Swigian
by Mathbrush (as Rainbus North) (2017)

I don't like talking. Let's build a fire. A minimalist story. It is long, but quickly finished, with few words and few complications.

action: %
response: I don't like talking. Let's build a fire.

You are by a lake. The lake is still.

You can see an axe here.

Looking south, you see the Forest.
action: About you
response: You look like me.
action: You take all
response: (the axe)
Taken.

Now you can cut things.
action: You cut yourself
response: I'll tell you when you can cut something. This isn't the time.
action: You look at the lake
response: The lake? That is what it is. I'll tell you everything that's important the first time.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: You are by a lake. The lake is still.

Looking south, you see the Forest.
action: You look at Forest
response: If you want to see it, just go there. I won't mention this again.
action: You go south
response: You are in a forest. It is night.

You can see a log here.

Looking north, you see the Lake; looking south, you see the Mountain.
action: You examine log
response: The log? That is what it is.
action: You cut the log
response: You cut the log up into firewood and take it. You could burn it, if you had flint with your steel.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: You are in a forest. It is night.

Looking north, you see the Lake; looking south, you see the Mountain.
action: You go south
response: You are on a mountainside. Everything is dry.

Looking north, you see the Forest; looking east, you see the Gravel Pit.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a firewood
an axe
action: You go to the east
response: You are in an empty gravel pit.

You can see a flint here.

Looking west, you see the Mountain.
action: You take the flint
response: Taken.

Now you can burn something small.
action: You make the fire
response: Let's burn the wood by the lake. They're scared of water.
action: You go to the north
response: You are in a forest. It is night.

Looking north, you see the Lake; looking south, you see the Mountain.
action: Go north
response: You are by a lake. The lake is still.

Looking south, you see the Forest.
action: You make the fire
response: You made a fire. Let's sleep.
action: Sleep
response: You are surrounded by standing stones.

Looking east, you see the Spring; looking west, you see the Moor.

They came while you were asleep. You're not where you should be. You are hungry. You are cold.
action: You examine the stones
response: The standing stones? That is what it is.
action: Pray
response: Father ure, thu the art in heofenan...
action: Sing
response: Hwæt! We Gar-Dena in gear-dagum
þeod-cyninga,   þrym gefrunon,
hu ða æþelingas   ellen fremedon!
Oft Scyld Scefing   sceaþena þreatum
monegum mægþum   meodo-setla ofteah;
action: You go to the east
response: Water wells up from below. You are safe here.

You can see a basket (empty) here.

Looking west, you see the Standing Stones.
action: You take all
response: (the basket)
Taken.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a basket
action: Go west
response: You are surrounded by standing stones.

Looking east, you see the Spring; looking west, you see the Moor.
action: Go west
response: The moor is silent. Keep moving.

Looking east, you see the Standing Stones; looking west, you see the Aftermath.

They will see you. Go now.
action: You go west
response: There was a battle here. Almost everything is trampled.

You can see a meal here.

Looking east, you see the Moor.
action: You examine meal
response: The meal? That is what it is.
action: You take all
response: meal: You lift the meal into the basket.
action: You eat the meal
response: It's not safe to eat here. Take it with you.
action: You eat the meal
response: You eat the food carefully. You feel much better now.

You hear music from the north.
action: You go to the north
response: Small lights dance behind trees far away. You hear music.

Looking north, you see the Sea Side.
action: You listen
response: You hear music.
action: You go north
response: You are at the sea side. You hear music from the west.

You can see an old spear here.

Looking north, you see the Outside of the Mead-Hall; looking south, you see the Bog; looking east, you see the Cove.
action: You go to the west
response: Not that way.
action: You go north
response: You are outside the mead-hall. They are dancing inside. They have not heard you yet.

Looking north, you see the Inside of the Mead-Hall; looking south, you see the Sea Side.
action: You go east
response: You are in a cove. You are safe.

Looking east, you see the Burial Mound; looking west, you see the Sea Side.
action: Go east
response: You are on a small mound with white flowers.

You can see an old shield here.

Looking west, you see the Cove.
action: You take shield
response: Taken.
action: You examine the shield
response: The old shield? That is what it is.
action: You take all
response: old spear: Taken.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
an old spear
an old shield
a basket
action: Sillygame
response: SAVEI'll remember.
action: Go north
response: The mead-hall is dark and dusty.

You can see an opponent here.

Looking south, you see the Outside of the Mead-Hall.
action: You examine the opponent
response: The opponent? That is what it is.
action: You kill the opponent
response: You attack the opponent. He vanishes through a hole in the ground.
action: Look around
response: The mead-hall is dark and dusty.

Looking down, you see the Burrow.
action: You go downward
response: You are in a burrow. The walls are made of packed dirt.

Looking south, you see the Tunnel.
action: Go south
response: You are in a tunnel.

You can see a shroud here.

Looking north, you see the Burrow; looking south, you see the Cave Pool.
action: You take all
response: shroud: Taken.
action: You wear the shroud
response: You put on the shroud.
action: You go south
response: Water drips into a pool. A deep hole is here.

A chain goes into the hole. It has a hook. You can put something on it.

Looking north, you see the Tunnel; looking east, you see the Limestone Cave.
action: Go north
response: You are in a tunnel.

Looking north, you see the Burrow; looking south, you see the Cave Pool.
action: You put the basket on the chain
response: You put the basket on the hook.

The basket is too light to sink down.
action: You take the basket
response: Taken.
action: You put yourself on the hook
response: The yourself slips off of the hook.
action: Go east
response: You are in a limestone cave. The floor is covered in frost.

There is a frozen door covered in vines.

Looking east, you see the Inside Burial Mound; looking west, you see the Cave Pool.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a basket
a shroud (being worn)
an old spear
an old shield
action: You open the door
response: The vines hold the door shut.
action: You cut vines
response: You cut off all the vines. Your spear freezes and breaks.
action: You open the door
response: You open the frozen door.
action: Go east
response: You are inside the burial mound.

There is a frozen door.

There is a crypt here, covered in dust.

You can also see a chisel here.

Looking west, you see the Limestone Cave.
action: You take all
response: chisel: The dust on the crypt makes you sneeeze.

Taken.
action: You examine chisel
response: The chisel? That is what it is.
action: You open the crypt
response: The dust makes the crypt slippery.
action: Dust crypt
response: The dust comes off. There is a list of name runes on the crypt. You can cut the crypt to write your name.
action: You cut crypt
response: You write your name rune on the crypt.
action: You open the crypt
response: You open it a crack. Try again.
action: Continue
response: Your opponent is here. He is wearing a shroud. He has a coin in his mouth. He fades away.
action: Look around
response: You are inside the burial mound.

There is a frozen door.

You see name-runes engraved on the crypt.

Looking west, you see the Limestone Cave.
action: You open the door
response: That's already open.
action: You read the names
response: The last name rune is yours.
action: You go west
response: You are in a limestone cave. The floor is covered in frost.

There is a frozen door.

Looking east, you see the Inside Burial Mound; looking west, you see the Cave Pool.
action: You go west
response: Water drips into a pool. A deep hole is here.

A chain goes into the hole. It has a hook. You can put something on it.

Looking north, you see the Tunnel; looking east, you see the Limestone Cave.
action: You go to the west
response: Not that way.
action: You pull the chain
response: It is fixed in place.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You are carrying:
a chisel
a basket
a shroud (being worn)
an old shield
action: You put the shield on hook
response: The old shield slips off of the hook.
action: You put chisel on the hook
response: The chisel slips off of the hook.
action: You put the shroud on the hook
response: The shroud slips off of the hook.
action: You put the basket on the hook
response: You put the basket on the hook.

The basket is too light to sink down.
action: You put chisel in the basket
response: You put the chisel into the basket.

The basket is too light to sink down.
action: You put the shield in the basket
response: You put the old shield into the basket.

The basket goes into the hole. A bucket comes up. It has a worn coin in it. Your shield has been accepted.
action: Look around
response: Water drips into a pool. A deep hole is here.

You can see a bucket (in which is a chisel) here.

Looking north, you see the Tunnel; looking east, you see the Limestone Cave.
action: Go east
response: You are in a limestone cave. The floor is covered in frost.

There is a frozen door.

Looking east, you see the Inside Burial Mound; looking west, you see the Cave Pool.
action: You go east
response: You are inside the burial mound.

There is a frozen door.

You see name-runes engraved on the crypt.

Looking west, you see the Limestone Cave.
action: You put the coin in the mouth
response: You put the worn coin into your mouth.
action: You enter the crypt
response: You get into the wooden crypt. It is small. You can close it now.
action: Close crypt
response: You close the wooden crypt. They cannot follow you here. You have been this way before.

It is almost pitch dark. You can see almost nothing.

Looking down, you see the Lair.
action: Go downwards
response: You are in the lair. The room stinks. You are safe. He will protect you.

Looking north, you see the Entrance; looking south, you see the Armory; looking east, you see the New Treasures; looking west, you see the Boneyard.
action: Go south
response: You are in his armory. It needs to be cleaned.

You can see a dusty armor, an open cabinet, a dry snack and a leaning pile here.

Looking north, you see the Lair.
action: Dust armor
response: You clean the armor.
action: Look around
response: You are in his armory. It needs to be cleaned.

You can see a clean armor, an open cabinet, a dry snack and a leaning pile here.

Looking north, you see the Lair.
action: You take all
response: clean armor: He likes this as it is.
open cabinet: He likes this as it is.
dry snack: You eat it.
leaning pile: He likes this as it is.
action: Climb pile
response: If you want to go up, go up. If you can't, then don't.
action: Smell
response: The room stinks.
action: Go east
response: This treasure room is full of tapestries, musical instruments, and iron. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

You can see a canopic jar here.

Looking east, you see the Old Treasures; looking west, you see the Lair.
action: You go to the east
response: This treasure room is full of pottery, statues and silver. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

You can see a ring mail here.

Looking east, you see the Ancient Treasures; looking west, you see the New Treasures.
action: You take all
response: (the ring mail)
Put it in its place.

Taken.
action: You take all
response: canopic jar: Put it in its place.

Taken.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a canopic jar
a ring mail
action: You open jar
response: It's ancient; he wouldn't be pleased.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: This treasure room is full of tapestries, musical instruments, and iron. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

Looking east, you see the Old Treasures; looking west, you see the Lair.
action: Go south
response: You are in his armory. It needs to be cleaned.

You can see a clean armor, an open cabinet and a leaning pile here.

Looking north, you see the Lair.
action: You drop ring mail
response: That is not the right place.

Dropped.
action: You take all
response: ring mail: Put it in its place.

Taken.
clean armor: He likes this as it is.
open cabinet: He likes this as it is.
leaning pile: He likes this as it is.
action: You go to the west
response: The bones of the common are piled here.

Looking east, you see the Lair; looking west, you see the Home of the Valiant.
action: You drop jar
response: Dropped.
action: You take all
response: canopic jar: Put it in its place.

Taken.
action: Go west
response: The bones of the valiant are here, each with spear and helmet.

Looking east, you see the Boneyard; looking west, you see the Nobles' End.
action: Go west
response: The bones of the nobles are laid here in gold.

Looking east, you see the Home of the Valiant; looking west, you see the Hall of Kings.
action: Look around
response: The bones of the valiant are here, each with spear and helmet.

You can see a canopic jar here.

Looking east, you see the Boneyard; looking west, you see the Nobles' End.
action: You drop all
response: canopic jar: Dropped.
ring mail: It is in its place.

Dropped.
action: You take all
response: ring mail: It is already in its place.
canopic jar: Put it in its place.

Taken.
action: Go east
response: This treasure room is full of pottery, statues and silver. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

Looking east, you see the Ancient Treasures; looking west, you see the New Treasures.
action: You drop all
response: (the canopic jar)
Dropped.
action: You take all
response: (the canopic jar)
Put it in its place.

Taken.
action: Go west
response: This treasure room is full of tapestries, musical instruments, and iron. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

You can see a ring mail here.

Looking east, you see the Old Treasures; looking west, you see the Lair.
action: You go east
response: This room is full of sarcophagi, rotten spices and gold. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

You can see a marble bust here.

Looking west, you see the Old Treasures.
action: You drop all
response: (the canopic jar)
It is in its place.

Dropped.
action: Look around
response: This room is full of sarcophagi, rotten spices and gold. His treasures are wrong. Put them right.

You can see a canopic jar and a marble bust here.

Looking west, you see the Old Treasures.
action: You examine the bust
response: The marble bust? That is what it is.
action: You take the bust
response: Put it in its place.

Taken.
action: You drop the bust
response: It is in its place.

Dropped.
action: You look around
response: This treasure room is full of pottery, statues and silver.

You can see a marble bust here.

Looking east, you see the Ancient Treasures; looking west, you see the New Treasures.
action: Go west
response: This treasure room is full of tapestries, musical instruments, and iron.

You can see a ring mail here.

Looking east, you see the Old Treasures; looking west, you see the Lair.
action: You go north
response: His protection comes with a price. His house is not in order.
action: Clean Armory
response: You rub armory.
action: Close cabinet
response: You close the cabinet.
action: Clean pile
response: You rub the leaning pile.
action: You take the pile
response: He likes this as it is.
action: Clean armor
response: It is already clean.
action: Describe the surroundings
response: You are in his armory. It needs to be cleaned.

You can see a clean armor, a closed cabinet and a leaning pile here.

Looking north, you see the Lair.
action: Clean Armory
response: You rub armory.
action: Clean
response: What do you want to clean?
action: You clean yourself
response: You rub yourself.
action: Clean Lair
response: You rub the lair.
action: Smell
response: The room stinks.
action: Go east
response: This room is full of sarcophagi, rotten spices and gold.

You can see a canopic jar here.

Looking west, you see the Old Treasures.
action: You take the spices
response: That's hardly portable.
action: You take all
response: (the canopic jar)
It is already in its place.
action: You eat the spices
response: Find a snack instead.
action: Smell
response: There's no need; I'll tell you what you sense.
action: Clean
response: (the lair)
You rub the lair.
action: You look at the bones
response: The common bones? That is what it is.
action: Go west
response: The bones of the valiant are here, each with spear and helmet.

Looking east, you see the Boneyard; looking west, you see the Nobles' End.
action: Clean
response: (the Valiant bones)
You rub the Valiant bones.
action: You examine the gold
response: The noble bones? That is what it is.
action: Go west
response: Three thrones are here, with three kings.

A crown is cast down here.

Looking east, you see the Nobles' End.
action: You take crown
response: The oldest king is crownless.

Taken.
action: You put the crown on the king
response: The king bows his head. You put the crown on him. You may leave.
action: You look around
response: Three thrones are here, with three kings.

Looking east, you see the Nobles' End.
action: Go north
response: You are by a barrow. The ground is on fire. They are trying to stop him; clear his way.

You can see a sharp iron here.

Looking north, you see the Cliff; looking south, you see the Lair; looking east, you see the Scrub; looking west, you see the Rocky Tumble.
action: You take the iron
response: At the cliff, you can throw this.

Taken.
action: You look around
response: You are by a barrow. The ground is on fire. They are trying to stop him; clear his way.

Looking north, you see the Cliff; looking east, you see the Scrub; looking west, you see the Rocky Tumble.
action: Go north
response: The fire stops by the cliff. The water is inviting. You can throw something

Looking south, you see the Entrance; looking down, you see the Shallow Waters.
action: You throw the iron
response: You throw the sharp iron in the water.
action: Go downward
response: Something is in his way. Clear his path.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a sharp iron
action: Go south
response: You are by a barrow. The ground is on fire. They are trying to stop him; clear his way.

Looking north, you see the Cliff; looking east, you see the Scrub; looking west, you see the Rocky Tumble.
action: You examine the fire
response: The ground fire? That is what it is.
action: You take the fire
response: That's hardly portable.
action: Go east
response: You can see a thornbush here.

Looking west, you see the Entrance.
action: You take bush
response: At the cliff, you can throw this.

Taken.
action: You go west
response: You can see a jagged rock here.

Looking east, you see the Entrance.
action: You take the rock
response: (the jagged rock)
At the cliff, you can throw this.

Taken.
action: You throw all
response: jagged rock: You throw the jagged rock in the water.
thornbush: You throw the thornbush in the water.
sharp iron: You throw the sharp iron in the water.
You can go now.
action: Go down
response: You hear him come home. You fall.

You can see a boat (empty) here.

Looking east, you see the Coastline; looking up, you see the Cliff.
action: You enter the boat
response: You get into the boat.
action: You go to the east
response: Coastline (in the boat)
You are following the coastline; you are close to home.

Looking north, you see the Deeper Waters; looking west, you see the Shallow Waters.
action: You go north
response: Deeper Waters (in the boat)
You are in deep waters. Something is under the water.

Looking south, you see the Coastline; looking east, you see the Choppy Waters.
action: Go outside
response: You get out of the boat.

You are in deep waters. Something is under the water.

You can see a boat (empty) here.

Looking south, you see the Coastline; looking east, you see the Choppy Waters.
action: You examine something
response: The something? That is what it is.
action: Go east
response: The water is choppy here.

You can see a boat (empty) and a shark here.

Looking east, you see the Beach; looking west, you see the Deeper Waters.

A shark has tipped the boat. You are in the water.
action: Jump shark
response: You leap over the shark, crying "Victor!"
action: You enter boat
response: The shark prevents you. You must attack it.
action: Attack shark
response: The shark fights back.
action: Continue
response: The water is choppy here.

You can see a boat (empty) and a shark here.

Looking east, you see the Beach.

You punch the shark away.
action: Go east
response: Beach (in the boat)
You are at the beach. You don't need the boat.

Looking north, you see the Foothill; looking west, you see the Choppy Waters.
action: You go outside
response: You are hungry again.

You get out of the boat.

You are at the beach. You don't need the boat.

You can see a boat (empty) here.

Looking north, you see the Foothill; looking west, you see the Choppy Waters.
action: You go north
response: They don't like it here. The mountains are between you and home.

Looking south, you see the Beach; looking east, you see the Footpath; looking up, you see the Peak.
action: Up
response: You are too weak to climb. You need to eat.
action: Go east
response: This path was made by them. Be careful.

Looking east, you see the Outside House; looking west, you see the Foothill.
action: You go to the east
response: You are outside one of their houses. It is very small.

Looking east, you see the Inside House; looking west, you see the Footpath.
action: You go east
response: You are in the small house.

You can see a fresh snack here.

Looking west, you see the Outside House.
action: You eat the snack
response: You eat it.
action: Up
response: You are close to home. A pool of water is here. A waterfall comes out of it.

Looking north, you see the Slick Drop; looking east, you see the Slope; looking down, you see the Foothill.
action: Go east
response: The ground slopes up here.

Looking west, you see the Peak; looking up, you see the Rocky Summit.
action: Up
response: You are on a rocky summit. There is a cliff to the west.

You can see some boulders here.

Looking down, you see the Slope.
action: You take the boulders
response: They are too heavy to lift.
action: You look around
response: You are on a rocky summit. There is a cliff to the west.

Looking down, you see the Slope.
action: Go west
response: You are close to home. A pool of water is here. The boulders are blocking it.

You can see some boulders here.

Looking north, you see the Slick Drop; looking east, you see the Slope; looking down, you see the Foothill.
action: Go north
response: The ground here is slick. It goes straight down.

Looking south, you see the Peak; looking down, you see the Eastern Ledge.
action: Go downward
response: The boulders are coming loose. One is falling above you.
action: Go down
response: Not that way.
action: You jump
response: You leap. It doesn't help.
action: Go west
response: Looking east, you see the Eastern Ledge.

A boulder smashes on the other side. You hear another boulder above you.
action: You go east
response: Looking west, you see the Western Ledge.

A boulder smashes on the other side. You hear two boulders above you.
action: Go west
response: Looking east, you see the Eastern Ledge.

The boulders miss you. They opened a path.
action: You look around
response: Looking east, you see the Eastern Ledge; looking down, you see the Soggy Ground.
action: Go downward
response: The ground is marshy here.

Looking north, you see the Fen.
action: You go north
response: You are in a fen. You hear wolves.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Soggy Ground.
action: Go north
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.
action: Go south
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.

Now you are closer.

You'll be home soon.
action: Go north
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.

Now you are closer.

There is some blood in the water. Now it's gone.
action: Go east
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.

Now you are closer.

You hear the wolves.
action: Go east
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.

Now you are closer.

It feels chilly.
action: Go east
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.

Now you are closer.

The ground is getting firmer.
action: Go east
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Mist; looking south, you see the Mist; looking east, you see the Mist; looking west, you see the Mist.

Now you are closer.

You see out of the mist.
action: Look around
response: You are in the mist. You are safe. You are not lost.

Looking north, you see the Frozen Trees.
action: You go north
response: You are in a forest. The trees are covered by snow.

Looking north, you see the Mereside.
action: Go north
response: You are by the mere. It is glowing.

You can see a serpent here.

Looking south, you see the Frozen Trees.
action: You examine the serpent
response: The serpent? That is what it is.
action: You look at the mere
response: The mere? That is what it is.
action: You take the serpent
response: Don't take people. You have better things to do.
action: You go south
response: You are in a forest. The trees are covered by snow.

Looking north, you see the Mereside.
action: You attack the serpent
response: The serpent is not your enemy. You are almost home. You can ask the serpent about them.
action: You ask the serpent about them
response: The serpent says "They stay away. They hate the fire."

You can ask the serpent about fire.
action: You ask the serpent about the fire
response: The serpent says "The fen-fire frightens them. I have seen Hrothgar."

You can ask about Hrothgar.
action: You ask the serpent about the hrothgar
response: The serpent says "Hrothgar is calling for help."

You can ask about help.
action: You ask the serpent about the help
response: The serpent says "He is calling for Beowulf."

You can ask about Beowulf.
action: You ask the serpent about the beowulf
response: The serpent says "Beware of Beowulf."

The serpent swims away. Come home. You are almost there.
action: Describe the surroundings
response: You are by the mere. It is glowing.

Looking north, you see the In Mere; looking south, you see the Frozen Trees.
action: You go to the north
response: You are swimming in the fen-fire.

Looking north, you see the Center of Mere.
action: You go to the north
response: You are in the center of the mere.

Looking south, you see the In Mere; looking down, you see the Descent.
action: You go downward
response: It takes them all day to reach the bottom.

Looking up, you see the Center of Mere; looking down, you see the Bottom.
action: You go down
response: You are faster than them.

Looking north, you see the Cavern; looking up, you see the Descent.
action: Go north
response: You are in a cavern. You are home. You are safe.

You are thirsty, hungry, and tired.

Looking north, you see the Mother; looking south, you see the Bottom; looking east, you see the Larder; looking west, you see the Mead Room.
action: Go east
response: You are in your larder.

You can see a last snack here.

Looking west, you see the Cavern.
action: You eat the last snack
response: They try to get away, but you eat them.
action: You go west
response: You are in a cavern. You are home. You are safe.

Looking north, you see the Mother; looking south, you see the Bottom; looking east, you see the Larder; looking west, you see the Mead Room.
action: You go west
response: The mead you have taken is stored here.

You can see a pale mead here.

Looking east, you see the Cavern.
action: You drink pale Mead
response: You drink the mead. You are not thirsty.
action: You go to the north
response: Mother is here.

Looking south, you see the Cavern.
action: You go to the north
response: Mother is here.

Looking south, you see the Cavern.
action: You take the axe
response: Taken.

Now you can cut things.