"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?>yes "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 at symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >copper dagger This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip. >listen The lamp crackles softly as it burns. Somewhere distant is the sound of muffled voices. >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. >bring the symbol [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >look at symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >medicine bag A small leather medicine pouch hangs from a long strap, bulging with curative herbs. >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. >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. >attack enemy Which do you mean, Sihan or Saiph? >sihan You clasp Saiph's strong hand and turn to Sihan with a frown. "What business have you here?" you ask her coldly. Sihan tosses her hair and fixes her sharp gaze on you. "I came to see if Saiph has sense left in his head after a season with you," she says levelly. "But I see that, like you, he would lead our people down the path of needless killing. I have no more to say." She turns and vanishes into the darkness without a sound. >listen A log falls in the fire, sending a shower of sparks up into the night. Saiph frowns. "She still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share her views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." He looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >mock saiph You would not dream of harming him, not even in jest. >talk to newcomers He is not nearby. >go to newcomers He is not nearby. >listen A gust of cool wind tugs your clothes. >listen A log falls in the fire, sending a shower of sparks up into the night. >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. Your beloved gazes up at the stars. >talk to beloved "I care for you more than you know," you say, kissing Saiph on the cheek. >hug beloved You wrap your arms around your love and receive a quick kiss in return. "Calm yourself," Saiph says, a corner of his mouth rising, "there will be time for that after the telling." Saiph glances towards the fire pit, ducks inside the tent and emerges a moment later with his medicine bag, slinging it into its familiar place around his neck. "Let us join the gathering and hear the story," your love says lightly, and turns to the fire at the center of the village. >attack saiph You would not dream of harming him, not even in jest. >story This is a story about a warrior of the village who was in love with a gentle man, the village healer, Saiph, and how the night of the telling would change them both. >go outside Your tent is nearby; in the distance is the glow of the fire pit. >go to fire You walk to the firepit with Saiph, and friends and neighbors greet you with a nod or quiet word. Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. Nabu and Isi stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Saiph stands near your side. >talk to isi "My brightest light," says Isi as she always does, a smile lighting her face as she pulls you down to kiss your cheek. >talk to nabu Your uncle Nabu regards you seriously. "Are you ready to fight for your people, should you be called upon?" he asks. "Perhaps it will not come to fighting," you say. "Who can tell?" he says, "But those who bear arms must be prepared, nonetheless." >fight [** Programming error: tried to test "has" or "hasnt" of nothing **] You have more important things to do. Saiph places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," he says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >give the circlet to the storyteller Your people have always believed in the power of names. For such an important ceremony as this, you must use the teller's name. >show circlet to isi She admires the workmanship. "Beautiful," she says with a smile. >show circlet to nabu He admires the workmanship. "Beautiful," he says with a smile. >listen Somewhere in the darkness, a night bird calls. >look Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Saiph stands near your side. >talk to isi "And how is Saiph?" asks Isi, a mischievous smile lifting the corners of her mouth. "Is all still well in your bed?" You blush and smile nervously as Isi's friends cackle uproariously. >talk to nabu "How is your knee?" you ask your uncle gently. He rubs it with a rueful smile. "It aches tonight," he says, looking to the stars. "Rain is coming, despite appearances. A heavy rain." >nabu Your father's brother Nabu has never been good with a spear, but there is a warrior somewhere inside him that the wise respect more than the strongest man in the village. He is short and stern; quiet, but clever and collected. He is old, now, but his spirit is as strong as ever. >give circlet to nabu You approach your uncle Nabu and hand the circlet to the small old man. He takes it delicately, eyeing the craftsmanship, and then turns to Saiph with a nod and a warm smile. Carefully, he lifts it up to his old head--and now before you is no longer your father's brother, but the storyteller... a role he has taken every new moon for many years. >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y