CaryAbigail_TreasureQuest

You ride in silence as your noble steed marches onward through the forested path, accompanying the rhythmic ''clip-clop'' of hooves on cobblestone, was the repetitive ''plink-plink-plink'' of raindrops pelting your helm and pauldrons. With squinted eyes, you look up at the canopy of red-and-orange leaves that give you, at least //some// form of shelter. Soon, the cobblestone path gives way to muddy terrain. You look back down towards the path ahead of you and halt momentarily. A sinking feeling stirs in your stomach as you tug on the reins of your horse and gently nudge his side with the heel of your boot, urging him to move forward. He snorts in response, backing up of his own accord. ... You nudge him again. Your horse seems adamant about staying put, you decide to... [[Nudge him again.]] [[Walk the rest of the way.]]

... ... He doesn't move. *sigh.* [[(Walk anyway.)]]

You let out a frustrated sigh, dropping down from your horse. You untie your rucksack from your saddle and heave it over your shoulder. You look towards the dead forest then back at your horse. He snorts, backing away from you, as if to say; //"You're on your own."// "Some noble steed *you* are." You wave off your horse as you unsheath your weapon and begin your trek through the lifeless, muddy wastes. You stumble over gnarled roots and brush away the naked branches that tug at your chainmail and cloak. Before you know it, you're at the foot of the dungeon; a moss-covered tower that looms over all. Perched atop is a brooding flock of carrion birds - they watch you intently, daring you to enter. And you do. [[ (Next)]]

You let out a frustrated sigh, dropping down from your horse. You untie your rucksack from your saddle and heave it over your shoulder. You look towards the dead forest then back at your horse. He snorts, backing away from you, as if to say; //"You're on your own."// "Some noble steed *you* are." You wave off your horse as you unsheath your weapon and begin your trek through the lifeless, muddy wastes. You stumble over gnarled roots and brush away the naked branches that tug at your chainmail and cloak. Before you know it, you're at the foot of the dungeon; a moss-covered tower that looms over all, perched atop was a committee of vultures - they watch you intently, daring you to enter. And you do. [[ (Next)]]

The large stone doors creak open, dust that was once undisturbed now floats aimlessly. The smell of rot and decay permeate the air, seeping into both your armor and your skin. ahead of you lay three passageways, heading in three different directions:'' Left, Right, and Center''. Above all three passageways are symbols, carved deep into the stone arch. Above the ''leftmost''doorway is the image of an arrow, pointed up - towards the ceiling. Above the ''center'' door is the the eroded image of a treasure chest. Above the ''rightmost''door is the image of crossed axes. Through which doorway do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the arrow above it.]] [[The center doorway with the treasure chest above it.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the crossed axes above it.]]

As you enter the ''leftmost'' passageway, you gingerly tap the cobblestone floor with the tip of your boot. Your sword and shield begin to shake violently as fear takes hold of you. You close your eyes and brace yourself. ... ... ... And nothing happens. You stand up straight and see that ahead of you is another set of doors. They're near-identical to the doorways from the previous room, except for the fact that the carvings are different. Above the ''leftmost'' doorway is ''the jagged visage of the moon, flanked by two clouds''. To the right of the doorway is a flickering torch, held in a wrought iron sconce. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of a ''book''. Above the'' rightmost''door is an arrow, once again pointing skyward. Through which doorway do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the moon and clouds above it.]] [[The center doorway with the book above it.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the arrow above it.]]

Cautiously, you peer into the'' center'' passageway. With your shield hugging your body and your sword outstretched, you slowly tiptoe through the doorway. You scan the room; burnt tapestries hung on the scorched stone walls and…hello? What’s this? You spot a small treasure chest at the far-end of the room, sheathing your sword, you approach it. Kneeling down, you set your shield down and rub your gloved hands together as a devious smile creeps across your face. With trembling, eager hands you lift open the lid of the chest and… … Unfortunately; however, what awaited the knight was not gold or jewels – but the dripping maw of a very, very hungry Mimic. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

With your sword at the ready, you carefully peek your head through the ''rightmost''passageway. After a quick visual sweep of the dank and mossy chamber you grin, confidently sheathing your sword as you sauntered into the room when... ... My, my, my...what a terrible way to go, to have your lower-half so uncermoniously severed from torso. Oh well, at least it was quick. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=") [GAME OVER. Tip: Always look both ways when crossing the street.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

As you approach the darkened entrance to the ''leftmost''chamber, you grab a lighted torch from a nearby sconce. You enter with trepidation when suddenly you're shrouded in an all encompassing darkness... ... I suppose more than his light was snuffed out. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Maybe bring a lantern next time.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You approach the ''center'' passageway. Surely, this chamber is much cozier and inviting. There's a stack of shelves to the far center with hundreds of books and a comfy fire going in the fireplace off to the right. You are immediately put at ease and you saunter over to the bookshelf and find something to read. You eye the easy chair in front of the fireplace and inspect it carefully to make sure it's safe to sit in. Convinced you are in the correct chamber, you sit down, and lean back to read your book. Suddenly, the floor beneath your chair gives way and you feel a sense of weightlessness... ... You shouldn't have fallen for that. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Who has time to read on an adventure?] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''rightmost'' doorway, your sword steady in your hand. Ahead of you are three passageways. Like the two previous rooms, these doors have images carved into the stones above the archways. You're beginning to see a pattern... Above the ''leftmost'' doorway is the image of a mermaid, perched upon a rock and preening her hair. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of an arrow. And finally, above the ''rightmost''doorway is the image of a goblet and a plate, unidentifiable foodstuffs piled high atop it. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the mermaid above it.]] [[The center doorway with the arrow above it.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the food and drink above it.]]

You approach the ''leftmost'' chamber and find steps leading down into what appears to be a flooded area of the dungeon. Holding your sword and shield above your head, you wade into the dark waters when you suddenly hear angelic voices breaching the surface of the water. In a dazed stupor, you look around for the source but see no one. Suddenly you are grabbed by your belt and pulled down into the depths... ... It's a shame that screams can't be heard under water. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Beware of singing fish!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''center''passageway, scanning the room. Ahead of you are three identical doorways. Yeah, you were definitely starting to see a pattern with these rooms. Above the ''leftmost''doorway is the image of a wolf's head. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of a flame. And lastly, above the ''rightmost''doorway is the image of an arrow. How do you wish to proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the wolf's head above it.]] [[The center doorway with the flame above it.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the arrow above it. ]]

You are weary by now and very hungry. You didn't think you'd be gone this long and you didn't even think to bring a loaf of bread or a wineskin. But luckily, as you approach the ''rightmost'' passageway, you set your eyes on a small wooden table covered in various edibles. The bread was still warm to the touch, the grapes were ripe and juicy, and the cheese was crumbled into bite-sized pieces and a wineskin bulging with fruit of the vine were there for the taking! You sit, eat and drink your fill. You lean back and sigh like a stuffed pig and let out an enormous belch. You are happy and full and... ... Really...he couldn't eat another bite. Dead men don't eat. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Who eats strange food from a dungeon?] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the passageway with your sword raised high above your head, your shield is pressed tightly against your body as you make your way through the stone doorway. As soon as you walk through, a heavy portcullis drops from the jamb, trapping you inside. You turn around quickly, cowardly dropping your sword and shield to the ground. You pull at the gate, with no give. Suddenly, from the bowels of the chamber, you hear a guttural growl... ... Sounds like someone's hungry... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Let sleeping wolves lie.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You approach the passageway with great trepidation. By now, you have come to expect the unexpected. As you walk into the chamber, you look in every direction. You see nothing out of the ordinary so you proceed stealthfully. Your confidence wanes as you feel a soft gust of wind brush against your cheek. You turn toward the direction of the wind, only to catch a quick glimpse at the flaming arrow coming your way... ... I thought that string looked pretty obvious... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Next time, duck!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''rightmost'' doorway and like the previous rooms, ahead of you were three passageways; left, center, and right. Above the ''leftmost'' doorway is an arrow, pointing towards the ceiling. Above the ''center'' doorway is the faded image of a bull's head. The image above the ''rightmost'' doorway is obscured by a tangled mass of thorned vines. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the arrow above it. ]] [[The center doorway with the bull's head above it.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the vines obscuring the image.]]

You walk through the ''leftmost'' passageway and heave a sigh of relief. Ahead of you are three passageways, with three different images adorning the tops of the archways. Above the ''leftmost'' doorway is the image of a device that looks like a mousetrap. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of an arrow, pointing up. Above the ''rightmost''doorway is the image of, well, a door. How to you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the mousetrap-looking device above it.]] [[The center doorway with the arrow above it. ]] [[The rightmost doorway with the image of the door above it.]]

You approach the ''center'' room and look around with a bewildered expression on your face, the chamber inside is not at all what you are expecting; it is bigger on the inside. Much bigger. Mossy stone walls tower above you, the sound of stone grinding against stone forces you to make your way through an ever-narrowing passage way. You throw yourself into another path and stare in awe as a wall covers up the pathway that you have just taken. You don't know how much time has passed - days, weeks, months...you can't tell but you won't give up. You can't... ... Well, now that's just depressing. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Always bring a map!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk into the ''rightmost''chamber and before you lay an impossibility; moss and greenery clinging to the cobblestone walls as you avoid the thick, thorny vines that writhe across the floor. Sprouting up from various bushes are large, exotic flowers. Their vibrancy was striking, but not as striking as the wild blossom at the far-end of the chamber. It was bigger than any bloom you've ever seen, bigger than any man. You approach it, its enticing aroma lures you towards it. Before you know it, you are standing mere inches away from the flower. Suddenly, you're hoisted into the air and before you know it, you are dangling above a gaping maw filled with razor sharp teeth... ... Someone should have told him that plants can be carnivorous. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: All I can really say is; "Feed me, Seymour".] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You slink into the ''leftmost''chamber where you see a plethora of booby traps strewn about the floor. You traverse the room, cleverly missing every trap. Just when you've cleared the room, you turn around and heave a huge sigh of relief having successfully avoided what was surely certain death. As you assess your victory, you turn on your heel to exit the room when suddenly, before you can react, a massive log swings down from the ceiling headed toward you... ... His wind wasn't the *only* thing that got knocked out. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Rule #1, never prematurely celebrate.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the '' center'' doorway and once again find yourself at a crossroads; three doorways stand in front of you: Above the ''leftmost '' passageway is the image of a question mark. You tilt your head in confusion and turn to look at the ''center'' doorway, above it is the image of a pyramid. Strange. You turn to the ''rightmost'' doorway, above it is the image of an upward-facing arrow. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost door with the question mark above it.]] [[The center doorway with the pyramid above it.]] [[The rightmost door with the arrow above it. ]]

As you stand at the entrance of the ''rightmost''chamber, you can see another door at the far end of the room. The chamber itself is non-distinct. It seems an easy trek so you begin to make your way across the room. But you begin to notice with every step the door seems further-and-further away and the room becomes narrower. You stop to assess your situation and you decide to make a break for the door on the opposite side of the room. But, the chamber is two steps ahead of you and the walls are now hugging your shoulders... ... ...To death. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Maybe next time, don't let your chamber get to second base before you do.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You peered through the entrance to the ''leftmost ''chamber, everything seemed normal. There is no potentially ominous meals, there's no obviously hidden trap doors so you think getting through this chamber is going to be a cinch, but as soon as your foot crosses over the threshold, a feeling of doom overtakes you and you stop dead in your tracks. ... ...Dead in your tracks. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Not everything is as it seems.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

As you approach the ''center'' passageway, you see a floor different from all the others thus far. Instead of cobblestone and brick, it appears to be loose and sandy. You extend your foot into the chamber to test the integrity of the floor. When you place your entire boot onto the surface, it feels solid and sturdy - so you proceed to walk in. But before you know it, you have begun to sink and you are now submerged up to your knees. Initially. you panic and try to dig yourself out, when you remember that doing so would lead to ''certain death.'' So, you relax and try with all your might to take another step. But, by now, you are waist deep and sinking fast. You still have quite a ways to go when you begin to feel yourself being pulled deeper-and-deeper..... ... Don't you *just* hate sand? (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: ...It's coarse, rough, and irritating. And it gets everywhere.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You carefully walk through the ''rightmost'' passageway and find that ahead of you are three doorways, with three different carvings displayed above them; above the ''leftmost'' doorway is the image of an arrow, pointing upward. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of what looks to be a well. Above the ''rightmost''doorway is the image of a fountain. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the arrow. ]] [[The center doorway with the well.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the fountain.]]

You walk through the ''leftmost'' passageway and are greeted by the same, three stone doorways. Above the ''leftmost'' doorway was the image of a circle. Confused, you turn to look at the ''center'' doorway. Above it was the image of a beehive. Only further confused by this, you turn to look at the ''rightmost'' doorway. Above it is the image of an arrow. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the circle.]] [[The center doorway with the beehive.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the arrow. ]]

As you enter the ''center'' chamber, you notice a large well in the middle of the room with a rope ladder hanging over the edge. You lean over to see what is at the bottom, and notice a faint light at the bottom illuminating a cluster of dangerous looking spikes awaiting an unfortunate treasure seeker. Confident that this is the only way out, you hike your leg up and over the well's edge and hold tight to the rope ladder as you begin your descent. Without warning, you feel a slight, unexpected drop and hear an ominous ripping sound when the rope ladder suddenly breaks free, hurling you headlong into an abyss... ...You'd have thought the spikes would have been a deterent. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Next time, test the ladder.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

As you approach the ''rightmost '' chamber, you see a bubbling fountain in the corner of the room. You're weary and thirsty and though it may be ill advised, you reach down and scoop up a handful of cool water. It revitalizes and refreshes you. You use your sleeve to dry your mouth when all of a sudden, a steam rises off the surface of your skin and becomes a noxious, odorous gas. You begin to cough and wheeze as it overtakes you. You can't escape it... ... Your thirst was quenched by a life-quenching drink... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Never drink the water! Haven't you heard of that?] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You enter the leftmost doorway and immediately notice a line of randomly placed holes across the floor. You not that they're not large enough for you to fall through, so you shrug your shoulders and pay them no mind. You saunter across the room without a care in the world when all of a sudden,]columns of blue fire comes shooting out of the floor... ... I can't exactly blame you, can I? The sign was *very* unclear. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: I- yeah...I'm with the narrator on this one.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''center'' doorway and find yourself in a relatively plain room. There are no doors, or furniture, or even tapestries. You turn around only to find a stone slab sealing you into the room. You frantically fall to your knees and begin shoving, prying, and pulling at the solid stone when you feel something tickle your nose. You look down to see a honeybee, resting on the tip of your nose. You clap a gloved hand over your nose and crush the insect in your fist. Over your shoulder you hear the ever-growing sound of ominous buzzing... ... Not a very "bee'-utiful way to go out. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: "Not the bees!!" - Nicolas Cage, The Wicker Man] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''rightmost'' doorway and see that, once again, three doors stand before you. Above the ''leftmost''doorway is the image of an alligator's head, breaching the surface. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of an arrow. Above the ''rightmost'' doorway is the image of a helmet. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost door with the alligator's head.]] [[The center doorway with the arrow. ]] [[The rightmost doorway with the helmet.]]

You stop in your tracks as you walk through the ''leftmost'' doorway, ahead of you are large stone pillars, surrounded by water. In the water are large alligators, watching you from below with their tails lashing back-and-forth. You swallow deeply and ready yourself to run. You trip, and plunge into the water below... ... Seems that those alligators were quite hungry... (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Always look where you're going.] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''center''doorway, hands on your hips as you scan the three doors ahead of you. Above the ''leftmost''doorway is the image of an icicle. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of a spiderweb. Above the ''rightmost'' door is the image of an arrow. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the icicle.]] [[The center doorway with the spiderweb.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the arrow. ]]

You walk through the ''rightmost'' doorway and immediately notice the ornate suits of armor that flank the walls of the small room. You rubbed your gloved hands together deviously and approached one of the armor sets. You began to remove the helmet from the stand when you realized...there was no stand. A pale blue miasma envelopes the helmet and you drop it to the ground as the suits around you begin to come to life... ... What a "ghost"-ly encounter! (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Don't touch!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

When you enter the ''leftmost'' passage, your eyes are immediately drawn to the floor. It isn't cobblestone or slate or even dirt. This floor has a totally different surface. You dab your toe before moving forwad and it feels solid so you enter. All of a sudden, you start slipping and sliding, unable to keep yourself up right. It turns out this floor isn't a floor at all, but a frozen body of water. You steady yourself and begin to slowly make your way across the chamber when cracks begin to appear in the ice. No matter how stealthfull you are or how still you can be, it does not stop the ice from cracking. You stand still and await your doom. ... Stopping while you're ahead will almost always ensure life! (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Longjohns are always a good idea!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''center'' doorway and immediately walk into a stringy, sticky substance. You flail your arms in the air wildly, running further into the room. You stumble, falling forwards into a spider's nest. Your hands are tangled in the spider's web and you fight furiously to free yourself, when you miss the approach of hundreds of venemous spiders. ... That was a sticky situation! (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: If you'd have had more legs, you could've run out of there faster!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

You walk through the ''rightmost''doorway, and see three doors ahead of you. Above the ''leftmost''doorway is the image of a bundt-shaped object. Above the ''center'' doorway is the image of a crown. Above the ''rightmost'' door is the image of a square. How do you proceed? [[The leftmost doorway with the bundt-shaped object.]] [[ The center doorway with the image of the crown.]] [[The rightmost doorway with the image of a square.]]

You enter the ''leftmost'' doorway to see in the center of the room, a flourescent, green gelatinous behemoth with oozing streams of slime coming from underneath. You try to move around it, but it lurches forward and grabs your ankles. Before you can utter a scream, it makes its way up your legs, then torso, then shoulders, then... GULP! (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Make sure to never let your food EAT you!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

As you enter the chamber with your sword drawn, you are met with a blinding light...so bright, you cover your eyes with your shield. When your eyes adjust, you lower your shield and before you is a treasure room unlike any you've seen before. There are piles of gold coins as high as your head and jewels scattered across the floor. You drop your sword and shield and throw yourself into the middle of the first pile of gold. You remove your helmet and scoop up as much gold as it will hold. You make your way back outside holding your bounty in both hands and hastily make your way back to your horse, who greets you with surprise and excitement when he sees what you've brought back with you. ... [[Start Over -> Start]]

You enter the''rightmost'' doorway. The cobblestone floor beneathe your feet, though tough and sturdy, begins to shift making you lose your balance. Before you can stand to your feet, you begin to see the floor coming away from the leftmost wall, leaving you less floor to stand on. It moves slowly, yet surely, leaving you nowhere else to stand or jump to. It's just a matter of time before you run out of floor. ... You were left without a leg to stand on. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[GAME OVER. Tip: Why didn't you jump back out the entryway when you had the chance?!] [[Try Again -> (Next)]] [[Quit -> Start]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[TREASURE QUEST] [[Start]] [[References]]

Images: 1. Dungeon1, Author; discopalace, retrieved from Flickr.com 2. Dungeon2, Author; Unknown, retrieved from oldschoolroleplaying.com 3. Dungeon3. Author; Unknown, retrieved from wallpapersafari.com ... Sounds: 1. Eerie Ambience, Author; barker852, retrieved from Freesound.org 2. Unsheathing a Sword, Author; visualasylum, retrieved from Freesound.org 3. Footsteps Shoes Walk Hard Floor Stone Patio Nice, Author; kyles, retrieved from Freesound.org Are you ready to start your adventure? [[Yes -> Start]] [[No -> Title Page]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[TREASURE QUEST] [[Start]] [[References]]