"He found the knowledge at the heart of the universe; Returned, and cut his story into stone..." -- The Epic Of Gilgamesh Whom The Telling Changed By Aaron A. Reed Would you like instructions?>y "Whom the Telling Changed" is interactive fiction, meaning both that you must read it and interact with it. Whenever you see the prompt: >...you may type something that will shape the story. This can be a single word, such as LOOK to remind yourself of where you are, or REPEAT, to remind yourself of what was recently said. Certain words will be highlighted, drawing your attention to important objects or topics of conversation. You may also type simple commands to perform actions. The story understands basic VERB NOUN combinations the best, such as TAKE ROCK, GO OUTSIDE, TALK TO ISI, or ATTACK ISI. Try the verbs TALK, PRAISE, MOCK, or SHOW TO to interact with characters. If you don't want to do anything, try LISTEN or WAIT. Finally, you may type STORY at any time to see how the choices you've made have shaped the ongoing story. HELP will repeat these instructions. Press any key to begin. The people have always gathered on moonless nights to hear the telling, since the time of your ancestors' ancestors. The heat of the fire and the glow in the storyteller's eyes make the past present, and the path to the future clear. Tonight the stars are bright, but the minds of your people are troubled. May the words of the telling guide your way. ----------- The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent. >look The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent. >take symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >copper dagger You carefully take your weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment. >story This is a story about a warrior of the village, the night of the telling, and whom the telling changed. >take symbol (the medicine bag) You lift your lover's medicine bag down from its place, handling it carefully. >look The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. >go outside You step outside into the warm night air. It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. In the darkness a few feet away, Sihan and Saiph talk quietly in strained tones. As you approach, your enemy grows silent. Your love turns to you with a look of relief and reaches out a hand. >hug isi She is not nearby. >talk to isi She is not nearby. >look It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. Sihan and Saiph watch you expectantly. >look It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. Sihan and Saiph watch you expectantly. >bag Your lover's medicine bag is like a tiny garden, filled with dried herbs wrapped in leaves and small clay vials. Many lives have been saved with the power in these small things, and, of course, with skill. >listen Somewhere in the darkness, a night bird calls. >touch What do you want to touch? >sihan You clasp Sihan's soft hand and turn to Saiph with a frown. "What business have you here?" you ask him coldly. Saiph stares down at you with distaste. "I came to see if Sihan has sense left in her head after a season with you," he says levelly. "But I see that, like you, she would lead our people down the path of needless killing. I have no more to say." He turns and strides fiercely into the darkness. >touch saiph He is not nearby. >listen A gust of cool wind tugs your clothes. Sihan sighs. "He still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share his views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." She looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >story newcomers I only understood you as far as wanting to story. >newcomers "Have you heard the news?" she asks. "Young Ada found traces of a camp less than an hour's walk from here, and more than half a day from their fires in the valley. Saiph maintains they were merely investigating our camp. Many, perhaps, would call it spying instead," she says darkly. >fires "The moon has waxed and grown small again since they arrived," Sihan murmurs, holding you tightly. "Why don't they come to us? Why do they hide when we send our emissaries? They must know the unrest they're causing in us." >unrest "Saiph talks endlessly, but words cannot sharpen axes or protect children," your love says. "He is convinced still that these newcomers mean us no harm. What will it take for him to wake up to the truth?" >saiph The time is not right to speak about that. >bag Sihan takes it from you. "Thank you," she says, running her fingers lightly over the smooth leather. "It will remind me tonight of who I am." >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y