Zoom
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- start -
When the seventh day comes and it is time for you to return to the castle in the forest, your sisters cling to your sleeves.
"Don't go back," they say, and "When will we ever see you again?" But you imagine they will find consolation somewhere.
Your father hangs back, silent and moody. He has spent the week as far from you as possible, working until late at night. Now he speaks only to ask whether the Beast treated you "properly." Since he obviously has his own ideas about what must have taken place over the past few years, you do not reply beyond a shrug.
You breathe more easily once you're back in the forest, alone.
Bronze
A fractured fairy tale by Emily Short
Release 12 / Serial number 121231 / Inform 7 build 6K11 (I6/v6.33 lib 6/12N) SD
Have you played interactive fiction before? >
When the seventh day comes and it is time for you to return to the castle in the forest, your sisters cling to your sleeves.
"Don't go back," they say, and "When will we ever see you again?" But you imagine they will find consolation somewhere.
Your father hangs back, silent and moody. He has spent the week as far from you as possible, working until late at night. Now he speaks only to ask whether the Beast treated you "properly." Since he obviously has his own ideas about what must have taken place over the past few years, you do not reply beyond a shrug.
You breathe more easily once you're back in the forest, alone.
Bronze
A fractured fairy tale by Emily Short
Release 11 / Serial number 060508 / Inform 7 build 3L03 (I6/v6.30 lib 6/10N) SD
Have you played interactive fiction before? >
YES
YES
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yes
If you have not played Bronze before, you may still want to type HELP to learn about special commands unique to this game.
Drawbridge
Even in your short absence, the castle has come to look strange to you again. When you came here first, you stood a long while on the drawbridge, unready to cross the moat, for fear of the spells that might bind you if you did. This time it is too late to worry about such things.
An iron-barred gate leads north.
>
If you have not played Bronze before, you may still want to type HELP to learn about special commands unique to this game.
Drawbridge
Even in your short absence, the castle has come to look strange to you again. When you came here first, you stood a long while on the drawbridge, unready to cross the moat, for fear of the spells that might bind you if you did. This time it is too late to worry about such things.
An iron-barred gate leads north.
>
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gonear stone bench
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
On the stone bench are some discarded embroidery materials.
>
YES
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YES
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sit on bench
You settle uneasily onto the bench, recalling its ghostly former user.
>
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YES
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look
Walk's End (on the stone bench)
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
On the stone bench you can see some discarded embroidery materials.
>
YES
NO
YES
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get up
You get off the stone bench.
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
On the stone bench are some discarded embroidery materials.
>
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n
From here, you can head northwest, south, and west.
>
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w
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
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YES
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w
You find your way blocked by a phantom guard. Somewhere nearby you hear chimes.
As soon as you back up, he disperses into smoke again.
>
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YES
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e
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
On the stone bench are some discarded embroidery materials.
>
YES
NO
YES
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w
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
YES
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w
Again the sound of chimes, and the phantom guard that blocks your path. Somewhere there must be a ringer summoning him, protecting the State Rooms.
You have never known the Beast to put up guards before. It has always been enough for him to guard the rooms himself.
>
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YES
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w
The chime summons the phantom guard again, preventing you from making any progress. If you cannot find and silence it, you will not be able to get into the State Rooms; it must be around somewhere.
>
YES
NO
YES
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w
You find your way blocked by a phantom guard. Somewhere nearby you hear chimes.
As soon as you back up, he disperses into smoke again.
>
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YES
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x north
The rose garden looks better from the comfort of the walk: a pretty riot of petals and vines, but the smell dulled.
>
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YES
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look north
The rose garden looks better from the comfort of the walk: a pretty riot of petals and vines, but the smell dulled.
>
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YES
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gonear mirrors
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
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YES
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s
You step out into the rain.
Gilded Balcony
A ridiculous filigreed balcony that is like nothing so much as a birdcage: and from here you can see all the way across the moat, across the forest, the plain, to the edge of the sea, only by staring long enough in any direction.
When you first came here, the balcony was full of plants in pots: poison oak, nettles, nightshade, datura. "They grow best here," he explained. "Don't touch them." And he took them away, and you have never seen them again since.
>
YES
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x plain
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
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YES
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x sea
If you look long enough, your vision expands until you can see the ocean, grey and clouded with storms, that took your father's livelihood and brought your family to ruin.
>
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YES
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x cage
You can't see any such thing.
>
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gonear cage
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby a small door leads east.
>
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YES
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x cage
Made of broad strap-like bars of metal, as thick as a man's belt, and heavily reinforced. Here and there are marks where someone would seem to have made an attempt to break in. In the cage are the sceptre, the puzzle piece, and the pair of cloven shoes.
>
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purloin small key
[Purloined.]
>
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YES
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purloin large key
I only understood you as far as wanting to purloin large bed.
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YES
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purloin iron key
[Purloined.]
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YES
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purloin ivory key
[Purloined.]
>
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drop ivory
You set down the ivory key.
>
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look
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby a small door leads east.
You can also see an ivory key here.
>
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NO
YES
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i
You are carrying:
an iron key
a small key (which opens the small door)
>
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get key
(the ivory key)
You acquire the ivory key, and assess it curiously.
It is not all ivory, of course, just a metal shaft with ivory in the handle.
>
YES
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YES
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gonear shackle
Empty Bedroom
Like a monk's chamber compared to every other part of the palace, just bare walls now. Here your father stayed, when he made his ill-fated journey to the castle. The Beast told you this, on your first visit.
On the wall, as a curio, hangs an open shackle -- sign of the only person ever to have escaped the power of this place.
>
YES
NO
YES
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novice mode on
Novice mode is now on.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
take the shackle
examine (X) yourself, the small key, the shackle and the iron key
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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get shackle
You acquire the shackle, and assess it curiously.
Your father claims to have been chained up, but the Beast never made the least effort to restrain you with chains or bars. On the contrary-- but that remains a puzzle.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: A curious object, a broken shackle. Nowhere else in the castle are there any chains or ropes or devices of torture; there has never been a need for such physical coercion...
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
examine (X) yourself, the small key and the iron key
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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purloin girdle
Which do you mean, Wedding Treasure or the magic girdle?
>
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YES
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magic
[Purloined.]
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
examine (X) yourself, the small key, the iron key and the magic girdle
wear the magic girdle
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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i
You are carrying:
a magic girdle
a shackle
an ivory key
an iron key
a small key (which opens the small door)
To get rid of any of these objects, drop it, or take off anything you are wearing.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
examine (X) yourself, the small key (which opens the small door),
wear the magic girdle
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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wear girdle
You put on the girdle, securing it around you. It fits unexpectedly well.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
examine (X) yourself, the small key, the iron key and the magic girdle
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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gonear sinister
Darkness
>--> A mistake in the source ("Source story ni", line 895) meant that argument 0 had the wrong type.
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, muted, nearby.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
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gonear roses
Which do you mean, the rose or the north window?
>
YES
NO
YES
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gonear chimes
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
take the iron windchimes
examine (X) yourself, the rose, the iron windchimes, the small key, the iron key and the magic girdle
lock or unlock the iron windchimes
go south or southeast or down or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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d
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from rose garden, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
inventory (I)
go up or try other directions in the dark
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
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u
You climb into the pale light...
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
inventory (I)
take the iron windchimes
examine (X) yourself, the rose, the iron windchimes, the small key, the iron key and the magic girdle
lock or unlock the iron windchimes
go south or southeast or down or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
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gonear stand
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
>
YES
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YES
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hint about stand
Try examining the book return stand.
>
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YES
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x stand
Carvings around the outer edge of the stand indicate how one should use it: a small tonsured figure places a book on the stand, then rings a bell; whereupon a librarian, bearing the traditional shackles and sheets of a ghost, appears to take it away.
>
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NO
YES
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hint about stand
The stand is here to allow you to get things shelved in the Lie Library.
Shall I go on? >
YES
NO
YES
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no
>
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YES
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credits
> Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
Credits
Contacting the Author
YES
NO
YES
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n
Introduction to Bronze
> Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
Credits
Contacting the Author
Introduction to Bronze
> Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
Credits
Contacting the Author
YES
NO
YES
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n
Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
> Special Commands In Bronze
Credits
Contacting the Author
Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
> Special Commands In Bronze
Credits
Contacting the Author
YES
NO
YES
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n
Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
> Credits
Contacting the Author
Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
> Credits
Contacting the Author
YES
NO
YES
-
Inform 7 is the work of Graham Nelson, and Bronze was compiled using Andrew Hunter's compiler for Mac OS X.
Admiral Jota, Dan Shiovitz, and David Welbourn offered some beta-testing corrections on an early prototype version of Bronze. The fuller version of the game was beta-tested by Annette Edelman, Michael Gentry, Dene Goodman, Yoon Ha Lee, Nick Montfort, Brian Rapp, and Dan Shiovitz. Bugs corrected after the first public release were submitted by Paul Trembath, Samuel Bronson, Christopher Tate, Brian Campbell.
Novice-friendly features are designed based on observations of frequent errors in logs of phpZork, rec.arts.int-fiction posts from players, and some analysis of novice transcripts by Aaron Reed.
Please press SPACE to continue.
YES
YES
YES
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Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
> Credits
Contacting the Author
Introduction to Bronze
Instructions for Playing IF in General
Special Commands In Bronze
> Credits
Contacting the Author
YES
NO
YES
-
q
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
version
Bronze
A fractured fairy tale by Emily Short
Release 11 / Serial number 060425 / Inform 7 build 3K10 (I6/v6.30 lib 6/10N) SD
Identification number: //1810847C-0DC7-44D5-94EF-313A3E7AF257//
Standard interpreter 1.1 (3Z) / Library serial number 991113
Standard Rules version 1/060327 by Graham Nelson
Locksmith by Emily Short
Case Management by Emily Short
Basic Screen Effects version 2 by Emily Short
Menus version 3 by Emily Short
Basic Help Menu by Emily Short
>
YES
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YES
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n
(first opening the iron-barred gate)
You shouldn't be able to open it, heavy as it is, but it swings aside lightly at your touch. The Beast said that it knows friend from enemy; and the castle, at least, still regards you as friend.
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace, and no one is waiting for you here; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
look south
Your view is obscured.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
s
Drawbridge
There is little enough purpose in loitering outside: He and his servants never come out here, and whatever you must do, you will have to do within.
An iron-barred gate leads north to the entrance hall.
>
YES
YES
YES
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look north
Your view is obscured.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look sw
You make out the guard tower that way, still unexplored since your return to the castle.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
w
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
"You can leave at any time," he said, when he first spoke to you. You stared at him, surprised that someone with his face and teeth was capable of human communication. "Would you like to go?"
There are other memories, more recent, of course. Every glance around the room reminds you of a different one.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look w
You make out the enormous kitchen that way, still unexplored since your return to the castle.
>
YES
YES
YES
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w
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I'm surprised you haven't gone home yet," he said very early in your stay.
"I've heard stories," you replied. "As if there weren't enough to see around the castle. I know what happens to your servants who try to leave you."
"Nothing bad would happen to you," he said. But you could not believe him, not with all the captured spirits, not with the stories, not with the evidence around the castle.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look w
You make out the enormous kitchen that way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
w
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
YES
YES
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look n
You make out the servant quarters that way, still unexplored since your return to the castle.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
Servant Quarters
You've never come here before, and now you see why. Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look d
It's too dim to see much that way, though there is open space.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
d
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the servant quarters, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the northeast.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look ne
You can't see anything promising that way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
u
Servant Quarters
Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
s
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"And now -- would you like to go home?"
You bit your lip. It had been a pleasant conversation, up until now, when you are reminded: however nicely he may behave, he is still the king of a cursed line, and not to be trusted.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
You find your way blocked by a phantom guard. Somewhere nearby you hear chimes.
As soon as you back up, he disperses into smoke again.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look n
You see into the law library: rows of books, augustness and age. The place always gave you from the creeps, but from the outside it's not quite so bad.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look n
It is still, as always, raining in the central courtyard: the only thing that ever changes is how hard it rains, how swiftly the water runs from the gutters and pools in the gravel, the angle at which the droplets come in.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
It was here that you first laid eyes on the Beast: emerging from the State Rooms, snarling. He seemed angry at you for coming, even though you had had no choice. Or perhaps (you thought) he was simply violent. You did not run.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look e
A handsome staircase designed by an Italian engineer in the 16th century.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
u
From here, you can head north, south, and east.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
u
Upstairs Helical Staircase
In this spot, you fell and almost broke your leg -- or some other more valuable part of you -- except that He caught you.
But you are alone now, and therefore cautious.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
u
From here, you can head east and down.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look s
The bedroom -- your bedroom -- glitters and sparkles at you. You can imagine what your father and sisters would say about the fact that you sleep amid such luxury. Like a kept woman.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look w
You make out the upstairs helical staircase that way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look se
You make out the empty bedroom that way, still unexplored since your return to the castle.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look sw
You make out the green bedroom that way, still unexplored since your return to the castle.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
sw
Green Bedroom
Having more personality than most of the bedrooms, it was decorated for someone specific and has been left that way: green and white, with a simple rustic cast unusual for the palace.
The chief exception is the royal portrait on the wall.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
ne
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
s
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
se
Empty Bedroom
Like a monk's chamber compared to every other part of the palace, just bare walls now. Here your father stayed, when he made his ill-fated journey to the castle. The Beast told you this, on your first visit.
On the wall, as a curio, hangs an open shackle -- sign of the only person ever to have escaped the power of this place.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
nw
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
(first opening the heavy door)
You get far enough to glimpse an open heavy door before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look n
Your view is obscured.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
undo
Drawbridge
[Previous turn undone.]
>
YES
NO
YES
-
rules
Rules tracing now switched on. Type "rules off" to switch it off again, or "rules all" to include even rules which do not apply.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
n
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 16885)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 17003)" applies.]
(first opening the iron-barred gate)
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 20059)" applies.]
You shouldn't be able to open it, heavy as it is, but it swings aside lightly at your touch. The Beast said that it knows friend from enemy; and the castle, at least, still regards you as friend.
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 20669)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 20245)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 20669)" applies.]
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace, and no one is waiting for you here; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
[Rule "(rule at address 21075)" applies.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
rules off
Rules tracing now switched off. Type "rules" to switch it on again.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x me
You are nontrivially the worse for your journey -- hungry, dirty, and tired. But all that can be seen to later.
>
Exploring the castle
You are nontrivially the worse for your journey -- hungry, dirty, and tired. But all that can be seen to later.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying nothing.
>
You are carrying nothing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
north
(first opening the iron-barred gate)
You shouldn't be able to open it, heavy as it is, but it swings aside lightly at your touch. The Beast said that it knows friend from enemy; and the castle, at least, still regards you as friend.
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace, and no one is waiting for you here; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
(first opening the iron-barred gate)
You shouldn't be able to open it, heavy as it is, but it swings aside lightly at your touch. The Beast said that it knows friend from enemy; and the castle, at least, still regards you as friend.
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace, and no one is waiting for you here; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x sign
You know the words by heart, having heard them first from your father, and then studied them yourself on many more recent occasions.
You read: Those who seek to leave the castle depart at peril of their lives and souls, unless another servant be provided in exchange, or a fixed term of absence be granted by their master.
>
You know the words by heart, having heard them first from your father, and then studied them yourself on many more recent occasions.
You read: Those who seek to leave the castle depart at peril of their lives and souls, unless another servant be provided in exchange, or a fixed term of absence be granted by their master.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Guard Tower
A round tower offering protection to the drawbridge.
>
Guard Tower
A round tower offering protection to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
"You can leave at any time," he said, when he first spoke to you. You stared at him, surprised that someone with his face and teeth was capable of human communication. "Would you like to go?"
There are other memories, more recent, of course. Every glance around the room reminds you of a different one.
>
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
"You can leave at any time," he said, when he first spoke to you. You stared at him, surprised that someone with his face and teeth was capable of human communication. "Would you like to go?"
There are other memories, more recent, of course. Every glance around the room reminds you of a different one.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Servant Quarters
You've never come here before, and now you see why. Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
Servant Quarters
You've never come here before, and now you see why. Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I'm surprised you haven't gone home yet," he said very early in your stay.
"I've heard stories," you replied. "As if there weren't enough to see around the castle. I know what happens to your servants who try to leave you."
"Nothing bad would happen to you," he said. But you could not believe him, not with all the captured spirits, not with the stories, not with the evidence around the castle.
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I'm surprised you haven't gone home yet," he said very early in your stay.
"I've heard stories," you replied. "As if there weren't enough to see around the castle. I know what happens to your servants who try to leave you."
"Nothing bad would happen to you," he said. But you could not believe him, not with all the captured spirits, not with the stories, not with the evidence around the castle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
You find your way blocked by a phantom guard. Somewhere nearby you hear chimes.
As soon as you back up, he disperses into smoke again.
>
You find your way blocked by a phantom guard. Somewhere nearby you hear chimes.
As soon as you back up, he disperses into smoke again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby a small door leads east.
>
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby a small door leads east.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x cage
Made of broad strap-like bars of metal, as thick as a man's belt, and heavily reinforced. Here and there are marks where someone would seem to have made an attempt to break in. In the cage are the sceptre, the puzzle piece, and the pair of cloven shoes.
>
Made of broad strap-like bars of metal, as thick as a man's belt, and heavily reinforced. Here and there are marks where someone would seem to have made an attempt to break in. In the cage are the sceptre, the puzzle piece, and the pair of cloven shoes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x sceptre
Formerly belonging to Queen Ingratitudina the First (so he said), only slightly bent where she used it to strike King Cophetua.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: Studded with measly turquoises and semi-precious stones.
>
Formerly belonging to Queen Ingratitudina the First (so he said), only slightly bent where she used it to strike King Cophetua.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: Studded with measly turquoises and semi-precious stones.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x shoes
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
open cage
(first unlocking the iron cage)
You lack a key that fits the iron cage.
>
(first unlocking the iron cage)
You lack a key that fits the iron cage.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
open door
(first unlocking the small door)
You lack a key that fits the small door.
>
(first unlocking the small door)
You lack a key that fits the small door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
se
Scarlet Tower
A little hexagonal room, from whose narrow window you can see the moat, the lawn, and the beginning of the forest outside.
On the windowsill, a helmet waits, for the use of the sentry.
>
Scarlet Tower
A little hexagonal room, from whose narrow window you can see the moat, the lawn, and the beginning of the forest outside.
On the windowsill, a helmet waits, for the use of the sentry.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look through window
Beyond a short stretch of clear ground, the forest grows thick and uninhabited for many miles.
>
Beyond a short stretch of clear ground, the forest grows thick and uninhabited for many miles.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x forest
Beyond a short stretch of clear ground, the forest grows thick and uninhabited for many miles.
>
Beyond a short stretch of clear ground, the forest grows thick and uninhabited for many miles.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get helmet
You acquire the helmet, and assess it curiously.
A very old helmet that you have seen the Beast wear (and quite foolish it looked, perched on a head it no longer fits: it would suit your head better). He told you once that the helmet was for night watchmen, scouts, and guards, to increase their vigilance and strengthen their hearing.
Lines of writing arc over each ear, but you do not know the language in question.
>
You acquire the helmet, and assess it curiously.
A very old helmet that you have seen the Beast wear (and quite foolish it looked, perched on a head it no longer fits: it would suit your head better). He told you once that the helmet was for night watchmen, scouts, and guards, to increase their vigilance and strengthen their hearing.
Lines of writing arc over each ear, but you do not know the language in question.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
read writing
Lines of writing arc over each ear, but you do not know the language in question.
>
Lines of writing arc over each ear, but you do not know the language in question.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wear helmet
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
>
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
listen
You hear your own steady breathing.
>
You hear your own steady breathing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Gallery of Historical Paintings
Here on the north wall and the south are paintings of historical events from times past: the assassination of King Elzibad in 1248; the arrival of Princess Lucrezia from the Italian State of Medici-Credenza in 1545.
The gallery goes on, echoing, both east and west.
>
Gallery of Historical Paintings
Here on the north wall and the south are paintings of historical events from times past: the assassination of King Elzibad in 1248; the arrival of Princess Lucrezia from the Italian State of Medici-Credenza in 1545.
The gallery goes on, echoing, both east and west.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x elzibad
You see his pointy-slippered attendants wringing their hands, his wife wiping her eyes on an ermine muff, peasants grieving.
Of Elzibad himself, there is only a pair of blackened feet, sticking out from under the elephant.
>
You see his pointy-slippered attendants wringing their hands, his wife wiping her eyes on an ermine muff, peasants grieving.
Of Elzibad himself, there is only a pair of blackened feet, sticking out from under the elephant.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x lucrezia
Lucrezia wears silk the pale blue of the morning sky, and her eyes are little currants of malice.
>
Lucrezia wears silk the pale blue of the morning sky, and her eyes are little currants of malice.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Room with the Labyrinth Floor
A mosaic floor of black and white, like that of cathedrals, as protection against the spite of the undead: which protection might often have been needed, by those that dwelt here in former times. The way down is at the center of the maze.
He's not down here, then, in the east wing.
Perhaps he's in one of the side rooms you've not visited yet...?
>
Room with the Labyrinth Floor
A mosaic floor of black and white, like that of cathedrals, as protection against the spite of the undead: which protection might often have been needed, by those that dwelt here in former times. The way down is at the center of the maze.
He's not down here, then, in the east wing.
Perhaps he's in one of the side rooms you've not visited yet...?
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x maze
The maze doesn't look uncrossable by you. You step forward and look down into the room below, but it is too dark to see much.
>
The maze doesn't look uncrossable by you. You step forward and look down into the room below, but it is too dark to see much.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the room with the labyrinth floor, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location.
>
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the room with the labyrinth floor, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
u
Room with the Labyrinth Floor
A mosaic floor of black and white, like that of cathedrals, as protection against the spite of the undead: which protection might often have been needed, by those that dwelt here in former times. The way down is at the center of the maze.
>
Room with the Labyrinth Floor
A mosaic floor of black and white, like that of cathedrals, as protection against the spite of the undead: which protection might often have been needed, by those that dwelt here in former times. The way down is at the center of the maze.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Gallery of Historical Paintings
Here on the north wall and the south are paintings of historical events from times past: the assassination of King Elzibad in 1248; the arrival of Princess Lucrezia from the Italian State of Medici-Credenza in 1545.
The gallery goes on, echoing, both east and west.
>
Gallery of Historical Paintings
Here on the north wall and the south are paintings of historical events from times past: the assassination of King Elzibad in 1248; the arrival of Princess Lucrezia from the Italian State of Medici-Credenza in 1545.
The gallery goes on, echoing, both east and west.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
It was here that you first laid eyes on the Beast: emerging from the State Rooms, snarling. He seemed angry at you for coming, even though you had had no choice. Or perhaps (you thought) he was simply violent. You did not run.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
It was here that you first laid eyes on the Beast: emerging from the State Rooms, snarling. He seemed angry at you for coming, even though you had had no choice. Or perhaps (you thought) he was simply violent. You did not run.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Again the sound of chimes, and the phantom guard that blocks your path. Somewhere there must be a ringer summoning him, protecting the State Rooms.
You have never known the Beast to put up guards before. It has always been enough for him to guard the rooms himself.
>
Again the sound of chimes, and the phantom guard that blocks your path. Somewhere there must be a ringer summoning him, protecting the State Rooms.
You have never known the Beast to put up guards before. It has always been enough for him to guard the rooms himself.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
listen to chimes
Even your own breathing is magnified when you wear the helmet, so you must concentrate past it...
The chimes sound randomly, but not unpleasantly. It is only if you listen for a long time that they begin to remind you of a warning or a threat.
>
Even your own breathing is magnified when you wear the helmet, so you must concentrate past it...
The chimes sound randomly, but not unpleasantly. It is only if you listen for a long time that they begin to remind you of a warning or a threat.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
Upstairs. That must be the solution. You'll find him up there, and everything will go back to normal; as it always does after a fight or disagreement or odd patch. Sooner or later things just right themselves and resume as they have always gone.
>
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
Upstairs. That must be the solution. You'll find him up there, and everything will go back to normal; as it always does after a fight or disagreement or odd patch. Sooner or later things just right themselves and resume as they have always gone.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x gargoyle
He came up while you were bent over the gargoyle, trying to lift it. "Taking that back to your room?" he asked slyly. "It won't work, but if you're lacking companionship I could find an appropriate servant to see to your needs."
You felt yourself blush. "It's ugly," you said. "I wanted to move it."
"Oh. You can't." He frowned at it. "It is a remnant, left here by an angry soul who managed to take some revenge despite his enslavement. There are a few others around, mostly in the crypt. They're immovable, but harmless."
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: Not too large, but stunningly ugly: a stone about the size of an apple, carved into a monster with outsized ears and eyes -- not to mention outsized attributes elsewhere.
>
He came up while you were bent over the gargoyle, trying to lift it. "Taking that back to your room?" he asked slyly. "It won't work, but if you're lacking companionship I could find an appropriate servant to see to your needs."
You felt yourself blush. "It's ugly," you said. "I wanted to move it."
"Oh. You can't." He frowned at it. "It is a remnant, left here by an angry soul who managed to take some revenge despite his enslavement. There are a few others around, mostly in the crypt. They're immovable, but harmless."
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: Not too large, but stunningly ugly: a stone about the size of an apple, carved into a monster with outsized ears and eyes -- not to mention outsized attributes elsewhere.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get it
It still doesn't budge, and -- you rather think -- it never will.
>
It still doesn't budge, and -- you rather think -- it never will.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
up
Upstairs Helical Staircase
In this spot, you fell and almost broke your leg -- or some other more valuable part of you -- except that He caught you.
But you are alone now, and therefore cautious.
>
Upstairs Helical Staircase
In this spot, you fell and almost broke your leg -- or some other more valuable part of you -- except that He caught you.
But you are alone now, and therefore cautious.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x puzzle
His latest offering: he brings you all the most innocent toys he can find, to occupy your time and make you less miserable. This one is nearly finished, missing only one piece that neither of you could ever find.
>
His latest offering: he brings you all the most innocent toys he can find, to occupy your time and make you less miserable. This one is nearly finished, missing only one piece that neither of you could ever find.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look under table
You have looked, many times. The trouble is, the floorboards aren't very well-fitted, and the piece could easily have fallen through to the room below.
>
You have looked, many times. The trouble is, the floorboards aren't very well-fitted, and the piece could easily have fallen through to the room below.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Green Bedroom
Having more personality than most of the bedrooms, it was decorated for someone specific and has been left that way: green and white, with a simple rustic cast unusual for the palace.
The chief exception is the royal portrait on the wall.
>
Green Bedroom
Having more personality than most of the bedrooms, it was decorated for someone specific and has been left that way: green and white, with a simple rustic cast unusual for the palace.
The chief exception is the royal portrait on the wall.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Green Bedroom
Having more personality than most of the bedrooms, it was decorated for someone specific and has been left that way: green and white, with a simple rustic cast unusual for the palace.
The chief exception is the royal portrait on the wall.
>
Green Bedroom
Having more personality than most of the bedrooms, it was decorated for someone specific and has been left that way: green and white, with a simple rustic cast unusual for the palace.
The chief exception is the royal portrait on the wall.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x portrait
"That was me," he told you. "Before I was changed. Do you think I was handsome?"
You shrugged. Handsome, yes, but proud, selfish, resentful, perhaps cruel. "The painter did not do justice to your personality," you replied.
"You're wrong," he said. "And I put the painting here to punish the woman who slept here. She treated me with justice, and I could not forgive her."
He refused to tell you the rest. "You like me more than you should, and trust me less," he said. "If I told you the rest of this particular story, you would neither trust nor like. There, that's a warning for you."
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: A portrait of a young, arrogant king: not a prince, but one who inherited early and used his power from the beginning. He stares out with bitterness, perhaps even resentment.
>
"That was me," he told you. "Before I was changed. Do you think I was handsome?"
You shrugged. Handsome, yes, but proud, selfish, resentful, perhaps cruel. "The painter did not do justice to your personality," you replied.
"You're wrong," he said. "And I put the painting here to punish the woman who slept here. She treated me with justice, and I could not forgive her."
He refused to tell you the rest. "You like me more than you should, and trust me less," he said. "If I told you the rest of this particular story, you would neither trust nor like. There, that's a warning for you."
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: A portrait of a young, arrogant king: not a prince, but one who inherited early and used his power from the beginning. He stares out with bitterness, perhaps even resentment.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x mirrors
You learned, long ago, that the mirrors would keep him away; and then, when you had less need to keep him at bay, you kept them anyway, so as not to disturb him by returning them to the rest of the palace.
>
You learned, long ago, that the mirrors would keep him away; and then, when you had less need to keep him at bay, you kept them anyway, so as not to disturb him by returning them to the rest of the palace.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look in mirrors
You look and see yourself, scratched and dirty from the long journey; and remember...
He stood in the doorway, amused. "You look displeased."
You, holding wide brocaded skirts. "They're very rich and very beautiful and much too fancy for me."
"And?"
"And--" You glanced down at them. "And they would have been out of fashion on my grandmother!"
"Which is the last time the servants had a chance to practice making gowns," he said. "Do you mind? There is no one to see you but me, and I assure you that my knowledge of current Parisian fashion is nonexistent..."
>
You look and see yourself, scratched and dirty from the long journey; and remember...
He stood in the doorway, amused. "You look displeased."
You, holding wide brocaded skirts. "They're very rich and very beautiful and much too fancy for me."
"And?"
"And--" You glanced down at them. "And they would have been out of fashion on my grandmother!"
"Which is the last time the servants had a chance to practice making gowns," he said. "Do you mind? There is no one to see you but me, and I assure you that my knowledge of current Parisian fashion is nonexistent..."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
You step out into the rain; the fat droplets sound like hail on the surface of your helmet.
Gilded Balcony
A ridiculous filigreed balcony that is like nothing so much as a birdcage: and from here you can see all the way across the moat, across the forest, the plain, to the edge of the sea, only by staring long enough in any direction.
When you first came here, the balcony was full of plants in pots: poison oak, nettles, nightshade, datura. "They grow best here," he explained. "Don't touch them." And he took them away, and you have never seen them again since.
>
You step out into the rain; the fat droplets sound like hail on the surface of your helmet.
Gilded Balcony
A ridiculous filigreed balcony that is like nothing so much as a birdcage: and from here you can see all the way across the moat, across the forest, the plain, to the edge of the sea, only by staring long enough in any direction.
When you first came here, the balcony was full of plants in pots: poison oak, nettles, nightshade, datura. "They grow best here," he explained. "Don't touch them." And he took them away, and you have never seen them again since.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look south
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x home
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look east
You can't see anything promising that way.
>
You can't see anything promising that way.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look sw
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
A considerable expanse of evergreen forest -- the view sharpens under your gaze if you wish, showing you individual trees, branches, leaves; or widening out again to show you rolling miles and then the pastureland beyond.
If you look exactly the right direction and squint, you can see your family home, and that is what triggered the attack of homesickness in the first place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
se
Empty Bedroom
Like a monk's chamber compared to every other part of the palace, just bare walls now. Here your father stayed, when he made his ill-fated journey to the castle. The Beast told you this, on your first visit.
On the wall, as a curio, hangs an open shackle -- sign of the only person ever to have escaped the power of this place.
>
Empty Bedroom
Like a monk's chamber compared to every other part of the palace, just bare walls now. Here your father stayed, when he made his ill-fated journey to the castle. The Beast told you this, on your first visit.
On the wall, as a curio, hangs an open shackle -- sign of the only person ever to have escaped the power of this place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x shackle
Your father claims to have been chained up, but the Beast never made the least effort to restrain you with chains or bars. On the contrary-- but that remains a puzzle.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: A curious object, a broken shackle. Nowhere else in the castle are there any chains or ropes or devices of torture; there has never been a need for such physical coercion...
>
Your father claims to have been chained up, but the Beast never made the least effort to restrain you with chains or bars. On the contrary-- but that remains a puzzle.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: A curious object, a broken shackle. Nowhere else in the castle are there any chains or ropes or devices of torture; there has never been a need for such physical coercion...
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get it
You acquire the shackle.
>
You acquire the shackle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Guest Bedroom
Made up for the reception of a guest who will never arrive again. A tapestry recalls the story.
Still here at the center of the room is the stool you and the Beast used, the time he tried to teach you to dance -- not a great success, but more effective than the experiment with stilts.
He's not upstairs, then: there's nowhere in these rooms he could have been hiding, no space large enough to conceal him.
He must have gone into one of the more... difficult portions of the castle. The state rooms, or the crypt. One of the places he knows you hate to visit alone.
This does not bode well for his state of mind. (Will he be angry? It has been a long time since he was truly angry at you... But you cannot deal with that until you find him.)
>
Guest Bedroom
Made up for the reception of a guest who will never arrive again. A tapestry recalls the story.
Still here at the center of the room is the stool you and the Beast used, the time he tried to teach you to dance -- not a great success, but more effective than the experiment with stilts.
He's not upstairs, then: there's nowhere in these rooms he could have been hiding, no space large enough to conceal him.
He must have gone into one of the more... difficult portions of the castle. The state rooms, or the crypt. One of the places he knows you hate to visit alone.
This does not bode well for his state of mind. (Will he be angry? It has been a long time since he was truly angry at you... But you cannot deal with that until you find him.)
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x stool
An ordinary three-legged stool, like the one your cat at home liked to sleep on.
>
An ordinary three-legged stool, like the one your cat at home liked to sleep on.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get stool
You acquire the stool.
>
You acquire the stool.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby a heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
(first opening the heavy door)
You get far enough to glimpse a bell collection before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
(first opening the heavy door)
You get far enough to glimpse a north window before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
x door
It looks thick enough to block sound.
>
It looks thick enough to block sound.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
You get far enough to glimpse a bell collection before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
You get far enough to glimpse a north window before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
n
You get far enough to glimpse a north window before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
...if we look again, we may randomly see something else this time...
You get far enough to glimpse an open heavy door before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
w
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"And now -- would you like to go home?"
You bit your lip. It had been a pleasant conversation, up until now, when you are reminded: however nicely he may behave, he is still the king of a cursed line, and not to be trusted.
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"And now -- would you like to go home?"
You bit your lip. It had been a pleasant conversation, up until now, when you are reminded: however nicely he may behave, he is still the king of a cursed line, and not to be trusted.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Servant Quarters
Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
Servant Quarters
Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the servant quarters, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, almost inaudible, from the east, competing with some dry sifting from the northeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the servant quarters, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, almost inaudible, from the east, competing with some dry sifting from the northeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the law library, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, muted, from the east, competing with some dry sifting from the north. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the law library, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, muted, from the east, competing with some dry sifting from the north. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
I beg your pardon?
>
I beg your pardon?
>
YES
NO
NO
-
listen
Windchimes ring, muted, from the east, competing with some dry sifting from the north. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
Windchimes ring, muted, from the east, competing with some dry sifting from the north. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, melodious, from the northeast, competing with some dry sifting from the northwest and an irregular dripping from the southeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, melodious, from the northeast, competing with some dry sifting from the northwest and an irregular dripping from the southeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, loud, from the northeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, loud, from the northeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from rose garden, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location.
>
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from rose garden, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
u
You climb into the pale light...
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
>
You climb into the pale light...
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x chimes
Each chime is engraved with the staring eyes and exaggerated nostrils of a spirit warrior.
>
Deactivating the chimes
Each chime is engraved with the staring eyes and exaggerated nostrils of a spirit warrior.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get chimes
You cannot reach the iron windchimes from your present position; you'd need something to stand on.
>
You cannot reach the iron windchimes from your present position; you'd need something to stand on.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
jump
You hop, but don't attain much height.
>
You hop, but don't attain much height.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
drop stool
You set the stool down next to one wall.
>
You set the stool down next to one wall.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
stand on stool
You stand, a little precariously, on the stool, and are now more or less the same height as an ordinary person.
>
You stand, a little precariously, on the stool, and are now more or less the same height as an ordinary person.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get chimes
The chimes have been locked to the chain that supports them.
>
The chimes have been locked to the chain that supports them.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get down
You get off the stool.
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
You can also see a stool here.
>
You get off the stool.
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
You can also see a stool here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
On the stone bench are some discarded embroidery materials.
>
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
On the stone bench are some discarded embroidery materials.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x embroidery
A few weeks ago now, he came to you with a quick step. "Look, it took me all morning, but I found this." Holding out the basket of threads, the folded linen. Not in bad condition, either.
"What is that for?" You were never much for sewing things at home, even before your mother died.
"I thought -- since you're so bored here --" He lowered his arm. "When I saw more of the world, I knew a number of young ladies who were very fond of it. My sister liked to make stories with hers."
You opened your mouth, looking for something to say.
"I see," he answered. "The world has changed. What do young ladies do now?"
"I don't know," you reply. "My father fell on hard times. We live in the country. I'm more or less a milkmaid, these days."
At the word milkmaid, his mouth twisted a little and he shrugged. "I cannot provide any cows," he said, after a long time.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: The little that is already done is old-fashioned blackwork, like your grandmother's mother might have stitched.
>
A few weeks ago now, he came to you with a quick step. "Look, it took me all morning, but I found this." Holding out the basket of threads, the folded linen. Not in bad condition, either.
"What is that for?" You were never much for sewing things at home, even before your mother died.
"I thought -- since you're so bored here --" He lowered his arm. "When I saw more of the world, I knew a number of young ladies who were very fond of it. My sister liked to make stories with hers."
You opened your mouth, looking for something to say.
"I see," he answered. "The world has changed. What do young ladies do now?"
"I don't know," you reply. "My father fell on hard times. We live in the country. I'm more or less a milkmaid, these days."
At the word milkmaid, his mouth twisted a little and he shrugged. "I cannot provide any cows," he said, after a long time.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: The little that is already done is old-fashioned blackwork, like your grandmother's mother might have stitched.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get it
That's hardly portable.
>
That's hardly portable.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get embroidery
You acquire the discarded embroidery materials.
>
You acquire the discarded embroidery materials.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x bench
A deep seat with a curious relief carved onto the back: if you look from the right angle, it appears as though Lucrezia is lying on the bench, just like a lady on a tomb, her hands piously folded around the handle of a mirror. Scrying her own death, perhaps, or maybe communicating with someone who had already died.
>
A deep seat with a curious relief carved onto the back: if you look from the right angle, it appears as though Lucrezia is lying on the bench, just like a lady on a tomb, her hands piously folded around the handle of a mirror. Scrying her own death, perhaps, or maybe communicating with someone who had already died.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x relief
A deep seat with a curious relief carved onto the back: if you look from the right angle, it appears as though Lucrezia is lying on the bench, just like a lady on a tomb, her hands piously folded around the handle of a mirror. Scrying her own death, perhaps, or maybe communicating with someone who had already died.
>
A deep seat with a curious relief carved onto the back: if you look from the right angle, it appears as though Lucrezia is lying on the bench, just like a lady on a tomb, her hands piously folded around the handle of a mirror. Scrying her own death, perhaps, or maybe communicating with someone who had already died.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Scrying Room
A place for consulting with the servants, summoning them by their instruments and allowing their spirits to manifest in the mirrors. But you know this only from explanation, because the mirrors and glasses have been broken or carried away to the Crystal Bedroom, when they ceased to reflect anything that gave pleasure to their master.
Nearby a small door leads west to the treasure room.
A small key hangs beside the door.
>
Scrying Room
A place for consulting with the servants, summoning them by their instruments and allowing their spirits to manifest in the mirrors. But you know this only from explanation, because the mirrors and glasses have been broken or carried away to the Crystal Bedroom, when they ceased to reflect anything that gave pleasure to their master.
Nearby a small door leads west to the treasure room.
A small key hangs beside the door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x key
The key is of the sort of delicate design intended to unlock more than one thing, and hangs from a peg.
The small key unlocks the small door.
>
The key is of the sort of delicate design intended to unlock more than one thing, and hangs from a peg.
The small key unlocks the small door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get key
You acquire the small key.
>
You acquire the small key.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a small key (which opens the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet (being worn)
>
You are carrying:
a small key (which opens the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet (being worn)
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x key
The key is of the sort of delicate design intended to unlock more than one thing.
The small key unlocks the small door.
>
The key is of the sort of delicate design intended to unlock more than one thing.
The small key unlocks the small door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
(first opening the small door)
(first unlocking the small door)
(with the small key)
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby an open small door leads east to the scrying room.
>
(first opening the small door)
(first unlocking the small door)
(with the small key)
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby an open small door leads east to the scrying room.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
unlock cage
You lack a key that fits the iron cage.
>
You lack a key that fits the iron cage.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Scrying Room
A place for consulting with the servants, summoning them by their instruments and allowing their spirits to manifest in the mirrors. But you know this only from explanation, because the mirrors and glasses have been broken or carried away to the Crystal Bedroom, when they ceased to reflect anything that gave pleasure to their master.
Nearby an open small door leads west to the treasure room.
>
Scrying Room
A place for consulting with the servants, summoning them by their instruments and allowing their spirits to manifest in the mirrors. But you know this only from explanation, because the mirrors and glasses have been broken or carried away to the Crystal Bedroom, when they ceased to reflect anything that gave pleasure to their master.
Nearby an open small door leads west to the treasure room.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
>
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
You can also see a stool here.
>
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
You can also see a stool here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
stand on stool
You stand, a little precariously, on the stool, and are now more or less the same height as an ordinary person.
>
You stand, a little precariously, on the stool, and are now more or less the same height as an ordinary person.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
unlock chimes
(with the small key)
You unlock the iron windchimes.
>
(with the small key)
You unlock the iron windchimes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get chimes
You take the chimes down, silencing them and muting their power. When they are entirely still, they fade from your grip and vanish.
>
You take the chimes down, silencing them and muting their power. When they are entirely still, they fade from your grip and vanish.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get down
You get off the stool.
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
You can see a stool here.
>
You get off the stool.
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
You can see a stool here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get stool
You acquire the stool.
>
You acquire the stool.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
Exploring the state rooms
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x benches
The appearance of the oak benches has not changed significantly since you left.
>
The appearance of the oak benches has not changed significantly since you left.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x map
Since the lands of the Kingdom were once quite dispersed the cartographer has, from indolence, fancy, or an urge to flatter, omitted all the territories that intervened, so that here floating in a cherry-wood sea are the State of Medici-Credenza; the Emirate of Elzibad; the Equine Protectorate of Argos; a goodly portion of Essex; and Malta, the only true island of the lot.
There is writing around the map's edge, not legible in this light.
>
Since the lands of the Kingdom were once quite dispersed the cartographer has, from indolence, fancy, or an urge to flatter, omitted all the territories that intervened, so that here floating in a cherry-wood sea are the State of Medici-Credenza; the Emirate of Elzibad; the Equine Protectorate of Argos; a goodly portion of Essex; and Malta, the only true island of the lot.
There is writing around the map's edge, not legible in this light.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
You walk far enough in to get a view of sand falling in a huge hourglass. Though it is only a thin stream, it sounds louder than it should: the noise, magnified by your helmet, becomes too much to bear, and you retreat.
>
You walk far enough in to get a view of sand falling in a huge hourglass. Though it is only a thin stream, it sounds louder than it should: the noise, magnified by your helmet, becomes too much to bear, and you retreat.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Law Library
Many books of precedent line these walls, containing every kind of contract that can be made to bind every kind of soul.
A hole in the floor descends to the other, less savory portion of this place.
You can see a great contract book here.
>
Law Library
Many books of precedent line these walls, containing every kind of contract that can be made to bind every kind of soul.
A hole in the floor descends to the other, less savory portion of this place.
You can see a great contract book here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x contract book
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
You caught him staring at you once. "Your clothing is wearing out. I'll look up a seamstress in the contract book for you."
You plucked the erring sleeve back into place. "You needn't," you said. "I don't mind."
"Yes, but I do," he snapped. "I was once a -- the polite term would be a connoisseur of ladies -- and it is not a taste that goes away. So for everyone's sanity it would be best if you went about fully clothed."
You avoided him for three days, after that incident. But your gowns were all replaced.
>
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
You caught him staring at you once. "Your clothing is wearing out. I'll look up a seamstress in the contract book for you."
You plucked the erring sleeve back into place. "You needn't," you said. "I don't mind."
"Yes, but I do," he snapped. "I was once a -- the polite term would be a connoisseur of ladies -- and it is not a taste that goes away. So for everyone's sanity it would be best if you went about fully clothed."
You avoided him for three days, after that incident. But your gowns were all replaced.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
read it
The words are in a language you don't understand: even the Beast had to take it to the translation room to make any sense of it.
>
The words are in a language you don't understand: even the Beast had to take it to the translation room to make any sense of it.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up me in contract book
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look
Law Library
Many books of precedent line these walls, containing every kind of contract that can be made to bind every kind of soul.
A hole in the floor descends to the other, less savory portion of this place.
You can see a great contract book here.
>
Law Library
Many books of precedent line these walls, containing every kind of contract that can be made to bind every kind of soul.
A hole in the floor descends to the other, less savory portion of this place.
You can see a great contract book here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
take off helmet
You lift the helmet from your head, and the sudden quiet feels like going deaf.
>
You lift the helmet from your head, and the sudden quiet feels like going deaf.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Lower Bulb
In this very tall room, like a silo, is a glass of running sand: not an hourglass, or even a dayglass, but a timer whose duration you do not know. A whole Sahara has poured into its lower chamber, but the trickle from above continues, very fine.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
Lower Bulb
In this very tall room, like a silo, is a glass of running sand: not an hourglass, or even a dayglass, but a timer whose duration you do not know. A whole Sahara has poured into its lower chamber, but the trickle from above continues, very fine.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x glass
No human glassblower could have made this thing, that much is certain.
>
No human glassblower could have made this thing, that much is certain.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
up
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
"Nothing bad will happen for the first seven days," he said, when you left.
And yet here he is, looking very nearly dead.
>
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
"Nothing bad will happen for the first seven days," he said, when you left.
And yet here he is, looking very nearly dead.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x beast
He looks starved, unwell, near death, in fact. He will need to be given food before he will properly revive -- and who knows what else...
It baffles you to find him in this condition, when he could easily have gotten whatever he needed in the kitchen.
>
Discovering the beast -- he may be in a different room, but will appear after half the rooms are explored
He looks starved, unwell, near death, in fact. He will need to be given food before he will properly revive -- and who knows what else...
It baffles you to find him in this condition, when he could easily have gotten whatever he needed in the kitchen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wake beast
Though you shake him vigorously, he does not stir.
>
Though you shake him vigorously, he does not stir.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
kiss beast
You press your mouth to his cold one, and catch the strange scent of night woods, cinnamon, and blood copper.
He does not stir.
>
You press your mouth to his cold one, and catch the strange scent of night woods, cinnamon, and blood copper.
He does not stir.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x beast
He looks starved, unwell, near death, in fact. He will need to be given food before he will properly revive -- and who knows what else...
It baffles you to find him in this condition, when he could easily have gotten whatever he needed in the kitchen.
>
He looks starved, unwell, near death, in fact. He will need to be given food before he will properly revive -- and who knows what else...
It baffles you to find him in this condition, when he could easily have gotten whatever he needed in the kitchen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Records Room
Where all the papers and histories are kept, not only for the royal family, but for kin in every kind and direction.
>
Records Room
Where all the papers and histories are kept, not only for the royal family, but for kin in every kind and direction.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x records
Neatly filed: he told you he'd spent twenty years or so on them, having no other way to occupy his time. Anything you wanted to look up, you should be able to discover easily.
>
Record room
Neatly filed: he told you he'd spent twenty years or so on them, having no other way to occupy his time. Anything you wanted to look up, you should be able to discover easily.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up beast in records
You have never known his true name, and can only guess that he must be the last of the line of kings.
>
You have never known his true name, and can only guess that he must be the last of the line of kings.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up me in records
You are the merest interloper here.
>
You are the merest interloper here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up father in records
You discover nothing of interest in the papers.
>
You discover nothing of interest in the papers.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up elzibad in records
An entertaining story tells how Elzibad, worse than all the other kings of this palace that had previously been seen, was defeated by one of his own demons in elephant form, when someone who was not contracted to him gained command of the demon. Command of his slaves then passed to his son.
From that day on the castle was so built that no one could even enter into it without becoming contracted to its king, for the protection of the royal family.
>
An entertaining story tells how Elzibad, worse than all the other kings of this palace that had previously been seen, was defeated by one of his own demons in elephant form, when someone who was not contracted to him gained command of the demon. Command of his slaves then passed to his son.
From that day on the castle was so built that no one could even enter into it without becoming contracted to its king, for the protection of the royal family.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up lucrezia in records
You quickly skim the unpleasant history of Lucrezia of Medici-Credenza, how she brought odd magical treasures with her, introduced new methods of binding and contracting that were previously unknown even to this castle, and maintained a room for her studies in the basement below the rose garden. From this room everyone including her husband was banned.
There are some suggestions that she was the daughter of the Devil himself, sent to the castle to tempt the kings into further folly and destruction. But who knows?
>
You quickly skim the unpleasant history of Lucrezia of Medici-Credenza, how she brought odd magical treasures with her, introduced new methods of binding and contracting that were previously unknown even to this castle, and maintained a room for her studies in the basement below the rose garden. From this room everyone including her husband was banned.
There are some suggestions that she was the daughter of the Devil himself, sent to the castle to tempt the kings into further folly and destruction. But who knows?
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up gargoyle in records
Among the records there is a large section on the various failed romantic business of the kings and queens and their brothers and sisters, so that you might almost suspect this to be part of the castle's curse.
In this collection, you find the history of Duke Cantherius: married at 59 to a lissome wife of 17, he "urgently desired to enjoy her company", but found himself unable. He consulted a young Parisian doctor, who contracted that through his services the Duchess would be delivered of a child within the year.
Alas, medicine brought no relief; not even that most reliable method, an ointment of honey, crow's egg, and the gall of an electric eel. The Duchess began to hint that she meant to have the marriage annulled; the Duke grew abusive. Seeing no solution through medical arts, the doctor was compelled by his contract to seduce the Duchess.
When the young woman was delivered of triplets, the Duke kept two of the boys and raised them as his own; the third he strangled, together with the doctor himself, as a punishment to his erring wife.
Whereupon the ugly gargoyle appeared on the stair, and could never be budged.
>
Among the records there is a large section on the various failed romantic business of the kings and queens and their brothers and sisters, so that you might almost suspect this to be part of the castle's curse.
In this collection, you find the history of Duke Cantherius: married at 59 to a lissome wife of 17, he "urgently desired to enjoy her company", but found himself unable. He consulted a young Parisian doctor, who contracted that through his services the Duchess would be delivered of a child within the year.
Alas, medicine brought no relief; not even that most reliable method, an ointment of honey, crow's egg, and the gall of an electric eel. The Duchess began to hint that she meant to have the marriage annulled; the Duke grew abusive. Seeing no solution through medical arts, the doctor was compelled by his contract to seduce the Duchess.
When the young woman was delivered of triplets, the Duke kept two of the boys and raised them as his own; the third he strangled, together with the doctor himself, as a punishment to his erring wife.
Whereupon the ugly gargoyle appeared on the stair, and could never be budged.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
From here, you can head southwest, east, west, and down.
>
From here, you can head southwest, east, west, and down.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
(first opening the ivory door)
(first unlocking the ivory door)
You lack a key that fits the ivory door.
>
(first opening the ivory door)
(first unlocking the ivory door)
You lack a key that fits the ivory door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby a heavy door leads east.
>
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby a heavy door leads east.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x wedding treasure
A table tastefully laid with possessions of power or personal worth, brought by Lucrezia as gifts from her father: an inkpot, a helmet, a green girdle stitched with vines, a curious pair of cloven shoes.
>
A table tastefully laid with possessions of power or personal worth, brought by Lucrezia as gifts from her father: an inkpot, a helmet, a green girdle stitched with vines, a curious pair of cloven shoes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x supper
A table nicely laid out with white linen and napkins, bread and fruit; and a spoon with a very, very long handle.
>
A table nicely laid out with white linen and napkins, bread and fruit; and a spoon with a very, very long handle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
(first opening the heavy door)
You get far enough to glimpse an open heavy door before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east.
With both doors open, a breeze begins to blow through the smelly area.
>
(first opening the heavy door)
You get far enough to glimpse a mechanical chessplayer before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east.
With both doors open, a breeze begins to blow through the smelly area.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
z
Time passes.
The worst of rose stink has mostly gone, now.
>
Time passes.
The worst of rose stink has mostly gone, now.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x chessplayer
The chessplayer wears a turban, and in its wooden fingers grasps the head of the black bishop. Whatever move it contemplates has yet to occur.
The Beast brought it out for you to play against, when other entertainment palled. You lost consistently until he came and roared at it; and afterwards began to win. The suspicion that it was throwing games made you a bit reluctant to make use of it, in the end.
The mechanical chessplayer is currently switched off.
>
The chessplayer wears a turban, and in its wooden fingers grasps the head of the black bishop. Whatever move it contemplates has yet to occur.
The Beast brought it out for you to play against, when other entertainment palled. You lost consistently until he came and roared at it; and afterwards began to win. The suspicion that it was throwing games made you a bit reluctant to make use of it, in the end.
The mechanical chessplayer is currently switched off.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
turn it on
You throw the switch hopefully, but nothing happens -- in fact, the switch flops loosely back into its old position, plainly connected to nothing.
>
You throw the switch hopefully, but nothing happens -- in fact, the switch flops loosely back into its old position, plainly connected to nothing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
The switch is just for show: it must not really work by gears, but by summoning the spirit of some dead gamesman.
>
The switch is just for show: it must not really work by gears, but by summoning the spirit of some dead gamesman.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x chessplayer
The chessplayer wears a turban, and in its wooden fingers grasps the head of the black bishop. Whatever move it contemplates has yet to occur.
The Beast brought it out for you to play against, when other entertainment palled. You lost consistently until he came and roared at it; and afterwards began to win. The suspicion that it was throwing games made you a bit reluctant to make use of it, in the end.
The mechanical chessplayer is currently switched off.
>
The chessplayer wears a turban, and in its wooden fingers grasps the head of the black bishop. Whatever move it contemplates has yet to occur.
The Beast brought it out for you to play against, when other entertainment palled. You lost consistently until he came and roared at it; and afterwards began to win. The suspicion that it was throwing games made you a bit reluctant to make use of it, in the end.
The mechanical chessplayer is currently switched off.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
remember it
You can't think of anything further on the topic.
>
You can't think of anything further on the topic.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
remember chessplayer
You can't think of anything further on the topic.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x it
The chessplayer wears a turban, and in its wooden fingers grasps the head of the black bishop. Whatever move it contemplates has yet to occur.
The Beast brought it out for you to play against, when other entertainment palled. You lost consistently until he came and roared at it; and afterwards began to win. The suspicion that it was throwing games made you a bit reluctant to make use of it, in the end.
The mechanical chessplayer is currently switched off.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
remember it
That noun did not make sense in this context.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
showverb remember
Verb 'remember'
* scope=Routine(29938) -> A104_hinting_about
* scope=Routine(29950) -> A104_hinting_about
* scope=Routine(29960) -> A105_hinting_roomily_about
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are some iron windchimes, a little gold dinner bell, and a silver bell.
>
Bellroom
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are some iron windchimes, a little gold dinner bell, and a silver bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x chimes
Each chime is engraved with the staring eyes and exaggerated nostrils of a spirit warrior.
>
It appears that rung bells and chimes return here.
Each chime is engraved with the staring eyes and exaggerated nostrils of a spirit warrior.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x gold bell
It is the dinner summons, and particularly familiar to you.
>
It is the dinner summons, and particularly familiar to you.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x silver bell
It bears the stamp of a lamplighter.
>
It bears the stamp of a lamplighter.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get all
iron windchimes: You acquire the iron windchimes.
little gold dinner bell: You acquire the little gold dinner bell.
silver bell: You acquire the silver bell.
>
iron windchimes: You acquire the iron windchimes.
little gold dinner bell: You acquire the little gold dinner bell.
silver bell: You acquire the silver bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Apothecary
Furnished with a long countertop and the equipment of an apothecary; sketches from physicians; anatomical drawings of creatures similar to the Beast, bears and lions being especially prominent; also poison reference books, primarily the work of Italian and (earlier) Persian experts. The room has an unused air, and you do not remember ever coming in before, or seeing the Beast go in. It must have been a hobby that interested him before your arrival.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
>
Apothecary
Furnished with a long countertop and the equipment of an apothecary; sketches from physicians; anatomical drawings of creatures similar to the Beast, bears and lions being especially prominent; also poison reference books, primarily the work of Italian and (earlier) Persian experts. The room has an unused air, and you do not remember ever coming in before, or seeing the Beast go in. It must have been a hobby that interested him before your arrival.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x drawings
They concentrate on weak points and the functioning of the digestive tract.
>
They concentrate on weak points and the functioning of the digestive tract.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x reference
Assorted disturbing recipes for ways to make your enemies die quickly, or to dispatch them slowly in great pain. The pages most discolored by use and splashed ingredients are those pertaining to swift and pleasant execution.
>
Assorted disturbing recipes for ways to make your enemies die quickly, or to dispatch them slowly in great pain. The pages most discolored by use and splashed ingredients are those pertaining to swift and pleasant execution.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
>
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
smell
You smell the decay from the north window.
>
You smell the decay from the north window.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a silver bell
a little gold dinner bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a silver bell
a little gold dinner bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the dining hall
You head west to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. Then south to the law library. And finally south to the great dining hall.
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I assure you," he added. "No harm will come to you if you do go."
"I only have your word for that," you replied, looking stubbornly into your soupbowl.
He sat. "I am unable to lie to you," he said. "It is one of the conditions placed upon us. We can only tell the truth."
"And why should I believe that?"
He raised his glass. "I'll try again tomorrow."
>
Feeding the beast
You head west to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. Then south to the law library. And finally south to the great dining hall.
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I assure you," he added. "No harm will come to you if you do go."
"I only have your word for that," you replied, looking stubbornly into your soupbowl.
He sat. "I am unable to lie to you," he said. "It is one of the conditions placed upon us. We can only tell the truth."
"And why should I believe that?"
He raised his glass. "I'll try again tomorrow."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"Were you ever married?" you asked, ignoring his question.
"No."
"Then you have no heirs?"
"I have no legitimate sons," he replied. "But I certainly have an heir, somewhere. If I died, somewhere, someone would inherit all this, and the whole system would go on as before, the servants and the contracts. But don't worry: I have tried, and it turns out that I don't die easily."
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"Were you ever married?" you asked, ignoring his question.
"No."
"Then you have no heirs?"
"I have no legitimate sons," he replied. "But I certainly have an heir, somewhere. If I died, somewhere, someone would inherit all this, and the whole system would go on as before, the servants and the contracts. But don't worry: I have tried, and it turns out that I don't die easily."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"And you promise I would not regret it? Truthfully."
He coughed. "I don't know your future. And -- since you ask I must answer -- I don't think much of your father, a man who would barter his daughter's service for his own, especially since he had unflattering ideas of what I would do with you."
You sputtered. "Well of course you couldn't-- I mean, being an animal..."
His teeth gleamed. "I assure you I could," he said. "But I won't."
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"And you promise I would not regret it? Truthfully."
He coughed. "I don't know your future. And -- since you ask I must answer -- I don't think much of your father, a man who would barter his daughter's service for his own, especially since he had unflattering ideas of what I would do with you."
You sputtered. "Well of course you couldn't-- I mean, being an animal..."
His teeth gleamed. "I assure you I could," he said. "But I won't."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I have become used to it here," you answered, surprising yourself. "There is plenty to read; there is the chessman, and games; and you are good company." He raised his glass with a half smile. "You'd rather stay here without me?"
"No," he said.
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I have become used to it here," you answered, surprising yourself. "There is plenty to read; there is the chessman, and games; and you are good company." He raised his glass with a half smile. "You'd rather stay here without me?"
"No," he said.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I c-care for you," you said. "I am lonely without you, and you make me laugh, and you're nice..."
"Stop," he said. "And remind me never to order the port again."
He picked you up from your chair and your head rested on his shoulder. "But why can I not be in love... Oh, carry me carefully on the stairs: I feel sick!"
"Simply, pet," he said, walking slowly up the steps. "What you offer I couldn't accept. In fact, I'm not sure what you are offering. Do you have some fantasy of marrying me? Being my mistress?"
You could not think of the answer; there was no solution that was not absurd. He set you down carefully on the bed and went away. A moment later he came back, bright crimson bell in his left paw. "When you wake in the morning and are very ill, which you will be, ring this and the servants will bring a tonic appropriate to your condition."
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"I c-care for you," you said. "I am lonely without you, and you make me laugh, and you're nice..."
"Stop," he said. "And remind me never to order the port again."
He picked you up from your chair and your head rested on his shoulder. "But why can I not be in love... Oh, carry me carefully on the stairs: I feel sick!"
"Simply, pet," he said, walking slowly up the steps. "What you offer I couldn't accept. In fact, I'm not sure what you are offering. Do you have some fantasy of marrying me? Being my mistress?"
You could not think of the answer; there was no solution that was not absurd. He set you down carefully on the bed and went away. A moment later he came back, bright crimson bell in his left paw. "When you wake in the morning and are very ill, which you will be, ring this and the servants will bring a tonic appropriate to your condition."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"For a visit, if you won't go to stay?" he asked. "We could arrange that too, if you liked."
"And nothing bad would happen to anyone I cared about?" you demanded.
"Nothing bad would happen to you or to your family. There would be no ill health and no spiritual repercussions."
"You're leaving something out," you said, having gotten familiar with the precise way he speaks when hedging around a difficult fact.
"It could be unpleasant for me," he replied, strained. "But you mustn't stay because of my feelings on the matter. Your family miss you, and I am the villain in this piece."
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"For a visit, if you won't go to stay?" he asked. "We could arrange that too, if you liked."
"And nothing bad would happen to anyone I cared about?" you demanded.
"Nothing bad would happen to you or to your family. There would be no ill health and no spiritual repercussions."
"You're leaving something out," you said, having gotten familiar with the precise way he speaks when hedging around a difficult fact.
"It could be unpleasant for me," he replied, strained. "But you mustn't stay because of my feelings on the matter. Your family miss you, and I am the villain in this piece."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"Don't mention the leaving thing once more," you said. "Or I will throw a glass at your head."
He sighed. "You are as stubborn as you are honorable," he said. "No doubt the two are related."
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
"Don't mention the leaving thing once more," you said. "Or I will throw a glass at your head."
He sighed. "You are as stubborn as you are honorable," he said. "No doubt the two are related."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
After a long time: "You haven't asked me to leave in a while," you said.
"Ah." He looked at his plate of food. "Of course you may go. I'm glad you believe my word about the effects, now."
"I will go to visit my family," you say, stressing the word visit. "On condition that you tell me how to do it so that I will not harm you. If you won't do that, I don't go."
He looked at you, his expression cloudy. "There is a very good reason why..."
"Those are my terms."
He sighed. "Very well," he said. "If your trip lasts fewer than seven days, it will have no effect on anything here." He looked down at his curled paw. "But if you don't come back -- and I imagine you won't -- I will forgive you."
>
Great Dining Hall
You allow yourself to remember another night, another request.
After a long time: "You haven't asked me to leave in a while," you said.
"Ah." He looked at his plate of food. "Of course you may go. I'm glad you believe my word about the effects, now."
"I will go to visit my family," you say, stressing the word visit. "On condition that you tell me how to do it so that I will not harm you. If you won't do that, I don't go."
He looked at you, his expression cloudy. "There is a very good reason why..."
"Those are my terms."
He sighed. "Very well," he said. "If your trip lasts fewer than seven days, it will have no effect on anything here." He looked down at his curled paw. "But if you don't come back -- and I imagine you won't -- I will forgive you."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
>
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
>
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring gold bell
You ring the bell hopefully, but apparently it only works in the Kitchen itself.
>
You ring the bell hopefully, but apparently it only works in the Kitchen itself.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies.
>
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring gold bell
The little gold dinner bell tinkles gaily: as in automatic response, your stomach rumbles. There will be a feast, now, waiting for you in the dining hall.
As for the gold bell, it returns to its place.
>
The little gold dinner bell tinkles gaily: as in automatic response, your stomach rumbles. There will be a feast, now, waiting for you in the dining hall.
As for the gold bell, it returns to its place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
A considerable feast is set out on a platter as big as a shield.
>
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
A considerable feast is set out on a platter as big as a shield.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x feast
A platter heaped with -- why, you must this time have woken the chefs of King Yggdram the Piscine: it is pickled whitefish and wilted greens, hot soup made from leviathan's bones, and other dishes you do not recognize, made of things that have not grown in this vicinity for many a year.
>
A platter heaped with -- why, you must this time have woken the chefs of King Yggdram the Piscine: it is pickled whitefish and wilted greens, hot soup made from leviathan's bones, and other dishes you do not recognize, made of things that have not grown in this vicinity for many a year.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get feast
You acquire the feast.
Perhaps he will feel better when he has eaten, you reflect. He has always had a large appetite -- the result of his change in form, he tells you.
He used to mock your dainty eating, and sit at table long after your plate was empty; and make a game of guessing foods that might tempt you to eat even a little more; vanishing into the kitchen to instruct the staff, and returning a little later; saying roguishly, "This, I think you will like..."
In your defense, you never had sugared violets at home.
>
You acquire the feast.
Perhaps he will feel better when he has eaten, you reflect. He has always had a large appetite -- the result of his change in form, he tells you.
He used to mock your dainty eating, and sit at table long after your plate was empty; and make a game of guessing foods that might tempt you to eat even a little more; vanishing into the kitchen to instruct the staff, and returning a little later; saying roguishly, "This, I think you will like..."
In your defense, you never had sugared violets at home.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the beast
You head north to the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. And finally up to the upper bulb.
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
You head north to the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. And finally up to the upper bulb.
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
feed beast
(the feast)
With great care, you feed the soup to the Beast. So much spills that you doubt whether you are making any progress; then he swallows.
"You are ornery," he says. "I guaranteed your return -- you know what that means?"
"That if I had not come back, you would have died," you reply.
"That is only a small part of what would have happened. The other contracts would have unraveled, the servant souls freed."
You frown at him. "I've been trying to use you to this purpose for years," he says, touching your cheek. "But you wouldn't go. I'm touched that you came back for me -- really, I can't tell you how much -- but you've ruined the plan."
"Is there a way to set them free that doesn't kill you?" you ask.
He looks startled. "Not for me," he says. "There's a room in the basement below the rose garden I can't get into. Lucrezia's room. You'll need to get in, search the crypt, find a way to destroy the contracts book... there are places in the castle I cannot enter, because she sealed them against all her descendants. But you are not one of her descendants, so--" He chuckles weakly at some joke, but he hands you an iron key. "You'll need the shoes."
"Would that lift the curse on you, too, do you think?" you ask.
"Unlikely. That is another matter. Less happy." After a moment he begins to sleep again.
>
(the feast)
With great care, you feed the soup to the Beast. So much spills that you doubt whether you are making any progress; then he swallows.
"You are ornery," he says. "I guaranteed your return -- you know what that means?"
"That if I had not come back, you would have died," you reply.
"That is only a small part of what would have happened. The other contracts would have unraveled, the servant souls freed."
You frown at him. "I've been trying to use you to this purpose for years," he says, touching your cheek. "But you wouldn't go. I'm touched that you came back for me -- really, I can't tell you how much -- but you've ruined the plan."
"Is there a way to set them free that doesn't kill you?" you ask.
He looks startled. "Not for me," he says. "There's a room in the basement below the rose garden I can't get into. Lucrezia's room. You'll need to get in, search the crypt, find a way to destroy the contracts book... there are places in the castle I cannot enter, because she sealed them against all her descendants. But you are not one of her descendants, so--" He chuckles weakly at some joke, but he hands you an iron key. "You'll need the shoes."
"Would that lift the curse on you, too, do you think?" you ask.
"Unlikely. That is another matter. Less happy." After a moment he begins to sleep again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
an iron key
a silver bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
Retrieving the shoes
You are carrying:
an iron key
a silver bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the iron cage
You head down to the lower bulb. Then east to the state rotunda. Then south to the central courtyard. Then south to the entrance hall. Then east to the scarlet gallery. And finally northeast to the treasure room.
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby an open small door leads east to the scrying room.
>
You head down to the lower bulb. Then east to the state rotunda. Then south to the central courtyard. Then south to the entrance hall. Then east to the scarlet gallery. And finally northeast to the treasure room.
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby an open small door leads east to the scrying room.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
unlock cage
(with the iron key)
You unlock the iron cage.
>
(with the iron key)
You unlock the iron cage.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
open cage
You open the iron cage.
>
You open the iron cage.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look in cage
In the iron cage are a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes.
>
In the iron cage are a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get all from cage
sceptre: You acquire the sceptre.
puzzle piece: You acquire the puzzle piece, and assess it curiously.
Something shiny has been painted on the piece.
pair of cloven shoes: You acquire the pair of cloven shoes.
>
sceptre: You acquire the sceptre.
puzzle piece: You acquire the puzzle piece, and assess it curiously.
Something shiny has been painted on the piece.
pair of cloven shoes: You acquire the pair of cloven shoes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look
Treasure Room
Kept in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of nothing, at present.
Nearby an open small door leads east to the scrying room.
>
Treasure Room
Kept in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of nothing, at present.
Nearby an open small door leads east to the scrying room.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
a puzzle piece
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
a silver bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
a puzzle piece
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
a silver bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wear the shoes
They emphatically do not fit. You will have to find someone to adjust them, evidently.
>
They emphatically do not fit. You will have to find someone to adjust them, evidently.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x piece
Something shiny has been painted on the piece.
>
Something shiny has been painted on the piece.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the jigsaw
It is not necessary to specify movement within the room.
>
It is not necessary to specify movement within the room.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the parlor
You head southwest to the scarlet gallery. Then west to the entrance hall. Then north to the central courtyard. Then east to the ground floor helical staircase. Then up to the upstairs helical staircase. And finally east to the private parlor.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north to the bellroom.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
You head southwest to the scarlet gallery. Then west to the entrance hall. Then north to the central courtyard. Then east to the ground floor helical staircase. Then up to the upstairs helical staircase. And finally east to the private parlor.
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north to the bellroom.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
solve puzzle
You snap the final piece into place.
Nothing tremendous happens, but the picture is complete.
The table is set for two: a robed king, and the devil. Between the two of them is a quill pen, jet black, and a huge book. The dialogue of these two characters is written on tiny gilt scrolls that spool out of their mouths, and this is what you could not read before the jagged piece was found: the devil is saying, "TIME IS ON MY SIDE," to which the king replies, "BUT NOT FOR LONG."
>
You snap the final piece into place.
Nothing tremendous happens, but the picture is complete.
The table is set for two: a robed king, and the devil. Between the two of them is a quill pen, jet black, and a huge book. The dialogue of these two characters is written on tiny gilt scrolls that spool out of their mouths, and this is what you could not read before the jagged piece was found: the devil is saying, "TIME IS ON MY SIDE," to which the king replies, "BUT NOT FOR LONG."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
read it
The table is set for two: a robed king, and the devil. Between the two of them is a quill pen, jet black, and a huge book. The dialogue of these two characters is written on tiny gilt scrolls that spool out of their mouths, and this is what you could not read before the jagged piece was found: the devil is saying, "TIME IS ON MY SIDE," to which the king replies, "BUT NOT FOR LONG."
>
The table is set for two: a robed king, and the devil. Between the two of them is a quill pen, jet black, and a huge book. The dialogue of these two characters is written on tiny gilt scrolls that spool out of their mouths, and this is what you could not read before the jagged piece was found: the devil is saying, "TIME IS ON MY SIDE," to which the king replies, "BUT NOT FOR LONG."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
a silver bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
a silver bell
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x sceptre
Studded with measly turquoises and semi-precious stones.
>
Studded with measly turquoises and semi-precious stones.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x bell
It bears the stamp of a lamplighter.
>
It bears the stamp of a lamplighter.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the translation room
You can't think how to get there from here.
>
You can't think how to get there from here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
Usually blazing with the captured light of many thousands of candles, but it has been let to go out, and everything is dim.
You can see an ordinary quill pen here.
>
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
Usually blazing with the captured light of many thousands of candles, but it has been let to go out, and everything is dim.
You can see an ordinary quill pen here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x quill
Made of a black feather, to be sure, but there is nothing else at all strange about it, or valuable, or in the least bit unusual. Nothing to make you look twice.
>
Made of a black feather, to be sure, but there is nothing else at all strange about it, or valuable, or in the least bit unusual. Nothing to make you look twice.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
You notice -- can't help noticing -- that the feather is blacker and sleeker and longer than should come from any ordinary bird. As if pulled from the wing of a black angel. The stain on the tip is red.
>
You notice -- can't help noticing -- that the feather is blacker and sleeker and longer than should come from any ordinary bird. As if pulled from the wing of a black angel. The stain on the tip is red.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring silver bell
The silver bell rings once in triumph, and the room springs to brilliant light.
The bell itself fades back to its usual place.
>
The silver bell rings once in triumph, and the room springs to brilliant light.
The bell itself fades back to its usual place.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
The single candle blazes with many times more light than one light source ought to produce.
You can also see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
The single candle blazes with many times more light than one light source ought to produce.
You can also see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x candle
Only apparently a single candle, but giving off a great deal of illumination.
>
Only apparently a single candle, but giving off a great deal of illumination.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Law Library
Many books of precedent line these walls, containing every kind of contract that can be made to bind every kind of soul.
A hole in the floor descends to the other, less savory portion of this place.
You can see a great contract book here.
>
Law Library
Many books of precedent line these walls, containing every kind of contract that can be made to bind every kind of soul.
A hole in the floor descends to the other, less savory portion of this place.
You can see a great contract book here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get the book
You acquire the great contract book.
>
You acquire the great contract book.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
read the book
The words are in a language you don't understand: even the Beast had to take it to the translation room to make any sense of it.
>
The words are in a language you don't understand: even the Beast had to take it to the translation room to make any sense of it.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up me in book
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
The single candle blazes with many times more light than one light source ought to produce.
You can also see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
The single candle blazes with many times more light than one light source ought to produce.
You can also see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up me in book
You search, search, search -- and here is the page with your name at the top. But the contract below, which stipulates your eternal imprisonment here, has been amended with a permission to leave and return within seven days. Then: "Guarantor of this exchange: the king of the castle and all his rights and servants." Which means that if you had not returned, the Beast would have been forfeit and all the servants as well.
>
Having a look at the contract book
You search, search, search -- and here is the page with your name at the top. But the contract below, which stipulates your eternal imprisonment here, has been amended with a permission to leave and return within seven days. Then: "Guarantor of this exchange: the king of the castle and all his rights and servants." Which means that if you had not returned, the Beast would have been forfeit and all the servants as well.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up beast in book
Even if you knew his name, he wouldn't be listed here, of course. The master is not contracted, only the servants.
>
Even if you knew his name, he wouldn't be listed here, of course. The master is not contracted, only the servants.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up father in book
Your father's contract is just before your own: a lifetime (and deathtime) of service in this castle, as the immediate result of setting foot herein. From comparison to some of the other contracts, you see that it would have been easy service indeed, no manual labor but only companionship to the king, and no command-bell to make him come or go.
But the contract has been amended in a small neat hand that says: "Voided in voluntary exchange for his daughter's service." That would be where you come in. And: "Guarantor of this exchange: the king of the castle and all his rights and servants."
>
Your father's contract is just before your own: a lifetime (and deathtime) of service in this castle, as the immediate result of setting foot herein. From comparison to some of the other contracts, you see that it would have been easy service indeed, no manual labor but only companionship to the king, and no command-bell to make him come or go.
But the contract has been amended in a small neat hand that says: "Voided in voluntary exchange for his daughter's service." That would be where you come in. And: "Guarantor of this exchange: the king of the castle and all his rights and servants."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up elzibad in book
The kings you will not find contracted here, though there might be some history in the papers of the records room.
>
The kings you will not find contracted here, though there might be some history in the papers of the records room.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up lucrezia in book
The mistress is not contracted, only the servants. She had no contract, while she lived, and was allowed, therefore, to die.
>
The mistress is not contracted, only the servants. She had no contract, while she lived, and was allowed, therefore, to die.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up lamplighter in book
To live as a thin spirit, having no volition, and lighting the lamps whenever the silver bell is rung.
>
To live as a thin spirit, having no volition, and lighting the lamps whenever the silver bell is rung.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up kitchen in book
You discover nothing of interest in the great contract book.
>
You discover nothing of interest in the great contract book.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x book
A book many thousands of pages long, and on each page is a name, a birthdate, a term of service, all the contracts that bind the castle's ghosts and servitors and Powers: ostlers and fighting-men, bishops and whores.
>
A book many thousands of pages long, and on each page is a name, a birthdate, a term of service, all the contracts that bind the castle's ghosts and servitors and Powers: ostlers and fighting-men, bishops and whores.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up ostlers in book
To judge by this, the castle once had many hundreds of horses. No way of guessing what they do now, the horses having passed a plain animal lifespan and died.
>
To judge by this, the castle once had many hundreds of horses. No way of guessing what they do now, the horses having passed a plain animal lifespan and died.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up bishops in book
You find just one bishop, actually -- men of the church having been, on the whole, more wary than the average person about coming into any contact with this castle and its inhabitants. He appears to have been an Ethiopian, and the terms of his service abstruse and theological. A backhanded attempt to save one or two of the royal souls, perhaps.
>
You find just one bishop, actually -- men of the church having been, on the whole, more wary than the average person about coming into any contact with this castle and its inhabitants. He appears to have been an Ethiopian, and the terms of his service abstruse and theological. A backhanded attempt to save one or two of the royal souls, perhaps.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up whores in book
Well. This explains the dreams one has in certain bedrooms.
>
Well. This explains the dreams one has in certain bedrooms.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up fighting-men in book
The windchimes bind the usual array of guards and armsmen; from the large number so bound, and the terms of the contracts, you get the sense that even the undead are not entirely proof against destruction in battle, so that new ones had to be taken on with great frequency.
>
The windchimes bind the usual array of guards and armsmen; from the large number so bound, and the terms of the contracts, you get the sense that even the undead are not entirely proof against destruction in battle, so that new ones had to be taken on with great frequency.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up chimes in book
The windchimes bind the usual array of guards and armsmen; from the large number so bound, and the terms of the contracts, you get the sense that even the undead are not entirely proof against destruction in battle, so that new ones had to be taken on with great frequency.
>
The windchimes bind the usual array of guards and armsmen; from the large number so bound, and the terms of the contracts, you get the sense that even the undead are not entirely proof against destruction in battle, so that new ones had to be taken on with great frequency.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
The single candle blazes with many times more light than one light source ought to produce.
You can also see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
The single candle blazes with many times more light than one light source ought to produce.
You can also see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get the candle
You acquire the candle.
>
You acquire the candle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
Lower Bulb
In the lower chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is above; it must have been flowing a very long time.
Around the outside of this contraption ascends a wooden staircase.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
From here, you can head north, east, and west.
>
From here, you can head north, east, and west.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
>
Walk's End
Lucrezia, they say, died here. It is only a turning point in the corridor, with a bench.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
From here, you can head northwest, south, and west.
>
From here, you can head northwest, south, and west.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Exploring underground with candle
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Bell Castings
A room of scrap and refuse: wooden structures and clay molds from which bells might be made, scrap metal, pieces of bells now broken.
>
Bell Castings
A room of scrap and refuse: wooden structures and clay molds from which bells might be made, scrap metal, pieces of bells now broken.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x scrap
By the look of it, there's not a useful, sounding instrument in the lot.
>
By the look of it, there's not a useful, sounding instrument in the lot.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Wax Supply
A dank storage area, stacked with bars of wax -- perhaps for some casting process? You couldn't say.
>
Wax Supply
A dank storage area, stacked with bars of wax -- perhaps for some casting process? You couldn't say.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x wax
Far too large a supply for you to move around.
>
Far too large a supply for you to move around.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Zoo
A resting place for an animal: warm but rough. There is little to suggest, from this environment, that he thinks of himself as a man at all, though he is capable of walking upright and eating with utensils, of reading books and even of writing a legible hand.
The only distinguishing mark is a miniature hung on the wall, like a devotional object, or perhaps a reminder. Something about the sole image in an otherwise bare room reminds you of the royal portrait in the Green Bedroom.
You can see a poison vial here.
>
Zoo
A resting place for an animal: warm but rough. There is little to suggest, from this environment, that he thinks of himself as a man at all, though he is capable of walking upright and eating with utensils, of reading books and even of writing a legible hand.
The only distinguishing mark is a miniature hung on the wall, like a devotional object, or perhaps a reminder. Something about the sole image in an otherwise bare room reminds you of the royal portrait in the Green Bedroom.
You can see a poison vial here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x vial
You brought it with you; he confiscated it the first night.
"It was a good thought," he said, plucking it from your fingers with a delicacy that should be impossible in one his size. "But if I could be killed by poison -- or by violence, or starving, or leaping from towers, by drowning or by suffocation or by fire, I assure you, I would have found the way by now. That leaves only yourself as a victim, and I did not bring you here to die." And so you didn't.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: It has mostly dried up now; the apothecary who sold it to you did not say anything about whether it would keep its efficacy for long.
>
You brought it with you; he confiscated it the first night.
"It was a good thought," he said, plucking it from your fingers with a delicacy that should be impossible in one his size. "But if I could be killed by poison -- or by violence, or starving, or leaping from towers, by drowning or by suffocation or by fire, I assure you, I would have found the way by now. That leaves only yourself as a victim, and I did not bring you here to die." And so you didn't.
You reacquaint yourself with its appearance: It has mostly dried up now; the apothecary who sold it to you did not say anything about whether it would keep its efficacy for long.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x miniature
The tiny image of a lady in a green girdle. But it isn't Lucrezia.
>
The tiny image of a lady in a green girdle. But it isn't Lucrezia.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get it
It fails to move even a little, but clings to its place tenaciously -- in the way you associate with the stone gargoyle, upstairs.
>
It fails to move even a little, but clings to its place tenaciously -- in the way you associate with the stone gargoyle, upstairs.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
think about miniature
Obviously this is the picture of someone who is (or was) significant to the Beast.
Shall I go on? >
Obviously this is the picture of someone who is (or was) significant to the Beast.
Shall I go on? >
YES
NO
NO
-
no
>
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
se
Bear Corridor
Less couth and cultivated than any other part of the castle, and you have been forbidden to visit this place before now. The walls press close to you on either side. The floor slopes down. Bears with sharp claws are carved into the rock, but they remind you of Him, and you are not frightened.
>
Bear Corridor
Less couth and cultivated than any other part of the castle, and you have been forbidden to visit this place before now. The walls press close to you on either side. The floor slopes down. Bears with sharp claws are carved into the rock, but they remind you of Him, and you are not frightened.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
Zoo
A resting place for an animal: warm but rough. There is little to suggest, from this environment, that he thinks of himself as a man at all, though he is capable of walking upright and eating with utensils, of reading books and even of writing a legible hand.
The only distinguishing mark is a miniature hung on the wall, like a devotional object, or perhaps a reminder. Something about the sole image in an otherwise bare room reminds you of the royal portrait in the Green Bedroom.
You can see a poison vial here.
>
Zoo
A resting place for an animal: warm but rough. There is little to suggest, from this environment, that he thinks of himself as a man at all, though he is capable of walking upright and eating with utensils, of reading books and even of writing a legible hand.
The only distinguishing mark is a miniature hung on the wall, like a devotional object, or perhaps a reminder. Something about the sole image in an otherwise bare room reminds you of the royal portrait in the Green Bedroom.
You can see a poison vial here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Rocky Chamber
A tight, rocky corner among foundations of the oldest part of the castle. A slow leak in the south wall admits a little water, but not enough to be very destructive.
>
Rocky Chamber
A tight, rocky corner among foundations of the oldest part of the castle. A slow leak in the south wall admits a little water, but not enough to be very destructive.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x leak
The dripping moisture has the oily look of moat water.
>
The dripping moisture has the oily look of moat water.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
touch leak
You feel nothing unexpected.
>
You feel nothing unexpected.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
You start into the crypt, but an icy unnatural wind blows against you, as though the spirits resent the intrusion of someone with a light. And yet you have seen the Beast come down here, from time to time, bearing lanterns, torches, whatever he found handy.
There must be some preliminary, a matter of spiritual etiquette perhaps, to establish yourself as the master of those below.
>
You start into the crypt, but an icy unnatural wind blows against you, as though the spirits resent the intrusion of someone with a light. And yet you have seen the Beast come down here, from time to time, bearing lanterns, torches, whatever he found handy.
There must be some preliminary, a matter of spiritual etiquette perhaps, to establish yourself as the master of those below.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Zoo
A resting place for an animal: warm but rough. There is little to suggest, from this environment, that he thinks of himself as a man at all, though he is capable of walking upright and eating with utensils, of reading books and even of writing a legible hand.
The only distinguishing mark is a miniature hung on the wall, like a devotional object, or perhaps a reminder. Something about the sole image in an otherwise bare room reminds you of the royal portrait in the Green Bedroom.
You can see a poison vial here.
>
Zoo
A resting place for an animal: warm but rough. There is little to suggest, from this environment, that he thinks of himself as a man at all, though he is capable of walking upright and eating with utensils, of reading books and even of writing a legible hand.
The only distinguishing mark is a miniature hung on the wall, like a devotional object, or perhaps a reminder. Something about the sole image in an otherwise bare room reminds you of the royal portrait in the Green Bedroom.
You can see a poison vial here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
From here, you can head northeast, southeast, and southwest.
>
From here, you can head northeast, southeast, and southwest.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Wax Supply
A dank storage area, stacked with bars of wax -- perhaps for some casting process? You couldn't say.
>
Wax Supply
A dank storage area, stacked with bars of wax -- perhaps for some casting process? You couldn't say.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Bell Castings
A room of scrap and refuse: wooden structures and clay molds from which bells might be made, scrap metal, pieces of bells now broken.
>
Bell Castings
A room of scrap and refuse: wooden structures and clay molds from which bells might be made, scrap metal, pieces of bells now broken.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
The sinister door
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x sinister
The work of the hinges and handle, the color of the wood, the point of the arch: all malevolent. It does not have a keyhole at all, however, and looks far too sturdy to succumb to battering. In fact, by the looks of it, someone has had a try before.
>
The work of the hinges and handle, the color of the wood, the point of the arch: all malevolent. It does not have a keyhole at all, however, and looks far too sturdy to succumb to battering. In fact, by the looks of it, someone has had a try before.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
open it
(first unlocking the sinister door)
You lack a key that fits the sinister door.
>
(first unlocking the sinister door)
You lack a key that fits the sinister door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x cord
A pullcord emerges from the rock just before the walls of the passage turn to mud.
>
A pullcord emerges from the rock just before the walls of the passage turn to mud.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x inscription
There's lettering beneath the pullcord.
Unfortunately the words are too worn for you to read. Perhaps if the light were coming in from an extreme angle, you would do better.
>
There's lettering beneath the pullcord.
Unfortunately the words are too worn for you to read. Perhaps if the light were coming in from an extreme angle, you would do better.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
read lettering
You experiment with holding the candle in a variety of positions, but still you can't quite make the inscription out -- something about the cord, and you think the large L is for Lucrezia. But what you really need is for the light to be coming in at about the height of the inscription itself, flush with the wall, and from some distance away. Your arms aren't long enough to let you hold the candle in the right position while you read.
>
You experiment with holding the candle in a variety of positions, but still you can't quite make the inscription out -- something about the cord, and you think the large L is for Lucrezia. But what you really need is for the light to be coming in at about the height of the inscription itself, flush with the wall, and from some distance away. Your arms aren't long enough to let you hold the candle in the right position while you read.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
inscription
That's not a verb I recognize.
>
That's not a verb I recognize.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wave candle
You experiment with ways to hold the candle, and find that the beginnings of letter forms suggest themselves if you put it at about knee height and some way northeast, close to the wall.
Unfortunately, from that position it's impossible to look at the inscription at the same time.
>
You experiment with ways to hold the candle, and find that the beginnings of letter forms suggest themselves if you put it at about knee height and some way northeast, close to the wall.
Unfortunately, from that position it's impossible to look at the inscription at the same time.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
drop candle
You set the candle down immediately under the inscription -- but that's no good, you see at once, because thanks to the curvature of the wall you still can't get the thing at the right angle. Perhaps if it were lit from further off and from the side, rather than the bottom...
>
You set the candle down immediately under the inscription -- but that's no good, you see at once, because thanks to the curvature of the wall you still can't get the thing at the right angle. Perhaps if it were lit from further off and from the side, rather than the bottom...
>
YES
NO
NO
-
move candle
You try pushing the candle this way and that. The farther it gets from the wall, the less use it is; and putting it right under the inscription does no good either.
But you find that the angle gets better as you push the candle northeast along the wall, until the deepest-cut letters jump out at you: P, L, D.
There's a lot more to it than that, though.
>
You try pushing the candle this way and that. The farther it gets from the wall, the less use it is; and putting it right under the inscription does no good either.
But you find that the angle gets better as you push the candle northeast along the wall, until the deepest-cut letters jump out at you: P, L, D.
There's a lot more to it than that, though.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
touch inscription
Try though you might to discover its meaning by touch, the letters are too small and numerous for you to read that way; only the capitals P, L, and D stand out. L for Lucrezia, maybe? The word does feel long enough.
>
Try though you might to discover its meaning by touch, the letters are too small and numerous for you to read that way; only the capitals P, L, and D stand out. L for Lucrezia, maybe? The word does feel long enough.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
push candle
You try pushing the candle this way and that. The farther it gets from the wall, the less use it is; and putting it right under the inscription does no good either.
But you find that the angle gets better as you push the candle northeast along the wall, until the deepest-cut letters jump out at you: P, L, D.
There's a lot more to it than that, though.
>
You try pushing the candle this way and that. The farther it gets from the wall, the less use it is; and putting it right under the inscription does no good either.
But you find that the angle gets better as you push the candle northeast along the wall, until the deepest-cut letters jump out at you: P, L, D.
There's a lot more to it than that, though.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
You continue to move the candle along the northeast wall until you reach a point where the angle seems to be improving...
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
You continue to move the candle along the northeast wall until you reach a point where the angle seems to be improving...
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x inscription
You'd have to head back southwest to be close to the inscription -- you can't reach it or read the small lettering from here, though from what you can see, this is a good direction for the light to come from.
>
You'd have to head back southwest to be close to the inscription -- you can't reach it or read the small lettering from here, though from what you can see, this is a good direction for the light to come from.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Darkness
It's very dark and you can barely make out any of the room's contents, or even tell where the walls are. The only illumination is a harsh raking light across the floor, coming in from the northeast.
The inscription is unfortunately just too high on the wall to be fully lit this way, though you can pick up part of it.
>
Darkness
It's very dark and you can barely make out any of the room's contents, or even tell where the walls are. The only illumination is a harsh raking light across the floor, coming in from the northeast.
The inscription is unfortunately just too high on the wall to be fully lit this way, though you can pick up part of it.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x inscription
There's lettering beneath the pullcord.
The light coming in does illuminate the floor sharply, and is at a good angle, but it is a bit too low to show up the lettering halfway up the wall. All you get is the deepest capital letters -- P, L, and D -- and the last line: or he will depart again without offering aid.
>
There's lettering beneath the pullcord.
The light coming in does illuminate the floor sharply, and is at a good angle, but it is a bit too low to show up the lettering halfway up the wall. All you get is the deepest capital letters -- P, L, and D -- and the last line: or he will depart again without offering aid.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a stool
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
You can see a candle (providing light) here.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
You can see a candle (providing light) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
drop stool
You set the stool down next to one wall.
>
You set the stool down next to one wall.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
put candle on the stool
You need to be holding the candle before you can put it on top of something else.
>
You need to be holding the candle before you can put it on top of something else.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get candle
You pick up the candle, restoring the lighting to a more natural angle. Immediately the place seems less unnerving.
>
You pick up the candle, restoring the lighting to a more natural angle. Immediately the place seems less unnerving.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
put the candle on the stool
You put the candle on the stool, aligning it neatly against the wall. A harsh raking illumination is now cast along the wall, about at a height with your knees.
>
You put the candle on the stool, aligning it neatly against the wall. A harsh raking illumination is now cast along the wall, about at a height with your knees.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Darkness
The light from northeast comes in a bit above floor-level, sharply illuminating one wall but leaving the rest of your surroundings dark and unfathomable.
The inscription stands out beautifully now.
>
Darkness
The light from northeast comes in a bit above floor-level, sharply illuminating one wall but leaving the rest of your surroundings dark and unfathomable.
The inscription stands out beautifully now.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x inscription
There's lettering beneath the pullcord.
You read: Pull this cord, then wait in the room directly above to speak with Lucrezia's steward. Do not let more than five minutes pass between the summons and the waiting, or he will depart again without offering aid.
>
There's lettering beneath the pullcord.
You read: Pull this cord, then wait in the room directly above to speak with Lucrezia's steward. Do not let more than five minutes pass between the summons and the waiting, or he will depart again without offering aid.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
You can see a stool (on which is a candle (providing light)) here.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
You can see a stool (on which is a candle (providing light)) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get all
stool: You acquire the stool.
candle: You pick up the candle, restoring the lighting to a more natural angle. Immediately the place seems less unnerving.
>
stool: You acquire the stool.
candle: You pick up the candle, restoring the lighting to a more natural angle. Immediately the place seems less unnerving.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
pull cord
You give the cord a hard yank. Somewhere above you a very deep bell tolls.
>
You give the cord a hard yank. Somewhere above you a very deep bell tolls.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Bell Castings
A room of scrap and refuse: wooden structures and clay molds from which bells might be made, scrap metal, pieces of bells now broken.
>
Bell Castings
A room of scrap and refuse: wooden structures and clay molds from which bells might be made, scrap metal, pieces of bells now broken.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
From here, you can head north and east.
>
From here, you can head north and east.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
From here, you can head north and east.
>
From here, you can head north and east.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
z
Time passes.
>
Time passes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
pull cord
You give the cord a hard yank. Somewhere above you a very deep bell tolls.
>
You give the cord a hard yank. Somewhere above you a very deep bell tolls.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
u
You climb into the pale light...
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
You climb into the pale light...
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wait
There is a scuffle, and a presence unfolds itself from where it was waiting, unseen, on the benches. It comes towards you and circles you, and you have the idea -- more imagination than eyesight -- that this was once a tall, thin man of considerable power.
It says a few words in the bastardized Italian of the state of Medici-Credenza, and you hear the scrape of wood and stone from somewhere below you: a door opening.
Then the presence vanishes.
>
There is a scuffle, and a presence unfolds itself from where it was waiting, unseen, on the benches. It comes towards you and circles you, and you have the idea -- more imagination than eyesight -- that this was once a tall, thin man of considerable power.
It says a few words in the bastardized Italian of the state of Medici-Credenza, and you hear the scrape of wood and stone from somewhere below you: a door opening.
Then the presence vanishes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
From here, you can head east and west.
>
From here, you can head east and west.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west -- and currently open.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west -- and currently open.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Lucrezia's Study
Little survives here, enough to suggest that a number of books were burned and glass tools smashed. You can only guess at why, or by whom.
But the dominant item is the vast image of Lucrezia at a wardrobe fitting of some kind.
There is also a sinister door, leading east -- and currently open.
A single pile of notes remains.
>
Lucrezia's Study
Lucrezia's Study
Little survives here, enough to suggest that a number of books were burned and glass tools smashed. You can only guess at why, or by whom.
But the dominant item is the vast image of Lucrezia at a wardrobe fitting of some kind.
There is also a sinister door, leading east -- and currently open.
A single pile of notes remains.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x image
Lucrezia stands, imperiously, in what is now the empty bedroom, while a gnome-like shoemaker at her feet customizes pair after pair of shoes to her misshapen--
You look away, unnerved, towards a less disturbing element, the leather tambourine in Lucrezia's hand.
>
Lucrezia stands, imperiously, in what is now the empty bedroom, while a gnome-like shoemaker at her feet customizes pair after pair of shoes to her misshapen--
You look away, unnerved, towards a less disturbing element, the leather tambourine in Lucrezia's hand.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x tambourine
Lucrezia stands, imperiously, in what is now the empty bedroom, while a gnome-like shoemaker at her feet customizes pair after pair of shoes to her misshapen--
You look away, unnerved, towards a less disturbing element, the leather tambourine in Lucrezia's hand.
>
Lucrezia stands, imperiously, in what is now the empty bedroom, while a gnome-like shoemaker at her feet customizes pair after pair of shoes to her misshapen--
You look away, unnerved, towards a less disturbing element, the leather tambourine in Lucrezia's hand.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x notes
Spiky, erratic handwriting on a variety of mystical and magical topics pertaining to the castle and the spiritual status of the inhabitants.
>
Spiky, erratic handwriting on a variety of mystical and magical topics pertaining to the castle and the spiritual status of the inhabitants.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up the tambourine in the notes
The shoemaker so busily fitting Lucrezia in the portrait does not seem to have been sufficiently interesting to warrant a record in these notes, though perhaps the terms of his engagement will be found in the contract book.
>
The shoemaker so busily fitting Lucrezia in the portrait does not seem to have been sufficiently interesting to warrant a record in these notes, though perhaps the terms of his engagement will be found in the contract book.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up me in the notes
There's nothing about you here, which is no surprise, considering that the author of these pages was dead centuries before your arrival.
>
There's nothing about you here, which is no surprise, considering that the author of these pages was dead centuries before your arrival.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up lucrezia in the notes
Though the notes are of her writing, they are for the most part not about her: she was not a diarist, but an experimenter.
>
Though the notes are of her writing, they are for the most part not about her: she was not a diarist, but an experimenter.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up beast in notes
You can discover no specific references to the Beast; though your hazy impression from his conversation is that he never knew Lucrezia, she having been generations before him.
>
You can discover no specific references to the Beast; though your hazy impression from his conversation is that he never knew Lucrezia, she having been generations before him.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up quill in notes
About the pen there is a considerable raving: "Many tests of fire, water, pressure, torsion, acid, and poison have failed; even gunpowder and holy water have not sufficed to ruin it; nor do I now believe that it can be destroyed, but suppose that, being plucked from the wing of the old man my father, it partakes of his same eternal nature. Therefore the arrangement must be dissolved in some other way."
>
About the pen there is a considerable raving: "Many tests of fire, water, pressure, torsion, acid, and poison have failed; even gunpowder and holy water have not sufficed to ruin it; nor do I now believe that it can be destroyed, but suppose that, being plucked from the wing of the old man my father, it partakes of his same eternal nature. Therefore the arrangement must be dissolved in some other way."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up contract book in the notes
Mostly some speculative notes about the possibility of voiding contracts through some loophole of demonic legalism. You don't entirely follow it. At any rate, to judge by this, she had obtained a kind of mastery over the crypt-spirits by use of her magic shoes. And there is also a reference to a room upstairs, behind the ivory door.
>
Mostly some speculative notes about the possibility of voiding contracts through some loophole of demonic legalism. You don't entirely follow it. At any rate, to judge by this, she had obtained a kind of mastery over the crypt-spirits by use of her magic shoes. And there is also a reference to a room upstairs, behind the ivory door.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x shoes
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
Fixing the shoes
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up shoes in the notes
The shoes, according to these pages, symbolize their wearer's right to tread in and be master of the territory of the dead.
"For which reason I wear them always to funerals and in graveyards", remark the notes conversationally, "the which habit has greatly offended some of the noble ladies through the cause of the shoes not being a suitable color for such occasions." Before you can build up much sympathy, Lucrezia continues: "Therefore in recompense I enslaved two of these ladies to my personal service and gave a third to my son to be his concubine until better manners and humility attend them all."
Some additional function for the shoes is suggested by the papers -- something about the preservation of memory or a connection to those who wore them previously -- but it seems that even Lucrezia did not understand this very well. ("And for this reason I am determined never to let them fall into the hands of another, but to have them burnt on my pyre at the moment of my death, lest those that follow after learn my secrets.") That scheme didn't work out for her, evidently.
>
The shoes, according to these pages, symbolize their wearer's right to tread in and be master of the territory of the dead.
"For which reason I wear them always to funerals and in graveyards", remark the notes conversationally, "the which habit has greatly offended some of the noble ladies through the cause of the shoes not being a suitable color for such occasions." Before you can build up much sympathy, Lucrezia continues: "Therefore in recompense I enslaved two of these ladies to my personal service and gave a third to my son to be his concubine until better manners and humility attend them all."
Some additional function for the shoes is suggested by the papers -- something about the preservation of memory or a connection to those who wore them previously -- but it seems that even Lucrezia did not understand this very well. ("And for this reason I am determined never to let them fall into the hands of another, but to have them burnt on my pyre at the moment of my death, lest those that follow after learn my secrets.") That scheme didn't work out for her, evidently.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x image
Lucrezia stands, imperiously, in what is now the empty bedroom, while a gnome-like shoemaker at her feet customizes pair after pair of shoes to her misshapen--
You look away, unnerved, towards a less disturbing element, the leather tambourine in Lucrezia's hand.
>
Lucrezia stands, imperiously, in what is now the empty bedroom, while a gnome-like shoemaker at her feet customizes pair after pair of shoes to her misshapen--
You look away, unnerved, towards a less disturbing element, the leather tambourine in Lucrezia's hand.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the bellroom
You head east to tight passage. Then northeast to rooted room. Then up to rose garden. You climb into the pale light...
, emerging into rose garden. Then south to cloister walk. , emerging into cloister walk. Then west to the parliamentary chambers. , emerging into the parliamentary chambers. Then west to the state rotunda. , emerging into the state rotunda. Then west to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. , emerging into the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. , emerging into the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. , emerging into the white gallery. And then east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
You head east to tight passage. Then northeast to rooted room. Then up to rose garden. You climb into the pale light...
, emerging into rose garden. Then south to cloister walk. , emerging into cloister walk. Then west to the parliamentary chambers. , emerging into the parliamentary chambers. Then west to the state rotunda. , emerging into the state rotunda. Then west to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. , emerging into the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. , emerging into the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. , emerging into the white gallery. And then east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get the tambourine
(the leather tambourine)
You acquire the leather tambourine, and assess it curiously.
A hoop stretched with good-quality leather.
>
(the leather tambourine)
You acquire the leather tambourine, and assess it curiously.
A hoop stretched with good-quality leather.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the empty bedroom
You head south to the private parlor. And finally southeast to the empty bedroom.
Empty Bedroom
Like a monk's chamber compared to every other part of the palace, just bare walls now. Here your father stayed, when he made his ill-fated journey to the castle. The Beast told you this, on your first visit.
>
You head south to the private parlor. And finally southeast to the empty bedroom.
Empty Bedroom
Like a monk's chamber compared to every other part of the palace, just bare walls now. Here your father stayed, when he made his ill-fated journey to the castle. The Beast told you this, on your first visit.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
hit tambourine
A brisk wind fusses about your feet, then does something to the shoes, resizing and slightly reshaping so that they might have a hope of staying on you.
>
A brisk wind fusses about your feet, then does something to the shoes, resizing and slightly reshaping so that they might have a hope of staying on you.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wear shoes
You slip your feet into the shoes, and feel less alone. Mere sentiment, you think; but then there is the brush of a thought other than your own. The crypt. Under the Law Library. There are sources of power there which even I have never understood.
>
You slip your feet into the shoes, and feel less alone. Mere sentiment, you think; but then there is the brush of a thought other than your own. The crypt. Under the Law Library. There are sources of power there which even I have never understood.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x shoes
Made for something with cloven hoofs, but so large that you could wear them as a kind of awkward sandal. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
Made for something with cloven hoofs, but so large that you could wear them as a kind of awkward sandal. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
From here, you can head northwest.
>
From here, you can head northwest.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north to the bellroom.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north to the bellroom.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: affection, longing, guilt; amusement at your innocence and anger at your blindness; frank desire. Such a tangled, terrifying mess of emotion that you barely recognize yourself in the mirrors.
Sorry. The thought is sleepy and not entirely comforting.
>
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: affection, longing, guilt; amusement at your innocence and anger at your blindness; frank desire. Such a tangled, terrifying mess of emotion that you barely recognize yourself in the mirrors.
Sorry. The thought is sleepy and not entirely comforting.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
You step out into the rain.
Gilded Balcony
A ridiculous filigreed balcony that is like nothing so much as a birdcage: and from here you can see all the way across the moat, across the forest, the plain, to the edge of the sea, only by staring long enough in any direction.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Thought the cage metaphor quite unsubtle; but I thought you might like it anyway, being able to see all that distance. This room is built above the watchtower down below, you see, part of a vertical line of power.
>
You step out into the rain.
Gilded Balcony
A ridiculous filigreed balcony that is like nothing so much as a birdcage: and from here you can see all the way across the moat, across the forest, the plain, to the edge of the sea, only by staring long enough in any direction.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Thought the cage metaphor quite unsubtle; but I thought you might like it anyway, being able to see all that distance. This room is built above the watchtower down below, you see, part of a vertical line of power.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: just a suppressed agitation this time, and some emotions you might not be willing to call love. I won't hurt you.
>
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: just a suppressed agitation this time, and some emotions you might not be willing to call love. I won't hurt you.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north to the bellroom.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
Private Parlor
A sitting room of the family, in old times, and familiar territory to you now as well. Your bedroom is just south; other bedrooms, mostly smaller, in other directions.
Nearby an open heavy door leads north to the bellroom.
You can also see a bentwood table (on which is a jigsaw puzzle) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
Upstairs Helical Staircase
A dizzying prospect, the spiral of steps down to the ground.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
Ground Floor Helical Staircase
The steps rise from here towards the upper rooms, and open out onto the bare courtyard.
An obscene gargoyle sits where the finial of the banister should be.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
Central Courtyard
Open to a grey sky, from which a light rain falls. You have never seen the courtyard otherwise: it rains in every season, winter or summer, no matter what lies beyond the moat.
The castle proper opens both north and south, and to the east a helical staircase ascends to the roof.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
State Rotunda
Built for the bureaucratic offices of the palace. Inlaid in the floor is the map of all the lands that once this palace commanded; and from the stains and driblets of wax, it is clear to you that someone at some time thought it useful to set a candle at the map's center, and observe the result.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
Parliamentary Chambers
Despite its grand name, this is one of the smaller chambers of the castle, because the kings were never inclined to brook too much advice. On each side of the room are two neat oak benches, seating for perhaps thirty men -- and, more rarely, women, and a few characters who could not be called by either term.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
Cloister Walk
A pleasant cloister overlooking the rose garden to the north. You have walked it many times, seeking to waste the excesses of time at your disposal.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
From here, you can head north, east, and west.
>
From here, you can head north, east, and west.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
Rooted Room
Cut as an afterthought through earth and the underside of the garden, and therefore muddy and soil-scented.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west -- and currently open.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
Exploring the Crypt
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west -- and currently open.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Father's Regret
The home of fathers who died before their children were born.
Tokens of binding are stored here: bones and bits of hair, relics, hearts scientifically dried, and many other things, culled through the centuries by the masters of this place, in drawers.
>
Father's Regret
The home of fathers who died before their children were born.
Tokens of binding are stored here: bones and bits of hair, relics, hearts scientifically dried, and many other things, culled through the centuries by the masters of this place, in drawers.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x tokens
The drawers are numerous, but there is only one that opens without sticking.
>
The drawers are numerous, but there is only one that opens without sticking.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
open drawers
You open the drawers, revealing an ivory key and an elephant harness.
>
You open the drawers, revealing an ivory key and an elephant harness.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x ivory
It is not all ivory, of course, just a metal shaft with ivory in the handle.
>
It is not all ivory, of course, just a metal shaft with ivory in the handle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get it
You acquire the ivory key.
>
You acquire the ivory key.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get harness
The harness refuses to budge, in a way you associate with the stone gargoyle.
>
The harness refuses to budge, in a way you associate with the stone gargoyle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up ivory in notes
You can't see any such thing.
>
You can't see any such thing.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the notes
You head northeast to tight passage. And then west to lucrezia's study.
Lucrezia's Study
Little survives here, enough to suggest that a number of books were burned and glass tools smashed. You can only guess at why, or by whom.
But the dominant item is the vast image of Lucrezia at a wardrobe fitting of some kind.
There is also a sinister door, leading east -- and currently open.
A single pile of notes remains.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Interesting. They never let me in here. But then, Lucrezia wanted to bring the family to ruin, so perhaps that is why.
>
You head northeast to tight passage. And then west to lucrezia's study.
Lucrezia's Study
Little survives here, enough to suggest that a number of books were burned and glass tools smashed. You can only guess at why, or by whom.
But the dominant item is the vast image of Lucrezia at a wardrobe fitting of some kind.
There is also a sinister door, leading east -- and currently open.
A single pile of notes remains.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Interesting. They never let me in here. But then, Lucrezia wanted to bring the family to ruin, so perhaps that is why.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get notes
You acquire the pile of notes.
>
You acquire the pile of notes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west -- and currently open.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
Tight Passage
The passage through rock ends here, and begins to tunnel through soil instead where it heads northeast.
There is also a sinister door, leading west -- and currently open.
You can also see a cord and an inscription here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up elephant in notes
You discover nothing of interest in the pile of notes.
>
You discover nothing of interest in the pile of notes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
Father's Regret
The home of fathers who died before their children were born.
Tokens of binding are stored here: bones and bits of hair, relics, hearts scientifically dried, and many other things, culled through the centuries by the masters of this place, in drawers.
>
Father's Regret
The home of fathers who died before their children were born.
Tokens of binding are stored here: bones and bits of hair, relics, hearts scientifically dried, and many other things, culled through the centuries by the masters of this place, in drawers.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x relics
Bones are built into the walls, often no more than fragments.
>
Bones are built into the walls, often no more than fragments.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
The floor sounds progressively stranger as you walk toward the middle of the room.
Debtor's Paradise
The graves of men who died before resolving their debts.
>
The floor sounds progressively stranger as you walk toward the middle of the room.
Debtor's Paradise
The graves of men who died before resolving their debts.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
nw
As you walk out of the room, you notice that your footsteps sound odd.
Apprentice's Workshop
A mausoleum for apprentices who perished before their terms of indenture were complete.
A decaying ladder leads up.
>
As you walk out of the room, you notice that your footsteps sound odd.
Apprentice's Workshop
A mausoleum for apprentices who perished before their terms of indenture were complete.
A decaying ladder leads up.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ne
Virgin's End
The resting place of maidens who died before marrying those to whom they were engaged.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: They died without marrying those to whom they were betrothed, but not all died maidens. Impossible to tell the tenor of that particular thought. Not all of them are to my account, I hasten to add.
>
Virgin's End
The resting place of maidens who died before marrying those to whom they were engaged.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: They died without marrying those to whom they were betrothed, but not all died maidens. Impossible to tell the tenor of that particular thought. Not all of them are to my account, I hasten to add.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the translation room
You head south to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. And then west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
Investigating the miniature
You head south to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. And then west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up miniature in the contract book
With some effort, you find the contract, which turns to be one of a large number of contracts involving young women. These all occur towards the end of the book, shortly before your own.
In fact, this is the very last contract recorded before your father's and yours: a young woman named Yvette, brought to the castle -- though she was betrothed to a lord already -- to "serve" the king. You have the impression that the contract book is leaving out a good deal, such as why Yvette was associated with the girdle, and what she was doing here. Perhaps in the papers there will be something.
>
With some effort, you find the contract, which turns to be one of a large number of contracts involving young women. These all occur towards the end of the book, shortly before your own.
In fact, this is the very last contract recorded before your father's and yours: a young woman named Yvette, brought to the castle -- though she was betrothed to a lord already -- to "serve" the king. You have the impression that the contract book is leaving out a good deal, such as why Yvette was associated with the girdle, and what she was doing here. Perhaps in the papers there will be something.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the bellroom
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the records room
You head west to the white gallery. Then west to the gallery of still life. Then west to the upper bulb. And finally west to the records room.
Records Room
Where all the papers and histories are kept, not only for the royal family, but for kin in every kind and direction.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: We have always retained an extraordinarily good secretary and historian. If there is any good in this damned arrangement...
>
You head west to the white gallery. Then west to the gallery of still life. Then west to the upper bulb. And finally west to the records room.
Records Room
Where all the papers and histories are kept, not only for the royal family, but for kin in every kind and direction.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: We have always retained an extraordinarily good secretary and historian. If there is any good in this damned arrangement...
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up yvette in the records
It takes some searching, but you find it eventually. The king in these parts was accustomed to bring young ladies to the castle when his wooing of them was unsuccessful, whereupon they were under contract and unable to resist him.
This he did for many years, snatching away men's brides; until one day he stole Yvette. She was only a humble milkmaid, but so beautiful she was betrothed to a lord, etc., etc., and moreover her great-great-grandmother had been Lucrezia the Enchantress (oh dear), so she possessed a magical girdle of surpassing power.
When she discovered what was about to happen to her, while she was still on the drawbridge of the castle, she cursed the king to become a mere beast, so that the spell would never be lifted until someone loved him who was not under magical contract. What was more, this person would need the power of that same magical girdle...
There is even a small woodcut of the grieving Yvette, carrying a cow bell and looking downtrodden.
>
It takes some searching, but you find it eventually. The king in these parts was accustomed to bring young ladies to the castle when his wooing of them was unsuccessful, whereupon they were under contract and unable to resist him.
This he did for many years, snatching away men's brides; until one day he stole Yvette. She was only a humble milkmaid, but so beautiful she was betrothed to a lord, etc., etc., and moreover her great-great-grandmother had been Lucrezia the Enchantress (oh dear), so she possessed a magical girdle of surpassing power.
When she discovered what was about to happen to her, while she was still on the drawbridge of the castle, she cursed the king to become a mere beast, so that the spell would never be lifted until someone loved him who was not under magical contract. What was more, this person would need the power of that same magical girdle...
There is even a small woodcut of the grieving Yvette, carrying a cow bell and looking downtrodden.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a cow bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a cow bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get cow bell
You acquire the cow bell, and assess it curiously.
Much like the ones you used on the cows at home.
>
You acquire the cow bell, and assess it curiously.
Much like the ones you used on the cows at home.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring it
You ring the bell, but those who might hear and heed it are not close enough.
>
You ring the bell, but those who might hear and heed it are not close enough.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Records Room
Where all the papers and histories are kept, not only for the royal family, but for kin in every kind and direction.
>
Records Room
Where all the papers and histories are kept, not only for the royal family, but for kin in every kind and direction.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the translation room
You head east to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. And finally west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
You head east to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. And finally west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up harness in the contract book
A worked bronze gong, according to this, controls a shape-shifting djinn of considerable size and destructive power, which resents the terms of its enslavement and would be overjoyed to take revenge.
This djinn has taken many forms in the past, but most frequently disguises itself as an elephant.
>
A worked bronze gong, according to this, controls a shape-shifting djinn of considerable size and destructive power, which resents the terms of its enslavement and would be overjoyed to take revenge.
This djinn has taken many forms in the past, but most frequently disguises itself as an elephant.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to bellroom
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a worked bronze gong, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a worked bronze gong, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get gong
You acquire the worked bronze gong, and assess it curiously.
A heavy thing that you have never seen rung. The upper surface is hammered with the sign of an elephant.
>
You acquire the worked bronze gong, and assess it curiously.
A heavy thing that you have never seen rung. The upper surface is hammered with the sign of an elephant.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x gong
A heavy thing that you have never seen rung. The upper surface is hammered with the sign of an elephant.
>
A heavy thing that you have never seen rung. The upper surface is hammered with the sign of an elephant.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring gong
You hesitate. He told you not to play idly with the bells whose purposes were unknown to you, you see...
>
You hesitate. He told you not to play idly with the bells whose purposes were unknown to you, you see...
>
YES
NO
NO
-
g
You strike the gong, but to your disappointment, nothing happens.
>
...assuming we feel brave...
You strike the gong, but to your disappointment, nothing happens.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to elzibad
You head south to the private parlor. Then west to the upstairs helical staircase. Then down to the ground floor helical staircase. Then west to the central courtyard. Then south to the entrance hall. Then east to the scarlet gallery. And finally east to the gallery of historical paintings.
Gallery of Historical Paintings
Here on the north wall and the south are paintings of historical events from times past: the assassination of King Elzibad in 1248; the arrival of Princess Lucrezia from the Italian State of Medici-Credenza in 1545.
The gallery goes on, echoing, both east and west.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: amusement. Poor old Elzibad. Though I suppose it wasn't so funny at the time. Remind me to tell you-- but I may not have the chance, I suppose.
>
You head south to the private parlor. Then west to the upstairs helical staircase. Then down to the ground floor helical staircase. Then west to the central courtyard. Then south to the entrance hall. Then east to the scarlet gallery. And finally east to the gallery of historical paintings.
Gallery of Historical Paintings
Here on the north wall and the south are paintings of historical events from times past: the assassination of King Elzibad in 1248; the arrival of Princess Lucrezia from the Italian State of Medici-Credenza in 1545.
The gallery goes on, echoing, both east and west.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: amusement. Poor old Elzibad. Though I suppose it wasn't so funny at the time. Remind me to tell you-- but I may not have the chance, I suppose.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring gong
You strike the gong, and there is a faint sound, not the full-throated bong you might expect. In the portrait, the elephant turns its painted head to look at you, and it smiles; lifts its foot a little and stomps harder, as though to say, "here is how tyrants are ended."
>
You strike the gong, and there is a faint sound, not the full-throated bong you might expect. In the portrait, the elephant turns its painted head to look at you, and it smiles; lifts its foot a little and stomps harder, as though to say, "here is how tyrants are ended."
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the scrying room
You head west to the scarlet gallery. Then northeast to the treasure room. And finally east to the scrying room.
Scrying Room
A place for consulting with the servants, summoning them by their instruments and allowing their spirits to manifest in the mirrors. But you know this only from explanation, because the mirrors and glasses have been broken or carried away to the Crystal Bedroom, when they ceased to reflect anything that gave pleasure to their master.
Nearby an open small door leads west to the treasure room.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Mostly we used all this for communicating with the enslaved, bringing their spirits to the mirrors to speak to us. That was easily done, by ringing the bells. The more difficult stuff, real prophecy, foresight -- only a few of our line ever had those powers. Lucrezia, mostly.
>
Contacting Yvette
You head west to the scarlet gallery. Then northeast to the treasure room. And finally east to the scrying room.
Scrying Room
A place for consulting with the servants, summoning them by their instruments and allowing their spirits to manifest in the mirrors. But you know this only from explanation, because the mirrors and glasses have been broken or carried away to the Crystal Bedroom, when they ceased to reflect anything that gave pleasure to their master.
Nearby an open small door leads west to the treasure room.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Mostly we used all this for communicating with the enslaved, bringing their spirits to the mirrors to speak to us. That was easily done, by ringing the bells. The more difficult stuff, real prophecy, foresight -- only a few of our line ever had those powers. Lucrezia, mostly.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring the cow bell
You ring the cow bell hopefully, but -- despite the old function of the room -- there are no mirrored surfaces remaining in which your summoned spirit can manifest itself, because you took those all upstairs to your bedroom.
>
You ring the cow bell hopefully, but -- despite the old function of the room -- there are no mirrored surfaces remaining in which your summoned spirit can manifest itself, because you took those all upstairs to your bedroom.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up scrying in the notes
There are various records of the conferences Lucrezia had with various friends, family members, and servants, by ringing bells in the presence of her magical mirrors.
>
There are various records of the conferences Lucrezia had with various friends, family members, and servants, by ringing bells in the presence of her magical mirrors.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the mirrors
You head west to the treasure room. Then southwest to the scarlet gallery. Then west to the entrance hall. Then north to the central courtyard. Then east to the ground floor helical staircase. Then up to the upstairs helical staircase. Then east to the private parlor. And finally south to the crystal bedroom.
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
You head west to the treasure room. Then southwest to the scarlet gallery. Then west to the entrance hall. Then north to the central courtyard. Then east to the ground floor helical staircase. Then up to the upstairs helical staircase. Then east to the private parlor. And finally south to the crystal bedroom.
Crystal Bedroom
A fantasia of gleaming and glittering, chandeliers and mirrors: all that shines or reflects has been moved here, into this room that you inhabit, which he never enters.
The south end of the room is most dazzling, because of the daylight from the balcony.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring the cow bell
You ring the cow bell, and a heavy fog coalesces around you; then at the mirror there forms the image of an exceptionally beautiful young woman, wearing a green girdle.
"It is a long time since I was called," she says, pressing her nose and fingers to her side of the glass and looking at you with interest. You see around her neck the burn of a noose, and guess uneasily at what she did to herself. She looks at you with plain curiosity.
"So you're the one?" she asks. "Did you know that he carried me over the drawbridge into the castle, and made me slave to his wishes even though I was betrothed to another? and that for the breach of contract my father died impoverished?"
You say nothing. You have not known him to be like that; but many human lifetimes have passed since Yvette was alive.
She shrugs one shoulder. "If you can love such a creature, then I will leave the green girdle for you on my grave; you come take it and kiss him," she says.
Then she fades from view.
>
You ring the cow bell, and a heavy fog coalesces around you; then at the mirror there forms the image of an exceptionally beautiful young woman, wearing a green girdle.
"It is a long time since I was called," she says, pressing her nose and fingers to her side of the glass and looking at you with interest. You see around her neck the burn of a noose, and guess uneasily at what she did to herself. She looks at you with plain curiosity.
"So you're the one?" she asks. "Did you know that he carried me over the drawbridge into the castle, and made me slave to his wishes even though I was betrothed to another? and that for the breach of contract my father died impoverished?"
You say nothing. You have not known him to be like that; but many human lifetimes have passed since Yvette was alive.
She shrugs one shoulder. "If you can love such a creature, then I will leave the green girdle for you on my grave; you come take it and kiss him," she says.
Then she fades from view.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the crypt
You head north to the private parlor. Then west to the upstairs helical staircase. Then down to the ground floor helical staircase. Then west to the central courtyard. Then north to the state rotunda. Then southwest to the law library. And finally down to the central crypt.
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
You head north to the private parlor. Then west to the upstairs helical staircase. Then down to the ground floor helical staircase. Then west to the central courtyard. Then north to the state rotunda. Then southwest to the law library. And finally down to the central crypt.
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n'
That's not a verb I recognize.
>
That's not a verb I recognize.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Virgin's End
The resting place of maidens who died before marrying those to whom they were engaged.
You can see a magic girdle here.
>
Virgin's End
The resting place of maidens who died before marrying those to whom they were engaged.
You can see a magic girdle here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get the girdle
You acquire the magic girdle, and assess it curiously.
It is the green girdle familiar to you from paintings here; a possession of Lucrezia's.
>
You acquire the magic girdle, and assess it curiously.
It is the green girdle familiar to you from paintings here; a possession of Lucrezia's.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wear it
You put on the girdle, securing it around you. It fits unexpectedly well.
>
You put on the girdle, securing it around you. It fits unexpectedly well.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the beast
You head south to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. And then up to the upper bulb.
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
When you look at the Beast this time -- it must be the influence of the girdle -- you see him as more animal than human, though you long ago learned to discern a man's expressions on his face.
I was afraid of him, says the memory of Yvette in your head, as though she's trying to justify herself to you. There are other thoughts as well, murkier; but you are left with the impression that she killed herself, in the end, not because of her family's misfortunes or the lord she was separated from; but because she was carrying a child, and feared that it would be born some kind of monster.
>
Cure the beast immediately
You head south to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. And then up to the upper bulb.
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
When you look at the Beast this time -- it must be the influence of the girdle -- you see him as more animal than human, though you long ago learned to discern a man's expressions on his face.
I was afraid of him, says the memory of Yvette in your head, as though she's trying to justify herself to you. There are other thoughts as well, murkier; but you are left with the impression that she killed herself, in the end, not because of her family's misfortunes or the lord she was separated from; but because she was carrying a child, and feared that it would be born some kind of monster.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
kiss the beast
As you do, you can't help remembering -- because of the girdle -- how many women before you this king imprisoned against their will. And why should he deserve to be forgiven, merely because he has been less cruel to you than to the others?
When you lift your head, he is his proper self: a man, about forty-five. Handsome, perhaps, but in the style of the lord mayor, not someone you would have aspired to wed. His face has perhaps softened a little since his youth, but he is still recognizably the same person.
He looks ruefully at his restored hands. "I failed to free them," he says. "And now I've dragged you into the trouble with me."
You shake your head, and try to calm him.
*** You have restored the King, but not his servants ***
Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or QUIT?
>
***
As you do, you can't help remembering -- because of the girdle -- how many women before you this king imprisoned against their will. And why should he deserve to be forgiven, merely because he has been less cruel to you than to the others?
When you lift your head, he is his proper self: a man, about forty-five. Handsome, perhaps, but in the style of the lord mayor, not someone you would have aspired to wed. His face has perhaps softened a little since his youth, but he is still recognizably the same person.
He looks ruefully at his restored hands. "I failed to free them," he says. "And now I've dragged you into the trouble with me."
You shake your head, and try to calm him.
*** You have restored the King, but not his servants ***
Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or QUIT?
>
YES
NO
YES
-
s
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
Save the servants
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
The floor sounds progressively stranger as you walk toward the middle of the room.
Debtor's Paradise
The graves of men who died before resolving their debts.
>
The floor sounds progressively stranger as you walk toward the middle of the room.
Debtor's Paradise
The graves of men who died before resolving their debts.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
listen
The windchimes are silent now that they've been taken down.
>
The windchimes are silent now that they've been taken down.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
jump
The floor thuds hollowly under you.
>
The floor thuds hollowly under you.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
wear helmet
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
>
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
jump
You hop experimentally across the floor, the helmet amplifying your sensitivity to every sound, so that you are able to distinguish the exact flagstone at which the hollow thudding becomes most resonant.
On a bit of investigation, this stone turns out to be loose.
>
You hop experimentally across the floor, the helmet amplifying your sensitivity to every sound, so that you are able to distinguish the exact flagstone at which the hollow thudding becomes most resonant.
On a bit of investigation, this stone turns out to be loose.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x stone
A trapdoor -- well, really, a hinged flagstone, not much different from the rest of the floor to which it belongs.
>
A trapdoor -- well, really, a hinged flagstone, not much different from the rest of the floor to which it belongs.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
open stone
You open the trapdoor.
>
You open the trapdoor.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
d
Dank Room
The air is clammy and unpleasant, and clogs in your lungs.
Nearby an open trapdoor leads up to the debtor's paradise.
>
Dank Room
The air is clammy and unpleasant, and clogs in your lungs.
Nearby an open trapdoor leads up to the debtor's paradise.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Press Room
Liquid squeezed from the surrounding earth here flows out through a fountain, then soaks back into the ground below.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: mostly loathing and fear much stronger than your own, but whatever he knows does not come through to you.
>
Press Room
Liquid squeezed from the surrounding earth here flows out through a fountain, then soaks back into the ground below.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: mostly loathing and fear much stronger than your own, but whatever he knows does not come through to you.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x liquid
The liquid is sludge-black where it pours in quantity, but where it runs thin, it appears red.
>
The liquid is sludge-black where it pours in quantity, but where it runs thin, it appears red.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
smell it
Despite its unappealing appearance and the rankness of the air, it does not smell as vile as you expect: more bitter.
>
Despite its unappealing appearance and the rankness of the air, it does not smell as vile as you expect: more bitter.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
taste it
Overcoming dislike, you taste a bit of the liquid, and find it more bitter than wormwood. All anguish and regret and the knowledge that it was once in your own power to make things come out better. But perhaps it is not too late after all.
>
Overcoming dislike, you taste a bit of the liquid, and find it more bitter than wormwood. All anguish and regret and the knowledge that it was once in your own power to make things come out better. But perhaps it is not too late after all.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
listen
Even your own breathing is magnified when you wear the helmet, so you must concentrate past it...
The windchimes are silent now that they've been taken down.
>
Even your own breathing is magnified when you wear the helmet, so you must concentrate past it...
The windchimes are silent now that they've been taken down.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet (being worn)
>
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet (being worn)
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to bellroom
You head south to the dank room. Then up to the debtor's paradise. Then north to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. You walk far enough in to get a view of sand falling in a huge hourglass. Though it is only a thin stream, it sounds louder than it should: the noise, magnified by your helmet, becomes too much to bear, and you retreat.
>
You head south to the dank room. Then up to the debtor's paradise. Then north to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. You walk far enough in to get a view of sand falling in a huge hourglass. Though it is only a thin stream, it sounds louder than it should: the noise, magnified by your helmet, becomes too much to bear, and you retreat.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
take off helmet
You lift the helmet from your head, and the sudden quiet feels like going deaf.
>
You lift the helmet from your head, and the sudden quiet feels like going deaf.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to bellroom
You head north to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a cow bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
You head north to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a cow bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
w
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
When you look at the Beast this time -- it must be the influence of the girdle -- you see him as more animal than human, though you long ago learned to discern a man's expressions on his face.
I was afraid of him, says the memory of Yvette in your head, as though she's trying to justify herself to you. There are other thoughts as well, murkier; but you are left with the impression that she killed herself, in the end, not because of her family's misfortunes or the lord she was separated from; but because she was carrying a child, and feared that it would be born some kind of monster.
>
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
When you look at the Beast this time -- it must be the influence of the girdle -- you see him as more animal than human, though you long ago learned to discern a man's expressions on his face.
I was afraid of him, says the memory of Yvette in your head, as though she's trying to justify herself to you. There are other thoughts as well, murkier; but you are left with the impression that she killed herself, in the end, not because of her family's misfortunes or the lord she was separated from; but because she was carrying a child, and feared that it would be born some kind of monster.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
sw
(first opening the ivory door)
(first unlocking the ivory door)
(with the ivory key)
Smoke-Damaged Chamber
Though not actually burnt, the walls are stained with smoke, especially at the south end. This mess has partly obliterated what was once a detailed mural on the west wall.
Nearby an open ivory door leads northeast to the upper bulb.
>
(first opening the ivory door)
(first unlocking the ivory door)
(with the ivory key)
Smoke-Damaged Chamber
Though not actually burnt, the walls are stained with smoke, especially at the south end. This mess has partly obliterated what was once a detailed mural on the west wall.
Nearby an open ivory door leads northeast to the upper bulb.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Burnt Frame
A corner tower severely damaged by fire, so that there is only framework between you and the sky.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: A spectacular but unsuccessful attempt. My fur was singed and foul-smelling for weeks.
>
Burnt Frame
A corner tower severely damaged by fire, so that there is only framework between you and the sky.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: A spectacular but unsuccessful attempt. My fur was singed and foul-smelling for weeks.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x framework
A conical roof, stripped down to the skeleton.
>
A conical roof, stripped down to the skeleton.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
e
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's an inkpot and a white apple (complete with white stem and leaf); a green cloth swatch, a gold ring, a broken beam; a stuffed boar, a preserved goat, a cane, a glass leaf, a silver buckle, a copper snake, a homunculus, a parrot perch, and a dark-colored pendant.
>
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a white apple (complete with white stem and leaf) and a gold ring (with signet, though you do not recognize the symbol); a silver buckle, a homunculus, a green cloth swatch; an inkpot (empty), a stuffed boar, a preserved goat, a cane, a glass leaf, a copper snake, a parrot perch, a dark-colored pendant, and a broken beam.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
x buckle
A very very curious object.
>
A very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x boar
A very very very curious object.
>
A very very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x leaf
A very very very very curious object.
>
A very very very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get all
neat rows: A discouraging prospect -- moving everything from this room is really work for about a dozen strong spirits from the contract book.
>
neat rows: A discouraging prospect -- moving everything from this room is really work for about a dozen strong spirits from the contract book.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
s
Armory
From the looks of things, immediately above the Guard Tower. An assortment of weapons, most of them hundreds of years old and no longer useful, are collected here, though from the gory appearance at least a few of the daggers have been sharpened and tried in the relatively recent past.
>
Armory
From the looks of things, immediately above the Guard Tower. An assortment of weapons, most of them hundreds of years old and no longer useful, are collected here, though from the gory appearance at least a few of the daggers have been sharpened and tried in the relatively recent past.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a broken beam (charred at each end) and an inkpot; a white apple, a preserved goat, a dark-colored pendant; a stuffed boar, a cane, a glass leaf, a silver buckle, a copper snake, a homunculus, a parrot perch, a green cloth swatch, and a gold ring.
>
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a gold ring (with signet, though you do not recognize the symbol) and a dark-colored pendant (faceted); a homunculus, a copper snake, a preserved goat; an inkpot (empty), a white apple, a stuffed boar, a cane, a glass leaf, a silver buckle, a parrot perch, a green cloth swatch, and a broken beam.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
go to the wedding treasure
You head west to the burnt frame. Then north to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. And finally east to the gallery of still life.
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
You head west to the burnt frame. Then north to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. And finally east to the gallery of still life.
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x wedding treasure
A table tastefully laid with possessions of power or personal worth, brought by Lucrezia as gifts from her father: an inkpot, a helmet, a green girdle stitched with vines, a curious pair of cloven shoes.
>
A table tastefully laid with possessions of power or personal worth, brought by Lucrezia as gifts from her father: an inkpot, a helmet, a green girdle stitched with vines, a curious pair of cloven shoes.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the black gallery
You head west to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then south to the burnt frame. And finally east to the black gallery.
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a dark-colored pendant (faceted) and a preserved goat (in a very large jar); a white apple, a green cloth swatch, an inkpot; a stuffed boar, a cane, a glass leaf, a silver buckle, a copper snake, a homunculus, a parrot perch, a gold ring, and a broken beam.
>
You head west to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then south to the burnt frame. And finally east to the black gallery.
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a dark-colored pendant (faceted) and a green cloth swatch (torn from a much bigger piece); a white apple, a parrot perch, a silver buckle; an inkpot (empty), a stuffed boar, a preserved goat, a cane, a glass leaf, a copper snake, a homunculus, a gold ring, and a broken beam.
>
YES
YES
NO
-
get the inkpot
You acquire the inkpot, and assess it curiously.
A very very very very curious object.
>
You acquire the inkpot, and assess it curiously.
A very very very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
an inkpot (empty)
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
an inkpot (empty)
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up inkpot in notes
About the inkpot, the notes are their most cryptic, and the quality of the handwriting has also declined so that you suspect the author of having been either elderly or sick. "Of this article, which my father gave me, I believe I have finally uncovered some use. For though it will not hold ink of the ordinary kind, it perfectly contains that which flows beneath the burial ground, consisting of the regret of all inhabitants..." Etc., etc.
>
About the inkpot, the notes are their most cryptic, and the quality of the handwriting has also declined so that you suspect the author of having been either elderly or sick. "Of this article, which my father gave me, I believe I have finally uncovered some use. For though it will not hold ink of the ordinary kind, it perfectly contains that which flows beneath the burial ground, consisting of the regret of all inhabitants..." Etc., etc.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x inkpot
An inkpot of dark material. Inside there remains only a red-black crust of dried ink.
>
An inkpot of dark material. Inside there remains only a red-black crust of dried ink.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
n
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Ah, now here's an interesting little locale. Lucrezia had it built. She was always her father's daughter, you perceive. It is so powerful that it makes false the things that are brought in -- I used it once to void a lady's marriage contract --
The thread of thought stops. On second thought, that is not a story I am proud of.
>
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Ah, now here's an interesting little locale. Lucrezia had it built. She was always her father's daughter, you perceive. It is so powerful that it makes false the things that are brought in -- I used it once to void a lady's marriage contract --
The thread of thought stops. On second thought, that is not a story I am proud of.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x storybook
A collection of fanciful tales "which were once true but are no longer". It is stamped across the front as having been inducted into the Lie Library.
You read: Once upon a time, there was a young Russian girl whose mother died, leaving behind only a painted wooden clapper which made a loud noise. When the girl's father married again, the second wife was very cruel and miserly... (etc. at some length); but whenever the girl was lonely, she took the wooden clapper to the mirror in her mother's bedroom and clapped it loudly; and her mother's spirit would appear to her and advise her... (And so on, for several dozen pages of adventure, ending in marriage to the Tsar.)
>
A collection of fanciful tales "which were once true but are no longer". It is stamped across the front as having been inducted into the Lie Library.
You read: Once upon a time, there was a young Russian girl whose mother died, leaving behind only a painted wooden clapper which made a loud noise. When the girl's father married again, the second wife was very cruel and miserly... (etc. at some length); but whenever the girl was lonely, she took the wooden clapper to the mirror in her mother's bedroom and clapped it loudly; and her mother's spirit would appear to her and advise her... (And so on, for several dozen pages of adventure, ending in marriage to the Tsar.)
>
YES
NO
NO
-
i
You are carrying:
an infernal inkpot (empty)
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
You are carrying:
an infernal inkpot (empty)
a magic girdle (being worn)
a worked bronze gong
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
NO
-
x stand
Carvings around the outer edge of the stand indicate how one should use it: a small tonsured figure places a book on the stand, then rings a bell; whereupon a librarian, bearing the traditional shackles and sheets of a ghost, appears to take it away.
>
Carvings around the outer edge of the stand indicate how one should use it: a small tonsured figure places a book on the stand, then rings a bell; whereupon a librarian, bearing the traditional shackles and sheets of a ghost, appears to take it away.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up librarian in the contract book
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the translation room
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. And finally west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. And finally west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
look up librarian in the contract book
The contract records that the librarian -- a relatively recent innovation at the castle -- is controlled by a glass bell.
>
The contract records that the librarian -- a relatively recent innovation at the castle -- is controlled by a glass bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the stand
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. And finally east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
>
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. And finally east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
put the contract book on the stand
You put the great contract book on the book return stand.
>
You put the great contract book on the book return stand.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the bellroom
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a glass bell, a cow bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a glass bell, a cow bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get the glass bell
You acquire the glass bell, and assess it curiously.
Thick glass with a clapper on a chain.
>
You acquire the glass bell, and assess it curiously.
Thick glass with a clapper on a chain.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to the stand
You head west to the white gallery. Then west to the gallery of still life. Then west to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. And finally east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which are a great contract book and a storybook) here.
>
You head west to the white gallery. Then west to the gallery of still life. Then west to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. And finally east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which are a great contract book and a storybook) here.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring the glass bell
You summon the librarian, who comes and looks at the contract book: you see this as a sort of fog. It frowns at the condition of some of the pages, then searches the front and back of the book; then, grimacing, it takes out a red seal like those used in the empire of the Chan. It is about to mark the contract book property of the Lie Library, when it discovers that its seal ink has dried up: so the stamp has no efficacy. Disappointed, it vanishes again.
>
You summon the librarian, who comes and looks at the contract book: you see this as a sort of fog. It frowns at the condition of some of the pages, then searches the front and back of the book; then, grimacing, it takes out a red seal like those used in the empire of the Chan. It is about to mark the contract book property of the Lie Library, when it discovers that its seal ink has dried up: so the stamp has no efficacy. Disappointed, it vanishes again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
put inkpot on stand
You put the infernal inkpot on the book return stand.
>
You put the infernal inkpot on the book return stand.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring the glass bell
You summon the librarian, who comes and looks at the contract book: you see this as a sort of fog. It frowns at the condition of some of the pages, then searches the front and back of the book; then, grimacing, it takes out a red seal like those used in the empire of the Chan. It is about to mark the contract book property of the Lie Library, when it discovers that its seal ink has dried up: so the stamp has no efficacy. Disappointed, it vanishes again.
>
You summon the librarian, who comes and looks at the contract book: you see this as a sort of fog. It frowns at the condition of some of the pages, then searches the front and back of the book; then, grimacing, it takes out a red seal like those used in the empire of the Chan. It is about to mark the contract book property of the Lie Library, when it discovers that its seal ink has dried up: so the stamp has no efficacy. Disappointed, it vanishes again.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
get inkpot
You acquire the infernal inkpot.
>
You acquire the infernal inkpot.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
go to beast
You head west to the scarlet gallery. Then west to the entrance hall. Then west to the great dining hall. Then north to the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. And finally up to the upper bulb.
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
Taking vengeance on the beast
You head west to the scarlet gallery. Then west to the entrance hall. Then west to the great dining hall. Then north to the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. And finally up to the upper bulb.
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
YES
NO
NO
-
ring gong
You strike the gong and it rings very loudly, as though summoning someone out of a world three over from our own. Then what looks like a large dark cloud descends on the Beast and crushes the last life out of him, like a trodden grape.
Afterward, when you can see, and think, you know that you have helped matters only so much: the Beast is gone, but the servants remain enslaved, no doubt inherited by the next of the line.
*** You have punished the Beast for his sins, but his servants remain enslaved to the line of Kings ***
Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or QUIT?
>
***
You strike the gong and it rings very loudly, as though summoning someone out of a world three over from our own. Then what looks like a large dark cloud descends on the Beast and crushes the last life out of him, like a trodden grape.
Afterward, when you can see, and think, you know that you have helped matters only so much: the Beast is gone, but the servants remain enslaved, no doubt inherited by the next of the line.
*** You have punished the Beast for his sins, but his servants remain enslaved to the line of Kings ***
Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or QUIT?
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the crypt
You head down to the lower bulb. Then south to the law library. And finally down to the central crypt.
Central Crypt
A relic-storage place for all the bits of men and women -- and creatures -- bound to the Kings over many centuries. Only brute animals are free of binding, since they have no souls; which is why there are no dogs in the castle, no horses, no songbirds.
>
Freeing the servants first
YES
NO
NO
-
s
The floor sounds progressively stranger as you walk toward the middle of the room.
Debtor's Paradise
The graves of men who died before resolving their debts.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
listen
The windchimes are silent now that they've been taken down.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
jump
The floor thuds hollowly under you.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
YES
-
wear helmet
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
jump
You hop experimentally across the floor, the helmet amplifying your sensitivity to every sound, so that you are able to distinguish the exact flagstone at which the hollow thudding becomes most resonant.
On a bit of investigation, this stone turns out to be loose.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x stone
A trapdoor -- well, really, a hinged flagstone, not much different from the rest of the floor to which it belongs.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
open stone
You open the trapdoor.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
d
Dank Room
The air is clammy and unpleasant, and clogs in your lungs.
Nearby an open trapdoor leads up to the debtor's paradise.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
n
Press Room
Liquid squeezed from the surrounding earth here flows out through a fountain, then soaks back into the ground below.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: mostly loathing and fear much stronger than your own, but whatever he knows does not come through to you.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x liquid
The liquid is sludge-black where it pours in quantity, but where it runs thin, it appears red.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
smell it
Despite its unappealing appearance and the rankness of the air, it does not smell as vile as you expect: more bitter.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
taste it
Overcoming dislike, you taste a bit of the liquid, and find it more bitter than wormwood. All anguish and regret and the knowledge that it was once in your own power to make things come out better. But perhaps it is not too late after all.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
listen
Even your own breathing is magnified when you wear the helmet, so you must concentrate past it...
The windchimes are silent now that they've been taken down.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet (being worn)
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to bellroom
You head south to the dank room. Then up to the debtor's paradise. Then north to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. You walk far enough in to get a view of sand falling in a huge hourglass. Though it is only a thin stream, it sounds louder than it should: the noise, magnified by your helmet, becomes too much to bear, and you retreat.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
take off helmet
You lift the helmet from your head, and the sudden quiet feels like going deaf.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to bellroom
You head north to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
w
White Gallery
Of more recent construction than many another portion of the castle, and therefore light and airy, and a pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Nearby an open heavy door leads west to the gallery of still life.
Placed where it will have the most light on the board for the longest time is a mechanical chessplayer.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
YES
-
w
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
w
Upper Bulb
In the upper chamber, you find, there is almost as much sand as there is below; indeed for all you can tell the flow might be eternal.
Nearby an ivory door leads southwest.
And here Beast lies, sprawled on the ground as if he'd fallen.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
sw
(first opening the ivory door)
(first unlocking the ivory door)
(with the ivory key)
Smoke-Damaged Chamber
Though not actually burnt, the walls are stained with smoke, especially at the south end. This mess has partly obliterated what was once a detailed mural on the west wall.
Nearby an open ivory door leads northeast to the upper bulb.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
s
Burnt Frame
A corner tower severely damaged by fire, so that there is only framework between you and the sky.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: A spectacular but unsuccessful attempt. My fur was singed and foul-smelling for weeks.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x framework
A conical roof, stripped down to the skeleton.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
e
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a gold ring (with signet, though you do not recognize the symbol) and a preserved goat (in a very large jar); an inkpot, a cane, a glass leaf; a white apple, a stuffed boar, a silver buckle, a copper snake, a homunculus, a parrot perch, a green cloth swatch, a dark-colored pendant, and a broken beam.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x buckle
A very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x boar
A very very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x leaf
A very very very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
get all
neat rows: A discouraging prospect -- moving everything from this room is really work for about a dozen strong spirits from the contract book.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
s
Armory
From the looks of things, immediately above the Guard Tower. An assortment of weapons, most of them hundreds of years old and no longer useful, are collected here, though from the gory appearance at least a few of the daggers have been sharpened and tried in the relatively recent past.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
n
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a parrot perch (evidently much used) and a green cloth swatch (torn from a much bigger piece); a broken beam, a white apple, a silver buckle; an inkpot (empty), a stuffed boar, a preserved goat, a cane, a glass leaf, a copper snake, a homunculus, a dark-colored pendant, and a gold ring.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
go to the wedding treasure
You head west to the burnt frame. Then north to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. And finally east to the gallery of still life.
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby an open heavy door leads east to the white gallery.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x wedding treasure
A table tastefully laid with possessions of power or personal worth, brought by Lucrezia as gifts from her father: an inkpot, a helmet, a green girdle stitched with vines, a curious pair of cloven shoes.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the black gallery
You head west to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then south to the burnt frame. And finally east to the black gallery.
Black Gallery
Lined with neat rows of inscrutable -- one might almost say pointless -- objects.
There's a parrot perch (evidently much used) and a dark-colored pendant (faceted); a silver buckle, a copper snake, a gold ring; an inkpot (empty), a white apple, a stuffed boar, a preserved goat, a cane, a glass leaf, a homunculus, a green cloth swatch, and a broken beam.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get the inkpot
You acquire the inkpot, and assess it curiously.
A very very very very curious object.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
an inkpot (empty)
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
YES
-
look up inkpot in notes
About the inkpot, the notes are their most cryptic, and the quality of the handwriting has also declined so that you suspect the author of having been either elderly or sick. "Of this article, which my father gave me, I believe I have finally uncovered some use. For though it will not hold ink of the ordinary kind, it perfectly contains that which flows beneath the burial ground, consisting of the regret of all inhabitants..." Etc., etc.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x inkpot
An inkpot of dark material. Inside there remains only a red-black crust of dried ink.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
n
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
The Beast's thoughts intrude on yours, courtesy of the enchanted shoes: Ah, now here's an interesting little locale. Lucrezia had it built. She was always her father's daughter, you perceive. It is so powerful that it makes false the things that are brought in -- I used it once to void a lady's marriage contract --
The thread of thought stops. On second thought, that is not a story I am proud of.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x storybook
A collection of fanciful tales "which were once true but are no longer". It is stamped across the front as having been inducted into the Lie Library.
You read: Once upon a time, there was a young Russian girl whose mother died, leaving behind only a painted wooden clapper which made a loud noise. When the girl's father married again, the second wife was very cruel and miserly... (etc. at some length); but whenever the girl was lonely, she took the wooden clapper to the mirror in her mother's bedroom and clapped it loudly; and her mother's spirit would appear to her and advise her... (And so on, for several dozen pages of adventure, ending in marriage to the Tsar.)
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
an infernal inkpot (empty)
a worked bronze gong
a cow bell
a pile of notes
an ivory key (which opens the ivory door)
a candle (providing light)
a stool
a great contract book
a pair of cloven shoes (being worn)
a sceptre
an iron key (which opens the iron cage)
some iron windchimes
a small key (which opens the iron windchimes and the small door)
some discarded embroidery materials
a shackle
a helmet
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x stand
Carvings around the outer edge of the stand indicate how one should use it: a small tonsured figure places a book on the stand, then rings a bell; whereupon a librarian, bearing the traditional shackles and sheets of a ghost, appears to take it away.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
look up librarian in the contract book
The runes are unfamiliar to you, but you know what the book is: a record of all the contracts of all the souls enslaved to the king of this castle.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the translation room
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. And finally west to the translation room.
Translation Room
Endowed with a deep power that dissolves into ready vernacular even the most ancient and secret scripts of the Law Library.
You can see a quill of Mephistopheles here.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
look up librarian in the contract book
The contract records that the librarian -- a relatively recent innovation at the castle -- is controlled by a glass bell.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the stand
You head east to the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. And finally east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
put the contract book on the stand
You put the great contract book on the book return stand.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the bellroom
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then east to the gallery of still life. Then east to the white gallery. And finally east to the bellroom.
Bellroom
Kept, conveniently, close to where the masters of the house would once have slept. There are bells large and small, clappers, tambourines, and gongs. Most of these you have never seen used at all.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
Nearby an open heavy door leads south to the private parlor.
Catching your eye among many other unfamiliar items are a glass bell, a leather tambourine, a silver bell, and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
get the glass bell
You acquire the glass bell, and assess it curiously.
Thick glass with a clapper on a chain.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the stand
You head west to the white gallery. Then west to the gallery of still life. Then west to the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. And finally east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which are a great contract book and a storybook) here.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
ring the glass bell
You summon the librarian, who comes and looks at the contract book: you see this as a sort of fog. It frowns at the condition of some of the pages, then searches the front and back of the book; then, grimacing, it takes out a red seal like those used in the empire of the Chan. It is about to mark the contract book property of the Lie Library, when it discovers that its seal ink has dried up: so the stamp has no efficacy. Disappointed, it vanishes again.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to the press room
You head west to the smoke-damaged chamber. Then northeast to the upper bulb. Then down to the lower bulb. Then south to the law library. Then down to the central crypt. Then south to the debtor's paradise. Then down to the dank room. And finally north to the press room.
Press Room
Liquid squeezed from the surrounding earth here flows out through a fountain, then soaks back into the ground below.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
fill inkpot
You fill the infernal inkpot from the fountain, trying to get as little as possible on yourself.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
go to lie library
You head south to the dank room. Then up to the debtor's paradise. Then north to the central crypt. Then up to the law library. , emerging into the law library. Then north to the lower bulb. , emerging into the lower bulb. Then up to the upper bulb. , emerging into the upper bulb. Then southwest to the smoke-damaged chamber. , emerging into the smoke-damaged chamber. And then east to the lie library.
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which are a great contract book and a storybook) here.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
put inkpot on the stand
You put the infernal inkpot on the book return stand.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
ring the bell
Which do you mean, the glass bell or the cow bell?
>
YES
NO
YES
-
glass
You summon the librarian, who comes and looks at the contract book: you see this as a sort of fog. It frowns at the condition of some of the pages, then searches the front and back of the book; then, grimacing, it takes out a red seal like those used in the empire of the Chan.
It inks this carefully from the inkpot, then stamps inside the front of the book:
PROPERTY OF THE LIE LIBRARY
DO NOT REMOVE
...whereupon the contracts inside begin to unravel and dissolve into the merest stories.
You never do discover any final rest or cure for the Beast. But perhaps that is a small price to pay for all the souls you have liberated.
*** You have made an exchange ***
Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or QUIT?
>
***
YES
YES
YES
-
purloin gold bell and gold ring
little gold dinner bell: [Purloined.]
gold ring: [Purloined.]
>
YES
NO
YES
-
ring old
You can't see any such thing.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
ring gold
You ring the bell, but those who might hear and heed it are not close enough.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a gold ring
a little gold dinner bell
>
YES
NO
YES
-
gonear shoes
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby a small door leads east.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x shoes
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
wear it
(first taking the pair of cloven shoes)
The iron cage isn't open.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
wear them
(first taking the pair of cloven shoes)
The iron cage isn't open.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x them
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x it
Made for something with cloven hoofs. They bear evidence of having been adjusted to their current size by a shoemaker, and perhaps (therefore) could be again.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x me
You are nontrivially the worse for your journey -- hungry, dirty, and tired. But all that can be seen to later.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x him
I only understood you as far as wanting to examine.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
x her
I'm not sure what "her" refers to.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
listen
Nothing of note.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
objects
Thus far you have seen an iron cage, a sceptre, a puzzle piece, a pair of cloven shoes, a gold ring, a small door and a little gold dinner bell.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
i
You are carrying nothing.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
(first opening the iron-barred gate)
You shouldn't be able to open it, heavy as it is, but it swings aside lightly at your touch. The Beast said that it knows friend from enemy; and the castle, at least, still regards you as friend.
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace, and no one is waiting for you here; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
se
Scarlet Tower
A little hexagonal room, from whose narrow window you can see the moat, the lawn, and the beginning of the forest outside.
On the windowsill, a helmet waits, for the use of the sentry.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get helmet
You acquire the helmet, and assess it curiously.
A very old helmet that you have seen the Beast wear (and quite foolish it looked, perched on a head it no longer fits: it would suit your head better). He told you once that the helmet was for night watchmen, scouts, and guards, to increase their vigilance and strengthen their hearing.
Lines of writing arc over each ear, but you do not know the language in question.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
nw
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
w
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
w
Great Dining Hall
Such a long hall that the soup might get cold between one end and the other. You and he used only the far west end, nearest the kitchen. Once you took to dining together at all, that is; the first few months he brought trays to your room, while you hid.
But then you took to eating here; and at the end of every meal he would stand up formally and ask his question.
"You can leave at any time," he said, when he first spoke to you. You stared at him, surprised that someone with his face and teeth was capable of human communication. "Would you like to go?"
There are other memories, more recent, of course. Every glance around the room reminds you of a different one.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
You find your way blocked by a phantom guard. Somewhere nearby you hear chimes.
As soon as you back up, he disperses into smoke again.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
w
Enormous Kitchen
Haunted with the spirits of chefs past, generations and generations of culinary geniuses; one can never predict its whimsies. Unless he has moved everything, the bell to summon them into action should be in one of the rooms upstairs.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
n
Servant Quarters
You've never come here before, and now you see why. Not a room friendly to visitors, it has the air of resentful, martyred suffering. Even His most unpleasant ancestors would not have grudged this place more paint, surely, and more straw for the beds.
A decaying ladder leads down.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
d
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the servant quarters, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the northeast.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
drop helmet
You set down the helmet.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get helmet
You acquire the helmet.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from the servant quarters, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the northeast.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
ne
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the immediate vicinity.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
drop helmet
You set down the helmet.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get helmet
You acquire the helmet.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the immediate vicinity.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get all
There are none at all available!
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get sifting
They're hardly portable.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the immediate vicinity.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
se
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
You hear some dry sifting from the northwest and an irregular dripping from the southeast.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
ne
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, almost inaudible, from the northeast.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
wear helmet
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Darkness
It's so dark in here that you have to feel your way along, and are nervous of tripping at any moment. You find yourself concentrating all the more alertly on your hearing, as though the slightest echo might offer a clue.
Windchimes ring, loud, from the northeast. You can also make out your own steady breathing.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
ne
Darkness
Though a dim light filters down from rose garden, you can see almost nothing of the contents of your current location.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
u
Rose Garden
Only one kind of rose grows here, a pink only just distinct from white. This strain creeps over the ground and climbs the walls of the cloister.
In the middle of the garden a way slopes into the ground, reminding you of the entrance to a burial mound.
Strung up by a chain is a set of iron windchimes.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x roses
In the bud it is innocent; in bloom, it bears the mark of a death's-head at the heart.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
smell roses
From the rose you smell sickly charnel sweetness.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
purloin the stool
[Purloined.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
gonear the wedding treasure
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby a heavy door leads east.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Gallery of Still Life
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, you suppose, though you are too short to see out -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby a heavy door leads east.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
drop stool
You set the stool down next to one wall.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
stand on stool
You stand, a little precariously, on the stool, and are now more or less the same height as an ordinary person.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Gallery of Still Life (on the stool)
Natural light from the south -- coming in from the courtyard, though you cannot see all the way down to ground level from here, even on the stool -- illuminates a series of still life paintings on the north wall: one showing the Wedding Treasure when Lucrezia arrived from Medici-Credenza, the other rather fancifully entitled Supper with M.
Nearby a heavy door leads east.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
relations
Unbolting relates one passkey to various things:
Dependence relates various things to various things:
The puzzle piece >=> the iron cage
The pair of cloven shoes >=> the iron cage
The ivory door >=> the pair of cloven shoes
The inkpot >=> the ivory door
The inkpot >=> the trapdoor
The iron windchimes >=> the helmet
The small key >=> the helmet
The ivory key >=> the pair of cloven shoes
The pile of notes >=> the sinister door
The image >=> the sinister door
The heavy door >=> the iron windchimes
The little gold dinner bell >=> the heavy door
The silver bell >=> the heavy door
The heavy door >=> the iron windchimes
The iron key >=> the Beast
Explaining relates various things to various things:
The miniature >=> the magic girdle
The great contract book >=> the glass bell
The great contract book >=> the magic girdle
The papers >=> the ordinary quill pen
The book return stand >=> the book return stand
The elephant harness >=> the worked bronze gong
The fountain >=> the inkpot
The inscription >=> the cord
The inscription >=> the sinister door
The pile of notes >=> the inkpot
The pile of notes >=> the magic girdle
The image >=> the leather tambourine
Wedding Treasure >=> the inkpot
Requiring relates various things to various things:
The assassination of King Elzibad >=> the worked bronze gong
The iron cage >=> the iron key
The pair of cloven shoes >=> the leather tambourine
The map >=> the candle
The great contract book >=> the candle
The ivory door >=> the ivory key
The iron windchimes >=> the helmet
The iron windchimes >=> the small key
The iron windchimes >=> the stool
The small door >=> the small key
The inscription >=> the stool
The inscription >=> the candle
The jigsaw puzzle >=> the puzzle piece
The candle >=> the silver bell
The feast >=> the little gold dinner bell
The Beast >=> the feast
Control relates a thing (called X) to a room (called Y) when Y is the target locale of X.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
gonear stand
Lie Library
Fables, fictions, and falsehoods, arranged by number by type, and containing such categories as "In which the hero receives help from three aged figures," "In which the villain has a mysterious name," and so on.
You can see a book return stand (on which is a storybook) here.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x stand
Carvings around the outer edge of the stand indicate how one should use it: a small tonsured figure places a book on the stand, then rings a bell; whereupon a librarian, bearing the traditional shackles and sheets of a ghost, appears to take it away.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
undo
Lie Library
[Previous turn undone.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
hint about stand
You're still missing some information that might be useful to understanding the problem.
Shall I go on? >
YES
YES
YES
-
y
You're still missing some information that might be useful to understanding the problem.
Shall I go on? >
YES
YES
YES
-
y
You're still missing some information that might be useful to understanding the problem.
Shall I go on? >
YES
YES
YES
-
no
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x stand
Carvings around the outer edge of the stand indicate how one should use it: a small tonsured figure places a book on the stand, then rings a bell; whereupon a librarian, bearing the traditional shackles and sheets of a ghost, appears to take it away.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
hint about stand
The stand is here to allow you to get things shelved in the Lie Library.
Shall I go on? >
YES
YES
YES
-
yes
Judging by the pictures would need to place the required object on the stand, then ring the correct bell for the librarian.
Shall I go on? >
YES
YES
YES
-
yes
Doing this might render the book in question false.
Shall I go on? >
YES
YES
YES
-
yes
This decision is up to you, but you could, if you wished, put the contract book on the book return stand, then ring the glass bell, thus converting the book to a work of fiction, and freeing everyone under contract.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
purloin small key
[Purloined.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a small key (which opens the small door)
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x small key
The key is of the sort of delicate design intended to unlock more than one door.
The small key unlocks the small door.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
gonear the hourglass
YES
YES
YES
-
gonear counter
Apothecary
Furnished with a long countertop and the equipment of an apothecary; sketches from physicians; anatomical drawings of creatures similar to the Beast, bears and lions being especially prominent; also poison reference books, primarily the work of Italian and (earlier) Persian experts. The room has an unused air, and you do not remember ever coming in before, or seeing the Beast go in. It must have been a hobby that interested him before your arrival.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
i
You are carrying nothing.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
listen to equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
touch equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
purloin shoes
[Purloined.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
wear shoes
They emphatically do not fit. You will have to find someone to adjust them, evidently.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
adjust shoes
You need a skilled shoemaker for this job.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
set shoes
(to)
No, you can't set that to anything.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a pair of cloven shoes
>
YES
YES
YES
-
purloin helmet
Which do you mean, the helmet or Wedding Treasure?
>
YES
YES
YES
-
all
helmet: [Purloined.]
Wedding Treasure: [Purloined.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
adjust helmet
Which do you mean, Wedding Treasure or the helmet?
>
YES
YES
YES
-
all
Sorry, you can only have one item here. Which exactly?
>
YES
YES
YES
-
drop painting
You set down Wedding Treasure.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
adjust helmet
(the helmet)
An armorer you are not, but fortunately none is needed.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a helmet
a pair of cloven shoes
>
YES
YES
YES
-
purloin girdle
(Wedding Treasure)
[Purloined.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
w
You get far enough to glimpse a little gold dinner bell before being overcome: you reel back from a smell of roses and death, so powerful that you can't go forward. Until there's a breeze through here, you won't be able to stand being in the place.
Apothecary
Furnished with a long countertop and the equipment of an apothecary; sketches from physicians; anatomical drawings of creatures similar to the Beast, bears and lions being especially prominent; also poison reference books, primarily the work of Italian and (earlier) Persian experts. The room has an unused air, and you do not remember ever coming in before, or seeing the Beast go in. It must have been a hobby that interested him before your arrival.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
purloin girdle
(Wedding Treasure)
[Purloined.]
>
YES
YES
YES
-
gonear equipment
Apothecary
Furnished with a long countertop and the equipment of an apothecary; sketches from physicians; anatomical drawings of creatures similar to the Beast, bears and lions being especially prominent; also poison reference books, primarily the work of Italian and (earlier) Persian experts. The room has an unused air, and you do not remember ever coming in before, or seeing the Beast go in. It must have been a hobby that interested him before your arrival.
Roses from the garden below have crept up to grow around the north window, lending a sickly smell to the place.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
counter
That's not a verb I recognize.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x equipment
Delicate scales and glass bottles, blades and mortars and drying racks and other things you do not recognize.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
smell equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
touch equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
lick equipment
That's not a verb I recognize.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
taste equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
read equipment
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
consult equipment about me
The conviction that these recently contained powerful contact poisons makes you reluctant to handle them in any way.
>
YES
YES
YES
-
no
Some extra command help is provided, though you may turn it off at any time.
Drawbridge
Even in your short absence, the castle has come to look strange to you again. When you came here first, you stood a long while on the drawbridge, unready to cross the moat, for fear of the spells that might bind you if you did. This time it is too late to worry about such things.
An iron-barred gate leads north.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
examine (X) yourself, the castle, or the moat
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
NO
YES
-
o
Sorry, that can't be corrected.
>
YES
NO
YES
-
n
(first opening the iron-barred gate)
You shouldn't be able to open it, heavy as it is, but it swings aside lightly at your touch. The Beast said that it knows friend from enemy; and the castle, at least, still regards you as friend.
Entrance Hall
There is no fire in the big fireplace, and no one is waiting for you here; the air is very cold. Over the gate, the old familiar warning sign is painted.
Various passages lead deeper into the castle: north towards the central courtyard, southwest to the guard tower, east and west into the libraries, the offices, the galleries. Somewhere in this maze, he waits; and he should be told as soon as possible that you did return.
An iron-barred gate leads south to the drawbridge.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
examine (X) the warning sign, yourself, the open iron-barred gate, or the fireplace
open or close nothing
go south, southwest, east, west, or north or go to any room you've visited
go through the open iron-barred gate
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x fireplace
Unlit, vacant. It is almost as though you are not expected.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
examine (X) the iron-barred gate, the warning sign, or yourself
open or close nothing
go south, southwest, east, west, or north or go to any room you've visited
go through the iron-barred gate
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
examine (X) yourself
go west, northeast, southeast, or east or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
se
Scarlet Tower
A little hexagonal room, from whose narrow window you can see the moat, the lawn, and the beginning of the forest outside.
On the windowsill, a helmet waits, for the use of the sentry.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
take the helmet
examine (X) the narrow window, the helmet, or yourself
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
get all
(the helmet)
You acquire the helmet, and assess it curiously.
A very old helmet that you have seen the Beast wear (and quite foolish it looked, perched on a head it no longer fits: it would suit your head better). He told you once that the helmet was for night watchmen, scouts, and guards, to increase their vigilance and strengthen their hearing.
Lines of writing arc over each ear, but you do not know the language in question.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
examine (X) the narrow window or yourself
wear the helmet
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
look
Scarlet Tower
A little hexagonal room, from whose narrow window you can see the moat, the lawn, and the beginning of the forest outside.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
inventory (I)
examine (X) the narrow window or yourself
wear the helmet
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
x me
You are nontrivially the worse for your journey -- hungry, dirty, and tired. But all that can be seen to later.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
inventory (I)
examine (X) the narrow window
wear the helmet
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
wear helmet
You settle the helmet over your head, and there is a roaring in your ears at first. But then the sharpened hearing begins to feel natural again.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
listen
examine (X) the narrow window
go northwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
nw
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
listen
go west, northeast, southeast, or east or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
ne
Treasure Room
Locked in an iron cage are the house treasures not in use: the collection consists of a sceptre, a puzzle piece, and a pair of cloven shoes, at present -- he showed them to you one rainy day, telling you their many histories.
Nearby a small door leads east.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
listen
examine (X) the sceptre, the puzzle piece, the pair of cloven shoes, the small door, or the iron cage
lock or unlock the small door or the iron cage
go east or southwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
e
(first opening the small door)
(first unlocking the small door)
You lack a key that fits the small door.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
listen
examine (X) the sceptre, the puzzle piece, the pair of cloven shoes, the small door, or the iron cage
lock or unlock the small door or the iron cage
go east or southwest or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
sw
Scarlet Gallery
You do not often come this way, into the older part of the castle, which is narrow and has a low roof. The walls, and the ceiling too, are deep scarlet, the color of the old king and queen that ruled here two hundred fifty years ago, when there was still a kingdom.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
listen
go west, northeast, southeast, or east or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES
-
i
You are carrying:
a helmet (being worn)
You can always take off anything you are wearing.
Some options to try (to play without guidance, type novice mode off):
look
listen
go
*** Run-time problem P10: Since the northeast is not allowed the property "marked for special listing", it is against the rules to try to use it.
*** Run-time problem P10: Since the southeast is not allowed the property "marked for special listing", it is against the rules to try to use it.
*** Run-time problem P10: Since the east is not allowed the property "marked for special listing", it is against the rules to try to use it.
*** Run-time problem P10: Since the west is not allowed the property "marked for special listing", it is against the rules to try to use it.
or go to any room you've visited
think about a specific room or object to get a clue
help to see a more complete set of instructions
>
YES
YES
YES