"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?>no 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. >examine water Water for your hands, oil for your lamp, wine for your thirst. You need none of them now, but knowing they are there brings comfort. >go outside You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event. >go outside You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event. >symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >examine symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >examine dagger This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip. >examine medicine bag A small leather medicine pouch hangs from a long strap, bulging with curative herbs. Lowered voices speak softly from somewhere outside your tent. >go outside You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event. >examine medicine bag A small leather medicine pouch hangs from a long strap, bulging with curative herbs. >examine dagger This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait Wind tugs gently at the tent flaps, then subsides. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >wait The lamp sputters quietly, sending flickering shadows across the tent wall. >sleep Though it is late, this is a special night. You should stay awake. >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y