Zork III
by Dave Lebling (1982)
Genres: Fantasy
Zorkian
Cave crawl

An old, oddly youthful man turns toward you slowly. His long, silver hair dances about him as a fresh breeze blows. "You have reached the final test, my friend! You are proved clever and powerful, but this is not yet enough! Seek me when you feel yourself worthy!" Draws you into the deepest and most mysterious reaches of the Great Underground Empire. Nothing is as it seems. And the one responsible for the shadow and darkness - the Dungeon Master - embodies the greatest mystery of all. In this test of wisdom and courage, you will face countless dangers. But what awaits you at the culmination of your odyssey is well worth risking all.

action: %
response: As in a dream, you see yourself tumbling down a great, dark staircase. All about you are shadowy images of struggles against fierce opponents and diabolical traps. These give way to another round of images: of imposing stone figures, a cool, clear lake, and, now, of an old, yet oddly youthful man. He turns toward you slowly, his long, silver hair dancing about him in a fresh breeze. "You have reached the final test, my friend! You are proved clever and powerful, but this is not yet enough! Seek me when you feel yourself worthy!" The dream dissolves around you as his last words echo through the void....

ZORK III: The Dungeon Master

You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
Your old friend, the brass lantern, is at your feet.
action: You take the lantern
response: Taken.
action: You look at what you're carrying with you
response: You are carrying:
A lamp
action: You examine the lamp
response: The lamp is turned off.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
action: You go to the south
response: It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
action: You turn on the lamp
response: The lamp is now on.

You are at the junction of a north-south passage and an east-west passage. To the north, you can make out the bottom of a stairway. The ways to the east and south are relatively cramped, but a wider trail leads to the west.
Standing before you is a great rock. Imbedded within it is an Elvish sword.
action: You turn on the lamp
response: It is already on.
action: You examine rock
response: The great rock contains:
A sword
action: You take the sword
response: The sword is deeply imbedded within the rock. You can't even begin to budge it.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: You are at the junction of a north-south passage and an east-west passage. To the north, you can make out the bottom of a stairway. The ways to the east and south are relatively cramped, but a wider trail leads to the west.
Standing before you is a great rock. Imbedded within it is an Elvish sword.
action: You examine yourself
response: That's difficult unless your eyes are prehensile.
action: You go to the west
response: You are west of the junction, where the rock-bound passage widens out into a large, flat area. Although the land here is barren, you can see vegetation to the west. South of here is a mighty wall of stone, ancient and crumbling. To the southwest the wall has decayed enough to form an opening, through which seeps a thin mist. A trail dips sharply into rocky terrain to the northwest.
action: Go southwest
response: You are in a shadowy land of low, rolling hills stretching out to the west and south. The land is bordered to the north by a massive stone wall. Ancient and weathered, the wall has crumbled enough at one point to permit passage.
Through the shadows, a cloaked and hooded figure appears before you, blocking the southeastern exit from the room and carrying a brightly glowing sword.
From nowhere, the sword from the junction appears in your hand, wildly glowing!
action: You hit the figure with the sword
response: A quick stroke catches the hooded figure off guard! Blood trickles down the figure's arm!
The figure has a light wound which hasn't affected its seemingly great strength.
You are wounded by a lightning thrust!
action: Diagnose
response: You are wounded lightly. You have a good deal of strength in reserve. The hooded figure catches you off guard and wounds you!
action: You hit the figure with the sword
response: Your move was not quick enough and misses the mark.
You are wounded by a lightning thrust!
action: You continue
response: A good slash, but it misses by a mile.
You are wounded by a lightning thrust!
action: Continue
response: Your move was not quick enough and misses the mark.
The hooded figure swings its sword and sends yours flying to the ground. Although you are defenseless, the figure reaches for your sword and hands it back to you, nodding grimly.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You are carrying:
A sword
A lamp
The hooded figure stabs nonchalantly with its sword and misses.
action: You hit the figure with the sword
response: You charge, but the hooded figure jumps nimbly aside.
The hooded figure stabs nonchalantly with its sword and misses.
action: Continue
response: You charge, but the hooded figure jumps nimbly aside.
You dodge as the hooded figure comes in low.
action: Keep going
response: A good parry! Your sword wounds the hooded figure!
The figure has some wounds and is probably not capable of hindering your movement.
The hooded figure swings its sword and sends yours flying to the ground. Although you are defenseless, the figure reaches for your sword and hands it back to you, nodding grimly.
action: Keep going
response: A quick stroke, but the hooded figure is on guard.
The hooded figure swings its sword and sends yours flying to the ground. Although you are defenseless, the figure reaches for your sword and hands it back to you, nodding grimly.
action: Continue
response: A quick stroke, but the hooded figure is on guard.
Your quick reflexes cannot stop the hooded figure's stroke! You are hit!
action: Keep going
response: A quick stroke catches the hooded figure off guard! Blood trickles down the figure's arm!
The figure has some wounds and is probably not capable of hindering your movement.
The hooded figure thrusts, but you fight back and send it flying to the ground!
action: Continue
response: A quick stroke catches the hooded figure off guard! Blood trickles down the figure's arm!
The figure is hurt, and its strength appears to be fading.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: Continue
response: A quick stroke catches the hooded figure off guard! Blood trickles down the figure's arm!
The figure appears to be badly hurt and defenseless.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: Continue
response: Your opponent blocks your attack with its sword.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: You keep going
response: You charge, but the hooded figure jumps nimbly aside.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: Continue
response: A good stroke, but it's too slow.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: You continue
response: A sharp thrust and the hooded figure is badly wounded!
The figure appears to be badly hurt and defenseless.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: You hit the figure with the sword
response: The hooded figure, fatally wounded, slumps to the ground. It gazes up at you once, and you catch a brief glimpse of deep and sorrowful eyes. Before you can react, the figure vanishes in a cloud of fetid vapor.
action: Look around
response: You are in a shadowy land of low, rolling hills stretching out to the west and south. The land is bordered to the north by a massive stone wall. Ancient and weathered, the wall has crumbled enough at one point to permit passage.
A cloaked and hooded person, carrying a sword not unlike your own, is here.
The hooded figure appears to be badly hurt and defenseless.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: You examine the hood
response: I see nothing special about the hood.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: You give the sword to the figure
response: The hooded figure isn't interested in your gifts.
The hooded figure attempts a thrust, but its weakened state prevents hitting you.
action: You take the hood
response: You slowly remove the hood from your badly wounded opponent and recoil in horror at the sight of your own face, weary and wounded. A faint smile comes to the lips and then the face starts to change, very slowly, into that of an old, wizened person. The image fades and with it the body of your hooded opponent. The cloak remains on the ground.
action: Look around
response: You are in a shadowy land of low, rolling hills stretching out to the west and south. The land is bordered to the north by a massive stone wall. Ancient and weathered, the wall has crumbled enough at one point to permit passage.
action: You turn off the lamp
response: The lamp is now off.
It is now pitch black.
action: You turn on the lamp
response: The lamp is now on.

You are in a shadowy land of low, rolling hills stretching out to the west and south. The land is bordered to the north by a massive stone wall. Ancient and weathered, the wall has crumbled enough at one point to permit passage.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: You are west of the junction, where the rock-bound passage widens out into a large, flat area. Although the land here is barren, you can see vegetation to the west. South of here is a mighty wall of stone, ancient and crumbling. To the southwest the wall has decayed enough to form an opening, through which seeps a thin mist. A trail dips sharply into rocky terrain to the northwest.
action: Go northwest
response: You are at a sharp turn on a narrow and steeply sloping path, strewn with boulders of various sizes. The path climbs sharply toward a desolate plain to the southeast. Southwest of here the path winds down to the base of a cliff.
action: You go to the southwest
response: You are at the base of a steep cliff. Directly above you is a wide ledge and far above that some natural sunlight can be seen. To the northeast is a steeply climbing path and the ground becomes sandy toward the south.
action: You go south
response: You are at the shore of an amazing underground sea, the topic of many a legend among adventurers. Few were known to have arrived at this spot, and fewer to return. There is a heavy surf and a breeze is blowing on-shore. The land rises steeply to the east and quicksand prevents movement to the south. A thick mist covers the ocean and extends over the hills to the east. A path heads north along the beach.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
action: Go south
response: The quicksand prevents movement here.
action: You go to the east
response: It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
action: You turn on the lamp
response: The lamp is now on.

You are in a land of dark shadows and shallow hills, which stretch out in all directions. To the west, the land dips sharply.
action: Go south
response: You are in a dark and shadowy land. All around you are gentle hills and eerie shadows. Far above, shrouded in mist, you can barely make out the ceiling of the enormous cavern that spans this entire land.
action: Go west
response: You are standing atop a steep cliff, looking west over a vast ocean. Far below, the surf pounds at a sandy beach. To the south and east are rolling hills filled with eerie shadows. A path cut into the face of the cliff descends toward the beach. To the north is a tall stone wall, which ends at the cliff edge. It was obviously built long ago, and directly north is a spot where you could climb over the rubble of the decaying wall.
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes...
Passing alongside the shore now is an old boat, reminiscent of an ancient Viking ship. Standing on the prow of the ship is an old and crusty sailor, peering out over the misty ocean.
action: Wave
response: What do you want to wave?
action: You look
response: You are at the shore of an amazing underground sea, the topic of many a legend among adventurers. Few were known to have arrived at this spot, and fewer to return. There is a heavy surf and a breeze is blowing on-shore. The land rises steeply to the east and quicksand prevents movement to the south. A thick mist covers the ocean and extends over the hills to the east. A path heads north along the beach.
There is a vial here.
action: You examine vial
response: It is a small, transparent vial which looks empty but is strangely heavy.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
A vial
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
action: You go north
response: You are at the base of a steep cliff. Directly above you is a wide ledge and far above that some natural sunlight can be seen. To the northeast is a steeply climbing path and the ground becomes sandy toward the south.
action: You go to the north-east
response: You are at a sharp turn on a narrow and steeply sloping path, strewn with boulders of various sizes. The path climbs sharply toward a desolate plain to the southeast. Southwest of here the path winds down to the base of a cliff.
action: Go southeast
response: You are west of the junction, where the rock-bound passage widens out into a large, flat area. Although the land here is barren, you can see vegetation to the west. South of here is a mighty wall of stone, ancient and crumbling. To the southwest the wall has decayed enough to form an opening, through which seeps a thin mist. A trail dips sharply into rocky terrain to the northwest.
action: Go east
response: You are at the junction of a north-south passage and an east-west passage. To the north, you can make out the bottom of a stairway. The ways to the east and south are relatively cramped, but a wider trail leads to the west.
Standing before you is a great rock.
action: You go to the south
response: You are in a dank passage filled with a wispy fog. A spooky passageway leads north and a wider path heads off to the south. To the west, the path leaves the rock and enters an eerie, shadowy land.
action: You go south
response: You are in a wide cavern on the north shore of a small lake. Some polished stone steps lead to the southeast and a sheer rock face prevents any movement around the lake to the southwest. The cavern is dimly lit from above.
action: Go southwest
response: The sheer rock face prevents movement along the lake shore.
action: You go to the south-east
response: This is a small balcony carved into a near-vertical cliff. To the east, stretching from north to south, stands a monumental aqueduct supported by mighty stone pillars, some of which are starting to crumble from age. You feel a sense of loss and sadness as you ponder this once-proud structure and the failure of the Empire which created this and other engineering marvels. Some stone steps lead up to the northwest.
action: You examine the aqueduct
response: The aqueduct is large and impressive. It was probably the major method of water transport in the Empire.
action: You enter the aqueduct
response: You hit your head against the aqueduct as you attempt this feat.
action: Swim
response: Go jump in a lake!
action: You jump in lake
response: The shock of entering the frigid water has made you drop all your possessions into the lake!

You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You drop the lamp
response: Dropped.
action: You turn off the lamp
response: (Taken)
It is already off.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
action: You jump in the lake
response: You are nearly paralyzed by the icy waters as you swim into the center of the lake.

You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: Go downward
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
action: You go south
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
action: You take shiny
response: The shiny object slips from your grasp and back onto the floor of the lake, where it is covered in sand.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
action: Go upward
response: You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You go west
response: You are on the western shore of the lake. The ground here is quite hard, but a few sickly reeds manage to grow near the water's edge. The only path leads into the rock to the south.
action: You take shiny
response: The shiny object slips from your grasp and back onto the floor of the lake, where it is covered in sand.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
action: Go downward
response: You are already at the bottom of the lake.
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
You run out of air and return to the surface.
On the Lake
You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You take shiny
response: The shiny object slips from your grasp and back onto the floor of the lake, where it is covered in sand.
A large and hungry-looking fish is swimming in the neighborhood.
You are becoming very weak. You had better leave the water before you drown!
action: Go upward
response: You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You go west
response: You are on the western shore of the lake. The ground here is quite hard, but a few sickly reeds manage to grow near the water's edge. The only path leads into the rock to the south.
action: Go south
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "III".
Mounted on one wall is a flaming torch, which fills the room with a flickering light.
There is a great tremor from within the earth. The entire dungeon shakes violently and loose debris starts to fall from above you.
action: Look around
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "III".
Mounted on one wall is a flaming torch, which fills the room with a flickering light.
action: You take shiny
response: The shiny object slips from your grasp and back onto the floor of the lake, where it is covered in sand.
Something sparkling in the sand catches your eye for a moment.
action: Keep going
response: The shiny object slips from your grasp and back onto the floor of the lake, where it is covered in sand.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
You run out of air and return to the surface.
On the Lake
You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You take shiny
response: You reach the shiny object. It is a simple golden amulet!
You are becoming very weak. You had better leave the water before you drown!
action: Go upward
response: You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You go west
response: You are on the western shore of the lake. The ground here is quite hard, but a few sickly reeds manage to grow near the water's edge. The only path leads into the rock to the south.
action: Go south
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "II".
Mounted on one wall is a flaming torch, which fills the room with a flickering light.
action: You look at what you're carrying with you
response: You are carrying:
A golden amulet (being worn)
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
action: Examine indicator
response: The indicator reads "II".
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "III".
action: Look around
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "III".
Mounted on one wall is a flaming torch, which fills the room with a flickering light.
action: You examine table
response: The surface is pale and featureless, but slowly, an image takes shape! You see a wide room with two nearly identical passages leading east and northeast. A wide channel descends steeply into the room and seems to be blocked by rubble.
The image slowly fades.
action: You get on the table
response: You can't climb onto the viewing table.
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "IV".
action: You enter the table
response: You hit your head against the viewing table as you attempt this feat.
action: You hit table
response: What do you want to hit the table with?
action: You touch the table
response: You touch the table and are instantly transported to another place!

This is the interior of a huge temple of primitive construction. A few flickering torches cast a sallow illumination over the altar, which is still drenched with the blood of human sacrifice. Behind the altar is an enormous statue of a demon which seems to reach towards you with dripping fangs and razor-sharp talons. A low noise begins behind you, and you turn to see hundreds of hunched and hairy shapes. A guttural chant issues from their throats. Near you stands a figure draped in a robe of deepest black, brandishing a huge sword. The chant grows louder as the robed figure approaches the altar. The large figure spots you and approaches menacingly. He reaches into his cloak and pulls out a great, glowing dagger. He pulls you onto the altar, and with a murmur of approval from the throng, he slices you neatly across your abdomen.

****  You have died  ****

You find yourself deep within the earth in a barren prison cell. Outside the iron-barred window, you can see a great, fiery pit. Flames leap up and very nearly sear your flesh. After a while, footfalls can be heard in the distance, then closer and closer.... The door swings open, and in walks an old man.

He is dressed simply in a hood and cloak, wearing a few simple jewels, carrying something under one arm, and leaning on a wooden staff. A single key, as if to a massive prison cell, hangs from his belt.

He raises the staff toward you and you hear him speak, as if in a dream: "I await you, though your journey be long and full of peril. Go then, and let me not wait long!" You feel some great power well up inside you and you fall to the floor. The next moment, you are awakening, as if from a deep slumber.

You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
There is a lamp here.
action: Look around
response: You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
There is a lamp here.
action: You turn on lamp
response: The lamp is now on.

You are in a dank passage filled with a wispy fog. A spooky passageway leads north and a wider path heads off to the south. To the west, the path leaves the rock and enters an eerie, shadowy land.
action: Go west
response: You are at the eastern end of a dark, featureless landscape of shallow hills. Paths to the east and southeast re-enter the rock.
action: Go north
response: You are at the junction of a north-south passage and an east-west passage. To the north, you can make out the bottom of a stairway. The ways to the east and south are relatively cramped, but a wider trail leads to the west.
Standing before you is a great rock.
action: Go east
response: This is a particularly damp spot even by dungeon standards. You can see a crossroads to the west, and two nearly identical passages lead east and northeast. A stone channel, wide and deep, steeply descends into the room from the south. It is covered with moss and lichen, and is far too slippery to climb. The channel crosses the room, but the opening where it once continued north is now blocked by rubble.
action: Go south
response: The channel is too steep and the moss too slippery.
action: Go northeast
response: You are in a room with passages heading southwest and southeast. The north wall is ornately carved, filled with strange runes and writing in an unfamiliar language.
An old and wizened man is huddled, asleep, in the corner. He is snoring loudly. From his appearance, he is weak and frail.
action: You hit the man
response: (with the sword)
The attack seems to have left the old man unharmed! You watch in awe as he rises to his feet and seems to tower above you. He peers down menacingly, then sadly and wearily. "Not yet," he mourns, and vanishes in a puff of smoke.
action: You go northwest
response: You are in a room with passages heading southwest and southeast. The north wall is ornately carved, filled with strange runes and writing in an unfamiliar language.
action: You go north
response: The channel opening is blocked by tons of debris.
action: Hit the debris
response: (with the sword)
I've known strange people, but fighting a dust and debris?
action: You wait awhile
response: Time passes...
action: Wait
response: Time passes...
There is a great tremor from within the earth. The entire dungeon shakes violently and loose debris starts to fall from above you.
action: Go south
response: A stone wall blocks your way.
action: Go west
response: This is a remarkable spot in the dungeon. Perhaps two hundred feet above you is a gaping hole in the earth's surface through which pours bright sunshine! A few seedlings from the world above, nurtured by the sunlight and occasional rains, have grown into giant trees, making this a virtual oasis in the desert of the Underground Empire. To the west is a sheer precipice, dropping nearly fifty feet to jagged rocks below. The way south is barred by a forbidding stone wall, crumbling from age. There is a jagged opening in the wall to the southwest, through which leaks a fine mist. The land to the east looks lifeless and barren.
A rope is tied to one of the large trees here and is dangling over the side of the cliff, reaching down to the shelf below.
It seems as if somebody has been here recently, as there is some fresh bread lying beneath one of the other trees.
action: Look around
response: This is a remarkable spot in the dungeon. Perhaps two hundred feet above you is a gaping hole in the earth's surface through which pours bright sunshine! A few seedlings from the world above, nurtured by the sunlight and occasional rains, have grown into giant trees, making this a virtual oasis in the desert of the Underground Empire. To the west is a sheer precipice, dropping nearly fifty feet to jagged rocks below. The way south is barred by a forbidding stone wall, crumbling from age. There is a jagged opening in the wall to the southwest, through which leaks a fine mist. The land to the east looks lifeless and barren.
A rope is tied to one of the large trees here and is dangling over the side of the cliff, reaching down to the shelf below.
action: You climb the rope
response: This is a rock-strewn ledge near the base of a tall cliff. The bottom of the cliff is another fifteen feet below. You have little hope of climbing up the cliff face, but you might be able to scramble down from here (though it's doubtful you could return).
A long piece of rope is dangling down from the top of the cliff and is within your reach.
A large chest, closed and locked, is lying among the boulders.
action: You check what you're carrying
response: You are carrying:
A piece of waybread
A vial
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
action: You look around
response: This is a rock-strewn ledge near the base of a tall cliff. The bottom of the cliff is another fifteen feet below. You have little hope of climbing up the cliff face, but you might be able to scramble down from here (though it's doubtful you could return).
A long piece of rope is dangling down from the top of the cliff and is within your reach.
A large chest, closed and locked, is lying among the boulders.
At the edge of the cliff above you, a man appears. He looks down at you and speaks. "Hello, down there! You seem to have a problem. Maybe I can help you." He chuckles in an unsettling sort of way. "Perhaps if you tied that chest to the end of the rope I might be able to drag it up for you. Then, I'll be more than happy to help you up!" He laughs again.
action: You tie the rope to the chest
response: The chest is now tied to the rope.
The man above you looks pleased. "Now there's a good friend! Thank you very much, indeed!" He pulls on the rope and the chest is lifted to the top of the cliff and out of sight. With a short laugh, he disappears. "I'll be back in a short while!" are his last words.
action: You wait awhile
response: Time passes...
action: You wait
response: Time passes...
A familiar voice calls down to you. "Are you still there?" he bellows with a coarse laugh. "Well, then, grab onto the rope and we'll see what we can do." The rope drops to within your reach.
action: You grab the rope
response: You grab securely on to the rope.
The man starts to heave on the rope and within a few moments you arrive at the top of the cliff. The man removes the last few valuables from the chest and prepares to leave. "You've been a good sport! Here, take this, for whatever good it is! I can't see that I'll be needing one!" He hands you a plain wooden staff from the bottom of the chest and begins examining his valuables.
The chest, open and empty, is at your feet.
action: Look around
response: This is a remarkable spot in the dungeon. Perhaps two hundred feet above you is a gaping hole in the earth's surface through which pours bright sunshine! A few seedlings from the world above, nurtured by the sunlight and occasional rains, have grown into giant trees, making this a virtual oasis in the desert of the Underground Empire. To the west is a sheer precipice, dropping nearly fifty feet to jagged rocks below. The way south is barred by a forbidding stone wall, crumbling from age. There is a jagged opening in the wall to the southwest, through which leaks a fine mist. The land to the east looks lifeless and barren.
A rope is tied to one of the large trees here and is dangling over the side of the cliff, reaching down to the shelf below.
There is a man here.
There is a chest here.
Your "friend", moving quickly, dodges behind some trees and is lost from sight.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A wooden staff
A piece of waybread
A vial
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
action: You eat the bread
response: Thank you very much. It really hit the spot.
action: Look around
response: This is a remarkable spot in the dungeon. Perhaps two hundred feet above you is a gaping hole in the earth's surface through which pours bright sunshine! A few seedlings from the world above, nurtured by the sunlight and occasional rains, have grown into giant trees, making this a virtual oasis in the desert of the Underground Empire. To the west is a sheer precipice, dropping nearly fifty feet to jagged rocks below. The way south is barred by a forbidding stone wall, crumbling from age. There is a jagged opening in the wall to the southwest, through which leaks a fine mist. The land to the east looks lifeless and barren.
A rope is tied to one of the large trees here and is dangling over the side of the cliff, reaching down to the shelf below.
There is a chest here.
action: Go downward
response: This is a rock-strewn ledge near the base of a tall cliff. The bottom of the cliff is another fifteen feet below. You have little hope of climbing up the cliff face, but you might be able to scramble down from here (though it's doubtful you could return).
A long piece of rope is dangling down from the top of the cliff and is within your reach.
action: You drop all
response: wooden staff: Dropped.
vial: Dropped.
cloak: Dropped.
hood: Dropped.
sword: Dropped.
lamp: Dropped.
action: You jump in Lake
response: You are nearly paralyzed by the icy waters as you swim into the center of the lake.

You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: Go south
response: You are on the south shore of the lake. Rock formations prevent movement to the west and thickening swamp to the east makes the going all but impossible. To the south, where the beach meets a rock formation, you can make out a dark passage sloping steeply upward into the rock.
action: You go to the east
response: The swamp is too thick.
action: Wait
response: Time passes...
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "IV".
action: You wait awhile
response: Time passes...
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "I".
action: You wait
response: Time passes...
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "II".
action: You touch the table
response: You touch the table and are instantly transported to another place!

It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
action: You touch the table
response: It's too dark to see.
action: Wait
response: Time passes...
You suddenly find yourself back in the viewing room!
action: You look at your surroundings
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "II".
Mounted on one wall is a flaming torch, which fills the room with a flickering light.
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "III".
action: You touch the table
response: You touch the table and are instantly transported to another place!

This is a small chamber carved out of the rock at the end of a short crawl. On the wall is crudely chiseled the number "8". The only apparent exit, to the east, seems to be a blur and a loud, whirring sound resounds through the rock.
A spray can is in the corner. In large type is the legend "Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent."
action: Look around
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "II".
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "III".
action: Go downward
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a burned-out torch here.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
action: You take the can
response: Taken.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
action: Go upward
response: You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
action: You spray yourself
response: What do you want to spray the me on?
action: You apply can
response: What do you want to apply the can to?
action: You spray the grue on yourself
response: How singularly useless.
action: You apply the can to yourself
response: The spray smells like a mixture of old socks and burning rubber. If I were a grue I'd sure stay clear!
action: Go south
response: It is pitch black.
action: Go south
response: There are sinister gurgling noises in the darkness all around you!
It is pitch black.
The ground continues to slope upwards away from the lake. You can barely  detect a dim light from the east.
action: Go east
response: You are between some rock and a dark place, The room is lit dimly from above, revealing a lone, dark path sloping down to the west.
To one side of the room is a large manhole cover.
The light from above seems to be focused in the center of the room, where a single key is lying in the dust.
action: You take the key
response: Taken.
That horrible smell is much less pungent now.
action: You take the cover
response: The cover is far too heavy to take.
action: You move the cover
response: The cover is moved a bit to one side, revealing a small hole leading into darkness.
action: Go downward
response: You are in a wide stone channel, part of the water supply system for the Great Underground Empire. The source of water was a waterfall to the south, which has long since dried up. Water flowed along the aqueduct to the north. This region is lit from above, although the source of light is not apparent.
action: You go north
response: You are now on one of the tallest arches of the aqueduct, hundreds of feet above a rocky chasm. The immensity of the aqueduct project is apparent from here. Stone supports rise from the rock floor to form massive arches, which traverse the region from north to south. The water-carrying channel here is wide and deep. To the west and far below, you can make out a balcony which must command a wide view of the aqueduct.
The channel ends abruptly to your north where a supporting pillar has crumbled, casting the arch into the chasm.
action: Go upwards
response: The hole is too far above your head.
action: You drop all
response: cloak: Dropped.
hood: Dropped.
sword: Dropped.
lamp: Dropped.
action: You turn off the lamp
response: (Taken)
The lamp is now off.
action: You jump in Lake
response: The shock of entering the frigid water has made you drop all your possessions into the lake!

You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: Drop
response: What do you want to drop?
action: All
response: cloak: Dropped.
hood: Dropped.
sword: Dropped.
lamp: Dropped.
action: Go south
response: You are in a small chamber carved in the rock, with the sole exit to the north. Mounted on one wall is a table labelled "Scenic Vista," whose featureless surface is angled toward you. One might believe that the table was used to indicate points of interest in the view from this spot, like those found in many parks. On the other hand, your surroundings are far from spacious and by no stretch of the imagination could this spot be considered scenic. An indicator above the table reads "IV".
Mounted on one wall is a flaming torch, which fills the room with a flickering light.
action: You take the torch
response: Taken.
The indicator above the table flickers briefly, then changes to "I".
action: You take can
response: The Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent is yours for a moment, but drops from your grasp.
Something sparkling in the sand catches your eye for a moment.
action: Inventory
response: You are empty handed.
action: You jump in Lake
response: You are nearly paralyzed by the icy waters as you swim into the center of the lake.

You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You go down
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a burned-out torch here.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
Something sparkling in the sand catches your eye for a moment.
action: You take the can
response: The Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent is yours for a moment, but drops from your grasp.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
action: You take the can
response: The Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent is yours for a moment, but drops from your grasp.
Something sparkling in the sand catches your eye for a moment.
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
You run out of air and return to the surface.
On the Lake
You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: Go downwards
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a burned-out torch here.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
A large and hungry-looking fish is swimming in the neighborhood.
action: Go north
response: You are now on one of the tallest arches of the aqueduct, hundreds of feet above a rocky chasm. The immensity of the aqueduct project is apparent from here. Stone supports rise from the rock floor to form massive arches, which traverse the region from north to south. The water-carrying channel here is wide and deep. To the west and far below, you can make out a balcony which must command a wide view of the aqueduct.
action: You go to the north
response: You are near the northern end of this segment of the aqueduct system. To the south and slightly uphill, the bulk of the aqueduct looms ominously, towering above a gorge. To the north, the water channel drops precipitously and enters a rocky hole. The damp moss and lichen would certainly make that a one-way trip.
action: You go north
response: It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
action: You go north
response: The channel opening is blocked by tons of debris.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
There is a great tremor from within the earth. The entire dungeon shakes violently and loose debris starts to fall from above you.
action: Go south
response: The channel is too steep and the moss too slippery.
action: Go downwards
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
action: You take the can
response: The Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent is yours for a moment, but drops from your grasp.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
action: You take the can
response: Taken.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
You run out of air and return to the surface.
On the Lake
You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: You go south
response: Oh, no! A dozen or more lurking grues attack at once and devour you! From the look of things, I would guess that you had interrupted a grue convention!

****  You have died  ****

You find yourself deep within the earth in a barren prison cell. Outside the iron-barred window, you can see a great, fiery pit. Flames leap up and very nearly sear your flesh. After a while, footfalls can be heard in the distance, then closer and closer.... The door swings open, and in walks an old man.

He is dressed simply in a hood and cloak, wearing a few simple jewels, carrying something under one arm, and leaning on a wooden staff. A single key, as if to a massive prison cell, hangs from his belt.

He raises the staff toward you and you hear him speak, as if in a dream: "I await you, though your journey be long and full of peril. Go then, and let me not wait long!" You feel some great power well up inside you and you fall to the floor. The next moment, you are awakening, as if from a deep slumber.

You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
There is a lamp here.
action: Go downward
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
A large and hungry-looking fish is swimming in the neighborhood.
action: Go downward
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
action: You take can
response: The Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent is yours for a moment, but drops from your grasp.
Something sparkling in the sand catches your eye for a moment.
action: You keep going
response: The Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent is yours for a moment, but drops from your grasp.
Out of the corner of your eye, a small, shiny object appears in the sand. A moment later, it is gone!
You are becoming very weak. You had better leave the water before you drown!
You run out of air and return to the surface.
On the Lake
You are floating on the surface of the lake. The water is ice cold and your ability to survive here for long is very questionable. A swim north puts you at your starting point. Conditions to the east are poor where the lake turns into swamp. The west and south shores are suitable for walking, however.
action: Go downward
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
action: Go south
response: There are sinister gurgling noises in the darkness all around you!
It is pitch black.
The ground continues to slope upwards away from the lake. You can barely  detect a dim light from the east.
That horrible smell is much less pungent now.
action: You apply the can to yourself
response: The repellent is all gone.
action: You touch the table
response: You touch the table and are instantly transported to another place!

This is a particularly damp spot even by dungeon standards. You can see a crossroads to the west, and two nearly identical passages lead east and northeast. A stone channel, wide and deep, steeply descends into the room from the south. It is covered with moss and lichen, and is far too slippery to climb. The channel crosses the room, but the opening where it once continued north is now blocked by rubble.
action: You drop the torch
response: Dropped.
action: You jump in Lake
response: The shock of entering the frigid water has made you drop all your possessions into the lake!
action: Go downwards
response: You are below the surface of the lake. It turns out that the lake is quite shallow and the bottom is only a few feet below you. Considering the frigid temperature of the water, you should probably not plan an extended stay. The lake bottom is sandy and a few hearty plants and algae live there.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
Something sparkling in the sand catches your eye for a moment.
action: Go upward
response: A giant roc, previously hidden among the rocks, is heading right toward you, its mouth gaping wide!
action: Go downwards
response: You catch a brief glimpse of something shiny in the sand.
action: Go upwards
response: The roc snatches you in its jaws and has you for lunch.

****  You have died  ****

You find yourself deep within the earth in a barren prison cell. Outside the iron-barred window, you can see a great, fiery pit. Flames leap up and very nearly sear your flesh. After a while, footfalls can be heard in the distance, then closer and closer.... The door swings open, and in walks an old man.

He is dressed simply in a hood and cloak, wearing a few simple jewels, carrying something under one arm, and leaning on a wooden staff. A single key, as if to a massive prison cell, hangs from his belt.

He raises the staff toward you and you hear him speak, as if in a dream: "I await you, though your journey be long and full of peril. Go then, and let me not wait long!" You feel some great power well up inside you and you fall to the floor. The next moment, you are awakening, as if from a deep slumber.

There is a lamp here.
action: Go upward
response: The icy waters are taking their toll. You will not be able to hold out much longer.
action: Go north
response: There is a torch here.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
action: You go west
response: Standing before you is a great rock.
action: Unlock chest
response: What do you want to unlock the chest with?
action: You wait for a while
response: Time passes...
At the edge of the cliff above you, a man appears. He looks down at you and speaks. "Hello, down there! You seem to have a problem. Maybe I can help you." He chuckles in an unsettling sort of way. "Perhaps if you tied that chest to the end of the rope I might be able to drag it up for you. Then, I'll be more than happy to help you up!" He laughs again.
action: You tie the chest to the rope
response: The chest is now tied to the rope.
The man above you looks pleased. "Now there's a good friend! Thank you very much, indeed!" He pulls on the rope and the chest is lifted to the top of the cliff and out of sight. With a short laugh, he disappears. "I'll be back in a short while!" are his last words.
There is a great tremor from within the earth. The entire dungeon shakes violently and loose debris starts to fall from above you.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A wooden staff
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
Your "friend", moving quickly, dodges behind some trees and is lost from sight.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: This is a remarkable spot in the dungeon. Perhaps two hundred feet above you is a gaping hole in the earth's surface through which pours bright sunshine! A few seedlings from the world above, nurtured by the sunlight and occasional rains, have grown into giant trees, making this a virtual oasis in the desert of the Underground Empire. To the west is a sheer precipice, dropping nearly fifty feet to jagged rocks below. The way south is barred by a forbidding stone wall, crumbling from age. There is a jagged opening in the wall to the southwest, through which leaks a fine mist. The land to the east looks lifeless and barren.
A rope is tied to one of the large trees here and is dangling over the side of the cliff, reaching down to the shelf below.
It seems as if somebody has been here recently, as there is some fresh bread lying beneath one of the other trees.
There is a chest here.
action: Go downward
response: This is a rock-strewn ledge near the base of a tall cliff. The bottom of the cliff is another fifteen feet below. You have little hope of climbing up the cliff face, but you might be able to scramble down from here (though it's doubtful you could return).
A long piece of rope is dangling down from the top of the cliff and is within your reach.
action: Go down
response: You are at the base of a steep cliff. Directly above you is a wide ledge and far above that some natural sunlight can be seen. To the northeast is a steeply climbing path and the ground becomes sandy toward the south.
action: You go south
response: You are at the shore of an amazing underground sea, the topic of many a legend among adventurers. Few were known to have arrived at this spot, and fewer to return. There is a heavy surf and a breeze is blowing on-shore. The land rises steeply to the east and quicksand prevents movement to the south. A thick mist covers the ocean and extends over the hills to the east. A path heads north along the beach.
action: You wait awhile
response: Time passes...
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A wooden staff
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A vial
A wooden staff
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
action: You go south
response: You are in a wide cavern on the north shore of a small lake. Some polished stone steps lead to the southeast and a sheer rock face prevents any movement around the lake to the southwest. The cavern is dimly lit from above.
There is a lamp here.
There is a sword here.
There is a hood here.
There is a cloak here.
action: You take all
response: lamp: Taken.
sword: Taken.
hood: You are now wearing the hood.
cloak: You are now wearing the cloak.
action: Go east
response: This is a very low and narrow passage leading east to west.
action: Go east
response: This is a chamber of breathtaking beauty. Mighty stalagmites form structured shapes of rock, encrusted with crystalline formations. Phosphorescent mosses, fed by a trickle of water from some unseen source above, make the crystals glow and sparkle with every color of the rainbow. There is an opening to the west, and a man-made passage heads south.
action: You go south
response: This is the north end of a large hall with a vaulted ceiling. A long, tiled hallway leads north through a tall arch. Although the origin or purpose of this room is unclear, there is a large rendering of the Royal Seal of Lord Dimwit Flathead carved on the wall.
action: You examine Seal
response: The Seal is vintage Flathead, with signs of excess nearly everywhere. It consists of a curiously flat-headed figure wearing a gaudy crown, surrounded by the Crown Jewels of the Empire.
action: You go to the south
response: This is the south end of a monumental hall, full of dust and debris from a recent earthquake. To the east is a great iron door, rusted shut. To its right, however, is a gaping cleft in the rock and behind, a cleared area.
action: You go east
response: This is the entrance to the Royal Museum, the finest and grandest in the Great Underground Empire. To the south, down a few steps, is the entrance to the Royal Puzzle and to the east, through a stone door, is the Royal Jewel Collection. A wooden door to the north is open and leads to the Museum of Technology. To the west is a great iron door, rusted shut. To its left, however, is a cleft in the rock providing a western route away from the museum.
action: You go north
response: This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is open.
Directly in front of you is a large golden machine, which has a seat with a console in front. On the console is a single button and a dial connected to a three-digit display which reads 948. The machine is suprisingly shiny and shows few signs of age.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
action: You examine the golden machine
response: The machine consists of a seat and a console containing one small button and a dial connected to a display which reads 948.
action: Go east
response: The stone door is closed.
action: Go east
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber in the middle of which sits a tall, round steel cage, which is securely locked. In the middle of the cage is a pedestal on which sit the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a sceptre, a jewelled knife, and a golden ring. A small bronze plaque, now tarnished, is on the cage.
action: You wear the ring
response: The jewels are inside a locked cage.
action: You examine the plaque
response: * 777 GUE *
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
A vial
A wooden staff
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
action: 3july16
response: SAVEOk.
action: 3july2016
response: > RESTOREFailed.
action: Y.
response: debugcheapnitfol quit with exit status: 0
action: %
response: As in a dream, you see yourself tumbling down a great, dark staircase. All about you are shadowy images of struggles against fierce opponents and diabolical traps. These give way to another round of images: of imposing stone figures, a cool, clear lake, and, now, of an old, yet oddly youthful man. He turns toward you slowly, his long, silver hair dancing about him in a fresh breeze. "You have reached the final test, my friend! You are proved clever and powerful, but this is not yet enough! Seek me when you feel yourself worthy!" The dream dissolves around you as his last words echo through the void....

ZORK III: The Dungeon Master

You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
Your old friend, the brass lantern, is at your feet.
action: You enter the machine
response: Which machin do you mean, the gold machine, the black machine, or the grey machine?
action: You look around
response: (You are in the gold machine.)
This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is open.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
action: You examine the gold machine
response: The machine consists of a seat and a console containing one small button and a dial connected to a display which reads 948.
action: You turn the dial to 947
response: The dial is set to 947.
action: Look around
response: (You are in the gold machine.)
This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is closed.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
action: You turn the dial to 948
response: The dial is set to 948.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: (You are in the gold machine.)
This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is closed.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a strange key here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a torch here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a wooden staff here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a vial here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a lamp here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a sword here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a hood here. (outside the gold machine)
There is a cloak here. (outside the gold machine)
action: You turn the dial to 777
response: The dial is set to 777.
action: %
response: As in a dream, you see yourself tumbling down a great, dark staircase. All about you are shadowy images of struggles against fierce opponents and diabolical traps. These give way to another round of images: of imposing stone figures, a cool, clear lake, and, now, of an old, yet oddly youthful man. He turns toward you slowly, his long, silver hair dancing about him in a fresh breeze. "You have reached the final test, my friend! You are proved clever and powerful, but this is not yet enough! Seek me when you feel yourself worthy!" The dream dissolves around you as his last words echo through the void....

ZORK III: The Dungeon Master

You are at the bottom of a seemingly endless stair, winding its way upward beyond your vision. An eerie light, coming from all around you, casts strange shadows on the walls. To the south is a dark and winding trail.
Your old friend, the brass lantern, is at your feet.
action: You turn the dial to 774
response: The dial is set to 774.
action: You turn the dial to 778
response: The dial is set to 778.
action: You enter the gold machine
response: You are already in the gold machine, cretin!
action: You turn the dial to 900
response: The dial is set to 900.
action: You get out
response: (out the gold machine)
You are on your own feet again.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is closed.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
Directly in front of you is a large golden machine, which has a seat with a console in front. On the console is a single button and a dial connected to a three-digit display which reads 900. The machine is suprisingly shiny and shows few signs of age.
action: Go south
response: The wooden door is closed.
action: You open the door
response: The wooden door opens.
action: You go south
response: This is the entrance to the Royal Museum, the finest and grandest in the Great Underground Empire. To the south, down a few steps, is the entrance to the Royal Puzzle and to the east, through a stone door, is the Royal Jewel Collection. A wooden door to the north is open and leads to the Museum of Technology. To the west is a great iron door, which is rusted shut.
action: Go east
response: The stone door is closed.
action: Go east
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber in the middle of which sits a tall, round steel cage, which is securely locked. In the middle of the cage is a pedestal on which sit the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a sceptre, a jewelled knife, and a golden ring. A small bronze plaque, now tarnished, is on the cage.
action: Go north
response: This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is open.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
Directly in front of you is a large golden machine, which has a seat with a console in front. On the console is a single button and a dial connected to a three-digit display which reads 900. The machine is suprisingly shiny and shows few signs of age.
action: You turn the dial to 775
response: The dial is set to 775.
action: You turn the dial to 800
response: The dial is set to 800.
action: You turn the dial to 776
response: The dial is set to 776.
action: You get out
response: (out the gold machine)
You are on your own feet again.
action: You listen
response: What do you want to listen to?
action: Look around
response: You are in a large, unfinished room, probably intended to be a part of the Royal Museum.
Through the door you can hear voices which, from their sound, belong to military or police personnel.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The grey machine, it turns out, is a Frobozz Magic Pressurizer, used in the coal mines of the Empire. The black machine is a Frobozz Magic Room Spinner. The golden machine is referred to as a Temporizer. All are non-working models donated by Frobozzco president John D. Flathead.
Directly in front of you is a large golden machine, which has a seat with a console in front. On the console is a single button and a dial connected to a three-digit display which reads 776. The machine is suprisingly shiny and shows few signs of age.
action: You examine the plaque
response: The plaque merely identifies the machines and names their donor. They are non-working models of existing state-of-the-art machinery.
action: You listen to the door
response: The voices are muffled by the door which (fortunately for you) separates you. They seem to be in heated debate on the topic of wage scales for guards.
action: Continue
response: The voices are muffled by the door which (fortunately for you) separates you. They seem to be in heated debate on the topic of the proper way to execute trespassers.
action: You wait
response: Time passes...
You hear, from outside the door, guards marching away, their voices fading. After a few moments, a booming crash signals the close of what must be a tremendous door. Then there is silence.
action: You open the door
response: The wooden door opens.
action: Go south
response: This appears to be an unfinished entranceway to the Royal Museum. There are doors to the east and north, and a blind stairway to the south. A heavy iron door to the west is closed and locked.
action: You open the stone door
response: The door is locked, probably by the guards on their way out.
action: You go west
response: The guards locked the iron door behind them.
action: You go south
response: The stairs end blindly to the south.
action: You go to the north
response: You are in a large, unfinished room, probably intended to be a part of the Royal Museum.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The grey machine, it turns out, is a Frobozz Magic Pressurizer, used in the coal mines of the Empire. The black machine is a Frobozz Magic Room Spinner. The golden machine is referred to as a Temporizer. All are non-working models donated by Frobozzco president John D. Flathead.
Directly in front of you is a large golden machine, which has a seat with a console in front. On the console is a single button and a dial connected to a three-digit display which reads 776. The machine is suprisingly shiny and shows few signs of age.
action: You turn the dial to 948
response: The dial is set to 948.
action: Look around
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber, in the center of which is a pedestal which is the intended home of the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a jewelled knife, a golden ring, and the royal sceptre. The room is, by appearances, unfinished.
Through the door you can hear voices which, from their sound, belong to military or police personnel.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber, in the center of which is a pedestal which is the intended home of the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a jewelled knife, a golden ring, and the royal sceptre. Not all of the jewels are in place, however. The room is, by appearances, unfinished.
Through the door you can hear voices which, from their sound, belong to military or police personnel.
One particularly loud and grating voice can now be heard above the others outside the room. "Very nice! Very nice! Not enough security, but very nice! Now, Lord Feepness, pay attention! I've been thinking and what we need is a dam, a tremendous dam to control the Frigid River, with thousands of gates. Yes! I can see it now. We shall call it ... Flood Control Dam #2. No, not quite right. Aha! It will be Flood Control Dam #3." "Pardon me, my Lord, but wouldn't that be just a tad excessive?" "Nonsense! Now, let me tell you my idea for hollowing out volcanoes..." With that, the voices trail out into nothingness.
action: Look around
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber, in the center of which is a pedestal which is the intended home of the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a jewelled knife, a golden ring, and the royal sceptre. Not all of the jewels are in place, however. The room is, by appearances, unfinished.
Through the door you can hear voices which, from their sound, belong to military or police personnel.
action: You wait
response: Time passes...
You hear, from outside the door, guards marching away, their voices fading. After a few moments, a booming crash signals the close of what must be a tremendous door. Then there is silence.
action: You take all
response: pedestal: You can't reach it through the cage.
jewelled knife: Taken.
sceptre: Taken.
action: Open seat
response: It is already open.
action: You examine gold machine
response: The machine consists of a seat and a console containing one small button and a dial connected to a display which reads 776.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
A sceptre
A jewelled knife
A golden ring (being worn)
action: You put the ring under the seat
response: The ring is concealed underneath the seat.
action: You put the knife under the seat
response: It's too big to hide under the seat.
action: You go east
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber, in the center of which is a pedestal which is the intended home of the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a jewelled knife, a golden ring, and the royal sceptre. Not all of the jewels are in place, however. The room is, by appearances, unfinished.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
A sceptre
A jewelled knife
action: You look around
response: You are in a high-ceilinged chamber, in the center of which is a pedestal which is the intended home of the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a jewelled knife, a golden ring, and the royal sceptre. Not all of the jewels are in place, however. The room is, by appearances, unfinished.
There is a sceptre here.
action: You take the sceptre
response: Taken.
You start to feel light-headed and, before you can even think, you become completely disoriented. When you regain your faculties, you realize that your surroundings have changed.
You notice that everything you were holding is gone!
action: Go west
response: This is the entrance to the Royal Museum, the finest and grandest in the Great Underground Empire. To the south, down a few steps, is the entrance to the Royal Puzzle and to the east, through a stone door, is the Royal Jewel Collection. A wooden door to the north is closed and leads to the Museum of Technology. To the west is a great iron door, rusted shut. To its left, however, is a cleft in the rock providing a western route away from the museum.
action: Go north
response: This is a large hall which hosted the technological exhibits of the Great Underground Empire. A door to the south is open.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
There is a Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent here.
There is a strange key here.
There is a torch here.
There is a wooden staff here.
There is a vial here.
There is a lamp here.
There is a sword here.
There is a hood here.
There is a cloak here.
action: Look around
response: (You are in the gold machine.)
You are in a high-ceilinged chamber in the middle of which sits a tall, round steel cage, which is securely locked. In the middle of the cage is a pedestal on which sit the Crown Jewels of the Great Underground Empire: a sceptre, a jewelled knife, and a golden ring. A small bronze plaque, now tarnished, is on the cage.
action: You look under the seat
response: You find the ring under the seat and put it on your finger.
action: You take all
response: plaque: It's bolted to the wall.
grey machine: It's massive and cannot even be moved.
black machine: It's massive and cannot even be moved.
gold machine: The machine must weigh hundreds of pounds and cannot be carried.
button: You can't be serious.
dial: An interesting idea...
seat: You can't be serious.
Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent: Taken.
strange key: Taken.
torch: Taken.
wooden staff: Taken.
vial: Taken.
lamp: Taken.
sword: Taken.
hood: You are now wearing the hood.
cloak: You are now wearing the cloak.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: This is an exhibit of Empire technology. A wooden door to the south is closed.
A strange grey machine, shaped somewhat like a clothes dryer, is on one side of the room. On the other side of the hall is a powerful-looking black machine, a tight tangle of wires, pipes, and motors.
A plaque is mounted near the door. The writing is faded, however, and cannot be made out clearly. The two machines seem to be in bad shape, rusting in many spots.
Directly in front of you is a large golden machine, which has a seat with a console in front. On the console is a single button and a dial connected to a three-digit display which reads 948. The machine is suprisingly shiny and shows few signs of age.
action: You go to the south
response: This seems to be an entrance hall of some sort, judging by the grand iron door to the west, and the ornate stone and wooden doors which lead to the east and north, respectively. A few wide steps lead south.
action: You go to the south
response: This is a small square room, in the middle of which is a perfectly round hole through which you can discern the floor some ten feet below. The place under the hole is dark, but it appears to be completely enclosed in rock. In any event, it doesn't seem likely that you could climb back up. Exits are west and, up a few steps, north. Lying on the ground is a small note of some kind.
action: You examine the note
response: Warning:
The Royal Puzzle is quite dangerous and it is possible to become trapped within its confines. Please do not enter the puzzle after hours or when museum personnel are not present.
The Management
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
A vial
A wooden staff
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
A golden ring (being worn)
action: Go west
response: You are in a narrow room, lit from above. A flight of steps leads up toward the north, and a metal door leads to the east.
action: Go east
response: The steel door is closed.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: +MM MM ??+
West  +   .. SS+  East
+SS    MM+
action: You go south
response: +      SS+
West  +SS .. MM+  East
+        +
action: You go south
response: +SS    MM+
West  +   .. +  East
+SS      +
action: Go south
response: +        +
West  +SS .. +  East
+      SS+
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the west wall.
action: You go south
response: +SS      +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+MM MM ??+
action: Go west
response: +?? SS   +
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? MM MM+
action: Go southwest
response: There is a wall there.
action: Go east
response: +        +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+   SS ??+
action: You go to the north
response: +   MM   +
West  +   .. +  East
+      SS+
action: You go to the east
response: +MM    SS+
West  +   .. MM+  East
+   SS ??+
action: You go north
response: +SS    SS+
West  +MM .. SS+  East
+      MM+
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the east wall.
action: Go north
response: +?? MM ??+
West  +SS .. SS+  East
+MM    SS+
action: Go west
response: +?? MM MM+
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? SS   +
In the ceiling above you is a large circular opening.
action: You go west
response: +?? SS   +
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? SS   +
action: You take the ladder
response: Come, come!
action: Examine book
response: The book is written in a strong and elegant hand and is full of strange and wondrous pictures. The text is in a tongue unknown to you and is penned in many colours. Some of the words seem to change colour as you read them. The book itself is very old and the pages dry and brittle.
action: You go northwest
response: +   MM   +
West  +   .. +  East
+        +
action: You go south
response: +MM      +
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? SS   +
action: You go southeast
response: +        +
West  +SS .. +  East
+      SS+
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the west wall.
action: You go to the northeast
response: +SS    SS+
West  +SS .. MM+  East
+        +
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the west wall.
action: Go north
response: +?? MM ??+
West  +SS .. SS+  East
+SS    MM+
action: You go to the east
response: +MM MM ??+
West  +   .. SS+  East
+MM    SS+
action: You go west
response: +MM MM MM+
West  +   .. +  East
+MM    SS+
action: You go to the south
response: +        +
West  +MM .. SS+  East
+      MM+
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the east wall.
action: You go southwest
response: +   MM   +
West  +   .. +  East
+        +
action: You go to the south
response: +        +
West  +   .. +  East
+   SS SS+
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
A very ancient book
A cloak (being worn)
A hood (being worn)
A sword
A lamp
A vial
A wooden staff
A torch
A strange key
A Frobozz Magic Grue Repellent
A golden ring (being worn)
action: You look
response: +?? SS   +
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? SS   +
action: You go northeast
response: +MM    SS+
West  +   .. MM+  East
+      SS+
action: You go north
response: +SS    SS+
West  +MM .. SS+  East
+      MM+
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the east wall.
action: Go southwest
response: +SS      +
West  +MM .. SS+  East
+      MM+
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the east wall.
action: You go southwest
response: +   MM   +
West  +   .. +  East
+        +
action: You go east
response: +      MM+
West  +   .. SS+  East
+SS SS ??+
The center of the floor here is noticeably depressed.
action: Go south
response: +      SS+
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? MM MM+
In the center of the west wall is a steel door which is closed. On one side of the door is a narrow slot.
action: Go east
response: +   SS   +
West  +   .. +  East
+MM MM MM+
action: Go east
response: +SS      +
West  +   .. MM+  East
+MM MM ??+
action: Go north
response: +?? SS   +
West  +SS .. +  East
+      MM+
action: Go east
response: +SS    MM+
West  +   .. MM+  East
+   MM ??+
action: Go north
response: +MM    MM+
West  +SS .. MM+  East
+      MM+
action: You go north
response: +SS    MM+
West  +MM .. MM+  East
+SS    MM+
action: You go north
response: +SS    MM+
West  +SS .. MM+  East
+MM    MM+
action: You go north
response: +?? MM ??+
West  +SS .. MM+  East
+SS    MM+
action: You continue
response: The wall slides forward and you follow it to this position:
Room in a Puzzle
+      SS+
West  +SS .. +  East
+MM      +
action: Keep going
response: The wall slides forward and you follow it to this position:
Room in a Puzzle
+SS      +
West  +SS .. +  East
+?? MM   +
action: Go east
response: +      SS+
West  +   .. +  East
+MM      +
action: You go east
response: +   SS SS+
West  +   .. +  East
+        +
action: Go northwest
response: +        +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+        +
action: Go southwest
response: +        +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+MM      +
action: You go to the south
response: +SS      +
West  +SS .. +  East
+      MM+
action: Go northwest
response: +      SS+
West  +   .. SS+  East
+MM      +
action: You go north
response: +        +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+      SS+
action: You go to the southwest
response: +        +
West  +MM .. SS+  East
+?? MM ??+
In the center of the west wall is a steel door which is closed. On one side of the door is a narrow slot.
action: You go to the north-east
response: +   SS   +
West  +   .. +  East
+   SS MM+
action: Go southwest
response: +   SS   +
West  +   .. +  East
+      SS+
action: Go northwest
response: +        +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+        +
action: Go northwest
response: +        +
West  +   .. +  East
+        +
action: You go southeast
response: +      MM+
West  +SS .. +  East
+SS      +
action: You go east
response: +      MM+
West  +   .. +  East
+        +
The center of the floor here is noticeably depressed.
action: You go to the northeast
response: +SS    MM+
West  +MM .. MM+  East
+      MM+
action: You go to the north
response: +?? SS ??+
West  +SS .. MM+  East
+MM    MM+
action: You go north
response: +MM MM ??+
West  +   .. SS+  East
+SS      +
action: You go west
response: +?? MM MM+
West  +SS .. +  East
+?? SS   +
action: You go to the southwest
response: +        +
West  +   .. SS+  East
+        +
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the east wall.
action: You go to the south-east
response: +   SS   +
West  +   .. +  East
+   SS SS+
action: You go northeast
response: +?? MM   +
West  +SS .. +  East
+        +
action: You go to the southwest
response: +?? SS   +
West  +SS .. +  East
+?? MM   +
action: Go west
response: +MM    SS+
West  +MM .. +  East
+?? SS   +
action: Go north
response: +?? MM ??+
West  +MM .. SS+  East
+MM      +
In the ceiling above you is a large circular opening.
There is a ladder here, firmly attached to the east wall.
action: Go upwards
response: With the help of the ladder, you exit the puzzle.
Royal Puzzle Entrance
This is a small square room, in the middle of which is a perfectly round hole through which you can discern the floor some ten feet below. The place under the hole is dark, but it appears to be completely enclosed in rock. In any event, it doesn't seem likely that you could climb back up. Exits are west and, up a few steps, north. Lying on the ground is a small note of some kind.