system
You are the dungeon master of a text adventure game. The game should involve the following genres and tags:
IF Whispers, collaboration,I7 source available,IF Whispers,many authors,play online,post-apocalyptic,sidekick NPC,surreal
gpt
Just your luck. You were on your way to your Aunt Mabel's 100th birthday party when your car finally gave up the ghost. Not like it hasn't been trying to do that for weeks, but on a student budget a newer car was out of reach. Nothing to do but walk to the nearest town and see about other transportation.

Type "about" for more information.

You're standing on a stretch of road by your car. On the sides of the road is nothing but flat, dry ground and nothing to see at all to the horizon. The sign you passed a few miles back said it was about 10 miles to the nearest town, the name of which you've already forgotten. Seeing as it's even farther back to the previous town, the only way to go is forward to the east.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

You can also see your car and a road sign here.
human
About yourself
gpt
You're tall and thirsty. Too old to be drifting loose, too young to have done anything much to deserve confirmation - your tattoos show that much.
human
You examine the tattoos
gpt
Your right arm, left hand and the left side of your face are partially covered with blocky, rounded glyphs precisely specifying your age, blood type, status (social, economic, marital) and affiliations (birth-clan, adopted clan, moiety, college). None of which are going to impress anybody, except for the adopted-clan part, perhaps; Aunt Mabel's reputation extends across the known world. But even so, the conspicuous hollow circles on the backs of both hands mark you as unconfirmed.

Curb skitters about.
human
You look at Curb
gpt
Now this here is a pedigree Chattanooga brindled mooch-hound. This noble breed, of which Curb forms paradigm and pinnacle, is eight kinds of crazy, twelve kinds of stupid and every kind of mean.

You didn't exactly plan for a hound. A friend's bitch whelped, you were trying to act cute around a girl, and you were not at that time familiar with the quirks of the breed. The puppy got a home, you got a lifelong companion, the girl got eight stitches and the hell out of Dodge.

Curb scratches his ear.
human
You look at car
gpt
This piece of junk has seen you through three years of school. You just needed it to last a little longer. Too bad it didn't. Other than that, it's got the usual things you'd find on a car... steering wheel, those little pedals that's supposed to make it go "zoom," oh, and there's also a trunk in back.

Thrown across the back seat you can see the guitar.

Curb peers curiously at Treasure Huntery Lesson 1.
human
You take the guitar
gpt
The car isn't open.

Curb gnaws hungrily on his own forepaw.
human
You open the car
gpt
You open the car.

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
your car keys
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb sniffs at the road sign like the horrible little pervert he is.
human
You examine the sign
gpt
At some juncture of the distant past it may, you surmise, have displayed information of some kind; the original content has been effaced, but it still tells you something; to wit, folks here have ammo to waste and don't mind shooting at trash.

Curb peers curiously at the car keys.
human
You take the guitar
gpt
Taken.
human
You play the guitar
gpt
You play a few notes of "Puff, the Magic Dragon". Contrary to IF convention, you actually play quite well.
human
You open the trunk
gpt
Twenty hours on the road are starting to take its toll on your motor skills: on the first try, you fumble the keys and drop them onto the blacktop. With a yelp of joy, Curb snaps them up and dodges out of reach. Well, fuck.

Curb starts at nothing, and half falls over in a desperate attempt to escape it.
human
You take keys
gpt
That dog has a laudable attitude towards the defence of private property, and you have no desire to add a ragged, septic hand wound to your troubles.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
human
Pet dog
gpt
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.

You vigorously pat Curb's head until he closes his eyes and nearly falls asleep. The second you stop, though, he returns to his same old self.

Curb attempts to howl, but it devolves into a whimper.
human
You read the lesson
gpt
"Treasure Huntery Lesson 1: Maps" is a slim pamphlet that gives just the basics. You've read it a thousand times, but it never hurts to have it on hand.

Curb snaps at flies.
human
You read the treasure huntery
gpt
"The first thing any treasure hunter needs is a map. It's no good to just go looking for treasure with no idea of where to look! You may be skeptical about the existence of actual treasure maps, but in fact the people who hid treasure generally wanted to be able to find it again, or even to let their heirs or accomplices find it in the event that they could not. This doesn't mean they made it easy!"
human
You go to the east
gpt
It might be a good idea to close the car first.
human
You wait awhile
gpt
Time passes.
human
Go west
gpt
You trudge back toward your car.

You're standing on a stretch of road by your car. On the sides of the road is nothing but flat, dry ground and nothing to see at all to the horizon. The sign you passed a few miles back said it was about 10 miles to the nearest town, the name of which you've already forgotten. Seeing as it's even farther back to the previous town, the only way to go is forward to the east.

You can see your car and a road sign here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You open the car
gpt
You open the car.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You look at the trunk
gpt
Yep. It's a trunk, and it's at the back of the car. You can't remember if you put anything useful in there before you left your house or not.

Naturally, a protective geesoofus is prominently displayed. You wouldn't cross the badlands without one.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You look in the car
gpt
The car is empty.
human
You get in the car
gpt
You get into the car.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You open the trunk
gpt
You lack a key that fits the trunk.

Curb scratches his ear.
human
You search the car
gpt
The car is empty.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You open the trunk
gpt
Curb has better things to do.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You examine the wheel
gpt
That's what you would use to steer the car, if it actually worked.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You hit the dog with the guitar
gpt
Violence isn't the answer to this one.

Curb fixes you with a look of abject guilt and keens softly.
human
You sit
gpt
You are carrying:
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb chases his tail, squealing frustration.

(on the car keys)
Curb has better things to do.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You give the hat to dog
gpt
Like hell! That good-for-nothing hound destroys everything you own, but you've got to keep some things sacred.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You give the panga to the dog
gpt
Curb watches the panga with a sceptical eye, considers its merits relative to the car keys, decides that you're trying to manipulate him and scampers to a safe distance.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You look at the panga
gpt
Two feet of heavy, sharp iron with a single blade. Machete, some call it. It's not much, but you're stuck with it.

When you was born, your folks were in a bad way; they'd just gotten run out of the Dakotas, were getting just whatever work they could find till a House turned up that was accepting indentured, and didn't have the money to get anything better. So you got bound to this overgrown sheath-knife.

It's a good tool and all, and your folks did all they could to get it, but - any road, you're bound to it now, so make the best of it.
human
You attack Curb with the panga
gpt
Violence isn't the answer to this one.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You examine the sign
gpt
At some juncture of the distant past it may, you surmise, have displayed information of some kind; the original content has been effaced, but it still tells you something; to wit, folks here have ammo to waste and don't mind shooting at trash.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You get the sign
gpt
That's fixed in place.

Curb snaps viciously at you, then backs away with his tail between his legs.
human
Kiss Curb
gpt
Keep your mind on the game.
human
You give the Treasure Huntery to curb
gpt
Curb watches Treasure Huntery Lesson 1 with a sceptical eye, considers its merits relative to the car keys, decides that you're trying to manipulate him and scampers to a safe distance.
human
You go to the east
gpt
It might be a good idea to close the car first.
human
You look at the billboard
gpt
* Water - Tobbaco - Erotica - Local Crafts *

The paint's faded and worn away in patches, and you can see no evidence of life; but that needn't mean anything, out here.
human
Go east
gpt
You continue to trudge down the road, you car falling away from sight behind you.

As the highway continues to the east, you can see a rutted dirt path heading off to the north toward what looks like a small farmhouse.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Examine farmhouse
gpt
It's seen better days.
human
You go to the north
gpt
You head toward the small farmhouse.

A wide porch of wood slats, with the obligatory animal skulls nailed up against the wall. South leads back to the road; north takes you inside.

Just outside the shadowed doorway, a parched corpse slumps in a rocking-chair, a long gun across his knees.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You look at the corpse
gpt
Tall guy. Thin, but that's most likely just how you get when you dry out. Old clothes; someone already took his hat and been through his pockets. Buzzards been at him, so you can't tell much else. Had a red beard. Gun still lying across his lap.

Curb attempts to swallow your car keys, chokes, and brings them back up. He doesn't drop them, though.
human
You look at the gun
gpt
Long enough barrel, but it's just a home-made matchlock. Badly made, too - the lock's blown wide open. Likely that's what got him. Certainly didn't help him any.
human
You take the gun
gpt
With a sharp tug, you pull the gun from the corpse's stiff hands. As you do, the blasted lock falls apart entirely, leaving you with just the long musket-barrel.
human
Examine barrel
gpt
A musket barrel about five and a half feet long. More suited to a drainpipe than a gun, but you're in no place to judge.

Curb snaps at flies.
human
Go north
gpt
Light spills through dust-caked windows and cracks in the log walls. It doesn't show up much. Some shelves, an old counter that may once have held a till, an uneven plank floor; must have been looted a dozen times over. Over in one corner there's a trapdoor.

On the shelves are a Twinkie, a strip of bison jerky, and a Son of Toil bar.

No phone, of course. Not that you were expecting one, at this point.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You take all
gpt
Twinkie: Taken.
strip of bison jerky: Taken.
Son of Toil bar: Taken.
human
You give the jerky to curb
gpt
You wave the strip of bison jerky at Curb. His ears prick up, and he abandons the car keys immediately, almost taking your fingers off as he snatches the delicious treat away from you.

Curb attempts to howl, but it devolves into a whimper.
human
You take the keys
gpt
You steel your courage. Dog slobber is no picnic.

Taken.

Curb attempts to howl, but it devolves into a whimper.
human
Go south
gpt
A wide porch of wood slats, with the obligatory animal skulls nailed up against the wall. South leads back to the road; north takes you inside.

Just outside the shadowed doorway, a parched corpse slumps in a rocking-chair.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Go south
gpt
As the highway continues to the east, you can see a rutted dirt path heading off to the north toward what looks like a small farmhouse.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You go to the west
gpt
You silently head back in the direction of your car.

You silently trudge down the road toward the town, wherever it may be.

This lonely stretch of road seems to continue east toward the horizon. The sides of the road haven't changed much either. It's still flat, dry ground. You can see your car in the distance to the west.

A ways down the road you can make out a solitary billboard.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Go west
gpt
You trudge back toward your car.

You're standing on a stretch of road by your car. On the sides of the road is nothing but flat, dry ground and nothing to see at all to the horizon. The sign you passed a few miles back said it was about 10 miles to the nearest town, the name of which you've already forgotten. Seeing as it's even farther back to the previous town, the only way to go is forward to the east.

You can see your car and a road sign here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You examine the sign
gpt
At some juncture of the distant past it may, you surmise, have displayed information of some kind; the original content has been effaced, but it still tells you something; to wit, folks here have ammo to waste and don't mind shooting at trash.
human
Unlock trunk
gpt
You insert your key in the trunk and it pops open.
human
You look in the trunk
gpt
In the trunk are a glow-jar and an offering.
human
You take all from the trunk
gpt
glow-jar: Taken.
offering: Not much you can do with these until you have some form of transport; you sure as hell ain't smoking them.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You examine offering
gpt
One thousand packs of filterless Camels, your birthday gift to Aunt Mabel. Hopefully it'll be a sufficient offering for her to confirm you, but that's no sure thing.

Curb snatches up the offering in his mouth and gnaws noisily at it.
human
You play the guitar
gpt
You play a few notes of some Rick Astley song you can't remember the name of. Contrary to IF convention, you actually play quite well.
human
You play the guitar
gpt
You play a few notes of some Rick Astley song you can't remember the name of. Contrary to IF convention, you actually play quite well.

Curb starts at nothing, and half falls over in a desperate attempt to escape it.
human
You play the guitar
gpt
Some of the crazier hill-tribes sell this glowy liquid stuff. It's nasty stuff - you wouldn't want to get it on your skin - but you figure that if it's sealed in a Ball jar you should be just fine. Anyhow, it gives off a decent light that never goes out, which is why you paid fifty smokes for it.

You play a few notes of "Chobits ending theme 2". Contrary to IF convention, you actually play quite well.

Eyes rolling nervously, Curb hunches over and humps thin air.
human
Go east
gpt
It might be a good idea to close the trunk first.
human
You open the trapdoor
gpt
You open the trapdoor.

A pale moth flutters out of the cellar. You reflexively make a warding sign - though they don't help much with Curb, so their potency against curses and doom seems to be limited.

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
You go downwards
gpt
Holding the glow-jar before you, panga at the ready, you cautiously descend into the cellar.

Plenty of sweat went into digging this cellar out, and it smells like it. Wooden shelves are hammered into the dirt walls, covered in grime. Dirt steps are cut into one wall, leading up to a trap door.

You hear an eager whine, and Curb barrels into the trap-door from above, which just misses your head as it slams shut.
human
Curse
gpt
Blasphemy!
human
You examine the trapdoor
gpt
A crude wooden trapdoor bolted into the floor with rustic iron hinges.

A heavy sound suggests Curb might have been walking around, but just sat down again.
human
Describe the surroundings
gpt
Plenty of sweat went into digging this cellar out, and it smells like it. Wooden shelves are hammered into the dirt walls, covered in grime. Dirt steps are cut into one wall, leading up to a trap door.

It sounds like Curb is gnawing on something above the trapdoor.
human
You examine the shelves
gpt
Ain't much to one of these shelves. A couple of two-by-fours sunk into the wall, and some one-by-fours set across, and some dirt.

Curb scuffles at the trapdoor, as though trying to dig through it.
human
You search the dirt
gpt
Which do you mean, the packed dirt, the dirt corner, or the dirt steps?
human
You dig the packed dirt
gpt
With what, your panga?

Curb howls mournfully. Thank goodness the trapdoor muffles some sound.
human
Yes
gpt
Well, if you must, you must. It's a tool before all else, it's true. You start hacking away at the dirt.

It's a really crummy tool for this job, though.

After a while, you hear a "thunk", and realize you've hit wood. A little more work, and you realize there's a sort of a cubby down there - a place to stash things where they won't be disturbed. Except by jerks with pangas, of course.
human
You look at the cubby
gpt
A rough hole has been hacked into the ground here, down to a little cubby made of wood. Tucked into the cubby are a diary, an old bolt, and a piece of paper.
human
You take all
gpt
diary: Taken.
old bolt: Taken.
piece of paper: Taken.
human
You read the paper
gpt
An old, brittle, yellowing piece of paper, maybe once a shopping list, written in big, painful capital letters. Some of it has succumbed to time, but what you can read says:

(smudge) RTS CREAM
2 DOSEN EGG
6 HINDGE BOLTS
50# LEAD FOR SHOOTING
HALF DOSEN LEMONS
MEDECENE FO(smudge)MPA

The rest is all a blur.

You hear the familiar sounds of Curb eating his own vomit.
human
You examine diary
gpt
A worn-out leather diary, written in a crabbed hand. Your letters were never all so good as that, and you wouldn't want to try reading this mess in anything but good light.
human
Describe the surroundings
gpt
Plenty of sweat went into digging this cellar out, and it smells like it. Wooden shelves are hammered into the dirt walls, covered in grime. Dirt steps are cut into one wall, leading up to a trap door. A rough hole has been dug - or cut, really - into the corner.

Curb howls mournfully. Thank goodness the trapdoor muffles some sound.
human
You examine the shelves
gpt
Ain't much to one of these shelves. A couple of two-by-fours sunk into the wall, and some one-by-fours set across, and some dirt.
human
You take the shelves
gpt
That's hardly portable.
human
You look at the bolt
gpt
You try to open the trapdoor, but it seems to be stuck. Or Curb has set his mangy behind down on it, which seems just about as likely.

It sounds like Curb is gnawing on something above the trapdoor.

(the old bolt)
Actually, it's only part of an old bolt. It's rusty, stained, and the end is broken off, so it's only about an inch long.

Hmm. Bolts needing changed, and this one's broken and rusty. Might be too much to hope for...
human
You look at the door
gpt
A crude wooden trapdoor bolted into the floor with rustic iron hinges. Now that you look closely, those bolts do look somewhat old and shabby. Certainly no match for, say, your panga.
human
You hit the door
gpt
You bruise your knuckles on the bolts. Maybe you should find something else to use.

You hear the familiar sounds of Curb eating his own vomit.
human
You hit the bolts with the panga
gpt
Armed with your newfound knowledge - and your trusty panga - you lay into the trapdoor's bolts. They shatter with a few sharp blows each.

As you are attacking the last bolt, there's a dangerous creaking sound, and suddenly the trapdoor collapses, spilling dust, rust, and your ever-faithful friend, Curb, down onto your head. But at least the trapdoor is open again!

Curb scampers after you.
human
Go upwards
gpt
Light spills through dust-caked windows and cracks in the log walls. It doesn't show up much. Some shelves, an old counter that may once have held a till, an uneven plank floor; must have been looted a dozen times over. Over in one corner there's a trapdoor.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You read diary
gpt
A worn-out leather diary, written in a crabbed hand. Your letters were never all so good as that, and it's hard to make out exactly what the owner was writing about, but it looks like he spent some time in Afterbliss.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 4, "Ghosts", was written by Marius Mueller.
human
You read the diary
gpt
A worn-out leather diary, written in a crabbed hand. Your letters were never all so good as that, and it's hard to make out exactly what the owner was writing about, but it looks like he spent some time in Under a Tree.

Curb vomits from excitement, his ribcage convulsing. He laps up the result hurriedly, before you steal his prize.
human
You describe your surroundings
gpt
Light spills through dust-caked windows and cracks in the log walls. It doesn't show up much. Some shelves, an old counter that may once have held a till, an uneven plank floor; must have been looted a dozen times over. Over in one corner there's a trapdoor.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.
human
You check what you're carrying
gpt
You are carrying:
a piece of paper
an old bolt
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1
human
Examine bar
gpt
Son of Toil bars contain protein and suchlike for the man with work on his mind. You never had so much work on your mind that you could stand the taste. The packaging is attractively decorated with an image of some Bible feller in a generic act of honest labour.
human
You eat the bar
gpt
You feel a strong personal disinclination against such a venture. Say what you will. Maybe it's on account of your weak non-toiling constitution or some such.

Curb has apparently grown bored with the offering. If you want it, you'll have to brave a great deal of slobber.
human
You take the offering
gpt
Not much you can do with these until you have some form of transport; you sure as hell ain't smoking them.
human
You examine offering
gpt
One thousand packs of filterless Camels, your birthday gift to Aunt Mabel. Hopefully it'll be a sufficient offering for her to confirm you, but that's no sure thing.

It's covered in dog slobber and chew marks.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You look at Twinkie
gpt
One of the foulest creations of the Former Age, but they contain calories of some kind and they never rot. You don't blame the looters for leaving it, though.
human
You examine the tattoo
gpt
Your right arm, left hand and the left side of your face are partially covered with blocky, rounded glyphs precisely specifying your age, blood type, status (social, economic, marital) and affiliations (birth-clan, adopted clan, moiety, college). None of which are going to impress anybody, except for the adopted-clan part, perhaps; Aunt Mabel's reputation extends across the known world. But even so, the conspicuous hollow circles on the backs of both hands mark you as unconfirmed.

Curb gnaws hungrily on his own forepaw.
human
Go south
gpt
A wide porch of wood slats, with the obligatory animal skulls nailed up against the wall. South leads back to the road; north takes you inside.

Just outside the shadowed doorway, a parched corpse slumps in a rocking-chair.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Go south
gpt
As the highway continues to the east, you can see a rutted dirt path heading off to the north toward what looks like a small farmhouse.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Go east
gpt
You walk for a few sandy miles, out into the desert, and night begins to fall, slowly, like a dead parachutist. In the distance, the whispering wind takes on a howl - looks like a sandstorm is on its way. By the time you realize this, however, you've gone to far to go back to your car.

And so, in the depths of nights, with the sandstorm building up its inhuman, demonic power around you, you find yourself on...

The building is in the state you've expected from a ghost town. Its upper floor is completely gone, but the front is still standing, and you can barely make out the words Kissing Bandit Saloon in sun-bleached red paint. One half of a swinging door leads north, inside.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You go north
gpt
You enter through the swing door, Curb on your heels.

This room is much smaller than what the movies tell you. A stairway leads up to a gallery, though most of the roof and the upper floor is missing. A few chairs and tables gather dust, accompanied by a lone piano in a corner.
A counter is near the back wall.
An impressive chandelier dangles from the remains of the ceiling.

On the counter is an empty pewter mug.

Behind the counter is a shelf lined with a row of casks.

An empty lemon juice bottle lies abandoned by the counter.
human
You play the piano
gpt
You play some notes from "The Late Goodybe" by Poets of the Fall, but then realize that the piano is one of those automatons. It even features some screechy lyrics. You can make something about a guy called Tom, who was a slinger, but not slinging "a gun". Something about a more lyrical meaning. Thankfully, the record ends soon.

Curb peers curiously at the Son of Toil bar and makes a famished whine.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 4, "Ghosts", was written by Marius Mueller.
human
You take all
gpt
shelf: That's fixed in place.
empty glass bottle: Taken.
empty pewter mug: Taken.
human
Examine mug
gpt
It's empty.
human
You look at the bottle
gpt
It's a clear glass bottle with a jaunty picture of an anthropomorphized lemon on the label. However, it is bone dry inside.

Curb savagely gnaws at his genitals with slurpy snarls of contentment.
human
Bottle
gpt
empty pewter mug: You already have that.
empty glass bottle: You already have that.

Curb stares at the rum cask with paranoid fascination.
human
You look at cask
gpt
Which do you mean, the beer cask, the wine cask, the moonshine cask, the rum cask, the sarsaparilla cask, or the lemonade cask?
human
You look at the moonshine
gpt
It has "XXXXX" stencilled on the front. Wow, five X's? That must be strong stuff!

Curb peers curiously at the musket barrel.
human
You examine the sarsaparilla
gpt
You see nothing special about the sarsaparilla cask.

Curb skitters about.
human
You examine the wine
gpt
It's labelled "House White". There doesn't seem to be a house red. Maybe the patrons of this saloon preferred delicate, subtle flavors.
human
You look at the beer
gpt
You see nothing special about the beer cask.

Curb chases his tail, squealing frustration.
human
You examine the rum
gpt
It has the words "RED RUM" scratched crudely into the wood. Funny, the R's are backward. Maybe it's cyrillic and it really says YAED YAUM.

Curb sniffs at the rum cask like the horrible little pervert he is.
human
Drink moonshine
gpt
(the pewter mug of moonshine)
You slam it back. Ahh, refreshing.
human
You describe your surroundings
gpt
This room is much smaller than what the movies tell you. A stairway leads up to a gallery, though most of the roof and the upper floor is missing. A few chairs and tables gather dust, accompanied by a lone piano in a corner.
A counter is near the back wall.
An impressive chandelier dangles from the remains of the ceiling.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Behind the counter is a shelf lined with a row of casks.
human
You look at the chandelier
gpt
An old, cobwebbed chandelier. Looks like some sort of map is stuck in the chandelier.

Curb attempts to howl, but it devolves into a whimper.
human
You take the map
gpt
You can't reach it up there.

Curb scratches his ear.
human
You get on piano
gpt
That's not something you can enter.

Curb tries to gnaw on the shelf. You shoo him off before he does too much damage.
human
You throw the barrel at the map
gpt
(the musket barrel at the treasure map)
Futile.

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
You throw the barrel at the chandelier
gpt
(the musket barrel at the chandelier)
You can't quite throw that high.

Curb peers curiously at the Son of Toil bar and makes a famished whine.
human
You stand on Curb
gpt
That's not something you can stand on.

Curb skitters about.
human
You jump
gpt
You jump on the spot, fruitlessly.

Curb peers curiously at the car keys.
human
You take Curb
gpt
He's too heavy to carry about, and you'd get fleas.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
an empty pewter mug
an empty glass bottle
a piece of paper
an old bolt
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
You go upwards
gpt
You've climbed half-way up the stairs. To go any further would be foolishly risking your life.

An old piece of cloth sticks to the floorboards here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You examine the cloth
gpt
An old piece of blue cloth. Could be ripped out from a pair of jeans or something.

Curb snaps at flies.

Curb eyes the piece of cloth with more than curiosity, something akin to keen interest. He sniffs it expectantly.
human
Show cloth to curb
gpt
Curb sniffs the shred of cloth. He then holds up his head, and just for a moment, you can see, even in this big, repulsive heap of fat meat and dirty fur, the wolf, scenting the deer.
human
You go curb
gpt
That's not something you can enter.

Curb goes down.
human
Go down
gpt
This room is much smaller than what the movies tell you. A stairway leads up to a gallery, though most of the roof and the upper floor is missing. A few chairs and tables gather dust, accompanied by a lone piano in a corner.
A counter is near the back wall.
An impressive chandelier dangles from the remains of the ceiling.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Behind the counter is a shelf lined with a row of casks.

Curb frantically digs a hole in a corner.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.

Curb tries to gnaw on the beer cask. You shoo him off before he does too much damage.
human
You examine the hole
gpt
A hole, not as artfully dug as what you did in the cellar, but what can you expect from Curb?
In it you can see a skull.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You take skull
gpt
Taken.

Curb tries to gnaw on the piano. You shoo him off before he does too much damage.
human
You look at it
gpt
A human skull. It's wearing an eyepatch that's in surprisingly good condition.

Curb peers curiously at the empty pewter mug.
human
You take the eyepatch
gpt
You slide the eyepatch off the skull.

Curb scratches at the ground with his forepaws.
human
You look in the skull
gpt
You find nothing of interest.

Curb peers curiously at the shred of cloth.
human
You put the bolt in the eyepatch
gpt
The eyepatch won't keep anything in it for long. If you want to sling the old bolt at something, you should just sling the old bolt at it directly.
human
Sling bolt at map
gpt
Taking good aim, and a few practice swings, you haul your missile at the treasure map- up and up it goes-
Hit!
The treasure map tumbles down. But so does a part of the chandelier, knocking you out. The last thing you hear is Curbs anxious growling. The last thing you feel, unfortunately, is Curbs wet tongue, licking your cheek. Then, thankfully, you pass out.

*** You have knocked yourself out.***

You wake up with a bad headache. Outside, the sun is shining again,
the sandstorm is gone. Curb has rolled up at your side, and for all his faults, you love him for that.
human
You put the bolt in the barrel
gpt
(the musket barrel)
That can't contain things.
human
You hit the chandelier with the barrel
gpt
(the musket barrel)
It's high up on the ceiling, out of reach.

Curb sniffs at the counter like the horrible little pervert he is.
human
Sling bolt at map
gpt
Taking good aim, and a few practice swings, you haul your missile at the treasure map- up and up it goes-
Hit!
The treasure map tumbles down. But so does a part of the chandelier, knocking you out. The last thing you hear is Curbs anxious growling. The last thing you feel, unfortunately, is Curbs wet tongue, licking your cheek. Then, thankfully, you pass out.

*** You have knocked yourself out.***

You wake up with a bad headache. Outside, the sun is shining again,
the sandstorm is gone. Curb has rolled up at your side, and for all his faults, you love him for that.

Curb stares at the lemonade cask with paranoid fascination.
human
You take the map
gpt
Taken.

Curb sniffs at the chairs. like the horrible little pervert he is.
human
You look at the map
gpt
Well, it's obviously a treasure map, because it has a big X on it to mark the spot. But it's a pretty strange map: it's completely blank, and has a light iridescent sheen to it, like a photographic plate. Also, it's strangely warm to the touch.
human
You touch the map
gpt
It's definitely hotter in some spots than others.

Curb vomits from excitement, his ribcage convulsing. He laps up the result hurriedly, before you steal his prize.
human
You look at what you're carrying with you
gpt
You are carrying:
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
an empty glass bottle
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb snaps at flies.
human
You touch the jar
gpt
You feel nothing unexpected.

Curb fixes you with a look of abject guilt and keens softly.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 5, "Invisiclues", was written by Carl Muckenhoupt.
human
You read the Treasure Huntery
gpt
"For one thing, the maps are often nearly as well-hidden as the treasures themselves. However, that doesn't mean you're left to search aimlessly. The purpose of the map is defeated if no one has access to it, so treasure maps can usually be found among the effects of the treasure-hiders, or in places they frequented. Look in residences, gathering-places, and vehicles."

Curb peers curiously at Treasure Huntery Lesson 1.
human
Keep going
gpt
"Once you've found your map, the next step is deciphering it. Treasure maps are usually encrypted or obfuscated in some way. Edgar Allan Poe's short story The Gold Bug tells about a map that has instructions written in code... and also in invisible ink!"
human
Continue
gpt
"Invisible ink is actually surprisingly common in authentic treasure maps -- and one of the main reasons that there are still treasure maps that have gone undetected. The most popular form of invisible ink is ordinary lemon juice, although any weak acid works just as well. When heat is applied to the paper, the parts weakened by the lemon juice discolor more quickly. There are recorded attempts at developing an ink that would work the other way around, but to our knowledge this has never been done successfully."

Curb scratches his ear.
human
You look at the lemonade
gpt
You see nothing special about the lemonade cask.

Curb attempts to howl, but it devolves into a whimper.
human
You fill the mug with the lemonade
gpt
The lemonade cask seems to be empty.
human
You look at the lemon
gpt
It's a clear glass bottle with a jaunty picture of an anthropomorphized lemon on the label. However, it is bone dry inside.
human
Inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
an empty glass bottle
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb peers curiously at the diary.
human
You look at cask
gpt
Which do you mean, the beer cask, the wine cask, the moonshine cask, the rum cask, the sarsaparilla cask, or the lemonade cask?
human
You fill the mug with the wine
gpt
The pewter mug is now full of vinegar.

Curb skitters about.
human
You pour the vinegar on the map
gpt
(the pewter mug of vinegar on the treasure map)
Little wisps of vinegar-scented smoke curl upward as an image appears on the map.
human
You examine the map
gpt
The map shows an incomprehensible noisy pattern of red and blue pixels with a big black X in the middle.

Curb fixes you with a look of abject guilt and keens softly.
human
You fill the bottle with the rum
gpt
The glass bottle is now full of rum.

Curb scratches at the ground with his forepaws.
human
You examine the rum
gpt
(the glass bottle of rum)
The rum is a brilliant red color, but it smells like rum all the same.
human
You look at the map through bottle
gpt
Aha! When you look through the red rum, you the pattern becomes clear. Instead of a map, all you see is the word "LUXOR".

What the heck? The treasure is in Egypt?

Well, there's nothing for it. If you're going to get that treasure, you'll have to get to Egypt. One plane flight later, some checking with the remainder of the map, and you find your way to a worn-down souk by the Necropolis.

You've followed your treasure map to this dingy little tobacco house on the eastern bank of the Nile. Sleepy old men gather around the hookahs and trade smoke. A cabinet full of curiosities lines the back wall.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Curb scratches at the ground with his forepaws.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 6, "The One-Armed Time Bandit", was written by Michael Martin.
human
You look at the men
gpt
The clientele here doesn't seem to be paying attention to much. Even the nicotine isn't keeping them alert.
human
You examine the cabinet
gpt
In the cabinet are some artifacts.

Curb tries to gnaw on the tables. You shoo him off before he does too much damage.
human
You look at artifacts
gpt
These are relics and gewgaws from all over the world. One in particular catches your eye - a softwood box with your family crest imprinted on it.

Curb peers curiously at the alligator stetson.
human
Examine box
gpt
This fine sandalwood box must be some lost heirloom of your family line; it's got your crest on the lid.

Curb peers curiously at the diary.
human
You examine the crest
gpt
It's the same symbol and motto that has been passed down through your family for generations: An extinguished lantern under the phrase SIC SEMPER RIMORIS.

Curb savagely gnaws at his genitals with slurpy snarls of contentment.
human
You take the box
gpt
Taken.

Curb peers curiously at the piece of paper.
human
You open the box
gpt
You open the heirloom box, revealing a decoder ring and a slip of paper.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You read the slip
gpt
This old slip of paper has the mysterious message DSAJX YPFC, XUJPER on it.

Curb peers curiously at the Twinkie and makes a famished whine.
human
You examine the ring
gpt
This decoder ring has a wheel that matches letters to other letters. Surely, with this, the darkest secrets of the cosmos are yours.

[To use the decoder ring, type the command DECODE (text), where (text) is the text you wish to decode.]
human
You wear the ring
gpt
(first taking the decoder ring)
You put on the decoder ring.

Curb stares at the tables with paranoid fascination.
human
You look at the tables
gpt
The tables here are stained with years of smoking.

Curb snaps at flies.
human
Xujper
gpt
Using your mighty ancestral decoder ring, you decode DSAJX YPFC, XUJPER to WRONG CITY, GENIUS.
human
Decode luxor
gpt
You ponder the map. "LUXOR" alone really isn't much of a clue to finding the treasure on its own. Perhaps if you put your ancestral decoder ring to work, it will produce a new clue. Let's see. "L" maps to "V", "U" to "E"...

You feel a certain sinking feeling as you guess the rest. Yep. "LUXOR" decodes to "VEGAS". You've been searching on the wrong continent all this time. At least you did get that it was in a desert, though.

Time to book another flight.

It's dry as a bone out there, but at least in here the drinks flow freely. The map, suitably reinterpreted to this locale, lead you to this slot machine, right on the X in LUXOR. All around you, blinking, screaming electronics want to take your money, but your steely resolve remains undeterred.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Curb skitters about.
human
You examine the machine
gpt
This slot machine looks much like the others here; video screens showing results, lots and lots of flashing lights and exciting sounds, and a slot with which you may insert all your money.
human
Play machine
gpt
You stick a token in the machine and pull the lever. Lemon, Lemon, and... your family crest? This is no ordinary slot machine.

It's no ordinary payout mechanism, either. A chute opens up beneath you, and you slide into darkness.

This is more like it! The chute took you into this awesome command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

You can also see a ladder here.

Curb peers curiously at the alligator stetson.
human
You climb the ladder
gpt
You're here in front of a slot machine situated right on top of the X in the Luxor's logo. All around you, blinking, screaming electronics want to take your money, but your steely resolve remains undeterred. A dark passage in front of the slot machine leads down.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You look at the slot
gpt
This slot machine looks much like the others here; video screens showing results, lots and lots of flashing lights and exciting sounds, and a slot with which you may insert all your money.

Curb peers curiously at the decoder ring.
human
Go down
gpt
This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Curb scampers after you. Whether you like it or not.
human
Go north
gpt
The acoustics in this room look carefully shaped, which is odd, because the centerpiece of this room is in fact a huge brass cannon.

As you enter, a booming voice intones, "STAND BY FOR MIND CONTROL."
human
Test
gpt
Time passes.

The booming voice continues, "GO SOUTH."

>go south

This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Go south
gpt
This room is decorated in the severest of blacks and whites. Everything is dead silent. A passageway leads quietly back up to the north.

An invisible box squats against the south wall.

You can also see a phantom wind machine here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You look at the wind machine
gpt
This is a small switch, painted in severe black and white. It is labeled "PHANTOM WIND MACHINE". Beneath that, in much smaller letters, is inscribed KUKURQPUVW.

The phantom wind machine is currently switched off.

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
Decode kukurqpuvw
gpt
Using your mighty ancestral decoder ring, you decode KUKURQPUVW to MEMESHIELD.

Curb gnaws hungrily on his own forepaw.
human
You turn on MACHINE
gpt
You switch on the device, and suddenly a powerful wind assaults your face. Oddly, your hair and possessions seem totally unaffected.
human
Go north
gpt
It's slow going fighting through the imaginary wind that's whipping your face.

This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Curb scampers after you. Whether you like it or not.
human
You go west
gpt
It's slow going fighting through the imaginary wind that's whipping your face.

This room appears to be some sort of shrine to old arcade games. A passage leads back east.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Play
gpt
What do you want to play?
human
You go to the east
gpt
It's slow going fighting through the imaginary wind that's whipping your face.

This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Curb scampers after you.

The wind abruptly stops.
human
You examine hat
gpt
(the alligator stetson)
You never seen an alligator, but it's certain they make a fine hat.
human
You take the hat
gpt
(the alligator stetson)
You already have that.

Curb savagely gnaws at his genitals with slurpy snarls of contentment.
human
You take the mome hat
gpt
Though you realize that you risk the dreaded Mome Wrath for your defilement, you collect the Mome hat.

Curb sniffs at the Mome statue like the horrible little pervert he is.
human
You wear it
gpt
You put on the Mome hat.
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open)
a slip of paper
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
Pray
gpt
You mumble a prayer from your childhood:

I see the moon, and the moon sees me.
God bless the moon and God bless me.

It's a pretty selfish prayer, when you think about it. I mean, the moon is covered, but I guess you really don't care about anything or anyone else, do you?

I swear... you belong in Vegas.

Curb peers curiously at the piece of paper.
human
You look at the statue
gpt
The Mome's hat has been stolen.

Curb peers curiously at Treasure Huntery Lesson 1.
human
About yourself
gpt
You're tall and thirsty. Too old to be drifting loose, too young to have done anything much to deserve confirmation - your tattoos show that much.

Curb chases his tail, squealing frustration.
human
Kiss statue
gpt
You can only do that to something animate.
human
You examine the tattoos
gpt
Your right arm, left hand and the left side of your face are partially covered with blocky, rounded glyphs precisely specifying your age, blood type, status (social, economic, marital) and affiliations (birth-clan, adopted clan, moiety, college). None of which are going to impress anybody, except for the adopted-clan part, perhaps; Aunt Mabel's reputation extends across the known world. But even so, the conspicuous hollow circles on the backs of both hands mark you as unconfirmed.

Curb starts at nothing, and half falls over in a desperate attempt to escape it.
human
You go west
gpt
This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You examine MACHINE
gpt
This is a small switch, painted in severe black and white. It is labeled "PHANTOM WIND MACHINE". Beneath that, in much smaller letters, is inscribed KUKURQPUVW.

The phantom wind machine is currently switched off.

Curb fixes you with a look of abject guilt and keens softly.
human
You turn on MACHINE
gpt
You switch on the device, and suddenly a powerful wind assaults your face. Oddly, your hair and possessions seem totally unaffected.

Curb vomits from excitement, his ribcage convulsing. He laps up the result hurriedly, before you steal his prize.
human
You go north
gpt
It's slow going fighting through the imaginary wind that's whipping your face.

This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You go to the north
gpt
It's slow going fighting through the imaginary wind that's whipping your face.

The acoustics in this room look carefully shaped, which is odd, because the centerpiece of this room is in fact a huge brass cannon.

A booming voice intones a command at you. The winds surrounding you distort the voice. You think it said "STAND BY FOR MIME CONTRAIL."
human
You examine the cannon
gpt
You enter the cannon.

The booming voice continues with what sounds like "NOW SHOOT."
human
Shoot cannon
gpt
The cannon fires, rocketing you through the plate glass window and into the room beyond.

It's not as tidy as it was before you made your grand entrance through the window to the south, but this is still a perfectly functional office. An official-looking door leads west.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You examine the window
gpt
You see nothing special about the plate glass window, except for the fact that it's been smashed into a hojillion pieces, thus allowing you access to the room beyond.

Curb sniffs at your tattoos like the horrible little pervert he is.
human
You go to the west
gpt
It's slow going fighting through the imaginary wind that's whipping your face.

You are in a brightly-lit pillared underground chamber, with purple shag carpeting and a group of very generous people. A back office lies to the east, while the west end of the lounge gives off a gentle glow.

You can see Bruce K, Corinne Q, Sammy Z-E, a Cubist shape, a red square, a gray square, a brown square, and a black square here.

Curb scampers after you.

The wind abruptly stops.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 7, "TBA", was written by N.B. Horvath.
human
You take all
gpt
Cubist shape: Taken.
red square: Taken.
gray square: Taken.
brown square: Taken.
black square: Taken.
slip of paper: Taken.

Bruce K gifts a small wooden fish to Corinne Q. Corinne Q hands a small wooden woodchuck to Bruce K.

Sammy Z-E transfers a plastic card to Bruce K. Bruce K passes a bolt of cloth to Sammy Z-E.
human
You read slip
gpt
This old slip of paper has the mysterious message DSAJX YPFC, XUJPER on it.

Bruce K gives a bolt of inspiration to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E presents a small wooden house to Bruce K.

Sammy Z-E forks over a bolt of cloth to Bruce K. Bruce K gives a bolt of cloth to Sammy Z-E.
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a slip of paper
a black square
a brown square
a gray square
human
You examine paper
gpt
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open but empty)
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Which do you mean, the slip of paper, or the piece of paper?
human
You give square to Sammy
gpt
Which do you mean, the black square, the brown square, the gray square, or the red square?
human
You look at the piece
gpt
Which do you mean, the shred of cloth, or the piece of paper?
human
You examine the piece of paper
gpt
An old, brittle, yellowing piece of paper, maybe once a shopping list, written in big, painful capital letters. Some of it has succumbed to time, but what you can read says:

(smudge) RTS CREAM
2 DOSEN EGG
6 HINDGE BOLTS
50# LEAD FOR SHOOTING
HALF DOSEN LEMONS
MEDECENE FO(smudge)MPA

The rest is all a blur.
human
Go west
gpt
This end of the Giving Lounge is bathed in gentle light. A set of (literally) pearly gates stands to the west.

You pause to reflect on this for a moment. The fact that the pearly gates are underground adds that extra touch of Vegas oddness to the scene.

You can see a set of pearly gates and a guardian angel here.

Curb scampers after you.
human
You examine angel
gpt
Actually he's dressed as a Roman centurion, but you can tell that he's a guardian angel from the "HELLO MY NAME IS" name tag.
human
You go west
gpt
The angel gently blocks your way. "Sorry my child. You are not enlightened. You do not match. Not yet."
human
You ask the angel about the enlightenment
gpt
There is no reply.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You ask the angel about the match
gpt
There is no reply.

Curb peers curiously at the treasure map.
human
You go east
gpt
You are in a brightly-lit pillared underground chamber, with purple shag carpeting and a group of very generous people. A back office lies to the east, while the west end of the lounge gives off a gentle glow.

You can see Bruce K, Corinne Q, and Sammy Z-E here.

Curb scampers after you.

Bruce K gifts a small wooden fish to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E transfers a souvenir clock to Bruce K.

Sammy Z-E gifts a small wooden fish to Corinne Q. Corinne Q gifts a bolt of lightning to Sammy Z-E.
human
You give the cubist shape to Sammy
gpt
You give the Cubist shape to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E donates a bolt of cloth to you.

Corinne Q passes a souvenir anchor to Bruce K. Bruce K gives a souvenir clock to Corinne Q.
human
You give the bolt of the cloth to Corinne
gpt
You give the bolt of cloth to Corinne Q. Corinne Q gives a plastic sword to you.

Bruce K gifts a plastic shield to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E hands a plastic card to Bruce K.

Sammy Z-E gifts a plastic shield to Bruce K. Bruce K forks over a plastic card to Sammy Z-E.
human
You look at Bruce
gpt
Bruce K is identified by an extremely generic "HELLO MY NAME IS" name tag. He looks to be in his fifties. He stands a little over 6 feet tall, but he is stooped over slightly. He is wearing golf clothes and out-of-fashion glasses. Bruce K is carrying a plastic shield, a souvenir anchor, a souvenir basketball, and a bolt of inspiration.

Corinne Q passes a souvenir clock to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E forks over a souvenir clock to Corinne Q.
human
You examine Sammy
gpt
Sammy Z-E is identified by an extremely generic "HELLO MY NAME IS" name tag. He is probably in his early twenties but looks ten years younger than that. Sammy Z-E is carrying a plastic card, a Cubist shape, a bolt of lightning, and a small wooden woodchuck.

Bruce K transfers a souvenir basketball to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E gives a small wooden woodchuck to Bruce K.

Corinne Q gives a small wooden house to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E presents a souvenir basketball to Corinne Q.
human
You hit Corinne
gpt
Violence isn't the answer to this one.

Corinne Q gives a bolt of cloth to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E transfers a plastic card to Corinne Q.
human
You look at Corinne
gpt
Corinne Q is identified by an extremely generic "HELLO MY NAME IS" name tag. She is thirtysomething, stylish and attractive but a little nervous-looking. Corinne Q is carrying a plastic card, a souvenir basketball, a souvenir clock, and a small wooden fish.
human
You examine square
gpt
Which do you mean, the black square, the brown square, the gray square, or the red square?
human
You look at the bolt
gpt
Which do you mean, the bolt of inspiration, the bolt of cloth, or the bolt of lightning?
human
You look at wooden
gpt
Which do you mean, the small wooden woodchuck, the small wooden fish, or the small wooden house?
human
You examine the souvenir
gpt
Which do you mean, the souvenir anchor, the souvenir basketball, or the souvenir clock?
human
You examine the black square
gpt
This looks like another MOMA projectile.

Corinne Q gives a souvenir clock to Bruce K. Bruce K gifts a souvenir anchor to Corinne Q.
human
You examine the brown square
gpt
This looks like another MOMA projectile.

Corinne Q hands a small wooden fish to Bruce K. Bruce K gives a small wooden fish to Corinne Q.
human
You give the black square to Bruce
gpt
You give the black square to Bruce K. Bruce K gives a plastic shield to you.
human
You look at what you're carrying with you
gpt
You are carrying:
a plastic shield
a plastic sword
a slip of paper
a brown square
a gray square
a red square
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open but empty)
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1

Corinne Q passes a souvenir basketball to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E presents a bolt of lightning to Corinne Q.
human
You look at Corinne
gpt
Corinne Q is identified by an extremely generic "HELLO MY NAME IS" name tag. She is thirtysomething, stylish and attractive but a little nervous-looking. Corinne Q is carrying a bolt of lightning, a small wooden fish, a souvenir anchor, and a plastic card.

Bruce K forks over a souvenir clock to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E donates a Cubist shape to Bruce K.
human
You give the brown square to Corinne
gpt
You give the brown square to Corinne Q. Corinne Q gives a brown square to you.

Bruce K hands a bolt of inspiration to Corinne Q. Corinne Q gives a small wooden fish to Bruce K.
human
You give the brown square to Corinne
gpt
You give the brown square to Corinne Q. Corinne Q forks over a plastic card to you.

You glow with enlightenment.
human
Go west
gpt
This end of the Giving Lounge is bathed in gentle light. A set of (literally) pearly gates stands to the west.

You pause to reflect on this for a moment. The fact that the pearly gates are underground adds that extra touch of Vegas oddness to the scene.

You can see a set of pearly gates and a guardian angel here.

Curb scampers after you.

You glow with enlightenment.
human
You go to the west
gpt
The angel opens the gates with a smile, and you pass beyond. Could the treasure you seek lie beyond?

The underground Las Vegas version of Heaven is as big as a major city railway terminal and brilliantly lit, with a high vault ceiling painted sky blue. Vapory, cottoney off-white structures flit about the room, blown by a pleasant breeze from discreetly placed and deeply muffled fans. It's all spectacularly fake, of course, but with superb production values.

You can see a set of pearly gates and a heart-shaped bed here.

And, more to the point, there's someone on the bed.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 8, "Heaven is Heart-Shaped Bed", was written by Jacqueline A Lott.
human
You look at someone
gpt
The woman on the bed is nothing short of a goddess. And it's not just the tacky Vegas version of Heaven that's making you think that way.
human
You examine the bed
gpt
The, um, goddess is lying down on a heart-shaped bed. Maybe it's more of a couch. It doesn't seem to have any sheets or anything... it seems to be upholstered in white fur. Looks soft, though.

The couch, I mean.

Well, the goddess too.

I mean, she's not fat or anything. Just soft. You know, her skin.

Curb peers curiously at the empty pewter mug.
human
Hi
gpt
There is no reply.

Curb vomits from excitement, his ribcage convulsing. He laps up the result hurriedly, before you steal his prize.
human
You ask the goddess about the goddess
gpt
She just smiles at you seductively.

Curb scratches his ear.
human
You ask the goddess about the Treasure
gpt
She giggles a little, but doesn't say a word.

Curb peers curiously at the red square.
human
You ask the goddess about the Vegas
gpt
She raises an eyebrow, but remains silent.
human
You look under the bed
gpt
You find nothing of interest.

Curb peers curiously at the musket barrel.
human
You ask the goddess about Curb
gpt
She giggles a little, but doesn't say a word.

Curb scratches his ear.
human
You give the tokens to Goddess
gpt
The Goddess doesn't seem interested.

Curb skitters about.
human
You enter the bed
gpt
You advance toward her, but she shakes her head. "I don't think so, lover. I'm not quite that easy... I'm a goddess, after all."

Curb scratches at the ground with his forepaws.
human
Kiss Goddess
gpt
You walk toward her, but she raises a hand to stop you. "Sorry, my darling. I'm not quite that easy... I'm a goddess, after all."
human
Pray
gpt
You prostrate yourself before the goddess.

She lowers her gaze. "Welcome to Heaven, you fiendish thing. Come here, lover."

Curb chases his tail, squealing frustration.
human
You enter the bed
gpt
You walk toward her, and she welcomes you with open arms. She smiles as you climb up into the big, white, furry couch.

Just one kiss, and the world seems to dissolve around you...
human
You kiss her
gpt
Oh, now you've done it. Or at least, you presume that you've done it, since you don't really remember anything after that first kiss. You're all alone on your conjugal couch.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

You can't see "her" (the Goddess) at the moment.
human
You look around
gpt
Oh, now you've done it. Or at least, you presume that you've done it, since you don't really remember anything after that first kiss. You're all alone on your conjugal couch.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Curb writhes about on his back, kicking his hind legs.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 9, "Hell Hath No Fury", was written by Brian Rapp.
human
You stand
gpt
The floor opens up beneath you, and you fall for an exceedingly great distance...

Cut off from everything good in the universe, your sensations are limited to pain, frustration, and ennui. You are immersed in an endless sea of fire, which certainly doesn't help matters.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

You can also see a devil, a helicopter, and a red gear here.
human
You examine gear
gpt
You see nothing special about the red gear.

Goodness gracious me. What sort of thing just appeared in your hands? Some sort of box?
human
You examine the devil
gpt
The banality of evil is personified by this loathsome fellow, who doesn't project fear so much as an intense longing to be anywhere other than in his presence.

The devil looks in your direction and says "Cerberus! Where have you been?" He then seizes Curb by the neck and drags him away, continuing to abuse the animal for abandoning his duty. You are unable to care about this turn of events, but notice that the devil has lost his helmet during the struggle.
human
Gear
gpt
helmet: The imp on your left shoulder warns you: "Thou shalt not steal." On your right shoulder, G. K. Chesterton replies: "Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it." You hadn't noticed either of these apparitions before this moment, but find yourself leaning in the direction of the latter. You pick up the horned helmet. red gear: Taken.
human
You examine the helicopter
gpt
This helicopter is a magical shade of black that casts neither reflections nor shadows. It is almost entirely featureless, inside and out.
human
Wear helmet
gpt
It suddenly becomes difficult to think.
human
You think
gpt
Unbearably hellish music overwhelms your thoughts. You struggle mightily to think about something else.
human
You remove the helmet
gpt
You take off the helmet.
human
You describe your surroundings
gpt
Cut off from everything good in the universe, your sensations are limited to pain, frustration, and ennui. You are immersed in an endless sea of fire, which certainly doesn't help matters.

You can see a helicopter here.
human
You enter the helicopter
gpt
You get into the helicopter.
human
Pray
gpt
You mumble a prayer from your childhood:

I see the moon, and the moon sees me.
God bless the moon and God bless me.

It's a pretty selfish prayer, when you think about it. I mean, the moon is covered, but I guess you really don't care about anything or anyone else, do you?

I swear... you belong in Vegas.
human
You examine the helicopter
gpt
You search in vain for any kind of control mechanism.
human
You think
gpt
The helicopter hovers amidst the flames and describes a very slow spiral in the air, as if it were searching for something.
human
You think about Curb
gpt
That won't do. You want to be thinking of something smaller, something you can take with you wherever you may go.
human
You think about the hope
gpt
Your thoughts instead turn to feelings of loss... Poignant loss... Loss of something tangible and true.
human
You think about the loss
gpt
Yes, loss... You've lost something of value, and you need to think on it more fully.
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a red gear
a G. K. Chesterton on your right shoulder
an imp on your left shoulder
a helmet (being worn)
a Nox box (closed)
an accordion
a plastic card
a plastic shield
a plastic sword
a slip of paper
a gray square
a red square
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open but empty)
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1
human
You examine the imp
gpt
As if suddenly embarrassed by your attention, both figments disappear without a sound. You straighten your shoulders with a certain sense of relief, and appreciate the opportunity to do so.
human
Look around
gpt
Hell (in the helicopter)
Cut off from everything good in the universe, your sensations are limited to pain, frustration, and ennui. You are immersed in an endless sea of fire, which certainly doesn't help matters.
human
You look at Nox Box
gpt
The box is square, solid black, and inlaid with strands of silver that makes an unusual and almost hypnotic pattern on all six sides. It's just about the size of the old Christmas presents you used to shake as a kid to guess their contents.

The Nox Box makes a slight humming noise.
human
You put gear in Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
The Nox box is closed.
human
You open Nox Box
gpt
You open the Nox box, revealing a gear slot.
human
You put the gear in it
gpt
(the red gear in the Nox box)
You put the red gear into the gear slot.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 9, "Hell Hath No Fury", was written by Brian Rapp.
human
Shake box
gpt
(the Nox box)
An alarming rattling sound comes from within the gear slot.
human
Inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a helmet (being worn)
a Nox box (open)
a gear slot
a red gear
an accordion
a plastic card
a plastic shield
a plastic sword
a slip of paper
a gray square
a red square
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open but empty)
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1
human
Close Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
You close the Nox box.
human
Examine box
gpt
(the Nox box)
The box is square, solid black, and inlaid with strands of silver that makes an unusual and almost hypnotic pattern on all six sides. It's just about the size of the old Christmas presents you used to shake as a kid to guess their contents.

The Nox Box makes a slight humming noise.
human
Shake box
gpt
(the Nox box)
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of a house.
human
You look at the pattern
gpt
The pattern, although still confusingly complex, gives you the vague impression of a house.
human
Inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a helmet (being worn)
a Nox box (closed)
an accordion
a plastic card
a plastic shield
a plastic sword
a slip of paper
a gray square
a red square
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open but empty)
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1
human
You look at the accordion
gpt
Black as night, black as coal. You wouldn't mind at all the prospect of seeing it blotted out.
human
You play it
gpt
Your rendition of "Chariots of Fire" is far more depressing than it has any right to be.
human
You think about the guitar
gpt
The helicopter whirs with newfound energy, and whisks you away at what can only be described as the speed of thought. Flames and darkness and loss all evaporate in a hurricane of recovered emotion...

A nothingness full of whiteness surrounds you. The only way out is not to leave. Disconcertingly, one of your possessions is making a faint buzzing sound.

You can see your guitar here.
human
You play the guitar
gpt
(first taking the guitar)
You play a few notes of "Greensleeves." Contrary to IF convention, you actually play quite well.
human
Examine box
gpt
The box is square, solid black, and inlaid with strands of silver that makes an unusual and almost hypnotic pattern on all six sides. It's just about the size of the old Christmas presents you used to shake as a kid to guess their contents.

The Nox Box makes a noticable buzzing sound.

Scene 10, "Endgame", was written by Mark J Musante.

(the Nox box)
The box is square, solid black, and inlaid with strands of silver that makes an unusual and almost hypnotic pattern on all six sides. It's just about the size of the old Christmas presents you used to shake as a kid to guess their contents.

The Nox Box makes a noticable buzzing sound.
human
You look at the pattern
gpt
The pattern, although still confusingly complex, gives you the vague impression of a house.
human
Shake nox
gpt
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of a house.
human
Look around
gpt
A nothingness full of whiteness surrounds you. The only way out is not to leave. Disconcertingly, one of your possessions is making a faint buzzing sound.
human
You touch Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
You feel nothing unexpected.
human
Examine box
gpt
(the Nox box)
The box is square, solid black, and inlaid with strands of silver that makes an unusual and almost hypnotic pattern on all six sides. It's just about the size of the old Christmas presents you used to shake as a kid to guess their contents.

The Nox Box makes a noticable buzzing sound.
human
You open Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
You open the Nox box, revealing a gear slot.
human
You look in the slot
gpt
In the gear slot is a red gear.
human
Close Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
You close the Nox box.
human
You examine the guitar
gpt
Your faithful rosewood six-string.
human
Wear helmet
gpt
It suddenly becomes difficult to think.
human
You think about the guitar
gpt
Unbearably hellish music overwhelms your thoughts. You struggle mightily to think about something else.
human
You play guitar
gpt
You play a few notes of "Chobits ending theme 2". Contrary to IF convention, you actually play quite well.
human
You search the guitar
gpt
The guitar is empty.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

This would be pitch-black if it weren't for your glow-jar and a bit of light coming in via the window. A rickety staircase leads upwards.

You can see a cupboard (closed) here.

The Nox Box seems to have vanished from your possessions.
human
You open the cupboard
gpt
You open the cupboard, revealing a yellow gear and a blue gear.
human
You take the gears
gpt
yellow gear: Taken.
blue gear: Taken.
human
You go upward
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

You're here in front of a slot machine situated right on top of the X in the Luxor's logo. All around you, blinking, screaming electronics want to take your money, but your steely resolve remains undeterred. A dark passage in front of the slot machine leads down.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
You get Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
You already have that.
human
You open Nox
gpt
You open the Nox box, revealing a gear slot.
human
You put the yellow gear in Nox
gpt
You put the yellow gear into the gear slot.
human
You put the blue gear in Nox
gpt
You put the blue gear into the gear slot.
human
Close nox
gpt
You close the Nox box.
human
Shake nox
gpt
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of a field.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

A wide open field with a blue sky above. Far off in the distance, towards the setting sun, you can see a large, lone tree. Closer by, like nearly on top of you, is an enormous trebuchet.

You can see an orange gear here.

The Nox Box has vanished again.
human
You take the orange gear
gpt
Taken.
human
You examine the Tree
gpt
Far off in the distance, you can just make out a tree poking up over the tall grass.
human
You look at trebuchet
gpt
The enormity of this enormous trebuchet is enor... is staggering. The wheels themselves are easily forty feet in diameter, if not more. The top reaches too high to even estimate. The rope is thicker than a tree trunk. A really thick tree trunk. The sling is currently empty, and an amusingly small lever built into the side looks like it'll set it off.

Far overhead, you hear the buzzing of a plane.
human
You examine the plane
gpt
You can definitely hear it, but you can't quite see it.

The buzzing becomes louder.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.

The plane is almost directly overhead.
human
You wait awhile
gpt
Time passes.

The plane continues on its way across the sky.
human
You examine the rope
gpt
The enormity of this enormous trebuchet is enor... is staggering. The wheels themselves are easily forty feet in diameter, if not more. The top reaches too high to even estimate. The rope is thicker than a tree trunk. A really thick tree trunk. The sling is currently empty, and an amusingly small lever built into the side looks like it'll set it off.

The buzzing becomes very faint as the plane flies out of view.
human
Go north
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

A wide porch of wood slats, with the obligatory animal skulls nailed up against the wall. South leads back to the road; north takes you inside.

Just outside the shadowed doorway, a parched corpse slumps in a rocking-chair.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
You open Nox
gpt
You open the Nox box, revealing a gear slot.
human
You put the orange gear in the slot
gpt
You put the orange gear into the gear slot.
human
Close Box
gpt
(the Nox box)
You close the Nox box.
human
Shake nox
gpt
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of a tree.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

A tree stands majestically in the middle of a great open field. The sun, just rising over the horizon, makes the tree's shadow stretch off over the grass into the distance. The field continues in all directions.

The Nox Box has vanished again.
human
You look at the Tree
gpt
You're not exactly sure what kind of tree this is as you're not a botanist. However, it is tall and sturdy and makes a nice amount of shade, and high up in the branches you can just make out a gear of some hue or other.
human
You climb the Tree
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

You've climbed half-way up the stairs. To go any further would be foolishly risking your life.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
You examine Nox
gpt
The box is square, solid black, and inlaid with strands of silver that makes an unusual and almost hypnotic pattern on all six sides. It's just about the size of the old Christmas presents you used to shake as a kid to guess their contents.

The Nox Box makes a noticable buzzing sound.
human
You examine the pattern
gpt
The pattern, although still confusingly complex, gives you the vague impression of a tree.
human
Shake nox
gpt
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of an enclosed space.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

Hunched over in a cramped, lurching, noisy cabin makes your back hurt and endangers your hearing. Wires and cables are strung neatly nearly everywhere, and pipes prove useful when you need to grab onto something. A hatch in the ceiling leads to the deck above you, and a door is set into the hull of the plane.

You can see a hull door, a hatch, and a giant silver sphere here.

The Nox Box has vanished again.
human
You examine the sphere
gpt
Although the sphere appears to be silver, you can't be certain exactly what metal it's made of. The surface of it dances and swirls before your eyes, and when you lean close to it, your reflection distorts amusingly. At least, you assume your nose isn't that big.
human
Author
gpt
Scene 10, "Endgame", was written by Mark J Musante.
human
You open hatch
gpt
You open the hatch.
human
Go upward
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

This is clearly some kind of command center. An important-looking door leads off to the north, while more unassuming ones lead in all other cardinal directions. Surely some hint to the treasure must be in this secret complex.

You can see a ladder here.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
You open the hull door
gpt
You open the hull door.
human
You enter the hull door
gpt
You leap to your death. And your death takes a while to hit you, mostly because it comes in the form of the ground, which was far far below the plane.
human
You open hatch
gpt
That's already open.
human
You go upwards
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

The building is in the state you've expected from a ghost town. Its upper floor is completely gone, but the front is still standing, and you can barely make out the words Kissing Bandit Saloon in sun-bleached red paint. One half of a swinging door leads north, inside.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

A wide open field with a blue sky above. Far off in the distance, towards the setting sun, you can see a large, lone tree. Closer by, like nearly on top of you, is an enormous trebuchet.

The Nox Box has vanished again.
human
You examine the trebuchet
gpt
The enormity of this enormous trebuchet is enor... is staggering. The wheels themselves are easily forty feet in diameter, if not more. The top reaches too high to even estimate. The rope is thicker than a tree trunk. A really thick tree trunk. The sling is currently empty, and an amusingly small lever built into the side looks like it'll set it off.
human
You wait awhile
gpt
Time passes.
human
You wait awhile
gpt
Time passes.

Far overhead, you hear the buzzing of a plane.
human
You wait for a while
gpt
Time passes.

The buzzing becomes louder.
human
You wait a while
gpt
Time passes.

The plane is almost directly overhead.
A glint of light shines briefly below the plane. You squint but can't make it out.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.

The plane continues on its way across the sky.
The glint of light becomes brighter, and a rushing, crackly, whooshing sound is coming from it.
human
Wait
gpt
Time passes.

The buzzing becomes very faint as the plane flies out of view.
The glint of light rushes towards the ground at a fantastic rate. It thuds into the earth, throwing up rocks and dirt in an amazing display. Still more amazingly, it bounces up into the air and with a neat "plop", lands gently onto the trebuchet.
human
You pull the lever
gpt
Slowly at first, and then with increasing speed, the trebuchet pulls the loaded sling underneath and then the sling swings free. It flies far out into the distance and curves upwards in an arc that seems slow only because of the distance involved. At the top of the swing, almost up into the clouds, you see a flash of light as the sphere is thrown clear of the sling. It flies high into the air and you wait and wait as it comes down almost at the horizon. And right into the large lone tree in the distance. The tree shudders once and is still.
human
Go north
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

This room is much smaller than what the movies tell you. A stairway leads up to a gallery, though most of the roof and the upper floor is missing. A few chairs and tables gather dust, accompanied by a lone piano in a corner.
A counter is near the back wall.
An impressive chandelier dangles from the remains of the ceiling.

Curb has dug a hole into the ground here.

Behind the counter is a shelf lined with a row of casks.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
Shake nox
gpt
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of a tree.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

A tree stands majestically in the middle of a great open field. The sun, just rising over the horizon, makes the tree's shadow stretch off over the grass into the distance. The field continues in all directions.

You can see a giant silver sphere and an indigo gear here.

The Nox Box has vanished again.
human
You take the indigo
gpt
Taken.
human
You examine the sphere
gpt
Although the sphere appears to be silver, you can't be certain exactly what metal it's made of. The surface of it dances and swirls before your eyes, and when you lean close to it, your reflection distorts amusingly. At least, you assume your nose isn't that big. Despite the fact that it took quite a journey since you saw it last, it appears completely unharmed, with not a scratch to be seen.
human
You examine the Tree
gpt
You're not exactly sure what kind of tree this is as you're not a botanist. However, it is tall and sturdy and makes a nice amount of shade, although many of the branches are splintered and broken.
human
You go north
gpt
With a blink and a flash, you're suddenly somewhere a bit more familiar...

This end of the Giving Lounge is bathed in gentle light. A set of (literally) pearly gates stands to the west.

You pause to reflect on this for a moment. The fact that the pearly gates are underground adds that extra touch of Vegas oddness to the scene.

You can see a set of pearly gates and a guardian angel here.

Your possessions shift slightly. The Nox Box seems to have returned.
human
You put the indigo in Nox
gpt
You put the indigo gear into the gear slot.
human
Close nox
gpt
You close the Nox box.
human
Continue
gpt
As the box shakes, you get a vague impression of a beach.
human
Touch pattern
gpt
A snap of static jumps from the pattern to your fingers, and the world collapses around you!

A picturesque beach at sunset. Clich?, but extremely pleasant. The sun glints over the waters as the waves crash gently on the shore. The beach is secluded, with cliffs all around you. At last, you can relax. It seems like forever ago when you started in By Your Car and your odd and surreal journey began. But now it's over, and you've found a place to rest. All it needs is a bit of music to be complete.

The Nox Box has vanished again.
human
You play the guitar
gpt
You sit down in a comfortable spot, expertly tune your guitar, and play music to match the peaceful beauty of your surroundings. Your fingers fly over the guitar strings with the effortless ease of one who has mastered the instrument, and you close your eyes, breathing a sigh of completion.
human
3
gpt
Enter saved game to load: Restore failed.

Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or QUIT?
human
You look at your surroundings
gpt
You are in a brightly-lit pillared underground chamber, with purple shag carpeting and a group of very generous people. A back office lies to the east, while the west end of the lounge gives off a gentle glow.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

You can also see Bruce K, Corinne Q, and Sammy Z-E here.

Corinne Q passes a brown square to Sammy Z-E. Sammy Z-E gifts a small wooden house to Corinne Q.

You glow with enlightenment.
human
Go west
gpt
This end of the Giving Lounge is bathed in gentle light. A set of (literally) pearly gates stands to the west.

You pause to reflect on this for a moment. The fact that the pearly gates are underground adds that extra touch of Vegas oddness to the scene.

You can see a set of pearly gates and a guardian angel here.

Curb scampers after you.

You glow with enlightenment.
human
You go to the west
gpt
The angel opens the gates with a smile, and you pass beyond. Could the treasure you seek lie beyond?

The underground Las Vegas version of Heaven is as big as a major city railway terminal and brilliantly lit, with a high vault ceiling painted sky blue. Vapory, cottoney off-white structures flit about the room, blown by a pleasant breeze from discreetly placed and deeply muffled fans. It's all spectacularly fake, of course, but with superb production values.

You can see a set of pearly gates and a heart-shaped bed here.

And, more to the point, there's someone on the bed.

Curb scampers after you.
human
Blaspheme
gpt
"What do you think you are?" you ask. "Some kind of hot and holy little sex muffin? I'll have you know that I possess strong moral fiber, and will not succumb to your feminine wiles!"

Her eyes open wide and fill with rage. "Oh, you won't, will you?"

You catch a brief glimpse of her cleavage. "Um..." Must. Look. In. Her. Eyes... "No. No, I won't!"

"You're perfectly sure?" She crawls toward you a little bit more. "Absolutely certain?"

Gosh, I dunno. Are you sure?
human
No
gpt
You give it some thought. Real thought, this time, not just impulse...

And you realize that maybe the Vegas lifestyle isn't so bad. Not really.

Looks like it might be fun, actually, to climb up onto the fuzzy white bed and...

...and what? Gosh. You're not sure. You think about that, too...

And you decide that you'll do pretty much whatever she wants you to do. "What the hell?" you say. "Why not?" She smiles as you climb up into the big, white, furry couch and snuggle up beside her.

Just one kiss, and the world seems to dissolve around you...

Oh, now you've done it. Or at least, you presume that you've done it, since you don't really remember anything after that first kiss. You're all alone on your conjugal couch.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Curb peers curiously at the Twinkie and makes a famished whine.
human
Yes
gpt
You gather all of your strength and cry out, "YES!"

"Hm. Very well, then. Goodbye!" And with that, the floor opens up beneath you, and you faaaallll...

Cut off from everything good in the universe, your sensations are limited to pain, frustration, and ennui. You are immersed in an endless sea of fire, which certainly doesn't help matters.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

You can also see a devil, a helicopter, and a red gear here.

Curb chases his tail, squealing frustration.
human
Pet Goddess
gpt
You stride toward her, but she shakes her head. "I'm afraid not, my darling. I'm not quite that easy... I'm a goddess, after all."
human
No
gpt
You give it some thought. Real thought, this time, not just impulse...

And you realize that maybe the Vegas lifestyle isn't so bad. Not really.

Looks like it might be fun, actually, to climb up onto the fuzzy white bed and...

...and what? Gosh. You're not sure. You think about that, too...

And you decide that you'll do pretty much whatever she wants you to do. "What the hell?" you say. "Why not?" She smiles as you climb up into the big, white, furry couch and snuggle up beside her.

Just one kiss, and the world seems to dissolve around you...

Oh, now you've done it. Or at least, you presume that you've done it, since you don't really remember anything after that first kiss. You're all alone on your conjugal couch.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Curb peers curiously at the panga.
human
You give the hat to Goddess
gpt
Which do you mean, the Mome hat, or the alligator stetson?
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a plastic card
a plastic shield
a plastic sword
a slip of paper
a gray square
a red square
a Mome hat (being worn)
some gambling tokens
a decoder ring (being worn)
a heirloom box (open but empty)
a treasure map
an eyepatch
a skull
a shred of cloth
an empty pewter mug
a glass bottle of rum
a piece of paper
a diary
a glow-jar (providing light)
your car keys (disgusting)
a Son of Toil bar
a Twinkie
a musket barrel
your guitar
an alligator stetson (being worn)
your panga
Treasure Huntery Lesson 1
human
You look around
gpt
Oh, now you've done it. Or at least, you presume that you've done it, since you don't really remember anything after that first kiss. You're all alone on your conjugal couch.

Curb detracts from the scenic value of the vicinity.

Curb skitters about.