Sugarlawn
by Mike Spivey (2019)

With a loud "click," the door closes behind you. Finally! You are locked inside an antebellum Southern mansion, alone, wearing only a chicken costume. You've fantasized about this moment for years.

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With a loud click, the door closes behind you. Finally!

You are locked inside an antebellum Southern mansion, alone, wearing only a chicken costume.

You've fantasized about this moment for years.

"Welcome to Antique Escapes!" you hear from a hidden speaker
nearby. "I'm your host, Terri Boz. Our contestant for this episode will be collecting valuables in Sugarlawn Plantation on the banks of Bayou Lafourche in southern Louisiana.

"To our contestant: Have fun! And good luck!"

This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, while doorways lie to the north and south.

A large sack has been left by the front door.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"Sugarlawn, as its name indicates, was one of the largest sugar cane plantations of the antebellum South," you hear Terri say. "The mansion was built in 1840, in the Greek Revival style. It fell into decay in the decades after the Civil War, but it was purchased and restored by Nash and Molly Pendry in the mid-1950s. The current owner is their grandson.

"We have made a few cosmetic changes to the mansion for the recording of this episode, and we have temporarily removed many of the furnishings as well. If you would like to see Sugarlawn at its unaltered finest, the mansion and grounds are open for visitors from 9-12 every Tuesday morning.

"Oh, and before I forget: At any time the contestant may ask ABOUT the rules for this episode."
action: You look at the box
response: This mahogany box - while attractive - looks too modern for a nineteenth-century home. In the top of the box is a small, key-sized hole. The front panel of the box reads, "Give a key; take a key." Underneath is a display that says:
Storage Key
Pantry Key
South Wing Key
North Wing Key

"The mahogany box is part of this episode," says Terri. "It works just like it says: If you want a key from the box you'll need to insert another key first."
action: You go north
response: An antique sofa sits against the wall in this stylish parlor. Near it hangs a life-sized, framed portrait. The foyer is south, a doorway leads east, and there is a door to the north.

A strand of red beads is lying on the sofa.

"The formal parlor is where guests would be received," says Terri. "After dinner, the women might retreat here or to the small parlor, while the men would usually gather in the library or billiard room. Note the antique sofa; it dates from the nineteenth century."
action: You examine the beads
response: These beads were designed to be worn. They are made of glass - not plastic - and appear to be rather old.
action: You examine the sofa
response: This severe sofa doesn't really look all that comfortable.

On the antique sofa is a strand of red beads.
action: You look at the portrait
response: The portrait is of a man in his mid-30s, in early nineteenth-century military dress uniform. The frame reads "William C. C. Claiborne."
action: You take the beads
response: You place the strand of red beads in the sack.

"The contestant has picked up a valuable!" Terri says. "There are fifty total placed throughout the house and grounds. Remember that to collect a valuable officially you must either bring it through the foyer or leave it in its target location."
action: You look behind the portrait
response: You can't see any such thing, at least as described. Or maybe that's just not something you need to refer to in order to earn lots of cash on Antique Escapes.
action: You take the portrait
response: The framed portrait is firmly attached to the wall. You can't remove it. Besides, it's much too large to carry around.
action: Go north
response: (first opening the door)
The door is locked.
action: Go east
response: Someone has scrawled a message across the mahogany dining table in the center of this room. The parlor is to the west, and a doorway leads south. A smaller room lies east.

On the dining table is an orange mask.
action: You look at the message
response: Across the dining table someone has scrawled, in what you hope is some easily-removable marker or ink, "GET DRESSED AND FIND YOUR PLACE FOR A COLORFUL MARDI GRAS."
action: You look at the mask
response: This glittery orange mask is designed to cover only the top half of your face.
action: You look at the table
response: This dining table was carved from a rich, dark mahogany. Across the dining table someone has scrawled, in what you hope is some easily-removable marker or ink, "GET DRESSED AND FIND YOUR PLACE FOR A COLORFUL MARDI GRAS."

On the dining table is an orange mask.
action: You take the mask
response: You place the orange mask in the sack.
action: Go east
response: This small room features a sideboard - but little else. The dining room is to the west, and a door north leads outside.

A peach sparkles from the sideboard.

"During meals the butler would likely have stood in this pantry," says Terri, "receiving dishes from the kitchen and serving them to the family."
action: You look at the peach
response: It's an artificial peach covered with what appear to be diamonds.
action: You look at the sideboard
response: Given how the rest of the mansion looks, the sideboard here is actually rather plain.

On the sideboard is a jeweled peach.
action: You take the peach
response: You place the jeweled peach in the sack.
action: You go west
response: Someone has scrawled a message across the mahogany dining table in the center of this room. The parlor is to the west, and a doorway leads south. The pantry lies east.
action: Go south
response: The most notable feature of this end of the main hall of Sugarlawn is the grand staircase ascending to the second floor. Almost as an afterthought, there is a side table standing against the wall. The hall continues west to the foyer, a doorway leads north to the dining room, and there is a second doorway to the south. Finally, what looks like the back door to the mansion is east.

A small key is locked to the side table with an antique combination lock.
action: You examine the key
response: The key is labeled "safe."
action: You examine the lock
response: This antique lock is made of brass and steel. To open the lock, it appears you must set it to the right five-digit number.
action: You look at the table
response: The side table is made of polished wood and looks quite old. A small key is locked to the side table with an antique combination lock.
action: You examine the staircase
response: This magnificent staircase leads up to the second floor of the mansion.
action: You go east
response: (first opening the back door)
The back door is locked.
action: You go south
response: This cozy room features a writing table and a rocking chair. There is also a fireplace, with a mantel above it, in the south wall. A doorway leads north to the stair hall, and another doorway is to the west.

There is a large Bible lying on the writing table.

"The sitting room, as opposed to the more formal parlor, is where an antebellum family would gather in the evenings when they were not entertaining guests," Terri says. "They would often read or sew to pass the time."
action: You examine Bible
response: This is a large, leather-bound family Bible. It looks like it dates from the early 1800s.
action: You take it
response: You place the family Bible in the sack.
action: You read it
response: You open the family Bible and read the first few verses. It's the King James translation - of course.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
action: You look at the chair
response: The rocking chair looks quite sturdy, given its age.
action: You examine the mantel
response: This wooden mantel sits above the fireplace.
action: You search fireplace
response: The fireplace is empty.
action: You go to the west
response: The walls of this elegant room are lined with built-in bookshelves, although all of the books have been temporarily removed. A motto of some kind hangs on the wall. The foyer lies to the north, the sitting room is east, and there is a door to the south.

An old flag has been tossed in a corner of the room.

A small glass case sits near one of the bookshelves. In the glass case is a golden catfish statuette.

"The library in antebellum times was not just a place to store books," you hear Terri say. "Along with the parlor, it was often used as a formal space for entertaining guests, frequently after dinner."
action: You search Bible
response: You open the family Bible and read the first few verses. It's the King James translation - of course.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."

"Just so you know, you have used up five of your thirty minutes so far," says Terri.
action: You look at the flag
response: This flag features three yellow fleur-de-lis designs on a royal blue field.
action: You examine the case
response: The glass case is closed, and there is a keyboard attached to it. "Type the ten-letter code to open the case" is written on the case.

In the glass case is a golden catfish statuette.
action: You look at the catfish
response: This is a golden statuette is in the shape of a catfish. The fish is portrayed in mid-leap, as if it had just jumped from its river home into the air.
action: You examine bookshelves
response: Nothing is on the bookshelves.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a large sack, containing
a family Bible
a jeweled peach
an orange mask
a strand of red beads
a chicken costume (being worn)
action: You examine the costume
response: The chicken costume is large, yellow, and fluffy. Unfortunately, it also hampers your movement somewhat.
action: You put Bible on the shelf
response: (first taking the family Bible)
You put the family Bible on the bookshelves.

"Just so you know, you have used up five of your thirty minutes so far," says Terri.
action: You look at the motto
response: The motto says, "READING UNLOCKS WORLDS UNKNOWN."
action: You go to the south
response: (first opening the door)
The door is locked.
action: You go to the north
response: This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, the parlor is north, and the library is to the south.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"Congratulations!" Terri says. "Now the strand of red beads, the orange mask, and the jeweled peach count as collected."

"However," she adds, "you have not placed any valuables in their target locations - yet. Remember that placing a valuable in its target location will earn you a cash bonus. Not only that, the more valuables you place in their target locations, the larger the bonuses become."
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You are carrying:
a large sack, containing
a jeweled peach
an orange mask
a strand of red beads
a chicken costume (being worn)
action: You take Bible
response: Taken.
action: Go north
response: This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, the parlor is north, and the library is to the south.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"Congratulations!" Terri says. "Now the strand of red beads, the family Bible, the orange mask, and the jeweled peach count as collected."

"However," she adds, "you have not placed any valuables in their target locations - yet. Remember that placing a valuable in its target location will earn you a cash bonus. Not only that, the more valuables you place in their target locations, the larger the bonuses become."
action: Go east
response: The most notable feature of this end of the main hall of Sugarlawn is the grand staircase ascending to the second floor. Almost as an afterthought, there is a side table standing against the wall. The hall continues west to the foyer, a doorway leads north to the dining room, and there is a second doorway south to the sitting room. Finally, what looks like the back door to the mansion is east.

A small key is locked to the side table with an antique combination lock.
action: Go upward
response: The grand staircase coming up from the main floor ends here, while a smaller staircase allows access to the third floor above. There are rooms to the north and south, and the hallway continues west. A closed door leads east.
action: You go north
response: Late afternoon light, filtering through cypress trees hung with Spanish moss, glances off the water in the mural that covers the walls and ceiling of this room. A narrow bed in the shape of a canoe seems almost to float on the bayou. Exits are south to the second floor stair hall, as well as west.

An old sword is propped against the wall.

"Much of southeastern Louisiana is bayou country," Terri says. "It's the Mississippi River Delta, after all. However, bayous can be found in other parts of the state, even up north by the Arkansas border. This bedroom honors this important feature of Louisiana's geography.

"Incidentally," she continues, "the bed is in the shape of what south Louisiana natives call a 'pirogue.'"
action: You look at the sword
response: The sword is slightly curved and so was probably a cavalry officer's saber. The date of manufacture is on the hilt: 1810.
action: You take it
response: You place the cavalry saber in the sack.
action: You examine the mural
response: It's a lovely mural, with its cypress trees and Spanish moss, plus sunlight glinting off the water. It almost makes you feel like you're there, in the middle of the bayou.
action: You examine the moss
response: The Spanish moss hangs down into the water in places.
action: You look at the trees
response: The cypress trees in the mural are covered with Spanish moss.
action: You look at the water
response: Sunlight glints off the water in the mural.
action: You examine the glint
response: You can't see any such thing, at least as described. Or maybe that's just not something you need to refer to in order to earn lots of cash on Antique Escapes.
action: You go west
response: A mural depicting Andrew Jackson leading his troops during battle extends around all four sides of this room. A king-sized bed features prominently here as well. A doorway leads south, and another leads east to the bayou room.

A copy of The Awakening is lying on the bed.

"This was the first bedroom to be decorated in a theme after Sugarlawn was restored in the 1950s," Terri says. "Andrew Jackson had actually slept in this room once, and the new owners wanted to commemorate that.

"The mural shows the Battle of New Orleans in January of 1815, in which Jackson handily defeated a much larger British force," continues Terri. "Ironically, the peace treaty ending the War of 1812 had been signed less than a month before, but the news hadn't reached New Orleans yet. With the exception of the British capture of a fort outside of Mobile a few weeks later, the Battle of New Orleans was the last time American and British forces faced each other on opposite sides of a military conflict."
action: You look at the mural
response: The mural depicts Jackson leading American soldiers during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson is riding a horse and brandishing a sword.
action: You examine Jackson
response: (the Jackson mural)
The mural depicts Jackson leading American soldiers during the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson is riding a horse and brandishing a sword.
action: You examine the horse
response: This is Andrew Jackson's mount in the mural.
action: You examine the bed
response: It's a king-sized bed; it's almost as wide as it is long.

On the king-sized bed is The Awakening.
action: You look at Awakening
response: Awakening.
action: You take it
response: You place The Awakening in the sack.
action: You read it
response: You open the book and read the first couple of paragraphs.

"A green and yellow parrot, which hung in a cage outside the door, kept repeating over and over: 'Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!'

"He could speak a little Spanish, and also a language which nobody understood, unless it was the mocking-bird that hung on the other side of the door, whistling his fluty notes out upon the breeze with maddening persistence."

It's pretty faint, but the first "l" and the "w" in "yellow" have been lightly circled with a pencil.
action: Go south
response: This is the west end of the second floor hallway. A closed door is to the west, while the Jackson bedroom beckons to the north, and another room lies south. In addition, the hallway continues east, back toward the stairs.

An old voodoo doll is lying on the floor.
action: You look at the doll
response: This old voodoo doll depicts what appears to be an antebellum plantation owner. It's made out of rags.
action: You take the doll
response: You place the old voodoo doll in the sack.
action: Go west
response: (first opening the door)

This balcony overlooks the beautifully-maintained front lawn, which slopes down to Bayou Lafourche off to the west. An open door leads east, back to the second floor hallway.

A jeweled duck figurine has been left on the balcony.
action: You examine the duck
response: You're pretty sure the duck figurine is supposed to be a mallard.
action: You take the duck
response: You place the jeweled duck figurine in the sack.
action: You examine the lawn
response: The front lawn is, unsurprisingly, immaculately-kept.
action: You look at the door
response: The door stands wide open.
action: Go east
response: This is the west end of the second floor hallway. An open door leads west to the front balcony, while the Jackson bedroom beckons to the north, and another room lies south. In addition, the hallway continues east, back toward the stairs.
action: You go to the south
response: Graceful magnolia trees have been painted on all four walls of this room, their branches entertwining on the ceiling. A large, cream-colored bed occupies much of the room. One doorway leads north to the second floor hallway, while another leads east.

An old model of a steamboat has been left on the bed.

"This room honors Louisiana's state flower, the Southern magnolia.
The magnolia is Mississippi's state flower as well," says Terri. "Magnolia blossoms are known for their rich fragrance, and the trees themselves can be lots of fun for kids to climb."
action: You look at the bed
response: The cream-colored bed is the same shade as the magnolia blossoms on the walls.

On the cream-colored bed is a model steamboat.
action: You examine boat
response: This is a detailed model of an old paddle-wheel steamboat.
action: You take boat
response: You place the model steamboat in the sack.
action: Go east
response: A white paddle steamer chugs its way down the middle of the Mississippi River in the mural that covers one wall of this room. A deep blue bed sits against the opposite wall. One exit is north to the second floor stair hall, while another leads west to the magnolia room.

A belt is lying on the bed.

"The Mississippi River dominates Louisiana, both historically and geographically," says Terri. "This bedroom honors the 'The Father of Waters.'

"The color of the bed is either ironic or wishful thinking," Terri adds, "since much of the Mississippi is actually a muddy brown."
action: You look at the mural
response: This mural depicts a curve of the Mississippi River as it winds its way past a high bluff and a bank of pine trees. In the foreground, a paddle steamboat chugs its way down the river.
action: You examine the bed
response: This bed is a deep blue. It looks quite inviting.

On the blue bed is a belt.
action: You examine the belt
response: This belt appears to be made from alligator skin.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: A white paddle steamer chugs its way down the middle of the Mississippi River in the mural that covers one wall of this room. A deep blue bed sits against the opposite wall. One exit is north to the second floor stair hall, while another leads west to the magnolia room.

A belt is lying on the bed.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a family Bible
a large sack, containing
a model steamboat
a jeweled duck figurine
an old voodoo doll
The Awakening
a cavalry saber
a jeweled peach
an orange mask
a strand of red beads
a chicken costume (being worn)
action: You drop the boat
response: (the model steamboat)
Dropped.
action: You go to the north
response: The grand staircase coming up from the main floor ends here, while a smaller staircase allows access to the third floor above. The bayou and river rooms lie to the north and south, respectively, while the hallway continues west. A closed door leads east.

"Twenty minutes left!" says Terri.
action: You go east
response: (first opening the door)

From the mansion's rear balcony you have a view of the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. An open door is to the west, leading to the second floor stair hall, and some stairs lead down.

A stuffed armadillo is here, keeping watch over the back lawn.

A small glass case sits next to the armadillo. In the glass case is a diamond ring.
action: You examine the ring
response: The diamond ring looks old and is clearly quite valuable.
action: You examine the case
response: The glass case is closed. However, "Speak the five door codes to unlock the case" is written on it.

In the glass case is a diamond ring.
action: You look at the armadillo
response: A fine specimen of Louisiana taxidermy, this stuffed armadillo looks at you almost insolently, as if daring you to run over it.
action: You look at the oak
response: The live oak's size and age give it a kind of majesty.
action: You examine the gazebo
response: It's hard to see much of the gazebo from here.
action: You look at the stairs
response: These steps lead down to the back porch.
action: You take the armadillo
response: You place the stuffed armadillo in the sack.
action: Go west
response: The grand staircase coming up from the main floor ends here, while a smaller staircase allows access to the third floor above. The bayou and river rooms lie to the north and south, respectively, while the hallway continues west. An open door leads east, to the rear balcony.
action: You go to the north
response: Late afternoon light, filtering through cypress trees hung with Spanish moss, glances off the water in the mural that covers the walls and ceiling of this room. A narrow bed in the shape of a pirogue seems almost to float on the bayou. Exits are south to the second floor stair hall, as well as west to the Jackson bedroom.
action: You drop the belt
response: You can't see any such thing, at least as described. Or maybe that's just not something you need to refer to in order to earn lots of cash on Antique Escapes.
action: You go to the south
response: A white paddle steamer chugs its way down the middle of the Mississippi River in the mural that covers one wall of this room. A deep blue bed sits against the opposite wall. One exit is north to the second floor stair hall, while another leads west to the magnolia room.

A belt is lying on the bed.

You can see a model steamboat here.
action: You take the belt
response: You place the alligator-skin belt in the sack.
action: You drop the belt
response: Dropped.
action: You go west
response: A mural depicting Andrew Jackson leading his troops during battle extends around all four sides of this room. A king-sized bed features prominently here as well. A doorway leads south to the second floor hallway, and another leads east to the bayou room.
action: You drop the sword
response: (the cavalry saber)
Dropped.
action: Go east
response: Late afternoon light, filtering through cypress trees hung with Spanish moss, glances off the water in the mural that covers the walls and ceiling of this room. A narrow bed in the shape of a pirogue seems almost to float on the bayou. Exits are south to the second floor stair hall, as well as west to the Jackson bedroom.

You can see an alligator-skin belt here.
action: You go west
response: This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, the parlor is north, and the library is to the south.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"Congratulations!" Terri says. "Now the stuffed armadillo, The Awakening, the jeweled duck figurine, and the old voodoo doll
count as collected."

"You have also placed three valuables in their target locations so far," she adds.
action: You go to the east
response: From the mansion's rear balcony you have a view of the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. An open door is to the west, leading to the second floor stair hall, and some stairs lead down.

A small glass case sits on the floor here. In the glass case is a diamond ring.
action: Go downward
response: The back porch of the mansion looks out over the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. The rear door leads west to the downstairs hall, and a set of wooden stairs will take you to the rear balcony. A gravel path leads south.

A blue feather boa is lying on the porch.

"You've used up half of your thirty minutes!" says Terri.
action: You look at the boa
response: It appears to be made from actual ostrich feathers.
action: You take it
response: You place the blue feather boa in the sack.
action: You examine the door
response: The back door appears to be locked. It looks like it could be unlocked with either a voice code or a key.
action: Go east
response: An ancient live oak spreads over much of this part of the back lawn, providing shade for a ruined gazebo. Some of the oak's branches are low enough that you might be able to climb partway up it. Immediately east of the gazebo is a wooden fence, effectively forming the boundary of the back lawn. The mansion lies across the lawn to the west, while a gate in the fence allows access to the sugar cane fields beyond and another, much smaller, building.

A brass trumpet has been left in the gazebo.

You can also see an old iron key and a note here.

"Sugarlawn's mansion and gazebo were partially burned by Union soldiers during the Civil War. When the twentieth-century owners restored the mansion they decided to leave the gazebo as it was, as a reminder of the damage and costs of the war," says Terri.
action: You examine the trumpet
response: The trumpet looks quite tarnished.
action: You look at the key
response: The old iron key is labeled "back door."
action: You examine the oak
response: This majestic oak must be nearly two centuries old. You might be able to climb partway up the oak, if you weren't wearing the chicken costume.
action: You look at the gate
response: The gate has no keyhole. It appears to be locked.
action: You look at the gazebo
response: The wooden gazebo has been partially burnt and left to fall into ruin.
action: You take the trumpet and the key
response: brass trumpet: You place the brass trumpet in the sack.
back door key: Taken.
action: Go up
response: Some of the oak's branches may be low to the ground, but you'll never manage the climb while wearing that chicken costume.
action: You remove the costume
response: You start to, but then you remind yourself that (a) you're not wearing much underneath the chicken costume, and (b) Terri and the entire technical crew are watching you via video camera. Best not.

Besides, your reputation doesn't need another hit - not after the unfortunate incident with the pistachio pudding that went viral last year.
action: You go west
response: The back porch of the mansion looks out over the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. The rear door leads west to the downstairs hall, and a set of wooden stairs will take you to the rear balcony. A gravel path leads south.
action: Go south
response: The gravel path here is fairly long, although you soon find yourself in...

A gravel path meanders between flower beds filled with delicate purple irises here. The path extends north to the back porch, as well as west. A door to the south leads into the manor proper.

"The flowers here are Louisiana irises. They're the official state wildflower," says Terri. "As you can see, though, they don't just grow wild; they can also be cultivated in gardens like this one."
action: You examine the irises
response: There must be hundreds of these gorgeous purple irises in the flower beds.
action: You search the irises
response: A cursory glance turns up nothing hidden among the irises. A more careful search, though, would probably damage them.
action: You examine door
response: The door appears to be locked. It looks like it could be unlocked with either a voice code or a key.
action: You examine the building
response: You can't see any such thing, at least as described. Or maybe that's just not something you need to refer to in order to earn lots of cash on Antique Escapes.
action: You go to the west
response: This small, cement courtyard lies between the main part of the mansion and its south wing. A path east leads to the iris garden, while a door west leads into the mansion.

An old cathedral-style radio is sitting here.
action: You examine the radio
response: This is one of those cathedral-style radios, with a rectangular base and a rounded top. It looks like you could turn it on.
action: You turn on the radio
response: You turn on the radio. An accordion/bagpipe duet is being played. Very badly. And at a shockingly-high decibel level. Cringing at the sound, and fearing a subsequent loss of hearing, you turn the radio off.
action: You take the radio
response: You place the cathedral radio in the sack.
action: You go east
response: A gravel path meanders between flower beds filled with delicate purple irises here. The path extends north to the back porch, as well as west to the south courtyard. A door to the south leads into the manor proper.
action: You go to the north
response: The gravel path here is fairly long, although you soon find yourself back at the...

The back porch of the mansion looks out over the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. The rear door leads west to the downstairs hall, and a set of wooden stairs will take you to the rear balcony. A gravel path leads south to the iris garden.
action: You unlock the door with the key
response: You unlock the back door manually.
action: Go upwards
response: From the mansion's rear balcony you have a view of the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. An open door is to the west, leading to the second floor stair hall, and some stairs will take you down to the back porch.

A small glass case sits on the floor here. In the glass case is a diamond ring.
action: You turn on the radio
response: You turn on the radio. The awful accordion/bagpipe duet is still being played at an ear-splitting volume. You turn the radio off once more.
action: You go west
response: (first opening the back door)

The most notable feature of this end of the main hall of Sugarlawn is the grand staircase ascending to the second floor. Almost as an afterthought, there is a side table standing against the wall. The hall continues west to the foyer, a doorway leads north to the dining room, and there is a second doorway south to the sitting room. Finally, the door to the east leads to the back porch.

A small key is locked to the side table with an antique combination lock.
action: Go west
response: This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, the parlor is north, and the library is to the south.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"Congratulations!" Terri says. "Now the blue feather boa, the brass trumpet, and the cathedral radio count as collected."

"You have also placed three valuables in their target locations so far," she adds.
action: Examine box
response: This mahogany box - while attractive - looks too modern for a nineteenth-century home. In the top of the box is a small, key-sized hole. The front panel of the box reads, "Give a key; take a key." Underneath is a display that says:
Storage Key
Pantry Key
South Wing Key
North Wing Key
action: You put the key in the box
response: You insert the back door key into the keyhole. There is a whirring noise from inside the box, the display changes, and out pops the storage key. You take it.
action: You look at the box
response: This mahogany box - while attractive - looks too modern for a nineteenth-century home. In the top of the box is a small, key-sized hole. The front panel of the box reads, "Give a key; take a key." Underneath is a display that says:
Pantry Key
South Wing Key
North Wing Key
Back Door Key
action: You put key in box
response: You insert the storage key into the keyhole. There is a whirring noise from inside the box, the display changes, and out pops the pantry key. You take it.
action: You go north
response: An antique sofa sits against the wall in this stylish parlor. Near it hangs a life-sized, framed portrait. The foyer is south, a doorway leads east to the dining room, and there is a door to the north.
action: You go east
response: Someone has scrawled a message across the mahogany dining table in the center of this room. Doorways lead west to the parlor and south to the stair hall. The pantry lies east.

"You have ten minutes remaining!" says Terri.
action: Go east
response: This small room features a sideboard - but little else. The dining room is to the west, and a door north leads outside.
action: You unlock the door with the key
response: You unlock the door manually.
action: Go north
response: (first opening the door)

You are standing in a long, open-air breezeway that runs from a brick courtyard to the west to a small, detached building to the east. In addition, doors to the north and south grant access to the north wing and the pantry, respectively.
action: You go east
response: Sugarlawn's kitchen features a large butcher block and a brick oven. The exit is west, back to the breezeway.

A small embroidery sampler is lying on the butcher block.

"As with many antebellum Southern homes, the kitchen here at Sugarlawn was in a detached building," says Terri. "You didn't want a large source of heat and odors too close to the main house, especially during a sweltering Louisiana summer."
action: You look at the sampler
response: This sampler depicts a woman sewing while rocking in a chair. The sampler looks quite old.
action: You take the sampler
response: You place the embroidery sampler in the sack.
action: You look at the oven
response: Gazing at this sizable brick oven, it's easy to imagine the day's soup cooking over a roaring fire.
action: You open the oven
response: In a sense the brick oven is already open. At any rate, you're not going to be able to open it further.
action: You go west
response: You are standing in a long, open-air breezeway that runs from a brick courtyard to the west to the kitchen to the east. In addition, doors to the north and south grant access to the north wing and the pantry, respectively.
action: You go west
response: This small, brick courtyard lies between the main part of the mansion and its north wing. There is a breezeway to the east, and a closed door leads north into the north wing.

A golden iris has been left here.
action: You take the iris
response: You place the golden iris in the sack.
action: You examine the iris
response: The details on the iris are exquisite. If it's not a real iris dipped in gold then it must have been crafted by a very talented goldsmith.
action: Go south
response: This small room features a sideboard - but little else. The dining room is to the west, and a door north leads to the breezeway outside.
action: You go to the west
response: Someone has scrawled a message across the mahogany dining table in the center of this room. Doorways lead west to the parlor and south to the stair hall. The pantry lies east.
action: Go south
response: The most notable feature of this end of the main hall of Sugarlawn is the grand staircase ascending to the second floor. Almost as an afterthought, there is a side table standing against the wall. The hall continues west to the foyer, a doorway leads north to the dining room, and there is a second doorway south to the sitting room. Finally, the door to the east leads to the back porch.

A small key is locked to the side table with an antique combination lock.
action: Go south
response: This cozy room features a writing table and a rocking chair. There is also a fireplace, with a mantel above it, in the south wall. A doorway leads north to the stair hall, and another doorway allows access to the library to the west.
action: You drop the sampler
response: Dropped.
action: You go east
response: The back porch of the mansion looks out over the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. The rear door leads west to the downstairs hall, and a set of wooden stairs will take you to the rear balcony. A gravel path leads south to the iris garden.
action: You go south
response: The gravel path here is fairly long, although you soon find yourself back in...

A gravel path meanders between flower beds filled with delicate purple irises here. The path extends north to the back porch, as well as west to the south courtyard. A door to the south leads into the manor proper.
action: You drop iris
response: (the golden iris)
Dropped.
action: You go to the north
response: The gravel path here is fairly long, although you soon find yourself back at the...

The back porch of the mansion looks out over the lawn to the east, where you can see a live oak sheltering a gazebo. The rear door leads west to the downstairs hall, and a set of wooden stairs will take you to the rear balcony. A gravel path leads south to the iris garden.
action: Go west
response: The most notable feature of this end of the main hall of Sugarlawn is the grand staircase ascending to the second floor. Almost as an afterthought, there is a side table standing against the wall. The hall continues west to the foyer, a doorway leads north to the dining room, and there is a second doorway south to the sitting room. Finally, the door to the east leads to the back porch.

A small key is locked to the side table with an antique combination lock.

"Only five minutes left!" says Terri.
action: You go to the west
response: This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, the parlor is north, and the library is to the south.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"So far, you have placed five valuables in their target locations," notes Terri.
action: You put the key in the box
response: You insert the pantry key into the keyhole. There is a whirring noise from inside the box, the display changes, and out pops the south wing key. You take it.
action: Go south
response: The walls of this elegant room are lined with built-in bookshelves, although all of the books have been temporarily removed. A motto hangs on the wall. The foyer lies to the north, the sitting room is east, and there is a door to the south.

An old flag has been tossed in a corner of the room.

A small glass case sits near one of the bookshelves. In the glass case is a golden catfish statuette.
action: Go south
response: (first opening the door)

This passage connects the south wing to the central portion of the mansion. The library is to the north, and a doorway leads west. The passage continues south, and a second door east leads outside.
action: You unlock the east door with the key
response: You unlock the east door manually.
action: You examine the east door
response: The east door is closed.
action: Go west
response: This room appears to be dedicated to Louisiana's colonial period and is dominated by a large map hanging on the wall. A doorway leads east to the south passage, while another doorway lies to the south.

There is a glass bottle on the floor here.

"We're not entirely certain of the original purpose of this room," Terri says, "although, given the family chapel to the south, it may have served some sort of religious function. However, as you can see, the current owner has dedicated the room to showcasing Louisiana's colonial period. Louisiana, of course, was founded by the French, but Spain controlled it for many years. Parts of Louisiana were even owned - for a time - by Great Britain.

"The map on the wall shows French Louisiana as it was in 1763, just before France was forced to cede Louisiana to Spain as a result of its defeat during the Seven Years' War."
action: You examine the map
response: This old map of Louisiana is dated 1763 and features several towns and settlements from that era. The map is firmly attached to the wall.
action: You look at the bottle
response: It's an old wine bottle. The glass is an interesting dark green color.
action: You take the bottle
response: You place the glass bottle in the sack.
action: Go south
response: A marble altar stands near the west end of this small chapel. A doorway leads north to the colonial room, while a second doorway lies to the east.

On the altar is Interview with a Vampire.

"It was fairly common for plantation homes in the antebellum South to have their own chapel," says Terri, "although Sugarlawn is unusual in that its chapel is inside the main house rather than a separate structure on the grounds.

"Another distinctive feature of this chapel is that it was originally Roman Catholic," Terri continues. "While most churchgoing antebellum Southerners were Protestants, French and Spanish ownership of Louisiana during nearly all of its colonial period meant that there were a large number of Catholics in south Louisiana by the time of the Civil War. That remains true even today."
action: You examine Vampire
response: This is a signed first edition of Interview with a Vampire,
the first book in Anne Rice's acclaimed Vampire Chronicles.
action: You read it
response: You open the book and read the first paragraph.

"â€˜I see...' said the vampire thoughtfully, and slowly he walked across
the room towards the window. For a long time he stood there against the dim light from Divisadero Street and the passing beams of traffic. The boy could see the furnishings of the room more clearly now, the round oak table, the chairs. A wash basin hung on one wall with a mirror. He set his brief case on the table and waited."

It's pretty faint, but the "a" and the "r" in "vampire" have been lightly circled with a pencil.
action: You look at what you're carrying with you
response: You are carrying:
a south wing key
a family Bible
a large sack, containing
a glass bottle
a cathedral radio
a brass trumpet
a blue feather boa
a stuffed armadillo
a jeweled duck figurine
an old voodoo doll
The Awakening
a jeweled peach
an orange mask
a strand of red beads
a chicken costume (being worn)
action: You take Vampire
response: You place Interview with a Vampire in the sack.

"Just two minutes left!" says Terri. "Make sure you take any uncollected items to their target locations or to the foyer!"
action: You examine the altar
response: This marble altar is plain, yet tasteful.
action: Go east
response: The passage turns a corner here, extending both north and east. A doorway leads west to the chapel.

A wooden abacus has been left here.
action: You look at the abacus
response: The abacus is made of a rich, red wood.
action: You take it
response: You place the wooden abacus in the sack.
action: Go north
response: This passage connects the south wing to the central portion of the mansion. The library is to the north, and a doorway leads west to the colonial room. The passage continues south, and a second door east leads to a courtyard.
action: Go east
response: The hallway here extends east and west. There is a doorway to the south.
action: You go west
response: The passage turns a corner here, extending both north and east. A doorway leads west to the chapel.

"You have only one minute left!" says Terri. "Make sure your last few actions count!"
action: Go north
response: The walls of this elegant room are lined with built-in bookshelves, although all of the books have been temporarily removed. A motto hangs on the wall. The foyer lies to the north, the sitting room is east, and a door south leads to the south passage.

An old flag has been tossed in a corner of the room.

A small glass case sits near one of the bookshelves. In the glass case is a golden catfish statuette.
action: You go north
response: This is the foyer of Sugarlawn Plantation. Most of the nineteenth-century furniture and decorations have been removed, but the gorgeous walnut floor and elaborate cornices testify to the mansion's opulence. The front door of Sugarlawn is to the west. The main hall on the ground floor continues east, the parlor is north, and the library is to the south.

A mahogany box sits somewhat incongruously on the floor here.

"Congratulations!" Terri says. "Now the wooden abacus, the glass bottle, and Interview with a Vampire count as collected."

"You have also placed six valuables in their target locations so far," she adds.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes.

"Time's up!" says Terri. "Let's see how much you money you earned!"

Your collected treasures were sold at a New Orleans auction, for a total of $5936:
wooden abacus: bought by a math teacher from Coushatta, for $314, stuffed armadillo: sportsmen into taxidermy generally prefer their own kills; still, thanks to its high quality and general pulchritude, it sold for $301,
The Awakening: purchased by Tulane University for its
library's special collection, for $1899,
strand of red beads: they turn out to be Mardi Gras beads dating from the 1930s; unfortunately, even vintage Mardi Gras beads are not that valuable, and they only bring $19,
alligator-skin belt: made from genuine alligator leather, the belt goes to a man from Point a la Hache for $225,
family Bible: they're surprisingly common, even ones as old as this; however, a collector did purchase it for $305,
blue feather boa: after a brief bidding war between rival Cher impersonators, it eventually sold for $49,
glass bottle: handcrafted and dating from the nineteenth century, it still only went for $34,
brass trumpet: bought by a young man from Houma, as his first trumpet, for $239,
jeweled duck figurine: sold to an avid duck hunter from West Monroe, for $215,
embroidery sampler: after an expert dates it to the 1840s, it's bought by a retired woman from Winnsboro for $348,
Interview with a Vampire: purchased by an agent of Faulkner
House Books in New Orleans, for $666,
golden iris: bought as a decoration by the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, for $543,
orange mask: sold to a young woman from Gross Tete, for $14,
jeweled peach: it's covered in small cubic zirconia stones rather than diamonds, and it was bought by a Ruston man for only $25,
cathedral radio: the radio dates from the 1930s, and it sold for $140, cavalry saber: after determining that it was used by a cavalry officer - but not Andrew Jackson - during the War of 1812, it was bought by the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport, for $415,
model steamboat: purchased by the Mississippi Welcome Center in Vicksburg, for $139,
old voodoo doll: it's not as old as it appears; still, Marie Laveau's apparently thought it had some resale value, as they bought it for $46.

You also placed the following treasures in their target locations, for a total bonus of $2100:
alligator-skin belt: Bayou Room, for $100,
family Bible: Chapel, for $200,
embroidery sampler: Sitting Room, for $300,
golden iris: Iris Garden, for $400,
cavalry saber: Jackson Bedroom, for $500,
model steamboat: River Room, for $600.

You picked up the following treasures but did not leave them in their target locations: the wooden abacus, the stuffed armadillo, The Awakening, the strand of red beads, the blue feather boa, the
glass bottle, the brass trumpet, the jeweled duck figurine,
Interview with a Vampire, the orange mask, the jeweled peach,
the cathedral radio, and the old voodoo doll.

You did not earn the secret bonus.

You did not earn the escape bonus.

" asks Terri. "I bet you could do better than $8036; at least $10000 wouldn't be too hard. Besides, we get higher ratings the more cash we give away." As you look at her questioningly, she laughs. "Does it bother you that I'm letting you try again? Don't tell me you believe that reality TV is actually real!"

Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, see some suggestions for AMUSING things to do, QUIT, UNDO the last command, check your HIGH SCORE so far, or see the extended CREDITS?