All links are disabled. For illustrative purposes only.

Working On
Search
Brother Jerome
Chat • Debug • Plug-Ins


Language Center    (Keyphrases: ( a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w y z ) x-Keywords
Keyphrase Rank Response Seek Emo Range 1
zany adventure 127You are standing in a forest clearing.<br>There is a parchment scroll on the grass in front of you, and paths lead away North, South, East and West. Add   
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675589  
     
   
goto zany adventure
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (parchment|scroll) Goto 675497  
     
   
You pick up the scroll and unfurl it, revealing these words:

<-1>My first is in ogdoad, gospel and song,
My second's in doctrine, and problem and wrong;
My third is in alphabet, glamour and gaze,
my fourth is in pyramid, bible and raise,
my fifth is in liminal, and in vainglory;
If sacred expression confuses the story,
I won't say 'hail Mary', but 'hail glory'.


Declare what you seek, traveller, and pass on.<0>
Add    
   
Seek: grail Goto 675545  
     
   
The scroll bursts into flames, and in a moment its ashes are blown away on a sudden breeze.
A voice booms across the clearing, though you cannot see the speaker: 'Many have sought the grail, but few know what it is they seek.
You may pass.'


Paths still lead away North, South, East and West.
Add    
   
Seek: North Goto 675808  
     
   
goto zaxx1n
Add    
   
Seek: South Goto 675809  
     
   
goto zaxx1s
Add    
   
Seek: West Goto 675810  
     
   
goto zaxx1w
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 675811  
     
   
goto zaxx1e
Add    
   
Seek: (North|South|East|West) Goto 675797  
     
   
Goto 675577
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675798  
     
   
the world spins dizzyingly, and as your mind reels, you see a butterfly flap backwards across the clearing...
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677562  
     
   
Goto 677317
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677561  
     
   
Goto 677315
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676507  
     
   
goto zany adventure
Add    
   
Seek: ooail, goail, orail, ooaii, goaii, oraii, graii, ooain, goain, orain, grain, ooaia, goaia, oraia, graia Goto 676327  
     
   
The air around you crackles, and you hear the sound of far-away laughter echoing through your head.
A voice booms across the clearing 'The wages of poor spelling are Death', moments before you spontaneously combust in a pillar of pale blue flame.

You have died. Game over.
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677313  
     
   
Goto 677315
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677319  
     
   
Goto 677317
Add    
   
Seek: (North|South|East|West) Goto 675577  
     
   
(zaxx0nsew-a29674). (zaxx0nsew-b29674) ...
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677565  
     
   
Goto 677315
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677564  
     
   
Goto 677317
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675801  
     
   
goto zany adventure
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677315  
     
   
The answer is 'grail' (it's spelt out by the first 5 lines of the riddle, and 'holy grail' is an anagram of 'hail glory') ;)

*pauses for dramatic effect, and to xnomatch you back into the game*...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677316  
     
   
goto zany adventure
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677317  
     
   
You have to answer the riddle on the scroll before you can take any of the paths out of this clearing ;)
or you could ask me for a 'cheat'...

*pauses for dramatic effect, and to xnomatch you back into the game*...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677318  
     
   
goto zany adventure
Add    
zaxx0 1You are standing in the forest clearing where you started.<br>Paths lead away North, South, East and West. Add   
   
Seek: North Goto 675935  
     
   
goto zaxx1n
Add    
   
Seek: South Goto 675936  
     
   
goto zaxx1s
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 675937  
     
   
goto zaxx1e
Add    
   
Seek: West Goto 675940  
     
   
goto zaxx1w
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676508  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
zaxx1e 1You walk along the path to the East.<br>Five minutes later, you come to a great wooden gate barring your path, and the forest is impenetrable to either side. Add   
   
Seek: (verb) * gate Goto 675923  
     
   
You push against the gate, but it will not open. On closer inspection, you see a small keyhole in the centre of the gate.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675953  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * over * gate Goto 675924  
     
   
It is too high...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675951  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * under * gate Goto 675926  
     
   
There is not the tiniest gap under the gate, and the ground is too stony to dig, even if you had anything to dig with...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675952  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: go back, return, West Goto 675928  
     
   
You turn round and start dejectedly walking back up the path you came down...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 675929  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: wait Goto 675931  
     
   
You are still standing by the great wooden gate that bars the way ahead, and the forest is still impenetrable to either side.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * gate Goto 676842  
     
   
You push against the gate, but it will not open. On closer inspection, you see a small keyhole in the centre of the gate.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676843  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: go back, return, West Goto 676621  
     
   
Goto 675928
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676620  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: (key|gnomon) * keyhole, unlock, (verb) * with * (key|gnomon) Goto 676635  
     
   
You do not have a key...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676637  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: (key|gnomon) * keyhole, unlock, (verb) * with * (key|gnomon) Goto 676636  
     
   
You do not have a key...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676638  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
   
Seek: around (the|) gate Goto 676664  
     
   
The gate is impassable to either side, and the forest is too dense to enter...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676665  
     
   
Goto 675931
Add    
zaxx1n 1You walk along the path to the North.<br>Five minutes later, you come to a stream that flows across the path in front of you, completely blocking the way ahead. It looks rather deep, and it's flowing rather fast.<br> Are you going to try to wade across it, or are you going to turn back? Add   
   
Seek: back, South, return Goto 675933  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: wade, across, cross, north Goto 676357  
     
   
You wade out into the stream, but it's deeper than you thought - really quite a substantial river, and flowing fast.
In the middle of the river, with the water already up to your chest, you snag your foot on a rock, and lose your footing.
You are swept around a bend in the stream in the swirling water...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676358  
     
   
You seize at an overhanging branch, and manage to drag yourself onto the shore, panting and dripping. As you crawl onto the bank, you see a flashlight lying on the grass next to you.
A path leads straight ahead to the East, and the river is behind you to the West.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (flashlight|torch) Goto 676360  
     
   
You examine the flashlight. It has a label on it: 'Acme Day-lite Ultra-brite ™ - turns night into day®
200Mlux, balanced spectrum natural light output. Patent applied for.
<-1>Auto-on low-light sensor. Plutonium-powered for long, maintenance-free life. Contains no user-serviceable components - disassembly voids warranty. 24,110 year warranty as standard.<0>
'

You decide it might come in handy, and decide to take it with you.
Now, a hard choice - are you going East along the path, or West into the freezing and turbulent river?
Add    
   
Seek: East, ahead, continue, forward, path Goto 676541  
     
   
You start off down the path. It is dark, because the trees overhang the path so heavily that no sun can penetrate.
You are pleased to see that the flashlight has switched itself on, and casts a reassuring ultra-brite™ beam down the path ahead.
Will you continue down the gloomy path?
Add    
   
Seek: East, yes, forward, continue, ahead, (verb) on Goto 676542  
     
   
You take a few steps forward, and suddenly a black figure comes swooping down out of the trees like a giant bat! You catch the briefest glimpse of blazing red eyes and long, yellow fangs, before it crosses the beam of light cast by the flashlight, and with a lingering wail dissolves into a fine dust borne away on the breeze. 'Gosh, this flashlight is handy!' you think to yourself. You continue towards a light now visible at the end of the path...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676600  
     
   
goto zaxxx0t
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676718  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676717  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676715  
     
   
The flashlight's plutonium power pack chooses this exact moment to explore the phenomenological nature of critical mass.
Three and a half nanoseconds later, you are enveloped by an embryonic mushroom cloud that bursts from the flashlight at 1.5 million degrees centigrade and too many metres per second to be very concerned with any more.
Indeed, not much will concern you ever again.

You have died. Game over.
Add    
   
Seek: West, back, into the (water|stream|river) Goto 678348  
     
   
Goto 676450
Add    
   
Seek: West, back, into the (water|stream|river) Goto 676450  
     
   
As you approach the river bank, you slip on the mud and fall headfirst into the river. As you crack your head open on a large rock, your consciousness dims, and you are borne away by the flood to a watery grave.

You have died. Game over.
Add    
   
Seek: East, ahead, forward Goto 676524  
     
   
You walk along the path to the East.
The forest canopy closes overhead, and the path becomes darker and darker. You feel a little afraid. Are you going to go on, or will you turn tail and go back?
Add    
   
Seek: East, forward, continue, ahead, (verb) on Goto 676525  
     
   
A misty apparition appears before you, as your strength drains away.
You slump to the ground as you see a caped figure bending over you. A pale face with blood-red eyes and long, yellow fangs swims before your eyes, and you feel sharp pinpricks in your neck.
As your consciousness dims, you wonder...

You have died. Game over.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676676  
     
   
You are standing by the stream, which completely blocks the way ahead. It looks rather deep, and it's flowing rather fast.
Are you going to try to wade across it, or are you going to turn back?
Add    
   
Seek: back, south , return Goto 676677  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: wade, across, cross, north Goto 676678  
     
   
Goto 676357
Add    
   
Seek: East, West Goto 676681  
     
   
The forest is too dense to enter at either side of the path. You cannot go that way...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676683  
     
   
Goto 676676
Add    
   
Seek: East, West Goto 676682  
     
   
The forest is too dense to enter at either side of the path. You cannot go that way...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676684  
     
   
Goto 676676
Add    
zaxx1s 1You walk along the path to the South.<br>Five minutes later, you come to another clearing in the forest. There is a sundial in the middle of a neatly manicured lawn, with a brass plaque mounted on it.<br>A path leads back North where you came from. Add   
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676862  
     
   
Goto 676329
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676861  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676871  
     
   
Goto 676329
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677826  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677896  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676854  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 675932  
     
   
The sundial is unusual in only being calibrated for a single hour. It is currently reading 10 minutes to that hour. These words are engraved on the plaque:

When the hour is ended then virtue can flower,
and gnosis of gnomon unlock more than hours.


You wonder what this gnonsense means.
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676863  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676870  
     
   
Goto 676329
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677828  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677898  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676855  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676328  
     
   
(zaxx1s29674). Time passes.
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676864  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676872  
     
   
Goto 676332
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677831  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677900  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676877  
     
   
The sundial is unusual in only being calibrated for a single hour. It is currently reading 10 minutes to that hour. These words are engraved on the plaque:

When the hour is ended then virtue can flower,
and gnosis of gnomon unlock more than hours.


You wonder what this gnonsense means.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676878  
     
   
Goto 676333
Add    
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: what * gnomon (mean|)$ (re) Goto 677227  
     
   
A gnomon is the hand on a sundial that casts a shadow on the face.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677833  
     
   
goto 676332
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677834  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677902  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677832  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677901  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676856  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676329  
     
   
(zaxx1s29674). Time passes.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676894  
     
   
Goto 676877
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676865  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676873  
     
   
Goto 676333
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677836  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677904  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676857  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676332  
     
   
Time passes. (zaxx1s29674).
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676895  
     
   
Goto 676877
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676867  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676874  
     
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677838  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677906  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676858  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676333  
     
   
(zaxx1s29674). Time passes.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676896  
     
   
Goto 676877
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676859  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676868  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676875  
     
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677840  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677908  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676334  
     
   
A butterfly flaps idly by. Time passes.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676897  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East, forward Goto 676869  
     
   
You cannot go that way - the forest presses so densely around the clearing that it is impassable...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676876  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: North, back Goto 676860  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676335  
     
   
There is a soft click from the sundial. It is now marking the end of one hour.
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon, sundial, sun dial Goto 676337  
     
   
The moment you touch the gnomon in the centre of the sundial, it comes away in your hand. You see that the end that was mounted in the face of the sundial is fashioned into a key.
An ominous ticking begins to come from the sundial, and you realize with mounting horror that, although the gnomon is in your hand, its shadow has remained on the sundial, and is counting back down the hour marked on its face at breakneck speed!
Add    
   
Seek: North Goto 676338  
     
   
You are standing in the forest clearing where you started.
Paths lead away North, South, East and West.
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 676339  
     
   
You go East.
Soon you come to a great wooden gate barring your path, and the forest is impenetrable to either side.
Add    
   
Seek: (key|gnomon) * keyhole, unlock, (verb) * with * (key|gnomon) Goto 676356  
     
   
You put the gnomon key into the keyhole, and turn it. The lock gives a soft snick, and the gate swings open. You step forward, and the gate slams shut behind you.
Before you the path dips into a cavern opening in an otherwise impassable cliff face.
Add    
   
Seek: North, South, West, (verb) (to the|) (left|right|ahead|forward), (verb) * gate, (under|over|round|around) * gate Goto 676907  
     
   
Goto 676847
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676910  
     
   
Goto 676846
Add    
   
Seek: East, ahead, (verb) on Goto 676845  
     
   
You walk into the tunnel, and by the time you've taken 10 steps forwards it is utterly pitch dark - you cannot see your hand in front of your face.
Are you going to press on ahead down the tunnel, or will you turn back?
Add    
   
Seek: East, ahead, (verb) on Goto 676850  
     
   
You walk slowly forward, feeling your way with your feet, and unable to see where you are going.
You put your foot firmly down on a rocky floor that inexplicably isn't there any more, and tumble headfirst into an unseen chasm. You are still wondering where the gravity went when you hit the bottom half a minute later.

You have died. Game over.
Add    
   
Seek: back, retreat, west Goto 676846  
     
   
You are at the entrance to a cavern, which tunnels away to the East behind you. Before you is a large wooden gate.
Add    
   
Seek: east, into * (cave|cavern) Goto 676849  
     
   
Goto 676845
Add    
   
Seek: North, South, West, (verb) (to the|) (left|right|ahead|forward), (verb) * gate, (under|over|round|around) * gate Goto 676847  
     
   
The gate is impassable to either side, and the forest is too dense to enter, And the key is still in the lock on the other side of the gate. It's no use to you now...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676848  
     
   
Goto 676846
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676632  
     
   
Goto 675798
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677196  
     
   
Goto 675798
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon Goto 676690  
     
   
The gnomon is very thick and solid, and very firmly mounted in the centre of the sundial. You can't shift it...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676691  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677845  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677910  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677195  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677841  
     
   
Goto 677335
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677909  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon Goto 676689  
     
   
The gnomon is rather thick, and very solidly mounted in the centre of the sundial...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676692  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677846  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677911  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677194  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677839  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677907  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon Goto 676688  
     
   
The gnomon is very solid, and firmly mounted in the centre of the sundial...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676693  
     
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677847  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677912  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677193  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677837  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677905  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon Goto 676687  
     
   
The gnomon is very solid, and firmly mounted in the centre of the sundial...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676694  
     
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677848  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677913  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677192  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677835  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677903  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Goto 676333
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon Goto 676686  
     
   
The gnomon is rather thick, and very solidly mounted in the centre of the sundial...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676695  
     
   
Goto 676333
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677849  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677914  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677191  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677829  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677899  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon Goto 676685  
     
   
The gnomon is rather thick, and firmly mounted in the centre of the sundial...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676696  
     
   
Goto 676332
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677850  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677190  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677827  
     
   
Goto 677337
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677897  
     
   
Goto 677338
Add    
   
Seek: what * gnomon (mean|)$ (re) Goto 677919  
     
   
Goto 677227
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677337  
     
   
Patience is a virtue ;)

*pauses for dramatic effect, and to xnomatch you back into the game*...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677340  
     
   
Goto 676334
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677338  
     
   
Wait until the hour ends, the sundial will 'click', and then take the gnomon from the sundial.

*pauses for dramatic effect, and to xnomatch you back into the game*...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677341  
     
   
Goto 676334
Add    
zaxx1w 1You walk along the path to the West.<br>The forest canopy closes overhead, and the path becomes darker and darker. You feel a little afraid. Are you going to go on, or will you turn tail and go back? Add   
   
Seek: go on, forward, west, keep going, onward, onwards Goto 676364  
     
   
A misty apparition appears before you, as your strength drains away.
You slump to the ground as you see a caped figure bending over you. A pale face with blood-red eyes and long, yellow fangs swims before your eyes, and you feel sharp pinpricks in your neck.
As your consciousness dims, you wonder...

You have died. Game over.
Add    
   
Seek: back, turn tail, East, retreat Goto 676666  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676667  
     
   
You are still standing at the beginning of the Westward path. Will you go on, or will you retreat?
Add    
   
Seek: go on, forward, west, keep going, onward, onwards Goto 676668  
     
   
Goto 676364
Add    
   
Seek: back, turn tail, East, retreat Goto 676669  
     
   
goto zaxx0
Add    
   
Seek: north, south Goto 676671  
     
   
The forest is too dense to enter at either side of the path. You cannot go that way...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676672  
     
   
Goto 676667
Add    
   
Seek: north, south Goto 676670  
     
   
The forest is too dense to enter at either side of the path. You cannot go that way...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676673  
     
   
Goto 676667
Add    
zaxxx0t 1You are standing in the forest clearing where you started.<br>Paths lead away North, South, East and behind you to the West. Add   
   
Seek: South Goto 676623  
     
   
You walk along the path to the South.
Five minutes later, you come to another clearing in the forest. There is a sundial in the middle of a neatly manicured lawn, with a brass plaque mounted on it.
A path leads back North where you came from.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676624  
     
   
(zaxx1s29674). Time passes.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676839  
     
   
Goto 676643
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676625  
     
   
A butterfly flaps idly by. Time passes.
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676840  
     
   
Goto 676643
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676626  
     
   
There is a soft click from the sundial. It is now marking the end of one hour.
Add    
   
Seek: gnomon, sundial, sun dial Goto 676627  
     
   
The moment you touch the gnomon in the centre of the sundial, it comes away in your hand. You see that the end that was mounted in the face of the sundial is fashioned into a key.
An ominous ticking begins to come from the sundial, and you realize with mounting horror that, although the gnomon is in your hand, its shadow has remained on the sundial, and is counting back down the hour marked on its face at breakneck speed!
Add    
   
Seek: North Goto 676628  
     
   
You are standing in the forest clearing where you started.
Paths lead away North, South, East and West.
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 676629  
     
   
You go East. Soon you come to a great wooden gate barring your path, and the forest is impenetrable to either side.
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676837  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: (key|gnomon) * keyhole, unlock, (verb) * with * (key|gnomon) Goto 676630  
     
   
You put the gnomon key into the keyhole, and turn it. The lock gives a soft snick, and the gate swings open. You step forward, and the gate slams shut behind you.
Before you the path dips into a cavern opening in an otherwise impassable cliff face.
Add    
   
Seek: East, ahead, (verb) on Goto 676851  
     
   
As you walk into the cavern the flashlight switches on, and you can see a tunnel stretching away into the distance ahead.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676852  
     
   
goto zaxxxend
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676838  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: North, South, West Goto 676634  
     
   
Goto 675798
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676762  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: South, West, East Goto 676633  
     
   
Goto 675798
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676724  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676631  
     
   
Goto 675798
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676723  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677199  
     
   
Goto 675798
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677917  
     
   
Goto 677342
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676722  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677198  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677843  
     
   
Goto 677343
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677916  
     
   
Goto 677342
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676721  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: wait, patient, patience Goto 677197  
     
   
Goto 676335
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677842  
     
   
Goto 677343
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677915  
     
   
Goto 677342
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (plaque|sundial) Goto 676643  
     
   
The sundial is unusual in only being calibrated for a single hour. It is currently reading just a few minutes to that hour. Therse words are engraved on the plaque:

When the hour is ended then virtue can flower,
and gnosis of gnomon unlock more than hours.


You wonder what this gnonsense means.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 676841  
     
   
Goto 676624
Add    
   
Goto 676625
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677844  
     
   
Goto 677343
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677918  
     
   
Goto 677342
Add    
   
Seek: what * gnomon (mean|)$ (re) Goto 677920  
     
   
A gnomon is the hand on a sundial that casts a shadow on the face.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677921  
     
   
Goto 676624
Add    
   
Goto 676625
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676720  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: cheat Goto 677342  
     
   
Wait until the hour ends, the sundial will 'click', and then take the gnomon from the sundial.

*pauses for dramatic effect, and to xnomatch you back into the game*...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677344  
     
   
Goto 676625
Add    
   
Seek: what * gnomon (mean|)$ (re) Goto 677922  
     
   
Goto 677920
Add    
   
Seek: hint, hints Goto 677343  
     
   
Patience is a virtue ;)

*pauses for dramatic effect, and to xnomatch you back into the game*...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677345  
     
   
Goto 676625
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 676719  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: West Goto 678265  
     
   
You walk along the path to the west. You are pleased to see that the flashlight has switched itself on, and casts a reassuring ultra-brite™ beam down the path ahead.
You come to the river bank where you found the flashlight. Before you to the west is the river. Behind you, to the east, a path leads through the forest.
Add    
   
Seek: West Goto 678266  
     
   
Goto 676450
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 678267  
     
   
You walk along the path to the east. You are pleased to see that the flashlight has switched itself on, and casts a reassuring ultra-brite™ beam down the path ahead...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678269  
     
   
goto zaxxx0t
Add    
   
Seek: North, South Goto 678268  
     
   
You cannot go that way. The forest is too dense...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678279  
     
   
Goto 678274
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 678270  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678274  
     
   
You are still by the river bank where you found the flashlight. Before you to the west is the river. Behind you, to the east, a path leads through the forest...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678275  
     
   
Goto 678274
Add    
   
Seek: West Goto 678276  
     
   
Goto 676450
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 678277  
     
   
Goto 678267
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 678278  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: North, South Goto 678280  
     
   
Goto 678268
Add    
   
Seek: North Goto 678271  
     
   
You walk along the path to the North.
Five minutes later, you come to a stream that flows across the path in front of you, completely blocking the way ahead. It looks rather deep, and it's flowing rather fast.
Are you going to try to wade across it, or are you going to turn back?
Add    
   
Seek: wade, across, cross, north Goto 678272  
     
   
As you approach the bank of the stream, you slip on the mud and fall headfirst into the river. As you crack your head open on a large rock, your consciousness dims, and you are borne away by the flood to a watery grave.
Add    
   
Seek: back, South, return Goto 678273  
     
   
goto zaxxx0t
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 678281  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678282  
     
   
You are still standing in front of the stream that flows across the path in front of you, completely blocking the way ahead to the North. It looks rather deep, and it's flowing rather fast.
Are you going to try to wade across it, or are you going to turn back south?
Add    
   
Seek: wade, across, cross, north Goto 678285  
     
   
Goto 678272
Add    
   
Seek: back, South, return Goto 678286  
     
   
goto zaxxx0t
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 678287  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: East, West Goto 678288  
     
   
Goto 678283
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678289  
     
   
Goto 678282
Add    
   
Seek: East, West Goto 678283  
     
   
You cannot go that way. The forest is impenetrable to either side of the path...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678284  
     
   
Goto 678282
Add    
   
Seek: East Goto 678290  
     
   
You walk along the path to the East.
Five minutes later, you come to a great wooden gate barring your path, and the forest is impenetrable to either side.
Add    
   
Seek: West, back Goto 678291  
     
   
goto zaxxx0t
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * gate, east Goto 678292  
     
   
You push against the gate, but it will not open. On closer inspection, you see a small keyhole in the centre of the gate...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678293  
     
   
You are still standing by the great wooden gate that bars the way ahead, and the forest is still impenetrable to either side.
Add    
   
Seek: West, back Goto 678298  
     
   
goto zaxxx0t
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * gate, east Goto 678299  
     
   
You push against the gate, but it will not open. On closer inspection, you see a small keyhole in the centre of the gate...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678300  
     
   
Goto 678293
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * under * gate Goto 678303  
     
   
Goto 678294
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * over * gate Goto 678304  
     
   
Goto 678295
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 678306  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * under * gate Goto 678294  
     
   
There is not the tiniest gap under the gate, and the ground is too stony to dig, even if you had anything to dig with...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678301  
     
   
Goto 678293
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * over * gate Goto 678295  
     
   
It is too high...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678302  
     
   
Goto 678293
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw|break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 678296  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: North, South Goto 678297  
     
   
The forest is impenetrable. You cannot go that way...
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 678308  
     
   
Goto 678293
Add    
zaxxxend 1With a low rumble, chunks of rock begin to fall from the roof of the dilapidated tunnel. You run forward, as the tunnel fills with rubble behind you, completely blocking the passage.<br>You have come to the end of the tunnel. In the light from your flashlight, you can see that there is an open-sided elevator platform in front of you. On the wall by the elevator platform is an information board with writing on it. Add   
   
Seek: (verb) * (information|board|sign|writing), read * (noun) Goto 677261  
     
   
The information board says:
<-1>Welcome to the Acme Happy Valley Uranium Mine
Radiation Warning!
No access beyond this point without protective clothing.
Explosion Hazard! No enriched or processed transuranic material is to be taken beyond this point under any circumstances!
Have a nice day.<0>
Add    
   
Seek: (break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 677291  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: west, north, south, back Goto 677293  
     
   
Goto 677292
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (rubble|rockfall|rock fall|rocks) Goto 677297  
     
   
Goto 677294
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677301  
     
   
Goto 677299
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw) * (torch|flashlight) Goto 677309  
     
   
Goto 677307
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677635  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677646  
     
   
Goto 677640
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677653  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    
   
Seek: (break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 677290  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: west, north, south, back Goto 677292  
     
   
You cannot go that way. The rockfall has completely blocked the tunnel behind you.
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677302  
     
   
Goto 677299
Add    
   
Seek: (break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 677304  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw) * (torch|flashlight) Goto 677310  
     
   
Goto 677307
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677636  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677649  
     
   
Goto 677640
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677654  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * (rubble|rockfall|rock fall|rocks) Goto 677294  
     
   
The rubble is utterly insurmountable, immovable and 100% preventing you from going back. Plus you have nothing to dig with anyway. Just face it - you can't go back that way!
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677299  
     
   
You are still at the end of the tunnel. In the light from your flashlight, you can see the open-sided elevator platform in front of you. On the wall is an information board with writing on it.
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw) * (torch|flashlight) Goto 677312  
     
   
Goto 677307
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677638  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677651  
     
   
Goto 677640
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677657  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677663  
     
   
Goto 677299
Add    
   
Seek: xnomatch Goto 677303  
     
   
Goto 677299
Add    
   
Seek: (break|smash|hit|disassemble|dismantle|open) * (torch|flashlight), (torch|flashlight) (apart|open) Goto 677305  
     
   
Goto 676715
Add    
   
Seek: (drop|throw) * (torch|flashlight) Goto 677311  
     
   
Goto 677307
Add    
   
Seek: (verb) * flashlight on * (elevator|platform) Goto 677637  
     
   
Goto 677634
Add    </