Juspera's Good Ole GS4 Page / History
The Sheru puzzle
"Eat the damned mushroom before I rip off your head and shove it down your severed throat."
The three of us were re-running this puzzle for some reason, perhaps because someone hadn't finished it yet. It was one of my favorites from the event.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Obvious exits: west
Armaxis and Siwas followed.
>read jour
Written on the inside cover in an elegant script are the words:
Seven stars, seven tasks,
Seven fears to subdue.
Seven times you must unmask
The seven nightmares of Sheru.
You say, "So um."
Armaxis asks, "Mm?"
Siwas asks, "Hm?"
You say, "I read the parchment in the academy."
You say, "I didn't like it."
You push the sunstone star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
I saw a toad, a snake, a rat,
While kneeling on my prayer mat.
I saw a rat, a toad, a snake,
and spared them all, for Sheru's sake.
I saw a snake, a rat, a toad,
waiting as my heartbeat slowed.
A toad, a snake, a rat saw me,
when I was dead as dead could be,
and ate me without sympathy.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Musty Cellar]
Light filtering down through a small trapdoor accessed by a set of rickety wooden steps lights the small cellar. The dirt walls and floor are bare except for the occasional errant root and a small drain in the center of the floor. A wadded mass of mildewed canvas bags lies in one corner, the sour smell of rotting canvas pervading the room.
Also here: Armaxis, Siwas
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis examines his fingernails.
You wrinkle your nose.
Siwas smiles at you.
You say, "That's a dumb rhyme."
Siwas stretches.
Armaxis says, "Sheruvians certainly are...lyrical."
Just as you open the drain, a large toad hops out. Startled, you drop the drain back in place.
Siwas says, "Sometimes."
You blink.
>l
[Musty Cellar]
Light filtering down through a small trapdoor accessed by a set of rickety wooden steps lights the small cellar. The dirt walls and floor are bare except for the occasional errant root and a small drain in the center of the floor. A wadded mass of mildewed canvas bags lies in one corner, the sour smell of rotting canvas pervading the room. You also see a small toad.
Also here: Armaxis, Siwas
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis whispers, "Grab some!"
You point at a small toad.
Armaxis picks up a small toad.
Armaxis pokes his finger at a small toad.
You exclaim, "Hey!"
Armaxis drops a small toad.
Armaxis says, "Yes, yes."
You lick the small toad.
It tastes bitter!
Just as Armaxis opens the drain, a large toad hops out. Startled, he drops the drain back in place.
Armaxis stares at you.
Armaxis picks up a small toad.
Armaxis put a small toad in his velvet longcoat.
Siwas says, "Again with the licking.."
Siwas shakes her head at you and clucks her tongue.
>go step
[Abandoned Shop]
The pale, cheerless light that filters through the boarded-up windows is just bright enough to reveal the dust-covered interior of an abandoned general store. Empty shelves line the walls. In the dust on the surface of a scuffed, oak-topped counter are minute trails made by scurrying beetles. Beneath one boarded window is an old apple barrel. You also see some rickety wooden steps.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis and Siwas followed.
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
You let out a yelp!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
You say, "There sure are a lot in there."
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
Armaxis says, "They like apples."
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
As you bend over to look in the barrel, a small snake slithers out, dropping to the ground!
Armaxis whispers, "Bad!"
Siwas gazes heavenward.
>l
[Abandoned Shop]
The pale, cheerless light that filters through the boarded-up windows is just bright enough to reveal the dust-covered interior of an abandoned general store. Empty shelves line the walls. In the dust on the surface of a scuffed, oak-topped counter are minute trails made by scurrying beetles. Beneath one boarded window is an old apple barrel. You also see a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake and some rickety wooden steps.
Also here: Siwas, Armaxis
Obvious exits: none
You say, "Wow."
Siwas says, "They're going to bite you."
Siwas nods to you.
You say, "They won't go back in."
You pick up a small snake.
>put snake in bar
You can't seem to find a way to do that.
How can they be so mean to you?!
You put a small snake in your blue velvet skirt.
You pick up a small snake.
You pick up a small snake.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "..."
Armaxis whispers to the group, "She put a writhing serpent in her skirt."
Siwas whispers to the group, "..."
You whisper, "Yeah, but it's small." to your group.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "She wants to feel the snakey groove."
Siwas whispers to the group, "Ok.. we need to set Juspera up with someone.. I'm sure there's a single person in the dark alliance somewhere.."
Siwas glances at you.
You whisper, "Eryael!" to your group.
>go step
[Musty Cellar]
Light filtering down through a small trapdoor accessed by a set of rickety wooden steps lights the small cellar. The dirt walls and floor are bare except for the occasional errant root and a small drain in the center of the floor. A wadded mass of mildewed canvas bags lies in one corner, the sour smell of rotting canvas pervading the room. You also see a small toad.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis and Siwas followed.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "I thought he was Totally Gay."
Siwas whispers to the group, "No no, we already went over this.. if he kissed Juspera, she'd have a heart attack and keel over dead. Remember?"
(Juspera tries to put the snake in the bag.)
Siwas whispers to the group, "Tierus sure hopes he is."
Siwas nods to Armaxis.
You whisper, "What a kiss!" to your group.
Just as you open the drain, a large toad hops out. Startled, you drop the drain back in place.
Siwas whispers to the group, "He kissed you on the forehead, didn't he?"
You whisper, "Yeah." to your group.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "How come I never get kissed by strange men."
You whisper, "There's always Setzuna." to your group.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "He's not strange."
Your stomach growls with extreme hunger. You're feeling weaker.
You blink.
You say, "Ow."
You ask, "Did you hear that?"
Siwas whispers to the group, "I can tell Tierus you're interested, I hear he likes pretty dark elven men."
Siwas cocks her head at Armaxis.
Siwas asks, "Hear what?"
Siwas asks, "Your stomach?"
Siwas says, "Yes."
You say, "My stomach is growling."
You say, "Yeah."
You say, "We may have to stop in Zul Logoth."
Armaxis glances at you.
Your stomach growls with extreme hunger. You're feeling weaker.
(Juspera tries to put her small snake in the bag again.)
You frown.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "Ew. No."
Armaxis glances at you.
Your stomach growls with extreme hunger. You're feeling weaker.
You shift one of the bags causing a small rat to scurry out from behind it!
Armaxis says, "No, you see...there's plenty to eat...here."
Armaxis shifts his weight.
You say, "Whoa."
You stare at Armaxis.
You glance at a small snake.
Siwas whispers to the group, "dont we have to stop in Zul anyway for one of the puzzles? the one with the monk?"
Siwas grins at you.
Armaxis whispers to the group, "I didn't think there were any in Zul at all."
You whisper, "That was the shield puzzle in whistler's pass." to your group.
Your stomach growls with extreme hunger. You're feeling weaker.
You say, "Guys I'm hungry."
Armaxis whispers to the group, "Ah, NPC relay. Woo."
Siwas whispers to the group, "oh, ok. I haven't done any of those yet."
>go step
[Abandoned Shop]
The pale, cheerless light that filters through the boarded-up windows is just bright enough to reveal the dust-covered interior of an abandoned general store. Empty shelves line the walls. In the dust on the surface of a scuffed, oak-topped counter are minute trails made by scurrying beetles. Beneath one boarded window is an old apple barrel. You also see a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake, a small snake and some rickety wooden steps.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis and Siwas followed.
You don't find anything of interest here.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
Armaxis says, "Pay attention to the poem you heard, bad as it was..."
Armaxis examines his fingernails.
Siwas says, "I guess you'd best eat something, then."
Siwas laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
You whisper, "I want to do the shield one again..." to your group.
You say, "The guy in the poem left the creatures alone."
You say, "For Sheru's sake."
Armaxis says, "And then...they ate him..."
You say, "I don't know why Sheru would like that."
Siwas asks, "Do you really want to do something for Sheru's sake?"
Your stomach growls with extreme hunger. You're feeling weaker.
Siwas cocks her head at you.
You say, "Maybe I should eat you."
How can they be so mean to you?!
You glance down to see a small snake in your right hand and a small snake in your left hand.
>inspect my snake
Inspecting that may not be a sound idea.
Siwas says, "And here I thought you idolized the Dreamwalker."
Armaxis whispers to the group, "That's hot."
You glance at a small snake.
You close your eyes for a moment.
Succumbing to your hunger pangs, you close your eyes and swallow the snake!
Siwas whispers to the group, "I am SO not commenting."
You drop a small snake.
>go step
[Musty Cellar]
Light filtering down through a small trapdoor accessed by a set of rickety wooden steps lights the small cellar. The dirt walls and floor are bare except for the occasional errant root and a small drain in the center of the floor. A wadded mass of mildewed canvas bags lies in one corner, the sour smell of rotting canvas pervading the room. You also see a small toad and a small toad.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis and Siwas followed.
Armaxis glances at you.
You say, "Um."
Armaxis says, "You did that easily."
Your stomach growls with extreme hunger. You're feeling weaker.
You say, "It was small."
You shift one of the bags causing a small rat to scurry out from behind it!
Poor baby!
Armaxis says, "Mmhm."
You pick up a small rat.
Armaxis examines his fingernails.
You say, "I ate lots of rats when I was young."
You say, "But they were cooked."
Succumbing to your hunger pangs, you close your eyes and swallow the rat!
Siwas asks, "Alive?"
Siwas smirks at you!
You ask, "So how come I'm so hungry?"
You kick Siwas!
Siwas hauls off and slaps you up'side your head!
Siwas mutters under her breath.
How can they be so mean to you?!
You pick up a small toad.
Succumbing to your hunger pangs, you close your eyes and swallow the toad!
The area suddenly becomes very dark and you slump to the ground.
When you awake, you realize you're back in the cave.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Also here: Armaxis who is lying down, Siwas who is lying down
Obvious exits: west
The sunstone star begins to glow.
One of the scorched pages in the journal lightens and becomes legible.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Armaxis stands up.
Siwas whispers to the group, "I wish we could slap people across the face instead of upside the head."
(Armaxis idly claps his hands.)
You whisper, "Totally." to your group.
You whisper, "That's the only verb I'd ever use on Tierus." to your group.
You move to a kneeling position.
You stand back up.
Siwas whispers to the group, "Since slapping someone upside the head just.. really doesn't fit with Siwas. Oh well."
Armaxis whispers to the group, "I liked DR's slap."
Armaxis whispers to the group, "It actually leaves a mark."
You whisper, "OOOoooOOoo" to your group.
You push the ruby star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
Once you've lost your life
You've nothing left to lose.
No point in chasing logic down the same old avenues.
Sanity is pointless.
Reason is a curse.
But logic just might save you if the logic is perverse.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Grassy Hill]
A warm breeze drifts across the small hill of tall grass and wildflowers. The area would be idyllic if it were not for the snarling pack of coyotes ringing the summit, making escape impossible.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas nods to Armaxis.
You blink.
A young coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's left arm!
You point at Siwas.
Siwas says, "Oh no no no, not THIS again."
You exclaim, "They're eating you!"
A young coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's right arm!
Armaxis glances at a clump of mushrooms.
Siwas says, "Not the coyotes."
You exclaim, "Get her!"
Siwas says, "Agh."
A large coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's left leg!
Armaxis pokes his finger at a clump of mushrooms.
You exclaim, "Get her!"
A young coyote growls and takes a large bite from your chest!
You let out a cheer!
You exclaim, "OW!"
Armaxis stares at you.
>kick siwas
You throw a glorious temper tantrum!
A lanky coyote growls and takes a large bite from your back!
You thrash around on the floor.
A large coyote growls and takes a large bite from Armaxis's neck!
You try to stand, only to be leapt upon by a coyote and knocked down again!
Poor baby!
You manage to reach over and pick one of the mushrooms.
Siwas glances at you.
You blink.
A lanky coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's neck!
You shudder.
Siwas says, "I'd rather NOT be eaten by coyotes..ow."
You exclaim, "Get her!"
A lanky coyote growls and takes a large bite from Armaxis's chest!
Armaxis says, "Ow."
You nod.
Siwas mumbles something that you don't quite catch.
A scrawny coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's right hand!
Siwas glares at you.
You grin like an idiot.
Armaxis says, "Eat the damned mushroom before I rip off your head and shove it down your severed throat."
A lanky coyote growls and takes a large bite from your back!
You furrow up your face and wince.
You must pick it up first.
As you pop the mushroom into your mouth, a sickening feeling passes over you.
A lanky coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's left arm!
You say, "Ugh."
You have minor cuts and bruises on your chest, and deep lacerations across your back.
Maximum Health Points: 122
Remaining Health Points: 120
You are feeling pretty good.
Maximum Spirit Points: 10
Remaining Spirit Points: 10
Poisoned! Taking 5 damage per round. Dissipating 1 per round.
A scrawny coyote growls and takes a large bite from Armaxis's abdomen!
A scraggly coyote growls and takes a large bite from Armaxis's chest!
You ask, "The coyotes weren't bad enough?"
A lanky coyote growls and takes a large bite from Siwas's back!
Armaxis says, "No."
Siwas says, "No."
You close your eyes for a moment.
As a scraggly coyote takes a chunk out of you, it suddenly gets an odd expression on its its face, twitches, then falls over stone dead! The rest of the pack sniffs at it, then runs whimpering down the hillside.
The area suddenly becomes very dark and you slump to the ground.
When you awake, you realize you're back in the cave.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Also here: Armaxis who is lying down, Siwas who is lying down
Obvious exits: west
The ruby star begins to glow.
One of the scorched pages in the journal lightens and becomes legible.
Armaxis stands up.
Siwas mutters something better left unheard.
Siwas stands up.
You stand back up.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
You grunt.
Siwas says, "I'll heal you after we're done."
>read page
Once you've lost your life
You've nothing left to lose.
No point in chasing logic down the same old avenues.
Sanity is pointless.
Reason is a curse.
But logic just might save you if the logic is perverse.
Siwas says, "We'll just get hurt again."
You stub your toe trying to kick the journal!
Armaxis asks, "You require...unpoisoning?"
Armaxis glances at you.
You have minor bruises on your neck, minor cuts and bruises on your chest, and deep lacerations across your back.
Maximum Health Points: 122
Remaining Health Points: 116
You are feeling pretty good.
Maximum Spirit Points: 10
Remaining Spirit Points: 10
Poisoned! Taking 4 damage per round. Dissipating 1 per round.
You say, "NO."
Siwas says, "Leave her like that."
You say, "Er."
You say, "No."
Siwas grins at Armaxis.
You stare at Siwas.
You push the emerald star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
Death is bitter, bitter cold
But it burns you like a flame.
Life is full of contradiction.
Logic is what you must tame.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Icy Pool]
A thick layer of ice forms the walls and ceiling of the cavern, causing them to sparkle even in the dim light. Small chunks of ice float in the frigid water. Water drips from the icy ceiling in a series of syncopated dulcet tones that combine with the hollow clinking of the floating ice to create a strangely musical echo.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
You shudder.
The icy water causes you to shiver with cold. Your body is growing more numb. You better find a way to warm up soon!
You don't find anything of interest here.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
(Siwas shies away from the water, making her way over near the wall.)
Siwas shifts her weight.
You shiver.
Siwas shivers with cold as the water laps around her body.
You say, "Um."
Siwas glances at you.
You say, "It's cold in here."
Siwas shivers with cold as the water laps around her body.
>swim
How do you plan to do that here?
Siwas nods to Armaxis.
You duck your head.
You glance at Armaxis.
You remove a wooden matchbox from in your fishnet satchel.
Armaxis shivers with cold as the water laps around his body.
You get a match from your wooden matchbox.
You light the match by flicking it against your thumb.
You put a wooden matchbox in your fishnet satchel.
(Juspera holds the match pathetically under an icicle, then under her own hand.)
Siwas shivers with cold as the water laps around her body.
Your burning match just burned out. It disappears in a small puff of smoke.
As Siwas glances at you, you notice a faint twitch near her eye.
Poor baby!
You exclaim, "What!"
Siwas says, "It's cold in here."
Armaxis shivers with cold as the water laps around his body.
>drink
Drink what?
>l ice
I could not find what you were referring to.
>l water
I could not find what you were referring to.
You whisper, "There is no ice or water in here!" to your group.
You belt out, "Hello?"
Armaxis shivers with cold as the water laps around his body.
You jump and scream like a madwoman and altogether feel rather silly.
Siwas whispers to the group, "I actually dunno if you can solve this one yourself.. can she, Armaxis?"
Armaxis shivers with cold as the water laps around his body.
You ask, "What happens when you cast fire spirit?"
Siwas says, "Hang on."
Siwas murmurs a simple, mystical chant...
Siwas' right arm looks better.
Siwas utters a light chant and raises her hands, beckoning the lesser spirits to her aid...
Siwas hurls a ball of fire at you, setting you on fire! The flames flicker and dance around your body, lighting up the chamber with an eerie glow. The heat from the fire warms the pool and causes water to run down the walls of the cavern in rivulets.
The area suddenly becomes very dark and you slump to the ground.
When you awake, you realize you're back in the cave.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Also here: Armaxis who is lying down, Siwas who is lying down
Obvious exits: west
The emerald star begins to glow.
One of the scorched pages in the journal lightens and becomes legible.
Siwas snickers.
You blink.
You exclaim, "You set me on fire!"
Siwas appears to be focusing her thoughts while chanting softly...
Siwas gestures.
Siwas springs upright with amazing agility!
Siwas grins at you.
Siwas says, "Yes. Yes, I did."
You stand back up.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
You kick Siwas!
You push the topaz star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
Dead is dead, or so it's said,
But of this there is no doubt.
When you turn logic on its head,
insanity spills out.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Town Wall]
The air rings with the sounds of a fierce battle. Shouting soldiers jostle each other as they move back and forth along the wide wall. Archers line the parapet, their longbows rapidly firing arrows into an unseen enemy below. Spaced along the wall are large cauldrons suspended over blazing fires, one of which you are standing in!
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas's skin blisters from the heat.
You blink.
Siwas stares off into space.
You say, "Whoa."
You find yourself standing in a large heavy cauldron filled with thick oil. You can hear the flickering of flames dancing around its sides.
You rock violently back and forth knocking over the cauldron! The oil and you spill over the wall onto the attackers below. Screams of agony ring in your ears as you plummet towards the ground.
The area suddenly becomes very dark and you slump to the ground.
When you awake, you realize you're back in the cave.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Also here: Armaxis who is lying down, Siwas who is lying down
Obvious exits: west
The topaz star begins to glow.
One of the scorched pages in the journal lightens and becomes legible.
(Siwas glances down at the flames, and sighs resignedly.)
You blink.
Siwas blinks.
Siwas says, "..well, that worked."
You stand back up.
Roundtime: 3 sec.
You say, "I'm not burnt."
Siwas says, "My cloak didn't even get singed."
Siwas stands up.
Siwas glances at you.
Siwas says, "Pity."
You say, "See, it's all just nightmares."
Siwas murmurs a simple, mystical chant...
You dust yourself off.
You push the amethyst star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
I said it often, said it loud,
I am nothing, if not proud.
A straightened back and unbended knee
Were my parents only legacy.
I fear no man, no beast, no foe,
but nightmares still can bring me low,
and teach me what I need to know.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Village Square]
You find yourself tied to a sturdy stake in the middle of a large village square filled with angry townsfolk, their vitriolic cries ringing in your ears. A massive pile of stones fills the area in front of the stakes.
Obvious exits: none
Armaxis arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
A raggedy dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Armaxis, screaming, "You're guilty!" The stone hits him squarely on his abdomen! Oh, the pain!
You say, "Uh."
You exclaim, "Haha!"
A raggedy child picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits her squarely on her head! Oh, the pain!
>laug
It's impossible to do very much while tied to a stake.
You exclaim, "Yeah!"
A young fishwife picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Armaxis, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits him squarely on his abdomen! Oh, the pain!
Siwas says, "Juspera's the evil one. Strike her."
A red-faced villager picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits her squarely on her back! Oh, the pain!
Siwas says, "..not ME."
A raggedy hunter picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits her squarely on her left arm! Oh, the pain!
You say, "Hahaha."
You say, "This just proves it."
A red-faced fishwife picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "It was you, we know it was!" The stone hits you squarely on your back! Oh, the pain!
You say, "It's you, not me."
You exclaim, "OW!"
A young man picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "You're guilty!" The stone hits you squarely on your left leg! Oh, the pain!
You say, "No no no."
You exclaim, "OW OW!"
A skinny fishwife picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "It was you, we know it was!" The stone hits you squarely on your chest! Oh, the pain!
Siwas says, "Yes.. it was Juspera. It's all her fault."
You exclaim, "Let me go!"
You say, "No no no no no."
A stocky man picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits you squarely on your abdomen! Oh, the pain!
You say, "It's them."
You exclaim, "OW!"
You exclaim, "Stop!!"
You exclaim, "I didn't do anything!"
Siwas says, "Oh, yes. It's all Juspera."
A stocky dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits you squarely on your neck! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "Siwas is lying!"
An ancient hunter picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "It was you, we know it was!" The stone hits you squarely on your left hand! Oh, the pain!
You belt out, "Let me out!"
Whatever you said just made them madder!
You exclaim, "Let me out!"
A stocky dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits her squarely on her neck! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "No no !"
You belt out, "OW!"
Whatever you said just made them madder!
You exclaim, "Stop!"
A raggedy woman picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Armaxis, screaming, "It was you, we know it was!" The stone hits him squarely on his abdomen! Oh, the pain!
You ask, "What do you want?"
Siwas asks, "Only a nightmare.. right, Juspera?"
You say, "Yeah... yeah, it was him..."
A young dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Armaxis, screaming, "You're guilty!" The stone hits him squarely on his right leg! Oh, the pain!
You say, "It's..."
You say, "Get me out of here."
A stocky man picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "It was you, we know it was!" The stone hits her squarely on her back! Oh, the pain!
You ask, "Okay?"
You ask, "I didn't do anything, okay?"
A red-faced dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Apologize!" The stone hits her squarely on her neck! Oh, the pain!
Siwas says, "No. I rather like seeing that expression on your face."
A skinny hunter picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "You're guilty!" The stone hits you squarely on your head! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "Well-OW!"
A red-faced woman picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "You're guilty!" The stone hits her squarely on her abdomen! Oh, the pain!
You say, "See, they think it was you..."
A raggedy woman picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits her squarely on her head! Oh, the pain!
A red-faced hunter picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits you squarely on your abdomen! Oh, the pain!
You say, "I think I'm bleeding..."
Siwas says, "Yes, just as the mob in Solhaven thought it was me."
Siwas says, "You are bleeding."
You exclaim, "It was you!"
A plump fishwife picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits you squarely on your abdomen! Oh, the pain!
You see Siwas Devessi.
She appears to be a Human.
She appears to be mature and average height. She has almond-shaped blue eyes and dusky skin. She has shoulder length, glossy black hair worn in elaborate braids.
She has a thin scar tracing a delicate pattern across the back of her neck.
She has moderate bleeding from her neck, some minor cuts and bruises on her left arm, minor cuts and bruises on her abdominal area, deep lacerations across her back, and minor lacerations about the head and a possible mild concussion.
She has old battle scars on her right arm, a mangled left arm, old battle scars on her left leg, old battle scars on her right hand, an old battle scar across her back, and a scar across her neck.
She is bleeding from the neck, and slightly from the head.
She is holding a midnight-blue rolaren shield in her left hand.
She is wearing a carved rosewood harp case, a team pin, a fragrant scarlet rose, a set of brass hoop earrings with shattered sapphires wrapped in copper and silver wire, a ruby Mularos symbol, a flowing silk cloak fastened with a trio of slender eahnor chains, an antique silver armband, a sparkling deep blue skirt, some sapphire ankle-chained slippers, and a suit of myklian scale armor.
You belt out, "Stop!"
Whatever you said just made them madder!
You ask, "What do you want?"
A raggedy merchant picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits her squarely on her right hand! Oh, the pain!
You ask, "What do they want?"
Siwas says, "You'd best give them what they want, Juspera.. mobs tend to abandon logic and kill people."
You exclaim, "I didn't do it!"
You say, "Noooooo...."
A young woman picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Apologize!" The stone hits her squarely on her head! Oh, the pain!
You say, "Um."
Siwas says, "Trust me.. I know."
You exclaim, "I know who did it!"
You exclaim, "It was Haxley!"
A young hunter picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "It was you, we know it was!" The stone hits you squarely on your left leg! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "Stop, that hurts!"
A stocky woman picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits her squarely on her chest! Oh, the pain!
You cry loudly, wailing as the tears flow like a river.
Siwas says, "Oh, you're bleeding a good deal now.."
A red-faced child picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits you squarely on your left arm! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "I'm sorry!"
You exclaim, "Stop!"
You say, "I didn't do anything though."
A raggedy man picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits you squarely on your left arm! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "Okay, it was me!"
You say, "But it wasn't, but okay."
A red-faced villager picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Don't deny it was you!" The stone hits you squarely on your right arm! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "Let me go!"
A skinny merchant picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Who's sorry now?" The stone hits her squarely on her right arm! Oh, the pain!
An angry dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "You're guilty!" The stone hits you squarely on your left leg! Oh, the pain!
You ask, "I apologize?"
A stocky merchant picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at Siwas, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits her squarely on her left arm! Oh, the pain!
You exclaim, "They won't stop!"
A skinny dwarf picks up a large stone from the pile and hurls it at you, screaming, "Repent before it is too late!" The stone hits you squarely on your right hand! Oh, the pain!
You recite:
"I'm sorry!"
The villagers seem satisfied and immediately drop the stones they were holding. The guards quickly come and untie your bonds.
The area suddenly becomes very dark and you slump to the ground.
When you awake, you realize you're back in the cave.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Also here: Siwas who is lying down, Armaxis
Obvious exits: west
The amethyst star begins to glow.
One of the scorched pages in the journal lightens and becomes legible.
You groan.
You have minor bruises about the head, moderate bleeding from your neck, some minor cuts and bruises on your right arm, a fractured and bleeding left arm, a fractured and bleeding left leg, some minor cuts and bruises on your right hand, some minor cuts and bruises on your left hand, deep lacerations across your chest, deep lacerations across your abdominal area, and deep lacerations across your back.
Bleeding:
Area Health per Round
----------------------------------
Left leg 4
Abdomen 8
Neck 4
Left arm 1
Chest 4
Maximum Health Points: 122
Remaining Health Points: 30
You are feeling faint.
Maximum Spirit Points: 10
Remaining Spirit Points: 10
Siwas laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
You shudder as your life force is torn and reshaped!
You feel drained!
Siwas carefully diagnoses your injuries.
Siwas sits up.
You move to a kneeling position.
Roundtime 7 seconds.
Siwas smirks at you!
Siwas says, "You're bleeding."
You feel a bit weak in the knees and find yourself wobbling.
You stand back up.
You say, "I hate you."
You kick Siwas!
Siwas blinks.
You say, "Stupid Sheru."
You say, "I hate Sheru."
Armaxis examines his fingernails.
Siwas says, "I'm not a Sheruvian, you clueless, narrowminded little.."
Siwas stands up.
You stub your toe trying to kick the carving!
Armaxis joins your group.
You kick Armaxis!
You stub your toe trying to kick the altar!
Siwas glances at you.
You exclaim, "I didn't do anything!"
Siwas says, "Yes, you did."
Armaxis says, "It was an illusion.
You say, "Yeah, well."
You say, "You shouldn't have to apologize to illusions."
You say, "It's dumb."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
You say, "I hate Sheru."
You push the diamond star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
Silent is the viper, silent as the grave.
Silent are the stars, silent are the brave.
Silent are the dead and death's a silent slave.
But nightmares are not silent; nothing's what it seems.
The music of the snake is music full of screams.
And the logic of Sheru is the logic of extremes.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Snake Pit]
Snakes of all shapes and sizes cover the bottom of the smooth-walled pit, their bodies making a dry rustling sound as they writhe over each other and around your body. Their forked tongues flicker in the damp, fetid air as they search for prey.
Obvious exits: none
Siwas arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Armaxis arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Armaxis says, "Ah...yesss...home."
You wrinkle your nose.
You remove a small snake from in your blue velvet skirt.
You show a writhing mass of snakes your small snake.
Armaxis stares off into space.
You put a small snake in your blue velvet skirt.
Siwas murmurs a simple, mystical chant...
You say, "I remember this."
You say, "You should calm the snakes."
Siwas says, "I can't."
You say, "Well."
You say, "But you should."
You say, "But it's very logical."
Siwas says, "I'm too wounded because you were so insistent you hadn't done anything wrong."
You mutter something inaudible.
You say, "I didn't."
Siwas murmurs a simple, mystical chant...
Siwas concentrates.
Siwas' right arm looks better.
Armaxis removes a faded scroll from in his velvet longcoat.
Armaxis raises his faded scroll and gestures.
Sparks begin to fly between the faded scroll and Armaxis's fingers.
With a sudden burst of enthusiasm, the sparks jump into Armaxis's hand and he seems to glow with power.
Armaxis gestures at a writhing mass of snakes.
You watch in amazement as the snakes start to sway and coil around each other, eventually forming a ladder that reaches up through the darkness of the pit!
Armaxis nods.
Siwas nods to Armaxis.
Siwas says, "Thank you."
>cli lad
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Obvious exits: west
Armaxis and Siwas followed.
You blink.
You say, "Huh."
Siwas asks, "What?"
You say, "I didn't see another page become legible."
Siwas murmurs a simple, mystical chant...
You push the sapphire star and you hear a slight *click*.
Suddenly, your vision fades and the air is filled with piercing cries of agony.
Interspersed with the screams you hear a voice reciting.
Insanity is Sheru's gift.
Set Reason's leaky boat adrift.
Life and Death are commonplace.
The course to Life is Death's embrace.
As your vision clears and the air quiets, you discover you are not where you were.
[Lava Lake]
A roiling lake of lava surrounds this island of rough stone. A thick, sulphurous fog hangs in the air, choking the lungs and obscuring vision. The only sound is the obscene burbling of pockets of vile gases rising to the surface of the lake. Barely visible through the miasma an amorphous humanoid figure stands silhouetted against the lava.
Also here: Armaxis, Siwas
Obvious exits: none
A huge lava bubble bursts, spraying Armaxis with lava. A particularly large chunk lands on his head!
You laugh out loud!
>l fig
Peering closer through the haze you see the flaming form of a hideous old man. Oozing pustules cover his face, his clothes are filthy and tattered, and a repulsive odor emanates from his body. The man seems intensely sad.
A huge lava bubble bursts, spraying you with lava. A particularly large chunk lands on your left leg!
You let out a yelp!
You say, "I know what to do."
You embrace the grieving man. His face lights up in a huge smile and a metamorphosis takes place. The skin clears, the posture straightens, the rags become fine garments. Then, just as suddenly, the figure transforms again into a pillar of lava which collapses at your feet and runs off into the lake.
The area suddenly becomes very dark and you slump to the ground.
When you awake, you realize you're back in the cave.
[Vipershroud, A Large Cave]
The tunnel opens up into a large granite cave. On one wall is a carving that looks like a celestial diagram of some sort. Imbedded into the carving are seven stars fashioned from gems. Near the carving is an altar of rough granite covered by a scorched and mildewed crimson cloth edged in gold, a crimson-bound journal lies open at its base. A draft swirls through the area, carrying with it the sounds of voices whispering urgently. An occasional bone-chilling scream of anguish pierces the room.
Obvious exits: west
Armaxis arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
Siwas arrives, looking a bit disoriented.
The sapphire star begins to glow.
One of the scorched pages in the journal lightens and becomes legible.
Armaxis stands up.
Siwas stands up.
You stand back up.
Roundtime: 6 sec.
Siwas concentrates.
Siwas' back looks better.
You ask, "Where's the curators' voice?"
Armaxis whispers to the group, "Gah, soda-run. Stupid hotsauce."
>read jour
Written on the inside cover in an elegant script are the words:
Seven stars, seven tasks,
Seven fears to subdue.
Seven times you must unmask
The seven nightmares of Sheru.
The pages of the journal begin to flip rapidly, filling the air with their staccato rhythm. You sense you have survived a grueling ordeal from which few have emerged with their sanity intact.
You hear the voices of the curators echo in your head, "Ahhh, you have done well, Juspera! We are grateful for your efforts, but it seems you have solved this puzzle already!"
You nod.
You shudder.
Siwas smiles at you.
Siwas says, "You were afraid, in front of that mob."
You say, "Sheru's dumb."
You stare at Siwas.
You say, "Well, they were throwing rocks at me."
You scratch your ear.
Siwas says, "Perhaps I can bribe that priest of Solhaven to pay you a visit sometime."
You say, "And I didn't do anything."
You say, "It wasn't my fault."
You scowl at Siwas.
You remove a long-necked bottle from in your cloak.
You glance at the long-necked bottle and take a tentative sip.
The liquid tastes strangely of cinnamon. You feel suddenly light-headed...and realize you are actually floating a foot or so above the floor! A sense of well-being drifts over you as you slowly settle back on your feet.
You say, "That's better."
Siwas raises an eyebrow.
>put bott in cloak
Hmm, perhaps you shouldn't take things that don't belong to you.
>rgam van sil bot in cloak
You secretly place your long-necked bottle into your cloak.
Roundtime: 2 sec.
Armaxis stares off into space.
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