"He found the knowledge at the heart of the universe; Returned, and cut his story into stone..." -- The Epic Of Gilgamesh Whom The Telling Changed By Aaron A. Reed Would you like instructions?>y I am your eyes and hands within the story. Direct me with commands such as EXAMINE THE BAG, GO OUTSIDE, LISTEN, or FIGHT HIM. Single word shorthand like FIGHT or BAG will often suffice. Some single words will be highlighted to bring them to your attention: type them to shape the story. The header bar suggests things you may try, but there are always more options available than it shows. Time only advances when you give a command or type LISTEN, which it is sometimes wise to do. Other useful commands include REPEAT, to remember what was recently said; STORY to see the choices you have made; INVENTORY to see what you are holding; WAIT to let the time pass; UNDO to take back your last turn; and GREET, MOCK, PRAISE, TALK TO or ASK ABOUT to interact with characters. More information about this story is available by typing ABOUT. Press any key to begin. The people have always gathered on moonless nights to hear the telling, since the time of your ancestors' ancestors. The heat of the fire and the glow in the storyteller's eyes make the past present, and the path to the future clear. Tonight the stars are bright, but the minds of your people are troubled. May the words of the telling guide your way. ----------- The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent. >examine symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >examine dagger This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip. >take dagger You carefully take your weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment. >take bag You lift your lover's medicine bag down from its place, handling it carefully. >look The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. >examine skins Water for your hands, oil for your lamp, wine for your thirst. You need none of them now, but knowing they are there brings comfort. >out You step outside into the warm night air. It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. In the darkness a few feet away, Sihan and Saiph talk quietly in strained tones. As you approach, your enemy grows silent. Your love turns to you with a look of relief and reaches out a hand. >take hand Which do you mean, Sihan or Saiph? >talk to sihan You clasp Saiph's strong hand and turn to Sihan with a frown. "What business have you here?" you ask her coldly. Sihan tosses her hair and fixes her sharp gaze on you. "I came to see if Saiph has sense left in his head after a season with you," she says levelly. "But I see that, like you, he would lead our people down the path of needless killing. I have no more to say." She turns and vanishes into the darkness without a sound. >look It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. Your beloved gazes up at the stars. Saiph frowns. "She still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share her views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." He looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >ask about enemy [It is best to interact with characters using one of the following formats: TALK TO PERSON VERB PERSON (where VERB is a word like HUG, ATTACK, TOUCH, etc.) SHOW/GIVE OBJECT TO PERSON KEYWORD (typing simply a highlighted keyword from the text.) And, when appropriate, TELL PERSON TO DO SOMETHING.] >ask saiph about enemy (Saiph about the enemy) [You may simply type the most relevant topic word in the future.] "Sihan talks endlessly, but words cannot sharpen axes or protect children," your love says. "She is convinced still that these newcomers mean us no harm. What will it take for her to wake up to the truth?" >newcomers "Have you heard the news?" he asks. "Young Ada found traces of a camp less than an hour's walk from here, and more than half a day from their fires in the valley. Sihan maintains they were merely investigating our camp. Many, perhaps, would call it spying instead," he says darkly. >fire You linger for a moment in the starlight, tempted to enjoy more quiet words with your love. >lok [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >look It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. Your beloved gazes up at the stars. >examine stars The stars glimmer in the warm night air, casting a pale light over the valley. >n Saiph glances towards the fire pit and takes his medicine bag from you, slinging it into its familiar place around his neck. "Let us join the gathering and hear the story," your love says lightly, and turns to the fire at the center of the village. You walk to the firepit with Saiph, and friends and neighbors greet you with a nod or quiet word. Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. Nabu and Isi stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Saiph stands near your side. >talk to nabu Your uncle Nabu regards you seriously. "Are you ready to fight for your people, should you be called upon?" he asks. "Perhaps it will not come to fighting," you say. "Who can tell?" he says, "But those who bear arms must be prepared, nonetheless." >talk to isi "My brightest light," says Isi as she always does, a smile lighting her face as she pulls you down to kiss your cheek. >kiss isi You put out a hand and squeeze Isi's shoulder with affection. She puts her hand on yours and pats it gently. Saiph places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," he says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >storyteller "The storyteller awaits," Saiph says. "The telling cannot begin until the teller's circlet has been gifted." >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. Nabu and Isi stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Saiph stands near your side. >inv You are carrying your copper dagger and the storyteller's feathered circlet. >give circlet to storyteller Your people have always believed in the power of names. For such an important ceremony as this, you must use the teller's name. >give circlet to isi You approach your aunt Isi and hand the circlet to the white-haired old woman. She takes it delicately, eyeing the craftsmanship, and then turns to Saiph with a nod and a warm smile. Carefully, she lifts it up to her old head--and now before you is no longer your father's sister, but the storyteller... a role she has taken every new moon for many years. >talk to isi The storyteller seems to be gathering herself together; you should not disturb her. Sihan approaches the far side of the fire and greets some friends warmly. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. The storyteller sits with bowed head, preparing herself for the telling, while voices speak softly as the gathering grows. Nabu stands near the fire, while across it Sihan whispers with a group of confidants. Saiph kisses your cheek. "May the story bring you what you seek," he whispers, then slips into the crowd. Your beloved has always liked to hear the stories by himself. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. The storyteller sits with bowed head, preparing herself for the telling, while voices speak softly as the gathering grows. Nabu stands near the fire, while across it Sihan whispers with a group of confidants. The murmurings of the people die away as the storyteller rises to her feet and raises two bony hands. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. The teller stands near the fire, and all the people's attention is focused on her. The storyteller shouts, "In this time of darkness the people gather for the telling. Will the people hear?" >shout I didn't understand that sentence. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. The teller stands near the fire, and all the people's attention is focused on her. The crowd cries out with one voice, "The people are ready." The teller bows humbly, accepting the people's blessing, then straightens with the hint of a smile. "Tonight," she says, "we shall hear an old, old story, from days long ago when great cities and mighty kings ruled this land. May you find in the story that which you seek." >look teller The story is sacred; to disturb the teller with aught but words is taboo. The storyteller lifts her hands in invocation. "Our story begins," she says quietly, "in the far-off city of Uruk. Uruk of the broad streets, Uruk of the mighty walls. Can you see them, gleaming in the desert heat?" The teller gestures into the night, and in your mind the walls come alive, shimmering in the desert air. "Come," she continues, "cross the ancient threshold, walk the streets and orchards and markets. Walk the streets and climb the great stone steps to the temple. Climb the steps and find the box of burnished copper. Find the box and undo the lock and draw out the great tablet of deep blue stone. Draw out the tablet and read of Uruk's king, Uruk's pride, Uruk's greatest hero. Hear of the trials of Gilgamesh." >look teller The story is sacred; to disturb the teller with aught but words is taboo. "Is this a well-chosen tale?" Sihan calls out darkly. "Should we hear stories of battle and war when they lie on our very doorstep?" The crowd looks hesitantly between Sihan and the storyteller, who regards your enemy with inscrutable eyes. "Stories are not all of far off places and distant times," she says softly. "The world tells us stories every day, and the wise pay heed. Gilgamesh may teach us much tonight, if we have the ears to hear." Sihan bows stiffly, accepting the storyteller's decision. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. The teller stands near the fire, and all the people's attention is focused on her. "Tell us of the city of Uruk," calls a young woman from the crowd. "Uruk, mighty Uruk of the wide streets," the teller says with shining eyes, "its heart the temple of Inanna, towering over all; its skin mighty walls of oven-fired brick, their like unmatched in all the world. Uruk, planned by the seven sages and filled with orchards and gardens. Never was a city more mighty and proud than Uruk, and never had any city so great a king." A bat circles above the fire for a moment, then swoops away. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. The teller stands near the fire, and all the people's attention is focused on her. The teller continues. "Mighty was Gilgamesh, a lord among lords. Mighty is he who both leads the way and guards the rear. Mighty is he who both crashes like a wave and shelters the weak. Gilgamesh was tall, strong, bearded, a roaring bull among his people. Aruru, mother of the Earth, gave him his form, and Adad the Storm gave him courage, and Shamash the Sun gave him beauty--but," the teller's piercing eyes fixate on the crowd, "he was still a man, nonetheless." >help [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >Aruru "I would hear more of Aruru," you say. "Lady Aruru," the teller sighs, "Lady of the Gods, Lady of the Foothills, Mother of the Earth, made Gilgamesh as she made the first man long eons ago. She formed an image of Gilgamesh in her mind, took up her clay, and kneaded it, shaped it into Gilgamesh's form. More mighty she made him than a normal man: taller, broader, and stronger." >mighty Gilgamesh had something of the gods in him, it seems, but also something of men. Which, you wonder, shaped him more? >men "With so many gods to shape him, how is it that Gilgamesh was only a man?" you ask. "The gods did shape him," the storyteller replies with a nod, "but gave him no godly powers: no magic touch, or gift of foresight, or long, ageless life. Gilgamesh shared the fate of all mankind, and this was why long after many of the old gods fell and were forgotten, the people of Uruk remembered him, for he was one of them." A voice somewhere behind you calls, "It is true!" and a majority nod their heads in agreement. >adad "Adad, god of storms, blessed mighty Gilgamesh?" you ask. "He breathed lightning into the body of Gilgamesh," the teller says powerfully, "Adad of the tempest and the rain. He gave Gilgamesh the spark of courage and the fire of charisma." The telling continues. "With his friend and companion Enkidu," the storyteller says, "Gilgamesh ruled Uruk with a young and prideful heart. But he saw the dead and dying in the streets of Uruk, and his mind was troubled." >troubled Sihan is speaking before you can react. "It was battle that united Enkidu and Gilgamesh in friendship, was it not?" Sihan says musingly. "It is often the way," the teller says, "that two foes may only find kinship through the bitterest battles. But perhaps," she adds humbly, "this is only the way in stories." >dead "Why were there so many dead in the streets of Uruk?" you wonder. "No special reason," says the teller, "other than that which must one day take us all. In the cities things are different than here, or so my father told me: the people there are so many that every day there is death; every day a birth; every day a wedding or a feast or a piece of intriguing news." >help [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >mock Whom do you want to mock? >mock teller How the story is interpreted may be questioned; but never the teller, never the story itself. The storyteller continues. "One night," she says, "as Gilgamesh knelt in prayer, Shamash, god of the sun, came down to whisper in his ear. Shamash whispered to Gilgamesh of a far off place called the Cedar Forest, where dwelt the demon Humbaba. Shamash whispered that he who could defeat Humbaba would gain fame greater than any man. He who could chop down the tallest cedar and defeat Humbaba the guardian would gain everlasting fame. He would burn in the minds of men forever. He would never be forgotten. And the heart of Gilgamesh became restless." >mock Shamash The time is not right to weave that into the story. >praise Shamash The time is not right to weave that into the story. >praise Gilgamesh It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. >restless Doubtless the heart of Gilgamesh stirred at a chance for glory; but was this Humbaba a valid opponent? >glory\ [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >glory "You said King Gilgamesh was restless when he heard Shamash's call," you say loudly. "And of course he was! What king would not seize a chance for glory, to prove his strength and power? A leader is trebled in stature when admired by the people." Voices mutter in agreement; for a few, this point has touched home. >glory The story has moved on; there are other things to say. "Tell me," Sihan says to the storyteller, "had this demon ever set upon the city of Uruk, or harmed its crops or its cattle?" "The demon Humbaba did not leave the Cedar Forest," the teller answers. "Humbaba was charged by Enlil, lord of all gods, to guard the Cedar Forest against all intruders." A voice somewhere behind you calls, "It is true!" and a majority nod their heads in agreement. >cedar "What magic was there in the Cedar Forest that made it special?" you ask. "Uruk was a land like ours," the teller answers, "where the tree is scarce and the wood is poor. Cedarwood is strong, and beautiful, and pleasant to see and smell, and in those days was valued as gold. In the Cedar Forest far, far away, the cedar trees are so thick you could not see a man a hundred paces away; and so tall you could not see the sky." The story moves on. "The heart of Gilgamesh burned with the words of Shamash," says the teller. "Gilgamesh sought out his friend Enkidu and said to him: 'You came from the wild. My friend, you came from the wild and you know the secret paths of animals. Do you know the way to the Cedar Forest?' "Enkidu sighed and his heart grew heavy," says the teller, and then seems to become young and strong as the gruff guise of Enkidu comes over her. "'Yes, I know the way to the Cedar Forest, but it is long and lonely. And what awaits you at its end but the demon Humbaba? The lord of all gods, mighty Enlil, has set him there to guard the Cedar Forest. What man or god could defeat him, my brother?'" >defeat Your mouth is already open to respond when Sihan's voice rises above the circle. "Guard?" Sihan calls out. "Did you say the demon Humbaba was set by the gods to guard the Cedar Forest?" "By Enlil," says the teller, nodding, "Humbaba long had guarded the Cedar Forest against mortal intruders, at the command of Enlil, lord of all gods." "So Shamash who set this idea before Lord Gilgamesh sought merely to use him as a pawn in some divine gambit?" Sihan asks. A babble of astonished voices rises from the crowd. "You must find your own wisdom in the story," says the teller with a tiny bow. >gambit Your voice shouts above the others: "Bold is he who dares to question the will of a god, even one now worshipped by few. How can a mortal know what purpose drives the divine?" "It is not our place to know," answers Sihan confidently. "If the gods choose us as their avatars in this world, ours is just to act." But the crowd is already muttering in angry response; this seems to be an unpopular view, and Sihan steps back with a red face. >Enkidu "Let us hear more of Gilgamesh's friend Enkidu," you say. "Enkidu the wild man, made by the gods to tame unruly Gilgamesh," says the teller, a smile lighting her face. "He lived with the animals in the wild lands till he came to Uruk to challenge Gilgamesh. But their battle united them, and instead of enemies they became closer than friends. Inseparable were Gilgamesh and Enkidu; together they faced all foes and fought all battles." The telling continues. "Gilgamesh looked at Enkidu with disapproving eyes," continues the teller, who then seems to grow tall and strong. "Is this the brave Enkidu I know?" she asks in the voice of the king. "Is this Enkidu who fought with the wild beasts and once challenged King Gilgamesh himself? Have you traded courage for cowardice? Our days are few, and chances for glory far between. Do you not wish to burn forever in the minds of men?" The teller becomes Enkidu again, and seems to consider the words of Gilgamesh. "'You have set your mind, I see. You will make this quest no matter what your friend Enkidu counsels. Since that is your road, I will go with you. I will guide you on the hidden paths; I will find for you the hidden water; I will help you on your quest for glory. Enkidu will go with you.'" >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y