system
You are the dungeon master of a text adventure game. The game should involve the following genres and tags:
Horror, amnesia,church,horror,Saugus.net Halloween Competition 2009,short,vampire,walkthrough
gpt
An ear-shattering crash shocks you into wakefulness as a bolt of lightning splits the dark sky in two. The downpour begins abruptly, pelting exposed soil with enough force to create pockmarks resembling the surface of the moon. You realize that your eyes are open and the fat raindrops strike them relentlessly. Another searing bolt assaults your senses, followed again by the thunderclap, but less quickly now, as the center of the storm moves away from your location.

Something deep inside you begins to grow restless. Perhaps, at last, it is time to move. Your tongue slithers dryly in your mouth. You are thirsty.

Loose, muddy soil covers most of the ground and the air is heavy with the deep, fertile smell of freshly-turned earth. Nearby, a large hole gapes darkly, the depths of which are hidden in shadow.

A bleak churchyard stretches into darkness in all directions, the only recognizable exodus lying to the south, where a path winds down the slope of a hill.

(TIP: Type "help" to display the Help Menu.)
human
About yourself
gpt
You look down at yourself. Covered with moldy filth, it is hard to make out what part of you is flesh and what is caked earth. Even the downpour has not washed enough away to make a difference.
human
You examine the hole
gpt
It seems to descend into the earth rather deeply, more than the eye can address.
human
Go downwards
gpt
Although it would be simple to head off in any direction, you are hesitant. It is entirely possible you may become lost.
human
You get in the hole
gpt
The thought repels you.
human
You take the dirt
gpt
That's hardly portable.
human
You look at the dirt
gpt
It is scattered in loose heaps around the large hole by which you awoke.
human
You think
gpt
What a good idea.
human
Go south
gpt
An iron-wrought gate lies askew on rusted hinges, no longer able to prevent external access to the churchyard during late hours. The muddy path leading past them and southwards into the church grounds is being churned by the heavy rain, but not quite enough to completely obscure a faint impression therein.

Standing alone a little to the west is a small gatehouse, its narrow entrance and a pane-less window little more than dark smudges in the prevailing gloom.

After taking a few steps, you are overcome with nausea and drop to your knees in a dry retch. Your head spins for several fevered moments. You need to drink badly...
human
Drink rain
gpt
You throw your head back and allow the water pelting down on your face to enter your mouth. Once enough has gathered, you swallow desperately. Instead of satisfying your thirst, even minutely, your insides begin to boil and you are forced to bend over and spew it back out.
human
You go south
gpt
The gravel path you are on passes by a plot of manicured land upon which resides a small church building. It is fashioned of dark river stone, stained all the darker from the downpour. Its steeple rises suddenly into the gloom, so that the belfry up top is partially obscured. Through the barred windows a glimmer of yellow light issues, flickering like candlelight. The front entrance is to the east, while the path continues south.

Some unexplainable attraction pulls your attention to the old church building to the east...
human
You look at the steeple
gpt
It is run down and badly in need of repair. Like everything else about the church building.
human
You examine the windows
gpt
Marvelous works of stained glass, they depict several famous individuals from scripture, namely Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, Joseph, Issac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Daniel and finally Christ Himself.
human
Go east
gpt
The heavy oaken doors of the church loom before you, presenting a sensation of disorientation that you did not experience from a distance. Great brass handles present you with a means of access to shelter from the torrential weather. There are curious inscriptions and bas-relief carvings worked into the wood.
human
You examine the carvings
gpt
They are a crude native rendering of something that appears to be a Kraken swallowing a dinghy. Or perhaps that is a larger vessel. It is difficult to tell.
human
You examine the handles
gpt
Massive and shaped from solid brass, they are sculpted into the shape of a lion's head.

Your throat feels as though it were on fire, so desperate is your need to find something to drink.
human
You open the door
gpt
They seem to be locked.
human
You knock on the door
gpt
You rap loudly on the church doors.
human
You pull the handles
gpt
Those are fixed in place.
human
Go west
gpt
The gravel path you are on passes by a plot of manicured land upon which resides a small church building. It is fashioned of dark river stone, stained all the darker from the downpour. Its steeple rises suddenly into the gloom, so that the belfry up top is partially obscured. Through the barred windows a glimmer of yellow light issues, flickering like candlelight. The front entrance is to the east, while the path continues south.
human
Go south
gpt
Here is where parishioners must have parked their vehicles, be they wagon or automobile, before proceeding north to the church building.
A gravel road leads north past the front of the church. To the south, a rain-slicked road leads off into the dark distance. East of here is a wooden coach house.
human
Go east
gpt
The coach house is quite old, and indeed once served to house a horse-driven coach. It has since been converted for use by automobiles. There are shelves lining the walls containing various items one would expect to find in a garage. Against the north wall is a rubber tire. Access to the driveway is to the west, through the main entrance, and a small exit leads east.
human
You take the tire
gpt
A lug wrench hidden behind the rubber tire is revealed.

The coach house is quite old, and indeed once served to house a horse-driven coach. It has since been converted for use by automobiles. There are shelves lining the walls containing various items one would expect to find in a garage. Access to the driveway is to the west, through the main entrance, and a small exit leads east.

You can see a lug wrench here.
human
You take wrench
gpt
Taken.
human
You examine the wrench
gpt
It is a cross-shaped tool for removing the lug bolts on an automobile tire. It is quite sturdy and heavy. Something about it makes you uneasy...
human
You check what you're carrying
gpt
You are carrying:
a lug wrench
a rubber tire
human
You look at the items
gpt
Useless.
human
You go to the east
gpt
Running between the coach house and a small shack to the east, this path is lined on both sides by tall brush and bracken, which block your view elsewhere.
human
You go to the east
gpt
A small shack rises out of the overgrowth in a clearing at the end of the winding path. It looks quite old, but has not fallen into disrepair, as has the coach house and the other small buildings on the church grounds. Along the front is a wooden door, and a small square window to its right, which flickers with a pale yellow light issuing from within.

You can see a wooden door here.

Something within the shack seems to call out to you and every fiber of your withered flesh cries back in reply. Somehow there is no doubt that relief to your torment lies within the little structure standing before you.
human
You examine the window
gpt
It looks rather cheery. All things being relative, that is.
human
You knock on the door
gpt
There is some shuffling behind the door. Its knob turns slowly and it opens a crack. A bloodshot eye peers at you, assessing you quietly. Then, the door opens a little further and framed there, his back to the crackling flames of a fire within the shack, stands an old man, probably the caretaker.
human
You talk to the caretaker
gpt
"You're a strange one," he says. "What is it you're wantin"?"
human
You bite yourself
gpt
Not here... Not like this. You feel as though you must first gain his trust.

You are momentarily overtaken by a coughing spell, your lungs rattling dryly deep inside your chest...
human
About yourself
gpt
You look down at yourself. Covered with moldy filth, it is hard to make out what part of you is flesh and what is caked earth. Even the downpour has not washed enough away to make a difference.
human
You talk to the man
gpt
"I don't know ye, sir. Perhaps it's best ye be on yer way."
human
You talk to man
gpt
"Do you have something for me?" he asks shakily. "Is this a delivery?"
human
You show him the the tire
gpt
The caretaker is unimpressed.
human
You follow you
gpt
The caretaker has better things to do.
human
You talk to the man
gpt
"If you've nothing to tell me, then I'll be telling you something. Good day!"

You stagger and drop to your knees, the strength fleeing your body. For several long moments, your body shudders in silent spasms before you are finally able to collect your wits and struggle back to your feet.
human
You talk to man
gpt
"If you've nothing to tell me, then I'll be telling you something. Good day!"
human
Bite man
gpt
Not here... Not like this. You feel as though you must first gain his trust.
human
You enter door
gpt
Somehow, you cannot bring yourself to enter the shack without the caretaker's invitation. It would be...impolite.
human
You check what you're carrying
gpt
You are carrying:
a lug wrench
a rubber tire
human
You show yourself to the man
gpt
(first taking yourself)
You are always self-possessed.
human
Look around
gpt
A small shack rises out of the overgrowth in a clearing at the end of the winding path. It looks quite old, but has not fallen into disrepair, as has the coach house and the other small buildings on the church grounds. Along the front is a wooden door, and a small square window to its right, which flickers with a pale yellow light issuing from within.

The caretaker is here, looking uncertain.

You can also see a wooden door here.
human
Go west
gpt
The caretaker nods and says, "Goodbye, then."
Winding Path
Running between the coach house and a small shack to the east, this path is lined on both sides by tall brush and bracken, which block your view elsewhere.
human
Go west
gpt
The coach house is quite old, and indeed once served to house a horse-driven coach. It has since been converted for use by automobiles. There are shelves lining the walls containing various items one would expect to find in a garage. Access to the driveway is to the west, through the main entrance, and a small exit leads east.
human
You examine the shelves
gpt
They are covered with years of grime and debris. The items on them are useless to you.
human
Go west
gpt
Here is where parishioners must have parked their vehicles, be they wagon or automobile, before proceeding north to the church building.
A gravel road leads north past the front of the church. To the south, a rain-slicked road leads off into the dark distance. East of here is a wooden coach house.
human
You go north
gpt
The gravel path you are on passes by a plot of manicured land upon which resides a small church building. It is fashioned of dark river stone, stained all the darker from the downpour. Its steeple rises suddenly into the gloom, so that the belfry up top is partially obscured. Through the barred windows a glimmer of yellow light issues, flickering like candlelight. The front entrance is to the east, while the path continues south.
human
You go to the north
gpt
An iron-wrought gate lies askew on rusted hinges, no longer able to prevent external access to the churchyard during late hours. The muddy path leading past them and southwards into the church grounds is being churned by the heavy rain, but not quite enough to completely obscure a faint impression therein.

Standing alone a little to the west is a small gatehouse, its narrow entrance and a pane-less window little more than dark smudges in the prevailing gloom.
human
You go west
gpt
There is just enough room in this tiny hut to sit and keep watch--were there still a chair upon which to sit. Presently, nothing remains but a cramped space to stand while one gains a moment's respite from the ceaseless downpour outside. The exit leads east to the gateway.

A shallow desk is built into the wall under the window.
human
You examine the desk
gpt
It must have been used by the attendant for whatever paperwork might have been required of him. Just what sort of paperwork that might be escapes you. And for that matter, the need for a cemetery attendant at all gives rise to question. There is a small drawer set into the desk, which appears locked.
human
You open it
gpt
The small drawer is thoroughly locked, however a determined tug on your part wrenches the locking mechanism completely free of the splintering wood. There is a brass key within.
human
You take the key
gpt
Taken.
human
You go east
gpt
An iron-wrought gate lies askew on rusted hinges, no longer able to prevent external access to the churchyard during late hours. The muddy path leading past them and southwards into the church grounds is being churned by the heavy rain, but not quite enough to completely obscure a faint impression therein.

Standing alone a little to the west is a small gatehouse, its narrow entrance and a pane-less window little more than dark smudges in the prevailing gloom.

You reach up to the back of your head and you scratch fiercely, trying to attend to a sudden and intense itch. As you bring your hand away, you discover a clump of dry, withered hair clenched in your claw-like fist. Shuddering inwardly, you cast it away, not wanting to look at it any longer.
human
Go south
gpt
The gravel path you are on passes by a plot of manicured land upon which resides a small church building. It is fashioned of dark river stone, stained all the darker from the downpour. Its steeple rises suddenly into the gloom, so that the belfry up top is partially obscured. Through the barred windows a glimmer of yellow light issues, flickering like candlelight. The front entrance is to the east, while the path continues south.
human
Go east
gpt
The heavy oaken doors of the church loom before you, presenting a sensation of disorientation that you did not experience from a distance. Great brass handles present you with a means of access to shelter from the torrential weather. There are curious inscriptions and bas-relief carvings worked into the wood.
human
You unlock the door with the key
gpt
You unlock the church doors.
human
You open the door
gpt
You open the church doors.
human
Go east
gpt
The entryway to the church leads north to the nave. You can see the entire ground floor of the church from here: North of the nave is the chancel and east of the nave is an alcove.

You are distracted by a maddening itch in your throat, your mouth, your tongue. This thirst...if only you could quench it...
human
Go north
gpt
The nave is where parishioners would gather to sit in the pews and hear the preached message. The walls are paneled with aged cedar and the high, vaulted ceiling fades away into darkness above. An altar stands at the front of the room, before a raised area called the chancel. Arched stained-glass windows line the east and west walls. Access to the chancel is north of the nave and south leads to the entryway. To the east is a small alcove containing an organ. A narrow doorway up by the chancel leads to the northwest.
human
You examine the organ
gpt
A heavily scaled-down version of the "Mighty Wurlitzer," circa 1924. Covered with dust, it has not seen active duty for a long time.
human
You examine the altar
gpt
It appears to be made of gopher wood.

You are thirsty...so very thirsty.
human
Go east
gpt
A small recess where the church organ is kept. It affords a clear view of the nave and the chancel. The nave is west of the alcove, and a small exit leads north.
human
You play the organ
gpt
You cautiously press Middle C. Nothing happens. Not surprising, really.
human
Go north
gpt
This tall, narrow hallway extends from the alcove and ends in a creaky set of steps leading upwards. The walls are painted white, and somewhat smudged. The floor is covered with a red carpet.
human
Go upward
gpt
This small area is rather featureless and dark. The bare floorboards creak under your weight. A set of stairs leads down to the narrow hallway and a white door leads north.

You can see a white door here.
human
You open it
gpt
That's already open.

Everything around you begins to blur as your eyesight fades. You are desperately thirsty and your flesh is crying out for replenishment. With a vicious shake of your head, you manage to coerce your vision to return.
human
Go north
gpt
A large desk standing against the west wall furnishes this otherwise empty room. The bare floor is in good condition, suggesting that this office was not used very often. A window in the north wall looks out into the wet darkness beyond. Above the desk against the western wall is a portrait.

You can see a white door here.
human
You examine the portrait
gpt
A rendition of an elderly man, perhaps the founder of this church. It is dusty and covered in cobwebs.

Your stomach begins to cramp badly and you are forced to pause as you double over in pain. After some time, the pain fades and you are able to move again.
human
You move portrait
gpt
It is fixed in place.
human
You open the door
gpt
That's already open.
human
Clean portrait
gpt
You achieve nothing by this.

You notice that you need to turn your head to look to the left or the right. It seems that your eyeballs will not turn in their sockets, as though they have been sealed in place due to a lack of moisture.
human
You close the door
gpt
You close the white door.
human
You look at the door
gpt
You see nothing special about the white door.

You are thirsty...so very thirsty.
human
You open it
gpt
You open the white door.

You reach up to the back of your head and you scratch fiercely, trying to attend to a sudden and intense itch. As you bring your hand away, you discover a clump of dry, withered hair clenched in your claw-like fist. Shuddering inwardly, you cast it away, not wanting to look at it any longer.
human
You examine the desk
gpt
Fashioned of rich cherry wood, it sports a broad desktop and a number of drawers. Where its legs meet the floor there appears to be a few scratch marks on the otherwise polished surface.
human
You open the drawers
gpt
There's no need to open the desk drawers. They are all sitting open, revealing their stark emptiness.

Your stomach begins to cramp badly and you are forced to pause as you double over in pain. After some time, the pain fades and you are able to move again.
human
Search drawers
gpt
The desk drawers are empty.
human
You examine the panel
gpt
Set flush into the surface of the wall, it has a small emblem in the shape of a griffin embossed onto its surface. Compared to the polished finish of the rest of the panel, the griffin seems a little dull.
human
You open the panel
gpt
That's not something you can open.

You are momentarily overtaken by a coughing spell, your lungs rattling dryly deep inside your chest...
human
Rub griffin
gpt
You achieve nothing by this.

A cold shudder runs up and down your back. Your insides feel as though they are curling inward upon themselves, crumbling and withering for lack of moisture.
human
You examine the griffin
gpt
It seems a little worn, as if through use.

You are distracted by a maddening itch in your throat, your mouth, your tongue. This thirst...if only you could quench it...
human
You look at safe
gpt
A standard gray metal faceplate with a numbered dial squarely in the center.
human
You check what you're carrying
gpt
You are carrying:
a brass key
a lug wrench
a rubber tire
human
You open safe
gpt
It seems to be locked.
human
You examine the dial
gpt
It is a standard combination lock. In order to open it you have to turn the dial to three different numbers: first to the right, then to the left, and then to the right again.
human
You examine the desk
gpt
Fashioned of rich cherry wood, it sports a broad desktop and a number of drawers. Where its legs meet the floor there appears to be a few scratch marks on the otherwise polished surface.
human
You look in drawers
gpt
Fashioned of rich cherry wood, it sports a broad desktop and a number of drawers. Where its legs meet the floor there appears to be a few scratch marks on the otherwise polished surface.

Your throat feels as though it were on fire, so desperate is your need to find something to drink.

The desk drawers are empty.

Everything around you begins to blur as your eyesight fades. You are desperately thirsty and your flesh is crying out for replenishment. With a vicious shake of your head, you manage to coerce your vision to return.
human
You examine floor
gpt
You see nothing special about the floor.

You stagger and drop to your knees, the strength fleeing your body. For several long moments, your body shudders in silent spasms before you are finally able to collect your wits and struggle back to your feet.
human
You look at the window
gpt
It looks down onto the cemetery. From here, during an occasional flash of lightning, you can see outlined in stark relief the open grave by which you awoke.
human
You look around
gpt
A large desk pushed into the northwest corner furnishes this otherwise empty room. The bare floor is in good condition, suggesting that this office was not used very often. A window in the north wall looks out into the wet darkness beyond. Above the desk against the western wall is a portrait.

A small wooden panel is fixed onto the west wall.

You can also see a safe (closed) and a white door here.
human
You go south
gpt
This small area is rather featureless and dark. The bare floorboards creak under your weight. A set of stairs leads down to the narrow hallway and a white door leads north.

You can see a white door here.
human
You jump
gpt
You jump on the spot, fruitlessly.
human
Go downwards
gpt
This tall, narrow hallway extends from the alcove and ends in a creaky set of steps leading upwards. The walls are painted white, and somewhat smudged. The floor is covered with a red carpet.
human
You examine the carpet
gpt
A faint, narrow strip of wear down its center shows that although this rug had been trodden often throughout its history, it has seen comparatively little wear next to the rest of the outfittings of this building.

A faint, narrow strip of wear down its center shows that although this rug had been trodden often throughout its history, it has seen comparatively little wear next to the rest of the outfittings of this building.
human
You move the carpet
gpt
It is fixed in place.
human
You remove the carpet
gpt
(first taking the red carpet)
That's hardly portable.

You stagger and drop to your knees, the strength fleeing your body. For several long moments, your body shudders in silent spasms before you are finally able to collect your wits and struggle back to your feet.
human
You go south
gpt
A small recess where the church organ is kept. It affords a clear view of the nave and the chancel. The nave is west of the alcove, and a small exit leads north.
human
Go west
gpt
The nave is where parishioners would gather to sit in the pews and hear the preached message. The walls are paneled with aged cedar and the high, vaulted ceiling fades away into darkness above. An altar stands at the front of the room, before a raised area called the chancel. Arched stained-glass windows line the east and west walls. Access to the chancel is north of the nave and south leads to the entryway. To the east is a small alcove containing an organ. A narrow doorway up by the chancel leads to the northwest.

Your stomach begins to cramp badly and you are forced to pause as you double over in pain. After some time, the pain fades and you are able to move again.
human
Go northwest
gpt
This spacious area still sports a richly woven carpet and a heavy mahogany desk installed against the north wall. The rest of the articles that may have decorated this room have been long since removed, as evidenced by the fade marks on the walls where portraits and other adornments once hung.

You can see a closet (closed) here.
human
You open the closet
gpt
You open the closet, revealing a tweed jacket.
human
You look at the jacket
gpt
In the tweed jacket is a faded slip of paper.
human
You take the jacket
gpt
Taken.
human
You wear it
gpt
You put on the tweed jacket.
human
You read it
gpt
human
You check your inventory
gpt
You are carrying:
a tweed jacket (being worn)
a faded slip of paper
a brass key
a lug wrench
a rubber tire
human
You look around
gpt
This spacious area still sports a richly woven carpet and a heavy mahogany desk installed against the north wall. The rest of the articles that may have decorated this room have been long since removed, as evidenced by the fade marks on the walls where portraits and other adornments once hung.

You can see a closet (empty) here.
human
You go southeast
gpt
The nave is where parishioners would gather to sit in the pews and hear the preached message. The walls are paneled with aged cedar and the high, vaulted ceiling fades away into darkness above. An altar stands at the front of the room, before a raised area called the chancel. Arched stained-glass windows line the east and west walls. Access to the chancel is north of the nave and south leads to the entryway. To the east is a small alcove containing an organ. A narrow doorway up by the chancel leads to the northwest.

You notice that you need to turn your head to look to the left or the right. It seems that your eyeballs will not turn in their sockets, as though they have been sealed in place due to a lack of moisture.
human
You examine the altar
gpt
It appears to be made of gopher wood.
human
You go north
gpt
A large desk pushed into the northwest corner furnishes this otherwise empty room. The bare floor is in good condition, suggesting that this office was not used very often. A window in the north wall looks out into the wet darkness beyond. Above the desk against the western wall is a portrait.

A small wooden panel is fixed onto the west wall.

You can also see a white door and a safe (closed) here.
human
You look at safe
gpt
A standard gray metal faceplate with a numbered dial squarely in the center.
human
You turn dial
gpt
You need to specify whether you are turning it to the left or the right, and also what number you are turning it to. For example: "turn dial left to 98".
human
You turn dial left to 78
gpt
You turn the numbered dial left to 78 and ... nothing happens.
human
You turn the dial right to 78
gpt
You turn the numbered dial right to 78 and hear a faint click of the tumblers deep within the lock.
human
Turn dial left to 29
gpt
You turn the numbered dial left to 29 and hear a faint click of the tumblers deep within the lock.
human
You turn the dial right to 47
gpt
You turn the numbered dial right to 47 and hear a faint click of the tumblers deep within the lock. With a faint creak, the safe swings open wide!
human
You look in safe
gpt
In the safe is a bottle of moonshine.
human
You take moonshine
gpt
Taken.

You are thirsty...so very thirsty.
human
You drink it
gpt
You pop the bottle open and bring it to your lips...but the overpowering fumes of its contents turns your stomach and you dare not continue.
human
You examine the moonshine
gpt
It is filled with an amber liquid and seems quite innocent. It is sealed with a cork.
human
You check what you're carrying
gpt
You are carrying:
a bottle of moonshine
a tweed jacket (being worn)
a faded slip of paper
a brass key
a lug wrench
a rubber tire
human
Go south
gpt
This small area is rather featureless and dark. The bare floorboards creak under your weight. A set of stairs leads down to the narrow hallway and a white door leads north.

You can see a white door here.

You are momentarily overtaken by a coughing spell, your lungs rattling dryly deep inside your chest...
human
You go to the south
gpt
A small recess where the church organ is kept. It affords a clear view of the nave and the chancel. The nave is west of the alcove, and a small exit leads north.

A cold shudder runs up and down your back. Your insides feel as though they are curling inward upon themselves, crumbling and withering for lack of moisture.
human
Go north
gpt
A raised area providing a clear, elevated view of all of the pews in the nave and the stained glass windows lining the walls. A threadbare rug covers part of the chancel floor.

A cruciform stands by the pulpit.

You cannot bear to be in close proximity to the cruciform. You desperately retreat from its presence.
Nave
The nave is where parishioners would gather to sit in the pews and hear the preached message. The walls are paneled with aged cedar and the high, vaulted ceiling fades away into darkness above. An altar stands at the front of the room, before a raised area called the chancel. Arched stained-glass windows line the east and west walls. Access to the chancel is north of the nave and south leads to the entryway. To the east is a small alcove containing an organ. A narrow doorway up by the chancel leads to the northwest.
human
You go south
gpt
The entryway to the church leads north to the nave. You can see the entire ground floor of the church from here: North of the nave is the chancel and east of the nave is an alcove.
human
You go west
gpt
The heavy oaken doors of the church loom before you, presenting a sensation of disorientation that you did not experience from a distance. Great brass handles present you with a means of access to shelter from the torrential weather. There are curious inscriptions and bas-relief carvings worked into the wood.
human
Go south
gpt
Who knows where that long road would take you? Best keep around here until you have a better idea of where you are.
human
You go to the east
gpt
The coach house is quite old, and indeed once served to house a horse-driven coach. It has since been converted for use by automobiles. There are shelves lining the walls containing various items one would expect to find in a garage. Access to the driveway is to the west, through the main entrance, and a small exit leads east.

Everything around you begins to blur as your eyesight fades. You are desperately thirsty and your flesh is crying out for replenishment. With a vicious shake of your head, you manage to coerce your vision to return.
human
You go east
gpt
A small shack rises out of the overgrowth in a clearing at the end of the winding path. It looks quite old, but has not fallen into disrepair, as has the coach house and the other small buildings on the church grounds. Along the front is a wooden door, and a small square window to its right, which flickers with a pale yellow light issuing from within.

You can see a wooden door here.
human
You knock on the door
gpt
After some more shuffling, the caretaker returns to the door and opens it.

"You again," he says.
human
You show the moonshine to the man
gpt
The caretaker's vacant eyes light up at the sight of the bottle.
human
You talk to man
gpt
"If you've nothing to tell me, then I'll be telling you something. Good day!"
human
You give the moonshine to the man
gpt
The caretaker's vacant eyes light up at the sight of the bottle. He accepts it eagerly from you. He glances at you again, and with a shrug of his shoulders, invites you into his home before disappearing inside himself.
human
You go to the east
gpt
The interior of the shack is plain, but orderly. It comprises a single front room and an adjoining bathroom. A fire crackles pleasantly in the earth of a fireplace built into the northern wall. On the other side of the room is a cot, a table and a single chair.

The caretaker is sitting in the chair with an open bottle in his lap. He looks up at you with rheumy eyes. Despite this, he looks absolutely beautiful to you: an oasis in a desert of ghastly torment.

You can also see a wooden door here.
human
You close the door
gpt
You close the wooden door.
human
You examine man
gpt
He looks to be about seventy, has sparse white hair hidden under a worn out cap, and his eyes are those of a man in desperate need--a need almost as severe as your own. His body virtually glows, so full of life it seems, in comparison with your own.

You reach up to the back of your head and you scratch fiercely, trying to attend to a sudden and intense itch. As you bring your hand away, you discover a clump of dry, withered hair clenched in your claw-like fist. Shuddering inwardly, you cast it away, not wanting to look at it any longer.
human
Bite man
gpt
Overcome by the maddening thirst, you bend towards the caretaker, ignoring the look of sudden shock in his red-rimmed eyes and the smell of hard liquor on his breath. You see the water of life surging through his flesh, casting a bright and glorious illumination so that his earthly body seems no more than a delicate weave of glowing veins and infinite blood vessels. You dive into that flow, and without thinking drink your fill....

...You feel the life surging back into your veins, renewing your withered flesh. Your eyes grow stronger...colors grow brighter, more vivid...the darkness is no longer so dark. And strength pulses through you now...your body flows with power...

Much later you rise and look down at the caretaker. Despite your ravenous need for life, you managed to refrain from draining him dry. Yes, he will live. And he will do your bidding, for he has become enslaved to you. Merely command him, and certainly he will do as he is told to the best of his ability.

The caretaker looks around blankly.
human
You examine table
gpt
A plain wooden table, showing signs of regular use.

The caretaker whimpers slightly.
human
You open the door
gpt
You open the wooden door.
human
You follow you
gpt
The caretaker says, "I will follow, master."

The caretaker staggers a little, but regains his balance.
human
Go west
gpt
A small shack rises out of the overgrowth in a clearing at the end of the winding path. It looks quite old, but has not fallen into disrepair, as has the coach house and the other small buildings on the church grounds. Along the front is a wooden door, and a small square window to its right, which flickers with a pale yellow light issuing from within.

You can see a wooden door here.

The caretaker arrives from the east.

The caretaker coughs halfheartedly.
human
You go west
gpt
Running between the coach house and a small shack to the east, this path is lined on both sides by tall brush and bracken, which block your view elsewhere.

The caretaker arrives from the east.

The caretaker giggles quietly.
human
You talk to the man
gpt
The caretaker watches you expectantly.

The caretaker gets distracted by a fly buzzing around his head.
human
Go west
gpt
The coach house is quite old, and indeed once served to house a horse-driven coach. It has since been converted for use by automobiles. There are shelves lining the walls containing various items one would expect to find in a garage. Access to the driveway is to the west, through the main entrance, and a small exit leads east.

The caretaker arrives from the east.
human
You go to the north
gpt
You can't go that way.

The caretaker grabs the buzzing fly out of the air and pops it into his mouth surreptitiously.
human
You go to the west
gpt
Here is where parishioners must have parked their vehicles, be they wagon or automobile, before proceeding north to the church building.
A gravel road leads north past the front of the church. To the south, a rain-slicked road leads off into the dark distance. East of here is a wooden coach house.

The caretaker arrives from the east.
human
You go north
gpt
The gravel path you are on passes by a plot of manicured land upon which resides a small church building. It is fashioned of dark river stone, stained all the darker from the downpour. Its steeple rises suddenly into the gloom, so that the belfry up top is partially obscured. Through the barred windows a glimmer of yellow light issues, flickering like candlelight. The front entrance is to the east, while the path continues south.

The caretaker arrives from the south.
human
Go east
gpt
The heavy oaken doors of the church loom before you, presenting a sensation of disorientation that you did not experience from a distance. Great brass handles present you with a means of access to shelter from the torrential weather. There are curious inscriptions and bas-relief carvings worked into the wood.

The caretaker arrives from the west.
human
You go east
gpt
The entryway to the church leads north to the nave. You can see the entire ground floor of the church from here: North of the nave is the chancel and east of the nave is an alcove.

The caretaker arrives from the west.

The caretaker looks like he is going to sneeze, but then it fades away.
human
Go north
gpt
The nave is where parishioners would gather to sit in the pews and hear the preached message. The walls are paneled with aged cedar and the high, vaulted ceiling fades away into darkness above. An altar stands at the front of the room, before a raised area called the chancel. Arched stained-glass windows line the east and west walls. Access to the chancel is north of the nave and south leads to the entryway. To the east is a small alcove containing an organ. A narrow doorway up by the chancel leads to the northwest.

The caretaker arrives from the south.
human
North
gpt
The caretaker stops following you.

The caretaker goes north.
human
You take the cruciform
gpt
The caretaker picks up the cruciform.
human
You ask Man,  to go to the south
gpt
The caretaker arrives from the north.

You cannot bear to be in close proximity to the cruciform. You desperately retreat from its presence.
Entryway
The entryway to the church leads north to the nave. You can see the entire ground floor of the church from here: North of the nave is the chancel and east of the nave is an alcove.
human
South
gpt
The caretaker arrives from the north.

You cannot bear to be in close proximity to the cruciform. You desperately retreat from its presence.
human
East
gpt
The caretaker is unable to do that.
human
North
gpt
The caretaker arrives from the south.

You cannot bear to be in close proximity to the cruciform. You desperately retreat from its presence.
Entryway
The entryway to the church leads north to the nave. You can see the entire ground floor of the church from here: North of the nave is the chancel and east of the nave is an alcove.
human
East
gpt
The caretaker arrives at the Alcove from the west.
human
Go north
gpt
A raised area providing a clear, elevated view of all of the pews in the nave and the stained glass windows lining the walls. A threadbare rug covers part of the chancel floor.
human
You examine the rug
gpt
It is faded and threadbare, having seen a lot of use. There was a pattern on it, but it is so faded now as to be indistinguishable.
human
You move the rug
gpt
You pick up the rug, revealing a trapdoor beneath!

A raised area providing a clear, elevated view of all of the pews in the nave and the stained glass windows lining the walls. In the absence of the threadbare rug, a trapdoor has been revealed in the chancel floor.
human
You open trapdoor
gpt
It seems to be locked.
human
You unlock the trapdoor with the key
gpt
You might want to try prying it with something, instead.
human
You open the trapdoor
gpt
You open the trapdoor.
human
You go downward
gpt
Illuminated only by the dim light issuing through the trapdoor, this unexpected chamber is bare, damp and cold. The walls and the floor are fashioned of black stone. Your ears detect the scratch and scurry of vermin hidden from sight in the dank and dingy corners of this place. In other words, you feel right at home.

Situated squarely in the center of the room, upon a moldering velvet rug, is a large, black coffin. The lid stands open and the silk interior beckons to you.
human
You enter coffin
gpt
You crawl slowly into the black coffin, feeling the silk interior against your skin. Yes, this will do. This is right. You can feel sleep tugging at you--blessed sleep.

The caretaker comes into view over you. He looks down, with mindless love in his red-rimmed eyes. "I will look after you while you sleep, Master. Please don't worry."

With that, he reaches for the lid and cautiously, respectfully, closes it over you. At last you feel a strange peace begin to settle in. Your mind begns to drift...questions arise as sleep takes you over. Why was this coffin here? Why even this dark chamber, for that matter? And more importantly, who are you? What is going on?

But those are questions to be answered at another time. You will sleep now. You will gather strength. This is not finished. In fact, it has only begun....