The Vanishing Conjurer
by Marshal Tenner Winter (2013)
Genres: Mystery
Fantasy
Historical

You wish you were doing almost anything else than having dinner with this bloviating douchebag. Still, it's a potential client. Maybe you should hear what he has to say...

action: %
response: You wish you were doing almost anything else than having dinner with this bloviating douchebag. Still, it's a potential client. Maybe you should hear what he has to say. . .



This is an ancient pub built just after the Great London Fire of 1666. The place is gloomy with shadows but the patrons are warmed by a large hearth in the center of the room. Labyrinthine passages to rooms exist in all directions except to the east where the exit lies. You can see Howard Horne waving for you to join him at an old table near the hearth. He pulls out an even older chair for you.

(During conversations, type "topics" to see a list of relevant topics.)
action: You sit
response: (on the old chair)
You get onto the old chair.
action: About yourself
response: You are a private eye; a gumshoe, as they say, and you appear as such.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a fedora (being worn)
a set of ordinary clothes (being worn)
a trenchcoat (being worn and open)
a cigar lighter
a lock pick
a holster (being worn)
a revolver
action: You look at Howard
response: He is a thin, nervy sort of chap, with a narrow face and eyes that appear positively shifty.
action: Hi
response: You say hello to Howard Horne.

(You could ask him about the case.)
action: You ask howard about case
response: "So, what's the skinny?" you ask.

"I need some help, detective." Howard replies.
"I need some help, detective." Howard replies."Start from the beginning." you invite.

"Well, I started working the West Side about twenty years ago when things were Vaudeville, of course-" he begins.
things were Vaudeville, of course-" he begins."Better yet, start from sometime more recent." you say, rubbing your temples.

"Oh, yes, of course. Well, by now, I've got a lot of great acts on me books, if I do say so meself. But my problem is with one of them; a young man named Philip Leclair." he tells you.
action: You ask Howard  about Philip
response: "Tell me about Leclair." you say.

"He calls 'imself Leclair the Great professionally." Howard
tells you, "He'll go far if handled right and he's got a knack for making old tricks look new. He even invents his own, good ones at that, with all this new apparatus and patter and everything."
that, with all this new apparatus and patter and everything.""And?" you ask.

"Well," he says, "end of last month, Philip came to my office, plum-excited he was. Said he had plans for a new trick. Showed me some sketches that I couldn't make heads nor tails of. He said it was going to bring a whole new meaning to what we call The
Vanish."
Vanish.""Wow." you say nonplussed.

He continues, "You know, making a chap disappear into thin air?"

Perturbed, you reply, "Yeah, I got it."
Perturbed, you reply, "Yeah, I got it."He proceeds again, "So he comes to my office saying he's having problems with his new apparatus for this trick. Well, I'm no magician so I suggested he approach this new magic club who call themselves something like the Inner
Brotherhood of Magicians. This brotherhood had sent me a letter
to recommend themselves to my clients. So I reckon maybe they can help Philip with his predicament. Being a good lad, he did so, and was even invited to eventually join the club. I was hearing that things were going swimmingly with his new vanishing trick. But then something happened."
something happened."You make a twirling motion with your finger, inviting him to go on with his story. He says, "Well, a couple weeks ago, Philip comes back to my office, right excited again, he was. He said he was on the verge of finding a method of, as he put it, revolutionizing stage magic as we know it."

"And?" you ask. He says, "And here's the mystery, detective. It's quite ironic, really. But that was the last I saw of the lad. Philip Leclair has vanished off the face of the earth!"
action: Examine
response: What do you want to examine?
action: Topics
response: You could ask him about the vanish.
action: You ask howard about the Vanish
response: "Tell me more about this vanishing act of his." you ask.

"It's funny you should ask, detective." Howard replies, "I mean, even though the Vanish is a standard trick, the particular variation and appartus that Philip was using was seen being used by another magician. I know because I'm the one who saw it. The magician is The Amazing Karl. I don't know much more about him besides that I watched him perform it during his nightly act at The Chancellor Theater."

Howard Horne stands to leave. "Please let me know if you find out anything, detective. If you'll excuse me, I have a prior late-night engagement. Good luck. Cheers!" And with that, Howard Horne leaves the pub.
action: You look
response: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub (on the old chair)
This is an ancient pub built just after the Great London Fire of 1666. The place is gloomy with shadows but the patrons are warmed by a large hearth in the center of the room. Labyrinthine passages to rooms exist in all directions except to the east where the exit lies.
action: You examine the hearth
response: A blazing fire is warming the pub from within the hearth.
action: You stand
response: You get off the old chair.

This is an ancient pub built just after the Great London Fire of 1666. The place is gloomy with shadows but the patrons are warmed by a large hearth in the center of the room. Labyrinthine passages to rooms exist in all directions except to the east where the exit lies.
action: You go to the east
response: You walk the fog-shrouded streets to the area of town where Philip's flat is. The smell of Polish home-cooking can be smelled in this part of south London. You are standing on the sidewalk near some stairs that hug the side of a building to reach a door on the second story. The bottom floor is yet another pub; The Devonshire. The door can be reached to the north. The address for Philip Leclair that Howard Horne supplied says that this is the place.
action: Up
response: This is a rickety landing one floor off the ground above an alley.
The steps lead down to the street where The Devonshire Pub can be reached. To the east is the door into Philip Leclair's flat.
action: Go east
response: (first opening the apartment door)
It seems to be locked.
action: You examine the door
response: It is a small, thick door for Philip Leclair's apartment.
action: You open the door
response: It seems to be locked.
action: You kick the door
response: You can only do that to something animate.
action: You pick the lock
response: (first taking the lock pick)
(To pick a lock with the lock pick, type "unlock {thing} with
pick")
You unlock the apartment door.

I didn't understand that sentence.
action: You go to the east
response: (first opening the apartment door)

This is a humble and tidy apartment. The room you are in serves as the living room, bedroom, and kitchen all at once. A bed seems to be the only real piece of furniture in the place. The bathroom is to the east and the exit to the landing is west.

You can see a black trunk (closed) here.
action: You look at the bed
response: It is a simple, twin-sized bed. But it's probably European twin-sized so who knows how the hell big it really is.
action: You look at the trunk
response: It's the kind a circus performer would lug around, but looks like Philip has kept it clear of any gaudy stickers that you've seen on such circus trunks.
action: You look under the bed
response: Just dust.

Just dust.
action: You unlock it with the lockpick
response: You unlock the black trunk.
action: You open the trunk
response: You open the black trunk, revealing a black cane, an instruction manual, a deck of cards, a top hat and a set of stage clothes.
action: You unlock the trunk with the pick
response: That's unlocked at the moment.
action: You look at the manual
response: You read the first chapter in full, out of curiosity. Now, you are able to perform card trick but you'll need a deck of cards,
of course.
action: You take the cards
response: You take the deck of cards from the black trunk.
action: You perform the card trick
response: You perform a simple yet impressive card trick.
action: You look at the top hat
response: It's tall even for a top hat.
action: You look at the stage clothes
response: Perfect if one wants to look like a stage magician.
action: You examine the cane
response: It's a magician's cane; black with white tips.
action: You look at the trunk
response: It's the kind a circus performer would lug around, but looks like Philip has kept it clear of any gaudy stickers that you've seen on such circus trunks.

In the black trunk are a black cane, an instruction manual, a top hat and a set of stage clothes.
action: You look at the hat
response: (the fedora)
It's a hat, stylish here in the '20s. You wear it on your head.
action: Search hat
response: (the fedora)
You find nothing of interest.
action: You take the cane
response: You take the black cane from the black trunk.
action: You search the top hat
response: The top hat is empty.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: This is a humble and tidy apartment. The room you are in serves as the living room, bedroom, and kitchen all at once. A bed seems to be the only real piece of furniture in the place. The bathroom is to the east and the exit to the landing is west.

You can see a black trunk (in which are an instruction manual, a top hat (empty) and a set of stage clothes) here.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a black cane
a deck of cards
a lock pick
a fedora (being worn)
a set of ordinary clothes (being worn)
a trenchcoat (being worn and open)
a cigar lighter
a holster (being worn)
a revolver
action: You remove the ordinary clothes
response: You can't walk around in your skivvies. If you want to change outfits, then wear the clothes you want to change into.
action: You wear the stage clothes
response: (first taking the set of stage clothes)
You swap your regular clothes for the fancy stage clothes.
action: You wear the top hat
response: (first taking the top hat)
You swap the fedora for the top hat.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You are carrying:
a top hat (being worn)
a set of stage clothes (being worn)
a black cane
a deck of cards
a lock pick
a fedora
a set of ordinary clothes
a trenchcoat (being worn and open)
a cigar lighter
a holster (being worn)
a revolver
action: You look at the trunk
response: It's the kind a circus performer would lug around, but looks like Philip has kept it clear of any gaudy stickers that you've seen on such circus trunks.

In the black trunk is an instruction manual.
action: Lock trunk
response: What do you want to lock the black trunk with?
action: You close the trunk
response: You close the black trunk.
action: You open the trunk
response: You open the black trunk, revealing an instruction manual.
action: You take the manual
response: You take the instruction manual from the black trunk.
action: You go to the west
response: You head out of Philip's flat and back to your hotel. The night is late and you'll have to start your investigations again tomorrow. First up will be to follow the Amazing Karl and find out what he's all about.
action: Look around
response: It is the next evening and you've followed The Amazing Karl here. You waited at The Chancellor Theatre for him to finish his act and then you shadowed him through the dim streets of London to this large, Victorian house in a posh neighborhood. You stand outside the garden. A gate leads into the garden to the east. The sidewalk continues both north and south. You can see the garden, and indeed the entire house, is surrounded by a large hedge. The smell of flowers fills your nose in the still night air.
action: Smell
response: It smells like flowers.
action: You examine the hedge
response: It is a tall, dense hedge.
action: You go to the north
response: You don't need to head down that way. You followed your quarry to this house. He went through the garden to the front door.
action: You go east
response: (first opening the garden gate)

Fastidious Garden (near the gate)
This is a perfectly trim and tidy English garden before a large Victorian style house. The shrubs are geometrically sculpted and a white pebble path leads from the garden gate to the west, through the garden, and to the front door to the east. Because of the shape of the house, the main house is to the north while the front door is on a wing of the house to the east. One of the windows of the house is to the north.
action: You look at the shrubs
response: They are immaculately cared for and trimmed into cones, spheres, and other geometric shapes.
action: You examine the path
response: It is a crunchy path of small white pebbles.
action: You examine the window
response: It is a wide enough window but, for safety reasons perhaps, it doesn't have any lock or visible means of opening. A warm light comes from behind a gauzy curtain. It may be worth trying to look through.
action: You look through the window
response: You think you can see one figure in the room. The figure
seems to be fussing with something at a small table. Because of the gauzy curtain, you cannot make out any details. Perhaps you can listen to the window to learn more.
action: You listen to the window
response: You hear a muffled voice say "Damn rabbit!"
action: You keep going
response: You hear a muffled voice say "Get in the damn hat!"
action: Keep going
response: You hear a muffled voice say "Fuck!"
action: Keep going
response: You hear a muffled voice say "Shit!"
action: Go east
response: Fastidious Garden (near the front door)
You are deeper in a trim and tidy English garden before a large Victorian style house. The shrubs are geometrically sculpted and a white pebble path leads from the garden gate to the west, through the garden, and to the front door to the east. Because of the shape of the house, the main house is to the north while the front door is on a wing of the house to the east. One of the windows of the house is to the north. Next to the front door is a plaque.
action: You look at the plaque
action: You look at the door
response: It appears very sturdy.
action: You unlock the door with the pick
response: There are many locks that your old lock pick does not open. This is one of them. Oh well.
action: Door
response: You rap on the door and it is almost immediately answered by an Asian servant in Oriental attire. He looks at you with polite eyes.
The servant examines you and seems to take notice of your stage clothes. "Please, come in, sir." He steps in, opening the door for you to follow suit.
action: Go east
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

Zhang straightens one of the portraits.
action: You examine Zhang
response: Wei has a kind face and friendly eyes, but you still don't want to trust him as it could all be an act. He wears the Oriental attire of a servant, but a servant to a wealthy family or individual.
action: You look at book
response: (the instruction manual)
101 Magic Tricks

The rest of the tricks in the book seem to require too much study and prep time to learn quick enough for this adventure.
action: You examine the visitors book
response: It is a ledger full of signatures of people who have visited the establishment. It's much like you'd find in a funeral home. You'd have to search it to see if it holds any useful clues.

Zhang examines the visitors book.
action: You examine the portraits
response: You randomly look at the portraits on the walls. One that you take notice of is the recently deceased Harry Houdini, of course.
action: You continue
response: You randomly look at the portraits on the walls. One that you take notice of is Percy Selbit, the first man to saw a woman in half.
Well, as an illusion on a stage, that is.

Zhang straightens one of the portraits.
action: Hi
response: You say hello to Zhang Wei.

Zhang eyes you curiously.

(You could ask him about himself, Philip Leclair, Karl Weiss or Cheng Ling Shu.)
action: You ask Wei about himself
response: "Tell me about yourself." you ask the servant.

"I am just a servant of Master Cheng Ling Shu, sir." is his reply.

Zhang looks at one of the portraits while he waits.
action: You look up Philip Leclair in visitors book
response: You discover nothing of interest in the visitors book.

Zhang eyes you curiously.
action: You search the visitors book
response: You peer at the pages; your eyes scanning the names. Zhang Wei makes a motion to take the book from your prying eyes but you slap his hand away long enough to make out the last signature: Karl Weiss.
action: You ask Zhang about Philip
response: "What can you tell me about the missing member of the Brotherhood; this Leclair fellow?" you ask.

"Unfortunately," he says, "I did not know the young man."
action: You ask Wei about Cheng
response: "Tell me about your boss." you ask.

"Cheng Ling Shu is a great and wise man." Zhang Wei says.
action: You ask Zhang about Weiss
response: "What do you know about the man who just came in?" you demand of the servant.

"I'm sorry, sir." he says, "I do not know the members of the Brotherhood personally."

Zhang looks at one of the portraits while he waits.
action: Look around
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

Zhang straightens one of the portraits.
action: Topics
response: You could ask him about himself.
action: You ask Wei about Wei
response: "Tell me about yourself." you ask the servant.

"I am just a servant of Master Cheng Ling Shu, sir." is his reply.

Zhang eyes you curiously.
action: Go south
response: Zhang Wei the servant stops you. "Please, sir. Kindly sign the visitors book."
action: You search the visitors book
response: You peer at the pages; your eyes scanning the names. Zhang Wei makes a motion to take the book from your prying eyes but you slap his hand away long enough to make out the last signature: Karl Weiss.
action: You sign the visitors book
response: You sign one of your many aliases to the ledger: Abdul
Mohammed.
action: You go south
response: (first opening the reception door)

This room is used for guests of the members of the Brotherhood, and as a waiting area for visitors. It is plushly furnished with a large sofa and an armchair. A number of classical Chinese vases and decorations stand around the room and an end table sits near the sofa. The only exit is the door to the north.
action: You examine the sofa
response: It is a plush, extra long sofa.

It's not long at all before an impeccably dressed Asian gentleman enters the room. "Hello." he says with a thick accent. "I am Li Qiang, servant of Cheng Ling Shu. I understand you wish to join The Inner Brotherhood of Magicians?"
action: Yes
response: "Hm?" you ask, but then you say, "Oh yeah. Because I'm a magician."

"Very well," Li Qiang says, "Please perform a trick for me. A simple one is fine as we do accept amateurs into the Brotherhood with hopes that our guidance will only increase their curiosity and craft." he looks at you expectantly.
action: You perform the card  trick
response: You perform the simple trick but it seems impressive enough for Li Qiang to smile.

"You are welcome into the Brotherhood as a first level member. With this privilege, you may use the library and practice rooms on the first floor to perfect your craft. Unfortunately, the second floor is off limits to you for now. Let me know if you have any questions." But before you can ask any questions, he quickly leaves the room.
action: You examine the vase
response: You can tell the vases are quality pieces from ancient dynasties.
action: You examine the decorations
response: The decorations are sparse and tasteful. You spot nothing of real interest, however.
action: You look at the armchair
response: It is a comfortable appearing Chippendale armchair.
action: You examine the end table
response: It is an elegant end table of Asian sensibilities.
action: You go north
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

Zhang straightens one of the portraits.
action: You go to the east
response: (first opening the kitchen door)

This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

On the Garland stove is a wok.

You can also see Li Qiang here.

Li Qiang tugs at his cuffs.
action: Look around
response: This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

On the Garland stove is a wok.

You can also see Li Qiang here.

Li Qiang inspects the kitchen.
action: You ask li for the sandwich
response: Li Qiang gives a small cough.
action: You examine the icebox
response: It's also known as a refridgerator, but you don't think that
name will catch on.

Li Qiang watches you carefully.
action: You look at the wok
response: It's like a wide, very deep pan. You think it's neat.
action: You look at the stove
response: On the Garland stove is a wok.
action: You turn on stove
response: That's not something you can switch.

Li Qiang inspects the kitchen.
action: You open the icebox
response: It seems to be locked.

Li Qiang gives a small cough.
action: Look around
response: This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

On the Garland stove is a wok.

You can also see Li Qiang here.

Li Qiang tugs at his cuffs.
action: You look counters
response: You believe it's very hard, polished rubberwood.
action: Hello
response: You are already talking to Li Qiang.
action: Topics
response: You could ask him about himself, Philip Leclair, Karl Weiss or Cheng Ling Shu.

Li Qiang inspects the kitchen.
action: You ask li about himself
response: "So, you must be the major domo of the house, huh?" you ask.

Li Qiang smiles politely, "Yes, that is a description that works. I oversee the house and the servants. I also greet the visitors and can authorize first level membership."

Li Qiang watches you carefully.
action: You ask Li about Cheng
response: "Can you tell me about your boss?" you ask.

"Cheng Ling Shu is a world-traveler who settled here in London to share his craft with budding magicians." Li Qiang happily tells you. "He established this Brotherhood to share his experience and wisdom."

Li Qiang inspects the kitchen.
action: You ask Li about Karl
response: "Tell me about Karl Weiss." you say.

"Mr. Weiss is a second level member of the Brotherhood. I do not know more as I do not know the man personally." is Li Qiang's reply.

Li Qiang watches you carefully.
action: You ask Li about Philip
response: "Can you tell me anything about the missing member, Philip Leclair?" you ask.

Li Qiang's smile falters as he answers, "A most unfortunate circumstance, to be sure. But, alas, we have no answers on the poor young man's disappearance."

Li Qiang gives a small cough.
action: You look around
response: This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

On the Garland stove is a wok.

You can also see Li Qiang here.
action: Thanks
response: There is no reply.

Li Qiang inspects the kitchen.
action: You take wok
response: (putting the set of ordinary clothes into the trenchcoat to make room) You take the wok from the Garland stove.
action: Go west
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.
action: You go to the east
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

Zhang examines the visitors book.
action: You wear the wok
response: You can't wear that!

Zhang eyes you curiously.
action: You go to the north
response: (first opening the lounge door)

This room holds another Chippendale chair and another long sofa. A large, low coffee table sits in the center of the room. On it are current issues of magic journals and newspapers. The room resembles the smoking room of a gentlemen's club. A door to the entrance hall is to the south and doors also lead north and west.

Smoking a pipe and perusing a newspaper is Virgil Wemyss, a member of the Brotherhood.

Virgil turns the page of the newspaper he's reading.
action: You examine virgil
response: Virgil Wemyss is an older gentleman with a high brow and a big bushy beard.

Virgil gives a little "hmm" in response to something he's
reading in the paper.
action: Go east
response: This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

You can see Li Qiang here.

Li Qiang tugs at his cuffs.
action: You go south
response: (first opening the pantry door)

This is a shallow room lined with shelves that are full of foodstuffs. The only door is to the north, back to the kitchen.
action: You take the foodstuffs
response: That's hardly portable.
action: Go north
response: This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

You can see Li Qiang here.

Li Qiang watches you carefully.
action: You go to the west
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

Zhang straightens one of the portraits.
action: You go to the north
response: This room holds another Chippendale chair and another long sofa. A large, low coffee table sits in the center of the room. On it are current issues of magic journals and newspapers. The room resembles the smoking room of a gentlemen's club. A door to the entrance hall is to the south and doors also lead north and west.

Smoking a pipe and perusing a newspaper is Virgil Wemyss, a member of the Brotherhood.

Virgil turns the page of the newspaper he's reading.
action: You look at the pipe
response: It's fancy, but not too fancy.

You catch Virgil looking at you from over his newspaper. He quickly returns his glance downwards.
action: Hello
response: You say hello to Virgil Wemyss.

Virgil gives a little "hmm" in response to something he's
reading in the paper.

(You could ask him about himself, Karl Weiss, Philip Leclair or Cheng Ling Shu.)
action: You ask Virgil about himself
response: "What's your story?" you ask.

"My story?" Virgil asks in return. "I'm just a stage magician; a member of the Brotherhood, like yourself, I imagine."

Virgil checks his pipe, then, seemingly satisfied, returns to puffing on it while reading his paper.
action: You examine the coffee table
response: It's a wide, low coffee table, giving ample room for journals, newspapers, and whatever else people wish to place on it.

Virgil yawns.
action: You examine journals
response: among others, but none seem too important to this case.

Virgil checks his pipe, then, seemingly satisfied, returns to puffing on it while reading his paper.
action: You read the journals
response: among others, but none seem too important to this case.

Virgil gives a small cough.
action: You look at the newspapers
response: Which do you mean, the assorted newspapers or Virgil's newspaper?
action: Assorted newspapers
response: None are even that recent.

Virgil turns the page of the newspaper he's reading.
action: You look at the virgil's newspaper
response: The headline reads Tornado Hits D.C.

Virgil sniffs.
action: Topics
response: You could ask him about himself, Karl Weiss, Philip Leclair or Cheng Ling Shu.

Virgil gives a little "hmm" in response to something he's
reading in the paper.
action: You ask Virgil about Cheng
response: "What about this Cheng Ling Shu fellow?" you ask.

"Well," Virgil answers, "He's an extraordinary magician. Some of his tricks are just plain impossible. Some say he is the simple man he conveys himself to be, but others think these Orientals are all up to something more sinister, but that might just be English hubris talking."

Virgil turns the page of the newspaper he's reading.
action: You ask Virgil about Karl
response: "What can you tell me about Karl Weiss?" you ask.

Conspiratorily, Virgil whispers to you, "He's a thief, and a lousy one at that. He steals others' tricks. I wouldn't trust him with anything. At the upcoming charity show, I'm sure the trick he is planning on performing is someone else's. There's a locked room at the top of the stairs that I think is proof of that."

Virgil gives a small cough.
action: You ask Virgil about Philip
response: "You know anything about the missing magician, Leclair?" you ask Virgil. He smokes his pipe thoughtfully before answering.

"I know of him but we've not met yet. I hope to still get the chance." he says.

Virgil turns the page of the newspaper he's reading.
action: Topics
response: You could ask him about himself.

Virgil gives a small cough.
action: Look around
response: This room holds another Chippendale chair and another long sofa. A large, low coffee table sits in the center of the room. On it are current issues of magic journals and newspapers. The room resembles the smoking room of a gentlemen's club. A door to the entrance hall is to the south and doors also lead north and west.

Smoking a pipe and perusing a newspaper is Virgil Wemyss, a member of the Brotherhood.

Virgil puffs his pipe and turns the page of his newspaper.
action: You go to the north
response: (first opening lounge door)

This room serves as a quiet area where members can perfect their conjuring skills. By the look of the trappings in this room, you feel it is set aside for card tricks and other small slight-of-hand illusions. There are books strewn about as well as some particular props used in stage magic.
action: You look at the props
response: They include things like red cloths, ping-pong balls, and top hats.
action: Go west
response: (first opening library door)

This library contains an extensive collection. Every inch of each wall is covered in bookshelves stuffed with books. A leather wingback chair and a leather loveseat are the furnishings so that one may enjoy a comfortable read. Doors break the monotony of books to the north, east, and west. A large window is in the south wall. You know that it looks out onto the fastidious garden.

You can see an Oriental rug here.
action: You look at the window
response: It covers most of the south wall.
action: You look through the window
response: You can see part of the house's fastidious garden beyond the large window.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: This library contains an extensive collection. Every inch of each wall is covered in bookshelves stuffed with books. A leather wingback chair and a leather loveseat are the furnishings so that one may enjoy a comfortable read. Doors break the monotony of books to the north, east, and west. A large window is in the south wall. You know that it looks out onto the fastidious garden.

You can see an Oriental rug here.
action: You examine the rug
response: It is a thick, wide, beautiful, Oriental rug. The design is of a twisting Oriental-style dragon.
action: You take the rug
response: That's fixed in place.
action: Examine books
response: The extensive collection is a comprehensive range of basic texts on stage magic and conjuring. The books available are not particularly unusual, and indeed they could be obtained from any reputable bookseller with little difficulty. You figure the advantages of this library is the sheer range of books and periodicals it contains.
action: Go west
response: (first opening library door)

This is a practice room set aside for the practice of slightly larger illusions; those involving larger props. A large window is in the south wall and the only exit is a door to the east.

There is a large, rectangular box off to the side. It looks like it can be separated in two parts. It's some sort of stage prop.

Wearing a top hat and standing behind a magician's table is Danny "Mister Magic" Paul. He seems to be practicing the rabbit trick as there is a cloth bag with something in it hanging on his side of the table.

Danny makes a motion as if to show a non-existant audience that his top hat is empty.
action: You look through the window
response: You can see part of the house's fastidious garden out the window.

After delivering a few words of patter, Danny attempts to turn his top hat upright and secretly slip the rabbit into it.
action: Hello
response: You say hello to Danny Paul.

As Danny attempts to secretly slip the rabbit into the hat, it bites him on the hand. He cries out but tries to continue.

(You could ask him about himself, Karl Weiss, Philip Leclair or Cheng Ling Shu.)
action: You examine the rabbit
response: It is your typical, white hare.

Just as Danny is about to cover the hat with the cloth, the rabbit hops out of the bag. Danny tries to conceal the bag behind the silk cloth while he picks up the rabbit and forces it back into the hat.
action: You ask Danny about the rabbit
response: There is no reply.

Danny almost manages to complete his rabbit trick, but as he triumphantly holds the rabbit up from the ears, it slips from his sweaty palm and lands with a furry thud on the magician's table.
Danny scoops the rabbit back in the bag.
action: You ask Danny about Cheng
response: "What can you tell me about this Cheng Ling Shu cat?" you ask.

"Well, from what I understand, he came from Asia and started this Brotherhood. Lots of rumors surround him, so I don't really get involved with it." he tells you.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You ask Danny about Karl
response: "What can you tell me about Karl Weiss?" you ask.

"What can I say?" he says, still practicing his rabbit trick, "He's a thief. He steals other magicians' acts. Total twat, really."

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You ask Danny about Philip
response: "Did you know Philip Leclair?" you ask.

"You ask that like you know he's dead." he says, still working to perfect his rabbit trick.

"Well," you tell him, "in my experience, the missing usually turn up dead."

Danny Paul eyes you for a moment. "Have you ever considered that this is all part of an elaborate magic trick?" and with a wink, he returns to his practice.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You look at the top hat
response: It's tall even for a top hat.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a wok
an instruction manual
a top hat (being worn)
a set of stage clothes (being worn)
a black cane
a deck of cards
a lock pick
a fedora
a trenchcoat (being worn and open)
a set of ordinary clothes
a cigar lighter
a holster (being worn)
a revolver

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You examine revolver
response: It's a .45 revolver.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You look into revolver
response: You find nothing of interest.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: Look around
response: This is a practice room set aside for the practice of slightly larger illusions; those involving larger props. A large window is in the south wall and the only exit is a door to the east.

There is a large, rectangular box off to the side. It looks like it can be separated in two parts. It's some sort of stage prop.

Wearing a top hat and standing behind a magician's table is Danny "Mister Magic" Paul. He seems to be practicing the rabbit trick as there is a cloth bag with something in it hanging on his side of the table.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: Examine box
response: Looking closer, you can tell it is for the saw-the-lady-in-half illusion.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You examine table
response: It is covered with black felt.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: You take rabbit
response: You shouldn't mess with Danny's props while he's practicing with them.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: Topics
response: You could ask him about himself.

Danny continues to fumble with his rabbit and top hat, trying to perfect his routine.
action: Go east
response: This library contains an extensive collection. Every inch of each wall is covered in bookshelves stuffed with books. A leather wingback chair and a leather loveseat are the furnishings so that one may enjoy a comfortable read. Doors break the monotony of books to the north, east, and west. A large window is in the south wall. You know that it looks out onto the fastidious garden.

You can see an Oriental rug here.
action: You go north
response: (first opening library door)

This is a narrow, carpeted hallway running west from here. There is a door to the north and you can see a staircase down the hall to the west. Another door is to the south.
action: You go west
response: You are at the west end of a narrow, carpeted hallway. There is a door to the south and stairs lead upwards from here.

Guarding the stairs is Wang Ping, a tough-looking Asian gentleman. He does not smile.
action: You examine Wang
response: Wang Ping is a tough-looking Asian gentleman who does not smile.

Wang Ping blinks.
action: Hello
response: You say hello to Wang Ping.

(You could ask him about himself, Philip Leclair, Karl Weiss or Cheng Ling Shu.)
action: You ask Ping about Cheng
response: "What's the skinny on your boss?" you ask.

"Cheng Ling Shu is a great and wise man." is Wang Ping's reply.
action: You ask ping about himself
response: "So, you must be the muscle around here, huh?" you ask.

With a smile, he answers, "I am Wang Ping, a servant of Cheng Ling Shu."
action: You ask Ping about Philip
response: "Can you tell me anything about Philip Leclair; the missing magician?" you ask.

"No." is Wang Ping's curt reply, yet he says it with a quick smile.
action: You ask Ping about Karl
response: "Do you know anything about Karl Weiss? He's a member here." you ask.

"No." is Wang Ping's curt reply, yet he says it with a quick smile.
action: Go south
response: (first opening the bathroom door)

This is a white, tiled bathroom with the appropriate fixtures (toilet, sink, tub) all in Victorian style, of course. The pipes are visible up the walls from the fixtures and a mirror is set in the wall above the sink. The only door is to the north.
action: You examine the mirror
response: You take a moment to check your stage clothes.
action: You examine the pipes
response: The pipes lead from the fixtures and into the walls and ceiling.
action: You knock on the pipes
response: That would be an empty gesture.
action: You take the mirror
response: That's hardly portable.
action: Go north
response: You are at the west end of a narrow, carpeted hallway. There is a door to the south and stairs lead upwards from here.

Guarding the stairs is Wang Ping, a tough-looking Asian gentleman. He does not smile.
action: Go east
response: This is a narrow, carpeted hallway running west from here. There is a door to the north and you can see a staircase down the hall to the west. Another door is to the south.
action: You go to the north
response: (first opening the den door)

This is a room within the house that has no windows. Lined around the walls are lockers for the members to hold their belongings or valuables. The only door is to the south.
action: You examine the lockers
response: There are quite a few lining the walls and you examine the name tags. The only one that stands out as worth noting is labeled Karl
Weiss.
action: You unlock the locker with lock pick
response: You unlock Karl's locker.
action: You open the karl's locker
response: You open Karl's locker, revealing a document case.
action: You take the case
response: (putting the fedora into the trenchcoat to make room)
You take the document case from Karl's locker.
action: You close locker
response: You close Karl's locker.
action: You go to the south
response: You should examine the contents of Karl's locker while you are in here so as to avoid any attention.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a document case (closed)
a wok
an instruction manual
a top hat (being worn)
a set of stage clothes (being worn)
a black cane
a deck of cards
a lock pick
a trenchcoat (being worn and open)
a fedora
a set of ordinary clothes
a cigar lighter
a holster (being worn)
a revolver
action: You open the document case
response: You open the document case, revealing Philip's plans.
action: You read the plans
response: These papers are in Leclair's hand. They detail his new vanishing trick, with copies of his diagrams. They also contain some scribbled notes in which Leclair describes a "strange new concept" in magic, and mentions "a discussion I had on the matter with my friend Weiss".

Among the other diagrams and notes there is a rough sketch of the trick Weiss will perform at the charity show in a few days time.
These papers should be enough to convince the police to arrest Weiss as an accessory to Leclair's kidnapping, if that is indeed what has happened.

You hear a voice behind you and you spin to see Karl Weiss.
"Vaht are you doing to mein locker?" he demands in a heavy
German accent. You ignore his overtudes, saying "You're going down, Fruit-Pie the Magician."

Weiss sees that you are holding Philip's plans and he makes a grab for them. You find yourself grappling with the magician over the evidence.
action: You take revolver
response: That's tough to do as you are busy grappling with Weiss over Philip's plans. "Let go, you retarded fairy!" you say through gritted teeth. There's got to be something you can do that doesn't involve your arms, you think to yourself.
action: You kick karl
response: Finally, you are able to bring your knee up and into Karl's "family jewels". With the pain and a small girlish shriek, he finally releases the plans. You straighten yourself up and say, "See you in court, or whatever passes for court in this fuckin' country, numbnuts." and you make a move to leave the room but Karl stops you.

"Vait!" he says, "I may have stolen Philip Leclair's diagrams
and plans but I had nothing to do vith his disappearance!"

"Spill it, tinkletits." you demand. Karl stands up but moves away from you as he speaks. "Philip and I would talk and assist each other veeth our illusions. Before he disappeared, he came to me
showing me a book he had found and he said with zat book, he
could do real magic. "Vell, I recognized the book
as one of Cheng Ling Shu's and, thinking I could ingratiate myself vith the master, I told him that Philip had taken his book.
That's the last I saw of him. So, I had nothing to do vith
wherever he is now!"

Karl Weiss goes south.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a document case (open)
Philip's plans
a wok
an instruction manual
a top hat (being worn)
a set of stage clothes (being worn)
a black cane
a deck of cards
a lock pick
a trenchcoat (being worn and open)
a fedora
a set of ordinary clothes
a cigar lighter
a holster (being worn)
a revolver
action: You take the plans
response: (putting the lock pick into the trenchcoat to make room)
You take Philip's plans from the document case.
action: You open the locker
response: You open Karl's locker.
action: You put the case in the locker
response: You put the document case into Karl's locker.
action: You close locker
response: You close Karl's locker.
action: You go south
response: This is a narrow, carpeted hallway running west from here. There is a door to the north and you can see a staircase down the hall to the west. Another door is to the south.
action: Go west
response: You are at the west end of a narrow, carpeted hallway. There is a door to the south and stairs lead upwards from here.

Guarding the stairs is Wang Ping, a tough-looking Asian gentleman. He does not smile.

You can also see Karl Weiss here.

Karl Weiss goes east.
action: Go east
response: This is a narrow, carpeted hallway running west from here. There is a door to the north and you can see a staircase down the hall to the west. Another door is to the south.

You can see Karl Weiss here.
action: You ask Karl about Cheng
response: "So you wanted to get in good with the boss and now Leclair is missing because of it. Good job, fucko. Tell me what you know about Cheng Ling Shu. Maybe you can redeem yourself a bit." you demand.

"You don't want to mess with him." Weiss tells you, "He's a lot more powerful than any magician and it's because, as far as my trained eye can see, his magic is real."

Karl Weiss goes south.
action: You go south
response: This library contains an extensive collection. Every inch of each wall is covered in bookshelves stuffed with books. A leather wingback chair and a leather loveseat are the furnishings so that one may enjoy a comfortable read. Doors break the monotony of books to the north, east, and west. A large window is in the south wall. You know that it looks out onto the fastidious garden.

You can see Karl Weiss and an Oriental rug here.

Karl Weiss goes east.
action: Go east
response: This room holds another Chippendale chair and another long sofa. A large, low coffee table sits in the center of the room. On it are current issues of magic journals and newspapers. The room resembles the smoking room of a gentlemen's club. A door to the entrance hall is to the south and doors also lead north and west.

Smoking a pipe and perusing a newspaper is Virgil Wemyss, a member of the Brotherhood.

You can also see Karl Weiss here.

Virgil sniffs.

Karl Weiss goes south.
action: You go to the south
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

You can also see Karl Weiss here.

Zhang dusts one of the portraits.

Karl Weiss goes east.
action: You go to the east
response: This is a large kitchen with wide windows on the east and north walls. Doors lead west and south. Counters hold various kitchen appliances, and of course there's a sink a large, oak icebox, and a modern Garland stove.

You can see Karl Weiss and Li Qiang here.

Li Qiang inspects the kitchen.

Karl Weiss goes west.
action: You go west
response: This is a carpeted foyer. The walls bear portraits of famous stage magicians of the past and present. A small desk holds a visitors' book and doors lead in each of the cardinal directions. The front door of the home is to the west.

Standing sentry by the visitors' book and watching over the four doors in this room is the servant, Zhang Wei.

You can also see Karl Weiss here.

Zhang examines the visitors book.

Karl Weiss goes south.
action: Go north
response: This room holds another Chippendale chair and another long sofa. A large, low coffee table sits in the center of the room. On it are current issues of magic journals and newspapers. The room resembles the smoking room of a gentlemen's club. A door to the entrance hall is to the south and doors also lead north and west.

Smoking a pipe and perusing a newspaper is Virgil Wemyss, a member of the Brotherhood.

Virgil gives a little "hmm" in response to something he's
reading in the paper.
action: Show plans to Virgil
response: "Interesting."

Virgil puffs his pipe and turns the page of his newspaper.
action: You go to the west
response: You are at the west end of a narrow, carpeted hallway. There is a door to the south and stairs lead upwards from here.

Guarding the stairs is Wang Ping, a tough-looking Asian gentleman. He does not smile.

Wang Ping blinks.
action: Go upward
response: Wang Ping politely bars your passage to the second floor.

Wang Ping blinks.
action: Go south
response: This is a white, tiled bathroom with the appropriate fixtures (toilet, sink, tub) all in Victorian style, of course. The pipes are visible up the walls from the fixtures and a mirror is set in the wall above the sink. The only door is to the north.

You can see a membership card here.
action: You examine card
response: (the deck of cards)
It's an ordinary deck of playing cards.
action: You examine the membership card
response: as a second-level member.
action: You take the membership card
response: Someone must've accidentally dropped it while pinching a loaf, you assume.

You pick up the membership card from the ground.
action: Look around
response: This is a white, tiled bathroom with the appropriate fixtures (toilet, sink, tub) all in Victorian style, of course. The pipes are visible up the walls from the fixtures and a mirror is set in the wall above the sink. The only door is to the north.
action: You go north
response: You are at the west end of a narrow, carpeted hallway. There is a door to the south and stairs lead upwards from here.

Guarding the stairs is Wang Ping, a tough-looking Asian gentleman. He does not smile.

Wang Ping blinks.
action: You show the membership card to ping
response: Wang Ping looks at the card and nods. He steps slightly out of the way of the stairs for you.
action: Go upward
response: You are at the north end of the upstairs hallway. The hall heads to the south and doors lead east and west. Stairs lead down from here as well.
action: Go west
response: (first opening the mahogany door)
It seems to be locked.
action: Go east
response: (first opening the hall door)

This library is similar in scope to the downstairs library, but these tomes appear much thicker and older. This is the special library for second level members only. The door is to the west.

A lovely, red velvet Victorian fainting couch is set in the center of the room for one's comfort.
action: You examine the couch
response: It has the wave-shaped padded back that is the signature of a fainting couch. It is covered in red velvet.
action: Examine books
response: None of the books seem too interesting or helpful to this case.
action: You go south
response: This is the middle of the upstairs hallway. The hall stretches north and south and closed doors are to the east and west.
action: You go south
response: This is the southern end of the upstairs hallway. A door is to the west.
action: You go to the west
response: (first opening the dorm door)

This appears to be a a simple dormitory with ten plain beds. The only other feature is a small trapdoor in one corner of the ceiling, like the entrance to a loft or attic. It is closed.
action: You pull the trapdoor
response: It is fixed in place.
action: You open the trapdoor
response: You pry open the trapdoor. It leads into darkness above you.
action: You look at lighter
response: It is nickel-plated and maybe was once fancy but now it is dull and weathered. You found it in New Mexico. It's a long story.

The cigar lighter is currently switched off.
action: Go down
response: This appears to be a a simple dormitory with ten plain beds. The only other feature is a small trapdoor in one corner of the ceiling, like the entrance to a loft or attic. It is open.
action: You take lighter
response: (putting the deck of cards into the trenchcoat to make room)
You take the cigar lighter from the trenchcoat.
action: You turn on lighter
response: A small flame pops from the lighter.
action: Go upwards
response: The walls of this room are completely covered by curtains, blocking out any natural light. It is a small, suffocatingly stuffy room. Several Chinese lanterns hang from the ceiling but they give off no light. The floor is carpeted with a thick rug embroidered with the Chinese dragon motif which appears throughout the house. The motif is repeated on the ceiling and on the Chinese lanterns. There is a small cupboard to one side of the room.

Dominating the far side of the room is a large stone altar which bears the Chinese dragon motif. The curtain behind this altar bears an elaborate embroidered image of an emaciated man being drained of blood by a creature or creatures unseen.
action: You examine the lanterns
response: You begin to examine the Chinese lanterns when, from behind the curtains, a number of Asian men rush you and place a hood over your head. You feel them binding your hands.
action: You go to the east
response: This is the southern end of the upstairs hallway. A door is to the west.
action: Go north
response: This is the middle of the upstairs hallway. The hall stretches north and south and closed doors are to the east and west.
action: Go west
response: (first opening the study door)
It seems to be locked.
action: You go to the east
response: (first opening the bedroom door)
It seems to be locked.
action: Go north
response: You are at the north end of the upstairs hallway. The hall heads to the south and doors lead east and west. Stairs lead down from here as well.
action: Go west
response: (first opening the mahogany door)
It seems to be locked.
action: You unlock the mahogany door with the lock pick
response: (first taking the lock pick)
(putting the deck of cards into the trenchcoat to make room)
You unlock the mahogany door.
action: You go west
response: (first opening the mahogany door)

This is a large room that maybe was originally meant to be a master bedroom for this home, but now it is being used for storage.

In the center of the room is a large crate. It is about as high as the ceiling and wider than you can stretch your arms.

Leaning against the large crate is a crowbar.

There is some sort of dark burn on the ceiling.
action: You take the crowbar
response: (putting the black cane into the trenchcoat to make room)
You pick up the crowbar from the ground.
action: You look at crowbar
response: It's a sturdy crowbar.
action: You look at the burn
response: It is vaguely shaped like the silhouette of a man.
action: You look at the crate
response: It is about as high as the ceiling and wider than you can stretch your arms. It is closed.
action: You look at the slabs
response: There are three large pieces and, using your superior deducing skills, you figure they can be assembled into a sort-of arch configuration. There are strange glyphs carved into the slabs. The whole thing makes you uneasy.