some afraid. Slowly, you begin to speak. The coins hidden among the dead. The discovered stolen psalter. The deadly henbane decoction. The note seeking priory manuscripts. Brother Hugh's face goes very still. "Brother Aldwin," says Prior Oswald carefully, "what are you saying?" "I am saying," you answer, "that Brother Aelred did not die of a weak heart." You summon your courage. "He was murdered by Brother Hugh." You tell Prior Oswald everything. The coins hidden among the dead. The discovered stolen psalter. The deadly henbane decoction. The note seeking priory manuscripts. Hugh is taken by the sheriff within days. He is tried, condemned, and hanged before the month is out. Rose dies alone that winter, with no brother to tend her. You inquire among travellers about William, but hear nothing. You gave Brother Oswald the stolen psalter and the sack of silver, saving the priory from further financial ruin. You kept your vows of obedience to your Prior. You served truth. But standing in the herb garden near where Brother Aelred died, you wonder if justice and mercy can ever live in harmony---or if, in choosing one, you always betray the other. Brother Aelred's words echo: "One life for two, my son." You will never know if you honoured his sacrifice, or squandered it. *** You chose justice *** In that game you scored 53 out of a possible 55, in 859 turns. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game, read the full SOLUTION, or QUIT? solution Brother Hugh has a sister, Rose, with a desperately ill son. She's destitute and couldn't afford care for him. So he stole one of Brother Wilfred's illuminated manuscripts and found an outside buyer for it. He continues to do this, perhaps for greed and perhaps to help pay for future help for Rose. Brothers Wilfred and Oswald assumed that Wilfred had misplaced these works. He communicates with the outside buyer through leaving notes under the chest in the Bell Tower, since that's a place where outsiders can get to without anyone being suspicious. He's been hiding his payments in a sack in the Crypt Vestry, since almost no one ever goes there. Brother Aelred discovered the crime from noticing how stressed Hugh has been lately and from hearing from Wilfred how Hugh had been 'helping' him in the Library. He searched and found the letters from Rose and connected this to the rosehips that Hugh has been leaving on the St Jude altar as a form of prayer for her. Brother Aelred confronted Hugh. Hugh told Aelred that they could discuss this more completely the next day, and then he broke into the Infirmary medicine cabinet and emptied the henbane decoction into a cup. When they met the morning of the game, after Matins, Hugh forced him to drink the poison. --- There are several possible endings for the game: Early endings: - You die from jumping in a fireplace. - You eat something toxic and become too ill to continue the investigation. - You are caught with a lit candle. - You are caught with contraband too many times. - You are repeatedly careless (leaving private area doors open, and so on). Main endings not requiring enough evidence: - You fail to get enough evidence by the end of Compline. - You are caught in the Undercroft by Hugh with evidence incriminating him on you. He kill you. Main endings requiring enough evidence: - You accuse Hugh during a service (the "Justice" end) - You confess to Wilfred, who offers you a choose between "Justice" or "Mercy". The Mercy ending allows Hugh to escape and not be executed for his crime. No ending is a perfect win, of course (this is a tragedy!). But the Mercy and Justice endings are the best outcomes, especially if you've found the sack of coins and the stolen psalter, since you can give those to Prior Oswald and help the priory's dire financial straits. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game, read the full SOLUTION, or QUIT? full The score was made up as follows: 5 found sack of coins 5 found stolen psalter 5 found henbane poison 5 read the offer note 3 unlocked door to Prior's Solar 3 discovered secret of the lion 3 escaped the Crypt 3 got into the Library 3 opened medicine cabinet 2 bribed Remigio 2 read the Chronicle 2 escaped FitzAlan Crypt 2 found key to Restricted Garden 1 found way to carry contraband 1 learned about priory's history 1 matched symptoms of the poison 1 consulted Registrum Fratrum 1 consulted Aelred's Herbal 1 discovered a source of light 1 participated in an office 1 noticed suspicious symptoms 1 identified a plant 1 learned schedule of offices 53 total (out of 55) Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move, give the FULL score for that game, read the full SOLUTION, or QUIT? quit