2.11BSD/games/lib/battle_strings
There is a knife here
There is an exquisitely crafted sword and scabbard here.
There is a fierce woodsman here brandishing a heavy mallet.
There is an unweildly two-handed sword here.
There is a bloody meat cleaver here.
A rusty broadsword is lying here.
There is an ancient coat of finely woven mail here.
There is a old dented helmet with an ostrich plume here.
There is a shield of some native tribe here.
The maid's body is lying here. She was murdered!
There is a Viper ready for launch here.
A kerosene lantern is burning luridly here.
An old pair of shoes has been discarded here.
There is a pair of pajamas here.
A kingly robe of royal purple and spun gold is draped here.
There is a strange golden amulet on the floor here.
A medallion of solid gold shimmers on the ground nearby.
A talisman of gold is lying here.
A dead woodsman has fallen here. He was savagely murdered.
A heavy wooden mallet lies nearby.
There is a laser pistol here.
A flower-like young goddess is bathing in the hot mineral pools. She is
watching you, but continues to steep and sing softly.
The goddess is reclining on a bed of ferns and studying you intently.
There is a grenade here
There is a length of heavy chain here.
There is a stout rope here.
There is a pair of Levi's here.
A bloody mace is lying on the ground here.
There is a shovel here.
A long, sharp halberd is propped up here.
There is a compass here
Wreckage and smoldering debris from a crash litter the ground here.
A woodland Elf armed with a shield and deadly halberd lunges toward you!
I think I hear footsteps behind us.
There are a few coins here.
There are some matches here.
An unctuous man in a white suit and a dwarf are standing here.
There are some ripe papayas here.
There is a ripe pineapple here.
There are some kiwi fruit here.
There are some coconuts here.
There is a ripe mango here.
There is a sparkling diamond ring here.
There is a colorful pink potion in a small crystal vial here.
A gold bracelet is on the ground here.
A swarthy woman with stern features pulls you aside from the crowd,
'I must talk to you -- but not here. Meet me at midnight in the gardens.'
The swarthy woman has been awaiting you anxiousy. 'I must warn you that the
Island has anticipated your Quest. You will not be welcomed. The Darkness is
strong where you must search. Seek not the shadows save only at night, for
then are they the weakest. In the mountains far from here a canyon winds
with ferns and streams and forgotten vines. There you must go. Take this
rope.'
Out from the shadows a figure leaps! His black cape swirls around, and he
holds a laser sword at your chest. 'So, you have come to fulfill the Quest.
Ha! Your weapons are no match for me!'
An old timer with one eye missing and no money for a drink sits at the bar.
You are flying through an asteroid field!
A planet is nearby.
The ground is charred here.
There is a thermonuclear warhead here.
The fragile, beautiful young goddess lies here. You murdered her horribly.
The old timer is lying here. He is dead.
The native girl's body is lying here.
A native girl is sitting here.
A gorgeous white stallion is standing here.
The keys are in the ignition.
A pot of pearls and jewels is sitting here.
A bar of solid gold is here.
There is a 10 kilogram diamond block here.
You are in the main hangar.
This is a huge bay where many fighters and cargo craft lie. Alarms are
sounding and fighter pilots are running to their ships. Above is a gallery
overlooking the bay. The scream of turbo engines is coming from +. The rest
of the hangar is +. There is an exit +.*
This is the landing bay.
Ships are landing here, some heavily damaged. Enemy fighters continually
strafe this vulnerable port. The main hangar is +, *
There is an exit +.*
You are in the gallery.
From here a view of the entire landing bay reveals that our battlestar
is near destruction. Fires are spreading out of control and laser blasts
lick at the shadows. The control room is +. ***
You are in the control room.
Several frantic technicians are flipping switches wildly but otherwise
this room seems fairly deserted. A weapons locker has been left open.
A staircase leads down. * There is a way -. **
This is the launch room.
From the launch tubes here fighters blast off into space. Only one is left,
and it is guarded by two fierce men. A staircase leads up from here.
There is a cluttered workbench +. From the main hangar come sounds of great
explosions. The main hangar is +. The viper launch tubes are to the -.*
You are at the workbench.
Strange and unwieldy tools are arranged here including a lunch box
and pneumatic wrenches and turbo sprocket rockets.*
The launch room is +. The remaining viper is +.*
You are in the viper launch tube.
The two guards are eyeing you warily! ****
This is a walk in closet.
A wardrobe of immense magnitude greets the eye. Furs and robes of kings
hang on rack after rack. Silken gowns, capes woven with spun gold, and
delicate synthetic fabrics are stowed here. The bedroom is +.***
You are in a wide hallway leading to the main hangar.
The walls and ceiling here have been blasted through in several places.
It looks as if quite a battle has been fought for possession of the landing bay
Gaping corpses litter the floor.** The hallway continues +.
The main hangar is +.
You are in a wide hallway leading to the landing bay.
Most of the men and supplies needed in the main hangar come through this
corridor, but the wounded are forced to use it too. It very dank and
crowded here, and the floor is slippery with blood.**
The hallway continues -. The landing bay is +.
The hallway is very congested with rubble here.
It is too choked with broken steel girders and other debris to continue
on much farther. Above, the ceiling has caved in and it is possible to
climb up. There is not much chance to go -, -, or -.
But the hallway seems clearer +.
A wide hallway and a more narrow walkway meet here.
The intersection is crowded with the many wounded who have come up
the wide hallway and continued +. The walkway is less crowded +.
The wide hallway goes *-.
You are in what was once an elegant stateroom.
Whoever lived in this stateroom, he and his female companion
were mercilessly slain in their sleep. Clothes, trinkets and personal
belongings are scattered all across the floor. Through a hole in the
collapsed floor I can see a hallway below. A door is +.***
You're at the entrance to the sick bay.
The wounded are entering the sick bay in loudly moaning files.
The walkway continues - and +. A doctor is motioning for you to
come to the -. *
You're in the walkway.
Most of the men and supplies were coming from the armory. The walkway
continues -. The armory is +.**
These are the executive suites of the battlestar.
Luxurious staterooms carpeted with crushed velvet and adorned with beaten
gold open onto this parlor. A wide staircase with ivory banisters leads
up or down. This parlor leads into a hallway +. The bridal suite is +.
Other rooms lie - and +.
You're in a long dimly lit hallway.
This part of the walkway is deserted. There is a dead end +. The
entrance to the sickbay is +. The walkway turns sharply -.*
This is the sick bay.
Sinister nurses with long needles and pitiful aim probe the depths of suffering
here. Only the mortally wounded receive medical attention on a battlestar,
but afterwards they are thrown into the incinerators along with the rest.**
Nothing but death and suffering +. The walkway is +.
You're in the armory.
An armed guard is stationed here 365 sectars a yarn to protect the magazine.
The walkway is +. The magazine is +.**
The hallway ends here at the presidential suite.
The door to this suite is made from solid magnesium, and the entryway is
inlaid with diamonds and fire opals. The door is ajar +. The hallway
goes -.**
This is the maid's utility room.
What a gruesome sight! The maid has been brutally drowned in a bucket of
Pine Sol and repeatedly stabbed in the back with a knife.***
The hallway is +.
This is a luxurious stateroom.
The floor is carpeted with a soft animal fur and the great wooden furniture
is inlaid with strips of platinum and gold. Electronic equipment built
into the walls and ceiling is flashing wildly. The floor shudders and
the sounds of dull explosions rumble though the room. From a window in
the wall + comes a view of darkest space. There is a small adjoining
room +, and a doorway +.*
You are at the entrance to the dining hall.
A wide staircase with ebony banisters leads down here.**
The dining hall is to the -.*
This was once the first class lounge.
There is much rubble and destruction here that was not apparent elsewhere.
The walls and ceilings have broken in in some places. A staircase with
red coral banisters leads up. It is impossible to go - or -.
It seems a little clearer +.*
You are in a narrow stairwell.
These dusty and decrepit stairs lead up. There is no way -. The
hallway turns sharply -.**
You are in the magazine.
Rows and rows of neatly stacked ammunition for laser pistols and grenade
launchers are here. The armory is +.***
You're in the presidential suite.
Apparently the president has been assassinated. A scorched figure lies
face downward on the carpet clutching his chest.*
The hallway leads -.**
You are in the dining hall.
This was the seen of a mass suicide. Hundreds of ambassadors and assorted
dignitaries sit slumped over their breakfast cereal. I suppose the news
of the cylon attack killed them. There is a strange chill in this room. I
would not linger here. * The kitchen is +. Entrances + and +.
The debris is very thick here.
Broken furniture, fallen girders, and other rubble block the way.
There is not much chance to continue -, -, or -.
It would be best to go -.
You are in the kitchen.
This room is full of shining stainless steel and burnished bronze cookware. An
assortment of tropical fruits and vegetables as well as fine meats and cheeses
lies on a sterling platter. The chef, unfortunately, has been skewered like a
side of beef. The dining room is +. ** There is a locked door +.
You are in an arched entry leading to the dining room.
The door leading out is bolted shut from the outside and is very strong.***
The dining room is +.
You are in space.
****
You are orbiting a small blue planet.
You are orbiting a tropical planet.
You are flying through a dense fog.
A cold grey sea of mist is swirling around the windshield and water droplets
are spewing from the wingtips. Ominous shadows loom in the darkness and it
feels as if a trap is closing around us. I have lost all sense of direction.
****
You are approaching an island.
Coconut palms, sword ferns, orchids, and other lush vegetation drape this
jagged island carved seemingly from pure emerald and set in a turquoise
sea. The land rises sharply +. There is a nice beach* +.*
You are flying over a mountainous region.
Below is a magnificent canyon with deep gorges, high pinnacles and
waterfalls plummeting hundreds of feet into mist. Everything in sight
is carpeted with a tropical green.* The ocean is +.**
You are flying over the ocean.
You bank over the water and your wingtips dip low to the green waves. The
sea is very shallow here and the white coral beds beneath us teem with
colorful fish.****
You are flying over the beach.
A warm gentle surf caresses the white coral beach here. The land rises
sharply +.* The beach is lost in low cliffs and rocks +.*
You are flying over a large lagoon.
Encircled by a coral reef, the palms and ferns in this sheltered spot
have grown down to the water's very brink which winds tortuously inland.
There looks like a small village +.***
You are flying over a gently sloping plane.
This is where several alluvial fans and ancient lava flows have run
together forming a fertile plane choked with vegetation. It would be
impossible to land safely here.* The terrain is more rugged +.**
You are flying through a gorge.
This narrow, steep sided canyon is lined with waving ferns. The floor is of
light gravel with many freshets pouring from the walls and running along it.
The gorge leads to the sea** +, and to a tumultuous origin +.
You are flying over a plantation.
Rows of palms, papayas, mangoes, kiwi, as well as smaller fields of sugar
cane and pineapple are growing here. It might be possible to land here, but
I wouldn't advise it.* There looks like two small settlements +
and *+.
You are over the ocean.
The deep green swells foam and roll into the shore **+*.
You are flying along the coast.
The coastline here is very rocky with little or no sand. The surf in some
places is violent and explodes in a shower of sparkling spray.
There is a winding road below which closely follows the shore. ****
This is a beautiful coral beach.
Fine silver sand kissed lightly by warm tropical waters stretches at least
30 meters here from the ocean to under gently swaying palms +.***
You are flying over a small fishing village.
A few thatched huts a short distance from the water and row of more modern
bungalows on either side of a dirt road are all that is here. The road
continues on ***+.
You are flying over a clearing.
There is a dock here (big enough for a seaplane) leading to a grassy
meadow and a road. Some people are having a party down there. Below is
a good landing site. ****
You are flying over the shore.
Rocky lava flows or coarse sandy beaches are all that is here except for
sparse herbs and weeds.****
You are flying in a wide valley.
This is a shallow valley yet the floor is obscured by a thick mist.
The valley opens to the sea +. The mist grows thicker +.**
You are flying near the shore.
Very tall palm trees growing in neatly planted rows march off from the
water here towards the hills and down to the flat lands *+.*
There is a nice beach +.
You are flying around the very tip of the island.
There is no beach here for sheer cliffs rise several hundred feet
to a tree covered summit. Far below, the blue sea gnaws voraciously at
the roots of these cliffs. The island bends around +** and +.
You are flying along the coastline.
There is a narrow strip of sand here lined with ferns and shrubs, but very
few trees. The beach is barley wide enough to land on. The beach continues
on -.* There are some buildings +.*
You are flying over several cottages and buildings
The grounds here are landscaped with palm trees, ferns, orchids, and beds of
flowering plumeria and antheriums. Directly below is a small ornate white
house with a belltower, a lush green lawn, and a spurting fountain.
Small dirt roads go + and +.**
You are in a field of sugar cane.
These strong, thick canes give little shelter but many cuts and scrapes.
There are some large trees ***+.
The water is a placid turquoise and so clear that fish and sharks
many fathoms below are clearly visible.****
You are on the coast road.
The road winds close to the shore here and the sound of crashing surf is
deafening.* The water is +. The road continues - and -.
You are on the main street of the village.
Thatched roofs and outrigger canoes, palm trees and vacation bungalows, and
comely natives in a tropical paradise all make this a fantasy come true.
There is an open bungalow +.* The road continues - and -.
You are at the sea plane dock.
Native girls with skin of gold, clad only in fragrant leis and lavalavas,
line the dockside to greet you. A couple of ukulele plucking islanders and a
keyboard player are adding appropriate music. A road crosses the clearing
+*. There are some tables set up +.*
Sea weeds and kelp surge in the waves off shore here. The ocean becomes
much deeper +.***
The land is very low here with a river running into the sea +. There
is a wide valley opening up +. The very tip of the island is +.*
There are some secluded sandy stretches of beach here, but too many rocky
outcroppings of lava to land. There is a nicer beach ***+.
You are lost in a sea of fog.
What have you gotten us into?
I cant see a thing! ****
You are on a gravel wash.
The sound of cascading water is the background for a diluted chorus of
gurgling, splashing, and enchantingly delicate singing. Great billows
of steam are rising *+.**
You are flying over a wide beach.
Unlike the leeward beaches, few coconut palms grow here but a well groomed
lawn and garden with traipsing stone walks leads down to the sand.*
There are some buildings +. Some trees are growing +.*
The sea is a perfectly clear blue with a white sandy bottom. No coral
grows underwater here, but the force of the waves is broken by the steep
incline.****
You are on a narrow strip of sand.
Rather coarse sand makes this beach very steep and only a few meters wide.
A fresh ocean breeze is rustling the ferns **+.*
This is Fern Canyon.
Delicate waving ferns flourish here, suckled by warm water dripping from
every fissure and crevice in the solid rock walls.
The canyon winds **-, and -.
This is the front lawn.
There is a small fountain here where the driveway meets the lawn.
Across the driveway, +, is an ornate white house with and elegant
woodworking. The bargeboards are carved with fylfots, the ancient
symbols of luck. Even a bell tower has been built here.* There is a
road + which turns into the driveway.*
You have just crossed the crest of a mountain.
The fog vanished mysteriously as we flew over the crest.*
Far + I can see the ocean.**
You are on a sandy beach.
This is the only good beach on the weather side of the island. Fine coral
sand, a fresh sea breeze, and dramatic surf add to its appeal.**
Stone steps lead to the gardens +.*
You are among palm trees near the shore.
Arching coconut palms laden with fruit provide a canopy for the glistening
white sand and sparse grasses growing here. The forest grows denser +.
The ocean is +.**
You are walking along the beach.
The warm tropical waters nuzzle your ankles as you walk. Above is a fiercely
blue sky. The slope of the sand is so gentle that two hundred meters
offshore the water is only knee deep.** There are some rocks +.*
Many beautiful shells have been washed up here including bright yellow
cowries, chocolate colored murex, orange conchs, striped tritons and the
deadly cone shells.****
You are in a papaya grove.
Green slender trees no taller than three meters bulge with their
orange succulent fruit. There are some tall trees +.***
You are in a field of pineapple.
The sharp dagger like pineapple leaves can pierce the flesh and hold fast
a skewered victim with tiny barbs.* The field ends +.**
You are in a field of kiwi plants.
Round hairy fruit hang from staked vines here. There are some trees +
and +. The field ends in a dirt road +.*
You are in a large grove of coconuts.
These trees are much taller than any growing near the shore plus the fat,
juicy coconuts have been selectively cultivated. The grove continues
+, +, *and +.
You are in the woods.
Tropical undergrowth makes the going rough here. Sword ferns give no strong
foot hold and the dangling vines would gladly throttle one. Strange cackling
noises are coming from somewhere +.***
You are at the shore.
Explosions of surf jetting out of underwater tunnels here make it
impossible to climb down to a small cave entrance below. Only at rare
minus tides would it be possible to enter.*** The beach is better +.
The road is beginning to turn inland.* I can here the surf +. The road
continues +.*
The road winds deeper into the trees.
Only narrow sunbeams filter through the foliage above. The moist rich earth
has nurtured a myriad of trees, shrubs, and flowers to grow here. The
road continues - and *- from here.*
This is the front porch of the bungalow.
These wooden steps and porch are very bucolic. A little woven mat on the
doorstep reads "Don't Tread on Me". The open front door is +.
A stone walk leads to the main street +.**
You are on a path leading to the lagoon.
This path trampled fern, grass, sapling, and anything else that got in its
way.* The water is +.**
This is a dirt road.
**The road continues on - here for some distance. A village is +.
You are on a dirt road.
**There is a small village +. The road continues +.
The light tan soil of the road contrasts artistically with the lush green
vegetation and seering blue sky.* There is a clearing and many people +.
The road continues - and -.
You are at the seaplane dock.
Several muscular, bronze skinned men greet you warmly as you pass under
a thatched shelter above the dock here. Polynesian hospitality.
There is a clearing +.* A trail runs around the lagoon + and +.
There are some tables on the lawn here.
Hors d'oeuvres, canapes, mixed drinks, and various narcotic drugs along with
cartons of Di Gel fill the tables to overflowing. Several other guests are
conversing and talking excitedly****.
You are nosing around in the bushes.
There is little here but some old beer cans. You are making fools out of
us in front of the other guests.** It would be best to go -.*
You are walking in a dry stream bed.
The large cobblestones are difficult to walk on. No sunlight reaches
below a white canopy of fog seemingly generated from *+. A dirt path
along the wash is +. A high bank is impossible to climb +.
You are at the thermal pools.
Several steaming fumaroles and spluttering geysers drenched by icy mountain
waters from a nearby waterfall heat half a dozen natural pools to a
delicious 42 degrees. Enchantingly beautiful singing seems to flow from the
water itself as it tumbles down the falls.*** There is a mossy entrance
to a cave +.
Coniferous trees girded by wild huckleberries, elderberries, salmonberries
and thimbleberries enjoy a less tropical climate here in the high mountains.
*The sound of rushing water is coming from +.**
You are on a dirt trail.
The trail seems to start here and head -.** High cliffs border the
trail +.
You are walking along the beach.
A rather unnerving surf explodes onto the beach here and dashes itself into
spray on the steep incline. The beach continues + and +.**
This is not a very nice beach. The coarse sand hurts my feet.****
You are walking through some ferns.
This is a wide field growing only ferns and small shrubs.** The
ocean is *+.
You are in a narrow canyon.
The steep sides here squeeze a little freshet through a gauntlet like
series of riffles and pools.****
The canyon is much wider here.
The sheer rock walls rise 10 meters to the forest above. A slender
waterfall careens away from the face of the rock high above and showers
the gravel floor with sparkling raindrops.** The canyon continues -
and -.
You are on the front porch of the cottage.
Several giggling native girls came running down the steps as you approached
and headed on down the road. On the fern rimmed porch is a small table with
matching white wrought iron chairs cushioned with red velvet. The front
door leads -. The lawn and fountain are +.**
You are in a palm grove.
There is a large village +. The road cleaves a coconut plantation +.
A small dirt road goes -, and a drive way peals off +.
You are in a field of small shrubs.
**Pine and other coniferous saplings have been planted here. The rich brown
soil is well tilled and watered. Across a large lawn, there is a small
cottage +. I can feel a delicious sea breeze blowing from +.
The beach is pretty rocky here.
Dangerous surf and lava outcroppings make this a treacherous strand.
The beach is nicer* +.**
The beach is almost 10 meters wide here.
The sand has become more coarse and the beach steeper.* It gets
worse +.**
You are in the gardens.
Lush green lawns studded with palms and benches stretch as far as the eye
can see.** A path leads -. Stone steps lead down to the beach +.
The forest is dense on either side and conceals the road from anyone
approaching it.** The road continues - and -.
You are in the forest.
There are trees and ferns all around.****
You are in a copse.
This is a secret hidden thicket only noticeable from the beach. Someone
has been digging here recently.****
You are at the tide pools.
These rocks and pools are the home for many sea anemones and crustaceans.
**The surf is very rough +. There is a nice beach +.
This is a shallow depression sheltered from the wind by a thick growth of
thorny shrubs. It looks like someone has camped here. There is a fire pit
with some dry sticks and grass nearby.* The beach is +.* The thorny
shrubs block the way -.
You are at the mouth of the lagoon.
The beach ends here where the coral reef rises to form a wide lagoon
bending inland. A path winds around the lagoon to the -.*
The beach continues on -. Only water lies +.
You are in a breadfruit grove.
The tall trees bend leisurely in the breeze, holding many round breadfruits
close to their large serrated leaves. There are coconut palms +,
*+, and +.
You are in a grove of mango trees.
The juicy yellow red fruits are nearly ripe on the trees here. There are
some coconut palms +. There are some vines +. There is a road +.*
You are in a grove of coconut palms.
All I can see around us are palm trees.****
You are in a coconut grove.
There are countless trees here.****
The sharp leaves are cutting me to ribbons. There is a road **+.
More pineapple +.
There is a field of pineapple **+.*
You are on the edge of a kiwi and pineapple field.
An irrigation ditch separates the two fields here. There is a road **+.*
The road runs - and - here.**
There are palm trees all around us.****
You are on the edge of a small clearing.
The ground is rather marshy here and darting in and out of the many tussocks
is a flock of wild chicken like fowl.****
You have walked a long way and found only trees. ****
You are walking along the shore.
You are now about 10 meters above the surf on a gently rising cliffside.**
The land rises +. There is a beach far +.
You are just inside the entrance to the sea cave.
The sound of water dripping in darkness and the roar of the ocean just outside
create a very unwelcoming atmosphere inside this cave. Only on rare occasions
such as this is it possible to enter the forbidden catacombs... The cave
continues -.***
You are in a secret nook beside the road.
Hidden from all but the most stalwart snoopers are some old clothes, empty
beer cans and a trash baggie full of used Huggies and ordure. Lets get
back to the road +.***
The road turns abruptly - here, avoiding the cliffs near the shore
+ and +.*
The roadside is choked with broad leaved plants fighting for every breath of
sunshine. The palm trees are taller than at the shore yet bend over the road
forming a canopy. The road continues *- and *-.
You have discovered a hidden thicket near the road.
Stuffed into a little bundle here is a bloody silken robe and many beer cans.
*Some droplets of blood and a major spill sparkle farther +.
The road is +.*
You are in the living room.
A decorative entry with fresh flowers and wall to wall carpeting leads into
the living room here where a couch and two chairs converse with an end table.
*The exit is +.* The bedroom is +.
You are at the lagoon.
There are several outrigger canoes pulled up on a small beach here and a
catch of colorful fish is drying in the sun. There are paths leading
off -*, -, and -.
This is a grassy little spot near the water. A sightly native girl is frolicing
in the water close to shore here.** The path continues - and -.
The path meanders through tussocks of grass, ferns, and thorny bushes here
and continues on **- and -.
There are plenty of ferns and thorny bushes here! ****
The road winds rather close to a large lagoon here and many sedges and tall
grasses line the shoulder *+. The road continues - and -.
You are in the woods beside the road.
The forest grows darker +. The road is +.**
The road crosses the lagoon here.
Coursing through the trees, the road at this point bridges a watery finger
of the lagoon.* The water is +. The road continues - and -.
You are in a coconut palm grove.
The tall palms are planted about 30 feet apart with a hardy deep green grass
filling the spaces in between. There are tire tracks through the grass. The
grove continues -. There is a road +.**
You are walking along a dirt road.
You are nearing the lagoon.** The road continues - and -.
The road turns abruptly - here, entering a grove of palm trees.* The road
also continues - toward the lagoon.*
You are on a trail running around the lagoon.
The dark waters brush the trail here and the path crosses a bridge +.
There is deep water + and +. The trail continues -.
This is the mouth of the lagoon.
The coral reef wraps around a natural bay here to create a wide lagoon which
winds tortuously inland.** A trail goes around the lagoon +. The beach
is +.
You are in a dry stream bed.
The dry wash drains over a tall precipice here into a turbid morass below. The
most noisome stench imaginable is wafting up to defile our nostrils. Above,
the lurid sun glows brown through a strange mist.* The only direction
I'm going is -.**
You are on a dirt path along the wash.
This path looks more like a deer trail. It scampers away ***+.
The thermal pools flow into a stream here.
The gurgling hot waters pour over boulders into a swiftly flowing
stream **+. The pools are +.
You are at the entrance to a cave.
A tall narrow fissure in the rock cliffs here has become a well traveled
passage way. A hoof beaten dirt path leads directly into it. A curl of
steam is trailing from a corner of the fissure's gaping mouth. The path
leads - and -. The pools are +.*
Wild berry bushes plump with fruit and thorns tangle your every effort to
proceed.* The sound of rushing water is +.**
Some dunes here progress inland and make it impossible to get very far in that
direction. The beach continues - and -.* The ocean is +.
You are in the dunes.
The endless rolling and pitching sand dunes are enough to make one very queasy!
The only way I'm going is ***+.
This is a lousy beach.
Volcanic and viciously sharp bitted grains of sand here bite like cold steel
into my tender feet. I refuse to continue on. Let's get out of here. The
beach is better +.***
You are in a field of sparse ferns.
The lava rock outcroppings here will support few plants. There is more
vegetation +. There is a nice beach +.* The ocean is +.
Young trees and tall shrubs grow densely together at this distance from the
shore.** The trees grow thicker +.*
The canyon is no wider than a foot here.
The freshet is gushing through the narrow trough, but the canyon has grown
too narrow to follow it any farther.*** I guess we'll have to go -.
You are in a narrow part of the canyon.
The two sheer sides are no more than a few meters apart here. There is a stone
door in the wall +. The gravelly floor runs with tiny rivulets seeping
from the ground itself.* The canyon continues - and -.
You are in the drawing room.
Exquisitely decorated with plants and antique furniture of superb
craftsmanship, the parlor reflects its owners impeccable taste. The tropical
sun is streaming in through open shutters *+. There doesn't seem
to be anybody around. A large immaculate oaken desk is visible in the
study and it even has a old fashioned telephone to complete the decor.**
Grassy rows of palms stretch as far as I can see.** There is a road +.*
The road winds through a coconut palm grove here. It continues on -
and -.**
The road leads to several large buildings here.
There is a clubhouse +,* a large barn and stable +, and a garage of
similar construct to the barn +.
This part of the beach is impassable.
The huge rocks and thunderous surf here would pound our frail bodies to pulp
in an instant.* The only direction I'm going is -.**
So much green grass is a pleasure to the eyes.****
Beautiful flowers and shrubs surround a little goldfish pond.****
You are on a stone walk in the garden.
The walk leads to a road **+.*
You are in the forest near the road.
There are many thorny bushes here!****
You are at a fork in the road.
Two roads come together in the forest here. One runs -,* the other
runs - and -.
You are on a dirt path around the lagoon.
The still waters reflect bending palms and a cloudless sky. It looks like
the path runs into a clearing +. The path continues -.**
You are drowning in the lagoon.
I suggest you get out before you become waterlogged.****
*This road ends here at a palm grove but continues on - for quite
some way.**
*The grove ends +.**
**There is a dirt road +.*
The road continues - and -.**
You are in the woods near the road.
***The grove ends in a clearing +.
You are walking along some high cliffs.
The island bends sharply + here with high cliffs -
and -. The cliffs are lower +.
You are at the coast road turn around.
The coast road ends here in a lookout with a view of 100 kilometers of blue
sea and 100 meters of rugged cliff. Far below the waves crash against rocks.
****
These thorny bushes are killing me.****
A small gas stove and a refrigerator are all the only appliances here. The
gas oven has been left on and the whole room is reeking with natural gas.
One spark from a match and.... The door out is ***+.
You are in the bedroom.
A soft feather comforter on top of layers of Answer blankets make this a very
luxurious place to sleep indeed. There are also some end tables and a dresser
here.** The living room is +.*
There seems to be a clearing +.***
*As far as I can tell, there are two roads + and +.*
The forest is clearer +.***
You are on the lagoon's inland finger.
It is impossible to follow the lagoon any farther inland because of sharp
and very painful sedges.* The road is +.**
You are in a grassy coconut grove.
The tall palms provide a perfect canopy for the lush green grass.***
There is a road +.
You are near the lagoon's inland finger.
Very sharp sedges make it impossible to follow the lagoon any farther inland.
*There is a road +.**
The road winds through a coconut grove here and continues - and -.**
**The road is +.*
This is a beach?
Hard jagged rocks that pierce with every footstep hardly comprise a beach.**
Let's go -.*
The trail is lost in the woods here.
I suppose the animals that use this trail all depart in different directions
when they get this far into the woods.** The trail goes -.*
You are on the bank of a stream.
The stream falls over several small boulders here and continues on **-.*
You are just inside the cave.
A steamy hot breath is belching from the depths of the earth within.* The
cave continues -.**
You are just inside the cave entrance.
The air is hot and sticky inside. The cave continues -. There is a
stone door in the wall +. A wooden sign in the dust reads in old elven
runes, "GSRF KDIRE NLVEMP!".**
You are at the edge of a huge chasm.
Several hundred feet down I can see the glimmer of placid water. The
rivulets drain over the edge and trickle down into the depths. It is
impossible to climb down without a rope.** The canyon continues -.*
The road winds through a coconut grove here. The road continues on -
and -.**
You are in a coconut palm grove near the road.
***The road is +.
You are at the clubhouse.
The clubhouse is built over the most inland part of the lagoon. Tropical
bananas and fragrant frangipani grow along the grassy shore. Walking across
the short wooden bridge, we enter. Along one wall is a bar with only a few
people seated at it. The restaurant and dance floor are closed off with
a 2 inch nylon rope. ****
You are in the stables.
Neighing horses snacking on hay and oats fill the stalls on both sides of
the barn. It is rather warm in here but that is not the most offensive
part. The old boards of the barn part just enough to let in dust laden
shafts of light. Flies swarm overhead and strafe the ground for dung.
My nose is beginning to itch. ****
You are in the old garage.
This is an old wooden building of the same vintage as the stables. Beneath
a sagging roof stand gardening tools and greasy rags. Parked in the center
is an underpowered Plymouth Volare' with a red and white striped golf cart
roof. ****
The road leads to a beautiful formal garden laced with stone walks and tropical
flowers and trees.** The road continues -. A walk leads -.
The road runs - and -.**
You are in a coconut grove near the road.
The stream plummets over a cliff here.
Falling 10 agonizing meters into spray, only droplets of the stream are
left to dance off the floor below. I thought I saw a sparkle of gold
at the bottom of the falls, but now it is gone. There is no way down,
even with a strong rope. ****
**The road continues - and -.
*The road continues -* and -.
The road goes -* and *-.
You are in a low passage.
The passage is partially flooded here and it may be hazardous to proceed.
Water is surging from the tunnel and heading out to sea. Strange moaning
noises rise above the rushing of the water. They are as thin as a whispering
wind yet penetrate to my very soul. I think we have come too far...
The passage continues -.***
The walls are very close together here.
I can barely squeeze through the jagged opening. Slimy sea weeds provide
no footing at all. This tunnel seems to be an ancient lava tube. There is
a large room -.***
You are in the cathedral room.
Your light casts ghostly shadows on the walls but cannot pierce the
engulfing darkness overhead. The sound of water dripping echoes in the void.
*I can see no passages leading out of this room. We have definitely
come too far.***
You are walking through a very round tunnel.
The round walls of this tunnel are amazingly smooth to the touch. A little
trickle of water flows down the center. The tunnel climbs steadily +.
The cave is beginning to flood again! Let's get out of here! ***
You are in the cathedral anteroom.
This small chamber with a flat stone floor is to one side of the cathedral
room. We appear to be at the bottom of a tall narrow shaft. There are many
puddles of water here. A staircase hewn from solid rock and black lava
leads up.*** The cathedral room is +.
You are in a wide chamber.
Water is sprinkling from the ceiling here. A shallow pool populated by a
myriad of blind white creatures sparkles in your light. Tiny shrimp and
crabs scurry away, frightened by the blinding rays.** The cave
continues - and -.
You are at the top of a sloping passage.
There is much algae growing here, both green and brown specimens.
Water from an underground sea surges and splashes against the slope of
the rock. The walls glisten with shiny minerals. High above, light
filters in through a narrow shaft.** A hallway here runs -
and -.
You are in an elaborately tiled room.
Large colorful tiles plate the floor and walls. The ceiling is a mosaic
of gems set in gold. Hopefully it is only our footsteps that are echoing in
this hollow chamber.** The room continues -. A stone staircase
leads down.*
You are at a dead end.
The walls here are alive with dark mussels. They click their shells menacingly
if we disturb them. ** The only exit is +.*
The tunnel is very low here.
I practically have to crawl on my knees to pass through this opening. The
air is stiflingly damp, but I can't hear any sounds of water dripping.**
The crawlspace continues -. The tunnel seems wider +.
This is the supply room.
Picks and shovels line the walls here, as well as hard hats, boxes of
dynamite, and a cartload of very high grade gold and silver ore.**
A tunnel leads off +.*
You have found a secret entrance to the catacombs.
I have a sickening feeling that we should not have entered the catacombs.
Below is a wet, seaweed covered floor. Above is a way out. ****
You are in the catacombs.
Ornate tombs and piles of treasure line the walls. Long spears with many
blades, fine swords and coats of mail, heaps of coins, jewelry, pottery,
and golden statues are tribute of past kings and queens.** The catacombs
continue - and -.
You are crawling on your stomach.
The passage is quite narrow and jagged, but the rock is no longer lava.
It appears to be a form of granite.** The crawlspace continues -,
but I would just as soon go -.
You are in the Sepulcher.
A single tomb is here. Encrusted with diamonds and opals, and secured with
straps of a very hard, untarnished silver, this tomb must be of a great king.
Vases overflowing with gold coins stand nearby. A line of verse on the wall
reads, "Three he made and gave them to his daughters."****
The passage is wider here.
You are at the top of a flooded shaft. About a meter below the edge,
dark water rises and falls to the rhythm of the sea. A ladder goes
down into water here.*** A small crawlspace goes -.
You are at the bottom of a ladder.
This is a narrow platform to rest on before we continue either up or down this
rickety wooden ladder.****
You are standing in several inches of water.
This seems to be a working mine. Many different tunnels wander off following
glowing veins of precious metal. The floor is flooded here since we must
be nearly at sea level. A ladder leads up. ****
The tunnel here is blocked by broken rocks.
The way is blocked, but if you had some dynamite, we might be able to blast our
way through.* The passage goes -.**
The tunnel is too flooded to proceed.
Hidden shafts could swallow us if we tried to continue on down this tunnel.
The flooding is already up to my waist. Large crystals overhead shimmer
rainbows of reflected light.*** Let's go -.
The mine is less flooded here.
A meandering gold laden vein of quartz and blooming crystals of diamonds
and topaz burst from the walls of the cave. A passage goes -.***
You are inside the cave.
A hot steam swirls around our heads, and the walls are warm to the touch.
The trail winds + and +.**
You are in a rather large chamber.
Beds of ferns and palm leaves make several cozy nests along the walls. In the
center of the room is a throne of gold and silver which pulls out into a bed
of enormous size.*** A passageway leads down to the -.
You are walking along the edge of a huge abyss.
Steam is rising in great clouds from the immeasurable depths. A very narrow
trail winds down.** There is a tunnel +.*
You are on the edge of a huge abyss.
The trail winds farther down.****
You are winding your way along the abyss.
The trail continues up and down.****
You are on a wide shelf near the steamy abyss.
The stifling hot cave seems even hotter to me, staring down into this misty
abyss. A trail winds up.* A passageway leads -.**
You are in a wide tunnel leading to a fuming abyss.
The passageway winds through many beautiful formations of crystals and
sparkling minerals. The tunnel continues - and -.**
You are in a tunnel.
It is very warm in here. The smell of steam and hot rocks permeates the place.
The cave continues - and -.**
You are at the bottom of a pit.
I can see daylight far up at the mouth of the pit. A cool draft wafts down.
There doesn't seem to be any way out, and I don't remember how we came in.
If you had a rope it might be possible to climb out. ****
Feather palms outlined by mellow moonlight and a silvery black ocean line
the perimeter of the island. Mighty mountains of emerald and amethyst rise
like jagged teeth from black gums. The land rises sharply +. The shore
line stretches on *+.*
Below is a shadow filled canyon with luminous waterfalls plummeting down beyond sight and looming spires and pinnacles. **The ocean is +.*
You bank over the water and your wingtips dip low to the green waves. The
sea is very shallow here and the white coral beds beneath us teem with
shadowy fish.****
A warm gentle surf caresses the beach here. The land rises
sharply +.* The beach is lost in low cliffs +.*
The water's brink winds tortuously inland. There are some lights +.***
The ground appears to be choked with vegetation.* The terrain is more
rugged +.**
This is a narrow, steep sided canyon lined with plants. The stars above
glisten through the over hanging trees. The gorge leads to the
sea** +, and to a tumultuous origin +.
It might be possible to land here, but not in the dark.* There are some lights
+ and *+.
The coastline here is very rocky. The surf in some places is violent
and explodes in a shower of sparkling, moonlit spray. ****
Fine silver sand kissed lightly by warm tropical waters and illuminated
by a huge tropical moon stretches at least 30 meters inland.
Gently swaying palm trees are +.***
A few thatched huts lit with torches and bonfires line a road below.
The road continues on ***+.
There is a dock here (big enough for a seaplane) leading to a clearing.
The still waters of the lagoon reflects our orange turbo thrusters.****
Rocky lava flows have overtaken the beach here.****
This is a shallow valley yet the floor is obscured by a thick mist.
The valley opens into blackness +. The mist grows thicker +.**
Very tall trees growing in neatly planted rows march off from the
water here towards the hills and down to the flat lands *+.**
Sheer cliffs rise several hundred feet to a tree covered summit. Far below,
the grey sea gnaws voraciously at the roots of these cliffs. The island bends
around +** and +.
This is a narrow strip of sand lined with very few trees. The stars above
flicker through wisps of clouds. The beach continues on -.* There
are some lights +.*
Directly below is small ornate house lit up with spot lights and decorative
bulbs. A bell tower and a spurting fountain are nearby. Small dirt roads go
+ and +.**
The water is a placid ebony.****
The road winds close to the shore here. The trees on either side press close
in the darkness and seem to be watching us.** The road continues -
and -.
The natives are having a festive luau here. Beautiful dancers gyrate in the
torchlight to the rhythm of wooden drums. A suckling pig is sizzling in a
bed of coals and ti leaves are spread with poi and tropical fruits. Several
natives have come over to you and want you to join in the festivities.
There is a light burning in a bungalow +.***
The clearing is deserted. The grass is wet with the evening dew +.*
There is something set up +.*
The black waves surge off shore here. The ocean becomes much calmer +.***
The land is very low here with a river running into the sea +. There
is a wide valley opening up +, but a strange mist is flowing out of it.
The very tip of the island is +.*
The coast here is cluttered with rocky outcroppings.****
It is very dark here. A cool breeze is blowing from +. No moonlight can
reach below a thick canopy of fog above. The sound of cascading water is
coming from +.**
There are some lighted buildings *+. Some trees are growing +.*
The black waves surge and splash against the rocky shore.****
Delicate waving ferns flourish here, suckled by warm water dripping from
every fissure and crevice in the solid rock walls. The stars above sparkle
through a thin mist. The canyon winds **-, and -.
There is a small fountain lighted with green and yellow bulbs here where
the driveway meets the lawn. Across the driveway, +, is an ornate white
house lit with gas lamps. A bell tower here is awash in pale blue.* There
is a road + which turns into the driveway.*
The fog vanished mysteriously as we flew over the crest.*
Far + I can see the ocean sparkling in the moonlight.**
Fine coral sand, a fresh sea breeze, and dramatic surf add to this beach's
appeal.** Stone steps lead to a lighted path in the gardens +.*
Arching coconut palms laden with fruit provide a canopy for the glistening
white sand and sparse, dew covered grasses growing here. The forest grows
denser +. Crickets are chirping loudly here. The ocean is +.**
The warm tropical waters nuzzle your ankles as you walk. Above is a gorgeous
starscape. The battlestar must be up there somewhere. The slope of the sand
is so gentle that the surf only slides up the sand.** There are some rocks
+.*
The tide is out very far tonight, and it is possible to explore hidden rocks
and caves not ordinarily accessible. Rich beds of seaweed have been exposed
to the cool night air.****
Slender trees with their large seven lobed leaves bulge with succulent fruit.
There are some tall trees +.***
Round hairy fruit hang from staked vines here. There are some trees +
and +. The field ends in a road +.*
These trees are much taller than any growing near the shore and the shadows
are also deeper. It's hard to keep my sense of direction.****
Tropical undergrowth makes the going rough here. Sword ferns give no strong
foot hold and the dangling vines would gladly throttle one. The darkness is
so intense here that we stand in utter blackness.****
The low minus tide tonight might make it possible to climb down to a
small cave entrance below. Large rocks would usually churn the waves
asunder.*** The beach goes -.
The road is beginning to turn slightly -. I can here the surf +. The road
continues into the dark forest +.*
Only narrow moonbeams filter through the dense foliage above. The moist rich
earth has nurtured a myriad of slugs, snakes, and spiders to grow here. The
road continues - and *- into the shadows.*
The veranda is lit by a small yellow bug light. The door leads -.
The stone walk down to the luau is lined with burning torches +. That
roast pig smells good.**
This path winds through the underbrush and towards the lagoon *+. The
broad faced moon peeps though the branches above. The sound of drums echos
in the woods.**
**The road continues on - here for some distance. A bonfire and party light
up the night sky +.
**There is a village +. A huge bonfire licks at the trees, and a celebration
of some sort is going on there. The smell of luscious cooking is tantalizing
my flared nostrils. The road continues +.
This is a wide grassy clearing bedewed with droplets of evening mist. The
trees alongside the road moan and whisper as we pass. They seem annoyed at
our presence. **The road continues - and -.
Not a living thing stirs the calm surface of the lagoon. The wooden planks
creak unnaturally as we tread on them. The dock reaches a clearing +.
A dark trail leads around the lagoon **+.
Some tables are strewn on the wet lawn.****
There is little here but some old beer cans. It is damp and dirty in here.
I think I stepped in something unpleasant. It would be best to go **-.*
The large cobblestones are difficult to walk on. No starlight reaches
below a black canopy of fog seemingly engulfing the whole island. A dirt
path along the wash is **+. The high bank is impossible to climb +.
Odd spluttering and belching water splashes up around the rocks here.
A spectacular waterfall nearby tumbles down as a river of effervescent
bubbles. The air is quite warm and a cave entrance ***+ spews steam.
It is pitch black in the forest here and my pant leg is caught on something.
There may be poison oak here. What was that? A lantern just flickered by in
the dark! The sound of rushing water is coming from *+.**
The trail seems to start here and head towards the forest +.** High, dark
cliffs border the trail +. Some crickets are chirping noisily.
The surf is rather tame tonight. The beach continues + and +.**
This is a wide field growing only ferns and small shrubs.** In the dark
it would be all to easy to stumble into a venomous snake. The ocean is
*+.
The steep sides here squeeze a little freshet through a gauntlet like
series of riffles and pools. The cool mountain air is refreshing.****
The sheer rock walls rise 10 meters into darkness. A slender waterfall
careens away from the face of the rock high above and showers the gravel
floor with sparkling raindrops.** The canyon continues -
and -.
The veranda is deserted. A table and chair are the only things on the porch.
Inside the house is a parlor lighted with an elegant chandelier. The door
leads -. The lawn and fountain are +.**
Crickets are chirping in the cool night air.****
There are many bright lights +. The road cleaves the darkness +.
A small dirt road goes -, and a drive way peals off +.
**Pine and other coniferous saplings are growing here. The rich brown
soil is well watered. Across a large lawn +, there is a small cottage lighted
with spot lights and gas lamps. A cool land breeze is blowing.*
The tide is very low tonight. The beach is nicer *+.**
The sand has become more coarse and the beach steeper.****
Shadowy expanses of lawn and leaf have been groomed and manicured here.
The night sky is glowing with a full moon.** A lighted path leads -.
Stone steps lead down to the beach +.
The forest is dense on either side. The trees seem to be actually squeezing
together to keep us from passing. A feeling of emnity is in the air.**
The road continues - and -.
I suppose there are trees and ferns all around, but it is too dark to see.****
There are shadowy trees and ferns all around.****
This is a secret hidden thicket only noticeable from the beach. In the
moonlight, I can tell that someone has been digging here recently.****
These rocks and pools are the home for many sea anemones and crustaceans.
They are exposed because of the low tide. There is a beach ***+.
This is a shallow depression sheltered from the wind by a thick growth of
thorny shrubs. It looks like someone is camping here. There is a fire pit
with warm, crackling flames and coals here.* The beach is +.* The thorny
shrubs block the way -.
The beach ends here where the coral reef rises to form a wide lagoon.
A path winds around the lagoon to the -.* The beach continues
on -. Only water lies +.
The trees are not tall enough to obscure the view and the bright moonlight
makes it fairly easy to see.****
All I can see around us are trees and ominous shapes darting in and out of the
shadows.****
The sharp leaves are cutting me to ribbons. There is a road **+.*
There is a field of something **+.*
The road runs - and - here. It is very dark in the forest.**
There are trees all around us.****
The ground is rather marshy here and the darkness is intense. A swarm of
ravenous mosquitoes has descended upon you and has sent you quaking to your
knees.****
You have walked a long way and found only spider webs. ****
This little thicket is hidden from the road in the shadows of the forest.
From here we have a clear view of any traffic along the road. A great hollow
tree stuffed with something is nearby. The road is +.***
The road turns abruptly - here, wandering deeper into the black forest.***
We are walking through a tunnel of unfriendly trees and shrubs. The tall
ones bend over the roadway and reach down with their branches to grab us.
Broad leafed plants at the roadside whisper in the darkness. Something
just darted across the road and into the bushes *+. Let's go *-.
I would think it best to stay n the road. The forest seems very unfriendly
at night. The road is **+.*
A small beach here is deserted except for some fishing nets. It is very
peaceful at the lagoon at night. The sound of native drums is carried on
the night breeze. There are paths leading off into darkness +,
*+, and +.
The grass near the water is moist with the refreshing evening dew. Far away,
drums reverberate in the forest.** The path continues + and +.
The path meanders through shadows of tussocks of grass, ferns, and thorny
bushes here and continues on **- and -.
There are plenty of ferns and thorny bushes here! Spider webs and probing
branches snare us as we stumble along in the pitch black night.****
The road winds rather close to a large lagoon here and many sedges and tall
loom in the darkness *+. The road continues - and -.
Strange mists rising from the water engulf a rickety old enclosed bridge here.
Spider webs catch our hair as we pass through its rotting timbers. I felt
something drop on my neck. The road delves into the accursed forest
**+ and +.
The tall palms are planted about 30 feet apart and the stary sky is clearly
visible above. A low growing grass carpets the ground all around. The grove
continues +.***
You are near misty patch of the roadway **+. The road continues -.
The road turns abruptly - here, splitting a grove of palm trees.* In the
starlight I can also discern that the road continues - toward the lagoon.*
The dark waters brush the trail here and the path crosses an old bridge
+. There is deep water + and +. The trail continues -.
The coral reef wraps around a natural bay here to create a wide lagoon which
winds tortuously inland.** A trail goes around the lagoon +.
The beach is -.
The dry wash drains over a tall precipice here into a turbid morass below. The
most noisome stench imaginable is wafting up to defile our nostrils. Above,
the blackness is intense and a strange mist engulfs the island.* Let's go
-.**
The trail winds along the gravel wash and delves into the forest ***+.
A torch lights the entrance to the cave. Deep inside I can see shadows moving.
A path goes + from here. The entrance is +.**
Thorns tangle your every effort to proceed.* The sound of rushing water is
+.**
Some dunes here progress inland and make it impossible to get very far in that
direction. The beach continues - and -.* The ocean is +.
The endless rolling and pitching sand dunes are enough to make one very queasy!
The sand is cool and the stars are bright at the ocean. The only way I'm going
is ***+.
The lava rock outcroppings here will support few plants. There is more
vegetation +.** The ocean is +.
Young trees and tall shrubs grow densely together here.
They grow thicker **+.*
The freshet is gushing through the narrow trough, but the canyon has grown
too narrow to follow it any farther.*** I guess we'll have to go -.
Exquisitely decorated with plants and antique furniture of superb
craftsmanship, the parlor reflects its owners impeccable taste. The tropical
night air pours in through open shutters *+. There doesn't seem
to be anybody around. A large immaculate oaken desk is visible in the
study and it even has a old fashioned telephone to complete the decor.**
Grassy rows of dew covered palms stretch as far as I can see.**
There is a road +.*
There is a lighted clubhouse +,* a large barn and stable +, and a
garage of similar construct to the barn +.
The see is calm tonight. The beach goes *-.**
Dew beaded grass sparkles in the moonlight. Tiny lamps beside the path light
the way to the ocean ***+.
Beautiful flowers and shrubs surround a lighted goldfish pond.****
Two roads come together in the darkness here. One runs -,* the other
runs - and -.
The still waters reflect bending palms and a stary sky. It looks like
the path runs into a clearing +. The path continues -.**
The coast road ends here in a lookout with a view of the ocean.
Far below, the waves crash against the rocks.
****
The darkness is intense, but there seems to be a clearing +.***
The spider webs thin out and the forest is clearer +.***
The tall palms provide a ghostly canopy for the sandy ground covering.****
The trail goes **-.*
The air is hot and sticky inside. The cave continues -. There is a
stone door in the wall +. A wooden sign in the dust warns in old elven
runes, "GSRF KDIRE NLVEMP!".**
Several hundred feet down I can see the glimmer of placid water. The
rivulets drain over the edge and trickle down into the depths. It is
impossible to climb down.** The canyon continues -.*
The road winds through a coconut grove here. The road continues on into the
shadows - and -.**
The clubhouse is built over the most inland part of the lagoon. Tropical
bananas and fragrant frangipani grow along the grassy shore. Walking across
the short wooden bridge, we enter. Along one wall is a bar crowded with people.
The restaurant and disco dance floor are filled to capacity. A rock group
electrocutes itself to the satisfaction of the audience.****
Neighing horses snacking on hay and oats fill the stalls on both sides of
the barn. It is rather warm in here but that is not the most offensive
part.****
The road leads to a formal garden laced with lighted stone walks and tropical
flowers and trees.** The road continues -. A walk leads -.
Falling 10 agonizing meters into darkness, only droplets of the stream must
be left to dance off the floor below. There is no way down, even with a
strong rope. ****
The ceiling here sparkles with iridiscent gems and minerals. Colorful starfish
and sea anemones cling to the slippery walls and floor. The passage continues
+.***
I can barely squeeze through the jagged opening. Slimy sea weeds provide
no footing at all. This tunnel seems to be an ancient lava tube. There is
a large room +.***
Your light casts ghostly shadows on the walls but cannot pierce the
engulfing darkness overhead. The sound of water dripping echoes in the void.
*I can see no passages leading out of this room.***
The round walls of this tunnel are amazingly smooth to the touch. A little
trickle of water flows down the center. The tunnel climbs steadily +.
There is a large room +.**
This small chamber with a flat stone floor is to one side of the cathedral
room. We appear to be at the bottom of a tall narrow shaft. There are many
puddles of water here. A staircase hewn from solid rock and black lava
leads up.*** The cathedral room is -.
Water is sprinkling from the ceiling here. A shallow pool populated by a
myriad of blind white creatures sparkles in your light. Tiny shrimp and
crabs scurry away, frightened by the blinding rays.** The cave
continues + and +.
There is much algae growing here, both green and brown specimens. I suspect
that we are near the high tide zone, but no light can get in here. The walls
glisten with shiny minerals.** A hallway here runs + and -.
Large colorful tiles plate the floor and walls. The ceiling is a mosaic
of gems set in gold. Hopefully it is only our footsteps that are echoing in
this hollow chamber.** The room continues -. A stone staircase leads
down.*
The walls here are alive with dark mussels. They click their shells menacingly
if we disturb them.** The only exit is +.*
You practically have to crawl on your knees to pass through this opening. The
air is stiflingly damp, but you can't hear any sounds of water dripping.**
The crawlspace continues -. The tunnel seems wider +.
You have found a secret entrance to the catacombs
Below is a wet, seaweed covered floor. Above is a way out.****
Ornate tombs and piles of treasure line the walls. Long spears with many
blades, fine swords and coats of mail, heaps of coins, jewelry, pottery,
and golden statues are tribute past kings and queens.** The catacombs
continue - and -.
The passage is quite narrow and jagged, but the rock is no longer lava.
It appears to be a form of granite.** The crawlspace continues -,
but I would just as soon go -.
A ladder goes down into darkness here.*** A small crawlspace goes -.
This seems to be a working mine. Many different tunnels wander off following
glowing veins of precious metal. The floor is flooded here since we must
be nearly at sea level. A ladder leads up.****
A hot steam swirls around our heads, and the walls are warm to the touch.
The trail winds - and -.**
Beds of ferns and palm leaves make several cozy nests along the walls. In the
center of the room is a throne of gold and silver.*** A passageway leads
down and +.
Steam is rising in great clouds from the immeasurable depths. A very narrow
trail winds down.** There is a tunnel -.*
At the top of the pit, a single star can be seen in the night sky. There
doesn't appear to be any way to get out without a rope. I don't remember
how we got here.****