Start of a transcript of Sparrow's Song A Smoochie Comp Entry by J.D. Berry (berryx@earthlink.net) This game is freeware (Type 'about' at any > prompt). (An 'overview' is recommended for your first go.) Release 1 / Serial number 010122 / Inform v6.21 Library 6/10 Standard interpreter 1.0 (6F) / Library serial number 991113 >restore Ok. >l Bedroom Your bedroom is quite modest for someone of nobility; still it's likely the largest in Hinter Keep. The main furnishings here--a bed, a desk, an armoire and a fireplace--are all of deceptive quality. Plain on first glance, they gradually reveal their exquisite workmanship. An opened bay window offers a view of most of the keep and, for the moment at least, a warm, spring breeze. [Nearby locations: Hall] >x fireplace The fireplace has a marble exterior and a stone interior, but they blend well together. It has been warming up considerably as of late, so there hasn't been a fire in the fireplace for a week now. It looks like that wise guy Arctos put your walking stick in there. His hints can be as subtle as a ronqon club to the head. >x stick This gnarled staff looks like nothing special. But it has stood up to such abuse over the years that you consider it unbreakable. And it's not a psychological crutch either... >get stick You quickly snatch your walking stick from the fireplace. >arctos? You dismiss that subject as currently irrelevant. >topics Caveat Orator: The part of your brain that comes up with these takes no responsibility for their use. Also, because you're in love, it sometimes repeats itself. Giddiness will do that. council? >council? You dismiss that subject as currently irrelevant. >enter fireplace That's not something you can enter. >hall Hall The manor's hall resembles the one in your father's palace in nearly every way but size. Trappings similar to his are displayed here--family portraits, ceremonial suits of armor, and curios from various lands. A theory exists that the first room a visitor sees upon entering a home sets the tone for all further interactions. For any ruler, maintaining the proper tone is critical. In civilized and lawful realms such as your own, authority must be established without projecting domination. Prosperity must be conveyed without falling into the decadent state of lavishness. Fortunately for you, your chamberlain, Arctos, mastered this art serving on your father's staff and now serves you here. Theory and art aside, the joyous song in your heart has not quickly departed such as mere dreams do. You can feel her soft presence, the woman the sparrow introduced has spiritually pledged herself to you. [Nearby locations: Bedroom, Dining Room, Treasury, Keep] >x portraits Fortunately for the guest who is the type to browse paintings and then feel obligated to comment on them, the Moorwick are beautiful people to behold. Thus that guest is not placed in an uncomfortable diplomatic position. Closer friends have joked that you, a handsome man by normal standards, are the ugly one in your family and so they sent you here. >squeeze portraits You achieve nothing by this. >x armor Really, most of these suits aren't even ceremonial; that would imply one could at least WEAR them. They are static display material only. >squeeze it You can't see "it" (the fireplace) at the moment. >squeeze armor You achieve nothing by this. >x curios Diplomatic gift is an oxymoron. But some of the nicer ones are on display here. >search them You find nothing of interest. >dining room Dining Room Of your many habits, one of the good ones is conversing with Arctos before you leave the manor. You have many responsibilities in a typical day and many preoccupations, so it's not surprising that a detail or two will sometimes slip even your sharp mind. And Arctos has an uncanny knack for filling in the memory blanks. (In the ethereally ecstatic state you're in today, Arctos will need to tell you about the current earthquake and douse the fire consuming your tunic...) This focus of this room is the nearly endless cherrywood table, every other item is virtually unnoticeable. [Nearby locations: Hall] Arctos is here, as busy as ever. Arctos speaks to you while continuing the daunting task of setting the table. "So, Kellen... I guess you've decided not to sign the Ronqon peace treaty? An acceptance was due to them today." Arctos walks quickly to the kitchen, then quickly returns. >ronqon? "Where's you head today, Kellen? The Ronqons? You know, the giants that live in those mountains over there? The giants who have strangled overland trade for the past, oh, 500 years? Yeah, those. If you agreed to their terms of peace, you were supposed to have that treaty to them today. I guess it's water under the bridge now, Baron von Pocket Veto." Ah, there's nothing like a sarcastic lecture from Arctos. Arctos walks quickly to the kitchen, then quickly returns. >giants? "I don't know if I'd trust them, but, on the other hand, maybe any form of peace would be preferrable to the current situation." The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >peace? "Unless you can fly there magically, I don't see what you can do about it now," he muses. Arctos gives you his typical "everything's under control" look, then gets back to work. >baron? "I don't know WHO you are today, my good man" Arctos says with a mock puzzled look and his eyes rolled." The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >sparrow? "Well," Arctos recalls, "I see the sparrows out and about most mornings. Charming little birds, I must say." >g "I don't know what more I can tell you about them," he says. >chamberlain? "I'm the same as always, my good man," Arctos says. >love? You know you're not ready to share your recent experience with anyone, not even an old friend and advisor. Perhaps Arctos has a reflection or two, however. Arctos wonders aloud about which cheeses should be served. >council? "Remember," Arctos says formally, "you need to interview the two council nominees today. I believe one is replacing Zendar as the magic representative and the other is the candidate for the new, religion seat." "Grax excrement!" you think to yourself. You forgot all about Cordelia. Deliberately forgot, of course, even though as an exprienced ruler you know how often that ever solves anything. A former girlfriend who still wants to be your current girlfriend on the council--that CAN'T be good, especially when that girlfriend is a wizard! The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >grax? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >zendar? "I know you wanted him off the council, although not the way it happened of course. But now, my good man," he starts to grin, "you're getting your wish. Aren't you lucky?!" >lucky? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >council? "Right now, all I care about the council is getting this table set for them. It's a long task, although you wouldn't know, my good man," he winks. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >cordelia? "Since YOU don't want her, maybe she'd consider me?" Arctos half-teases. >wizard? "Seriously, though, Kellen, she's a smart woman and not a BAD person. She'll be an asset to the council." The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >g "Perhaps you're still hung up on her? That would explain your strange mood today." Arctos walks quickly to the kitchen, then quickly returns. >g "Let's talk no more about HER, okay. It's not good for someone with your responsibilities not having his mind on his duties. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >g "Let's talk no more about HER, okay. It's not good for someone with your responsibilities not having his mind on his duties. >religion? You dismiss that subject as currently irrelevant. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >topics You think of work? >work? "It's not really work when you enjoy what you're doing. You know that, Kellen." Arctos says. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >topics You think of sparrow? future? >future? "What's gotten into you today, my good man? The Keep Council meets here tomorrow!" he states with surprise. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >table? "Everything needs to be in place for tomorrow, Kellen," Arctos says. >g "I THINK we have all the items we'll need," he says. >g "Could you save your other 'very important' dining questions for another time?" he growls. >g "Could you save your other 'very important' dining questions for another time?" he growls. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >l Dining Room This focus of this room is the nearly endless cherrywood table, every other item is virtually unnoticeable. [Nearby locations: Hall] Arctos is here, as busy as ever. >bedroom? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >stick? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >topics You think of sparrow? >g You think of sex? future? >g You think of arctos? >g You think of love? >g You think of cordelia? >sex? That subject always embarrasses the old man and he blushes! Arctos gives you his typical "everything's under control" look, then gets back to work. >arctos? "I'm the same as always, my good man," Arctos says, slightly annoyed. >love? "Ah, my good man, that is DEFINITELY an area about which I know nothing!" he says trying to speak matter-of-factly but that a remorseful undertone betrays. The chamberlain methodically puts down a new place setting. >g "Surely there are more important matters to discuss?" he snaps trying to change the subject. >g "Surely there are more important matters to discuss?" he snaps trying to change the subject. Arctos walks quickly to the kitchen, then quickly returns. >kitchen? "Could you save your other 'very important' dining questions for another time?" he growls. Arctos walks quickly to the kitchen, then quickly returns. >l Dining Room This focus of this room is the nearly endless cherrywood table, every other item is virtually unnoticeable. [Nearby locations: Hall] Arctos is here, as busy as ever. >x table Fifty and more guests have gathered together at this table for formal occasions. Usually, though, it's just Arctos and you taking meals here. And, fortunately, that slightly foolish feeling of two people eating on a table long enough to be a galleon keel has long since passed. Arctos wonders aloud about which cheeses should be served. >cheese? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >keep Hall The manor's hall resembles the one in your father's palace in nearly every way but size. Trappings similar to his are displayed here--family portraits, ceremonial suits of armor, and curios from various lands. [Nearby locations: Bedroom, Dining Room, Treasury, Keep] As you leave the manor, you try in earnest to remove the grin from your face. First of all, you know how annoying it is when someone else has one. Second, a ruler needs to have at least some semblance of seriousness. But you fail. Hinter Street There are many about their business here, but to you right now they are the painted backdrop of a stage. [Nearby locations: Manor, Tower, Shrine] >treasury Hall The manor's hall resembles the one in your father's palace in nearly every way but size. Trappings similar to his are displayed here--family portraits, ceremonial suits of armor, and curios from various lands. [Nearby locations: Bedroom, Dining Room, Treasury, Keep] You drift down the stairs thinking of HER. Not realizing you've reached the bottom, you... You awake staring at a large eye. You blink. The eye, taking up half of a floating "head" with many little eyestalks on top, doesn't. "Xyzzy," it growls through a wicked mouth near its 'bottom'. "The password is 'xyzzy.' The next time I may gaze death and not sleep." This exotic being you call Pyzynk (which is as close as you can come to its pronunciation) has served your family for generations. Pyzynk looms as ominously as ever, always with a disturbingly malevolent and highly intelligent manner. It serves under contract, however. It has never harmed a Moorwick. Whatever its ultimate intentions are, it seems to like you as much as its kind is capable of liking another being. You think? "Great," Pyzynk growls as it probes your head with a ray from another one of its little eyestalks, "the master of the manor is in love." Treasury If a thief somehow managed to defeat Pyzynk, he would not be disappointed with the rewards of his efforts. Valuables of all types are here, each neatly organized and stored. [Nearby locations: Hall] You can't help but notice Pyzynk here. The great beholder hovers menacingly. >poke beholder (with the stick) "A few words of advice," Pyzynk growls. "The human expression 'it beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick' takes on a whole new meaning to a beholder. If you attempt your planned action, this sharp eye will beat the stick out of you and poke you a new one." The great beholder hovers menacingly. >g If you want Pyzynk to kill you, the polite thing to do is to ask first. >love? You start to dismiss the topic, but your current mood decides "why not?" Pyzynk surprises you with more than just a curt growl. "Most creatures share this concept and feel its emotion deeply. Most members of most races think love is unique to their own kind. It is not. Its manifestation and frequency may be different, but its core is the same." > I beg your pardon? >sparrow? You relate your encounter with the sparrow to Pyzynk. It shakes for a moment, indicating a deep think. "Well, based on the evidence and your personal nature, I'd say, most likely, you encountered a wizard's familiar--creatures who act as another set of eyes and ears for their masters. Small birds often serve that role and are capable of communicating in preternatural ways. It is said the bond between familiar and master is very strong." >wizard? "When you and she were together, you had a hint of the powerful love you have now come to possess," it growls. If this were anyone else speaking, you'd assume poetic hyperbole. Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. You have known Pyzynk long enough to know this means it has, for now, said all it will say on a subject. >council? "You have been fortunate up to this point. The members for the most part have put the common good first. Remember that a cooperative but uninspired council is more effective than a brilliant but divisive one." Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. In cat-like fashion and reasoning, Pyzynk 'sprints' to the far side of the treasury. After a bit, it sprints to a space near you. >arctos? You dismiss that subject as currently irrelevant. In cat-like fashion and reasoning, Pyzynk 'sprints' to the far side of the treasury. After a bit, it sprints to a space near you. >pyzynk? I have not told you anything about myself since you first knew me. I do not plan to now. Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. In cat-like fashion and reasoning, Pyzynk 'sprints' to the far side of the treasury. After a bit, it sprints to a space near you. >[No quotation marks around his statement.] That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >giants? "The Ronqons are a curious race to observe. They have qualities and features of many 'intelligent' creatures and yet are unique unto themselves." Pyzynk growls information in, as it calls them, human-sized bites. >g "The world can be thankful that Ronqons have two confining features. First, they are, for whatever reasons nature chose, able to live only in mountainous regions." Several of Pyzynk's eyestalks stand and fall. The great beholder hovers menacingly. >g Pyzynk continues, "Second, Ronqons and magic are mostly incompatible. While this does add to their defenses, it further hinders expansion--culturally as well as geographically--for their people." Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. The great beholder hovers menacingly. >g Pyzynk growls. >religion? You dismiss that subject as currently irrelevant. >topics? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >topics You think of keep? arctos? >keep? "The new cleric in town, the one up for a council seat, was once a ranger lord of great influence in the East," growls Pyzynk. Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. >cleric? "He seeks the greater good for all. His philosophies are somewhat different from your own, however. Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. >[No closing quote mark.] That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >east? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >topic You think of future? dogs? >future? "When my contract terms have been cancelled, whether that be tomorrow or centuries from now, I must depart," it growls. Pyzynk rotates horizontally, its main eye circumnagivating until it once again stares at you. The great beholder hovers menacingly. >contract? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >dogs? You dismiss that subject as currently irrelevant. The great beholder hovers menacingly. >sex? Since you're male, that subject is always relevant. But right now it's not as relevant as it should be. Pyzynk asks you a question but doesn't recieve an answer. If you hadn't been daydreaming, you would have seen one of the rarest of all sights--a beholder rolling its eye. >[Heh.] That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >treasure? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >gold? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >money? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >keep Hall The manor's hall resembles the one in your father's palace in nearly every way but size. Trappings similar to his are displayed here--family portraits, ceremonial suits of armor, and curios from various lands. [Nearby locations: Bedroom, Dining Room, Treasury, Keep] Hinter Street There are many about their business here, but to you right now they are the painted backdrop of a stage. [Nearby locations: Manor, Tower, Shrine] >tower You hesitate for more moments than you realize. Your relationship with Cordelia was simultaneously tender and tenacious. When a house changes, the wallpaper inside does not go quietly. Some of the paper clings desperately, resisting all attempts to be removed. The house has a sentimental feeling for what was a warm part of itself, but it knows it has changed. The paper is no longer complementary. Cordelia's Tower A wizard living in a tower is a cliché, but certain things are expected of people in certain professions. This tacitly understood "agreement," while occasionally an annoyance, usually benefits all parties. The first level, the only place where visitors are allowed, seems not to be made of the same stone the rest of the tower is. Whether this is a trick of magic or artistry, Cordelia isn't the type to reveal the answer. [Nearby locations: Keep] It is not a bad dream; you can see Cordelia here. Well, your first hope--maybe she wasn't in--just vanished. So, your mind entertains another remote chance. But, no, you realize, her appearance is not an illusion. >x cordelia She's beautiful. Long black hair flows around her smooth, pale face. Icy blue eyes accent everything else about her. Her waifish body teases with a half- innocence. Enough. You can't think about that anymore. She's still a good soul, but she's not good for you. >council? "I'm really looking forward to being a member," she says. "I appreciate you inviting me personally, even if it IS only your duty. It will be good to have an excuse to see each other and even better to be in a formal setting when we do." "Oh! Would you wipe that silly grin off your face, already!" she screams. >love? You're not so dense as to bring up THAT topic. Cordelia hints at getting back together, but you deflect it tactfully. >grin? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >sparrow? "I think they're cute," she says warmly but then quickly realizes she's not supposed to feel that way in your presence. Cordelia moves her feet, putting the one that was in front now behind the other. >beholder? That's a manor secret. Well, surely it's at least a rumor by now, but you're not going to confirm it. Cordelia asks you a council related question, and you respond. >familiar? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >wizard? "Oh, I'm well enough," she says with contrary meaning. She takes off on a 'not- that-YOU-care' rant, and there's nothing you can do but sit there. Cordelia asks you a question and catches you daydreaming. >g You're not so dense as to bring up THAT topic again. "Oh! Would you wipe that silly grin off your face, already!" she screams. >giants? "Ever the master of small talk, I see." She rolls her eyes, but continues talking. "Well, I do know they are not magically inclined. There are no known magic items that they have produced." Then she takes the opportunity to mock you by whispering common knowledge like you didn't know. "Oh, and they're giants. >g "What am I, your Ronqon encyclopedia?" she says bitterly. Cordelia asks you a question and catches you daydreaming. >g You're not so dense as to bring up THAT topic again. Cordelia moves her feet, putting the one that was in front now behind the other. >peace? You discuss the treaty with her, and your predicament. "Well," she concludes, "I definitely think the treaty would be beneficial to all of us. As a council member, I would consider it my duty to help get the treaty document there." You admire her ability to put aside her personal problems with you, but you wouldn't be able to tell her that without sounding patronizing. "I could deliver it myself. Or, although it's risky and unpredictable, I could teleport you there," she says, offering a noble and conscientious ruler really only one choice. "If you decide to go, make sure you have everything you need beforehand. When you're ready, let me know--fly? teleport? or decline?" >document? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >keep Hinter Street There are many about their business here, but to you right now they are the painted backdrop of a stage. [Nearby locations: Manor, Tower, Shrine] >shrine Shrine The former owners of this large and open building were animal trainers. Knowing that Tilson was once a ranger, a warrior and protector of nature, you're not as puzzled as to why a religious group would choose this place as a shrine. Conversing with you now is Tilson. >council? "I look forward to serving on the council and getting to know its members," Tilson says. "Don't tell me too much all at once, though. Let me ask you questions as I go. I'm getting slow in my old age." (He's anything but slow.) >wizard? "I've heard she's my neighbor here, but I have yet to meet her," he says. Tilson invites you to initiate a topic. >giants? His face reveals a subtle shade of concern. "I have dealt with Ronqons, and I assure you they are a formidable adversary. While nobody has underestimated their strength and stature, many have done so regarding their intelligence, much to their demise. Tilson invites you to initiate a topic. >g "Fortunately, they are easily avoided--stay away from the mountains," he says in all seriousness. Something in his manner suggests a great calm. >g "If you ARE intent on dealing with them," he cautions. "I offer one last piece of advice. Do not try to deceive them. They seem to have an innate sense of detecting this. >g "I know you'd like more information, but I've told you all I know," he says calmly but apologetically. A brief silence strangely comforts you. >religion? "Well, " he says sincerely and humbly, "we strive for the greatest good for the greatest amount of living creatures. If laws will assist us in our goal, we endeavor to implement those laws. If they do not, we seek to remove them." One of your leadership qualities has been the ability to blend people's philosophical differences constructively and not to see them as threats. Tilson will be a nice balance to some of the 'law for law's sake' council members. And the overall effect should fit you nicely. Tilson queries you about the council. You respond. >council? You decide to respect his request and let the subject drop until he brings it up. >love? That topic feels too awkward to introduce. A brief silence strangely comforts you. >sparrow? "The sparrows migrate from the mountains. Their flying patterns never fail to fascinate me," he says. >familiar? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >mountains? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >squeeze tilson Sure, you're happy for him. He's going to be accepted to the council. But a simple "congratulations" would suffice. A brief silence strangely comforts you. >congratulations That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >congratulations? That's neither a verb nor a topic I recognize. >l Shrine Sparrow's Song A Smoochie Comp Entry by J.D. Berry (berryx@earthlink.net) This game is freeware (Type 'about' at any > prompt). (An 'overview' is recommended for your first go.) Release 1 / Serial number 010122 / Inform v6.21 Library 6/10 Bedroom (on the bed) Your bedroom is quite modest for someone of nobility; still it's likely the largest in Hinter Keep. The main furnishings here--a bed, a desk, an armoire and a fireplace--are all of deceptive quality. Plain on first glance, they gradually reveal their exquisite workmanship. An opened bay window offers a view of most of the keep and, for the moment at least, a warm, spring breeze. [Nearby locations: Hall] >restore Ok. >script Attempt to begin transcript failed. >