Start of a transcript of Ferryman's Gate An Interactive Fiction by Daniel Maycock Release 1 / Serial number 201006 / Inform 7 build 6M62 (I6/v6.33 lib 6/12N) Identification number: //83E30023-52BA-4AFD-998C-E4507F9B3A69// Interpreter version 2.1.7 / VM 3.1.2 / Library serial number 080126 Standard Rules version 3/120430 by Graham Nelson Unicode Character Names by Graham Nelson >about game credits To read about a specific topic, write "about" and then the topic (e.g. "about game") >about game This game was originally conceived as a way to reinforce proper comma usage with my middle and high school composition students. The primary challenge in writing the game has been knowing how to balance comma puzzles against the story. "Educational" games often involve seemingly arbitrary puzzles that interrupt a lame narrative. This game attempts to avoid such problems. It was also challenging getting the tone of the narrative right. The backstory to the game (hinted at in several locations) is incomplete, but has always been dark. While the backstory always seemed necessary to me while I was writing, it also seemed far too heavy for a game about commas. So, as a countermeasure, I have lightened the tone in various places, and I hope you can forgive me for the apparent incongruities. This version is as complete as I can hope to make it with my limited time and skill, and I hope you find it enjoyable despite its many flaws. -Daniel >help Help is available on the following topics: confused commas saving talking using keys using plates To get help on a particular topic, write "help" and then the topic (e.g. "help saving") >l Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table and a book of modern poetry here. >i You are carrying nothing. >x me As good-looking as ever. >take book (the book of modern poetry) Taken. >read it You thumb through the book, scanning it for familiar poems, and a folded piece of paper falls out and flutters to the floor. You pick up the paper and examine it. It seems to be some kind of letter. You open the letter carefully and begin to read. I am writing this on the assumption that you, the one reading this, are one of my heirs. Every family has its secrets, but not every family has this house and the secret it contains. When I inherited this house from my uncle (this property has a history of never passing directly from father to son), the ancient butler brought me into the library and told me all. I, however, am not in such a happy position as my uncle was. I have no trusted servants; in fact, I distrust them all - especially Rudolf, an unworthy and inferior successor to my uncle's faithful butler. Therefore, I have had to arrange all these things on my own. If you, O reader, are my true heir, you shall learn the secret. If, however, you are an outsider, then you shall undoubtedly fail the test and acquire nothing but sorrow -- and not even a knowledge of literature will save you. And so, we begin. Read the signs once, twice, or thrice, and dig where is the comma splice. Yours from beyond the grave, OSMOND FERRYMAN >read it You thumb through the book and read a couple poems. >x table It's a large wooden table. >look under it You find nothing of interest. >x shelves Books line the dark shelves of the room. You aren't really sure how this library is organized, and it makes finding anything familiar frustratingly difficult. >search shelves You find nothing of interest. >x books Try being more specific (e.g. "x library books" or "x poetry book" etc.). >x library books Books line the dark shelves of the room. You aren't really sure how this library is organized, and it makes finding anything familiar frustratingly difficult. >search library books You find nothing of interest. >x chair A green leather wingback. A bit unusual, but elegant and relatively comfortable. >search it There is nothing on the armchair. >sit in it You get onto the armchair. >l Library (on the armchair) Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >x window The large window looks out over the front lawn. >x lawn The grassy lawn is ringed by woods. >search lawn You find nothing of interest. >open window It isn't something you can open. >look through window You find nothing of interest. >u (first getting off the armchair) You can't go that way. >x south You see nothing unexpected in that direction. >n Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. Something shiny in the fireplace catches your eye. You can see a Comma Book here. >take book (the Comma Book) Taken. >read it -Ferryman's Abbreviated Comma Rules- TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Chapter 1 - Independent Clauses Joined by a Conjunction Chapter 2 - Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses Chapter 3 - Non-essential Phrases & Clauses and Sentence Interruptions Chapter 4 - Additional Remarks on Comma Usage To read the preface, type "read preface." To read Chapter 1, type "read Chapter 1" etc. >x something You can't see any such thing. >x shiny You can't see any such thing. >x fireplace The fireplace is cold and sooty. In the small fireplace is Plate G. >take plate Taken. >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >read it See wandering Odysseus who discontent at home, returned to sea again.? >read preface PREFACE This book is a brief treatise on the three most commonly abused and neglected uses of the comma. Once you master these three rules, you are well on your way toward punctuating perfectly. Although written language is a great gift and the closest thing on earth to White Magic, communication is difficult, and we are prone to misunderstand each other. Correct punctuation allows us to communicate more clearly and prevents all sorts of misunderstanding. (You may recall, for example, that oft-quoted pair of sentences, "Let's eat, Grandma," and "Let's eat Grandma.") While correct punctuation may not always be the difference between life and death, it may be the difference between sense and nonsense. At any rate, I find any kind of clarity most welcome in this dark world. OSMOND FERRYMAN >read chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 - Independent Clauses Joined by a Coordinating Conjunction An independent clause contains its own subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Two such clauses may be joined to form a single sentence, but care must be taken to join them properly.* Consider the following sentences. (1) The river flows on. It washes minds of time. (2) A soul with no memory is broken. It cannot know itself. (3) Not knowing oneself relieves the pain of the past. However, such ignorance cuts an even deeper wound. If we attempt to join these sentence into a single sentence by replacing the period with a comma, we sin terribly by producing a comma splice. However, by simply adding a coordinating conjunction (and, for, but, or, nor, so, yet) between the clauses, and by adding a comma before the conjunction, we can avoid all errors and form one sentence out of two. Observe. (1) The river flows on, and it washes minds of time. (2) A soul with no memory is broken, for it cannot know itself. (3) Not knowing oneself relieves the pain of the past, yet such ignorance cuts an even deeper wound. Remember, however, that we are here joining two independent clauses with the comma and conjunction. If one (or both) of the clauses is dependent (that is, is not a complete sentence in itself), then this comma rule does not apply. *Notice that this sentence may also be taken for an example. It contains two independent clauses that are joined by the coordinating conjunction "but," and a comma correctly precedes the conjunction. >read chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 - Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses When a word, phrase, or clause appears before the main clause of a sentence, it needs to be separated by a comma from the main clause. Consider the following examples. (1) When one has seen too much of sorrow, one may be tempted to despair. (2) However, setting one's sight on the Morning Star will cleanse one of all darkness. (3) In the dark and ancient past, even the gods of the worlds fell when they shut their eyes. Notice that in each sentence the main clause comes after the comma. The clause after the comma doesn't need the bit before the comma. In fact, the first part of each sentence could be deleted without altering the grammatical integrity of the sentence. That makes it clear that each of these parts before the comma is introducing the main clause; it is not a part of it. However, if introductory phrases and clauses are placed after the main clause, the sentences no longer require commas (the main exception to this rule is participle phrases/clauses). Observe. (1) One may be tempted to despair when one has seen too much of sorrow. (2) --This sentence contains an introductory word ("however") rather than an introductory phrase or clause, so this rule does not apply.-- (3) Even the gods of the worlds fell when they shut their eyes in the dark and ancient past. From this we learn a fundamental principle of modern punctuation: commas are used to signal deviations from the expected standard arrangement of a sentence. We expect sentences to run thus: {subject} {verb} {etc}. Consider, for instance this sentence: "Argus digs among the carefully tended roses." Notice that it follows the expected order. However, if we upset this arrangement by putting the last bit first, we need a comma: "Among the carefully tended roses, Argus digs." >read chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 - Non-essential Phrases & Clauses and Sentence Interruptions At times, a sentence will be interrupted by a non-essential word, phrase, or clause. When this occurs, the interrupting word, phrase, or clause must be set off by commas. Consider the following sentences. (1) My life, which has been punctuated with sorrow, has yet left me room for joy. (2) This room, however, exists only in a narrow space. (3) This space for joy, although it seems as small as air pockets in dry sand, is yet large enough and deep enough when I behold the Morning Star. All three of these sentences illustrate the most common place for a sentence to be interrupted: between subject and verb. Because a subject should never be separated from its verb, the commas are necessary to indicate that the interruption is self-contained and doing nothing more than introducing a pause between subject and verb; the subject and verb have not really been split apart. Of course, interruptions may appear elsewhere in the sentence, but when something comes between a sentence and its verb, omitting the commas that signal the interruption becomes a capital crime; you behead the sentence. Thus, never forget to bracket and interruption of the main clause with commas. Essential words, phrases, and clauses, on the other hand, should not be bracketed with commas. They are, after all, essential to the sentence. You may test a word or phrase or clause to see whether it is essential in the following way: if you can read the sentence without the word, phrase, or clause, and the sentence makes the same amount of sense, then the word, phrase, or clause is probably non-essential. One final note: Phrases and clauses that begin with the word "that" are almost always essential to the sentence and therefore do not require commas. Phrases and clauses that begin with the word "which", on the other hand, are almost always non-essential to the sentence and should be bracketed with commas. Be aware, however, that this rule is often violated by writers who know no better and say "which" when they mean "that". >read chapter 4 CHAPTER 4 - Additional Remarks on Comma Usage There are, of course, other correct and necessary uses of the comma than those outlined in this brief book. However, the three rules outlined here are those most commonly neglected and abused. In general, when evaluating comma usage, one should ask oneself whether there is a grammatical necessity for a comma. If not, one should then ask oneself whether the sentence becomes ambiguous without the comma. If not, then the comma is unnecessary and should be removed from the sentence. Consider the following examples. A doorway, allows one to pass from one room to the next. A doorway allows one to pass, from one room to the next. Neither of these sentences should have a comma. There is no grammatical reason to place the commas where they have been placed.* If a comma seems to separate two phrases or clauses that have no grammatical reason to be separated, the comma is incorrect and should be removed. See the previous chapters for examples of commas that serve a distinct grammatical purpose. *Some people believe that they should place a comma whenever they take a breath while reading (or writing) a sentence. This is not only a terrible way to learn to punctuate, but it is also unfair to people with asthma, as it potentially requires them to use many more commas than the average person. >x chair You see nothing special about the leather wingback. >search it There is nothing on the leather wingback. >w Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >x panel (the copper panel) A strange copper panel is built into the wall. It has a large keyhole and four red buttons labeled 1, 2, 3 and 4. You also notice four lines of text engraved above the buttons: 1: This copper box, much like a fox may double back to bite you. 2: If you choose wrong, you'll have not long before, the Reaper sight you. 3: And down you'll fall to Judgment Hall where fires will ignite you. 4: So choose, with care and please beware lest goddess Comma smite you. >3 That's not a verb I recognise. >push 3 You hear a click, but nothing happens. You probably need the key. >e Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >s Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >w Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >w Music Room As a room, it's rather plain and is dominated by a grand piano. The foyer is east. You can see a radio here. >x radio The wooden housing of the radio resembles those you've seen in films set in the 1940s. But the entire radio is in such good shape that you're unsure whether this is a well-preserved antique or a replica. The radio is currently switched off. >search it You find nothing of interest. >turn it on You turn the radio on, and an obnoxiously catchy pop tune blares from the speakers. >x piano The sleek, black curve of the piano is more than enough decoration for a room like this. >search it There is nothing on the piano. >play it Very solemnly, you begin playing a Chopin funeral march. After half a minute, you hear someone yell, "Hey, Undertaker, play something cheerful!" and you reluctantly remove your hands from the keys. >look under piano You find nothing of interest. >open piano It isn't something you can open. >x radio The wooden housing of the radio resembles those you've seen in films set in the 1940s. But the entire radio is in such good shape that you're unsure whether this is a well-preserved antique or a replica. The radio is currently switched on. Rudolf arrives from the Foyer (by the front door), looking annoyed. >x rudolf The man wears a tuxedo and an aristocratic frown as if both were as much a part of him as his nose. >talk to rudolf To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Rudolf about himself, write "ask Rudolf about himself". Suggested topics: plates, piano, music, great uncle. >ask about plates You can't see any such thing. >ask rudolf about plates "They are silly trinkets Mr. Ferryman was fond of hiding around the house and grounds. If you happen to find any, please give them to me. Although they are worthless in themselves, I have a sentimental attachment to them, as they formed one of the old man's sillier amusements." >ask rudolf about piano "Yes, well, I do play a little now and then," he says with a touch of false modesty. >ask rudolf about music "What passes for music on the radio these days is a disgrace." He sniffs and continues, "I don't understand why Mozart's piano sonatas or Schumann's works aren't more popular. Those are the sorts of things that deserve radio air-time, not all that noise with too many drums." >ask rudolf about radio "What passes for music on the radio these days is a disgrace." He sniffs and continues, "I don't understand why Mozart's piano sonatas or Schumann's works aren't more popular. Those are the sorts of things that deserve radio air-time, not all that noise with too many drums." >ask rudolf about uncle "My late employer was a good man, although disturbed by a strange mania for English grammar, God bless him. He fancied himself a kind of gatekeeper. He would make small remarks to that effect now and then. But the rules of language can't be made or enforced by one man, and that was something that I think nearly drove him mad." >ask rudolf about himself "I was Mr. Ferryman's butler for twenty years before he died, God rest his soul." >ask rudolf about house "I have a great many things to attend to. Excuse me." >ask rudolf about poetry "I have a great many things to attend to. Excuse me." >ask rudolf about key "I have a great many things to attend to. Excuse me." >take radio That's fixed in place. >listen You hear nothing unexpected. >l Music Room As a room, it's rather plain and is dominated by a grand piano. The foyer is east. Rudolf is here, disassembling the radio and mumbling about the superiority of Schumann. You can also see a radio here. >turn on radio Rudolf has already unplugged it and is taking it apart to fiddle with its innards. >x radio The wooden housing of the radio resembles those you've seen in films set in the 1940s. But the entire radio is in such good shape that you're unsure whether this is a well-preserved antique or a replica. The radio is currently switched on. >e Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >n Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >w (first opening the door) Small Bathroom It's a simple bathroom with a sink, a toilet, and a mirror. >x sink You see nothing special about the sink. >x toilet You see nothing special about the toilet. >x mirror You see nothing special about the mirror. >open it It isn't something you can open. >e Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >n Parlor The elegant room, perfect for entertaining guests, contains a sofa and coffee table. The large fireplace makes the dark walls seem cozy rather than oppressive. East lies the conservatory, while the dining room is west. To the north, french doors open onto the garden. The foyer is south. Your father is here, looking over spreadsheets. >x sofa A firm yellow sofa in an elegant but outdated style. >x table A large claw-footed coffee table with a mahogany top. >x father Your father moved everyone south to live in the mansion, but he continues to work at his old job in New York. Fortunately, he can do most of his work from home, at the moment. >x spreadsheets You see nothing special about the spreadsheets. >talk to father To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Father about work, write "ask Father about work". Suggested topics: house, Rudolf, Nancy, Mother, Harriet, Charlie, great uncle. >ask father about work He smiles sadly, "It's a bit stressful at the moment, but thanks for asking." >ask father about house "Your great uncle was a wealthy man. But it was inherited wealth. He was an English professor, and an odd one at that. Anyway, a professor at a community college doesn't make enough money to buy castle like this." >ask father about rudolf "He does a fine job keeping things organized and running. Now that I think about it, he's basically a project manager with a few special duties on the side." He chuckles. "Nancy told me that he won't let anyone else dust or clean the music room. He's got to do it himself out of some special reverence for classical music and pianos or something. I guess everybody has their quirks." >ask father about nancy "She seems like a capable woman." >ask father about mother "I think she's in the Conservatory tending plants. You know, she's always dreamed of having a garden. I'm glad that now she finally gets one--and what a garden! It's really two gardens: one indoors, and the other outside". >ask father about harriet "If you're looking for her, she's probably in her room. She's been moping about being away from that boyfriend of hers, but it isn't like they saw each other that often before the move, him being in Colorado and all." >ask father about charlie "That boy is probably outside getting into trouble." He chuckles. "Well, it's good for him. No boy should go through life cooped up indoors." >ask father about uncle "He was an eccentric man. He lived here all alone most of his life. I didn't know him well, but you didn't need to know much about him to know that he was unusually obsessed with punctuation--even for an English professor. I asked him about it once, years ago, and he talked for half an hour about the supreme importance of clarity in language, but also kept saying how impossible it is to be perfectly clear. It was a confusing half-hour, to say the least. I was glad when I was finally able to shift the conversation to something normal, like the weather." >ask father about himself "I remember being your age. And...but you know all those stories already." >ask father about music He says, "What was that? Sorry. My mind was elsewhere." >x fireplace The fireplace is cold and sooty. >search it You find nothing of interest. >e Conservatory The room is a kind of attached greenhouse, full of all kinds of exotic plants. To the west lies the parlor, and a door to the north leads outside. Your mother is here, training a vine. You can also see a shovel here. >x plants You recognize none of them. >x vine The vine is populated with small white flowers that give off an enchanting scent. >x shovel It's an ordinary shovel. >x mother Your mother has always wanted to live in the countryside. You're glad she finally has that opportunity after years of city living. >talk to mother To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Mother about the garden, write "ask Mother about garden". Suggested topics: house, Rudolf, Nancy, great uncle. >ask mother about herself "I'm so happy to be here. Thanks for asking. Aren't these plants beautiful?" >ask mother about house "It's an absolutely gorgeous house; I've always loved it and the gardens. I never thought we would live here. What a surprise! Although I do feel bad for your great uncle. He was a kind soul, although a bit eccentric, which is probably why he never married." >ask mother about plants "One thing I have to give the old man credit for is his taste in plants. Have you ever seen such a beautiful collection and arrangement?" >ask mother about rudolf "I can't quite place my finger on it, but something about that man makes me think he's sad inside." >ask mother about nancy "Did you notice the way she looks at Rudolf when she thinks no one is looking? If I didn't know better, I'd think she was secretly in love with him, although why she'd fall in love with that humorless man is beyond me." >ask mother about uncle "He was always so kind, and I always enjoyed talking to him. However, he was a bit odd. For instance, he once tried to convince me that misusing commas was an actual sin. He said it was a mark of carelessness, and that it was dangerous to be careless about language. I asked what about people who don't know comma rules, and he got all flustered and grumpy." >ask mother about father "He works so hard. He never seems to get a break. I'm hoping that he'll be able to take some time to relax in the garden, later." >ask mother about garden "One thing I have to give the old man credit for is his taste in plants. Have you ever seen such a beautiful collection and arrangement?" >ask mother about charlie "I think he's playing outside. You should spend some time outdoors, too. It's a beautiful day." >ask mother about harriet "I know she chose that room for the view of the rose bed, but she would enjoy the roses far more if she spent more time in the garden instead." >take shovel Taken. >n (first opening the conservatory door) By the Conservatory The entire garden is surrounded by a tall brick wall. A low hedge runs through the garden, creating walkways and dividing it into its various sections. A few paces to the north, you see a large and ancient oak. To the west lies the rose bed. Charlie is here, crouching in the hedge. You see a steel plate sticking out of Charlie's back pocket. You can also see a small sign here. >x plate (Plate G) It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >x sign It says, The body needs a meal and a bed, but the spirit a book and a garden. >talk to charlie To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Charlie about the garden, write "ask Charlie about garden". Suggested topics: plate, worms, Rudolf, mouse. >ask charlie about garden Charlie grins. "A lot better than our old apartment, huh?" >ask charlie about plate "Yeah, I found it," he says. "If you want it, you'll have to trade me for it." >ask charlie about trade "Whatcha got? It had better be good." >ask charlie about worm Charlie says, "Blah, blah, blah. You talk too much. Now leave me alone. Can't you see I'm trying to concentrate?" >ask charlie about worms "They don't taste so good." He looks at you suspiciously. "Why do you ask?" >ask charlie about rudolf Charlie wrinkles his nose. "It's cool to have a butler, but he's too serious. He looks at me like I'm already in trouble." >ask charlie about mouse Charlie lifts an eyebrow. "You have a dead mouse? Hmm. Tell you what, gimme the mouse, and I'll give you the metal card." >ask charlie about nancy "Nancy won't let me slide down the banister. She told mom on me. Pooh! >ask charlie about harriet Charlie frowns. "Remember how cool she used to be to hang out with? Remember all the games we used to play? Growing up is lame." >ask charlie about father "He said he'd take me fishing this weekend. I can't wait!" >ask charlie about mother "Mom said don't pick the roses. So don't do that. I did it earlier, and she got real mad." >ask charlie about fishing Charlie says, "Blah, blah, blah. You talk too much. Now leave me alone. Can't you see I'm trying to concentrate?" >i You are carrying: a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >give poetry to charlie Charlie doesn't seem interested. >x wall The brick wall, worn and textured with age, forms a tall perimeter about the garden. >x hedge You see nothing special about the hedge. >search hedge You find nothing of interest. >x oak The stately oak guards the northeast corner of the garden, like an ancient eagle spreading its wings. >n Beneath the Oak A gnarled and ancient oak rises above you, its wide branches forming a canopy over this corner of the garden. A few yards to the north, an iron gate guards a narrow archway in the brick wall. A pool of water lies to the west, and you can see the Conservatory to the south. You can see a small sign here. >read sign Storms are few where trees grow old. >u You can't go that way. >climb oak Little is to be achieved by that. >x oak The gnarled and ancient oak rises above you, its wide branches forming a canopy over this corner of the garden. >n (first opening the gate) Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You can see a small sign here. >read sign Walls make gardens possible, things flourish only within their proper boundaries. >dig After a minute or two, your shovel strikes something hard and metallic. You reach into the hole and pull out small copper box. >open box You open the copper box, revealing an engraved rhyme and a copper key. >read rhyme Select the sentence free from error; But if you fail, prepare for terror. 1: This copper box, much like a fox may double back to bite you. 2: If you choose wrong, you'll have not long before, the Reaper sight you. 3: And down you'll fall to Judgment Hall where fires will ignite you. 4: So choose, with care and please beware lest goddess Comma smite you. >i You are carrying: a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a copper key a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >e You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest To the west and barely visible through the trees, you see a narrow road. A winding trail leads northward. You spot something on the ground half-hidden by leaves. >x ground You brush aside the leaves to reveal a steel plate. >take plate (Plate A) Taken. >read plate a Midway through this mortal life I find me in a gloomy wood.? >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >n Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You see a hole here. You can also see a small sign here. >x hole It's a hole. There's nothing in it. What did you expect? >x sign It says, Walls make gardens possible, things flourish only within their proper boundaries. >e You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest To the west and barely visible through the trees, you see a narrow road. A winding trail leads northward. >n Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You see a hole here. You can also see a small sign here. >e You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest To the west and barely visible through the trees, you see a narrow road. A winding trail leads northward. >w Driveway The long driveway winds northward and southward through the trees. >n Front Lawn The grassy expanse is cut by a winding driveway that emerges from a wooded patch to the south. The front door to the house is north. >n (first opening the front door) Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >e Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >n Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >w Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >x panel (the copper panel) A strange copper panel is built into the wall. It has a large keyhole and four red buttons labeled 1, 2, 3 and 4. You also notice four lines of text engraved above the buttons: 1: This copper box, much like a fox may double back to bite you. 2: If you choose wrong, you'll have not long before, the Reaper sight you. 3: And down you'll fall to Judgment Hall where fires will ignite you. 4: So choose, with care and please beware lest goddess Comma smite you. >put key in keyhole (first taking the copper key) You put the copper key into the panel keyhole. >unlock panel What do you want to unlock the copper panel with? >key I didn't understand that sentence. >push 3 You suddenly feel the room descending. After several seconds, the closet slows to a stop. Utility Closet (Descended) The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >e ****** It is pitch dark, and you can't see a thing. >w Utility Closet (Descended) The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >u You can't go that way. >push 3 The room shudders and begins to ascend. After several seconds, the closet slows to a stop. Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >e Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >s Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >w Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >n Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >n Parlor The elegant room, perfect for entertaining guests, contains a sofa and coffee table. The large fireplace makes the dark walls seem cozy rather than oppressive. East lies the conservatory, while the dining room is west. To the north, french doors open onto the garden. The foyer is south. Your father is here, reading a newspaper. >x newspaper You see nothing special about the newspaper. >read it You have better things to do. >w Dining Room A long dining table, set on a golden persian rug, fills the room. The parlor is east, and to the south is the kitchen. >x table The table's polished surface reveals the beautiful grain of an exotic wood. >x rug The thick golden rug is covered in an ornate floral pattern with delicate blues and reds. >look under rug You find nothing of interest. >look under table You find nothing of interest. >search rug You find nothing of interest. >s Kitchen The room is a cross between a modern kitchen and a traditional manor house scullery. North is the dining room. You can see a refrigerator (closed) and a long table here. >x table You see nothing special about the long table. >search it There is nothing on the long table. >open fridge You open the refrigerator, revealing Plate I. >take plate (Plate I) Taken. >read it Lest you forget the power of a word recall that God spoke all.? >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >close fridge You close the refrigerator. >l Kitchen The room is a cross between a modern kitchen and a traditional manor house scullery. North is the dining room. You can see a refrigerator (closed) and a long table here. >n Dining Room A long dining table, set on a golden persian rug, fills the room. The parlor is east, and to the south is the kitchen. >e Parlor The elegant room, perfect for entertaining guests, contains a sofa and coffee table. The large fireplace makes the dark walls seem cozy rather than oppressive. East lies the conservatory, while the dining room is west. To the north, french doors open onto the garden. The foyer is south. Your father is here, on the phone. >n (first opening the french doors) Rose Bed The path is flanked by scores of pink and yellow roses. The path continues northwest. South leads into the Parlor, while east leads back toward the Conservatory. You can see a small sign here. >x roses You've never seen such beautiful roses. Of course, before moving here, the only roses you had encountered were the half-wilted specimens for sale at the drug store a few blocks away from your New York apartment. >search roses You find nothing of interest. >read sign As a flower withers and falls, so shall the wealthy perish. >nw Bench Nook Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >read sign The sluggard is a fool, but so is he who never rests. >x bench You see nothing special about the stone bench. >x magnolia A stately magnolia rises from behind the wall, casting the bench in a cool shade. >sit on bench You get onto the stone bench. >l Bench Nook (on the stone bench) Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >x magnolia A stately magnolia rises from behind the wall, casting the bench in a cool shade. >x garden You can't see any such thing. >stand You get off the stone bench. Bench Nook Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >e Reflecting Pool A shallow rectangular pool sits roughly in the middle of the garden and, by reflecting the wispy clouds, brings the sky down among the hedges and flowers. A narrow path leads west through the hedges. The ancient oak is east. Something glints in the pool, catching your eye. You can see a small sign here. >x pool Its still and murky water is dotted with a few lily pads. In the pool is Plate D. >take plate (Plate D) Taken. >read it I enter on the deep and savage way. My guide now speaks his mind.? >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >x sign It says, Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? >read it Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? >x lily You see nothing special about the lily pads. >e Beneath the Oak A gnarled and ancient oak rises above you, its wide branches forming a canopy over this corner of the garden. A few yards to the north, an iron gate guards a narrow archway in the brick wall. A pool of water lies to the west, and you can see the Conservatory to the south. You can see a small sign here. >s By the Conservatory The entire garden is surrounded by a tall brick wall. A low hedge runs through the garden, creating walkways and dividing it into its various sections. A few paces to the north, you see a large and ancient oak. To the west lies the rose bed. Charlie is here, digging with a stick for worms. You see a steel plate sticking out of Charlie's back pocket. You can also see a small sign here. >s Conservatory The room is a kind of attached greenhouse, full of all kinds of exotic plants. To the west lies the parlor, and a door to the north leads outside. Your mother is here, watering a potted tree. >s You can't go that way. >w Parlor The elegant room, perfect for entertaining guests, contains a sofa and coffee table. The large fireplace makes the dark walls seem cozy rather than oppressive. East lies the conservatory, while the dining room is west. To the north, french doors open onto the garden. The foyer is south. Your father is here, looking over spreadsheets. >s Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >u Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >n Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. >x table You see nothing special about the table. >x walls The walnut paneling runs throughout the entire house, making the large spaces feel both cozy and luxurious during the day, but mysterious at night. >x maps You see nothing special about the strange maps. >x words The words are written in faded black paint and almost completely blends into the dark panels of the wall. You notice strange comma-shaped holes between some of the words. >read words Whatever you bind (1) on earth (2) shall be bound (3) in heaven (4) and (5) whatever you release on earth (6) shall be released (7) in heaven. You notice a small comma-shaped hole beneath each number. >x hole You see nothing special about the comma-shaped holes. >x 4 Keyhole 4 is empty. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >e Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >d Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >s Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >e Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >n Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >w Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >take key Taken. >e Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >s Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >w Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >n Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >u Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >n Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. >put key in 4 You put the copper key into keyhole 4. >turn key Nothing obvious happens. >l Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. >read words Whatever you bind (1) on earth (2) shall be bound (3) in heaven (4) and (5) whatever you release on earth (6) shall be released (7) in heaven. You notice a small comma-shaped hole beneath each number. >x 4 In keyhole 4 is a copper key. >turn key Nothing obvious happens. >x key It's a large copper key. It's too big to belong to padlock or chest. >x 5 Keyhole 5 is empty. >take key Taken. >search maps You find nothing of interest. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >n Empty Room The room was perhaps once used for an office. It's completely empty except for a large desk. >x desk There is a top and bottom drawer on the left side of the desk and another top and bottom drawer on the right. >open drawer Which do you mean, the top left drawer, the top right drawer, the bottom left drawer or the bottom right drawer? >all Sorry, you can only have one item here. Which exactly? >top left It seems to be locked. >unlock top left with key That doesn't seem to fit the lock. >open top right It seems to be locked. >open bottom left It seems to be locked. >open bottom right It seems to be locked. >search desk There is nothing on the desk. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >s House Keeper's Bedroom The room is simply decorated and contains little more than a bed, a dresser, and a chair. Nancy is here, angry and embarrassed. "Out! Out! Out!" she says. "Have you no shame? Barging in on a poor woman! Mercy!" >x nancy The housekeeper has something of a grandmotherly air about her, although there's also something stern and school-teacherly in her eyes. >talk to nancy To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Nancy about herself, write "ask Nancy about herself". Suggested topics: plates, house, Rudolf, great uncle. >ask nancy about herself "I worked for dear Mr. Ferryman for years and years and years. I can't imagine ever leaving this old house. I know every odd nook and cranny of it. He was a strange little man, but had a heart of gold. Just never ask him about punctuation or language. He would start talking and never stop." >ask nancy about plates "The old man started leaving those around just before he died. Rudolf found one the other day and is set on collecting the lot. If you happen to find one, would you give it to him? They're worthless, really, and silly things--they aren't worth keeping." >ask nancy about house "I'm glad you asked. It isn't good to go poking about in this old house. Ignore any odd notes or sentences or signs you may find around the place. Old Mr. Ferryman placed such things about as a joke on inquisitive minds. They don't lead to anything. Just ignore them." >ask nancy about rudolf "He is a marvelous man! Supremely reliable and capable in all respects. Mr. Ferryman trusted him completely and relied on him for everything. Rudolf loves music. He knows so much about it. But don't get him started on radio music. He says that music nowadays is corruption incarnate." She laughs. "He is very strong in his opinions. He plays the piano marvelously well. Mr. Ferryman didn't play at all, so Rudolf took it upon himself to keep the piano polished and in tune. It's one of his pet projects." >ask nancy about uncle "Mr. Ferryman had a heart of gold, but he was a little odd, if you ask me. He was always talking about language and grammar and punctuation, which is natural for an English professor, I guess, but he seemed obsessed with it, and not in a normal way. He was moody, too. Every now and then he'd get in a funk and would take weeks and weeks to get out of it. There was one time he got so low that I thought he might even kill himself or something. He eventually seemed to get better, but Rudolf was always talking about calling in a psychiatrist to see him. He couldn't, of course, because Mr. Ferryman wouldn't have taken too well to the idea of seeing a psychiatrist." >ask nancy about music There is no reply. >ask nancy about mother There is no reply. >ask nancy about father There is no reply. >ask nancy about me There is no reply. >x dresser You see nothing special about the dresser. >open it You open the dresser. >x it The dresser is empty. >n West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >e West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >e Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >e East Hallway Your parents' room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway continues to the east. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are west. >n Bedroom This is the bedroom your parents have claimed, as it slightly larger than the others and contains some of the nicest furniture. You can see a fourposter bed and an armoire (closed) here. >x bed You see nothing special about the fourposter bed. >search it There is nothing on the fourposter bed. >look under it You find nothing of interest. >x armoire You see nothing special about the armoire. >open it You open the armoire. >x it The armoire is empty. >search it The armoire is empty. >look under it You find nothing of interest. >climb it Little is to be achieved by that. >enter it That's not something you can enter. >s East Hallway Your parents' room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway continues to the east. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are west. >s East Bathroom Given the grand scale of the house, the bathroom is disappointingly ordinary and contains nothing more than the usual sink, mirror, toilet, and tub. >x sink You see nothing special about the sink. >x mirror You see nothing special about the mirror. >x toilet You see nothing special about the toilet. >x tub The tub is empty. >enter it You bathed this morning already. >n East Hallway Your parents' room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway continues to the east. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are west. >e East Hallway Your sister's room lies to the north, and your brother's lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >n Bedroom This is the bedroom your sister claimed, probably because it was one of the few that provides a window overlooking the roses in the garden. Harriet is here, staring dramatically out of the window. You can also see a bed and a dresser (closed) here. >x window It provides a nice view of the garden. >x roses You look out the window and see the garden below. The hedges divide it strange shapes, but the lack of symmetry doesn't bother you. >x hedge You can't see any such thing. >x harriet She's your older sister, and decided a few years ago that she was too cool for adventures. All she cares about is her boyfriend and clothes. >talk to harriet To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Harriet about herself, write "ask Harriet about herself". Suggested topics: house, Charlie, Rudolf, Nancy, boyfriend. >ask harriet about house Harriet beams. "Isn't it beautiful? It's so much better than that cramped apartment the five of us shared. And I can see the roses from my window. My old window just look out at a brick wall. So much better!" >ask harriet about charlie Harriet glances out the window. "Yeah, I have no idea what that kid is doing." >ask harriet about rudolf "He gives me the creeps. There's just something about him." >ask harriet about nancy "Oh, I like her! She brings breakfast to my room every morning, you know. It makes me feel like I'm in Victorian England or something." >ask harriet about boyfriend "Ugh. I haven't seen him in three weeks. I think I'm going to die." She sighs dramatically and stares out the window. You half-expect her to break out into song, but life ain't a musical--thank heavens. >ask harriet about ROSES Harriet gives you a strange look and goes back to what she was doing. >ask harriet about roses Harriet gives you a strange look and goes back to what she was doing. >ask harriet about window Harriet gives you a strange look and goes back to what she was doing. >ask harriet about plates "What? What are you talking about?" >ask harriet about herself "What, are you some kind of detective? Or is that supposed to spark some kind of existential crisis? 'Oh, dear! Who is Harriet, after all?' Pfft." >x bed You see nothing special about the bed. >x dresser You see nothing special about the dresser. >open it You open the dresser. >x it The dresser is empty. >s East Hallway Your sister's room lies to the north, and your brother's lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >s Bedroom This is the bedroom your brother chose. For whatever reason, a stuffed coyote perches on the tall dresser, peering down at you. You can see a dresser (closed) and a bed here. >x coyote The stuffed creature wears a permanent snarl. >take it There's no reason to carry that around with you. Better leave it where it is. >x dresser You see nothing special about the dresser. >open it You open the dresser, revealing a flashlight. >take flashlight Taken. >n East Hallway Your sister's room lies to the north, and your brother's lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >e East Hallway A spare room lies to the north, and your bedroom lies to the south. The hallway stretches westward. >n Spare Room This is the bedroom no one wanted. The room is obviously uninhabited. You can see a bed, a wardrobe (closed) and a dead mouse here. >take mouse Against your better judgment, you pick up the ex-rodent. Taken. >x bed The mattress is bare. Nobody stays in this room. >open wardrobe You open the wardrobe, revealing some fur coats and Plate L. >take coats It's a warm day. Better leave that here. >take plate (Plate L) Taken. >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >read it Having spoken thus, I sudden came to rebehold the stars.? >x coats Furry and warm. Also too big and probably outrageously expensive. >search coats You find nothing of interest. >pull coats Nothing obvious happens. >s East Hallway A spare room lies to the north, and your bedroom lies to the south. The hallway stretches westward. >s Your Bedroom Your room is much like the others. It contains a large bed and a tall dresser. >open dresser You open the dresser, revealing Plate C. >take plate (Plate C) Taken. >read it I do not know why I delay; what fear is this that grips my heart?? >n East Hallway A spare room lies to the north, and your bedroom lies to the south. The hallway stretches westward. >w East Hallway Your sister's room lies to the north, and your brother's lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >w East Hallway Your parents' room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway continues to the east. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are west. >w Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >d Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >s Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >e Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >n Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >w Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >insert key What do you want to insert the copper key in? >keyhole You put the copper key into the panel keyhole. >x panel (the copper panel) A strange copper panel is built into the wall. It has a large keyhole and four red buttons labeled 1, 2, 3 and 4. You also notice four lines of text engraved above the buttons: 1: This copper box, much like a fox may double back to bite you. 2: If you choose wrong, you'll have not long before, the Reaper sight you. 3: And down you'll fall to Judgment Hall where fires will ignite you. 4: So choose, with care and please beware lest goddess Comma smite you. >push 3 You suddenly feel the room descending. After several seconds, the closet slows to a stop. Utility Closet (Descended) The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >turn on flashlight You switch the flashlight on. >e Cavern You find yourself in a dank cave. The ground is shrouded in a mysterious fog that swirls at your feet. A narrow passageway leads north. Another tunnel leads off to the east, and the utility closet is west. You can see a silver box (closed) and Plate B here. >take plate (Plate B) Taken. >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >read it Brown shadows creep along the air for dusk descends to swallow all.? >x box (the copper box) In the copper box is an engraved rhyme. >x silver You see nothing special about the silver box. >take it Taken. >open it You open the silver box, revealing a small key and a note. >read note If you are reading this, then other powers have not interfered, and you have not died. This may be a sign that you are divinely chosen to be my successor. If so, then you are well on your way to your full inheritance. There are several trials that still await you that will confirm this once and for all, and soon you will learn the duties of your new office. For now, it is enough for me to tell you this: I am a gatekeeper. My uncle before me was a gatekeeper, and, Lord willing, you shall be gatekeeper in my place. For this house holds portals to many worlds. Perhaps you have already discovered this. Soon it will be your duty to guard them, and, should God command it of you, it shall be your duty to open them. For now, however, take this key. You will find it unlocks the desk in my office. Beware, however, of opening the wrong drawer. Three drawers you may open, but there is a fourth cursed drawer that is much too perilous to open. The four sentences below correspond to the four drawers. The one with the punctuation error is cursed. I once met a girl in a fair fairy land a world or two away. (Top Right) She had hair like the sun and her eyes were twin moons, I could not persuade her to stay. (Bottom Right) She was called by a song to the far shadow lands; that call she had to obey. (Top Left) I called out her name, and I gave her my heart -- but her face was already gray. (Bottom Left) Yours, OSMOND FERRYMAN >save Ok. >n You are about to do something dangerous. It would be a good idea to save your progress now by typing "save". Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >e You can't go that way. >r Cavern You find yourself in a dank cave. The ground is shrouded in a mysterious fog that swirls at your feet. A narrow passageway leads north. Another tunnel leads off to the east, and the utility closet is west. >n Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >r Cavern You find yourself in a dank cave. The ground is shrouded in a mysterious fog that swirls at your feet. A narrow passageway leads north. Another tunnel leads off to the east, and the utility closet is west. >n Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >l Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >r Cavern You find yourself in a dank cave. The ground is shrouded in a mysterious fog that swirls at your feet. A narrow passageway leads north. Another tunnel leads off to the east, and the utility closet is west. >r You can't go that way. >e You are about to do something dangerous. It would be a good idea to save your progress now by typing "save". Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >b Cavern You find yourself in a dank cave. The ground is shrouded in a mysterious fog that swirls at your feet. A narrow passageway leads north. Another tunnel leads off to the east, and the utility closet is west. >w Utility Closet (Descended) The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >u You can't go that way. >push button Which do you mean, Button 1, Button 2, Button 3 or Button 4? >3 The room shudders and begins to ascend. After several seconds, the closet slows to a stop. Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >e Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >s Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >w Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >n Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >u Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >n Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >n Empty Room The room was perhaps once used for an office. It's completely empty except for a large desk. >i You are carrying: a silver box (open) a small key a note Plate B Plate C Plate L a dead mouse a flashlight (providing light) Plate D Plate I Plate A a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >unlock top right with small key (first taking the small key) You open the drawer and see Plate K. >take plate k Taken. >read it In one God I believe, sole and eterne, who moveth all with love.? >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >unlock top left with key You open the top left drawer, revealing some papers and a medallion. > I beg your pardon? >take papers Taken. >read papers You look through the papers and find a scrap with brief note that seems to be addressed to you. To take my place as Gatekeeper of Worlds, you must retrieve the iron key and bind it with a strong enchantment. This will hide it away from this world until you have need of it. This key unlocks one of the gates to the underworld. The Greek knew it as Hades. We Christians know it as Hell. It is a world of God's perfect justice, and therefore terrible to unjust souls like you and me. You will find the key in the maze of tunnels under the house, but it is foolhardy to search for it without a map. I have hidden a map the same way you will hide the key. Enter the enchanting room and unbind the map. You will need the plates and this medallion. FERRYMAN >take medallion Taken. >save Ok. >unlock bottom left with small key You open the bottom left drawer and see a key with a comma-shaped tip. >take key (the comma key) Taken. >save Ok. >unlock top left with small key That's unlocked at the moment. >unlock bottom right with small key A strange voice seems to echo inside your head, saying, "Woe! Woe! Careless fool, you violate the purity of my realm. Have you forgotten the power of writing and the symbols it employs? But, on behalf of the great Ferryman, I shall not crush you entirely." You feel something like cold water poured over you. It gives you a tremendous headache. Please press SPACE to continue. You find yourself still standing in the empty office, but can't seem to remember how you got there or what you're doing. However, none of that bothers you at the moment. You have a splitting headache and can hardly think, so you head back to your room. You take a nap and wake up feeling much better. You have a vague feeling that you've forgotten something, but can't remember what it was. In the end, you decide it must not have mattered; surely you would remember had it been something important. You get up and decide to take a walk. It's a beautiful day, after all." *** You forgot everything. *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > restore Restore failed. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > restore Ok. >l Empty Room The room was perhaps once used for an office. It's completely empty except for a large desk. >x desk There is a top and bottom drawer on the left side of the desk and another top and bottom drawer on the right. The top right drawer is open. The top left drawer is open. The bottom left drawer is open. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >i You are carrying: a comma key a medallion a scrap of paper some papers Plate K a small key a silver box (open) a note Plate B Plate C Plate L a dead mouse a flashlight (providing light) Plate D Plate I Plate A a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >x medallion The small golden disk is engraved with strange marks: ? ? ?. >e West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >e Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >d Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >n Parlor The elegant room, perfect for entertaining guests, contains a sofa and coffee table. The large fireplace makes the dark walls seem cozy rather than oppressive. East lies the conservatory, while the dining room is west. To the north, french doors open onto the garden. The foyer is south. Your father is here, reading a newspaper. >n Rose Bed The path is flanked by scores of pink and yellow roses. The path continues northwest. South leads into the Parlor, while east leads back toward the Conservatory. You can see a small sign here. >n Reflecting Pool A shallow rectangular pool sits roughly in the middle of the garden and, by reflecting the wispy clouds, brings the sky down among the hedges and flowers. A narrow path leads west through the hedges. The ancient oak is east. You can see a small sign here. >e Beneath the Oak A gnarled and ancient oak rises above you, its wide branches forming a canopy over this corner of the garden. A few yards to the north, an iron gate guards a narrow archway in the brick wall. A pool of water lies to the west, and you can see the Conservatory to the south. You can see a small sign here. >s By the Conservatory The entire garden is surrounded by a tall brick wall. A low hedge runs through the garden, creating walkways and dividing it into its various sections. A few paces to the north, you see a large and ancient oak. To the west lies the rose bed. Charlie is here, crouching in the hedge. You see a steel plate sticking out of Charlie's back pocket. You can also see a small sign here. >give mouse to charlie Charlie gives a whoop of joy and throws you the plate. "Here's your metal card." >i You are carrying: Plate H a comma key a medallion a scrap of paper some papers Plate K a small key a silver box (open) a note Plate B Plate C Plate L a flashlight (providing light) Plate D Plate I Plate A a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >x plate h It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >n Beneath the Oak A gnarled and ancient oak rises above you, its wide branches forming a canopy over this corner of the garden. A few yards to the north, an iron gate guards a narrow archway in the brick wall. A pool of water lies to the west, and you can see the Conservatory to the south. You can see a small sign here. >x gate You see nothing special about the gate. >n Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You see a hole here. You can also see a small sign here. >x hole It's a hole. There's nothing in it. What did you expect? >dig You have already dug a hole here. It's pointless to keep digging. >w You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest You spot a clearing to the east. A winding trail leads northward. >n Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You see a hole here. You can also see a small sign here. >w You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest You spot a clearing to the east. A winding trail leads northward. >n Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You see a hole here. You can also see a small sign here. >w You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest You spot a clearing to the east. A winding trail leads northward. >e The Garden Wall You seem to be standing behind a portion of the garden wall. A few bricks have been knocked loose, making a small hole. You can see a large magnolia tree here. >x hole In the hole in the wall is Plate F. >take plate f Taken. >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >read it We have come to where, shades of the dead must dwell.? >x plate f It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >x magnolia The huge magnolia looms over the garden wall. >climb it You swing yourself up into the tree, shimmy out along a limb, and drop down on the other side of the wall. Bench Nook Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >x sign It says, The sluggard is a fool, but so is he who never rests. >sit on bench You get onto the stone bench. >l Bench Nook (on the stone bench) Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >sleep You aren't feeling especially drowsy. >search bench There is nothing on the stone bench. >look under bench You find nothing of interest. >x wall The brick wall, worn and textured with age, forms a tall perimeter about the garden. >x magnolia A stately magnolia rises from behind the wall, casting the bench in a cool shade. >stand You get off the stone bench. Bench Nook Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >se Rose Bed The path is flanked by scores of pink and yellow roses. The path continues northwest. South leads into the Parlor, while east leads back toward the Conservatory. You can see a small sign here. >nw Bench Nook Set against the brick wall and flanked by a pair of flowering bushes is a stone bench. An ancient magnolia outside the garden stretches a branch over the wall, shading the bench with its broad leaves. You can see a small sign here. >e Reflecting Pool A shallow rectangular pool sits roughly in the middle of the garden and, by reflecting the wispy clouds, brings the sky down among the hedges and flowers. A narrow path leads west through the hedges. The ancient oak is east. You can see a small sign here. >e Beneath the Oak A gnarled and ancient oak rises above you, its wide branches forming a canopy over this corner of the garden. A few yards to the north, an iron gate guards a narrow archway in the brick wall. A pool of water lies to the west, and you can see the Conservatory to the south. You can see a small sign here. >n Forest Path A short distance from the brick wall surrounding the garden, a faint path runs east and west through the trees. The gate leading back toward the house is south. You see a hole here. You can also see a small sign here. >e You follow the trail and notice after a while that it seems to have bent southward. In the Forest To the west and barely visible through the trees, you see a narrow road. A winding trail leads northward. >w Driveway The long driveway winds northward and southward through the trees. >s That leads to the highway. You have no reason to go that way. Besides, it's a long, long walk into town. >n Front Lawn The grassy expanse is cut by a winding driveway that emerges from a wooded patch to the south. The front door to the house is north. >n Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >w Music Room As a room, it's rather plain and is dominated by a grand piano. The foyer is east. Rudolf is here, fiddling with the radio and muttering about the evils of popular music. You can also see a radio here. >talk to rudolf To talk to some one, you can use the following expression: ask [person] about [topic] For example, to ask Rudolf about himself, write "ask Rudolf about himself". Suggested topics: plates, piano, music, great uncle. >ask rudolf about plates "They are silly trinkets Mr. Ferryman was fond of hiding around the house and grounds. If you happen to find any, please give them to me. Although they are worthless in themselves, I have a sentimental attachment to them, as they formed one of the old man's sillier amusements." >i You are carrying: Plate F Plate H a comma key a medallion a scrap of paper some papers Plate K a small key a silver box (open) a note Plate B Plate C Plate L a flashlight (providing light) Plate D Plate I Plate A a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >x comma Which do you mean, the comma key or the Comma Book? >key A strange skeleton-style key with a comma-shaped tip. >e Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >n Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >u Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >n Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. >read words Whatever you bind (1) on earth (2) shall be bound (3) in heaven (4) and (5) whatever you release on earth (6) shall be released (7) in heaven. You notice a small comma-shaped hole beneath each number. >save Ok. >insert comma key into 4 You hear a click as you turn the key, and a section of the wall slides open to reveal a narrow staircase leading up. >u Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide and Plate J here. >take plate j Taken. >x it It's a steel plate about the size of a playing card. A sentence is etched on the front, and this symbol is etched on the back: ?. >read it Let me then speak and mark myself denizen of a lighter world.? >take guide That's fixed in place. >read guide Quick Start Guide To release what is bound-- (1) Put the plates with incorrectly punctuated sentences into their proper chests. (2) Close the chests. (3) Put the medallion into the gold chalice. What is bound will be released. To bind what is loose-- (1) Put the plates with correctly punctuated sentences into their proper chests. (2) Close the chests. (3) Put what is to be bound into the silver chalice. (4) Put the medallion into the gold chalice. What is loose will now be bound. Troubleshooting-- (1) If nothing happens, make sure you have put the proper plates into the proper chests. Then try replacing the medallion in the gold chalice. (2) If nothing happens, make sure all three chests are closed. Then try replacing the medallion in the gold chalice. (3) If something happens, and you die, may God have mercy upon your soul. Tips-- (1) You are probably carrying several plates. To read all of them at once, say "read all plates". (2) Remember to open the chests before trying to put something in them. (3) The chests are small. Each chest can hold only two plates at a time. >l Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide here. >open red You open the red chest. >x it The chest is painted a dull red. A silver plate on the front reads, "{MARS}". The chest is open. >open white You open the white chest. >x it The chest is painted white. A silver plate on the front reads, "{SATURN}". The chest is open. >open black You open the black chest. >x it The chest is painted black. A silver plate on the front reads, "{PLUTO}". The chest is open. >x silver (the silver box) In the silver box is a note. >x chalice Which do you mean, the silver chalice or the gold chalice? >silver The silver chalice is covered in delicate etchings in a strange pattern. >x gold The gold chalice is covered in delicate etchings in a strange pattern. >i You are carrying: Plate J Plate F Plate H a medallion a scrap of paper some papers Plate K a small key a silver box (open) a note Plate B Plate C Plate L a flashlight (providing light) Plate D Plate I Plate A a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel Plate G a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >l Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide here. >d Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. A narrow staircase leads up. >x maps You see nothing special about the strange maps. >search maps You find nothing of interest. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >w West Hallway Rudolf's room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway stretches eastward. >n Butler's Bedroom This is the butler's room. It's a cozy space containing a small bed, an armchair, and a table. Something on the table catches your eye. >x table On the butler's table is Plate E. >take plate e Taken. >s West Hallway Rudolf's room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway stretches eastward. >s West Bathroom Given the grand scale of the house, the bathroom is disappointingly ordinary and contains nothing more than the usual sink, mirror, toilet, and tub. >n West Hallway Rudolf's room lies to the north, and a bathroom lies to the south. The hallway stretches eastward. >e West Hallway A room lies to the north, and Nancy's room lies to the south. The hallway stretches east and west. >e West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >n Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. A narrow staircase leads up. >u Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide here. >read all plates Plate A {Saturn} - Midway through this mortal life I find me in a gloomy wood.? Plate B {Mars} - Brown shadows creep along the air for dusk descends to swallow all? Plate C {Pluto} - I do not know why I delay; what fear is this that grips my heart?? Plate D {Mars} - I enter on the deep and savage way. My guide now speaks his mind.? Plate E {Saturn} - Here you must leave all of your doubt behind, and here extinguish fear.? Plate F {Pluto} - We have come to where, shades of the dead must dwell.? Plate G {Mars} - See wandering Odysseus who discontent at home, returned to sea again.? Plate H {Pluto} - Language is the truest magic, by it whole worlds are made from naught.? Plate I {Saturn} - Lest you forget the power of a word recall that God spoke all.? Plate J {Pluto} - Let me then speak and mark myself denizen of a lighter world.? Plate K {Mars} - In one God I believe, sole and eterne, who moveth all with love.? Plate L {Saturn} - Having spoken thus, I sudden came to rebehold the stars.? >read chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 - Independent Clauses Joined by a Coordinating Conjunction An independent clause contains its own subject and verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Two such clauses may be joined to form a single sentence, but care must be taken to join them properly.* Consider the following sentences. (1) The river flows on. It washes minds of time. (2) A soul with no memory is broken. It cannot know itself. (3) Not knowing oneself relieves the pain of the past. However, such ignorance cuts an even deeper wound. If we attempt to join these sentence into a single sentence by replacing the period with a comma, we sin terribly by producing a comma splice. However, by simply adding a coordinating conjunction (and, for, but, or, nor, so, yet) between the clauses, and by adding a comma before the conjunction, we can avoid all errors and form one sentence out of two. Observe. (1) The river flows on, and it washes minds of time. (2) A soul with no memory is broken, for it cannot know itself. (3) Not knowing oneself relieves the pain of the past, yet such ignorance cuts an even deeper wound. Remember, however, that we are here joining two independent clauses with the comma and conjunction. If one (or both) of the clauses is dependent (that is, is not a complete sentence in itself), then this comma rule does not apply. *Notice that this sentence may also be taken for an example. It contains two independent clauses that are joined by the coordinating conjunction "but," and a comma correctly precedes the conjunction. >read chapter 2 CHAPTER 2 - Introductory Words, Phrases, and Clauses When a word, phrase, or clause appears before the main clause of a sentence, it needs to be separated by a comma from the main clause. Consider the following examples. (1) When one has seen too much of sorrow, one may be tempted to despair. (2) However, setting one's sight on the Morning Star will cleanse one of all darkness. (3) In the dark and ancient past, even the gods of the worlds fell when they shut their eyes. Notice that in each sentence the main clause comes after the comma. The clause after the comma doesn't need the bit before the comma. In fact, the first part of each sentence could be deleted without altering the grammatical integrity of the sentence. That makes it clear that each of these parts before the comma is introducing the main clause; it is not a part of it. However, if introductory phrases and clauses are placed after the main clause, the sentences no longer require commas (the main exception to this rule is participle phrases/clauses). Observe. (1) One may be tempted to despair when one has seen too much of sorrow. (2) --This sentence contains an introductory word ("however") rather than an introductory phrase or clause, so this rule does not apply.-- (3) Even the gods of the worlds fell when they shut their eyes in the dark and ancient past. From this we learn a fundamental principle of modern punctuation: commas are used to signal deviations from the expected standard arrangement of a sentence. We expect sentences to run thus: {subject} {verb} {etc}. Consider, for instance this sentence: "Argus digs among the carefully tended roses." Notice that it follows the expected order. However, if we upset this arrangement by putting the last bit first, we need a comma: "Among the carefully tended roses, Argus digs." >read chapter 3 CHAPTER 3 - Non-essential Phrases & Clauses and Sentence Interruptions At times, a sentence will be interrupted by a non-essential word, phrase, or clause. When this occurs, the interrupting word, phrase, or clause must be set off by commas. Consider the following sentences. (1) My life, which has been punctuated with sorrow, has yet left me room for joy. (2) This room, however, exists only in a narrow space. (3) This space for joy, although it seems as small as air pockets in dry sand, is yet large enough and deep enough when I behold the Morning Star. All three of these sentences illustrate the most common place for a sentence to be interrupted: between subject and verb. Because a subject should never be separated from its verb, the commas are necessary to indicate that the interruption is self-contained and doing nothing more than introducing a pause between subject and verb; the subject and verb have not really been split apart. Of course, interruptions may appear elsewhere in the sentence, but when something comes between a sentence and its verb, omitting the commas that signal the interruption becomes a capital crime; you behead the sentence. Thus, never forget to bracket and interruption of the main clause with commas. Essential words, phrases, and clauses, on the other hand, should not be bracketed with commas. They are, after all, essential to the sentence. You may test a word or phrase or clause to see whether it is essential in the following way: if you can read the sentence without the word, phrase, or clause, and the sentence makes the same amount of sense, then the word, phrase, or clause is probably non-essential. One final note: Phrases and clauses that begin with the word "that" are almost always essential to the sentence and therefore do not require commas. Phrases and clauses that begin with the word "which", on the other hand, are almost always non-essential to the sentence and should be bracketed with commas. Be aware, however, that this rule is often violated by writers who know no better and say "which" when they mean "that". >read chapter 4 CHAPTER 4 - Additional Remarks on Comma Usage There are, of course, other correct and necessary uses of the comma than those outlined in this brief book. However, the three rules outlined here are those most commonly neglected and abused. In general, when evaluating comma usage, one should ask oneself whether there is a grammatical necessity for a comma. If not, one should then ask oneself whether the sentence becomes ambiguous without the comma. If not, then the comma is unnecessary and should be removed from the sentence. Consider the following examples. A doorway, allows one to pass from one room to the next. A doorway allows one to pass, from one room to the next. Neither of these sentences should have a comma. There is no grammatical reason to place the commas where they have been placed.* If a comma seems to separate two phrases or clauses that have no grammatical reason to be separated, the comma is incorrect and should be removed. See the previous chapters for examples of commas that serve a distinct grammatical purpose. *Some people believe that they should place a comma whenever they take a breath while reading (or writing) a sentence. This is not only a terrible way to learn to punctuate, but it is also unfair to people with asthma, as it potentially requires them to use many more commas than the average person. >read guide Quick Start Guide To release what is bound-- (1) Put the plates with incorrectly punctuated sentences into their proper chests. (2) Close the chests. (3) Put the medallion into the gold chalice. What is bound will be released. To bind what is loose-- (1) Put the plates with correctly punctuated sentences into their proper chests. (2) Close the chests. (3) Put what is to be bound into the silver chalice. (4) Put the medallion into the gold chalice. What is loose will now be bound. Troubleshooting-- (1) If nothing happens, make sure you have put the proper plates into the proper chests. Then try replacing the medallion in the gold chalice. (2) If nothing happens, make sure all three chests are closed. Then try replacing the medallion in the gold chalice. (3) If something happens, and you die, may God have mercy upon your soul. Tips-- (1) You are probably carrying several plates. To read all of them at once, say "read all plates". (2) Remember to open the chests before trying to put something in them. (3) The chests are small. Each chest can hold only two plates at a time. >x red The chest is painted a dull red. A silver plate on the front reads, "{MARS}". The chest is open. >x white The chest is painted white. A silver plate on the front reads, "{SATURN}". The chest is open. >put plate a in white You put Plate A into the white chest. >put plate i in white You put Plate I into the white chest. >put plate b in red You put Plate B into the red chest. >put plate g in red You put Plate G into the red chest. >put plate f in black You put Plate F into the black chest. >put plate j in black You put Plate J into the black chest. >close chest Which do you mean, the red chest, the white chest or the black chest? >all Sorry, you can only have one item here. Which exactly? >red You close the red chest. >close white You close the white chest. >close black You close the black chest. >put medallion in gold You put the medallion into the gold chalice. >l Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide here. >take medallion Taken. >x it The small golden disk is engraved with strange marks: ? ? ?. >put it in gold You put the medallion into the gold chalice. >l Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide here. >open red You open the red chest, revealing Plate G and Plate B. >open white You open the white chest, revealing Plate I and Plate A. >open black You open the black chest, revealing Plate J and Plate F. >take j Taken. >put h in black You put Plate H into the black chest. >close black You close the black chest. You hear a faint pop and notice that something seems to be in the silver chalice. >x silver (the silver box) In the silver box is a note. >x silver chalice The silver chalice is covered in delicate etchings in a strange pattern. In the silver chalice are a medallion and a cave map. >take map Taken. >close white You close the white chest. >close red You close the red chest. >put medallion in gold chalice (first taking the medallion) You put the medallion into the gold chalice. >take medallion Taken. >open red You open the red chest, revealing Plate G and Plate B. >open white You open the white chest, revealing Plate I and Plate A. >open bleck You can't see any such thing. >open black You open the black chest, revealing Plate H and Plate F. >take plate Which do you mean, Plate G, Plate B, Plate I, Plate A, Plate H, Plate F, Plate J, Plate E, Plate K, Plate C, Plate L or Plate D? >all Plate G: Taken. Plate B: Taken. Plate I: Taken. Plate A: Taken. Plate H: Taken. Plate F: Taken. Plate J: You already have that. Plate E: You already have that. Plate K: You already have that. Plate C: You already have that. Plate L: You already have that. Plate D: You already have that. >x map It says, --WONDERLAND CAVERNS CAVE TOUR-- An "adventure" the whole family can "enjoy!" Please begin in the Cavern. (1) Go east (2) "Stalagmites appear on the cave floor, but stalactites descend from the ceiling." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go left} {YES --> Go right} (3) "When you lean against the wall you can look through that gap, and see a formation we call Dracula's pipe organ." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go left} {YES --> Go right} (4) "Over here you can see a formation we like to call, Rocky the Stoneman, as a cute tribute to everyone's favorite Snowman, Frosty." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go left} {YES --> Go right} (5) "Look over to the side, and you can see the hole where tour-guide Arne fell and broke his legs." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go right} {YES --> Go down} {Special Attraction: The Crypt --> Go left} DO NOT USE "L" FOR "LEFT". IF YOU MEAN TO GO LEFT, MAKE SURE TO TYPE "LEFT" INSTEAD OF "L". >d Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. A narrow staircase leads up. >s West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >e Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >d Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >s Foyer (by the front door) A grand entrance to a grand house. The library is east, and the music room is to the west. The foyer continues to the north. The front door is south and leads to the front lawn. >e Library Book-laden shelves cover the walls, making the large room seem much smaller than it is. An armchair sits angled toward the large south-facing window that floods the room with light. The foyer is west, and the den lies to the north. You can see a table here. >n Den The room is dark and cozy; it hosts a small fireplace flanked by a leather wingback chair. A utility closet lies to the west, and the library is south. >w Utility Closet The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >push 3 You suddenly feel the room descending. After several seconds, the closet slows to a stop. Utility Closet (Descended) The closet is empty except from a strange copper panel built into the wall. You also notice that the floor and ceiling seem to be made of steel, although the walls look ordinary enough. The exit is east. >e Cavern You find yourself in a dank cave. The ground is shrouded in a mysterious fog that swirls at your feet. A narrow passageway leads north. Another tunnel leads off to the east, and the utility closet is west. >save Ok. >read map It says, --WONDERLAND CAVERNS CAVE TOUR-- An "adventure" the whole family can "enjoy!" Please begin in the Cavern. (1) Go east (2) "Stalagmites appear on the cave floor, but stalactites descend from the ceiling." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go left} {YES --> Go right} (3) "When you lean against the wall you can look through that gap, and see a formation we call Dracula's pipe organ." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go left} {YES --> Go right} (4) "Over here you can see a formation we like to call, Rocky the Stoneman, as a cute tribute to everyone's favorite Snowman, Frosty." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go left} {YES --> Go right} (5) "Look over to the side, and you can see the hole where tour-guide Arne fell and broke his legs." -----Is this sentence punctuated correctly? {NO --> Go right} {YES --> Go down} {Special Attraction: The Crypt --> Go left} DO NOT USE "L" FOR "LEFT". IF YOU MEAN TO GO LEFT, MAKE SURE TO TYPE "LEFT" INSTEAD OF "L". >e Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >right Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >left Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >left Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >left Crypt The long rectangular room is unlike the rest of the cave. This space was clearly carved out by hand. One wall is perforated with large holes. The exit lies backward. >x wall Which do you mean, the tunnelwall or the large holes? >tunnelwall The tunnel walls are cold and damp. >x holes Inside you find various bones. You know at a glance that these disassembled skeletons are human. >search holes You find nothing of interest. >x bones You see nothing special about the bones. >take bones Taken. >l Crypt The long rectangular room is unlike the rest of the cave. This space was clearly carved out by hand. One wall is perforated with large holes. The exit lies backward. >back Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >down You suddenly notice a passage leading steeply downward. You hadn't noticed it before, thanks to the unevenness of the cave floor and the irregular shape of the tunnels. Black Gate The tunnel stops abruptly at a black gate that bars the way. You can go only forward through the gate or back the way you came. You can see an iron key here. >take iron Taken. >x gate You see nothing special about the black gate. >open it It seems to be locked. >unlock it with iron You unlock the black gate. >forward (first opening the black gate) Hades A gray mist fills the air, and you can see nothing. The ground seems to slope down before you, and you somehow know that there is no way back. >d You can't go that way. You find that no matter which way you turn, your steps lead you further down. You begin to feel heavy, yet unsubstantial, like misery. As you walk on, the fog lifts slightly. You are growing transparent. Already your hands are little more than shadows. A voice thunders above you. "Woe to you, wretched fool! You enter unbidden with no Virgil to guide you. Pride has driven you here; pride will hold you here. Enter your despair." Silence descends like a curtain, and you step forward and pass into the realm of the forsaken dead. *** The End *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > undo Hades [Previous turn undone.] >undo Black Gate [Previous turn undone.] >l Black Gate The tunnel stops abruptly at a black gate that bars the way. You can go only forward through the gate or back the way you came. >i You are carrying: an iron key a bones Plate F Plate H Plate A Plate I Plate B Plate G a medallion a cave map Plate J Plate E a scrap of paper some papers Plate K a small key a silver box (open) a note Plate C Plate L a flashlight (providing light) Plate D a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >x iron You see nothing special about the iron key. >x bones You see nothing special about the bones. >read letter Which do you mean, the scrap of paper, the papers, the note or the letter? >the letter Which do you mean, the scrap of paper, the papers, the note or the letter? >read the letter Which do you mean, the scrap of paper, the papers, the note or the letter? >3 You can't use multiple objects with that verb. >read note If you are reading this, then other powers have not interfered, and you have not died. This may be a sign that you are divinely chosen to be my successor. If so, then you are well on your way to your full inheritance. There are several trials that still await you that will confirm this once and for all, and soon you will learn the duties of your new office. For now, it is enough for me to tell you this: I am a gatekeeper. My uncle before me was a gatekeeper, and, Lord willing, you shall be gatekeeper in my place. For this house holds portals to many worlds. Perhaps you have already discovered this. Soon it will be your duty to guard them, and, should God command it of you, it shall be your duty to open them. For now, however, take this key. You will find it unlocks the desk in my office. Beware, however, of opening the wrong drawer. Three drawers you may open, but there is a fourth cursed drawer that is much too perilous to open. The four sentences below correspond to the four drawers. The one with the punctuation error is cursed. I once met a girl in a fair fairy land a world or two away. (Top Right) She had hair like the sun and her eyes were twin moons, I could not persuade her to stay. (Bottom Right) She was called by a song to the far shadow lands; that call she had to obey. (Top Left) I called out her name, and I gave her my heart -- but her face was already gray. (Bottom Left) Yours, OSMOND FERRYMAN >read papers You look through the papers again and a torn fragment of a letter or note catches your attention. And thus I was called upon to open the Black Gate for a y... was the most horrible moment of my life. You have no ide... into despair, for I forgot about the existence of grace for a... closed the gate, and I dropped the key as I fled. I was overcome... knew that if I were to return, I should not be able to resist t... temptation and would fling myself into the abyss in sorr... and I could not risk returning to retrieve it. I have not the stre... but the key must be retrieved and locked away. It must... >read papers You search the papers again, but find nothing of interest. >lock gate What do you want to lock the black gate with? >iron You lock the black gate. >read scrap To take my place as Gatekeeper of Worlds, you must retrieve the iron key and bind it with a strong enchantment. This will hide it away from this world until you have need of it. This key unlocks one of the gates to the underworld. The Greek knew it as Hades. We Christians know it as Hell. It is a world of God's perfect justice, and therefore terrible to unjust souls like you and me. You will find the key in the maze of tunnels under the house, but it is foolhardy to search for it without a map. I have hidden a map the same way you will hide the key. Enter the enchanting room and unbind the map. You will need the plates and this medallion. FERRYMAN >back Tunnel You are in a maze of disorienting tunnels. You can go back or left or right. >right You fall through a hole into a deep pool of water. You swim upward desperately, trying to break the surface. But you're disoriented and can't seem to find it. Just as you give up all hope, you splash out into the sunshine. Reflecting Pool (in the pool) A shallow rectangular pool sits roughly in the middle of the garden and, by reflecting the wispy clouds, brings the sky down among the hedges and flowers. A narrow path leads west through the hedges. The ancient oak is east. You can see a small sign here. >i You are carrying: a fragment an iron key a bones Plate F Plate H Plate A Plate I Plate B Plate G a medallion a cave map Plate J Plate E a scrap of paper some papers Plate K a small key a silver box (open) a note Plate C Plate L a flashlight (providing light) Plate D a copper box (open) an engraved rhyme a shovel a Comma Book a letter a book of modern poetry >s You would have to get out of the pool first. >u You would have to get out of the pool first. >exit You get out of the pool. Reflecting Pool A shallow rectangular pool sits roughly in the middle of the garden and, by reflecting the wispy clouds, brings the sky down among the hedges and flowers. A narrow path leads west through the hedges. The ancient oak is east. You can see a small sign here. >s Rose Bed The path is flanked by scores of pink and yellow roses. The path continues northwest. South leads into the Parlor, while east leads back toward the Conservatory. You can see a small sign here. >s Parlor The elegant room, perfect for entertaining guests, contains a sofa and coffee table. The large fireplace makes the dark walls seem cozy rather than oppressive. East lies the conservatory, while the dining room is west. To the north, french doors open onto the garden. The foyer is south. Your father is here, on the phone. >s Foyer (by the stairs) A wide staircase rises to the second floor. A door in the western wall reveals a small bathroom. To the north is the parlor, while the foyer continues to the south. >u Second Floor Landing The landing overlooks the foyer, protected by the heavy banister that continues southward with the descending stairs. A hallway extends to the east, and another extends westward. >w West Hallway A room lies to the north. The hallway continues to the west. The landing and the stairs down to the first floor are east. >n Map Room A table sits in the middle of the room. Two of the walls are covered in strange framed maps. Spread across three panels of another wall are words written in faded black paint. A narrow staircase leads up. >n You can't go that way. >u Enchantment Room The room is bare except for a table. On the table are three small chests (one red, one white, and one black) and two chalices, one silver and one gold. Narrow stairs lead back down. You can see a Guide here. >read guide Quick Start Guide To release what is bound-- (1) Put the plates with incorrectly punctuated sentences into their proper chests. (2) Close the chests. (3) Put the medallion into the gold chalice. What is bound will be released. To bind what is loose-- (1) Put the plates with correctly punctuated sentences into their proper chests. (2) Close the chests. (3) Put what is to be bound into the silver chalice. (4) Put the medallion into the gold chalice. What is loose will now be bound. Troubleshooting-- (1) If nothing happens, make sure you have put the proper plates into the proper chests. Then try replacing the medallion in the gold chalice. (2) If nothing happens, make sure all three chests are closed. Then try replacing the medallion in the gold chalice. (3) If something happens, and you die, may God have mercy upon your soul. Tips-- (1) You are probably carrying several plates. To read all of them at once, say "read all plates". (2) Remember to open the chests before trying to put something in them. (3) The chests are small. Each chest can hold only two plates at a time. >x red The chest is painted a dull red. A silver plate on the front reads, "{MARS}". The chest is open. >put c in black You put Plate C into the black chest. >put j in black You put Plate J into the black chest. >x red The chest is painted a dull red. A silver plate on the front reads, "{MARS}". The chest is open. >put d in red (Plate D in the red chest) You put Plate D into the red chest. >put k in red You put Plate K into the red chest. >put e in white (Plate E in the white chest) You put Plate E into the white chest. >put l in white You put Plate L into the white chest. >close white You close the white chest. >close black You close the black chest. >close red You close the red chest. >put iron key in silver chalice You put the iron key into the silver chalice. >put medallion in gold You put the medallion into the gold chalice. You hear a faint pop and notice that the iron key has vanished from the chalice. A deep voice fills the room, and your body tingles with fear and electricity. "You have done your duty and honored your great uncle. I have answered your prayer and removed the key. There is no magic in the ritual you have performed; there is only that which I choose to respond to, and I choose to respond to such faith and obedience. Welcome, Gatekeeper." Please press SPACE to continue. You find yourself unable to tell anyone what has transpired. Not only would they not understand, but you now understand that your position must be a secret one. There are always those who seek to enter forbidden gates, and it is best that the gates and their keepers remain hidden. *** The End *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? >