Mite
by Sara Dee (2010)

In this small fantasy adventure game, you play as Mite, a pixy lad, who is carrying an egg-shaped jewel dropped by a cloaked thief who you tripped that morning. The gem belongs to the Fairy Prince! You must travel through the Great Garden to return it to him.

action: %
response: You hadn't counted on running into a thief that morning. To be fair, he probably wasn't expecting you either. You were outside minding your own business, working to mend a portion of the fence that surrounds your family's shack, when you spotted a dark figure tearing through the fields. Startled by the unusual sight, you couldn't help but call out:

"HEY!"
The thief looked up in your direction, his dusky hood slipping back momentarily, and you were able to make out the curve of an impish smile. His pace did not slow, however. As he continued to approach, apparently headed for the dirt path behind you, you noticed a curious bulge at his side. Something about it just wasn't right. And that's partly why you did what you did.

A millisecond before the caped sprinter was upon you, you stuck out your small green foot.

As tiny a foot as it was (and is), it did the trick. The thief went sprawling through the air, sending his bounty bouncing off behind him. He hit the ground with a thud, yelping out a curse in a language you'd never heard before... Trollish, perhaps. He quickly got to his feet and frantically looked about for the item he'd dropped. By that time, your father, signaled by the commotion, had already hobbled out with his cane, and your mother was anxiously peering out the window.
Realizing his growing audience, the shadowy figure cast one more glance around, uttered one more curse, and then tore off again. You were still standing there with your mouth gaping open as he disappeared from view. And the oddest thing... was that the faint sound of laughter in the distance?

"Just what is this?!" Your attention snapped back to the scene at hand. Your father, with quite a bit of effort, was rolling a large, egg-shaped gem out of a tall patch of grass. It looked like nothing you'd ever seen before. It was, in fact, the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen. The jewel glittered beneath a thin layer of dust, casting prisms of light in every direction.

"Can we keep it?" you finally managed, glancing up at your equally enthralled father. He studied the jewel for a moment more, tilting it this way and that.

"Aha! Look!" He pointed to one edge. You could just make out the delicate, silvery script:

"PROPERTY OF THE FAIRY PRINCE".

"Oh, Mite, we're going to have to return this to him before the whole village gets in a tizzy!"

And that's just how this whole journey began.



Type ABOUT or HINT for more information.

You've never been to this region of the Great Garden before. That's not so surprising, really. The Garden is vast and full of mysteries, and this is your first official trip beyond the cluster of villages that you call home. Though the lands are relatively safe for travel (the Fairy Prince having banished most of the goblins, bogies, and other mischievous creatures to the realm beyond the hedges long ago) the largeness of everything around you makes you feel more than a bit nervous.

You are currently standing at a fork in the path on which you've been traveling for what's seemed like hours. The hefty gem strapped to your back hasn't helped matters.

Your options are north and east. The road back home is to the west.
action: About yourself
response: You are Mite, a pixy lad with bright green skin and pointy ears.

Prior to this whole undertaking, you hadn't had a whole lot of experience with adventuring or travel. That's part of the reason why your parents were so keen on having you return the jewel yourself.

"Pixies were meant to explore and have fun, and you're certainly at the right age for that!" your father had told you. You can't help but think of this as more of a chore, though. Sure, you want to help out the Fairy Prince, and sure, you'll probably return with a bunch of stories with which to regale your friends. But you've never been much for showing off anyway, and more often that not, you just prefer to stretch out in a patch of clover with one of the tomes from your Auntie's modest but serviceable library.

And yet here you are.

You are currently toting a dazzling blue gem on your back in a loose sling.
action: You look at the gem
response: Even though you've been toting it around for a while now, you are still positively enchanted by the pale blue jewel. If it didn't belong to the Fairy Prince, you'd be tempted to hold on to it forever. The Prince is beloved among your people, however, and you want to do the right thing.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a sling (being worn)
a jewel
action: You examine the sling
response: Your father fashioned a sling out of some spare cotton to help you transport the gem.
action: Look around
response: Tall grasses line the path that forks off to the north and east. The road back home is to the west.
action: Go north
response: You continue up the path to the north and find yourself standing in front of an unruly thicket of damask roses. Their scent permeates the air, reminding you of Linnea, the girl you almost worked up the courage to ask to the carnival for the Spring Equinox. She always smells like flowers. You wonder what she's doing right now and end up getting lost in daydreams for a moment. The heft of the jewel you're carrying brings you back to reality soon enough. And the faint sound of crying in the distance.

What is that? You are filled with a sense of foreboding.
action: Go north
response: Here the path culminates at a stout lilac bush bursting with its distinctive amethyst flowers. While the flowers are lovely indeed, your attention is drawn to a striking maiden who sits sobbing on a low branch. Her face is partially obscured by her long, lavender locks.

She must be a nymph, you tell yourself.
action: Examine nymph
response: The beautiful nymph, dressed in a simple white shift, sits sobbing on one of the lower branches of the lilac bush. Her long, lavender locks partially obscure her face. Next to her you see a small brown basket.
action: You look at the basket
response: A small brown basket sits at the nymph's side. It is currently closed.
action: You talk to nymph
response: To talk to someone, use ASK ___ ABOUT/FOR ___ or TELL ___ ABOUT ___.
action: You ask nymph about the basket
response: The nymph is too lost in her grief at the moment to respond.
action: You ask the nymph about crying
response: "My name is Hespa," she manages between sobs. "Today has been terrible! My beloved Bugg wandered off into the brush." She points at a small clearing in the the undergrowth to the northwest that had escaped your notice before.

"I followed after him but he got cornered by a nasty spider," she continues. "I tried to free him but I almost got trapped in its web myself!" Hespa starts weeping even more loudly than before.
action: You ask the nymph about Bugg
response: "Bugg is my pet ladybug. I've had him since he was a larva." Tears stream down her face.
action: You ask the nymph about the spider
response: "It's a nasty thing... almost a big as I am." She stares at you with frightened eyes.
action: You ask the nymph about Prince
response: "He's a grand fellow. I wish he were here to help me now."
action: You describe your surroundings
response: Here the path culminates at a stout lilac bush bursting with its distinctive amethyst flowers. A beautiful nymph sits sobbing on one of its lower branches.

The path continues back to the south. The small clearing in the brush that Hespa pointed out is to the northwest.
action: Go south
response: You find yourself standing in front of an unruly thicket of damask roses. Their scent permeates the air.

You can hear the faint sound of crying to the north. The path also continues back to the south.
action: Go east
response: A short trip to the east brings you to a lovely cluster of tulips. The giant, cup-shaped flowers sit atop tall, dark green stalks that stretch to about five times your height. Most of the flowers are a deep pink, but one in particular catches your eye. It stands slightly apart from the rest, with bright orange petals that call to mind the pumpkin that the eccentric apothecary from your village had hollowed out for a home. It has apparently caught the interest of a butterfly as well. The black swallowtail is circling back and forth around the flower, occasionally dipping inside for a sip of nectar.

The path curves to the northeast here. It also continues back west to the fork.
action: You examine the butterfly
response: The dark wings of the black swallowtail are dotted with yellow at their base. The butterfly is currently circling the orange tulip, occasionally dipping in for a sip of nectar.
action: You ask the butterfly about Prince
response: You've never come upon a talking arthropod and this butterfly is no exception. Either that or it's ignoring you.
action: You examine the flower
response: The bright orange tulip, perched atop its tall, green stem, glows with the light of the sun. A black swallowtail butterfly is currently circling around it.
action: You climb the flower
response: You attempt to shimmy up the stalk of the orange tulip but it is much too slippery.
action: You go to the northeast
response: Your stroll to the northeast finds you at the base of the largest dandelion you've ever seen. Tall, lance-like leaves surround its massive stem, which rises up to support a snowy globe of seeds. Beyond the dandelion, to the east, the ground grows marshier and thick with palm sedge.

The path here runs from southwest to northeast.
action: You look at the dandelion
response: The dandelion, having gone to seed, is capped in snowy white. Tall, lance-like leaves surround its massive stem.
action: You climb the dandelion
response: You find that you are able to scale the dandelion stem by grasping onto a leaf with one hand while boosting yourself upward. Once you reach the head of the flower, you pull yourself on top with a bit of effort.
action: You look around
response: You are standing on the sole bare spot of the dandelion cap, amongst its countless downy white seeds. Up here, you are afforded a better view of the captivating orange tulip to the southwest. A black swallowtail butterfly dips into the fiery goblet for a sip of nectar.

You can also see a calm but murky-looking pond to the east, beyond the palm sedge.

A gentle breeze from the west ruffles you hair.
action: Down
response: You carefully descend the stem, using the leaves to steady yourself.

You are at the base of the largest dandelion you've ever seen. Tall, lance-like leaves surround its massive stem, which rises up to support a snowy globe of seeds. Beyond the dandelion, to the east, the ground grows marshier and thick with palm sedge.

The path here runs from southwest to northeast.
action: Go northeast
response: Here the dirt path that you've grown accustomed to is replaced by a cobblestone walk. To the east, a steep, rocky slope leads down to the moss-green water. A thick layer of mist has settled over the pond making it difficult to see to the opposite side... your supposed destination. Your mother used to tell you stories about the palace across the pond. It was not so long ago that the Fairy Prince's home was a popular journey destination for adventurous pixies, but now that the fervor has died down over the prince's ascendancy, the once-hazardous hedges seem to hold more of an attraction for young explorers.

You are about to continue north on the cobblestone terrace when you catch something out of the corner of your eye. Protruding from the grass on the other side of the walk is a large shell. How could you have missed that?
action: You examine the shell
response: A large, coiled shell rests in the grasses on the side of the path.
action: You enter the shell
response: The opening of the shell is facing the ground, making it impossible to enter.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: Here the dirt path that you've grown accustomed to is replaced by a cobblestone walk. To the east, a steep, rocky slope leads down to the moss-green water. A thick layer of mist has settled over the pond making it difficult to see to the opposite side.

In the grass alongside the cobblestone terrace, you see a large, iridescent shell.

The dandelion is back to the southwest. The walk also marches on to the north.
action: Go north
response: You appear to have come to a dead end. The cobblestone walk runs right up to the side of a giant pipe. The steep slope leading down to the water continues to the east.

You notice a strange, triangular tile embedded amongst the cobblestones.
action: You examine the tile
response: The triangular white tile is curved at its base, almost shaped like an arrowhead. It seems to point towards the water.
action: You get the tile
response: The tile is firmy embedded amongst the cobblestones.
action: Look around
response: You appear to have come to a dead end. The cobblestone walk runs right up to the side of a giant pipe. The steep slope leading down to the water continues to the east.

A strange, triangular tile is embedded amongst the cobblestones.
action: You turn the tile
response: You are unable to.
action: You look at the water
response: In spite of the sunny weather, a thick mist has settled on the surface of the pond, rendering it impossible to see across. Its murky, green waters lap against a rocky slope that extends down to the east.
action: You climb pipe
response: The curved sides of the pipe are too slippery to climb.
action: You go to the southwest
response: You are at the base of the largest dandelion you've ever seen. Tall, lance-like leaves surround its massive stem, which rises up to support a snowy globe of seeds. Beyond the dandelion, to the east, the ground grows marshier and thick with palm sedge.

The path here runs from southwest to northeast.
action: You go southwest
response: Giant, cup-shaped flowers sit atop tall, dark green stalks that stretch to about five times your height. Most of the flowers are a deep pink, aside from one striking orange tulip that sits apart from the rest. A black swallowtail is circling back and forth around it, occasionally dipping in for a sip of nectar.

The path curves to the northeast here. It also continues back west to the fork.
action: You go west
response: Tall grasses line the path that forks off to the north and east. The road back home is to the west.
action: Go north
response: You find yourself standing in front of an unruly thicket of damask roses. Their scent permeates the air.

You can hear the faint sound of crying to the north. The path also continues back to the south.
action: You go to the northwest
response: You duck into the small clearing....

You immediately feel claustrophobic in this tiny glade. It doesn't help that you are sharing the space with a giant spider. Just as Hespa described, the fearsome arachnid is busy at work, wrapping the still-struggling Bugg in a silky cocoon. Suddenly aware of your presence, the spider fixes its bulbous black eyes on you and hisses.

What have I gotten myself into? you wonder.
action: You examine the spider
response: The giant spider is covered in velvety, chestnut-brown fur but it hardly seems cuddly. Every so often, it pauses in its spinning to stare back at you with its inky black eyes. Perhaps it's considering what to have for dessert.
action: You look at Bugg
response: You can barely see the poor creature. He is almost entirely covered in silk.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a sling (being worn)
a jewel
action: You look at the leaf
response: The lance-shaped leaves are long, with jagged edges. They cleave closely to the stem of the dandelion.
action: You get the leaf
response: The leaves are firmly attached to the dandelion.
action: Blow
response: What do you want to blow?
action: You look at the jewel
response: The pale blue jewel glitters in the sunlight. At its base, you can make out the delicate, silvery script that reads "PROPERTY OF THE FAIRY PRINCE".
action: Go upwards
response: You scale the dandelion stem and pull yourself up onto the head...
action: Look around
response: You are standing on the sole bare spot of the dandelion cap, amongst its countless downy white seeds. Up here, you are afforded a better view of the captivating orange tulip to the southwest. A black swallowtail butterfly dips into the fiery goblet for a sip of nectar.

You can also see a calm but murky-looking pond to the east, beyond the palm sedge.

A competing northeasterly wind picks up, setting some of the dandelion seeds adrift.
action: You look at the seeds
response: Their soft, propeller-like tops are nearly even with your head.

The northeasterly wind caresses your shoulders.
action: You take the seed
response: You pull one of the seeds from the dandelion clock and hold it up like an umbrella.

The wind dies down for a moment and then is replaced by a balmy zephyr pressing you southwest.
action: Look around
response: You are standing on the sole bare spot of the dandelion cap, amongst its countless downy white seeds. Up here, you are afforded a better view of the captivating orange tulip to the southwest. A black swallowtail butterfly dips into the fiery goblet for a sip of nectar.

You can also see a calm but murky-looking pond to the east, beyond the palm sedge.

The wind blows southwest, agitating the seeds around you.
action: You jump
response: You jump up with the seed extended in your arm. Its parachute top catches in the breeze and you are swept into the air.

I'm flying!
action: Look around
response: The southwestern zephyr sends you coasting towards the tulips. A shiver of excitement runs through you as you zip past the pink flowers. A fortuitous undercurrent of wind jolts you upward right before you slam face first into the tall orange tulip. You release the seed just as you are arcing over its open petals...

and land in it with a PLOP.
action: Look around
response: You find yourself coughing uncontrollably. Your abrupt landing must've knocked all of the pollen loose in the flower-- you're practically swimming in it. You're still hacking when you realize that the black swallowtail is peering in at you, its antennae twitching. It huffs indignantly, apparently unhappy to find an uninvited guest at its favorite snack spot.

"Sorry--," you start to say, but with one flap of its wings, the butterfly is gone. You stand up and brush the rest of the pollen off of you, careful to avoid stray droplets of nectar.

Finally you are able to take in your surroundings. The amber petals of the tulip form a protective parapet around you as you gaze out at the garden. Unfortunately, you discover that the view isn't that much better than the one provided by the dandelion. The heavy mist prevents you from seeing beyond the pond and a tall rosebush blocks the view on the other side.

Crud! Still, you can't help but feel a strange sense of accomplishment over making it to the top of the flower.
action: About yourself
response: You are Mite, a pixy lad with bright green skin and pointy ears.

You are currently toting a dazzling blue gem on your back in a loose sling.
action: Describe the surroundings
response: The amber petals of the tulip form a protective parapet around you as you gaze out at the garden. The pond to the east is covered in a dense mist. The view from the other side of the tulip is dominated by an overgrown rosebush.

The bottom of the tulip is full of pollen. The tulip's stem offers a possible way down.
action: You get the pollen
response: The powdery pollen slips through your fingers.
action: Go downwards
response: You carefully climb out of the tulip and slide down the stem...

Giant, cup-shaped flowers sit atop tall, dark green stalks that stretch to about five times your height. Most of the flowers are a deep pink, aside from one striking orange tulip that sits apart from the rest.

The path curves to the northeast here. It also continues back west to the fork.
action: Go northeast
response: You are at the base of the largest dandelion you've ever seen. Tall, lance-like leaves surround its massive stem, which rises up to support a snowy globe of seeds. Beyond the dandelion, to the east, the ground grows marshier and thick with palm sedge.

The path here runs from southwest to northeast.
action: Up
response: You scale the dandelion stem and pull yourself up onto the head...
action: You look around
response: You are standing on the sole bare spot of the dandelion cap, amongst its countless downy white seeds. Up here, you are afforded a better view of the captivating orange tulip to the southwest. You can also see a calm but murky-looking pond to the east, beyond the palm sedge.

The zephyr subsides and is replaced by a gentle easterly breeze.
action: You get the seed
response: You pull one of the seeds from the dandelion clock and hold it up like an umbrella.

A gentle breeze from the west ruffles you hair.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

A competing northeasterly wind picks up, setting some of the dandelion seeds adrift.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The northeasterly wind caresses your shoulders.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The wind dies down for a moment and then is replaced by a balmy zephyr pressing you southwest.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The wind blows southwest, agitating the seeds around you.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The zephyr subsides and is replaced by a gentle easterly breeze.
action: You jump
response: You jump up with the seed extended in your arm. Its parachute top catches in the breeze and you are swept into the air.

The easterly breeze sends you spinning wildly toward the sedges and the water beyond it. You let go just in time...
action: You look around
response: WHOMP!

The sedges close in around you like a jungle. You can see the dandelion through a mass of leaves to the west.

That was a close one!
action: You look at your surroundings
response: The sedges close in around you like a jungle. You can see the dandelion through a mass of leaves to the west.
action: You look at the sedge
response: The sedges surround you in every direction. You can see the dandelion through a mass of leaves to the west.
action: You get the sedge
response: You have miraculously avoided getting mud all over yourself up to this point and you'd like to keep it that way.
action: You go to the west
response: You push west, through the leaves...

You are at the base of the largest dandelion you've ever seen. Tall, lance-like leaves surround its massive stem, which rises up to support a snowy globe of seeds. Beyond the dandelion, to the east, the ground grows marshier and thick with palm sedge.

The path here runs from southwest to northeast.
action: You look in shell
response: The opening to the shell is facing the ground, making it impossible to look inside.
action: You knock on the shell
response: You rap loudly on the shell as you would someone's front door... and wait. Before long a deep groaning sound resonates within the shell and you jump back, startled. The iridescent conch rises into the air as the slick, brown body of a snail emerges. Once he is fully extended, he turns his eyestalks to you.

"What is all this racket about?!" His voice, which issues from a tiny mouth hole framed by long white whiskers, is high and raspy. "I was trying to read my paper!"

"I-I'm sorry, Mr. Snail," you begin. "I'm just trying to find my way around."

"My name's Snoll. And what is it that you need to know?" He seems like quite an impatient fellow.
action: You ask Snoll about the paper
response: "What do you like to read?" you ask the snail

"The paper... I'd like to be reading it now, as a matter of fact."
action: You ask Snoll about Prince
response: You ask Snoll his opinion of the Fairy Prince.

"I'm no big fan of magic, but he's definitely helped improve things around here, so I can't complain too much."
action: Look around
response: Here the dirt path that you've grown accustomed to is replaced by a cobblestone walk. To the east, a steep, rocky slope leads down to the moss-green water. A thick layer of mist has settled over the pond making it difficult to see to the opposite side.

The dandelion is back to the southwest. The walk also marches on to the north.

Snoll glares at you impatiently from his spot in the grass.
action: You ask Snoll about mist
response: "Is there any way across the pond?" you ask.

"As a matter of fact," the snail leans in conspiratorially, "there is. I've seen the Fairy Prince's courier cross many a time. If you travel a bit north, you'll see a funny-shaped tile by the water. It marks the beginning of the bridge."

"The... bridge?"

"Yes --  The only thing is, you can't see it! He used his crazy fairy magic to turn it invisible!"
action: You ask Snoll about the bridge
response: "Like I said, there's a bridge across the pond. You can't see it, but trust me, it's there. If you travel a bit north, you'll find a funny-shaped rock by the water. It marks the beginning of the bridge."
action: Go north
response: You appear to have come to a dead end. The cobblestone walk runs right up to the side of a giant pipe. The steep slope leading down to the water continues to the east.

A strange, triangular tile is embedded amongst the cobblestones.
action: You examine the bridge
response: You look out over the water for some evidence of a bridge but find nothing. No-- wait. Is that a patch of dirt hovering in midair? Indeed, it looks like a fine powdering of dust has settled on a small section of the bridge a few feet out.
action: East
response: You take a deep breath and, starting from the triangular tile, step out over the slope. In spite of what the snail told you, you are startled when your foot meets the solid surface of the bridge. Tentatively, you press forward. When you are finally standing directly over the pond, you lose your bearings, however. The disconnect between what you see and what you feel causes you to lose your balance. You teeter back and forth, dangerously, and with no handrail to catch you, you nearly fall into the water. Slowly, you are able to make your way back to the shore.

There's got to be a way for me to get across this bridge, you tell yourself.
action: Go south
response: Here the dirt path that you've grown accustomed to is replaced by a cobblestone walk. To the east, a steep, rocky slope leads down to the moss-green water. A thick layer of mist has settled over the pond making it difficult to see to the opposite side.

In the grass alongside the cobblestone terrace, you see Snoll's shell. He must've retreated back inside.

The dandelion is to the southwest. The walk also marches on to the north.
action: You go southwest
response: Giant, cup-shaped flowers sit atop tall, dark green stalks that stretch to about five times your height. Most of the flowers are a deep pink, aside from one striking orange tulip that sits apart from the rest.

The path curves to the northeast here. It also continues back west to the fork.
action: You go west
response: Tall grasses line the path that forks off to the north and east. The road back home is to the west.
action: You go to the northwest
response: You duck into the small clearing....

The brush presses in around you from every direction. You feel quite claustrophobic here. It doesn't help that you are sharing the space with a giant spider. The vile creature is busy at work, wrapping the increasingly lethargic Bugg in its silky cocoon.

The path back to the lilac bush is southeast.
action: You ask spider about Bugg
response: The spider answers you with a hiss.
action: You throw the gem at the spider
response: (first taking the jewel)
You'd prefer to hold on to it.
action: You kill the spider
response: As things look more and more dire for poor Bugg, you feel a surge of desperation. In a moment of sheer insanity, you ball up your bare fist and punch the spider in the back. It whirls around furiously and snaps out at you with its fangs. You are able to escape just in time. You doubt you will be able to get away with that again.
action: You kill the spider
response: Foolishly emboldened by your previous attack, you strike out at the spider again, unarmed. This time you are not so lucky. In an instant, the spider is upon you, sinking its fangs into your chest. Once you are effectively paralyzed, it drags you over to its web and begins to swathe you in your own silken shroud. What an unfortunate way to end your first adventure.
action: Climb rose
response: The prickly tangle is less than inviting.
action: Examine rose
response: The dense shrubbery, capped with fat pink roses, branches out high overhead. The blooms are captivating but their thorny stems make them seem more than a little forbidding.
action: You get the thorn
response: You reach out and yank on the dried thorn. It snaps off into your hand.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a thorn
a sling (being worn)
a jewel
action: You look at the thorn
response: The base of the thorn fits neatly into your palm. You wave it in front of you with a quick stroke and find that it makes a handly little short sword.
action: You kill the spider with the thorn
response: You know that every living thing has to eat, but the idea of the nymph's dear pet being consumed by such a vile creature makes your heart hurt.

Thorn in hand, you take a swipe at the spider... and miss. It spits at you angrily and then turns its attention back to Bugg.
action: You kill the spider with thorn
response: Your first attempt didn't work but you are not ready to give up. You swing your makeshift sword forward again with as much force as you can muster. It plunges deep into the spider's belly. The brute squawks in pain and you jump back, leaving the thorn embedded in its body. Its legs spasm wildly and then it finally falls to the ground, still.

Your heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might leap out of your chest. You've had to kill different creatures before (smaller, of course) but it was never anything like this. You feel like a warrior, victorious after battle. You draw the thorn out of the spider's body and wipe it off on some nearby grass.
action: You ask the spider how you like yourself now
response: You can only do that to something animate.
action: You look around
response: The brush presses in around you from every direction. You see Bugg still struggling in the spider's web.

The path back to the lilac bush is southeast.

You can see a dead spider here.
action: You examine the spider
response: The spider's crumpled body rests in the corner of the small clearing.
action: You look at Bugg
response: The spider may be dead, but poor Bugg is still writhing around in the food sac.
action: You get the silk
response: You try to free Bugg with your bare hands but they get caught in the viscid outer weave of the food sac. With a determined tug, you are able to free yourself, but your palms sting from the effort.
action: You cut the silk with thorn
response: Using the thorn, you delicately cut into the silk cocoon. Once the hole you've created is large enough, Bugg is able to crawl out, although with great effort. It takes a short while for the exhausted ladybug to recover his strength. After flapping his wings and stretching his legs, however, he's almost as good as new. He nuzzles you appreciatively and then makes his way back to his distressed owner.
action: Go southeast
response: You emerge from the clearing feeling positively exhilarated. You see that Bugg has already made his way back to his elated mistress. He is nestling cozily in her lap as she checks him for injuries. When she notices your return, she offers you a beatific smile.

"I am forever indebted to you," she says. "I thought I would never get him back again."

"I'm glad to have helped," you reply. But she's not finished. She reaches over to her basket and pulls out something made of purple fabric.

"Here... it's not much but perhaps you will find is useful. On less exciting days, I spend a lot of time knitting, and I have tons of these." She hands you what turns out to be a small purple sack, closely knit out of lilac petal fibers.

"Thanks!"
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a pouch
a thorn
a sling (being worn)
a jewel
action: You look around
response: Here the path culminates at a stout lilac bush bursting with its distinctive amethyst flowers. Hespa sits on one of its lower branches, with Bugg in her lap and her basket at her side.

The path continues back to the south. There is a small clearing in the brush to the northwest.
action: Go south
response: You find yourself standing in front of an unruly thicket of damask roses. Their scent permeates the air.

The path stretches on to the north and south.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: You are standing on the sole bare spot of the dandelion cap, amongst its countless downy white seeds. Up here, you are afforded a better view of the captivating orange tulip to the southwest. You can also see a calm but murky-looking pond to the east, beyond the palm sedge.

A gentle breeze from the west ruffles you hair.
action: You get the seed
response: You pull one of the seeds from the dandelion clock and hold it up like an umbrella.

A competing northeasterly wind picks up, setting some of the dandelion seeds adrift.
action: You jump
response: You jump up with the seed extended in your arm. Its parachute top catches in the breeze and you are swept into the air.
The rough wind buffets you northeast. The tulips, the grasses, the pond-- all of them blur together as you soar through the air. Eventually gravity takes its course and you slowly descend, bracing your legs for impact.

Your trip wasn't as far as it might have seemed.
On the Shore of the Pond
Here the dirt path that you've grown accustomed to is replaced by a cobblestone walk. To the east, a steep, rocky slope leads down to the moss-green water. A thick layer of mist has settled over the pond making it difficult to see to the opposite side.

In the grass alongside the cobblestone terrace, you see Snoll's shell. He must've retreated back inside.

The dandelion is to the southwest. The walk also marches on to the north.

You let go of the dandelion seed and watch as it floats away in the breeze.
action: You climb the dandelion
response: You scale the dandelion stem and pull yourself up onto the head...
On Top of the Dandelion
You are standing on the sole bare spot of the dandelion cap, amongst its countless downy white seeds. Up here, you are afforded a better view of the captivating orange tulip to the southwest. You can also see a calm but murky-looking pond to the east, beyond the palm sedge.

The northeasterly wind caresses your shoulders.
action: You get the seed
response: You pull one of the seeds from the dandelion clock and hold it up like an umbrella.

The wind dies down for a moment and then is replaced by a balmy zephyr pressing you southwest.
action: You jump
response: You jump up with the seed extended in your arm. Its parachute top catches in the breeze and you are swept into the air.
The southwestern zephyr sends you coasting toward the tulips. That same undercurrent of wind jolts you upward right before you slam face first into the tall orange tulip. You release the seed just as you are arcing over its open petals... and land in it with a PLOP.

The amber petals of the tulip form a protective parapet around you as you gaze out at the garden. The pond to the east is covered in a dense mist. The view from the other side of the tulip is dominated by an overgrown rosebush.

The bottom of the tulip is full of pollen. The tulip's stem offers a possible way down.
action: You get the pollen
response: You fill up the pouch, which turns out to have quite a bit of give, with as much pollen as you can find.
action: You examine the pouch
response: The small sack is made of closely-knit purple fibers.
action: You examine the pollen
response: The golden grains are powdery yet somewhat sticky.
action: Down
response: You carefully climb out of the tulip and slide down the stem...

Giant, cup-shaped flowers sit atop tall, dark green stalks that stretch to about five times your height. Most of the flowers are a deep pink, aside from one striking orange tulip that sits apart from the rest.

The path curves to the northeast here. It also continues back west to the fork.
action: You go to the east
response: You are too afraid of losing your balance over the water to venture onto the bridge. If only there were some way to see where you were going...
action: You put the pollen on the bridge
response: The floating patch of dust gives you an idea. You grab a handful of pollen from the pouch and, starting from the triangular tile, sprinkle it over the bridge. The slightly sticky granules of pollen adhere to the surface, providing you with a clear path east. Little by little, you make your way in that direction, trying to avoid looking down into the murky green water. The mist becomes thicker at the center of the pond, but you are able to work your way through. Before you know it, you find yourself on the other side.

The bridge has deposited you on a sandy little beach surrounded by cattails. You look back and see your pollen trail hanging suspended over the water.

Unbelievable! And your friends back home probably really won't believe it... they'll think you daydreamed it or read it in a book somewhere.

But this is better than a book! you tell yourself. For the first time on your adventure, you realize that you are actually having fun. You don't know why you were so unenthusiastic starting out. Maybe you were afraid of finding out that the magical world of the Great Garden wasn't so magical after all. An odd sense of relief washes over you and there is now a buoyancy in your step. You barely notice the heft of the jewel on your back anymore.

You give your new surroundings another glance and observe a gap in the cattails to the east.
action: You look at the cattails
response: A dense colony of cattails lines the shore. Their heavy brown heads nod atop pithy stems.

A gap between them provides passage to the east.
action: You go east
response: You ascend the sandy hill to the east, passing between the cattails. Just as you are crossing the threshold into this new territory, your foot catches on a fallen cattail and you trip. You are momentarily airborne as you tumble forward, and when you finally hit the ground, you are nearly jolted out of your senses. It takes you a few seconds to collect yourself, and you finally notice that the jewel has fallen out of the sling. You check the immediate area, but it is nowhere to be found. Slowly you take in the new scenery and a feeling of dread fills your heart. A malicious snicker punctuates the silence.
action: You go to the south
response: A tall, crimson-capped mushroom stands at a curve in the grass-lined path, providing the surrounding greenery with a bit of shade. On top of it, two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap, apparently sated after an afternoon fungi feast. Next to the lofty shroom, its shorter, squatter twin sits tipped over. Chomp-marks on the base indicate exactly how it was felled.

The path continues up a steep incline to the east. It also curves back to the gnome statue, to the north.
action: You examine the mushroom
response: Which do you mean, the tall mushroom or the squat mushroom?
action: You look at the squat mushroom
response: The squat mushroom is tipped on its side.
action: You examine the tall mushroom
response: Two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap on top of the lofty mushroom, which stretches slightly overhead. You can see bite marks in its crimson cap where the creatures have feasted.
action: You look at the caterpillars
response: Two chubby black caterpillars are curled up on top of the tall mushroom. They are sleeping soundly after their afternoon fungi feast.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You are carrying:
a pouch
a thorn
a sling (being worn and empty)
action: You look in the pouch
response: The pouch is empty.
action: You look around
response: A tall, crimson-capped mushroom stands at a curve in the grass-lined path, providing the surrounding greenery with a bit of shade. On top of it, two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap, apparently sated after an afternoon fungi feast. Next to the lofty shroom, its shorter, squatter twin sits tipped over. Chomp-marks on the base indicate exactly how it was felled.

The path continues up a steep incline to the east. It also curves back to the gnome statue, to the north.
action: You wake the caterpillars
response: You doubt that the caterpillars have any helpful advice to offer so you decide to let them continue sleeping.
action: East
response: You climb the hill to the east...

The palace-- at long last! Though your parents had described it to you, you still were not prepared for this. The famed Gazing Ball Palace sits atop a tall marble tower, countless stories high. The opalescent sphere shimmers in the sunlight, beckoning you forward.

At the base of the marble tower, you see a great arched door, in front of which stands a somber-looking chipmunk. She's armored in shining silver and holds a spear at her side. The chipmunk stares at you warily as you approach.

"State your business, citizen."
action: You tell the chipmunk about the jewel
response: You tell the chipmunk how you came upon the missing jewel. Her interest is piqued only slightly.

"Where is this jewel?" she asks. You sigh deeply.
action: You tell the chipmunk about the goblin
response: "A goblin has stolen a jewel belonging to the Fairy Prince!" you tell the guard. She eyes you for a moment.

"I cannot leave my post," she says, finally. "If what you say is true, you should do what you can to retrieve it."
action: You ask chipmunk for the spear
response: You doubt the chipmunk guard will respond well to being ordered around.
action: You examine chipmunk
response: A striped brown chipmunk stands guard at the palace door. She wears a vest of silver armor and a somber expression. At her side, you see a long, sharp spear.
action: You ask the chipmunk about the goblin
response: "Troublesome creatures... and smelly."
action: You examine the sphere
response: The famed Gazing Ball Palace sits atop a tall marble tower, countless stories high. The opalescent sphere shimmers in the sunlight, beckoning you forward.
action: North
response: This wide clearing is dominated by a giant gnome statue. A goblin is perched on its shoulder, clinging to the jewel that inspired this whole journey.

The dirt path picks up here, stretching south. To the west, beyond the fallen cattail, you see the opening leading back to the beach.

Holding the gem under one arm, the goblin leans over and pretends to pick the gnome's nose.
action: You look at the goblin
response: The hideous goblin is bald, with sagging gray skin and sharp black nails and teeth. It is currently having a great deal of fun taunting you with the jewel.

The ugly monster pantomimes crying. Then he points at you and laughs.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a pouch
a thorn
a sling (being worn and empty)

The rotten fiend finds a small pebble and chucks it at you. It bounces harmlessly into the cattails.
action: You remove the sling
response: You'd prefer to keep it on.

The hideous creature chuckles maliciously.
action: You throw the thorn at the goblin
response: You toss the makeshift sword at the goblin but your aim is off. The thorn goes flying into the cattails.

Great. Just great.
action: West
response: You carefully step over the fallen cattail...

You are on a sandy little beach surrounded by cattails. To the west, your pollen trail hangs suspended over the water, defining the path of the invisible bridge. A gap in the cattails allows passage to the east.
action: East
response: You ascend the sandy hill to the east, passing between the cattails.

This wide clearing is dominated by a giant gnome statue. A goblin is perched on its shoulder, clinging to the jewel that inspired this whole journey.

The dirt path picks up here, stretching south. To the west, beyond the fallen cattail, you see the opening leading back to the beach.
action: You get the cattail
response: The cattail is entirely too heavy for that.
action: South
response: A tall, crimson-capped mushroom stands at a curve in the grass-lined path, providing the surrounding greenery with a bit of shade. On top of it, two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap, apparently sated after an afternoon fungi feast. Next to the lofty shroom, its shorter, squatter twin sits tipped over. Chomp-marks on the base indicate exactly how it was felled.

The path continues up a steep incline to the east. It also curves back to the gnome statue, to the north.
action: You get the squat mushroom
response: You tilt the mushroom back onto its base. It's a little wobbly but can stand without falling over. You wrap your arms around the fungus in an attempt to lift it, but find that it is too unwieldy.
action: You look
response: A tall, crimson-capped mushroom stands at a curve in the grass-lined path, providing the surrounding greenery with a bit of shade. On top of it, two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap, apparently sated after an afternoon fungi feast. Next to the lofty shroom, sits its shorter, squatter twin.

The path continues up a steep incline to the east. It also curves back to the gnome statue, to the north.
action: You stand on the squat mushroom
response: You climb onto the squat mushroom. Its cap is springy beneath your feet.
action: You jump
response: You jump on the mushroom. Its springy cap propels you high in the air.
action: You get off the mushroom
response: Which do you mean, the tall mushroom or the squat mushroom?
action: Short
response: You get off the squat mushroom.

A tall, crimson-capped mushroom stands at a curve in the grass-lined path, providing the surrounding greenery with a bit of shade. On top of it, two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap, apparently sated after an afternoon fungi feast. Next to the lofty shroom, sits its shorter, squatter twin.

The path continues up a steep incline to the east. It also curves back to the gnome statue, to the north.
action: You jump
response: You've had enough of this contemptible monster. You jump on the mushroom's springy cap and are launched high in the air. When you are even with the creature, you strike out with your small green fist. That's all it takes. The cowardly goblin shrieks with frightened rage. He drops the jewel and makes off into the cattails, which rustle violently in his wake.

You climb down from the mushroom and retrieve the jewel, inspecting it carefully for any scratches. Its sparkling facets are no worse for the wear. Your spirits soar again. You feel as though nothing can stand in your way now.

You head south, ready to finally present the Fairy Prince with his lost treasure.
action: You look
response: A tall, crimson-capped mushroom stands at a curve in the grass-lined path, providing the surrounding greenery with a bit of shade. On top of it, two chubby caterpillars are taking a nap, apparently sated after an afternoon fungi feast.

The path continues up a steep incline to the east. It also curves back to the gnome statue, to the north.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a pouch
a sling (being worn)
a jewel
action: South
response: You are immediately enveloped by the tall fescue. Fearful of losing your way in this green jungle, you quickly return to the path.
action: East
response: You climb the hill to the east...

Though your parents had described it to you, you still were not prepared for this. The famed Gazing Ball Palace sits atop a tall marble tower, countless stories high. The opalescent sphere shimmers in the sunlight, beckoning you forward.

At the base of the marble tower, you see a great arched door, in front of which stands a somber-looking chipmunk. She's armored in shining silver and holds a spear at her side.

The path wends its way back to the west.
action: You tell the chipmunk about the jewel
response: You take the jewel in your arms one more time, enjoying the reassuring weight of it. Finally, you present it to the chipmunk guard.

"I believe this belongs to the Fairy Prince." The chipmunk leans forward and inspects the egg-shaped gem, taking notice of the inscription. She puffs her cheeks thoughtfully.

"I see." Suddenly she is all action. She opens the door and steps aside, allowing you entry into the palace. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the dim lighting of the surprisingly modest anteroom. The chipmunk makes no haste in leading you to a narrow set of stairs. You return the jewel to the sling and begin your ascent. Up, up, up you go. You climb so many steps, it seems like you're heading for the clouds. Just when you feel like you cannot go on, you arrive at a small landing with a simple wooden door. The chipmunk, who has been following quietly behind you the whole time, reaches over and twists the knob.

"Here we are then..." She ushers you forward.
action: You look
response: You find yourself in the throne room of the palace. The giant translucent dome casts rainbows across every surface. The throne sits empty. The Fairy Prince has instead opted to sit on a bench near the glass, where he can look out over the garden. He smiles up at you as you approach.

"Ah, I've been waiting for you!"
action: You look at Prince
response: The Fairy Prince sits on a bench near the dome wall, his pale green wings folded behind him. He smiles at you.
action: You tell Prince about the jewel
response: The prince listens with great interest as you tell him about your adventure.
action: You give the jewel to Prince
response: (first taking the jewel)
Without much ado, you hand over the jewel.

"Thanks!" he says brightly. He startles you by tossing it into the air where it transforms into small white pebble, which he then catches in his hand and shoves in his pocket. He offers an impish laugh... and suddenly things come together.

"It was you!"

"I have to admit it was."

"But why?" The Prince pauses for a moment.

"I have been trying to keep things safe and green here for a long while... but it's been getting harder and harder. There is a darkness pressing in." He motions out the window to a spot far on the horizon. You can see it. It is far away but it is there... It fills you with dread.

"The people have become complacent. Things have been going well for so long that they are becoming more and more careless. I need help to keep them safe from the outside. That's why I set up this test." It all makes sense now. But you're not exactly sure what he is asking of you. Finally, he spells it out:

"I need the help of good folks like you, who are brave and kind hearted, to help me guard the people against the coming darkness. But it's entirely up to you. There's not much time to waste though. Are you up for it?
action: Yes
response: You think long and hard. Earlier today, you would've run as fast as you could in the opposite direction. But you feel like an entirely different pixy. You provide him with your answer.
action: No
response: That was a rhetorical question.
action: You give the jewel
response: (to Fairy Prince)
(first taking the jewel)
Without much ado, you hand over the jewel.

"Thanks!" he says brightly. He startles you by tossing it into the air where it transforms into small white pebble, which he then catches in his hand and shoves in his pocket. He offers an impish laugh... and suddenly things come together.

"It was you!"

"I have to admit it was."

"But why?" The Prince pauses for a moment.

"I have been trying to keep things safe and green here for a long while... but it's been getting harder and harder. There is a darkness pressing in." He motions out the window to a spot far on the horizon. You can see it. It is far away but it is there... It fills you with dread.

"The people have become complacent. Things have been going well for so long that they are becoming more and more careless. I need help to keep them safe from the outside. That's why I set up this test." It all makes sense now. But you're not exactly sure what he is asking of you. Finally, he spells it out:

"I need the help of good folks like you, who are brave and kind hearted, to help me guard the people against the coming darkness. But it's entirely up to you. There's not much time to waste though. Are you up for it?
action: No
response: You think long and hard. Earlier today, you would've run as fast as you could in the opposite direction. But you feel like an entirely different pixy. You provide him with your answer.

Please give one of the answers above.
action: %
response: Today is the day you've been waiting for! Today is the day when the Revolution arrives to sweep over this entire town, converting it to a worker's paradise! Your heart beats with trepidation and excitement and you can almost taste victory!
But victory's not here yet. You still have a lot of work to do. After all, it's like Marx said: It's one thing to interpret the world but the point is to change it. And today, change will come!
Now if only you could find your Revolutionary To-Do List...



In future generations, this building may well be a museum, for this is where the People's Committee for the Revolution made their glorious plans to liberate all who are oppressed! The red light that illuminates the room might cause eye strain and make it hard to work, but it is truly inspiring.
You can exit the headquarters to the west (how appropriate!) and a staircase leads downwards to the lab.

A giant workers' flag hangs on the back wall, filling your heart with Revolutionary Pride.

Underneath the flag sits the committee's desk, upon which all Revolutionary Managerial Work is accomplished.