It's the wee hours of a warm summer night and you're toiling away in your workshop, frantically preparing for an imminent invasion. You almost dropped your crystal ball in shock when your latest survey of the lands revealed a dragon heading straight for your tower! And not just any dragon – the fearsome Ignipter, who has an old grudge against you. You suspect that if you don't erect your defenses in time, the only thing left of your tower by sunrise will be rubble. > EXAMINE CRYSTAL A rare iridescent gem, packed so full of magical energy that it's practically buzzing. This should serve as the perfect core for your dragonproof armour... > PUT CRYSTAL IN CHESTPLATE You delicately insert the gem into a small cavity on the front of the ornate metal chestplate, reciting an incantation to bind your protective Words to both objects. Suddenly, a stray spark of magic singes your hand, which reflexively jerks sideways. That's all it takes to break apart the hastily-assembled mechanism designed to harness the gem's power, and raw magical energy starts pouring into the room! The swirling billows engulf you. As you lose consciousness, you feel a horrible turmoil rising up from your chest... The sun is already warming your face when you awaken. A wave of panic rushes over you, and you jump to your feet– you jump to your feet– ...why are your legs not obeying you? It dawns on you: your Words are gone. Ever since you bound your life force to the English language, you've relied on them for almost every aspect of life, and now they've been pulled right out of your mouth at the worst possible time by the magical maelstrom! Indeed, to a Word Mage, words are not only tools for communication, they're also the very root of a person's interactions with the outside world; without words, there's no way for you to LIGHT LAMP, EAT PASTA, or even just ENJOY POETRY. But you don't have the luxury of waiting to get your words back. You'll just have to do without! Nonverbal Communication An Interactive Fiction by Allyson Gray Release 1 / Serial number 240330 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Workshop Lying on the workshop floor among the remains of your artefacts, you think about your predicament. You've thankfully held on to your ability to THINK and WAIT, but you can't seem to find the capacity for any other actions, and you notice that even your senses are greatly dulled. You're not too worried about your nouns; obedient and predictable, nouns always seek refuge in familiar objects whenever they're orphaned. Even in this sorry state, you should be able to call on their power when they're nearby. But verbs are independent, fickle things, and although you feel the presence of some of your most beloved verbs within the tower, you doubt you'll be able to compel them directly. Still, you have to find a way to survive this! You extend outwards what little magical power you still have, identifying nearby nouns that might prove helpful. What if you tried addressing them directly? The Ambler Automaton sits in a corner of the room. The Depositor Automaton is swaying above you, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton beeps on the floor. >script on That's no longer in your vocabulary. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles and shifts in the Depositor Automaton's grasp. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on the floor so that it stands over the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton spins around in the middle of the workshop. The Depositor Automaton claws at the stone walls, but fails to pick up the workshop. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >i That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >think You think about the next step in your plan. [NOTE TO PLAYER: you can type HELP or ABOUT for more detailed instructions, but be warned they may contain spoilers. Typing THINK again will show contextual hints about your progress in the game, and WAIT can be used at any time to gauge the state of a room. Here is a list of other available commands: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS]. >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >credits Written and developed in Inform 7 by Allyson Gray (cover art drawn in FireAlpaca). Beta testing and many other kinds of support provided by the wonderful Alex Parker. Special thanks to the IF community for being an invaluable source of knowledge, motivation and innovation. Extensions used: Basic Screen Effects by Emily Short and Undo Output Control by Nathanael Nerode. >claw That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >ceiling That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on the floor so that it stands over the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >wiggle That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton spins around in the middle of the workshop. The Depositor Automaton claws at the stone walls, but fails to pick up the workshop. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >think You struggle to detect anything beyond your immediate surroundings. If only you could find something to bolster your senses... >look That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >about [NOTE TO PLAYER: this section may contain spoilers. Type ABOUT or HELP again to receive instructions and information about the game, or try THINK for less revealing contextual clues.] >talk to gazer That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton places itself underneath where the Gazer Automaton is suspended. The Gazer Automaton remains in the prongs of the Depositor Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >automaton That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >about Nonverbal Communication uses nouns as its main command type instead of verbs – for example, WORKSHOP or ME. Entering a noun will cause every verb in the vicinity (given physical form by the Automatons) to apply its action to the object containing the noun. Be aware that any broken object will lose its noun and verb, which will put it outside your sphere of influence! Three different endings can be obtained at the end of the game, one of which has two possible variations. The ending you get depends on your approach (or lack thereof) to dealing with the dragon. Although most of the default commands have been disabled, these ones can still be used: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS, WAIT. >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton places itself underneath where the Gazer Automaton is suspended. The Gazer Automaton remains in the prongs of the Depositor Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >g You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >g You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton places itself underneath where the Gazer Automaton is suspended. The Gazer Automaton remains in the prongs of the Depositor Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton claws at itself unsuccessfully. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton keeps the Ambler Automaton in its grip. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on the floor so that it stands over the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >hint That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >think You struggle to detect anything beyond your immediate surroundings. If only you could find something to bolster your senses... >about Nonverbal Communication uses nouns as its main command type instead of verbs – for example, WORKSHOP or ME. Entering a noun will cause every verb in the vicinity (given physical form by the Automatons) to apply its action to the object containing the noun. Be aware that any broken object will lose its noun and verb, which will put it outside your sphere of influence! Three different endings can be obtained at the end of the game, one of which has two possible variations. The ending you get depends on your approach (or lack thereof) to dealing with the dragon. Although most of the default commands have been disabled, these ones can still be used: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS, WAIT. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton walks towards you. The Depositor Automaton picks you up in its claw, hoisting you above the room. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton snakes your body under the Ambler Automaton and on top of the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the Depositor Automaton's grasp. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on top of you. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton dances in place over you. The Depositor Automaton carefully nabs you out from under the Ambler Automaton, and hoists you above the room. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton drapes your body across the Ambler Automaton's back. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >table That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton spins around on itself. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on your face. The Gazer Automaton's arms firmly grip the sides of your head, securing the glasses to your face. You can detect objects much further away now! As you suspected, your verbs have chosen suitable vessels to keep expressing their power, forming various automatons (inanimate objects that gain life through magic). If memory serves you right, the alphabet principle should apply here: the order of priority for words matches their alphabetical order. Maybe those stubborn verbs can still help you survive, if you play your cards right... The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of you: "A powerful Word Mage who also dabbles in potion-making and enchanted mechanics. Currently in a rather pitiful state." At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your bedroom. >bedroom You extend your energy towards the bedroom. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the bedroom. Bedroom You are in your bedroom. As the Ambler Automaton makes its way down the stairs, the workshop's entryway collapses behind you! Large pieces of rubble now block the path upstairs. The Basher Automaton is idling in the bedroom, its large hammers and even larger frame lending it an imposing presence. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the bedroom: "Your bedroom is made cozier by an assortment of rugs and tapestries that cover the cold stone surfaces. To your relief, everything seems mostly intact despite the destruction that happened upstairs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Workshop [Previous turn undone.] You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your bedroom. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton claws at itself unsuccessfully. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Depositor Automaton: "A large mechanical crane with soft yet powerful prongs, suspended from the ceiling." At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your bedroom. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton grasps the Ambler Automaton, which tilts sideways as it's lifted. You slide off of its back and onto the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Ambler Automaton: "A smooth and rounded mechanical construct with segmented body, designed as a model for insect locomotion. You'd attached two large round opals to the front of its head, telling yourself it was for better magical channeling, but in truth it was mostly just because you thought it looked adorable." At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your bedroom. >undo Workshop [Previous turn undone.] You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your bedroom. >bedroom You extend your energy towards the bedroom. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the bedroom. Bedroom You are in your bedroom. As the Ambler Automaton makes its way down the stairs, the workshop's entryway collapses behind you! Large pieces of rubble now block the path upstairs. The Basher Automaton is idling in the bedroom, its large hammers and even larger frame lending it an imposing presence. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the bedroom: "Your bedroom is made cozier by an assortment of rugs and tapestries that cover the cold stone surfaces. To your relief, everything seems mostly intact despite the destruction that happened upstairs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. The Basher Automaton reduces the dresser to pieces, burying its contents under jagged wooden shards. You feel the noun's power fading away. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >basher You extend your energy towards the Basher Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton gets as close as possible to the Basher Automaton. Looking up at its giant hammers, you feel nervous. Without a hint of hesitation, the Basher Automaton gives itself two simultaneous blows, crossing its mighty hammers. Its arms fall off (thankfully not on you), and the verb ATTACK floats out of the hollow body. It mischievously bops you on the head before zooming away. You feel the noun AMBLER lose its power. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the dresser: "A wooden dresser adorned with intricate carvings." Its drawers are currently closed. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Basher Automaton barges into the room and attacks your kitchen tile. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor of the kitchen, resting on its small pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. The Basher Automaton reduces the dresser to pieces, burying its contents under jagged wooden shards. You feel the noun's power fading away. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Basher Automaton barges into the room and attacks your kitchen tile. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor of the kitchen, resting on its small pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >pantry You extend your energy towards the pantry. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the pantry door, bumping against it softly. The Basher Automaton violently swings its hammers at the pantry, collapsing its door and shelves in a messy heap. You feel the noun's power fading away. The Exposer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. The Fastener Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >undo Kitchen [Previous turn undone.] You are in the kitchen. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor, its rope floating up from the pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the room, its metal arm half-folded. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >basher You extend your energy towards the Basher Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton gets as close as possible to the Basher Automaton. Looking up at its giant hammers, you feel nervous. Without a hint of hesitation, the Basher Automaton gives itself two simultaneous blows, crossing its mighty hammers. Its arms fall off (thankfully not on you), and the verb ATTACK floats out of the hollow body. It mischievously bops you on the head before zooming away. You feel the noun AMBLER lose its power. The Exposer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. The Fastener Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >exposer You extend your energy towards the Exposer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks back and forth, following the Exposer Automaton's ever-shifting rope. The Exposer Automaton twists itself into knots, but finds nothing to open. The Fastener Automaton slaps the Exposer Automaton's rope, sending it into an energetic twirl. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Exposer Automaton: "A strangely-named automaton – is 'exposer' even a real noun? You do recall reading about new words emerging in these kinds of unusual circumstances. The words' vessel consists of a long rope anchored to a pyramidal base." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >fastener You extend your energy towards the Fastener Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks into the Fastener Automaton's metallic pole. Ping! The Exposer Automaton snakes its rope between the the Fastener Automaton's fingers in search of something to open. The Fastener Automaton closes its fingers, making a fist. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Fastener Automaton: "A long and multi-jointed metallic arm, embedded into the kitchen floor, that waves around a large artificial hand. You made it out of an old glove, and sometimes use it as an assistant when you're preparing food or potions." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >pantry You extend your energy towards the pantry. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the pantry door, bumping against it softly. The Exposer Automaton deftly snakes its rope around the pantry door and flicks it open, revealing a varied selection of dried goods. On the bottom shelf, you spot some dragonsbane – that should be the perfect deterrent for your invader! The Fastener Automaton slaps the open pantry door, slamming it shut. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the pantry: "A place to keep your ingredients away from light and heat." Its door is currently closed. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >bedroom You extend your energy towards the bedroom. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the bedroom. Bedroom You are in your bedroom. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the bedroom: "Your bedroom is made cozier by an assortment of rugs and tapestries that cover the cold stone surfaces. To your relief, everything seems mostly intact despite the destruction that happened upstairs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor of the kitchen, resting on its small pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >foyer You extend your energy towards the foyer. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the foyer. Foyer You are in the foyer. The Collector Automaton is standing in the foyer, leaning against a wall. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the foyer: "A room designed to be beautiful and inviting. If you ever had guests, they'd surely appreciate the warm welcome." The front door to your house is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >collector You extend your energy towards the Collector Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nudges the Collector Automaton. In a little dance, the Collector Automaton swings its metal handle around, trying to catch its own bucket. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Collector Automaton: "A wooden bucket perched on two articulated supports, currently being used as legs." The front door to your house is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Collector Automaton tries to scoop up the Ambler Automaton's legs, to no avail. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Ambler Automaton: "A smooth and rounded mechanical construct with segmented body, designed as a model for insect locomotion. You'd attached two large round opals to the front of its head, telling yourself it was for better magical channeling, but in truth it was mostly just because you thought it looked adorable." The front door to your house is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton spins around on itself. The Collector Automaton makes a valiant attempt to pick you up, but only manages to make your feet bounce around. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of you: "A powerful Word Mage who also dabbles in potion-making and enchanted mechanics. Currently in a rather pitiful state." The front door to your house is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >door You extend your energy towards the front door. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nuzzles up to the front door. The Collector Automaton hops around the door, clattering against it, but fails to collect it. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the front door: "A plain wooden door, imbued with a spell that makes it nigh-impossible to open from the outside." It is currently closed. The front door to your house is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Collector Automaton saunters into the kitchen and starts jumping against the walls, trying to scoop them up. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor of the kitchen, resting on its small pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >exposer You extend your energy towards the Exposer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks back and forth, following the Exposer Automaton's ever-shifting rope. The Collector Automaton struggles to wedge its rim underneath the Exposer Automaton's base, but finally manages to pick it up! The exposed length of rope waves around as the Collector Automaton proudly struts about the room. The Exposer Automaton twists itself into knots, but finds nothing to open. The Fastener Automaton slaps the Exposer Automaton's rope, sending it into an energetic twirl. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Exposer Automaton: "A strangely-named automaton – is 'exposer' even a real noun? You do recall reading about new words emerging in these kinds of unusual circumstances. The words' vessel consists of a long rope anchored to a pyramidal base." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >bedroom You extend your energy towards the bedroom. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the bedroom. Bedroom You are in your bedroom. The Collector Automaton skips into the bedroom and enthusiastically jumps around, trying to collect the room itself. The Exposer Automaton moves its rope across the bedroom floor in a sweeping motion. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the bedroom: "Your bedroom is made cozier by an assortment of rugs and tapestries that cover the cold stone surfaces. To your relief, everything seems mostly intact despite the destruction that happened upstairs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. The Collector Automaton rubs against the drawer handles, trying its hardest to pick up the dresser. The Exposer Automaton wraps its rope around the handle of each drawer, briskly yanking them open. A small golden locket falls out from somewhere inside the dresser, hitting the floor with a melodic ding. You sense something hiding within it that terrifies you. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the dresser: "A wooden dresser adorned with intricate carvings." Its drawers are currently open, filled with things that you have no use for right now. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. A small golden locket lies on the floor, clasped shut. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >locket You extend your energy towards the locket. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton bumps into the dresser drawers as it tries to stand near the locket. The Collector Automaton rushes towards the locket and bends down to scoop it up. After a few unsuccessful attempts, it manages to snag the locket's chain on one of its handle hinges, suspending it near its rim. The Exposer Automaton flattens the tip of its rope and slides it between the two halves of the locket, popping it open. Nestled inside the locket is a weak, malnourished word, so shrivelled that you barely recognize it: APOLOGIZE. Painful memories come flooding back. You'd torn the verb out of yourself in a fit of petty rage after a particularly awful argument with your dearest friend. You'd thrown it to the wind and told it never to return. It didn't take long for the wind to carry her away, too. You'd managed to convince yourself that you didn't miss it, that anyway there was no going back. Had it been hidden here all these years, hoping you'd have a change of heart? The APOLOGIZE falls out of the locket and lays on the floor, unmoving. It looks so brittle that you fear it could disappear any moment. But it slowly starts to crawls across the floor, and laboriously makes its way up the Ambler Automaton's leg. You welcome it back into yourself. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the locket: "A beautiful golden locket, dulled by age and neglect. The word IGNIPTER is engraved on its front in small cursive letters." It is currently open, revealing a small portrait of Ignipter the dragon. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >apologize The one you need to apologize to is not here. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Collector Automaton saunters into the kitchen and starts jumping against the walls, trying to scoop them up. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >pantry You extend your energy towards the pantry. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the pantry door, bumping against it softly. The Collector Automaton hits its rim against the pantry door, unsuccessfully beckoning it into its bucket. The Exposer Automaton deftly snakes its rope around the pantry door and flicks it open, revealing a varied selection of dried goods. On the bottom shelf, you spot some dragonsbane – that should be the perfect deterrent for your invader! The Fastener Automaton slaps the open pantry door, slamming it shut. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the pantry: "A place to keep your ingredients away from light and heat." Its door is currently closed. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >foyer You extend your energy towards the foyer. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the foyer. Foyer You are in the foyer. The Collector Automaton barrels down the stairs and starts scooping at the floor. It manages to pick up a piece of lint and looks very pleased with itself. The Exposer Automaton curiously picks at the foyer's carpeted floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the foyer: "A room designed to be beautiful and inviting. If you ever had guests, they'd surely appreciate the warm welcome." The front door to your house is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >door You extend your energy towards the front door. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nuzzles up to the front door. The Collector Automaton hops around the door, clattering against it, but fails to collect it. The Exposer Automaton energetically opens the front door, letting air and sunlight into the room. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the front door: "A plain wooden door, imbued with a spell that makes it nigh-impossible to open from the outside." It is currently open, and you can see the yard. The front door to your house is open, and you can see the yard outside of your tower. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. You can see your front yard. >yard You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton carries you outside. Yard The Ambler Automaton steps out into the yard. Your eyes widen as you're immediately confronted with the sight of Ignipter, who was waiting outside your tower! You anxiously stare as she lowers her head towards you, her maw slightly ajar, revealing fangs almost as long as you are tall. But your gaze slowly shifts to her eyes, and you're surprised to find them filled with apprehension and sadness. Is this what you were so afraid of? The weight of the wasted decades, of the guilt, of the frustration at the futility of it all, is almost too much to bear. This time, you don't let yourself sink. "I'm sorry." She roars mournfully. "I'm so sorry..." Months later, you've regained almost all of your words and have gone back to your various wizardly projects (you're currently upgrading your six-legged ambulatory machine, whom you've grown very fond of). In many ways, you've returned to your old routines. But on your nightstand, a book on healthy communication lies atop "Draconic for Dummies", and you've purged all dragonsbane from your property. Whenever you spot a familiar dragon in your crystal ball, heading straight for your tower, you're now filled with happiness. *** ENDING 3 OUT OF 3: FORGIVENESS *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? >