Start of a transcript of A DAY FOR SOFT FOOD Copyright (c) 1999 by Tod Levi (Please type INFO for more information.) Release 1 / Serial number 990930 / Inform v6.15 Library 6/7 Standard interpreter 1.0 (6F) / Library serial number 970918 >[I already started. Whoops.] That's not a verb I recognise. >i You carry a yellow feather between your teeth. You are also quite hungry, and covered in pale ash. The Provider snores beside you. >l Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. You can see a flannel shirt here. The Provider snores beside you. >tickle provider with feather You tickle the Provider with the feather. The Provider sighs heavily and rolls over. Facing east, his face is bathed in streaming light. He notices you nearby, a feather hanging suspiciously from your mouth. The Provider grumbles as he rises from the blankets and seizes you by the scruff of the neck. Moments later, you find yourself tumbling head over heels into a bank of snow. You hear the latch click inside the cottage, knowing you've been sentenced to a day in the cold--hardly bearable without even the hope of soft food. *** You have wasted the day. *** In that game you scored 12 out of a possible 100, in 33 turns, earning you the rank of mouser. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > undo Blankets [Previous turn undone.] >hint Well, you caught the feather, but you still need food. (10 hints left.) It's time to wake the Provider. (9 hints left.) Have you mewed, or scratched him? (8 hints left.) Okay, you need to be more subtle. (7 hints left.) Tickle him. (6 hints left.) With the feather. (5 hints left.) He's facing AWAY from the window now. Hmmm. (4 hints left.) Pull the cord. (3 hints left.) Tickle him again. (2 hints left.) Only make sure you're under the covers this time. (1 hint left.) Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. You can see a flannel shirt here. >enter covers Under the Covers It's warm and snug beaneath the blankets, though you find the Provider's prodigious hind paws to be grotesquely hairless, smelly, and just a bit ticklish when brushed by your whiskers. The Provider snores beside you. >tickle provider You tickle the Provider. The Provider stirs and sighs heavily. >tickle provider with feather You tickle the Provider with the feather. The Provider sighs heavily and rolls over. Facing east, he grumbles and moans. The world around you heaves as he hauls his hind paws out from under the blanket. [Your score has just gone up by eight points.] >drop feather Dropped. You're starving! >n You nudge your way toward fresher air.... Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. You can see a flannel shirt here. The Provider sits on the bed, yawning and scratching his head. >purr You're not especially happy. Stretching stiff limbs, the Provider staggers north. >n Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, as bare and empty as your stomach. The Provider is preparing food. >meow Staring mournfully into your food bowl, you mew. The Provider glances at your empty bowl, grumbles, and fills it from a sack of hard food, which he returns to the cupboard. >eat food (the morsel of hard food) It's filling, but so is sawdust. If you could only get your paws on some soft food! [Your score has just gone up by four points.] >s Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. You can see a flannel shirt here. >s You can't go that way. >enter covers Under the Covers It's warm and snug beaneath the blankets. You can see a yellow feather here. >get feather You gingerly pick up the yellow feather with your teeth. >n You nudge your way toward fresher air.... Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. You can see a flannel shirt here. >n Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. >drop feather Dropped. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. The sun rises ever higher in the eastern sky. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. A rotting log lies half-exposed in the snow. >push log You roll the log over. It's humming with insects. >g You roll the log over. It's humming with insects. >w Canopy Trail A north-south trail runs beneath a canopy of chestnut trees. You've seen giant glinting beasts stampede here, especially in the mornings and evenings. A lesser track leads east. You hear a distant rumbling approaching from the north. >e Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival leaps down from an ancient elm! >x rival Your Rival has a thick coat, huge frame, slavering fangs, and claws like eagle's talons. In short, you're no match for your Rival in size or ferocity. The Provider arrives from the Aspens. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >meow The Provider glares at you. You're not sure if this is because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. Your Rival charges, grazing you with his claws! >attack rival With one huge paw, he bats you aside like a fly. The Provider siezes you in his giant paws, and hurls you toward the Aspens... Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >climb tree You attempt the climb, but oddly, your claws fail to catch. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. Your Rival arrives from the Aspens. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. Your Rival arrives from the Clearing. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. The Provider heads toward the Aspens. Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. >sw Your Rival arrives from the Snowy Maw, interrupting your explorations. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. The Provider heads toward the Clearing. Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. >follow provider That's not a verb I recognise. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >x wood There's an assortment of limbs and spintery wedges of aspen, oak, and elm. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >x fence You can see through gaps in this slatted fence, even insert a paw or two, but your acute sense of spacial intuition tells you there's no way over or through it. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >x balloon A string dangles from an obviously buoyant balloon. >get balloon The red balloon is up in the tree. >bat string That's not a verb I recognise. >hit string The red balloon is up in the tree. >climb tree You attempt the climb, but oddly, your claws fail to catch. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and covered in pale ash. >shake That's not a verb I recognise. >groom What do you want to groom? >me You groom yourself until your dark fur has a nice sheen, and your whiskers are grease-free and properly alligned. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider is resting on the stump. >z Time passes. The Provider heads toward the Food Room. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. The Provider grumbles at you. You're not sure if this is because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >e You leap up onto the lumpy mountain... Lumpy Mountain There is just enough room in this cozy corner for the lumpy mountain and the confusing black box that faces it. The lumpy mountain is home to some of your finest claw and scratch marks, though your Provider has never shared much enthusiasm for the art. The scent of your food bowl wafts in from the west. >scratch (yourself) >scratch box Violence isn't the answer to this one. >x box Two silvery antenae extend from this peculiar animal. It never moves, yet it jabbers constantly while its face flutters with images that tug on your fur. >x mountain Ah, you could loll here all day. The Provider arrives from the Food Room. >z Time passes. The Provider lies here, gazing into the confusing box. >purr You're not especially happy. The Provider lies here, gazing into the confusing box. >sit on provider Looking rather annoyed, the Provider pushes you away. >w Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >eat food It's filling, but so is sawdust. If you could only get your paws on some soft food! >jump on ledge You leap up onto the ledge. The Provider arrives from the Lumpy Mountain. >x cupboard You might be able to open the cupboard above you. The Provider sees you on the food ledge, and knocks you to the floor. >z Time passes. The Provider grunts at you. You're not sure if this is because he caught you on the food ledge, because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >z Time passes. The Provider's silent stare unnerves you. >z Time passes. The Provider is fumbling with the front door. >z Time passes. The Provider heads toward the Clearing. >jump on ledge You leap up onto the ledge. >open cabinet You pry open the cupboard with your paw. >look in cabinet You might be able to enter the cupboard above you. >enter cabinet You leap up into the cupboard... Food Room (in the cupboard) Within the close, heavy shadows, it's difficult to separate the commingled scents. Most of the arranged boxes appear to contain a Provider version of hard food. Indeed, your very own monstrous sack of hard food stands nearby. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >x sack The monstrous sack contains a seemlingly limitless supply of hard food. >open it The sack is too tightly bound. >x hard food (the morsel of hard food) The hard food looks and smells like a piece of clay soaked in chicken grease. >smell You smell nothing unexpected. >search food (the morsel of hard food) You find nothing of interest. >search cupboard The cupboard is empty. >l Food Room (in the cupboard) Within the close, heavy shadows, it's difficult to separate the commingled scents. Most of the arranged boxes appear to contain a Provider version of hard food. Indeed, your very own monstrous sack of hard food stands nearby. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >x boxes That's not something you need to refer to in the course of this game. >scratch sack You scratch futilely at the monstrous sack. >e You'll have to get out of the cupboard first. >w You'll have to get out of the cupboard first. >help Is he feeling well? (4 hints left.) Perhaps you should rub him. (3 hints left.) Or lick him. (2 hints left.) Maybe he's a surly sort. (1 hint left.) The chickens look tastier than the geese. (4 hints left.) But perhaps you should take a gander. (3 hints left.) Have you gnawed on, or nosed your way under, the chicken wire? (2 hints left.) Perhaps this particular hint is metaphorical. (1 hint left.) Or just a useless pack of lies. [That's All Folks!] Food Room (in the cupboard) Within the close, heavy shadows, it's difficult to separate the commingled scents. Most of the arranged boxes appear to contain a Provider version of hard food. Indeed, your very own monstrous sack of hard food stands nearby. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >climb on sack That's not something you can enter. >scratch sack You scratch futilely at the monstrous sack. >push it The sack plummets to the floor, exploding loudly on impact. You marvel at the tremendous mountain of hard food below, as does your Provider, who arrives shortly. Waving away the clouds of dust, he seizes you by the scruff of the neck. Moments later, you land in a bank of snow, hear the latch click, and know you'll be spending a day in the cold, without food of any kind. *** You have wasted the day. *** In that game you scored 24 out of a possible 100, in 112 turns, earning you the rank of domestic. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > undo Food Room [Previous turn undone.] >d You leap down from the cupboard to the ledge. >d You leap from the ledge to the floor. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >n A slatted fence bars your way. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >e You can't, since the huge door is in the way. >x door The huge door seems relatively featureless. >w Canopy Trail A north-south trail runs beneath a canopy of chestnut trees. You've seen giant glinting beasts stampede here, especially in the mornings and evenings. A lesser track leads east. >n You wander north a ways before turning back. You hear a distant rumbling approaching from the south. >s You wander south a ways before turning back. To the south, a glinting beast comes into view. >e Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >x log The rotting log is roughly the size of the Provider's leg. Buzzing insects are swarming around it! >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >z Time passes. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Your Rival arrives from the Aspens. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. Your Rival enters through the flap! >meow You mew loudly, plaintively. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >g You mew loudly, plaintively. The Provider arrives from the Lumpy Mountain. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >z Time passes. The Provider kicks at your Rival, who reluctantly retreats through the flap. >rub provider The Provider glares at you. You're not sure if this is because you tickled him, because you failed to defend your food bowl, because he caught you on the food ledge, because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >undo Food Room [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Food Room [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Food Room [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Food Room [Previous turn undone.] >l Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >attack rival With one huge paw, he bats you aside like a fly. The Provider arrives from the Lumpy Mountain. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >meow The Provider kicks at your Rival, who reluctantly retreats through the flap. >rub provider The Provider growls at you. You're not sure if this is because you tickled him, because you failed to defend your food bowl, because he caught you on the food ledge, because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. The Provider is gathering wood. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Your Rival arrives from the Aspens. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. Your Rival enters through the flap! >e You leap up onto the lumpy mountain... Lumpy Mountain There is just enough room in this cozy corner for the lumpy mountain and the confusing black box that faces it. The lumpy mountain is home to some of your finest claw and scratch marks, though your Provider has never shared much enthusiasm for the art. The scent of your food bowl wafts in from the west. Looking back, you notice your Rival slavering over your food bowl. >w Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >e You leap up onto the lumpy mountain... Lumpy Mountain There is just enough room in this cozy corner for the lumpy mountain and the confusing black box that faces it. The lumpy mountain is home to some of your finest claw and scratch marks, though your Provider has never shared much enthusiasm for the art. The scent of your food bowl wafts in from the west. Looking back, you notice your Rival slavering over your food bowl. >w Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >s Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. You can see a flannel shirt here. Looking back, you notice your Rival slavering over your food bowl. >get shirt You gingerly pick up the flannel shirt with your teeth. >n Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >put shirt on rival Putting things on the Rival would achieve nothing. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >attack rival with shirt I only understood you as far as wanting to attack the Rival. >drop shirt Dropped. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. Looking back, you notice your Rival slavering over your food bowl. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. >s You encounter a swift-flowing stream. However, there may be a way over an embankment to the southwest. Your Rival arrives from the Aspens. >z Time passes. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. Your Rival arrives from the Aspens. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a flannel shirt and a yellow feather here. Your Rival enters through the flap! >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider heads toward the Food Room. Looking back, you notice your Rival slavering over your food bowl. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. >sw Your Rival arrives from the Aspens, interrupting your explorations. >undo Rival's Wood [Previous turn undone.] >s You encounter a swift-flowing stream. However, there may be a way over an embankment to the southwest. >sw Your Rival arrives from the Aspens, interrupting your explorations. >undo Rival's Wood [Previous turn undone.] >sw Your Rival arrives from the Aspens, interrupting your explorations. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >undo Rival's Wood [Previous turn undone.] >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. >e The stream is swift. And cold. >enter stream You can tell from here that the stream is too cold to even make the attempt. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. >x wood There's an assortment of limbs and spintery wedges of aspen, oak, and elm. >search wood There is nothing on the pile of wood. >get wood You pick out a freshly hewn strip of kindling. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >i You carry a strip of kindling between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. The Provider arrives from the Clearing. >x kindling This solid spear of kindling would burn readily in a hot fire. The Provider grumbles at you. You're not sure if this is because you stole a strip of kindling, because you tickled him, because you failed to defend your food bowl, because he caught you on the food ledge, because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >get string with kindling I only understood you as far as wanting to get the red balloon. >hit string with kindling I only understood you as far as wanting to hit the red balloon. >hit string The red balloon is up in the tree. The Provider siezes you in his giant paws, and hurls you toward the Rival's Wood... Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Your Rival arrives from the Snowy Maw. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a flannel shirt and a yellow feather here. Your Rival enters through the flap! >eat food (the morsel of hard food) Your Rival hisses, and you wisely back away. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >s Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. Looking back, you notice your Rival slavering over your food bowl. >w You can't go that way. >s You can't go that way. >e On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. Although the window's light warms you, a cold breeze emanates from its base. >x base Judging by your whiskers, there's no way through the gap. >i You carry a strip of kindling between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >put kindling in gap You wedge the kindling into the gap. >push it Nothing obvious happens. >hint Could you climb a tree in the Rival's wood? In the Canopy Trail? (3 hints left.) On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. Although the window's light warms you, a cold breeze emanates from its base. Wedged into a gap beneath the window is a piece of kindling. >w Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. >n Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a flannel shirt and a yellow feather here. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >climb tree I don't think much is to be achieved by that. The Provider is resting on the stump. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >climb tree You can't see any such thing. >hint Could you climb a tree in the Rival's wood? In the Canopy Trail? (3 hints left.) Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >w Canopy Trail A north-south trail runs beneath a canopy of chestnut trees. You've seen giant glinting beasts stampede here, especially in the mornings and evenings. A lesser track leads east. >climb tree You attempt the climb, but oddly, your claws fail to catch. You hear a distant rumbling approaching from the south. >e Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >hint Obviously, you must open it. (6 hints left.) Try digging in the snow. (10 hints left.) Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a buzzing log here. >dig in snow In no time, you scrape out a modest hole in the soft snow. >g Somewhere around here there's already a nice hole. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider is resting on the stump. >dig in snow In no time, you scrape out a modest hole in the soft snow. The Provider heads toward the Food Room. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >dig in snow In no time, you scrape out a modest hole in the soft snow. >g Somewhere around here there's already a nice hole. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >dig in snow In no time, you scrape out a modest hole in the soft snow. Your Rival walks casually around the snow hole. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (which is empty) and a buzzing log here. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >push log You roll the log over. It's humming with insects. Your Rival walks casually around the snow hole. >push log into hole You roll the buzzing log into the hole. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >hint Yes. (7 hints left.) Violence is the answer. (6 hints left.) Only not direct violence. (5 hints left.) Perhaps you can set a trap. (4 hints left.) Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which is a buzzing log) here. >cover log with snow You need to be holding the snow before you can put it on top of something else. Your Rival charges, grazing you with his claws! >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a hole (which is empty) and a pile of wood here. Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which is a buzzing log) here. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >undo Clearing [Previous turn undone.] >z Time passes. >z Time passes. The Provider arrives from the Food Room. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which is a buzzing log) here. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. You can also see a hole (which is empty) here. Your Rival arrives from the Snowy Maw. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. You can also see a hole (which is empty) here. The Provider stumbles into the snow hole! Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a hole (which is empty) and a pile of wood here. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which is a buzzing log) here. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >e You can't, since the huge door is in the way. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a hole (which is empty) and a pile of wood here. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a flannel shirt and a yellow feather here. >get shirt You gingerly pick up the flannel shirt with your teeth. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a hole (which is empty) and a pile of wood here. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which is a buzzing log) here. >put shirt over hole You attempt to cover the hole with the flannel shirt, but it simply flops in. >undo Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] >put shirt on log The flannel shirt slides off the log. >hint Yes. Violence is the answer. Only not direct violence. Perhaps you can set a trap. (4 hints left.) He might like food. (3 hints left.) Have you rolled the log around? (2 hints left.) Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a flannel shirt and a buzzing log) here. >get shirt You gingerly pick up the flannel shirt with your teeth. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood and a hole (which is empty) here. The Provider grumbles at you. You're not sure if this is because you slobbered on his favorite flannel shirt, because he fell into a snow hole, because you stole a strip of kindling, because you tickled him, because you failed to defend your food bowl, because he caught you on the food ledge, because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >drop shirt Dropped. >get food (the morsel of hard food) You gingerly pick up the morsel of hard food with your teeth. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood and a hole (which is empty) here. The Provider is resting on the stump. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which is a buzzing log) here. >put food in hole You put the morsel of hard food into the hole. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. You can also see a hole (which is empty) here. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. Your Rival walks casually around the snow hole. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >z Time passes. Your Rival sniffs the edges of the hole. >z Time passes. Your Rival walks casually around the snow hole. >z Time passes. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >z Time passes. Your Rival charges, grazing you with his claws! >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood and a hole (which is empty) here. Your Rival arrives from the Snowy Maw. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a flannel shirt and a yellow feather here. The Provider is here, opening and closing the cabinets. Your Rival enters through the flap! >x provider The Provider is piling a plate with food. Your Rival is eating from your food bowl. >meow The Provider kicks at your Rival, who reluctantly retreats through the flap. >x food (the morsel of hard food) The hard food looks and smells like a piece of clay soaked in chicken grease. The Provider growls at you. You're not sure if this is because you slobbered on his favorite flannel shirt, because he fell into a snow hole, because you stole a strip of kindling, because you tickled him, because you failed to defend your food bowl, because he caught you on the food ledge, because you tracked snow into the cottage, because you mewed excessively, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >x provider He looks upset. The Provider siezes you in his giant paws, and hurls you toward the Lumpy Mountain... Lumpy Mountain There is just enough room in this cozy corner for the lumpy mountain and the confusing black box that faces it. The lumpy mountain is home to some of your finest claw and scratch marks, though your Provider has never shared much enthusiasm for the art. The scent of your food bowl wafts in from the west. >scratch mountain With great pleasure, you sharpen your claws on the lumpy mountain. The Provider arrives from the Food Room. [Your score has just gone up by two points.] >w Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a flannel shirt and a yellow feather here. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood and a hole (which is empty) here. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. You can also see a hole (which is empty) here. >climb aspen There are too few branches to climb very far up. Tearing away a piece of bark, you leap back to the ground. >x bark It's shaggy, thin, and still intact. >get it You gingerly pick up the bark with your teeth. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood and a hole (which is empty) here. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >drop bark Dropped. >push log You roll the log over. It's humming with insects. >get log The log has rotted away much of its weight. It's still too heavy to lift, but you might be able to get it rolling. >roll log You roll the log over. It's humming with insects. >l Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a sizable piece of bark and a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >restore Ok. >enter blankets Under the Covers It's warm and snug beaneath the blankets, though you find the Provider's prodigious hind paws to be grotesquely hairless, smelly, and just a bit ticklish when brushed by your whiskers. The Provider snores beside you. >tickle provider with feather You tickle the Provider with the feather. The Provider sighs heavily and rolls over. Facing east, he grumbles and moans. The world around you heaves as he hauls his hind paws out from under the blanket. [Your score has just gone up by eight points.] >get up You nudge your way toward fresher air.... Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Light streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. The Provider sits on the bed, yawning and scratching his head. >n Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, as bare and empty as your stomach. >drop feather Dropped. Stretching stiff limbs, the Provider arrives from the south. >meow Staring mournfully into your food bowl, you mew. The Provider glances at your empty bowl, grumbles, and fills it from a sack of hard food, which he returns to the cupboard. >eat food It's filling, but so is sawdust. If you could only get your paws on some soft food! [Your score has just gone up by four points.] >e You leap up onto the lumpy mountain... Lumpy Mountain There is just enough room in this cozy corner for the lumpy mountain and the confusing black box that faces it. The lumpy mountain is home to some of your finest claw and scratch marks, though your Provider has never shared much enthusiasm for the art. The scent of your food bowl wafts in from the west. You can see a flannel shirt here. >scratch mountain With great pleasure, you sharpen your claws on the lumpy mountain. [Your score has just gone up by two points.] >w Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. The Provider is preparing food. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. The sun rises ever higher in the eastern sky. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >climb aspen There are too few branches to climb very far up. Tearing away a piece of bark, you leap back to the ground. >get bark You gingerly pick up the bark with your teeth. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. A rotting log lies half-exposed in the snow. >drop bark Dropped. >dig hole In no time, you scrape out a modest hole in the soft snow. >put bark over hole You cover the hole with the piece of bark. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. The Provider heads toward the Aspens. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >get food You gingerly pick up the morsel of hard food with your teeth. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. A sizable piece of bark nearly conceals a hole in the snow. A rotting log lies half-exposed in the snow. >put food on bark You put the morsel of hard food on the bark. >push log You roll the log over. It's humming with insects. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. The Provider heads toward the Aspens. Your Rival leaps down from an ancient elm! >hiss You growl and hiss, but to no avail. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. Your Rival charges, grazing you with his claws! >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. A sizable piece of bark nearly conceals a hole in the snow. Resting on the bark is a morsel of hard food. You can also see a buzzing log here. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >z Time passes. Your Rival sniffs the morsel, but eyes the bark with distrust. >z Time passes. Your Rival walks casually by the bark in the snow. >z Time passes. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >z Time passes. Your Rival charges, grazing you with his claws! >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. Your Rival arrives from the Snowy Maw. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. Your Rival arrives from the Clearing. >w The cottage window is too high to reach. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. A sizable piece of bark nearly conceals a hole in the snow. Resting on the bark is a morsel of hard food. You can also see a buzzing log here. >cover bark with snow You cover the bark with snow, creating a small mound. >l Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a mound of snow and a buzzing log here. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >undo Clearing [Previous turn undone.] >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. >get food You gingerly pick up the morsel of hard food with your teeth. The Provider arrives from the Clearing. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a mound of snow and a buzzing log here. >put food on mound You put the morsel of hard food on the mound of snow. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. Your Rival growls menacingly. You'd better leave soon. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a mound of snow (on which is a morsel of hard food) and a buzzing log here. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >z Time passes. Your Rival cautiously sniffs the edge of the snow mound, hesitates, then steps toward the morsel of food. Suddenly, there's a crunching noise as the ground gives way beneath him, and he's swallowed by the snow. Wailing with surprise, your Rival leaps from the hole. But apparently only his pride has been stung. After shaking the snow from his fur, he snares the morsel of food from the hole, and resumes his glowering. >attack rival With one huge paw, he bats you aside like a fly. Your Rival walks casually around the snow hole. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Looking back, you notice your Rival has abandoned the chase. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. The Provider arrives from the Lumpy Mountain. >get food You gingerly pick up the morsel of hard food with your teeth. The Provider is fumbling with the front door. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider arrives from the Food Room. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (which is empty) and a buzzing log here. >drop food Perhaps some unfortunate critter will enjoy it more than you. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. The Provider heads toward the Rival's Wood. >climb aspen There are too few branches to climb very far up. Tearing away a piece of bark, you leap back to the ground. >get bark You gingerly pick up the bark with your teeth. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a morsel of hard food, a hole (which is empty) and a buzzing log here. >put log in hole You roll the buzzing log into the hole. >cover hole with bark You cover the hole with the piece of bark. >cover bark with snow You cover the bark with snow, creating a small mound. >put food on mound You need to be holding the morsel of hard food before you can put it on top of something else. >get food You gingerly pick up the morsel of hard food with your teeth. >put food on mound You put the morsel of hard food on the mound of snow. >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival makes his home. You can't help hunching your shoulders, and bracing for a sudden attack. Your Rival crouches in the snow. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a mound of snow (on which is a morsel of hard food) here. Your Rival arrives from the Rival's Wood. >z Time passes. Your Rival cautiously sniffs the edge of the snow mound, hesitates, then steps toward the morsel of food. Suddenly, there's a crunching noise as the ground gives way beneath him, and he's swallowed by the snow. Yowling horribly, and leaping from the hole, your Rival is pursued by an angry swarm. He dashes across the snowy plain, cries of agony echoing tree to tree. You savor the last reverberations of his anguish as he disappears from sight. [Your score has just gone up by fifteen points.] >s Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival once made his home. It's a pleasure to explore it unhindered. >sw As you climb over the embankment, something scuttles behind a stone. Beaneath Embankment Nestled under a southfacing embankment, there are actually patches of bare sand along this stony beach. The stream runs swiftly past, buffeting ice floes against the shore. The sun shines high overhead. >x sand Stones are scattered across the sand. >x stone Boulders and stones lie jumbled under an overhang. It's difficult to decide which of the innumerable interconnecting nooks and shadows to explore. You detect an earthy draft. >x draft Whatever it was, it's undetectable now. >smell The scent of animal life is strongest near a jumble of boulders. Something scurries nearby. >x boulders Boulders and stones lie jumbled under an overhang. It's difficult to decide which of the innumerable interconnecting nooks and shadows to explore. >search boulders Boulders and stones lie jumbled under an overhang. It's difficult to decide which of the innumerable interconnecting nooks and shadows to explore. >smell boulders An earthy draft emanates from somewhere in the shadows. >smell shadows You sniff out a dung-scented nook. >smell nook You sniff out a dung-scented nook. >search nook Probing the dung-scented nook, you spy a tiny tail disappearing into the shadows! You detect an earthy draft. >enter nook You squeeze into a small opening... Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds northward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. >smell It's difficult to smell in this suffocating space, but you detect an earthy, rotten scent. >smell scent You can't see any such thing. >out As you follow a winding passage, the rush of a stream grows louder... Beaneath Embankment Nestled under a southfacing embankment, there are actually patches of bare sand along this stony beach. The stream runs swiftly past, buffeting ice floes against the shore. >smell The scent of animal life is strongest near a jumble of boulders. >smell boulders An earthy draft emanates from somewhere in the shadows. >smell shadows You sniff out a dung-scented nook. >smell nook You sniff out a dung-scented nook. >enter nook You squeeze into a small opening... Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds northward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. >out As you follow a winding passage, the rush of a stream grows louder... Beaneath Embankment Nestled under a southfacing embankment, there are actually patches of bare sand along this stony beach. The stream runs swiftly past, buffeting ice floes against the shore. >search nook Probing the dung-scented nook, you spy a tiny tail disappearing into the shadows! >g Probing the dung-scented nook, you spy a tiny tail disappearing into the shadows! >meow You mew loudly, plaintively. >enter nook You squeeze into a small opening... Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds northward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. >n The tunnel bends upward. You welcome the plentiful, if musty, air... Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect a sliver of light beneath a huge western door. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >x beast You've heard such beasts rumble, sigh, bleat, and stampede. This one is quiet, and perhaps ill. He appears to be bleeding from his underside. >lick beast You lick the glinting beast with your sandpaper tongue. >smell beast Among the general scents of dust and mold, you detect an assaulting odor emanating from under the glinting beast. >move beast You are unable to. >x bleeding From here you can't see much of the beast's bleeding underbelly. >x crack The crack in the floor seems to be the opening to a tunnel. >x cartons Numerous cartons, barrels, and other useless containers are haphazardly arranged beneath a high shelf. A wicker basket does, however, catch your eye. >x basket It's compact yet capacious, and currently contains a small white box and a jangly ring. You might be able to get your teeth around its sturdy handle. >x box Its central (and only) feature is a large button. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. >x ring A dozen or more jagged, silvery leaves jangle on a ring. You find it to be a compelling toy. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. You notice a glint of light near the bottom of the door. >get ring You gingerly pick up the jangly ring with your teeth. >x beast You've heard such beasts rumble, sigh, bleat, and stampede. This one is quiet, and perhaps ill. He appears to be bleeding from his underside. >lick beast You lick the glinting beast with your sandpaper tongue. >rub beast You achieve nothing by this. >purr You're not especially happy. >meow You mew loudly, plaintively. >beast, hello You can't talk to the glinting beast. >touch beast You feel nothing unexpected. >x beast You've heard such beasts rumble, sigh, bleat, and stampede. This one is quiet, and perhaps ill. He appears to be bleeding from his underside. >push beast You are unable to. >attack beast Violence isn't the answer to this one. >x ring A dozen or more jagged, silvery leaves jangle on a ring. You find it to be a compelling toy. >s You can't go that way. >d You nose your way down through the crack in the floor... Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds southward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds southward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. >out As you follow a winding passage, the rush of a stream grows louder... Beaneath Embankment Nestled under a southfacing embankment, there are actually patches of bare sand along this stony beach. The stream runs swiftly past, buffeting ice floes against the shore. >ne Rival's Wood A shadowy, east-west path snakes through a tangle of gnarled oaks and elms. Somewhere in this ancient forest, your Rival once made his home. It's a pleasure to explore it unhindered. >n The Provider's cottage is that way, but you can't enter it from here. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a yellow feather here. The Provider grunts at you. You're not sure if this is because you tracked snow into the cottage, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >shake ring That's not a verb I recognise. >give ring to provider The Provider seems surprised that you're carrying around the jangly ring. >drop ring Dropped. The Provider siezes you in his giant paws, and hurls you toward the Lumpy Mountain... Lumpy Mountain There is just enough room in this cozy corner for the lumpy mountain and the confusing black box that faces it. The lumpy mountain is home to some of your finest claw and scratch marks, though your Provider has never shared much enthusiasm for the art. The scent of your food bowl wafts in from the west. You can see a flannel shirt here. >sharpen claws With great pleasure, you sharpen your claws on the lumpy mountain. >w Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider heads toward the Clearing. >x ring A dozen or more jagged, silvery leaves jangle on a ring. You find it to be a compelling toy. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >e Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect the sunlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >x door The huge door is suspended within the snowy maw, and virtually out of view. >x glint You can't see any such thing. >x maw Something glints within the snowy maw. >search maw Something glints within the snowy maw. >x something You can't see any such thing. >x glint You can't see any such thing. >x glints You can't see any such thing. >e Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect the sunlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >x crack The crack in the floor seems to be the opening to a tunnel. >x maw You can't see any such thing. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >e Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect the sunlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >d You nose your way down through the crack in the floor... Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds southward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. Darkness Through a network of burrows and tiny side-passages, a larger tunnel winds southward. Your whiskers indicate even it may be impassable. The air is scarce, the earth close and unstable. With no room to turn around, perhaps you should just back out the way you came in. >u The tunnel bends upward. You welcome the plentiful, if musty, air... Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect the sunlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >x beast You've heard such beasts rumble, sigh, bleat, and stampede. This one is quiet, and perhaps ill. He appears to be bleeding from his underside. >look under beast You crawl under the beast for a closer look... Beast's Blood Shiny, intertwined tubes--presumably his exposed entrails--hang from the underside of the beast. From one of his stomachs, he slowly bleeds. A pool of clear liquid shimmers on the floor. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] >x liquid The pool is slowly fed by the beast's dripping entrails. >lick liquid It scalds the tongue! >w You crawl out from under the glinting beast... Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect the sunlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider is resting on the stump. >s You duck through the flap in the front door... Food Room Here the Provider divines food from the cupboard's magic containers, and prepares it on the ledge above you like only a Provider can. It seems that all roads lead to your food bowl: there's an alcove to the west, a small flap northward, a lumpy mountain to the east, and a pile of blankets southward. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >n You duck through the flap in the front door... Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >get wood The Provider shoos you away. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >climb tree There are too few branches to climb very far up. Tearing away a piece of bark, you leap back to the ground. >g There are too few branches to climb very far up. >l Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. You can also see a sizable piece of bark here. >n Clearing A tree stump pokes through the otherwise unbroken blanket of soft, powdery snow. A slatted fence traverses the snow to the north, while the cottage entrance lies southward. You can see a pile of wood here. >w Snowy Maw To the east, icicles hang like fangs within a giant maw of snow. A large pair of matching tracks lead out of shadows of the snowy mouth and to the west. A path loops north and south. You can see a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >e Beast's Cave Beside an open crack in the floor stands a glinting beast, the centerpiece of this dusty vault. Its glassy eyes and shiny skin reflect the sunlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. >x liquid You can't see any such thing. >look under beast You crawl under the beast for a closer look... Beast's Blood Shiny, intertwined tubes--presumably his exposed entrails--hang from the underside of the beast. From one of his stomachs, he slowly bleeds. A pool of clear liquid shimmers on the floor. >touch liquid You feel nothing unexpected. >enter it You get into the clear pool. >roll in liquid You amuse yourself by attempting to roll around on the clear pool. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and covered in pale ash. >groom me You groom yourself until your dark fur has a nice sheen, and your whiskers are grease-free and properly alligned. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >save Ok. >quit Are you sure you want to quit? y