"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. >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. >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. >stand You aren't sitting right now. >run You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event. >sit down Though it is late, this is a special night. You should stay awake. >open door [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >what is in the room [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 around 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. Lowered voices speak softly from somewhere outside your tent. >listen The lamp crackles softly as it burns. Somewhere distant is the sound of muffled voices. >listen The lamp crackles softly as it burns. Somewhere distant is the sound of muffled voices. >undo Your Tent [Previous turn undone.] >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] >info look I only understood you as far as wanting to info. >info look at I only understood you as far as wanting to info. >go outside You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event. >storz [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] >story This is a story about the night of the telling, and whom the telling changed. >info ["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.] >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >listen The lamp crackles softly as it burns. Somewhere distant is the sound of muffled voices. >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. >take lamp Though the sky is dark outside, the bonfire will provide light for what seeing is necessary. >take water 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. >drink water 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. >bag A small leather medicine pouch hangs from a long strap, bulging with curative herbs. >dagger This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip. >story This is a story about the night of the telling, and whom the telling changed. >mock someone [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >look around 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. >take lamp Though the sky is dark outside, the bonfire will provide light for what seeing is necessary. >put out fire That is not nearby. >go to fire That is not nearby. >go bonfire That is not nearby. >story This is a story about the night of the telling, and whom the telling changed. >repeat 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. >praise (yourself) You can think of no good words of praise just now. >praise myself You can think of no good words of praise just now. >story This is a story about the night of the telling, and whom the telling changed. >repeat 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. >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. >take bag You lift your lover's medicine bag down from its place, handling it carefully. >story This is a story about a warrior of the village, the night of the telling, and whom the telling changed. >symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >take medicine bag You already have that. >take copper dagger You already have that. >look into bag You have not often felt the warm leather of this bag, but its sight is familiar indeed. >go outside 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. >go to Sihan You can't see Sihan nearby. >go to Saiph You can't see Saiph nearby. >take love's hand Which do you mean, Sihan or Saiph? >take Sihan's hand You clasp Sihan's soft hand and turn to Saiph with a frown. "What business have you here?" you ask him coldly. Saiph stares down at you with distaste. "I came to see if Sihan has sense left in her head after a season with you," he says levelly. "But I see that, like you, she would lead our people down the path of needless killing. I have no more to say." He turns and strides fiercely into the darkness. >look around 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. Sihan sighs. "He still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share his views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." She looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >talk to newcomers He is not nearby. >talk to Sihan "I care for you more than you know," you say, kissing Sihan on the cheek. >talk to Sihan "I care for you more than you know," you say, kissing Sihan on the cheek. >repeat Sihan sighs. "He still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share his views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." She looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >look around 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. >show dagger to Sihan "Your skill is great with it," Sihan says, "so it becomes almost a part of you when you wield it. But glad am I such times are far between." >symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >show bag to Sihan Sihan takes it from you. "Thank you," she says, running her fingers lightly over the smooth leather. "It will remind me tonight of who I am." Sihan glances towards the fire pit. "Let us join the gathering and hear the story," your love says lightly, and turns to the fire at the center of the village. >look at fire The fire at the center of town is where the story is told. Around its guttering flames you can already see the shapes of the gathering people. >hug Sihan You wrap your arms around your love and receive a quick kiss in return. "Calm yourself," Sihan says, a corner of her mouth rising, "there will be time for that after the telling." >kiss Sihan\ [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >kiss Sihan You wrap your arms around your love and receive a quick kiss in return. "Calm yourself," Sihan says, a corner of her mouth rising, "there will be time for that after the telling." >tell story That one is not nearby. >who is around [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. >take Sihan You wrap your arms around your love and receive a quick kiss in return. "Calm yourself," Sihan says, a corner of her mouth rising, "there will be time for that after the telling." >repeaet [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] >repeat Sihan glances towards the fire pit. "Let us join the gathering and hear the story," your love says lightly, and turns to the fire at the center of the village. >go to fire You walk to the firepit with Sihan, 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. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Sihan stands near your side. >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. >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 Nabu "How is your knee?" you ask your uncle gently. He rubs it with a rueful smile. "It aches tonight," he says, looking to the stars. "Rain is coming, despite appearances. A heavy rain." Sihan places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," she says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >storyteller "The storyteller awaits," Sihan says. "The telling cannot begin until the teller's circlet has been gifted." >repeat Sihan places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," she says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >dagger Your dagger fits snugly in your hand, the copper blade as long as your forearm. You have knives and spears for other work, but this dagger is different. It is your prized possession; a talisman against times of woe, and though it has been long since you wielded it in war, your muscles still remember the way to use it. >who is around [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 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. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Sihan stands near your side. >talk to nabu Nabu studies you for a moment thoughtfully. "Your father is proud of you," he says softly, "and all you have done. He cannot leave the underworld to tell you this, so I must do it for him. We are both proud of you," he adds, squeezing your shoulder. >attack nabu Though Nabu gave you plenty of whackings when you were a child, looking back, you are sure you deserved them. >attack nabu Though Nabu gave you plenty of whackings when you were a child, looking back, you are sure you deserved them. >attack isi Though Isi gave you plenty of whackings when you were a child, looking back, you are sure you deserved them. >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] >praise nabu You have no more to say to your uncle Nabu now; and the story is about to begin. >mock nabu Though Nabu gave you plenty of whackings when you were a child, looking back, you are sure you deserved them. Sihan places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," she says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >greet nabu You have no more to say to your uncle Nabu now; and the story is about to begin. >ls [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] >info ["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.] >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] >info ["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.] >take rock [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >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. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Sihan stands near your side. >talk isi "And how is Sihan?" asks Isi, a mischievous smile lifting the corners of her mouth. "Is all still well in your bed?" You blush and smile nervously as Isi's friends cackle uproariously. >talk nabu You have no more to say to your uncle Nabu now; and the story is about to begin. >talk isi "Have you heard news of the newcomers?" Isi asks. You tell her you have not. "Ada, the youngest scout, found one of their camps less than an hour's walk from here," says Isi. "Many are presuming at what this means. Perhaps the story will tell." >repeat Sihan places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," she says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >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. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Sihan stands near your side. >hug nabu You put out a hand and squeeze Nabu's shoulder with affection. He puts his hand on yours and pats it gently. >hug isi You put out a hand and squeeze Isi's shoulder with affection. She puts her hand on yours and pats it gently. >story This is a story about a warrior of the village who was in love with the gentle healer woman, Sihan, and how the night of the telling would change them both. >what is in the room [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] >chairs [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 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. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Sihan stands near your side. Sihan places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," she says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >restart Are you sure you want to restart? yeah Please answer yes or no.>yes