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 >l Beast's Blood (in the clear pool) Shiny, intertwined tubes--presumably his exposed entrails--hang from the underside of the beast. From one of his stomachs, he slowly bleeds. >x stomach Intertwining tubes connect four rubbery legs to the underside of the beast. His many stomachs are also linked by knots of shiny entrails. >x entrails Intertwining tubes connect four rubbery legs to the underside of the beast. His many stomachs are also linked by knots of shiny entrails. >l Beast's Blood (in the clear pool) Shiny, intertwined tubes--presumably his exposed entrails--hang from the underside of the beast. From one of his stomachs, he slowly bleeds. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >out You get out of the clear pool. 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. >n 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. >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. You might be able to get your teeth around its sturdy handle. >x box Its central (and only) feature is a large button. >get basket Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >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. A cloud shields the sun in the western sky. >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 glares at you. You're not sure if this is because you've been carrying around the wicker basket, because you tracked snow into the cottage, or because you scattered ash everywhere. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >s You shove the basket 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. >drop basket Dropped. >x basket It's compact yet capacious, and currently contains a small white box. 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." >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. You can also see a sizable piece of bark here. >climb aspen There are too few branches to climb very far up. >u There are too few branches to climb very far up. >get balloon The red balloon is up in the tree. >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. >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 sizable piece of bark 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 once made his home. It's a pleasure to explore it unhindered. >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. >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. >s You encounter a swift-flowing stream. However, there may be a way over an embankment to the southwest. >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. >s The stream is swift. And cold. >x sand Stones are scattered across the sand. >dig You scrape around a bit, but to no avail. >dig in sand Digging would achieve nothing here. >help [Warning: It is recognized that the temptation for help may at times be so exceedingly strong that you might fetch hints prematurely. Therefore, you may at any time during the story type HINTS OFF, and this will disallow the seeking out of help for the present session of the story. If you still want a hint now, indicate HINT.] >help Obviously, you must open it. (6 hints left.) Did you examine the window? (5 hints left.) You need leverage. (4 hints left.) 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. The Provider arrives from the Food Room. 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 wicker basket (in which is a small white box), a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >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. >w You can't go that way. >sw 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. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >x crack You can't see any such thing. >x gap Judging by your whiskers, there's no way through the gap. >e You bump your nose on the glass. > I beg your pardon? >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 wicker basket (in which is a small white box), 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. The Provider arrives from the Aspens. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. The Provider is resting on the stump. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. >z Time passes. The Provider is resting on the stump. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. Splinters fly as the Provider splits wood with an axe. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. The Provider is resting on the stump. >z Time passes. The Provider heads toward the Food Room. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >get wood You pick out a freshly hewn strip of kindling. >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 wicker basket (in which is a small white box), a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider grunts at you. You're not sure if this is because you stole a strip of kindling, because you've been carrying around the wicker basket, because you tracked snow into the cottage, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >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. >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. >put kindling in gap You wedge the kindling into the gap. >push kindling Nothing obvious happens. >g Nothing obvious happens. >pull it Nothing obvious happens. >open window You insert a paw into the gap, but can't get enough leverage. >stand on kindling You step cautiously onto the kindling. It creaks and bends under your weight, raising the window. Suddenly, the kindling pulls free, and you tumble westward... 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 strip of kindling here. >e On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. A stiff breeze rushes through the open window. >e You leap for the nearest aspen... Aspens (on the aspen) The sky never seemed so vast, the wind so angry, the ground so remote. Facing upwards, you cling with all four claws to a slender trunk. West of you, the winds whistles through an open window. Water rushes far below, but you can hardly bear to look. You can see a sizable piece of bark here. Caught in the branches of an aspen, is a red balloon. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. [Your score has just gone up by four points.] >w You leap for the window, catching the sill with your claws... On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. A stiff breeze rushes through the open window. >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. You can see a strip of kindling 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. You can also see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box), 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. >climb fence The slats are too slippery, the fence too tall. >l 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. >z Time passes. >drop balloon The balloon begins to float away! >undo Clearing [Previous turn undone.] >s You squeeze the balloon 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 wicker basket (in which is a small white box), a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >help Did you examine the cartons? (5 hints left.) Did you find the basket? (4 hints left.) How might you get to the high shelf? (3 hints left.) 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 wicker basket (in which is a small white box), 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. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >s You squeeze the balloon 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 wicker basket (in which is a small white box), a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >drop balloon The balloon floats up to the ceiling. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >drop it The balloon floats up to the ceiling. >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. >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 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 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. Hovering against the ceiling is a red balloon. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box), a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >push button "Click." >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. >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. >climb cartons I don't think much is to be achieved by that. >climb barrels I don't think much is to be achieved by that. >hint Did you examine the cartons? Did you find the basket? How might you get to the high shelf? (3 hints left.) Have you pressed the button on the white box? (2 hints left.) Is the huge door truly featureless? (1 hint left.) 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. >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. Hovering against the ceiling is a red balloon. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box), a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is here, opening and closing the cabinets. >get basket Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. The Provider is here, opening and closing the cabinets. >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 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. >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. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. >z Time passes. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. >x door Except for some protruding bolts along its base, the huge door seems relatively featureless. >x bolts Several bolts protrude near the bottom of the door. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. >climb bolts The protruding bolts are currently out of reach. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. You notice a glint of light near the bottom of the door. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. >z Time passes. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. >climb bolts I don't think much is to be achieved by that. >put basket on bolts You hang the basket on one of the protruding bolts. >enter basket You get into the wicker basket. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. You are being carried towards the ceiling! >z Time passes. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. Cave Ceiling (in the wicker basket) Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. [Your score has just gone up by five points.] >e You'll have to get out of the wicker basket first. >out You scramble out of the basket, and up onto the huge door. >e You leap onto the shelf... Shadowy Shelf Stack upon stack, row upon row, of flat, shiny eggs crowd this dark shelf. The eggs shimmer like magic vessels. You can't help but contemplate their sealed contents. You can see a fresh drop of saliva here. >x eggs They're flat on the top and bottom, and round on the sides. You're certain they contain soft food, but not sure how to crack open their cold shells. >x saliva There's nothing unusual about your own saliva. >get it You have plenty of saliva at the moment. >get egg You pick up an egg by clamping on a shiny ring attached to its top. [Your score has just gone up by four points.] >pull ring Bracing the shiny egg with your paws, you pull up on the ring with your teeth. You pull as hard as you can, but to no effect. >g Bracing the shiny egg with your paws, you pull up on the ring with your teeth. You pull as hard as you can, but to no effect. >w You leap atop the huge door... Cave Ceiling Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. A wicker basket hangs from the west end of the door. >enter basket You get into the wicker basket. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. You are being carried downwards. >i You carry a flat shiny egg between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. Beast's Cave (in the wicker basket) 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. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >save Ok. >get up You get out of the wicker basket. 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. A wicker basket is hooked onto a bolt near the bottom of the door. >w You can't, since the huge door is in the way. >get basket (first dropping the flat shiny egg) Dropped. Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. >get egg (first dropping the wicker basket) Dropped. Clamping your teeth on its shiny ring, you pick up the egg. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. You notice a glint of light near the bottom of the door. >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. >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. Hovering against the ceiling is a red balloon. 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 grumbles at you. You're not sure if this is because he spotted you with the shiny egg, because you stole a strip of kindling, because you've been carrying around the wicker basket, because you tracked snow into the cottage, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >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 strip of kindling here. >get kindling (first dropping the flat shiny egg) Dropped. You gingerly pick up the kindling 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. Hovering against the ceiling is a red balloon. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >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 flat shiny egg here. >put kindling in egg That can't contain things. >put kindling in ring That's not a good fit. >x ring The ring is attached to the top of the flat shiny egg. >pull ring Bracing the shiny egg with your paws, you pull up on the ring with your teeth. You pull as hard as you can, but to no effect. >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. Hovering against the ceiling is a red balloon. 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. >get balloon (first dropping the kindling) Dropped. The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >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 flat shiny egg here. >tie balloon to ring Clumsily, you coax the twig through the shiny ring. After several attempts, the twig pops through and catches hold. The flat shiny egg is now fastened to the balloon. >get egg That seems to be a part of the weighted balloon. >i You carry a weighted balloon, its string between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >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 strip of kindling, a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >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. Was that a dark shape scuttling in the snow? You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >x shape There's nothing there now, if there ever was. You hear a low-pitched growl. >z Time passes. A faint, improbable scent rides the wind. >smell That's strange. For a moment you thought you smelled your Rival. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >smell You smell nothing unexpected. >x shape There's nothing there now, if there ever was. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >smell That's strange. For a moment you thought you smelled your Rival. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. 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. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >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. >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. You hear a malicious, low-pitched growl. >listen Perhaps the growl was only your stomach. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. 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. >help Did you examine the cartons? Did you find the basket? How might you get to the high shelf? Have you pressed the button on the white box? Is the huge door truly featureless? (1 hint left.) Hang the basket on a bolt, and take a ride. [That's All Folks!] Did you examine the cartons? Did you find the basket? How might you get to the high shelf? Have you pressed the button on the white box? Is the huge door truly featureless? Hang the basket on a bolt, and take a ride. [That's All Folks!] Use your common sense(s). (5 hints left.) Did you explore the stones? (4 hints left.) The shadows? (3 hints left.) Find the most promising nook... (2 hints left.) ...by listening to, or smelling, the nooks. (1 hint left.) Don't be shy. Go on in. [That's All Folks!] Obviously, you must open it. Did you examine the window? You need leverage. (4 hints left.) Wedge something in the gap. (3 hints left.) Like a strip of kindling from the woodpile. (2 hints left.) Apply maximum leverage. (1 hint left.) In other words, stand on it. [That's All Folks!] 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.) He might like food. (3 hints left.) Have you rolled the log around? (2 hints left.) He might not like those buzzing insects. (1 hint left.) Perhaps you can set a trap. [That's All Folks!] Could you climb a tree in the Rival's wood? In the Canopy Trail? (3 hints left.) If not, perhaps you should inspect your claws. (2 hints left.) You should sharpen them. (1 hint left.) But maybe the aspens are unclimable. [That's All Folks!] Maybe you can't. (6 hints left.) Maybe someone else can. (5 hints left.) Where might you find someone at this hour? (4 hints left.) Why does no one on the road stop for you? (3 hints left.) What might they stop for? (2 hints left.) Maybe you can build another fire. (6 hints left.) Ask not what the boy can do for you. (9 hints left.) 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. >z Time passes. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >hint 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.) So don't push him over the edge. [That's All Folks!] Yes. Violence is the answer. Only not direct violence. Perhaps you can set a trap. He might like food. Have you rolled the log around? He might not like those buzzing insects. Perhaps you can set a trap. [That's All Folks!] Obviously, you must open it. Did you examine the window? You need leverage. Wedge something in the gap. Like a strip of kindling from the woodpile. Apply maximum leverage. In other words, stand on it. [That's All Folks!] Try digging in the snow. (10 hints left.) What happens when the Provider is nearby? (9 hints left.) Maybe something similar would happen to your Rival. (8 hints left.) Only he needs to be fooled. (7 hints left.) Cover the hole with the bark. (6 hints left.) He needs to be fooled more. (5 hints left.) Cover the bark with snow. (4 hints left.) He needs to be lured. (3 hints left.) Try using a morsel of hard food. (2 hints left.) Only his pride was stung? (1 hint left.) Role the buzzing log into the hole first. [That's All Folks!] Use your common sense(s). Did you explore the stones? The shadows? Find the most promising nook... ...by listening to, or smelling, the nooks. Don't be shy. Go on in. [That's All Folks!] Did you examine the cartons? Did you find the basket? How might you get to the high shelf? Have you pressed the button on the white box? Is the huge door truly featureless? Hang the basket on a bolt, and take a ride. [That's All Folks!] 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. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >smell You smell nothing unexpected. >help 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. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. You can also see a sizable piece of bark here. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >pull balloon Nothing obvious happens. You hear a malicious, low-pitched growl. >pull string Nothing obvious happens. >z Time passes. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >z Time passes. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >smell You smell nothing unexpected. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >w The cottage window is too high to reach. >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 hear a malicious, low-pitched growl. You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >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. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >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. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >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. >w The way is slippery and steep. You slide back onto the trail. To the north, 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 hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and 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. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. You hear a distant rumbling approaching from the north. >z Time passes. To the north, a glinting beast comes into view. >z Time passes. The glinting beast bears down on you! >z Time passes. You stand frozen in the middle of the trail. In your final moment, you listen with peculiar detatchment to the roar of the onrushing beast as it swerves to avoid you. Just when you think you might be spared, you're smashed into oblivion. *** You have died. *** In that game you scored 59 out of a possible 100, in 408 turns, earning you the rank of catbird. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > undo Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] >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 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. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. >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. >x liquid The pool is slowly fed by the beast's dripping entrails. >put balloon in liquid You drop the weighted balloon into the pool. >z Time passes. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >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. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. >n You can't go that way. >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 hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >drop balloon The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >z Time passes. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? You hear high-pitched laughter beyond the fence. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >look through fence Beyond the fence is a neighboring farmhouse. Nearby, a boy plays in the snow. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >get egg That seems to be a part of the weighted balloon. You hear a malicious, low-pitched growl. >throw it over fence You need to be holding the flat shiny egg before you can put it on top of something else. >get it That seems to be a part of the weighted balloon. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >throw it over fence Putting things on the fence would achieve nothing. Your nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >s You squeeze the balloon 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 strip of kindling, a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >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. >e On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. >e You bump your nose on the glass. >drop balloon The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. >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 strip of kindling, a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >get kindling You gingerly pick up the kindling with your teeth. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >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. >e On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. >put kindling in gap You can't see any such thing. >x sill That's not something you need to refer to in the course of this game. >x window Apparently, the Provider has shut the window. >get balloon (first dropping the kindling) Dropped. The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >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 jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >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. 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. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. >drop balloon The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. >get basket Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >put it on bolt The protruding bolts are up near the ceiling. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. >put basket on bolt The protruding bolts are currently out of reach. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. >g You hang the basket on one of the protruding bolts. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >enter basket You get into the wicker basket. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. You are being carried towards the ceiling! >z Time passes. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. Cave Ceiling (in the wicker basket) Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >drop balloon The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. >z Time passes. >l Cave Ceiling (in the wicker basket) Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >hit balloon Violence isn't the answer to this one. >push balloon Nothing obvious happens. >jump You spring into the air, and just for the joy of jumping! >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. You are being carried downwards. >z Time passes. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. Beast's Cave (in the wicker basket) 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. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >get basket You'd have to get out of the wicker basket first. >exit You get out of the wicker basket. 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. A wicker basket is hooked onto a bolt near the bottom of the door. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. >get basket Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. >z Time passes. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. You notice a glint of light near the bottom of the door. >x light That's not something you need to refer to in the course of this game. >x glint Several bolts protrude near the bottom of the door. >hint Ask not what the boy can do for you. (9 hints left.) Have you tried showing the boy things? (8 hints left.) Try giving him the red balloon. (7 hints left.) Try floating it to him... (6 hints left.) ...from the roof. (5 hints left.) Maybe the balloon needs to be weighted down... (4 hints left.) 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. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. >get balloon (first dropping the wicker basket) Dropped. The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >put basket on bolt The protruding bolts are up near the ceiling. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. >z Time passes. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. >put basket on bolt You need to be holding the wicker basket before you can put it on top of something else. >get basket (first dropping the weighted balloon) The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >put basket on bolt You hang the basket on one of the protruding bolts. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. >enter basket You get into the wicker basket. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. You are being carried towards the ceiling! >z Time passes. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. Cave Ceiling (in the wicker basket) Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >e You'll have to get out of the wicker basket first. >out You scramble out of the basket, and up onto the huge door. >w You get into the wicker basket. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >e You'll have to get out of the wicker basket first. >out You scramble out of the basket, and up onto the huge door. >e You leap onto the shelf... Shadowy Shelf Stack upon stack, row upon row, of flat, shiny eggs crowd this dark shelf. The eggs shimmer like magic vessels. You can't help but contemplate their sealed contents. You can see a fresh drop of saliva here. >e You bump into a teetering stack of flat, shiny eggs. (The only way is west.) >w You leap atop the huge door... Cave Ceiling Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. A wicker basket hangs from the west end of the door. >n That could be dangerous. >s That could be dangerous. >walk on door You can't see any such thing. >climb door I don't think much is to be achieved by that. >enter door You leap onto the shelf... Shadowy Shelf Stack upon stack, row upon row, of flat, shiny eggs crowd this dark shelf. The eggs shimmer like magic vessels. You can't help but contemplate their sealed contents. You can see a fresh drop of saliva here. >w You leap atop the huge door... Cave Ceiling Suspended by runners on either side, the huge door lies flat. There's enough space to walk on top of it, although the ceiling is damp and cluttered with cobwebs. To the east, something glimmers on a shadowy shelf. A wicker basket hangs from the west end of the door. >w You get into the wicker basket. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to close. You are being carried downwards. >z Time passes. As the huge door comes to a close, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. Beast's Cave (in the wicker basket) 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. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >get up You get out of the wicker basket. 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. A wicker basket is hooked onto a bolt near the bottom of the door. >get balloon You already have that. >w You can't, since the huge door is in the way. >get basket (first dropping the weighted balloon) The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. >get balloon (first dropping the wicker basket) Dropped. The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. You notice a glint of light near the bottom of the door. >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 nostrils detect that improbable scent again. >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. >e Aspens Overlooked by a high window of the Provider's cottage, a trail follows a north- south stream through a grove of aspens. 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. >s You squeeze the balloon 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. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >w Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider reaches in from the east, arranging the pile of wood. >u You claw your way up the stone chute... Roof The pitched roof of the Provider's cottage affords an excellent view of the surrounding valley. A stream winds through forest to the east and south, while a woodland trail to the west links scattered farmhouses, such as the neighboring one beyond a fence to the north. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows south. >x boy You can see a boy playing in the snow to the north. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows south. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows east. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows east. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows east. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows east. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows east. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows north. >drop balloon The wind carries the red balloon north towards the Clearing. The flat shiny egg slowly pulls it earthward. You watch with fascination as the shiny egg clears the fence by the width of your whiskers. A delighted boy runs to capture the descending red balloon. >meow You mew loudly, plaintively. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows south. >d You come crashing down the chute into a pile of wood... Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider glares at you. You're not sure if this is because you disrupted his wood pile, because he spotted you with the shiny egg, because you stole a strip of kindling, because you've been carrying around the wicker basket, because you tracked snow into the cottage, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >n You bump into a sooty stone wall. The Provider lunges after you, then clutches his breast and steadies himself. >e 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 is bent over the alcove. >w Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider reaches in from the east, arranging the pile of wood. >e 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 is bent over the alcove. >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 sets behind a pink cloud in the western sky. >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. >meow You watch the boy through the fence. He runs crazy circles in the snow, tugging the red balloon behind him. With a cry of joy the boy runs toward you. You hear a familiar "Thuck!" as he cracks open the shiny egg. Clambering halfway up, the boy is barely able to reach over the fence. Your eyes never leave the open shell of soft food as it falls and lands upright in the snow beside you. >eat food A blend of tuna and chicken livers, your entire consciousness swims in its taste, texture, and smell. You lap up its succulent juices, and slaver down every delectable mouthful. After a moment of complete rapture, you find yourself staring into an empty shell, grease dripping from your whiskers. Smoke rises from the cottage chimney. [Your score has just gone up by fifteen points.] >x boy You watch the boy through the fence. He runs crazy circles in the snow, tugging the red balloon behind him. Smoke rises from the cottage chimney. >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. You can see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. Hearing the flap close behind you, the Provider rises from his newly lit fire, and angrily approaches. You wonder if you've finally driven him insane. As you turn to retreat, both you and your Provider are startled by what emerges through the flap. First, a creature's swollen head pushes through, then its matted, bloodied body. Its eyes burn with hatred as it drags a lame leg through the opening. Thorns and stingers are knotted in its fur, embedded and broken off in numerous sores. The Provider shoos the hideous creature toward the flap, but it only growls with increasing resolve. The Provider lunges for the creature, then pauses dreamily as if staring at something distant. He gasps, clutches his breast, and collapses on the floor. The creature sniffs your fallen Provider, then closes in on you. >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 shiny empty shell here. The creature follows you. A thousand stars shimmer in a moonlit sky. >meow You watch the boy through the fence. He runs crazy circles in the snow, tugging the red balloon behind him. The creature closes in on you. >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. The creature follows you. >x creature Its swollen eyes burn with hatred. Though mingled with an otherworldliness, and a stewing putrefaction, its scent is unmistakably your Rival's. The creature closes in on you. >attack rival The creature welcomes your attack with demented glee. The creature rakes you, drawing fresh blood. >undo Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] >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 moonlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. The creature follows you. >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. The creature follows you. >enter liquid You get into the clear pool. The creature closes in on you. >z Time passes. The creature rakes you, drawing fresh blood. >undo Beast's Blood [Previous turn undone.] >splash creature with liquid That's not a verb I recognise. >hint He appears to have no appetite... (6 hints left.) ...(which is not to say that food is not the answer)... (5 hints left.) ...for anything but you. (4 hints left.) He follows you relentlessly. (3 hints left.) He waits for you under trees. (2 hints left.) And beneath cupboards. (1 hint left.) Beast's Blood (in the clear pool) Shiny, intertwined tubes--presumably his exposed entrails--hang from the underside of the beast. From one of his stomachs, he slowly bleeds. >out You get out of the clear pool. 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. The creature rakes you, drawing fresh blood. >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 moonlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. The creature follows you. >n You can't go that way. The creature closes in on you. >undo Beast's Cave [Previous turn undone.] >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. The creature follows 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 shiny empty shell here. The creature follows you. >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. You can see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. Sprawled on the floor is your Provider. The creature follows you. >climb ledge I don't think much is to be achieved by that. Sprawled on the floor is your Provider. The creature closes in on you. >jump on ledge You leap up onto the ledge. The Provider gasps. Below, the creature waits for you. >open cabinet You pry open the cupboard with your paw. The Provider gasps. Below, the creature waits for 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. You can see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. Below, the creature waits for you. >push food (the morsel of hard food) That's out of reach. The Provider is turning blue. Below, the creature waits for you. >push sack The creature eyes the falling sack with hatred as it does all else. Its swollen eyes apprehend the danger soon enough, but its legs fail him. The sack explodes on impact, burying the creature in hard food. The Provider is turning blue. >d You leap down from the cupboard to the ledge. The Provider is turning blue. Below, the creature emerges from the mountain of hard food. Bowing its head, it limps for the door. The last you ever see of your Rival is its lame leg dragging through the flap. [Your score has just gone up by eight points.] >d You leap from the ledge to the floor. The Provider is turning blue. >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 shiny empty shell here. >meow You watch the boy through the fence. He runs crazy circles in the snow, tugging the red balloon behind him. >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. >hint Maybe you can't. Maybe someone else can. Where might you find someone at this hour? Why does no one on the road stop for you? What might they stop for? (2 hints left.) A beacon? (1 hint 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 morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. > Hot key -- Undo one turn Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Clearing [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Clearing [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Food Room [Previous turn undone.] >w Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a crackling wood fire here. >get wood You singe you whiskers before you even get close to the fire. >e 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. >hint Maybe you can't. Maybe someone else can. Where might you find someone at this hour? Why does no one on the road stop for you? What might they stop for? (2 hints left.) A beacon? (1 hint left.) Build a fire in the road. [That's All Folks!] Maybe you can build another fire. (6 hints left.) Something combustible might carry a flame. (5 hints left.) 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >s Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Moonlight streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. >e On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. You can see a strip of kindling here. >get kindling You gingerly pick up the kindling with your teeth. >w Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Moonlight 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. >w Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a crackling wood fire here. >burn kindling (with the crackling wood fire) You put the kindling on the crackling wood fire. The kindling begins to burn. >get kindling As you retrieve the smouldering kindling, you notice that one end sputters with flame. >e 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. >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 shiny empty shell 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. >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. >x kindling The kindling smoulders on one end. >wave kindling You look ridiculous waving the smouldering kindling. >z Time passes. You hear a distant rumbling approaching from the north. >z Time passes. To the north, a pair of headlights comes into view. >z Time passes. The pair of headlights bears down on you! >z Time passes. You stand frozen in the middle of the trail. In your final moment, you listen with peculiar detatchment to the roar of the onrushing headlights as they swerve to avoid you. Just when you think you might be spared, you're smashed into oblivion. *** You have died. *** In that game you scored 82 out of a possible 100, in 571 turns, earning you the rank of nine-lived. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > undo Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Clearing [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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider's breath grows faint. >hint Maybe you can build another fire. Something combustible might carry a flame. (5 hints left.) Have you looked under the beast in the cave? (4 hints left.) 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. 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 shiny empty shell 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 moonlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. >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. >put kindling in liquid You hear a tremendous rush and roar of wind as the flames leap to life. You feel an unbearable heat as you're consumed by the fire. There's nowhere to go, no air to breath, and the flames are all around you. *** You have died. *** In that game you scored 82 out of a possible 100, in 567 turns, earning you the rank of nine-lived. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > undo Beast's Blood [Previous turn undone.] >drop kindling Dropped. >out 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 moonlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) 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. >hint Maybe you can build another fire. Something combustible might carry a flame. Have you looked under the beast in the cave? (4 hints left.) Perhaps its blood would fuel the fire. (3 hints left.) Transport it with something absorbent. (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 morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also well-fed, and bleeding badly. > Hot key -- Undo one turn Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Beast's Cave [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Beast's Blood [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Beast's Blood [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Beast's Cave [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Snowy Maw [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Clearing [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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider's breath grows faint. >s Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Moonlight streams down through an eastern window. A mingling of faded scents lure you northward. >e On the Sill From the inner sill of a window, you look east over a snowy landscape. >w Blankets You enjoy curling up in the blankets' warm folds. Moonlight 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider's breath grows faint. >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. >get shirt (first dropping the smouldering kindling) Dropped. You gingerly pick up the flannel shirt with your teeth. >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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider's breath grows faint. >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 shiny empty shell 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 moonlight that streams through an opening to the west. Various cartons and barrels are stacked against the opposite wall. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. >restore Ok. >l Beast's Cave (in the wicker basket) 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. In the wicker basket you can see a small white box. >i You carry a flat shiny egg between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >w You'll have to get out of the wicker basket first. >out You get out of the wicker basket. 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. A wicker basket is hooked onto a bolt near the bottom of the door. >get basket (first dropping the flat shiny egg) Dropped. Clamping down on its handle, you pick up the wicker basket. >push button "Click." You hear a low mechanical growl as the huge door begins to slide upward, and bend beneath the ceiling. >get egg (first dropping the wicker basket) Dropped. Clamping your teeth on its shiny ring, you pick up the egg. As the huge door opens completely, the mechanical growl abruptly ceases. You notice a glint of light near the bottom of the door. >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. >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. Hovering against the ceiling is a red balloon. On the floor, lies your food bowl, full of hard food. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. >tie balloon to egg Clumsily, you coax the twig through the shiny ring. After several attempts, the twig pops through and catches hold. The flat shiny egg is now fastened to the balloon. The Provider arrives from the Lumpy Mountain. >i You carry nothing between your teeth. You are also sated (though not satisfied), and your dark fur is well-groomed. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >drop it The flat shiny egg drops ever so slowly, pulling the red balloon with it. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >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. >get shirt You gingerly pick up the flannel shirt with your teeth. >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. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. 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 glares at you. You're not sure if this is because you slobbered on his favorite flannel shirt, because you stole a strip of kindling, because you've been carrying around the wicker basket, because you tracked snow into the cottage, 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. Was that a dark shape scuttling 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 hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. You hear a low-pitched growl. >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. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) here. >go 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. >put shirt in liquid The flannel shirt soaks up much of the clear pool's liquid. >get liquid But the pool is liquid. >get shirt You already have that. >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. You can see a wicker basket (in which is a small white box) 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. A faint, improbable scent rides the wind. >drop shirt Dropped. Did a dark shape scuttle behind 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 hear a malicious, low-pitched growl. 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. Hovering nearby is a weighted balloon. 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 is bent over the alcove. >get balloon The balloon dances in the air as you snare its string in your teeth. The Provider is bent over the alcove. >w Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider reaches in from the east, arranging the pile of wood. >u You claw your way up the stone chute... Roof The pitched roof of the Provider's cottage affords an excellent view of the surrounding valley. A stream winds through forest to the east and south, while a woodland trail to the west links scattered farmhouses, such as the neighboring one beyond a fence to the north. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows west. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows east. >z Time passes. You can see the boy to the north. The wind blows north. >drop balloon The wind carries the red balloon north towards the Clearing. The flat shiny egg slowly pulls it earthward. You watch with fascination as the shiny egg clears the fence by the width of your whiskers. A delighted boy runs to capture the descending red balloon. >d You come crashing down the chute into a pile of wood... Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a pile of wood here. The Provider glares at you. You're not sure if this is because you disrupted his wood pile, because you soaked his flannel shirt in beast's blood, because you stole a strip of kindling, because you've been carrying around the wicker basket, because you tracked snow into the cottage, or because you scattered ash everywhere. >e 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 lunges after you, only to be overcome by a fit of hacking and wheezing. >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. >meow You watch the boy through the fence. He runs crazy circles in the snow, tugging the red balloon behind him. With a cry of joy the boy runs toward you. You hear a familiar "Thuck!" as he cracks open the shiny egg. Clambering halfway up, the boy is barely able to reach over the fence. Your eyes never leave the open shell of soft food as it falls and lands upright in the snow beside you. Did a dark shape scuttle behind you? The sun sets behind a pink cloud in the western sky. >eat food A blend of tuna and chicken livers, your entire consciousness swims in its taste, texture, and smell. You lap up its succulent juices, and slaver down every delectable mouthful. After a moment of complete rapture, you find yourself staring into an empty shell, grease dripping from your whiskers. Smoke rises from the cottage chimney. [Your score has just gone up by fifteen points.] >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. You can see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. Hearing the flap close behind you, the Provider rises from his newly lit fire, and angrily approaches. You wonder if you've finally driven him insane. As you turn to retreat, both you and your Provider are startled by what emerges through the flap. First, a creature's swollen head pushes through, then its matted, bloodied body. Its eyes burn with hatred as it drags a lame leg through the opening. Thorns and stingers are knotted in its fur, embedded and broken off in numerous sores. The Provider shoos the hideous creature toward the flap, but it only growls with increasing resolve. The Provider lunges for the creature, then pauses dreamily as if staring at something distant. He gasps, clutches his breast, and collapses on the floor. The creature sniffs your fallen Provider, then closes in on you. >jump on ledge You leap up onto the ledge. Sprawled on the floor is your Provider. Below, the creature waits for you. >open cabinet You pry open the cupboard with your paw. Sprawled on the floor is your Provider. Below, the creature waits for 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. You can see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider gasps. Below, the creature waits for you. >push sack The creature eyes the falling sack with hatred as it does all else. Its swollen eyes apprehend the danger soon enough, but its legs fail him. The sack explodes on impact, burying the creature in hard food. The Provider gasps. >d You leap down from the cupboard to the ledge. The Provider is turning blue. Below, the creature emerges from the mountain of hard food. Bowing its head, it limps for the door. The last you ever see of your Rival is its lame leg dragging through the flap. [Your score has just gone up by eight points.] >d You leap from the ledge to the floor. The Provider is turning blue. >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 strip of kindling here. >get kindling You gingerly pick up the kindling 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. >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 shiny empty shell here. A thousand stars shimmer in a moonlit 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. You can see a sodden flannel shirt and a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. > Hot key -- Undo one turn Clearing [Previous turn undone.] > Hot key -- Undo one turn Food Room [Previous turn undone.] >drop kindling Dropped. The Provider is turning blue. >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 shiny empty shell here. A thousand stars shimmer in a moonlit 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. You can see a sodden flannel shirt and a hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. >get shirt You gingerly pick up the sodden flannel shirt with your teeth. >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 south. >drop shirt Dropped. To the south, a pair of headlights 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 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 shiny empty shell 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a strip of kindling, a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. >get kindling You gingerly pick up the kindling with your teeth. The Provider is turning blue. >w Alcove Charcoal-stained stones form a shadowy alcove that culminates in a chute overhead. The strong smell of smoke is rivalled by more savory scents to the east. You can see a crackling wood fire here. >burn kindling (with the crackling wood fire) You put the kindling on the crackling wood fire. The kindling begins to burn. >get it As you retrieve the smouldering kindling, you notice that one end sputters with flame. >e 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. >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 shiny empty shell 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. >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 can also see a sodden flannel shirt here. You hear a distant rumbling approaching from the north. >burn shirt There's no obvious fire source. To the north, a pair of headlights comes into view. >put kindling in shirt That can't contain things. The pair of headlights bears down on you! >undo Canopy Trail [Previous turn undone.] >put kindling on shirt The sodden flannel shirt bursts into flame! The approaching pair of headlights slows down. >z Time passes. A flaming shirt is ablaze with hungry, high-reaching flames. The headlights cease their approach, and a figure emerges from the darkness. [Your score has just gone up by eight points.] >meow Shining his light on you, the figure bends over, and strokes you behind the ears. The flaming shirt is ablaze with hungry, high-reaching flames. >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 hole (in which are a morsel of hard food and a buzzing log) here. The figure follows you from the Canopy Trail. >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 shiny empty shell here. The figure follows you 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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. You can also see a jangly ring and a yellow feather here. The Provider is turning blue. Someone is rattling the front door. >get ring You gingerly pick up the jangly ring with your teeth. The Provider's breath grows faint. Someone is rattling 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 shiny empty shell here. The figure scans the area near you with a beam of light. >give ring to figure The figure accepts the keys. >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. A mountain of hard food is scattered across the floor. Your fallen Provider lies oddly still. As the figure steps through the door, he turns toward your fallen Provider, and hurries to his side. A short while later, a loud and horrible mewing approaches, and the white-furred ones come to take your Provider away. You're sorry to see him go. He was all hisses and growls, but he was a Provider nonetheless. You eventually devour the mountain of hard food, and take to Rival's old wood. As the weeks pass, you hunt with greater relish; in the shadows, or from an overhanging limb, you watch and you wait with heightened senses. One day, having nearly forgotten him, you spy your Provider rolling into the cottage on a shiny stool. He no longer grunts or glares at you; instead, he sits all day on his shiny stool, gazing sadly into the confusing box. As winter warms over, the Provider begins to invite you onto his lap for a ride to the aspens, or through the ferns emerging on the forest floor. You hunt the golden-feathered bird and chase new rivals from across the stream. He strokes your fur, even croons to you. During such moments, you do something you haven't done in a long time. You purr. *** You have won *** In that game you scored 100 out of a possible 100, in 407 turns, earning you the rank of contentment. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > full In that game you scored 100 out of a possible 100, in 407 turns, earning you the rank of contentment. The score was made up as follows: 2 sharpening your claws 6 hunting a bird (and nearly being successful) 2 safely opening the blinds 8 waking the Provider unawares 4 eating hard food 15 driving off your Rival 5 ascending a garage door 15 eating soft food 8 burying your Rival in hard food 8 building a beacon in the road 10 saving your Provider 12 finding sundry items 5 visiting various places 100 total (out of 100) Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > quit