Start of a transcript of Eruption A tectonic excitement Copyright (c) 2009 Richard Bos [Information about Eruption can be found under ABOUT, but this is not crucial to playing the game.] Release 2 / Serial number 090616 / Inform v6.30 Library 6/11 S Standard interpreter 1.1 (4F) / Library serial number 040227 >*11:45 AM -- 10/9 [Comment recorded.] >*Will play a few mins before lunch, then continue later. [Comment recorded.] >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y Eruption [Please press SPACE to begin.] [ But in the gross and scope of my opinion, This bodes some strange eruption to our state. -- Hamlet, I. i. 68] You awake with a massive headache, evidence of an equally impressive drinking feast. Pity you don't remember anything about it. Speaking of which... you do remember that you weren't just carousing for the fun of it. You were drinking for a reason. But what reason...? Eruption A tectonic excitement Copyright (c) 2009 Richard Bos [Information about Eruption can be found under ABOUT, but this is not crucial to playing the game.] Release 2 / Serial number 090616 / Inform v6.30 Library 6/11 S Small Cave It isn't your habit to sleep in caves, but apparently you spent last night in here. What little light shines through its mouth, to the northeast, reveals that there isn't anything in here but you. >x me Slightly hung over, but as good-looking as ever. >*In my WIP my "x me" placeholder text is "As good-looker as never." [Comment recorded.] >*Not that this has anything to do with this. Just thinking. [Comment recorded.] > *Okay, - not a real start since I forgot to do my "preconceptions" for the review. [Comment recorded.] >*That's done, but now it's lunch time. Will "actually" begin after lunch. [Comment recorded.] >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y Eruption [Please press SPACE to begin.] [ But in the gross and scope of my opinion, This bodes some strange eruption to our state. -- Hamlet, I. i. 68] You awake with a massive headache, evidence of an equally impressive drinking feast. Pity you don't remember anything about it. Speaking of which... you do remember that you weren't just carousing for the fun of it. You were drinking for a reason. But what reason...? Eruption A tectonic excitement Copyright (c) 2009 Richard Bos [Information about Eruption can be found under ABOUT, but this is not crucial to playing the game.] Release 2 / Serial number 090616 / Inform v6.30 Library 6/11 S Small Cave It isn't your habit to sleep in caves, but apparently you spent last night in here. What little light shines through its mouth, to the northeast, reveals that there isn't anything in here but you. >*12:45 PM - for real this time. [Comment recorded.] >*Why's the subtitle in lowercase? [Comment recorded.] >se The only exit is to the northeast. >ne Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >*Should I be mapping? [Comment recorded.] >xyzzy A stern, hollow voice booms: "The use of magic is strictly reserved for the implementors." >*Heh [Comment recorded.] >*So only Howard Sherman these days? [Comment recorded.] >*j/k [Comment recorded.] >look Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >x staircase The staircase is carved out of the side of the volcano, which would be nearly unclimbable without it. Since many of Machichouti's most sacred rites take place on the edge of the crater, these stairs serve an important function. >break stairs Violence isn't the answer to this one. >i You are carrying: a pocket-knife >x knife It's your trusty pocket-knife, which you keep sharp as a razor. >cut self Cutting you up would achieve little. >look Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >sacrifice self That's not a verb I recognise. >sacra.... ah forget it. I can't spell. That's not a verb I recognise. >e This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >jn That's not a verb I recognise. >n Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. > *Well, one good thing. It's very vivid without going wild with the description text. [Comment recorded.] >x spray The sea is quite rough today - a westerly wind whips up wave after wave. >x shack Although the shack is patched with rust, and in places completely worn through, its door is secured with a decent lock. On second inspection, though, the briny spray has done its work on the lock as well; it's probably not as strong as it looks. >break lock It's half rusted through, but not quite that weak. You won't break it with your bare hands. >kick lock That's not a verb I recognise. >i You are carrying: a pocket-knife >cut lock with knove You can't see any such thing. >oops knife Cutting that up would achieve little. >break lock with knife Try as you might, the pocket-knife doesn't seem enough to break the lock >look Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. >e If you tried to dive into the sea at this point, you'd break your neck on the rocks below. >n If you tried to dive into the sea at this point, you'd break your neck on the rocks below. >nw If you tried to dive into the sea at this point, you'd break your neck on the rocks below. >ne If you tried to dive into the sea at this point, you'd break your neck on the rocks below. >*The door isn't in a direction? [Comment recorded.] >enter shack You can't, since the shack door is in the way. >i You are carrying: a pocket-knife >look Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. >*Has a puzzl-y feel, which I enjoy. :) [Comment recorded.] >kick door That's not a verb I recognise. >*breadfruit? Is it real? [Comment recorded.] >w Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >e Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. >w Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >se Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >nw Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. But something is wrong. Today, the harbour is deserted, completely empty. The silence is spooky. There's nobody about - no fishermen, no traders - but what makes it even eerier is that all the boats have gone as well, as has all the merchandise. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. A bundle of sailcloth is leaning against the crates. >*The volcano is going to erupt, isn't it? [Comment recorded.] >*That's the rumbling. [Comment recorded.] >get sailcloth Taken. >eat it Nice try, but your teeth aren't sharp enough to bite open the stitches. >x sailcloth At first sight, this is just a bundle of sailcloth. When you look more closely, you can see that it's been stitched shut. It seems that it's been used to pack something inside. >cut sailcloth with knife You pull out your trusty pocket-knife and slash the cloth open. Sure enough, there was something inside: a pair of long, wooden oars, of the kind used with the typical fishing boats of the island. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >score You have so far scored 1 out of a possible 5, in 36 turns, meaning that you have found out that you have a problem. >*Ha ha [Comment recorded.] >look Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >x crates It's a pair of broken crates, probably dumped here because they're useless now. >get crates Why mess about with a couple of broken crates? >look Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >x boats You can't see any such thing. >x fish Fish in all colours of the rainbow, ranging in size from half an inch to a foot or two, swim round and about the reefs and through the lagoon, undisturbed by the bright red crabs living on the bottom. >x crabs Fish in all colours of the rainbow, ranging in size from half an inch to a foot or two, swim round and about the reefs and through the lagoon, undisturbed by the bright red crabs living on the bottom. >look Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. Like the harbour, this place is derelict, and like in the harbour, the effect is eerie. Not only are there no people about, they've even taken the trouble of removing everything from the houses, down to the very curtains. This is really starting to be worrying. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >x heap Once, the people of the Island used to throw all their rubbish into the sea. When it became clear that this wasn't helping the Island's soil, and the breadfruit harvests began to drop, this rubbish heap was started. The people throw everything on it that is compostable, and occasionally some things that aren't, unfortunately. >search heap You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve an oil lamp, which seems to lack oil. >search heap You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve a small wooden altar to Machichouti, goddess of fire, which has been broken in two. >search heap You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve a short, sturdy key, made of iron. > *Or did he stay behind on purpose, because he's supposed to appease the volcano gods? [Comment recorded.] >x key This is a short, heavy iron key. >search heap You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve a scroll, which appears to hold a poem or incantation of some sort. >read scroll This scroll has a poem written on it. It is titled "To a cruel goddess", and the text is as follows: 'Tis thee, oh mighty goddess, whom I praise, Who lets us cook our food above thy fire, Who helps us in thy multifarious ways, Whose warmth and comfort daily us embrace - Yea, rightly do I ply for thee my lyre! And when the life of one of us does end, What would without thee be his funeral pyre? Thou even mad'st our midget continent: First grasped it from the ocean's fundament, Then kept it from the sea-god's dreadful ire. But should this fire-berg be rent asunder, Return in pieces whence, intact, it came, And take its bounty and its people under - Who, Cruel One, would hallow then thy name? How charming. >look Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >search heap You rummage through the heap again, but all you find are breadfruit peels, fish- bones and the like. >get bones You can't see any such thing. >get peels You can't see any such thing. >look Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >search heap You rummage through the heap again, but all you find are breadfruit peels, fish- bones and the like. >x heap Once, the people of the Island used to throw all their rubbish into the sea. When it became clear that this wasn't helping the Island's soil, and the breadfruit harvests began to drop, this rubbish heap was started. The people throw everything on it that is compostable, and occasionally some things that aren't, unfortunately. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >nw Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >sw There are too many trees in that direction for easy passage. >n There are too many trees in that direction for easy passage. >nw There are too many trees in that direction for easy passage. You hear a deep rumbling from the mountain. >ne There are too many trees in that direction for easy passage. >x mountain The volcano dominates the island. In fact, although sedimentation has added considerably to the lower parts, in a very real sense the volcano is the island. A plume of smoke curls out of its top. >x smoke The volcano dominates the island. In fact, although sedimentation has added considerably to the lower parts, in a very real sense the volcano is the island. A plume of smoke curls out of its top. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >*wait -- non-recipricol directions? [Comment recorded.] >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >w Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >w On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. A note is tacked to the boat. >e Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >n Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >s Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >n Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >n Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >n Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >w On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. A note is tacked to the boat. >get note Taken. >read it You immediately recognise the handwriting of your best friend Jack, who writes: Dear bloody fool, (Oh dear, that starts out well) of course you would go missing today, of all days. In case you have forgotten, today is the day we were going to sail to the Southern Islands (Ah, so that's where everybody's gone) because Machichouti was going to make the volcano erupt. (Oh, damn! You knew there was something important you were supposed to remember...) When you didn't turn up, the general opinion was that you should be left to blow up with the volcano, and of course I agreed... (Hah! So much for a friend...) Just kidding. I did protest - because you're my friend, not because you don't deserve to go kablooie - but one man against so many... In the end, though, I did convince them to at least leave you this boat, so that if you turn up late you can at least follow us. (Okay, that's more like the Jack you know.) So if you find this in time, I don't know if you've ever sailed there, but if not, the Southern Islands are, surprisingly enough, due south. See you there, and don't be bloody late again! Jack [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >score You have so far scored 2 out of a possible 5, in 89 turns, meaning that you have found out that you have a problem. >look On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. >x boat A small but sturdy boat, used by the fishermen of the island, suitable for handling by one man while his colleague takes in the nets. It isn't fast, but it's very sea-worthy. >w This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >s This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >n This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >e Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >*I think multiple paths lead to the harbor, and dictate the return direction? [Comment recorded.] >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >w Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >n Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. >unlock door with key You unlock the shack door. >open door. enter shack You open the shack door. Inside the Shack Once, this shack was used as a general storehouse for the island's produce. The last couple of years, however, it's been allowed to decay, and recently it has only been used to store odds and ends which nobody wants anymore. The shack door stands open. A large glass bottle is sitting on the ground here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >get bottle Taken. >x it It's large glass vessel with a narrow neck. >drink bottle You can't drink that. >i You are carrying: a large bottle (which is empty) a note a scroll an iron key a broken altar an oil lamp a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a pocket-knife >x bottle It's large glass vessel with a narrow neck. >look Inside the Shack Once, this shack was used as a general storehouse for the island's produce. The last couple of years, however, it's been allowed to decay, and recently it has only been used to store odds and ends which nobody wants anymore. The shack door stands open. >out Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door stands open. You feel the island tremble under your feet. >w Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >s Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >u You can't go any higher up on the island than you are now. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >n Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >d In the Crater Walking down into the crater, you realise that the prediction is right: the volcano looks like it's going to blow. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >x rocks You're not a geologist, so most rocks look alike to you, but there are stones here of all kinds of colours and weights, from reddish pebbles to huge grey blocks. >get rocks You pick up a nice, hefty piece of rock. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is empty) a note a scroll an iron key a broken altar an oil lamp a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a pocket-knife >throw rock into volcano (the fist-sized rock into the volcano) The volcano is already showing signs of activity. Throwing objects into the crater now might trigger a disastrous reaction. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is empty) a note a scroll an iron key a broken altar an oil lamp a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a pocket-knife >x lamp These oil lamps are usually filled with fish oil, and when lit give off a bright yellow light, and not as bad a stench as one would expect. >light lamp This kind of lamp needs fish oil to burn, and you have none. >d You walk around the crater for a bit, but the only way out seems to be up. >look In the Crater You are standing in the actual crater of the volcano. This might not be the safest place to be today, since it is about to erupt. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is empty) a note a scroll an iron key a broken altar an oil lamp a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a pocket-knife >x rock (the fist-sized rock) A fist-sized piece of solid rock. >look In the Crater You are standing in the actual crater of the volcano. This might not be the safest place to be today, since it is about to erupt. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >get rocks One piece of rock is much like another. Why start a collection? >s You walk around the crater for a bit, but the only way out seems to be up. >d You walk around the crater for a bit, but the only way out seems to be up. >u Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >d In the Crater You are standing in the actual crater of the volcano. This might not be the safest place to be today, since it is about to erupt. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >u Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >undo Village [Previous turn undone.] >n Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >w On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. The volcano heaves violently, throwing rocks about everywhere. One of them narrowly misses hitting you, then bounds off somewhere beyond your view. >get on boat At the Pier (in the boat) From your position behind the mast you have a good overview of the lagoon - the shallows, the gullies, the treacherous peaks of coral, and the only navigable bit in the reef, directly to the west. >untie boat That's not a verb I recognise. >s You sail around the lagoon for a bit, but finding no navigable gap in the reefs there, you moor your boat at the pier again. >s You sail around the lagoon for a bit, but finding no navigable gap in the reefs there, you moor your boat at the pier again. >s You sail around the lagoon for a bit, but finding no navigable gap in the reefs there, you moor your boat at the pier again. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is empty) a note a scroll an iron key a broken altar an oil lamp a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a pocket-knife >read note Dear bloody fool, of course you would go missing today, of all days. In case you have forgotten, today is the day we were going to sail to the Southern Islands because Machichouti was going to make the volcano erupt. When you didn't turn up, the general opinion was that you should be left to blow up with the volcano, and of course I agreed... Just kidding. I did protest - because you're my friend, not because you don't deserve to go kablooie - but one man against so many... In the end, though, I did convince them to at least leave you this boat, so that if you turn up late you can at least follow us. So if you find this in time, I don't know if you've ever sailed there, but if not, the Southern Islands are, surprisingly enough, due south. See you there, and don't be bloody late again! Jack > I beg your pardon? >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is empty) a note a scroll an iron key a broken altar an oil lamp a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a pocket-knife >w No Islander in his right senses would consider going out on the sea without a decent supply of drinking water. You might die of thirst, surrounded by water! >get off boat On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. >e Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. Suddenly, the entire island explodes! The volcano erupts in a spectacular show of fire, tumbling rocks, sprays of steam and boiling stone, and thundering sound effects to go with them. It really is a fantastic sight, a true natural wonder, enough to impress even the most jaded vulcanologist. The good news about all this is that you are in the perfect position to witness all this - slap-bang in the middle of the action. The bad news is, of course, that being in that perfect position, you are no longer able to enjoy it all, since you've been blown to bits along with the rest of the Island. *** You have been blown sky-high *** In that game you scored 3 out of a possible 5, in 154 turns, meaning that you have found out that you have a problem. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > *Okay, so pretty short -- a game to replay. I can dig that. Please give one of the answers above. > restart Eruption [Please press SPACE to begin.] [ But in the gross and scope of my opinion, This bodes some strange eruption to our state. -- Hamlet, I. i. 68] You awake with a massive headache, evidence of an equally impressive drinking feast. Pity you don't remember anything about it. Speaking of which... you do remember that you weren't just carousing for the fun of it. You were drinking for a reason. But what reason...? Eruption A tectonic excitement Copyright (c) 2009 Richard Bos [Information about Eruption can be found under ABOUT, but this is not crucial to playing the game.] Release 2 / Serial number 090616 / Inform v6.30 Library 6/11 S Small Cave It isn't your habit to sleep in caves, but apparently you spent last night in here. What little light shines through its mouth, to the northeast, reveals that there isn't anything in here but you. >ne Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >n Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. >w Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >climb trees It takes someone more athletic than you to climb up a breadfruit tree. Besides, their branches hang so low that the fruit can be picked from the ground. >get fruit You pick the one ripe fruit still hanging on the trees. >eat fruit (the ripe breadfruit) A whole breadfruit is a lot of food. Better save it until you're hungry. >n There are too many trees in that direction for easy passage. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. But something is wrong. Today, the harbour is deserted, completely empty. The silence is spooky. There's nobody about - no fishermen, no traders - but what makes it even eerier is that all the boats have gone as well, as has all the merchandise. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. A bundle of sailcloth is leaning against the crates. >get sailcloth Taken. >cut it with knife You pull out your trusty pocket-knife and slash the cloth open. Sure enough, there was something inside: a pair of long, wooden oars, of the kind used with the typical fishing boats of the island. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >get oars You already have those. >w On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. A note is tacked to the boat. >get note Taken. >read it You immediately recognise the handwriting of your best friend Jack, who writes: Dear bloody fool, (Oh dear, that starts out well) of course you would go missing today, of all days. In case you have forgotten, today is the day we were going to sail to the Southern Islands (Ah, so that's where everybody's gone) because Machichouti was going to make the volcano erupt. (Oh, damn! You knew there was something important you were supposed to remember...) When you didn't turn up, the general opinion was that you should be left to blow up with the volcano, and of course I agreed... (Hah! So much for a friend...) Just kidding. I did protest - because you're my friend, not because you don't deserve to go kablooie - but one man against so many... In the end, though, I did convince them to at least leave you this boat, so that if you turn up late you can at least follow us. (Okay, that's more like the Jack you know.) So if you find this in time, I don't know if you've ever sailed there, but if not, the Southern Islands are, surprisingly enough, due south. See you there, and don't be bloody late again! Jack [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >s This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >e Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. Nothing remains of all this, however. The houses have been stripped down, probably by the villagers, in preparation of their flight. They've been thorough, too - nothing is left but the empty carcasses of what once were houses. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >search rubble You can't see any such thing. >search heap You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve an oil lamp, which seems to lack oil. >g You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve a scroll, which appears to hold a poem or incantation of some sort. >g You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve a short, sturdy key, made of iron. >g You rummage through the rubbish heap, and retrieve a small wooden altar to Machichouti, goddess of fire, which has been broken in two. >g You rummage through the heap again, but all you find are breadfruit peels, fish- bones and the like. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >n Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door is closed. >unlock shack with key You unlock the shack door. >open door then go inside You open the shack door. Inside the Shack Once, this shack was used as a general storehouse for the island's produce. The last couple of years, however, it's been allowed to decay, and recently it has only been used to store odds and ends which nobody wants anymore. The shack door stands open. A large glass bottle is sitting on the ground here. [Your score has just gone up by one point.] >get bottle Taken. >save Ok. >w You can't go that way. >look Inside the Shack Once, this shack was used as a general storehouse for the island's produce. The last couple of years, however, it's been allowed to decay, and recently it has only been used to store odds and ends which nobody wants anymore. The shack door stands open. >out Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door stands open. >s Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >u Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >get rock You can't see any such thing. >get rocks You can't see any such thing. >u You can't go any higher up on the island than you are now. >d In the Crater Walking down into the crater, you realise that the prediction is right: the volcano looks like it's going to blow. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >get rocks You pick up a nice, hefty piece of rock. >u Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >d In the Crater You are standing in the actual crater of the volcano. This might not be the safest place to be today, since it is about to erupt. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >score You have so far scored 3 out of a possible 5, in 38 turns, meaning that you have found out that you have a problem. >save Ok. >w You walk around the crater for a bit, but the only way out seems to be up. >s You walk around the crater for a bit, but the only way out seems to be up. >u Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >u Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >undo Secluded Beach [Previous turn undone.] >sw Small Cave This is the cave you woke up in this morning. Nothing much is here - in fact, there is nothing at all in here except you. The only feature of note is the cave mouth, to the northeast. >undo Secluded Beach [Previous turn undone.] >w Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >s This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >n Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >s Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >get water You're on top of the volcano. The sea is down at the bottom. >d In the Crater You are standing in the actual crater of the volcano. This might not be the safest place to be today, since it is about to erupt. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >undo Crater Rim [Previous turn undone.] >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >get water Why soil your bottle with sea water? There's a whole ocean full of the stuff all around you! >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >get water Why soil your bottle with sea water? There's a whole ocean full of the stuff all around you! >enter house You enter one of the houses, but as there is nothing inside, you step outside again. >*What about clean drinking water? [Comment recorded.] >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is empty) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >*So I need oil for the lamp and water in the bottle to win, right? [Comment recorded.] >s This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >get water Why soil your bottle with sea water? There's a whole ocean full of the stuff all around you! You hear a deep rumbling from the mountain. >nw Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >get water You fill the bottle from the stream. >w Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >w On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. >get on boat At the Pier (in the boat) From your position behind the mast you have a good overview of the lagoon - the shallows, the gullies, the treacherous peaks of coral, and the only navigable bit in the reef, directly to the west. >w You row the boat over the reefs, raise the sail, and sail off into the south. You haven't gone very far when a loud blast makes you turn around, to see that the Island, which was still a large triangle on the horizon last time you looked, has disappeared almost completely. In its place are just a couple of pointy cliffs, and an enormous, fast expanding cloud of gas, dust and debris. The volcano has exploded! More by luck than by craft you manage to avoid the rubble that falls down around you, and after a couple of days, you arrive at the Southern Islands, where you find your friends have safely arrived the morning before. Life in your new home is good, but you make sure you never fall asleep in caves again. *** You have won *** In that game you scored 5 out of a possible 5, in 67 turns, meaning that you have escaped from a big blast. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game, see some suggestions for AMUSING things to do or QUIT? > amusing This is not a very large game, and there wasn't room for very many amusing side- tracks. Nevertheless, did you try... [Press Q to quit] Eating various objects? Finding both ways to open the shed? Hanging around until the volcano erupts? Doing so on top of the volcano or even inside the crater? Inside the cave? Scoring higher than 5? (Hint: you can't do this and win at the same time.) Throwing things into the sea? There is only one object which you can lose permanently this way. Pronouncing the name "Machichouti"? The 'a' is long and bright, as in Italian, and the 'ch' is pronounced as in Scottish or German. Better get it right - Machichouti is a hot-headed goddess, and if your pronounce her name wrong you might well suffer an arson attack, or be struck by lightning, or, in these unbelieving times, perhaps slightly burn your tongue on a hot cup of tea. [Please press SPACE.] The more attentive among you may by now be thinking: "Version 2? What's that all about? Surely only unpublished works may be entered in the IF Competition? And why enter it now, when it was written five years ago?" Worry not, dear reader. All shall be explained. To begin with the version number: version 1 of this game was only ever posted to Lucian P. Smith's IF beta-test page. This does not count as "previously published" for IF Comp purposes; I asked our esteemed Organiser, to make sure. This Competition version got a new number for two reasons: to distinguish it from the previous, non-Competition versions, and because it has been fine-tuned in various aspects, some more significant than others. The game play has remained fundamentally the same, though. As for the reason to enter it into this year's IF Competition, that's a matter of yearly increasing astonishment and pique at the quality of at least half the entries in most Comps. I mean, of course, the half that ends up at the bottom. Writing a game that some (or most) players don't like is one thing, but there is no excuse for the plethora of "attempts" that have clearly never seen a spell checker; whose grammar is broken beyond repair; which have to all appearances not been beta-tested by anyone; which actively try to irritate the player; have show-stopping bugs, are furnished more sparsely than Paris Hilton's knickers, have hints that don't work, promise a walkthrough but don't have one, do I need to go on? I think we all know the kind of time-wasters I mean. It was while judging one of these in last year's Comp that I thought: "Good grief, even my own exercise game is better written than this!" Click! Idea. If it's true that Eruption is better than, oh, about a third of the games in last year's Competition, in one way or another, why not enter it this year? The way I see it, one of two things can happen, and both are good for me. Either half the games entered are the usual junk, in which case my game, being small but at least well-crafted, will score roughly around the mid-point, which is good for my ego; or it will end up where it belongs, which is firmly near the bottom of the scale, but that is only likely to happen if the Competition has a very good year, without the normal collection of duds. Either way, I'm happy. So here it is: Eruption. It has been spell-checked, its grammar is probably not immaculate but even so quite good, it's solvable, it has a hint menu and a walkthrough (and both are correct), there are no serious known bugs in it, it'll give you something to read for most objects (although not necessarily something helpful), and it has been seen to by two (count'em: two!) whole beta-testers (even if I haven't been able to bow to quite their every desire). It even has a feelie! Oh, okay, it has a printie, but still, it does have it. Enjoy! (I am so going to get flak for this rant on the Authors' Club forums. Well, bring it on.) [Please press SPACE.] I can take you all over the island and show you the sights, or just get you to the end as fast as I can. Do you want the scenic route? > yes Right, then let's take the full tour: x me i x knife ne x cave n open door unlock door break it s x volcano u d u s x houses x heap search heap g g g g x altar read scroll x lamp turn it on x key e n unlock door with key open door in get bottle out w x trees w x lagoon x pier w read note enter boat w out e n fill bottle w w in w out e n take fruit w w in w out e x crates x bundle open it i cut bundle get oars w in w [Please press SPACE.] Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game, see some suggestions for AMUSING things to do or QUIT? > *I have some time -- I could go for more. Please give one of the answers above. > look Please give one of the answers above. > i Please give one of the answers above. > undo boat [Previous turn undone.] >e You climb out of the boat. Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is full of water) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >x altar This is a little altar dedicated to Machichouti - the goddess of fire, volcanoes in general, and your island in particular. Normally, such altars are built out of light wood at the start of the year, to serve all that year, and then be ceremoniously burned at the end of it, at the fire feasts. This one, however, has been broken, from the look of it quite intentionally. This might have something to do with the expected eruption; perhaps its owner saw this as a betrayal of trust by Machichouti (a controversial but common attitude, recently). >save Ok. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >d In the Crater You are standing in the actual crater of the volcano. This might not be the safest place to be today, since it is about to erupt. As if to emphasize this point, there is a constant grumbling underfoot, and smoke escapes from several cracks in the floor. If you want to escape, you can climb back up to the rim. Various kinds and sizes of rocks are scattered about the crater. >d You walk around the crater for a bit, but the only way out seems to be up. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >wait 100 hours I only understood you as far as wanting to wait. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >gz That's not a verb I recognise. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. The earth shakes vehemently, almost causing you to lose your footing. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. The volcano heaves violently, throwing rocks about everywhere. You fall to your knees, are bowled over, and roll down, far into the crater. With difficulty you manage to stumble to your feet, but then a rock hits you hard on the back of your head, smashes your skull, and lodges itself firmly in your brain. *** You have died *** In that game you scored 3 out of a possible 5, in 143 turns, meaning that you have found out that you have a problem. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > z Please give one of the answers above. > restore Ok. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is full of water) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >x altar This is a little altar dedicated to Machichouti - the goddess of fire, volcanoes in general, and your island in particular. Normally, such altars are built out of light wood at the start of the year, to serve all that year, and then be ceremoniously burned at the end of it, at the fire feasts. This one, however, has been broken, from the look of it quite intentionally. This might have something to do with the expected eruption; perhaps its owner saw this as a betrayal of trust by Machichouti (a controversial but common attitude, recently). >eat altar That would be a grave insult to Machichouti. Besides, you just dug it up in a rubbish heap. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is full of water) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >eat oars Slightly salty, but quite inedible. >eat knife You've already cut your tongue once, when you and your friend Jack were drunk, and you don't intend to do so ever again. >eat key Better not. It would have to be fished out using a magnet on a string. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is full of water) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >eat rock Trolls are requested to take up post in the Troll Room, under the White House, in Zork. >eat bottle Breathers of flames and eaters of glass are requested to report to the circus director, in the white wagon, in Ballyhoo. >drink water (the large bottle) You take a sip from the bottle. >pour out bottle That's not a verb I recognise. >empty bottle You pour the water on the ground. It runs off into the crater, where it evaporates with a puff of vapour and an angry hiss. >undo Crater Rim [Previous turn undone.] >look Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >*Well-implemented, although short. [Comment recorded.] > *Really, this is exactly the kind of thing that should be recommended to first-time authors. [Comment recorded.] >*A short game, with a few simple puzzles, but good implementation. [Comment recorded.] >look Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >n Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >e Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door stands open. >*A few locations -- good, manageable geography. [Comment recorded.] >e If you tried to dive into the sea at this point, you'd break your neck on the rocks below. >n If you tried to dive into the sea at this point, you'd break your neck on the rocks below. >w Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is full of water) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >walkthrough I can take you all over the island and show you the sights, or just get you to the end as fast as I can. Do you want the scenic route? > scenic Please answer yes or no.> yes Right, then let's take the full tour: x me i x knife ne x cave n open door unlock door break it s x volcano u d u s x houses x heap search heap g g g g x altar read scroll x lamp turn it on x key e n unlock door with key open door in get bottle out w x trees w x lagoon x pier w read note enter boat w out e n fill bottle w w in w out e n take fruit w w in w out e x crates x bundle open it i cut bundle get oars w in w [Please press SPACE.] Thanks should go, of course, to the omnipresent Implementors: Crowther & Woods, and Lebling, Blank et al., of the earliest games; and Graham Nelson, of Inform. Also to Simon Quinn, who ported Inform to the Psion range of hand-helds; Psion, for making the Revo in the first place; and Frédéric Bouvry and Simon Quinn again, for Psion Frotz. Without all these people, this game could not have existed. Thanks to Stephen Granade for organising the Annual Interactive Fiction Competition for ten years running (and counting). Ironic thanks goes to all the people who, over the years, have entered games in the IF Comp which were set in their own house, without working hints or walkthroughs, riddled with spelling errors, buggier than a Red Norvo swing number, or simply underimplemented. Thanks to you - you know who you are! - this game was entered in the 2009 IF Competition. Thanks, lastly, to the last people to have had an influence on this game: its beta-testers, Timothy Partridge and Samson de Jager. Thanks also to Lucian P. Smith, for his IF beta-test page. [Please press SPACE.] Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >*15 years now, running. :) [Comment recorded.] >look Breadfruit Grove Here, on the northern shore, stands the grove of breadfruit trees which provide the island's main source of food. At this point the Island Path, running around the foot of the volcano from the west over the promontory to the southeast, crosses a small stream which runs from the slopes of the mountain to the south down into the sea; next to it, a staircase hacked into the rock ascends to the top. An uneven path runs up the cape to the east. >e Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door stands open. >pray Nothing practical results from your prayer. >enter shed Inside the Shack Once, this shack was used as a general storehouse for the island's produce. The last couple of years, however, it's been allowed to decay, and recently it has only been used to store odds and ends which nobody wants anymore. The shack door stands open. >close door You close the shack door. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. You feel the island tremble under your feet. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. >g Time passes. The volcano heaves violently, throwing rocks about everywhere. One of them narrowly misses hitting you, then bounds off somewhere beyond your view. >g Time passes. >*AH HA! But I'm enclosed in a shack, so that wouldn't happen. I got you!! :) [Comment recorded.] >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. >z Time passes. Suddenly, the entire island explodes! The volcano erupts in a spectacular show of fire, tumbling rocks, sprays of steam and boiling stone, and thundering sound effects to go with them. It really is a fantastic sight, a true natural wonder, enough to impress even the most jaded vulcanologist. The good news about all this is that you are in the perfect position to witness all this - slap-bang in the middle of the action. The bad news is, of course, that being in that perfect position, you are no longer able to enjoy it all, since you've been blown to bits along with the rest of the Island. *** You have been blown sky-high *** In that game you scored 3 out of a possible 5, in 154 turns, meaning that you have found out that you have a problem. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, give the FULL score for that game or QUIT? > restore Ok. >w On the Pier You're standing on the end of the pier, which stretches into the lagoon. Out here, you can feel the spray being blown, warm but refreshing, into your face; between the waves, which break as they are whipped against the reef, you can just about spot the safe channel through the treacherous coral cliffs, directly to the west. Moored next to the pier is a small sailboat. >e Harbour Normally, the harbour is the busiest place on the island. People should be coming along the Island Path, from the breadfruit grove to the north and the village to the south, to carry their products to the boats, and fishermen should be bringing baskets of fish from the pier, which stretches west into the lagoon. Now, however, it is eerily empty. Only a couple of empty crates, standing at the foot of the stairs going up to the volcano to the east, now remain of all the bustle. >get water (the large bottle) You already have that. >e Crater Rim You're standing on the rim of the volcano. Up this high, you have a glorious view of the island, but especially of the sea surrounding it. From here you can climb down into the crater. If you'd rather keep well away, there are staircases cut from the rock, descending in all four cardinal directions. >i You are carrying: a fist-sized rock a large bottle (which is full of water) a broken altar an iron key a scroll an oil lamp a note a pair of oars a ragged piece of cut-up sailcloth a ripe breadfruit a pocket-knife >turn on lamp This kind of lamp needs fish oil to burn, and you have none. >s Village Here, where a path up the volcano splits off northwards from the Island Path which runs east-west, lies the main village of the island. Yesterday, this was a merry place, with benches in front of the houses, colourful curtains fluttering in the sea breeze, and children playing on the paths. However, it has recently been stripped completely bare. The only thing that shows that this used to be a lively village up until yesterday is the rubbish heap that's been left behind beside the path. >*Is the lamp useful [Comment recorded.] >e Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >sw Small Cave This is the cave you woke up in this morning. Nothing much is here - in fact, there is nothing at all in here except you. The only feature of note is the cave mouth, to the northeast. >ne Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >hint Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/5) Well, you can't set the cat at them, because the cat has left, too. Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/5) Well, you can't set the cat at them, because the cat has left, too. Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/5) Well, you can't set the cat at them, because the cat has left, too. (2/5) And you can't lure them away with some bacon, because you have no bacon. (3/5) You can't play the pied piper, because you don't have a flute. (And if you had one, you probably wouldn't be able to hold a tune.) (4/5) Then again, you have no meat, either. Neither are there any rats. (5/5) Except, perhaps, people who ask for hints on problems they aren't stuck on. [Please press SPACE.] Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/5) If you can't sail, you'll have to row. For that, you need oars. (2/5) You can find some oars where one would expect oars to be. They've been carefully protected from the elements, though. (3/5) That bundle of sailcloth looks promising. Try tearing it open. (4/5) No luck? Well, then you'll need more subtlety and precision. (5/5) If you haven't mislaid your knife, try cutting open the cloth. [Please press SPACE.] Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/2) To stop volcanic eruptions, one must be able to shift tectonic plates. (2/2) In other words, not on your nelly. [Please press SPACE.] Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/2) To stop volcanic eruptions, one must be able to shift tectonic plates. Press ENTER to return to the menu, or H for another hint. (1/4) Walking around the island should give you some clues. (2/4) Some more hints can be found by searching the rubbish heap in the village. (3/4) Or you could take a trip up the volcano and into the crater. (4/4) For the most complete answer, check the question about where the others went. [Please press SPACE.] Eruption was written by Richard Bos, during the last months of 2003 and the first of 2004, as an exercise in Inform programming, with a good number of finishing touches being added in the first half of 2009. It is my first semi- serious game in Inform. Before this one, I've written two mini-comp games, a couple of attempts on the Sinclair Spectrum (which were never finished), and a silly thing in GW-Basic (now missing, presumed lost). This game is Copyright 2009 Richard L. Bos, but may be freely distributed as long as it is not changed in any way and no money is charged for it. [Please press SPACE.] I can take you all over the island and show you the sights, or just get you to the end as fast as I can. Do you want the scenic route? > fast Please answer yes or no.> no Ok, the short route it is, then: ne u d get rock u e n break lock with rock in get bottle out w get water and fruit w cut cloth get oars w in read note w [Please press SPACE.] Secluded Beach This beach lies between two large outcrops of rock - foothills of the volcano to the west - and the sea to the east. In the rock to the southwest is your cave; the north-western ridge stretches all the way to your north, where a shack stands on a promontory. The Island Path runs from the south, around the foothills, to the northwest across a cut in the rock. There is also a path north up the cape, and a staircase ascending the volcano. >e This is hardly the time to go for a dip. >n Rocky Promontory At this corner of the island, the volcano reaches into the sea and forms a rugged promontory, beaten by the waves. On the cape, half rusted through from the ocean spray, stands a sheet-iron shack. From its door, paths lead west into the breadfruit grove and south to the beach. The shack door stands open. >break lock with rock You bring the rock down upon the lock with some force. Either it was more rusty than it appeared, or you hit it more strongly than you intended, because you don't just smash it open - you wreck the lock completely. >x lock The lock seems to have been of the same quality as the rest of the shack, after all. You've ruined it quite effectively, and the shack is now even more open to the elements than it already was. >*okay 1:20 PM done. [Comment recorded.] >*Fun, simple, well-coded. [Comment recorded.] >*35 total minutes playing I think. [Comment recorded.] >quit Are you sure you want to quit? y