The Djinni Chronicles
J. D. Berry
cover art fantasy first person genie IF Competition 2000 IFComp Game multiple protagonists nonhuman protagonist past tense walkthrough
You examine Seegan
(Seegan)
Her physical undercurrents flowed of unattractiveness. Her emotional
winds raged with sadness, separation, self-reconciliation and
determination. Her mental flows darted and crackled with creativity.

She wore the ring that contained my essence.

Seegan stared at me. Her eyes had the typical glaze of awe but lacked
the typical glimmer of San.
You talk to Seegan
I told my Purpose. I was a servant of limited power who would grant
three wishes. The first wish was to be stated within one minute of my
explanation. The second was to be stated on the day one year from the
first, in the same physical location as the first. The third, ten
years on the day and in the same location.
You look at the ring
The brass ring had the word "Canloc" inscribed. It had been my
container for many summoners. I would return to it after granting
wishes. It protected me from complete loss of Purpose.

Seegan took out a hand mirror, looked at it for a final assessment and
then put it away. She told me, "I've thought about it, and I wish to
be beautiful."
You grant wish
stated desire. Of those that would accomplish this, only one was I
Willful enough to channel.

was, by itself, more Purposeful than I could manage. But if I
simultaneously channeled an attractor current, I could integrate them
through my summoner and fulfill the wish. I chose the undercurrent of

1)  lycanthropy.
2)  a deep sleep.
3)  an inhumanly shrill voice.
1
The wish was granted.
You examine Seegan
(Seegan)
Her physical undercurrents stormed with attractiveness. Her emotional
winds raged with conflicting happiness and separation, dilemma and
determination. Her mental flows darted and crackled with creativity.
Her movements resembled those of a fox.

She wore the ring that contained my essence.
Search undercurrent
I wondered. Which did I mean, Seegan's physical, Seegan's emotional
or Seegan's mental?
You look at Seegan's mental
Her mental undercurrents were difficult for me to interpret. Cold,
then hot, then cold again. These winds were conditioned, although not
ruled, by her emotions.
You examine the seegan's physical
Her undercurrents continued their warmth but now flowed with the winds
and not against them.
You examine the emerald
The emerald was as large as a human head. Its "neck" was tapered to a
sharp point.
You examine Seegan's emotional
The cold winds of separation flurried within her. Together with the
physical they linked, although distantly, to those of her father.
Deep within these flurries was a pocket of fear, apparently kept in
check by the torrent outside.
You take the emerald
Through Will of Purpose, I channeled the undercurrents of the emerald.
You examine the body
I found the remains to be no different than any other.

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the emerald.
You drop the emerald
I dropped my undercurrent connection with the emerald.
You go east
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance
The passageway began there and continued east. There were doors on
the northern and southern sides, each with a set of uniquely engraved
runes. A thick, stone wall blocked physical travel west.
You examine the runes
The runes on the northern door depicted a sun melting various objects.
Those on the southern door showed lemmings running to and over a
cliff.
Go south
Blasts of the mental passed through me as I entered the room. But
they had no effect at all.

Vault Storage, Money
At one time, stacks of coins made of rare metals were stored there.
Once, in fulfilling a wish, I channeled those coins and bestowed them
to a former summoner. To be able to perform this San-filled
channeling, I was forced to attach a poison that would form on the
coins when in direct contact with sunlight. The summoner took his
treasure with him, but he did not return for this third wish. How my
ring returned to the vault, I could only speculate.
Go north
Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance
You go north
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. But
they had no effect at all.

Vault Storage, Jewelry
That room had been designed to store jewelry in glass cases. All but
one piece of jewelry had been taken.

I saw a necklace there.
You examine the necklace
Other than an inscribed name, "Ivogard", I saw nothing special about
the necklace.
You enter the ring
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
Beware
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Such was my first experience of joy. Until that point in time, every
summoner returning for another wish had increased San. Through the
happiness of Seegan, I felt more Purpose than I had ever known.

"Great Djinni," my summoner said with much passion. "I can't thank
you enough--not only for making me beautiful, but for giving me the
extra gift of being able to turn into a fox. I escaped these vaults
because in fox form I was able to slip between the bars and dash
quickly to the nearest village.

It was at that village I met my husband. I owe you that thanks as
well. I know I didn't need to explain, but I wanted to express my
happiness.

Do you have any further instructions for my second wish? I will await
your word before wishing."
You talk to Seegan
I told her that, in addition to the previous rules, I could not undo
any direct effects of previous wishes.

(I wondered then whether I should have told her about my new Purpose.
Thanking her seemed "correct" somehow and yet not "appropriate"
because it would likely have interfered with many undercurrents.)

"I've known my second wish since I knew I was pregnant. I wish my
baby a long, healthy, happy, prosperous life."
You grant wish
My recent exponential increase in Purpose evoked in me an awareness.
The attractor winds that gave me control of the undercurrents were
viewed as curses by my summoners. By the time the summoner called
upon me anew, any Satisfaction that might have been gained initially
was eliminated by these curses.

Why had Seegan been Satisfied? I knew only one possibility. She was
without San.
[I pondered.]

stated desire. Two of the requirements were a long and healthy life
for her baby. The undercurrents of her baby, lycanthropy and life
span, were incompatible. The were-fox undercurrent needed redirection
at that point in time or be integrated fully soon after.
[I pondered. And for the first time, I could grant at least some of
the wish without an associated "curse".]

Her baby had strong undercurrents of happiness. I would not need to
do anything to grant that portion of the wish. However, prosperity
was another matter. I could have channeled the undercurrents to make
that happen, but not without cost. I realized that I greatly risked
Satisfaction if I attached a curse. Perhaps there was treasure still
remaining somewhere around the vaults that could assure prosperity.
Go north
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. They
did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Jewelry
That room had been designed to store jewelry in glass cases. All but
one piece of jewelry had been taken.

I saw a necklace there.
You take the necklace
linked it to an area far beneath that room. I would not be able to
channel the necklace nor any of its powers.
Go downwards
The underground continued indefinitely. The earth there was rich in
minerals, particularly iron. I felt a vague sense of Purpose there.
Go downward
I descended.
Go upwards
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. But
they had no effect at all.

Vault Storage, Jewelry

I saw a necklace there.
You go east
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance
The passageway began there and continued east. There were doors on
the northern and southern sides, each with a set of uniquely engraved
runes. A thick, stone wall blocked physical travel west.
Go north
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. They
did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Jewelry
That room had been designed to store jewelry in glass cases. All but
one piece of jewelry had been taken.

I saw a necklace there.
Go downward
I descended.

The underground continued indefinitely. The earth there was rich in
minerals, particularly iron. I felt a vague sense of Purpose there.
You grant wish
My recent exponential increase in Purpose evoked in me an awareness.
The attractor winds that gave me control of the undercurrents were
viewed as curses by my summoners. By the time the summoner called
upon me anew, any Satisfaction that might have been gained initially
was eliminated by these curses.

Why had Seegan been Satisfied? I knew only one possibility. She was
without San.
[I pondered.]

stated desire. Two of the requirements were a long and healthy life
for her baby. The undercurrents of her baby, lycanthropy and life
span, were incompatible. The were-fox undercurrent needed redirection
at that point in time or be integrated fully soon after.
[I pondered. And for the first time, I could grant at least some of
the wish without an associated "curse".]

Her baby had strong undercurrents of happiness. I would not need to
do anything to grant that portion of the wish. However, prosperity
was another matter. I could have channeled the undercurrents to make
that happen, but not without cost. I realized that I greatly risked
Satisfaction if I attached a curse. Perhaps there was treasure still
remaining somewhere around the vaults that could assure prosperity.

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the emerald.
You give the emerald to the baby
I could only do that to something animate.
You enter Seegan
(Seegan)
That was not something I would enter.
You give the emerald to Seegan
(Seegan)
Seegan did not seem interested.
You examine the emerald
The emerald was as large as a human head. Its "neck" was tapered to a
sharp point.
You look at Seegan
(Seegan)
Her physical undercurrents stormed with attractiveness and combined
with those of another life. Her emotional winds raged with happiness
and determination. Her mental flows darted and crackled with
creativity. Her movements resembled those of a fox.

She wore the ring that contained my essence.
You examine the seegan's physical
Her undercurrents continued their warmth but now flowed with the winds
and not against them. An independent current flowed within her. She
was with child.
You go to the west
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

Winter left its presence there. Snow was piled up against the
entrance. The wind was blowing through there and making a whistling
sound. A trail lead through a range of hills to the west. The
vaults, built into a hill, were to the east.
You examine the snow
The snow was white and cold. It formed a blanket for the hills.
You go to the west
Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
The snow-covered hills appeared taller when viewed from the surface of
the trail.
You examine the hills
Each hill was gently rounded. No hill protruded much higher than the
others. No vegetation extended above the blanket of snow.
You go west
Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
Go upwards
I rose above the surface.

Outside, above Trail Level
The sky was humid and gray. The surrounding hills rolled beyond every
horizon. I felt no sense of Purpose there.
Go downwards
Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
The snow-covered hills appeared taller when viewed from the surface of
the trail.
Go down
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

The underground continued indefinitely. The earth there was rich in
minerals, particularly iron. I felt a vague sense of Purpose there.
You recall vault entry room
I had to rely on memories gained recently.
You recall Vault
I remembered being in that vaulted area many times before. Although
it was certainly possible that things had changed since the previous
summoning.

Trl   Entr  Vaul  Pssg  Pssg  Hill
Hill  Hill  Hill  Coin  Pprs  Hill
Hill  Hill  Hill  Hill  Hill  Hill
Go upwards
The remains of a former summoner rested here. An emerald had taken
the place of his head.

The summoner known as Seegan rested before me.
You go east
Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance
The passageway began there and continued east. There were doors on
the northern and southern sides, each with a set of uniquely engraved
runes. A thick, stone wall blocked physical travel west.
You go east
Vault Hall, Away from the Entrance
The passageway ended there, beginning from the east. There were doors
on the northern and southern sides, each with a set of uniquely
engraved runes.
You examine the runes
The runes on the northern door depicted a plague. Those on the
southern door were two rivers flowing into and out of each other.
Go east
Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
The snow-covered hills appeared taller when viewed from the surface of
the trail.
You go south
Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
Go west
the room. They did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Papers
The room had many papers stored there.

I sensed strong undercurrents from one of the deeds.
You go north
Vault Hall, Away from the Entrance
Go north
entered the room. But they had no effect at all.

Vault Storage, Artifacts
The room had many unique items stored there, but I was not concerned
with them.

I sensed strong undercurrents from a brass lamp.
You examine the lamp
It was a brass lamp with the name "Canloc" inscribed on its base.
Go north
entered the room. They did no damage, but I felt their associated
sensations.

Vault Storage, Artifacts
The room had many unique items stored there, but I was not concerned
with them.

I sensed strong undercurrents from a brass lamp.
You enter the lamp
been fulfilled.
You go south
Blasts of the mental passed through me as I entered the room. They
did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Money
At one time, stacks of coins made of rare metals were stored there.
Once, in fulfilling a wish, I channeled those coins and bestowed them
to a former summoner. To be able to perform this San-filled
channeling, I was forced to attach a poison that would form on the
coins when in direct contact with sunlight. The summoner took his
treasure with him, but he did not return for this third wish. How my
ring returned to the vault, I could only speculate.
You recall Canloc
I had to rely on memories gained recently.
You examine the necklace
Other than an inscribed name, "Ivogard", I saw nothing special about
the necklace.
You go southeast
Blasts of the mental passed through me as I entered the room. They
did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Money

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the emerald.
You examine the emerald
The emerald was as large as a human head. Its "neck" was tapered to a
sharp point.
Go east
the room. They did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Papers
The room had many papers stored there.

I sensed strong undercurrents from one of the deeds.
Go north
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. They
did no damage, but I felt their associated sensations.

Vault Storage, Jewelry

I saw a necklace there.
You take the emerald
I had a link to the emerald. I did not need another.
You take the necklace
linked it to an area far beneath that room. I would not be able to
channel the necklace nor any of its powers.
Go downward
I descended.
Go north
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
The snow-covered hills appeared taller when viewed from the surface of
the trail.
Go downward
I descended.

I saw a simple, large, circular room. Within the room were three
pedestals, each one meter tall. Each appeared the same, each was
spaced a uniform distance from the walls and from each other. Each
pedestal was the same in physical construction. They were made of
iron.

A small circle had been inscribed around the exact center of the room.

I saw the beginnings of many undercurrents there. That room would
soon be a focal point for a cataclysmic occurrence.
You go down
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

The underground continued indefinitely. The earth there was rich in
minerals, particularly iron. I felt a vague sense of Purpose there.

I touched the necklace and felt powerful physical undercurrents that linked it to an area far beneath that room. I would not be able to channel the necklace nor any of its powers." The undercurrents of confusion made my commands meaningless.
You take Deed
Through Will of Purpose, I channeled the undercurrents of the Deed of
Nobility.
You recall entr
I had to rely on memories gained recently.

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the Deed of Nobility.
You grant wish
wish.

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the Deed of Nobility.
Go northwest
Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the Deed of Nobility.
Go west
The remains of a former summoner rested here. An emerald had taken
the place of his head.

The summoner known as Seegan rested before me.
You drop Deed
I dropped my undercurrent connection with the Deed of Nobility.
You grant wish
My recent exponential increase in Purpose evoked in me an awareness.
The attractor winds that gave me control of the undercurrents were
viewed as curses by my summoners. By the time the summoner called
upon me anew, any Satisfaction that might have been gained initially
was eliminated by these curses.

Why had Seegan been Satisfied? I knew only one possibility. She was
without San.
[I pondered.]

stated desire. Two of the requirements were a long and healthy life
for her baby. The undercurrents of her baby, lycanthropy and life
span, were incompatible. The were-fox undercurrent needed redirection
at that point in time or be integrated fully soon after.
[I pondered. And for the first time, I could grant at least some of
the wish without an associated "curse".]

Her baby had strong undercurrents of happiness. I would not need to
do anything to grant that portion of the wish. However, prosperity
was another matter. I could have channeled the undercurrents to make
that happen, but not without cost. I realized that I greatly risked
Satisfaction if I attached a curse. Perhaps there was treasure still
remaining somewhere around the vaults that could assure prosperity.
Look around
world [physically west] and a complex of vaults [physically east].

The room was a trap for physical beings. On one side of the room was
a raised portcullis. To the other were the vaults for storage. A
patterned stone wall blocked their unauthorized access.

The remains of a former summoner rested here. An emerald had taken
the place of his head.

The summoner known as Seegan rested before me.
You go southeast
I was not impeded by the elements of the physical world. The farther
I traveled from the location of my initial summons, the more Purpose I
expended.

Then too I realized where I was and could [recall the area] whenever I
needed.

Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance
The passageway began there and continued east. There were doors on
the northern and southern sides, each with a set of uniquely engraved
runes. A thick, stone wall blocked physical travel west.

Vault Hall, Away from the Entrance
The passageway ended there, beginning from the east. There were doors
on the northern and southern sides, each with a set of uniquely
engraved runes.

Outside, Just Above Trail Surface
The snow-covered hills appeared taller when viewed from the surface of
the trail.
You grant wish
I gave her the deed that would restore the nobility of her husband.

The wish was granted.
You enter the ring
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Seegan returned, although her physical currents had ceased. She was a
spirit, but her Purpose was still her own.

My summoner spoke to me. "Djinni, you made my life not only happy and
fulfilling but also Purposeful. I could not have asked for more.

I died due to my lycanthropy. The human body cannot handle such
frequent and disrupting changes to itself.

But I gained immeasurably from my wishes and wouldn't change a thing.
My last wish is for you."
You go northeast
entered the room. But they had no effect at all.

Vault Storage, Artifacts
The room had many unique items stored there, but I was not concerned
with them.

I sensed strong undercurrents from a brass lamp.
You enter the ring
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Seegan returned, although her physical currents had ceased. She was a
spirit, but her Purpose was still her own.

My summoner spoke to me. "Djinni, you made my life not only happy and
fulfilling but also Purposeful. I could not have asked for more.

I died due to my lycanthropy. The human body cannot handle such
frequent and disrupting changes to itself.

But I gained immeasurably from my wishes and wouldn't change a thing.
My last wish is for you."
[I pondered.]

"It was foretold that it was my Destiny to come here, that I was to
wish my heart's desire. I did not understand the implications of all
that had transpired then and what a pawn I was. Now, in my afterlife,
I do.

boy arrives. Destiny will be decided there. If the three choices are
in place, the boy will select which servant to unleash unchecked in
the world and thereby its course. If not, Will ceases to exist.

You will require much Purpose in order to reach this room. Thus, my
last wish is for you to gain that Purpose. Good luck, my friend."
You grant wish
At first I did not know where to begin. Eventually I realized I was
able to manipulate my own undercurrents through those of Seegan.
Without her wish, I would have never been able to achieve that.

The Purpose undercurrents were strong, but her physical link to them
was weakening rapidly. I connected my own limited Purpose to the
stream with her help. As I did so, her link completely dissipated.

The final wish was granted.
Go northeast
entered the room. Now closer in Purpose to physical beings, I began
to feel some of the effects these traps caused.

Vault Storage, Artifacts
The room had many unique items stored there, but I was not concerned
with them.

I sensed strong undercurrents from a brass lamp.
You take the lamp
Through Will of Purpose, I channeled the undercurrents of the lamp.
Go west
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. Now
closer in Purpose to physical beings, I began to feel some of the
effects these traps caused.

Vault Storage, Jewelry
That room had been designed to store jewelry in glass cases. All but
one piece of jewelry had been taken.

I saw a necklace there.

Through Will of Purpose, I continued channeling the undercurrents of
the lamp.
Go downward
I descended.

I saw a simple, large, circular room. Within the room were three
pedestals, each one meter tall. Each appeared the same, each was
spaced a uniform distance from the walls and from each other. Each
pedestal was the same in physical construction. They were made of
iron.

A small circle had been inscribed around the exact center of the room.

I saw the beginnings of many undercurrents there. That room would
soon be a focal point for a cataclysmic occurrence.
You put the lamp on the pedestal
origin. This expended nearly all of my remaining Purpose. Thus, I
entered my container, losing all links to the physical undercurrents.
I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
You press the green
[My section of these chronicles was complete.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

Each summons meant the opportunity to destroy. Only the destruction
that caused human suffering gave me subsequent Purpose.
You press the green
In the context of my permitted existences, I had never been able to
sustain Purpose. I would be forced to return to my bottle, each time
desiring the trip to be my last. I knew with enough Purpose I could
be free of any summoners, free to cause limitless destruction.

Oasis, Military Headquarters
The largest tent in the oasis was there where the military leaders
plotted. Maps were placed throughout.

The summoner known as Major Labiiq continued his studies.

Labiiq looked out at me, expectantly. Summoners would wait for me to
destroy their enemies, only to learn I destroyed whatever caused
misery.
You talk to the Major
Purpose had better uses than for talking needlessly.

Labiiq looked out at me, expectantly.
You grant wish
I was not that kind of servant.

Labiiq looked out at me, expectantly.
You recall the Oasis
I had to rely on memories gained recently.

Labiiq looked out at me, expectantly.
You examine the maps
Only one of the maps interested me--Labiiq's camp:

Sand  Fort  Silo  Tent  Tent  Fort  Sand
Sand  Fort  Tent  Watr  HQ    Fort  Sand
Sand  Fort  Site  Cmls  Supp  Fort  Sand
Sand  Fort  Fort  Fort  Fort  Fort  Sand
Sand  Sand  Sand  Sand  Sand  Sand  Sand

|
|
Ruined Vaults -- Pandora's Room(?)

away.
You go to the west
Oasis, Water Site
The spring of fresh water marked the center of the oasis.
Go west
Oasis, West
Private tents followed the rows of trees there.
You examine the tents
The tents and trees were typical of human settlements in the desert.
You go to the north
Oasis, Grain Storage
There were several silos where the humans stored their grain.
Go southeast
Oasis, Water Site
You go to the south
Oasis, Camel Area
The camels had been trained and were equipped for battle.
You examine the camels
There were thirty camels there. At that time I thought that was a
small number for an army fortress to have.
You go north
Oasis, NorthEast
Private tents followed the rows of trees there.
You destroy the tents
As I looked at each tent in turn, it became consumed in flame. The
trees soon caught fire. Then I called for a windstorm to blow it
away. Somehow, however, I did not derive the Purpose that I felt I
should have from doing all that.
You go to the north
alternately angled, sharply pointed logs. The bulwark completely
surrounded the oasis.
You destroy the bulwark
The logs had been treated to resist fire, but I merely Willed them to
burn and they did so instantly. The fire spread quickly and consumed
the entire oasis barricade. Unexpectedly, I did not derive the
Purpose that I felt I should have from doing that.

Shortly thereafter, the enemies of Labiiq sensed weakness in his camp.
They left their nearby desert posts and stormed his oasis. With the
bulwark destroyed, they entered easily...

Only to find a Purpose-starved servant waiting for them.
[I sated my Purpose.]

Afterwards there was nothing of real import nearby to destroy. Soon I
found myself confronted with the detestable necessity of returning to
my container.
Go south
Oasis, NorthEast
You go to the south
Oasis, Military Headquarters

The summoner known as Major Labiiq continued his studies.

Rather than the look of horror most summoners had by that point,
Labiiq cast a calm and knowing presence upon me.
You examine the Major
Labiiq appeared much the same as any human. However I did not sense
Ebo--the downfall of many of his kind--within him. He carried the
bottle that was my prison.
Go west
Oasis, Excavation Site
I sensed strong undercurrents from that place the humans were
excavating.
You go downwards
As was my nature, I would have to destroy in order to create.
Dig
What did I want to dig?
You look at the bottle
different style than the ones of that day. Inscribed upon it was the
name "Ivogard".
Go southwest
Oasis, Water Site
The spring of fresh water marked the center of the oasis.

Oasis, Excavation Site
I sensed strong undercurrents from that place the humans were
excavating.
You destroy the Site
away. After that, I opened the sand below, creating a tunnel. Low
recent gains from my destructions made me surprised how Purposeful I
became after that one. But Destiny had always made Itself easy to
follow.
Go down
unnavigable for humans. The air supports I created held the loose
sand walls in tact.

I sensed something farther down.
Go downward
Ruined Vault, Jewelry Room
That room was perhaps once part of a larger vault complex, but then
joined only the room to the east as still in tact. It had been
designed to store jewelry in glass cases. All but one piece of
jewelry had been taken.

I saw a necklace there.

I needed Purpose immediately and sensed an intense source of it in the
adjacent room.
You take the necklace
When I touched the necklace, I felt powerful physical undercurrents
that linked it to an area far beneath that room. The necklace
desolidified and then descended through the earth.

I needed Purpose immediately and sensed an intense source of it in the
adjacent room.
Go east
Ruined Vault, Artifact Room
The room had many unique items stored there, but I was not concerned
with them.

I sensed strong undercurrents from a black box.
You look at the box
The box appeared plain, but it evoked a ceratin curiosity humans would
find nearly impossible to resist.
You open the box
Spirits of ill Will escaped the box even before I had finished opening
it. They set upon me immediately, but soon realized they could not
affect me. Thus they scattered, seeking to find those they might
torment.

Destroying often gained Purpose, but never as much as from the simple
act I had done at that moment.
You go west
Ruined Vault, Jewelry Room

Labiiq appeared on a flying carpet. "Thank you again for your
indirect and unintentional services. You have provided the box that
will secure my promotion but that would have surely destroyed me had I
opened it.

The wish-granting djinni may be below, but I have far too much San to
use it safely. Still, I was not speaking falsely about the prophecy.
Surely your Destiny is in that Room."

With those words he grabbed the box from the adjacent room, nodded to
me a final time and flew away.
You describe your surroundings
I saw a simple, large, circular room. Within the room were three
pedestals, each one meter tall. Each appeared the same, each was
spaced a uniform distance from the walls and from each other. Each
pedestal was the same in physical construction. They were made of
iron. On one of the pedestals was a lamp. On another was a necklace.

A small circle had been inscribed around the exact center of the room.

I saw the beginnings of many undercurrents there. That room would
soon be a focal point for a cataclysmic occurrence.
You enter the necklace
I entered my container as I could do nothing else. I could not depart
until I was summoned anew.
[My section of these chronicles was complete.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

"Mirror, mirror, in my hand
Who's the fairest in the land?"

As the servant of the mirror, I was compelled to answer my summoner
truthfully. I replied to her as I had many times to that same
question.

"What I say to you is true
No girl alive is as fair as you"
[I waited while she basked in her vanity.]

Sela occupied the majority of the room. To her right was the foot of
a bed. To her left was part of a closet door. Just behind her was an
apple. My mirrored space was a reflection of that, but the real world
continued beyond any such parameters.

Sela gazed into the mirror.
About yourself
I appeared in form the same as my beholder, though with a certain
ethereal quality.
You examine Sela
As human consensus judged such things, she was the most beautiful
woman who lived at that time.
You examine the apple
I saw nothing special about the apple.

"As sure as the moon, I'll see my face soon," said Sela. With that,
she set my hand mirror down.
You examine the mirror
[I waited again for someone to look into my mirror.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

Again, Sela held the mirror and asked a question.

"Mirror, mirror, I must know more
Are any more beautiful that came before?"

one so many times. Yet, always, eventually, a summoner would ask a
question that required a disappointing answer. And when her Will was
low I would absorb her essence into the mirror, gaining all the more
knowledge.

I replied,
"Alas, a fairer girl did once abide
Her name was Seegan, I must confide"
You press the green
[I waited for her to understand.]

*An implosion of Satisfaction*

Except for Seegan and Labiiq, my previous summoners were consumed with
Aje. Sela then too was without it. A challenge awaited and her
resolve hardened, her Will became high. At that moment, I possessed
more Purpose than I had since Labiiq.

When Purpose was integrated sufficiently, I could move reflected
objects near me to the void of the non-reflected. And I would be able
to implement the final segment of my plan if she agreed to my
proposal.
You press the green
[I would then relate that.]

"Ugly turned fair
Winter came to a vault
A wish granted from there
Tainted not with cursed fault

A man clever with care
Turned retreat to assault

You will soon learn the why--
The heart of the matter

I lead them to three
Who would give them their fame

Only freedom would please
No more life in a frame

I must join them thereby
Or that Purpose is shatter

Set me there in that Nowhere, two-thirds likely my tomb
On another pedestal, a lamp among the gloom
Long before The Choice is made, the beauty legend you assume
You press the green
[I waited for her to understand.]

Sela did think on this proposition.
You move apple
I pushed its reflection to the nothingness that was the Void. And
that which was being reflected disappeared as well. Sela observed the
action with dispassion.
You enter the nothingness
I was confined to my mirror.
You examine the bed
I saw nothing special about the canopied bed.

"The risk-reward is fair I feel
I say to you we have a deal," said Sela.
"How do I reach this 'Room' that you mention?
And how shall I leave, by what convention?"

I replied,
"An earthly servant shall take you down
First pack your bags and leave this town
Meet it at the Heart of Clay
It owes the mirror a favor, say

Set me on the final top
Make sure I stay, I must not drop

Its magic word, its name unique
To leave the way your kind has done
Just step into the middle sun

Pick me up for objects weeded"

Sela set me down and presumably readied herself for her journey.
[I waited.]

quickly. I heard a deeper voice in mid-sentence, "... inquiring about
the death of Ayla Exeter." Another voice offered, "It's a shame, it
is. With each passing day, she was becoming the most beautiful woman
in the land. I'd like to get my hands on the knave who gave her that
poisoned apple."

Sela brought up my mirror steadily and turned her back. She offered
sweetly, "Brave men, a second please brace. Allow a poor woman a
brief check of her face." "Awww, you don't need t' do that m'lady.
You're the most beautiful in the land," said the second guard.

In a clear view by then, I could see two men slowly, very slowly,
drawing conclusions from the conversation that had just transpired.

The road through the gates was narrow, the gates were made of steel.
To her right was a bearded guard. To her left was a bespectacled
guard. My mirrored space was a reflection of that, but the real world
continued beyond any such parameters.

Sela was detained for questioning, nonchalantly holding up her mirror.
You move bearded guard
I pushed his reflection to the nothingness that was the Void. And
that which was being reflected disappeared as well. Sela observed the
action with dispassion.

happened.
You move guard
I pushed his reflection to the nothingness that was the Void. And
that which was being reflected disappeared as well. Sela observed the
action with dispassion.

Sela calmly put my mirror back in her pack.

pedestal in the Room of Choices. I told her truthfully that the lamp
she sought was dangerous, so that she need merely speak the name
inscribed upon it--'Canloc'--to invoke the djinni within.

San influenced her wish in its typical way.

I awaited Destiny.
[My section of these chronicles was complete.]

"A little boy entered the Room. He stood on his toes to reach the top
of one of the pedestals.

The End."

"Which one did he choose, Nanny Exeter?!"

"We live in a world where the only servants are human, my child.
Think on that as you fall asleep. Good night, sweet one."
Wait
Time passed.
You wait
Time passed.

"As sure as the moon, I'll see my face soon," said Sela. With that,
she set my hand mirror down.
[I waited again for someone to look into my mirror.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

Again, Sela held the mirror and asked a question.

"Mirror, mirror, I must know more
Are any more beautiful that came before?"

one so many times. Yet, always, eventually, a summoner would ask a
question that required a disappointing answer. And when her Will was
low I would absorb her essence into the mirror, gaining all the more
knowledge.

I replied,
"Alas, a fairer girl did once abide
Her name was Seegan, I must confide"
[I waited for her to understand.]

*An implosion of Satisfaction*

Except for Seegan and Labiiq, my previous summoners were consumed with
Aje. Sela then too was without it. A challenge awaited and her
resolve hardened, her Will became high. At that moment, I possessed
more Purpose than I had since Labiiq.

When Purpose was integrated sufficiently, I could move reflected
objects near me to the void of the non-reflected. And I would be able
to implement the final segment of my plan if she agreed to my
proposal.
[I would then relate that.]

"Ugly turned fair
Winter came to a vault
A wish granted from there
Tainted not with cursed fault

A man clever with care
Turned retreat to assault

You will soon learn the why--
The heart of the matter

I lead them to three
Who would give them their fame

Only freedom would please
No more life in a frame

I must join them thereby
Or that Purpose is shatter

Set me there in that Nowhere, two-thirds likely my tomb
On another pedestal, a lamp among the gloom
Long before The Choice is made, the beauty legend you assume
[I waited for her to understand.]

Sela did think on this proposition.
You move apple
I pushed its reflection to the nothingness that was the Void. And
that which was being reflected disappeared as well. Sela observed the
action with dispassion.
You describe your surroundings
Sela occupied the majority of the room. To her right was the foot of
a bed. To her left was part of a closet door. My mirrored space was
a reflection of that, but the real world continued beyond any such
parameters.

Sela stood near with mirror in hand.
Look around
Sela occupied the majority of the room. My mirrored space was a
reflection of that, but the real world continued beyond any such
parameters.

Sela stood near with mirror in hand.

"The risk-reward is fair I feel
I say to you we have a deal," said Sela.
"How do I reach this 'Room' that you mention?
And how shall I leave, by what convention?"

I replied,
"An earthly servant shall take you down
First pack your bags and leave this town
Meet it at the Heart of Clay
It owes the mirror a favor, say

Set me on the final top
Make sure I stay, I must not drop

Its magic word, its name unique
To leave the way your kind has done
Just step into the middle sun

Pick me up for objects weeded"

Sela set me down and presumably readied herself for her journey.
[I waited.]

quickly. I heard a deeper voice in mid-sentence, "... inquiring about
the death of Ayla Exeter." Another voice offered, "It's a shame, it
is. With each passing day, she was becoming the most beautiful woman
in the land. I'd like to get my hands on the knave who gave her that
poisoned apple."

Sela brought up my mirror steadily and turned her back. She offered
sweetly, "Brave men, a second please brace. Allow a poor woman a
brief check of her face." "Awww, you don't need t' do that m'lady.
You're the most beautiful in the land," said the second guard.

In a clear view by then, I could see two men slowly, very slowly,
drawing conclusions from the conversation that had just transpired.

The road through the gates was narrow, the gates were made of steel.
To her right was a bearded guard. To her left was a bespectacled
guard. My mirrored space was a reflection of that, but the real world
continued beyond any such parameters.

Sela was detained for questioning, nonchalantly holding up her mirror.
You move the gates
Moving the gates was beyond my Purpose at that time.
You move beard
I pushed his reflection to the nothingness that was the Void. And
that which was being reflected disappeared as well. Sela observed the
action with dispassion.

happened.
You move the glasses
I pushed his reflection to the nothingness that was the Void. And
that which was being reflected disappeared as well. Sela observed the
action with dispassion.

Sela calmly put my mirror back in her pack.

pedestal in the Room of Choices. I told her truthfully that the lamp
she sought was dangerous, so that she need merely speak the name
inscribed upon it--'Canloc'--to invoke the djinni within.

San influenced her wish in its typical way.

I awaited Destiny.
Continue
Purpose had better uses than for talking needlessly.

Seegan took out a hand mirror, looked at it for a final assessment and
then put it away. She told me, "I've thought about it, and I wish to
be beautiful."
You examine Seegan
(Seegan)
Her physical undercurrents stormed with attractiveness. Her emotional
winds raged with conflicting happiness and separation, dilemma and
determination. Her mental flows darted and crackled with creativity.

She wore the ring that contained my essence.
You examine emotional
The cold winds of separation flurried within her. Together with the
physical they linked, although distantly, to those of her father.
Deep within these flurries was a pocket of fear, apparently kept in
check by the torrent outside.
You enter the ring
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Such was my first experience of joy. Until that point in time, every
summoner returning for another wish had increased San. Through the
happiness of Seegan, I felt more Purpose than I had ever known.

"Great Djinni," my summoner said with much passion. "I can't thank
you enough--not only for making me beautiful, but for giving me the
extra gift of the most pleasant sleep I have ever experienced. My...
YOUR ring kept me warm somehow, as long as I was wearing it. I awoke
months later when a traveling soldier arrived here and escorted me to
the nearest village.

It was at that village I met my husband. I owe you that thanks as
well. I know I didn't need to explain, but I wanted to express my
happiness.

Do you have any further instructions for my second wish? I will await
your word before wishing."
You examine Seegan
(Seegan)
Her physical undercurrents stormed with attractiveness and combined
with those of another life. Her emotional winds raged with happiness
and determination. Her mental flows darted and crackled with
creativity.

She wore the ring that contained my essence.
You look at physical
Her undercurrents continued their warmth but now flowed with the winds
and not against them. An independent current flowed within her. She
was with child.
You examine emotional
stormy mixture. She had recently joined Purpose with a husband,
restored a link to her father, and was with child. However, the
undercurrents of her sisters battered hers with a jealous rage.
You examine mental
Her mental undercurrents were difficult for me to interpret. Cold,
then hot, then cold again. These winds were conditioned, although not
ruled, by her emotions.
You talk to Seegan
I told her that, in addition to the previous rules, I could not undo
any direct effects of previous wishes.

(I wondered then whether I should have told her about my new Purpose.
Thanking her seemed "correct" somehow and yet not "appropriate"
because it would likely have interfered with many undercurrents.)

"I've known my second wish since I knew I was pregnant. I wish my
baby a long, healthy, happy, prosperous life."
You grant wish
My recent exponential increase in Purpose evoked in me an awareness.
The attractor winds that gave me control of the undercurrents were
viewed as curses by my summoners. By the time the summoner called
upon me anew, any Satisfaction that might have been gained initially
was eliminated by these curses.

Why had Seegan been Satisfied? I knew only one possibility. She was
without San.
[I pondered.]

stated desire. Two of the requirements were a long and healthy life
for her baby. Purpose did not require expenditure for these. The
undercurrents of her baby flowed naturally and compatibly with her
desires. Rare it was that this occurred. And to that point, never
did I derive subsequent Satisfaction.
[I pondered. And for the first time, I could grant at least some of
the wish without an associated "curse".]

Her baby had strong undercurrents of happiness. I would not need to
do anything to grant that portion of the wish. However, prosperity
was another matter. I could have channeled the undercurrents to make
that happen, but not without cost. I realized that I greatly risked
Satisfaction if I attached a curse. Perhaps there was treasure still
remaining somewhere around the vaults that could assure prosperity.
You grant wish
wish.
Go west
The remains of a former summoner rested here. An emerald had taken
the place of his head.

The summoner known as Seegan rested before me.
You grant wish
I gave her the deed that would restore the nobility of her husband.

The wish was granted.
Go east
Vault Hall, Nearer to the Entrance
You examine the lamp
It was a brass lamp with the name "Canloc" inscribed on its base.
You enter the lamp
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Seegan returned, although her physical currents had ceased. She was a
spirit, but her Purpose was still her own.

My summoner spoke to me. "Djinni, you made my life not only happy and
fulfilling but also Purposeful. I could not have asked for more.

I died in childbirth with my third son. I fell into another deep
sleep from which I could not return. Fortunately, my son is healthy
and all else is well.

But I gained immeasurably from my wishes and wouldn't change a thing.
My last wish is for you."
[I pondered.]

"It was foretold that it was my Destiny to come here, that I was to
wish my heart's desire. I did not understand the implications of all
that had transpired then and what a pawn I was. Now, in my afterlife,
I do.

boy arrives. Destiny will be decided there. If the three choices are
in place, the boy will select which servant to unleash unchecked in
the world and thereby its course. If not, Will ceases to exist.

You will require much Purpose in order to reach this room. Thus, my
last wish is for you to gain that Purpose. Good luck, my friend."
About yourself
To a summoner, I appeared to be a concentrated haze though with no
real form.

Seegan took out a hand mirror, looked at it for a final assessment and
then put it away. She told me, "I've thought about it, and I wish to
be beautiful."
You grant wish
stated desire. Of those that would accomplish this, only one was I
Willful enough to channel.

was, by itself, more Purposeful than I could manage. But if I
simultaneously channeled an attractor current, I could integrate them
through my summoner and fulfill the wish. I chose the undercurrent of

1)  lycanthropy.
2)  a deep sleep.
3)  an inhumanly shrill voice.
You enter the ring
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Such was my first experience of joy. Until that point in time, every
summoner returning for another wish had increased San. Through the
happiness of Seegan, I felt more Purpose than I had ever known.

"Great Djinni," my summoner said with much passion. "I can't thank
you enough--not only for making me beautiful, but for giving me the
extra gift of a magical voice. I shattered the bars with my scream
and followed the trail back to the village." (I, being not human, was
unaffected by her voice.)

"It was at that village I met my husband. I owe you that thanks as
well. I know I didn't need to explain, but I wanted to express my
happiness.

Do you have any further instructions for my second wish? I will await
your word before wishing."
You look at physical
Her undercurrents continued their warmth but now flowed with the winds
and not against them. An independent current flowed within her. She
was with child.
You grant wish
My recent exponential increase in Purpose evoked in me an awareness.
The attractor winds that gave me control of the undercurrents were
viewed as curses by my summoners. By the time the summoner called
upon me anew, any Satisfaction that might have been gained initially
was eliminated by these curses.

Why had Seegan been Satisfied? I knew only one possibility. She was
without San.
[I pondered.]

stated desire. Two of the requirements were a long and healthy life
for her baby. Such was the first wish of my summoner that she was
"cursed" with a destructive voice. The undercurrents of her baby, the
voice of its mother and its health, were incompatible.
[I pondered. And for the first time, I could grant at least some of
the wish without an associated "curse".]

Her baby had strong undercurrents of happiness. I would not need to
do anything to grant that portion of the wish. However, prosperity
was another matter. I could have channeled the undercurrents to make
that happen, but not without cost. I realized that I greatly risked
Satisfaction if I attached a curse. Perhaps there was treasure still
remaining somewhere around the vaults that could assure prosperity.
You enter the lamp
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Seegan returned, although her physical currents had ceased. She was a
spirit, but her Purpose was still her own.

My summoner spoke to me. "Djinni, you made my life not only happy and
fulfilling but also Purposeful. I could not have asked for more.

several thugs. My voice at that intensity paralyzed them. It cost me
my own life the process, but what mother wouldn't give her own for her
child?

But I gained immeasurably from my wishes and wouldn't change a thing.
My last wish is for you."
You grant wish
[I pondered.]

"It was foretold that it was my Destiny to come here, that I was to
wish my heart's desire. I did not understand the implications of all
that had transpired then and what a pawn I was. Now, in my afterlife,
I do.

boy arrives. Destiny will be decided there. If the three choices are
in place, the boy will select which servant to unleash unchecked in
the world and thereby its course. If not, Will ceases to exist.

You will require much Purpose in order to reach this room. Thus, my
last wish is for you to gain that Purpose. Good luck, my friend."
You grant wish
The remains of a former summoner rested here. An emerald had taken
the place of his head.

The spirit of Seegan floated before me.

At first I did not know where to begin. Eventually I realized I was
able to manipulate my own undercurrents through those of Seegan.
Without her wish, I would have never been able to achieve that.

The Purpose undercurrents were strong, but her physical link to them
was weakening rapidly. I connected my own limited Purpose to the
stream with her help. As I did so, her link completely dissipated.

The final wish was granted.
Go north
entered the room. Now closer in Purpose to physical beings, I began
to feel some of the effects these traps caused.

Vault Storage, Artifacts
You go to the west
Blasts of the physical passed through me as I entered the room. Now
closer in Purpose to physical beings, I began to feel some of the
effects these traps caused.

Vault Storage, Jewelry
That room had been designed to store jewelry in glass cases. All but
one piece of jewelry had been taken.

I saw a necklace there.
You look around
Oasis, Military Headquarters
The largest tent in the oasis was there where the military leaders
plotted. Maps were placed throughout.

The summoner known as Major Labiiq continued his studies.

Labiiq stopped to examine some maps.
You destroy the Water
spring into the sky. Unexpectedly, I did not derive the Purpose that
I felt I should have from doing that.
You destroy the camels
Oasis, Camel Area
The camels had been trained and were equipped for battle.

camels directly but by forcing them from the oasis and into the
desert. The humans could see their only source of tranportation
slowly leave them.

This did not translate to Purpose, however.

Shortly thereafter, the enemies of Labiiq sensed weakness in his camp.
They left their nearby desert posts and stormed his oasis. They
discovered an opening in the bulwark and rushed in...

Only to find a Purpose-starved servant waiting for them.
[I sated my Purpose.]

Afterwards there was nothing of real import nearby to destroy. Soon I
found myself confronted with the detestable necessity of returning to
my container.
Go northeast
Oasis, Military Headquarters

The summoner known as Major Labiiq continued his studies.

Rather than the look of horror most summoners had by that point,
Labiiq cast a calm and knowing presence upon me.
You enter the bottle
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction*

Rarely was I summoned again by the same human. Never were any pleased
with what I accomplished. Until then. Perhaps his Satisfaction could
be used to gain enough Purpose for my permanent freedom.

Labiiq looked out at me, calmly. "I know you rarely honor requests,
but I think you'll feel differently when you hear mine. First a
little background...

Research from my dig has revealed the location of others of your kind.
According to my scrolls, three powerful servants are to wait in a
"Room of Choices" for a little boy. It will be this boy who chooses
the fate of the people.

Now I won't confirm or deny the validity of this prophecy, but the
time for this event is unspecified. Even if three of you are supposed
to be there, there is no mention of when this is to occur. Other
scrolls on this matter claim there are different types of "servants."
Some can grant wishes, some exist to wreak havoc, and so on.

I believe this "Room of Choices" is far below my excavation site. I
believe there is a chance a wish-granting servant is there. I don't
believe my men will ever be able to dig below these shifting sands
enough to reach there.

By explaining all of this, I'm giving you an opportunity to build your
power and to be one of the choices. To build your power in the short
term, my studies indicate following your nature. To build your power
permanently, you need to become the chosen one. If you're so chosen,
my studies indicate you will have your permanent freedom and even
dominion in the world to come.

But first you must get me the wish granter's container."
You go to the southwest
Oasis, Water Site

Oasis, Excavation Site
I sensed strong undercurrents from that place the humans were
excavating.
You destroy the Site
away. After that, I opened the sand below, creating a tunnel. Low
recent gains from my destructions made me surprised how Purposeful I
became after that one. But Destiny had always made Itself easy to
follow.
You destroy the box
toward that end, I would have gained more Purpose if the box were in
tact.
You wait a while
Time passed.

Seegan took out a hand mirror, looked at it for a final assessment and
then put it away. She told me, "I've thought about it, and I wish to
be beautiful."
You enter ring
I entered my container, losing all links to the physical
undercurrents. I could not depart until I was summoned anew.
[I waited for my next summons.]

*An implosion of Purpose*

*An implosion of Satisfaction.*

Such was my first experience of joy. Until that point in time, every
summoner returning for another wish had increased San. Through the
happiness of Seegan, I felt more Purpose than I had ever known.

"Great Djinni," my summoner said with much passion. "I can't thank
you enough--not only for making me beautiful, but for giving me the
extra gift of being able to turn into a fox. I escaped these vaults
because in fox form I was able to slip between the bars and dash
quickly to the nearest village.

It was at that village I met my husband. I owe you that thanks as
well. I know I didn't need to explain, but I wanted to express my
happiness.

Do you have any further instructions for my second wish? I will await
your word before wishing."