"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. >get all feather circlet: You already have that. oil lamp: Though the sky is dark outside, the bonfire will provide light for what seeing is necessary. medicine bag: The leather strap feels cool and familiar in your hands as you take your medicine bag down from its place. copper dagger: You carefully take your lover's weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment. >inspect medicine bag [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 medicine bag 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. >look at bedicine bag [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >look at medicine bag Your medicine bag is like a tiny garden, filled with dried herbs wrapped in leaves and small clay vials. You have saved many lives with the power in these small things, and, of course, with skill. >get all feather circlet: You already have that. oil lamp: Though the sky is dark outside, the bonfire will provide light for what seeing is necessary. copper dagger: You already have that. medicine bag: You already have that. >look at coppet dagger [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >look at copper dagger Your lover's dagger is long as your forearm and lovingly oiled and sharpened. It is a prized possession, a talisman against times of woe. >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. >listen A gust of cool wind tugs your clothes. >touch hand Which do you mean, Sihan or Saiph? >touch 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 is truly a woman of action and not only of words," he says levelly. "But I see that, like you, she is counted among the cowards and the weaklings. I have no more to say." He turns and strides fiercely into the darkness. >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." Sihan sighs. "His heart clamors for war with these 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." >quit Are you sure you want to quit? y