Treasures of a Slaver's Kingdom
by S. John Ross (2007)
Genres: Fantasy

In the cruel kingdoms north of the Viraxian Empire, a barbarian seeks treasure - and vengeance! Having escaped the clutches of the Slaver King, he has vowed to pillage the wealth of the kingdom ... then bring it to its knees. YOU are this barbarian. Weakened by your ordeal as a slave, wandering an unfamiliar realm filled with danger, you must use cunning, savagery, and something approximating English syntax to regain thy might, rally an army of friends to your cause, do repeated business with a Delicate Doxy, and do deadly violence unto the Slaver King!

action: %
response: In the science-swept world of VANTH, a young BARBARIAN has escaped the shackles of his bondage. Now a wanderer in the slave-master's realm, his destiny is his own and his QUEST is clear: pillage upon the wealth of the kingdom, and defeat the SLAVER KING once and for all!"

A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

You can see a GLADIUS SWORD here.
action: You seize SWORD
response: Seized.
action: You regard SWORD
response: It reminds you of a GLADIUS SWORD from your childhood.
action: You remember SWORD
response: You speak madness, barbarian! The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You wield SWORD
response: Thou hast exceeded the limits of SCIENTIFIC TECHNO-REASONING. Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You use SWORD
response: You heft the GLADIUS SWORD in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!
action: You check your inventory
response: You carry only a GLADIUS SWORD (held at the ready), and your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.
action: You look at BAG
response: The DUFFEL BAG is crafted of sturdy THESKIAN CANVAS. It bears the stains, smells, and wear of many years of broody, restless barbarian travel.
action: Smell bag
response: Prithee pardon, barbarian? Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You open BAG
response: Striveth for wisdom in thy endeavors, barbarian. Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You use BAG
response: The THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG is practically an extension of you; you've carried it since you were an infant, and it does its job without commands.
action: You go north
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

The OLD STONE BRIDGE is guarded by a LIZARD MAIDEN, half a head taller than you. The LIZARD MEN rarely permit their women to become warriors, but this one obviously didn't seek permission! She may even be some kind of LIZARD-AMAZON hybrid ... you know not. She would be lovely, but for her green scales, cold blood, needle-like fangs and snake-like eyes.

She hefts an impressive green-metal TWO-HANDED SWORD and looks you in the eye. "I await a worthy foe, rat-slave. Dare you challenge me?" She laughs a hissing laugh. "If not, you may scurry away in peace. Only men of mettle concern me."
action: You regard LIZARD
response: The LIZARD MEN rarely permit their women to become warriors, but this one obviously didn't seek permission! Is she half AMAZON? You know not. She would be beautiful, except for her green scales, cold blood, needle-like fangs, snake-like eyes and obvious lack of regard for you.

"Coward!"
action: Assail LIZARD
response: Sa-ho! You give the LIZARD MAIDEN a sampling of your GLADIUS SWORD, but good! You scored 5 points of damage!

The LIZARD MAIDEN dances in a defensive stance, watching your movements, hissing, and looking for an opening.
action: Assail LIZARD
response: By Huron's unavoidable odor! A miss!

The LIZARD MAIDEN attacks! You have suffered 13 hits of
damage!
action: You go to the south
response: By Huron's inscrutable Bridge partners! You try to flee, but thine legs fail thee in thy battered state! You must fight ... or be vanquished!

With a howl of rage, the LIZARD MAIDEN strikes! You have suffered
9 hits of damage!
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You carry only a GLADIUS SWORD (currently un-used), and your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.
action: You use SWORD
response: You heft the GLADIUS SWORD in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!
action: You go south
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

You can see a ROBODROID here.
action: You look at the robodroid
response: Parts of him are clearly torn open, and rust grows on his silver skin like the lesions snarling on some Bloodhaven beggar. Tiny lights on his flat display-face shine ever-so-weakly. There is life left in him, but precious little. He moves not.
action: Parlay robodroid
response: Thou hast exceeded the limits of SCIENTIFIC TECHNO-REASONING. Seek guidance with the HELP command.
action: Parley robodroid
response: Take care to consider your reasoning, barbarian. The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: Parlay robodroid into armor
response: This computeth not. The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: Parley with robodroid
response: Speaking - nay, even shouting - elicits no response, save for a gentle change in the rhythm of his facial light-display. There are sparks flying from some tiny moving parts on one side of his head, where the surface is torn open ... they are too rusted to move freely.
action: Assail droid
response: The ROBODROID is not your foe, barbarian. In fact, he seems quite helpless.
action: You look in the head
response: Art thou head-wounded? Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You regard the TREES
response: The "space-ship" tore many trees from their roots when it fell here. They lie here still, creating an unnatural clearing in the forest. They are now overgrown with flowers, ferns, and mosses.
action: You examine ROCKET
response: A quick visit to the ROCKET COCKPIT wouldst satisfy thy curiosity.

By Huron's tainted tam-o'-shanter, it is good to feel freedom once more! After weeks of mistreatment at the hands of the SLAVER KING'S catchers, you are as weak as a youngling ... but as you raise your dark gaze toward the distant CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, you are invigorated not only by your freedom, but by the lusty dream of VENGEANCE upon him!
action: Go inside
response: Much of the shack has been stripped for pieces, no doubt to be sold in God City, far to the west. Only scraps remain.

You can see an ABSORBENT SPACE-RAG and a FLASHLIGHT here.
action: Pillage
response: ABSORBENT SPACE-RAG: Seized.
FLASHLIGHT: Seized.
action: Regard rag
response: The SPACE-RAG is a fine scrap of red cloth made by the "gods" who once traveled the stars. You can use it to mop your barbarian brow, perhaps.
action: Regard the FLASHLIGHT
response: The FLASHLIGHT is a tool of science, used to make light. It maketh thee uncomfortable.
action: You use RAG
response: You mop your savage brow with the ABSORBENT SPACE-RAG.
action: You go east
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

You can see a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR here.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: You get the armor
response: Seized.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Regard the armor
response: It's just about the humblest suit of armor you've ever seen, but it's better than nothing. It's glowing gently ... probably from sitting near a PHASIC SUMP for so long.
action: You use the armor
response: You don the SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR. Now you are well-suited for bloody mayhem!
action: You assess yourself
response: From any but a barbarian, I would presume such a command SORCERY most perplexing! Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Go south
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

Your foot turns a small stone, and a hundred THRITAMA LARVAE squirm angrily, and burrow deep to avoid the light.
action: You regard LARVAE
response: 'Tis less than worthy of thy fearsome concern.
action: Regard the tree
response: The leaves are all gone, but a single small FRUIT hangs from the farthest tip of the farthest branch, out over the CHASM.
action: You regard CHASM
response: It is all mist in the deeps of the CHASM, but here at the edge, the orange glow of the evening sun highlights the cliffsides. You suppose that on the other side there lay either the EMPIRE OF DARTH VIRAXIS or one of the rival SLAVER KINGDOMS. These are matters you can clarify once the SLAVER KING of this particular realm lay dead by your vengeful hand.
action: You regard the fruit
response: The FRUIT is small and red.
action: You seize the tree
response: It clings quite tenaciously. Besides, you have no use for it.
action: You use SWORD on the tree
response: Thou art only accustomed to ASSAILING things with a GLADIUS SWORD, preferably in a frothing, bloody rage filled with lusty war-oaths, suggestive hip-thrusts and savage leering.
action: You go east
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, swimming a lazy figure-eight.
action: You regard the fish
response: It's just your typical MAGIC FISH. It seems to be watching you.
action: You catch the fish
response: Bedlam and disarray! Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You enter the pool
response: Thou hast always regarded bathing as one of those things that happens to other people.
action: You regard the herring
response: By Huron's palatial privy! I am vexed by thine illogic!
action: Parley fish
response: The dullest Planetary Ape can do better than that.
action: Parley with FISH
response: If you're going to start talking to MAGIC FISH, you may as well just chat with your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.
action: Parley with BAG
response: You while away the hours, chatting with your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG, as you have so many times. But this time, something happens that never has before: a SPIRIT rises from the careworn canvas, and bids you follow ... into a long, swirling void ...

You find yourself in an idyllic village. In the distance, craftsmen work great LOOMS, producing swaths of what you know as THESKIAN CANVAS. The air here is sweet, and the citizens are rosy-cheeked, healthy, and cheerful. They welcome you with BELGIAN THESKIAN WAFFLES and THESKIAN BRUSSELS SPROUTS.

The SPIRIT leads you through the streets. "I have seen lately, barbarian, that you are pondering the nature of your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG ... I am part of that nature, so I brought you here, to satisfy your thirst for wisdom."

"This," he says, with a sweeping gesture, "is the town of DUFFEL (ANTWERP, BELGIUM) where traditional woolen-canvas fabrics are produced for the entire galaxy ... including the THESKIAN merchant ports." He smiles a sad smile. "Of course, I speak of the past, before our galaxy fell to ruin ... but it is the past that concerns us right now."

"Your BAG," he says, "began here, on those distant LOOMS, before you were born. The fabric was shipped offworld, where THESKIAN LUGGAGE ARTISANS forged a mighty and capacious DUFFEL. Its first owner, a SPACEFARER, carried it to your world of VANTH, where he bedded your MOTHER in a night of revelry somewhere near the realm of the IRON DWARF KING." Rather unecessarily, you think, he summons a magic HOLOGRAM of these events.

Narrating the HOLOGRAM, he continues: "It was a night of fiery and tender passions, with your FATHER passed out in a STABLE nearby. The SPACEFARER gave the DUFFEL to your MOTHER, saying that if a child might spring from their intense and repeated coupling (or those joinings that might produce children, for as you can see there was much variety), that the child should be granted his useful BAG, that he might know the gifts of a mighty SPACEFARER."

The SPIRIT looks you in the eye. "You, of course, are that child." At this point, the HOLOGRAM is a series of embarassing naked-baby pictures, most of which also feature the THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.

"So you see, that is how THESKIAN DUFFEL BAGS came to be on VANTH, and why they are so valued. They are gifts from the stars, and your BAG, dear barbarian, is more than that ... it is your heritage."

"I tell you this because the spirit of BELGIUM lives on in your BAG! We have no patience for despots like the SLAVER KING! Indeed, our fair land was ruled by conquerors for EIGHTEEN CENTURIES. The Romans, the Franks, the Austrians, the Burgundians and more." His voice takes on a deep, proud timbre. "But no more, barbarian. BELGIUM is a parliamentary democracy, producing wheat, fruits and sugar beets alongside our fine metal products and glassware ... and our tourist industry is not the mere joke that the 'Monty Python' would have you believe! Oh no. We are a lovely realm, and perhaps some day you may quest here ..."

"But for now, barbarian, know ye TRUTH. Do your DUFFEL BAG proud, fine warrior! Defeat the SLAVER KING!"

... and then you feel yourself awaken, as if from a deep sleep.

(press a key when ready)
action: You look
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH. It appears to be reading a tiny book.

Was it only a dream ..?
action: Regard book
response: You must have been imagining things. Fish are no more literate than you.
action: You regard waterfall
response: The WATERFALL cascades down from streams high up toward MOUNT GELIDUS. It's very lovely and refreshing. There's almost nowhere to stand, here, where you aren't catching some spray.
action: You enter the waterfall
response: Thou hast always regarded bathing as one of those things that happens to other people.
action: You seize the FISH
response: It swims out of reach.
action: Carp of the day
response: You speak madness, barbarian! Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You go north
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Go north
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.
action: Regard IDOL
response: The features of the IDOL glare with stony, furious contempt, as if daring you to USE it.

Your keen senses detect signs that a MANION DEVIL hath passed near here, not long ago.

There is a sudden gurgling from the muck, and a MIRE IMP leaps out! The MIRE IMP unleashes its glistening claws, and glares upon on your barbarian countenance with naked, animal hatred!
action: Regard imp
response: 'Tis but a MIRE IMP.

The MIRE IMP leaps straight for your throat, and his fangs rip deep into your neck and shoulder. You have suffered 7 hits of
damage!
action: Assail imp
response: Sa-ho! You give the MIRE IMP a sampling of your GLADIUS SWORD, but good! You scored 4 points of damage!

With a snarl, the MIRE IMP is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Assail imp
response: You attack! You scored 8 points of damage!

The MIRE IMP strikes, leaping high and ripping into your chest with a savage squeal. You have suffered 5 hits of damage!
action: Assail imp
response: By Huron's almighty acerbity! A miss!

The MIRE IMP moves with blinding speed, and its fangs sink deep!
You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail imp
response: By Huron's Paphian parables, you strike hard and true! You scored
3 points of damage!

The MIRE IMP circles you warily, waiting for his chance to strike!
action: Assail imp
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 7 points of damage, leaving the
MIRE IMP at your mercy!

The MIRE IMP is defeated!

The dead IMP slides back into the MUCK from whence he came, leaving his only worldly posession at your feet ...

You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

You can also see some STINKY BAIT here.
action: Regard the bait
response: It's stinky. It has rotted long ago; now only the foulest SEA-MONSTER would find it appealing.
action: You seize IDOL
response: The MOSSY STONE IDOL is vast and you are but mortal.
action: Repose
response: You stop to rest for a moment.
action: You use IDOL
response: THE SKY RINGS WITH LAUGHTER!!! You are mocked by the Viraxian Gods for attempting to make USE of their idol unprepared. A voice rings out: "Bring the proper tribute ... USE it with the IDOL," it says, "and we MAY choose to reward you."
action: You use the bait with IDOL
response: There is a distant rumble of laughter, and a voice sayeth "That is not proper tribute, barbarian. Bring us something more suited to our DARK PURPOSE."
action: Go north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.
action: You use BAIT on the bear
response: You extend the STINKY BAIT toward the GRIZZLY, and the great BEAR'S nose twitches damply as it looks up from the fresh flowing waters of the stream.

Slowly, cautiously, the GRIZZLY approaches. He sniffs at the STINKY BAIT, motivated by obvious hunger, but grunts sadly, and returns to pawing the water in hopes.
action: You regard grizzly
response: It is a large GRIZZLY BEAR, but it seemeth lean and hungry. Its attempts at fishing in the MOUNTAIN STREAM are apparently bearing no fruit (or fish).
action: You examine STREAM
response: As you look upon the BRISKLY-FLOWING STREAM, you can't escape the feeling that the BRISKLY-FLOWING STREAM is examining you in
return.
action: You go to the east
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.
action: Regard SPIRE
response: A quick visit to the CRYSTAL SPIRE wouldst satisfy thy curiosity.

You sure could use a good fight.
action: Regard crevasse
response: The CREVASSE is lovely, dark and deep, but you have promises to keep.
action: Go inside
response: Inside the ice-like spire, it is strangely warm, and the air is charged with crackling energies, but magic or someting else? Know ye not. OUTSIDE, the FROSTED UPLANDS are only a fractured blur. From here, you can make your way UP to the EERIE PINNACLE, where strange lights play.
action: Up
response: You stand in the uppermost chamber of the strange crystalline tower. The air here is thick with energy and flooded with light from no particular source. There is a blinding whiteness, as if you're in a vast field of snow ... but the air is hot, not cold.

Floating in mid-air is a beautiful NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT, a dazzling treasure!

But for such a prize to be unprotected ... Your barbarian instincts warn of unseen dangers, and something else ... an unseen rival?
action: Regard NECKLACE
response: Imagine if the GODS took down all the stars from the sky, and strung them along a fine chain of silver, and sold it in GOD CITY. With the money they might gain from the bargain, they could put a down-payment on the NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT.
action: Seize necklace
response: Just as your fingertips brush the scintillating surface of the NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT, a sizzling shock throws you backward across the room! Crackling energies coalesce into a grinning, sparkling WRAITH of ELECTRO-PHASIC QUASIMATTER! A deadly VOLTAIC WRAITH!

The WRAITH attacks! You have suffered 9 hits of damage!
action: Regard wraith
response: A SCIENTIST wouldst describe the WRAITH as a semi-corporeal arc construction of sapient hostile quasi-matter manifesting on a voltaic impulse wavelength. Thou, however, wouldst not.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 23 hits of damage!
action: Go north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.
action: You go to the east
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.
action: You enter
response: Inside the ice-like spire, it is strangely warm, and the air is charged with crackling energies, but magic or someting else? Know ye not. OUTSIDE, the FROSTED UPLANDS are only a fractured blur. From here, you can make your way UP to the EERIE PINNACLE, where strange lights play.
action: You go west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

You pause to take in the deep orange and red of the evening sky, heavy with clouds.
action: You go north
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.
action: Go downwards
response: Sa-ho! By Huron's vacticinal cowlick, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Regard ring
response: The GLADIATOR'S RING is a simple open space where the gravel has been flattened in an open circle, to mark a place of battle.
action: Regard POST
response: The CHALLENGE POST is a wooden pole hung with dyed banners, each representing a GLADIATOR willing to meet challengers. Beginning with the lowest, the banners are BLUE, GREEN, GOLD, and RED. There is room for one more banner above the others, but RED is presently the highest on the POST.

A nearby rogue espies your curiosity, and sayeth "If ye wish a bout, barbarian, SEIZE the banner of your chosen foe, to display your challenge!"
action: Regard rogues
response: The PARTY OF ROGUES seem quite the band of ne'er do wells!
action: You seize blue
response: As you pluck the BLUE BANNER from the CHALLENGE POST, the assembled rowdies cheer! You are ushered into the gladiator's ring, where you stand face-to-face with VON DARTH THE SLY! "It's good to face a worthy foe, barbarian!" he shouts, and salutes you.

You take a moment to REGARD your opponent ... VON DARTH THE SLY is a short, mutated human with an extra arm sticking out of his neck. In this third arm he holds a wicked-looking MACHETE. With his free hands he gestures rudely for the crowd's amusement. He stands eagerly, waiting for your next move.
action: Assail darth
response: By Huron's indigestible excretions, your GLADIUS SWORD lands home!
You scored 6 points of damage!

VON DARTH THE SLY attacks! You have suffered 9 hits of
damage!
action: Surrender
response: The phasic radiation must be clouding your thoughts, barbarian. Seek guidance with the HELP command.
action: Up
response: The eager crowd is pressed around you; there is nowhere to go at the moment but back into the fray!

VON DARTH THE SLY croaks a curse as he misses!
action: Assail darth
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 4 points
of damage!

VON DARTH brings his MACHETE to bear! You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Assail darth
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 6 points of damage!

VON DARTH THE SLY croaks a curse as he misses!
action: Assail darth
response: You miss!

With a happy snarl, VON DARTH leaps to the attack! You have
suffered 9 hits of damage!

You stumble, and fall to the ground. VON DARTH THE SLY has beaten you.

The world goes black for a moment, as VON DARTH THE SLY lays you low with a hard stroke from his MACHETE.

You are drawn from the darkness by the cheering crowd, showering VON DARTH with ale and praise. As your eyes refocus, you see his smiling face above you, and his third hand extended to help you to your feet.

"You fought well, barbarian. It might just as easily been me lying there in the dust. Let yourself heal, and then return to challenge me once more! It was a pleasure to face a man with real spirit!"

Sa-ho! By Huron's inscrutable Bridge partners, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Up
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.
action: Go west
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.
action: You go west
response: This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

You sure could use a good fight.
action: You go west
response: An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.
action: You enter
response: This old LIGHTHOUSE is in poor repair, but not quite abandoned. While no one seems to live here, you suppose it may be operated by a magic spell, or by someone keeping watch from the nearby harbor.

You can see an ENORMOUS LAMP here.
action: Regard LAMP
response: Unlike the structure supporting it, the ENORMOUS LAMP is in good repair (even the vast and fragile-looking reflector).
action: You get LAMP
response: The ENORMOUS LAMP is not your foe, barbarian.

Thinkest again.
action: You use LAMP
response: You stare at the ENORMOUS LAMP as hard as you can, but it only makes your eyes hurt. Alas, the ways of the barbarian, while hallowed by the ages and kin to the wild, are so seldom useful.
action: You use BAIT on SEA
response: The STINKY BAIT is truly foul, but sometimes a man just feels the urge to expose his skin, smear it with rotted bait, bare it to the ocean and see if anything interesting happens. It's how your parents met.

For a few minutes, the only noticeable effect is a migration of all the seabirds, who head to the harbor where the stench is more civilized. But then there is a visible movement out at sea ... a rising darkness in the clear green waters which resolves itself to a speeding mountain of scaly flesh, an errant island of rippling water washing over green-black muscle and sudden, fire-bright yellow eyes.

When the ENORMOUS SEA-MONSTER rises out of the water, you wonder for a moment how the ocean ever contained it. It's larger than the nearby city!

And then it eats you.

SEA-MONSTER'S GULLET
The floor is the squishy flesh of a monstrous gullet. The walls are the squishy flesh of a monstrous gullet. The ceiling is the squishy flesh of a monstrous gullet ... and the DIGESTIVE JUICES are rising to consume you.

You can see a HALF-DIGESTED CORPSE bobbing in the rising, sizzling acid - the remains of some old sailor, you suppose. On the CORPSE you notice the EYEPATCH OF ODIN and FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: Pillage
response: EYEPATCH OF ODIN: Seized.
FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS: Seized.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS, the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (being worn), a FLASHLIGHT, an ABSORBENT SPACE-RAG and a GLADIUS SWORD (held at the ready).

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: Go down
response: It takes only a squishy, acidic moment to confirm your fears: that "passage" leads only to more GULLET.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You go west
response: This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.
action: You go west
response: An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.
action: You enter
response: This old LIGHTHOUSE is in poor repair, but not quite abandoned. While no one seems to live here, you suppose it may be operated by a magic spell, or by someone keeping watch from the nearby harbor.

You can see an ENORMOUS LAMP here.
action: You use SWORD N the sea monster
response: Thou art a barbarian, 'tis true, but even thou canst masterest wise use of the ACTION COMMANDS. The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: Assail gullet
response: I beggest thy pardon? Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Assail sea monster
response: Your attempts come to naught. But, in fairness, dissolving in DIGESTIVE JUICES might distract anyone.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You use SWORD on the sea monster
response: Thou art only accustomed to ASSAILING things with a GLADIUS SWORD, preferably in a frothing, bloody rage filled with lusty war-oaths, suggestive hip-thrusts and savage leering.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You regard FLESH
response: You've heard of these blasphemous items ... warped dolls fashioned from the real flesh of the powerful, used to appease dark godlings and great demons. This one bears a remarkable resemblance to DARTH VIRAXIS of the VIRAXIAN EMPIRE.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You regard the eye patch
response: You can tell it's authentically the EYEPATCH OF ODIN because there is a tag, in the old runes: "PROPERTY OF ODIN ALL-FATHER. RETURNEST IFFETH FOUND."

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): some STINKY BAIT, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (being worn), a FLASHLIGHT, an ABSORBENT SPACE-RAG and a GLADIUS SWORD (held at the ready).
action: You go south
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.

A group of goodwives walks past, discussing what soundeth like interesting gossip.
action: You regard goodwives
response: The peoples and sundries of the realm are much like any other thou hast seen.
action: You regard GATES
response: The CASTLE GATES are constructed of great blocks of BASALTIC WIZARD-STONE, quarried by slaves, sledged here by slaves, cut by slaves and placed by slaves. The great PORTCULLIS is currently down, preventing entry.
action: You use the stone
response: "Back off from there, boy." says the GUARD. "That belongs to the SLAVER KING, and isn't for filthy savages the likes of you."
action: You regard the marketplace
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.
action: Go south
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

"Look here," says one pirate to another, "A barbarian, and clearly no pirate. He doesn't even stink of rum!"
action: You regard the pirates
response: Ye've ne'er seen a mangier lot of cutthroats, on land or sea. Arr.
action: Arr
response: Thou art a barbarian, 'tis true, but even thou canst masterest wise use of the ACTION COMMANDS. Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: Enter
response: "Avast ye! Pirates only, barbarian matey!"

"'Ere now," says a pirate, "See that barbarian? He's got no peg-leg, so clearly he's no pirate!"
action: You go to the south
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: Regard BARREL
response: The BARREL is a sturdy thing, filled with rainwater and foul city-dweller trash.
action: Assail BARREL
response: Thy savage might and lust for vengeance could be put to better use than that, barbarian.
action: You enter BARREL
response: The BARREL seemeth less than comfy.
action: Assail RATS
response: You lash out at the RATS, but they just scurry into nearby hidey-holes, their twitchy tails vanishing like a child's last slurp of THESKIAN SPAGHETTI.
action: You regard the SPAGHETTI
response: I beggest thy pardon? Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Go inside
response: Before you can move on, a SHADY CHARACTER catches your attention with a "pssst!"

You look down and see a HOBLING. "Barbarian," he says, "I can see you're new here in the ALLEYWAY. I should explain a thing or two." He looks both ways carefully before he continues. "This ALLEYWAY here ... if you ever want to stash anything, there's no safer place than right here. Me and the boys, we look after it, see."

He sees the doubt on your features, and smiles. "We're CRIMINALS around here, sure. But we don't steal nuffin'! We're
adventuring types, see. Strictly delving. Open a few doors, disarm a few death-traps? It's a living."

"And more important ..." he hikes a thumb toward the half-open doorway. "That is the business place of VESSA, who we call THE DELICATE DOXY. She's a very fine girl, and she's a
sweetheart, see. So if we hear about you roughin' her up or
scarin' her, well ... we might 'revoke-your-access,' if you know what I'm saying."

You don't know what he's saying, so you nod grimly. He smiles "You're okay, barbarian. Yes, sir." Then, he slips away into the shadows.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head. There is a large BARREL here, presently devoid of scurrying RATS. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.
action: Go inside
response: You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

A young WOMAN reclines on the bed, REGARDING you quietly over the edge of a SCROLL she's writing in. Her eyes are piercing, her grin casual and playful. This must be VESSA herself, the DELICATE DOXY.

VESSA slips the SCROLL under a pillow, and looks to you to make the next move.
action: Regard vessa
response: True to her reputation, VESSA is almost too delicate for a neighborhood so rough as the DARK ALLEYWAY outside. Despite her small size and tempting curves, however, your keen Warrior's awareness detects an inner ferocity, and her eyes are bright with intellect, cunning ... even wickedness.
action: Parley vessa
response: Prithee pardon, barbarian? Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Parley with VESSA
response: "Welcome to my BOUDOIR, barbarian," she says with an arched eyebrow, plainly observing your manly form. "The arrangements here are easy ... just bring me something suitable as payment, some little bauble or treasure you have no need of. In exchange, I will sate your appetites and refresh you for your battles ahead."
action: You go east
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: You go to the south
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

This GRAVEYARD seems particularly un-rested tonight, as dozens of LIVING KLENGON DEAD begin to claw their way out of the graves to destroy the living!

Several of the LIVING KLENGON DEAD advance at once, restricting your opportunities for escape and carving into you with an assortment of weapons! You have suffered 1 hit of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: You could have sworn your aim was true, but your quarry was already elsewhere! A miss!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD move slowly, but there are so many of them, clawing, clawing! You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: By Huron's truculent toe-demon! A mighty blow! You scored 4 points
of damage!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD shuffle and moan and cluster together, as if awaiting infernal orders to destroy you.
action: Assail dead
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 5 points of
damage!

You are briefly overwhelmed by the mass of LIVING KLENGON DEAD. While mowing two of them down, three others strike! You have suffered 2
hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 7 points of damage!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD, though corpses a-rotting, fight with the arrogance of living KLENGONS and the snarling leers to boot! You
have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: By Huron's reprehensible table-manners, a fine hit! You scored 5 points of damage!

Several of the LIVING KLENGON DEAD advance at once, restricting your opportunities for escape and carving into you with an assortment of weapons! You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: By Huron's hoary homburg! Thine arm hath failed thee!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD move slowly, but there are so many of them, clawing, clawing! You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 5 points of
damage!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD, though corpses a-rotting, fight with the arrogance of living KLENGONS and the snarling leers to boot! You
have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: You are quick, but your foe was quicker that time. A miss!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD shuffle and moan and cluster together, as if awaiting infernal orders to destroy you.
action: Assail dead
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
9 points of damage!

You are briefly overwhelmed by the mass of LIVING KLENGON DEAD. While mowing two of them down, three others strike! You have suffered 2
hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: By Huron's non-Euclidean necktie, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 6 points of damage!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD move slowly, but there are so many of them, clawing, clawing! You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: Assail dead
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 8 points of damage, leaving the LIVING KLENGON DEAD at your mercy!

The LIVING KLENGON DEAD are defeated!

You rummage through the remains and find something of interest.

This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

You can see a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR here.
action: You get the chainmai
response: A whammy on your demonic keyboard! Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You regard the chainmail
response: It's heavier and slower than you like, but the protection is useful.
action: You use the chainmail
response: You remove the SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR, and replace it with the SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR. Now you are well-suited for bloody mayhem!
action: You regard TOMB
response: A quick visit to the TOMB wouldst satisfy thy curiosity.
action: You look around
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.
action: Regard seaport
response: You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Unless you travel to GOD CITY, perhaps, or BLACKHAWK ... or the CITY OF THUNDERS. Things are pretty bad there. And up in the BLEAK MOUNTAINS there are a lot of BEE GIRLS, come to think of it, and they live in ACTUAL HIVES of scum and/or villainy. Anyway, it looks like any other town you've seen.
action: You enter TOMB
response: This TOMB is tiny and cold, and hath long ago been stripped of treasures by disrespectful, thrice-damned, impious, tomb-robbing adventurers who got here faster than you. An entrance leads down into the CRYPT, but a ghostly guardian blocks the way.

You can see a SPECTERAL SPIRIT here.

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT attacks! You have suffered 13 hits of
damage!
action: Attack spirit
response: Taste barbarian rage, SPECTERAL SPIRIT! You scored 7 points of
damage!

Though the SPIRIT barely responds to the physical world, its icy hands bite like DAGGERS! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Regard spirit
response: By the cut of its tattered and specteral raiment, this must be the shade of some great and regal SULTAN or STAGE MAGICIAN.

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT wails and moans and locks its eyes to yours, silently begging to be released from its eternal torment!
action: Attack spirit
response: Sa-ho! You give the SPECTERAL SPIRIT a sampling of your GLADIUS SWORD, but good! You scored 7 points of damage!

With a wail of torment and regret, the SPECTERAL SPIRIT lashes out at you! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Attack spirit
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 5 points
of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT attacks in a tormented rage! You have
suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Attack spirit
response: By Huron's devastating candor, a fine hit! You scored 8 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT reaches into your chest and clutches your heart with an icy grip! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Go east
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

Simply walking IN, however, isn't currently an option, as a vast RUIN SLUG - the largest you've ever seen - is basking its slimy bulk in the evening sun, right near the entrance. The SLUG makes no move toward you, but you'd have to ASSAIL it (and survive) to find out what lay beyond the arch.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You regard POLE
response: The TELEPHONE POLE seems quite sturdy, and its runes name it "BELL SYSTEMS OF DETROIT." A potent blessing of magic, no doubt.
action: You seize POLE
response: You lack the strength of arm to heft such a mighty thing!
action: You climb POLE
response: The dullest Klengon can do better than that. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Assail SLUG
response: It's an acid-spewing slug the size of a smallish elephant. Very rubbery, it takes a lot of punishment to defeat one. The RUIN SLUG is staring at you.

Your attack is too hasty, and it fails!

The RUIN SLUG attacks! You have suffered 16 hits of damage!
action: Go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.
action: Go north
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

You can see an EAR OF CORN here.
action: You get the CORN
response: Seized.
action: You regard the CORN
response: It reminds you of an EAR OF CORN from your childhood.
action: You use well
response: I've seen this tragedy before. The alluring proximity of a WELL can drive many a hero to gibbering madness.
action: You regard well
response: It reminds you of the old tavern tale about the clever farmer, the WELL, and the murder of the FIRST HOBLING EMPEROR.
action: Parley with well
response: Thou hast barkest up the wrong tree, barbarian.
action: Down
response: No good path leads that way, and thou art not of the Pioneer class!

You feel the wind change direction.
action: Go east
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.
action: You go to the east
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.
action: You go to the east
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

There is a sudden whiff of brimstone, and an INFERNAL APE swings down from the treetops, screeching for your blood!

The INFERNAL APE leaps straight for your throat, and his fangs rip deep into your neck and shoulder. You have suffered 5 hits of
damage!
action: Assail ape
response: Taste barbarian rage, INFERNAL APE! You scored 6 points of
damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks you savagely, but misses!
action: Assail ape
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 8 points of
damage!

With a snarl, the INFERNAL APE is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 6 hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: By Huron's devastating candor! Thine aim hath failed thee!

The INFERNAL APE attacks in a scorching blur of HELL-FIRE, burning your flesh with an infernal howl of triumph! You have suffered 3
hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: You attack! You scored 7 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks you savagely, but misses!
action: Assail ape
response: By Huron's bristliest back hairs! A mighty blow! You scored 5
points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE strikes, leaping high and ripping into your chest with a savage snarl. You have suffered 9 hits of damage!
action: You go west
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.
action: Assail LIZARD
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 4 points
of damage!

The LIZARD MAIDEN attacks! You have suffered 9 hits of
damage!
action: Assail LIZARD
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 7 points of damage!

With a howl of rage, the LIZARD MAIDEN strikes! You have suffered
10 hits of damage!
action: Assail LIZARD
response: By Huron's sacred codpiece, your GLADIUS SWORD lands home! You
scored 7 points of damage!

The strange GREEN SWORD of the LIZARD MAIDEN cuts as fine as any steel you've known! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: Assail LIZARD
response: A miss! BAH!

The LIZARD MAIDEN dances in a defensive stance, watching your movements, hissing, and looking for an opening.
action: Assail LIZARD
response: By Huron's sable-coated cysts, you strike hard and true! You
scored 7 points of damage!

Cursing your weakness, the LIZARD MAIDEN swings low with her
blade! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Assail LIZARD
response: By Huron's pampered panda-bears, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 7 points of damage, leaving the LIZARD MAIDEN at your
mercy!

The LIZARD MAIDEN is defeated!

You kick the body of the LIZARD MAIDEN into the stream below the bridge, and watch it wash into the narrow CULVERT leading into the base of the CASTLE. On the ground, her green-metal SWORD awaits ...

This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

You can see a TWO-HANDED SWORD here.
action: You get SWORD
response: (the TWO-HANDED SWORD)
Seized.
action: You use SWORD
response: (the GLADIUS SWORD)
You unhand the GLADIUS SWORD and carry it as ordinary gear. Your bare FIST is ready for battle!
action: You use two-handed sword
response: You heft the TWO-HANDED SWORD in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!
action: You regard two-handed sword
response: It's fashioned from a strange green metal. Some sort of LIZARD MAN iron, perhaps.
action: You go to the east
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

* BAROOOOOO!!! *

You hear the peal of a great horn in the distance, from the highest turrets of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE. You knew this moment would come ... the SLAVER KING has heard of your movements, and he has no doubt released his precious pets, a trio of deadly PYREXIS HOUNDS, to hunt you down and deliver your charred carcass.
action: You go north
response: Before you can approach the icy bridge, there is a great explosion of snow all around you, a shifting and coiling of fur and ire! A GIANT SNOW-SERPENT rises, hissing, into the frosty sunlight, its fangs dripping with ICE VENOM.

The GIANT SNOW-SERPENT coils and strikes, but your barbarian reflexes save you from harm!
action: You go to the north
response: Before you can approach the icy bridge, there is a great explosion of snow all around you, a shifting and coiling of fur and ire! A GIANT SNOW-SERPENT rises, hissing, into the frosty sunlight, its fangs dripping with ICE VENOM.

The GIANT SNOW-SERPENT coils tight, and then leaps at you with all its great bulk, carrying you both further down the frosty slope as its fangs dig in! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: You attack SERPENT
response: Sa-ho! You give the GIANT SNOW-SERPENT a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 12 points of damage!

The GIANT SNOW-SERPENT coils and strikes, but your barbarian reflexes save you from harm!
action: You attack SERPENT
response: You were too slow that time. A miss!

The GIANT SNOW-SERPENT coils and strikes, but your barbarian reflexes save you from harm!
action: You attack SERPENT
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 6 points of
damage!

The GIANT SNOW-SERPENT coils and strikes, but your barbarian reflexes save you from harm!
action: You attack SERPENT
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 7 points of damage!

With a savage hiss and almost hypnotic motion, the GIANT SNOW-SERPENT strikes! You have suffered 19 hits of damage!
action: You attack SERPENT
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 12 points of damage, leaving
the GIANT SNOW-SERPENT at your mercy!

The GIANT SNOW-SERPENT is defeated!

You take a moment to carve into its warm, furry scales to find the bloody flesh beneath. Searching for exactly the right muscle, you rip free a valuable treasure ...

Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

You can see a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT here.
action: You examine slab
response: The SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT shines in its raw ichor. Your tribe has long known that the flesh of this beast, once properly ripened and then consumed rapidly, has magic healing properties that allow Warriors to defeat foes much more powerful than they. Useful, for a Warrior-born such as you! This slab's ichor is not yet iridescent.
action: You go north
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

... the sight of the SEA OF GREAT PERIL gets you thinking about that STINKY BAIT you won from the MIRE IMP. Knowest thou that yonder SEA is filled with beasts of many kinds, some of whom might fancy even such foul BAIT as this.
action: You go inside
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the VIRAXIAN INCENSE, the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.

The ACOLYTE OF TRAGA looks up from his work as you enter amid a swirl of snow. "Welcome, barbarian," he says. "Please, take your ease here if you need shelter from the cold. The hospitality of our DARK DEMON LORD FROM BENEATH THE STYGIAN ABYSSAL PITS is no mere rumor. When you have a time, come and PARLEY with me."

The VIRGIN SACRIFICE also looks up with a welcoming smile, but as she is bound oiled and naked to the altar she does not rise to greet you formally.
action: You regard INCENSE
response: The INCENSE is currently unlit.
action: Regard SACRIFICE
response: GINA is bound naked to the cold stone ALTAR, her heaving breasts glistening with ANOINTING OIL.
action: You use the cloth with SACRIFICE
response: In a moment when the ACOLYTE is looking elsewhere, you wipe the soft ABSORBENT SPACE-RAG across GINA's naked, heaving bosoms, lingering no longer than you dare. GINA grins at the secret moment you have shared, and now you have a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: Parley with ACOLYTE
response: The ACOLYTE nods in greeting. "It is comforting to have a Warrior visit us here. We worry constantly of invasion by the BEE GIRLS and THREE-HEADED GIANTS of the high mountains, and perhaps a man like you can aid me ..." He holds up a beautiful gem. "Bring me a worthy WEAPON I can use to defend the TEMPLE, and I will give you this valuable FIERY JEWEL." The treasure he offers is indeed beautiful: a darkly-shining stone with living sparks inside.
action: Parley with GINA
response: GINA notices the look of concern in your eyes. "Worry not, barbarian, for I am here by choice. My life-force will be an UNHOLY GIFT to the VIRAXIAN DEMON-GODS, and spare my people a poor harvest." She continues with more along those lines, but you find yourself distracted by her naked body, gleaming with ANOINTING OIL. You do your best to keep your eyes level and pay attention.

Your nostrils flare, picking up a familiar rotting scent ... what could that be?
action: You look around
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the VIRAXIAN INCENSE, the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.
action: You regard ALTAR
response: The ALTAR has an oiled, naked VIRGIN SACRIFICE on it. She gives you a wink.
action: Smell
response: The bloodlust must be clouding your thoughts, barbarian. The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You regard the meat
response: The SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT shines in its raw ichor. Your tribe has long known that the flesh of this beast, once properly ripened and then consumed rapidly, has magic healing properties that allow Warriors to defeat foes much more powerful than they. Useful, for a Warrior-born such as you! This slab has now ripened; the ichor swirls with prismatic power and the stench is comforting.
action: Go outside
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.
action: Go west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

Danger! Your keen ears pick up the barking and howling of the PYREXIS HOUND PACK, nearby!
action: Go south
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

You can also see a PYREXIS HOUND PACK here.

The entire PACK leaps upon you! You feel tooth and claw shredding at your very force of life! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: Attack pack
response: Damn and blast! A miss!

The PACK take turns tearing at your flesh! You have suffered 2
hits of damage!
action: Assail pack
response: Taste barbarian rage, PYREXIS HOUND PACK! You scored 11 points of damage!

The PACK LEADER leaps forward, and cuts deep into your shoulder with his FIERY FANGS OF HEAT! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Assail pack
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 6 points of damage!

As the PACK LEADER brays from the rear, the other HOUNDS shred flesh from your legs! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: Assail pack
response: By Huron's discordant drum solo! Thou hast missest!

The PACK take turns tearing at your flesh! You have suffered 5
hits of damage!
action: Assail pack
response: A thousand curses on these foolish percentile dice! A miss!

As the PACK LEADER brays from the rear, the other HOUNDS shred flesh from your legs! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Assail pack
response: Curses! A miss!

The PACK LEADER leaps forward, and cuts deep into your shoulder with his FIERY FANGS OF HEAT! You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Assail pack
response: By Huron's hallowed hiphuggers, a fine hit! You scored 10 points
of damage!

The entire PACK leaps upon you! You feel tooth and claw shredding at your very force of life! You have suffered 6 hits of damage!
action: Assail PACK
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
13 points of damage, leaving the PYREXIS HOUND PACK at your
mercy!

The PYREXIS HOUND PACK is defeated!

With the last of the PYREXIS HOUNDS dead at your feet, you grab the strongest by the jaw and rip its head from its body. Examining the beast, you recall a lesson taught you by a Pioneer when you were a youngling: pluck out the eye of a PYREXIS HOUND, and you need never touch flint to steel again. You dig your finger into the socket, remove the prize, then cast the head aside.

You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a PYREXIAN EYE, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), some STINKY BAIT, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT and a GLADIUS SWORD (currently un-used).
action: Regard pyrexian eye
response: The PYREXIAN EYE, ripped from the skull of the strongest of the SLAVER KING'S beloved pets, is very warm to the touch, and but the slightest squeeze makes it flash briefly with flame. 'Tis nothing sustained enough to provide much light or heat for survival, but the spark is well-suited to lighting tinder for a campfire.
action: Go south
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: You go south
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, playing around in the churning waters at the base of the WATERFALL.
action: You go to the west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.
action: You go to the west
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

Simply walking IN, however, isn't currently an option, as a vast RUIN SLUG - the largest you've ever seen - is basking its slimy bulk in the evening sun, right near the entrance. The SLUG makes no move toward you, but you'd have to ASSAIL it (and survive) to find out what lay beyond the arch.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: Go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.
action: You use the cloth on ROBODROID
response: Touching the cloth gently to the rusty "wounds" on the ROBODROID'S silver skin, the fine ANOINTING OIL allows some of the tiny parts to move a bit more freely for a moment. Some of the lights on his flat display-face begin to flutter more brightly, and the ROBODROID whispers in a thin, crackling voice:

"Thank. You. Friend. Need. Repair. Cabling. Need. Repair. Power! Find. Cabling. Where. Robodroids. Are. There. Cabling. Power! Help. Please. Please. Please. Please ..."

... and then the ROBODROID falls silent once more.
action: You go north
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.
action: You go to the east
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.
action: You go east
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

You can see an INFERNAL APE here.

The INFERNAL APE moves with blinding speed, and its fangs sink
deep! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 8 points of
damage!

The INFERNAL APE strikes, leaping high and ripping into your chest with a savage snarl. You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 13 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks in a scorching blur of HELL-FIRE, burning your flesh with an infernal howl of triumph! You have suffered 5
hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 6 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks you savagely, but misses!
action: Attack ape
response: By Huron's munificent milkmaids, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 13 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE moves with blinding speed, and its fangs sink
deep! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: By Huron's unsurvivable singing voice! A miss!

With a snarl, the INFERNAL APE is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 5 hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: Sa-ho! You give the INFERNAL APE a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 8 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE leaps straight for your throat, and his fangs rip deep into your neck and shoulder. You have suffered 11 hits of
damage!
action: Attack ape
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 10 points of
damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks in a scorching blur of HELL-FIRE, burning your flesh with an infernal howl of triumph! You have suffered 2
hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 7 points of damage!

With a snarl, the INFERNAL APE is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 9 hits of damage!
action: Attack ape
response: You could have sworn your aim was true, but your quarry was already elsewhere! A miss!

The INFERNAL APE leaps straight for your throat, and his fangs rip deep into your neck and shoulder. You have suffered 6 hits of
damage!
action: You go east
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

You can see an INFERNAL APE here.

The INFERNAL APE leaps straight for your throat, and his fangs rip deep into your neck and shoulder. You have suffered 6 hits of
damage!
action: Assail ape
response: You could have sworn your aim was true, but your quarry was already elsewhere! A miss!

The INFERNAL APE moves with blinding speed, and its fangs sink
deep! You have suffered 6 hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: Sa-ho! You give the INFERNAL APE a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 9 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks you savagely, but misses!
action: Assail ape
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 9 points of
damage!

The INFERNAL APE leaps straight for your throat, and his fangs rip deep into your neck and shoulder. You have suffered 4 hits of
damage!
action: Assail ape
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 12 points of damage!

With a snarl, the INFERNAL APE is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: By Huron's extravagant allowance! A mighty blow! You scored 6
points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks in a scorching blur of HELL-FIRE, burning your flesh with an infernal howl of triumph! You have suffered 10
hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: By Huron's unwarranted waistcoat, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands
home! You scored 6 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE strikes, leaping high and ripping into your chest with a savage snarl. You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 5 points of damage!

The INFERNAL APE moves with blinding speed, and its fangs sink
deep! You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: By Huron's unrepenting usurpers, a fine hit! You scored 11 points
of damage!

The INFERNAL APE attacks you savagely, but misses!
action: Assail ape
response: You attack! You scored 6 points of damage!

With a snarl, the INFERNAL APE is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 5 hits of damage!
action: Assail ape
response: By Huron's seven sonic saprophytes, you strike hard and true! You scored 14 points of damage, leaving the INFERNAL APE at your
mercy!

The INFERNAL APE is defeated!

The powerful hell-spawned APE slides to the forest floor, his dead eyes staring past you into the spirit world. There is a harsh puff of brimstone, and the ground splits beneath him, swallowing his remains in a rush of foul, superheated air. Then, all is peaceful once more in the WOODED FOOTHILLS.

The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

You feel the wind change direction.
action: You go south
response: This pathway is steep, and you're currently at a point where great rocks blocks your view of the SLAVER KING'S realm. The rise is too steep to the east, but you can continue the trail to the south if you want to climb all the way to the PEAK OF MOUNT GELIDUS.
action: Go south
response: The view from the summit of MOUNT GELIDUS is enough to move even you, to give you a moment's peace from your savage thirst for vengeance. But only a moment. As you look down through the mists to the farms and forests stretching out to the SEA, the sight of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, framed in the distant sunset, reminds you of your purpose.

An enormous CLIFF GIANT is sitting here, ninety tons of drowsy, rocky mass. Even his beard is made of stone. He's half-looking at the scenic vista, half-sleeping. When he snores, it sends minor slides of pebbles and loose snow bouncing down the mountainside. He rests in front of the entrance to a CAVE.
action: You examine CLIFF GIANT
response: The CLIFF GIANT is really big, really rocky, and really drowsy. He seems barely aware of your presence.
action: Go inside
response: The CLIFF GIANT is sitting in the way, his vast and rocky BACKSIDE entirely blocking the entrance.
action: Go north
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.
action: You go to the west
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.
action: You go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.
action: Go west
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

"Look at that lubber barbarian!" one pirate chuckles. "No pirate he; he hasn't even got a parrot!"
action: Go north
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.

A pretty barbarian lass brushes past you, her attentions fixed on a burly GUARD she's wooing.
action: Go east
response: The PORTCULLIS is down, sealing the CASTLE from entry.
action: You use PORTCULLIS
response: "Hands off it, boy." says the GUARD. "That belongs to the SLAVER KING, and isn't for filthy savages the likes of you."
action: You assail GUARD
response: These castle GUARDS are very much for show, and you slaughter him where he stands, causing shrieks of terror in the MARKETPLACE and sending some citizens fleeing in panic. Others, more accustomed to the dangers of a busy harbor, continue about their business.

Another GUARD emerges from the iron door of the GUARDHOUSE to take his place, and the dead GUARD is dragged inside. The new GUARD points quietly to a nearby SIGN.
action: Regard sign
response: The SIGN says 'NO SOLICITORS.'

In very tiny letters beneath that, it also says 'PLEASE REFRAIN FROM KILLING THE GUARDS AS THEY GROWEST NOT UPON THE TREES.'
action: Descend
response: Sa-ho! By Huron's boundless eyebrow, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Assail darth
response: Your attack is too hasty, and it fails!

You see why they call him VON DARTH THE SLY! He is suddenly attacking your left side, just as you moved to defend your right! You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Assail darth
response: Taste barbarian rage, VON DARTH THE SLY! You scored 13 points of damage!

VON DARTH THE SLY croaks a curse as he misses!
action: Assail darth
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
10 points of damage!

VON DARTH THE SLY attacks! You have suffered 7 hits of
damage!
action: Assail darth
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 8 points
of damage!

With a happy snarl, VON DARTH leaps to the attack! You have
suffered 9 hits of damage!
action: Assail darth
response: By Huron's unattainable undergarment! Thou hast missest!

You see why they call him VON DARTH THE SLY! He is suddenly attacking your left side, just as you moved to defend your right! You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Assail darth
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 12 points of damage!

VON DARTH brings his MACHETE to bear! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!
action: Assail darth
response: By Huron's perverted puppetry! A mighty blow! You scored 16 points
of damage!

You see why they call him VON DARTH THE SLY! He is suddenly attacking your left side, just as you moved to defend your right! You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Assail darth
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 7 points of damage, leaving VON DARTH THE SLY at your mercy!

VON DARTH THE SLY is defeated!

With your final blow, VON DARTH THE SLY is cast to the dust and gravel, his face bloodied, and his mutant extra arm lolling lamely to one side of his neck.

The crowd erupts in cheers, and you accept their ale and accolades. Extending the hand of fellowship to your foe, you help VON DARTH to his feet, and he smiles a bloody-toothed smile. "Aye, barbarian! Now THAT was a proper beating you gave me, and no mistake! It was a privilege."

The crowd cheers again, and you nod in silent assent. VON DARTH gives a weak salute and limps away to heal for a while, and eventually the crowd returns to their revels.

Sa-ho! By Huron's vanishing vacuoles, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Regard POST
response: The CHALLENGE POST is a wooden pole hung with dyed banners, each representing a GLADIATOR willing to meet challengers. Beginning with the lowest, the banners are BLUE, GREEN, GOLD, and RED. There is room for one more banner above the others, but RED is presently the highest on the POST.

A nearby rogue espies your curiosity, and sayeth "If ye wish a bout, barbarian, SEIZE the banner of your chosen foe, to display your challenge!"
action: Regard ring
response: The GLADIATOR'S RING is a simple open space where the gravel has been flattened in an open circle, to mark a place of battle.
action: Regard RED
response: The RED BANNER is an embroidered bit of dyed canvas, made perhaps of sailcloth. It bears the personal SIGIL of a GRAVEL-PIT GLADIATOR.
action: You regard the sigil
response: Which do you mean, the BLUE BANNER, the GREEN BANNER, the GOLD BANNER or the RED BANNER?
action: You regard green BANNER
response: The GREEN BANNER is an embroidered bit of dyed canvas, made perhaps of sailcloth. It bears the personal SIGIL of a GRAVEL-PIT GLADIATOR.
action: You regard gold BANNER
response: The GOLD BANNER is an embroidered bit of dyed canvas, made perhaps of sailcloth. It bears the personal SIGIL of a GRAVEL-PIT GLADIATOR.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a PYREXIAN EYE, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), some STINKY BAIT, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT and a GLADIUS SWORD (currently un-used).
action: You regard the meat
response: The SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT shines in its raw ichor. Your tribe has long known that the flesh of this beast, once properly ripened and then consumed rapidly, has magic healing properties that allow Warriors to defeat foes much more powerful than they. Useful, for a Warrior-born such as you! This slab has now ripened; the ichor swirls with prismatic power and the stench is comforting.
action: You go to the south
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

You sure could use a good fight.
action: You give the CORN to bear
response: Thou hast exceeded the limits of SCIENTIFIC TECHNO-REASONING. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You use the CORN on bear
response: You extend the EAR OF CORN toward the GRIZZLY, and the great BEAR'S nose twitches damply as it looks up from the fresh flowing waters of the stream.

Slowly, cautiously, the GRIZZLY approaches. He sniffs at the EAR OF CORN, motivated by obvious hunger, but grunts sadly, and returns to pawing the water in hopes.
action: Regard STREAM
response: It's only a BRISKLY-FLOWING STREAM, but it hath a certain charm.
action: Go west
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.
action: You go to the west
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.
action: You go to the south
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: Go inside
response: You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

The DELICATE DOXY reclines on the bed, REGARDING you quietly, grinning playfully, and chewing on a bit of her auburn hair. "Hello again, barbarian," she says.
action: You give CORN to VESSA
response: Select with care thy endeavors, barbarian. The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You use CORN on VESSA
response: VESSA smiles, and gently caresses the EAR OF CORN. "Oh, barbarian, that's a very wicked thought, and you know I'd adore taking
you to my bed, but really, that isn't respectful payment for what I can offer you." Her smile brightens. "If you bring me some proper payment, it might be fun if you bring the EAR OF CORN along as well ..."
action: You go south
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

The breeze dies entirely; now the air is completely still.
action: You use the eye on SLUG
response: You waggle the PYREXIAN EYE at the RUIN SLUG, making gurgly noises. The RUIN SLUG looks at you like you're an idiot.
action: Go east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.
action: You go east
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, chasing glittering insects that hover near the water's surface.
action: You use BAIT on FISH
response: You lower the STINKY BAIT to tempt the MAGIC FISH, but the FISH darts away rapidly. It seems that MAGIC FISH have better taste in BAIT than your average MIRE IMP.
action: Go north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

You hear a gentle cracking noise somewhere nearby, like rocks tumbling onto one another.
action: Go west
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.
action: Regard the pipes
response: The water dripping from the PIPES is strangely iridescent.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: You use the pipes
response: Creative! But fruitless.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Up
response: You stand in the uppermost chamber of the strange crystalline tower. The air here is thick with energy and flooded with light from no particular source. There is a blinding whiteness, as if you're in a vast field of snow ... but the air is hot, not cold.

Floating in mid-air is a beautiful NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT, a dazzling treasure!
action: You get NECKLACE
response: Just as your fingertips brush the scintillating surface of the NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT, a sizzling shock throws you backward across the room! Crackling energies coalesce into a grinning, sparkling WRAITH of ELECTRO-PHASIC QUASIMATTER! A deadly VOLTAIC WRAITH!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!
action: Attack wraith
response: By Huron's Palladian pagoda, a blow to be remembered! You scored
15 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!
action: Attack wraith
response: You were too slow that time. A miss!

The WRAITH attacks! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: Sa-ho! You give the VOLTAIC WRAITH a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 10 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 17 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 12 points
of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!
action: Attack wraith
response: By Huron's ghoulish bycocket, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands home!
You scored 6 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH unleashes twin arcs of STATIC IRE! You have suffered 19 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 13 points of damage, leaving the VOLTAIC WRAITH at your
mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! I WILL ... RETURN ... FOR VENGEANCE!"

Then, you hear the gentle report of girlish laughter. A very beautiful ELF girl, dressed in a tight white body-suit, calls out to you from high above, where she clings to the slick crystalline ceiling by some unknown magic!

"Thank you, fair barbarian, for defeating the VOLTAIC WRAITH! I never could have done so on my own, and so, without you, I never could have obtained this NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT!"

With a wink, she squirms out through a venting-hole in the crystal, and slides away into the snow, where she vanishes like a white rabbit.

(press a key when ready)
action: You press SPACE
response: You stand in the uppermost chamber of the strange crystalline tower. The air here is thick with energy and flooded with light from no particular source. There is a blinding whiteness, as if you're in a vast field of snow ... but the air is hot, not cold.
action: Go north
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

You hear a distant crackle, as if through the ELECTRIC ETHER, a sizzling note of hate!
action: You go east
response: No good path leads that way, and thou art not of the Pioneer class!

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling in the air.
action: Go inside
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the VIRAXIAN INCENSE, the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling can be heard nearby.
action: You use GLADIUS on ACOLYTE
response: "Ah, barbarian, you have come with a GLADIUS SWORD in trade! This will be most useful in defending the TEMPLE from invaders. Please accept this valuable FIERY JEWEL and wander in peace."

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling can be heard nearby.
action: Parley with ACOLYTE
response: The ACOLYTE busies himself with holy matters, and has no time to chat further.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling can be heard nearby.
action: You go west
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

You can see a VOLTAIC WRAITH here.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!
action: Attack wraith
response: By Huron's nine unnerving nephews, you strike hard and true! You scored 7 points of damage!

With a sinister CRACKLING, the air around you EXPLODES with violent ELECTRIC DEATH! You have suffered 7 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
14 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 16 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 12 points of
damage!

With a sinister CRACKLING, the air around you EXPLODES with violent ELECTRIC DEATH! You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: Damn and blast! A miss!

The WRAITH attacks! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Attack wraith
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 11 points of damage, leaving
the VOLTAIC WRAITH at your mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF MY ELECTRO-SPITE!"

The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.
action: You use JEWEL on DOXY
response: "Oh, barbarian!" the lass coos, running her finger across the surface of the gem, inspiring sparks to coil beneath its surface. "'Tis none other than a Vulkin Amber Sapphire! Long have I coveted such a thing!" She looks you up and down, and quietly closes the boudoir door. "This will buy you many unusual pleasures ..."

... Many hours (and many unusual pleasures) later, VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY lay naked beside you, tracing a finger along your corded neck and regarding your physique with silent amusement. After a time, she speaks:

"Barbarian, your mien leaves no mistake and while I am but young, I am wise in the ways of the court, for many of the SLAVER KING'S lords do visit to play in my PERFUMED BOUDOIR. I have heard tell of a barbarian who escaped from the slave-caravan, a barbarian with fire in his eyes ... eyes that might look eagerly toward bloody vengeance on the SLAVER KING. What say you?"

Reading your silence, the DOXY draws out a SCROLL from beneath her pillow. "Here are some notes I've kept, young lion, young panther, young upland ecru-spotted lynx, some other ... rumors ... that may be of use to one brave enough to challenge a kingdom." She stares into your eyes. "I believe that such a man as you (she says this with a growling purr) may indeed be a threat to the SLAVER KING, and the SLAVER KING treats Doxies most cruelly. I would love to see him punished."

... Many more hours (and etc) later, you emerge from the DOXY's chambers, sated and well-pleased, and scented with jasmine and feminine ardour.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: Regard SCROLL
response: The SCROLL is perfumed with a delicate touch, gilt at the edges, and decorated with lovely script that flows over and under itself in a way you find most enchanting. You have never learned to read these complex runes of the civilized realms, but even a man such as you can be awed by such artful penmanship. The simpler runes at the top say SECRETS OF STATE.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): the SECRETS OF STATE, a PYREXIAN EYE, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), some STINKY BAIT, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You go to the south
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.
action: Go east
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

Simply walking IN, however, isn't currently an option, as a vast RUIN SLUG - the largest you've ever seen - is basking its slimy bulk in the evening sun, right near the entrance. The SLUG makes no move toward you, but you'd have to ASSAIL it (and survive) to find out what lay beyond the arch.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You look at the spray
response: The WATERFALL cascades down from streams high up toward MOUNT GELIDUS. It's very lovely and refreshing. There's almost nowhere to stand, here, where you aren't catching some spray.

You spot a rare STEELWING BUTTERFLY resting on a nearby stone, but it flutters away before you can catch it.
action: You examine the butterfly
response: 'Tis unworthy of thy manly attentions.
action: You examine the tree
response: The TREES are much like any TREES, and they smelleth nice.
action: You get the tree
response: When thy saga is writ and thy story told and maidens swoon to hear it, the tale-tellers will, in kindness and in mercy, skip the part where the TREES hath distracted thee so.
action: You regard well
response: Now that you mention it, they really are a mysterious example
of a WELL.
action: You enter well
response: The WELL seemeth somewhat less than comfy.
action: You assail well
response: I've seen this tragedy before. The alluring proximity of a WELL can drive many a hero to gibbering madness.

The ground is unusually soft; you have to pick up your feet to keep from sinking.
action: You go to the west
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.
action: You go to the north
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.
action: Go north
response: An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.

HARK! You hear a girlish SCREAM from the nearby PINE FOREST!
action: You go to the east
response: This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.
action: Regard the statue
response: It is a very alluring statue of a comely ELF wench, slight but womany. Ah, but not just ANY comely ELF wench! This is the girl who robbed you of your prize when first you met the VOLTAIC WRAITH in that crystalline tower in the FROSTED UPLANDS! That would explain why this statue wears the NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT!
action: You get NECKLACE
response: You lift the delicate necklace from the golden neck of the ELF girl, and you are well pleased. But what is that sudden CLACKING NOISE just behind thee?

The GIANT GOLD SPIDER attacks! You have suffered 6 hits of
damage!
action: Attack spider
response: By Huron's fibrillating uvula, a fine hit! You scored 14 points of damage!

Its MANDIBLE-FANG-MAW dripping with deadly MIDAS VENOM, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER moves in for the kill! You have suffered 20 hits of
damage!
action: You go west
response: The WEBS laid around the statue are a deadly trap! You cannot escape!

The GIANT GOLD SPIDER dances from tree to tree, spinning more webs!
action: You use the eye on the webs
response: I know you want to set the world on fire, barbarian, but try approaching it as more of a metaphor.

With a chittering of 24 KARAT HUNGER, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER dines on your flesh! You have suffered 16 hits of damage!
action: Attack spider
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 17 points of damage!

While you are stumbling over a sticky WEB, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER pierces you with its GOLDEN DEATH PROBE! You have suffered 18 hits
of damage!
action: Attack spider
response: You attack! You scored 10 points of damage!

Drawing you deeper into the WEBS with each attack and retreat, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER strikes without mercy! You have suffered 14 hits
of damage!
action: Attack spider
response: Taste barbarian rage, GIANT GOLD SPIDER! You scored 9 points of damage!

Its MANDIBLE-FANG-MAW dripping with deadly MIDAS VENOM, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER moves in for the kill! You have suffered 11 hits of
damage!
action: Go downwards
response: Sa-ho! By Huron's fibrillating uvula, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Examine post
response: The CHALLENGE POST is a wooden pole hung with dyed banners, each representing a GLADIATOR willing to meet challengers. Beginning with the lowest, the banners are BLUE, GREEN, GOLD, and RED. There is room for one more banner above the others, but RED is presently the highest on the POST.

A nearby rogue espies your curiosity, and sayeth "If ye wish a bout, barbarian, SEIZE the banner of your chosen foe, to display your challenge!"
action: You seize green
response: As you pluck the GREEN BANNER from the CHALLENGE POST, the assembled rowdies cheer! You are ushered into the gladiator's ring, where you stand face-to-face with the famed Klengon Criminal, THRANG! "Prepare for mighty battle, barbarian!" he shouts, and cracks an arrogant grin.

You take a moment to REGARD your opponent ... THRANG is a regal-looking KLENGON, with a mustache so long he tucks it into his belt. He wields an impressive KLENGON WAR HAMMER as if he were born to maim weaker men with it.
action: Assail THRANG
response: By Huron's cantankerous torpidity, a fine hit! You scored 9 points
of damage!

THRANG attacks! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Assail THRANG
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 13 points of damage!

THRANG sneers contemptuously, for he has missed!
action: Assail THRANG
response: You attack! You scored 8 points of damage!

With a mighty KLENGON WAR GRUNT, THRANG leaps to the attack! You
have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Assail THRANG
response: Taste barbarian rage, THRANG! You scored 12 points of damage!

THRANG circles, cat-like, then swings high with his KLENGON WAR HAMMER! You have suffered 6 hits of damage!
action: Assail THRANG
response: By Huron's malfunctioning mucus! A mighty blow! You scored 16
points of damage!

THRANG attacks with great brutality! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Assail THRANG
response: By Huron's tyrranical toenail clipper! Thine arm hath failed thee!

THRANG laughs a hearty laugh, and attacks! You have suffered 9
hits of damage!
action: Assail THRANG
response: By Huron's thrice-blessed loincloth, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands
home! You scored 8 points of damage!

With a mighty KLENGON WAR GRUNT, THRANG leaps to the attack! You
have suffered 6 hits of damage!
action: Assail THRANG
response: By Huron's terrifying tirades, a blow to be remembered! You scored
12 points of damage, leaving THRANG at your mercy!

THRANG is defeated!

With your final blow, THRANG is cast to the dust and gravel, his body bloodied, his towering ego reduced considerably.

The crowd erupts in cheers, and you accept their ale and accolades. Extending the hand of fellowship to your foe, you help THRANG to his feet, and he smiles a grudging smile. "You are a worthy foe, barbarian. You fight like a true KLENGON."

The crowd cheers again, and you nod in silent assent. THRANG bows in respect, and wanders away to heal for a while, and eventually the crowd returns to their revels.

Sa-ho! By Huron's painless paludism, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: You regard BRIDGE
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

Your ears pick up the dying-song of the BRUNTA BIRD, calling out to its mate in the final throes of psychic suffocation.
action: You use POLE on SLUG
response: The TELEPHONE POLE is not yours to toy with, barbarian. Neither is the RUIN SLUG.
action: You regard the archway
response: The RUINS bespeak of a life unlike your own, and all is too far gone to learn much from looking.
action: Assail archway
response: When thy saga is writ and thy story told and maidens swoon to hear it, the tale-tellers will, in kindness and in mercy, skip the part where the DEBRIS hath distracted thee so.
action: Go north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

You enjoy the cool moistness of the breeze on your skin.
action: You use BAIT on STREAM
response: You turn the STINKY BAIT this way and that, considering its possible combinations with the BRISKLY-FLOWING STREAM. You extend your thumb for comparison, because you saw a DWARF do that once and it looked pretty cool.
action: You use the eye on INCENSE
response: With a lick of flame from the decomposing eyeball, the incense takes to light briefly, then to slow ash, and begins releasing fragrant smoke.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling can be heard nearby.
action: You seize INCENSE
response: The ACOLYTE OF TRAGA shakes his head gently. "The incense is sacred to our faith, barbarian. I would never give it up cheaply ... I would only trade the INCENSE for something of real value in advancing my ambitions, something I could hang over the heads of those foolish lords who serve the SLAVER KING."
action: You use the secrets on ACOLYTE
response: "Barbarian you are a marvel! Strong of arm and politically savvy as well? You are a dark miracle sent by our unholy lord, I have no doubt! Thank you so much! Please, avail yourself of our INCENSE, if you have need of it."

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling can be heard nearby.
action: You seize INCENSE
response: The ACOLYTE OF TRAGA nods assent. "Take it with the manifold blessings of my demon-gods, barbarian."

Seized.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling can be heard nearby.
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You miss!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH unleashes twin arcs of STATIC IRE! You have suffered 21 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: By Huron's uncorrectable underbite, a fine hit! You scored 12
points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You attack! You scored 17 points of damage!

With a sinister CRACKLING, the air around you EXPLODES with violent ELECTRIC DEATH! You have suffered 12 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 12 points of damage!

The WRAITH attacks! You have suffered 18 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
14 points of damage, leaving the VOLTAIC WRAITH at your mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF MY ELECTRO-SPITE!"

The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.
action: Regard CORPSE
response: It's the finest example of a HALF-DIGESTED CORPSE you've seen since you were enslaved.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: Pillage
response: EYEPATCH OF ODIN: Seized.
FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS: Seized.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You use the eye on INCENSE
response: With a lick of flame from the decomposing eyeball, the incense takes to light briefly, then to slow ash, and begins releasing fragrant smoke.

As the smoke from the incense curls away into darkness, you hear a pained rumbling from the SEA MONSTER.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You wait
response: You stop to rest for a moment.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...
action: You wait for a while
response: You stop to rest for a moment.

You can feel your flesh sizzling as the DIGESTIVE JUICES continue to rise ...

This incense is strong stuff; it could choke a SMOG MONSTER ...

The squishy flesh beneath you begins to heave and undulate! There is a mighty roar, and a sickly wet sound ...

It's definitely the smoke from the VIRAXIAN INCENSE! This beast cannot bear the irritation in its unholy bowels! You suppose that you, too, are something of a bowel irritant.

Suddenly, you are squeezed tight by the constricting walls, and you feel you may be crushed to death and dissolved at the same time ... but then you are free, flying damply through the air, for a wet landing back on land ...

An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS, the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You use EYEPATCH
response: You have heard that the god ODIN gained wisdom for losing his eye, but it feels more to you like losing some of your balance and gaining a dangerous blind-side in combat! But you suppose it makes you look menacing.
action: You go to the south
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.
action: Go south
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

One pirate hoists a small child - his son - to his shoulder, and points at you. "You see that man? Now that's a REAL pirate, not a scurvy old beggar like me. I want you to be just like 'im when you grows up, lad."
action: Go inside
response: The jolly PIRATES wave merrily as you head up the gangplank, happy to see such a fine PIRATE as yourself among their company.

Aboard the vessel there are few signs of life, only a single peg-legged DWARF, swabbing the deck with a combination CRUTCH and MOP. You note with curiosity that the DWARF also wears a heavy coat of CHAINMAIL, and something in his bearing suggests that he was once a Warrior, like you (of perhaps half your Level).

The DWARF pauses from his chores for a moment to greet you. "Avast ye, me hearty! Me name's GUNWAR, what rhymes with HAR! Har."

The ship is mostly deserted at the moment; the PIRATES are OUT on the quayside. The deck here is admirably stained with the blood of many a cutlass-duel, and littered with the usual ROPES and MASTS and nautical miscellany. Most of the hatches are securely locked, but you find one open passage leading downwards.

GUNWAR the peg-legged DWARF is here, swabbing the deck.
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: "I've never eaten a BEE GIRL QUEEN myself, but I hear they're 81% tasty."
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: "Knew some LIMB TRADERS down along the SALTY COAST," says GUNWAR. "Good people."
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: You and GUNWAR compose a spontaneous dirty limerick about the perils of FRANKENSTEIN ARMOR.
action: You regard the ropes
response: The ship is well-provided with ROPES and MASTS and other NAUTICAL STUFF ... but you are an upland barbarian; it all means little to you.
action: Go downward
response: This must be the cabin of one of the officers; it is well-appointed and looks reasonably comfortable for such a cramped space. At least, it's far nicer than the rowing bench you recall from the SLAVER KING'S galleys ...

You can see a GLITTERING THING here.
action: You examine the thing
response: You lift the delicate GLITTERING THING from the CABIN'S small writing-desk, and turn it over in your hand. It flows and shimmers with great beauty! You see now that it is a woman's garter ... the jolly jack-tar inhabiting this cabin must have entertained some intimate company here! And the way the colors move, it can only be ANGELGLASS, that strange material you've seen in items from GOD CITY. A valuable treasure, you are sure, so into your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG it (gingerly) goes.
action: You use the ANGELGLASS
response: Out of a manly curiosity and nothing more, you decide to see if the garter would fit a masculine, manly barbarian like you, who is very much a man. Looking around to make sure no one is watching (because a sight so very manly might overwhelm them with sheer machismo), you slip it over your foot and up your leg ... Interestingly enough, the strange nature of ANGELGLASS is such that it fits you perfectly. You feel pretty.
action: Shed ANGELGLASS
response: From any but a barbarian, I would presume such a command SORCERY most perplexing! Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): an ANGELGLASS GARTER (being worn), a FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS, the EYEPATCH OF ODIN (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You use ANGELGLASS
response: You remove the ANGELGLASS GARTER. You feel less pretty now, casting you into a brief barbaric gloom.
action: You go upwards
response: The ship is mostly deserted at the moment; the PIRATES are OUT on the quayside. The deck here is admirably stained with the blood of many a cutlass-duel, and littered with the usual ROPES and MASTS and nautical miscellany. Most of the hatches are securely locked, but you find one open passage leading downwards.

GUNWAR the peg-legged DWARF is here, swabbing the deck.

GUNWAR chuckles as he espies the GARTER on your thigh. "Ye'd make a right proper mariner, lad."
action: Go outside
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

A young pirate espies the ANGELGLASS GARTER on your thigh and grins. "I been wonderin' when BOSUN BLACKSTEEL would find that special someone to give that treasure to."
action: You enter
response: You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

VESSA is here, sprawled across the bed and grinning at you, invitingly.

VESSA grins as she espies the ANGELGLASS GARTER on your thigh. "Kinky!"
action: You go south
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

You are a little surprised to notice a familiar figure - the regal form of THRANG seemeth less swaggering, less arrogant, and more humbled than in the GLADIATOR PIT. "Hail to thee of might and valor," he says, with a slight grin forming behind his impressive mustache. He points to the GRAVESTONE before him, and to others nearby. "Long ago, before the SLAVER KINGS took these realms, and before the galaxy fell to ruin, there was a KLENGON colony here."

You nod, respectfully. You have heard of this "galaxy."

THRANG stands still awhile longer, lost in thought. "Those were days of blood and conquest. In truth, barbarian, many KLENGONS would be no better than this SLAVER KING of ours, or his neighbors. The KLENGONS were thwarted then, I have heard, by a man of SCIENCE ... and some of his work still rests in some of the old RUINS east of here. If you are of a mind to seek treasure, that might be a fine treasure to seek."

You nod, considering this.

THRANG offers a quick salute. "I have another errand I must see to ... a friend of mine, GUNWAR, is a PIRATE aboard the vessel currently at dockside. I should pay him a visit, the old dog. I think you two would get on well," he muses. "While he is a sailor now, he is in truth a Warrior, of perhaps half your Level. He quested for years, searching vainly for a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE ... and he lost his leg in the attempt. Visit him sometime, perhaps. You could swap stories and it would cheer him. He does so miss his days of battle, barbarian, as would you or I, were we maimed and unable to fight, eh?"

You nod grimly. THRANG bows, then strides off toward the harbor, leaving you with your thoughts.

This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.
action: Go north
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

your mouth water. The Warriors of your tribe have long held that the meat, once sufficiently putrid, not only acts as an instant healer in battle, but also adds hair to one's chest, endowment to one's loin-cloth, and a lustrous, healthy shine to one's coal-black barbarian hair. Why, this particular SLAB is now so deliciously putrid that it hath even sprouted the vaunted PURPLE MAGGOTS! You are reminded of comforting holiday meals back home.
action: Go north
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

"Look at that pirate!" one pirate chuckles. "No barbarian he, not with such a fine eyepatch!"
action: Go inside
response: The ship is mostly deserted at the moment; the PIRATES are OUT on the quayside. The deck here is admirably stained with the blood of many a cutlass-duel, and littered with the usual ROPES and MASTS and nautical miscellany. Most of the hatches are securely locked, but you find one open passage leading downwards.

GUNWAR the peg-legged DWARF is here, swabbing the deck.
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: "The real problem with all the SKY PIRANHA we've been getting lately is that they're so very good with machines."
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: GUNWAR grins. "I was never cut out fer piratin', you know, but I do so love the lingo! HAR!" The two of you exchange raucous HARS for a while.
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: GUNWAR spins a yarn about the ZOMBIE PRINCESS, and the dark realm of dream in which she is rumored to travel.
action: Go east
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH. It appears to be reading a tiny book.
action: You regard FISH
response: It's just your typical MAGIC FISH, playing around in the churning waters at the base of the WATERFALL.
action: You enter
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): an ANGELGLASS GARTER (being worn), a FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS, the EYEPATCH OF ODIN (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You use GARTER on VIRGIN
response: The ACOLYTE OF TRAGA chuckles quietly. "Barbarian, one does not make an offering unto a sacrifice. Theologically
speaking," he says, "it would be ... confused."
action: Go west
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.
action: You go to the south
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH arrives, crackling with HATE!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: A thousand curses on these foolish percentile dice! A miss! Curse this distracting EYEPATCH!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH unleashes twin arcs of STATIC IRE! You have suffered 12 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: By Huron's propitiatory pustules! Thine aim hath failed thee! Curse this distracting EYEPATCH!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: You use EYEPATCH
response: You remove the EYEPATCH, grateful to see the world as it is again.

The WRAITH attacks! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 18 points of
damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH unleashes twin arcs of STATIC IRE! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 10 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: By Huron's sinister saliva, you strike hard and true! You scored 9 points of damage!

With a sinister CRACKLING, the air around you EXPLODES with violent ELECTRIC DEATH! You have suffered 21 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: Taste barbarian rage, VOLTAIC WRAITH! You scored 8 points of
damage, leaving the VOLTAIC WRAITH at your mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF MY ELECTRO-SPITE!"

Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): an ANGELGLASS GARTER (being worn), a FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS, the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (being worn), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You use TOTEM on IDOL
response: Dark clouds high above boom with laughter, and a flash of unnatural lightning throws the features of the MOSSY STONE IDOL into hideous relief. There is a sudden darkness, and in a second flash, you know that you are not alone! A great and muscular VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER stands before you, a jet-black AXE in his hands, his eyes glowing like volcanic pits and his fangs dripping with fresh human blood!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER attacks! You have suffered 8 hits of
damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 17 points of
damage!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER swings hard, but you're too quick for him!
action: Assail soldier
response: Sa-ho! You give the VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 11 points of damage!

The HELL-SOLDIER brings his AXE high, and drops it into you! You
have suffered 17 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 16 points of damage!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER swings hard, but you're too quick for him!
action: Assail soldier
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 14 points
of damage!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER swings hard, but you're too quick for him!
action: Assail soldier
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 11 points of damage!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER swings hard, but you're too quick for him!
action: Assail soldier
response: Curses! A miss!

AXE! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: By Huron's esoteric thigh freckles, a blow to be remembered! You scored 16 points of damage!

With a contemptuous ABYSSAL CHUCKLE, the VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER strikes! You have suffered 27 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: A miss! BAH!

The HELL-SOLDIER swings his AXE low! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: Taste barbarian rage, VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER! You scored 16 points
of damage, leaving the VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER at your mercy!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER is defeated!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER screams and evaporates in a tortured cloud of misted blood and twisted fire, and his AXE drops to the ground at your feet.

You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

You can also see a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE here.
action: You enter
response: "Avast ye! Pirates only, barbarian matey!"

"Avast!" says one of the pirates, "There be a barbarian if I ever did see one! He's got no hook for a hand!"
action: You wear EYEPATCH
response: By Huron's understandable apprehensions! I am perplexed by thine illogic! The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You go inside
response: "Avast ye! Pirates only, barbarian matey!"

"It's easy to tell when a man's no pirate," one buccaneer says, pretending not to be referring to you. "He's got no great big piratin' boots!" An elderly pirate agrees, "Cain't be proper piratin' without them boots."
action: You use EYEPATCH
response: As you raise the EYEPATCH OF ODIN to your face, the GROUP OF PIRATES stop what they're doing to stare at you. "We're right HERE, lad. We're STANDING RIGHT HERE." A tall, ancient, peg-legged pirate adds "Arr."
action: You go to the north
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.
action: You use AXE on GUNWAR
response: You extend the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE toward the old peg-leg DWARF, and he REGARDS it at first with polite interest, believing that you are simply showing it off to him. "Ah, yes, a very fine AXE you have there, barbarian ..."

But when he realizes you are making an offer, he looks at the AXE again. "BLACK HOLE ... METAL!" he cries, and then he literally cries, taking it into his arms and sobbing a mess of tears onto his bristly black beard. "Lad, have ye any idea how many YEARS ... how many horrors I endured ... Was it THRANG? Did that foul old mustache of a KLENGON tell ye?"

The old DWARF collects himself, obviously a bit embarrassed by his display of emotion, but you have sympathy. You, too, feel a great swelling of joy in your heart when you behold an implement of wanton destruction. It is as it must be, for you are a Warrior, and GUNWAR is, too (of perhaps half your Level).

Satisfied that you have done a good deed, you turn to leave GUNWAR with the AXE for some privacy, but the DWARF doesn't let you go ...

"Lad, please. Wait. I've something ... I think ... I think I've something to tell ye. To ... to show ye."

The DWARF begins removing his clothing, and you quickly avert your eyes to let him know that this kind of thanking is not necessary.

"No, lad. Look. Look."

You peer between your fingers, and see what the DWARF is speaking of. Beneath his old coat of CHAINMAIL, beneath his jerkin, his chest is carved with a thousand old DWARVISH RUNES, seared into flesh with heat and blade. You read not these old letters, but you have heard they have powers of magic.

GUNWAR smiles. "Lad, for years I was a Warrior, of perhaps half your Level, and I quested for a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE. It consumed my life, took some of me friends into the grave, and in a dungeon near the AMAZON FREEHOLD of RAKARR, it took me leg."

You nod, grimly, in respect.

"But lad, I didn't rest. I knew I could never be a Warrior of any real worth again, not with my movements so limited ... So I studied hard to one day SERVE a Warrior ... to become a companion to a worthy death-dealer of ... of perhaps twice my level. I studied to be a healer, son. I can heal you as fast as magic with my herbs! And," he says, pointing to the RUNES, "I had meself RUNE-CARVED, so that if the Warrior I serve may one day choose to wield me in his hand, I do double damage."

There is silence for a while, broken only by the distant scream of gulls, and the damp sloshing of the waves on the hull of the PIRATE SHIP.

The DWARF gets up his nerve and asks "Can I? Can we? Will ye be my Warrior, lad? I'd be honored to be at your side, helping as I can
with the bringin' of death once more. I feel it's my destiny as a healer."

And a great friendship is made.
action: You seize dwarf
response: You grab GUNWAR by the boots and try to heft him as a weapon, but he's very heavy! You both end up falling on the ground and laughing.

"I guess not, lad," says GUNWAR, "but 'twas a good try!"
action: Go outside
response: Relying on the natural CUNNING of an upland barbarian, you sense something very wrong ...

A MUTATED MORGOM is here, thirsty for BLOOD!

The PIRATES are cringing in a corner, and the crowd has fled in a panic!

Scattering a pile of BARRELS into the SEA with its powerful forelegs, the MORGOM leaps through the air and sinks fangs into you! You
have suffered 26 hits of damage!

The ferocity of the attack rips away the EYEPATCH OF ODIN! As it flutters into the SEA, the nearby PIRATES gasp. "Shiver me timbers," one says, pointing at it, "That's the fourth time this year we fell fer that one, lads."

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF limps along at your side.
action: You use AXE
response: The BLACK HOLE METAL AXE is not yours to toy with, barbarian.

Slithering along its legless rear portion, the MORGOM attacks! You have suffered 40 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 7 Hit Points.
action: Regard morgom
response: The elongated body of this savage predator is rippling with muscles, and the eerie green glow in its eyes marks it as a MUTANT of some kind!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 7 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
10 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 7 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 9 points of damage!

With a grating HISS that makes your skin crawl, the MORGOM leaps to the attack! You have suffered 23 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 8 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: By Huron's rudimentary spore-pustules, a fine hit! You scored 11 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 13 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: By Huron's all-conquering bowels! A mighty blow! You scored 12
points of damage!

GUNWAR gives an involuntary yelp of fear as the MORGOM clamps hard into your side with its teeth! You have suffered 33 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 13 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 9 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 13 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You are quick, but your foe was quicker that time. A miss!

As the MORGOM bites, the green light in its eyes make you dizzy!
You have suffered 14 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 8 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: By Huron's Antediluvian acne, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands home!
You scored 12 points of damage!

The MORGOM rakes at you furiously with its hind-claws! You have suffered 39 hits of damage!

GUNWAR cries out in sorrow, "Barbarian! Dear friend, no!"
action: Repose
response: You pause in manly contemplation.
action: You use FLESH on IDOL
response: Which do you mean, the FLESH-TOTEM OF DARTH VIRAXIS or the SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT?
action: Totem
response: By Huron's esoteric thigh freckles! I am lain low by thine riddles! The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You use TOTEM on IDOL
response: Dark clouds high above boom with laughter, and a flash of unnatural lightning throws the features of the MOSSY STONE IDOL into hideous relief. There is a sudden darkness, and in a second flash, you know that you are not alone! A great and muscular VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER stands before you, a jet-black AXE in his hands, his eyes glowing like volcanic pits and his fangs dripping with fresh human blood!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER attacks! You have suffered 15 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 14 points of
damage!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER swings hard, but you're too quick for him!
action: Assail soldier
response: Sa-ho! You give the VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 11 points of damage!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER swings hard, but you're too quick for him!
action: Assail soldier
response: Curses! A miss!

The HELL-SOLDIER brings his AXE high, and drops it into you! You
have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: A miss! BAH!

AXE! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 16 points
of damage!

With a contemptuous ABYSSAL CHUCKLE, the VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER strikes! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 10 points of damage!

The HELL-SOLDIER swings his AXE low! You have suffered 17 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: By Huron's understandable apprehensions! A mighty blow! You scored
11 points of damage!

AXE! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!
action: Assail soldier
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 17 points of damage, leaving
the VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER at your mercy!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER is defeated!

The VIRAXIAN HELL-SOLDIER screams and evaporates in a tortured cloud of misted blood and twisted fire, and his AXE drops to the ground at your feet.

You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

You can also see a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE here.
action: You get AXE
response: Seized.

You can see snow falling above the highest parts of MOUNT GELIDUS.
action: You use AXE
response: You hang the TWO-HANDED SWORD at your side, and grasp instead the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE, prepared for battle!
action: You regard AXE
response: The haft is made of a reddish iron with an alien-leather grip. The blade is almost utterly black and heavier than anything should be at that size. It hums, faintly, with a distant demonic hell-song. You have heard that many DEMONS dwell in the place where this metal is found.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 17 points of
damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 29 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You are quick, but your foe was quicker that time. A miss!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 14 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 11 points of
damage!

The RUIN SLUG splashes you with a stream of bilious ACID from it's SPRAY ORGAN. You have suffered 21 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's rudimentary spore-pustules, a fine hit! You scored 18 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's all-conquering bowels, your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE lands home! You scored 20 points of damage!

With a deep bellow and an unpleasant undulation of its slimy body, the RUIN SLUG disgorges more deadly fluids from the depths of its ACID TRACT! You have suffered 33 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
12 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: Your attack is too hasty, and it fails!

The RUIN SLUG unleashes a thin but deadly spray of BURNING ACID!
You have suffered 30 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: You attack! You scored 19 points of damage!

With a deep bellow and an unpleasant undulation of its slimy body, the RUIN SLUG disgorges more deadly fluids from the depths of its ACID TRACT! You have suffered 39 hits of damage!
action: Regard slug
response: It's an acid-spewing slug the size of a smallish elephant. Very rubbery, it takes a lot of punishment to defeat one. The RUIN SLUG is staring at you.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 29 points of
damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You are quick, but your foe was quicker that time. A miss!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 14 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 11 points of damage!

The RUIN SLUG splashes you with a stream of bilious ACID from it's SPRAY ORGAN. You have suffered 21 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 18 points of
damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's rudimentary spore-pustules, a fine hit! You scored 20 points of damage!

With a deep bellow and an unpleasant undulation of its slimy body, the RUIN SLUG disgorges more deadly fluids from the depths of its ACID TRACT! You have suffered 33 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's all-conquering bowels, your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE lands home! You scored 12 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: Your attack is too hasty, and it fails!

The RUIN SLUG unleashes a thin but deadly spray of BURNING ACID!
You have suffered 30 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
19 points of damage!

With a deep bellow and an unpleasant undulation of its slimy body, the RUIN SLUG disgorges more deadly fluids from the depths of its ACID TRACT! You have suffered 39 hits of damage!
action: You enter
response: This TOMB is tiny and cold, and hath long ago been stripped of treasures by disrespectful, thrice-damned, impious, tomb-robbing adventurers who got here faster than you. An entrance leads down into the CRYPT, but a ghostly guardian blocks the way.

You can see a SPECTERAL SPIRIT here.
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 29 points of
damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT wails and moans and locks its eyes to yours, silently begging to be released from its eternal torment!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: You are quick, but your foe was quicker that time. A miss!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT wails and moans and locks its eyes to yours, silently begging to be released from its eternal torment!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 14 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT wails and moans and locks its eyes to yours, silently begging to be released from its eternal torment!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 11 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT attacks! You have suffered 9 hits of
damage!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 18 points of
damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT wails and moans and locks its eyes to yours, silently begging to be released from its eternal torment!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: By Huron's rudimentary spore-pustules, a fine hit! You scored 20 points of damage!

Though the SPIRIT barely responds to the physical world, its icy hands bite like DAGGERS! You have suffered 14 hits of damage!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: By Huron's all-conquering bowels, your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE lands home! You scored 12 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT wails and moans and locks its eyes to yours, silently begging to be released from its eternal torment!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: Your attack is too hasty, and it fails!

With a wail of torment and regret, the SPECTERAL SPIRIT lashes out at you! You have suffered 12 hits of damage!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
19 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT attacks in a tormented rage! You have
suffered 16 hits of damage!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: You attack! You scored 29 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT reaches into your chest and clutches your heart with an icy grip! You have suffered 15 hits of damage!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: By Huron's Antediluvian acne, you strike hard and true! You scored
27 points of damage!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT attacks! You have suffered 1 hit of
damage!
action: Assail SPIRIT
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 24 points
of damage, leaving the SPECTERAL SPIRIT at your mercy!

The SPECTERAL SPIRIT is defeated!

After what seems like an eternity slashing at barely-physical ECTO-PLASM, the SPECTERAL SPIRIT finally fades from existence. As it does so, it stares gratefully at you, and speaks its last: "Thank you, barbarian, for my freedom after so many centuries! Now you may claim the TREASURES below, that have been denied to so many others ..." Then, the SPIRIT is gone.
action: Go downward
response: This chamber is half-collapsed, and seems far older than the TOMB above. The air is strange here, as if it has not been breathed for a very long time. The stink is not even the stink of death, only the passing of ages.

You can see a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL and the LOST POEMS OF SUTOK here.
action: Pillage
response: SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL: Seized.
LOST POEMS OF SUTOK: Seized.
action: Regard the MAIL
response: Which do you mean, the SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL or the SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR?
action: Regard klengon mail
response: The suit is old, but finely-made PLATE MAIL in an unusual style. Some of the designs on the vambraces are clearly of KLENGON origin.
action: Regard the lost poems
response: It is a slender book, bound in soft red leather. The gilt title on the cover is comprehensible to you, but the runes inside are complex and flowy.
action: You use the klengon mail
response: You remove the SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR, and replace it with the SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL. Now you are well-suited for bloody mayhem!
action: Up
response: This TOMB is tiny and cold, and hath long ago been stripped of treasures by disrespectful, thrice-damned, impious, tomb-robbing adventurers who got here faster than you. An entrance leads down into the CRYPT.

A faint dripping sound catches your attention for a moment.
action: You look
response: This TOMB is tiny and cold, and hath long ago been stripped of treasures by disrespectful, thrice-damned, impious, tomb-robbing adventurers who got here faster than you. An entrance leads down into the CRYPT.
action: Go inside
response: You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

VESSA is here, sprawled across the bed and grinning at you, invitingly.
action: You use GARTER on VESSA
response: "Oh, barbarian!" the lass coos, letting the GARTER flow and fall over her fingertips. "I so love ANGELGLASS! What a marvelous thing, to have the intimate apparel of the gods!" She looks you up and down, and quietly closes the boudoir door. "This will buy you many exotic pleasures ..."

... Many hours (and many exotic pleasures) later, VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY lay nearly naked beside you (save for the shimmering ANGELGLASS GARTER alighting the freckles of her right thigh) running her fingers through your coal-black hair. After a time, she speaks:

"Barbarian, you may be pleased to know I have spread your legend ..." she smiles coyly. "Not of your man-prowess in bed - considerable though it is. I speak of your political acumen, your foundation of an UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT to ruin the SLAVER KING and his evil servants!"

The DELICATE DOXY toys with a glittering RUBY NEEDLE set in her hair. "I do business with those of power and influence. One of the great WARLOCKS leading the rebellion against VIRAXIS gave me this, saying it has magic to pierce all, and that he longs to pierce my distant heart ... The love-struck dear! WARLOCKS are romantics, you know. It draws them to magic."

You glower and nod, uncertain of what the girl is talking about.

"I know many such clients ... and those who share your hatred of the SLAVER KING are ready to form a SPY NETWORK at your command. What say you?"

You glower and nod, since it worked last time.

Staring into your dark eyes, the DOXY sees all the answer she needs. "Yes ... you are lost in thought of dangerous quests throughout the realm. But I am in the perfect position to organize your espionage efforts! I will do so, brave slayer of foes ... young eagle, young hawk, young ruffle-breasted mountain starling!"

"For a taste of what we might learn, I have a new secret already, from a CHEF who serves aboard the SLAVER KING'S pleasure-fleet ... There is a forgotten entrance to the SLAVE PENS under the CASTLE ... It's to the east of the citadel, a small CULVERT you must ENTER. Somewhere along an underground stream is a passage to where the SLAVES are kept, and ... " she pauses, tears clouding her eyes "and tortured. Like you would have been, had you not escaped bondage to lead us all to freedom."

Since the girl is pleasing to you, you accept that sometimes she simply must chatter about things nobody understands. Seeing her sadness, you take her into the warm blankets, and comfort her in a manner you can both comprehend.

Many hours (and etc) later, you emerge from the DOXY's chambers, sated and well-pleased, and scented with jasmine and feminine ardour.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: You look at what you're carrying with you
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): the LOST POEMS OF SUTOK, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE (held at the ready), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You enter
response: You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

VESSA is here, sprawled across the bed and grinning at you, invitingly.

You note that she now hath ANTENNAE on her head, and perhaps a STINGER of some kind. How charming that she is playful with her appearance, as well as her suitors! You are well pleased.
action: You examine the ANTENNAE
response: Elegant and pretty. Which is to say, confusing. But nice.
action: Parley with VESSA
response: VESSA smiles at you pleasantly, and runs a finger down your forearm with a buzzing purr. "My favorite customer returns, the gallant who hath aided the TEMPLE with a GLADIUS SWORD for its defenses." Her eyes flash a deep red for a moment. "Pay me, strong one, that we may dally in play. Bare your flesh to my claws, dear barbarian, in this, the bedroom sport of HU-MANS."
action: You use the poems with VESSA
response: "Oh, yes, barbarian," says the DOXY, taking your proffered payment and barely REGARDING it. "This treasure will buy you a very special DEATH!"

And with that, she rips aside her clothing in a more aggressive manner than is her DELICATE wont, revealing her nakedness, beautiful as ever, but now covered with a soft, almost translucent layer of fuzz, arranged in stripes of black and yellow!

Horns sprout from her head and fire alights in her eyes, in the manner of a DEMON. She licks her lips, sensually, and you notice that her DELICATE tongue is now FORK-ED. She extends her nastily-clawed fingers, and in it appears a LASH OF PSIONIC DEMON SORCERY. A shimmering band of HELLFIRE whips out of nowhere, crisping the edges of some of the fine gauzy CURTAINS of the BOUDOIR. She cocks her hips alluringly and says "You will pay, barbarian, for trading a GLADIUS SWORD to the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA! He slew a dozen of my finest BEE GIRLS and three of my SUCCUBUS DEMON APPRENTICES in defense of his pathetic TEMPLE, and all because of you! I have captured your so-called "DELICATE DOXY," and after I have dined well on your BLOOD and SOUL, I will spend ALL NIGHT EATING HER! Stand fast, barbarian, and prepare to DIE at the cruel whim of the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN!"

Relying on your barbarian cunning, you deduce that the DELICATE DOXY'S new ANTENNAE and STINGER might not be expressions of cosmetic whimsy after all, but may indicate that the DOXY herself has become dangerous.

As if through a haze of psychic distortion, you can almost make out, at the edge of your vision, a girl who looks exactly like VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY, bound to the wall of the BOUDOIR and looking at you with lovely dark eyes, pleading for rescue.

Perhaps that is the clue you need. But she certainly does cock her hips alluringly, this BEE GIRL (and etc) ...

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN attacks! You have suffered 3
hits of damage!
action: Assail bee girl
response: By Huron's wilden wanderlust, you nearly intended to ASSAIL the lovely VESSA! She would never harm you except in the context of pleasantly rough play! You must not. Attack. Must not. What is that BUZZING in your mind?

With a sexy WAR BUZZ, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN thrusts her stinger into you! You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Assail bee girl
response: But ... This is no foe! This is but VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY, who has pleased you well and done no harm! Or is it? What manner of wizardry is this?

Cocking her hips alluringly, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN burns you with her MAGIC HADES LASH! You have suffered 2 hits of
damage!
action: Assail bee girl
response: You stumble and pause. You do not ASSAIL innocent DOXIES! But this is no DOXY but a deadly DEMON BEE WENCH! But no! It is VESSA! But no ... Your MIND is ADDLED!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN digs into your neck with her fangs, then licks her lips as she lashes you with her PSIONIC
DEMON-SORCERY! You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: You close the eyes
response: You'll need to be more cunning than that to defeat the SLAVER KING. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Assail bee girl
response: You stumble and pause. You do not ASSAIL innocent DOXIES! But this is no DOXY but a deadly DEMON BEE WENCH! But no! It is VESSA! But no ... Your MIND is ADDLED!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN turns to wiggle her fuzzy striped backside at you, a distraction from the DEMON LASH flying over her shoulder into your flesh! You have suffered 12 hits of
damage!
action: Parley with VESSA
response: The attempt fills your brain with painful buzzing.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN attacks! You have suffered 5
hits of damage!
action: Assail bee girl
response: But ... This is no foe! This is but VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY, who has pleased you well and done no harm! Or is it? What manner of wizardry is this?

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN digs into your neck with her fangs, then licks her lips as she lashes you with her PSIONIC
DEMON-SORCERY! You have suffered 12 hits of damage!
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE (held at the ready), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN turns to wiggle her fuzzy striped backside at you, a distraction from the DEMON LASH flying over her shoulder into your flesh! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: You use CORN on the bee girl
response: The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN taketh no interest in the EAR OF CORN.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: You use SWORD on VESSA
response: VESSA frowns a delicate, pouty frown and runs a finger gently down your side. "Oh, barbarian. You know I would adore taking you to my bed for play ... but a TWO-HANDED SWORD is not respectful payment for what I can offer you.

Cocking her hips alluringly, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN burns you with her MAGIC HADES LASH! You have suffered 9 hits of
damage!
action: You use EYEPATCH
response: You have heard that the god ODIN gained wisdom for losing his eye, but it feels more to you like losing some of your balance and gaining a dangerous blind-side in combat! But you suppose it makes you look menacing.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail bee girl
response: By Huron's risible retinas, you nearly intended to ASSAIL the lovely VESSA! She would never harm you except in the context of pleasantly rough play! You must not. Attack. Must not. What is that BUZZING in your mind?

With a sexy WAR BUZZ, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN thrusts her stinger into you! You have suffered 2 hits of damage!
action: You go outside
response: By Huron's negotiable nipples, your feet refuse you, and your mind BUZZETH with psychic noise!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN attacks! You have suffered 2
hits of damage!
action: You look
response: You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

A SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN is here, armed with a shimmering LASH OF PSIONIC DEMON-SORCERY. Or ... is it only VESSA, the DELICATE DOXY, armed with an OSTRICH FEATHER and smiling invitingly? Curse this wench and her SUCCUBUS DEMON PSI-WITCH ways!

VESSA is here, perhaps bound to the wall, naked and pleading, and perhaps standing in front of you. This hurts your brain!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Regard vessa
response: You aren't sure which one to examine, and the attempt hurteth thy brain!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: You use VESSA on VESSA
response: This computeth not. Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.

Cocking her hips alluringly, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN burns you with her MAGIC HADES LASH! You have suffered 4 hits of
damage!
action: Parley with VESSA
response: The attempt fills your brain with painful buzzing.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: You tabulate
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE (held at the ready), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN digs into your neck with her fangs, then licks her lips as she lashes you with her PSIONIC
DEMON-SORCERY! You have suffered 4 hits of damage!
action: You use AXE
response: You unhand the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE and carry it as ordinary gear. Your bare FIST is ready for battle!

With a sexy WAR BUZZ, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN thrusts her stinger into you! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!
action: Assail BEE
response: By Huron's habile handmaidens! Thine arm hath failed thee! Curse this distracting EYEPATCH!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN turns to wiggle her fuzzy striped backside at you, a distraction from the DEMON LASH flying over her shoulder into your flesh! You have suffered 12 hits of
damage!
action: You remove EYEPATCH
response: Thou art a barbarian, 'tis true, but even thou canst masterest wise use of the ACTION COMMANDS. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You use EYEPATCH
response: You remove the EYEPATCH, grateful to see the world as it is again.

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail BEE
response: Sa-ho! You give the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN a sampling of your bare, callused FIST, but good! You scored 11 points of
damage!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: You use AXE
response: You heft the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN digs into your neck with her fangs, then licks her lips as she lashes you with her PSIONIC
DEMON-SORCERY! You have suffered 3 hits of damage!
action: Assail BEE
response: By Huron's palatable pantaloons, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 21 points of damage!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail BEE
response: By Huron's numinous earlobes, you nearly intended to ASSAIL the lovely VESSA! She would never harm you except in the context of pleasantly rough play! You must not. Attack. Must not. What is that BUZZING in your mind?

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: You use AXE
response: You unhand the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE and carry it as ordinary gear. Your bare FIST is ready for battle!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail BEE
response: Taste barbarian rage, SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN! You scored 11 points of damage!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail BEE
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 10 points of damage!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail BEE
response: By Huron's varicose valgus! A mighty blow! You scored 10 points of damage!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN pouts, for she hath missed.
action: Assail BEE
response: Taste barbarian rage, SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN! You scored 9 points of damage!

Cocking her hips alluringly, the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN burns you with her MAGIC HADES LASH! You have suffered 3 hits of
damage!
action: Assail BEE
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 10 points of damage, leaving
the SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN at your mercy!

The SUCCUBUS BEE GIRL WITCH QUEEN is defeated!

The haze of PSYCHIC CONFUSION fades immediately from your mind, and your keen barbarian instincts return in full! Looking now at the sensuous naked creature on the floor, you see her now for what she is ... a delectable, but thoroughly malevolent BEE GIRL.

And not just any BEE GIRL, but a BEE GIRL QUEEN who is part SUCCUBUS DEMON. Those foes are most terrible that cannot be fought fairly, and this one clouded you with PSI POWERS and ASSAILED you with hell-born magic!

You free the DELICATE DOXY from her bonds, and she kicks the remains of the BEE GIRL into a convenient chute hidden beneath a fur rug. You hear a distant splash. "It leads beneath the DOCKS to the SEA OF GREAT PERIL," she explains. "Some of my customers are MERMAIDS."

You smile at the thought, and then frown, puzzling over the logistical complications. Then you shrug, for such matters are beyond the ken of an upland barbarian.

VESSA smiles a very warm smile indeed. "Barbarian ... you came here on business. Shall we?"

You pick up the LOST POEMS OF SUTOK from the bed where the demoness had tossed it, and offer it politely to the DELICATE DOXY.

VESSA smiles a little when she sees you've offered a book ... then her eyes widen when she sees the title. She seems genuinely stunned.

"Barbarian!" she says, clearly holding back tears. "SUTOK is the poet of every DOXY'S soul, and it was his verses that led me to my path. I have never been offered such sensitive payment. You truly do see me for who I am, and it moves me." She smiles a wicked, wanton smile. "You will be rewarded for your wisdom, barbarian, with my most inventive pleasures ..."

... Many hours (and many inventive pleasures, and a number of spontaneous recitations) later, VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY sprawls naked across your chest, quietly reading her new book, misty-eyed and dewy with satisfaction. After a time, she speaks:

"That demonic BEE GIRL was no random encounter," the DOXY muses. "The BEE GIRLS of the mountains have become bolder of late, and I'm convinced that the SLAVER KING himself is encouraging them, to pacify the dissent at the edges of his realm." She rolls over, and smiles prettily ... "in fact, I know it for certain, because the SLAVER KING has become one of my clients, and he sleeps so very soundly when I'm finished with him that I've been able to see a few scrolls here and there ..."

She sees the astonishment on your features and smiles, pleased with herself. "Oh, it's true that none outside the CASTLE have seen the SLAVER KING, and it remains so. He doesn't venture here to the DARK ALLEYWAY; I'm summoned to perform in the THRONE ROOM. And when His Majesty is sated, I wander, and I listen to the talk of servants, and I learn much."

She lowers her voice cautiously, but her eyes are filled with happy mischief. "I've learned of a very secret treasure chamber beneath the central hall of the CASTLE ... a treasure that the SLAVER KING hides because he FEARS what it could do to him. I know not yet what this treasure is, but I do know that the fixtures of the CASTLE itself are they key to unlocking it: there is a combination, in FOUR stages ..."

Her smile flickers and fades. "I know not the first two. But the second two I know: SEIZE the prized IVORY TAPESTRY, and then REGARD yourself in the MIRROR. This will open the way to the secret chamber. I hope to know more soon."

She reaches into her hair. "In the meantime, barbarian, you have saved my life, and for that I owe you much that I cannot repay." She extends her hand to you, and in it lay the RUBY NEEDLE she showed you before. "The WARLOCK'S gift to me is now my gift to you, barbarian. I know not if the magic he spoke of is truth, but if it is magic, you should have it, to work your will against the SLAVER KING." She places it in your hand, and you tuck it idly into your THESKIAN DUFFLE BAG, which hangs at your side even when you are otherwise naked and occupied in lusty pursuits.

The DOXY stretches out on the blankets, and looks at you over her shoulder. "Let me ply my trade with you some more, barbarian. For some time I have tasted the injustice of the SLAVER KING, and now that I have tasted ... well, now that I have witnessed his arrogant fury in person, I am eager for distractions from the memories, and eager for renewed enthusiasm for your certain victory."

Many hours (and etc) later, you emerge from the DOXY'S chambers, sated and well-pleased, and scented with jasmine and feminine ardour.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

You hear a distant crackle, as if through the ELECTRIC ETHER, a sizzling note of hate!
action: You use AXE
response: You heft the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!
action: You go north
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling in the air.
action: Go east
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

You can see a VOLTAIC WRAITH here.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH unleashes twin arcs of STATIC IRE! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 17 points of
damage!

With a sinister CRACKLING, the air around you EXPLODES with violent ELECTRIC DEATH! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 10 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
19 points of damage, leaving the VOLTAIC WRAITH at your mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF MY ELECTRO-SPITE!"

A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's indefensible tirades, your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE lands
home! You scored 32 points of damage!

The RUIN SLUG splashes you with a stream of bilious ACID from it's SPRAY ORGAN. You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: Damn and blast! A miss!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: Sa-ho! You give the RUIN SLUG a sampling of your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE, but good! You scored 34 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 35 points of damage!

With a deep bellow and an unpleasant undulation of its slimy body, the RUIN SLUG disgorges more deadly fluids from the depths of its ACID TRACT! You have suffered 26 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 16 points of
damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's tonsured tongue-fur! Thou hast missest!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's tabescent clemency, you strike hard and true! You
scored 18 points of damage!

The RUIN SLUG unleashes a thin but deadly spray of BURNING ACID!
You have suffered 19 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: By Huron's precocious pectorals, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 33 points of damage!

The RUIN SLUG unleashes a thin but deadly spray of BURNING ACID!
You have suffered 22 hits of damage!
action: Assail SLUG
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 16 points of damage!

Fortunately, the RUIN SLUG has poor eyesight! Its GOUT OF ACID flies past you, further ruining the ROCKY RUIN.
action: Assail SLUG
response: You attack! You scored 14 points of damage, leaving the RUIN SLUG
at your mercy!

The RUIN SLUG is defeated!

The beast begins to sizzle and quake as its own ACID GLANDS release within! Its stalky EYES sink backward, its SPRAY ORGAN erupts wetly ... and moment by moment, a gleaming mountain of flesh disintegrates into a caustic puddle of self-consuming putrescence.

The resulting SLIME runs into the stony cracks of the ROCKY RUIN, 'til naught tells that the creature ever dwelt here.

Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You enter
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

Surrounding the pedestal is a glowing CAGE of static energy ... No doubt this is a FARADAY CAGE, a prison designed in ancient times to trap powerful ROBODROIDS for servitude.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.
action: You look at MACHINERY
response: The MACHINERY gloweth, and culminateth in the GLOWING PEDESTAL. Indeed, 'tis all of one strange piece.
action: You examine PEDESTAL
response: The MACHINERY gloweth, and culminateth in the GLOWING PEDESTAL. Indeed, 'tis all of one strange piece.

Unaccustomed to the indoors, you slip briefly on a slick patch of floor, but catch your balance.
action: Regard AMULET
response: Hung from a chain that it might be worn, it is as the fables tell: an AMULET fashioned of finest SCIENCE.
action: You get AMULET
response: As your hand touches the ENERGIES of the FARADAY CAGE, you are thrown back against the unyielding walls of the VAULT, your body burning and crackling with UNFETTERED FARADAY FORCES!
action: Assail MACHINERY
response: Creative! But fruitless.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a RUBY NEEDLE, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE (held at the ready), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You use AXE on MACHINERY
response: Thou art only accustomed to ASSAILING things with a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE, preferably in a frothing, bloody rage filled with lusty war-oaths, suggestive hip-thrusts and savage leering.
action: You seize MACHINERY
response: When thy saga is writ and thy story told and maidens swoon to hear it, the tale-tellers will, in kindness and in mercy, skip the part where the MACHINERY hath distracted thee so.
action: You use FLASHLIGHT on MACHINERY
response: You shine the FLASHLIGHT'S amazing ELECTRIC TECHNO-BEAM in the general direction of the MACHINERY, and experiment briefly with making the shadow of a DOG with your hand while thou art at it.
action: You use FLASHLIGHT on CAGE
response: You shine the FLASHLIGHT'S amazing ELECTRIC TECHNO-BEAM in the general direction of the FARADAY CAGE, and experiment briefly with making the shadow of a DOG with your hand while thou art at it.
action: Regard nedle
response: I beggest thy pardon? Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: Regard NEEDLE
response: The RUBY NEEDLE is long and pointy. A very curious crystalline treasure.
action: You go south
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You go to the east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

Your stomach rumbles, and you recall how long it's been since you've eaten. You crave a good slab of ham.
action: You go north
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.
action: Go down
response: Sa-ho! By Huron's trancendental tumors, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Regard POST
response: The CHALLENGE POST is a wooden pole hung with dyed banners, each representing a GLADIATOR willing to meet challengers. Beginning with the lowest, the banners are BLUE, GREEN, GOLD, and RED. There is room for one more banner above the others, but RED is presently the highest on the POST.

A nearby rogue espies your curiosity, and sayeth "If ye wish a bout, barbarian, SEIZE the banner of your chosen foe, to display your challenge!"
action: You seize GOLD
response: As you pluck the GOLD BANNER from the CHALLENGE POST, the assembled rowdies cheer! You are ushered into the gladiator's ring, where you stand face-to-face with ... FOUL EMMA! "Barbarian may-un! PURTY!" she shouts, and lumbers toward you, ready for action!

You take a moment to REGARD your opponent ... You have known many FRANKENSTEINS before and even called a few 'friend,' but FOUL EMMA is an especially disturbing (and obviously CAVE-PRIMITIVE) patchwork. She fights in the nude, thus displaying her notable variety of parts, including bits and pieces of WOOKY and some kinds of GIANT here and there. She wields a BASTARD SWORD as if it were weightless.
action: Assail emma
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 26 points
of damage!

FOUL EMMA attacks! You have suffered 17 hits of damage!
action: Assail emma
response: By Huron's untamable head-lice, a fine hit! You scored 28 points
of damage!

With a flirtatious wink, FOUL EMMA strikes! You have suffered 16
hits of damage!
action: Assail emma
response: By Huron's licentious larvae! A miss!

FOUL EMMA cries "DAY-um!" as her swing misses you!
action: Assail emma
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 20 points of damage!

FOUL EMMA drives her BASTARD SWORD into your side with one hand, and pats you gently on the butt with the other. You have suffered 20
hits of damage!
action: Assail emma
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 35 points of damage, leaving FOUL EMMA at your mercy!

FOUL EMMA is defeated!

With your final blow, FOUL EMMA topples backward, landing on her backside and sitting there, grinning at you.

The crowd erupts in cheers, and you accept their ale and accolades. Extending the hand of fellowship to your foe, you help FOUL EMMA to her feet, and she smiles. "You purty! You win good! You PURTY!"

The crowd cheers again, and you nod in silent assent. FOUL EMMA gives a tiny girlish wave, makes shy half-circle in the gravel with her right foot, and wanders away to heal for a while. Eventually, the crowd returns to their revels.

Sa-ho! By Huron's prismatic palace, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: You seize RED
response: As you pluck the RED BANNER from the CHALLENGE POST, the assembled rowdies cheer! You are ushered into the gladiator's ring, where you stand face-to-face with His Deposed Majesty, one-time SAVAGE PRINCE in the realm of APE SULTANS, the one and only XAKANDA THE APE! "Greetings, esteemed opponent" he says, with a gentle nod of respect.

You take a moment to REGARD your opponent ... XAKANDA is an impressively muscular PLANETARY APE, dressed in the regal silks of his homeland. His weapon is astonishing ... a rare TRIPLE-BLUTARCH, a weapon which an ordinary man would struggle to control with two hands, but which XAKANDA tosses casually from hand to hand, as if it were a mere DAGGER.
action: Assail xakanda
response: A thousand curses on these foolish percentile dice! A miss!

XAKANDA THE APE attacks! You have suffered 26 hits of damage!
action: Assail xakanda
response: By Huron's wanton war-cries, a blow to be remembered! You scored
30 points of damage!

XAKANDA THE APE circles you warily, reserving his strength for the perfect moment.
action: Assail xakanda
response: By Huron's zygomorphic zydeco zoo, a fine hit! You scored 34
points of damage!

With a complex side-circular underhand flurry of his TRIPLE-BLUTARCH, XAKANDA THE APE strikes! You have suffered 25 hits of damage!
action: Assail xakanda
response: By Huron's sanguinary parakeet! A mighty blow! You scored 34
points of damage!

With a laugh, XAKANDA passes his TRIPLE BLUTARCH to his left foot, while swinging on the nearby CHALLENGE POLE with his hands to deliver a mightier blow! You have suffered 21 hits of damage!
action: Assail xakanda
response: By Huron's irrepressible appetites! Thine aim hath failed thee!

XAKANDA THE APE circles you warily, reserving his strength for the perfect moment.
action: Assail xakanda
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 37 points of
damage!

XAKANDA begins attacking to the left, but switches to the right with a fluid spin on his heel! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!
action: Assail xakanda
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 15 points of damage, leaving XAKANDA THE APE at your mercy!

XAKANDA THE APE is defeated!

With your final blow, XAKANDA THE APE flies backward, sprawling painfully on the gravelly surface of the GLADIATOR'S RING!

The crowd erupts in cheers, and you accept their ale and accolades. Extending the hand of fellowship to your foe, you help XAKANDA THE APE to his feet, and he accepts gratefully. "Well done, barbarian. That was an education for me!"

The crowd cheers again, and you nod in silent assent. XAKANDA THE APE salutes you, bows, and goes to REPOSE and heal in his nearby tent. The crowd returns to their revels.

Sa-ho! By Huron's vainglorious valets, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Up
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

You are briefly surprised by the looming figure of XAKANDA THE APE, but it is plain that he arrives in the spirit of friendship.

"Ho there, barbarian," he says, his voice regal and measured. "I am pleased that I have finally met my match in the arena ... I had begun to fear that I would find nothing but boredom there, but you showed me the difference of that, eh?"

He smiles in response to your grim nod. "Yes, and I have heard from a certain DELICATE friend near the harbor that you are more than a mere barbarian ... you are a great leader of a resistance, as well! Worry not my friend, your secret is safe among the GLADIATORS."

He looks left and right, then leans in to whisper. "When the time comes, I will be there to aid you against the SLAVER KING, and I won't be the only one! But for now, I can teach you a special skill. In the first years of my exile, I took up residence with the SULDUKU HEIROPHANTS, an order secreted on an island in the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. They taught me - among other things - the secret of SULDUKU BREATHING, with which you can hold your breath far longer than any normal man. Someone would have to hold you underwater for HALF A THRAMOK to have any hopes of drowning you! Good, eh?"

You consider this, and nod. And for a time, XAKANDA teaches you this useful art.

This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

... As XAKANDA departs back to the GRAVEL PIT OF ROGUES, he salutes you and says "We are fortunate to have you here in this realm, barbarian. Return to fight me again soon; I think you will find I can hold out a bit longer against you, now that we have learned from each other!"

You hear a distant clank of metal.
action: You go west
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.

You hear a distant crackle, as if through the ELECTRIC ETHER, a sizzling note of hate!
action: Go west
response: This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.
action: You get NECKLACE
response: You lift the delicate necklace from the golden neck of the ELF girl, and you are well pleased. But what is that sudden CLACKING NOISE just behind thee?

The GIANT GOLD SPIDER attacks! You have suffered 5 hits of
damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: You attack! You scored 20 points of damage!

Its MANDIBLE-FANG-MAW dripping with deadly MIDAS VENOM, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER moves in for the kill! You have suffered 9 hits of
damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 36 points
of damage!

With a chittering of 24 KARAT HUNGER, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER dines on your flesh! You have suffered 13 hits of damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: A miss! BAH!

The GIANT GOLD SPIDER dances from tree to tree, spinning more webs!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: Sa-ho! You give the GIANT GOLD SPIDER a sampling of your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE, but good! You scored 12 points of damage!

While you are stumbling over a sticky WEB, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER pierces you with its GOLDEN DEATH PROBE! You have suffered 2 hits
of damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: Taste barbarian rage, GIANT GOLD SPIDER! You scored 28 points of damage!

Drawing you deeper into the WEBS with each attack and retreat, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER strikes without mercy! You have suffered 16 hits
of damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: By Huron's terrible trothplight, your BLACK HOLE METAL AXE lands
home! You scored 20 points of damage!

With a chittering of 24 KARAT HUNGER, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER dines on your flesh! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 15 points of damage!

Drawing you deeper into the WEBS with each attack and retreat, the GIANT GOLD SPIDER strikes without mercy! You have suffered 17 hits
of damage!
action: Assail SPIDER
response: By Huron's immaculate ear-wax, you strike hard and true! You
scored 21 points of damage, leaving the GIANT GOLD SPIDER at your mercy!

The GIANT GOLD SPIDER is defeated!

With the great beast dead, you can navigate the WEBS at your leisure once more.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): the NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT, a RUBY NEEDLE, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE (held at the ready), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling in the air.
action: You go south
response: No good path leads that way, and thou art not of the Pioneer class!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH arrives, crackling with HATE!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
27 points of damage!

The WRAITH attacks! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 21 points of damage,
leaving the VOLTAIC WRAITH at your mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF MY ELECTRO-SPITE!"

This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.
action: You give NECKLACE to VESSA
response: Poetics and illogic! Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You use NECKLACE on VESSA
response: The cold and gentle glow of the NECKLACE OF STARLIGHT dances across VESSA'S features, as if to highlight each freckle in turn. She looks you in the eyes with obvious delight. "I have never even heard of such a treasure," she says. "This will buy you my most DARING pleasures ..."

... Many hours (and many daring pleasures) later, VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY lay naked beside you, stretching and yawning pleasantly, and snuggling down into some of the fine PILLOWS on her bed, her eyes locked on yours, as if deep in thought. After a time, the DOXY speaks:

"Barbarian, your spy network is truly magnificent ... the loyalty you have inspired, the HOPE you have brought to these people ... it is nothing short of miraculous." She snuggles closer, looking at you admiringly.

You nod, passing the time by watching a nearby dust mote chase itself across the surface of the DOXY'S light-globes.

"My performances in the THRONE ROOM have earned me new friends, and one of them may prove very valuable. The ROYAL PSI-WITCH, the wise-woman upon whom the SLAVER KING depends to read the minds of visiting nobles, has been feeding him lies and half-truths, for she is disgusted with what she sees within his own foul and selfish thoughts."

The DOXY sits up on the bed, looking quite serious for a moment. "I mentioned you, and her eyes grew wide with wonder, barbarian. There is, it seems, some sort of PSI-WITCH prophecy ... She was coy with the details, explaining that she wants to lay eyes on you herself. You should not fear this woman, barbarian. She could make every difference in your machinations to realign the realm's administration for the common weal."

You consider the DOXY'S words, and furrow your savage brow in mild discomfort, for there are many syllables.

"Yes," VESSA says, "There is that look of solemn determination that excites me so about you!" she squirms close, pleasantly. Her hair smells nice. "You can summon the PSI-WITCH with a secret signal ... Go to the old LIGHTHOUSE and turn the LAMP'S reflector directly toward the battlements of the CASTLE, while shining your own LIGHT into it. You'll need a torch or something similar. Then, visit the LONELY HILL, where the ROYAL PSI-WITCH will be eager to examine you."

Then the DOXY takes to examining you, herself, and pulls you back into the warm blankets with her, biting playfully at your shoulder.

... Many more hours (and etc) later, you emerge from the DOXY's chambers, sated and well-pleased, and scented with jasmine and feminine ardour.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: Go inside
response: This old LIGHTHOUSE is in poor repair, but not quite abandoned. While no one seems to live here, you suppose it may be operated by a magic spell, or by someone keeping watch from the nearby harbor.

You can see an ENORMOUS LAMP here.

You recall the legend in which HURON, the GOD OF BEING A VERY MIGHTY GOD, came to a place such as this, and destroyed it with the HAMMER OF THANGRASH.
action: You use FLASHLIGHT on LAMP
response: Considering the strange words of VESSA, the DELICATE DOXY, you remember that you do have a torch of sorts ... the FLASHLIGHT you plucked from the space-shack in the ROBODROID'S forest.

Turning the lamp toward the CASTLE as the DOXY described, and clicking the FLASHLIGHT a few times before the great reflective surface, you notice that, in the distance, a return signal flashes from one of the darker towers squatting near the battlements. Could it be true? Has this summoned the ROYAL PSI-WITCH to the LONELY HILL? There is, you suppose, only one way to know for sure.
action: Go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.
action: You regard witch
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH is a tiny, elderly woman with white hair and extraordinary eyes which cause you to feel dizzy. She seems to be looking right through you.
action: Parley with WITCH
response: "Greetings, upland barbarian," she says. She lets her words trail off, as if she's waiting for you to do something ...
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a RUBY NEEDLE, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a BLACK HOLE METAL AXE (held at the ready), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

(press a key when ready)
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a RUBY NEEDLE, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), the EYEPATCH OF ODIN (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

"Har," says GUNWAR, sniffing the air wafting from your DUFFEL. "I smells a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT! That's tricky stuff, lad ... A drinkin' mate o' mine ate himself some of that, all ripened up, and the very next day he had a third arm, stickin' out from his
neck!" He puffs his pipe thoughtfully, and chuckles to himself.
action: Look around
response: The ship is mostly deserted at the moment; the PIRATES are OUT on the quayside. The deck here is admirably stained with the blood of many a cutlass-duel, and littered with the usual ROPES and MASTS and nautical miscellany. Most of the hatches are securely locked, but you find one open passage leading downwards.

GUNWAR stands close by, smoking his pipe.
action: You use SWORD
response: You heft the TWO-HANDED SWORD in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!
action: You go outside
response: Relying on the natural CUNNING of an upland barbarian, you sense something very wrong ...

A MUTATED MORGOM is here, thirsty for BLOOD!

The PIRATES are cringing in a corner, and the crowd has fled in a panic!

Scattering a pile of BARRELS into the SEA with its powerful forelegs, the MORGOM leaps through the air and sinks fangs into you! You
have suffered 30 hits of damage!

The ferocity of the attack rips away the EYEPATCH OF ODIN! As it flutters into the SEA, the nearby PIRATES gasp. "Shiver me timbers," one says, pointing at it, "That's the fourth time this year we fell fer that one, lads."

GUN limps along at your side.
action: Assail morgom
response: You could have sworn your aim was true, but your quarry was already elsewhere! A miss!

Slithering along its legless rear portion, the MORGOM attacks! You have suffered 26 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 18 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
17 points of damage!

With a grating HISS that makes your skin crawl, the MORGOM leaps to the attack! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 15 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 16 points of
damage!

GUNWAR gives an involuntary yelp of fear as the MORGOM clamps hard into your side with its teeth! You have suffered 16 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 14 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 19 points of damage!

As the MORGOM bites, the green light in its eyes make you dizzy!
You have suffered 17 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 15 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: Sa-ho! You give the MUTATED MORGOM a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 13 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 14 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: Taste barbarian rage, MUTATED MORGOM! You scored 19 points of
damage!

The MORGOM rakes at you furiously with its hind-claws! You have suffered 30 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 12 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: By Huron's phosphorescent gill slits! A mighty blow! You scored 17 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 12 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: By Huron's agreeable ass-dandruff, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 18 points of damage!

You feel trapped in a whirlwind of TOOTH and CLAW! The MORGOM is a blur of bloody rage! You have suffered 21 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 14 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 14 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 13 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: By Huron's churlish ire, a fine hit! You scored 12 points of
damage!

Scattering a pile of BARRELS into the SEA with its powerful forelegs, the MORGOM leaps through the air and sinks fangs into you! You
have suffered 35 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 19 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You attack! You scored 13 points of damage!

The MUTATED MORGOM leaps for you, and hisses angrily as you dodge its attack!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 18 Hit Points.
action: Assail morgom
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 17 points of damage,
leaving the MUTATED MORGOM at your mercy!

The MUTATED MORGOM is defeated!

In the battle's aftermath, the PIRATES all rush to the scene, eager to make it look as if they were just about to enter the fight. GUNWAR chuckles and rolls his eyes at this.

One old PIRATE steps forward and squints at the DWARF, and then at you. "Arr! Don't tell me ye'll be takin' GUNWAR aways from us fer good! Never was there a finer deck-swabber than old GUN, here."

GUNWAR smiles. "I'll just be travelin' a bit here and there. Maybe for a short while, maybe a long one. Ye never know."

"Ar," the old PIRATE agrees.

Some of the other PIRATES shove the corpse of the MORGOM into the SEA. After the splash, one says to the other "Best to send that beastie to Davey Jones right away."

"Aye," says the other. "Ye knows what happens to a MORGOM been slain by a TWO-HANDED SWORD!"

"Well then, me Warrior!" GUNWAR says. "Let's be off adventurin'!"
action: Go east
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You go to the east
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUN follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You go south
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

You can see a ROBODROID here.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Go east
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUN accompanies you.
action: Go south
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, chasing glittering insects that hover near the water's surface.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stays loyally at your side.

GUNWAR chuckles as he peers into the POOL. "Some of the PIRATES like fishing for these MAGIC FISH. Good eatin' on 'em. Of course," he adds, "being PIRATES, they don't fish fair. I've seen some get fish
with ALCHEMY BOMBS, or even VATS OF ACID ... They just drop something like that into the water, and wait for the DEAD MAGIC FISH to bob to the surface."

"Now that I thinks on it, lad," he says, "PIRATES ain't really very sporting at all."
action: You seize FISH
response: It swims out of reach.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a RUBY NEEDLE, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: Go north
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUN trails along.
action: You go north
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You go north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.

GUNWAR shifts on his peg-leg a bit. "I've heard so many tales about what the SLAVER KING really looks like, I don't know what to believe ... But one thing everyone seems to agree: he is a giant, and perhaps immortal. From goin' port to port, I know that the other SLAVER KINGS fear this one above all."
action: You use the meat on the bear
response: You extend the SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT toward the GRIZZLY, and the great BEAR'S nose twitches damply as it looks up from the fresh flowing waters of the stream.

Slowly, cautiously, the GRIZZLY approaches. He sniffs at the SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, motivated by obvious hunger, but grunts sadly, and returns to pawing the water in hopes.
action: You go to the east
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUN follows you.
action: You go to the west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF accompanies you.
action: You go to the east
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

GUN follows you.
action: Go south
response: This pathway is steep, and you're currently at a point where great rocks blocks your view of the SLAVER KING'S realm. The rise is too steep to the east, but you can continue the trail to the south if you want to climb all the way to the PEAK OF MOUNT GELIDUS.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go south
response: The view from the summit of MOUNT GELIDUS is enough to move even you, to give you a moment's peace from your savage thirst for vengeance. But only a moment. As you look down through the mists to the farms and forests stretching out to the SEA, the sight of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, framed in the distant sunset, reminds you of your purpose.

An enormous CLIFF GIANT is sitting here, ninety tons of drowsy, rocky mass. Even his beard is made of stone. He's half-looking at the scenic vista, half-sleeping. When he snores, it sends minor slides of pebbles and loose snow bouncing down the mountainside. He rests in front of the entrance to a CAVE.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: Assail GIANT
response: By Huron's nictitating hindbrain! Even your most savage blow just bounces off. It doesn't even inspire the CLIFF GIANT to yawn at you. Besides, he seems quite peaceful.

The ground trembles as a herd of RUFFLEBACK RABBITS storms past.
action: You eat the meat
response: Art thou addled? Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You use NEEDLE on GIANT
response: You recall what the DOXY told you about the RUBY NEEDLE ... the love-struck WARLOCK who gave her the NEEDLE said it could penetrate anything. Experimentally, you poke the CLIFF GIANT with the NEEDLE ...

The CLIFF GIANT says something much like "MRRFT!" and turns to you in annoyance. Then he turns away again, and resumes his great repose.
action: You use NEEDLE on GIANT
response: You poke the CLIFF GIANT once more with the RUBY NEEDLE, and this time the GIANT stands in response before you can take the NEEDLE out again! The CLIFF GIANT towers above you like a perturbed, angry mountain, blotting out the evening sun and GLARING at you!

The GIANT points a finger at you. "YOU RUDE," he says, in a voice that sends pebbles and snow flying down the mountainside, and which nearly knocks you from your feet.

And then, he strides off into the mountains, to find somewhere more private to sit.
action: Enter
response: The CAVE is damp, very dark, and smells strongly of the dead demons of the earth. There are other smells, too, for other wanderers have camped here not long ago. At the far end of the CAVE a swift and INKY SLUICE of water rushes into the unseen belly of the mountain. But before you can begin to appreciate the secrets of the CAVE, there is a heavy thud, and a sudden motion in the dark ...

A massive CAVE OOZE is here, and few men have survived the hunger of a CAVE OOZE to speak of it!

There is a heavy slithering in the darkness, and you feel the burning touch of the CAVE OOZE! You have suffered 35 hits of damage!

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF totters along beside you.
action: Assail OOZE
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 14 points
of damage!

The CAVE OOZE slithers into shadow for a moment, then you see it on the wall right next to you!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 16 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 18 points of
damage!

The touch of the CAVE OOZE is icy, and it BURNS ... You have
suffered 4 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 16 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: By Huron's waxen war-webbing, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands home!
You scored 19 points of damage!

You feel sick as the CAVE OOZE attempts to use its revolting TRANSFORMATION power, and grateful for the near-total darkness!
You have suffered 31 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 10 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 14 points of damage!

The CAVE OOZE barrels into you from the shadows, and you feel your skin peeling away! You have suffered 12 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 20 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: By Huron's vaunted vestigial vallecula, you strike hard and true!
You scored 14 points of damage!

With terrifying speed and a spreading mass of tendrils, the CAVE OOZE attacks! You have suffered 10 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 18 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: By Huron's unseemly advances! A mighty blow! You scored 19 points
of damage!

The touch of the CAVE OOZE is icy, and it BURNS ... You have
suffered 4 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 11 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: By Huron's unmasculine backswing, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands
home! You scored 21 points of damage!

The CAVE OOZE slithers into shadow for a moment, then you see it on the wall right next to you!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 7 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 12 points of damage!

You feel sick as the CAVE OOZE attempts to use its revolting TRANSFORMATION power, and grateful for the near-total darkness!
You have suffered 23 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 14 Hit Points.
action: Assail OOZE
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 13 points
of damage, leaving the CAVE OOZE at your mercy!

The CAVE OOZE is defeated!

Exhausted from battle, you take stock of your surroundings ...

The CAVE is damp, very dark, and smells strongly of the dead demons of the earth. There are other smells, too, for other wanderers have camped here not long ago. At the far end of the CAVE a swift and INKY SLUICE of water rushes into the unseen belly of the mountain.

GUNWAR is near, sorting through his healing herbs.

You can also see some SPICES here.
action: You regard the spices
response: It is a tiny container of SPICES that smelleth like a HOBLING bakery making PUMPKIN PIES.
action: Regard STREAM
response: It's a swiftly-flowing underground river. The waters are fast, black, and cold. Dare you enter it? You've heard tales of brave adventurers swept to instant death by these things ... most lead to sunless, airless places in the uncaring bowels of the mountains.
action: Exit
response: The view from the summit of MOUNT GELIDUS is enough to move even you, to give you a moment's peace from your savage thirst for vengeance. But only a moment. As you look down through the mists to the farms and forests stretching out to the SEA, the sight of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, framed in the distant sunset, reminds you of your purpose.

The entrance to a forbidding CAVE is here, leading IN to the depths of the mountain.

GUN stays loyally at your side.
action: Go north
response: This pathway is steep, and you're currently at a point where great rocks blocks your view of the SLAVER KING'S realm. The rise is too steep to the east, but you can continue the trail to the south if you want to climb all the way to the PEAK OF MOUNT GELIDUS.

You hear a distant crackle, as if through the ELECTRIC ETHER, a sizzling note of hate!

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Go north
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You go west
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Go north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH arrives, crackling with HATE!

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You miss!

With a sinister CRACKLING, the air around you EXPLODES with violent ELECTRIC DEATH! You have suffered 8 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 8 Hit Points.
action: Assail WRAITH
response: By Huron's capricious cat-cravings, a blow to be remembered! You scored 15 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH lashes out with a bolt of DEADLY PHASIC ELECTRO-HATE! You have suffered 15 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 10 Hit Points.
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You are quick, but your foe was quicker that time. A miss!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 5 Hit Points.
action: Assail WRAITH
response: By Huron's storm-frosted comb-over, you strike hard and true! You scored 14 points of damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH unleashes twin arcs of STATIC IRE! You have suffered 15 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 15 Hit Points.
action: Assail WRAITH
response: Taste barbarian rage, VOLTAIC WRAITH! You scored 13 points of
damage!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH misses, and hisses, and this is good news!
action: Assail WRAITH
response: You attack! You scored 20 points of damage, leaving the VOLTAIC
WRAITH at your mercy!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is defeated!

The VOLTAIC WRAITH hisses and pops, and evaporates in a puff of acrid ozone. You hear a distant echo, an electric, sizzling voice: "BARBARIAN! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF MY ELECTRO-SPITE!"

The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

GUNWAR is near, shifting his crutch a bit for comfort's sake.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.
action: Go east
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: You go north
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.

A soft breeze blows from the east.
action: You enter
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.
action: Parley with ACOLYTE
response: "Ah, barbarian!" the ACOLYTE smiles warmly, "It's always good to see you. Thank you again for the GLADIUS SWORD; it has already come in handy!"

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.

GUNWAR smiles broadly at the sight GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE, strapped oiled and naked to the ALTAR. "Har! Good t'see ye, girly! Why, the last time I laid eyes on ye all trussed up, ye were knee-high to a MANION DEVIL and the lads were raidin' yer village! And now look at ye ... all grow'd up and set to be sacrificed for the greater evil!"

GINA blushes and shrugs shyly, at least to the extent her tethers allow. "But look at you, uncle GUN!" she says. "You're
adventuring again! I knew you had it in you, you old sea-dog!"

GUNWAR beams, and spends a few moments redistributing the ANOINTING OIL on the flat of GINA'S bare stomach, until the ACOLYTE raises an eyebrow at him.

"Just makin' sure she's right set t'be devoured by yer DARK LORD!" he declares with an exaggerated wink. Everyone chuckles.
action: You go outside
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You go south
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: You go west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: You go west
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

You are a little surprised to notice a familiar figure - the hulking form of the SHE-FRANKENSTEIN called FOUL EMMA, tossing flower-petals off the BRIDGE into the STREAM below.

FOUL EMMA looks up from her reverie. "Purty barbarian!" she says, obviously pleased to see you, but obviously too sad to grab at your backside. "Me glad you here, barbarian. Maybe one day you can help EMMA."

She plucks another petal and lets it fall. "Me not know where, but some-wheres here there's a secret ... a way IN to where slaves are kept. SLAVER KING, him mean. He keep many FRANKENSTEIN slaves. He keep EMMA'S momma and EMMA'S daddy as slaves. Only EMMA get away." She stares up at the sky, holding back patchwork tears.

She looks into your eyes. "Me heard another secret, too. There's a CORD somewheres there, black as night. So old only a few old slaves know. Pull on that CORD," she says, "and it open a way to crawl right into CASTLE, right where SLAVER KING live. But me too big to crawl, anyway. So me no help to momma. No help to paw-paw." She turns away, embarassed by her grief. After a while, she collects herself, and half-heartedly gropes at your groin, but it's plainly her way of putting on a brave face, and she turns to walk away.

This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

... As FOUL EMMA departs back to the GRAVEL PIT OF ROGUES, she turns once more and calls back "Me feel better when fighting, barbarian. Please come fight me some more. Me ... like you. You purty." Blushing, she turns and runs into the distance, like a bashful little girl, crushing rocks with her footfalls.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Regard culvert
response: You can't see any CULVERT here!

Oh, wait, there it is.
By Huron's obscene nesting-fibers! I am vexed by thine riddles! Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You enter the cuvlert
response: Thou hast exceeded the limits of SCIENTIFIC TECHNO-REASONING. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You enter CULVERT
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd never be able to swim in there with me peg-leg, but I'll try to find another way in to meet ye."

SLAVE PENS (ON CATWALK)
As the DOXY foretold, deep into the CULVERT there is a stone platform, and a ladderwell leading into a vast underground chamber ... a chamber of torture and woe! For here, from a high CATWALK, strewn with discarded metal junk, you can see hundreds of the SLAVER KING'S captured workers: Humans, Vulkins, Frankensteins, Robodroids and more!

Some are shattering rocks with hammers, some are providing motive power for large wooden wheels, some are being whipped or burned by the many burly GUARDS. You cannot be seen from your current vantage point, but if you were to venture into the PENS you would once again be a slave, yourself.

Just as FOUL EMMA said, there is a BLACK CORD hanging deep in the shadows at the far end of the CATWALK, barely visible in the darkness and clutter.

Recalling the words of the ROBODROID, you notice a discarded LENGTH OF CABLING among the dusty rubbish.

You feel a slight tremor beneath your sandals.
action: You regard CORD
response: The BLACK CORD is attached to something above.
action: You regard PENS
response: SLAVE PENS (ON CATWALK)
As the DOXY foretold, deep into the CULVERT there is a stone platform, and a ladderwell leading into a vast underground chamber ... a chamber of torture and woe! For here, from a high CATWALK, strewn with discarded metal junk, you can see hundreds of the SLAVER KING'S captured workers: Humans, Vulkins, Frankensteins, Robodroids and more!

Some are shattering rocks with hammers, some are providing motive power for large wooden wheels, some are being whipped or burned by the many burly GUARDS. You cannot be seen from your current vantage point, but if you were to venture into the PENS you would once again be a slave, yourself.

Just as FOUL EMMA said, there is a BLACK CORD hanging deep in the shadows at the far end of the CATWALK, barely visible in the darkness and clutter.
action: You use CORD
response: You tug on the CORD and there is a loud CLANK-CLANK-CLANK-CLANK, so you quickly stop before you alert the entire CASTLE to your presence.

Then, something happens ...

There is an almost silent grating noise, and a small doorway slides open on a nearby section of wall. The doorway spills no light; it is a very dark CRAWLWAY leading steeply upward. You think you could manage the climb, should you decide to go IN ...

SLAVE PENS (ON CATWALK)
As the DOXY foretold, deep into the CULVERT there is a stone platform, and a ladderwell leading into a vast underground chamber ... a chamber of torture and woe! For here, from a high CATWALK, strewn with discarded metal junk, you can see hundreds of the SLAVER KING'S captured workers: Humans, Vulkins, Frankensteins, Robodroids and more!

Some are shattering rocks with hammers, some are providing motive power for large wooden wheels, some are being whipped or burned by the many burly GUARDS. You cannot be seen from your current vantage point, but if you were to venture into the PENS you would once again be a slave, yourself.

The path to the surface leads UP, but a CRAWLWAY beckons further IN from here, barely visible in the shadows.
action: Up
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR stands nearby, admiring his AXE happily.
action: You go south
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: You go south
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

You can see a ROBODROID here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You use the cabling on ROBODROID
response: You hold the CABLING near the ROBODROID, turn it this way and that, tap him gently on the head with it, and so on ...

You are almost ready to give up hope that anything might happen, when the cabling suddenly SPARKS with some latent remaining energy, and with heavy CLANK attaches itself to a portion of the metal man's silvery skin. The lights on his flat display-face shine brightly, and there is a deep humming ... but both the lights and the sound immediately begin to fade ...

The ROBODROID turns to face you and speaks clearly. "Friend! Thank you! Power levels critical. I have very little time. My sensors detect PHASIC EMANATIONS very near. Take the CABLE there, hold it very still above the source. Source. Auto-MATIC! Source. POWwwer. Hold.

... and then lights go dim, the humming stops, the CABLE falls free, and the ROBODROID is silent once more.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a LENGTH OF BIPHASIC CABLING, some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You go north
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You go east
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Go south
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUNWAR trails along.
action: You use the cabling
response: You hold the BIPHASIC CABLING very still above the waters of the SUMP, exactly as the ROBODROID instructed. You feel a little foolish, and more than a little sick, as the emanating energies of the SUMP are sapping your strength unpleasantly.

But it takes only a moment to see that the ROBODROID was correct! One end of the CABLE leaps from your hand like a living thing, diving into the water and extending sharp metallic tendrils. After a moment, the entire length of CABLE glitters with light! The end in the water now glows an angry RED and the end in your hand glows deep, haunting BLUE.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Repose
response: You stop to rest for a moment.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

Some heavy clouds are gathering to the west, over the SEA OF GREAT PERIL.
action: Repose
response: You stop to rest for a moment.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Go west
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

You can see a ROBODROID here.

GUN accompanies you.
action: Regard robodroid
response: Parts of him are clearly torn open, and rust grows on his silver skin like the lesions snarling on some Bloodhaven beggar. Tiny lights on his flat display-face shine ever-so-weakly. There is life left in him, but precious little. He moves not.
action: Parley with ROBODROID
response: Speaking - nay, even shouting - elicits no response, save for a gentle change in the rhythm of his facial light-display. There are sparks flying from some tiny moving parts on one side of his head, where the surface is torn open ... they are too rusted to move freely, and the ANOINTING OIL has done all it can to help.
action: Go east
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

The RED END OF THE CABLE is here, suspended securely in the glowing water of the SUMP.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go west
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

You can see a ROBODROID here.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You use the cabling on ROBODROID
response: With the cable in place in the PHASIC SUMP, the rest happens without much effort. The Phasic Power Conduit Class 84-900-000-5 must be enchanted in some way to know its purpose, for just as it leaped for the glowing water, it leaps for the ROBODROID, clamping loudly on his surface and then flashing with pure blue light!

It's impossible, for a few moments, to unhand the cable! You can feel the energies flowing through YOU as well as through it, and you can't help but wonder if that's really safe.

Then, all is calm, and you let the CABLE go, rubbing your hand where the heat of the transfer burned you slightly. The ROBODROID does not stand, but his head swivels freely, and you can see some of his torn and rusted portions ... healing themselves.

"Repair. Sequence. Initiated. Magnetic. Data. Accessed." The ROBDROID jerks slightly on the ground, then relaxes, and turns to face you. "Friend!" he says, his face-lights arranging into a simple smile.

You nod, quietly. You've known his kind before, and they are often good folk, but it's never quite normal, talking to metal.

He nods in return. "Thank you, barbarian, for your help. I have been trapped here for so long, unable to self-repair without access to PHASIC EMANATIONS. I dwelt here in the remnants of my ROCKET, as a ROBO-HERMIT, but the SLAVER KING decided that all ROBODROIDS should serve him ..."

His face-lights flash an angry red. "I refused, and fought to the last ... or what his thugs must have supposed was the last. As you can see, there is life yet in my COSMIC TRANSISTORS, eh?"

He tries to move, but stumbles. "Ah, but not a LOT of life ... this cable will allow me to communicate and perform some basic self-repair, but I suppose it will take a serious electric catalyst to re-ignite my PRISMATIC HEART ENGINE and become fully motive. Still, it is very fine to be able to talk to an ally ... for you are clearly no friend of the SLAVER KING."

You nod again, and smile, for that is the truth.

The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

GUNWAR stands nearby, picking something out of his beard.

You can also see the BLUE END OF THE CABLE and a ROBODROID here.
action: Parley with ROBODROID
response: The ROBODROID nods politely in your direction. "I'm sorry I'm not much of a host, friend. I suppose it will take quite a voltaic jolt to jump-start me to mobility ... but even if that never happens, know how much I appreciate your efforts."
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You seize the robot
response: The ROBODROID is in much greater repair than before, but still too heavy and awkward to move.
action: You go west
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUN follows along.
action: You go north
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: You go west
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stays loyally at your side.
action: Go south
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

You hear a distant crackle, as if through the ELECTRIC ETHER, a sizzling note of hate!

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You go to the south
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

GUN limps along at your side.
action: You go east
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: You go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: Go east
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a tired-looking metallic figure slumped against its side ...

You can see the BLUE END OF THE CABLE and a ROBODROID here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: Repose
response: You pause in manly contemplation.

There is a sharp smell of ozone, and a faint electric sizzling in the air.

You feel a strange itching sensation, sort of chasing itself all over your skin, but focusing on the points where the PHASIC EMANATIONS scarred your flesh! You pause to give it a good scratch, and you're okay again.
action: Repose
response: You pause in manly contemplation.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH arrives, crackling with HATE!

With the VOLTAIC WRAITH arcing violently from branch to branch and hissing with anger, you stand in the clearing of the SCARRED FOREST, and whirl to face your opponent. Nearby, the ROBODROID looks up from his repair-work with obvious curiosity.

"BARBARIAN!" screams the WRAITH, forming a scowling face made of translucent arcs of power, "SUCH A LOVELY SETTING IN WHICH TO DESTROY YOU ... SO MANY DAMP FLOWERS ... MOIST BARK, HUMID AIR ... SO MANY WET PLACES TO CHASE YOU FROM, TO TRAP YOU. WHY, THERE'S EVEN METAL HERE!"

Edging back toward the ROBODROID and smiling quietly, you simply nod.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH advances, and then begins to flicker. "WHAT? WHAT?!? WHAT'S HAPPENING" Trails of power are now arcing at random from the center of the WRAITH to the surface of the BIPHASIC CABLING. The BLUE END attached to the ROBODROID begins loudly humming.

The ROBODROID stands, and smiles. "Oh, barbarian. You are very, very clever, for a primitive meatling." With newfound strength, the ROBODROID un-clamps the BLUE END of the CABLE and points it directly at the WRAITH.

You nod grimly, and inhale the storm-fresh air as you are surrounded by a rush of VOLTAIC DISASSEMBLY amid the sound of a thousand gasping echoes, of a hundred pitiful screams, a dozen mournful wails, and then thin, faint, static.

The VOLTAIC WRAITH is no more, and the ROBODROID stands tall, his remaining "wounds" repairing themselves instantly before your eyes, his skin a perfect, gleaming silver.

"A very clever meatling, indeed," he says. "The SLAVER KING is in trouble, with a barbarian seeking vengeance on him!"

You nod, for you are well pleased.

The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned, apart from a solitary metallic figure standing near ...

GUNWAR stands close by, brushing his teeth with his finger.

You can also see the BLUE END OF THE CABLE and a ROBODROID here.
action: Parley with ROBODROID
response: "Greetings, friend. It's good to be whole again. Now that I can move about, I may find some new way to aid your quest."
action: Go west
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUN follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You go south
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Look around
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

GUN is nearby, humming an old Dwarf mining song.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You enter
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

Surrounding the pedestal is a glowing CAGE of static energy ... No doubt this is a FARADAY CAGE, a prison designed in ancient times to trap powerful ROBODROIDS for servitude.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.

GUNWAR trails along.

GUNWAR peers closely at the FARADAY CAGE. "Har," he says, quietly. "Bugger me with a marlinspike, these blackguard FARADAY CAGES are nasty business. Lost a good mechanical friend to one of these, once. Fortunately, they can be taken down with the right kind of good, hard whack. You're a strong lad, barbarian. ASSAIL this scurvy CAGE."
action: Assail cage
response: You lash out with your TWO-HANDED SWORD, barely making a dent in the FARADAY CAGE ... a dent which reshapes itself into defiant perfection within seconds after your attack!

GUNWAR hefts his BLACK HOLE METAL AXE experimentally, all the while carefully regarding the FARADAY CAGE.

"Give it another go, lad. Just one more good whack, and I can watch ye carefully."
action: Assail cage
response: You lash out with your TWO-HANDED SWORD, barely making a dent in the FARADAY CAGE ... a dent which reshapes itself into defiant perfection within seconds after your attack!

GUNWAR steps forward, the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE glinting in the strange lights of the VAULT. "Stand back, lad. I'll set this right."

Heaving the demonic AXE with all his might, GUNWAR drives the eldritch blade hard into the side of the FARADAY CAGE. When a sudden VIBRATORY FEEDBACK WAVE threatens to shatter the AXE in return, you are tossed from your feet, but GUNWAR quickly clangs the AXE on the strange blue-metal walls with a smile. "HAHA!" he cries, "I've tussled with FARADAY FORCES in my time, eh? Can't mess with old GUNWAR! Har."

When you dare openeth your eyes again, you see that the VAULT is dimmed, idle sparks fly from broken machinery ... and the FARADAY CAGE is gone, no doubt banished to whatever ELECTRO-HELL it was summoned from! GUNWAR stands triumphantly, the gleaming BLACK HOLE METAL AXE reflected in his eyes.
action: You get AMULET
response: Your hand passes right through the AMULET, as if it were but a SPECTERAL SPIRIT. And yet, the AMULET doth respond, with a display of corscuating light.

"Har. Don't that beat all?" sayeth GUNWAR.
action: Regard AMULET
response: Hung from a chain that it might be worn, it is as the fables tell: an AMULET fashioned of finest SCIENCE.

That awful PHASIC ITCHING is back again, now focused very sharply on your good sword-swinging arm. And it's worse ... a kind of nasty BURNING, now. What manner of sorcery is in that SUMP, anyway?

After a time, the burning sensation stops.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You look around
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stands close by, picking his nose with a pointy extremity of his AXE.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.
action: Go south
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: Go north
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned.

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

Hm ... The ROBODROID is here no longer. He must be happy to move again, after being so long imprisoned by his own rust.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You go inside
response: Much of the shack has been stripped for pieces, no doubt to be sold in God City, far to the west. Only scraps remain.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You leave
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned.

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: You go west
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: You go south
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Go inside
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You examine PEDESTAL
response: The MACHINERY gloweth, and culminateth in the GLOWING PEDESTAL. Indeed, 'tis all of one strange piece.
action: You go outside
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUN follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You wait
response: You pause in manly contemplation.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

This pathway is steep, and you're currently at a point where great rocks blocks your view of the SLAVER KING'S realm. The rise is too steep to the east, but you can continue the trail to the south if you want to climb all the way to the PEAK OF MOUNT GELIDUS.
action: Go south
response: The view from the summit of MOUNT GELIDUS is enough to move even you, to give you a moment's peace from your savage thirst for vengeance. But only a moment. As you look down through the mists to the farms and forests stretching out to the SEA, the sight of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, framed in the distant sunset, reminds you of your purpose.

The entrance to a forbidding CAVE is here, leading IN to the depths of the mountain.
action: You enter
response: The CAVE is damp, very dark, and smells strongly of the dead demons of the earth. There are other smells, too, for other wanderers have camped here not long ago. At the far end of the CAVE a swift and INKY SLUICE of water rushes into the unseen belly of the mountain.
action: You enter SLUICE
response: Trusting to fate, you enter the swift current of the INKY SLUICE. The current is so powerful that you're carried away immediately into TOTAL DARKNESS, and then submerged!

The swift waters of the SLUICE arrive here after a long drop through a natural chute of stone. They broaden and deepen for a time before vanishing into darkness yet again, and you can stand on dry stone in a cavern filled with CRAWLING WHITE MOSS.

You can see a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR here.

Without the power of SULDUKU BREATHING, you never would have survived that journey!
action: You examine MOSS
response: The slow, inching movement of the luminescent MOSS has never bothered you overmuch, but the collective sound of thousands of patches, each crawling softly, is very unpleasant.
action: You look at the impervium
response: You have heard of such armor only in legends. Your barbarian mind cannot begin to fathom how such a suit is made.
action: You use the impervium
response: You remove the SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL, and replace it with the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR. Now you are well-suited for bloody mayhem!
action: Look around
response: The swift waters of the SLUICE arrive here after a long drop through a natural chute of stone. They broaden and deepen for a time before vanishing into darkness yet again, and you can stand on dry stone in a cavern filled with CRAWLING WHITE MOSS.
action: You seize MOSS
response: But it's yucky!
action: Up
response: The swift waters of the SLUICE flow through this vast room from the CAVE above, but the stone "river-bed" is slick like glazed Hobling pottery! Try as you might, you could never climb something so steep and so smooth against the force of the current.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: Xyzzy
response: The dullest Klengon can do better than that. Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You examine the waters
response: In the strange light of the GLOWING CAVERN, you see that the water really isn't so INKY in the INKY SLUICE, in fact it seems quite clear and fresh. From here, it flows once again into a wide CRACK in the rocks.
action: You enter the waters
response: You approach the SLUICE at the far end of the CAVERN, where the waters run swift, and once again you find yourself sucked into icy darkness! But only a moment later, you are flying through the air in a sparkling spray of water and evening sunlight! And then landing hard on the ground! Ouch!

A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH. It seems to be watching you.
action: Parley with FISH
response: If you're going to start talking to MAGIC FISH, you may as well just chat with your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.

GUNWAR arrives. "Sa-ho! I might have known I'd find ye 'round the PRISMATIC SPRAY!"
action: Describe the surroundings
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stands nearby, staring into space and thinking.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, playing around in the churning waters at the base of the WATERFALL.
action: You regard FISH
response: It's just your typical MAGIC FISH. It appears to be reading a tiny book.
action: You go to the west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

From the depths of the CHASM comes a fluttering, a flapping, and a violent, hungry sussuration of HISSING! Suddenly pouring upward from the mist is a deadly SCHOOL OF SKY-PIRANHA, eager for the taste of fresh barbarian blood!

Sweeping across the ground in a great flurry of PISCINE ACROBATICS, the SKY-PIRANHA consume your flesh! You have suffered 49 hits of damage!

GUNWAR follows you.
action: Assail sky-piranassail sky-piranha
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 18 points of
damage!

With a violent fluttering of wings, thousands of NEEDLE-LIKE TEETH rip into your skin! You have suffered 11 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 41 Hit Points.
action: Assail sky-piranassail sky-piranha
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 23 points of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 35 Hit Points.
action: Assail sky-piranassail sky-piranha
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 18 points of
damage!

Heedless of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, PIRANHA fly at you from every direction, colliding, scraping, EATING! You have suffered 28 hits
of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 29 Hit Points.
action: Assail sky-piranassail sky-piranha
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
16 points of damage, leaving the SCHOOL OF SKY-PIRANHA at your
mercy!

The SCHOOL OF SKY-PIRANHA is defeated!

You rend the last of the SKY-PIRANHA into twitching, bloody chunks.

This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

GUNWAR stands nearby, smiling contentedly.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.
action: You go west
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUN totters along beside you.
action: You seize POLE
response: You lack the strength of arm to heft such a mighty thing!

You see a band of travelers in the distance, but then they're gone.
action: You go west
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
Perplexity and disarray! Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: Go north
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stays loyally at your side.
action: You go inside
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd best wait here, lad. Three's a crowd in with a fine DOXY, at least until we know each other better."

You notice a slight chain hanging across VESSA'S doorway, and a small sign writ in simple runes which sayeth: BACK SOON - PROVIDING SERVICE TO HIS MAJESTY'S COURT AND SUNDRIES.
action: Go north
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go east
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUN follows along.
action: You go to the east
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You go north
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF limps along at your side.
action: You enter CULVERT
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd never be able to swim in there with me peg-leg, but I'll try to find another way in to meet ye."

SLAVE PENS (ON CATWALK)
As the DOXY foretold, deep into the CULVERT there is a stone platform, and a ladderwell leading into a vast underground chamber ... a chamber of torture and woe! For here, from a high CATWALK, strewn with discarded metal junk, you can see hundreds of the SLAVER KING'S captured workers: Humans, Vulkins, Frankensteins, Robodroids and more!

Some are shattering rocks with hammers, some are providing motive power for large wooden wheels, some are being whipped or burned by the many burly GUARDS. You cannot be seen from your current vantage point, but if you were to venture into the PENS you would once again be a slave, yourself.

The path to the surface leads UP, but a CRAWLWAY beckons further IN from here, barely visible in the shadows.
action: You enter
response: You crawl through the dark for a while, but it isn't long before you emerge into the CASTLE above.

... There is a gentle SNAP as the tiny door you emerged from falls shut behind you; there's no sign of it now! You'll have to find another way out.

So, you take stock of your surroundings ... and such surroundings! You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, a chamber well-bedecked with opulence and many fine FURNISHINGS. Looking far, far to the west, you can see that the GUARDS are letting some well-dressed courtiers wander out into the MARKETPLACE without hindrance. It seems getting out is easier than getting in! You slick your hair a bit, convinced that you can pass for a courtier if the need is dire.

Your attention is drawn by a slight hint of movement: atop a great HEARTH filled with a ROARING FIRE, a COPPER GARGOYLE is perched, and you could have sworn you saw it move.

You REGARD the statue for a time, your instincts telling you to ready yourself for BATTLE!

And it's only a moment for your instincts to be proven true, as the COPPER GARGOYLE grins a creaking, metallic grin, and snaps his claws open, and leaps down to the floor ...

You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, surrounded by opulent FURNISHINGS of every description.

You can see a COPPER GARGOYLE here.

The COPPER GARGOYLE attacks! You have suffered 39 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: You were too slow that time. A miss!

The COPPER GARGOYLE attacks you savagely, but misses!

GUNWAR arrives, reaching for his healing herbs!
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 19 points of damage!

The COPPER GARGOYLE clanks noisily on the flagstones, and his claws strike hard! You have suffered 21 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 42 Hit Points.
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 16 points of damage!

The COPPER GARGOYLE leaps straight for your throat! You have
suffered 35 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 32 Hit Points.
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: By Huron's approbated abbatoir, a fine hit! You scored 21 points
of damage!

With a creak of metal, the COPPER GARGOYLE is airborne, slashing deeply into your side with his fangs. You have suffered 21 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 26 Hit Points.
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: Sa-ho! You give the COPPER GARGOYLE a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 15 points of damage!

On WINGS OF METAL, the COPPER GARGOYLE leaps high, and glides down from above with claws extended! You have suffered 29 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 37 Hit Points.
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: By Huron's scabrous schoolmarm, a fine hit! You scored 19 points
of damage!

The COPPER GARGOYLE attacks! You have suffered 27 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 27 Hit Points.
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: By Huron's vesicating varlets, you strike hard and true! You
scored 19 points of damage!

The COPPER GARGOYLE leaps straight for your throat! You have
suffered 39 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 21 Hit Points.
action: Assail GARGOYLE
response: You attack! You scored 13 points of damage, leaving the COPPER GARGOYLE at your mercy!

The COPPER GARGOYLE is defeated!

The COPPER GARGOYLE bows a metallic bow to acknowledge your superior might, and climbs back on its perch above the HEARTH, freezing in place.

Looking around, it seems as though nobody noticed the battle! You idly wonder if every new visitor to the CASTLE has to go through
this ...

You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, surrounded by opulent FURNISHINGS of every description. You notice people moving in the distance, but this place is so huge that your own arrival seems to have gone unnoticed by the non-GARGOYLE denizens. Just to be sure, you stick to the shadows (fortunately, there are many). An enormous flight of MARBLE STAIRS leads upward, to the THRONE ROOM.

GUN is near, chuckling to himself.
action: Go west
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You go to the east
response: The PORTCULLIS is down, sealing the CASTLE from entry.

Across the market square, a group of PRINCES and their retinue pass by riding the back of a GIANT BRAMA WORM.
action: Up
response: Before you go, barbarian ... 'tis only fair to warn thee: ascending these MARBLE STAIRS will take you before the SLAVER KING himself, and such an "audience" with His Majesty is a one-way trip, one way or another. I do wish you well, savage hero, but at least be sure that you have a recent SAVE to return to, should things not go as you wish.

"And I for one," GUNWAR adds, "feel a great unease in my bones. I've heard terrible tales of the SLAVER KING, lad. I've heard he kills DWARVES on sight! On sight! Perhaps if you could wield me, lad ... I might feel less nervous going in as your armament than as your shadow."
action: You use the meat
response: Holding your breath to stave off the rich odor, you cram the putrefied SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT down your throat, and then bite hard on your tongue to fight the urge to vomit. Sure enough, only moments later, the PRISMATIC MAGIC of the meat's ichor permeates your muscles, healing you!
action: Look around
response: You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, surrounded by opulent FURNISHINGS of every description. You notice people moving in the distance, but this place is so huge that your own arrival seems to have gone unnoticed by the non-GARGOYLE denizens. Just to be sure, you stick to the shadows (fortunately, there are many). An enormous flight of MARBLE STAIRS leads upward, to the THRONE ROOM.

GUNWAR is near, sharpening the blade of the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE.
action: You regard the furnishings
response: This great hall is well-bedecked with opulence - your barbarian senses are nearly overwhelmed! Many fine FURNISHINGS do catch your attention, however, including the great MARBLE STAIRS leading upward to the THRONE ROOM, the long TRESTLES on which feasts are laid, the IMPRESSIVE HEARTH providing a ROARING FIRE, two huge TAPESTRIES (one BURGUNDY and one IVORY), a GIGANTIC MIRROR on the wall and, perched immobile above the HEARTH, the very COPPER GARGOYLE which accosted you when first you came here!
action: You regard IVORY TAPESTRY
response: With threads of silver, the great IVORY TAPESTRY shows images of slaves being whipped and forced to build the castle. The image is greatly romanticized, to the extent that such a thing is possible.

You chuckle over a story you heard once. Something about a minstrel, and a penguin, and something-something. You don't remember how it went, really.
action: You go to the west
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You go to the south
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUN totters along beside you.
action: Go east
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: You go to the south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: Assail WITCH
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH arches an eyebrow as you try, and your brain feels like it's being invaded by a thousand SARTHIAN FROST ANTS.
action: You use the spices on WITCH
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH peers at the SPICES exactly as if they were the half-rotted dorsal stench-gland of a grey-speckled, crusted-tail, cave-molting, pink-throated warbling CRATER LAKE MONSTER ... then she arches an eyebrow at you.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.
action: Go east
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stands nearby, quietly regarding your surroundings.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You go inside
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Regard AMULET
response: Hung from a chain that it might be worn, it is as the fables tell: an AMULET fashioned of finest SCIENCE.

GUNWAR grins, and relates to you the tale of the DUNGEON OF THE SAVAGE TIGERMEN, in which he became the first DWARF in known history to defeat a CAVE OOZE by strangling it.
action: You seize the chain
response: Why SEIZE what hast already been SEIZED? 'Tis a matter philosophical upon which to direct thy barbaric ponderings.
action: You seize AMULET
response: The bloodlust must be clouding your thoughts, barbarian. The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You use GUN on AMULET
response: Art thou head-wounded? Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: Exit
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along.
action: Parley with GUN
response: You and GUNWAR discuss the Warlocks you have adventured with, and exchange safety advice for dealing with them.
action: You seize POLE
response: You lack the strength of arm to heft such a mighty thing!
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You use CORN
response: You stare at the EAR OF CORN as hard as you can, but it only makes your eyes hurt. Alas, the ways of the barbarian, while hallowed by the ages and kin to the wild, are so seldom useful.
action: Look around
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

GUNWAR is nearby, adjusting his peg-leg.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: Go east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along, puffing on his pipe.

GUNWAR spins a yarn about some dungeons east of the HOARFROST CITADEL, near what wayfarers call the PASS OF DEATH.
action: Go east
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, swimming a lazy figure-eight.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: Go west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUN totters along beside you.
action: You examine the tree
response: The leaves are all gone, but a single small FRUIT hangs from the farthest tip of the farthest branch, out over the CHASM.
action: You examine FRUIT
response: The FRUIT is small and red.

"Ar," says Gunwar. "Looks like a Spineywood Herringfruit. And a ripe one at that!"
action: Go east
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, chasing glittering insects that hover near the water's surface.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: You regard the insects
response: 'Tis hardly worthy of thy mighty gaze.
action: Toask01
response: Ok.
action: You look
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

GUNWAR stands close at hand, brushing a crumb from his armor.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH. It appears to be reading a tiny book.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: You look at SERPENT
response: The SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT shines in its raw ichor. Your tribe has long known that the flesh of this beast, once properly ripened and then consumed rapidly, has magic healing properties that allow Warriors to defeat foes much more powerful than they. Useful, for a Warrior-born such as you! This slab has now ripened; the ichor swirls with prismatic power and the stench is comforting.
action: You go west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR trails along.

Some tiny FROSTMICE spot you, and scurry into their hiding places.
action: You get the tree
response: It clings quite tenaciously. Besides, you have no use for it.
action: You go inside
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.

GUN stays loyally at your side.
action: Smite PEDESTAL
response: This computeth not. Seek guidance with the HELP command.
action: Parley with GUN
response: GUNWAR spins an unlikely yarn about his days as a cavalryman.
action: You regard the walls
response: You feel suffocated just considering it ... you long for the outdoors, where a Warrior-born can run free and naked on the wild soil, unfettered by walls and ceilings, with his THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG fluttering in the fresh breezes.
action: You regard the METAL
response: The haft is made of a reddish iron with an alien-leather grip. The blade is almost utterly black and heavier than anything should be at that size. It hums, faintly, with a distant demonic hell-song. You have heard that many DEMONS dwell in the place where this metal is found.
action: You eat the meat
response: Striveth for wisdom in thine commands, barbarian. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Go east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You go to the east
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, swimming a lazy figure-eight.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF trails along.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used) and a FLASHLIGHT.

The warm breeze takes on a slight chill, as the evening wears on.
action: You use the spices on the pool
response: You've heard tales of how HURON, the GOD OF BEING A VERY MIGHTY GOD, once used some SPICES with a POOL to defeat a thousand enemy kings! Now that you think of it, though, the tale seemed to gloss right past the critical details.
action: Swim
response: Thou art a barbarian, 'tis true, but even thou canst masterest wise use of the ACTION COMMANDS. Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: Regard the pool
response: If you were the sort to bathe, this is the sort of pool you'd enjoy bathing in.
action: You bathe
response: You speak madness, barbarian! Seek guidance with the HELP command.
action: You use SPICES
response: Nothing useful happens, and the SPICES seem to mock you with condescending silence. You come to hate the SPICES, and vow vengeance upon them, just as soon as you are finished with the SLAVER KING.
action: You regard SPICES
response: It is a tiny container of SPICES that smelleth like a HOBLING bakery making PUMPKIN PIES.
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 13 to 23 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 90% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 307 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: Go west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You go west
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUN sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You seize POLE
response: You lack the strength of arm to heft such a mighty thing!

You while away some time with GUNWAR, talking of battles and campaigns, and of the thrill of surviving when all about you is death.
action: You use SWORD with POLE
response: Thou art only accustomed to ASSAILING things with a TWO-HANDED SWORD, preferably in a frothing, bloody rage filled with lusty war-oaths, suggestive hip-thrusts and savage leering.
action: You use CORN with POLE
response: You try a number of things, including glaring at the TELEPHONE POLE while flexing your left thigh muscle at the EAR OF CORN. I'd be stretching the truth if I said the results are useful.
action: You go to the north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: You regard woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH is a tiny, elderly woman with white hair and extraordinary eyes which cause you to feel dizzy. She seems to be looking right through you.
action: Parley with woman
response: "Greetings, upland barbarian," she says. She lets her words trail off, as if she's waiting for you to do something ...
action: Assail woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH arches an eyebrow as you try, and your brain feels like it's being invaded by a thousand SARTHIAN FROST ANTS.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.
action: You seize the statue
response: It is said that not even HURON, the GOD OF BEING A VERY MIGHTY GOD, could lift a SOLID GOLD STATUE. Of course, as you recall, the SOLID GOLD STATUE that HURON tried to lift was "taller than ten tall mountains and draped with a coat made of seven roaring seas," but adjusting for scale, you face a similar dilemma.
action: Regard the statue
response: It is a very alluring statue of a comely ELF wench, slight but womany. Ah, but not just ANY comely ELF wench! This is the girl who robbed you of your prize when first you met the VOLTAIC WRAITH in that crystalline tower in the FROSTED UPLANDS!
action: You regard TREES
response: The TREES are much like any TREES, and they smelleth nice.
action: You use TREES
response: I've seen this tragedy before. The alluring proximity of some TREES can drive many a hero to gibbering madness.
action: You go to the east
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.

GUN is here, looking very happy to be adventuring again.
action: You go east
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Go downwards
response: GUNWAR says, "That steep PIT'S no good for me peg-leg, friend, but I'll wait here for ye."

Sa-ho! By Huron's subcutaneous heat organ, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

Your barbarian senses detect something ... different ... in the GRAVEL PIT. A heightened tension.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.

All eyes are on you as you arrive, and one lowly ROGUE lifts a hand, meekly, to point at the CHALLENGE POST.
action: Regard POST
response: The CHALLENGE POST is a wooden pole hung with dyed banners, each representing a GLADIATOR willing to meet challengers. Beginning with the lowest, the banners are BLUE, GREEN, GOLD, RED and BLACK. The presence of the BLACK BANNER has clearly caused a stir in the GRAVEL PIT, and many of the ROGUES are looking upon you with something resembling reverence.

A nearby ROGUE espies your curiosity, and sayeth "It was YE, barbarian! The MASTER GLADIATOR has returned to us, because of your skill! He has returned! It is a great day!"
action: You seize black BANNER
response: As you pluck the BLACK BANNER from the CHALLENGE POST, the assembled rowdies cheer as they've never cheered before! You are ushered into the gladiator's ring, where you stand face-to-face with the imposing MASTER GLADIATOR!

You take a moment to REGARD your opponent ... The MASTER GLADIATOR was once human, but now he is plainly both a MUTANT and a CYABORG, with several portions of his body replaced by ROBODROID parts, glittering with the lights of SCIENCE! His right ARM is entirely metal, and his left arm has skin of a color different from the rest of him, suggesting that he is a LIMB TRADER. His weapons are twin GRAVITY WHIPS. He smiles an easy, confident smile as he REGARDS you in return.

"Let us begin" he says.
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 18 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 29 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 15 points of
damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's palpitating palpus, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands home!
You scored 15 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 34 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 16 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Taste barbarian rage, MASTER GLADIATOR! You scored 19 points of damage!

face! You have suffered 30 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 15 points of
damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 36 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Curses! A miss!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 33 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 23 points
of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 36 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's embryonic egg-flap, a blow to be remembered! You scored
15 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 31 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 15 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! You give the MASTER GLADIATOR a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 22 points of damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 28 hits of damage!

You stumble, and fall to the ground. The MASTER GLADIATOR has beaten you.

The world goes black for a moment, as The MASTER GLADIATOR lays you low with the painful slice of his GRAVITY WHIPS!

You are drawn from the darkness by the cheering crowd, showering The MASTER GLADIATOR with ale and praise. As your eyes refocus, you see his smiling half-ROBODROID face above you, his hand extended to help you to your feet.

"You fought well, sir. Take some time to heal for now, but please return to try again. I will leave the BLACK BANNER flying for you."

Sa-ho! By Huron's wayward weathercock, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

Your barbarian senses detect something ... different ... in the GRAVEL PIT. A heightened tension.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
21 points of damage!

face! You have suffered 37 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's cancroid constitution! A mighty blow! You scored 22
points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 31 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 19 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 35 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Taste barbarian rage, MASTER GLADIATOR! You scored 18 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 18 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 36 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 16 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 31 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's unavoidable odor, you strike hard and true! You scored
20 points of damage!

face! You have suffered 34 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 16 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 23 points of
damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 33 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 14 points of
damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 34 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's heterologous heat blister! A mighty blow! You scored 16 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 30 hits of damage!

You stumble, and fall to the ground. The MASTER GLADIATOR has beaten you.

The world goes black for a moment, as The MASTER GLADIATOR lays you low with the painful slice of his GRAVITY WHIPS!

You are drawn from the darkness by the cheering crowd, showering The MASTER GLADIATOR with ale and praise. As your eyes refocus, you see his smiling half-ROBODROID face above you, his hand extended to help you to your feet.

"You fought well, sir. Take some time to heal for now, but please return to try again. I will leave the BLACK BANNER flying for you."

Sa-ho! By Huron's panoptic pudenda, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

Your barbarian senses detect something ... different ... in the GRAVEL PIT. A heightened tension.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 22 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 33 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's laudable lechery, a blow to be remembered! You scored
19 points of damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 29 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! You give the MASTER GLADIATOR a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 22 points of damage!

face! You have suffered 33 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You attack! You scored 23 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 29 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
21 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 35 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's Pandean passions, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands home! You scored 18 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 29 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's twice-plaited nostril braids, a fine hit! You scored 18 points of damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 31 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 14 points
of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 16 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 13 to 23 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 91% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Your current Hit Points are 59 (out of 310).
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 22 points of
damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 37 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 20 points of
damage!

face! You have suffered 29 hits of damage!

You stumble, and fall to the ground. The MASTER GLADIATOR has beaten you.

The world goes black for a moment, as The MASTER GLADIATOR lays you low with the painful slice of his GRAVITY WHIPS!

You are drawn from the darkness by the cheering crowd, showering The MASTER GLADIATOR with ale and praise. As your eyes refocus, you see his smiling half-ROBODROID face above you, his hand extended to help you to your feet.

"You fought well, sir. Take some time to heal for now, but please return to try again. I will leave the BLACK BANNER flying for you."

Sa-ho! By Huron's organoleptic lapels, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

Your barbarian senses detect something ... different ... in the GRAVEL PIT. A heightened tension.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: You drop BURLAP
response: Discarded.
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 13 to 23 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Your current Hit Points are 154 (out of 310).
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 13 to 23 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Your current Hit Points are 205 (out of 310).
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH, a SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT, a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), an EAR OF CORN and a FLASHLIGHT.
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 13 to 23 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 95%. Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 310 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 20 points
of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! You give the MASTER GLADIATOR a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 19 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 29 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
14 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 35 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Taste barbarian rage, MASTER GLADIATOR! You scored 14 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 28 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 14 points of damage!

face! You have suffered 35 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 20 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 32 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 17 points of damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You attack! You scored 17 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 30 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's pitiless propensities, you strike hard and true! You
scored 21 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's parsimonious pansophism, a fine hit! You scored 17
points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's center nostril, a blow to be remembered! You scored 20 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 32 hits of damage!
action: You eat the meat
response: A pox upon thine foolish keyboard! Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You use the meat
response: Holding your breath to stave off the rich odor, you cram the putrefied SLAB OF SNOW-SERPENT MEAT down your throat, and then bite hard on your tongue to fight the urge to vomit. Sure enough, only moments later, the PRISMATIC MAGIC of the meat's ichor permeates your muscles, healing you!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's nubile seamstresses! A mighty blow! You scored 20
points of damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 34 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's vesicating varlets, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands home!
You scored 17 points of damage, leaving the MASTER GLADIATOR at your mercy!

The MASTER GLADIATOR is defeated!

With your final blow, The MASTER GLADIATOR flies backward, sliding across the gravel, the lights on his body dimmed in defeat!

The crowd erupts in cheers, and you accept their ale and accolades. Extending the hand of fellowship to your foe, you help The MASTER GLADIATOR to his feet, and he accepts gratefully. "A true pleasure, my esteemed foe. It is rare that I am treated to a genuine workout, let alone such a beating."

The crowd cheers again, and you nod in silent assent. The MASTER GLADIATOR nods, too, and wanders away to repair and heal. The crowd returns to their revels.

Sa-ho! By Huron's subcutaneous heat organ, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

Your barbarian senses detect something ... different ... in the GRAVEL PIT. A heightened tension.

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.

You can also see a FLASHLIGHT, an EAR OF CORN, a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL, a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR and a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR here.
action: Pillage
response: FLASHLIGHT: Seized.
EAR OF CORN: Seized.
SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL: Seized.
SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR: Seized.
SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR: Seized.
action: Up
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stands close at hand, whistling a jaunty sailors' tune.

You are briefly surprised by the looming figure of the MASTER GLADIATOR, but it is plain that he arrives in the spirit of friendship.

"Ho there, barbarian," he says, his voice confident and enhanced with internal sub-woofers. "I just wanted to congratulate you privately. In truth, you are the real MASTER GLADIATOR now, but I know that your destiny is something far greater than to be the leader in a forgotten GRAVEL PIT."

He shakes your hand, his CYABORG grip cutting off your circulation for a moment, and he smiles."I am proud to know you, barbarian, and I hope that we can become friends. To that end, I have a secret to offer you, something I have learned in my time here."

He looks left and right, then adjusts his volume control to whisper. "One of our lesser gladiators is third cousin to the ROYAL PSI-WITCH," he confides. "And he told me the secret to winning her approval ... You must prove that you are the PROPHESIED BARBARIAN, the great and crude slaughterer predicted long ago in the lore of the PSI-WITCHES of this realm. The legend says that the PROPHESIED BARBARIAN will carry a gift of valuable UNGUENT, a potent balm infused with the PSI-PSPICE, also called AMALGAM." He sighs, a deep and quadrophonic sigh.
"I know not where to seek the PSI-PSPICE BALM, but I do believe that you are the one foretold, and so: seek it you must."

You consider this, and nod. Satisfied that you understand, the MASTER GLADIATOR returns the gesture, and starts back toward the GRAVEL PIT OF ROGUES.

This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR is nearby, scratching a phantom itch on his peg-leg.

... As the MASTER GLADIATOR departs back to the GRAVEL PIT OF ROGUES, he salutes you and says "We are fortunate to have you here in this realm, barbarian. Return soon, to fight me again!"

You wonder, for a moment, if the SLAVER KING could ever be defeated by a mortal barbarian such as you.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH and a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready).
action: Go south
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Assail bear
response: You loose your anger at the GRIZZLY BEAR, driving it further up the stream. Once it runs past your reach, it looketh back at you, perhaps sadly, then returns to pawing the water in hopes of food.
action: You go east
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF accompanies you.
action: You go north
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You enter
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.
action: Parley with ACOLYTE
response: "Ah, barbarian!" the ACOLYTE smiles warmly, "It's always good to see you. Thank you again for the GLADIUS SWORD; it has already come in handy!"

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Parley with GINA
response: GINA smiles a sly smile. "We have heard, Barbarian, of your great quest ... and perhaps," she says, her voice lowered to a sultry whisper "when the time comes, we here at the TEMPLE may aid you in it." She wriggles pleasantly, and you see that the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA is grinning slightly, and nodding to himself.
action: Go outside
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You go to the south
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows you.
action: You go inside
response: Inside the ice-like spire, it is strangely warm, and the air is charged with crackling energies, but magic or someting else? Know ye not. OUTSIDE, the FROSTED UPLANDS are only a fractured blur. From here, you can make your way UP to the EERIE PINNACLE, where strange lights play.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Up
response: You stand in the uppermost chamber of the strange crystalline tower. The air here is thick with energy and flooded with light from no particular source. There is a blinding whiteness, as if you're in a vast field of snow ... but the air is hot, not cold.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Go downwards
response: Inside the ice-like spire, it is strangely warm, and the air is charged with crackling energies, but magic or someting else? Know ye not. OUTSIDE, the FROSTED UPLANDS are only a fractured blur. From here, you can make your way UP to the EERIE PINNACLE, where strange lights play.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Go west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.

GUNWAR chews on his pipe, thoughtfully. "Have ye ever done battle with a wild TARKUS? We met one in the hills east of the SHUNNED TOWNS, mutated so's it had twice as many gun-turrets. Nasty." He takes a long draw, then exhales. "We lost a lovely young ELF lass in the treads. Terrible, messy way to go."
action: Go south
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

GUN totters along beside you.
action: Regard IDOL
response: The features of the IDOL glare with stony, furious contempt, as if daring you to USE it.
action: Go east
response: The great snow-capped PEAKS now loom above you, dramatic and craggy through the treetops. You can see a WINDING TRAIL leading south that would take you higher into the mountains.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Regard PEAKS
response: The BLEAK MOUNTAINS define the eastermost extent of the SLAVER KING'S domain. The highest is the craggy peak of MOUNT GELIDUS.
action: Go south
response: This pathway is steep, and you're currently at a point where great rocks blocks your view of the SLAVER KING'S realm. The rise is too steep to the east, but you can continue the trail to the south if you want to climb all the way to the PEAK OF MOUNT GELIDUS.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You go to the south
response: The view from the summit of MOUNT GELIDUS is enough to move even you, to give you a moment's peace from your savage thirst for vengeance. But only a moment. As you look down through the mists to the farms and forests stretching out to the SEA, the sight of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, framed in the distant sunset, reminds you of your purpose.

The entrance to a forbidding CAVE is here, leading IN to the depths of the mountain.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You regard CASTLE
response: The CASTLE of the SLAVER KING towers higher than any citadel you know, and the fires of its turrets are visible far and wide in the SLAVER KING'S realm. It is said that the ceiling of the THRONE ROOM is high enough to house the tallest GIANT in all of VANTH.
action: Go inside
response: The CAVE is damp, very dark, and smells strongly of the dead demons of the earth. There are other smells, too, for other wanderers have camped here not long ago. At the far end of the CAVE a swift and INKY SLUICE of water rushes into the unseen belly of the mountain.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Swim
response: The bloodlust must be clouding your thoughts, barbarian. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: Go inside
response: I'm not 100% certain what it is you wish to go IN to, barbarian. Now, 'tis true that even a humble computer might suppose that you
might mean to ENTER THE INKY SLUICE, but considering the
likely dangers of such an action, I would not presume to carry out such a command unless thou hast typest it, explicitly.
action: You enter SLUICE
response: GUNWAR says, "I'm no good for swimming, lad, not even in a nice comfy CAVE like this one. But I'll wait here for ye, and if you don't swim back out, I'll search down the MOUNTAIN to meet you at the other end."

Trusting to fate, you enter the swift current of the INKY SLUICE. The current is so powerful that you're carried away immediately into TOTAL DARKNESS, and then submerged!

The swift waters of the SLUICE arrive here after a long drop through a natural chute of stone. They broaden and deepen for a time before vanishing into darkness yet again, and you can stand on dry stone in a cavern filled with CRAWLING WHITE MOSS.
action: You regard MOSS
response: The slow, inching movement of the luminescent MOSS has never bothered you overmuch, but the collective sound of thousands of patches, each crawling softly, is very unpleasant.
action: You seize MOSS
response: But it's yucky!
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH and a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready).
action: You put SPICES on MOSS
response: You'll need to be wiser than that to defeat the SLAVER KING. Refer to your game manual for assistance.
action: You use MOSS
response: Creative! But fruitless.
action: You use FLASHLIGHT on MOSS
response: You shine the FLASHLIGHT'S amazing ELECTRIC TECHNO-BEAM in the general direction of the CRAWLING WHITE MOSS, and experiment briefly with making the shadow of a DOG with your hand while thou art at it.
action: You enter the water
response: You approach the SLUICE at the far end of the CAVERN, where the waters run swift, and once again you find yourself sucked into icy darkness! But only a moment later, you are flying through the air in a sparkling spray of water and evening sunlight! And then landing hard on the ground! Ouch!

A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, chasing glittering insects that hover near the water's surface.
action: You regard WATERFALL
response: The WATERFALL cascades down from streams high up toward MOUNT GELIDUS. It's very lovely and refreshing. There's almost nowhere to stand, here, where you aren't catching some spray.
action: You regard FISH
response: It's just your typical MAGIC FISH. It seems to be watching you.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH and a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready).

GUNWAR totters into view, moving as quickly as his PEG-LEG will allow. "I might have known ye'd be somewhere 'round the PRISMATIC SPRAY!"
action: You use BAG on FISH
response: The THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG is practically an extension of you; you've carried it since you were an infant, and it does its job without commands.
action: You talk to GUN
response: GUNWAR explains an ancient DWARF battlefield recipe for "HAUNTED QUICKSAND on a Shingle"
action: You use the flash light on FISH
response: I beggest thy pardon? Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You talk to GUN
response: GUNWAR tells a tale of his first adventure as a sailor, doing battle with ATOMIC OCTOPODES in a far corner of SALTY BAY.
action: You talk to FISH
response: If you're going to start talking to MAGIC FISH, you may as well just chat with your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.
action: Parley with GUNWAR
response: You and GUNWAR chat for a while, and you do your best to follow his on-again off-again PIRATE slang.
action: Go west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Go west
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Regard RUIN
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

GUNWAR stands close at hand, twirling his AXE theatrically.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: You go to the east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: Go north
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned.

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: Go east
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

The RED END OF THE CABLE is here, suspended securely in the glowing water of the SUMP.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUNWAR follows you.
action: You seize the water
response: Thou hast barkest up the wrong tree, barbarian.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Regard the pipes
response: The water dripping from the PIPES is strangely iridescent.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...
action: Go west
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned.

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: Go east
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

The RED END OF THE CABLE is here, suspended securely in the glowing water of the SUMP.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.

You and GUNWAR exchange tales of the most disgusting things you've known Pioneers to do in order to gain a level.
action: You go to the south
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

Swimming in the crystalline POOL is a MAGIC FISH, playing around in the churning waters at the base of the WATERFALL.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: You use BLUE on the pool
response: You shove the glowing BLUE END of the BIPHASIC CABLING into the fresh, clear waters of the POOL, resulting in an immediate QUADROPHASIC FEEDBACK EXPLOSION!

The CABLE flies hard from your hand and you're thrown into the air, your flesh sizzling with a flash of PHASIC FIRE!

A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

On the surface of the water, a DEAD MAGIC FISH floats despondently.

GUN stands close at hand, tapping his pipe clean and filling it with fresh leaf.

GUNWAR chuckles at the sight of the DEAD MAGIC FISH. "Brings back old times, that does."
action: You regard FISH
response: The MAGIC FISH is dead. Also, it seems to be watching you.
action: You use FISH
response: At first your attempts seem doomed to failure, but then it occurs to you that you could try sneaking up on the DEAD MAGIC FISH and shouting. Sadly, this too produces no useful result.
action: You seize FISH
response: Why SEIZE what hast already been SEIZED? 'Tis a matter philosophical upon which to direct thy barbaric ponderings.
action: You go north
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

The RED END OF THE CABLE is here, suspended securely in the glowing water of the SUMP.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: Go north
response: You stand in a dismal swamp, with the chitter of unpleasant life in every direction. Footing is torturous here, slowed by the grey murk sucking at your sandaled tread.

There is a large, MOSSY STONE IDOL here. Even half-sunken in the mire, it stands a head taller than you, with crude, angry features.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You go to the north
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

A bit upstream from you, a GRIZZLY BEAR is fishing for food, but not having much luck. The BEAR doesn't seem hostile.

GUNWAR follows you.

Somewhere in the distance, you hear the unmistakable report of a PROTONIC SPEARLAUNCH, but the quadruple-echo fades quickly.
action: You use FISH on BEAR
response: You extend the DEAD MAGIC FISH toward the GRIZZLY, and the great BEAR'S nose twitches damply as it looks up from the fresh flowing waters of the stream.

Slowly, cautiously, the GRIZZLY approaches, and opens its mouth to take the proffered FISH. Once taken, the BEAR dines eagerly, clearly quite hungry.

"Thank you, barbarian," the BEAR says, to your surprise, "the fishing here has been very poor since the GIANT SNOW SERPENTS started their feeding season upstream. I heard tell of FISH in the pools and streams south of here, but the PHASIC EMANATIONS in the swamp are too much for me."

Sensing your unease with his speech, he says "My name is ADAM, my friend. Like many animals, I have a mind of my own but usually keep my own counsel, or at least keep to my own kind. You are not unknown to me. I have observed your questing, and while the RATS of the city fear your violent nature, I have hope that by that very violence you may bring salvation from the cruel SLAVER KING. Before I take my leave of you, I bequeath unto you this gift."

And with a sparkle of light, the GRIZZLY vanishes.

The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

GUN stands nearby, smoking his pipe.

You can also see a JAR OF OINTMENT here.
action: You regard it
response: "100% ALL-NATURAL GRIZZLY BEAR NIPPLE-WAX. Treateth thy skin to luxury!"

Such things are of little use to barbarians, generally, for you revel in the maltreatment of your skin.
action: You use SPICES on the OINTMENT
response: You mix the blend of SPICES into the OINTMENT, creating a spiced UNGUENT. The scent of this new creation is quite heady, and makes your brain tingle.
action: You go west
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Go south
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.

GUNWAR tamps some fresh leaf into his pipe and lights it. "You know, me grandfather, he weren't from VANTH at all. He was from the Galaxy. GUNWAR were the name of the DWARF clan on the star he hailed from, and they named me that to honor the old man's old man."
action: Go west
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: You go to the west
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: Go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You use OINTMENT on the woman
response: The old woman accepts the UNGUENT, regarding it with interest. She opens it, and sniffs.

She smiles broadly. "It is as the ancients foretold," she says. "A barbarian will bring the ROYAL PSI-WITCH a gift of finest PSI-PSPICES slurried into a comforting BALM, that she might bathe deep in the comforts of her own mind while he would undo a KING most unjust ..."

She peers at you with sudden suspicion, her eyes probing into your thoughts. "Of course, the old prophecy is well-known," she says, "and I see that VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY isn't the only one who has taken an interest in your cause."

You can feel her peering within your mind, and her expression is one of both amusement and disgust. "VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY believes you are some master political strategist, the poor girl. I suppose it would be kindness to let her continue believing. It gives her a fire, and an energy that pleases me. But she is very intelligent, VESSA ... I do wonder what about you could blind her so. I wouldn't think her to have such an obvious weakness for simple fitness and savagery, but I suppose, at my age, I should be surprised by nothing." She REGARDS you quietly for a moment. "Your cranium is filled with meat, my friend, and not even the finest cuts."

You nod grimly, thinking that this PSI-WITCH reminds you of VESSA a little, with all this prattling.

She pockets the UNGUENT. "Still, prophecies are prophecies, and there is no rule that the truth must be a secret to remain true. Besides," she adds ... "there are other signs that we HAVE kept secret: the color of your hair, the cut of your sandals, the stench of your unbath-ed form ... and all of these match. Every one. I am convinced."

You enjoy the breeze cutting across the LONELY HILL, and also enjoy that the PSI-WITCH isn't currently muddling your mind and sending you to the corners of the realm without your consent, as her kind are wont to do.

"Taketh some fresh CORN from the farms nearby, barbarian," she says, "and feed it to the COPPER GARGOYLE in the castle, after you hath tamed it. That is the first step to unlocking the SLAVER KING'S ARCHIVES. That unlocks a hidden switch in the great HEARTH, and that becomes the second step. The rest, the DOXY has already told you."

"Most of the contents of the ARCHIVES will be of no interest to ... one such as you. The item you seek, however, the TRIPHASIC POWER CORE, will be easy to spot. It hums with power and it reeks of the FEAR of the SLAVER KING, who locks it there because he knows it can destroy him, and he knows not how to destroy IT."

"The POWER CORE is said to provide the life-force of a great TALISMAN of some kind. I know not where this treasure lies. Find the AMULET, join the CORE to it, and you will have the tool that can bring the SLAVER KING to his grave."

You nod, considering her words carefully. You decide that "your cranium is filled with meat" may be some sort of sexual advance, but surely a woman so wise would know that she is too old for you. There must be a deeper meaning still.

The PSI-WITCH chuckles. "Begone, barbarian. And ... fare thee well." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.
action: You go to the west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.
action: You go to the west
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.
action: You go south
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR stands nearby, picking something out of his beard.
action: Go west
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

There is a thunderous report of hoofbeats, and the HEADLESS HORSEMAN rides upon the LONELY HILL with a glowing JACK-O-LANTERN under one arm and a CUTLASS OF FIRE in the other!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 32 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 16 points of
damage!

With a hollow HALLOWEEN LAUGH from the JACK-O-LANTERN at his side, the HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 32 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 28 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: Sa-ho! You give the HEADLESS HORSEMAN a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 17 points of damage!

His wicked CUTLASS OF FIRE burns thy flesh! You have suffered 32
hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 33 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: By Huron's habile handmaidens, a blow to be remembered! You scored
24 points of damage!

You are overtaken, and the HOOVES of the BLACK STEED do their
work! You have suffered 43 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 30 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: By Huron's bristliest back hairs, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands
home! You scored 18 points of damage!

His wicked CUTLASS OF FIRE burns thy flesh! You have suffered 40
hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 22 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: Taste barbarian rage, HEADLESS HORSEMAN! You scored 23 points of damage!

You are overtaken, and the HOOVES of the BLACK STEED do their
work! You have suffered 43 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 28 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 16 points
of damage!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 46 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 27 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 21 points of damage, leaving the HEADLESS HORSEMAN at your mercy!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN is defeated!

As the HORSEMAN wails his last, tortured wail and evaporates into the evening breeze, his JACK-O-LANTERN bursts into fetid chunks, his CUTLASS OF FIRE flickers to nothingness, and his BLACK STEED turns, galloping away into the approaching night sky. The LONELY HILL is quiet once more, with naught to see but the distant lights of the TOWN.

Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF sits nearby, looking very happy to be adventuring again.
action: Go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH and a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready).
action: You look
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

GUNWAR stands close at hand, picking something out of his beard.

You can also see a JAR OF OINTMENT here.
action: Go north
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stays loyally at your side.
action: Go south
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You go to the east
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: You go north
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.

The breeze grows a bit warmer.
action: You enter TEMPLE
response: Your nostrils flare at the lingering smoke from incense, and at the strong scent of holy oils. The TEMPLE is ancient, cold and dark, with but dim shafts of smoky light from high windows. In the center of the room is an ALTAR, on which a SACRIFICE is being prepared.

You can see the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA and GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE here.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You use the OINTMENT on GINA
response: Her bare flesh already glistens moistly with ANOINTING OIL,
barbarian, from her heaving and generous breasts to the flare of her gently-parting thighs. So, there would be no practical need to rub her body with --

Ohhh.
action: Go outside
response: The snow on this mountain slope is all but undisturbed, and it glows a rich orange in the light of the setting sun. You can see that sun, far to the west, sinking into the sea. Its rays touch also on an ornate structure: You may (if you dare) ENTER a black TEMPLE to the Viraxian Demon-Gods.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Go south
response: Layers of frost and snow glitter on crags of ancient rock, and there are deep snowbanks to the north, approaching a BRIDGE made of pure ice, spanning a MIGHTY CREVASSE. Also seemingly made of ice is a beautiful CRYSTAL SPIRE, towering in the fading light, which you may ENTER.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: You go to the west
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: Go west
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUN follows you.
action: You go to the south
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Go west
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: You go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUN totters along beside you.
action: You go south
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You go west
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

GUN trails along.
action: Go inside
response: This TOMB is tiny and cold, and hath long ago been stripped of treasures by disrespectful, thrice-damned, impious, tomb-robbing adventurers who got here faster than you. An entrance leads down into the CRYPT.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Go down
response: This chamber is half-collapsed, and seems far older than the TOMB above. The air is strange here, as if it has not been breathed for a very long time. The stink is not even the stink of death, only the passing of ages.

GUN follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Up
response: This TOMB is tiny and cold, and hath long ago been stripped of treasures by disrespectful, thrice-damned, impious, tomb-robbing adventurers who got here faster than you. An entrance leads down into the CRYPT.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: Leave
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go east
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUN stays loyally at your side.

GUNWAR tamps some fresh leaf into his pipe and lights it. "You know, me grandfather, he weren't from VANTH at all. He was from the Galaxy. GUNWAR were the name of the DWARF clan on the star he hailed from, and they named me that to honor the old man's old man."
action: Go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You use the OINTMENT on the woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH accepts the OINTMENT with obvious interest, but after REGARDING it for only a moment, she looks disappointed and hands it back. "I wonder," she says, "if VESSA isn't very mistaken about your potential."
action: You go to the north
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUN limps along at your side.
action: Go west
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You use SPICES on the woman
response: The rabble of CITIZENS isn't worth troubling yourself with, barbarian. They will hail you one day as their savior, if you defeat the SLAVER KING.
action: You use SPICES on the woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH sighs in disappointment, shaking her head.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.
action: Go south
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

GUNWAR is here, looking very happy to be adventuring again.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.
action: You go east
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You use SPICES on the woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH sighs in disappointment, shaking her head.
action: You use SPICES on the woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH sighs in disappointment, shaking her head.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.
action: Go south
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR arrives. "Sa-ho, friend! There you are! I might have known I'd find ye 'round the OLD STONE BRIDGE!"
action: You go south
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You go south
response: The remains of FALLEN TREES are here, overgrown with ferns and surrounding a half-buried shack of once-fine metal, draped with canvas and pocked with rust. You are wise in the ways of these: they are the "space-ships" that brought men from dark places in the sky, ere they fell.

You notice a hatchway hanging open; you could ENTER if you so desired. This remnant of a ROCKET seems abandoned.

GUNWAR follows along.

You regale GUNWAR with the tale of your adventure in the SEA-MONSTER'S GULLET. He nods politely, pretending to believe you.
action: You go west
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a JAR OF OINTMENT, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn), some SPICES, a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH and a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready).
action: You use the cloth on the woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH sighs in disappointment, shaking her head.
action: You use the cloth on the woman
response: The ROYAL PSI-WITCH sighs in disappointment, shaking her head.

"Bah," says the elderly PSI-WITCH, "thou art not ready at all. Begone, barbarian." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

... It is some time later when your senses clear.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

... ooh. Feeling woozy ...

You stumble, and ... you don't remember falling, but the next thing you know, you're lying on your side in the DARK ALLEYWAY, with a few RATS sniffing experimentally at your face. Fortunately, they dissolve in a haze.

Then there is only BLACKNESS.

You don't know how long you were unconscious, but you know you're not in the DARK ALLEYWAY any longer. You're on a table made of metal ... cold ... There's someone moving nearby.

The room is humming with machines. You've never trusted machines.

You black out again.

Perhaps a very long time later, you pry your eyes open again, feeling a bit better, but still in the strange room, still on the metal table. A friendly-looking, elderly man is smiling at you. "Welcome back, barbarian. I feared we might lose you, but the prismatically-sublimated trimethylchlorinate seemed to do the trick!"

You black out again. But after a short time, you wake once more, and you can see now, exactly where you are ...

This room resembles a cross between a mercenary's bunkhouse and some kind of mad WARLOCK's sanctum, but with more machines. Many more. There are few comforts, but this is plainly a home, as well as a workshop for magics beyond your ken.

A kindly old PROFESSOR is here, working with the tools of SCIENCE and smiling.

You can also see the SEVENTH HOARFROST DIAMOND here.
action: Regard professor
response: You're so woozy you can barely operate your eyelids.

The old man beams. "Aha! Looks like the patient is finally recovering. Welcome, young fellow. Don't worry, we're still in the SLAVER'S KINGDOM, in my home. In my laboratory. The HOBLINGS who watch over the ALLEYWAY, along with your friend GUNWAR, rescued you from the city's denizens."

He pauses to turn some dials on a machine, and a series of chittery beeps and whines sounds out. "Hm. Oh! I've forgotten my manners completely, and they call YOU a barbarian. My name is PROFESSOR MEGARIAN. I'm a SCIENTIST. And you, dear boy, you have been through so much ... so very much ..."
action: Parley with PROFESSOR
response: The attempt causes you so much pain, you nearly black out again.

"Quite a cocktail of stimuli," the PROFESSOR mutters, half to himself. "Exposure to intense unmodulated phasic emanations, viral traces indicating dormant Fever Plague - have you been fighting PYREXIS HOUNDS? - and some parts of your bloodstream have been affected through your epidermis by - my stars! - the digestive fluids of a rare black-spine SEA MONSTER?" He wiggles a glassy tube in his hand, and watches the fluid inside change color "... and to top it all off, you've consumed the flesh of a GIANT SNOW-SERPENT. A quick-fix healer, to be sure, but with all sorts of microorganisms in the mix, not all of them native to VANTH ..."
action: You look
response: OW! Ow. ow.

The PROFESSOR smiles. "Son, I don't think you're a 'pure' HUMAN anymore. No shame in that; purity is overrated, as I'm sure a young, healthy lad like you has learned by now." He wiggles the glass tube again and peers closely at the contents. "Ah, yes. THE DELICATE DOXY ... you've learned, all right. Tell her I said hello, the sweet dear."

He smiles a fatherly smile. "At some point soon, you'll certainly begin to MUTATE. The full effect sometimes takes months, but the first symptoms can appear very quickly. Be ready. With luck," he says, "it won't be fatal. There's never really a way to be sure."
action: Look around
response: Almost ... you manage to raise your head without pain, and look around ...

"There's something there on the table you may find useful. I was saving it for my next trip to town, but ... SEIZE it, please. If you're the barbarian I think you are, well, your reputation precedes you. VESSA says you're the brilliant leader of a growing underground movement." He smiles "I'm very proud to have helped you in what little ways I can. The DELICATE DOXY is quite a little thinker herself ... any mind she admires must be quite sharp, eh?"

You regard him with grim silence, unfamiliar with most of his words.

"Ah, yes. Strong, silent type! VESSA said. Sign of an active intellect! The more we say the less we think, you know. Anyway, the passage to the west leads out behind a WATERFALL ... I'm afraid you won't be able to find a way back in. I keep this place private. But once the SLAVER KING is defeated, I can go out into the world again, and bring it more SCIENCE!"

"Good luck, brave warrior. And good hunting!"

This room resembles a cross between a mercenary's bunkhouse and some kind of mad WARLOCK's sanctum, but with more machines. Many more. There are few comforts, but this is plainly a home, as well as a workshop for magics beyond your ken.

A kindly old PROFESSOR is here, working with the tools of SCIENCE and smiling.

You can also see the SEVENTH HOARFROST DIAMOND here.
action: Regard DIAMOND
response: It's a pretty DIAMOND, but you don't see what's so 'SEVENTH' about it. It's not covered in HOARFROST either. Treasure confuses you; only spending it maketh sense.
action: Parley with PROFESSOR
response: "Good luck, barbarian, and the greatest velocity permitted by the laws of physics!"
action: Go west
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

GUNWAR wanders into view. "I might have known a barbarian such as ye would end up somewhere 'round the PRISMATIC SPRAY!"
action: Go west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUN trails along.
action: You go west
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: Go west
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

GUN accompanies you.
action: You go north
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You go inside
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd best wait here, lad. Three's a crowd in with a fine DOXY, at least until we know each other better."

You notice a slight chain hanging across VESSA'S doorway, and a small sign writ in simple runes which sayeth: BACK SOON - PROVIDING SERVICE TO HIS MAJESTY'S COURT AND SUNDRIES.
action: You go to the north
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUNWAR follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: Go north
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.

GUN follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You go north
response: An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: You go to the east
response: This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.

GUN sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You put SPICES in OINTMENT
response: I attaint thee, varlet! Thy vocabulary, it affrighteth me! Your game manual, or the HELP command, might give aid and succor.
action: You use SPICES on the OINTMENT
response: You mix the blend of SPICES into the OINTMENT, creating a spiced UNGUENT. The scent of this new creation is quite heady, and makes your brain tingle.
action: You go east
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.

GUNWAR shows you a naughty trick he can do with his PEG-LEG.
action: Go south
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: Go south
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: You go south
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along.

Your arm falls off.

"Har!" observes GUNWAR, keenly. "Yer arm fell off, lad."

The TWO-HANDED SWORD falls to the ground.
action: You seize the arm
response: You reach out to take YOUR OWN ARM with your good arm ... and then remember that your good arm is the one that fell off! By Huron, what madness IS this? It takes a moment to adjust, and you find yourself wiggling your fingers on your remaining arm to make sure it's still there. You think maybe you've got the hang of it, now.
action: You regard yourself
response: You have the savage bearing of an upland tribesman, quick like a THESKIAN MOUNTAIN CAT and cruel of eye, though 'tis truth that your heart is not unkind. Your mirth is as mighty as your gloom, and your ire as potent as your warmer passions.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): the SEVENTH HOARFROST DIAMOND, a JAR OF PSI-PSPICE UNGUENT, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.

The ROYAL PSI-WITCH looks at you impatiently, like a child waiting for an expected gift. "Have you ... something for me, barbarian?" she says.
action: You look
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

GUNWAR stands close at hand, chuckling to himself.

An ELDERLY WOMAN stands at the crest of the hill, her dry white hair fluttering delicately in the evening breeze. She REGARDS you with eyes like fire, and you can feel unbidden thoughts crawling inside your head.

You can also see YOUR OWN ARM here.
action: You use the OINTMENT on WITCH
response: The old woman accepts the UNGUENT, regarding it with interest. She opens it, and sniffs.

She smiles broadly. "It is as the ancients foretold," she says. "A barbarian will bring the ROYAL PSI-WITCH a gift of finest PSI-PSPICES slurried into a comforting BALM, that she might bathe deep in the comforts of her own mind while he would undo a KING most unjust ..."

She peers at you with sudden suspicion, her eyes probing into your thoughts. "Of course, the old prophecy is well-known," she says, "and I see that VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY isn't the only one who has taken an interest in your cause."

You can feel her peering within your mind, and her expression is one of both amusement and disgust. "VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY believes you are some master political strategist, the poor girl. I suppose it would be kindness to let her continue believing. It gives her a fire, and an energy that pleases me. But she is very intelligent, VESSA ... I do wonder what about you could blind her so. I wouldn't think her to have such an obvious weakness for simple fitness and savagery, but I suppose, at my age, I should be surprised by nothing." She REGARDS you quietly for a moment. "Your cranium is filled with meat, my friend, and not even the finest cuts."

You nod grimly, thinking that this PSI-WITCH reminds you of VESSA a little, with all this prattling.

She pockets the UNGUENT. "Still, prophecies are prophecies, and there is no rule that the truth must be a secret to remain true. Besides," she adds ... "there are other signs that we HAVE kept secret: the color of your hair, the cut of your sandals, the stench of your unbath-ed form ... and all of these match. Every one. I am convinced."

You enjoy the breeze cutting across the LONELY HILL, and also enjoy that the PSI-WITCH isn't currently muddling your mind and sending you to the corners of the realm without your consent, as her kind are wont to do.

"Taketh some fresh CORN from the farms nearby, barbarian," she says, "and feed it to the COPPER GARGOYLE in the castle, after you hath tamed it. That is the first step to unlocking the SLAVER KING'S ARCHIVES. That unlocks a hidden switch in the great HEARTH, and that becomes the second step. The rest, the DOXY has already told you."

"Most of the contents of the ARCHIVES will be of no interest to ... one such as you. The item you seek, however, the TRIPHASIC POWER CORE, will be easy to spot. It hums with power and it reeks of the FEAR of the SLAVER KING, who locks it there because he knows it can destroy him, and he knows not how to destroy IT."

"The POWER CORE is said to provide the life-force of a great TALISMAN of some kind. I know not where this treasure lies. Find the AMULET, join the CORE to it, and you will have the tool that can bring the SLAVER KING to his grave."

You nod, considering her words carefully. You decide that "your cranium is filled with meat" may be some sort of sexual advance, but surely a woman so wise would know that she is too old for you. There must be a deeper meaning still.

The PSI-WITCH chuckles. "Begone, barbarian. And ... fare thee well." You feel your mind invaded by scientific waves of THOUGHT ENERGY, and you feel your feet wandering, your eyes closing, your thoughts dissolving ...

This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): YOUR OWN ARM (sitting un-attached in the DUFFEL), a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), the SEVENTH HOARFROST DIAMOND, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), an EAR OF CORN, a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: You use ARM
response: With a wet, nauseating CLICK, you shove YOUR OWN ARM into its socket. You give a few flexes, to make sure it's properly attached.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF arrives, grinning pleasantly. "I might have known I'd find ye 'round the MARKETPLACE!"
action: Prowess
response: You wield only your bare, callused FIST. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 14 to 19 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 92% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 341 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: You wield SWORD
response: From any but a barbarian, I would presume such a command SORCERY most perplexing! The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 15 to 25 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 92% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 341 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: You go to the north
response: An elderly LIGHTHOUSE is here (you could go IN), warning ships against the dangers of the rocky coastline. This stretch includes some soft sand as well as rocks ... a small beach looking out on the SEA OF GREAT PERIL. Over some bluffs to the immediate south, you can hear the sounds of the SLAVER KING'S harbor town. To the east are some pines.

GUN stays loyally at your side.
action: Go east
response: This is a peaceful forest of tall pines, with a well-worn road leading west, toward the SEASHORE, and east.

There is a SOLID GOLD STATUE here, gently shaded by the PINE TREES along the side of the road. The entire area is draped in gauzy, oversized WEBS of sticky translucence.

GUNWAR trails along.
action: Go east
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: Go east
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: Go west
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.

GUNWAR accompanies you.
action: Go south
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: You enter CULVERT
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd never be able to swim in there with me peg-leg, but I'll try to find another way in to meet ye."

SLAVE PENS (ON CATWALK)
As the DOXY foretold, deep into the CULVERT there is a stone platform, and a ladderwell leading into a vast underground chamber ... a chamber of torture and woe! For here, from a high CATWALK, strewn with discarded metal junk, you can see hundreds of the SLAVER KING'S captured workers: Humans, Vulkins, Frankensteins, Robodroids and more!

Some are shattering rocks with hammers, some are providing motive power for large wooden wheels, some are being whipped or burned by the many burly GUARDS. You cannot be seen from your current vantage point, but if you were to venture into the PENS you would once again be a slave, yourself.

The path to the surface leads UP, but a CRAWLWAY beckons further IN from here, barely visible in the shadows.
action: You enter
response: You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, surrounded by opulent FURNISHINGS of every description. You notice people moving in the distance, but this place is so huge that your own arrival seems to have gone unnoticed by the non-GARGOYLE denizens. Just to be sure, you stick to the shadows (fortunately, there are many). An enormous flight of MARBLE STAIRS leads upward, to the THRONE ROOM.

Now then ... what was that SECRET COMBINATION? Something with
an EAR OF CORN, then something about a hearth? Or was it the trestles? And SEIZING a tapestry ... and then ASSAILING a mirror? Something about a mirror, anyway.

You notice that the floor is remarkably clean, here.
action: You use CORN on GARGOYLE
response: You offer the EAR OF CORN to the now-inanimate statue, ready for anything. The GARGOYLE re-animates ... but only long enough to consume the CORN with a gentle belch to follow. As the features of the GARGOYLE re-settle, they are smiling instead of scowling.

GUNWAR totters into view, moving as quickly as his PEG-LEG will allow. "I might have known ye'd be somewhere 'round the CASTLE!"
action: Regard hearth
response: It is a huge fireplace, filled with a ROARING FIRE of the sort you used to toast MARSH GOBLINS in when visiting your uncle's hunting lodge as a boy.
action: You use the hearth
response: You find that one brick has extended itself very slightly. The brick cannot be pulled further or turned in any way, so you press it back into place, and there is a firm CLICK. You hear a whirring noise, somewhere.
action: You regard the mirror
response: You stand before the GIGANTIC MIRROR, and see a very handsome upland barbarian staring back with a look of naked, intense admiration. You also half-see, behind the smoky glass, movement like the spinning wheels of a SUPERCOMPUTER. You hear a distant beeping sound.

With a puff of dust, a hidden door becomes apparent. You may go IN whenever you please, barbarian.
action: You enter
response: This chamber is small and musty, as if even the air is not permitted to leave, lest it tell a secret. Most of the things stored here seem, to thine eyes, as dusty rubbish.

It isn't difficult to spot the exception: resting, free of dust, on a shelf all its own, the TRIPHASIC POWER CORE gleams as if lit by an entirely different world from this grim little chamber. Tiny lights on its surface blink, glitter, and chase each other like playful pups. The POWER CORE hums, sending soft and not unpleasant vibrations throughout the room. So ... this is the thing that the SLAVER KING fears.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF totters along beside you.
action: You regard CORE
response: It reeks of SCIENCE, but prettily so.
action: You seize CORE
response: Seized.

You hear a soft chuckle, but know not from where.
action: Leave
response: You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, surrounded by opulent FURNISHINGS of every description. You notice people moving in the distance, but this place is so huge that your own arrival seems to have gone unnoticed by the non-GARGOYLE denizens. Just to be sure, you stick to the shadows (fortunately, there are many). An enormous flight of MARBLE STAIRS leads upward, to the THRONE ROOM.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: You use CORE
response: You gain new respect for the elders of your village, who could use a TRIPHASIC POWER CORE much more expertly than you.
action: You go west
response: This busy MARKETPLACE is the heart of the town, nestled against the mighty GATES of the CASTLE. You are careful to keep a low profile here, directly beneath the looming facade of the SLAVER KING'S own citadel.

A lone GUARD stands watch before the GATES, staring ahead dutifully and ignoring the throng of the MARKETPLACE.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go south
response: You tread carefully, here. This is the city of the SLAVER KING, and he may have spies anywhere! Fortunately, the crowd here at the docks is a varied, noisy mass of people and creatures from all corners of Vanth. The MARKETPLACE further north surrounds the CASTLE entrance. The DARK ALLEYWAY immediately south might offer shelter if the guards come running.

A GROUP OF PIRATES stands around the gangplank of a mighty PIRATE SHIP, deciding who may or may not go IN.

GUN follows along.
action: You go south
response: Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.

GUNWAR limps along at your side.
action: Enter
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd best wait here, lad. Three's a crowd in with a fine DOXY, at least until we know each other better."

You find yourself in a soft maze of colored veils, leading to a large bed piled with furs and cloth pillows. There are no candles or oil-lamps here, but rather globes of red glass lit by magic, pulsing with the rhythm of soft music.

VESSA is here, sprawled across the bed and grinning at you, invitingly.
action: Parley with VESSA
response: VESSA snuggles against you playfully. "Welcome back, heroic barbarian. Oh, I so wish that my DOXY CODE OF COMMERCE did not forbid me from taking you for my own selfish pleasures, or I would leap upon you this instant." She pouts, but then brightens. "Fortunately, I am confident in your ability to bring me treasures more than suitable for payment."
action: You use CORE on VESSA
response: VESSA smiles, and gently caresses the TRIPHASIC POWER CORE. "Oh, barbarian, that's a very wicked thought, and you know I'd
adore taking you to my bed, but really, that isn't respectful payment for what I can offer you." Her smile brightens. "If you bring me some proper payment, it might be fun if you bring the TRIPHASIC POWER CORE along as well ..."
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a TRIPHASIC POWER CORE, YOUR OWN ARM (attached to you), a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), the SEVENTH HOARFROST DIAMOND, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: You use DIAMOND on VESSA
response: VESSA accepts the DIAMOND and holds it up to the light, smiling brightly. Then, her smile dissolves into a look of astonishment. She hefts it experimentally. "145.27 carats!" she declares. Producing a jeweler's loupe and fitting it to her eye, she stares ... "Softly smoked blue, Hobling-Emperor-Oval cut, 74 facets ..." she angles it slightly and examines the light passing through it. "Dispersion is just about right, too!"

She leaps into your arms. "How did you KNOW? Barbarian, my life's secret quest is to collect the twenty HOARFROST DIAMONDS! I had only two of them ... but now I have the famed 'Icy Star of the Mutated Slime-Empress,' the SEVENTH HOARFROST DIAMOND! You must have battled the most ferocious monsters in all the realm to win such a prize for me!" Overcome with excitement, she hits you hard in the nose in her haste to rip her clothes off and have you in her bed.

... Approximately three days (and many exhausting pleasures) later, VESSA THE DELICATE DOXY snuggles naked against you, having turned away dozens of customers, including an angry group of soldiers demanding her presence in the THRONE ROOM of the SLAVER KING himself. For your own part, you are well pleased, slightly dehydrated, and confused on the subject of your own name, when the DOXY speaks:

"Barbarian, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to act as your agent. Life in your spy network is more thrilling than almost anything I've ever experienced!" She runs a finger gently across your muscled jaw, "... almost anything."

She sits up on the bed, has a good stretch, then collapses back against you, laughing. "The most unusual development of late has been the amazing work of PROFESSOR MEGARIAN ..." Noticing the look in your eye, she adds "No need to be shy about it, my stallion, my charger, my Haragornian thoroughbred ... the PROFESSOR knows he can confide in fellow disciples of your revolutionary movement."

You pause to consider this, and nod, because it means little.

"He is a man of very powerful SCIENCE," she muses. "He has been working on methods to send objects backward in time, so that they could be found and used by those living in the distant past, or even preserved in hidden locations until otherwise needed. Isn't that fascinating?"

You admire how her naked stomach moves when she squirms in excitement.

"Oh, and he sent this for you," she says, handing you a CRIMSON POTION. "He says to save it for your battle with the SLAVER KING, and to waste it not. I told him that there's no need to instruct a man such as you; you will always do what's right." She puts one leg over you, and bites playfully on your thrice-broken barbarian nose.

Sensing an opportunity to end the chatter, you draw her to you and remind her what a DOXY and a barbarian do when a warm bed lay beneath them. She requires little reminding, and your shared passions are so great that you wonder if the ALLEY HOBLINGS have their ears pressed to the walls to behold the DOXY'S plaintive gasps and joyous squealings.

... Many more hours (and etc) later, you emerge from the DOXY's chambers, sated and well-pleased, and scented with jasmine and feminine ardour.

Places like this wretched ALLEYWAY make you yearn for the clean air and freedom of the open country. Buildings lean against one another, far above your head, and RATS scurry around the base of a large BARREL. To the north lay the bustling quayside. To the south, you could easily scramble over the city wall and up a brambly hill.

GUNWAR stands close at hand, humming an old Dwarf mining song.

Light shines from a half-open doorway nearby, you could go IN if you wanted. The air from the doorway smells of subtle perfumes and spices.
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a CRIMSON POTION, a TRIPHASIC POWER CORE, YOUR OWN ARM (attached to you), a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: You regard the potion
response: It sayeth upon the CRIMSON POTION only this: "Healing As Per Snow-Serpent Meat But Without Mutating Side-Effects." It soundeth handy.
action: Go south
response: This dismal GRAVEYARD sits on a hill cloaked in mist, overlooking the SLAVER KING'S seedy SEAPORT to the north. There are hundreds of gravestones, some cracked with centuries of age, some quite new. There is a single large TOMB that a brave soul might choose to ENTER.

GUNWAR follows you.
action: Go east
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR follows just a few steps behind you.
action: Go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

There is a thunderous report of hoofbeats, and the HEADLESS HORSEMAN rides upon the LONELY HILL with a glowing JACK-O-LANTERN under one arm and a CUTLASS OF FIRE in the other!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 47 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF stays loyally at your side.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: Taste barbarian rage, HEADLESS HORSEMAN! You scored 23 points of damage!

With a hollow HALLOWEEN LAUGH from the JACK-O-LANTERN at his side, the HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 24 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 39 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: Sa-ho! You give the HEADLESS HORSEMAN a sampling of your TWO-HANDED SWORD, but good! You scored 19 points of damage!

His wicked CUTLASS OF FIRE burns thy flesh! You have suffered 47
hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 46 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: By Huron's habile handmaidens! Thou hast missest!

You are overtaken, and the HOOVES of the BLACK STEED do their
work! You have suffered 44 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 33 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: You attack! You scored 21 points of damage!

His wicked CUTLASS OF FIRE burns thy flesh! You have suffered 35
hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 26 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 17 points of damage!

With a hollow HALLOWEEN LAUGH from the JACK-O-LANTERN at his side, the HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 21 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 28 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: By Huron's bristliest back hairs! A mighty blow! You scored 17
points of damage!

You are overtaken, and the HOOVES of the BLACK STEED do their
work! You have suffered 26 hits of damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 28 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: By Huron's indigestible excretions, your TWO-HANDED SWORD lands
home! You scored 18 points of damage!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN attacks! You have suffered 46 hits of
damage!

GUNWAR applies his healing arts, restoring 38 Hit Points.
action: Assail HORSEMAN
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 21 points of damage,
leaving the HEADLESS HORSEMAN at your mercy!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN is defeated!

As the HORSEMAN wails his last, tortured wail and evaporates into the evening breeze, his JACK-O-LANTERN bursts into fetid chunks, his CUTLASS OF FIRE flickers to nothingness, and his BLACK STEED turns, galloping away into the approaching night sky. The LONELY HILL is quiet once more, with naught to see but the distant lights of the TOWN.

Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

GUNWAR is nearby, brushing his teeth with his finger.
action: You go to the south
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You go east
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: Go inside
response: What a strange place! The walls are made of stone braced with a dull blue metal, and there are piles of humming MACHINERY here, all centered on a GLOWING PEDESTAL.

Sitting on the pedestal is the AMULET of SCIENCE.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.

The stillness of this indoor air is unsettling.
action: You use CORE on AMULET
response: As your hand approacheth the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, there is a stream of light from the TRIPHASIC POWER CORE. In response, the AMULET becomes more solid, right before your eyes, and then warmly in your mighty grasp! The POWER CORE, seeking its rightful home, dissolves into the AMULET causing it to shine with brilliant coruscating light! The AMULET of SCIENCE is thine!

"Put it on, lad! Put it on!" urges GUNWAR.
action: You seize AMULET
response: Why SEIZE what hast already been SEIZED? 'Tis a matter philosophical upon which to direct thy barbaric ponderings.
action: You use AMULET
response: You place the AMULET of SCIENCE around your neck, and there is an immediate warmth. For a moment, your vision blurs, as the AMULET begins to generate an almost-invisible bubble of shimmering prismatic force around you. After only a second, the bubble fades to invisibility, but you can still feel its presence.
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TWO-HANDED SWORD. Adjusting for your abilities and progress, you do from 15 to 25 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Finally, you wear the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, which increases your Hit Points by 135%. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 850 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: Inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): an AMULET of SCIENCE (being worn), a CRIMSON POTION, YOUR OWN ARM (attached to you), a TWO-HANDED SWORD (held at the ready), a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: Go outside
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUN follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: You use ARM
response: With a sickening thhhhhWICK sound, you tug YOUR OWN ARM from
its socket and place it in your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.

The TWO-HANDED SWORD falls to the ground with a thud.
action: Wield ARM
response: Prithee pardon, barbarian? The HELP command may offer some remedy.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

GUNWAR is here, whistling a jaunty sailors' tune.

You can also see a TELEPHONE POLE here.
action: Regard ARM
response: It is the same ARM you've always had attached to your right shoulder ... except now, such attachment seems to have become optional. You feel a bit nauseous thinking about it.
action: You use ARM
response: With a sickening thhhhhWICK sound, you tug YOUR OWN ARM from
its socket and place it in your THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG.

The TWO-HANDED SWORD falls to the ground with a thud.

Some clouds near the horizon have thinned, and you can almost make out the first stars of twilight.
action: You go to the north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF trails along.
action: You go north
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUNWAR follows along.
action: Go east
response: A gentle breeze ripples the sparse grasses here, under a blood-red sun. There are many paths. You see mountains to the distant east. You feel a manly twitching in your thews, enlivened by the freedom of the open country.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF accompanies you.
action: Go north
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.

For just a moment, you see the shadow of a huge, winged creature, silhouetted against one of the snowy peaks of the BLEAK MOUNTAINS.
action: Go north
response: The SLAVER KING maintains this plank-paved highway for the good of his fat merchants, using slave labor. It is built on the backs of your people, and of any others his slave-catchers can beat into submission. Legend has it that a part of this road runs all the way distant to the UNKNOWN HIGHWAY! From here, however, it runs east to an ABANDONED QUARRY, and west into the pine-woods north of the CASTLE.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF accompanies you.
action: You go east
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR stays loyally at your side.
action: Go downward
response: GUNWAR says, "That steep PIT'S no good for me peg-leg, friend, but I'll wait here for ye."

Sa-ho! By Huron's irrepressible appetites, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

An OPULENT TENT has been erected nearby, in which the MASTER GLADIATOR can repose and hold court (you are certain you would be welcome to go IN as you please).

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Go inside
response: This small tent has all the comforts a TENT can offer, including beautifully muted light provided by the black fabric walls.

The MASTER GLADIATOR is here, in repose from his revels.
action: Parley with GLADIATOR
response: The MASTER GLADIATOR welcomes your company, and you while away the hours discussing great battles and campaigns, terrible monsters, alluring wenches, and tales of great treasures. You speak also of the SLAVER KING, and of this the MASTER GLADIATOR sayeth:

"Know ye this, mighty barbarian, we have watchmen observing the CASTLE at all times, and when there is sign of mischief or battle there, we will arrive to aid you against the SLAVER KING. Thanks be to you for this hope of freedom in a realm that knoweth only servitude, and thanks be to you for making all of us better Warriors than once we were! You will reap the rewards of your deeds, barbarian, and I have faith that you will reap the sorry SKULL of the wretched SLAVER KING."
action: You use ARM on GLADIATOR
response: The MASTER GLADIATOR smiles at your request "Sa-ho! Indeed, I am a LIMB TRADER MUTANT, and I see that you are, too! If it will serve the cause, barbarian, then I will gladly trade my strong CYABORG ARM for your own able limb. But I do want to trade back, when the SLAVER KING is dead, eh?"

With that, he tugs his CYABORG ARM free, and trades with you. He attaches YOUR OWN ARM with a wet THWICK sound and a metallic hum, and flexes it experimentally. "You must definitely SEIZE the BLACK BANNER at some point soon, barbarian. It would be most amusing for us to do battle with one another's limbs attached!"

again, and with all that you have fought and achieved in this realm, you will soon be MORE than you once were! Sa-ho!

Now, this vile SLAVER KING no longer faces a broken-down thrall, beaten and starved into weakness, but a man of METTLE, a barbarian Warrior of vengeful MIGHT! The SLAVER KING now faces his DOOM!
action: Prowess
response: You wield only your bare, callused FIST. Adjusting for your abilities and experience, you do from 15 to 20 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Finally, you wear the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, which increases your Hit Points by 135%. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 857 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a CYABORG ARM (sitting un-attached in the DUFFEL), a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an AMULET of SCIENCE (being worn), a CRIMSON POTION, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: You use CYABORG ARM
response: With a wet, nauseating CLICK, you shove the CYABORG ARM into its socket. You give a few flexes, to make sure it's properly attached.
action: Prowess
response: You wield only your bare, callused FIST. Adjusting for your abilities and experience (and further enhanced by your mighty CYABORG ARM), you do from 29 to 34 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Finally, you wear the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, which increases your Hit Points by 135%. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 857 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: You leave
response: Sa-ho! By Huron's unseemly advances, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

An OPULENT TENT has been erected nearby, in which the MASTER GLADIATOR can repose and hold court (you are certain you would be welcome to go IN as you please).

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: You seize BLACK
response: As you pluck the BLACK BANNER from the CHALLENGE POST, the assembled rowdies cheer as they've never cheered before! You are ushered into the gladiator's ring, where you stand face-to-face with the imposing MASTER GLADIATOR!

You take a moment to REGARD your opponent ... The MASTER GLADIATOR was once human, but now he is plainly both a MUTANT and a CYABORG, with several portions of his body replaced by ROBODROID parts, glittering with the lights of SCIENCE! His right ARM is quite familiar - it was once your own! His weapons are twin GRAVITY WHIPS. He smiles an easy, confident smile as he REGARDS you in return.

"Let us begin" he says.
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 29 points
of damage!

face! You have suffered 23 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 30 points of
damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 19 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 30 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks with both GRAVITY WHIPS at once, crossing their paths and creating a deadly SONIC BOOM! You have suffered 15 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 34 points of damage!

The MASTER GLADIATOR attacks! You have suffered 22 hits of
damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's inscrutable Bridge partners, a fine hit! You scored 32 points of damage!

One GRAVITY WHIP pulls you momentarily from your feet, while the second scars your flesh! You have suffered 14 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: Curses! A miss!

The MASTER GLADIATOR misses! He chuckles. "You are quick, barbarian, to avoid the sting of my GRAVITY WHIPS!"
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 34 points of
damage!

face! You have suffered 21 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's truculent toe-demon, you strike hard and true! You
scored 32 points of damage!

With an agile leap high into the air, the MASTER GLADIATOR strikes from on high! You have suffered 16 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: By Huron's unsurvivable singing voice, a blow to be remembered!
You scored 33 points of damage!

With a snarl of enthusiasm, the MASTER GLADIATOR employs the LAWS OF SCIENCE in his attack! You have suffered 14 hits of damage!
action: Assail GLADIATOR
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
34 points of damage, leaving the MASTER GLADIATOR at your mercy!

The MASTER GLADIATOR is defeated!

With your final blow, The MASTER GLADIATOR flies backward, sliding across the gravel, the lights on his body dimmed in defeat!

The crowd erupts in cheers, and you accept their ale and accolades. Extending the hand of fellowship to your foe, you help The MASTER GLADIATOR to his feet, and he accepts gratefully. "A true pleasure, my esteemed foe. It is rare that I am treated to a genuine workout, let alone such a beating."

The crowd cheers again, and you nod in silent assent. The MASTER GLADIATOR nods, too, and wanders away to repair and heal. The crowd returns to their revels.

Sa-ho! By Huron's nubile seamstresses, this is a party! Here in this GRAVEL PIT, a collection of rowdies and jackanapes have made an outlaw camp, with drink and music and fighting galore! The center of attention seems to be a GLADIATOR'S RING.

An OPULENT TENT has been erected nearby, in which the MASTER GLADIATOR can repose and hold court (you are certain you would be welcome to go IN as you please).

You see a nearby CHALLENGE POST, and a PARTY OF ROGUES stands by, engaged in revels and high jinks.
action: Up
response: This vast pit stands in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains to the east. It was here that the great stones were quarried to build the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, and the walls of the nearby harbor town. The site is long-abandoned, or so it's told ... But you hear a riotous and happy din DOWN in the GRAVEL PIT.

GUNWAR stands close at hand, scratching a phantom itch on his peg-leg.
action: Go south
response: The pine trees have the first dustings of winter, here, and you espy much more snow to the east, in the FROSTED UPLANDS. The runoff feeds a briskly-flowing stream, which flows west toward the CASTLE. Marshier country lay to the south.

GUN follows along, puffing on his pipe.
action: Go south
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

The RED END OF THE CABLE is here, suspended securely in the glowing water of the SUMP.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUN trails along.
action: Go south
response: The forest here is mucky and warm, surrounding a sinkhole filled with iridescent, gently glowing water. Some huge PIPES lead from here into the ground, and they drip with a similar strange water. There is a foul electric odor here, and your vision swims. You can feel your body being overtaken by weakness!

The BLUE END OF THE CABLE is here, sparking quietly with excess electrophasic power.

The RED END OF THE CABLE is here, suspended securely in the glowing water of the SUMP.

You are weakening so quickly ... Your barbarian instinct is to get far from here ...

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF trails along.
action: Go south
response: A high WATERFALL cascades down from a mountain ridge above, foaming and roaring into a broad POOL of clean water. The result is a brilliant PRISMATIC SPRAY. The setting is very peaceful.

GUNWAR follows you.

You spot a school of deadly SKY PIRANHA approaching on high, and take cover for a moment, until they fly past.
action: Go west
response: This is the edge of a great cliff, looking over a vast CHASM to the south. The mists are so heavy within that you can barely detect a raging river far, far below.

A tiny TREE clings tenaciously to the edge of the cliff.

GUNWAR totters along beside you.
action: You seize the tree
response: It clings quite tenaciously. Besides, you have no use for it.
action: You go to the west
response: Cracked remnants of walls and a stretch of weed-grown cobblestones tell of an old temple or abbey ... perhaps even a village. Whatever it was, it now lies in ROCKY RUIN. Poking through the remnants, you notice a shadowy archway leading IN to one small structure that remains intact.

You can see a TELEPHONE POLE here.

GUN limps along at your side.
action: Prowess
response: You wield only your bare, callused FIST. Adjusting for your abilities and experience (and further enhanced by your mighty CYABORG ARM), you do from 29 to 34 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Finally, you wear the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, which increases your Hit Points by 135%. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 867 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: You use POLE
response: You heft the TELEPHONE POLE in your mighty hand, prepared for battle!
action: Prowess
response: You wield the TELEPHONE POLE. Adjusting for your abilities and experience (and further enhanced by your mighty CYABORG ARM), you do from 30 to 68 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 94% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Finally, you wear the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, which increases your Hit Points by 135%. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 867 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: You check your inventory
response: You bear the following (both on your person and stashed in your trusty THESKIAN DUFFEL BAG): a TELEPHONE POLE (held at the ready), a CYABORG ARM (attached to you), a TWO-HANDED SWORD (currently un-used), an AMULET of SCIENCE (being worn), a CRIMSON POTION, a SUIT OF BURLAP ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF CHAINMAIL ARMOR (currently un-used), a SUIT OF KLENGON MAIL (currently un-used), a FLASHLIGHT, a SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR (being worn) and a DELICATELY-OILED CLOTH.
action: Go north
response: Forest surrounds this hill on all sides, but there are no trees at the top - only grass and a few sad flowers, bending toward the setting sun. You see farmland to the north, and the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING looming high above. To the west is the harbor TOWN, but there's no good path from here.

GUNWAR the PEG-LEG DWARF follows along.
action: You go north
response: A humble WELL provides a centerpiece for this quiet place, surrounded by farmland providing food for the port town to the west. To the north, the shadow of the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE blots out part of the evening sky, but there's no path there from here.

GUN trails along.
action: You go north
response: This ancient bridge crosses a stream running down from the uplands to the east, and disappearing into a small CULVERT leading IN at the base of a cliff. This cliff, and the SLAVER KING'S CASTLE atop it, casts an icy shadow over the bridge. There is no path to the CASTLE from here, but the ROYAL ROAD lies to the north.

GUNWAR sticks close, keeping an eye out for danger.
action: You enter CULVERT
response: GUNWAR says, "I'd never be able to swim in there with me peg-leg, but I'll try to find another way in to meet ye."

SLAVE PENS (ON CATWALK)
As the DOXY foretold, deep into the CULVERT there is a stone platform, and a ladderwell leading into a vast underground chamber ... a chamber of torture and woe! For here, from a high CATWALK, strewn with discarded metal junk, you can see hundreds of the SLAVER KING'S captured workers: Humans, Vulkins, Frankensteins, Robodroids and more!

Some are shattering rocks with hammers, some are providing motive power for large wooden wheels, some are being whipped or burned by the many burly GUARDS. You cannot be seen from your current vantage point, but if you were to venture into the PENS you would once again be a slave, yourself.

The path to the surface leads UP, but a CRAWLWAY beckons further IN from here, barely visible in the shadows.
action: Go inside
response: You stand in a central hall of the CASTLE of the SLAVER KING, surrounded by opulent FURNISHINGS of every description. You notice people moving in the distance, but this place is so huge that your own arrival seems to have gone unnoticed by the non-GARGOYLE denizens. Just to be sure, you stick to the shadows (fortunately, there are many). An enormous flight of MARBLE STAIRS leads upward, to the THRONE ROOM.
action: You wait awhile
response: You pause in manly contemplation.

GUNWAR arrives, grinning pleasantly.
action: You use GUNWAR
response: With a sweep of your mighty CYABORG ARM, you lift GUNWAR into the air. "Sa-ho!" he cries, happily. "The next best thing to being a Warrior (of perhaps half your Level) is being a WEAPON!"

You hang the TELEPHONE POLE at your side, and grasp instead the RUNE-CARVED PEG-LEG DWARF, prepared for battle!

The stillness and heaviness of the indoor air is unpleasant to breathe.
action: Prowess
response: You wield the RUNE-CARVED PEG-LEG DWARF. Adjusting for your abilities and experience (and further enhanced by your mighty CYABORG ARM), you do from 34 to 64 points of damage with each successful blow. Your odds of striking true are 89% (burdened somewhat by your load). Your armor is the SUIT OF IMPERVIUM PLATE-MAIL ARMOR, which increases your Hit Points by 245%. You are versed in the useful lore of SULDUKU BREATHING. Finally, you wear the fabled AMULET of SCIENCE, which increases your Hit Points by 135%. You are uninjured, with your full complement of 867 Hit Points. A mighty Warrior, indeed!
action: Up
response: You stand before and beneath the THRONE of the realm. Peering
upward, your eyes can barely espy the room's loftiest reaches, high in the smoky darkness.

Seated on the THRONE, and glaring down at you from a great height, is the figure of the SLAVER KING himself, a monarch few outside his court have seen and lived. As he leans forward from the shadows to REGARD you, you see why so few have lived!

Long have your people told tales of the GIANT ATOMIC DINOSAURS that roam in the wilder reaches of VANTH. Even great and savage HURON, the GOD OF BEING A VERY MIGHTY GOD, was devoured by such a beast, earning their race the name of "ZILLA" - meaning "EATER" in the ancient GODLY TONGUE.

Even the great FOOT-CLAWS of this GOD-EATER rise beyond your reach, and as the SLAVER KING stands from his THRONE, you see that his TAIL is so vast it could flatten the city MARKETPLACE. Long have you wondered why the CASTLE was so very tall, thinking it only the hubris of royalty.

With a great inhuman roar, like a hundred SEA-MONSTERS having their scales scraped off with noisy metal scrap, the SLAVER KING raises a drum-loaded TOMMYGUN in his right claw, the barrel gleaming cold and black in the smoky half-darkness.

With his left claw, he grasps a CYLINDER ... like a giant FLASHLIGHT fashioned of steel. Pressing a button along its edge, he unleashes a BLADE OF PURE ENERGY, and turns it this way and that, with each swish sounding an unpleasant HUM. It is none other than a PHASIC PRISMATIC SWORD, a sword-without-blade!

He roars again, and PHASIC HELLFIRE rises from his nostrils. He stands proudly, as if daring you to strike.
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's laudable lechery! A mighty blow! You scored 42 points
of damage!

GUNWAR shouts "Aye, taste my wicked RUNE-CARVINGS, SLAVER KING!"

The SLAVER KING attacks, tearing at you with his mighty
foot-claws! You have suffered 69 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's capricious cat-cravings, a fine hit! You scored 36
points of damage!

GUNWAR laughs "That'll larn ye, SLAVER KING!"

With a spray of DEMONIC LEAD from his TOMMYGUN and a swat from his mighty TAIL, the SLAVER KING attacks! You have suffered 42 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's boundless eyebrow, your RUNE-CARVED PEG-LEG DWARF lands home! You scored 44 points of damage!

"Teamwork, me hearty! 'Tis a glory to behold!" cries GUNWAR, twirling his BLACK HOLE METAL AXE to counterbalance your swing.

The SLAVER KING slings you across the THRONE ROOM, and you hear stone CRACK as you slam into the cold stone wall! You have suffered 34
hits of damage!
action: You use POLE
response: You set GUNWAR down, and grasp instead the TELEPHONE POLE, prepared for battle!

With a mighty THRUM and a deadly HUM, the SLAVER KING carves into you with his PHASIC BLADE of pure, annihilating light! You have
suffered 68 hits of damage!

GUNWAR regains his footing and dusts himself off. "It's good to stretch me good leg a bit" he says, "but if you ever need to wield me again, lad, I don't mind at all!"

The SLAVER KING eyes GUNWAR with a contemptuous growl, and inhales deeply. Before you can warn your DWARF companion, the great ATOMIC DINOSAUR unleashes a BLAST OF PHASIC RADIATION from his maw.
You dodge the blast in the stonework ... but GUNWAR, screaming and attempting to run with an old peg-leg, is overtaken, killed in one painful instant.

All that survives of GUNWAR is his most prized possession ... the BLACK HOLE METAL AXE, which skitters across the smooth flagstones and lands at your feet, black smoke coiling from its demonic surfaces. You pick it up, and the SLAVER KING chuckles, a cruel and bestial sound.
action: Assail godzilla
response: You attack! You scored 58 points of damage!

"Sa-ho!" cries GUNWAR, gleefully.

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 47 points of damage!

"Ouch! Lead with me PEG-LEG, boy! Me PEG-LEG!"

With a mighty THRUM and a deadly HUM, the SLAVER KING carves into you with his PHASIC BLADE of pure, annihilating light! You have
suffered 27 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 54 points of
damage!

"That's what a RUNE-CARVED DWARF feels like, ye maggoty SLAVER KING!"

The SLAVER KING sweeps the entire THRONE ROOM with his TAIL, and you are sent flying! You have suffered 64 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 63 points of
damage!

"Woofta!" says GUNWAR.

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: You could have sworn your aim was true, but your quarry was already elsewhere! A miss!

The SLAVER KING puts his foot down ... with you beneath it! You
have suffered 70 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Your attack is too hasty, and it fails!

The SLAVER KING takes aim with his TOMMYGUN, and empties a DRUM in your direction! You have suffered 38 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 63 points
of damage!

"I haven't had this much fun in ages!" says GUNWAR.

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's rudimentary spore-pustules, you strike hard and true!
You scored 37 points of damage!

GUNWAR cries "Avast ye, scurvy SLAVER KING!"

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 45 points of damage!

"Owie!"

There is a FLASH OF DEATH from the SLAVER KING'S bright PHASIC BLADE, and then another! You have suffered 69 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Sa-ho! You give the SLAVER KING a sampling of your RUNE-CARVED PEG-LEG DWARF, but good! You scored 62 points of damage!

"Oh, I really FELT that one!" says GUNWAR, happily.

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's seven sonic saprophytes, a blow to be remembered! You scored 52 points of damage!

GUNWAR shouts "That's it, lad! Give 'em what-for!"

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
40 points of damage!

"Way to KEEL-HAUL that blackguard SLAVER KING, lad!"

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's indefensible tirades! Thine aim hath failed thee!

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 60 points of damage!

"BREATHE, ye great atomic moron! We LIKES it when ye BREATHE!"

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: Taste barbarian rage, SLAVER KING! You scored 35 points of
damage!

GUNWAR roars with laughter "Oh, it's GOOD to be in a fray once more!"

With a spray of DEMONIC LEAD from his TOMMYGUN and a swat from his mighty TAIL, the SLAVER KING attacks! You have suffered 63 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 61 points of damage!

"Atta boy, lad! ATTA BOY!"

The SLAVER KING sweeps the entire THRONE ROOM with his TAIL, and you are sent flying! You have suffered 29 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: A thousand curses on these foolish percentile dice! A miss!

The SLAVER KING takes aim with his TOMMYGUN, and empties a DRUM in your direction! You have suffered 73 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's nictitating hindbrain, a fine hit! You scored 39 points
of damage!

"Sa-ho! SA-VERY-MERRY-HO!"

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: You hit hard, snarling with rage! You scored 52 points of
damage!

"Sa-ho! SA-VERY-MERRY-HO!"

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: Sa-ho! A mighty attack! You scored 43 points of damage!

"Ouch! Lead with me PEG-LEG, boy! Me PEG-LEG!"

The SLAVER KING puts his foot down ... with you beneath it! You
have suffered 89 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's sacred codpiece! A mighty blow! You scored 47 points of damage!

GUNWAR shouts "Aye, taste my wicked RUNE-CARVINGS, SLAVER KING!"

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Your foe is astonished by your speed as you strike hard! You
scored 39 points of damage!

"Atta boy, lad! ATTA BOY!"

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 35 points of damage!

"Sa-ho!" cries GUNWAR, gleefully.

The SLAVER KING pauses to regard you, glaring at you with eyes like phasic hellfire and stomping in agitation.
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's Paphian parables, you strike hard and true! You scored
52 points of damage!

"BREATHE, ye great atomic moron! We LIKES it when ye BREATHE!"

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's propitiatory pustules, your RUNE-CARVED PEG-LEG DWARF lands home! You scored 49 points of damage!

GUNWAR laughs "That'll larn ye, SLAVER KING!"

There is a FLASH OF DEATH from the SLAVER KING'S bright PHASIC BLADE, and then another! You have suffered 74 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You lash out with the rage of your barbarian ancestors! You scored
58 points of damage!

"Oh, I really FELT that one!" says GUNWAR, happily.

With a mighty THRUM and a deadly HUM, the SLAVER KING carves into you with his PHASIC BLADE of pure, annihilating light! You have
suffered 52 hits of damage!
action: You use the potion
response: You consume the CRIMSON POTION, and feel an immediate sense of well-being.

The SLAVER KING slings you across the THRONE ROOM, and you hear stone CRACK as you slam into the cold stone wall! You have suffered 53
hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You attack with all your might! You scored 35 points of
damage!

"That's what a RUNE-CARVED DWARF feels like, ye maggoty SLAVER KING!"

The SLAVER KING attacks, tearing at you with his mighty
foot-claws! You have suffered 66 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You attack! You scored 51 points of damage!

"I haven't had this much fun in ages!" says GUNWAR.

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Sa-ho! You give the SLAVER KING a sampling of your RUNE-CARVED PEG-LEG DWARF, but good! You scored 52 points of damage!

GUNWAR shouts "That's it, lad! Give 'em what-for!"

... and then there is roaring noise from the CASTLE chambers below, and the doors to the THRONE ROOM fly open! The noise of the BATTLE has brought the entire REALM, it seems, to witness the outcome.

Your friend the ROBODROID arrives, leading a rag-tag company of his fellow mechanical men, each armed with weapons they've fashioned from found scrap, and from each others' bodies!

"There," says the ROBODROID calmly, pointing toward HIS MAJESTY. "Kill it." While his manner is cold, you think you can almost sense the inner rage of the VOLTAIC WRAITH which crackles in his robotic heart.

With your mechanical ally in the lead, the ROBODROIDS begin to ASSAIL the SLAVER KING with a terrifying hail of gunfire, lances of energy, loosed ROCKETS, even a few volleys of STEEL ARROWS. The mighty ATOMIC DINOSAUR is bloodied and battered by the assault, but sweeps the ROBODROIDS aside with a lashing of his tail, and fuses them into slag with his RADIO-PHASIC BREATH FIRE.

You are pleasantly surprised to see the ACOLYTE OF TRAGA stride forward from the crowd, with GINA THE VIRGIN SACRIFICE at his side (still naked and gleaming with ANOINTING OIL, but now armed with a pair of BROOMHANDLE MAUSERS holstered in her only "clothing" - a low-slung leather GUN-BELT).

Raising the GLADIUS SWORD you gave him high, the ACOLYTE hails you. "Greetings, barbarian! With the SLAVER KING doomed to die, I no longer need to sacrifice GINA, and we can now prepare to be married, instead!" GINA blushes prettily (all over, you notice) and opens fire on the SLAVER KING, as her beloved ACOLYTE charges to engage in melee.

Sadly, the SLAVER KING vanquishes them both, knocking GINA into the side of a stone pillar with an unpleasant cracking noise, and carving into the ACOLYTE with his light blade. The blade must have destroyed the TRAGA PRIEST utterly, because only his empty robes flutter to the floor.

Crying "for the GLADIATORS!" and waving all three arms madly, VON DARTH THE SLY charges out of the throng, carving into the SLAVER KING'S foot repeatedly with his machete. The SLAVER KING crushes him into a wet balloon of blood and flesh with the other foot.

There is a great FLUTTERING from the air and a great SLITHERING upon the ground, as deadly BEASTS enter the fray ... OWLS and EAGLES and PTERANODONS striking from the air, mighty SERPENTS and SPIDERS on the ground, and leading their charge, your beast-friend ADAM the GRIZZLY, roaring with a ferocity he never displayed to you in the wild. Most of the animals are slain quickly by the SLAVER KING, but the flood continues for some time before he can CRUSH or BURN them all. ADAM himself fights to the last, until he too, is left still and bloody on the cold flagstone floor.

The mighty THRANG strides in, and lands several good blows before he is fried to a column of pure ASH by the ATOMIC EXHALE of the
SLAVER KING. The ash whips into the breeze like a solemn dust-devil in epitaph, and you resolve to later sprinkle some of the ashes at the GRAVEYARD where his KLENGON ancestors rest.

There is a fresh roar as a surge of SLAVES charges into the room, obviously released by FOUL EMMA the GLADIATOR FRANKENSTEIN. She leads the charge with tears in her eyes, and two other FRANKENSTEINS - unmistakably her own MOTHER and FATHER - charge with her. The wave of angry SLAVES and the thumping ire of FRANKENSTEIN STRENGTH is enough to topple the SLAVER KING, who falls backward into his own THRONE, crushing it into a forest of splinters! He rights himself with difficulty as weapons pelt him from all directions, but ultimately sweeps all the SLAVES aside, and knocks the FRANKENSTEINS into the shadowy corners of the room, where you hear the unpleasant crunch of bone and flesh against stone. Emma's faint voices reaches your ears: "Me ... love you, barbarian ..." and then there is only silence.

There is a RESOUNDING SCREAM, echoing the battle glory of the APE SULTANS, as the great prince XAKANDA THE APE swings down from the shadows on a chandelier rope! The SLAVER KING bellows with hate as the mighty PLANETARY APE Warrior lands on his neck, and begins flailing deadly force with his TRIPLE-BLUTARCH! The ATOMIC DINOSAUR puts his claws to the side of his head, trying to grasp his assailant, and thrashes across the THRONE ROOM in rage! Finally there is an almost-imperceptible squish ... and the SLAVER KING returns
to his proud stance, relieved like a normal man who hath crushed a mosquito.

The SLAVER KING has little time to repose in his glory, however, as a lance of powerful ENERGIES suddenly wracks his gigantic rubbery form! There is grim laughter from the shadows, where a collection of glowing orange lights and silhouette resolves itself into the form of the MASTER GLADIATOR, unleashing his OWN BODY'S ENERGIES through his GRAVITY WHIPS.

The MASTER GLADIATOR regards you quietly with a respectful nod, and then shouts to the SLAVER KING: "Know this, foul ATOMIC MONARCH! We of your realm are no longer your subjects! We of your realm are no longer your machines! We of your realm follow this barbarian to freedom! And our freedom is your DEATH ... and mine."

With that, the eyes of the MASTER GLADIATOR glow like twin suns, and the lights on his CYABORG BODY coruscate rapidly, and then there is a heavy wave of EXPLOSIVE FORCE and a flood of blinding light, as the MASTER GLADIATOR unleashes the core of his own LIFE-FORCE in terrifying explosive power.

The SLAVER KING bellows in pain, and flies into the air, crashing against the far wall in a shower of cracking masonry and dust. The entire THRONE ROOM begins to shudder, and great blocks of STONE fall from the shadowy heights, many of them impacting the SKULL of the SLAVER KING.

... who, slowly and with obvious annoyance, rises to his feet once more.

In the aftermath of the carnage, the SLAVER KING stumbles, the corpses of your ALLIES crunching beneath his clawed feet. Bloodied and diminished, and quaking with obvious RADIOACTIVE RAGE, he returns his attention to you ...

You stand before and beneath the THRONE of the realm. Peering
upward, your eyes can barely espy the room's loftiest reaches, high in the smoky darkness.

The SLAVER KING is here, snarling with ATOMIC FURY!

The SLAVER KING sweeps the entire THRONE ROOM with his TAIL, and you are sent flying! You have suffered 72 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 41 points
of damage!

"Owie!"

The SLAVER KING inhales, and releases a BLAST OF PHASIC
RADIATION from his maw! ... but you are un-harmed, for the the
AMULET of SCIENCE unleashes a PRISMATIC BUBBLE WALL BARRIER of ANTI-PHASIC RESISTANCE, spraying scientific force back in the
face of the SLAVER KING! The SLAVER KING suffers from his own
PHASIC onslaught!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You leap, and strike! You scored 61 points of damage!

GUNWAR cries "Avast ye, scurvy SLAVER KING!"

There is a FLASH OF DEATH from the SLAVER KING'S bright PHASIC BLADE, and then another! You have suffered 57 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: Taste barbarian rage, SLAVER KING! You scored 52 points of
damage!

"Woofta!" says GUNWAR.

With a mighty THRUM and a deadly HUM, the SLAVER KING carves into you with his PHASIC BLADE of pure, annihilating light! You have
suffered 67 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's tonsured tongue-fur, a blow to be remembered! You
scored 59 points of damage!

"Way to KEEL-HAUL that blackguard SLAVER KING, lad!"

The SLAVER KING takes aim with his TOMMYGUN, and empties a DRUM in your direction! You have suffered 62 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: A skillful attack if you do say so yourself! You scored 41 points
of damage!

GUNWAR roars with laughter "Oh, it's GOOD to be in a fray once more!"

The SLAVER KING attacks, tearing at you with his mighty
foot-claws! You have suffered 61 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: By Huron's thrice-blessed loincloth, you strike hard and true! You scored 46 points of damage!

"Teamwork, me hearty! 'Tis a glory to behold!" cries GUNWAR, twirling his BLACK HOLE METAL AXE to counterbalance your swing.

With a spray of DEMONIC LEAD from his TOMMYGUN and a swat from his mighty TAIL, the SLAVER KING attacks! You have suffered 44 hits of damage!
action: Assail godzilla
response: You lunge deep, and strike! You scored 35 points of damage,
leaving the SLAVER KING at your mercy!

"Atta boy, lad! ATTA BOY!"

The SLAVER KING is defeated!

Time passes.

... Probably not a lot of time, because you're still in the THRONE ROOM, surrounded by (it seems like) half the realm. Slaves are pouring in, tearing into the great carcass of the SLAVER KING. Courtiers are discarding their fine raiment and dancing half-naked in pools of blood. GUARDS are arriving, swords in hand, and then just stopping, because they're not sure what to do, or who they serve anymore.

You see it all through a fading haze of BLOOD LUST, and even the sounds of shouting and revels and anger and confusion are muted, as through a maze of veils.

Amid the growing chaos, you stand next to the great face of the SLAVER KING, dead upon the stones of his hall. His vast eyes, once aglow with ATOMIC HATE, are empty. His vast maw hangeth open, tongue lolling, with no more phasic hellfire to offer.

Somewhere in the distance, a petty lord tries to claim power immediately. A competitor does the same, and they fall to fist-fighting when none of the GUARDS rally to them. They end up slipping to the floor, wrestling like petulant children. The SLAVES begin piling the wood from the throne for a bonfire.

You find yourself surrounded by girls - a CIRCLE of young PSI-WITCHES. They dance around you for a moment, and the air sparkles with their power. Then they bow and withdraw, but one lingers long enough to hand you an ancient, crumbling scroll.

You nod, so as not to seem ungracious. You cannot read the writing, but you notice that the style of the hand-writing is both beautiful and familiar. Artful penmanship. You let it slip to the floor, and stride on.

You don't recall setting GUNWAR down, but you find him dancing and shouting. He is bloodied and bruised, and his PEG-LEG is half splintered, but he glows with naught but triumph and joy. Men are showering him with ale, women are tending his hurts, and everyone is singing, a raucous, distant song ...

So many brave souls came to your aid, fighting and suffering for your vengeance ... and for vengeance of their own, you suppose. You don't know how many of them are dead, and how many are among those being tended by the HEALERS hurrying about with poultices and rags.

Waves of people come up to hail you. Some throw flowers, some offer handshakes, some kneel and offer fealty.

Are you a KING now? You're not sure if you want that, not yet. A KING sits on a throne and waits for someone else to come and kill him. You long to wander free, to taste the fresh wind and feel the grasses brushing your sandaled feet.

You feel a gentle hand brush your arm. It is VESSA, the DELICATE DOXY, garbed in translucent fabrics and glittering jewels, dressed for courtly performances. She smiles at you, and gestures briefly with her eyes, to an open doorway, to a balcony.

... As the bonfire grows, the revelers have taken to their ale, and it's no matter at all to slip away from the THRONE ROOM for a while, to be alone with VESSA, the sullen night sky, and the great vista of a realm no longer a SLAVER'S KINGDOM.

Time passes.

... Probably a lot of time, because you stand on a wind-swept hill, weapon in hand, PEG-LEG DWARF at your side, and DUFFEL BAG slung at the ready. The sun rises in the distance, and an ANCIENT ROAD beckons.

GUNWAR smiles. "It's good to have won."

You nod.

He glances over his shoulder at the realm once ruled by a SLAVER KING. "And we've won the finest prize, lad." GUNWAR tamps some fresh leaf into his pipe, and takes his time lighting it. "The best thing we can have, while the wind still blows and we have a few limbs left ..."

You raise a questioning eyebrow.

GUNWAR smiles, and points the damp end of his pipe toward the ROAD, extending deep into the last morning mist. Neither you nor he knows where it leads.

And the sun riseth higher, and you see ships upon the distant SEA, and riders on the distant PLAIN, and the fluttering of monstrous wings above distant MOUNTAINS.

Then, in the VALLEY behind you, you spot the small form of VESSA, waving to you, running, with a SWORD in her hand, and her very own DUFFEL at her side. She is laughing, and her eyes are eager and bright.

And you nod, and you smile. For you are well pleased.