"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?>yes "Whom the Telling Changed" is interactive fiction, meaning both that you must read it and interact with it. Whenever you see the prompt: >...you may type something that will shape the story. This can be a single word, such as LOOK to remind yourself of where you are, or REPEAT, to remind yourself of what was recently said. Certain words will be highlighted, drawing your attention to important objects or topics of conversation. You may also type simple commands to perform actions. The story understands basic VERB NOUN combinations the best, such as TAKE ROCK, GO OUTSIDE, TALK TO ISI, or ATTACK ISI. Try the verbs TALK, PRAISE, MOCK, or SHOW TO to interact with characters. If you don't want to do anything, try LISTEN or WAIT. Finally, you may type STORY at any time to see how the choices you've made have shaped the ongoing story. HELP will repeat these instructions. 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. >symbol\ [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] >symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >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. The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent. >symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >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. >bag Your lover's medicine bag is like a tiny garden, filled with dried herbs wrapped in leaves and small clay vials. Many lives have been saved with the power in these small things, and, of course, with skill. Lowered voices speak softly from somewhere outside your tent. >TAKE bag You lift your lover's medicine bag down from its place, handling it carefully. > [Nothing entered.] >sdaf [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] >LISTEN The lamp crackles softly as it burns. Somewhere distant is the sound of muffled voices. >MOCK (yourself) You have not the energy for that just now. >PRAISE (yourself) You can think of no good words of praise just now. >PRAISE (yourself) You can think of no good words of praise just now. >MOCK (yourself) You have not the energy for that just now. >ATTACK [** Programming error: tried to test "has" or "hasnt" of nothing **] You have more important things to do. >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y