Start of a transcript of A Taste of Terror Copyright (c) 2025 Garry Francis https://warrigal.itch.io Type ABOUT for further info and credits. Release 1 / Serial number 250630 / Inform v6.42 PunyInform v5.14.1 > about This game is an enhanced version of the unfinished Italian adventure 'Serie Misteri: Sorsi di Terrore'. It was to be published by Edizioni Hobby S.r.l. on the cover tape of 'Viking', no. 12, but the magazine was cancelled before the game was finished. The game's original article, map and design notes were stored in the archives of Bonaventura Di Bello for many years and eventually scanned by Marco Vallarino. We now know that the concept was proposed by a friend of a collaborator to the publishing house. The collaborator later died in a motorcycle accident, so we haven't been able to identify the original designer. The original article and map were translated to English by Garry Francis and the hand-written design notes were translated to English by Gianluca Girelli. These were used as the basis for a new design, together with a lot of imagination to fill in the gaps and create the story. The coding was done using Inform 6 and the PunyInform library. Concept by unknown author. Restoration of original design notes by Bonaventura Di Bello and Marco Vallarino. English translation of original design notes by Garry Francis and Gianluca Girelli. Game design and coding by Garry Francis. Play testing by AM Ruf, Charles Moore Jr, Dark Star, Dave Hall, Gianluca Girelli, Jade J Aincioa, Melendwyr and Robert Eggleston. Thanks to Bonaventura, Marco, Gianluca and the fantastic test team for their support and feedback during this project. > * huh, intersting! Comment recorded. > x me Your name is Sean MacDonald. You're just ten years old and the Wigtown junior chess champion, but chess is the furthest thing from your mind at the moment, as you're on holidays at your Aunt Clarissa's farm. You feel a pain in your back. > x back You can't see any such thing. > i You're carrying a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > x sneakers It's your favourite pair of sneakers. They're very appropriately named, as they're great for sneaking up on people, except that they squeak on wooden floors. > x kimono It's a judo kimono, also known as a 'judogi'. This is your favourite clothing and you wear it everywhere when you're at Aunt Clarissa's, as it allows you plenty of free movement as you run around and play on the farm. > l Kitchen You're in the kitchen. There's nothing here apart from the usual kitchen stuff and you have no interest in that. You're only interested in painkillers and they're likely to be locked away. There's a pantry door to the east. Otherwise, you can leave the kitchen to the west. You can see a trunk and a cupboard here. > x stuff You have no interest in all the kitchen paraphernalia. You're not here to start cooking a meal or do the washing up. > x trunk It's an old metal trunk. A trunk is normally used for travelling, so you have no idea why it's in the kitchen. You can't see inside, since the trunk is closed. > open it You open the trunk, revealing a jug and a dagger. > x jug It's a clay jug with a very narrow neck. As it's opaque, you can't see what's inside. > take it You hear something rattling inside the jug when you pick it up. > dump it That's not a verb I recognise. > flip it That's not a verb I recognise. > turn it over When you turn the jug upside down, something falls out. > l Kitchen You're in the kitchen. There's nothing here apart from the usual kitchen stuff and you have no interest in that. You're only interested in painkillers and they're likely to be locked away. There's a pantry door to the east. Otherwise, you can leave the kitchen to the west. You can see a rusty key, a trunk (which contains a dagger) and a cupboard here. > x key It looks like the key to a padlock. > take it Taken. You feel a pain in your back. > x dagger It has a handle carved in the shape of a serpent. > take it Taken. > x cupbord Sorry, I don't understand what "cupbord" means. > oops cupboard It's the most shabby piece of furniture in the kitchen. You can't see inside, since the cupboard is closed. > open it You open the cupboard, revealing a packet of painkillers and a matchbox. > * ah, not so locked up! Comment recorded. > x matchbox It's a box of matches. > take it Taken. > open it There's no need to open it first. If you want a match, just TAKE MATCH or LIGHT MATCH and I'll open and close the matchbox for you. > * a dagger and matches in the first couple minutes? This kid is in for a fun Comment recorded. > x packet It's a packet of 'No More Pain' painkillers. You should read the instructions on the packet before taking any. You can't see inside, since the packet of painkillers is closed. > take it Taken. > open it You open the packet of painkillers, revealing a chewable tablet. > read it You flip the packet over and read the instructions on the back. 'No More Pain is a safe and effective treatment for the temporary relief of many forms of acute pain including headache, toothache, back pain, period pain, minor sprains and injuries. Safe for children. See the enclosed leaflet for further information. Directions for use: Take one chewable tablet for instant pain relief. Repeat if necessary every 4 hours. See your doctor if pain persists.' The enclosed leaflet is no longer enclosed. It was probably thrown out long ago. > * hope there's nothing to worry about on the leaflet! Comment recorded. > x tablet It's a bright green tablet that you chew, rather than swallow. To be quite honest, it looks more like a lolly than a tablet, but you really don't care so long as it works. You feel a pain in your back. > eat it But you are not holding the chewable tablet. > take it Taken. > eat it You chew the tablet expecting instant pain relief, but nothing happens. Either the claims on the packet are false or the cause of your back pain is somehow different to the ones described on the packet. > x back You can't see any such thing. > * guess we'll just got back to bed! Comment recorded. > l Kitchen You're in the kitchen. There's nothing here apart from the usual kitchen stuff and you have no interest in that. There's a pantry door to the east. Otherwise, you can leave the kitchen to the west. You can see a trunk and a cupboard here. > e You can't, since the door is closed. > open door It's locked. > unlock it You don't have the key. > i You're carrying a packet of painkillers, a matchbox, a dagger, a rusty key, a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > w Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > s You can't, since the front door is closed. > open front You open the front door. > s In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. You feel a pain in your back. > * ok we can just run outside in the middle of the night? Comment recorded. > n Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > * let's stay in for now Comment recorded. > w Library You're in a large room that's used as a library. This is where your aunt and uncle would rest after a hard day's work. A bookshelf against the far wall contains many volumes that they would read while relaxing with a nice a cup of tea. The exit from the library is to the east. You can see a desk and an armchair here. > x shelf It's full of books, but you don't have time to start reading them. > x desk The desk looks very old. It's made of a dark wood with a reddish stain and contains a single drawer beneath the highly polished writing surface. On the desk are a parchment and a quill. > x parchment The parchment appears to be made from animal skin. There's nothing written on it. > x quill It's made from a black feather, probably a raven's, with a nib in the end. > take it Taken. > take parchment Taken. > open drawer It's locked. > unlock it You don't have the key. You feel a pain in your back. > x armchair This is the armchair that your aunt used to sit in when reading you stories. It's covered in maroon velour and looks very comfy. There is nothing on the armchair. > search it There is nothing on the armchair. > look under it You find nothing of interest. > sit on it You sit on the armchair. > out First, you'd have to leave the armchair. > e First, you'd have to leave the armchair. > e First, you'd have to leave the armchair. > exit You get off the armchair. > e Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. You feel a pain in your back. > u Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > x curtain The curtain is made of a heavy velvet-like fabric. It's currently closed. > open it You open the curtain. > l Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > n Storage Room You're in a dark storage room on the north side of the house. Your aunt and uncle led a very frugal lifestyle, so there's not much stored in here. The exit is through the curtain to the south. You can see a ladder here. > x ladder It's a folding step ladder. It's currently open and standing on the floor. > take it You fold the ladder and tuck it under your arm. It's a bit awkward to carry, so you hope you don't have to lug it very far. > s Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. You feel a pain in your back. > w West End of Hallway You're at the western end of the hallway in front of Aunt Clarissa's bedroom. The door to her room is to the north and the hallway goes back to the east. > * probably not helping with the back pain Comment recorded. > x door This is the door to your aunt's bedroom. It's currently closed. > n You can't, since the door is closed. > open door It's locked. > unlock it You don't have the key. > e Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > e Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. You feel a pain in your back. > e East End of Hallway All hallways are boring and this one is no exception. The hallway comes from the west and ends here. The only thing of interest is a trapdoor in the ceiling above your head. You can see a trapdoor here. > x trapdoor It's a trapdoor in the ceiling that's currently closed. > open it You can't reach it. > drop ladder You unfold the ladder and stand it on the ground. > w Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. > n Guest Room You're in a simply furnished guest room. This acts as your bedroom whenever you're visiting. A window in the north wall lets in the moonlight. The exit from the room is to the south. You can see your bed here. You feel a pain in your back. > x window It's a glass window in a wooden frame. The window is currently nailed shut. When you look through the window, you can see the roof of the veranda. > open it It's nailed shut to prevent little boys like you climbing onto the roof of the veranda. > x roof It's a corrugated iron roof painted in brown. > x bed This is your bed while you're staying on the farm. It's very comfy and cosy. There is nothing on the bed. > look under bed You look under the bed and pull out your backpack. You also find a doll amongst the dust. That isn't yours, so you drag it out. You feel a pain in your back. > * aha! Comment recorded. > x backpack It's your trusty backpack that you brought with you on the train. The backpack is empty. > take it Taken. > wear it You are now wearing the backpack. > x doll It's a doll dressed in a judo kimono, just like yours. It's pierced with long pins. You feel a pain in your back. > x pins They're long wooden pins that appear to be hand carved to a sharp point. > remove pins The pain in your back disappears as soon as you remove the pins. > * huh Comment recorded. > * oh well, I'm sure that doesn't mean anything! Comment recorded. > s Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. > n Guest Room You're in a simply furnished guest room. This acts as your bedroom whenever you're visiting. A window in the north wall lets in the moonlight. The exit from the room is to the south. You can see a doll and your bed here. > sleep You aren't feeling especially drowsy. > s Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. > e East End of Hallway All hallways are boring and this one is no exception. The hallway comes from the west and ends here. The only thing of interest is a trapdoor in the ceiling above your head. You can see a trapdoor and a ladder here. > u You can't reach the trapdoor from here. > climb ladder You climb onto the ladder. > open trapdoor You open the trapdoor. > u You clamber through the trapdoor. Darkness It is pitch dark here! > d You carefully lower yourself onto the top of the ladder. East End of Hallway (on the ladder) All hallways are boring and this one is no exception. The hallway comes from the west and ends here. The only thing of interest is a trapdoor in the ceiling above your head. You can see a trapdoor here. > w You'll have to get off the ladder first. > d You get off the ladder. > w Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. > d You can't go that way. > w Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > d Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > s In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > x path You can't see any such thing. > w In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > s In Barn You're inside a large barn. Hay is piled up against the side walls and a large workbench is along the back wall. The exit from the barn is to the north. You can see some hay and a workbench (on which are some tools) here. > x hay The hay is piled up in huge stacks. You find a pitchfork under the hay where one of the haystacks has toppled over. > search hay The hay is piled up in huge stacks. You find nothing apart from more hay. > x pitchfork It's a three-pronged pitchfork. > take it Taken. > l In Barn You're inside a large barn. Hay is piled up against the side walls and a large workbench is along the back wall. The exit from the barn is to the north. You can see some hay and a workbench (on which are some tools) here. > * tetanus here we come! Comment recorded. > x bench It's a really battered wooden workbench that's clearly seen a lot of service. On the workbench are some tools. > x tools The tools are thrown around haphazardly. You don't know what most of them are, but you do recognise a claw hammer, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver and a pair of bolt cutters. > take tools There are too many tools to take them all. If you just want to take one or two, specify which ones. > x hammer If you've seen one claw hammer, you've seen them all. You use the hammer to bang in nails and the two-pronged claw to pull them out again. Every home should have one. > take hammer Taken. > x pliers You know that they're a pair of pliers, but you don't know what they're used for. > take pliers The jug won't fit in your backpack. (putting the rusty key into the backpack to make room) Taken. > put all in backpack pliers: You put the pliers into the backpack. claw hammer: You put the claw hammer into the backpack. pitchfork: The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. wooden pins: You put the wooden pins into the backpack. parchment: You put the parchment into the backpack. quill: You put the quill into the backpack. packet of painkillers: You put the packet of painkillers into the backpack. matchbox: You put the matchbox into the backpack. dagger: You put the dagger into the backpack. jug: The jug won't fit in your backpack. > take screwdriver Taken. > l In Barn You're inside a large barn. Hay is piled up against the side walls and a large workbench is along the back wall. The exit from the barn is to the north. You can see some hay and a workbench (on which are a pair of bolt cutters and some tools) here. > take cutters Taken. > x cutters It's a heavy-duty pair of bolt cutters used for cutting bolts and metal rods and stuff like that. > x screwdriver It's a slot screwdriver with a very large flat-blade tip for very large screws, just the sort of thing you'd expect to find on a farm. > l In Barn You're inside a large barn. Hay is piled up against the side walls and a large workbench is along the back wall. The exit from the barn is to the north. You can see some hay and a workbench (on which are some tools) here. > n In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > w Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > s Hills You're in some gently rolling hills that continue to the north and flatten out to the south. > s Field You're on a field located between the hills to the north and the woods to the south and southeast. The field continues towards the east and there's also a disused track leading to the west. > w In Front of Old Farmhouse You're facing an old farmhouse to the south. It's clearly been abandoned, as the door is boarded up and everything looks dilapidated. There's a window beside the door, but it's too dark to see inside. When you've finished exploring here, you can go east or southeast. > x window It's very dirty and grimy, so you can't see through it. You tap on the glass, but there's no response. > open window You can't open that. > open door You can't open that. > s You can't, since the window is closed. > break window You can't break it with your bare hands. > break window with hammer But you are not holding the claw hammer. > take hammer Taken. > break window with hammer The glass smashes into a million pieces. (Well, maybe not quite that many, but you get the general idea.) You carefully break off the few remaining pieces around the window frame, so it should now be safe to climb through the window. > * sure why not Comment recorded. > s Inside Farmhouse You're inside an old abandoned farmhouse. It's very dark and hard to see anything, as the only light is from the moonlight that comes in through the broken window to the north. There doesn't appear to be anything here other than dust and debris. The only way out is via the door or the window to the north, but you know the door is boarded up from the outside. You can see some broken glass and some debris here. > search debris It's just the dust and debris that you'd expect to find in any abandoned house. Oh, wait, you find something. > l Inside Farmhouse You're inside an old abandoned farmhouse. It's very dark and hard to see anything, as the only light is from the moonlight that comes in through the broken window to the north. There doesn't appear to be anything here other than dust and debris. The only way out is via the door or the window to the north, but you know the door is boarded up from the outside. You can see a shotgun, some broken glass and some debris here. > * now we've got a shotgun??? Comment recorded. > * What is this, Doom? Comment recorded. > take shotgun Taken. > x it It's a dual-barrel shotgun used for hunting ducks and turkeys and things like that. It's not currently loaded. > * whew Comment recorded. > l Inside Farmhouse You're inside an old abandoned farmhouse. It's very dark and hard to see anything, as the only light is from the moonlight that comes in through the broken window to the north. There doesn't appear to be anything here other than dust and debris. The only way out is via the door or the window to the north, but you know the door is boarded up from the outside. You can see some broken glass and some debris here. > x glass It's the shards of broken glass from the window. > search glass You find nothing special. > open door You can't open that. > u You can't go that way. > n In Front of Old Farmhouse You're facing an old farmhouse to the south. It's clearly been abandoned, as the door is boarded up and everything looks dilapidated. There's a broken window beside the door, but it's too dark to see inside. When you've finished exploring here, you can go east or southeast. > se Woods The woods you're in continue to the east. They're very thick to the south, so you can't go that way. Through the trees, you can see a plain to the north and northeast and more flat ground towards the northwest. > s You can't go that way. > e Woods These woods continue to the east and west. They are too thick to go south, but thin out to the north, northeast and northwest. > e Woods The woods you're in continue to the west. They're too thick to go any further south, but have been cleared towards the east. If you want to leave the woods, there's a path to the north and a plain to the northwest. > * big map! Comment recorded. > e In Front of Construction Site You're in front of a construction site with a high fence around it to keep intruders out. As you're an intruder, you should probably leave the area to the north or west. For those that aren't intruding, entry to the site is via a gate to the east. > e You can't, since the gate is closed. > open gate It's locked. > unlock it You don't have the key. > i You're carrying a shotgun, a claw hammer, a pair of bolt cutters, a screwdriver, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins, a pair of pliers and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > x gate It's the gate to the construction site. It's currently closed and locked with a metal chain. > cut chain (with the bolt cutters) You cut the chain with the bolt cutters and it falls to the ground. This better be worth it! > e You can't, since the gate is closed. > open gate You open the gate. > e Construction Site You're on a construction site scattered with heavy tools where the labourers just dropped everything before heading home for the day. Most notable are a partially dug trench and piles of dirt. The site is surrounded by a high fence, probably for safety reasons, and the exit from the site is through a gate in the fence to the west. You can see a trench and some tools here. > x trench The trench looks like it's for the footings of a house. The dirt from the trench is piled up to one side, waiting to be carted away. > dig I think you wanted to say "dig something". Please try again. > x dirt It's the dirt out of the trench. > search dirt You find nothing special. > enter trench You jump into the trench and have a look around. When you don't find anything, you jump out again. > x fence It's a high metal fence around the perimeter of the construction site. > put dirt in trench But you are not holding the dirt. > x tools They're all heavy-duty tools like pickaxes and wheelbarrows and of no use to you. However, you do notice a shovel that could come in handy. > take dirt Leave the dirty work to the labourers working on the construction site. > take shovel Taken. > dig dirt It's already been dug out of the trench. There's no point digging it again. > dig trench The trench has already been dug. There's no point digging it any deeper. > w In Front of Construction Site You're in front of a construction site with a high fence around it to keep intruders out. As you're an intruder, you should probably leave the area to the north or west. For those that aren't intruding, entry to the site is via a gate to the east. You can see a chain here. > take chain Taken. > s You can't go that way. > se You can't go that way. > sw You can't go that way. > n Country Path You're on a path that leads to your aunt's house towards the west and continues to the east. You can leave the path to the north and northeast. The woods to the south have recently been cleared, so you can also go that way. > e Country Path The path runs west and peters out towards the northeast. You can also head towards the hills to the north. > e You can't go that way. > ne In Front of Cabin You're in front of an old log cabin used by hunters. The entrance to the cabin is via a door to the south. Otherwise, you can follow a path to the southwest or venture into the hills to the west. > s You can't, since the door is closed. > open door You open the door. > s In Cabin You're in a cabin used by hunters during the duck-hunting season. There are no ducks around at the moment, so the cabin is empty. Use of the cabin is based on an honour system whereby the cabin is left unlocked, but users must keep it clean and tidy. You can leave the cabin via the door to the north. You can see a stove, a bunk and a kerosene can here. > x stove It's an old kerosene stove that can be used for cooking, but it's normally just used for heating the cabin, as the hunters usually cook their meals on portable gas stoves. > open it You can't open that. > turn it on That's not something you can switch. > x bunk It's a double-decker bunk used by the hunters during duck-hunting season. If there are more than two hunters in the cabin, the others sleep on the floor. There is nothing on the bunk. > search bunk There is nothing on the bunk. > look under bunk There are a few leaves that have been blown in through the door. You also find a couple of small cylindrical objects that you drag out. > x can It's a 5-litre kerosene can. > take it You hear something splooshing around inside the can when you pick it up. > open it You can't open that. > x objects You can't see any such thing. > l In Cabin You're in a cabin used by hunters during the duck-hunting season. There are no ducks around at the moment, so the cabin is empty. Use of the cabin is based on an honour system whereby the cabin is left unlocked, but users must keep it clean and tidy. You can leave the cabin via the door to the north. You can see two cartridges, a stove and a bunk here. > x cartridges They're shotgun cartridges. > take them Taken. > load shotgun (with the cartridges) You load the cartridges into the shotgun. You're now ready to go hunting. > * OK Comment recorded. > x can It's a 5-litre kerosene can. Judging by the weight, it's full. > n In Front of Cabin You're in front of an old log cabin used by hunters. The entrance to the cabin is via a door to the south. Otherwise, you can follow a path to the southwest or venture into the hills to the west. > s In Cabin You're in a cabin used by hunters during the duck-hunting season. There are no ducks around at the moment, so the cabin is empty. Use of the cabin is based on an honour system whereby the cabin is left unlocked, but users must keep it clean and tidy. You can leave the cabin via the door to the north. You can see a stove and a bunk here. > put kerosene in stove But you are not holding the kerosene. > take can You already have it. > open can You can't open that. > pour can into stove You can't pour that. > put can in stove The stove can't contain things. > n In Front of Cabin You're in front of an old log cabin used by hunters. The entrance to the cabin is via a door to the south. Otherwise, you can follow a path to the southwest or venture into the hills to the west. > w Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see a boar here. The boar sees you and starts snorting. > undo Previous turn undone. > w Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see a boar here. The boar sees you and starts snorting. > x boar It's like a hairy, oversized pig with tusks. The boar scrapes the ground with its hoofs as though it's getting ready to charge. > shoot boar (with the shotgun) You aim the shotgun at the boar and pull the trigger. BLAM! The recoil knocks you over and you instinctively put your arms over your head in case your shot missed and the boar is charging at you. When you don't get mauled by the boar, you stand up and see that there's now a dead boar on the ground. Woohoo! A flock of ravens flies in from the west and settles on the carcass. > x boar It's like a hairy, oversized pig with tusks. Fortunately for you, it's dead. > x ravens It's a flock of noisy ravens that have come to feed on the dead boar. They pay you no attention, as they're busy sqwarking and squabbling amongst themselves. > l Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > w Pond You're in front of a small pond that acts as a watering hole for the local widlife. The edge of the pond is marshy and surrounded by reeds, so you can't get to it. However, you can skirt around the pond to go north, south, east or west. > x pond It's a still pond that collects rainwater from the surrounding hills. > x reeds Sorry, I don't understand what "reeds" means. > x reed Sorry, I don't understand what "reed" means. > search pond You find nothing special. > n Hilly Territory You're in the desolate hills east of your aunt's house. The hills continue to the southeast. You can also see the glistening of moonlight reflected on water to the south. > e You can't go that way. > se Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > nw Hilly Territory You're in the desolate hills east of your aunt's house. The hills continue to the southeast. You can also see the glistening of moonlight reflected on water to the south. > s Pond You're in front of a small pond that acts as a watering hole for the local widlife. The edge of the pond is marshy and surrounded by reeds, so you can't get to it. However, you can skirt around the pond to go north, south, east or west. > w Country Path You're on a country path that leads to your aunt's house to the north. Some brambles prevent you leaving the path to the west, but the east is clear. The path continues to the south. > s Country Path You're at a bend on a country path that heads to the north and east. The area to the west is also flat, but this doesn't appear to be a path. There are woods to the south and southwest. > e Country Path You're on a path that leads to your aunt's house towards the west and continues to the east. You can leave the path to the north and northeast. The woods to the south have recently been cleared, so you can also go that way. > w Country Path You're at a bend on a country path that heads to the north and east. The area to the west is also flat, but this doesn't appear to be a path. There are woods to the south and southwest. > w Field You're on a field that continues to the west and peters out to the east. In the other directions, the field is bordered by brambles to the north and woods to the south, southeast and southwest. > n The brambles prevent you going that way. > e Country Path You're at a bend on a country path that heads to the north and east. The area to the west is also flat, but this doesn't appear to be a path. There are woods to the south and southwest. > n Country Path You're on a country path that leads to your aunt's house to the north. Some brambles prevent you leaving the path to the west, but the east is clear. The path continues to the south. > w The brambles prevent you going that way. > n In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > w In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > w Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > n Gypsy Camp You're in a small gypsy camp. They've chosen a very pleasant spot to stay. There's only the one caravan to the east, but this appears to be guarded by an elderly man. You can leave the camp by going north, south or west. You can see an old gypsy man here. > x man He's an olive-skinned man with a thick head of black hair and a thick moustache. He's probably in his early thirties, but, in your mind, anyone over 30 is 'old'. > talkto him That's not a verb I recognise. > talk to him He seems to be the guardian or caretaker of whoever lives in the caravan. "Esmeralda has the gift. She can tell your future, give advice on relationships and prescribe herbs to cure whatever ails you. But she still needs to feed and clothe herself, so she can't afford to do this for free. A copper coin will get you a brief consultation. A silver coin will get you an in-depth consultation." > ask about aunt "Esmeralda is a better person to ask about that." > i You're carrying a kerosene can, a chain, a shovel, a shotgun, a claw hammer, a pair of bolt cutters, a screwdriver, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins, a pair of pliers and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > w Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > n In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > n Inside Chapel You're inside a small chapel associated with the nearby cemetery. This is where people come for funeral services or to pray for their dearly departed. It's a very solemn place and you know not to run around in here. The chapel is dimly lit by the moonlight filtering in through the orange-tinted windows. You can leave the chapel to the south. You can see an altar, a stoup (which contains some holy water) and some pews here. > x altar This is a small altar made of stained wood inlaid with a cross in a lighter coloured wood. There is nothing on the altar. > x stoup The stoup is a small basin mounted on a carved stone pedestal. The stoup contains some holy water. > take water (with the jug) You fill the jug with holy water. > x pews There are four short pews on each side of the chapel. Each pew could probably seat four adults. Your mathematical mind can't help calculating that as a maximum of 32 people in the chapel. There is nothing on the pews. > search pews There is nothing on the pews. > s In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > w Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > x gardens The lawns have recently been mowed and the roses are in flower, as they don't close at night. > s Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > x tombstone The memories come flooding back when you see Uncle Bill's tombstone. One of your favourite memories is when the two of you would sing 'Old MacDonald had a farm', but he changed the words to 'Bill MacDonald had a farm'. He would sing the lyrics and you would make the animal noises. They were happy times. You wish you could bring him back to life. > * ...um Comment recorded. > x grave The soil on the grave has been disturbed, as though someone has dug it up recently. > dig grave (with the shovel) You dig the loose soil from the grave until you hear a thud. It's a coffin! You continue digging until the coffin is fully exposed so that you can open it. > open coffin You can't. It's nailed shut. > pry coffin I think you wanted to say "pry coffin with something". Please try again. > pry coffin with pliers But you are not holding the pliers. > l Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a coffin, Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > take pliers Taken. > pry coffin with pliers That's not something you can unlock. > open coffin You can't. It's nailed shut. > x nails They're nailed into the coffin. > x coffin It's a very cheap-looking coffin, not unlike an oversized soap box. The lid is nailed shut. > break it Use your brains, not your brawn, as you don't have much brawn to use. > x lid The lid consists of a few planks of wood nailed together with some cross pieces. It's nailed to the coffin. > pull nails with hammer You remove the nails with the claw hammer and toss them to one side. The lid is now loose. > open lid You take the lid off the coffin and toss it to one side. The coffin contains Uncle Bill's body. > x body It's a decapitated human body. As the head is missing, you can't definitively say who it is, but it has the same build as your poor Uncle Bill and it's in his coffin. > * huh Comment recorded. > search body You find nothing special. > l Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > take body You're only a scrawny ten-year-old. You can't carry around dead bodies. > n Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > s Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > s In Front of West Crypt You're in front of a large crypt that's protected by a gate. However, the gate is open and you can see the staircase that descends into the crypt to the south. The cemetery is to the north and another crypt is to the east. You can see a guard here. > x guard He's dressed like a monk and wears a hood that hides his face in its shadow. Under his robes, you can tell that he's a big burly man, more like a bouncer outside a nightclub than a religious figure. > save Ok. > d The guard blocks your way. "You can't go down there. It's a private ceremony." > i You're carrying a pair of pliers, a kerosene can, a chain, a shovel, a shotgun, a claw hammer, a pair of bolt cutters, a screwdriver, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > ask guard about ceremony "I'm not here to answer questions. Why aren't you at home in bed, anyway?" > * good question! Comment recorded. > n Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > e You can't go that way. > e You can't go that way. > n Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > e In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > e Stream You're at a stream that blocks your path back to the farm. However, there are other ways to the south, west and southwest. > s Gypsy Camp You're in a small gypsy camp. They've chosen a very pleasant spot to stay. There's only the one caravan to the east, but this appears to be guarded by an elderly man. You can leave the camp by going north, south or west. You can see an old gypsy man here. > w Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > ne Stream You're at a stream that blocks your path back to the farm. However, there are other ways to the south, west and southwest. > n You can't go that way. > w In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > s Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > w You can't go that way. > s You can't go that way. > se Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > e In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > s In Barn You're inside a large barn. Hay is piled up against the side walls and a large workbench is along the back wall. The exit from the barn is to the north. You can see some hay and a workbench (on which are some tools) here. > n In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > e In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > e Hilly Territory You're in the desolate hills east of your aunt's house. The hills continue to the southeast. You can also see the glistening of moonlight reflected on water to the south. > w In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > n Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > u Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > n Storage Room You're in a dark storage room on the north side of the house. Your aunt and uncle led a very frugal lifestyle, so there's not much stored in here. The exit is through the curtain to the south. > s Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > e Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. > u You can't go that way. > e East End of Hallway All hallways are boring and this one is no exception. The hallway comes from the west and ends here. The only thing of interest is a trapdoor in the ceiling above your head. You can see a trapdoor and a ladder here. > u You can't reach the trapdoor from here. > climb ladder You climb onto the ladder. > u You clamber through the trapdoor. Darkness It is pitch dark here! > light match You take a match out of the matchbox and light it. Attic You're in a dusty attic. It's very dark, so you should open the shutter to let some light in. You can leave the attic through the trapdoor in the floor. You can see a trapdoor, a shutter and a chest here. > x shutter It's a wooden shutter that's currently closed. > open it When you open the shutter, the moonlight streams in through the window. > x chest It's a dusty old chest that's probably used to store junk. You can't see inside, since the chest is closed. > open it You open the chest, revealing a hood. The match goes out. > x hood It's a brown hood that looks like those attached to a monk's robe. > take it The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. (putting the screwdriver into the backpack to make room) Taken. > wear it You are now wearing the hood. > i You're carrying a hood (worn), a pair of pliers, a kerosene can, a chain, a shovel, a shotgun, a claw hammer, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a screwdriver, a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > l Attic You're in a dusty attic. The moonlight shines in from a window in the north wall. You can leave the attic through the trapdoor in the floor. You can see a window, a trapdoor, a shutter and a chest here. > x window It's a small window in a wooden frame. The window is currently closed. When you look through the window, you can see a roof outside the attic. > open window You open the window. > out Roof Outside Attic You're on the roof outside the attic. Be careful, as it's rather slippery. You can re-enter the attic through the window to the south, but you may also be able to climb down the drainpipe to the lower roof that protects the outside veranda. You can see a window here. > save Ok. > d Roof Outside Guest Room You're on the roof of the veranda on the north side of the house. The window to the guest room is to the south and the roof extends to the west. A drainpipe runs down the wall from another roof above this one. > x drainpipe It's a sturdy-looking drainpipe painted in brown, the same as the roof. > w Roof Outside Aunt's Room You're on the roof of the veranda on the north side of the house. The window to your aunt's bedroom is to the south and the roof extends to the east. > open window You open the window. > in Aunt's Bedroom You're in Aunt Clarissa's bedroom. It's lit by the moonlight streaming in from the window to the north. You know to respect your aunt's privacy, so you never come in here. Just the same, you wonder why she's not in bed. Where could she be? The door out of the room is to the south. You can see a bed and a nightstand here. > x bed It's your aunt's bed, but she's not in it. That's strange. Where is she? There is nothing on the bed. > look under bed You find nothing of interest. > x nightstand It's a dark timber bedside table. You find something. On the nightstand are a hairpin and a small key. > x hairpin Your aunt uses hairpins to put her hair up at night. This must be one of them. > take it Taken. > x key Do you mean the rusty key or the small key? > small It looks like a household key of some sort. > take it The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. (putting the claw hammer into the backpack to make room) Taken. > l Aunt's Bedroom You're in Aunt Clarissa's bedroom. It's lit by the moonlight streaming in from the window to the north. You know to respect your aunt's privacy, so you never come in here. Just the same, you wonder why she's not in bed. Where could she be? The door out of the room is to the south. You can see a bed and a nightstand here. > s You can't, since the door is closed. > open door It's locked. > unlock door You don't have the key. > n Roof Outside Aunt's Room You're on the roof of the veranda on the north side of the house. The window to your aunt's bedroom is to the south and the roof extends to the east. > e Roof Outside Guest Room You're on the roof of the veranda on the north side of the house. The window to the guest room is to the south and the roof extends to the west. A drainpipe runs down the wall from another roof above this one. > u Roof Outside Attic You're on the roof outside the attic. Be careful, as it's rather slippery. You can re-enter the attic through the window to the south, but you may also be able to climb down the drainpipe to the lower roof that protects the outside veranda. You can see a window here. > in Attic You're in a dusty attic. The moonlight shines in from a window in the north wall. You can leave the attic through the trapdoor in the floor. You can see a window, a trapdoor, a shutter and a chest here. > d You carefully lower yourself onto the top of the ladder. East End of Hallway (on the ladder) All hallways are boring and this one is no exception. The hallway comes from the west and ends here. The only thing of interest is a trapdoor in the ceiling above your head. You can see a trapdoor here. > w You'll have to get off the ladder first. > d You get off the ladder. > w Hallway You're in the hallway in front of the guest room to the north. The guest room is currently your bedroom, as you're the guest. The hallway continues to the west and ends a short distance to the east. > d You can't go that way. > w Top of Staircase You're at the top of a staircase on the first floor of the house. It's roughly midway along a hallway that runs from east to west. There's also a curtain to the north. You can go back down the staircase to the ground floor. > d Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > e Kitchen You're in the kitchen. There's nothing here apart from the usual kitchen stuff and you have no interest in that. There's a pantry door to the east. Otherwise, you can leave the kitchen to the west. You can see a trunk and a cupboard here. > e You can't, since the door is closed. > unlock door (with the small key) You unlock the door. > e You can't, since the door is closed. > open door You open the door. > e Pantry This is the pantry behind the kitchen. You enter it via the pantry door to the west, but you've rarely been in here because Aunt Clarissa used to keep the door locked. She said it was to stop you from pinching the food. The pantry is surrounded by shelves, apart from a gap where a stairway goes down to the basement. You were never allowed to go down there. You can see a freezer here. On the shelves you can see some dry goods. > x goods The dry goods include things like rice, flour and salt, as well as cans in all shapes and sizes. > search goods You find nothing special. > x freeer Sorry, I don't understand what "freeer" means. > x freezer It's a large metal freezer with a white enamel coating. It reminds you of a refrigerator on it's side with the door on top. You can't see inside, since the freezer is closed. > open it You open the freezer, revealing Aunt Clarissa's body. > x body Oh, what a gruesome sight! The body has been decapitated and there's blood all over the place, but you know from her frame, age spots and flabby arms that it's definitely your Aunt Clarissa. > * duh duh duh! Comment recorded. > search body You find nothing special. > close freezer You close the freezer. > e You can't go that way. > d Landing You're on a small landing midway down a flight of wooden stairs. You can follow them up to the ground floor of the house or down to the basement. > d Alchemy Laboratory The equipment scattered about leaves no doubt that this is a basement converted to an alchemy laboratory. You can go back up the stairs to return to the ground floor of the house or there's a trapdoor in the floor that goes who knows where. You can see a trapdoor, a witch, a torch, an alembic (which contains a yellow liquid) and Aunt Clarissa's head here. When you enter the room, an old woman closes and bolts a trapdoor in the floor, then looks up and smiles sweetly. "Oh, Sean. You startled me. What are you doing out of bed?" You're confused. This is the old woman who collected you from the railway station. When you look around, you see your aunt's head sitting on the floor, so this woman can't possibly be your aunt. She's an imposter and most likely a witch! > talk to witch The witch is not very talkative. The witch stands up. "Oh, my dear Sean, why did you have to spoil everything? I cursed you with a poena curse, but that clearly wasn't strong enough to keep you away. You must have witch's blood in you, just like your aunt and uncle." > ask her about aunt There is no reply. The witch takes a step towards you. "I had to kill them for their heads. I need them for the adulescens spell, you see." > ask her about spell There is no reply. "I killed your uncle on the full moon last month, but one head wasn't enough, apparently." > sorry Oh, don't apologise. "I killed your aunt on the last full moon. Two heads are better than one, as they say. My coven is making preparations for the spell as we speak, so let's not waste any more time." Oh, oh, she looks like she's about to strike. > shoot her (with the shotgun) You aim the shotgun at the witch and pull the trigger. BLAM! The recoil knocks you over. When you stand up and inspect the damage, you see that the witch is covered in blood and well and truly dead. > * game over! Comment recorded. > * Well, I guess there's that coven Comment recorded. > x body It's the dead witch who was masquerading as your aunt. > search body You find nothing special. > x head It's a gruesome sight. It's definitely your Aunt Clarissa's head, but there is horror in her eyes, rather than the sparkle that you're used to. > take it The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. (putting the chain into the backpack to make room) Taken. > * well that's gross Comment recorded. > l Alchemy Laboratory The equipment scattered about leaves no doubt that this is a basement converted to an alchemy laboratory. You can go back up the stairs to return to the ground floor of the house or there's a trapdoor in the floor that goes who knows where. You can see the dead witch, a trapdoor, a torch and an alembic (which contains a yellow liquid) here. > x torch It's an old-fashioned torch that burns with a naked flame. This one is not lit, but blackened around the top where it has been used in the past. > take it The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. The kerosene can won't fit in your backpack. (putting the pliers into the backpack to make room) Taken. > x alembic It's a distilling device used in alchemy. This one is made of glass. It's shaped somewhat like a gourd with a long tube at the top shaped like the beak of a bird. The alembic contains a yellow liquid. > x yellow It looks like urine. You don't really feel inclined to drink it, just in case. > take yellow That's fixed in place. > drink it Bleuch! You take a sip and it tastes disgusting, so you spit it out. > put yellow in jug But you are not holding the yellow liquid. > l Alchemy Laboratory The equipment scattered about leaves no doubt that this is a basement converted to an alchemy laboratory. You can go back up the stairs to return to the ground floor of the house or there's a trapdoor in the floor that goes who knows where. You can see the dead witch, a trapdoor and an alembic (which contains a yellow liquid) here. > take yellow That's fixed in place. > x trapdoor It's a trapdoor in the floor of the lab. It's currently locked with a sliding bolt. > open it It's locked. > unlock it You slide the bolt to unlock the trapdoor. > d You can't, since the trapdoor is closed. > open it You open the trapdoor. > d Darkness It is pitch dark here! > light torch You have nothing to light it with. > u Alchemy Laboratory The equipment scattered about leaves no doubt that this is a basement converted to an alchemy laboratory. You can go back up the stairs to return to the ground floor of the house or there's a trapdoor in the floor that goes who knows where. You can see a trapdoor, the dead witch and an alembic (which contains a yellow liquid) here. > light match You take a match out of the matchbox and light it. > light torch (with the match) You light the torch with the match and it bursts into a dull yellow flame. > d Underground Tunnel You're in a dark underground tunnel that disappears into the darkness to the west. The air is cool and you hear the occasional drip of water from the ceiling. The trapdoor to leave the tunnel is overhead. You can see a trapdoor here. > save Ok. > wear hood You are already wearing it. > w Underground Tunnel You're at a bend in a long, dark underground tunnel. The two arms of the bend head off towards the east and southwest, but the the darkness prevents you seeing what's in those directions. It's cold and creepy down here. The match goes out. > sw Underground Tunnel You're at a bend in a dark underground tunnel that heads off into the darkness to the northeast and west. It's really creepy. > w Underground Tunnel You're in a very dark and damp underground tunnel. The tunnel extends into the darkness to the east and there's a trapdoor in the ceiling overhead. You can see a trapdoor here. > x trapdoor It's a trapdoor in the ceiling above the tunnel. It's currently closed. > open it It's locked. > unlock it You can't unlock it from this side. > e Underground Tunnel You're at a bend in a dark underground tunnel that heads off into the darkness to the northeast and west. It's really creepy. > ne Underground Tunnel You're at a bend in a long, dark underground tunnel. The two arms of the bend head off towards the east and southwest, but the the darkness prevents you seeing what's in those directions. It's cold and creepy down here. > * that must be the crypt Comment recorded. > e Underground Tunnel You're in a dark underground tunnel that disappears into the darkness to the west. The air is cool and you hear the occasional drip of water from the ceiling. The trapdoor to leave the tunnel is overhead. You can see a trapdoor here. > u Alchemy Laboratory The equipment scattered about leaves no doubt that this is a basement converted to an alchemy laboratory. You can go back up the stairs to return to the ground floor of the house or there's a trapdoor in the floor that leads to the underground tunnel. You can see a trapdoor, the dead witch and an alembic (which contains a yellow liquid) here. > u Landing You're on a small landing midway down a flight of wooden stairs. You can follow them up to the ground floor of the house or down to the basement. > w You can't go that way. > u Pantry This is the pantry behind the kitchen. You enter it via the pantry door to the west, but you've rarely been in here because Aunt Clarissa used to keep the door locked. She said it was to stop you from pinching the food. The pantry is surrounded by shelves, apart from a gap where a stairway goes down to the basement. You were never allowed to go down there. Now you know why. You can see a freezer here. On the shelves you can see some dry goods. > w Kitchen You're in the kitchen. There's nothing here apart from the usual kitchen stuff and you have no interest in that. There's a pantry door to the east. Otherwise, you can leave the kitchen to the west. You can see a trunk and a cupboard here. > w Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > s In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > w In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > s In Barn You're inside a large barn. Hay is piled up against the side walls and a large workbench is along the back wall. The exit from the barn is to the north. You can see some hay and a workbench (on which are some tools) here. > n In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > e In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > s Country Path You're on a country path that leads to your aunt's house to the north. Some brambles prevent you leaving the path to the west, but the east is clear. The path continues to the south. > e Pond You're in front of a small pond that acts as a watering hole for the local widlife. The edge of the pond is marshy and surrounded by reeds, so you can't get to it. However, you can skirt around the pond to go north, south, east or west. > s Country Path You're on a path that leads to your aunt's house towards the west and continues to the east. You can leave the path to the north and northeast. The woods to the south have recently been cleared, so you can also go that way. > w Country Path You're at a bend on a country path that heads to the north and east. The area to the west is also flat, but this doesn't appear to be a path. There are woods to the south and southwest. > w Field You're on a field that continues to the west and peters out to the east. In the other directions, the field is bordered by brambles to the north and woods to the south, southeast and southwest. > w Field You're on a field located between the hills to the north and the woods to the south and southeast. The field continues towards the east and there's also a disused track leading to the west. > w In Front of Old Farmhouse You're facing an old farmhouse to the south. It's clearly been abandoned, as the door is boarded up and everything looks dilapidated. There's a broken window beside the door, but it's too dark to see inside. When you've finished exploring here, you can go east or southeast. > s Inside Farmhouse You're inside an old abandoned farmhouse. It's very dark and hard to see anything, as the only light is from the moonlight that comes in through the broken window to the north. There doesn't appear to be anything here other than dust and debris. The only way out is via the door or the window to the north, but you know the door is boarded up from the outside. You can see some broken glass and some debris here. > n In Front of Old Farmhouse You're facing an old farmhouse to the south. It's clearly been abandoned, as the door is boarded up and everything looks dilapidated. There's a broken window beside the door, but it's too dark to see inside. When you've finished exploring here, you can go east or southeast. > n You can't go that way. > w You can't go that way. > out You can't go that way. > n You can't go that way. > ne You can't go that way. > e Field You're on a field located between the hills to the north and the woods to the south and southeast. The field continues towards the east and there's also a disused track leading to the west. > n Hills You're in some gently rolling hills that continue to the north and flatten out to the south. > n Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > nw Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > n In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > w Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > s Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > s In Front of West Crypt You're in front of a large crypt that's protected by a gate. However, the gate is open and you can see the staircase that descends into the crypt to the south. The cemetery is to the north and another crypt is to the east. You can see a guard here. > s The guard bows and says, "Welcome brother". West Crypt You're in an underground crypt that is well lit by the flickering flames of torches mounted in sconces along the east and west walls. A pentagram is inlaid on the floor of the crypt and some sort of ritual is taking place around the pentagram. There's a stone altar to the south, but you can't see what's behind it from here. You can leave the crypt by climbing the stairs to the north. Some hooded people are celebrating a black mass. You can also see an altar (on which is Uncle Bill's head) here. You aren't able to hide your aunt's head from the hooded people. As soon as they see it, they descend upon you and beat you to death. *** You have died *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > * I thought they wanted the head! Comment recorded. > drop head Dropped. > s The guard bows and says, "Welcome brother". West Crypt You're in an underground crypt that is well lit by the flickering flames of torches mounted in sconces along the east and west walls. A pentagram is inlaid on the floor of the crypt and some sort of ritual is taking place around the pentagram. There's a stone altar to the south, but you can't see what's behind it from here. You can leave the crypt by climbing the stairs to the north. Some hooded people are celebrating a black mass. You can also see an altar (on which is Uncle Bill's head) here. The hooded people are following one another around the pentagram in an anticlockwise direction. > * no more shotgun shells, alas Comment recorded. > x pentagram It's a five-pointed star inlaid on the floor of the crypt. The hooded people suddenly bow down, then continue their march. > x altar It's a stone altar that dominates the southern end of the crypt. On the altar is Uncle Bill's head. The hooded people are following one another around the pentagram in an anticlockwise direction. > x head You'd recognise the balding head, the bushy eyebrows and the deep jowls anywhere. It's the severed head of your Uncle Bill! It's remarkably well preserved, considering he's been dead for a month. His eyes seem to be watching you. Ooh, that's creepy! The hooded people are following one another around the pentagram in an anticlockwise direction. > s Behind Altar You're crouched behind an altar that's at the south end of a crypt. The main part of the crypt is to the north, where some sort of ritual is being performed by a group of hooded people. There's also a trapdoor in the floor behind the crypt. You can see a trapdoor and an altar (on which is Uncle Bill's head) here. > unlock trapdor Sorry, I don't understand what "trapdor" means. > unlock trapdoor You slide the bolt to unlock the trapdoor. > open it You open the trapdoor. > take head Taken. > d Underground Tunnel You're in a very dark and damp underground tunnel. The tunnel extends into the darkness to the east and there's a trapdoor in the ceiling overhead. You can see a trapdoor here. > e Underground Tunnel You're at a bend in a dark underground tunnel that heads off into the darkness to the northeast and west. It's really creepy. > ne Underground Tunnel You're at a bend in a long, dark underground tunnel. The two arms of the bend head off towards the east and southwest, but the the darkness prevents you seeing what's in those directions. It's cold and creepy down here. > e Underground Tunnel You're in a dark underground tunnel that disappears into the darkness to the west. The air is cool and you hear the occasional drip of water from the ceiling. The trapdoor to leave the tunnel is overhead. You can see a trapdoor here. > u Alchemy Laboratory The equipment scattered about leaves no doubt that this is a basement converted to an alchemy laboratory. You can go back up the stairs to return to the ground floor of the house or there's a trapdoor in the floor that leads to the underground tunnel. You can see a trapdoor, the dead witch and an alembic (which contains a yellow liquid) here. > lock trapdoor You'll have to close the trapdoor first. > close it You close the trapdoor. > lock it You slide the bolt to lock the trapdoor. > u Landing You're on a small landing midway down a flight of wooden stairs. You can follow them up to the ground floor of the house or down to the basement. > w You can't go that way. > u Pantry This is the pantry behind the kitchen. You enter it via the pantry door to the west, but you've rarely been in here because Aunt Clarissa used to keep the door locked. She said it was to stop you from pinching the food. The pantry is surrounded by shelves, apart from a gap where a stairway goes down to the basement. You were never allowed to go down there. Now you know why. You can see a freezer here. On the shelves you can see some dry goods. > w Kitchen You're in the kitchen. There's nothing here apart from the usual kitchen stuff and you have no interest in that. There's a pantry door to the east. Otherwise, you can leave the kitchen to the west. You can see a trunk and a cupboard here. > s You can't go that way. > w Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > s In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > i You're carrying Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a small key, a hairpin, a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a pair of pliers, a chain, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > * let's see, other locked stuff? Comment recorded. > w In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > e In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > n Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > w Library You're in a large room that's used as a library. This is where your aunt and uncle would rest after a hard day's work. A bookshelf against the far wall contains many volumes that they would read while relaxing with a nice a cup of tea. The exit from the library is to the east. You can see a desk and an armchair here. > unlock drawer You don't have the key. > score There is no score in this game. > e Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > i You're carrying Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a small key, a hairpin, a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a pair of pliers, a chain, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > w Library You're in a large room that's used as a library. This is where your aunt and uncle would rest after a hard day's work. A bookshelf against the far wall contains many volumes that they would read while relaxing with a nice a cup of tea. The exit from the library is to the east. You can see a desk and an armchair here. > pick lock (with the hairpin) You fiddle around with the hairpin for a few minutes until you hear a click. The drawer is now unlocked. > * aha! Comment recorded. > open drawer You open the drawer, revealing a spell book and a silver coin. > x silver It's your aunt's double-headed coin. She considered it to be very valuable and very lucky. > x spell It's a very old, leather-bound book with a funny symbol embossed on the cover. Maybe you should read it. > take coin The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. The kerosene can won't fit in your backpack. (putting the hairpin into the backpack to make room) Taken. > take spell The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. The kerosene can won't fit in your backpack. (putting the small key into the backpack to make room) Taken. > read it You flick through the pages, but it's all written in Latin. Your specialty is chess, not Latin. Although you did a little Latin at school, you thought it was boring and didn't pay attention. Now you're regretting it. Anyway, each page seems to be headed with the name of a magic spell. If you look up the name of a specific spell, you might have more luck, e.g. LOOK UP IN BOOK or READ IN BOOK or CONSULT BOOK ABOUT . > look up adulescens I think you wanted to say "look up something in something". Please try again. > look up adulescens in book You turn the pages until you come to the adulescens spell. It's written in Latin and there's no translation to English. As best as you can work out from your schoolboy Latin, it's something about making a sacrifice to gain youthfulness. The details of the spell are lost on you. > * So much for that Comment recorded. > e Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > i You're carrying a spell book, a silver coin, Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a chain, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > s In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > w In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > w Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > s Hills You're in some gently rolling hills that continue to the north and flatten out to the south. > n Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > n Gypsy Camp You're in a small gypsy camp. They've chosen a very pleasant spot to stay. There's only the one caravan to the east, but this appears to be guarded by an elderly man. You can leave the camp by going north, south or west. You can see an old gypsy man here. > give coin to man The old man bites the coin to make sure it's genuine, then ushers you towards the caravan. "You're free to see Esmeralda for as long as you like." > e Gypsy Caravan You find yourself inside a gypsy caravan. It's very confined, not just because of the small space, but because it's festooned with all manner of beads and tapestries and bunches of herbs. The exit from the caravan is to the west. You can see Esmeralda and a crystal ball here. Esmeralda says, "Good evening Sean." How does she know your name? "My name is Esmeralda. I see that you are troubled. If I can help you, just ask. I know about many things." > x ball It's a perfectly clear ball, about the size of a bowling ball. When you look into it, you expect to see the future, but you only see distorted reflections. > x esmeralda Esmeralda is a middle-aged woman draped in colourful scarves and beads. A wisp of grey hair poking out from under her scarves gives her a look of wisdom. > talk to her "Surely, you're not here to talk about the weather. Ask me about whatever troubles you." > ask her about aunt "Your Aunt Clarissa was a white witch. She was a good woman. I knew her well. We used to exchange herbal remedies. I sensed her life force dissipate on the full moon a few nights ago. But all is not lost. You can revive her with the expurgo spell." > ask her about uncle "Your Uncle Bill was a white witch or warlock, though he didn't practice witchcraft as often as your Aunt Clarissa. He was a hard-working man and preferred working on the farm than dabbling in witchcraft. He died under mysterious circumstances on the full moon about a month ago, but it's not too late to revive him with an expurgo spell." > ask her about expurgo "I'm a mere fortune teller, not a witch. I don't know the details of the expurgo spell, but I'm sure you can find it in a witch's spell book." > ask her about witch "Witches are normally depicted as women wearing a black cloak and pointed hat and flying on a broomstick. Bah! What bunkum! A witch is merely someone who practices witchcraft. There are white witches and black witches. Your aunt and uncle were white witches." > ask her about coven "I'm a fortune teller, not an encyclopedia. I don't know anything about that." > ask her about death "I'm a fortune teller, not an encyclopedia. I don't know anything about that." > look up expurgo in book You turn the pages until you come to the expurgo spell. It's written in Latin, so you can't read it, but there are some hand-written notes in the margin. It says, 'Used to restore life to a dead witch. 1. Pour holy water over witch's body. 2. Draw circle in crypt with raven's blood. 3. Write 'expurgo' on parchment in raven's blood. 4. Place parchment and head within circle and set alight.' > * OK easily doable I guess -- though needs to be in the crypt? Not sure how t Comment recorded. > * raven's blood, hug Comment recorded. > e You can't go that way. > s You can't go that way. > w Gypsy Camp You're in a small gypsy camp. They've chosen a very pleasant spot to stay. There's only the one caravan to the east, but this appears to be guarded by an elderly man. You can leave the camp by going north, south or west. You can see an old gypsy man here. > n Stream You're at a stream that blocks your path back to the farm. However, there are other ways to the south, west and southwest. > e You can't go that way. > sw Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > se Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > e In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > e In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > n Foyer This is the foyer, which is a fancy way of saying it's a short hallway at the entrance of the house. The hallway runs east to west and a staircase goes up to the first floor. If you want to leave the house, the front door is to the south. > s In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > e Hilly Territory You're in the desolate hills east of your aunt's house. The hills continue to the southeast. You can also see the glistening of moonlight reflected on water to the south. > n You can't go that way. > e You can't go that way. > se Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > i You're carrying a spell book, Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a chain, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a dagger, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > stab ravens with dagger But you are not holding the dagger. > take dagger Taken. > stab ravens with dagger The ravens flutter out of the way to avoid your attack, then settle back down again. > throw dagger at ravens In your bumbling effort to throw the dagger at the ravens, they take flight amidst a cacophony of shrill calls. When they realise there's no danger, they settle back down around the pond. > hit ravens with shovel The ravens flutter out of the way to avoid your attack, then settle back down again. > i You're carrying a spell book, Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a chain, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > x boar It's like a hairy, oversized pig with tusks. Fortunately for you, it's dead. > break can Use your brains, not your brawn, as you don't have much brawn to use. > open can You can't open that. > * can we poison them? Comment recorded. > x boar It's like a hairy, oversized pig with tusks. Fortunately for you, it's dead. > take tusks You can't see any such thing. > dig I think you wanted to say "dig something". Please try again. > dig ground Digging would achieve nothing here. > hint Do you have a use for ravens? You'll never catch one, but there are two ways to kill one. > hitn That's not a verb I recognise. > hint Do you have a use for ravens? You'll never catch one, but there are two ways to kill one. > hint Do you have a use for ravens? You'll never catch one, but there are two ways to kill one. > i You're carrying a spell book, Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a chain, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > hit raven with chain But you are not holding the chain. > take chain Taken. > hit raven with chain The ravens flutter out of the way to avoid your attack, then settle back down again. > hit raven The ravens flutter out of the way to avoid your attack, then settle back down again. > l Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see a dagger, some ravens and a dead boar here. > take dagger The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. The kerosene can won't fit in your backpack. Uncle Bill's head won't fit in your backpack. (putting the spell book into the backpack to make room) Taken. > throw chain at raven In your bumbling effort to throw the chain at the ravens, they take flight amidst a cacophony of shrill calls. When they realise there's no danger, they settle back down around the pond. > take chain Taken. > x pond You can't see any such thing. > l Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > i You're carrying a chain, a dagger, Uncle Bill's head, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a spell book, a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > s Country Path The path runs west and peters out towards the northeast. You can also head towards the hills to the north. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > w Country Path You're on a path that leads to your aunt's house towards the west and continues to the east. You can leave the path to the north and northeast. The woods to the south have recently been cleared, so you can also go that way. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > w Country Path You're at a bend on a country path that heads to the north and east. The area to the west is also flat, but this doesn't appear to be a path. There are woods to the south and southwest. > w Field You're on a field that continues to the west and peters out to the east. In the other directions, the field is bordered by brambles to the north and woods to the south, southeast and southwest. > w Field You're on a field located between the hills to the north and the woods to the south and southeast. The field continues towards the east and there's also a disused track leading to the west. > w In Front of Old Farmhouse You're facing an old farmhouse to the south. It's clearly been abandoned, as the door is boarded up and everything looks dilapidated. There's a broken window beside the door, but it's too dark to see inside. When you've finished exploring here, you can go east or southeast. > w You can't go that way. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > n You can't go that way. > se Woods The woods you're in continue to the east. They're very thick to the south, so you can't go that way. Through the trees, you can see a plain to the north and northeast and more flat ground towards the northwest. > n Field You're on a field located between the hills to the north and the woods to the south and southeast. The field continues towards the east and there's also a disused track leading to the west. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > n Hills You're in some gently rolling hills that continue to the north and flatten out to the south. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > n Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > w You can't go that way. > nw Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > n In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > n Inside Chapel You're inside a small chapel associated with the nearby cemetery. This is where people come for funeral services or to pray for their dearly departed. It's a very solemn place and you know not to run around in here. The chapel is dimly lit by the moonlight filtering in through the orange-tinted windows. You can leave the chapel to the south. You can see an altar, a stoup (which contains some holy water) and some pews here. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > s In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > s Meadow You find yourself in a picturesque meadow full of long grass and flowers. You can leave the meadow to the north, northeast, east or southeast. > n In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > w Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > s Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > hint Follow the steps in the relevant spell. > take body You're only a scrawny ten-year-old. You can't carry around dead bodies. > put head on body It would take a feat of magic to reattach a head to a dead body. > draw circle Not here. It must be done in a crypt. > e You can't go that way. > n Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > s Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > move body That would be less than courteous. > push body That would be less than courteous. > push body south Is that the best you can think of? > s In Front of West Crypt You're in front of a large crypt that's protected by a gate. However, the gate is open and you can see the staircase that descends into the crypt to the south. The cemetery is to the north and another crypt is to the east. You can see Aunt Clarissa's head and a guard here. > take head The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. The kerosene can won't fit in your backpack. Uncle Bill's head won't fit in your backpack. (putting the dagger into the backpack to make room) Taken. > s The guard bows and says, "Welcome brother". West Crypt You're in an underground crypt that is well lit by the flickering flames of torches mounted in sconces along the east and west walls. A pentagram is inlaid on the floor of the crypt and some sort of ritual is taking place around the pentagram. There's a stone altar to the south, but you can't see what's behind it from here. You can leave the crypt by climbing the stairs to the north. Some hooded people are celebrating a black mass. You can also see an altar here. You aren't able to hide your uncle's head from his adoring fans. As soon as they see it, they descend upon you and beat you to death. *** You have died *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE, UNDO the last move or QUIT? undo Previous turn undone. > n Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > drop head Do you mean Aunt Clarissa's head or Uncle Bill's head? > both That's not a verb I recognise. > drop autn Sorry, I don't understand what "autn" means. > drop aunt Dropped. > drop ncle Sorry, I don't understand what "ncle" means. > drop uncle Dropped. > s In Front of West Crypt You're in front of a large crypt that's protected by a gate. However, the gate is open and you can see the staircase that descends into the crypt to the south. The cemetery is to the north and another crypt is to the east. You can see a guard here. > s The guard bows and says, "Welcome brother". West Crypt You're in an underground crypt that is well lit by the flickering flames of torches mounted in sconces along the east and west walls. A pentagram is inlaid on the floor of the crypt and some sort of ritual is taking place around the pentagram. There's a stone altar to the south, but you can't see what's behind it from here. You can leave the crypt by climbing the stairs to the north. Some hooded people are celebrating a black mass. You can also see an altar here. The hooded people suddenly bow down, then continue their march. > n In Front of West Crypt You're in front of a large crypt that's protected by a gate. However, the gate is open and you can see the staircase that descends into the crypt to the south. The cemetery is to the north and another crypt is to the east. You can see a guard here. > n Among Tombstones You're among a maze of tombstones in the working class part of the cemetery. The more exclusive part of the cemetery is to the south or you can leave the cemetery to the north. You can see Uncle Bill's head, Aunt Clarissa's head, a lid, a coffin (which contains Uncle Bill's body), Uncle Bill's tombstone and Uncle Bill's grave here. > e You can't go that way. > n Country Cemetery You're in the northern part of the local cemetery. This part of the cemetery is adorned with well-maintained lawns and rose gardens. Further to the south are the graves and tombstones. You can leave the cemetery to the east. > e In Front of Chapel You're in front of a chapel in the middle of the countryside. It's an idyllic location with a stream to the east and a meadow to the south. The chapel itself is to the north and the local cemetery is to the west. > hint Examine everything you find and draw a map. > e Stream You're at a stream that blocks your path back to the farm. However, there are other ways to the south, west and southwest. > e You can't go that way. > i You're carrying a chain, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a dagger, a spell book, a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > s Gypsy Camp You're in a small gypsy camp. They've chosen a very pleasant spot to stay. There's only the one caravan to the east, but this appears to be guarded by an elderly man. You can leave the camp by going north, south or west. You can see an old gypsy man here. > e Gypsy Caravan You find yourself inside a gypsy caravan. It's very confined, not just because of the small space, but because it's festooned with all manner of beads and tapestries and bunches of herbs. The exit from the caravan is to the west. You can see Esmeralda and a crystal ball here. Esmeralda says, "Welcome back, Sean. What can I do for you this time?" > e You can't go that way. > ask her about raven You can't see "her" (Uncle Bill's body) at the moment. > ask woman about ravens "Crows and ravens are believed to be magical creatures in many cultures. They're associated with witchcraft, death and spirits, probably because they're often seen eating dead animals." > w Gypsy Camp You're in a small gypsy camp. They've chosen a very pleasant spot to stay. There's only the one caravan to the east, but this appears to be guarded by an elderly man. You can leave the camp by going north, south or west. You can see an old gypsy man here. > s Hills You're in the hills west of the farm. The hills continue to the south, otherwise you can go north or northwest or return to the farm to the east. > e In Front of Barn You're in front of the old barn on Aunt Clarissa's farm. You can enter the barn to the south, leave the farm to the west or return to the house to the east. > e In Front of House You're in front of Aunt Clarissa's house, where a long path begins and heads off in a southerly direction. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can head to the hills to the east or continue exploring the farm to the west. Oh, and the entrance to the house is to the north. > e Hilly Territory You're in the desolate hills east of your aunt's house. The hills continue to the southeast. You can also see the glistening of moonlight reflected on water to the south. > n You can't go that way. > e You can't go that way. > n You can't go that way. > ne You can't go that way. > se Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > e In Front of Cabin You're in front of an old log cabin used by hunters. The entrance to the cabin is via a door to the south. Otherwise, you can follow a path to the southwest or venture into the hills to the west. > w Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > i You're carrying a chain, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a dagger, a spell book, a small key, a hairpin, a pair of pliers, a claw hammer, a screwdriver, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > put hairpin in boar But you are not holding the hairpin. > take hairpin Taken. > put hairpin on boar Try giving it instead. > give hairpin to boar In case you didn't notice, it's dead. > * maybe they'll choke on it? Comment recorded. > burn kerosene (with the lit torch) Are you crazy? You'd blow yourself to kingdom come! Pour it out of the can first. > pour kerosene Don't waste the kerosene. You might need it later. > open can with pliers But you are not holding the pliers. > take pliers Taken. > open can with pliers You can't unlock that. > open can with screwdriver But you are not holding the screwdriver. > take screwdriver The jug won't fit in your backpack. The pitchfork won't fit in your backpack. The bolt cutters won't fit in your backpack. The shotgun won't fit in your backpack. The shovel won't fit in your backpack. The kerosene can won't fit in your backpack. (putting the chain into the backpack to make room) Taken. > open can with screwdriver You can't unlock that. > take cutters You already have them. > open can with cutters You can't unlock that. > l Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > i You're carrying a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a hairpin, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a chain, a dagger, a spell book, a small key, a claw hammer, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). > x shotgun It's a dual-barrel shotgun used for hunting ducks and turkeys and things like that. It's not currently loaded. > burn ravens This dangerous act would achieve little. > open can with pitchfork You can't unlock that. > pierce can with pitchfork That's not a verb I recognise. > stab can with pitchfork Use your brains, not your brawn, as you don't have much brawn to use. > stab ravens with pitchfork The ravens flutter out of the way to avoid your attack, then settle back down again. > l Between Hills You find yourself between a couple of low-lying hills. You can see that the hills continue to the northwest and there's a low lying depression to the west. You know from experience that a path skirts the hills to the southwest, south and east. You can see some ravens and a dead boar here. > save Ok. > i You're carrying a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a hairpin, a torch (providing light), a hood (worn), a kerosene can, a shovel, a shotgun, a pair of bolt cutters, a pitchfork, a backpack (worn) (which contains a chain, a dagger, a spell book, a small key, a claw hammer, a matchbox, a packet of painkillers, a quill, a parchment, some wooden pins and a rusty key), a jug, a pair of sneakers (worn) and your judo kimono (worn). >