Nuclear Fire at Castle Treachery

<IMG class="displayed" img src="nuclearfirecover.jpg" alt="Nuclear Fire Cover" height="500" width="500"> <h1>Nuclear Fire at Castle Treachery</h1>\ <h1>A. Hagen 2015</h1> <center>(link:"Start")[(goto:"Intro")]</center>

(set:$map to "off") (set:$key to "off") (set:$crown to "off") (set:$pearl to "off") (set:$potion1 to "off") (set:$potion2 to "off") (set:$mace to "off") (set:$shield to "off") (set: $chestloc to (random: 1, 3)) (set: $keyloc to (random: 1, 3)) (set: $victory to "off")\ It is the third day of the Millennium of Strife. The Sun is fizzling out and frozen twilight envelopes Earth. Your dying tribe held a lottery and you won. Now you must enter Castle Treachery, find the <t3>Nuclear Fire</t3>, and rekindle the Sun. (link:"You are a Champion.")[(set: $class to "champion")(goto:"1MainGate")] You are a Champion. You can outfight any member of your tribe, aside from the metal-skinned Skull Face. You have practiced hard with your club, and you can fell a cactus with one blow. (link:"You are a Shaman.")[(set: $class to "shaman")(goto:"1MainGate")] You experimented with the herbs and fungi on the Forbidden Plateau and know their magical properties. You can drink deadly toxins and gain superhuman powers from them.

Gate: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 3,4.</t3>] You are outside the gate of Castle Treachery. The corroded metal castle is partially encased in a glacier. Volcanic vents speckle the ground and cough hot acrid fumes onto you. [[Go north.|2MainHall]] Through the main gate lies the castle’s shadowy interior. [[Go east.|4Ramparts]] Scaling the castle’s side will take you atop the rampart. [[Go west.|12Well]] Exploring outside the castle’s wall may reveal another entrance. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Hall: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 3,3.</t3>] You are in the castle’s main hall. Pillars of chiseled rock support the domed ceiling. A tree is planted in the room’s center. If its gnarly branches grow any farther, they will shatter the ceiling. [[Go north.|5Cathedral]] Through an archway is a cathedral. [[Go east.|3Armory]] You barely notice a narrow staircase spiraling upward into gloom. [[Go south.|1MainGate]] The castle’s gate opens to a frozen landscape. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Rampart: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 4,4.</t3>] You are atop the castle rampart. On all sides, needle-like towers pierce the dusky sky. The floor is decorated with a mosaic of obsidian tiles. The design depicts a volcano with a leering face. (if: $pearl is "off")[You spot a <t3>Magic Pearl</t3> beneath some rubble. All the oceans froze long ago, so this pearl is a rare treasure.(set: $pearl to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|3Armory]] The floor has collapsed. Through the ragged hole is an armory. [[Go southeast.|16Tower]] A doorway leads into one of the castle’s towers. [[Go west.|1MainGate]] Climbing down the castle’s wall takes you to the main gate. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Well: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 2,4.</t3>] You are outside the castle’s wall. A well is built from heaped stones. It is mottled with fluorescent lichen. [[Go north.|11WellBottom]] The well’s mouth is large enough to climb down. [[Go east.|1MainGate]] Further along the castle’s wall is the main gate. [[Go west.|13Garden]] At the base of the castle’s wall is a garden. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Armory: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 4,3.</t3>] You are in an armory. Various racks hold cruel barbed weapons, but all are badly rusted. The taxidermied brain of a Chimera Gargoyle protrudes from a plaque on the wall. (if: $class is "champion" and $mace is "off")[Under a table is a safe with its door ajar. Inside is a fine <t3>Mace</t3>. You take the weapon. Its head crackles with electricity.(set: $mace to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|6Laboratory]] The wooden door is charred black. An arcane formula is scratched across it. [[Go south.|4Ramparts]] You see faded sunlight through a hole in the collapsed ceiling. You could climb up to the castle’s rampart. [[Go west.|2MainHall]] A spiral staircase descends. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Tower: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 1,1.</t3>] You are in one of the castle’s towers. Its staircases contain numerous traps. There are spiked pits, spear guns, and acid vats. Most of the traps have already been triggered or are too old to work. (if: $keyloc is 1 and $key is "off")[A <t3>Key</t3> dangles from a chain at the top of the tower. You dodge many traps but eventually reach it.(set: $key to "on") ]\ [[Go east.|9Stables]] The tower’s main door opens to a yard behind the castle. [[Go south.|15Forest]] The tower’s back door opens to a dense forest. [[Go northwest.|4Ramparts]] Through one of the tower’s windows, you can climb onto the castle’s rampart. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Cathedral: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 3,2.</t3>] You are in a cathedral. Incense burners hang from the vaulted ceiling. Prayer rugs cover the floor. On an altar is a mummy in a sarcophagus. (if: $keyloc is 2 and $key is "off")[The mummy clutches a <t3>Key</t3> in its moldering teeth. You pry the <t3>Key</t3> loose and take it.(set: $key to "on") ]\ [[Go east.|6Laboratory]] A staircase leads upward. Smoke drifts from the stairwell. [[Go south.|2MainHall]] Through an archway is the castle’s main hall. [[Go west.|10Atrium]] Beyond a glass door is an atrium decorated with plantlife. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Laboratory: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 4,2.</t3>] You are in a laboratory. The air is thick with smoke and a layer of ash coats everything. There must have been a fire recently. Tables and shelves are crammed with metal canisters. (if: $class is "shaman" and $potion1 is "off")[You pick up a jar of fizzing liquid. It is a <t3>Gaseous Form Potion</t3>. Drinking it will temporarily transform you into incorporeal mist.(set: $potion1 to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|7Roof]] A window opens onto the castle’s roof. [[Go south.|3Armory]] The wooden door is charred black. A coat of arms is emblazoned on it. [[Go west.|5Cathedral]] Through a curtained doorway is a staircase downward. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Atrium: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 2,2.</t3>] You are in a greenhouse atrium. An enclosed glass dome occupies most of the chamber. Inside the dome is a dense jungle of tropical plants. A brilliant light pierces the foliage. Could it be the <t3>Nuclear Fire</t3>? Something monstrous lurks inside the dome. You must be well equipped to confront this beast and survive. [[Go north.|9Stables]] Sun shines through a glass door. It must lead outside the castle. [[Go east.|5Cathedral]] Through another glass door is a cathedral. [[Go south.|11WellBottom]] There is a drainage grate in the wall. It has been bent open. Beyond it is a subterranean corridor. [[Enter the dome.|Ending]] Your quest for the <t3>Nuclear Fire</t3> ends within. Will it be a triumph or a tragedy? <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Roof: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 4,1.</t3>] You are on the castle’s roof. Snow and volcanic ash blow in your face. You have a panoramic view of the craggy wilderness surrounding Castle Treachery. (if: $chestloc is 2 and $key is "off")[A <t3>Chest</t3> is hidden under the eaves of the roof. It is locked and you do not have a <t3>Key</t3>. ]\ (if: $chestloc is 2 and $key is "on" and $crown is "off")[A <t3>Chest</t3> is hidden under the eaves of the roof. It is locked but you open it with your <t3>Key</t3>. Inside is an iron <t3>Crown</t3>. It radiates power.(set: $crown to "on") ]\ [[Go northeast.|13Garden]] Climb down from the roof to enter a garden outside the castle’s wall. [[Go south.|6Laboratory]] An open window leads into the castle. [[Go west.|8DestroyedWall]] Across the roof is an obliterated section of the castle’s wall. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Battlefield: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 3,1.</t3>] You are atop a destroyed wall. The wall was pulverized by artillery in an ancient battle. Corpses are buried among the rubble. Their lavender skin and bulbous pale eyes indicate they are from a distant land. (if: $class is "champion" and $shield is "off")[You take a <t3>Shield</t3> from one of the corpses. It is dented and scarred but its spikes still gleam dangerously.(set: $shield to "on") ]\ [[Go east.|7Roof]] From atop the wall, you can walk onto the castle’s roof. [[Go west.|9Stables]] A ramp-like rubble heap descends toward a stable in the castle’s backyard. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Stables: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 2,1.</t3>] You are in a lot behind the castle. In the nearby stables, a menagerie of animals is penned. Through science or sorcery, the animals are alive despite the castle’s other inhabitants being long dead. (if: $keyloc is 3 and $key is "off")[A <t3>Key</t3> hangs from the neck of a Saber-toothed Unicorn. You snatch the <t3>Key</t3> before the animal can gore you.(set: $key to "on") ]\ [[Go east.|8DestroyedWall]] By climbing a rubble heap, you can reach the top of a destroyed wall. [[Go south.|10Atrium]] A glass door leads into the castle. It is streaked with condensation. Something must be alive inside. [[Go west.|16Tower]] Across the lot is an entrance to one of the castle’s many towers. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Passage: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 2,3.</t3>] You are in a dank corridor. Fungi blooms on the walls. Portholes in the floor belch sulphurous steam. (if: $chestloc is 3 and $key is "off")[A mold encrusted <t3>Chest</t3> is concealed in a cranny. It is locked and you do not have a <t3>Key</t3>. ]\ (if: $chestloc is 3 and $key is "on" and $crown is "off")[A mold encrusted <t3>Chest</t3> is concealed in a cranny. It is locked but you open it with your <t3>Key</t3>. Inside is an iron <t3>Crown</t3>. It radiates power.(set: $crown to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|10Atrium]] A grate in the wall has been bent open. Humid air wafts from it. [[Go south.|12Well]] There is a hole in the ceiling. It is the mouth of a well, which you are at the bottom of. [[Go west.|14River]] From the depths of a rocky tunnel, you hear rushing water. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

River: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 1,3.</t3>] You are on the bank of a garbage-choked river. The river is heated to a steaming temperature by volcanic vents. Old parchment, clothes, tools, and furniture are heaped everywhere. (if: $map is "off")[Amid the refuse is a scroll that is somehow without decay. You take it and realize it is a <t3>Magic Map</t3>.(set: $map to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|15Forest]] The river borders a dense forest. [[Go east.|11WellBottom]] In the river’s bank is a cave entrance. [[Go south.|13Garden]] Along the castle’s wall is a garden. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Garden: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 1,4.</t3>] You are in a garden at the foot of the castle’s wall. Beds of roses glow with rainbow bioluminescence. They seem impervious to the frigid chill. (if: $chestloc is 1 and $key is "off")[The garden has a hedge maze. In the maze’s center is a <t3>Chest</t3>. The <t3>Chest</t3> is locked and you do not have a <t3>Key</t3>. ]\ (if: $chestloc is 1 and $key is "on" and $crown is "off")[The garden has a hedge maze. In the maze’s center is a <t3>Chest</t3>. It is locked but you open it with your <t3>Key</t3>. Inside is an iron <t3>Crown</t3>. It radiates power.(set: $crown to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|14River]] A river rushes alongside the castle. [[Go east.|12Well]] Outside the castle’s wall is a well. [[Go southwest.|7Roof]] Climb the castle’s wall onto the roof. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

Forest: (if: $map is "on")[<t3>You consult the Magic Map. You are in Zone 1,2.</t3>] You are in a forest of gnarly trees. Numerous tracks crisscross the snowy ground. Many beings must prowl these shadowy woods. (if: $class is "shaman" and $potion2 is "off")[An altar sits beneath a dead tree. Among some candles and figurines, you find a vial of smoky liquid. It is a <t3>Venom Breath Potion</t3>. Drinking it will temporarily enable you to vomit toxic slime.(set: $potion2 to "on") ]\ [[Go north.|16Tower]] One of the castle’s towers rises above the tree line. [[Go south.|14River]] You hear the distant sound of rushing water. <t3>Inventory: (if: $map is "on")[Magic Map ]\ (if: $pearl is "on")[Magic Pearl ]\ (if: $key is "on")[Key ]\ (if: $crown is "on")[Crown ]\ (if: $potion1 is "on")[Gaseous Form Potion ]\ (if: $potion2 is "on")[Venom Breath Potion ]\ (if: $mace is "on")[Mace ]\ (if: $shield is "on")[Shield ]</t3>\ (if: $pearl is "on")[(link:"Rub the Magic Pearl to teleport outside the castle.")[(goto:"1MainGate")]]\

You are in the glass dome. You push through the tangle of foliage toward a piercing point of light. In a clearing, you find a crystalline orb strobing with rainbow radiance. This is the <t3>Nuclear Fire</t3>! Suddenly, a jelly-like mass bursts from the undergrowth. It is the monstrous Manticore Amoeba. It lashes at you with tendrils that squirt molten lava. (if: $class is "champion" and $mace is "off" or $shield is "off")[Without weapons and armor, you are defenseless. The Manticore Amoeba douses you with lava. You melt into charred ooze and are devoured. ]\ (if: $class is "shaman" and $potion1 is "off" or $potion2 is "off")[Without potions to drink, your Shamanic skills are useless. The Manticore Amoeba douses you with lava. You melt into charred ooze and are devoured. ]\ (if: $class is "champion" and $mace is "on" and $shield is "on")[The Manticore Amoeba sprays lava, but you deflect it with your <t3>Shield</t3>. You batter the monster’s central eye with your <t3>Mace</t3>. The eye ruptures and the monster shrivels into a withered corpse.(set:$victory to "on") ]\ (if: $class is "shaman" and $potion1 is "on" and $potion2 is "on")[The Manticore Amoeba sprays lava, but you quaff your <t3>Gaseous Form Potion</t3>. The lava flows harmlessly through you. You drink your <t3>Venom Breath Potion</t3> and spew poison into the monster’s gaping maw. The monster vomits and shrivels into a withered corpse.(set:$victory to "on") ]\ (if: $victory is "on" and $crown is "off")[You take the <t3>Nuclear Fire</t3> back to your tribe and perform the ritual to rekindle the Sun. Light and heat envelope Earth once again. The survival of your tribe is ensured for the time being. ]\ (if: $victory is "on" and $crown is "on")[You take the <t3>Nuclear Fire</t3> back to your tribe and perform the ritual to rekindle the Sun. Light and heat envelope Earth once again. The survival of your tribe is ensured for the time being. You don the <t3>Crown</t3> you found inside Castle Treachery. It melds with your skull and you discover its mysterious powers. Your intelligence and perception increase exponentially. You become leader of your tribe. Under your guidance, the tribe expands to conquer Earth. ]\ <center><t3>Your Quest Is Over</t3><center> <center>(link:"Start Again")[(goto:"Intro")]<center>