Degeneracy
Leonard Richardson
alchemy built-in hints cover art fantasy parser turn limit Xyzzy Awards 2001
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise. The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
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The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.

His eyes are wide & unseeing. He wears only his velvet Robe of state, his face bearing a resigned Expression.

You hear a terrible crashing sound to the east.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Open Case
You open the wooden Scroll-Case, revealing a vellum Scroll.
You read Scroll
The Scroll is made of rich vellum & is rolled up, inside the Scroll-Case.
You get Scroll then read it
You remove the Scroll from its Case.
The rich vellum is covered with a flowing hand.

[Author's Note: The bearer of this Notice, one Knight Itinerant, being granted special Dispensation & ordered by Divine Covenant to separate from this World the immortal Soul of par Tiller, Baron of Stesan, his Crimes and Sins having blotted his Name beyond hope of Redemption or Reform, & it being ordered that any & all requested Assistance be rendered this Knight in this sacred Quest, let it be known that to this I set my Stamp & Seal on this day & for Perpetuity, in the name of the most holy God, who has ordained it so,]

The stamp & signature is that of the Bishop of Dol Nesta.
About you
You are a strapping Knight, secure in your faith & glowing with the chaste Excitement of a task accomplished.
You put Blade in the sheath
You sheathe your Blade.
You go east
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
You examine Frescoes
You shield your Eyes from the lewd & ribald Frescoes. Under the guise of Art they depict pagan & unrighteous Scenes--that is all that shall be said of them.
You go to the east
In this grand Hall do Heraldry & great Pomp greet the visitor to this Keep. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal Portcullis to the east now separates you from the threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
Turn wheel
A strange tingling comes over you as you reach for the Wheel. When you withdraw, your Arm is numbed. You try again, and feel sensation give way to Pain, mild and then unbearable. It seems you cannot turn the Wheel.
You look at Wheel
A heavy wooden wheel, which raises and lowers the Portcullis.
Go north
An Armoury, stocked by the Baron for a siege but unable to protect him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armour, Weaponry &c. stands an archway to the south.

A wooden Lance stands here, propped against a wall.
You look at Lance
Intended not for warfare but for the Baron's extravagant games, the wooden Lance sits unused against a wall of the Armoury. It is of nearly constant width along its length, giving it the look of a common pole.
You get it
To hold that you must have both hands free.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open but empty)
Sheath blade
It is already sheathed.
You put Scroll iScroll-Case
You roll up the Scroll and slide it into the Case.
Close Case
You close the wooden Scroll-Case.
You get Lance
Taken.
You go to the south
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You examine Portcullis
A heavy iron portcullis blocks your way. No doubt its sudden closing was the cause of the crashing sound you heard earlier. Sun shines through the grate.
Lift portcullis
Your strength is as great as your faith, but try as you might, you cannot lift the heavy portcullis. Perhaps the nearby Wheel holds the answer.
Go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order in which he kept his Study! Had he lined his heart with good Works the way he lined his walls with Books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.
You look at Desk
The Writing-Desk is of dark wood. Its flap is closed.
You open flap
You open the flap of the Writing-Desk, revealing a small but deep Hole in the south wall.
You put the pole in the hole
Inserting the lance into the hole as far as you can, you feel the wood catch & hear the faraway grinding of stone. Removing the lance, you find it unchanged.
You go north
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You examine Portcullis
A heavy iron portcullis blocks your way. Sun shines through the grate.
You go south
The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.
You open the door
It seems to be locked.
You look around
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
You go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oaken Door prevents your going east.
You examine Altar
(the marble Altar)
The Altar is smooth & sweet-smelling, but you see it stained with Blood.
You look at Door
The door is made of fine oak, with a copper lock. It stands forebodingly closed.
You examine Candles
The Candles are old & sit guiltily in pools of their own Wax, flickering under your gaze.
You open it
It seems to be locked.
You get the candle
That would compound Blasphemy upon Blasphemy.
Pray
Kneeling, you offer up a brief Prayer.
You examine the lock
A copper Lock set into the oaken Door.
You look around
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oaken Door prevents your going east.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a wooden Lance
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You descend
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to luxury a Tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing Stair.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

[Author's Note: So,] says the Priest, devoid of Emotion. [Author's Note: You have come.]
You look at Priest
You can sense the fear in his eyes, though your code prevents you from harming him. Fear of the Justice you represent, of the Judgement that will be passed upon him for the evils he did not act to prevent.

The priest speaks again. [Author's Note: The others have left. I remained.] Perhaps he thinks this will earn him Clemency?
You examine the tapestry
The Tapestry depicts an allegorical Scene from the Scriptures of the true Faith.
You ask Priest about Baron
[Author's Note: I can tell you nothing you do not already know.]
You get the tapestry
The tapestry is hardly portable.
You ask Priest about the tapestry
[Author's Note: Surely you know of its significance.]
You examine Mat
A straw Mat upon which the Priest meditates and sleeps. Now he kneels on it in deference to you. Awaiting his Fate.
You look under Mat
The Priest occupies the mat.
You go
The corrupt Priest has better things to do.
You move priest
That would be less than courteous.
You ask Priest to move
The meaning of that sentence escapes me.
You search priest
You search the Priest, who divulges a small silver Key. [Author's Note: The Box!] cries the desperate Priest, placing the Key forlornly on the ground. [Author's Note: It contains naught but Spices!]
You ask Priest about Box
[Author's Note: I pray, Knight, of what do you speak?]
You take Key
Your hands are full.
Open Case
You open the wooden Scroll-Case, revealing a vellum Scroll.
You put Key in Case
Dropped.
Taken.
The Case is already occupied.
You show Key to Priest
[Author's Note: It fits the Lock,] says the Priest.
You show the holy symbol to Priest
The Priest looks away, ashamed.
You show Scroll to Priest
(the wooden Scroll-Case to the corrupt Priest)
The corrupt Priest is unimpressed.
You show the symbol to Priest
(the holy symbol to the corrupt Priest)
The Priest looks away, ashamed.
Press priest
That would be less than courteous.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a silver key
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
You describe your surroundings
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to luxury a Tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing Stair.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
You show the vellum scroll to Priest
(first taking the vellum Scroll)
You remove the scroll from the case.
You put vellum Scroll in Case
You roll the scroll up & place it in the case.
You ask Priest about Box
[Author's Note: I pray, Knight, of what do you speak?]
You unlock Door
(with the silver key)
The silver key does not seem to fit the lock.
Look around
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
You go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
You search baron
The Baron's Robe bears a Pocket, in which is a golden key.
You get golden
Taken.
Go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.
You examine Altar
(the marble Altar)
The Altar is smooth & sweet-smelling, but you see it stained with Blood.
You look under Altar
(the marble Altar)
You find nothing of interest.
You look at the candle
The Candles are old & sit guiltily in pools of their own Wax. They flicker under your Gaze.
Blow candle
(first taking the lighted Candles)
That would compound Blasphemy upon Blasphemy.
You unlock Door
(with the golden key)
The golden key does not seem to fit the lock.
You go to the northeast
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
You go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).
You look at Mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the Baron seems to have been impressed with it so as to have it realized as a Fountain.

Now Water pours through the Perpetuum, falling out of the Spout & into the Funnel. The Splashings of the water combine harmoniously with the Grindings of the Gears & Screws. Tho it seems very heavy, you could probably carry the Perpetuum, if you were careful not to spill its Water.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
You look at the fool
The Baron's Fool has taken to the cups. His Master no longer requires his gambols & rapier Wit. He sprawls beneath a large Wine-Barrel, clutching a Tankard from which he sips. His lincoln Cap is askew. He has not suffered the pangs of Sobriety for some time.
You look at Cap
The Fool's Cap is lincoln Green,  adorned with Bells. It is stained with the Drippings of wine from the Barrel.
You examine Ovens
The ovens stand cold as stone.
Go north
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtably--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
You examine Pig
The Pig is dead two days. Its Butcher likely fled the castle, dreading your approach. A large Slit travels its bloated Stomach.
You get Axe
You remove the fine Axe from the Stump.
You get Pig
Your hands are full.
You go south
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
Go downwards
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stairs.

A dented Box lies in a corner, seemingly kicked there by a thwarted Robber.
You look at Box
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock secures it.
You drop Axe
Dropped.
Unlock Box with silver
You unlock the dented Box.
You open Box
You open the dented Box, revealing a handful of spice.
You look at the spice
Rare Peppers, and other Spices you cannot identify. Their smell is oriental, exotic.
You get the spice
Your hands are full.
You smell spice
Wondrous and dangerous.
You eat the spice
(first taking the handful of spice)
Your hands are full.
You eat the spice
(first taking the handful of spice)
You may not partake of Spice while on quest.
You get the spice
You already have that.
You look in Box
The dented Box is empty.
You put the keys in Box
golden key: Done.
silver key: Done.
You get the spice
Taken.
You put the spice in Box
You put the handful of spice into the dented Box.
You put Axe in Box
That is too large to fit into the Box.
You look at your surroundings
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stairs.
Up
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Fool's bleary Gaze lights on the Box you carry. [Author's Note: The Lock is the Key -- He! He!] The Fool giggles, hiccoughs, and again regards his Tankard.
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).
You look at Mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the Baron seems to have been impressed with it so as to have it realized as a Fountain.

Now Water pours through the Perpetuum, falling out of the Spout & into the Funnel. The Splashings of the water combine harmoniously with the Grindings of the Gears & Screws. Tho it seems very heavy, you could probably carry the Perpetuum, if you were careful not to spill its Water.
You go to the south
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
You go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.
You look at Door
The door is made of fine oak, with a copper lock. It stands forbodingly closed.
You look at the lock
(the dented Box)
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. Yet how easily it has opened to your more gentle persuasion. Surely a parable of Patience.
Go downwards
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to Luxury a tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing stair.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.

The Priest, noticing the dented Box in your hand, shies away from you. Yet he says nothing.
You show spices to Priest
(first taking the handful of spice)
Your hands are full.
Drop box
Dropped.
You show the spices to Priest
[Author's Note: As I said...], says the Priest.
You give the spices to Priest
[Author's Note: Keep it,] says the Priest.
You put the spices in Box
You put the handful of spice into the dented Box.
You ask Priest about Box
The Priest treats your act as an accusation, and quails. [Author's Note: The box? It contains naught but Spices! Here, I have the key...] Reaching into his Robes, he withdraws a small silver Key, which he hurriedly hands to you.
You show Box to Priest
(first taking the dented Box)
Your hands are full.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a silver key
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
You put silver Key in Box
You put the silver key into the dented Box.
You put Axe in Box
You put the fine Axe into the dented Box.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a silver key
a dented Box (which is open)
a handful of spice
a fine Axe
a golden key
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
You put Key in Box
(the silver key in the dented Box)
You put the silver key into the dented Box.
You get Lance
To hold that you must have both hands free.

That is too large to fit into the Box.
You examine Axe
A sturdy & well-fashioned Axe. Its rim is crusted with blood.
You examine the symbol
(the holy symbol)
A perfect Circle, symbolizing the creation: Heaven above, Earth here & now, the pits below. The unbroken continuity of God, of which Man partakes. The symbol hangs by a light Chain from your neck.
Clean Blade
Only the abbot can cleanse your blade once it has drunk.
You show Axe to Priest
(first taking the fine Axe)
The corrupt Priest is unimpressed.
You examine the lock
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. Yet how easily it has opened to your more gentle persuasion. Surely a parable of Patience.
You unlock it
(with the silver key)
That is unlocked at the moment.
You examine Key
Tho very small, with but two teeth, the silver key glitters a sterling pedigree.
Go upwards
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.
You go to the northeast
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
Go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry & great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.
You look at the books
The Baron's library is full of heretical Ideas & Assertions most blasphemous. Yet here are also books of Metallurgy, of Alchymy and other useful Arts. A monk from Dol Nesta will need to be sent here to separate Wheat from Chaff, to save that which might be usefully Consulted and to destroy the Dross.
You get the books
There are far too many Books to carry, although you may consult the Library while standing before it.
You look up Key
What do you want to look up in?
You look at Door
The door is made of fine oak, with a copper lock. It stands forbodingly closed.
You look at the lock
(the dented Box)
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. Yet how easily it has opened to your more gentle persuasion. Surely a parable of Patience.
You unlock Door
What do you want to unlock the oaken door to the west with?
Inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
Go north
In this grand Hall do heraldry &great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You go west
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.
You go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.
Go downwards
You can see a wooden Lance here.
You get Lance
Holding that would require both hands, and you can only spare one.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
Look around
This is room 10. Exits: up.
You go to the northeast
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
Go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
Go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
You look at symbol
(the holy symbol)
A half circle, symbolizing the dome of the world, the entire of existance save the pits beneath.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
Inventory
You are carrying:
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
Look around
This is room 7. Exits: north, west, up.
You ascend
This is room 12. Exits: down.
%
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
You go to the east
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

You hear a terrible crashing sound to the east.
Go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).
You go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
Pity fool
[Author's Note: Enough with the Jibba-Jabba, sucka!] quoth the Fool.
You go downward
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stair.

A dented Box lies in a corner, seemingly kicked there by a thwarted Robber.
You sweep the flour
To which do you refer, the sack of Flour or the Foot-Prints in the Flour?
Foot-prinfoot-prints
The Foot-Prints may be usable as evidence later.
You examine the footprints
Foot-Prints in the Flour run frantically around the Store Room, stopping here, stopping there, before dashing up the Stairs. Whoever made these Prints was anxious to make his Exit also.
You take the sack
You would scatter Flour everywhere you walked.
You examine the Ham
Racks of Ham hang from the Ceiling.
You look at the fruit
Strings of Fruit both familiar & exotic hang from the Ceiling.
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a dented Box (which is closed & locked)
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You examine the symbol
(the holy symbol)
A perfect Circle, symbolizing the creation: Heaven above, Earth here & now, the pits below. The unbroken continuity of God, of which Man partakes. The symbol hangs by a light Chain from your neck.
You take all
Stair-Way: The Stair-Way is hardly portable.
racks of Ham: It is unclean.
strings of Fruit: You hunger not.
sack of Flour: You would scatter Flour everywhere you walked. Foot-Prints in the Flour: The Foot-Prints are not portable.
Go upwards
The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Fool's bleary Gaze lights on the Box you carry. [Author's Note: The Lock is the Key -- He! He!] The Fool giggles, hiccoughs, & again regards his Tankard.
You take Tankard
That seems to belong to the court Fool.
You look at Box
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock secures it.
You look at Fool
The Baron's Fool has taken to the cups. His Master no longer requires his gambols & rapier Wit. He sprawls beneath a large Wine-Barrel, clutching a Tankard from which he sips. His Lincoln Cap is askew. He has not suffered the pangs of sobriety for some time.
You go to the south
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtedly--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
Your hands are full.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
Go south
A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
You remove the fine Axe from the Stump.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
You hit Box with Axe
You should put down the dented Box before attempting to destroy it.
You hit Box with Axe
You hack at the Box, and again, splitting its sides asunder and spilling its contents onto the Floor.
Describe the surroundings
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a handful of spice & a splintered, useless Box here.
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Inventory
You are carrying:
a dented Box (which is closed & locked)
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Go east
On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).
You unlock Door with the lock
(the dented Box)
The dented Box does not seem to fit the lock.
You search priest
You search the Priest, who divulges a small silver Key. [Author's Note: The Box!] cries the desperate Priest, placing the Key forlornly on the ground. [Author's Note: It contains naught but Spices!]

The priest speaks again. [Author's Note: The others have left. I remained.] Perhaps he thinks this will earn him Clemency?
Unlock Box with silver
Dropped.
Taken.
You unlock the dented Box.
Examine box
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock is mounted therein, but does not prevent your opening it.
You break the lock
In the ensuing Battle, the Box inflicts more damage upon you than do you on it.
You kill Priest
Truly this Worm deserves Death. But it is against your Code to strike down a man of the Cloth, however deserving. His time will come soon enough.
Bless Priest
You lack the athourity to perform Blessings.
Bless sword
The corrupt Priest has better things to do.
You pull the lock
Nothing obvious happens.
You look at the lock
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock is mounted therein, but does not prevent your opening it.
Break box
In the ensuing Battle, the Box inflicts more damage upon you than do you on it.
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a silver key
a dented Box (which is open)
a handful of spice
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You give the symbol to Priest
(the holy symbol to the corrupt Priest)
[Author's Note: Keep it,] says the Priest.
Rub symbol
(the holy symbol)
Such superstitious acts are beneath you.
You examine the symbol
(the holy symbol)
A perfect Circle, symbolizing the creation: Heaven above, Earth here & now, the pits below. The unbroken continuity of God, of which Man partakes. The symbol hangs by a light Chain from your neck.
You examine mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimedes. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the Baron seems to have been impressed with it so as to have it realized as a Fountain.

Now Water pours through the Perpetuum, falling out of the Spout & into the Funnel. The Splashings of the water combine harmoniously with the Grindings of the Gears & Screws. Tho' it seems very heavy, you could probably carry the Perpetuum, were you careful not to spill its Water.
You get mobile
As you strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum, there is a Lurch & a sudden Outpouring of water, which seeps into the Floor. The Gears & Screws continue to spin as before, but the Machine is now dry.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
You ask Fool about Mobile
[Author's Note: Round & round & round she goes! Where she stops, no man knows!]
You look at Mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimedes. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the workmanship is such that the Machine continues its toil even in the absence of Water to propel it.

Tho the Perpetuum is empty, still turn its Gears & Screws.
Go downwards
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stairs.
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

You can see a fine Axe & a dented Box (in which are a silver key & a handful of spice) here.
Go south
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.
You examine the gears
Gears of many shapes & sizes turn endlessly in the Machine, imitating the model of Creation itself.
You look at the armor
The sanctified chain mail is light on your body, and leaves your Arms and Elbows free. A white cloth covering bears a blue Circle, the symbol of the faith.
You remove Cloth
(first taking the white Covering over your armour)
To remove your Covering outside the Church is to invite divine Disapproval.
You remove the holy symbol
To remove the symbol of the faith is to lose divine protection.
You drop mobile
You gently set the Perpetuum on the floor.
You examine Portcullis
A heavy iron portcullis blocks your way. Sun shines through the grate.
You get mobile
You strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum.
Go down
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to Luxury a tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing stair.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.
You show Mobile to Priest
The corrupt Priest is unimpressed.
Go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the Decrepitude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
You examine Carpet
Near the seat the carpet is red with the stain of unholy blood. It stretches out white to the east.
You look at Seat
A most opulent & high Seat, supporting the dastardly Baron as he passes judgement, accomplice to his avarice. No more.
Look around
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
You sit on Seat
You would perhaps take the Baron's place, as minister of evil?
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a Perpetuum Mobile (churning & empty)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You examine Baron
His eyes are wide & unseeing. He wears an expression of resignation & a velvet robe.
You get Carpet
The bloodstained carpet is hardly portable.
You cut Carpet
What do you want to cut the bloodstained carpet with?
You cut Carpet with Blade
(first taking the sacred blade)
Your hands are full.
Yes
That was a rhetorical question.
You roll Carpet
You are unable to.
Shit
Such language reeks of sulphur.
You hold Blade
You draw your blade.
You cut Carpet with Blade
Cutting that up would achieve little.
You look at Mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the workmanship is such that the Machine continues its toil even in the absence of Water to propel it.

Tho the Perpetuum is empty, still turn its Gears & Screws.
You examine Spout
A decorated Spout from which water would pour, had you not spilled it out. The Funnel of the Perpetuum stands directly below.
You examine Funnel
A large round Funnel, flared at the top to catch splashing water. The Spout of the Perpetuum stands directly above.
You look at Robe
The red velvet robes of state are stained a deeper red with the blood of the evil sovereign. A small pocket on the right side catches your eye.
You look in Pocket
In the pocket is a golden key.
You examine it
The key is of gold, with eight small teeth.
Go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry & great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You go to the southwest
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.
Examine books
The Baron's library is full of heretical Ideas & Assertions most blasphemous. Yet here are also books of Metallurgy, of Alchymy & other useful Arts. A monk from Dol Nesta will need to be sent here to separate Wheat from Chaff, to save that which might be usefully Consulted & to destroy the Dross.
You look at Desk
The Writing-Desk is of dark wood. Its flap is closed.
You open flap
You open the flap of the Writing-Desk, revealing a  deep Hole in the south wall.
You open flap
That is already open.
You examine the hole
A dark Hole penetrates the desk & proceeds deep into the Stone of the south wall. It is deeper than your arm is long.
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a golden key
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You go to the east
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

You hear a terrible crashing sound to the east.
You go to the east
In this grand Hall do Heraldry & great Pomp greet the visitor to this Keep. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal Portcullis to the east now separates you from the threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
Go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order in which he kept his Study! Had he lined his heart with good Works the way he lined his walls with Books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.
You examine Gap
The Gap separates two of the most odious Works in the Library. Likely their Brother is similarly accursed.
You examine Chair
The Arm-Chair is of leather, & is cold to the touch.
You sit in Chair
You sit in the Chair, but quickly tire of such Decadence.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You put Blade in Gap
The Gap is book-shaped.
You look at the books
The Baron's library is full of heretical Ideas & Assertions most blasphemous. Yet here are also books of Metallurgy, of Alchymy & other useful Arts. A monk from Dol Nesta will need to be sent here to separate Wheat from Chaff, to save that which is useful & to destroy the Dross. While you are here, however, you may CONSULT the Library about its more wholesome topics.

There is a noticeable Gap between two particularly odious Books.
You look at the chairs
The Chairs are well-carved with geometric designs.
Go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).
You go to the north
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtedly--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
You examine Pig
The Pig is dead two days. Its Butcher likely fled the castle, dreading your approach. A large Slit travels its bloated Stomach.
You examine the stomach
The Ancients are said to have practiced divination by the Entrails of Beasts. Not being one of the Ancients, you know not what these Vitals fortell.
You get Axe
You remove the fine Axe from the Stump.
You hit Pig with Axe
Well done, brave knight! The pig is dead!
You look around
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtedly--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Go north
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtably--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.
You put the spices in Pig
Perhaps you hope to cure the Meat?
You take the stomach
Let the pig's Vitals be.
You give the spices to Fool
The Fool's eyes cross comically as he regards the handful of spice. Exhausted by the effort, he slumps. He does not seem to want it.
You look at the barrel
A Barrel of fine Wine, nearly emptied by the efforts of the Fool. He lies below, supported by the Saw-Horses which carry the Barrel.
You ask Fool about the book
The Fool belches & says nothing.
You ask Fool about wine
[Author's Note: Wine, the Fruit of the Vine, a Fellow of mine.]
You ask Fool about Priest
The grinning Fool dips his Finger-Tips into his Tankard & sprinkles Wine at you like holy Water.
You ask Fool for Tankard
[Author's Note: The Wine is Mine,] sings the Fool. [Author's Note: The Wine is Mine!]
You ask Fool about the gate
The Fool shudders & says nothing.
You ask Fool about Wheel
The Fool coughs & says nothing.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a handful of spice
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Sheathe blade
You sheathe your Blade.
Go down
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stair.

A dented Box lies in a corner, its sides split open.

You can also see a fine Axe here.
Go upward
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Fool slurs some lines of Verse: [Author's Note: Ye Grasse is green, ye Beere is green, a stranger Sighte I ne'er have seen.] You see no Beer in his tankard; naught but the Baron's Wine.
You ask Fool about Beer
The Fool coughs & says nothing.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a handful of spice
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

You can see a handful of spice & a fine Axe here.
You get the spice and Axe
handful of spice: Taken.
fine Axe: Taken.
You go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a Perpetuum Mobile here.
You drop Axe and the spice
fine Axe: Dropped.
handful of spice: Dropped.
You examine mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimedes. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again
You fill mobile with Wine
(the Wine-Barrel)
You need to be holding the Wine-Barrel before you can put it into something else.
You get Wine
(the Wine-Barrel)
The Barrel is well-supported by Saw-Horses, and you cannot move it.
You put the spices in Mobile
That would surely ruin the valuable Spices.
You drop the spice
Dropped.
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.
You look at Table
The long banquet table once groaned under the weight of extravagant Feasts. Now it is bare, its Luster fading.

There is nothing on the long Table.
You examine the chairs
The chairs are carved ornately.
You look under Table
There is naught but Dust under the long Table.
You go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
You get Robe
You separate robe & owner, leaving the Baron bare.
You look at Robe
The red velvet robes of state are stained a deeper red with the blood of the evil sovereign. A small pocket on the right side catches your eye.
You examine Pocket
In the pocket is a golden key.
Look around
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the Decrepitude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
You cut Robe
What do you want to cut the red robe with?
Inventory
You are carrying:
a red robe
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You cut Robe with Blade
(first taking the sacred blade)
You draw your blade.
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a sacred blade
a red robe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You wear Robe
You lack the rank.
You get all
fine Axe: Taken.
long Table: The long Table is hardly portable.
ornate Chairs: Such posessions would only weigh you down.
You go to the west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a handful of spice & a Perpetuum Mobile here.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You examine Baron
His eyes are wide & unseeing.
You look at the eyes
The Baron's eyes are wide and unseeing.
Inventory
You are carrying:
the Baron's eyes
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You examine Baron
His eyes are wide & unseeing.
You open eyes
Even the most evil deserves posthumous Respect.
You close the eyes
You close the Baron's eyes.
You go to the north
An Armory, stocked by the Baron for a seige but unable to protect him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armor, Weaponry &c. stands an archway to the south.

A wooden Lance stands here, propped against a wall.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You get Lance
To hold that you must have both hands free.
Sheath blade
You sheathe your blade.
Go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.
You examine the hole
A dark Hole penetrates the desk & proceeds deep into the Stone of the south wall. It is deeper than your Arm is long.
You put the symbol in Hole
(the holy symbol in the Hole in the south wall)
You insert the holy symbol into the hole as far as you can, then draw it out again. No change has occured.
You put the symbol on Lance
(the holy symbol on the wooden Lance)
Putting things upon the wooden Lance would achieve nothing.
You put Lance in Hole
Inserting the lance into the hole as far as you can, you feel the wood catch & hear the faraway grinding of stone. Removing the lance, you find it unchanged.
Lift portcullis
That is hardly portable.
You open Portcullis
Your strength is as great as your faith, but try as you might, you cannot lift the heavy portcullis. Perhaps the nearby Wheel holds the answer.
You go west
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.
You go to the west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.

You can also see a fine Axe here.
Go west
From here you may go only east.
You read Scroll
A scroll case made of wood & bearing the sigil of the bishop of Dol Nesta.
You read the vellum scroll
The scroll is made of rich vellum & is rolled up, inside the scroll case.
You get vellum Scroll
You remove the scroll from the case.
You read the vellum scroll
The rich vellum is covered with a flowing hand.

[Author's Note: The bearer of this Notice, one Knight Itinerant, being granted special Dispensation and ordered by Divine Covenant to separate from this World the immortal Soul of par Tiller, Baron of Stesan, his Crimes and Sins having blotted his Name beyond hope of Redemption or Reform, and it being ordered that any and all requested Assistance be rendered this Knight in this sacred Quest, let it be known that to this I set my Stamp and Seal on this day and for Perpetuity, in the name of the most holy God, who has ordained it so,]

The stamp and signature is that of the bishop of Dol Nesta.
Go northeast
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.
You go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.
You show Scroll to Fool
To which do you refer, the vellum Scroll or the wooden Scroll-Case?
You show vellum Scroll to Fool
The court Fool is unimpressed.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open but empty)
You put the vellum in Case
You  the scroll up and place it in the case.
Close Case
You close the wooden Scroll-Case.
You put it in Mobile
Only the particulate may progress through the wondrous Machine.
You examine the machine
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the workmanship is such that the Machine continues its toil even in the absence of Water to propel it.
You look at the spice
Rare Peppers, and other Spices you cannot identify. Their smell is oriental, exotic.
Look around
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

You can see a Perpetuum Mobile here.
You get all
dented Box: Taken.
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a dented Box
a handful of spice
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You look at your surroundings
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stairs.
Up
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

You can see a Perpetuum Mobile here.
Go north
In this small, walled Yard are the Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtably--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.
You look at Oak
From little Acorns great Oaks spring. But great Oaks die, or are cut down, & only God remembers what once was.
You search it
The stump is empty.
Go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You look at Wheel
A heavy wooden wheel, which raises and lowers the Portcullis.
Go north
An Armory, stocked by the Baron for a seige but unable to protect him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armor, Weaponry &c. stands an archway to the south.
You ask S,  to go to the south
In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.
You examine Door
The door is made of fine oak. It stands forbodingly closed.
You search Carpet
You find nothing of interest.

You hear a terrible crashing sound to the east.
You search baron
The Baron's Robe bears a Pocket, in which is a golden key.
You examine the tables
The Tables are carved as the Chairs. Game-Boards are inscribed into many of them, & some bear Dice & other pieces for Gaming.
You take all
Sun-Light: The Sun-Light is ethereal.
Frescoes: The Frescoes are hardly portable.
wooden Chairs: Such posessions would only weigh you down.
wooden Tables: They are much too heavy.
gaming Pieces: A Knight must shun all such unclean Associations.
You examine the dice
The Gaming-Pieces are Dice, Cups, Chess-Men & the like. You are ashamed to remember from childhood the Rules to some of these Games.
You look under Desk
There is naught but Dust under the Writing-Desk.
You take all
Gap in the Library: Such an act smacks of paradox.
oaken Door to the west: The oaken Door to the west is hardly portable. library: There are far too many Books to carry, although you may consult the Library while standing before it.
Writing-Desk: The Writing-Desk is hardly portable.
leather Arm-Chair: It is much too heavy to carry.
Consult books
The meaning of that sentence escapes me.
You consult the books about Mobile
You find a reference to the Perpetuum Mobile (oddly enough) in a Discourse on religious Symbolism. Tho your brothers at the Monastery would follow the Arguments better than you can, the Ideas seem orthodox & you can make out most of what is said.
You consult the books about Fool
The Perpetuum must exist, even if only in the mind of God (so says the Author, for the Work is a century old & so precedes the working Perpetuum) for it realizes the sacred Circle on a cosmic scale. Without the Perpetuum, the Cosmos is a strait Line, slowly declining in vital Force, sinking into Degeneracy & Oblivion. As God is the moral restorative of this vital Force, so is the Perpetuum, which does Work without losing Energy, its physical Restorative. When the vital Force moves back & forth between the Poles of Entropy & Restoration, is the Cosmos realized as a grand Circle.

In a satirical work on the Hangers-On at court, you find the following:

[Author's Note: THE TRAGEDY OF THE FULE: Every Court from Low to High/founds itself upon some Lie/Therein only one, the Fule/may speak true of lordly Misrule. He knows none his Words will heed/nor one comprehend his Deed.]

There is more of this poor Doggerel, but it merely repeats this Theme.
You consult the books about Circle
The Circle makes itself the Symbol of this great Faith, symbolizing all that was and all that will be. Sadly, most of the references you find in the Baron's Library pervert this great Truth by demonstrating methods of subverting and desecrating the true Cycles of God and Nature, life and death.
You consult the books about the Metallurgy
A set of large Volumes describe the art & history of Metallurgy, from Antiquity to the present Era. The base & the nobler Metals are discussed, & their uses. Also Alloys & their means of manufacture are described. In these Works you may be able to find reference to some more specific facet of the Craft.
You consult the books about the alchymy
Several Tomes here are devoted to Alchymy, [Author's Note: Noblest of the Crafts.] By which the baser Metals may be transmuted into Gold, or between themselves. You may be able to find reference to some more specific facet of the Craft.
You consult the books about the copper
[Author's Note: Commonest of the noble Metals, both Artisan and Craftsman, renowned both for its Luster and for the useful Alloys it forms.]
You consult the books about silver
[Author's Note: A valuable and pliable Metal, second in value only to Gold. Projections upon it are common.]

[Author's Note: A valuable and pliable Metal, second in value only to Gold. Projections upon it are common.]
You consult the books about the Gold
[Author's Note: The most coveted of the noble Metals. Empires are built on it, Men die for it, & those who have it hoard it. Through complex transmutations can baser materials, such as Lead, be transformed into this Prince among Metals.]
You consult the books about the alloys
[Author's Note: An alloy such as Bronze or Electrum may be formed by the molten Merging of its several Composites. Some alloys of the nobler metals have mythic Powers--in particular the celebrated alliage sympathique, or sympathetic Alloy.]
You consult the books about the sympathetic Alloy
In a work on alchymic Medicine you find the following:

[Author's Note: The sympathetic Alloy, Rosy-Gold, so named for its Colour. Its dust comprises Powder of Sympathy, or the Weapon-Salve, tho this is but its most convenient Form. Its true power lies in the bonding of its three component Metals.]
You consult the books about the Powder
A work is devoted to the Weapon-Salve, or Powder of Sympathy, which is the dust of the sympathetic Alloy. [Author's Note: The Powder heals when applied not to the Wound but to the Weapon. Most Injuries can it treat, tho it cannot re-bind Soul & Body.]
You consult the books about Soul
The Soul, precious gift of God, that which distinguishes Man from Animal, is given small service in this library. What little there is, chiefly in Manuals devoted to dark and unholy Twistings of God's work, described by phrases unsuitable for repeating here.
You read Scroll
A Scroll-Case made of wood & bearing the Sigil of the Bishop of Dol Nesta.
You consult the books about dol nesta
An Atlas describes the Town of Dol Nesta as "a small mountain village, renowned for the quality of its Soil and the breadth of its monastery's Library.".
You consult the books about metal
[Author's Note: Man was not Man ere he mastered the Metals.] Noble & base alike, they made & do make Civilization. Yet also do they forment Greed, & enable fearsome Instruments of torture & war. Truly, Man must master the Metals, else they will master him.
You climb the shelves
Little is to be achieved by that.
You consult the books about Fool
In a satirical work on the Hangers-On at court, you find the following:

[Author's Note: THE TRAGEDY OF THE FULE: Every Court from Low to High/founds itself upon some Lie/Therein only one, the Fule/may speak true of lordly Misrule. He knows none his Words will heed/nor one comprehend his Deed.]

There is more of this poor Doggerel, but it merely repeats this Theme.
You consult the books about symbol
[Author's Note: Symbols are powerful things, but take pains never to confuse a Symbol with the Object by it signified; this error is the root of much Heresy.] If only the Baron had taken this advice!>>
You consult the books about Wine
There is a Treatise here on Wine-Making, but it seems imprudent of you to consult it.
You go up
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Fool's bleary Gaze lights on the Box you carry. [Author's Note: The Lock is the Key -- He! He!] The Fool giggles, hiccoughs, & again regards his Tankard.
You look at the Jewels
Jewels are encased in the walls of this room. Riches encrust the Baron's Seat & golden gleamings come from every Direction. A Show of earthly things, to quail the Unfortunates who in this room must address their cruel Master. The will of a higher Master yet has been done this Day.
You show Box to Priest
The Priest treats your act as an accusation, and quails. [Author's Note: The box? It contains naught but Spices! Here, I have the key...] Reaching into his Robes, he withdraws a small silver Key, which he hurriedly places before you.

The priest speaks again. [Author's Note: The others have left. I remained.] Perhaps he thinks this will earn him Clemency?
You take Key
(the silver key)
Taken.
You put the keys in Box
silver key: Done.
golden key: Done.
Close Box
You close the dented Box.
Shake box
You shake the dented Box. There seems to be something inside.
You open Box
You open the dented Box, revealing a golden key, a silver key & a handful of spice.
You show golden Key to Priest
(first taking the golden key)
[Author's Note: I know it not.]
You get all
Stair-Way(PriestStairway): The Stair-Way(PriestStairway) is hardly portable.
oaken door: The oaken door is hardly portable.
lighted Candles: That would compound Blasphemy upon Blasphemy.
marble Altar: The marble Altar is hardly portable.
You put Box on Altar
(the marble Altar)
That is not a proper Offering.
You take all
Baron's corpse: Your hands are full.
Sun-Light: The Sun-Light is ethereal.
opulent Decorations: The opulent Decorations are hardly portable. tapestries: The tapestries are hardly portable.
bloodstained carpet: The bloodstained carpet is hardly portable.
high Seat: You would perhaps take the Baron's place, as minister of evil?
Inventory
You are carrying:
a golden key
a dented Box (which is open)
a silver key
a handful of spice
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
You put gold Key in Box
You put the golden key into the dented Box.
You put the corpse on Altar
(the marble Altar)
Truly barbaric.
Search corpse
The Baron's Robe bears a Pocket, which is empty.
You show the corpse to Priest
The Priest quails at the sight of the dead Baron.
You show the corpse to Fool
[Author's Note: What is a Fool with no Master?]
Inventory
You are carrying:
the Baron's corpse
the Baron's eyes
a red robe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Drop symbol
(the holy symbol)
(first taking the holy symbol off)
To remove the symbol of the faith is to lose divine protection.
You remove Scroll
(the wooden Scroll-Case)
You take off the wooden Scroll-Case.
You put the symbol in Case
(the holy symbol in the wooden Scroll-Case)
There is already something in the case.
You get Scroll
(the wooden Scroll-Case)
You already have that.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (which is open)
a vellum Scroll
You get the vellum
You remove the scroll from the case.
You put the symbol in Case
(the holy symbol in the wooden Scroll-Case)
The scroll case is not the proper container for the holy symbol.
You put the symbol in sheath
(the holy symbol in the leather sheath)
Only your sword may inhabit the sheath.
You go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

You can see a dented Box (in which are a golden key, a silver key & a handful of spice) here.
You put the symbol in Box
(the holy symbol in the dented Box)
That is too large to fit into the Box.
You examine the symbol
(the holy symbol)
A perfect Circle, symbolizing the creation: Heaven above, Earth here & now, the pits below. The unbroken continuity of God, of which Man partakes. The symbol hangs by a light Chain from your neck.
Empty Box
golden key: Dropped.
silver key: Dropped.
handful of spice: Your hands are full.
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a dented Box (which is open)
a handful of spice
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (which is open but empty)
You drop Scroll
To which do you refer, the vellum Scroll or the wooden Scroll-Case?
You drop all Scroll
vellum Scroll: Dropped.
wooden Scroll-Case: Dropped.
You put all the keys in Box
None are available!
You get the keys
silver key: Your hands are full.
golden key: Your hands are full.
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a handful of spice
a dented Box (which is open but empty)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You get all the keys
silver key: Taken.
golden key: Taken.
You put Box in the corpse
You must be hard pressed indeed to see utility in that.
You put Box in Pocket
That is too large to fit in the pocket.
You put the symbol in Pocket
(the holy symbol in the pocket)
That is too large to fit in the pocket.
You look at Fool
The Baron's Fool has taken to the cups. His Master no longer requires his gambols & rapier Wit. He sprawls beneath a large Wine-Barrel, clutching a Tankard from which he sips. His lincoln Cap is askew. He has not suffered the pangs of Sobriety for some time.
You examine Cap
The Fool's Cap is lincoln Green, and adorned with Bells. It is stained with the Drippings of wine from the Barrel.
You ask Fool for Cap
[Author's Note: This noble Cap has been in my family for generations! My Father was a Fool, his Father before him! And so am I.]
You ask Fool for Tankard
[Author's Note: The Wine is Mine,] sings the Fool. [Author's Note: The Wine is Mine!]
You take all
wooden Scroll-Case: Taken.
vellum Scroll: Taken.
Baron's corpse: Your hands are full.
court Fool: I doubt the court Fool would care for that.
Wine-Barrel: The Barrel is well-supported by Saw-Horses, and you cannot move it.
large Ovens: The large Ovens are hardly portable.
shattered Crockery: You have no use for such things.
You put Case in Gap
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).

A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

In this grand Hall do heraldry & great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.
The Gap is book-shaped.
You put Scroll in Gap
To which do you refer, the vellum Scroll or the wooden Scroll-Case?
You put the scroll case in Gap
The Gap is book-shaped.
You put the symbol in Gap
(the holy symbol in the Gap in the Library)
The Gap is book-shaped.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see the Baron's corpse here.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a vellum Scroll
a wooden Scroll-Case (which is open but empty)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You put the vellum in the scroll case
You roll the scroll up & place it in the case.
You wear the scroll case
You put on the wooden Scroll-Case.
You get all
Gap in the Library: Such an act smacks of paradox.
oaken door to the west: That is hardly portable.
library: There are far too many Books to carry, although you may consult the Library while standing before it.
Writing-Desk: That is hardly portable.
You look at your surroundings
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.
Go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.
You look at Seat
A most opulent & high Seat, supporting the dastardly Baron as he passes judgement, accomplice to his avarice. No more.
You look at the Jewels
Jewels are encased in the walls of this room. Riches encrust the Baron's Seat & golden gleamings come from every Direction. A Show of earthly things, to quail the Unfortunates who in this room must address their cruel Master. The will of a higher Master yet has been done this Day.
You get the Jewels
They are hardly portable.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
the Baron's corpse
a red robe
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You put Robe on Altar
(the marble Altar)
Putting things upon the marble Altar would achieve nothing.
You go upward
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles & marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
Go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne & towards the Sunrise.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.
Go west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants & counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne & towards the Sunrise.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You wait awhile
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You look at your surroundings
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
Look around
The glitterings of gold, jewels, tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who tilrecently occupied the throne. A white carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
%
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
DeC
Enter saved game to load: Restore failed.
Rec
Enter saved game to load: Ok.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
Go west
This is room 7. Exits: north, west, up.
Go southwest
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
You go to the east
You can see a copper key here.
You go east
This is room 7. Exits: north, west, up.
You go northwest
On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You go to the southwest
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
You look around
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Duke does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Duke's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads up, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
Turn hourglass
You can see a copper key here.

A Seam runs down the northwest wall.
You go to the east
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.
You go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
You wait
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
Go north
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied the throne. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
Look around
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied the throne. A white carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
You go east
This is room 5. Exits: north, east, west.
Go north
This is room 6. Exits: south, east, west.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.

The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
Describe the surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied the throne. A white carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
You go to the north
A richly attired Wait Chamber. The

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

This is room 9. Exits: south, west, up.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.

The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.
You go to the north
This is room 6. Exits: south, west.
Go west
This is room 3. Exits: north, south, east, down.
You go south
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. bely the pulchitrude of he who til recently occupied the throne. A white carpet, once flanked by sycophants and counselors, now lies nearly untravelled. It leads away from the throne and towards the Sunrise.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.
Go north
This is room 16. Exits: south.
You describe your surroundings
This is room 3. Exits: south, east, up.
Go upwards
This is room 11. Exits: down.
Go upward
This is room 10. Exits: down.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

An Armory, stocked by the Baron for a seige but unable to protect him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armor, Weaponry &c. stands an archway to the south.
You look around
You idle away a few moments.

An Armory, stocked by the Duke for a seige but unable to shield him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armor, Weaponry &c. stands a spiral staircase leading up into the Battlement. An oaken door leads south.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 9. Exits: south, west, up.
Go up
This is room 13. Exits: down.
You go west
This is room 6. Exits: north, south, east, west.
You go north
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

This is room 6. Exits: south, west.
You look around
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 6. Exits: south, west.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 6. Exits: south, east, west.
You describe your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 6. Exits: north, south, east, west.
Go west
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

This is room 3. Exits: north, south, east, down.
You go to the west
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

This is room 3. Exits: north, south, east, down.
You go south
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Duke had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. An oaken door leads west from this cozy room, an archway leads north, and a stairway in one corner spirals upward.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 7. Exits: north, west, up.
You go to the north-west
You can see a copper key here.

A Seam runs down the northwest wall.
You go south
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.

In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.
Go south
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

In this grand Hall do heraldry andgreat pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north and south.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.
Go upward
You idle away a few moments.
Methinks you see exits where there are none.
You go up
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 12. Exits: down.
Go northwest
On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass wobbles most violently as the last of the Sand begins to leak out of its top.
You turHour-Glass
If you want to invert the Hour-Glass, you should pick it up first. It is much too heavy to turn in place.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You drop all
What do you want to drop those things in?
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a red robe
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You look around
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.

You can see a red robe here.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Duke had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. An oaken door leads west from this cozy room, an archway leads north, and a stairway in one corner spirals upward.

You can see a red robe here.
You go to the north-west
You can see a copper key here.

A Seam runs down the northwest wall.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass wobbles most violently as the last of the Sand begins to leak out of its top.
You get the hourglass
A Shock goes through your Hand as you touch the Hour-Glass. Recoiling, you nurse your injured Hand until life returns.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Break hourglass
You deal the Hour-Glass a mighty blow, creating a loudly collapsing Storm of shards which ceases nearly as soon a
You touch Wheel
You touch the wheel and briefly feel a numbing Shock.
You look at the lock
A copper Lock set into the oaken Door to the west.
You get Scroll
You remove the Scroll from its Case.
You put Scroll under Door
The meaning of that sentence escapes me.
You consult Books about the Time
In a book on Meta-Physicks you find a waggish Summary of the Controversy surrounding the nature of Time: [Author's Note: It is said by some that Time travelleth in a great Circle, by others that it maketh a strait Line. The former Description prevaileth, as we art obliged to listen to its Exponents again and again, the latter being content to assert but once.]
Consult books about hourglass
A history of Time-Keeping devotes considerable space to the Hour-Glass, its history occidental and oriental, its usages in Navigation, &c. A book of modern Philosophy waxes more poetic of the Time-Piece, seeing in it a symbol of the linearity of Time, the irretrievability of Moments past.
Go downwards
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oaken Door prevents your passage east.

In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to luxury a Tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing Stair.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

[Author's Note: So,] says the Priest, devoid of Emotion. [Author's Note: You have come.]
You ask Priest about Time
The Priest avoids your Gaze and does not respond.

The priest speaks again. [Author's Note: The others have left. I remained.] Perhaps he thinks this will earn him Clemency?
You ask Fool about the hourglass
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).

Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
The Fool shudders & says nothing.
Go east
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, and to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.
You go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted candles and marble altar did bear witness to blasphemous and terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see the Baron's corpse here.
Go downwards
This is room 10. Exits: up.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a red robe
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
Go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile.
You examine mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the Baron seems to have been impressed with it so as to have it realized as a Fountain.
You get mobile
As you strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum, there is a Lurch & a sudden Outpouring of water, which seeps into the Floor. The Gears & Screws continue to spin as before, but the Machine is now dry.Taken.
You describe your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. An oaken door leads west from this cozy room, an archway north.
You examine the hourglass
A large & heavy Hour-Glass, containing fine Sand of a reddish Shade. Metal sliding Flaps on the upper & lower Surfaces, controlled by Levers, are used for replenishing the sand. Both flaps lie closed.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a Perpetuum Mobile (churning and empty)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
Go north
In this small, walled Yard are the Beasts put to the knife and prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtably--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
You look around
You idle away a few moments.

In this small, walled Yard are the Beasts put to the knife and prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtably--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 16. Exits: south.
Go downward
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to Luxury a tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing stair.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

You can see a dented Box (in which are a silver key, a golden key & a handful of spice) here.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
Look around
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.
You go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted, beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a dented Box (in which are a silver key, a golden key & a handful of spice) here.
Go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry &great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted, beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a dented Box (in which are a silver key, a golden key & a handful of spice) here.
You go to the east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

You can see a Perpetuum Mobile here.
You put spice in Mobile
Only the particulate may progress through the wondrous Machine.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a handful of spice
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You get mobile
You strain to lift the heavy Machine.
You get mobile
Dropped.
As you strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum, there is a Lurch & a sudden Outpouring of water, which seeps into the Floor. The Gears & Screws continue to spin as before, but the Machine is now dry.Taken.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

You can see a dented Box (in which are a silver key & a golden key) here.
You go to the east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

You can see a vellum Scroll & a Perpetuum Mobile here.
You look at Mobile
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, and Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese and the workmanship is such that the Machine continues its toil even in the absence of Water to propel it.
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open but empty)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favored Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted, beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a dented Box (in which are a silver key, a golden key & a handful of spice) here.
Go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry &great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

Has this Place changed since last you were here? The work of some mischevious Spirit, or deceiving Daemon? It is but a slight tugging in your Marrow, yet a worrisome one.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a handful of spice
a red robe
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You idle away a few moments.
You look around
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.

You can see a red robe here.
You look at your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Duke had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. An oaken door leads west from this cozy room, an archway leads north, and a stairway in one corner spirals upward.

You can see a red robe here.
Look around
You idle away a few moments.

This is room 7. Exits: north, west, up.
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying nothing.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You open lower flap
A Shock goes through your Hand as you touch the lower Flap. Recoiling, you nurse your injured Hand until life returns.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You open the upper flap
A Shock goes through your Hand as you touch the upper Flap. Recoiling, you nurse your injured Hand until life returns.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You pull the lever
To which do you refer, the upper Lever or the lower Lever?
Lower
A Shock goes through your Hand as you touch the lower Flap. Recoiling, you nurse your injured Hand until life returns.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a Perpetuum Mobile (churning and empty)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
You look around
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west, and an archway leads north.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.
You describe your surroundings
You idle away a few moments.

If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. An oaken door leads west from this cozy room, an archway north.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a Perpetuum Mobile (churning and empty)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light and being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a Perpetuum Mobile (churning and empty)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a Perpetuum Mobile (churning and empty)
Look around
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You wipe sword
Only the Abbot may cleanse your Blade once it has drunk.
You consult Books about Lance
In a Treatise on Weapons you find the following:

[Author's Note: Of types of Weapon there are three: the Pointed, or Stabbing (viz. the Sword or Spear); the Blunted, or Striking (viz. the Mace or Lance); the Bladed, or Slashing (viz. the Axe or oriental Scimitar). Each of the three has its proper Place in the annals of Strateg'ry and War-Fare.]
You look at your surroundings
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order in which he kept his Study! Had he lined his heart with good Works the way he lined his walls with Books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
You examine Desk
The Writing-Desk is of dark wood. Its flap is open, revealing a dark Hole in the stone slightly wider than your Arm, tho much deeper.
You go north
An Armoury, stocked by the Baron for a siege but unable to protect him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armour, Weaponry &c. stands an archway to the south.
You examine Armour
(the suits of Armour)
Five suits of Chain & Plate stand at attention near one wall. The Suits are new & polished & were not touched by whoever sacked the Weapons. Perhaps the Mail was deemed too heavy & awkward to loot.
You examine Weapons
Divers Weapons, some new but most rusting from disuse. Fear alone kept the Baron's Vassals obedient; shows of force were rarely needed. The Weapons are in disarray, as though someone or someones had ransacked them. Perhaps most of the new Arms were taken in departure.
You get Mail
(the suits of Armour)
You are armoured already.
Search mail
(the suits of Armour)
Nothing is inside the the suits of Armour.
Search weapons
Nothing is concealed in the disarray of Weaponry.
You get all
long Table: The long Table is hardly portable.
ornate Chairs: Such posessions would only weigh you down.
You get mobile
As you strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum, there is a Lurch & a sudden Outpouring of water, which seeps into the Floor. The Gears & Screws continue to spin as before, but the Machine is now dry.
Go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.
Go south
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a fine Axe here.
Go upwards
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a fine Axe here.

The Fool's bleary Gaze lights on the Box you carry. [Author's Note: The Lock is the Key -- He! He!] The Fool giggles, hiccoughs, & again regards his Tankard.
You go to the southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oaken Door prevents your going east.

You can see a Perpetuum Mobile here.
You examine the lock
(the dented Box)
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock secures it.
Unlock Box
(with the silver key)
You unlock the dented Box.
You open Box
You open the dented Box, revealing a handful of spice.
You pray for Priest
You should offer your Prayer in a more suitable location.
You think
By all means.
You kick Door
(with your bare hands)
You pound on the oaken door, to no avail.
You pick the lock
(the dented Box up)
You already have that.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a silver key
a dented Box (which is open)
a handful of spice
a golden key
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Golden
dented Box: Dropped.
golden key: Dropped.
Look around
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see a golden key, a dented Box (in which is a handful of spice) & a silver key here.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a fine Axe here.
You go south
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron still lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A stair leads downward into Darkness.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

You can also see a Perpetuum Mobile & a fine Axe here.
You show Pig to Priest
The Priest shudders at the sight of the butchered Pig.
You get in Pig
The Pig is much smaller than you seem to think it is.
You eat Pig
(first taking the bloated Pig)
To hold that you must have both hands free.
You eat Pig
(first taking the bloated Pig)
It is unclean.
You get
What do you want to get?
You look at what you're carrying with you
You are carrying:
a bloated Pig
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
R.
What do you want to drop?
You look around
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see a bloated Pig, a handful of spice, a golden key, a dented Box (which is empty) & a silver key here.
You go east
In this grand Hall do heraldry & great pomp greet the visitor to this castle. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal portcullis to the east now separates you from the castle threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
You examine Sun
The rays of the Sun, shining in from the East, seem very inviting after your stay in the Baron's keep.
You go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
You consult Books about the religion
Only a few books in the Library touch properly upon true Religion. Even these you suspect the Baron harbored for some darker Purpose.
You consult Books about the alchemy
Several Tomes here are devoted to Alchymy, [Author's Note: Noblest of the Crafts.] By which the baser Metals may be transmuted into Gold, or between themselves. You may be able to find reference to some more specific facet of the Craft.
You examine the tables
The Tables are carved as the Chairs. Game-Boards are inscribed into many of them, and some bear Dice and other pieces for Gaming.
You get the Dice
A Knight must shun all such unclean Associations.
You go to the south-west
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see a bloated Pig, a handful of spice, a golden key, a dented Box (which is empty) & a silver key here.
Burn door
This dangerous act would achieve little.
You put Key in the lock
(the golden key in the dented Box)
You put the golden key into the dented Box.
You put Key in Door
(the golden key in the oaken door)
That cannot contain things.
You drop Key
(the golden key)
Dropped.
Describe the surroundings
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

You can see a golden key, a bloated Pig, a handful of spice, a dented Box (which is empty) & a silver key here.
You examine Light
A steel Chain around your neck secures your Symbol.
You examine Chain
(the suit of Chain-Mail)
The sanctified chain mail is light on your body. A white cloth covering bears a circle, the symbol of the faith.
Sleep
Your feeling especially drowsy.
Sing
Your singing is abominable.
You jump
You jump on the spot, fruitlessly.
You examine yourself
You are a strapping cleric, secure in your faith & glowing with the chaste excitement of a task accomplished.
Look around
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.

You can see a golden key, a bloated Pig, a handful of spice, a dented Box (which is empty) & a silver key here.
Go northeast
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to unpure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

'Tis odd... you cannot but think this Place has changed since last you did look upon it. Nay, it cannot be.
You go south
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A solid oak door blocks your way to the west & an archway leads north.

You can see a wooden Lance here.
Go south
From here you may go only east.

You hear a terrible crashing sound to the east.
You go southwest
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oaken Door prevents your passage east.
You consult Books about the animals
[Author's Note: Animals are placed under the dominion of Man. Having no Souls, they must share in the Glory to him allotted, aligning themselves with his Plans.] A slight Unorthodoxy, but less heretical than most you find in these Volumes.
You consult Books about the religion
Only a few books in the Library touch properly upon true Religion. Even these you suspect the Baron harbored for some darker Purpose.
You consult Books abouthe Rosy-Gold
The sympathetic Alloy, much celebrated. [Author's Note: It is of four parts of Gold, the same of Copper, & the first part of Silver.]
You consult Books about the alloys
[Author's Note: An alloy such as Bronze or Electrum may be formed by the molten Merging of its several Composites. Some alloys of the nobler metals have mythic Powers--in particular the celebrated alliage sympathique, or sympathetic Alloy.]
You consult Books about the electrum
The alloy of Gold & Silver; four parts of the one to one of the other.
You consult Books about perpetual
You find a reference to the Perpetuum Mobile (oddly enough) in a Discourse on religious Symbolism. Tho your brothers at the Monastery would follow the Arguments better than you can, the Ideas seem orthodox & you can make out most of what is said.

The Perpetuum must exist, even if only in the mind of God (so says the Author, for the Work is a century old & so precedes the working Perpetuum) for it realizes the sacred Circle on a cosmic scale. Without the Perpetuum, the Cosmos is a strait Line, slowly declining in vital Force, sinking into Degeneracy & Oblivion. As God is the moral restorative of this vital Force, so is the Perpetuum, which does Work without losing Energy, its physical Restorative. When the vital Force moves back & forth between the Poles of Entropy & Restoration, is the Cosmos realized as a grand Circle.
You consult Books about the ideas
There is a Work in the Library on the ontological status of the Idea, but it is too technical for you to follow.
You consult Books about the magic
On these shelves are Books & Scrolls devoted to the dark Arts, but you are loath to peruse the evil things.
You consult Books about stesan
Stesan is described in an Atlas as "a flat and mostly agricultural Land, lying between two Lakes."
You examine Case
A Scroll-Case made of wood & bearing the Sigil of the Bishop of Dol Nesta.
You consult Books about dol nesta
An Atlas describes the Town of Dol Nesta as "a small mountain village, renowned for the quality of its Soil and the breadth of its monastery's Library.".
You examine Atlas
The Baron's library is full of heretical Ideas & Assertions most blasphemous. Yet here are also books of Metallurgy, of Alchymy & other useful Arts. A monk from Dol Nesta will need to be sent here to separate Wheat from Chaff, to save that which is useful & to destroy the Dross. While you are here, however, you may CONSULT the Library about its more wholesome topics.

There is a noticable Gap between two particularly odious Books.
You consult Books about noble
[Author's Note: The nobler Metals are Gold, Silver, Copper, Platinum &c. Those with intrinsic Value above & beyond their suitability for use in Tools. It is inevitably the nobler Metals which have been discovered to have alchymic & magical Properties.]
You consult Library about the platinum
[Author's Note: A rare and valuable Metal, much prized for decoration as well as for its alchymic Properties.]
You examine Sigil
Your scroll case bears the Sigil of the Bishop of Dol Nesta.
Go southwest
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oak door prevents your going east.
You take vellum
This dangerous act would achieve little.

You remove the scroll from the case.
You examine vellum
The rich vellum is covered with a flowing hand.

[Author's Note: The bearer of this Notice, one Knight Itinerant, being granted special Dispensation & ordered by Divine Covenant to separate from this World the immortal Soul of par Tiller, Baron of Stesan, his Crimes and Sins having blotted his Name beyond hope of Redemption or Reform, & it being ordered that any & all requested Assistance be rendered this Knight in this sacred Quest, let it be known that to this I set my Stamp & Seal on this day & for Perpetuity, in the name of the most holy God, who has ordained it so,]

The stamp & signature is that of the bishop of Dol Nesta.
You examine Case
A scroll case made of wood & bearing the sigil of the bishop of Dol Nesta.
Search case
The wooden Scroll-Case is empty.
You examine Candles
The Candles are old & sit guiltily in pools of their own Wax. They flicker under your Gaze.
Close Case
You close the wooden Scroll-Case.
Go downward
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to Luxury a tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing stair.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

[Author's Note: So,] says the Priest, devoid of Emotion. [Author's Note: You have come.]
You look at Priest
You can sense the fear in his eyes, though your code prevents you from harming him. Fear of the Justice you represent, of the Judgement that will be passed upon him for the evils he did not act to prevent.
Go downwards
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stairs.

A dented Box lies in a corner, seemingly kicked there by a thwarted Robber.
You get all
dented Box: Your hands are full.
Stair-Way(StoreStairway): That is hardly portable.
racks of Ham: It is unclean.
strings of Fruit: You hunger not.
sack of Flour: You would scatter Flour everywhere you walked. Foot-Prints in the Flour: The Foot-Prints are not portable.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a vellum Scroll
a sacred blade
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Vellum
The wooden Scroll-Case is closed.
Open Case
You open the wooden Scroll-Case.
You get all
dented Box: Taken.
racks of Ham: It is unclean.
strings of Fruit: You hunger not.
sack of Flour: You would scatter Flour everywhere you walked. Foot-Prints in the Flour: The Foot-Prints are not portable.
Go upwards
The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Fool's bleary Gaze lights on the Box you carry. [Author's Note: The Lock is the Key -- He! He!] The Fool giggles, hiccoughs, and again regards his Tankard.
Go north
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtably--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here. The steel blade of an Axe calls it home.
You examine the stump
From little Acorns great Oaks spring. But great Oaks die, or are cut down, & only God remembers what once was. In this dim reminder of an ancient Tree is embedded a fine Axe.
You get all
bloated Pig: To hold that you must have both hands free.
stump: Its roots are deep, & buried under Stone.
Chop oak
What do you want to chop the stump with?
Axe
I fear the tree was cut down some years ago.
You go south
The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
Go downwards
On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile.



The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

The Priest, noticing the dented Box in your hand, shies away from you. Yet he says nothing.
You show Box to Priest
The Priest treats your act as an accusation, and quails. [Author's Note: The box? It contains naught but Spices! Here, I have the key...] Reaching into his Robes, he withdraws a small silver Key, which he hurriedly places before you.
You look at Box
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock secures it.
You chop Door with Axe
You hack at the door with your axe. Although sturdily built, it is no match for your strength. Slowly, the splinters of wood give way to cracking slabs of the wood, and with a final series of blows you are afforded entry.
You go to the east
Though the Baron never took a wife, 'tis said his Bed was not a night empty. This sinful bed stands before you now, as does the Baron's dresser & Looking-Glass. The door to the west is smashed, the door to the east closed, & a most curious Trap-Door is set into the ground near the bed.

You can see a copper key here.
You examine the copper key
A copper key with eight small teeth.
You look aLooking-Glass
The Looking-Glass is about as tall as you are. You can see yourself in its depths.
You get all
copper key: Your hands are full.
trap door: That is hardly portable.
oaken door to the east: That is hardly portable.
oaken door to the west: That is hardly portable.
Looking-Glass: That is hardly portable.
Bed: That is hardly portable.
You chop the trap with Axe
It is of stone.
You chop the east door with Axe
You hack at the door with your axe. Although sturdily built, it is no match for your strength. Slowly, the splinters of wood give way to cracking slabs of the wood, and with a final series of blows you are afforded entry.
You check your inventory
You are carrying:
a fine Axe
a dented Box (which is closed)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
Axe
dented Box: Dropped.
fine Axe: Dropped.
Go south
You can see a fine Axe & a dented Box (which is closed) here.
Axe
dented Box: Taken.
fine Axe: Taken.
You go west
You can see a copper key here.
You examine trap
A stone Trap-Door set into the floor. A small golden Lock is fashioned into it.
You go to the west
The cruel Baron lies at your feet.
Go east
You can see a copper key & a fine Axe here.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a golden key
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & open)
a vellum Scroll
You get Key
(the copper key)
Taken.
You go to the east
You can see a wooden Lance here.
You go west
You can see a fine Axe here.
Go northwest
A small opening in the Stone leads southeast.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You examinHour-Glass
A large & heavy Hour-Glass, containing fine Sand of a reddish Shade. Metal sliding Flaps on the upper & lower Surfaces, controlled by Levers, are used for replenishing the sand. Both flaps lie closed.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Glass of the heavy Timepiece before you seems briefly to ripple, as though 't'were a Wave upon the shore.
You open the upper flap
A Shock goes through your Hand as you touch the upper Flap. Recoiling, you nurse your injured Hand until life returns.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You go northwest
You can see a fine Axe here.

A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

A small opening in the Stone leads southeast.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass begins to shake.
You examine the upper flap
A sliding metal Flap, covering a Hole in the top of the Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass is shaking most violently, and now begins to slowly rock about.
You look at Shelf
An Outcropping, a small Shelf of rock protruding from the wall.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass is shaking most violently, and now rocks about its Axis.
You examine Sand
To which do you refer, the Sand in the top half of the Hour-Glass or the Sand in the bottom half of the Hour-Glass?
You examine Sand in the top
A contained Cone of fine Sand, red in Colour. Perhaps four measures.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass is shaking most violently, and now rocks about its Axis.
You examine Sand in the bottom
A contained Cone of fine Sand, red in Colour. Perhaps two hundred measures.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass is shaking most violently, and now rocks about its Axis.
You examine top Sand
A contained Cone of fine Sand, red in Colour. Perhaps two measures.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Hour-Glass wobbles most violently as the last of the Sand begins to leak out of its top.
You look at top Sand
A contained Cone of fine Sand, red in Colour. About a measure.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Go southwest
On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall).

O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A solid oaken Door prevents your passage east.
You chop Door with Axe
You hack at the door with your Axe. Tho' sturdily built, it cannot stand under your strength. Slowly, the splinters of Wood give way to cracking Slabs, and with a final series of Blows you are afforded entry.
You descend
In contrast to the Baron's opulence lurks here the spartan Cell of his corrupt Priest. The only furnishing is a straw Mat, the only concession to luxury a Tapestry which hangs near the upward-climbing Stair.

The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

[Author's Note: So,] says the Priest, devoid of Emotion. [Author's Note: You have come.]
Go east
Though the Baron never took a Wife, 'tis said his bed was not a night empty. This sinful Bed stands before you now, as does the Baron's Dresser & Looking-Glass. The door to the west is smashed, the door to the east closed, & a most curious Trap-Door is set into the ground near the bed.

On the Dresser is a copper key.
Go downwards
The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.

You can also see a silver key here.
Go west
The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
Search corpse
The Baron's Robe bears a Pocket, in which is a golden key.
You get Key
You already have that.
Unlock trap
(with the golden key)
You unlock the Trap-Door.
Open Trap
You open the Trap-Door.
You go downwards
It is stifling hot in here, yet the flickering yellow glow of the small Furnace does little to light this room. On a long, acid-scarred Work-Bench sit Crucibles, Mortar & Pestle, &c. A stair leads up.

A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.
You look at Furnace
The Furnace is your equal in height, and its Insides glow yellow with concealed heat. It was no doubt used by the Baron to prepare scraps of the base Metals for their transmutation. Material placed in a vent soon runs molten into a stone collecting pan.
You look at Bench
The Baron's Work-Bench reeks of evil. The Crucibles & other Appointments have been used for tasks far darker & less wise than mere Alchymy.

Among the dark clutter of the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.
You look at Crucibles
The Crucibles seem to be uniformly covered inside by a burnt black Crust.
You examine Mortar
The interior of the Mortar & the grinding Surface of the Pestle are covered in a foul blue Substance.
Smell substance
The blue Substance inside the Mortar smells most foul.
You look at the pan
A collecting pan of black and tempered Stone. Its tenure inside the Furnace makes it shimmer with heat. A small Handle on the pan allows you to redeem it from the flames.
You look at Book
The book is one of foul & evil Magic, by an unknown Author. Its open Page is covered with Notes in the Baron's Hand. Tho it burns your eyes to look at its cursed Runes, you feel that by perusing the Baron's last Endeavour you may bring his activities to light.

The Tyrant, it seems, was planning for his inevitable Demise. His study was of an ancient Curse, activated upon its caster's Death for the purpose of Revenge. The Recipe is black & foul, and at the end of is a caution to the would-be Warlock:

[Author's Note: Its close ties to the Caster's physical Blood make this Curse vulnerable to a Weakening or Breaking through methods of Sympathy. The tying of the curse to the Caster's Soul instead of to the Blood would make the Curse un-breakable, but none yet have accomplished this Feat.]
You examine the Notes
The copious Notes are in the Baron's hand, nearly illegible. One Word by its multiple occurances you distinguish as [Author's Note: entrapment].

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
You put the keys in Pan
golden key: The collecting Pan is for Liquids. The Vent is the entrance to the Furnace.
silver key: The collecting Pan is for Liquids. The Vent is the entrance to the Furnace.
copper key: The collecting Pan is for Liquids. The Vent is the entrance to the Furnace.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
You get Book
You shut the Tome & pick it up. It seems to numb your Hand, as though its cruel Intentions were oozing out to contain you.
You go northwest
Hardly a room, this, a mere niche in the rock of the castle's Foundation. A small Shelf of rock stands before you, and the secret door through which you entered is to the southeast.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You turn hour glass
If you want to invert the Hour-Glass, you should pick it up first. It is much too heavy to turn in place.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You touch Book
The Book is numbing your Hand.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

You can barely feel the Hand which holds the evil Book.
You go to the southeast
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
Go upward
You can see a fine Axe here.

Your Hand becomes as a dead Man's, & your Fingers slip open, dropping the Book upon the floor.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
Go northwest
On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

Your Hand becomes as a dead Man's, & your Fingers slip open, dropping the Book upon the floor.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
You get Book
You pick up the Tome. It seems to numb your Hand, as though its cruel Intentions were oozing out to contain you.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Go east
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.



You can see a fine Axe here.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
You put Book in Gap
You slide the book of foul Spells into the Gap. It fits perfectly, & the Library is whole. Relieved are you to be free of the burden of that terrible, numbing Presence.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
Look around
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order in which he kept his Study! Had he lined his heart with good Works the way he lined his walls with Books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A shattered oak door opens to the west & an archway leads north.

You can see a wooden Lance here.
You consult Library about Furnace
It seems the Baron commissioned a short Work on the operation of a Furnace which was built for his alchymyc Studies. Designed for simplicity, it melts scraps of Metal placed into a Vent and drains the molten result into a collecting Pan below. The source of power for the Furnace is not mentioned in the small Pamphlet, but since it [Author's Note: will melt Lead and even Gold, tho not Iron or Steel], perhaps it is fired by Charcoal.
You look at Box
Battered, dented, the stoic and iron Resistor of an attack on its contents. A small Lock secures it.
You consult Library about the curse
On these shelves are Books & Scrolls devoted to Cursings most foul, but you are loath to peruse the evil Volumes.
Go downwards
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.
Look around
It is stifling hot in here, yet the flickering yellow glow of the small Furnace does little to light this room. On a long, acid-scarred Work-Bench sit Crucibles, Mortar & Pestle, &c. A stair leads up.

A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.
You look at Furnace
The Furnace is your equal in height, and its Insides glow yellow with concealed heat. It was no doubt used by the Baron to prepare scraps of the base Metals for their transmutation. Material placed in a vent soon runs molten into a stone collecting pan.
Examine vent
A small vent near the top of the Furnace. It accepts scraps of metal for alchymic experiments.
You put all the keys in Vent
golden key: You place the golden key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
silver key: You place the silver key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
copper key: You place the copper key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
You examine Pan
A collecting pan of black and tempered Stone. Its tenure inside the Furnace makes it shimmer with heat. A small Handle on the pan allows you to redeem it from the flames.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan.
You look at metal
Molten Silver pools at the bottom of the collecting Pan.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan, slightly altering the tint of the existing Contents.
You examine metal
A short Pool of molten Metal mostly fills the collecting Pan. It seems to be Gold, with a rosy Glow.
You examine Bench
The Baron's Work-Bench reeks of evil. The Crucibles & other Appointments have been used for tasks far darker & less wise than mere Alchymy.

Among the dark clutter of the Work-Bench.
You look at your surroundings
It is stifling hot in here, yet the flickering yellow glow of the small Furnace does little to light this room. On a long, acid-scarred Work-Bench sit Crucibles, Mortar & Pestle, &c. A stair leads up.

A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You look at metal
A short Pool of molten Metal mostly fills the collecting Pan. It seems to be Gold, with a rosy Glow.

A puff of foul-smelling Smoke emerges from the Furnace.
You look at Pan
A collecting pan of black and tempered Stone. Its tenure inside the Furnace makes it shimmer with heat. A small Handle on the pan allows you to redeem it from the flames.

A short Pool of molten Metal mostly fills the collecting Pan. It seems to be Gold, with a rosy Glow.
You get Pan
The pan is quite hot! You quickly remove your Fingers from the blistering stone.
You look at the handle
A small flat handle of the same stone as the pan.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
Go up
Though the Baron never took a wife, 'tis said his Bed was not a night empty. This sinful bed stands before you now, as does the Baron's dresser & Looking-Glass. Two shattered doors lead east & west, & a most curious Trap-Door yawns to reveal a stairway as dark as the Baron's soul.

You can see a fine Axe here.
You go to the west
O foul Hypocrite! O whited Sepulchure! In the midst of his debauchery the Baron does see fit to erect himself a Chapel of the faith! Mayhap he thought to take sanctuary here at your approach. 'Tis more likely the lighted Candles & marble Altar did bear witness to blasphemous & terrible Rites in the Baron's lifetime.

A stair in the corner leads down into darkness, an archway northeast. A shattered oak door opens to the east.
Go northeast
A richly attired Wait Chamber, walls covered with pagan frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the reception chamber to the west, the dining hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest, & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.
You go to the west
The glitterings of Gold, Jewels, Tapestries, &c. belie the Corruption of he who 'til recently occupied this high Seat. A white Carpet, once flanked by Sycophants & Counsellors, now lies untravelled. It leads away from the Seat & towards the Sunrise.

Have these Walls shifted? Is the Light different in its attentions upon your Eyes? Nay, for how could this be so? It must be your tiresome Confinement that makes your Memory falter. You had best find a way to quit the Baron's Keep.

The cruel Baron lies at your feet, dyeing the carpet scarlet with his blood.
Go east
If only the Baron had set his soul in the same order he kept his study! Had he lined his heart with good works the way he lined his walls with books, kept his spiritual affairs as tidy as he kept his Writing-Desk, then your grim task need never have been assigned you. But the leather Arm-Chair now awaits a master who will never again occupy it. A shattered oak door opens to the west & an archway leads north.

You can see a wooden Lance here.
You put all keys in Vent
golden key: You place the golden key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
silver key: You place the silver key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
copper key: You place the copper key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.

A puff of foul-smelling Smoke emerges from the Furnace.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan.
You wait
You idle away a few moments.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan, slightly altering the tint of the existing Contents.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You get evil Book
You shut the Tome & pick it up. It seems to numb your Hand, as though its cruel Intentions were oozing out to contain you.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

A puff of foul-smelling Smoke emerges from the Furnace.

You can barely feel the Hand which holds the evil Book.
You get Pan
The pan is quite hot! You quickly remove your Fingers from the blistering stone.

Your Hand becomes as a dead Man's, & your Fingers slip open, dropping the Book upon the floor.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
You get Pan
The pan is quite hot! You quickly remove your Fingers from the blistering stone.
You get Book
You pick up the Tome. It seems to numb your Hand, as though its cruel Intentions were oozing out to contain you.
You look at Book
The book is one of foul & evil Magic, by an unknown Author. Tho closed, still you feel its foul Presence.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.

You can barely feel the Hand which holds the evil Book.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

Your Hand becomes as a dead Man's, & your Fingers slip open, dropping the Book upon the floor.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
You touch the handle
The handle is quite hot! You quickly remove your Fingers from the blistering stone.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You touch Book
You touch the Book & briefly feel a numbing Shock.
You touch the handle
The handle is quite hot! You quickly remove your Fingers from the blistering stone.
You look under Bench
The Stone beneath the Work-Bench is stained and scarred.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
You check what you're carrying
You are carrying:
a dented Box (which is closed & locked)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You go downwards
It is stifling hot in here, yet the flickering yellow glow of the small Furnace does little to light this room. On a long, acid-scarred Work-Bench sit Crucibles, Mortar & Pestle, &c. A stair leads up.

A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a golden key
a silver key
a copper key
a dented Box (which is open)
a handful of spice
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
You drop the keys
golden key: Dropped.
silver key: Dropped.
copper key: Dropped.
You put Box in Pan
The collecting Pan is for Liquids. The Vent is the entrance to the Furnace.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
You put Box in Vent
That is far too large to fit into the Vent on the Furnace.
You remove Blade
(first taking the sacred blade)
You draw your Blade.
You get all the keys
copper key: Your hands are full.
silver key: Your hands are full.
golden key: Your hands are full.
Sheath blade
You sheathe your Blade.
You get all the keys
copper key: Taken.
silver key: Taken.
golden key: Taken.
You put all the keys in Vent
golden key: You place the golden key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
silver key: You place the silver key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
copper key: You place the copper key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan.
You get Pan
The pan is quite hot! You quickly remove your Fingers from the blistering stone.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan, slightly altering the tint of the existing Contents.
You get Book
You shut the Tome & pick it up. It seems to numb your Hand, as though its cruel Intentions were oozing out to contain you.
You open Book
You open the Book to the page at which you first found it & shudder as a wave of Evil washes over you.
You read Book
The book is one of foul & evil Magic, by an unknown Author. Its open Page is covered with Notes in the Baron's Hand. Tho it burns your eyes to look at its cursed Runes, you feel that by perusing the Baron's last Endeavour you may bring his activities to light.

The Tyrant, it seems, was planning for his inevitable Demise. His study was of an ancient Curse, activated upon its caster's Death for the purpose of Revenge. The Recipe is black & foul, and at the end of is a caution to the would-be Warlock:

[Author's Note: Its close ties to the Caster's physical Blood make this Curse vulnerable to a Weakening or Breaking through methods of Sympathy. The tying of the curse to the Caster's Soul instead of to the Blood would make the Curse un-breakable, but none yet have accomplished this Feat.]
You get the spice
Your hands are full.

You can barely feel the Hand which holds the evil Book.
Sheath sword
It is already sheathed.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a Book of evil Magic
a dented Box (which is open but empty)
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Drop box
Dropped.

Your Hand becomes as a dead Man's, & your Fingers slip open, dropping the Book upon the floor.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
You put the spice in Mortar
You have no need of the Mortar & Pestle.
You put the spice in Pan
As they are consumed by the bubbling Liquid, the Spices fill the room with their Fragrance. Your Eyes momentarily tear from the pungent Aroma as well as from the heat.
You examine Pan
A collecting pan of black and tempered Stone. Its tenure inside the Furnace makes it shimmer with heat. A small Handle on the pan allows you to redeem it from the flames.

A short Pool of molten Metal mostly fills the collecting Pan. It seems to be Gold, with a rosy Glow.

A puff of foul-smelling Smoke emerges from the Furnace.
Go downward
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.
You drop all
golden key: Dropped.
silver key: Dropped.
copper key: Dropped.
dented Box: Dropped.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
Go downward
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a dented Box (which is closed), a copper key, a silver key & a golden key here.
You go to the north
A bloated Pig lies here, its Stomach slit.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.
You drop Pig
You can see a fine Axe here.



A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see the Baron's corpse, a dented Box (which is closed), a copper key, a silver key & a golden key here.
Dropped.
You drop mobile
You can see a fine Axe here.

On the long Table is a Perpetuum Mobile (which acts as a Water-Fall). As you strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum, there is a Lurch & a sudden Outpouring of water, which seeps into the Floor. The Gears & Screws continue to spin as before, but the Machine is now dry.



You can see a fine Axe here.



A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a bloated Pig, the Baron's corpse, a dented Box (which is closed), a copper key, a silver key & a golden key here.
You gently set the Perpetuum on the floor.
Go downwards
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a Perpetuum Mobile, a bloated Pig, the Baron's corpse, a dented Box (which is closed), a copper key, a silver key & a golden key here.
You put the keys in Vent
copper key: Taken.
silver key: Taken.
golden key: Taken.
golden key: You place the golden key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
silver key: You place the silver key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
copper key: You place the copper key into the Vent and quickly take your hand away. An unseen Zephyr swiftly draws the key into the reaches of the Furnace.
You open Box
You open the dented Box, revealing a handful of spice.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan.
You get the spice
Taken.

A molten stream of Metal pours briefly out of the furnace into the collecting Pan, slightly altering the tint of the existing Contents.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You examine Axe
A sturdy & well-fashioned Axe. Its rim is crusted with blood.

A puff of foul-smelling Smoke emerges from the Furnace.
You dip Axe in metal
You manage to fit the tip of the Axe into the hellish Furnace & touch it to the pool of Metal. A vibration runs through the Axe as it laps at the liquid Alloy, drawing the metal up to cover the blood-crusted Rim. A few drops fall onto the floor as you remove the Axe from the Furnace.

You hear a Grunt & turn to see that the butchered Pig again lives!
You draw the sword
You draw your blade.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You dip Sword in metal
You place your sword into the hellish Furnace & touch the tip to the pool of Metal. A vibration runs through your Sword as it laps at the liquid Alloy, drawing the metal up the Blade like water into a Root. A few drops fall onto the floor as you remove your sated Blade from the pool.
You look at Blade
Where your blade was red it is now a rosy Gold. The Blood-Stains have absorbed a foreign Metal, which coats the Edge lightly.

A blast of hot Air emerges from the Furnace, as though some Daemon inside were working a Bellows.
You look at Axe
A sturdy & well-fashioned Axe. Where blood once was clings a Shine of rose Gold.
You look at Pig
The Pig is fat & healthy. You see on it no trace of the Axe-Work which once caused it not to be.
You look at corpse
His eyes are wide & unseeing. He wears an expression of resignation & a velvet robe. Strangely, you can no longer find the wounds with which you separated Soul from Body. Yet he does not move; the Spark of life is gone.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a sacred blade
a fine Axe
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)
Sheathe blade
You sheathe your blade.

The Pig gives the Mobile a brief Sniff, then moves onto other Pig matters, uninterested.
You drop Axe
Dropped.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.
You get mobile
You strain to lift the heavy Perpetuum.
You go northwest
You struggle to bring the Perpetuum through the small opening.

Hardly a room, this, a mere niche in the rock of the castle's Foundation. A small Shelf of rock stands before you, and the secret door through which you entered is to the southeast.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You struggle to bring the Perpetuum through the small opening.
You struggle to bring the Perpetuum through the small opening.
You drop machine
You gently set the Perpetuum on the floor.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You examine Sand in the top
A contained Cone of fine Sand, blue in Colour. Perhaps one hundred measures.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You touch the hourglass
You feel nothing unexpected.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You open the top lever
You pull the Lever, sliding the Flap open.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You open the bottom lever
You pull the Lever. The Flap opens & Sand begins to pour out onto the Shelf.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get bottom Sand
To do that, you would have to break the Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get the hourglass
With great effort you lift the diabolically heavy Hour-Glass, sending Sand spilling onto the stone Shelf. You cannot carry it for long!

The Hour-Glass bleeds Sand, which sifts onto the floor.
Turn hourglass
As you tip the heavy Hour-Glass over in your hands, there is a fatal moment at which the sand slides from one Side to the other, and at which you lose your tenuous Grip. As if in a dream you see the glass fall slowly to the Floor, re-bounding upwards briefly even as the Frame cracks and the Glass parts in ten thousand directions, spilli
You get Book
Your hands are full.

The Pig rubs up against you.
Go upward
Go east
The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
You put Book in Gap
You slide the book of foul Spells into the Gap. It fits perfectly, & the Library is whole. Relieved are you to be free of the burden of that terrible, numbing Presence.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
Turn wheel
Every muscle in your body strains, and you feel the grinding of faraway Pulleys as the Portcullis slowly lifts open. At last the heavy Machinery catches, and you relax.
Go east
The sweet Sunlight & soft Earth did never feel so refreshing upon your face & under your feet. The rough hewed stones of the keep seem from the outside to shimmer in the heat. You set down the road, beginning the long journey back to the monastery.

Upon your safe arrival in Dol Nesta, the Bishop himself visits Stesan to oversee the trial and punishment of the corrupt Priest. Astoundingly, he reports that where once stood par Tiller's Keep, there is naught now but a fallow Field, as smooth and empty as a blank Scroll. It is a Mystery which may never see Light, and you think oft upon it. But there are more Adventures here and now than among the forgotten Dead.
You drop Axe
Dropped.

The Pig shuffles to the northwest.
You go northwest
Hardly a room, this, a mere niche in the rock of the castle's Foundation. A small Shelf of rock stands before you, and the secret door through which you entered is to the southeast.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You go northwest
You struggle to bring the Perpetuum through the small opening.

Hardly a room, this, a mere niche in the rock of the castle's Foundation. A small Shelf of rock stands before you, and the secret door through which you entered is to the southeast.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You drop mobile
You gently set the Perpetuum on the floor.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Go southeast
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.
You go northwest
Here a fat Pig wallows.

On the Shelf is an Hour-Glass.

You can also see a Perpetuum Mobile here.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get the hourglass
To hold that you must have both hands free.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
Drop box
Dropped.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get the hourglass
With great effort you lift the diabolically heavy Hour-Glass. You cannot carry it for long!

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig rolls & twists on the Ground.
You put the hourglass in Box
That is too large to fit into the Box.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig rubs up against you.

You can barely hold on to the Hour-Glass!
You put down the hourglass
Relieved, you set down the Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig brushes its nose against the cool bell of the Hour-Glass.
You examine the hourglass
A large & heavy Hour-Glass, containing fine Sand of a bluish Shade. Metal sliding Flaps on the upper & lower Surfaces, controlled by Levers, are used for replenishing the sand. Both flaps lie closed.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig shuffles to the southeast.
You examine the machine
This Device you have seen before, in the Library at Dol Nesta. An ingenious Perpetuum Mobile, built of Pipes, Gears, & Screws of Archimides. Whereby the Force exhibited by Water as it pours into a wide Funnel drives the Drawing of that water upward, to fall again through a Spout into the Funnel--on & on, ad infinitum. The Design is that of a certain Portuguese & the workmanship is such that the Machine continues its toil even in the absence of Water to propel it.

Tho the Perpetuum is empty, still turn its Gears & Screws.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You pull lower lever
You pull the Lever. The Flap opens & Sand begins to pour out onto the floor.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get top Sand
You cannot fit your Hand into the Hour-Glass.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You examine the hourglass
A large & heavy Hour-Glass, containing fine Sand of a bluish Shade. Metal sliding Flaps on the upper & lower Surfaces, controlled by Levers, are used for replenishing the sand. Both flaps lie open.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You roll the hourglass
Nothing obvious happens.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get the hourglass
With great effort you lift the diabolically heavy Hour-Glass, sending Sand spilling onto the stone Floor. You cannot carry it for long!

The Hour-Glass bleeds Sand, which sifts onto the floor.
You put hourglass in Mobile
Straining, you place the Hour-Glass atop the funnel of the Perpetuum.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass. You feel immediately a great sense of relief, as though suddenly awakening from some terrifying Dream.
You look around
Hardly a room, this, a mere niche in the rock of the castle's Foundation. A small Shelf of rock stands before you, and the secret door through which you entered is to the southeast.

Sand is scattered on the floor.

You can also see a dented Box (which is empty) & a Perpetuum Mobile (which supports a large Hour-Glass) here.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass.
You get Sand
(the sand scattered on the floor)
The sand dissolves like Snow under your Touch.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass.
You get in mobile
The Space you would need to do that seems occupied.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass.

The Pig rubs up against you.
You get Pig
I doubt the Pig would care for that.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass.
You go to the south-east
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe & the Baron's corpse here.

The Pig follows you.
Go upwards
The Pig shuffles to the east.
You go east
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
Go north
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

The Pig follows you.
Turn wheel
Every muscle in your body strains, and you feel the grinding of faraway Pulleys as the Portcullis slowly lifts open. At last the heavy Machinery catches, and you relax.

You can barely feel the Hand which holds the evil Book.
You go south
The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
Go east
The sweet Sunlight & soft Earth did never feel so refreshing upon your face & under your feet. The rough hewed stones of the keep seem from the outside to shimmer in the heat. You set down the road, beginning the long journey back to the monastery. Within an hour, the castle is gone behind you.
Smash machine
A knight of the faith should not make use of violence unless there is no alternative.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig gives the Mobile a brief Sniff, then moves onto other Pig matters, uninterested.
You sit on the machine
The Funnel of the Perpetuum would probably support your weight, but what is to be gained by testing the Hypothesis?

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You get the hourglass
With great effort you lift the diabolically heavy Hour-Glass. You cannot carry it for long!

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig gives the Mobile a brief Sniff, then moves onto other Pig matters, uninterested.
You put the hourglass in the machine
Straining, you place the Hour-Glass atop the funnel of the Perpetuum.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You open the bottom lever
You pull the Lever. The Flap opens & Sand begins to pour out into the Perpetuum.

Sand pours into the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, scattering off the closed top of the Hour-Glass & spreading onto the floor.
You open the bottom lever
You pull the Lever. The Flap opens & Sand begins to pour out into the Perpetuum.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass. You feel immediately a great sense of relief, as though suddenly awakening from some terrifying Dream.
You go southeast
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.

The Pig follows you.
Go upward
Look around
Though the Baron never took a wife, 'tis said his Bed was not a night empty. This sinful bed stands before you now, as does the Baron's dresser & Looking-Glass. Two shattered doors lead east & west, & a most curious Trap-Door yawns to reveal a stairway as dark as the Baron's soul.
Go downward
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.
Go upwards
Here a fat Pig wallows.
Go east
The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a wooden Lance here.
Drop book
Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
You get Pig
I doubt the Pig would care for that.
You go east
The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a Book of evil Magic & a wooden Lance here.

The Pig follows you.
You go to the north
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
You go to the east
The sweet Sunlight & soft Earth have never felt so refreshing upon your face & under your feet. The rough hewed stones of the Keep seem from the outside to shimmer in the heat. You set down the road, beginning the long journey back to the Monastery. Within an hour, the castle is gone behind you.
You wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig rubs up against you.
You get Pig
I doubt the Pig would care for that.

The Pig sniffs at you.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig shuffles to the north.
Go north
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig shuffles to the south.
You go south
Here a fat Pig wallows.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

The Pig grunts!
You wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig sniffs at you.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig shuffles to the south.
Go south
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a Book of evil Magic & a wooden Lance here.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig rolls & twists on the Ground.
You wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig studies the open page & begins grunting & gesticulating with one hoof. Briefly the Pig's fur turns a shade of blue. The Pig grunts & continues its nasal Inspection of the area.
You eat Pig
(first taking the Pig)
I doubt the Pig would care for that.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig inhales noisily the scent of the Lance.
You wait awhile
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig shuffles to the west.
You go to the west
Here a fat Pig wallows.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig inhales noisily the scent of the Dresser.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig snuffles along the length of the Bed, rooting under it as if looking for something.
You look under Bed
There is only Dust under the Bed.

The Pig inhales noisily the scent of the Dresser.
You examine Dresser
The wooden Dresser is well-polished but dusty underneath. Its several Drawers contain only irrelevant personal Effects of the Baron.
You search Dresser
There is nothing of interest in the Dresser, & only dust underneath it.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig grunts!
You wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig shuffles to the east.
Go east
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The orderly appointment of the Books on their several Shelves is marred in one place by a Gap.

You can also see a Book of evil Magic & a wooden Lance here.

The Pig shuffles to the west.
You get Book
You pick up the Tome. It seems to numb your Hand, as though its cruel Intentions were oozing out to contain you.
You put Book in Gap
You slide the book of foul Spells into the Gap. It fits perfectly, & the Library is whole. Relieved are you to be free of the burden of that terrible, numbing Presence.

Life is slow to return to the Hand that held the evil Tome.
You go to the west
Here a fat Pig wallows.
You kick Pig
This day you have already killed one of God's creatures.

The Pig fogs up the Looking-Glass & jumps back suddenly as it catches a glimpse of itself.
East
The Pig grunts.

The Pig inhales noisily the scent of the Dresser.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
You touch Pig
A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

You can see no such thing.
You go to the west
Here a fat Pig wallows.
You touch Pig
The Pig is warm & grunts under your Touch.

The Pig shuffles to the northeast.
You go northeast
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig rolls & twists on the Ground.
You touch Pig
The Pig is warm & grunts under your Touch.
Go southwest
The Pig follows you.
Descend
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.
Go downwards
The Priest sits on his mat, eyes downturned in submission.
You show the corpse to Priest
The Priest quails at the sight of the dead Baron.
Go west
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig shuffles to the east.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
You show Baron to Fool
[Author's Note: What is a Fool with no Master?]
Go east
You can see a wooden Lance here.

The Pig follows you.
Go east
The sweet Sunlight & soft Earth have never felt so refreshing upon your face & under your feet. The rough hewed stones of the Keep seem from the outside to shimmer in the heat. The Pig briefly follows you as you set down the road, beginning the long journey back to the Monastery. Within an hour, the castle is gone behind you.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig trots out the gate & into the world beyond.
You go to the east
The sweet Sunlight & soft Earth have never felt so refreshing upon your face & under your feet. The rough hewed stones of the Keep seem from the outside to shimmer in the heat. You set down the road, beginning the long journey back to the Monastery. Within an hour, the castle is gone behind you.
You look at Pig
The Pig is fat & healthy. You see on it no trace of the Axe-Work which once caused it not to be.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Go up
Methinks you see exits where there are none.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
Go southeast
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.
You get the hourglass
With great effort you lift the diabolically heavy Hour-Glass. You cannot carry it for long!

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You put the hourglass in Mobile
Straining, you place the Hour-Glass atop the funnel of the Perpetuum.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.
You open top Lever
You pull the Lever, sliding the Flap open.

A trickle of sand falls through the Hour-Glass.

The Pig gives the Mobile a brief Sniff, then moves onto other Pig matters, uninterested.
You open bottom Lever
You pull the Lever. The Flap opens & Sand begins to pour out into the Perpetuum.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass. You feel immediately a great sense of relief, as though suddenly awakening from some terrifying Dream.

The Pig sniffs at you.
You go to the south-east
A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.

The metal in the collecting Pan bubbles briefly.

The Pig follows you.
Go down
Here a fat Pig wallows.

A small opening in the Stone leads northwest.

On the Work-Bench is a Book of evil Magic.

You can also see a fine Axe, the Baron's corpse & a dented Box (which is empty) here.
You touch Pig
It is warm, and grunts under your Touch.
Go northwest
You can also see a Perpetuum Mobile (which supports a large Hour-Glass) here.

Sand enters the Funnel of the Perpetuum & re-emerges at the Spout, refilling the Hour-Glass.
You get Priest
I doubt the corrupt Priest would care for that.
Go upwards
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig sniffs at you.
Go west
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
Go east
The Pig follows you.
Down
The Pig grunts.
You ascend
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig sniffs the Altar & moves quickly away, knowing well the scent of Slaughter.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig shuffles to the northeast.
You wait for a while
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig sniffs the Altar & moves quickly away, knowing well the scent of Slaughter.
Go west
The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Pig follows you.
You go to the north
The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.

The Pig follows you.
Go upward
Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig sniffs the Fool's Wine but does not imbibe, not caring for its Bouquet.
You ask Pig about Fool
Only Saints & Mad-Men can speak with the Beasts.

The Pig rolls & twists on the Ground.
Inventory
You are carrying:
a holy symbol (glowing with a sacred light & being worn)
a suit of Chain-Mail (being worn)
a leather sheath (being worn)
a sacred blade
a wooden Scroll-Case (being worn & closed)

The Pig sniffs at the Ovens & backs away quickly.
You show Symbol to Pig
(the holy symbol to the Pig)
The Pig, not in the mood for a Light snack, shows little interest in the holy symbol.

The Pig grunts!
You show Mail to Pig
The Pig sniffs your Chain-Mail & wrinkles its Nose in distaste. Coming from a Pig, this leads you to believe a Cleaning of the Armour is past due.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
You show the sheath to Pig
The Pig shows little interest in the leather Sheath. Presumably, its former owner was no one he knew personally.

The Pig sniffs at you.
You show Blade to Pig
The Pig respectfully backs away from the sacred blade.
Show case to Pig
The Scroll-Case is briefly stuck on the Pig's snout, causing a Moment of amusement but nothing more.

The Pig sniffs at the Ovens & backs away quickly.
You show Blade to Fool
[Author's Note: I see your Point.]
You show Symbol to Fool
(the holy symbol to the court Fool)
[Author's Note: Round & round she goes!]

The Pig sniffs at the Ovens & backs away quickly.
You describe your surroundings
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtedly--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.
Wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig squeals with alarm as it sniffs the Stump, then stops suddenly with a confused look as if it had just realized something quite Odd.
You hug Pig
The Pig snorts.

The Pig grunts!
You describe your surroundings
In this small, walled Yard were Beasts put to the knife & prepared for the master's feasting table. Unthinkably--but undoubtedly--were other Prey too destroyed here, to feed the Baron's appetite for sin. There is no hiding place in this small Arena; meat, alive or dead, can escape only south, through the Kitchen.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The stump of an ancient Oak stands here.
Go south
The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Pig follows you.
Look around
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Pig sniffs at you.
Go downward
The gloomy Store Room has been recently sacked, though racks of Ham & strings of dried Fruit still hang above your head. A bag of Flour has been ripped open, its contents scattered. Hundreds of white Foot-Prints run frantic around the room & up the Stair.
Go up
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

The Pig follows you.
You go south
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

The Pig follows you.
Go east
In this grand Hall do Heraldry & great Pomp greet the visitor to this Keep. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal Portcullis to the east now separates you from the threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

The Pig follows you.
You hug Pig
The Pig snorts.

The Pig rolls & twists on the Ground.
You hug Pig
The Pig snorts.

The Pig sniffs at the ground.
You hug Pig
The Pig snorts.

The Pig rubs up against you.
You hug Pig
The Pig snorts.

The Pig shuffles to the north.
Go north
An Armoury, stocked by the Baron for a siege but unable to protect him from the vengeance of the Almighty. Amidst the Armour, Weaponry &c. stands an archway to the south.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig shuffles to the south.
You go south
In this grand Hall do Heraldry & great Pomp greet the visitor to this Keep. Yet a visitor, betrayed, can quickly become a prisoner--a metal Portcullis to the east now separates you from the threshold. You must take your leave instead to the round Chamber that lies westward, or else attend one of the two archways to the north & south.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

The Pig wanders over to the heavy Portcullis & pokes its snout through on of the gaps in the iron Gate. A wistful look comes across the Pig's face, as it ponders a more carefree time in its life, a time redolent with Rolls in cool Mud & games of [Author's Note: Got Your Snout] with its thirty-seven Grand-Children.
Turn wheel
Every muscle in your body strains, and you feel the grinding of faraway Pulleys as the Portcullis slowly lifts open. At last the heavy Machinery catches, and you relax.
You hug Pig
The Pig snorts.

The Pig shuffles to the west.
You go west
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig shuffles to the north.
You go to the north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

Here a fat Pig wallows.
Go north
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Pig rubs up against you.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

The Pig sniffs the Fool's Wine but does not imbibe, not caring for its Bouquet.
Go west
Gluttonous indeed were the the Feasts prepared in this Kitchen while the Baron lived. The huge Ovens now stand cold & unlit, the Crockery smashed & strewn about the floor. The Dining Hall is to the east, & northwards is a small enclosed Yard. A Stair leads downward into darkness.

Here a fat Pig wallows.

The Baron's Fool lies besotted beneath a large Wine-Barrel.

There is a sudden chorus of Gruntings, as the court Fool is interrogated by the cold nose of the Pig.
Go east
On feast days in years & months past, Lords & favoured Thinkers entered this long Hall from the south, to be served by huge platters of exotic repast from the Kitchen to the west. But now the room stands bare, stripped of its Appointments by some fleeing servant. Only the larger items remain--the long Table & the ornate Chairs.

The Pig follows you.
You wait
You idle away a few moments.

The Pig sniffs underneath the Chairs.
Go east
In this grand Hall do Heraldry & great Pomp greet the visitor to this Keep. The round Chamber lies westward, as always. You may also attend to one of the two archways to the north & south, or, tiring of this false hospitality, depart to the east.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.
Go west
A richly attired Wait Chamber, its walls covered in pagan Frescoes which beckon you to impure thoughts. Chairs arranged near the circular perimeter mingle with Tables for gaming. The chamber becomes the Reception Chamber to the west, the Dining Hall to the north. A small tiled archway leads southwest & to the east is the grand Entry Hall.

A Pig enters from the north.
Go east
In this grand Hall do Heraldry & great Pomp greet the visitor to this Keep. The round Chamber lies westward, as always. You may also attend to one of the two archways to the north & south, or, tiring of this false hospitality, depart to the east.

A wooden Wheel is mounted on the wall, near the Portcullis.

The Pig follows you.