MESSAGE 1
  As the cloud moves closer, drops of precipitation begin to fall from it.  As
the drops fall upon the vegetation, the plants burst into an all-consuming
flame, vanishing within seconds.  Thunder continues to boom from the cloud and
the configuration of its surface looks uncomfortably like a human face.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 2
  The deadly rain reaches you and, in your last split-second of consciousness,
you realize that you should have found shelter.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 3
  Deafening blasts of thunder roar over the clearing, sounding like some
demented giant's angry voice.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 4
  The thunder slowly dies away and, within a few minutes, the normal sounds of
the forest animals and birds return.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 5
  The guard looks disgusted and slams the opening. Dejected, you sit down at
side of the road. You realize that it would feel good to just rest your head
against the tree behind you and, as you begin to drift off to sleep, you feel
your pack move and a light touch on your wrist.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 6
  You reach behind you, but, before you can grab anything, Melaia has nabbed a
thief.  She drags him into the sunlit road and holds him fast. He struggles,
but to little effect.  He is a small, fair-haired man, dressed in poor quality
clothing, with a confused look in his eyes and no visible weapons.
  "Why do you try to steal from us, worm?  We have little to tempt even the
most hungry thief." Melaia begins to shake him.
  "Melaia, stop!" commands the sorceress, "This is just like you to react with
violence. I can sense that this pitiful creature cannot control his actions.
He has been enchanted to steal anything within reach. The pain and guilt of his
actions have driven him nearly insane.  What is you name, confused one?"
  The bewildered man looks at Karalyn and says, "I cannot remember anything
other than my life as a thief. I call myself Yalda, now."
  Karalyn looks deep into his eyes and tells you, "He needs our help and most
certainly fulfills the final part of the prophecy. He is definitely a 'thief
insane'."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 7
  You reach behind you, and catch the thief. But, as you pull him around, the
man hits his head on a low branch and falls limp. As you realize with horror
that the thief is dead, you suddenly lose consciousness.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 8
  "The little worm has taken the treasure and left us", Melaia growls.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 9
  Several hundred pounds of loose gravel falls to the floor just inside the
the doorway to the temple, raising a thick, choking cloud of dust. Out of the
dust staggers Yalda, carrying a leather pouch which he hands to you.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 250
Melaia says, "I'm starved. Let's find someplace to eat."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 249
Chris makes eating motions with his hands.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 248
Karalyn says, "You should really consider finding some food."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 10
  The members of the Band finally can stand it no longer and leave you standing
alone in this confused city while they go in search of food.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 247
  They take 8 gold coins to pay for dinner.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 246
  They take 11 gold coins to pay for dinner.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 245
  They take 12 gold coins to pay for dinner.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 244
Aldar yawns hugely, while Alfar seems to be asleep his feet.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 243
Yalda is barely able to put one foot in front of the other.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 242
Karalyn says, "This band needs to stop and rest."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 11
  The members of the Band finally can stand it no longer and leave you standing
alone in this confused city while they go in search a place to sleep.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 241
  They take 60 gold coins to pay for their rooms.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 240
  They take 48 gold coins to pay for their rooms.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 239
  They take 54 gold coins to pay for their rooms.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 238
You notice an ominous black cloud on the northern horizon.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 237
The cloud to the north is moving this way at tremendous speed.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 12
  As you look to the sky, you see vast quanties of liquid falling from the
black cloud.  All around you, the city is being destroyed.  You hear screams of
fear from the citizens near you, and, as the rain finally reaches you, you
wonder what will happen to your new friends.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 13
  As you leave the city, you see a black cloud approaching from the north. It
is moving at such a high rate of speed that it has passed over almost before
you have time to notice it.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 14
  The black cloud stops abruptly over the city and begins to pour out the
deadly drops.  You can see smoke start to rise from the damaged buildings and
can imagine only too well what the inhabitants are experiencing. In a few
minutes, the storm is over, and, even at this great distance, you can see the
massive destruction.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 15
  Although most of the Band has vanished without your hearing a sound, Melaia
must manage to land at least a blow or two, because you hear a scuffle. But
when you turn to look, you see only Yalda.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 16
  Suddenly, you are surrounded by a group of armored men. As you turn to fight,
Yalda grabs the bracelet from your arm and runs off into the swamp. With very
little trouble the men subdue you, tie you with rope and put a burlap bag over
your head. You can't tell where they are taking you, but your thoughts during
the trip are concerned with things you would do to that thief if you could get
your hands on him.
  When your hands are unbound and the bag taken off of your head, the situation
you see looks pretty bleak.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 17
  Before you can move, Galdrax looks at your group and laughs.
  "And how do you intend to stop me without weapons? Guards, gather up this
vermin and put them back where they belong."
  Without trouble, the guards take you back to your basement cell.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 18
  Before you can move, Galdrax looks at your group and laughs.
  "You idiots. Why do you not pay attention to your own prophecies?  'The Band
of one plus three plus three.' Do you have some idea that hair color would rule
the day." The evil wizard finds this amusing. "Anyone studying the old tales
should realize that the old ones were fascinated by the deepest, most pervasive
dichotomy of the human race and certainly isn't skin or hair or skin coloring.
You pose no more danger to me the wind or rain. Guards, gather up this vermin
and put them back where they belong."
  But before Galdrax's guards can move a muscle, Aldar, who has yet to speak a
single word, steps forward, and stands directly in front of him. With back
erect and eyes boring deep into his, Aldar reaches up to remove the grey cap.
A gasp moves through the room, both friend and foe, as Aldar, in a clear,
soprano voice, says "Watch who you call vermin, wizard!", as her waist-length
blond hair falls down her back. She winds up her sling and catches the wizard
directly between the eyes. The battle is on.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 19
  All around you, each of the band members is doing his or her best to
hold off the men faithful to Galdrax. Unfortunatly, the blow to the head
delivered by Aldar only stunned the wizard for a few seconds, after which he
began to trade spells with Karalyn.  The others are doing the best they can
but you can see them looking at you, expecting you to turn the tide.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 20
  Nothing you do seems to work.  The battle is going badly for your friends
and, if you do not come to their aid soom, all will be lost.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 21
  It is almost over.  The twins have been recaptured, Christopher is almost
down, Melaia is being overmatched 10 to 1 and the Sorceress' response to the
evil magician's attacks si starting to slow. Only Yalda is still fighting at
any level of ability, parrying but never attacking, with almost machine-like
efficency.
  Then, when it seems almost over, you feel your bracelet start to grow warm.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 22
  The battle is over.  All of your friends have been subdued. Galdrax is
coming for you. He doesn't look very happy.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 23
  Galdrax is reaching for you. It looks like the end.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 24
  Galdrax has you. You don't want to watch what comes next. Better luck next
time.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 25
  Before you can move, Galdrax looks at you and laughs.
  "And how do you intend to stop me without the any help. Guards, gather
up this vermin and make sure we aren't disturbed again."
  Without trouble, the guards take you back to your basement cell.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 26
  Before you can move on, out from the shadows comes the last remaining member
of your party, Yalda. Melaia instantly rushes toward him.
  "You thieving devil, I would almost be willing to spend the rest of my days
alone just to see you die."
  But before the angry woman can reach him, Yalda hands the bracelet to you
and you take it and put it on. You tell Melaia to stop.
  Yalda says, "I am sorry I ran out on you, but I thought I needed to save the
bracelet.  I got into the fortress before you and placed the rod where you
could find it.  I couldn't help otherwise because the guards had me trapped
in the rear of the banquet hall until just now."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 27
  The members of the band look sad, but they all know that you must go. Karalyn
says, "You must lie down now and return to your own world. We will miss you and
can only hope that you will look back upon us fondly. Do not forget."
  You say goodbye to each of your friends.  Christopher and the twins will live
in the forest, Melaia is returning to her mountaintop home and the sorceress
will return to her cottage. Yalda looks at you with sad eyes, but, before you
can say your farewell, he turns and vanishes into the trees.
  You lie down on the bed and, just as you begin to fall asleep, you realize
that there are questions that were never answered. But it is too late.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 28
  The sorceress says, "You must find individuals to assist you in this quest.
More than that I cannot say."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 236
Aldar refuses to speak to you.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 235
No one here knows anything about the sign language.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 29
  Alfar says, "Our mother was not able to hear or speak.  So our family learned
to communicate with a special sign language standard to such people."
  Such a memory is obviously painful to the two orphans.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 30
  "Her name was Diana and she was always trying to help those who shared her
affliction.  She would seek out those who need her help to communicate."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 31
  "Her name was Diana and ....". As the child continues, Christopher spins
about and begins signing furiously to the twins.
  "He says that Diana is the name of his aunt who taught him to sign. That
make us cousins and that honor cannot allow him to let us go into danger
alone.  He will accompany us to insure that we come to no harm."
  Christopher embraces the two of them and, as the party moves on, they begin
a furious conversation in sign language that looks as if it could go on for
hours.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 234
The twins are not present to discuss their mother.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 32
  The sorceress's eyes turn inward as she recites:
     "One day the bracelet shall return,
      To right the evils of our land.
      One who's name will not be learned
      Will come with unknown powers in hand.
      With luck and skill the stranger turns
      An outcast group into a Band.

      The Band of one plus three plus three
      Shall travel north to stop the rain
      With magic, pairs and silently
      With dagger, sword and thief insane.
      Not one is as appears to be
      But must suffice to end the Bane."

  The sorceress looks at you and says "Where is Tolkein when you need him."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 33
  The sorceress states, "The rain first appeared a few months ago. It attempts
to destroy everything in its path. So far, I have been able to restore the
damage done within the forest, but with each attack, the repair becomes more
difficult."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 34
  Yalda looks dubious, but answers "Yes, I have heard of this temple. But it is
beyond the abilities of any common thief to enter it. The treasure hidden there
consists of booty left over from the Dim War, and is protected by both magical
and physical means."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 35
  The sorceress concentrates for a moment, then says, "I might be able to
release the magical defenses, but only a trained thief could manage to get
past the physical ones."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 233
$NOUN$ claims no special knowledge of the temple.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 36
  Yalda tells you that he thinks he can find them and vanishes into the
shadows. Melaia is beginning to look very sheepish. When Yalda reappears,
he is bearing all the weapons.
  After the gear has been distributed, Melaia moves to Yalda. He cringes,
but the weapon master speaks quietly, "I'm sorry. In my usual haste, I took
you for what I thought you would be. You are an honorable man and I will be
proud to fight beside you."
  Yalda looks uncomfortable. "I'm not much of a fighter, but I thank you."
Melaia stands with the thief.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 232
I cannot discuss the $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 231
That person is not here to discuss the $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 230
"I don't know anything about the $OBJECT$."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 229
The sorceress sits on the rock and waits watchfully.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 228
$NOUN$ refuses to leave your side.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 227
$NOUN$ is not here at the moment.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 226
You have killed another human being.  All goes dark....
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 37
  You have purchased provisions for the Band.
  They cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 38
  Provisions at this location cost #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have#VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city without sufficient provisions.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 39
  You have already bought provisions. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 40
  You have purchased fur parkas for the Band.
  They cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 41
  Parkas at this location cost #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city without proper clothing.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 42
  You have already bought parkas. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 43
  You have purchased dinner for the Band.
  It cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 44
  An evening meal at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 45
  You have already bought dinner. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 46
  You have rented rooms for the Band.
  They cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 47
  Six rooms at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.

  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 48
  You have already rented rooms. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 49
  You have purchased a sword for Melaia.
  It cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 50
  A sword at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city until Melaia has a sword.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 51
  You have already bought a sword. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 52
  You have purchased a socerer's kit for Karalyn.
  It cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 53
  A socerer's kit bought at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city while Karalyn does not have a fresh magic kit.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 54
  You have already bought a kit. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 55
  You have purchased two slings for the twins.
  They cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 56
  A pair of slings at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city without proper weapons.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 57
  You have already bought slings. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 58
  You have purchased a thieves' tools for Yalda.
  It cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 59
  Thieves' tools at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city with proper tools for Yalda.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 60
  You have already bought tools. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 61
  You have purchased a crossbow, with a quiver of arrows, for Christopher.
  It cost #VAR3# gold pieces.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 62
  A crossbow at this location costs #VAR3# gold coins.
  You only have #VAR1# coins remaining.
  You cannot leave the city with proper weapons.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 63
  You have already bought a crossbow. It would be a waste of money to buy more.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 225
You cannot buy $NOUN$ here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 224
You squeeze yourself under the bed.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 223
Crawling doesn't work here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 222
The large crate falls at Christopher's feet.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 221
The medium crate falls at Christopher's feet.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 220
The small crate falls at Christopher's feet.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 64
  As you drop the last of the crates through the grate, Christopher swiftly
stacks them up, and, climbing atop them, easily reaches a height sufficent to
allow him to leap upwards and grab the edge of the grate. You help him climb
out and, after a silent but emotional reunion, you continue on. The grate
closes and locks behind you.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 219
As soon as you put the torch down, it goes out.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 218
The $NOUN$ falls to the ground at Christopher's feet.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 65
  As you look to the south, you notice a shadow standing in the woods. As it
moves closer, you see that it is a huge man in muted green clothing, watching
the twins intently and twiddling his fingers.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 66
  You make it past the doorway, but trigger a tripwire, causing several hundred
pounds of loose gravel to land on your head. It might not have been fatal, but
you do not stay conscious long enough to find out.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 67
  You receive a powerful shock.  As you fall to the ground, you wonder what you
you did wrong this time.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 217
There are #VAR1# gold coins in the bag.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 216
You cannot look at a verb.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 215
You have found a key in the pocket of a guard's coat.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 214
You do not have the coat.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 213
Through the open grate, you see Christopher looking hopeful.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 212
There is a large crate lying next to him.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 211
There is a medium crate lying next to him.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 210
There is a small crate lying next to him.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 68
  The swath of destruction created by the acid rain is a ruler-straight line
north to south, but both the bed and the sign are seemingly untouched.  Then,
to your amazement, the blighted region begins to shimmer and shine, becoming
too bright to watch.  When the light show is over, the clearing looks as
beautiful as it did before the passing of the cloud.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 209
You remove the coat from the hook.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 208
You cannot get the crate. It is too heavy.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 207
You cannot get the crate. It is too heavy.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 206
You cannot get the crate. It is too heavy.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 69
  The best advice I can give you is to buy smart and move fast.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 70
  The knocker makes a defening clatter and a uniformed guard stickes his head
out of a small opening in the door. After a few moments he states pompously,
"Entrance tax will be 2 gold pieces per head.  VISA and MASTERCARD accepted."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 71
  Nothing seems to happen.  Nothing stirs.  The whole forest seems to have
become gravely quiet.  You raise your fist to knock a second time and the door
opens silently and smoothly.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 205
You cannot knock on a door here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 72
  You have broken your bare foot.  The pain is incredibly intense and as you
lose consciousness, you curse your stupidity for not replacing your shoes after
crossing the log.
END_MEESSAGE

MESSAGE 73
  There is a flash of darkness.  You spin around to see an aged crone glaring
at you with hatred.  A truly exceptional speciman of cronehood, she is almost
as ugly as your Aunt Greta.
  "Why have you defiled my home with your violence? The door was opened to you
freely. You have responded with rudeness and anger. You do not even know me.
END_MEESSAGE

MESSAGE 204
"Ah, you surprise me, strange one.  You may go."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 203
Speak my name or be banished!
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 202
"Ah, you surprise me, strange one.  You may go."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 201
"You are of no use to me or my land.  BEGONE!!
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 74
  The crone open the door, ushers you out and, once again, the door closes
silently behind you.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 75
  "Ah, you surprise me, strange one.  You may go."
  The crone opens the door, but, as she starts to usher you out, catches sight
of the bracelet you wear. Her expression changes from one of bored indifference
to surprised amazement.
  "The bracelet! We have waited so long for its return."  The old woman grabs
your arm and, at the moment of contact, begins to change. The wrinkles fade,
her hair thickens and darkens to a deep black and the crone strightens from a
painful stoop to a regal height of almost six feet.  Her clothing transforms
from worn rags to a beautiful blue cloak.
  "The prophecy has come to pass. The time has come to gather the proper
members of the band. Come, we have much work to do."
   The sorceress moves about the cottage, gathering up things she will need.
Then, motioning you to precede her out of her home, she passes through the door
then closes it. She moves from animal to animal, setting each one free.
"They will be able to care for themselves."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 200
You cannot kick a door here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 76
  Lifting upwards on a thin rod through a tiny crack, while trying to raise a
heavy wooden timber is not easy, but you succeed and the door opens.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 199
Such an action accomplishes nothing.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 198
"YOU WILL NOT REACH THE SORCERESS, KARALYN!"
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 197
This message is Number 200.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 196
Listening is useless here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 77
  Looking under the bed, you find a change of clothing more suitable for travel
and a pair of soft boots. You reach down and get them.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 195
The light cot is easy to move.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 194
The light cot is easy to move.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 78
  As you shift the block slightly, you see the glint of metal. Working your
fingers into the opening between the block and the rest of the wall, you
manage to retrieve a metal rod.
END_MESSGAE

MESSAGE 79
  Shifting the block, you put the rod back into the space between the block
and the wall.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 193
You push the chair to a position underneath the torch.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 192
You move the rug out of the way and find a grate underneath.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 80
  As you $VERB$ the sign, it vibrates, then rings faintly, like a distant bell.
Hanging on the back of the sign is a beautiful iridescent bracelet, fashioned
from a material which looks like a solid liquid, a liquid gemstone, a melting
diamond.  Oh, heck, it looks odd but valuable.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 191
You cannot $VERB$ the $NOUN$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 190
There is no $NOUN$ here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 81
  "You can't wander around in a strange land dressed like that!"
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 82
  Before you can move, there is a violent peal of thunder from the clear sky.
As you look to the sky, you see a large, black cloud moving toward you at
express train speed.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 83
  As you return to the entrance to the rocky valley, Karalyn states that the
figure never moved.  As you puzzle on this, you turn to see one of the figures
coming toward you on the path from the southwest. As the figure moves closer,
you become aware that this is a child, ten to twelve years old. You hear the
other figure scrambling down the side of the valley. Twins. As the two arrive
along side you, one of them speaks.
  "My name is Alfar. This is Aldar.  We live in this forbidding place.  Our
parents died two years ago and we have since lived here alone. We recognize
you, Sorceress, from tales we were told. May we accompany you?"
  Karalyn motions you aside and says, "This must be the pair of which the
prophecy speaks. We must allow them to come with us!"
  Although you have doubts about the wisdom of allowing two children to follow
you, you agree to let them come along.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 84
  As you make preparations to leave the valley, you notice that the children
are making motions with their hands, as if communicating with each other in
code.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 85
  The combination lock springs open and the barred door swings free. The twins
jump to their feet and grab you from both sides. You struggle to squirm free
of their choke hold.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 189
  The door refuses to open.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 188
  The door is already unlocked and open.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 86
  You struggle with the bar, and move it enough to open the door. Melaia is
on the other side and is very happy to see you.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 187
You cannot see the door to open it.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 186
You cannot open this door unless you have both hands free.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 185
  The lock refuses to open.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 184
  The lock is already open.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 183
You reach into the bag and give the guard 14 gold coins.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 87
  The guard looks surprised and quickly closes the opening in the gate.  He
reopens it and says, "Wait a few minutes while I check with my superior."
  Karalyn says, "Everyone sit down while I make some necessary explanations.
Now that the Band is complete, I can reveal some things that will be familiar
to some, but not others.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 88
  "About one thousand, six hundred years ago, there was a terrible war in this
land. Today, we call this the Dim War, since very little is remembered about
it. What information that survived is fragmentary. We know that it centered
around two great nations, but nothing about them has come down to us. When the
war was finished, most of the people had been wiped out. Our civilization as
we know it today was created by a brother and sister, Andrew and Kara, who
discovered the principals of magic that allow us to exist. Our land is named
for them, and I myself bear a variation of my ancestor's name.
  "No one knows what makes the magic of our world function. What magic we can
use, we use by rote. Discoveries are occasionally made, but only after years
of trial and error. Andrew and Kara had a source of information that is
unknown to us today. Near the end of his life, Andrew lost much of the mental
acuity which had served him for so long, and began to develop an attitude of
protectiveness about his world. Somehow, just before his death, he was able to
cast one last, great spell, which has both benefited and cursed us, even to
this day. Anyone killing another person, even if accidently, is immediately
sent to a magical cell, never to escape. This is what makes fighting so
dangerous. Any death which occurs is punished immediately." Melaia makes a face.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 89
  "But someone has managed to finally circumvent this age-old spell and begun
sending the acid rain into the land. That someone is a wizard name Galdrax.
Galdrax has been working for years to discover any details possible about the
source of our magic and why so many of the spells we cast require such
precision in the wording.
  Galdrax has discovered something so important that it has obviously cost him
his mind. Although arrogant, the wizard I knew would not have caused such
destruction. We must travel to his fortress to the north and stop him or all
of us are doomed."
  The entire band sits and thinks about this until the guard returns and opens
the gate to the city.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 182
"You're broke!
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 181
There is not a guard in sight.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 90
  With an effort, you manage to push the rod through the largest of the cracks.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 180
You place the torch in the hole in the top of the churn.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 179
There is no place to put the torch.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 91
  As you remove the bracelet, it begins to grow, until it is about a meter in
diameter. It glows with an eerie light and hums with some kind of power.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 178
You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 177
You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 176
You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 175
You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 174
You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 173
You $VERB$ the $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 172
Ain't no $NOUN$ to $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 171
Don't you have better things to do than sleep?
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 170
This is definitely not the place for a cat nap!
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 92
  The weapons master easily avoids the attack and returns to ready position.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 93
  The woodsman move backwards and seems to slowly disappear into the
surrounding landscape. The woman notices that he has gone, but, before she can
react, he has risen behind her, taken the sword and dagger and thrown them
over the side of the mountain. She instantly attacks but is held helpless
by Christopher's long reach.
  "Why do you attack me? Why come to this place to disturb me?"
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 169
There is no one here to attack.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 168
Yalda refuses to commit suicide.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 167
You receive a look that accuses you of insanity.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 166
$NOUN$ is not here, but probably would refuse anyway.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 94
  With much fear and trembling, Yalda moves into the open doorway, then
vanishes into the interior of the temple.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 165
Karalyn say, "Isn't once enough?"
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 164
$NOUN$ looks at you like you've lost your mind.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 95
  Karalyn closes her eyes and raises her hands above her head. Her lips move in
a silent incantation while the rest of the Band look on. Her body tension
becomes increasingly evident and, suddenly, she throws her hands forward in a
pushing motion and, in a burst of sound, an heated wind passes from behind her
and through the entrance.
  Karalyn sinks slowly to the ground to sit with head bowed and whispers, "The
way is clear."
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 163
Such an action is worthless at this time.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 162
Aldar refuses to speak to the man.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 161
$NOUN$ talks to the man but cannot understand his response.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 96
  As Alfar begins to speak to the man, he begins to sign back, but at such a
speed and intensity that Alfar cannot keep up.  When he slows down, Alfar
begins to translate.
  "He says that his name is Christopher. He was rendered unable to speak in an
accident when he was a young boy.  A deaf aunt taught he and his family how to
sign so that he could still communicate.  But his lack of speech caused him so
many problems with the other villagers that he decided to move into the deep
forest where commumication is not necessary. His hearing is unimpaired and he
has become an able woodsman."
  As Christopher finishes his tale, you explain to him what you are doing, but
he is only interested in happenings involving his immediate home and turns to
go.
  Alfar says, "Christopher. That name certainly sounds familar."  Aldar nods.
  The woodsman moves off towards the forest.
  "This must be the one described as 'silently' helping in the prophecy.  We
must convince him to help." says the sorceress.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 160
This is not the time for talking.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 159
The sorceress sits on the rock and waits watchfully.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 158
$NOUN$ refuses to leave your side.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 157
$NOUN$ is not here at the moment.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 97
  The weapons master ponders your words, then replies, "Of course, I will help
you.  Just because a hypocritical caster of spells claims to be the only keeper
of the truth does not make the rest of the world cowardly, ignorant or
insensitive. I am Melaia and, if this oaf will release me, I give my word not
to attack, and will make ready to travel."
  Christopher lets go of Melaia's arms and she walks to the edge of the
mountain. "I will miss those weapons and must replace them before we travel
far."  She leaves the circle to the west, returning after only a few minutes
with a light pack.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 156
You tie the rope to the hook.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 155
You can't tie the $NOUN$ to the $OBJECT$.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 98
  The bracelet, in flight, seems to guide itself. It hovers over the wizard for
a moment, then lowers to the ground around his feet. As he reaches for it, the
bracelet begins to rise slowly into the air.
  You look on in amazement as you see that, below the level of the enlarged
bracelet, you cannot see Galdrax's feet or legs. As the hoop rises, more and
more of the magician's body vanishes. There is no indication of pain on his
face, only a great surprise.  In only a few seconds, he is gone.
  When it has finished with Galdrax, the bracelet turns on its side and flies
out the window. You race to the window in time to see the hoop enlarge further
and pass over the huge smokestack responsible for creating the acid rains. In
seconds, the stack has followed Galdrax to its destination.
  The bracelet returns through the window, and falls at your feet, its normal
size restored.
  The room is empty. All of Galdrax's men have taken this opportunity to get
the hell out of here.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 99
  You throw the hook upwards to the window. It catches on the sill and holds
as the rope hangs down to the roof. Withing seconds of the impact, a figure
throws itself over the side of the window and climbs rapidly down the rope.
When the figure is almost at the bottom, you recognize the sorceress. She
thanks you with a wide smile and asks about the others.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 154
You can't throw the $NOUN$ at the $OBJECT.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 100
  I told you it looked dangerous.  As you fall, you consider the ways you might
have made it across.  Too late now!
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 153
With some effort, you remove the screws holding the hook.
END_MESSAGE

MESSAGE 152
That would take some doing!
END_MESSAGE

