MESSAGE 1 As the cloud moves closer, drops of precipitation begin to fall from it. As the drops fall upon the vegetation, the plants burst into an all-consuming flame, vanishing within seconds. Thunder continues to boom from the cloud and the configuration of its surface looks uncomfortably like a human face. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 2 The deadly rain reaches you and, in your last split-second of consciousness, you realize that you should have found shelter. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 3 Deafening blasts of thunder roar over the clearing, sounding like some demented giant's angry voice. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 4 The thunder slowly dies away and, within a few minutes, the normal sounds of the forest animals and birds return. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 5 The guard looks disgusted and slams the opening. Dejected, you sit down at side of the road. You realize that it would feel good to just rest your head against the tree behind you and, as you begin to drift off to sleep, you feel your pack move and a light touch on your wrist. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 6 You reach behind you, but, before you can grab anything, Melaia has nabbed a thief. She drags him into the sunlit road and holds him fast. He struggles, but to little effect. He is a small, fair-haired man, dressed in poor quality clothing, with a confused look in his eyes and no visible weapons. "Why do you try to steal from us, worm? We have little to tempt even the most hungry thief." Melaia begins to shake him. "Melaia, stop!" commands the sorceress, "This is just like you to react with violence. I can sense that this pitiful creature cannot control his actions. He has been enchanted to steal anything within reach. The pain and guilt of his actions have driven him nearly insane. What is you name, confused one?" The bewildered man looks at Karalyn and says, "I cannot remember anything other than my life as a thief. I call myself Yalda, now." Karalyn looks deep into his eyes and tells you, "He needs our help and most certainly fulfills the final part of the prophecy. He is definitely a 'thief insane'." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 7 You reach behind you, and catch the thief. But, as you pull him around, the man hits his head on a low branch and falls limp. As you realize with horror that the thief is dead, you suddenly lose consciousness. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 8 "The little worm has taken the treasure and left us", Melaia growls. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 9 Several hundred pounds of loose gravel falls to the floor just inside the the doorway to the temple, raising a thick, choking cloud of dust. Out of the dust staggers Yalda, carrying a leather pouch which he hands to you. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 250 Melaia says, "I'm starved. Let's find someplace to eat." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 249 Chris makes eating motions with his hands. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 248 Karalyn says, "You should really consider finding some food." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 10 The members of the Band finally can stand it no longer and leave you standing alone in this confused city while they go in search of food. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 247 They take 8 gold coins to pay for dinner. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 246 They take 11 gold coins to pay for dinner. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 245 They take 12 gold coins to pay for dinner. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 244 Aldar yawns hugely, while Alfar seems to be asleep his feet. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 243 Yalda is barely able to put one foot in front of the other. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 242 Karalyn says, "This band needs to stop and rest." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 11 The members of the Band finally can stand it no longer and leave you standing alone in this confused city while they go in search a place to sleep. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 241 They take 60 gold coins to pay for their rooms. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 240 They take 48 gold coins to pay for their rooms. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 239 They take 54 gold coins to pay for their rooms. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 238 You notice an ominous black cloud on the northern horizon. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 237 The cloud to the north is moving this way at tremendous speed. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 12 As you look to the sky, you see vast quanties of liquid falling from the black cloud. All around you, the city is being destroyed. You hear screams of fear from the citizens near you, and, as the rain finally reaches you, you wonder what will happen to your new friends. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 13 As you leave the city, you see a black cloud approaching from the north. It is moving at such a high rate of speed that it has passed over almost before you have time to notice it. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 14 The black cloud stops abruptly over the city and begins to pour out the deadly drops. You can see smoke start to rise from the damaged buildings and can imagine only too well what the inhabitants are experiencing. In a few minutes, the storm is over, and, even at this great distance, you can see the massive destruction. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 15 Although most of the Band has vanished without your hearing a sound, Melaia must manage to land at least a blow or two, because you hear a scuffle. But when you turn to look, you see only Yalda. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 16 Suddenly, you are surrounded by a group of armored men. As you turn to fight, Yalda grabs the bracelet from your arm and runs off into the swamp. With very little trouble the men subdue you, tie you with rope and put a burlap bag over your head. You can't tell where they are taking you, but your thoughts during the trip are concerned with things you would do to that thief if you could get your hands on him. When your hands are unbound and the bag taken off of your head, the situation you see looks pretty bleak. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 17 Before you can move, Galdrax looks at your group and laughs. "And how do you intend to stop me without weapons? Guards, gather up this vermin and put them back where they belong." Without trouble, the guards take you back to your basement cell. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 18 Before you can move, Galdrax looks at your group and laughs. "You idiots. Why do you not pay attention to your own prophecies? 'The Band of one plus three plus three.' Do you have some idea that hair color would rule the day." The evil wizard finds this amusing. "Anyone studying the old tales should realize that the old ones were fascinated by the deepest, most pervasive dichotomy of the human race and certainly isn't skin or hair or skin coloring. You pose no more danger to me the wind or rain. Guards, gather up this vermin and put them back where they belong." But before Galdrax's guards can move a muscle, Aldar, who has yet to speak a single word, steps forward, and stands directly in front of him. With back erect and eyes boring deep into his, Aldar reaches up to remove the grey cap. A gasp moves through the room, both friend and foe, as Aldar, in a clear, soprano voice, says "Watch who you call vermin, wizard!", as her waist-length blond hair falls down her back. She winds up her sling and catches the wizard directly between the eyes. The battle is on. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 19 All around you, each of the band members is doing his or her best to hold off the men faithful to Galdrax. Unfortunatly, the blow to the head delivered by Aldar only stunned the wizard for a few seconds, after which he began to trade spells with Karalyn. The others are doing the best they can but you can see them looking at you, expecting you to turn the tide. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 20 Nothing you do seems to work. The battle is going badly for your friends and, if you do not come to their aid soom, all will be lost. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 21 It is almost over. The twins have been recaptured, Christopher is almost down, Melaia is being overmatched 10 to 1 and the Sorceress' response to the evil magician's attacks si starting to slow. Only Yalda is still fighting at any level of ability, parrying but never attacking, with almost machine-like efficency. Then, when it seems almost over, you feel your bracelet start to grow warm. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 22 The battle is over. All of your friends have been subdued. Galdrax is coming for you. He doesn't look very happy. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 23 Galdrax is reaching for you. It looks like the end. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 24 Galdrax has you. You don't want to watch what comes next. Better luck next time. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 25 Before you can move, Galdrax looks at you and laughs. "And how do you intend to stop me without the any help. Guards, gather up this vermin and make sure we aren't disturbed again." Without trouble, the guards take you back to your basement cell. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 26 Before you can move on, out from the shadows comes the last remaining member of your party, Yalda. Melaia instantly rushes toward him. "You thieving devil, I would almost be willing to spend the rest of my days alone just to see you die." But before the angry woman can reach him, Yalda hands the bracelet to you and you take it and put it on. You tell Melaia to stop. Yalda says, "I am sorry I ran out on you, but I thought I needed to save the bracelet. I got into the fortress before you and placed the rod where you could find it. I couldn't help otherwise because the guards had me trapped in the rear of the banquet hall until just now." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 27 The members of the band look sad, but they all know that you must go. Karalyn says, "You must lie down now and return to your own world. We will miss you and can only hope that you will look back upon us fondly. Do not forget." You say goodbye to each of your friends. Christopher and the twins will live in the forest, Melaia is returning to her mountaintop home and the sorceress will return to her cottage. Yalda looks at you with sad eyes, but, before you can say your farewell, he turns and vanishes into the trees. You lie down on the bed and, just as you begin to fall asleep, you realize that there are questions that were never answered. But it is too late. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 28 The sorceress says, "You must find individuals to assist you in this quest. More than that I cannot say." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 236 Aldar refuses to speak to you. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 235 No one here knows anything about the sign language. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 29 Alfar says, "Our mother was not able to hear or speak. So our family learned to communicate with a special sign language standard to such people." Such a memory is obviously painful to the two orphans. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 30 "Her name was Diana and she was always trying to help those who shared her affliction. She would seek out those who need her help to communicate." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 31 "Her name was Diana and ....". As the child continues, Christopher spins about and begins signing furiously to the twins. "He says that Diana is the name of his aunt who taught him to sign. That make us cousins and that honor cannot allow him to let us go into danger alone. He will accompany us to insure that we come to no harm." Christopher embraces the two of them and, as the party moves on, they begin a furious conversation in sign language that looks as if it could go on for hours. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 234 The twins are not present to discuss their mother. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 32 The sorceress's eyes turn inward as she recites: "One day the bracelet shall return, To right the evils of our land. One who's name will not be learned Will come with unknown powers in hand. With luck and skill the stranger turns An outcast group into a Band. The Band of one plus three plus three Shall travel north to stop the rain With magic, pairs and silently With dagger, sword and thief insane. Not one is as appears to be But must suffice to end the Bane." The sorceress looks at you and says "Where is Tolkein when you need him." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 33 The sorceress states, "The rain first appeared a few months ago. It attempts to destroy everything in its path. So far, I have been able to restore the damage done within the forest, but with each attack, the repair becomes more difficult." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 34 Yalda looks dubious, but answers "Yes, I have heard of this temple. But it is beyond the abilities of any common thief to enter it. The treasure hidden there consists of booty left over from the Dim War, and is protected by both magical and physical means." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 35 The sorceress concentrates for a moment, then says, "I might be able to release the magical defenses, but only a trained thief could manage to get past the physical ones." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 233 $NOUN$ claims no special knowledge of the temple. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 36 Yalda tells you that he thinks he can find them and vanishes into the shadows. Melaia is beginning to look very sheepish. When Yalda reappears, he is bearing all the weapons. After the gear has been distributed, Melaia moves to Yalda. He cringes, but the weapon master speaks quietly, "I'm sorry. In my usual haste, I took you for what I thought you would be. You are an honorable man and I will be proud to fight beside you." Yalda looks uncomfortable. "I'm not much of a fighter, but I thank you." Melaia stands with the thief. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 232 I cannot discuss the $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 231 That person is not here to discuss the $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 230 "I don't know anything about the $OBJECT$." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 229 The sorceress sits on the rock and waits watchfully. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 228 $NOUN$ refuses to leave your side. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 227 $NOUN$ is not here at the moment. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 226 You have killed another human being. All goes dark.... END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 37 You have purchased provisions for the Band. They cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 38 Provisions at this location cost #VAR3# gold coins. You only have#VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city without sufficient provisions. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 39 You have already bought provisions. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 40 You have purchased fur parkas for the Band. They cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 41 Parkas at this location cost #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city without proper clothing. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 42 You have already bought parkas. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 43 You have purchased dinner for the Band. It cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 44 An evening meal at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 45 You have already bought dinner. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 46 You have rented rooms for the Band. They cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 47 Six rooms at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 48 You have already rented rooms. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 49 You have purchased a sword for Melaia. It cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 50 A sword at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city until Melaia has a sword. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 51 You have already bought a sword. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 52 You have purchased a socerer's kit for Karalyn. It cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 53 A socerer's kit bought at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city while Karalyn does not have a fresh magic kit. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 54 You have already bought a kit. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 55 You have purchased two slings for the twins. They cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 56 A pair of slings at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city without proper weapons. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 57 You have already bought slings. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 58 You have purchased a thieves' tools for Yalda. It cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 59 Thieves' tools at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city with proper tools for Yalda. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 60 You have already bought tools. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 61 You have purchased a crossbow, with a quiver of arrows, for Christopher. It cost #VAR3# gold pieces. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 62 A crossbow at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins. You only have #VAR1# coins remaining. You cannot leave the city with proper weapons. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 63 You have already bought a crossbow. It would be a waste of money to buy more. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 225 You cannot buy $NOUN$ here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 224 You squeeze yourself under the bed. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 223 Crawling doesn't work here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 222 The large crate falls at Christopher's feet. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 221 The medium crate falls at Christopher's feet. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 220 The small crate falls at Christopher's feet. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 64 As you drop the last of the crates through the grate, Christopher swiftly stacks them up, and, climbing atop them, easily reaches a height sufficent to allow him to leap upwards and grab the edge of the grate. You help him climb out and, after a silent but emotional reunion, you continue on. The grate closes and locks behind you. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 219 As soon as you put the torch down, it goes out. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 218 The $NOUN$ falls to the ground at Christopher's feet. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 65 As you look to the south, you notice a shadow standing in the woods. As it moves closer, you see that it is a huge man in muted green clothing, watching the twins intently and twiddling his fingers. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 66 You make it past the doorway, but trigger a tripwire, causing several hundred pounds of loose gravel to land on your head. It might not have been fatal, but you do not stay conscious long enough to find out. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 67 You receive a powerful shock. As you fall to the ground, you wonder what you you did wrong this time. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 217 There are #VAR1# gold coins in the bag. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 216 You cannot look at a verb. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 215 You have found a key in the pocket of a guard's coat. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 214 You do not have the coat. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 213 Through the open grate, you see Christopher looking hopeful. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 212 There is a large crate lying next to him. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 211 There is a medium crate lying next to him. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 210 There is a small crate lying next to him. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 68 The swath of destruction created by the acid rain is a ruler-straight line north to south, but both the bed and the sign are seemingly untouched. Then, to your amazement, the blighted region begins to shimmer and shine, becoming too bright to watch. When the light show is over, the clearing looks as beautiful as it did before the passing of the cloud. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 209 You remove the coat from the hook. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 208 You cannot get the crate. It is too heavy. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 207 You cannot get the crate. It is too heavy. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 206 You cannot get the crate. It is too heavy. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 69 The best advice I can give you is to buy smart and move fast. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 70 The knocker makes a defening clatter and a uniformed guard stickes his head out of a small opening in the door. After a few moments he states pompously, "Entrance tax will be 2 gold pieces per head. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 71 Nothing seems to happen. Nothing stirs. The whole forest seems to have become gravely quiet. You raise your fist to knock a second time and the door opens silently and smoothly. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 205 You cannot knock on a door here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 72 You have broken your bare foot. The pain is incredibly intense and as you lose consciousness, you curse your stupidity for not replacing your shoes after crossing the log. END_MEESSAGE MESSAGE 73 There is a flash of darkness. You spin around to see an aged crone glaring at you with hatred. A truly exceptional speciman of cronehood, she is almost as ugly as your Aunt Greta. "Why have you defiled my home with your violence? The door was opened to you freely. You have responded with rudeness and anger. You do not even know me. END_MEESSAGE MESSAGE 204 "Ah, you surprise me, strange one. You may go." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 203 Speak my name or be banished! END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 202 "Ah, you surprise me, strange one. You may go." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 201 "You are of no use to me or my land. BEGONE!! END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 74 The crone open the door, ushers you out and, once again, the door closes silently behind you. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 75 "Ah, you surprise me, strange one. You may go." The crone opens the door, but, as she starts to usher you out, catches sight of the bracelet you wear. Her expression changes from one of bored indifference to surprised amazement. "The bracelet! We have waited so long for its return." The old woman grabs your arm and, at the moment of contact, begins to change. The wrinkles fade, her hair thickens and darkens to a deep black and the crone strightens from a painful stoop to a regal height of almost six feet. Her clothing transforms from worn rags to a beautiful blue cloak. "The prophecy has come to pass. The time has come to gather the proper members of the band. Come, we have much work to do." The sorceress moves about the cottage, gathering up things she will need. Then, motioning you to precede her out of her home, she passes through the door then closes it. She moves from animal to animal, setting each one free. "They will be able to care for themselves." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 200 You cannot kick a door here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 76 Lifting upwards on a thin rod through a tiny crack, while trying to raise a heavy wooden timber is not easy, but you succeed and the door opens. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 199 Such an action accomplishes nothing. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 198 "YOU WILL NOT REACH THE SORCERESS, KARALYN!" END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 197 This message is Number 200. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 196 Listening is useless here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 77 Looking under the bed, you find a change of clothing more suitable for travel and a pair of soft boots. You reach down and get them. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 195 The light cot is easy to move. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 194 The light cot is easy to move. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 78 As you shift the block slightly, you see the glint of metal. Working your fingers into the opening between the block and the rest of the wall, you manage to retrieve a metal rod. END_MESSGAE MESSAGE 79 Shifting the block, you put the rod back into the space between the block and the wall. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 193 You push the chair to a position underneath the torch. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 192 You move the rug out of the way and find a grate underneath. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 80 As you $VERB$ the sign, it vibrates, then rings faintly, like a distant bell. Hanging on the back of the sign is a beautiful iridescent bracelet, fashioned from a material which looks like a solid liquid, a liquid gemstone, a melting diamond. Oh, heck, it looks odd but valuable. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 191 You cannot $VERB$ the $NOUN$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 190 There is no $NOUN$ here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 81 "You can't wander around in a strange land dressed like that!" END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 82 Before you can move, there is a violent peal of thunder from the clear sky. As you look to the sky, you see a large, black cloud moving toward you at express train speed. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 83 As you return to the entrance to the rocky valley, Karalyn states that the figure never moved. As you puzzle on this, you turn to see one of the figures coming toward you on the path from the southwest. As the figure moves closer, you become aware that this is a child, ten to twelve years old. You hear the other figure scrambling down the side of the valley. Twins. As the two arrive along side you, one of them speaks. "My name is Alfar. This is Aldar. We live in this forbidding place. Our parents died two years ago and we have since lived here alone. We recognize you, Sorceress, from tales we were told. May we accompany you?" Karalyn motions you aside and says, "This must be the pair of which the prophecy speaks. We must allow them to come with us!" Although you have doubts about the wisdom of allowing two children to follow you, you agree to let them come along. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 84 As you make preparations to leave the valley, you notice that the children are making motions with their hands, as if communicating with each other in code. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 85 The combination lock springs open and the barred door swings free. The twins jump to their feet and grab you from both sides. You struggle to squirm free of their choke hold. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 189 The door refuses to open. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 188 The door is already unlocked and open. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 86 You struggle with the bar, and move it enough to open the door. Melaia is on the other side and is very happy to see you. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 187 You cannot see the door to open it. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 186 You cannot open this door unless you have both hands free. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 185 The lock refuses to open. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 184 The lock is already open. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 183 You reach into the bag and give the guard 14 gold coins. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 87 The guard looks surprised and quickly closes the opening in the gate. He reopens it and says, "Wait a few minutes while I check with my superior." Karalyn says, "Everyone sit down while I make some necessary explanations. Now that the Band is complete, I can reveal some things that will be familiar to some, but not others. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 88 "About one thousand, six hundred years ago, there was a terrible war in this land. Today, we call this the Dim War, since very little is remembered about it. What information that survived is fragmentary. We know that it centered around two great nations, but nothing about them has come down to us. When the war was finished, most of the people had been wiped out. Our civilization as we know it today was created by a brother and sister, Andrew and Kara, who discovered the principals of magic that allow us to exist. Our land is named for them, and I myself bear a variation of my ancestor's name. "No one knows what makes the magic of our world function. What magic we can use, we use by rote. Discoveries are occasionally made, but only after years of trial and error. Andrew and Kara had a source of information that is unknown to us today. Near the end of his life, Andrew lost much of the mental acuity which had served him for so long, and began to develop an attitude of protectiveness about his world. Somehow, just before his death, he was able to cast one last, great spell, which has both benefited and cursed us, even to this day. Anyone killing another person, even if accidently, is immediately sent to a magical cell, never to escape. This is what makes fighting so dangerous. Any death which occurs is punished immediately." Melaia makes a face. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 89 "But someone has managed to finally circumvent this age-old spell and begun sending the acid rain into the land. That someone is a wizard name Galdrax. Galdrax has been working for years to discover any details possible about the source of our magic and why so many of the spells we cast require such precision in the wording. Galdrax has discovered something so important that it has obviously cost him his mind. Although arrogant, the wizard I knew would not have caused such destruction. We must travel to his fortress to the north and stop him or all of us are doomed." The entire band sits and thinks about this until the guard returns and opens the gate to the city. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 182 "You're broke! END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 181 There is not a guard in sight. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 90 With an effort, you manage to push the rod through the largest of the cracks. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 180 You place the torch in the hole in the top of the churn. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 179 There is no place to put the torch. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 91 As you remove the bracelet, it begins to grow, until it is about a meter in diameter. It glows with an eerie light and hums with some kind of power. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 178 You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 177 You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 176 You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 175 You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 174 You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 173 You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 172 Ain't no $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 171 Don't you have better things to do than sleep? END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 170 This is definitely not the place for a cat nap! END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 92 The weapons master easily avoids the attack and returns to ready position. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 93 The woodsman move backwards and seems to slowly disappear into the surrounding landscape. The woman notices that he has gone, but, before she can react, he has risen behind her, taken the sword and dagger and thrown them over the side of the mountain. She instantly attacks but is held helpless by Christopher's long reach. "Why do you attack me? Why come to this place to disturb me?" END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 169 There is no one here to attack. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 168 Yalda refuses to commit suicide. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 167 You receive a look that accuses you of insanity. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 166 $NOUN$ is not here, but probably would refuse anyway. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 94 With much fear and trembling, Yalda moves into the open doorway, then vanishes into the interior of the temple. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 165 Karalyn say, "Isn't once enough?" END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 164 $NOUN$ looks at you like you've lost your mind. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 95 Karalyn closes her eyes and raises her hands above her head. Her lips move in a silent incantation while the rest of the Band look on. Her body tension becomes increasingly evident and, suddenly, she throws her hands forward in a pushing motion and, in a burst of sound, an heated wind passes from behind her and through the entrance. Karalyn sinks slowly to the ground to sit with head bowed and whispers, "The way is clear." END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 163 Such an action is worthless at this time. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 162 Aldar refuses to speak to the man. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 161 $NOUN$ talks to the man but cannot understand his response. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 96 As Alfar begins to speak to the man, he begins to sign back, but at such a speed and intensity that Alfar cannot keep up. When he slows down, Alfar begins to translate. "He says that his name is Christopher. He was rendered unable to speak in an accident when he was a young boy. A deaf aunt taught he and his family how to sign so that he could still communicate. But his lack of speech caused him so many problems with the other villagers that he decided to move into the deep forest where commumication is not necessary. His hearing is unimpaired and he has become an able woodsman." As Christopher finishes his tale, you explain to him what you are doing, but he is only interested in happenings involving his immediate home and turns to go. Alfar says, "Christopher. That name certainly sounds familar." Aldar nods. The woodsman moves off towards the forest. "This must be the one described as 'silently' helping in the prophecy. We must convince him to help." says the sorceress. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 160 This is not the time for talking. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 159 The sorceress sits on the rock and waits watchfully. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 158 $NOUN$ refuses to leave your side. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 157 $NOUN$ is not here at the moment. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 97 The weapons master ponders your words, then replies, "Of course, I will help you. Just because a hypocritical caster of spells claims to be the only keeper of the truth does not make the rest of the world cowardly, ignorant or insensitive. I am Melaia and, if this oaf will release me, I give my word not to attack, and will make ready to travel." Christopher lets go of Melaia's arms and she walks to the edge of the mountain. "I will miss those weapons and must replace them before we travel far." She leaves the circle to the west, returning after only a few minutes with a light pack. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 156 You tie the rope to the hook. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 155 You can't tie the $NOUN$ to the $OBJECT$. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 98 The bracelet, in flight, seems to guide itself. It hovers over the wizard for a moment, then lowers to the ground around his feet. As he reaches for it, the bracelet begins to rise slowly into the air. You look on in amazement as you see that, below the level of the enlarged bracelet, you cannot see Galdrax's feet or legs. As the hoop rises, more and more of the magician's body vanishes. There is no indication of pain on his face, only a great surprise. In only a few seconds, he is gone. When it has finished with Galdrax, the bracelet turns on its side and flies out the window. You race to the window in time to see the hoop enlarge further and pass over the huge smokestack responsible for creating the acid rains. In seconds, the stack has followed Galdrax to its destination. The bracelet returns through the window, and falls at your feet, its normal size restored. The room is empty. All of Galdrax's men have taken this opportunity to get the hell out of here. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 99 You throw the hook upwards to the window. It catches on the sill and holds as the rope hangs down to the roof. Withing seconds of the impact, a figure throws itself over the side of the window and climbs rapidly down the rope. When the figure is almost at the bottom, you recognize the sorceress. She thanks you with a wide smile and asks about the others. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 154 You can't throw the $NOUN$ at the $OBJECT. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 100 I told you it looked dangerous. As you fall, you consider the ways you might have made it across. Too late now! END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 153 With some effort, you remove the screws holding the hook. END_MESSAGE MESSAGE 152 That would take some doing! END_MESSAGE