Travellers' Tales

            Deadly Labyrinth - SynTax disk PD 338
                     Author - Frank West

         Almost Complete solution by Bev Truter on PC

12th December.  Decided to embark on another Expedition into the
Unknown. Will keep a record of events and details of sundry
pitfalls that might hinder me on my travels. Upon my return to
civilization I shall send my journal to a certain personage, to
whit, one Mrs.  Medley, in the hope it might prove useful to
subsequent adventurers bound on the same quest.

At First Gate.
10am.  Found myself in most inhospitable terrain at the foot of a
sheer cliff.  Actually, to my annoyance, it was a "shear" cliff;
but no matter. I seemed singularly ill-equipped to embark upon
such an expedition, as taking inventory of my meagre possessions
(nil) I realized water was my first priority.  Wandering around
the dry landscape, I stumbled across a pool of revoltingly foul
water - THINGS floating in it and dead carcasses strewn around the
perimeter.  Took the leather waterbag I found there, and proceeded
on, to a remarkably clear pool....hmmmm....far too clear -
suspected it might be either poisoned or acid; so trudged on yet
further to a delightful pool with clear water containing live
aquatic lifeforms. Filled the waterbag here, and discovered it was
not necessary to 'drink' water in order to survive - seemed bag
merely had to be filled and carried on one's person to ensure
survival.

11.05am.  Found a tree!  Most remarkable in this arid area.
Climbed it, and came across alarming types of fruit - small, long
and wide - 3 types on the one tree, and all with a most unusual
textured skin.  None of these seemed edible, through disastrous
trial and error on my part, but I have recovered sufficiently to
continue with my journal - suffice it to say these fruits explode
when thrown.


12.30pm.  I have now in my possession the strangest staff - it
appears to be magical, by markings carved down its length, and it
came into my hands by arduous scrambling up a cliff to a
precarious ledge.  Stumbled across a ravine while exploring
further to my west..or was it southwest?  Directions seem very
confusing here...perhaps the intense heat has addled my poor mind?
At least the ravine provides some shade, while I sit and write
this, and ponder the problem of a seemingly immovable pile of
rocks - they respond neither to pulling nor pushing, and it
appears beyond my poor strength to lift them.

1.15pm.  Eureka!  Considered the rock problem for several minutes,
then remembered the exploding fruits I had about my person! Threw
first the wide fruit, then the small fruit at the rocks, which
created a hole large enough for me to enter. Came upon a most
remarkable cavern, lit by a flickering candle, and behind the
candle a gate. Could not examine gate while candle was burning; so
after attempting to extinguish the flame with my bare hands - a
most painful experience - I poured water on the candle and was
subsequently able to study the door.  It had on its surface a
strange little hole carved in the likeness of the figure 8; and
the staff I carried appeared to be similarly shaped at the end,
and of the same diameter.  I inserted the staff in the hole, and
passed through a Second gate, with some bodily discomfort, to find
myself .........

At Second Gate.
1.50.  The most alarming tattoos have appeared on one of my arms -
most lurid!  - signifying protection; and somehow I have gained
the ability to cast a spell - Lightning, I believe.  I still have
my long fruit and my staff - the latter appears useful for combat.
After passing through the Second gate I appeared to be in an area
quaintly called the 'Sinister' maze. I know, naturally, that
sinister also means 'left', and will thus be able to find my way
through the maze by heading roughly in a westerly direction.

3.10pm.  Am most disturbed at the prospect of having to slaughter
the local wildlife in order to obtain rations for further
sustenance.  Must remember to write a letter to the RSPCA on my
return home, couched in the strongest possible terms. The Spider I
left unharmed, but was forced to defend myself against a large
venomous snake, to obtain the foodpack it was guarding. Gave it a
decent burial and said a prayer over its grave. Had to waste no
time in dispensing with the snake, as my Hit Points were declining
rapidly; but after taking and opening the foodpack the reverse
held true - was forced to expend a considerable amount of time in
admiring the scenery (such as it was) and in wandering around, in
order for the Hit Points to rise to a maximum. Eventually stumbled
upon a pair of gates.  Entered Left gate and passed through.  Most
inconvenient - yet MORE unsavoury tattoos appeared on my arms -
have no idea how to rid myself of these disfigurements.  However,
these current markings signify more strength and protection, and a
further spell added to my meagre repertoire of magic - am now able
to cast Freeze spell! A fine achievement for one of my humble
origins!

At Third Gate.
5.25pm.  Was heartily refreshed by the scene that greeted my tired
eyes! Lush green hills, a river and a dam - all very restful after
my previous exertions in dreadfully spartan areas.  The view from
the top of the mountain was splendid, and I noticed a huge lake
formed by damming. When I ventured further down a cliff path the
water halted my progress, but I spotted a magnificent red stone
beneath the surface. Further up the path was a large log.  Would
have strength to carry log if all other possessions relinquished,
but upon further reflection, and discovery of a huge rock yet
further up the path, decided to leave log well alone.

Struggled for several minutes to budge the rock, and after much
effort and profuse perspiration managed to roll it down the cliff.
The rock struck the log on its downward journey, and in so doing
the log dislodged yet more rocks, which hurtled onward and
downward, and finally smashed into the east wall of the Dam, which
broke and released the water it contained.  Do hope one does not
get sued for such wanton acts of vandalism, but the net result
justified the destruction, I surmised philosophically.  When I
ventured down the cliff path for the second time to survey the
result of my handiwork, I found a river at the foot of the cliff
instead of a lake, and the red stone was left high and dry for the
taking.  The Alligator I left unharmed, as I believe it is a
protected species, unlike the much larger and more ferocious
crocodile.

Daylight is fading rapidly now, so have decided to set up camp
overnight near the lair of the white worm - more on that subject
anon. Am feeling decidedly peckish, and the prospect of yet MORE
dried rations for the evening meal fills me with no great joy. If
only there were a flask of hot tea, or perhaps brandy within the
foodpack....but still, one must not complain.  N.B.  Pack
containing food is magical - rations never become depleted, and if
dropped the pack magically disappears entirely, due to the "return
home" spell upon it.

13th December 8.45am.  Had dried rations for breakfast. Spent
fitful night with little slumber, due to the terrible snoring
emitted by the gigantic white worm. The entrance to a cave lies
south of this creature, but as yet I see no way of passing the
worm.  When attacked it retaliated, and I became fatally injured
on several occasions. When woken from sleep, it observed me for a
very short period before promptly falling asleep once more.  It is
definitely herbivorous, yet I was unable to feed it or give any
rations to it.  My exploding fruit bounced harmlessly off the
creature's thick hide; and I have resolved to explore further
before tackling the worm problem once more.

11.53am.  Spent exhausting morning in further exploration.  Found
another stone (gray; must come from the Americas) just east of the
worm's lair. Tiredness from last night's interrupted rest probably
accounted for my fall down a fairly deep pit. Was unhurt because
of convenient clump of bamboo below.  Plucked a long stick of
bamboo, and also found a length of spider's web, which on further
inspection resembled rope. All seemed lost, as there appeared no
way out of this pit; but as a last desperate measure I tied the
rope to the bamboo with my best treble-grannyknot, and threw the
bamboo. Success was mine as the bamboo lodged firmly between the
sides of the pit, with the rope well within my grasp.  However,
first resolved to explore several tunnels in the pit before making
my escape, and discovered yet another stone!  Green this time, and
guarded by another ferocious Spider.  Engaged in swift combat with
the arachnid and when it expired I took the stone and made my way
out via the rope.  Unfortunately my waterbag became snagged on
protruding rocks in the sides of the pit and I am without water.
Cleverly took precautions by allowing my Hit Points/Score to reach
maximum (70) before I attempted the rope climb.

3.07pm.  Spent the last few hours deep in thought about the worm,
and at last it struck me!  (an idea, not the worm).  Firstly I
dropped the now-useless waterbag, then put my foodpack on the bag,
likewise the fruit. Next I went south, and found myself through to
the other side of the shimmering curtain!  Could hardly believe my
luck!  Events happened so quickly I can only surmise the worm
devoured both my rations and the fruit in one bite, the fruit
exploded internally causing severe indigestion, which engaged the
worm's attention sufficiently for me to rush by and pass through
the curtain.  This latter feat was due no doubt to the 3 coloured
stones I carried with me. Was now faced with the choice of 3
gates, each a different hue.  Entered blue gate and received the
ability to create water, which eased my mind somewhat. Lack of
food still leaves me in dire straits.

At Fourth Gate
4.20pm.  Have just completed a wearisome journey through the
Unique maze; which though not of large proportions was indeed
disorientating.  The last two directions before I reached my
current resting-place in front of another gate were south, then
north.  Shortage of food not affecting me yet, and I do confess to
be rather relieved at the prospect of no more dried rations for a
while.  Have just completed a thorough examination of this gate
and found a small hole. Am now inserting the staff in the
hole.....

At Fifth Gate
6.30pm. Oh Joy! Magically received the ability to create food when
I passed through the Fifth gate!  Happiness was soon forgotten as
I surveyed my surroundings and realized I was in yet ANOTHER
desert, outside an unscaleable wall.  Travelled west then
southwest to a closed door, which I opened yet again with my
staff, which has proved a sterling piece of equipment, all things
considered.

Found myself in a completely deserted Settlement, save for a furry
black dog which seemed very friendly and determined to follow me.
I entered all the various tents, but found nothing of interest
except a large book chained to a shrine, and a "magical" compass.
Book seemed incomplete, but the gist of it was that my canine
companion would be of help, and the compass would aid me in
finding the route to another gate.  Examined compass and found it
resembled a watch-face, insomuch as north could be read as 12
o'clock, south as 6 o'clock, etc. etc.

Determined to spend this night in relative comfort, and will sleep
in one of the tents in the settlement. Will travel on tomorrow,
hopefully refreshed and invigorated.  Must experiment with my
newfound ability to create food; I relish the prospect of
nourishment other than the dreaded dried rations.

14th December.
10.15am.  Slept somewhat later than intended.  Tent very
comfortable.  Retraced my steps to the door in the settlement
wall, where I read the compass and found the exit to the maze lay
W,N,N,NW.  Another Spider and Scorpion had first to be vanquished;
found I still have no liking for all this indiscriminate
slaughter.  Staff and Freeze spell seemed appropriate for the
spider; and I tackled the scorpion with the staff and Lightning
spell. Found two gates here, decided to pass through the Left one.

At Sixth Gate.
1.02pm.  More tattoos appeared, this time on my left leg.  Gave me
the ability to detect magic.  Found myself in a Cavernous maze,
through which I navigated by means of my compass.  That is, I
proceeded north to a volcanic cavern containing 3 stalagmites, so
went east.

Continued, using the compass / watch-face analogy and counted the
number of stalactites or stalagmites in each cavern to ascertain
the next direction in which to travel. Thus from the gate I
travelled N,E,N,NE,N,NW,W,N, W,S,SE,SW,W,S and at last reached the
Seventh Gate.


At Seventh Gate.
6.23pm.  Tattoos for casting Fireballs appeared on my right leg -
MUST remember to contact a good skin specialist on my return home;
I wonder if they are removable???  Am still accompanied by my
canine companion, although as yet he has not provided aid as
hinted at in the Book.  Found myself in a metal tube with "three"
scratched above the gate, climbed down to enter The Maze of
Threes, and now I fear I am desperately lost and shall never
complete the task before me.

Failure!  I find the thought so worrisome that it fleetingly
crossed my mind to take the honourable way out of this predicament
by taking my own life, rather than return home without succeeding
in my quest. But how then would my precious journal ever reach its
final destination?  And, more to the point, I possess no weapons
with which to commit the deed; the Fireball spell will not work on
my own person.

I have tried repeatedly to solve the mysteries of this maze, but
it has defeated me, so now nothing is left but to return home ...
Civilization! .... a hot bath .... gallons of tea, and last but
not least, my splendidly comfortable featherbed in which to
recuperate for a few weeks!

I immediately felt my erstwhile despair and feelings of failure
slip away, and am positively cheered by thoughts of my imminent
homeward-bound journey on the morrow!

@~Okay, that's the idea of Travellers' Tales. I hope some of you
@~will try an article in similar vein. As for Deadly Labyrinth, if
@~YOU can finish this trip, please write in.








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