#AREA Darken Wood~ Padraig, Marek~ darken woods~ 30 0 0 #ROOMS #35250 Outskirts of a Thick Dark Forest~ An ancient cobblestone path leads deeper into the woods to the south, the colorful rock that makes up the path, shaped to fit into each other, has been shattered, broken, and scratched by the elements and vandals. To the west, a sheer cliff wall rises straight up. This path leads south into the dark, while to the north is climbs steeply up as it fades into lighter forest. ~ [Rebekka] need to tell all name - and ent keyword [Rebekka] nation the guy? [Rebekka] sanctuary? ~ 301465610 3 6 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35251 10 10 5 D4 ~ ~ 0 -1 35302 10 10 5 E n north u up~ The path climbs into the cliffs. ~ E s south~ The path goes on. ~ E w west cliff~ The sheer cliff face stretches into the sky. ~ E e east~ The woods loom ominously. ~ A ~ ~ if( mob_in_room( 701, room ) ) { if( is_follower( ch ) ) end; wait( 1 ); if( !char_in_room( ch, room ) ) end; if( find_stat( ch, level ) > 20 ) act_tochar( #highchar, ch ); else { act_tochar( #lowchar, ch ); interpret( mob, "sigh" ); } } ~ E highchar~ The ent turns to regard you and says,@b@W "My name is Annrororrobornnocharrhadroon. I thought I would be sufficient to match the challenges of this evil wood -- but I was wrong. Abominations untold lie beyond, your body will be tested and your mind will be tormented! Trust in allies, no one will succeed there alone." ~ E lowchar~ The ent turns to regard you and says,@b@W "My name is Annrororrobornnocharrhadroon. I thought I would be sufficient to match the challenges of this evil wood -- but I was wrong. Turn back lest you you suffer the same fate -- return only after you have grown stronger than you seem now. You may ignore my words, if you choose. But it would not be wise." ~ ! 1 0 17 701 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35251 Entrance to the Forsaken Forest~ A rusted, black iron gate arches above you. Though rusted, the gate's steel bars still stand in firm defiance of sieges or invasions. Overhead, figures have been sculpted into the metal, their leering shapes serving as a warning to all. ~ ~ 301465608 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35250 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35252 10 10 5 E writing runes~ As you study the runes you remember a tale. A tale told by old men around the fire on long winters nights of a time when the choice between good and evil was clear. A tale of the triumph of the Paladins of Taranth. Dark was the day in the dawn before battle. wild the wind as it howled through the wood. grim were the warriors grinding their spear points, gray was the horse whose hooves rode the wind. Ravens were gathered to watch the grim reaving, wolves waited in wood for the feast that fell. Up, on Taranth's warriors! weapons shall give you meat for your merriment mead running red. Hosts of these fell beasts harried our homeland Evil's growing might ruthless foe to the free. Fire and horn call our folk to the wood the day was dawn for our folk, or else it was doom. ~ E n north~ The path leads into lighter forest. ~ E s south~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E steel gate bars~ Ringed by runes, three panels of sculpted figures portray an epic tale. ~ E panels figures~ A tale is told by the simple figures and depictions of the panels. The Tarantha Paladins hold the fell beasts at bay allowing the mages and druids to sacrifice one of their own . The last of the shadowspawn are entrapped by the wood as the gate is erected as the capstone of the magic of Darken Wood. ~ E 1 east 1 west~ The forest looms ominously. ~ A ~ ~ wait( 1 ); if( char_in_room( ch, room ) ) { send_to_char( #char, ch ); wait( 1 ); if( char_in_room( ch, room ) ) send_to_char( #char2, ch ); } ~ E char2~ A fog blankets your mind.... Your thoughts tumble and churn as you realize that what lies before you is unlike anything you have experienced before. ~ E char~ As you pass the gate, your hand is drawn to touch its cold metal surface. ~ ! 1 2 1 A ~ ~ wait( 1 ); if( char_in_room( ch, room ) ) send_to_char( #echar, ch ); ~ E echar~ You pass back to the normal world. ~ ! 1 0 4 -1 S #35252 Darkened Path~ The crooked trees, their twisted branches reaching into the stale breeze, crowd together. The undergrowth and the scab-covered saplings all wind around each other, clinging together until they have formed a crude rounded portal to the north. You may move in any direction from here. ~ ~ 301465608 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35251 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35255 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35260 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35253 10 10 5 E 1 north 2 south~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E 1 east 1 west~ The forest looms ominously. ~ -1 S #35253 Broken Canopy~ The dark skies can be seen in fits and starts through the forest's cover overhead, as though one was looking up through a hole in the roof of an abandoned chapel. The cry of a beast or bird echoes in the distance, whether in fear or challenge you cannot tell. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35252 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35259 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35254 10 10 5 E e east~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E w west s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ -1 S #35254 The Vast Forest~ Many breezes, refreshing but chill, rush through the trees and leaves of the forest. The signs of life are rife here: the minute sounds of movement, and the low growls of hungry beasts. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35253 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35257 10 10 5 E s south e east~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west n north~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ 629 9 1509949540 3 0 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35255 At the Woodland Ancients~ Tall trees rise above you into the forest canopy, draped with hanging mosses like the beards of woodland ancients. The dark green light filtering through the rough overhang makes it difficult to see into the woods around you. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35256 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35261 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35252 10 10 5 E e east s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E n north~ The forest halts at a shear cliff face. ~ 629 9 1509949540 3 0 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35256 The Vast Forest~ Thick scents of earth and loam ride the breezes here, the cries of local creatures ringing out on occasion. Any light here reflects the surroundings well illuminating the colors of the woodland. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35262 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35255 10 10 5 E s south w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north e east~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ -1 S #35257 Deep in the Forest~ The quiet of the area is occasionally broken by the sounds of something unseen scurrying through the undergrowth. Ancient trees rise above you, blocking all but the briefest views of the sky. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35254 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35259 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35265 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35258 10 10 5 E s south~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E n north e east w west~ The forest goes on. ~ -1 S #35258 Near a Ravine~ Faraway hills stand as only a dark blur through the thin mist. The dark ominous trees crowd tightly against the ravine edge as if seeking to force their fellows over the edge in an attempt to reach freedom. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35257 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35264 10 10 5 E e east~ The forest goes on. ~ E s south~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E ravine n north w west~ The quiet stream, turned violent by the long fall from the cliff top, cuts a swath through the edge of the woods. ~ -1 S #35259 Trees like Pillars~ You stare up through a cathedral of enormous trees that seems to go on forever. Occasionally, a startled forest creature tears through the underbrush away from you. The breeze is moist and speaks of living things as it sighs through a constantly shifting world of green. ~ ~ 301465608 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35253 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35260 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35266 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35257 10 10 5 E n north w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E e east s south~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ -1 S #35260 Light and Shadows~ Winds scatter the leaves that have fallen to the ground, whispering in their riddled runes to the earth. Droplets of water, catching any any illumination like pebbles of light netted fromt he sky, tumble to the ground and chase away the shadows meandering through the forest with malicious intent. ~ ~ 301465608 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35252 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35261 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35267 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35259 10 10 5 E 1 north 1 south~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E 1 east 1 west~ The forest looms ominously. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35261 Descent to Darkness~ The ground drops several feet in as much space to the south where it heads into a deeper area of the forest. Little light reaches here, and the sparse moss hanging from the trees is white and wispy, like old dusty cobwebs. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35255 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35262 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35268 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35260 10 10 5 E n north e east~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west s south~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ 629 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35262 The Vast Forest~ In these unearthly surroundings, ones mind can wander, almost in a waking dream. Images come to you of dark green lines of earth-strength thrumming up from the roots of the gnarled trees and bushes... the cruel, white face of the Birch-Maiden whose touch drives men mad... the cold dark glitter of the dreaming adder under a boulder... and the faint fiery flashes of will-o'-the wisps drawing nearer, gathering to a hidden figure. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35256 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35263 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35269 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35261 10 10 5 E s south~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E n north w west e east~ The forest goes on. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You hear something moving nearby. ~ ! 2 200 0 679 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35263 Top of an Incline~ You stand at the top of a short incline from the forest to the west. The area is rocky, growing more sylvan and comfortable to the south and west. All about you great trees rise like sentinels overhead, blocking your view after no more than a few hundred feet. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35270 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35262 10 10 5 E w west s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north e east~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You tense up a bit as you see something moving through the undergrowth. ~ ! 2 200 0 -1 S #35264 Paths Which are Travelled~ Bits of seashell, colored pink and yellow, lie scattered across the dark and fertile soil of the Darken Wood. Overhead the trees rise far into the clouded sky, their shadowed branches shivering as if they were ill. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35258 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35265 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35271 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35290 10 10 5 E w west~ The path ends abruptly at the waters edge. ~ E e east~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E n north s south~ The forest looms ominously. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35265 Darken Trail~ For a second, as you move along this trail, the leaves of the trees glisten like diamonds, drops of dew seemingly crystalizing. A puff of air rushes by you, cool and sweet, as the diamonds shiver against each other. The tinkling of bells fills the thick forest, as the magical tapestry is woven through the bark and soil. Overhead the skies finally die away into a dismal grey. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35257 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35266 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35272 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35264 10 10 5 E 1 north 1 south~ The forest looms ominously. ~ E 1 east 1 west~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ -1 S #35266 Darken Path~ Open air gives way to shadow as the ground dips and wide-spaced birches are replaced with denser, older trees. Ash and beech and oak fill this broad bowl, the timber spreading up to the sides, heavy boughs thrusting out attempting to hide the sky. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35259 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35267 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35273 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35265 10 10 5 E 1 east 1 west~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E 1 north 1 south~ The forest looms ominously. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You feel a chill go up your spine as you hear something stalking you. ~ ! 2 0 0 -1 S #35267 Muted Air~ All sounds take on a muted air here, as if the uneasy fear has taken on a physical element, laying an ominous hand over the area, willing a tangible silence to blanket the wood. To the south, the sound of water dances, its music almost stilled by the forest's rasping breath. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35260 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35268 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35279 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35266 10 10 5 E 1 north 1 east 1 west~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E 1 south~ The forest looms ominously. ~ E sword boulder rusted~ Battered, rusted, and useless the sword stands silent. But while the sword is mute, tales have travelled down the slope of time. A childrens rhyme tells of the passing of Gblon the Stone Giant, impaled through the breast with a mighty sword. Perhaps this may be the spot, but reality pulls you back to contemplate a rusted sword in an old stone. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You hear something stalking you. ~ ! 2 200 0 -1 S #35268 Darken Path~ A blob of fog, thick and swarming, soft and cool, sweeps through this area. As the tree branches dip slightly, their leaves glistening from beads of dew, you can almost hear the ghostly harps of bards that have travelled these forlorn paths. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35261 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35269 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35275 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35267 10 10 5 E n north s south~ The forest looms ominously. ~ E e east w west~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ -1 S #35269 Deep Paths~ The trees, their canopy far overhead, prevent any light from seeping through to the wet earth. The trees shiver in the chill breezes as if they physically desire to feel warmth on their moldy bark; but the Darken Wood has maintained its infamous reputation of lifelessness through some means - or because of a curse. Carefully, if you peer so to the east, you note the faint outline of what appears to be the skeleton of a wooden cart. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35262 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35270 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35276 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35268 10 10 5 E w west s south~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E n north~ The forest looms ominously. ~ E east cart~ A cart lies wrecked at the side of the path. ~ -1 S #35270 Remains of a Wagon~ Pushed to the side of the trail, partially buried in the thick mud, the skeleton of a wooden cart has been forced to suffer the elements. Thick pieces of leather lie rotting in a bed of weeds and fungal blooms. Further off the trail a few crates have been shattered, planks of wood sticking upward like makeshift tombstones, hiding a dull glimmer. The saplings that surround you, their slender figures arching gracefully against each other, are crowned with green leaves. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35263 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35277 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35269 10 10 5 E e east~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ E n north s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ A l look move get take~ skeleton wooden cart leather crates planks~ if( mob_in_room( 667, room ) ) end; if( rflag( reset0, room ) ) { remove_rflag( reset0, room ); send_to_char( #to_char, ch ); act_notchar( #to_room, ch ); mload( 667, room ); wait( 2 ); mload( 667, room ); wait( 2 ); mload( 667, room ); } else { send_to_char( #char, ch ); act_notchar( #room, ch ); } ~ E room~ $n rumages around, but doesn't seem to find anything. ~ E char~ You rummage around, but find nothing. ~ E to_room~ $n reaches down to inspect the wreckage and is attacked! ~ E to_char~ As you disturb the wreckage you see the glimmer of hidden treasures, that is before you are distracted by the attacking ghosts. ~ ! 0 0 0 -1 S #35271 Low Hillside~ Deep shadows encompass the base of this sloping hill, blocking out the pale light, creating an almost tangible layer of oppression over the forest and the darker souls that dwell within its shadows. Sounds are muted, only the raucous cries of a hidden bird disturbing the silence. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35264 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35272 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35278 10 10 5 E n north e east s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west~ The river rages and froths too dangerous to cross. ~ -1 S #35272 Within Darken Wood~ Deep shadows and silence fills the area. The walls of a dark, vine-sheathed tower stands to the the south and east, silent and somehow threatening, a darker shadow in a dark wood -- a sentinel from a lost time. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35265 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35273 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35274 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35271 10 10 5 E s south~ The ground grows damper to the south. ~ E e east w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ 629 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35273 North of an Ancient Tower~ Eerie shadows and ghostly light unite, creating a sense of disorientation, the uneven ground supporting huddling, looming trees. Sodden dirt covers aged, scattered paving stones. The black outline of a crumbling tower lies to the south, looming dark against the back drop, lending its mass to the sense of anticipation, as though waiting for something to happen. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35266 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35279 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35272 10 10 5 E west east~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E south tower~ The circular tower seems made of thick, ancient granite blocks. You see no door in the section of the wall facing you. ~ E scattered paving stones~ seem to be of the same type as the tower to the south, a dark, lusterless granite. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ Something is following you. ~ ! 2 0 0 679 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35274 West of a Tower~ A cold wind sucks its way though the area. Chill drafts blow from the high cliffs that surround this forested valley. The walls of a dark tower stands to the the east, silent as it crumbles amidst the forest. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35272 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35294 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35278 10 10 5 E south north west~ The forest goes on. ~ E tower~ The circular tower seems made of thick ancient granite blocks. You see no door in the section of the wall facing you. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35275 Darken Path~ Mysterious, vague shadows cloak this area, heightening feelings of insecurity, as if the forest itself takes exception to intrusion. The darkness here assumes a life of its own, black cast upon unrelieved black. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35268 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35276 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35282 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35279 10 10 5 E n north s south~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E e east w west~ The forest looms ominously. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35276 Within the Darken Wood~ There is a solemnity to the forest, the air still, prompting you to think uncomfortably of a temple, its dark interior lit only by the high, narrow windows. Bird song is a distant chorus, dimmed, it seems, by the bulk of the great trees. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35269 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35277 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35283 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35275 10 10 5 E e east~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north s south w west~ The forest is cut by a path. ~ E e east w west n north s south~ The forest looms ominously. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35277 Whispers in the Leaves~ The trees whisper with their own sweet breath, words floated across their fragrant fruits. The upturned mud is at their feet; held down and still by magicked roots. Deep in the Darken Wood you wander yet, each step headed into the night. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35270 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35284 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35276 10 10 5 E n north w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E s south~ The trees die to the south. ~ E e east~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You hear something following you. ~ ! 2 0 0 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35278 Broken Earth~ Ebon shadows crawl over the ground, the close-packed trees snuffing out any light that might filter down from the skies above. The ground is uneven, cracked and broken, covered in weeds and thick grasses. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35271 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35274 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35293 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35291 10 10 5 E e east~ The ground grows damper to the east. ~ E n north w west s south~ The forest goes on. ~ -1 S #35279 Small Pond~ Quiet ripples run ashore, across the waves of red mud in which your feet sink. Thin and wispy reeds line the shore of this small pond, the cool breeze slipping through their hollows and making them sing with whispering cries. ~ ~ 301465600 6 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35267 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35275 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35281 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35273 10 10 5 E n north e east w west s south~ The forest goes on. ~ 638 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35280 Base of an Ancient Tower~ This room has remained fairly clean, since there are only a few arrow slits through with the elements can gain access, but still certainly shows signs of great age. The paint on the walls is yellowed and peeling in strips, the floor worn with the tread of a thousand booted feet and seeping water. A heavy stone stair rises to the floor above. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 heavy oaken door~ ~ 131 -1 35281 10 10 5 D4 ~ ~ 0 -1 35305 10 10 5 E n north e east s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west~ The ground grows damper to the west. ~ -1 S #35281 Before a Dark Tower~ A blanket of sadness, thick and supporting the misery of hundreds of years of pain, envelops the trees in its stifling air. To the west the stone ruins of a dark tower stands in the shadows, its story and purpose lost to the memories of mortal minds. ~ [Marek] Lemme restate, Birch maiden ACTION here :) ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35279 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35282 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35296 10 10 5 D3 heavy oaken door~ ~ 131 -1 35280 10 10 5 E north east south~ The forest goes on. ~ E tower west~ The circular tower seems made of ancient, thick granite blocks. A heavy door is set into the base of the tower here, closed to the elements and your prying eyes. ~ A ~ ~ if( mob_in_room( 1318, room ) ) end; if( is_follower( ch ) ) end; if( !is_player( ch ) ) end; if( !rflag( reset0, room ) ) end; wait( 3 ); remove_rflag( reset0, room ); if( !rand_char( room ) ) end; act_notchar( #room, ch ); mload( 1318, room ); ~ E room~ A slim maiden materializes from the bole of a nearby tree! ~ ! 1 0 7 629 9 1509949540 3 0 629 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35282 The Forest Path~ Evening skies, gray and sultry and merging into night are the colors of the Darken Wood. Across your mind's eye flash the images of decrepit, ancient trees cutting off light from dying vegetation, the only 'life' that remains here. In the dim light, a trail threads north to south through trampled weeds. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35275 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35283 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35297 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35281 10 10 5 E north south~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E east west~ The forest looms ominously ~ E path~ Scattered with a few paving stones, this may have once been a well-traveled road, but is now no more than a rocky, narrow path in an unwelcoming forest. A small side path seem to lead off to the east. ~ -1 S #35283 A Crumbling Path~ Dying trees, their grey bark peeling away in long strips, line this path. Rising some hundred feet off the forest floor, the dead trees shiver in the breezes. There is no canopy here to protect the forest floor from the sky and the path continues to the west where it fades into obscure gloom. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35276 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35284 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35298 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35282 10 10 5 E w west~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E e east~ The path winds through dead trees. ~ E n north s south~ The dying trees recede from the path. ~ -1 S #35284 Dead Path~ Dead and dying trees line the sides of the path here. Like soldiers lined in columns for battle, the stark tree trunks stand mute and silent, framing the path as it descends into a naturally formed cave in the east. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35277 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35285 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35283 10 10 5 E w west~ The path enters the woods. ~ E e east~ The path ends at a cave. ~ E n north s south~ Dead and dying trees line the path. ~ -1 S #35285 The Caves of the Wind~ Clammy air creeps up in cold drafts from the floor, enwrapping your ankles with chilling breezes. From within the far recesses of the caves, the quiet splash and drip of condensation echoes cautiously through the limestone tunnels. The ceiling is low, rough-hewn and wet; the walls are uneven and cold to the touch. ~ [Merior] short description ~ 301465608 0 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35286 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35284 10 10 5 E w west~ A path leads from the cave. ~ E e east s south~ Cold, clammy, hard stone. ~ E n north~ Darkness. ~ -1 S #35286 The Caves of the Wind~ This tight chamber is framed by heavy stone at each of its four corners. To the south lies an open archway and the breath out fresher air, while a broad, heavy stair leads down. ~ ~ 301465608 0 9 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35285 10 10 5 D5 ~ ~ 0 -1 35287 10 10 5 E e east w west n north~ Cold, clammy, hard stone. ~ E s south d down~ Darkness. ~ -1 S #35287 The Caves of Wind~ Your blood chills as the wind howls painfully, nearly tossing you to the ground. The only bit of light is a small beam, somehow seeping in from below. Faint sounds of movement fill the cave, making your heart pound faster. ~ [Merior] always light seeping in? [Marek] Yeah, from dragon. ~ 301465600 0 9 0 D4 ~ ~ 0 -1 35286 10 10 5 D5 ~ ~ 0 -1 35288 10 10 5 E n north e east w west s south~ Cold, clammy, hard stone. ~ E u up d down~ Darkness. ~ -1 S #35288 The Caves of Wind~ As you continue deeper into the cave, strange sounds fill the air. You hear the unnatural sounds of an unfamiliar beast. The ground shakes, and rumbles, making it difficult to stay upright. Off to the north, you see a dim, blue glow. A putrid smell fills the air, twisting your stomach. ~ ~ 301465600 0 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35289 10 10 5 D4 ~ ~ 0 -1 35287 10 10 5 E e east w west s south~ Cold, clammy, hard stone. ~ E u up~ Darkness. ~ E north n~ A dim blue glow. ~ -1 S #35289 Crystal Caverns~ As you walk into this vast cavern the glitter is so great that you have to shield your eyes for several seconds before they finally become accustomed to the brilliance. Gemlike stalactites and stalagmites, looking much like the jagged teeth of some great beast, dot the cavern. The faceted walls reflect themselves again and again, an infinity of cold, gleaming beauty. Some subterranean source of heat buried deep beneath turns the chamber into an oven. ~ ~ 301465601 0 9 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35288 10 10 5 A open~ iron bound chest rusty~ mob = mob_in_room( 624, room ); if( mob ) { act_tochar( #tochar, ch ); act_notchar( #toroom, ch ); attack( mob, victim, 2d10, "raking claw" ); } else continue; ~ E tochar~ You try to open the chest, but the dragon interrupts your thievery! ~ E toroom~ $n tries to open the chest, but the dragon interrupts $s thievery! ~ ! 0 0 0 624 9 1509949540 3 0 578 49 1509949540 -2 0 1020 81 1509949465 -2 0 1020 81 1509949445 -2 0 16 81 1509949490 -2 0 575 81 1509949445 -2 0 31 81 1509949465 -2 0 1501 81 1509949465 -2 0 2189 81 1509949443 -2 0 3130 81 1509949445 -2 0 -1 S #35290 Calm Backwater~ The river's depths are dark, swirling gently around your feet, dark and placid water exists in stark contrast to the troubled main river seemingly bypassing this backwater on its trip from north to south. ~ ~ 301465600 8 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35264 10 10 5 E e east~ The path dissappears into the trees. ~ E n north s south w west~ The water looks deep and dangerous. ~ -1 S #35291 A Western Rise~ The ground rises gradually to the west, growing stony rises into a rough slope. Gnarled trees grow here, their roots thrusting down through the rocks to seek the earth. The wold gleams with dark greens and browns and the smooth black-greys of bark like polished leather. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35278 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35292 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35300 10 10 5 E north n~ The raging river curves to the west and dissappears into a cleft in the cliffs, leading to the unknown. ~ E e east s south~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west~ The forest halts a a rough slope. ~ -1 S #35292 Corrupted Glade~ In other places, other times, this area would have been a gentle forest nook, nestled in this corner of the valley. The shale cliffs to the west curve south and east, creating a secluded glade sheltered from the elements. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35291 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35293 10 10 5 E n north e east~ The forest goes on. ~ E w west s south~ The forest ends sharply at a sheer cliff face. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35293 Whispers of Power~ Here in this wood the soul feels the might of the gods; what the spirit sees becomes clearer and clearer, as if the gods themselves choose to walk the earth in the shapes of those trees they had once made sentient with the breath of life, the mead of thought, and dreams of quickening fire. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35278 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35294 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35292 10 10 5 E n north e east w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E s south~ The forest ends sharply at a sheer cliff face. ~ 628 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35294 Shadows Near a Tower~ Deep shadows fill the area, creating a sense of foreboding, a sort of hushed noise that forest itself seems unwilling to break. The walls of a dark, vine-sheathed tower stands to the the north and east, silent as it crumbles, year after year -- a darker shadow in a dark wood. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35274 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35295 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35293 10 10 5 E e east w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E s south~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ E n north~ The ground grows damper to the north. ~ E tower~ The circular tower seems made of thick, ancient granite blocks. You see no door in the section of the wall facing you. ~ 679 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35295 Shades of Night~ Colors, once beautiful shades of nature, have now become dull. Once radiant leaves and flowers have ceased to bloom; they have ignored the year's seasons. High above you a bird twitters away, what should be a song full of melodious passion being a crude and primitive series of croaks. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35296 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35294 10 10 5 E east west~ The forest goes on. ~ E s south~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ E north tower~ The circular tower seems made of thick, ancient granite blocks. You see no door in the section of the wall facing you. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You hear something moving through the brush. ~ ! 2 0 0 -1 S #35296 The Velvet Dark~ Lush grass crowds against the tree trunks: an army the size of the land itself laying seige. Callous fingers of darkness, sometimes thick and crude, have now given way to that of satin and velvet. In the shadows, within the deep background of the forest, shapes move through the undergrowth, following their own primitive paths. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35281 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35297 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35295 10 10 5 E n north w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E s south~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ E e east~ The forest is cut by a path ~ -1 S #35297 Lost Path~ Lost in the weeds and wild blooms that peer upwards from the unruly undergrowth, the cracked and weathered stones of an ancient street still lie half-immersed in the soil. Carved runes, thick lines chiseled into granite, are still visible, their meanings lost, but spirit retained. ~ [Merior] street in the middle of nowhere? Used to be a civilized area south of here... will be adding something there later. ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35282 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35298 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 227 -1 36771 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35296 10 10 5 E s south~ The path becomes a ruins lined street. ~ E e east w west~ The forest goes on. ~ E n north~ The path fades into the green gloom. ~ E runes~ The runes are far to faded and worn to make out. ~ A 1 south~ ~ act_tochar( #tochar, ch ); ~ E tochar~ As you attempt to leave south the runes glow and a strange force prevents you from moving in that direction. Someday, perhaps, a hardy adventurer will blaze further paths in the ruins of Darken Wood. ~ ! 0 0 0 -1 S #35298 A Glade~ Slender tendrils of fog coil about the saplings' waists, like the ghosts and memories of those long dead. The howl of a wolf echoes in the distance, the breeze gusting here in bursts. The place is almost a dream as you stumble across the rough ground here, thoughts slipping from your mind as you make your way through the Darken Wood. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35283 10 10 5 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35299 10 10 5 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35297 10 10 5 E s south~ The forest ends sharply at a shear cliff face. ~ E e east~ The trees form an enclosure. ~ E n north w west~ A path cuts the forest. ~ A ~ ~ ch = rand_char( room ); send_to_char( #stalk, ch ); ~ E stalk~ You catch a gilmpse of something before it retreats into the undergrowth. ~ ! 2 0 0 679 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35299 Grotto~ This small alcove is walled by a lush barrier of foliage that has clung to the surrounding trees as it rose upwards. Overhead you can hear the twittering of a songbird, its voice weak and raspy as if dying from some cancer. Resting for a moment, you feel your boots sink into the soft mud. To the west, the only exit, an open field is blanketed by a thick carpet of flowers and weeds through which broken marble sticks up like old bones. ~ ~ 301465600 3 6 0 D3 ~ ~ 0 -1 35298 10 10 5 E w west~ The glade awaits. ~ E n north e east s south~ Tangled vines and trees block movement. ~ 674 9 1509949520 3 0 -1 S #35300 Dangerous Slope~ The cliffs tower above you shrouded in storm clouds. As you walk across the scree, loosely packed stones shift ominously under your feet. Joy at finally leaving the oppressive forest turns to fear as you slip and totter. ~ ~ 301465600 5 5 0 D1 ~ ~ 0 -1 35291 10 10 5 E e east~ The forest awaits. ~ E n north w west s south~ The loose rubble proves unclimable. ~ A ~ ~ if( !can_fly( ch ) ) { if( find_skill( ch, climb ) < 7 ) { i = 2d40+20; act_tochar("You take a wrong step and fall down the rockslide!", ch ); act_notchar("$n takes a wrong step and falls down the rockslide!", ch ); dam_message( ch, i, "the rockslide" ); inflict( ch, mob, i, "falling down the slope" ); transfer( ch, find_room( 35291 ) ); act_notchar("$n comes rolling down the rockslide, obviously badly hurting.", ch ); } } ~ ! 1 -1 2 217 137 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #35301 Canyon Path~ ~ ~ 301465610 3 9 0 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35250 10 10 5 -1 S #35302 Canyon Path~ The cliffs tower into the sky on either side of this lonely path. Your companion for so long, the small babbling river, turns sharply to the west and you hear the far off thunder of its fall from this height. The path leads north into the canyon or down into a tree-shrouded valley, gloomy and dark. ~ [Aldric] needs entry message. ~ 301465610 3 6 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35303 10 10 5 D5 path~ path~ 0 -1 35250 10 10 5 E east~ The path hugs the cliffs. ~ E n north s south d down~ The path wanders on. ~ E w west~ The river chews at the edge of the path. ~ -1 S #35303 Canyon Path~ High cliffs prevent all direct light but the noon sun from hitting this path. With the river to the west and cliffs directly to the east this fragile path wanders north and south. ~ [Marek] no_mob ~ 301465602 3 6 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 35304 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35302 10 10 5 -1 S #35304 Canyon Entrance~ The cliffs rise precipitously from the grass and trees, as if springing up from some hidden place. The river has cut a canyon in the cliffs as sharp as a knife stroke, and the path decreases to a treacherous few feet at the rivers edge. ~ ~ 301465610 3 6 0 D0 ~ ~ 0 -1 34757 10 10 5 D2 ~ ~ 0 -1 35303 10 10 5 E cliff~ The cliffs press in on the path, making the trail difficult to traverse at this point. The cliff itself is rough and provides many handholds, but looks ready to crumble under any weight for the first 15 feet or so. ~ -1 S #35305 Hallway~ A narrow hallway travels the length of the building, ending at the tower walls to the north and south. Tarnished lamp fittings placed between the doors along both sides are long since looted and empty, though the only actual light comes from arrow slits at either end of the passage. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 oak door~ ~ 131 -1 35306 10 10 5 D3 oak door~ ~ 131 -1 35307 10 10 5 D5 ~ ~ 0 -1 35280 10 10 5 -1 S #35306 Eastern Cresent Room~ This is a large, wedge-shaped room, its outer wall made of the same black stone of which the building was constructed. Narrow shafts of light intrude through arrow slits placed around the outside wall. Shoved close against black stone, a rotting weapons racks stand empty. The rough wooden floor, thumping hollowly beneath the feet, has a thin film of dust dulling its surface. ~ [Merior] another ghost here? ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D3 oak door~ ~ 131 -1 35305 10 10 5 E weapons rack~ The rack is entirely empty, though the outline of the weapons that once hung there have left rusty imprints on the wood. ~ -1 S #35307 Western Cresent Room~ This is a large, wedge-shaped room, its outer wall made of the same black stone of which the building was constructed. Narrow shafts of light intrude through arrow slits placed around the outside wall. Thick and ancient cobwebs drape from stone to stone, backlit by the narrow shafts of light cutting through slender arrow slits. A thin film of dust covers the hard wood floor and the flaking walls. ~ ~ 301465600 3 9 0 D1 oak door~ ~ 131 -1 35305 10 10 5 1326 9 1509949540 3 0 -1 S #0