text: > 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.
  
  > look at Oak
  From little Acorns great Oaks spring. But great Oaks die, or are cut down, & only God remembers what once was.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > examine Door
  The door is made of fine oak. It stands forbodingly closed.
  
  > search Carpet
  You find nothing of interest.
  
  You hear a terrible crashing sound to the east.
  
  > search baron
  The Baron's Robe bears a Pocket, in which is a golden key.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > look under Desk
  There is naught but Dust under the Writing-Desk.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.]
  
  > 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.]
  
  > 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.]
  
  > 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.]
  
  > 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.]
  
  > 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.]
  
  > 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.
  
  > read Scroll
  A Scroll-Case made of wood & bearing the Sigil of the Bishop of Dol Nesta.
  
  > 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.".
  
  > 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.
  
  > climb the shelves
  Little is to be achieved by that.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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!>>
  
  > consult the books about Wine
  There is a Treatise here on Wine-Making, but it seems imprudent of you to consult it.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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?
  
  > take Key
  (the silver key)
  Taken.
  
  > 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.
  
  > open Box
  You open the dented Box, revealing a golden key, a silver key & a handful of spice.
  
  > show golden Key to Priest
  (first taking the golden key)
  [Author's Note: I know it not.]
  
  > 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.
  
  > put Box on Altar
  (the marble Altar)
  That is not a proper Offering.
  
  > 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)
  
  > put gold Key in Box
  You put the golden key into the dented Box.
  
  > put the corpse on Altar
  (the marble Altar)
  Truly barbaric.
  
  > Search corpse
  The Baron's Robe bears a Pocket, which is empty.
  
  > show the corpse to Priest
  The Priest quails at the sight of the dead Baron.
  
  > 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.
  
  > remove Scroll
  (the wooden Scroll-Case)
  You take off the wooden Scroll-Case.
  
  > put the symbol in Case
  (the holy symbol in the wooden Scroll-Case)
  There is already something in the case.
  
  > 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
  
  > get the vellum
  You remove the scroll from the case.
  
  > 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.
  
  > put the symbol in sheath
  (the holy symbol in the leather sheath)
  Only your sword may inhabit the sheath.
  
  > 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.
  
  > put the symbol in Box
  (the holy symbol in the dented Box)
  That is too large to fit into the Box.
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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)
  
  > drop Scroll
  To which do you refer, the vellum Scroll or the wooden Scroll-Case?
  
  > drop all Scroll
  vellum Scroll: Dropped.
  wooden Scroll-Case: Dropped.
  
  > put all the keys in Box
  None are available!
  
  > get the keys
  silver key: Your hands are full.
  golden key: Your hands are full.
  
  > 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
  
  > get all the keys
  silver key: Taken.
  golden key: Taken.
  
  > put Box in the corpse
  You must be hard pressed indeed to see utility in that.
  
  > put Box in Pocket
  That is too large to fit in the pocket.
  
  > put the symbol in Pocket
  (the holy symbol in the pocket)
  That is too large to fit in the pocket.
  
  > 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.
  
  > examine Cap
  The Fool's Cap is lincoln Green, and adorned with Bells. It is stained with the Drippings of wine from the Barrel.
  
  > 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.]
  
  > ask Fool for Tankard
  [Author's Note: The Wine is Mine,] sings the Fool. [Author's Note: The Wine is Mine!]
  
  > 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.
  
  > 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.
  
  > put Scroll in Gap
  To which do you refer, the vellum Scroll or the wooden Scroll-Case?
  
  > put the scroll case in Gap
  The Gap is book-shaped.
  
  > 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
  
  > put the vellum in the scroll case
  You roll the scroll up & place it in the case.
  
  > wear the scroll case
  You put on the wooden Scroll-Case.
  
  > 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.