The Wand
by Arthur DiBianca (2017)

Explore the wizard Bartholloco's castle with the help of a versatile magic wand. Can you overcome his challenge? Can you levitate a rock? Can you slice a baltavakia? (Puzzle-oriented and family friendly.)

action: %
response: You have heard the rumors of a strange challenge at the wizard Bartholloco's secluded castle. There's supposed to be a valuable prize at the end. You decided it would be worth a trip to see what you can do.

The thing is, I'm not sure whether you have been there before. Maybe you have....



Special thanks to Tony Faia, Andy Fleming, Lorne Harris, Hall Hood, and Luke Pebler for testing.

You are just outside a small but picturesque castle, on a bluff overlooking the Glittering River. A tall archway leads north into the castle. The road winds down to the south.
action: You examine the castle
response: The castle is built with large dark-gray stone blocks. It looks hundreds of years old. The name BARTHOLLOCO is engraved in large letters above the archway.
action: You look at River
response: The river below you sparkles very nicely (hence the name).
action: You examine the road
response: The road winds away to the south.
action: Go north
response: This tall wood-paneled room is mostly empty. In the very center of the room stands a display case, and next to that a stone statue. A wooden door to the north is closed, and a tall archway leads south.

(Note: This game is unlosable. Don't be afraid to try things!)
action: You examine the case
response: It's an open wooden case lined with velvet. A strange symbol is engraved on the front of the case: it looks like a circular chain of ten links.

The case contains a magic wand.
action: You take the wand
response: You take the wand from the display case. A moment later, you are startled by a loud rattling. You turn in time to see a steel portcullis slam down inside the archway!
action: You examine the statue
response: It's a granite statue of a robed wizard. He looks about five feet tall, not counting his pointy hat.
action: You look at the door
response: The wooden door is closed. A square steel plate is affixed to it.
action: You look at the plate
response: It's a featureless square steel plate, about a foot wide.
action: You open the plate
response: That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
action: P yourself
response: Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.
action: You look at the wand
response: The wand is about a foot long with a carved wooden handle, a colorful shaft, and a crystal star on the end.
action: Go north
response: The wooden door is closed.
action: You use the door
response: As soon as you touch the wooden door, you receive a painful shock!
action: P statue
response: The statue suddenly comes to life! "Ah! Greetings!" it says.
action: You ask the stautue about the door
response: That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
action: You wait a while
response: Time passes.

The statue continues, "My name is Bartholloco, of course. Welcome to my little challenge."

Time passes.

The statue continues, "Before you begin, I should tell you a little about that wand you're holding."
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The statue continues, "If you look closely, you'll see that the wand's shaft has three colored sections. When you came in, the colors were red-green-blue."
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The statue continues, "When the wand is red-green-blue, it can animate a depiction of a human, as you are witnessing right now!"
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

The statue continues, "If you rotate the sections, they will change color! Each section has ten possible colors."
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The statue continues, "Some color combinations will give the wand other interesting and useful powers. Most combinations won't do anything."
action: You examine the shaft
response: The wand is about a foot long with a carved wooden handle, a colored shaft (set to red-green-blue), and a crystal star on the end.

The statue continues, "For example, red-white-brown is a very useful setting. It can open things that are closed."
action: You look at star
response: It's a traditional five-pointed crystal star.

The statue continues, "You'll need that power, because you MUST NOT TOUCH anything in the castle. Maybe you discovered that already. Everything is strongly warded against vandals and thieves. (I do apologize for the implication.)"
action: Set colors
response: I didn't understand that SET command. (Type WAND for help.)

The statue continues, "If you can beat this challenge, there's a prize for you!"
action: Wand
response: You can SET a sequence of three colors on the wand like this: SET RED GREEN BLUE.

To save typing, you can abbreviate using one letter for each color like this: SET RGB. To make it even shorter, you can just type the three letters: RGB.

There are ten colors. In reverse alphabetical order they are yellow (Y), white (W), red (R), purple (P), orange (O), green (G), gray (A), brown (N), blue (B), and black (K). (Note that gray, brown, and black do not go by their first letter.)
action: Rwb
response: You set the wand to red-white-blue.

The statue continues, "Good luck! And remember that other setting: red-white-brown."

With that, the statue stops moving.
action: RWN
response: You set the wand to red-white-brown.
action: P door
response: You hear a click, and the wooden door creaks open until it lies flat against the wall.
action: Go north
response: This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is a barred door. You can also go south.

(Since you aren't supposed to touch anything, I'm going to turn off the USE command. I don't want you to get hurt.)
action: You examine the sofa
response: The sofa is fashionably upholstered. There are several small pillows on it: all are light pink except for one, which is brown velvet with the number 2 stitched on it.
action: Pwp
response: You set the wand to purple-white-purple.
action: You examine the cabinet
response: The tall oak cabinet contains several decorative dishes. One is painted with a landscape. Another is made of silver. A third is solid purple with the number 3 on it.

Next to the cabinet, you notice a hole in the wall like a large mousehole.
action: You look at the hole
response: It's about twice the size of a typical mousehole.
action: You examine portrait
response: The portrait shows a distinguished gentleman wearing a long black coat and carrying a cane. Oddly, he is wearing an orange glove with the number 1 on it.
action: Floyd onp
response: That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
action: Onp
response: You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
action: RGB
response: You set the wand to red-green-blue.
action: P portrait
response: The gentleman in the portrait comes to life and nods at you. "Hello," he says soberly.
action: RGB
response: The wand is already set to red-green-blue.

The gentleman produces a scroll from his coat and unrolls it. It shows a somewhat abstract illustration of five torches. All the torches are lit except the fourth one.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The gentleman replaces the scroll in his coat and says, "Thank you for your attention." He stops moving.
action: You enter the hole
response: That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
action: You look at the table
response: It's a small carved wooden table. A message is lying on the table, secured by a paperweight.
action: You look at the message
response: The message, written on parchment, says, "One combination of colors will allow you to levitate objects made of stone, such as this paperweight."
action: Opn
response: You set the wand to orange-purple-brown.
action: P paperweight
response: The paperweight slowly rises into the air!
action: You look at the message
response: The message, written on parchment, says, "One combination of colors will allow you to levitate objects made of stone, such as this paperweight."
action: You take the message
response: The USE command has been deactivated. I don't want you to get hurt.
action: P message
response: Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.

The paperweight slowly settles back on top of the message.
action: P door
response: The door rattles against the bar.
action: Examine bar
response: It's a long bar, apparently made of slate.
action: Onp
response: You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
action: P bar
response: The bar slowly rises out of its hooks until it is floating just above the door.
action: P door
response: The door swings open until it lies flat against the wall.
action: You go to the north
response: You can see very little in this dark room, but your footsteps echo on a tiled floor. Dim light comes through doorways to the east, west, and south. The light glints off a large object above your head, possibly a chandelier.
action: Go east
response: This spacious library is lit by an arched window in the east wall. The collection must have once been extensive, but now the bookshelves lining the walls are empty. A desk stands near the window, and the south wall is dominated by a large fireplace. A doorway leads west, and a wooden door to the north is closed.
action: You examine the fireplace
response: The brick fireplace is filled with a cheerful, smokeless fire.
action: You examine the desk
response: There are two books on the oaken desk: one large, one small. The small book lies open. The desk also features a closed drawer.
action: You examine the small book
response: The left-hand page shows a drawing of a magnifying glass. The right-hand page is written in an odd foreign language. It says, "Lipu mazorv poppa varsh diron pip trochent las grokoko. Rigo ducki plup VOLLIN las TROFF; rigo zips pip BUCKOR."
action: You examine the large book
response: The large book has a leather cover inscribed with the title "Fables Old and New".
action: P drawer
response: The drawer slowly slides open. There is a key inside.
action: You look at the key
response: It's a large brass key.
action: P large book
response: The large book flips open to a bookmarked spot.
action: You look at it
response: The book is open to a well-known fable called "The Traveling Magician":

"A traveling magician met an elephant on the road one day. 'Would you like a ride?' asked the elephant. The magician accepted. Later, as he rode, a bluebird landed on the magician's shoulder. 'Would you like to hear a song?' asked the bird. The magician nodded. That evening, as they rested, a cat approached. 'Don't worry,' said the cat, 'I will not bring you misfortune. In fact, I have a hot tip on a horse race in the next town.' The following day, the magician won 35 silver pieces and bought some nice gifts for his new friends.

"The moral: Always accept favors from animals."

A slip of paper acts as a bookmark. On it is written, "The wand can ignite an object such as a torch or candle. Use the combination—"
The
rest of the paper is torn off.
action: You look at desk
response: There are two books on the oaken desk: one large, one small. Both books are lying open. The desk also features an open drawer.
action: You examine the drawer
response: The drawer contains a brass key.
action: You take the key
response: The USE command has been deactivated. I don't want you to get hurt.
action: Abk
response: You set the wand to gray-blue-black.
action: P object
response: With a flash, the little candles in the chandelier come to life!

Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor of this ornately decorated hall. The north and south walls are lined with a variety of paintings. A large chandelier hangs above you. You can exit through doorways to the east, west, and south.
action: You examine the paintings
response: There are about twenty paintings of various shapes and sizes: landscapes, still-lifes, and other scenes. They include three portraits, which are larger and framed in gold: a young lady, a small boy, and a frowning matron.
action: You look at the matron
response: The matron wears a severe black dress and an odd black hat. She seems like the kind of person who frowns habitually.
action: You look at lady
response: The young lady is wearing a light-colored ball gown and long gloves. She is seated with her hands folded on her lap.
action: You look at the boy
response: The boy is wearing a sailor suit and a straw hat. He looks at the ground shyly.
action: RGB
response: You set the wand to red-green-blue.
action: P boy
response: The small boy comes to life. He puts his hands in his pockets and shuffles his feet.
action: P lady
response: The young lady suddenly stirs. She clears her throat.

The boy takes a deep breath like he is about to speak, but then he hesitates.
action: You wait a while
response: Time passes.

The young lady and the boy both start to speak over each other. You can't understand what either one is saying.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes.

The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.

The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The boy takes a deep breath like he is about to speak, but then he hesitates.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The boy starts to talk, but you hear strange fragments, as if he is only saying the beginning of each word. You can't make it out.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
action: P lady
response: The young lady suddenly stirs. She clears her throat.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
action: P matron
response: The matron comes to life. She speaks briefly in a stern tone, but all you can hear are separated fragments, like she is only saying the end of each word. It sounds very unnatural, and you can't understand any of it.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The matron smooths her dress.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The matron huffs and stops moving.
action: P boy
response: The small boy comes to life. He puts his hands in his pockets and shuffles his feet.
action: P matron
response: The matron comes to life and begins speaking. The young lady and the boy start to speak as well. You hear a bizarre babble as all three portraits talk at the same time.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.

The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.

The matron smooths her dress.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The boy starts to talk, but you hear strange fragments, as if he is only saying the beginning of each word. You can't make it out.

The matron smooths her dress.
action: P matron
response: Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.

The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.

The matron huffs and stops moving.
action: P matron
response: The matron comes to life. She begins speaking in strange fragments. At the same time, the young boy starts speaking in fragments as well. Strangely, despite their different voices, the fragments mesh in a way you can understand. It sounds like, "To fix what is broken, try yellow-orange-orange."
action: You look at the chandelier
response: The chandelier has several tiers of icicle-like glass drops and prisms, and many small candles. It is quite dazzling to look at.

The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.

The matron smooths her dress.
action: You go west
response: This hall is lit by arched windows in the west wall. The long mahogany dining table could seat at least twenty people, if the chairs were still here. A doorway leads east, and a wooden door to the south is closed.
action: Go east
response: Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor of this ornately decorated hall. The north and south walls are lined with a variety of paintings. A large chandelier hangs above you. You can exit through doorways to the east, west, and south.
action: You look at the bookshelves
response: You wonder where all the books went.
action: You examine the window
response: Through the window you can see the wooded countryside east of the castle.
action: You look at the door
response: The door is closed.
action: Yoo
response: You set the wand to yellow-orange-orange.
action: P door
response: The doorknob rattles a few times. It sounds like the door is locked.
action: You look at the table
response: The mahogany table sits on a long carpet. The table is well-polished, and the sides and legs are ornately carved.

Near the center of the table are a bowl of apples and a row of five candles. The third, fourth, and fifth candles are lit.
action: Kba
response: You set the wand to black-blue-gray.
action: Go south
response: This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.
action: You examine the sofa
response: The sofa is fashionably upholstered. There are several small pillows on it: all are light pink except for one, which is brown velvet with the number 2 stitched on it.
action: You examine the cabinet
response: The tall oak cabinet contains several decorative dishes. One is painted with a landscape. Another is made of silver. A third is solid purple with the number 3 on it.

Next to the cabinet, you notice a hole in the wall like a large mousehole.
action: You examine the carpet
response: The long carpet is woven with a pattern of diamond shapes.
action: You look at the apples
response: The bowl is attached to a large square base. The apples look real, though you can't be sure.
action: P door
response: The doorknob spins around, making a few clunks. It sounds broken.
action: Yoo
response: You set the wand to yellow-orange-orange.
action: You go south
response: The castle kitchen has been mostly cleared out, but it still contains an iron stove and a long counter with several items on it. There is a coal box on the floor near the stove. You can exit north or south.
action: You look at the box
response: The box is filled with chunks of coal. A brass scoop lies on top.
action: You examine the stove
response: The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is closed.

A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
action: You look at the pot
response: The copper pot is half-full of chicken broth.
action: P oven
response: The front of the stove swings open. It seems to be empty.
action: You look at the counter
response: There are several items on the counter: a cookbook, a baltavakia, a knife, a spatula, and some large ceramic shards.
action: Examine cookbook
response: The book has a cloth cover with the title, "Quick Recipes for Busy Wizards."
action: P cookbook
response: The cookbook flips open to a dog-eared page.
action: You examine it
response: The current dog-eared page contains a recipe: "RING SOUP. Boil one slice of baltavakia in chicken broth until it sparks. Immediately lower heat. (Overcooking will yield unpleasant results.)"
action: You examine the baltavakia
response: The baltavakia is a strange magical vegetable. It looks like a long purple corkscrew zucchini with pink spots.
action: You examine the shards
response: The shards look like pieces of some ceramic object.
action: Yoo
response: You set the wand to yellow-orange-orange.
action: P shards
response: The shards glow with a golden light, and carefully reassemble themselves. When the glow fades, you see a ceramic figurine of a chef.
action: P chef
response: The little chef comes to life. He rubs his hands together and says in a tiny voice, "Listen carefully. Using red-black-orange you can cause a portable tool or utensil to perform its function." Then he stops moving.
action: Go north
response: This hall is lit by arched windows in the west wall. The long mahogany dining table could seat at least twenty people, if the chairs were still here. A doorway leads east, and a wooden door to the south is open.
action: Go east
response: Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor of this ornately decorated hall. The north and south walls are lined with a variety of paintings. A large chandelier hangs above you. You can exit through doorways to the east, west, and south.
action: Rko
response: You set the wand to red-black-orange.
action: P key
response: The key swiftly flies over to the door, turns itself in the keyhole with a click, and returns to its drawer.
action: RWN
response: You set the wand to red-white-brown.
action: Go north
response: This narrow wood-floored hallway runs north and south. At the northern end of the hall, winding stone steps lead upward.

A few paces from the steps, a small dragon lies curled up on a rug.
action: You examine the dragon
response: The jet-black dragon is small, but it still fills the width of the hallway. It seems to be asleep. Thin wisps of smoke rise from its nostrils.
action: You examine the rug
response: The rug is almost completely covered by the dragon.
action: You go south
response: This spacious library is lit by an arched window in the east wall. The collection must have once been extensive, but now the bookshelves lining the walls are empty. A desk stands near the window, and the south wall is dominated by a large fireplace. A doorway leads west, and a wooden door to the north is open.
action: Go south
response: This room must have stored a lot of food at one time, but now the shelves are empty. A cupboard is mounted on one wall. You can exit to the north.
action: You examine the cupboard
response: The cupboard is made of stained wood. It is closed.
action: P it
response: The cupboard door swings open. At the same time, a lattice door slides across the north doorway.
action: You examine the cupboard
response: The cupboard is open. A labeled jar is the only thing inside.
action: You examine the jar
response: The glass jar is open and contains some kind of thick dark paste. The label is covered with writing, but it is so tiny that you can't read it.
action: You look at the lattice
response: The door is a lattice of wooden slats, and you can see the kitchen beyond. It looks like a sheet of paper is attached to the other side of the lattice.
action: You examine paper
response: The paper is attached to the other side of the lattice door. If there is anything on it, you can't see it.
action: P lattice
response: The lattice door retracts from the doorway. At the same time, the cupboard door swings shut.
action: You examine the candles
response: There are five candles standing in small brass holders. The third, fourth, and fifth candles are lit.
action: P first
response: The first candle lights up.
action: P second
response: The second candle lights up.
action: P fourth
response: The fourth candle flares up for a moment.
action: You examine the candles
response: There are five candles standing in small brass holders. All the candles are lit.
action: You look at the stove
response: The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is open.

A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
action: You examine the ashes
response: It's just a small pile of ashes on the floor.
action: Examine book
response: The current dog-eared page contains a recipe: "RING SOUP. Boil one slice of baltavakia in chicken broth until it sparks. Immediately lower heat. (Overcooking will yield unpleasant results.)"
action: P scoop
response: The brass scoop comes to life. It picks up a small pile of coal, carries it to the stove, and dumps it inside. It then returns to the coal box.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are holding a wand.
action: You examine counter
response: There are several items on the counter: a cookbook, a baltavakia, a knife, a spatula, and a ceramic figurine.
action: You look at the spatula
response: It's a square wooden spatula with a long handle.
action: Go north
response: This hall is lit by arched windows in the west wall. The long mahogany dining table could seat at least twenty people, if the chairs were still here. A doorway leads east, and a wooden door to the south is open.
action: Yko
response: You set the wand to yellow-black-orange.
action: You go to the north
response: You take a deep breath and very carefully step over the dragon. It's not easy. Your foot brushes it, but luckily it does not seem to react.

As you take your next step, however, you hear a thunk and the floor shifts under your weight. A trapdoor opens. You tumble down a chute....

You are in a damp dungeon cell. Sunlight comes through a small square opening in the ceiling. There is nothing here except the pile of straw you landed on and the heavy wooden door in the south wall.
action: You look at the straw
response: The straw is not exactly soft, but the pile is big enough to prevent injury to falling prisoners.

You notice a dark gray flagstone in the floor next to the straw. It looks odd, since the rest of the stones are lighter.
action: P flagstone
response: The dark gray flagstone slowly rises, revealing a gap in the floor.
action: You examine the gap
response: The following is written in the gap where the flagstone used to be: "LOOK AT THE FLAGSTONE."
action: You examine the flagstone
response: A message is scratched into the bottom of the flagstone. You can barely read it in the dim light: "IMPORTANT. ORANGE-GREEN-GRAY. ONLY WORKS ON LIVING CREATURES."
action: You examine the door
response: It's a heavy wooden door reinforced with bronze. Someone has engraved "HA" right in the middle.

The flagstone settles back into the floor.
action: P door
response: The door shakes slightly, but it is obviously locked.
action: Oga
response: You set the wand to orange-green-gray.
action: P yourself
response: You are immersed in a shower of orange sparkles! You feel a strange sense of displacement....

This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.
action: P dragon
response: The dragon is immersed in a cloud of orange sparkles. When they clear, the dragon is gone.
action: You examine the rug
response: The middle of the rug is woven with an image of the wand you carry. It shows the colors blue-gray-purple.
action: Bap
response: You set the wand to blue-gray-purple.
action: Go north
response: This narrow wood-floored hallway runs north and south. At the northern end of the hall, winding stone steps lead upward.

A few paces from the steps you see a rug on the floor.
action: You go to the north
response: As you near the steps, you hear a thunk and the floor shifts under your weight. A trapdoor opens and you tumble down....

You are in a damp dungeon cell. Sunlight comes through a small square opening in the ceiling. There is nothing here except the pile of straw you landed on and the heavy wooden door in the south wall.
action: Bap
response: The wand is already set to blue-gray-purple.
action: P straw
response: You feel a strange shudder in the wand, but nothing happens to the straw. It might be a safety feature.
action: Oga
response: You set the wand to orange-green-gray.
action: P yourself
response: You are immersed in a shower of orange sparkles! You feel a strange sense of displacement....

This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.

A small dragon is lying on the sofa.
action: You go to the south
response: This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.

A small dragon is lying on the sofa.
action: You look at the hole
response: It's about twice the size of a typical mousehole.
action: Bap
response: You set the wand to blue-gray-purple.

The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
action: P lady
response: Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.

The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
action: You examine the oven
response: The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is open, and you see a small pile of coal inside.

A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
action: P oven
response: There is a flash, and the coal inside the stove starts to burn with an orange glow.
action: P knife
response: The knife rises into the air, floats over to the baltavakia, and cuts a thin slice off the end. It rests itself back on the counter.
action: Onp
response: You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.

The chicken broth starts to bubble.
action: Rko
response: You set the wand to red-black-orange.
action: You examine the stove
response: The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is open, and inside you see some coal burning with an orange glow.

A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
action: You look at the pot
response: The copper pot is half-full of boiling chicken broth.
action: P spatula
response: The spatula rises and floats over to the baltavakia. It carefully picks up the slice, carries it across the kitchen, and drops it into the pot. As soon as the slice touches the broth, it puffs up into a little ball. The spatula returns to the counter.
action: You examine the ball
response: The little baltavakia ball is covered with shiny speckles.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The little ball in the pot starts to throw off bright sparks.
action: P spatula
response: The spatula floats toward the baltavakia and tries to lift up the whole thing, but fails. It settles back on the counter.

The little ball continues to spark.
action: P ball
response: Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.

The little baltavakia ball vibrates violently. Suddenly it leaps out of the pot and explodes in a cloud of brown dust, producing a really terrible odor.
action: You look at the pot
response: The copper pot is half-full of boiling chicken broth.
action: You examine counter
response: There are several items on the counter: a cookbook, a baltavakia, a knife, a spatula, and a ceramic figurine.
action: Onp
response: You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
action: You examine the shelves
response: The shelves are completely bare. Not a speck nor crumb.
action: You go to the south
response: The castle kitchen has been mostly cleared out, but it still contains an iron stove and a long counter with several items on it. There is a coal box on the floor near the stove. You can exit north, but a lattice door blocks a doorway to the south.
action: You look at the lattice
response: A sheet of paper attached to the lattice door reads, "To translate foreign languages, use purple-gray-blue."
action: Pab
response: You set the wand to purple-gray-blue.
action: P small book
response: The small book starts to shimmer with a silvery light, and the writing changes.
action: You examine the small book
response: The left-hand page shows a drawing of a magnifying glass. The right-hand page says, "You may see an enlarged view of that which is very small or far away. The first color is neither ORANGE nor BLACK; the second color is WHITE."
action: Pab
response: You set the wand to purple-gray-blue.

The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
action: Pab
response: The wand is already set to purple-gray-blue.
action: P lady
response: The portrait of the young lady begins to shimmer with a silvery light.
action: P lady
response: The young lady suddenly stirs. She clears her throat.

The portrait of the young lady stops shimmering.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
action: RGB
response: The wand is already set to red-green-blue.
action: P lady
response: The portrait of the young lady begins to shimmer with a silvery light.

The young lady continues speaking, but suddenly you hear your own language. She says, "Likewise, the dragon guards information that will extinguish open flames. But do not be misled: BLUE means BLACK, and GRAY means GREEN." She nods her head and returns to lifelessness.
action: RGB
response: You set the wand to red-green-blue.

The portrait of the young lady stops shimmering.
action: Pab
response: You set the wand to purple-gray-blue.
action: Kgp
response: You set the wand to black-green-purple.
action: P fourth
response: With a puff, the fourth candle goes out.

With a soft grating sound, the bowl slides sideways, revealing a message!
action: You look at the message
response: The message has been carved right into the mahogany tabletop. It says, "My favorite effect is the one that magnifies small or faraway things. The first color is either orange, green, or black; the third color is red."
action: You go to the south
response: The castle kitchen has been mostly cleared out, but it still contains an iron stove and a long counter with several items on it. There is a coal box on the floor near the stove. You can exit north, but a lattice door blocks a doorway to the south.
action: P door
response: The lattice door retracts from the doorway.
action: Gwr
response: You set the wand to green-white-red.
action: P jar
response: A huge image of the jar's label appears in your mind. You can read it. It says "WEIGHT REDUCER" followed by a very long list of ingredients. Under that is printed, "The wand also has the power to reduce the weight of a living creature (temporarily). Ring soup will show what the first and second colors might be, and what the third color CANNOT be. I have placed another clue elsewhere."
action: P knife
response: The knife cuts a thin slice off the end of the baltavakia.
action: P spatula
response: The spatula carefully picks up the slice, carries it across the kitchen, and drops it into the pot. As soon as the slice touches the broth, it puffs up into a little ball.
action: Kgp
response: You set the wand to black-green-purple.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes.
action: P oven
response: The glow inside the stove dies away.

The pot stops boiling.

The little ball continues to spark.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The sparks are getting brighter.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes.

The baltavakia ball suddenly dissolves into the broth with a hiss. The broth thickens, and vivid rings of color appear in it.
action: You examine the soup
response: The copper pot is half-full of thick, colorful soup. A series of white, purple, brown, and yellow rings expand slowly from the middle.
action: You examine the window
response: Through the windows you have a lovely view of the Glittering River and the farmland beyond.
action: Gwr
response: You set the wand to green-white-red.
action: P window
response: A huge but incomprehensible image appears in your mind.
action: P fire
response: The fire vanishes with a loud poof.
action: You look at the fireplace
response: You look inside the brick fireplace. The following is written on the back wall in soot-resistant chalk:
"WEIGHT REDUCER:
First is either red, gray, brown, or orange.
Second is either green, white, blue, or black.
Third is either purple, black, yellow, or brown."
action: Nwk
response: You set the wand to brown-white-black.
action: P yourself
response: You suddenly feel much, much lighter.
action: You go to the north
response: This round chamber looks like a hobbyist's workshop. It contains a long worktable with several items, as well as an easel holding a painting. The north and east windows are boarded up, but the west window is open. Stone steps wind down to the south.
action: You look at the painting
response: It's a head-and-shoulders portrait of a wizard. He looks a lot like the statue back in the Entry Chamber, except he has no mouth.
action: RGB
response: You set the wand to red-green-blue.

The pleasant feeling of lightness goes away. You're back to your normal heft.
action: You look at the easel
response: A painting of a wizard sits on the easel.

The painting continues to move silently for a few moments. Then it stops.
action: You look at the table
response: There are several items on the worktable. On the left is an iron cage holding a kimpert. Next to that, a shallow bronze bowl sits on top of a small brazier. Further along the table is what looks like a bronze scale.

A rock is sitting on the scale.
action: You examine the rock
response: It's a rock about as big as your fist.
action: You examine bowl
response: The bowl sits on top of a small brazier. It is empty.
action: You examine kimpert
response: The kimpert looks like a large olive-colored hamster. Kimperts have a few well-known characteristics: they are very fast, they have a strong homing instinct, and they love bronze.

The kimpert looks rather displeased.
action: You examine the window
response: Looking out of the west window, you see a similar tower on the opposite side of the castle, with its own window facing you. A banner with a message is hanging beneath that window, but it's too far away to read.
action: Gwr
response: You set the wand to green-white-red.
action: P banner
response: A large image of the banner appears in your mind. The message reads, "Produce the following sequence on the scale: 5, 3, 1, 3, 2, 0, 2, 5. The buzzer means you must start over. Good luck!"
action: You examine scale
response: The scale consists of a bronze tray on top of a box with a gauge. The gauge runs from zero to five. Currently, it's pointing to two.

A rock is sitting on the scale.
action: You examine brazier
response: The brazier contains some unlit charcoal.
action: You look at the table
response: There are several items on the worktable. On the left is an iron cage holding a kimpert. Next to that, a shallow bronze bowl sits on top of a small brazier. Further along the table is what looks like a bronze scale.

A rock is sitting on the scale.
action: P kimpert
response: The kimpert is bathed in orange sparkles and vanishes.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes.

The kimpert comes flying up the steps, races across the room, leaps all the way into the bronze bowl, and instantly relaxes.
action: P charcoal
response: The charcoal starts to burn with a soft glow.

The kimpert squirms and hops from the bowl onto the bronze scale. The scale's pointer moves to five. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: You examine the cage
response: The iron cage is closed and empty.
action: P rock
response: The rock rises into the air above the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: Nwk
response: You set the wand to brown-white-black.
action: P kimpert
response: The kimpert seems to un-sag slightly, as if someone had pumped a little air into it.

The scale's pointer moves to one. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The rock falls back on the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: P charcoal
response: The glow disappears.

The kimpert seems to sag a little. The scale's pointer moves to five. The scale buzzes loudly.

A moment later, you hear a ding from the scale.
action: Onp
response: You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
action: P rock
response: The rock rises into the air above the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: Nwk
response: You set the wand to brown-white-black.
action: P kimpert
response: The kimpert seems to un-sag slightly, as if someone had pumped a little air into it.

The scale's pointer moves to one. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: Oga
response: You set the wand to orange-green-gray.

The rock falls back on the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: P kimpert
response: The kimpert is bathed in orange sparkles and vanishes.

The scale's pointer moves to two. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: Onp
response: You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.

The kimpert comes flying up the steps, races across the room, leaps all the way into the bronze bowl, and instantly relaxes.
action: P rock
response: The rock rises into the air above the scale. The scale's pointer moves to zero. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: You wait
response: Time passes.

The rock falls back on the scale. The scale's pointer moves to two. You hear a ding from the scale.
action: P charcoal
response: The charcoal starts to burn with a soft glow.

The kimpert squirms and hops from the bowl onto the bronze scale. The scale's pointer moves to five. The scale dings three times.

A slot in the scale opens up, and a paintbrush shoots out onto the floor.
action: You examine the paintbrush
response: The wooden paintbrush is broken nearly in half. The tip seems to be wet with a little bit of shimmering magical paint.
action: P paintbrush
response: The paintbrush flops around weakly on the floor.
action: P paintbrush
response: The paintbrush glows and joins itself back together. It looks as good as new.
action: P brush
response: The paintbrush rises from the floor and floats over to the painting. It reviews the painting for a moment, then carefully adds a mouth. It rests itself on the tray of the easel.
action: P painting
response: The painting comes to life. "You've done very well," says the wizard. "Now I'll give you one more tip."
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

The wizard continues, "The wand can make steel objects disappear. Quite powerful. The setting is black-purple-black." He reverts to lifelessness.
action: You go south
response: You descend the steps. As soon as you walk into the hallway, you hear a thunk and the floor shifts under your weight. A trapdoor opens and you tumble down....

You are in a damp dungeon cell. Sunlight comes through a small square opening in the ceiling. There is nothing here except the pile of straw you landed on and the heavy wooden door in the south wall.
action: You go south
response: This tall wood-paneled room is mostly empty. In the very center of the room stands a display case, and next to that a stone statue. A wooden door to the north is open. The archway to the south is blocked by a portcullis.
action: P statue
response: The statue slowly rises until it hovers about a foot off the floor.
action: You examine the statue
response: It's a granite statue of a robed wizard. He looks about five feet tall, not counting his pointy hat.
action: You examine the portcullis
response: It's a heavy steel portcullis, and it's preventing you from leaving.
action: Kpk
response: You set the wand to black-purple-black.

The statue slowly returns to the floor.
action: P portcullis
response: The steel portcullis disintegrates into a fine mist that quickly drifts away.
action: You go to the south
response: You leave the castle and head home with your prize, excited about your prospects. You should be able to achieve a lot with this wand.

The next day, you wake to find that the wand has disappeared! In its place is a small box with a note attached: "I hope you didn't think I would let you keep my wand! You escaped in 523 turns, so here is your prize."

You open the box and find a small pile of silver coins inside! That certainly justifies the trip!
action: Go north
response: This tall wood-paneled room is mostly empty. In the very center of the room stands a display case, and next to that a stone statue. A wooden door to the north is closed, and a tall archway leads south.

(Note: This game is unlosable. Don't be afraid to try things!)
action: You get wand
response: You take the wand from the display case. A moment later, you are startled by a loud rattling. You turn in time to see a steel portcullis slam down inside the archway!
action: Kpk
response: You set the wand to black-purple-black.
action: Go south
response: You leave the castle and head home with your prize, excited about your prospects. You should be able to achieve a lot with this wand.

The next day, you wake to find that the wand has disappeared! In its place is a small box with a note attached: "I hope you didn't think I would let you keep my wand! You escaped in five turns (astonishing), so here is your prize."

You open the box and find several large diamonds inside! That certainly justifies the trip!