The Warlock of Firetop Mountain

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

!The Warlock of Firetop Mountain Only a foolhardy adventurer would embark upon such a perilous quest without first finding out as much as possible about the mountain and its treasures. Before your arrival at the foot of Firetop Mountain, you spent several days with the townsfolk of a local village some two days' journey from the base of the mountain. Being a likeable sort of person, you found it easy to get on with the local peasants. Although they told many stories about the mysterious Warlock's sanctuary, you could not feel sure that all — or indeed any of these were based on fact. The villagers had seen many adventurers pass through on their way to the mountain, but very few ever returned. The journey ahead was extremely dangerous, that you knew for certain. Of those who returned to the village, none contemplated going back to Firetop Mountain. There seemed to be some truth in the rumour that the Warlock’s treasure was stored in a magnificent chest with two locks, and the keys to these locks were guarded by various creatures within the dungeons. The Warlock himself was a sorcerer of great power. Some described him as old, others as young. Some said his power came from an enchanted deck of cards, others from the silky black gloves that he wore. The entrance to the mountain was guarded by a pack of warty-faced Goblins, stupid creatures, fond of their food and drink. Towards the inner chambers, the creatures became more fearsome. To reach the inner chambers you would have to cross a river. The ferry service was regular, but the ferryman enjoyed a good barter, so you should save a Gold Piece for the trip. The locals also encouraged you to keep a good map of your wanderings, for without a map you would end up hopelessly lost within the mountain. When it finally came to your day of leaving, the whole village turned out to wish you a safe journey. Tears came to the eyes of many of the women, young and old alike. You couldn't help wondering whether they were tears of sorrow shed by eyes which would never see you alive again... [[Start|ff01-001]]

I'm afraid that you died. <<button "Maybe try again?">><<run Engine.restart()>><</button>>

<img src="images/ff01-001.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">At last your two-day hike is over. You lay your sword on the ground and sit down on the mossy rocks for a moment's rest. You look up at Firetop Mountain. The mountain looks menacing. The steep face in front of you looks to have been savaged by the claws of some great beast. Sharp rocky crags jut out at unnatural angles. At the top of you can see the eerie red colouring - probably some strange vegetation - which has given the mountain its name. No one will ever know exactly what grows up there, as climbing the peak must surely be impossible. Your quest lies ahead of you. Across the clearing is a dark cave entrance. You pick up your sword, get to your feet and consider what dangers may lie ahead of you. You thrust the sword home into its scabbard and approach the cave. In the gloom you see dark, slimy walls with pools of water on the stone floor in front of you. The air is cold and dank. You light your lantern and step warily into the blackness. Cobwebs brush your face and you hear the scurrying of tiny feet: rats, most likely. You set off into the cave. After a few yards you arrive at a junction. Will you turn [[west|ff01-071]] or [[east|ff01-278]]?

<img src="images/ff01-071.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;"> There is a right-hand turn to the north in the passage. Cautiously you approach a sentry post on the corner and, as you look in, you can see a strange ''Goblin''-like creature in leather armour asleep at his post. You try to tiptoe past him. <<testluck>> <<if $lucky>>You are ''lucky'', he does not wake up and remains snoring loudly. [[Continue|ff01-301]] <<else>>You step with a crunch on some loose ground and his eyes flick open. [[Continue|ff01-248]] <</if>>

The passageway soon comes to an end at a locked wooden door. You listen at the door but hear nothing. Will you try to [[charge the door down|ff01-156]]? Or would you rather turn round and go back to the [[junction|ff01-092]].

<<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>>You charge the door with your shoulder. <<if $roll lte $c_skill>>Success! [[Continue|ff01-343]]. <<else>>Ow! You rub your bruised shoulder and decide against trying again. [[Return to the junction|ff01-092]].<</if>>

You arrive back at the junction in the passage. You look left to see the cave entrance in the dim distance but walk [[straight on|ff01-071]].

<<set $s_skill = random(1, 6) + 6>> <<set $c_skill = $s_skill>> <<set $s_stamina = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6) + 12>> <<set $c_stamina = $s_stamina>> <<set $s_luck = random(1, 6) + 6>> <<set $c_luck = $s_luck>> <<set $s_meals to 10>> <<set $c_meals to $s_meals>> <<set $c_gold = random(1, 6)>> <<set $potion1 = either("Potion of Strength", "Potion of Skill", "Potion of Luck")>> <<set $potion2 = either("Potion of Strength", "Potion of Skill", "Potion of Luck")>> <<newinventory "$inv" "Sword" "Leather armour" "Lantern" $potion1 $potion2>> <<set $invisible to 0>> <<set $silver to 0>> <<set $e_019 to 2>> <<set $e_020 to 4>> <<set $e_116 to 2>> <<set $e_130 to 0>> <<set $e_140 to 5>> <<set $e_179 to 1>> <<set $e_199 to 2>> <<set $e_236 to 3>> <<set $e_282 to 4>> <<set $e_309 to 3>> <<set $e_333 to 1>> <<set $e_365 to 5>> <<set $e_372 to 2>>

/* Luck */ <<widget "testluck">><<set $lucky = 0>><<set _xx = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>><<if _xx lte $c_luck>><<set $lucky = 1>><</if>><<xluck "-1">><</widget>> <<widget "battleluck">><<set _xx = random(1, 6)>><<switch _xx>><<case 1>><<set $lucky = -1>><<case 6>><<set $lucky = 1>><<default>><<set $lucky = 0>><</switch>><</widget>> /* drink & eat */ <<widget "drinkluck">><<set $s_luck += 1>><<set $c_luck to $s_luck>><<drop "$inv" "Potion of Luck">><<xinvent>><</widget>> <<widget "drinkskill">><<set $c_skill to $s_skill>><<drop "$inv" "Potion of Skill">><<xinvent>><</widget>> <<widget "drinkstrength">><<set $c_stamina to $s_stamina>><<drop "$inv" "Potion of Strength">><<xinvent>><</widget>> <<widget "eat">><<if $c_meals gt 0>><<set $c_stamina += 4 >><<set $c_stamina to $c_stamina.clamp(0, $s_stamina)>><<set $c_meals -= 1 >><</if>><<xinvent>><</widget>> /* modify stats/gold */ <<widget "xluck">><<set _xx to parseInt($args[0])>><<set $c_luck += _xx>><<set $c_luck to $c_luck.clamp(0, $s_luck)>><</widget>> <<widget "xstamina">><<set _xx to parseInt($args[0])>><<set $c_stamina += _xx>><<set $c_stamina to $c_stamina.clamp(0, $s_stamina)>><<if $c_stamina lte 0>><<goto "dead">><</if>><</widget>> <<widget "xskill">><<set _xx to parseInt($args[0])>><<set $c_skill += _xx>><<set $c_skill to $c_skill.clamp(0, $s_skill)>><</widget>> <<widget "xgold">><<set _xx to parseInt($args[0])>><<set $c_gold += _xx>><<set $c_gold to $c_gold.clamp(0, 999)>><<xinvent>><</widget>> /* refresh inventory / stats */ <<widget "xinvent">><<replace "#story-caption">><<display "StoryCaption">><</replace>><</widget>>

To your left, on the west face of the passage, there is a rough-cut wooden door. You listen at the door and can hear a rasping sound which may be some sort of creature snoring. Do you want to [[open the door|ff01-082]] or press on [[Northwards|ff01-208]]?

The creature that has just awakened is an ''Orc''! He scrambles to his feet and turns to grasp at a rope which is probably the alarm bell, You must attack him quickly. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 6, 5, 2, "spear"], $p_stats = ["ff01-301", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-301]]<</silently>>

<h2>Pick your weapon</h2> <<set $e_name to $e_stats[0], $e_skill to $e_stats[1], $e_stamina to $e_stats[2], $e_attack to $e_stats[3], $e_atkname to $e_stats[4], $p_win to $p_stats[0], $p_flag to $p_stats[1], $p_round to $p_stats[2], $p_target to $p_stats[3], $count_rounds to 0, $been_hit to 0>><<if $inv.has("Sword") or $inv.has("Enchanted sword")>> You use your [[sword|useweapon][$c_weapon to "sword", $c_attack to 2]] to fight the $e_name.<<else>>You have no sword, you could try [[punching|useweapon][$c_weapon to "punch", $c_attack to 1]] the $e_name! <</if>>

<<xstamina "-2">> @@color:red;Ouch!@@ You were hit by the $e_name! (Stamina: @@color:red; $c_stamina@@) <<timed 5s>><<set _xx to 1>><</timed>> <<if $c_stamina lt 1>> <<goto "dead">> <</if>> <<if $e_name is "Vampire">> <<testluck>> <<if $lucky is 0>> <<set $p_target to "ff01-224">> <</if>> <</if>> <<link "Continue" $p_target>><</link>>

<h2>Your turn</h2> /* Initial rolls */ <<set $xe_roll = random(1,6) + random(1,6) + $e_skill>> <<set $xc_roll = random(1,6) + random(1,6) + $c_skill>> /* Apply modifiers */ <<if $inv.has("Iron helmet")>><<set $xp_roll += 1>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Enchanted sword")>><<set $xp_roll += 1>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Bronze helmet")>><<set $xp_roll -= 1>><</if>> <<if $p_flag is 3>><<set $xp_roll -= $p_round>><</if>> /* Count how many rounds */ <<set $count_rounds += 1>> /* See if you hit or miss */ <<if $xc_roll lte $xe_roll>> You missed. <<else>> <<battleluck>> <<set $damage = $c_attack + $lucky>> <<if $e_name is "Wight" and $silver is 0>><<set $damage to 0>><</if>> <<set $e_stamina -= $damage>> You hit the $e_name with your $c_weapon! @@color:red; -$damage@@ <</if>> [[Continue|enemyhitsyou]] /* Actions based on number of rounds */ <<if $count_rounds gte $p_round>> <<switch $p_flag>> <<case 1>> /* Escape is possible */ [[Escape|escape]] <<case 2>> /* goto */ <<goto $p_target>> <<default>> /* NOP */ <</switch>> <</if>>

<h2>The enemy strikes back</h2> <<if $e_stamina gt 0>> /* Initial rolls */ <<set $xe_roll = random(1,6) + random(1,6) + $e_skill>> <<set $xc_roll = random(1,6) + random(1,6) + $c_skill>> /* Apply modifiers */ <<if $inv.has("Iron helmet")>><<set $xp_roll += 1>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Enchanted sword")>><<set $xp_roll += 1>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Bronze helmet")>><<set $xp_roll -= 1>><</if>> <<if $p_flag is 3>><<set $xp_roll -= $p_round>><</if>> <<set $damage to $e_attack>> <<if $xe_roll lte $xc_roll>> The $e_name missed you. [[Continue|useweapon]] <<else>> <<set $mod to random(1, 6)>> <<if $invisible>> <<if $mod lte 6>><<set $damage to $e_attack>><</if>> <<if $mod lte 5>><<set $damage to 1>><</if>> <<if $mod lte 3>><<set $damage to 0>><</if>> <<else>> <<if $inv.has("Iron shield")>> <<if $mod is 6>><<set $damage -= 1>>Your shield absorbs some of the blow.<</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <<set $c_stamina -= $damage>> <<set $been_hit += 1>> <<if $e_name is "Ghoul" and $been_hit gte 5>><<goto "ff01-064">><</if>> <<if $e_name is "Dog" and random(1, 3) is 1>><<xstamina "-1">>@@color:red;The Dog scorched you with its fiery breath! -1@@ <</if>> @@color:red;The $e_name hit you with its $e_atkname! -$damage@@ (Hit: $been_hit) You have $c_stamina stamina left. <<if $c_stamina gt 0>> [[Continue|useweapon]] <<else>> [[You died!|dead]] <</if>> <</if>> <<else>> You have defeated the $e_name. <<link "Continue" $p_win>><</link>> <</if>>

@@color:grey;Roger Butler-Ellis. Original material by Steve Jackson & Ian Livingstone@@

@@color:yellow;The Warlock of Firetop Mountain@@

The door opens to reveal a small, smelly room. In the centre of the room is a rickety wooden table on which stands a lit candle. Underneath the table is a small wooden box. Asleep on a straw mattress in the far corner of the room is a short, stocky creature with an ugly, warty face; the same sort of creature that you found asleep at the sentry post. He must be the guard for the night watch. You may either return to the corridor and press on [[northwards|ff01-208]] or creep into the room and try to take the box without waking the Creature. <<linkreplace "Do you want to try and steal the box">><<testluck>> <<if $lucky>>He does not wake up. [[Continue|ff01-147]]<<else>>Whoops! Woke him up. [[Continue|ff01-033]]<</if>><</linkreplace>>

Further up the passage along the west wall you see another door. You listen at it but hear nothing. Do you want to try [[opening the door|ff01-397]], or do you want to [[continue northwards|ff01-363]].

The bell gives a dull clang and after a few moments you see a withered old man climb into a small rowing boat moored on the north bank. He rows slowly across to you, moors the boat and limps towards you. He asks you for 3 Gold Pieces. When you protest at the price he mumbles some flimsy excuse about 'inflation'. He begins to get angry at your protestations. Do you pay him the [[3 Gold Pieces|ff01-272]] or [[threaten him|ff01-127]]?

He calms down, takes the Gold and rows you across to the north bank.<<if previous() is "ff01-003">><<xgold "-3">><<else>><<xgold "-5">><</if>>After mooring the boat he ambles off down a passageway. [[Continue|ff01-007]].

He doesn't take at all kindly to your threats. As you argue and his anger builds, you notice a transformation taking place. He begins to straighten up and grows physically stronger in front of your very eyes. His face and arms grow hairy. His teeth become sharp and pointed. <<if $c_gold gte 5>>You must make a quick decision. Will you offer him [[5 Gold Pieces|ff01-272][$c_gold -= 5]] to calm him down, or<</if>> Prepare to [[attack him|ff01-188]].

You find yourself in a north—south corridor. To the north the passage turns east some metres ahead. To the south, the passageway also turns east. Investigate [[north|ff01-046]] or go [[south|ff01-332]]?

You are standing in a short east-west passageway, with a door blocking the way to the east. To the west, the passage turns southwards after several metres. Go [[round this bend|ff01-004]], or go [[through the door|ff01-206]].

You find yourself at a door blocking the east end of an east—west passage. You can go [[through the door|ff01-329]]. Looking westwards, the passage turns to the north. You can [[go this way|ff01-004]].

You enter a large square room. In the centre of the room is a grey-haired old man sitting at a desk. His desk is covered in papers and parchments of various sorts and he holds a long quill pen. He is surrounded by books. Thousands of them line the shelves around the walls, from floor to ceiling. As you enter he looks up at you. <<if visited() gt 1>>He recognizes you. [[Continue|ff01-284]]<<else>>[[Continue|ff01-341]]<</if>>

A rough timber doorway is on the east wall of the passage. You listen at the door and can hear a jolly sort of humming sound. Do you want to [[knock on the door|ff01-097]] and go in or will you [[continue northwards|ff01-292]]?

<img src="images/ff01-097.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">A voice bids you "Come in" and you walk into a small room furnished with a table and chair, shelves, cupboards and the like, all of which have seen better days. Plates, bowls, cups and hundreds of old books line the shelves. In the midst of all this clutter, you see a little old man in a grubby white gown swaying to and fro in a rocking chair, still humming happily to himself, his eyes fixed on you, but seeming at peace with the world. He bids you "Good day." Do you: o Start to [[make conversation|ff01-334]] with him? o Draw your sword and [[charge at him|ff01-247]]? o Decide not to waste time with him and leave, going [[northwards|ff01-292]]?

Northwards the passageway ends at a solid wooden door. You listen at the door but can hear nothing. There appears to be no choice but to open the door and enter the room, which you do. It's a large, square room. You flash your lantern around the room and catch a quick glimpse of its emptiness - although there are murals on the wall - before your lantern suddenly goes out. You try to re-light it, but it will not catch. in the blackness you hear a succession of frightful noises. Howls, screams, cries and wails are getting louder and louder until they reach the pitch where you must cover your ears. <<if $inv.has("Blue candle")>>You have a Blue candle. [[Continue|ff01-239]]<<else>>[[Continue|ff01-040]]<</if>>

The large solid door has no handle. You charge it, but to no avail. The door is not going to budge. You decide to give up and [[go through the opening|ff01-089]] you passed in the east—west passageway some way back.

You climb through the opening and find yourself at the top of a narrow staircase leading downwards. Cautiously, you [[descend the stairs|ff01-286]]...

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<xluck "1">><<linkreplace "You may eat a Meal here. ">><<eat>><</linkreplace>><</if>>You are on the north bank of a fast-flowing river in a large underground cavern. [[Continue|ff01-214]]

Facing northwards, the rock face is smooth and glistening with moisture. Moss of many different hues grows on the surface. There is an eerie silence punctuated only by the splashings of the river as it flows behind you. You have three options: o [[A passage runs off to the north-west|ff01-271]]. o A large timber door is directly in front of you in the middle of the rock face. You can [[open the door|ff01-104]]. o Another passage runs out along the river eastwards. You can [[follow this along the riverbank|ff01-099]].

The passage ahead ends at a sturdy door. You listen but hear nothing. You try the handle, it turns, and you enter the room. As you look around you hear a loud cry from behind you and swing round to see a wild man leaping towards you wielding a large battle axe. He is a mad ''barbarian'' and you must fight him! [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Barbarian", 7, 6, 2, "battle axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-273", 1, 1, "ff01-189"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-273]][[Dummy|ff01-189]]<</silently>>

<<testluck>><<if $lucky>>You are ''lucky'', you creep down the corridor back to the crossroads. [[Continue|ff01-269]] <<else>>You curse as you kick a small stone which goes skidding across the cavern floor. You draw your sword in case the ''Ogre'' has heard it. [[Continue|ff01-016]]<</if>>

You arrive back at the junction and [[turn westwards|ff01-225]].

You draw your sword, and as you do so the ''Ogre'' hears you and prepares to attack... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Ogre", 8, 10, 2, "club"], $p_stats = ["ff01-050", 1, 2, "ff01-269"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-050]][[Dummy|ff01-269]]<</silently>>

A search of the room reveals nothing of any value. An old box in the corner contains a wooden mallet and five short stumps of wood, sharpened at one end. <<linkreplace "You can take these if you wish,">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Mallet">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Wooden stakes">><</linkreplace>><</if>> You can now leave through the door in the [[north wall|ff01-189]].

<img src="images/ff01-189.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The door opens into a short corridor which ends several metres ahead at another door, similar to the one you have just come through. You listen and hear nothing. You try the handle and it turns, allowing you into another room of a similar size. But this room is splendidly decorated, with a polished marble floor and rough walls painted white. On each of the four walls hangs a painting, and there is another door in the north wall. You can either go [[straight through the room|ff01-090]] or you may stop to [[look at the paintings|ff01-025]].

Amazed at the success of your bluff, you decide to push your luck a little further. You can either [[examine the Skeletons' tools|ff01-034]] or [[pretend you're looking for work-sheets|ff01-322]] and look through the drawers of the various benches. You hear a noise from behond the north door and realize you will have to hurry!

<<pickup "$inv" unique "Mallet">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Silver chisel">>Looking through the tools you come across a ''mallet'' with a hardwood head and a ''chisel'' with a solid silver blade. They both look useful, so you pop them in to your rucksack. The noise from the north door gets louder and you move up to investigate. [[Continue|ff01-096]]

The drawers are all full of nails, tacks and miscellaneous bits and pieces. In one drawer is a copper-coloured ''key'', inscribed with the number ''66'' which looks interesting. <<linkreplace "You can take this key if you want.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Copper Key66">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>> The noise from the north gets louder. You go to the north door to [[investigate|ff01-096]].

You arrive back at the junction and turn [[northwards|ff01-077]].

Several metres up the passageway you arrive at a junction where you may turn either west or east. Set in the rock on the north wall is a small recess where you may rest and eat a ''Meal'' without being seen. <<linkreplace "If you wish to eat a Meal here, do so.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> Afterwards you may set off either [[eastwards|ff01-345]] or [[westwards|ff01-018]].

The slain creature crashes to the ground. You go through his garments and find nothing, but a small pouch hangs around his neck. Inside this pouch is a small ''bronze key'', with the number ''9'' cast into it. You take the key. <<pickup "$inv" unique "Bronze Key9">>Nothing else is of value in the cavern so you leave and head back to the [[junction|ff01-269]].

As you enter the cavern you hear loud footsteps behind you, crunching heavily on the rocky floor. You crouch down beside the entrance in a small alcove in the rock. The steps get louder and you see a great ''Ogre'' enter the cavern! He stands over two metres tall and is dressed in ill-fitting garments made from some sort of hide. He carries a large wooden club. You may: o [[Attack|ff01-016]] him as he enters o [[Try to creep out|ff01-002]] without him noticing you o [[Try to distract him|ff01-119]] by throwing something into a far corner of the cavern

You open your pack and reach inside for something suitable to throw across the cavern. Hmm, it all looks quite useful. You decide to throw a Gold Piece, it'll be worth it to get past him. <<xgold "-1">> You throw the coin across the cavern, where it lands with a clatter. The ''Ogre'' looks towards the noise, and goes over to investigate. Meanwhile you creep out, down the passage and [[back to the junction|ff01-269]].

Your head hurts and you feel dizzy as you rise to your feet. The four men stir into action and move towards you in single file with their weapons ready. You grope your way down the wall for the south door but it will be touch and go whether you make it. Your foot slips on a loose pebble and you fall to the ground. Before you can regain your footing, the creatures are upon you [[Continue|ff01-282]]

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_282 -= 1>><</if>><<switch $e_282>><<case 4>>The four creatures shuffling towards you are mindless ''Zombies''. Their vacant eyes suggest that their actions are controlled by a will which is not their own. You are still too dizzy to think properly, but you must act quickly. The first Zombie reaches you and prepares to swing his club. You must fight him. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Zombie", 7, 6, 2, "club"], $p_stats = ["ff01-282", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 3>>You defeated the first zombie. This one has a scythe...<<xluck "2">> [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Zombie", 6, 6, 2, "scythe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-282", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 2>>You defeated the second zombie. This one has a pick... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Zombie", 6, 6, 2, "pick"], $p_stats = ["ff01-282", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 1>>The last one has an axe... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Zombie", 6, 5, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-115", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<default>><<goto [[ff01-115]]>><</switch>>

<img src="images/ff01-011.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;"> You follow the passage westwards until it turns round a corner to the south. Just before the bend is a signpost which reads 'Under Construction', In front of you is the beginning of a stairway leading downwards. Only three steps have been buiLt so far. A number of shovels, picks and other tools were lying on the ground by the steps but, as you turned the corner, they suddenly flurried into action and began working on the steps. You are now watching various tools digging and hammering as if being handled by invisible workers. A humming chant becomes louder and you recognize it as: 'Heigh—ho, Heigh-ho, It's off to work we go ...' As you stand watching you start to chuckle — the scene is quite amusing. You sit and watch and even manage to chat to some of the magical tools.<<xstamina "2">><<xskill "1">> Then turn back up the passageway to the crossroads where you may go either [[northwards|ff01-366]] or [[southwards|ff01-250]]

You are following a passageway which leads ahead to the north. After several metres it bends sharply to the east. You continue eastwards until you eventually come across a narrow opening in the north wall. You may go [[through this opening|ff01-089]] or [[continue eastwards|ff01-062]].

You are in a short passageway which comes to a dead end several metres ahead of you. You study the rock face carefully but there appears to be no way through. You return to the crossroads and this time [[continue straight ahead northwards|ff01-366]].

As you sit on the bench and eat your food, you begin to feel deeply relaxed and the aches from your body seem to be soothing themselves away. This resting place is ''enchanted''.<<eat>><<xstamina "2">><<xskill "1">>When you are ready to continue, [[move along the passage|ff01-367]]

You arrive at another junction in the passageway. Would you like to turn [[westwards|ff01-235]] or [[eastwards|ff01-323]]?

You walk westwards along the passageway. After fifty metres or so, the way turns northwards. Two or three paces up the passage, you hear a crumbling beneath your feet and you try to leap back as the ground gives way.<<testluck>><<if $lucky>> You are ''lucky'', you manage to leap quickly backwards before a pit opens. [[Go back to the junction|ff01-261]]<<else>> ''Unlucky'', you are too slow and fall over two metres down into a pit. <<xstamina "-1">>[[Continue|ff01-348]]<</if>>

You reach the junction and [[continue eastwards|ff01-345]].

<img src="images/ff01-348.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You are in a pit, a little bruised but not too seriously hurt. You look around as you get back on your feet and can see two passageways, a short one to the south which opens into a small chamber and another heading northwards. You are a little worried about the crash your fall has made, and even more by the gruntings you can hear coming from the chamber to the south. Before you can collect your thoughts, a large, ugly head pokes around the corner and a ''Troll'' emerges from its chamber. Your ankle is twisted and you cannot move quickly, but the Troll is ready for a fight. You will have to face the brute. <<if $inv.has("Potion of Invisibility")>>You have a Potion of Invisibilty! [[Continue|ff01-051]]<<else>>[[Continue|ff01-331]]<</if>>

''Wandering creature!'' Your tappings and scrapings at the rock face as you search for secret doors and passageways resound through the dungeon corridors. Various creatures roam freely through the underworld and your noises have just attracted the attentions of one. <<silently>> <<set $next to previous()>> <<switch random(1,6)>> <<case 1>><<set $e_stats = ["Goblin", 5, 3, 2, "sword"]>> <<case 2>><<set $e_stats = ["Orc", 6, 3, 2, "club"]>> <<case 3>><<set $e_stats = ["Gremlin", 6, 4, 2, "dagger"]>> <<case 4>><<set $e_stats = ["Giant rat", 5, 4, 2, "claw"]>> <<case 5>><<set $e_stats = ["Skeleton", 6, 5, 2, "sword"]>> <<case 6>><<set $e_stats = ["Troll", 8, 4, 2, "claw"]>> <</switch>> <<set $p_stats = [previous(), 0, 999, "no"]>> <</silently>> You have to [[fight|fightenemy]].

test passages /* <<set $c_luck to 3>> <<set $c_skill to 3>> <<set $c_stamina to 3>> <<set $c_gold to 21>> <<pickup "$inv" "Cyclops eye jewel">><<pickup "$inv" "Cheese">><<pickup "$inv" "Stakes">> <<pickup "$inv" "Bronze Key9">><<pickup "$inv" "Small Key111">><<pickup "$inv" "Bronze Key99">><<pickup "$inv" "Red Key111">><<pickup "$inv" "Copper Key66">><<pickup "$inv" "Gold Key125">> */ [[047|ff01-074]]

<<switch visited()>> <<case 1>> As you pull the knob, a deafening clanging noise rings through the passageways. You frantically push the knob back to stop the alarm, but it has already had its effect. You can hear footsteps coming closer down the corridor. [[See what you have attracted.|ff01-161]] <<default>> You may either [[return to the junction|ff01-256]] or you may [[push the knob|ff01-364]]. <</switch>>

You are at a junction where you may [[go north|ff01-398]], although this passage ends shortly in a dead end. You may [[go west|ff01-297]] or you may [[go south|ff01-114]].

As you push the knob, a small stone doorway slides open. You can either ignore it and [[return to the junction|ff01-256]] or you can [[climb through|ff01-373]]. You must make your decision quickly, as the door shuts of its own accord in 30 seconds!<<timed 30s>><<replace "#eggs">>The door has closed, you will have to [[return to the junction|ff01-256]].<</replace>><</timed>>

<<switch visited()>> <<case 1>>There are no signs of any secret passages, but you suddenly hear footsteps coming towards you. [[See what you have attracted.|ff01-161]] <<default>><<goto [[ff01-117]]>> <</switch>>

You are in an east—west passageway. You can go [[east|ff01-354]], or [[west|ff01-308]]

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_019 -= 1>><</if>><<switch $e_019>><<case 2>>These two evil creatures are ''Goblins''. They attack you one at a time. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Gobin", 5, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-019", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 1>>One dead. Here comes the next one. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Gobin", 5, 6, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-317", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<default>><<goto [[ff01-317]]>><</switch>><<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-317]]<</silently>>

You cut down the Dwarf. He is, as you guessed, dead. Going through the pockets of the two ''Goblins'', you find a large piece of sweet-smelling ''Cheese''. <<linkreplace "You can take the cheese.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Cheese">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>> Leave the room [[northwards|ff01-303]].

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_020 -= 1>><</if>> <<switch $e_020>> <<case 4>>The skirmish commences. You have your sword, they have their axes. They come at you one at a time...[[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Dwarf", 7, 4, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-020", 1, 1, "ff01-291"]]] <<case 3>>One dead, here comes the next one... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Dwarf", 6, 6, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-020", 1, 1, "ff01-291"]]] <<case 2>>Two dead, here we go again...[[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Dwarf", 7, 7, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-020", 1, 1, "ff01-291"]]] <<case 1>>One more to go, your arm is aching...[[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Dwarf", 7, 7, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-376", 1, 1, "ff01-291"]]] <<default>> <<goto [[ff01-376]]>> <</switch>> <<silently>> [[Dummy|ff01-291]] [[Dummy|ff01-376]] <</silently>>

<<if visited() is 1>><<xluck "3">><<xgold "4">>You may collect all the copper pieces on the table. They are worth a total of 4 Gold Pieces. (Add 3 Luck points)<<else>>You are in a small room.<</if>> <<linkreplace "You may pause to eat a meal.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> You can [[leave through the door|ff01-291]].

The green blood of the dead ''Orcs'' smells foul as it seeps from their bodies. You step around the corpses and investigate the chest. It is a sturdy affair, made of strong oak and iron, and it is firmly locked. You may try to [[smash the lock|ff01-339]] with your sword or leave it alone and go through the [[open door|ff01-293]].

The passageway ends in a solid doorway and you are surprised to see a leather skirt tacked along the bottom of the door. You listen but hear nothing. Will you [[enter the room|ff01-326]] or return to the [[junction |ff01-229]]?

You poke around looking for signs of secret doors but can find none. You pause to ponder your situation and a small jet of gas hisses from the ceiling. You cough and choke to clear your lungs, but collapse to your knees. Your head spins and you flop to the floor in an unconscious heap. When you come to, you look around in an unfamiliar place. [[Continue|ff01-004]]

The lock was obviously inadequate; it flies off and lands on the floor several metres away. You lift up the heavy lid and your eyes widen as you see the gold sheen coming from within. A fair number of Gold Pieces are inside. In one corner lies a ''small black bottle'' with a tight glass stopper, containing a liquid of some kind. Also in the chest is a ''silky black glove''. But as you are admiring this treasure you hear a soft click and wince in pain as a small dart shoots forward into your stomach. <<timed 10s>><<set _xx to 0 - random(1, 6)>><<xstamina _xx>>[[Continue|ff01-201]]<</timed>>

You arrive back at the junction in the passage and [[walk straight on eastwards|ff01-113]].

<img src="images/ff01-326.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You enter a small room with bare, rocky walls. On the far wall hangs a ''golden key''. There appears to be no way through the room. Do you want to [[go for the key|ff01-035]] or leave it and [[return to the junction|ff01-229]]?

You arrive back at the junction and this time [[turn right|ff01-069]].

The paintings are portraits of men. Your spine shivers as you read the nameplate under the one on the west wall — it is that of ''Zagor'', the ''Warlock'' whose treasure you are seeking. You look at his portrait and realize you are pitting yourself against an awesome adversary. You have the feeling that you are being watched and notice the piercing eyes following you as you move. You find yourself drawn towards his portrait and your fear rises. <<xskill "-1">> (You lose a Skill point.) Do you have the courage to try to combat the ''Warlock''? You may either leave through the [[north door|ff01-090][$c_stamina -= 2]] straightaway (you will lose 2 Stamina), or you may look through [[your pack|ff01-340]] for a weapon to use against the ''Warlock's'' power.

You open the door into a narrow passage and follow it northwards. Some metres up the passageway, it turns to the east, then turns to the north. However, at this second bend, there is a small alcove in the rock. It seems a convenient hiding place and a large rock forms a comfortable seat. <<linkreplace "You may stop here and eat a ''Meal'' if you wish.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> When you have rested, continue [[northwards|ff01-253]].

You try various items of equipment against the gaze of the painting, but none seems to work. You may try any of the following: <<if $inv.has("Sword")>>Slash the painting with your [[sword|ff01-388]]<</if>> <<if $inv.has("Cyclops eye jewel")>>Hold a [[jewel|ff01-031]] up in front of it<</if>> <<if $inv.has("Stakes")>>Plunge a [[wooden stake|ff01-241]] into it<</if>> <<if $inv.has("Cheese")>>Throw [[cheese|ff01-045]] at it<</if>>

You remember ''Di Maggio's'' small, leather-bound book, and silently mouth the spell contained within its pages. You shout loudly at the ''Dragon'' and it stops in its tracks. It cocks its head to one side and eyes you suspiciously. You fling a stone at its head, and the rock bounces off its nose. The beast lets out an angry cry and breathes deeply, a roaring sound being created from within its throat. The ''Dragon'' exhales, and from between its teeth you can see another fireball building up. You prepare yourself, and as the ball of flame comes from its mouth, you cry: ''"Ekil Erif Ekarn Erif Erif Erif Di Maggio"'' The fireball continues no further. With an agonized scream, the ''Dragon'' tries to shake the flames from its snout. But there the burning continues. Squealing in agony, the ''Dragon'' turns its back and leaps into the blackness, flailing its head from side to side. [[Continue|ff01-371]]

You gain 3 Luck points for defeating the Dragon.<<xluck "3">> Safe for the moment, you investigate the cavern and find a passageway which [[continues to the west|ff01-274]]. <<linkreplace "If you are hungry you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>>

The sword is ''enchanted'' and will aid you in battle. You increase your Initial Skill by 2 points, add 2 points to your current Skill value, and add 2 points to your Luck for finding this sword. You throw your old sword away.<<set $s_skill += 2, $c_skill +=2>><<xluck "2">> [[Continue|ff01-319]]

To find the secret of the another item you have collected you can [[investigate it|ff01-221]]. When you have finished investigating you can [[continue|ff01-081]].

The mighty ''Giant'' lies dead! You search his cavern and find little of use.<<xgold "8">><<xluck "2">><<xskill "2">> A purse in his belt contains 8 Gold Pieces which you take.<</if>> You are a little concerned about the second chair; to whom does it belong? You decide to leave the cavern [[the way you came|ff01-351]].

You arrive back at the junction and [[turn eastwards|ff01-076]].

Apart from the ''boots'', which you decide to ignore, there appears to be little of value in the cavern. You decide to head back the [[way you came|ff01-375]].

You arrive back at the junction and this time [[turn northwards|ff01-005]].

A loose stone falls out to reveal a rope in the rock. Do you wish to [[pull it|ff01-067]]? If you feel it would be wiser to leave it alone, you can return to [[the crossroads|ff01-267]].

You pull on the rope and a small door swings open revealing a passage into a north—south corridor. Will you return to the [[crossroads|ff01-267]] or go through the [[secret door|ff01-177]]?

<<xluck "2">><<drop "$inv" "Cheese">>You toss the ''Cheese'' across the room at the ''Rats'' and they scramble for it, nipping and scratching each other as they fight for it. Having distracted them, you pass through the room and leave by the door in the [[north wall|ff01-124]].

The door opens into a wide passageway and you follow this for some distance before reaching a junction. Here you may either go [[northwards|ff01-138]] or turn to the [[east|ff01-076]].

The sleeping creature awakens startled. He jumps up and rushes at you, unarmed. With your sword you should be able to defeat him, but his sharp teeth look rather vicious. If you defeat the creature, you may take the box. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 6, 4, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-147", 1, 1, "ff01-320"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-320]][[Dummy|ff01-147]]<</silently>>

You run out of the room and slam the door shut behind you. You turn northwards up the passageway passing a similar-looking door further up. [[Continue|ff01-363]].

You leave the room and open the box in the passage. Inside you find a single Piece of Gold and a small mouse, which must have been the creature's pet.<<xgold "1">><<xluck "2">> You keep the coin and release the mouse, which scurries off down the passageway. [[Continue|ff01-208]].

The door opens into a short corridor about fifteen metres long. There are two doors, one at each end. You now realize what the noise was. More ''Skeletons''! Four of them, armed with swords, are running down the corridor towards you. They don't appear to have seen you and you notice a slight recess in the wall which may be a [[useful hiding place|ff01-374]].

As you step into the room, the door swings shut behind you. As it closes, there is a click and a hiss. From the centre of the ceiling, a jet of gas is filling the room with an acrid vapour. You breathe and cough deeply. You look at the door and then the key. Will you [[return to the door|ff01-136]] and escape quickly or hold your breath and [[dash for the key|ff01-361]]?

You arrive at the door, struggle with the lock and open the door. You burst out, closing the door behind you and take several deep breaths. Return to the [[junction|ff01-229]].

You snatch the key from it hook. It has the number ''125'' inscribed on it.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Gold Key125">> But your lungs are bursting. <<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>><<if $roll lte $c_skill>>You make it across the room to the [[door|ff01-136]].<<else>><<xskill "-2">><<xstamina "-3">>You are forced to take a breath of poison gas, damaging your Skill and Stamina. Dash for the [[door|ff01-136]].<</if>>

<img src="images/ff01-036.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The locked door bursts open and a nauseating stench hits your nostrils. Inside the room the floor is covered with bones, rotting vegetation and slime. A wild-haired old man, clothed in rags, rushes at you screaming. His beard is long and grey, and he is waving an old wooden chair-leg. Is he simply insane as he appears, or has this been some kind of trap? You may either shout at him to try to [[calm him down|ff01-263]] or draw your sword and [[attack him|ff01-353]].

You shout: "You are freed, old man!" at the top of your voice. Instantly, his rantings cease. He stops dead in his tracks and sinks to the floor, weeping loudly. As he gradually composes himself, he thanks you many times. You talk with him in the hope of discovering some of the secrets of the mountain and he begins to tell his story. Many years ago he was an adventurer like you in search of the Warlock's treasure. He was captured by the Orcs and thrown into his solitary cell as a sort of pet for the creatures. You ask whether he would like to accompany you into the mountain, but he simply wants to leave and see the world again. You ask him for advice but he says he knows little. He advises you to pay your respects to the boatman. He tells you that you must pull the ''right-hand'' lever on the wall ahead to open the iron gate at the end of the passage. He has also learned that the keys to the Boat House are guarded by a man and his dog. You shake hands, leave the room and go your separate ways. (You gain 1 Luck).<<xluck "1">> [[Continue|ff01-314]].

You lunge at the old man as he leaps towards you with outstretched arms - and run him through the chest with your sword. You curse as you realize that he was making no attempt to attack you; his wild excitement must merely have been relief after having been imprisoned for what had apparently been a very long time. You will now get no information out of him on the perils of the adventure ahead. [[Progress up the passageway|ff01-314]].

Standing at the crossroads you may go either [[north|ff01-366]], [[west|ff01-011]] or [[south|ff01-277]].

You are in a short passageway which comes to a dead end several metres ahead of you. You may [[search for secret passages|ff01-146]], or you may return to the crossroads and either follow the passage ahead to the [[north|ff01-366]], or turn to the [[west|ff01-011]].

<<set $c_meals += 2>>You open the door to find the ''Werewolf's'' larder, a miscellaneous collection of bones and decaying meats. The smell is nauseating. A jar of pickled eggs seems to offer fairly palatable food. There will be enough for two ''Meals''; you add them to your supplies. Back in the room you may now go out through the [[south door|ff01-066]].

The door opens and you find yourself in the passage leading back to the riverbank. You return to the river and may now either go for the [[door|ff01-104]] in the middle of the rockface or go down the [[passage running off eastwards|ff01-099]] along the riverbank.

<<xskill "-1">>The ear-piercing sound gets louder and louder. The pain is unbearable. (Your Skill is reduced by 1 for the agony.) You begin to grope in the dark for a wall. Do you head for: o [[The west wall?|ff01-355]] o [[The north wall?|ff01-265]] o [[The east wall?|ff01-181]]

You grope along the wall but can find no way of escape. The noise is causing you to scream in pain!<<xskill "-1">> You lose 1 Skill point. You may try either the [[east wall|ff01-181]] or the [[north wall|ff01-265]].

You grope around the length of the wall and find a door. Quickly you fumble with the handle. [[It opens|ff01-088]]!

You run along the wall searching for a door but find none. Your ears are on fire with the agony!<<xskill "-1">> You lose 1 Skill point. You may try either the [[west wall|ff01-355]] or the [[north wall|ff01-265]], but you must find a way out soon!

You eventually arrive at the end of the passage, at a three-way junction. You may turn either to the [[west|ff01-257]] or to the [[east|ff01-113]].

The door opens into an east—west passage, which turns north after several metres. Follow [[this direction|ff01-004]], or decide [[against going through|ff01-329]] the door.

You arrive at another junction in the passage. You may either go [[northwards|ff01-285]] or continue [[eastwards|ff01-078]].

You are in a north-south passageway. Go can go [[north|ff01-354]] or turn [[south|ff01-052]]

You are standing at a bend in the passage where you may go either west or south. o [[To go west|ff01-308]] o [[To go south|ff01-052]] o If you want to [[check for secret passages on the way westward|ff01-014]] o If you want to [[check for secret passages as you go south|ff01-234]]

You are standing at a T-junction where a passage to the east comes off a north—south corridor. o To go [[south|ff01-391]] o To check for [[secret passages on the way southwards|ff01-362]] o To go [[north|ff01-354]] o To check for [[secret passages on the way northwards|ff01-234]] o To go [[east|ff01-291]]

<<eat>>Panting after the struggle, you sit down to collect yourself and finish the ''Meal'' you started. Eventually you pack your bag and wade into the stream. [[Continue|ff01-399]]

The current is strong and takes you swiftly down stream. You are washed along through a narrow opening and out into a large cavern with banks on both sides. The current washes you on to the [[south bank|ff01-218]].

<<drop "$inv" "Cheese">>The ''Cheese'' hits the portrait and bounces off, You hear an evil laugh coming from the walls and realize the ''Warlock'' is mocking you. You decide to leave the room by the [[north door|ff01-090]].

In the middle of the river, the bridge swings to and fro as it strains to take your weight. The handrail comes away suddenly as you lean on it... <<switch random(1,6)>> <<case 6>> Argh! You plunge into the river below! [[Continue|ff01-158]] <<default>> Phew! You regained your balance. [[Continue|ff01-298]] <</switch>>

The water around you bristles with activity, as if an invisible hand is dropping unseen pebbles into the river. You gulp - ''Piranhas''! - and you begin to feel their sharp teeth biting into your flesh. You kick with your limbs and slash with your weapons to keep them off until you reach the south bank. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Piranha", 5, 5, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-218", 0, 999, "no"]]]

The bridge is slippery from the splashings of the water. At one point you slip on a tuft of wet moss covering the timbers.<<set $roll = random(1, 6)>> <<switch $roll>><<case 6>>Argh! You fall into the water below and [[start swimming for the nearest bank|ff01-086]].<<default>>Phew! ''Lucky'', you managed to hold on and you [[reach the north bank|ff01-007]].<</switch>>

You are in an east—west corridor. If you go [[east|ff01-391]], you will turn a corner northwards. Or, you can go [[west|ff01-060]].

You walk along the corridor, only to find that the way westwards is blocked by a heavy portcullis. You [[walk back|ff01-048]] to where you were.

The ''Ghoul'' twitches and dies at your feet (gain 2 Luck points).<<xluck "2">> You search its body and find little of interest. A few Gold Pieces and a couple of earrings, worth 1 Gold Piece between them, are in one of its pockets. <<linkreplace "You can take the earrings.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Earrings">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "You can take the 5 Gold Pieces.">><<xgold "5">><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "If you are hungry you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> Now you may either press on [[northwards|ff01-120]] or [[search the second body|ff01-393]].

The door squeaks open on rusty hinges. The room is dark and your eyes begin to adjust themselves as you close the door behind you. You hear a shuffling in the room but before you can react, a blow to your head knocks you senseless. (You lose 2 Stamina points.)<<xstamina "-2">> [[Continue|ff01-122]]

<img src="images/ff01-122.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You awake with a throbbing head and look around. The room is about eight metres square, with doors to the north and south. You have been dumped in the south-west comer. Standing motionless in the centre of the room are four men. At least, they appear to be men. Their skin is a greeny-grey colour. Their clothes are tattered and torn — and they are all staring vacantly at the ceiling. One carries a club, one a scythe, one an axe and one a pick. They are ignoring you completely. Around the room are various peasant-style weapons (pitchforks, axe-handles, pointed sticks, etc.), one or two shields, and several barrels. In the north-east corner is a human corpse with a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. You move your hand up to your head to feel for signs of blood and you are relieved to find you are not bleeding. But as your hand moves, the strange creatures in the centre of the room turn their eyes down towards you. Do you: o Try to [[talk to them|ff01-268]]? o Jump to your feet and [[charge them|ff01-282]] with your sword? o Scramble for an [[exit through the south door|ff01-013]]?

As you try the walls up the passageway, a secret door opens up along the west wall. [[Continue|ff01-177]].

<<switch visited()>><<case 1>>You find no secret passages. However, your rummagings attract the attentions of something sinister... [[See what you have attracted.|ff01-161]] <<default>>[[Continue up the passageway|ff01-043]]. <</switch>>

You are standing in the middle of an east-west corridor. To the east is a dead end, which you can [[investigate|ff01-315]]. To the west is a similiar [[junction|ff01-052]]. Another passageway - quite a short one - leads off to the north and ends in a large wooden door which [[you can try|ff01-227]].

<<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1,6)>>You charge the door, hitting it squarely with your shoulder. <<if $roll lte $c_skill>>The door opens. [[Enter|ff01-155]]<<else>>The door shudders but does not budge, and you wince in pain as you hit it (lose 1 Stamina point.)<<xstamina "-1">> [[Continue up the corridor|ff01-300]]<</if>>

<img src="images/ff01-155.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The door splits along its length and you can wrench the timbers apart to let yourself in. A torch hangs from one wall lighting up a small armoury room stocked with swords, shields, helmets, daggers, breastplates and the like. You examine the weaponry and find nothing appearing superior to your own sword. However, a circular iron shield with a golden crescent at its centre catches your eye. You pick it up and feel its weight on your arm. <<linkreplace "If you wish to take this shield it will aid you in battles by helping to fend off wound damage inflicted by a creature on you.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Iron shield">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>> You now leave the room and [[continue up the corridor|ff01-300]].

On the east wall of the passage you see another door, this time made of solid metal. Listening at the door you hear the sound of tortured screams coming from within. If you wish you can try [[opening the door|ff01-102]]. If you decide to ignore this room you can [[continue up the corridor|ff01-303]].

You are standing outside a door at the north end of a north—south passage. You can go [[south|ff01-308]], or go through [[the door|ff01-179]].

You are standing at a crossroads. To the west the passageway goes on a few metres and turns northwards. To the north the passageway ends at a door. To the east the passage continues and eventually turns southwards. Looking south, the passage goes on as far as you can see. o [[Go west|ff01-187]] o [[Go north|ff01-054]] o [[Go south|ff01-160]] o [[Go east|ff01-354]]

<img src="images/ff01-179.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;"> <<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_179 -= 1>><</if>><<switch $e_179>><<case 1>>You have entered a large square room. Broken pottery lies scattered all about. One large clay vase is untouched and is full of clear liquid. A large bowl is full of gold coins. As you enter the room the door slams behind you and you swing round to face a strange-looking creature, half man, half bull who is glaring at you. He is a ''Mintotaur'', and he stalks towards you! He lowers his head, horns pointing at your chest, and charges. You must fight him. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Minotaur", 9, 9, 2, "horns"], $p_stats = ["ff01-258", 1, 3, "ff01-054"]]]<<default>>An empty room. [[Turn around and leave|ff01-054]].<</switch>><<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-258]]<</silently>>

<<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>><<if $roll lte $c_luck>><<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>><<if $roll lte $c_stamina>>You manage to hold on and manoeuvre the raft across to the north bank. You arrive safely but as you step on to the bank, the raft drifts away and makes its own way across the river to the south bank. [[Continue|ff01-007]]<</if>><<else>>The raft throws you into the water and you start to swim back to the south bank. [[Continue|ff01-166]]<</if>>

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_116 -= 1>><</if>> <<switch $e_116>><<case 2>>The skirmish commences. You have your sword, they have their axes. They come at you one at a time... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 5, 4, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = ["ff01-116", 1, 1, "ff01-042"]]]<<case 1>>One dead, here come the next one... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 5, 5, 2, "axe"], $p_stats = [ "ff01-378", 1, 1, "ff01-042"]]]<<default>><<goto [[ff01-378]]>><</switch>><<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-042]][[Dummy|ff01-378]]<</silently>>

<<drop "$inv" "Sword">><<xinvent>>As your sword splashes into the water, a bubbly voice says, "Thank you!" It now seems that the only way onwards is to swim downstream to the east. You [[plunge into the water|ff01-399]].

<img src="images/ff01-058.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">Cautiously you creep along the passageway. After a short time it turns sharply to the north. At the corner there is a bench of solid wood and above the bench a sign reads "Rest Ye Here Weary Traveller". Here you may stop and [[eat a Meal|ff01-015]] or [[continue|ff01-367]].

You walk westwards for some time, then north round a peculiar bend which hairpins straight round to the south. Eventually you wind up at a three-way junction. [[Continue|ff01-150]].

You are at a three-way junction. o [[Go north|ff01-222]] o [[Go east|ff01-297]] o [[Go south|ff01-133]]

As you investigate the cavern, you suddenly hear a scurry of steps behind you and swing round to face the grotesque black shape of a ''Giant spider'' which has been stalking you. The ''Spider's'' body is at least a metre across and you quickly draw your sword to defend yourself. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Giant spider", 7, 8, 2, "venomous bite"], $p_stats = ["ff01-029", 1, 2, "ff01-375"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-029]][[Dummy|ff01-375]]<</silently>>

You continue along the passageway to the east. After some thirty metres it turns to the south. Following it round the bend you eventually come to a stop at a large armoured door. You can [[try the door|ff01-006]]. If you would prefer, you can return along the passage and go through the [[narrow opening|ff01-089]].

As you walk along the corridor, you can see ahead that it is getting narrower. At one point you stoop, and as you do so, a deep, resonating laugh starts up around you. Do you wish to [[continue|ff01-281]] or will you [[turn back|ff01-010]]?

The narrow passageway eventually becomes too small for you to walk along. You get down on your hands and knees, and crawl. Eventually, you will get no further and there seems to be no way through, so you decide to return to the main passage. [[You head for the junction|ff01-010]].

The ''Ghoul'' dances with glee around your body, lays it next to the others on the ground, turns you over and sinks its teeth into your rump. It is not often it gets fresh meat to feed on. [[Your adventure is over|dead]].

As you spring at the ''Chieftain'', his servant rises to his feet, picks up a hefty wooden stick and joins the melee. But to your disappointment he attacks you! Ungrateful wretch! Seeing this, you may [[escape|ff01-293][$c_stamina -= 2]] through the door down the corridor or [[continue the fight|ff01-372]]

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_372 -= 1>><</if>><<switch $e_372>><<case 2>>The battle commences! [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc Chieftain", 7, 6, 2, "whip"], $p_stats = ["ff01-372", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 1>>One dead. Here comes the next one. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Chieftain's servant", 5, 3, 2, "dagger"], $p_stats = ["ff01-021", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<default>><<goto [[ff01-021]]>><</switch>>

You find yourself in a short, narrow passageway with a door ahead to the north. You [[try this door|ff01-049]].

The passageway runs eastwards. Ahead of you, you can see that a solid-looking door blocks the passage. You step up to [[investigate|ff01-383]].

You now stand at a crossroads. o Go [[north|ff01-312]] o Go [[south|ff01-246]] o Go [[east|ff01-079]] o Go [[west|ff01-349]]

You are standing in a north-south passage. To the north you can see a passage off to [[the east|ff01-052]]. To the south, the passage turns westwards. You may go to the [[southern end of the passage|ff01-391]]. In the west wall in front of you is [[a secret door|ff01-175]].

The two ''Goblin'' torturers look at each other amazed, then look at you. They chatter to themselves and then indicate for you to wait while they go off and get another Dwarf to give them some more fun. They disappear out of the room and you cut down the Dwarf who is, as you guessed, quite dead. You decide it best to leave and press on northwards [[up the corridor|ff01-303]].

<img src="images/ff01-303.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You arrive at the end of the passage, where it meets another going east-west. But an iron portcullis blocks your way and no amount of charging is going to budge it. On the wall to your right are two levers and it seems likely that these levers have something to do with raising the portcullis. Do you wish to pull the [[right|ff01-128]] lever or the [[left|ff01-243]] lever?

Some way along the passage, the corridor bends round to the north and you follow it until you reach another junction. At this junction you see an arrow cut into the rock, pointing to the north, and you decide to [[try this direction|ff01-244]].

The passage runs northwards, and ahead you can hear the splashings of an underground river. The air becomes cool and fresh. You soon reach a wide opening of a river bank but despair as you look across to see no way through on the other side. To the east the river flows through a cave in the rock. You may either sit, [[rest and eat a Meal|ff01-143]] or continue by what seems to be the only way forward, jumping into the river and [[swimming downstream|ff01-399]].

You follow the cobbled corridor east, then north, then east again and finally north until you wind up at a [[crossroads|ff01-267]].

You now have a fresh set of armour. You keep the fresh set and throw away the other. [[Continue|ff01-319]].

The passage ahead leads you northwards. The rocky floor becomes sandy until eventually you are walking on a sort of coarse sand. You notice the passage is widening and ahead you can hear a flowing river. You continue until you find yourself in a large cavern through which a [[river flows|ff01-218]].

<img src="images/ff01-218.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You are on the south bank of an underground river facing across its black depths. There appears to be four ways of crossing. To your left, a rusted bell bears the sign: "Ferry Service 2 Gold Pieces - Please Ring". You could [[ring the bell|ff01-003]]. There is a small raft in front of you on the bank with a long stick resting beside it; you could [[punt across the river|ff01-386]]. A [[rickety old bridge|ff01-209]] crosses on the right. If you don't trust any of these, [[you may swim|ff01-316]]. Which will you choose?

The creature you are facing is a ''Vampire''! Against such a powerful creature your sword will do little real damage. <<if $inv.has("Silver crucifix")>>A crucifix will hold him at bay but will not kill him. You could use it to get you through the [[west door|ff01-380][$c_stamina -= 2]].<</if>> If you are determined to kill the Vampire, you must overpower it and drive a wooden stake through its heart. <<if $inv.has("Wooden stakes")>>You have some in you rucksack, so could try to [[kill the Vampire|ff01-017]].<<else>>Sadly, you don't have a stake.<</if>> You could just draw your sword and [[fight|ff01-333]].

You are in a narrow east-west corridor. Looking westwards you can see a crossroads ahead. You go on to the crossroads. [[Continue|ff01-037]]

Using two stakes you form a cross and move towards the ''Vampire'', backing it into a corner. It hisses and snatches at you but cannot come near you. However, it is going to be tricky getting the stake through its heart. As you advance, you stumble and fall forwards. As luck would have it, the stake flies forward and plunges into the shrieking creature. <<testluck>> <<if $lucky>>The stake pierces the ''Vampire's'' heart. You look for [[its treasure|ff01-327]].<<else>>The ''Vampire'' is merely grazed by the wound and it flings you backwards across the room towards the west door. You can escape through the [[west door|ff01-380][$c_stamina -= 2]] or [[keep on fighting|ff01-144]].<</if>>

As you swing your sword at the creature, it reaches out and catches the blade in its hand! Your weapon is almost ineffective against the considerable strength of the creature. You realize this and panic, but you must fight on. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats to ["Vampire", 10, 10, 2, "clawed hands"], $p_stats to ["ff01-327", 1, 6, "ff01-380"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-327]][[Dummy|ff01-380]][[Dummy|ff01-224]]<</silently>>

The body on the floor turns visibly older in front of your eyes. The face looks fifty, then ninety, then well over a hundred years old. The skin rots and the eyes decompose as you watch. You notice a move ment coming from the creature’s chest. As the remnants of the Vampire decay, a small black face breaks through its chest. It resembles a small black shrew, but as it frees itself and unfurls its wings you realize it is a bat. You lunge at it, but it flaps away into the darkness. You search the whole chamber quickly (remember, there are several other coffins here!) and find 30 Gold Pieces, a book, and a Y-shaped stick. You put everything in your rucksack. <<pickup "$inv" unique "Y-shaped Stick">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Book">><<xgold "30">><<xluck "3">> You gain 3 Luck points for defeating the Vampire. <<linkreplace "If you are hungry you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> You can leave through the [[west door|ff01-380]].

The creature catches your eye with its own gaze and you find yourself unable to control your own actions. It beckons you forward. You move slowly towards it with your mouth gaping open. It tells you to throw down the stake. As you look down at the stake, you suddenly feel a surge of power return to your own will, and you fling the stake at him from close range.<<testluck>> <<if $lucky>>[[Continue|ff01-101]].<<else>>[[Continue|ff01-217]]. <</if>>

Your lucky throw catches the ''Vampire'' unawares and he shrieks in agony as the stake sinks into his heart. You leap over and thrust it further into his body. His death cries grow weaker and his lifeless body slumps to the floor. [[Continue|ff01-327]].

The stake narrowly misses the Vampire's head. As you watch it travel, you pick up the creature's gaze again. He beckons you towards him once more. Your will has gone. [[Continue|ff01-118]]

As you approach he rises from his coffin, spreads his cloak and takes you under it. Your last living memory is a flash of pain as his sharp teeth sink into your neck. You should never have let yourself get into eye-contact with a ''Vampire''! You are [[dead|dead]]

As you eyes watch the creature's movements, they suddenly make contact with its piercing stare. You are mesmerized and, as it beckons you towards it, your will disappears. [[Continue|ff01-118]].

You sit back and rest from the exhausting battle. You prise the ''jewel'' from the still statue. It is heavy in your hand, must be worth 50 Gold Pieces. You put it in your pack. As you explore the room and the statue, you notice that one of its breastplate sections is loose. When you open this, a ''small key'' is inside. You examine this and notice the number ''111'' on it. With a smile you put the ''Cyclops eye jewel'' and the key in your pack. A lucky find — you have a valuable artefact here.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Cyclops eye jewel">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Small Key111">><<xinvent>><<xluck "3">> <<linkreplace "If you are hungry you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> You set off [[back to the junction|ff01-093]]

You arrive back at the junction and this time you turn [[northwards|ff01-008]].

Your sword flies out of your hand, into the air and you must leap aside as it comes down on you. It grazes your cheek as it falls.<<xstamina "-1">><<xskill "-1">> You decide you'd better pick up you sword and leave the room. You lose a Skill point in fear of the Warlock's power. [[Continue|ff01-090]]

You hold the ''Cyclops eye jewel'' in front of the ''Warlock''. His intimidating stare turns to an expression of pain. He obviously feels the jewel's power. Suddenly his eyes turn white and his expression goes limp. Your confidence gains as you realize you have won your first real battle. (You gain 2 Skill points). <<xskill "2">>Put the jewel back in your pack and leave through the [[north door|ff01-090]].

As you attack the portrait with the wooden stake, you feel a wrench of pain in your wrist. You are forced by some unseen power to drop the stake. You decide to run and leave through the<<xskill "-1">> [[north door|ff01-090]] but lose a Skill point in awe of the Warlock's power.

The passageway ends in another wooden door, this time a small one with a carved bone handle. You listen but hear nothing coming from inside. You try the handle and the door opens into a pear-shaped room with a rough stone floor, making walking across it somewhat awkward. In one corner of the room is a pile of rubble, mainly stones and dust, but there are also two odd-shaped pieces of wood and a length of rope. A door in the north wall leads on. Will you: o [[Examine the bits of wood|ff01-328]]? o [[Study the length of rope|ff01-125]]? o [[Leave through the north door|ff01-073]]?

<img src="images/ff01-205.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The door opens and you find yourself in a dark crypt of some kind. The room is very large. At one end is an altar, and various coffins are strewn about the room, There is a door behind you in the south wall, and also one in the west wall. If you want, you can [[investigate the room|ff01-254]] further. If the place gives you the creeps, you can leave via the [[west door|ff01-380]].

The silence is deathly. A slow drip startles you as you creep around the coffins. The altar is ornately carved and studded with jewels. Beautifully woven drapes hang from the walls although they are threadbare in places. There are three coffins in the room. A creaking noise makes you whirl round and the light from your lantern falls on the largest coffin. It is opening! As you watch, a tall man with a white face sits upright. His eyes open and fall on you. His expression changes from one of tranquillity to one of abject hate. His mouth opens and a terrifying hiss comes from his throat. His teeth are wolf-like. He beckons you to come over. Do you: o [[Approach him|ff01-352]] as he wishes? o Draw your [[sword|ff01-333]] and prepare to fight? o Reach into [[your bag|ff01-279]] for another means of attack? o Run for the [[west door|ff01-380]]?

As you approach you feel his eyes burn into you with considerable power. You begin to weaken under his gaze and Lose 1 Stamina point.<<xstamina "-1">> You are gradually losing your own will. Will you try to draw your sword and [[fight him|ff01-074]] or look for some [[other means of attack|ff01-279]] in your bag?

<<testluck>><<if $lucky>>You break his gaze and can prepare to [[attack|ff01-279]]. <<else>>You are under his control and drop your sword at his command. [[Continue|ff01-118]]<</if>>

You arrive at another junction. An arrow on the wall points northwards and you decide to proceed in this [[direction|ff01-244]].

You follow the passage eastwards for several metres, then it turns to the north. Shortly you reach another junction where you may either go [[straight on|ff01-381]] or you may [[turn right|ff01-311]], into an eastwards passage that soon turns north.

The passage ends at a solid wooden door with metal hinges. Listening at the door, you hear strange mutterings and the clatter of what could be pots and pans. Whatever is in there, there are several of them. Do you want to go [[through the door|ff01-159]] or [[turn back|ff01-237]].

You open the door into a large room which can only be the dining room of the same warty—faced creatures you now recognize. Sitting round a large table are five ''Orcs'' busily drinking and dribbling their bowls of rat-gizzard soup. All are involved in a rowdy argument as to who will get to chew the rat bones left in the large soup cauldron, so they do not see you enter. You may be bold and prepare to [[attack them|ff01-365]] or you may not relish the prospect of taking on five of these creatures and [[sneak back out|ff01-159a]].

You move swiftly down the passage and arrive back at the junction. [[Turn northwards this time|ff01-285]].

The passageway ends in front of you in a dead end. If you wish to search for [[secret passageways|ff01-137]]. If not, return to the [[crossroads|ff01-267]].

You find no secret passages, but as you press the wall, you hear a click. You feel dizzy and slump to the ground. When you come to, you do not recognize your surroundings. [[Continue|ff01-354]].

The key fits the lock and opens the door. You find yourself in a large boathouse. Various boats, in different stages of construction, are lying around. Apart from the door behind you, there is another in the north wall. As you enter, the ''Skeletons'' stop their work and crane their bony necks around to look at you. They pick up planks of wood and hammers and advance towards you. There are five of them. Do you: o Smile nervously and [[back out of the door into the passage|ff01-129]]? o Tell them you've come about [[buying a boat|ff01-123]]? o Tell them you're their new boss and [[order them back to work|ff01-195]]? o Draw your sword and prepare for [[battle|ff01-140]]?

You return to the riverbank and decide to try the [[door in the middle of the rockface|ff01-104]].

Will they believe your story about buying a boat? ''Skeletons'' are pretty simple-minded... <<timed 3s>><<switch random(1, 6)>><<case 1 2 3>>Ha! They believe you, and they all go running through the door in the north wall, leaving you alone in the ''Boat House''. <<xluck "2">> [[Continue|ff01-184]] <<case 4 5>>Hmmm. They're not sure. They send two of their members through the north door whilst the other three watch you with their makeshift weapons. [[Continue|ff01-164]] <<default>>Nope! They definitely don't believe you and keep on advancing. [[Continue|ff01-140]]<</switch>><</timed>>

This is a rather unlikely story, considering that they see very few humans around. Nevertheless, Skeletons are pretty dim - you knew this and that's why you tried the story. <<set _xx to random(1, 6)>> <<switch _xx>><<case 1 2>>They don't believe you and keep on advancing. [[Continue|ff01-140]].<<case 3 4>>They aren't sure, and send two of their number off through the north door whilst the rest hold you at bay with their weapons. [[Continue|ff01-164]].<<default>>They've believed you and they all get back to work!<<xluck "2">> [[Continue|ff01-009]].<</switch>>

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_140 -= 1>><</if>> <<switch $e_140>><<case 5>>The Skeletons advance and force you back to the door. The leader approaches, with two behind, and the final two behind them. Resolve the battle by first fighting the leader... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 7, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-140", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 4>>One down, now for these two... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 6, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-140", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 3>>Got him, next... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 6, 6, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-140", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 2>>Almost there. Two more to go... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 5, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-140", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 1>>Last one now... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 5, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-395", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<default>><<goto [[ff01-395]]>><</switch>> <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-395]]<</silently>>

A noise startles you, prompting you to leave the room quickly. You walk up to investigate the [[north door|ff01-205]]

<<testluck>> <<if $lucky>> ''Lucky'', you make it out through the [[north door|ff01-360]] <<else>> ''Unlucky'', [[Continue|ff01-154]] <</if>>

The door slams shut with a loud bang behind you. You find yourself in a passageway running ahead northwards. You follow it for several metres, until it bends to the west, and continue onwards. Some way down the passage you come across a narrow opening in the north wall and decide to [[go through|ff01-089]].

As you move, the creature's eyes flash open. He sees you and slowly gets to his feet. His breathing becomes heavy and he stalks towards you. You must stand and [[fight him|ff01-041]].

<img src="images/ff01-084.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The door opens into a small room, comfortably furnished with a table, several chairs and a large book case which covers one wall. Seated at the table is an old man with a long grey beard, and squatting on the old man's shoulder is a small winged beast. This creature is no more than six centimetres tall. It has two arms and legs; its skin is a dusty grey colour. It has tiny sharp white teeth and its wings are folded behind its back. The old man says nothing as you walk in through the door, but he beckons you over to sit down at the table. He is tossing in his hand two small white objects. Will you: o [[Sit down|ff01-204]] as he tells you? o Leave the room and [[return to the junction|ff01-280]]? o Draw your sword and [[rush forward|ff01-377]]?

The old man does not look up from the table, but his devilish little pet eyes you suspiciously and starts chattering in a small squeaky voice. The old man grunts and asks you whether you are game for a wager. <<if $c_gold gte 1>>[[Will you accept?|ff01-130]] If not, <<else>>But you have no gold. So, <</if>>you may either [[leave the room|ff01-280]] or [[attack the man|ff01-377]].

You arrive back at the junction and this time take the passageway to the east. The passageway runs for several paces eastwards, then turns north. [[Continue|ff01-311]].

As you draw your sword, the ''Winged Gremlin'' flaps into the air and attacks you, while the old man rushes over to the bookshelf, touches a book and escapes through a secret doorway that opens for him. But you must fight his pet. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Winged Gremlin", 5, 7, 2, "claws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-196", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-196]]<</silently>>

You are at a crossroads. o To go [[north|ff01-106]] o To go [[south|ff01-373]] o To go [[east|ff01-318]] o To go [[west|ff01-059]]

<img src="images/ff01-106.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The passageway ahead runs northwards for some time. <<linkreplace "You may rest along the passage to eat a ''Meal''.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> It then bends to the west and begins to get quite narrow. You reach a small rocky arch which you will have to stoop to get through. On the other side of the arch you pause and look around. You are in a large cavern which disappears into distant blackness. The cavern is partially lit by natural light which streams in through a hole in the roof. You cannot see a way through. As you shine your lantern around the cavern, you hear a rumble. A dull glow flickers in the blackness. Suddenly, a jet of fire shoots from the depths of the cavern, narrowly missing you and singeing the mossy growths on the wall! You throw yourself on to the ground and look up to see a large ''Dragon'' stalking out of the darkness towards you. Smoke curls from its nostrils. Its scaly red skin glistens with an oily covering. The beast is some fifteen metres long! How will you attack the creature? o Draw your sword and [[prepare to attack|ff01-152]]? o Search your memory for [[another means of attack|ff01-126]]?

You are at the south end of a north-south passageway - at a dead end. If you go northwards you will reach [[a crossroads|ff01-085]].

The passageway ends in a dead end. You may either [[return to the crossroads|ff01-085]] or [[search for secret passageways|ff01-228]].

<<if previous() is "useweapon">>Your combined thrashings attract a ''turbulence'' in the water that you had noticed before and this now makes its way towards your part of the river. Out of the corner of your eye you notice this and decide what to do. Do you believe the ''Crocodile'' is on its last legs and you wish to [[continue the battle|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Crocodile", 7, $e_stamina, 2, "jaws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-259", 0, 999, "no"]]]. Otherwise you can [[keep the beast occupied|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Crocodile", 7, $e_stamina, 2, "jaws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-259", 2, 2, "ff01-350"]]] in the faint hope that this mysterious visitor will help you in some way. <<else>>A huge jaw yawns open in front of you. By the size of it, the ''Crocodile'' you are swimming towards must be at least three metres long. The beast slaps its tail in the water and glides towards you. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Crocodile", 7, 6, 2, "jaws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-259", 2, 3, "ff01-086"]]] <</if>><<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-259]][[Dummy|ff01-086]][[Dummy|ff01-350]]<</silently>>

As you swim to the bank away from the ''Crocodile'' you look back to see the mysterious ''turbulence'' approach the reptile's body, break into a frenzy and then move off, leaving not a trace of the animal. Thankful that you were not there to find out what it was, you lift yourself out of the water on to the north bank. <<xskill "1">><<xluck "2">>[[Continue|ff01-007]]

As the ''turbulence'' surrounds you, you can feel the jostlings of many small fish. They start ripping your flesh with vicious bites and you realize that you are surrounded by deadly ''Piranhas!'' <<if $e_stamina lt 6>>Luckily you wounded the ''Crocodile'' and the majority of the ''Piranha'' attack it. A few are attacking you. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Piranha", 5, 1, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-007", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<else>><<set $roll = random(1, 6)>><<switch $roll>><<case 1 2>>Arg! They are attacking you! [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Piranha", 5, 5, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-007", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<default>>Luckily most of them attack the ''Crocodile''. Only a few are attacking you. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Piranha", 5, 1, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-007", 0, 999, "no"]]]<</switch>><</if>> If you win you swim to the shore. <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-007]]<</silently>>

You arrive back at the junction and this time turn [[northwards|ff01-262]]

Some way up the passage, you reach another junction where you may either go [[eastwards|ff01-199]] or turn [[westwards|ff01-251]].

You enter another small room, bare except for a fountain in the middle. Not a particularly grand affair, the fountain is a small carved fish, and a short jet of water comes from its mouth. A wooden sign hangs from the fish and this bears a message. It is written in Goblin tongue, at which you are not very proficient. The first word you cannot understand, but the others read: ''"... NOT DRINK"''. But you are extremely thirsty. Will you [[drink from the fountain|ff01-216]]? Otherwise you can pass it by and leave through a door in the [[north wall|ff01-384]]

The water is refreshing. As you drink more you feel a glow spreading through your body as if you were drinking at the fountain of life.<<xstamina "4">><<set $c_skill to $s_skill>><<set $c_luck to $s_luck>> (It add 4 Stamina points, and restore your Skill and Luck scores) The fountain of life for you must be the fountain of death for the evil Goblins. <<linkreplace "You may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> When you have rested, [[leave through the north door|ff01-384]].

The door opens into a passage which you follow northwards. Shortly you reach a bend and follow it round to the east. Several metres on, you reach a junction at which you may either [[go north|ff01-262]] or continue [[eastwards|ff01-307]].

The narrow staircase is cut into the rock and there are about twenty steps leading down. At the bottom of the steps a passageway leads you into a large open chamber. This chamber stinks of putrefying flesh. The smell is so bad that you are tempted to turn back. Three bodies lie in the chamber. You may either search the bodies, or tiptoe quietly through the room. What will you do: o Search the [[first body|ff01-294]]? o Search the [[second body|ff01-275]]? o Search the [[third body|ff01-148]]? o Tiptoe [[through the room|ff01-107]]?

If you are lucky, your cheating will not be discovered. <<testluck>><<if $lucky>>Ooo... you got away with it.<<set _xx = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>><<xgold _xx>>You won _xx Gold Pieces [[Continue|ff01-131]]<<else>>''Oh no!'' The four notice you are dealing from the bottom of the deck. They pick up axes from behind their chairs and turn on you. [[Continue|ff01-020]]<</if>>

You chat about various things and they seem eager to be friendly. They feel lonely in the dungeon with so much evil about and are happy to speak to visitors of a lawful disposition. They tell you that you are in ''The Maze of Zagor''. The only way out is to go deeper into the dungeon. They tell you that the way through the maze is to leave the room, turn right, right, left, keep going straight ... and then they begin to get a bit vague. They're not entirely sure it is correct. <<linkreplace "You may eat a Meal here, but you will have to share it and thus will only gain half the normal Stamina points.">><<xstamina "-2">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> Eventually you thank them and [[leave the room|ff01-291]].

You walk along a passageway that runs due south, then turns west. After several metres, it ends at a three-way junction. You can check for [[secret passages|ff01-260]] or go straight to the [[junction|ff01-329]].

You find no secret passages. Continue [[north|ff01-359]] or [[south|ff01-329]].

You set off and find yourself in the middle of a north-south passageway. There is a door in the western wall of the passage. Opposite the door is a passage going off eastwards. To the north you can see a door some metres ahead. To the south you can see a junction. Which will you choose: o [[The door in the west wall|ff01-157]]? o [[The door to the north|ff01-392]]? o [[Eastwards|ff01-299]]? o [[Southwards|ff01-238]]?

You find nothing remarkable about the weapons, in fact not a single weapon looks more useful than your sword. As you search the debris, you hear a deep thumping from the north followed by a scream which sends a shiver down your spine. You rush to the north door to [[investigate|ff01-205]].

The ''Skeletons'' do not notice you and disappear through the door into the Boat House. Breathing a sigh of relief, you press on to try the door at the north end of the passage. <<linkreplace "But before you go, you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> (You add 2 Luck for evading the Skeletons.)<<xluck "2">> [[Continue|ff01-207]].

As you speak the old man rises to his feet. "Oh my, oh my, a stranger!" he starts. "Well, do come in, the shop is open. What can I get you? What would you like to buy? What takes your fancy? Which way are you headed? North? Well?" You tell the old man your story. He listens intently and replies, "Oh yes, in that case you will undoubtedly need one of my ''Blue candles''. That will be 20 Gold Pieces please. Cash if you don't mind. Yes, I know it's expensive, but isn't everything these days? Not so long ago these were only 5 Gold Pieces each; but you know what has happened to the price of candlewax since the Long Dark Night - oh, but you probably don't since you don't come from these parts. Never mind. I can guarantee it's still worth the price. You might need it sooner than you think ..." <<if $c_gold gte 20>><<linkreplace "You can buy a Blue candle if you want.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Blue candle">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>><<else>>But you only have $c_gold gold and you are getting a little tired of his constant prattling.<</if>> Leave the room and [[go northwards|ff01-292]].

He is a little startled by your onslaught, but simply raises his hand. As he does so, you suddenly collide heavily into ... apparently nothing. You sit on the floor in a heap, rubbing your nose.<<xstamina "-2">> The old man chuckles and says, "You poor fool. Did you think I was defenceless in such a den of evil as this? You will regret your folly." You rise to your feet and return to the passageway, turning [[north up the corridor|ff01-292]].

As you crawl into the room, a voice booms out: "Welcome, adventurer. I have been expecting you." You stop, look around and rise to your feet. The little old man has changed. He is not so old and grey any more, and he's of an imposing height. His eyes are deep and black and they are fixed on you relentlessly. [[Continue|ff01-358]]

<img src="images/ff01-358.jpg" align="left" style="padding:10px;">The battle will call upon all your reserves of strength and cunning. Your adversary has disappeared and now stands at the far end of the room in front of a door with two locks. How will you approach him: o Grip your sword firmly and [[advance towards him|ff01-142]]? o Look through your pack for a [[weapon|ff01-105]] to use? o Look around the room for another means of [[attack or defence|ff01-389]]?

<img src="images/ff01-383.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">A sign above the door reads ''Boat House''. The door is firmly locked but a small barred window allows you to look inside. You can see a number of ''Skeleton-men'' working on building a boat of some sort. They move in a series of quick, jerky actions, rather insect-like. <<if $inv.has("Boat House key")>> o You have a key clearly labelled 'Boat House', [[use it|ff01-080]].<</if>> o [[Try to break the door down|ff01-264]]. o [[Return to the riverbank and try another route|ff01-129]].

Hesitantly, they agree to let you join in. As you play and chat, they loosen up and eventually you are all laughing and exchanging stories. They seem quite harmless. You may play cards either [[fairly|ff01-346]] or you may try to [[cheat|ff01-091]].

The luck of the cards may or may not be with you. You have two choices:<<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random (1, 6)>> <<linkreplace "You may leave all luck to the cards.">><<switch $roll>><<case 2 4 6 8 10 12>>You lose $roll Gold!<<set $roll = 0 - $roll>><<xgold $roll>><<default>>You win $roll Gold!<<xgold $roll>><</switch>><<if $roll gt 0>><<xluck "2">> 2 Luck points added<</if>><<replace "#xluck">>[[Continue|ff01-131]]<</replace>><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "Use your Luck to help you win.">><<testluck>><<if $lucky>>You win $roll Gold!<<xgold $roll>><<else>>You lose $roll Gold!<<set $roll = 0 - $roll>><<xgold $roll>><</if>><<if $roll gt 0>><<xluck "2">> 2 Luck points added<</if>><<replace "#xcards">>[[Continue|ff01-131]]<</replace>><</linkreplace>>

The door is not locked and opens. The room in front of you seems to be a small torture chamber, with various torture devices around the walls. In the centre of the room, two small, hunchbacked creatures are having their fiendish way with a Dwarf, who is tied to a hook in the ceiling by his wrists. The two hunchbacks are poking and cutting him viciously with their swords. The Dwarf lets out a final scream and falls silent, eyes closed. His captors make disappointed noises and look round angrily at you as if it were your fault that the Dwarf has collapsed. You must act quickly. Will you: o Close the door quickly and [[continue up the corridor|ff01-303]]? o Draw your sword and try to [[fight the creatures|ff01-019]]? o Stride over to the Dwarf, give him a [[jab with your sword|ff01-068]] and put on an evil laugh for the torturers?

You feel a stone move and behind it you find a lever. Will you [[pull the lever|ff01-252]], or leave it and [[return to the crossroads|ff01-359]]?

You pull the lever and, with a great groaning noise, the rock face in front of you and the ground you are standing on start to move. As if you were on a giant rotating table, you spin round until you stand on the other side of a rock face in a north—south passage. Will you [[go north|ff01-312]] or [[south|ff01-226]]?

You are at a crossroads. o To [[go north|ff01-190]] o To [[go south|ff01-094]] o To [[go east|ff01-121]] o To [[go west|ff01-385]]

You rummage through your rucksack. What is in there? You may attempt to use any of the following items that you have: <<set $roll to 0>> <<if $inv.has("Potion of Invisibility")>>[[Potion of Invisibility|ff01-039]]<<set $roll += 1>> <</if>><<if $inv.has("Cyclops eye jewel")>>[[Cyclops eye jewel|ff01-382]]<<set $roll += 1>> <</if>><<if $inv.has("Cheese")>>A piece of [[cheese|ff01-368]]<<set $roll += 1>> <</if>><<if $inv.has("Giver of sleep")>>[[Bow with Silver Arrow|ff01-194]]<<set $roll += 1>> <</if>><<if $inv.has("Y-shaped Stick")>>[[Y-shaped Stick|ff01-215]]<<set $roll += 1>><</if>><<if $roll is 0>>Oh, you don't seem to have anything else that you can use. You draw your sword. [[Continue|ff01-142]].<</if>>

<<set $invisible to 1>>Your opponent is surprised as you disappear in front of him, but he raises his hands as if to cover his eyes and he scans the room with an intense glare. He can sense your presence but cannot make out exactly where you are. You draw your sword and advance. He tilts his head and sniffs the air. You will have to fight him from a distance as, if he gets his hands on you, your invisibility will be no advantage. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Warlock", 11, 18, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = [2, 0, 1, "ff01-396", 0, 999, "no"]]]

You hold the ''Eye'' up in front of him and the jewel gives off a dull glow. You point it towards him and he shrieks! He backs away into a corner and a beam of light shoots from the jewel. As it falls on him he sinks to the floor and a remarkable transformation takes place. He starts to shrivel and grow visibly old in front of you. His skin wrinkles and cracks and he slowly becomes an amorphous heap in the corner. After some moments, the jewel stops glowing and you approach the lifeless bundle of cloth; his robes are all that remain. [[Continue|ff01-396]].

<<drop "$inv" "Cheese">><<xinvent>> The Warlock's laugh resonates in his chamber. "We will see which of us is the mouse!" he cries, and he holds his hand in the air. As he snaps his fingers, a blue flame streams from his hand and blasts you.<<xstamina "-3">> You will have to try something else: o [[Draw your sword and advance|ff01-142]] o [[Try something else from your rucksack|ff01-105]]

You load the bow and fire, but despair as the arrow flies through the air directly at him, stops centimetres from his chest and falls to the floor. He looks up and smiles at you with an evil, gloating smile. What can you do: o [[Draw your sword and advance|ff01-142]]? o [[Try something else from your backpack|ff01-105]]?

<<drop "$inv" "Y-shaped stick">><<xinvent>>You reach into your pack for the stick only to find it split in two pieces! It has broken during your adventure. You throw it away. What else can you try: o [[Draw your sword and advance|ff01-142]]? o [[Try something else from your pack|ff01-105]]?

Resolve your battle: [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Dragon", 10, 12, 2, "claws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-371", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-371]]<</silently>>

Does the name ''Farrigo Di Maggio'' [[mean anything to you|ff01-026]]? If not, you must [[fight the Dragon|ff01-152]].

You tiptoe through the room, up a narrow staircase, ending up at the top of the stairs in a passage. "That was easy," you think, and you begin to have second thoughts about whether it would have been worth while to search the bodies. Do you want to return and [[search the bodies|ff01-148]], starting with the third? Do you want to [[press on|ff01-197]]

As you search the body, you try to avoid looking at the terrible face, grey and decomposing. Maggots crawl from its nose and mouth. You jump back startled when its eyes suddenly flick open! Just in time you avoid a vicious slash from its long sharp fingernails. It quickly springs to its feet and eyes you with a sadistic leer spreading across its mouth. [[Continue|ff01-230]].

At the top of the stairs the passage turns sharply to the east. As you pause to get your bearings, you hear a creaking in the rock behind you. You spin. round in time to see a heavy portcullis drop to seal off the passageway behind you. Your only way now is forward! You may either [[press on forward|ff01-048]] or may [[check the walls for secret passages|ff01-295]].

The moment your foot touches a hand tile, you feel a vice-like grip on your ankle and look down to see a ghostly white ''Hand'' gripping your leg. You fight for your balance and manage to regain it. But to your horror you see that, from every hand-shaped tile in the floor, a similar apparition has appeared, and the floor across to the door is now scattered with ghoulish hands, flexing and snatching in the air. You draw your sword and chop at the ''Hand''. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Hand", 6, 4, 2, "grasping fingers"], $p_stats = ["ff01-185", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-185]]<</silently>>

The hand withers and shrinks back into the floor. At the same time, the other hands stop dead and slowly fade away downwards into the tiles. You decide this time to step on the star-shaped tiles, and step carefully across to the door in the north wall. The door opens. You gain 2 Luck points.<<xluck "2">> [[Continue|ff01-162]].

The liquid is smooth and watery and, as you drink it, you begin to glow. You feel euphoric and a little drunk at the same time. Your confidence grows and your weariness disappears. <<xluck "4">><<set $c_stamina to $c_stamina.clamp($s_stamina-2, $s_stamina)>><<set $c_skill to $c_skill.clamp($s_skill-1, $s_skill)>> The bottle contained ''holy water'', blessed by the Overpriest of Kaynlesh-Ma. It has restored your Stamina almost to full strength and your Skill is almost completely restored. You get 4 Luck points for making such a lucky find. If you have already looked at the parchment, you may leave the room [[northwards|ff01-120]]. If you have not, you may [[look at it|ff01-212]].

You leave the chamber, walk down a short passage and reach a staircase going up. You climb the stairs and arrive at the top in [[a passageway|ff01-197]].

The parchment is well worn and almost illegible. It is a map of some sort, headed ''The Maze of Zagor''. You can make little sense of it, although a room to the north is marked ''...GER'' and another to the east is marked ''SM...P...LE''.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Maze map">><<xinvent>> You fold up the map and put it in your pocket. If you have not yet tested the liquid you [[can do so|ff01-369]]. Otherwise, you can [[make your way northwards|ff01-120]].

<<if visited() is 1>><<xgold "10">>You are now 8 Gold Pieces richer. You also find another 2 Gold Pieces in his boot, hidden there for safety.<</if>>[[Continue|ff01-319]]

He will not be pacified. As you shift uneasily around the room, he shouts a word at the dog. [[Continue|ff01-249]].

The ''dog'' springs as you move, its hideous black teeth are coming straight for your throat! Two metres from you, a blast of fire shoots from its mouth right at your face! You duck just in time but must now fight the beast. Beware its fiery breath. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Dog", 7, 6, 2, "hideous teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-304", 1, 1, "ff01-066"]]]

You see nothing in the room likely to help you in your battle. Will you: o Draw your sword, [[grit your teeth and advance|ff01-142]]? o [[Search your rucksack|ff01-105]] for a weapon to use?

His booming voice calls out, "Poor fool. Do you think you could match my power with your puny weapon?" You continue with determination. "If it is a simple brawl you want, stranger, then I shall give you your last!" and with these words, he vanishes and reappears behind you. You swing round to face him and the fight starts. But this is a battle to the death. There is no escaping here. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Warlock", 11, 18, 2, "dagger"], $p_stats = ["ff01-396", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-396]]<</silently>>

The passage goes south, then east and you eventually find yourself at a [[crossroads|ff01-359]].

The poor wretches lying dead at your feet almost look happy to be relieved of the burden of life. But as you look down at them, you sense that you are not the only one to know of their deaths. Looking around the room, you may: o Investigate the [[weapons|ff01-095]] lying around o Go over to the [[dead body|ff01-313]] in the north-east corner o Check the [[barrels|ff01-330]]

You check over the body. The poor wretch was obviously caught in the same way that you were, but his weaker skull shattered under the club's blow. He wears a suit of leather armour, holds a wooden shield on one wrist, and clutches a steel-bladed sword in his other hand. None of them are any better than your own. In his pockets are 8 Gold Pieces and around his neck is a silver crucifix.<<xluck "1">><<xskill "1">> (You gained 1 Luck and 1 Skill point.) <<linkreplace "You can take the 8 Gold Pieces.">><<xgold "8">><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "You can take the silver crucifix.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Silver crucifix">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>> [[Continue|ff01-221]]

The barrels contain a clear brown liquid. You sniff it. it smells like rum. You taste it. It is rum. You cup your hands, pour some in and take a swig. You gasp - by golly, it's good! (Restore 6 points of Stamina and 1 Luck).<<xstamina "6">><<xluck "1">> [[Continue|ff01-081]]

<img src="images/ff01-227.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;"><<if visited() is 1>>The door opens and you find yourself in a small, smoke-filled room. Sitting in the room around a wooden table are four tiny men, each about one metre tall, but all are apparently fully mature, with weathered skin and long, bushy beards. They are cursing, laughing and joking as they play a card game. Each one is leaning back on his tiny chair, puffing a long clay pipe. On the table are a number of copper coins and four mugs of ale. As you walk in, their merriment stops. They are on their guard but don't appear to be too dangerous. One stands up and makes some comment about your lack of manners, not knocking before you came in. The others nod their agreement. Do you: o [[Chat to them and try to befriend them|ff01-131]]? o [[Apologize, bow and leave the room|ff01-291]]? o [[Offer to join in their card game|ff01-100]]? o [[Draw your sword and go for the leader|ff01-020]]? <<else>>A empty room. [[Continue|ff01-291]].<</if>>

You wipe your bloodied sword on the mattress. The green blood Leaves a slimy stain on the straw. Stepping over the bodies towards the table you flinch at the foul stench of the creatures. You pick up the box from under the table and examine it. It is a small wooden box with crude hinges. The name ''Farrigo Di Maggio'' is inscribed on a brass name plate on its lid. Do you want to [[open the box|ff01-296]] or, do you decide to leave it behind and [[exit the room|ff01-042]].

You pick up the rope. It looks normal. In fact it looks as if it might be quite useful. You open your pack to put it in. Suddenly, it comes alive in your fingers, snakes quickly up your arm and attempts to wrap itself around your neck. You struggle to cut the rope with your sword before its grip tightens. <<for $e_125 to 0; $e_125 lt 40; $e_125++>><<testluck>><<if $lucky>>You are ''Lucky'', you cut the rope and it drops to the ground. Leave through the [[north door|ff01-073]]<<break>><<else>><<xstamina "-1">>You are growing weaker... <</if>><</for>>

You step over the bones on the floor to take a closer look at the Boat House. You pick up and study a few of the tools scattered around: hammers, nails, chisels and the like, but they appear very ordinary. You hear a banging sound coming from beyond the north door and have time for one further search before you must react. Do you [[look through the drawers|ff01-322]] of the benches around the room or [[check the tools more carefully|ff01-034]].

The corridor goes east for several metres, then south, then east again, where it finally ends. Will you investigate the [[dead end|ff01-103]] or return to the [[crossroads|ff01-359]]?

Their vocabulary is limited to a series of moans and groans. They appear not to be intelligent at all. Furthermore your conversation merely serves to attract their attention to you. They grip their weapons and it looks as though you will have to fight them. However, there is a slim chance that you could make it to the door you came in through. Do you want to [[try for that door|ff01-013]], or have have resigned yourself to a [[battle|ff01-282]].

You are alone in the Boat House and have some time to search before the ''Skeletons'' will inevitably return. You may either [[search the drawers|ff01-322]] in the room, or may [[investigate the tools|ff01-034]] before they come back. As you begin to search you hear a noise from behind the door in the north wall.

You realize that the two Skeletons who have just run off will soon return and expose your bluff. You must react quickly. Will you beat a [[hasty retreat|ff01-129]] through the door behind you or draw your sword and [[lash out|ff01-236]] at the remaining Skeletons?

The water is icy cold. You start to swim and notice that your splashings are attracting a moving ''turbulence'' in the water. Will your strength and stamina hold out? <<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>> <<if $roll lte $c_stamina>>You believe you can make it and swim furiously for the [[north bank|ff01-151]]<<else>>You decide not to risk it and return to the [[south bank|ff01-218]] <<linkreplace "You may eat a Meal on the south bank.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>><</if>>

You gain ground on the ''turbulence'' in the water but a few metres from the north bank you notice two sinister reptilian eyes on the surface of the water watching you. You are swimming straight for them. If you decide you'd rather not face the owner of the eyes, you may turn round and head straight back to the [[south bank|ff01-218][$c_stamina -= 1]] at full speed — you arrive exhausted (lose 1 Stamina point). Alternatively you can [[risk the eyes ahead|ff01-086]]. You may try a detour which will send you [[nearer the turbulence|ff01-158]]

---- <<set _xx to passage()>>Passage: _xx <<set _xx to previous()>>Previous: _xx /* <<set _xx to passage()>>Passage: _xx Creature: $e_name SK $e_skill ST $e_stamina ATK $e_attack with $e_atkname Player: SK $c_skill ST $c_stamina WIN $p_win FLG $p_flag RND $p_round TGT $p_target <<set _xx to previous()>>Previous: _xx ---- */

You climb on the raft and start to punt your way across the river. The going is not easy. In the middle of the river the raft seems to take on a will of its own and bobs up and down dangerously. You realize it is attempting to capsize itself and throw you into the river! You may either trust your strength and luck to hold on and [[keep punting|ff01-055]] to the north side or [[jump into the water|ff01-166]] and attempt to swim back to the south bank.

The timbers of the bridge are rotting and decayed from years of neglect. A single plank snaps under your foot. <<set $roll = random(1, 6)>> <<if $roll is 6>>Arrg! You fall into the river below. [[Continue|ff01-158]] <<else>>Phew! You regain your footing. [[Continue|ff01-047]]<</if>>

The passage widens and you realize you are about to enter a large cavern. You can hear noises coming from the cavern ahead and you proceed cautiously. As you approach, you can make out a large figure in the distance and you are overawed as you realize that this oversized human must be at least three metres tall! Dressed in a leather tunic, the creature is absorbed in a meal he is eating at a table. The cavern is at least a hundred metres across and must be the home of this ''Giant''. A large table and two chairs are along one of the walls, and it is here that the creature sits. Intent on his meal (a large pig), he is unlikely to notice you. Around the rest of the cavern you can see his straw mattress, a great furry pelt which may be his blanket or a shawl, and a huge stone-headed hammer, which you would have no hope of budging. A fire burns in one corner of the cavern, under a hole in the ceiling. There appears to be no other way through the cavern. Will you [[take on this brute|ff01-163]] or [[return to the junction|ff01-351]]?

He now stands just under two metres tall. He advances towards you. His body is hairy. His teeth are pointed. His eyes flash. His fingernails are sharp claws. His nose has become a rat-like snout. He is a ''Wererat''! Resolve your battle with him. If you decide to Escape, you may run over the rickety bridge. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Wererat", 8, 5, 2, "fingernails"], $p_stats = ["ff01-342", 1, 2, "ff01-209"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-342]][[Dummy|ff01-209]]<</silently>>

You hear a deep rumbling noise and the ground begins to shudder. Slowly and noisily the portcullis rises into the ceiling. You may now walk to the junction. Will you turn [[west|ff01-210]] or [[east|ff01-058]]?

Shortly along the passage you arrive at another junction where you may go either [[straight ahead westwards|ff01-225]] or [[northwards|ff01-357]].

The shield is a standard wooden type, so you throw it away. [[Continue|ff01-319]].

You are in a north—south corridor which ends in a dead end. You look around the rock face for signs of anything interesting, when suddenly a rock breaks loose above you and lands on your head. Although the blow was not particularly hard, you find you are feeling dizzy. You fight to remain conscious, but are unable to do so. You slump to the ground. When you open your eyes, you are at a [[junction|ff01-052]].

<img src="images/ff01-134.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The room is unoccupied and there seems to be no other means of exit. In the centre of the floor stands a table, and on this table are two helmets; one of bronze and one of iron. Both are about your size. Will you try one on, or is this worth the risk? o Try on the [[bronze helmet|ff01-202]] o Try on the [[iron helmet|ff01-325]] o Return to the [[junction|ff01-087]]

<<pickup "$inv" unique "Bronze helmet">>You place the Bronze helmet on your head. It fits well. Suddenly a searing pain flashes across your forehead. You cannot think straight. This helmet is cursed and, try as you might, you cannot remove it! It reduces your Skill score by 1.<<xskill "-1">> The pain soon subsides, but you still cannot shift the helmet. You [[stagger back to the junction|ff01-087]], trying desperately to compose yourself..

You place the iron helmet on your head. It fits well. A glow begins to fill your body and you seem to possess a power and confidence beyond anything you have felt before. The helmet is blessed with magic and will increase your chance to hit in combat.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Iron helmet">><<xinvent>> [[Return to the junction|ff01-087]].

The ''Wight'' lies in a heap in the corner of the room. You approach his desk and open the box. There are 18 Gold Pieces within the box. You add 2 Luck points for defeating the creature.<<xluck "2">> <<linkreplace "You can take the gold">><<xgold "18">><</linkreplace>> <<linkreplace "You can eat a Meal.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> When you are ready, you may leave by the [[north door|ff01-360]].

You draw your sword and enter the cavern. The 'Giant'' stops in the middle of a mouthful, raises his head and sniffs the air. He swings round and catches sight of you approaching. Roaring loudly, he flings the pig's carcass at you. <<testluck>><<if $lucky>>You duck, and the carcass misses you.<<else>>Ouch! The carcass bashes into you (lose 1 Stamina point).<<xstamina "-1">><</if>> Then he picks up his hammer and prepares to smash you with it. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Giant", 8, 9, 2, "hammer"], $p_stats = ["ff01-028", 1, 3, "ff01-351"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-028]][[Dummy|ff01-351]]<</silently>>

<<if $c_gold gte 1>> <<set $bet to random(1, $c_gold), $his_roll to random(1, 6), $your_roll to random(1, 6)>>You have to roll the same or greater to win. The old man asks you your stake. You have $c_gold and you decide on $bet Gold Piece<<if $bet gt 1>>s<</if>>. He rolls his dice: <<timed 3s>> $his_roll You roll: <<timed 3s>> $your_roll <<if $his_roll gt $your_roll>> He wins! <<set $e_130 -= 1, $bet = 0 - $bet>><<xgold $bet>> <<else>> You win! <<set $e_130 += 1>><<xgold $bet>> <</if>> Would you like to [[try again?|ff01-130]]<</timed>><</timed>> <<else>> You have no gold to bet with. <</if>> When you have finished, you can leave through the door and return to the [[junction|ff01-130a]].

<<if $e_130 gt 0>> <<xskill "2">> <<xstamina "2">> <<xluck "2">> <</if>> <<goto "ff01-280">>

When the old man learns of your quest for treasure he becomes angry and bids you begone - he'll have nothing to do with fortune-hunters. His dog senses his anger and snarls menacingly. You may either smile, thank him and exit through the [[south door|ff01-066]] or you may stay to try to [[pacify him|ff01-111]].

With the Warlock now defeated, you know your quest is almost over. You approach the door with two locks. There are no keys around.<<set $keycount to 0>><<if $inv.has("Bronze Key9")>><<set $keytotal += 1 >><</if>><<if $inv.has("Small Key111")>><<set $keycount += 1 >><</if>><<if $inv.has("Bronze Key99")>><<set $keycount += 1 >><</if>><<if $inv.has("Red Key111")>><<set $keycount += 1 >><</if>><<if $inv.has("Copper Key66")>><<set $keycount += 1 >><</if>><<if $inv.has("Gold Key125")>><<set $keycount += 1 >><</if>> <<if $keycount gte 2>> You retrieve two keys from your pack and try them in the locks. They turn! [[You open the door and peer round|ff01-242]]. <<else>> You don't have two keys! <<if $c_stamina gte 6>> You break the door down<<xstamina "-5">> [[and peer round|ff01-242]]. <<else>> You try break the door down;<<timed 2s>> Thud...<<next>> Thud ...<<next>><<xstamina "-5">><</timed>>. <</if>> <</if>>

<img src="images/ff01-143.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You squat on the sandy bank. As you prepare your meal you notice a movement in the sand a couple of metres to your left. The movement becomes quite turbulent and you spring to your feet, sword at the ready. Suddenly a large tubular head breaks through the surface, twists around in the air and picks up your scent. The smooth, segmented body of a ''Giant sandworm'' rears up and sways over in your direction. As it does so, a large orifice, with short, spiky teeth, opens in what must be its head. You must do battle with this creature. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Giant sandworm", 7, 7, 2, "spiky teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-044", 1, 3, "ff01-399"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-044]][[Dummy|ff01-399]]<</silently>>

The box has fallen to the ground during your fight with the ''Snake'' and out of it has fallen a bronze-coloured ''key'' with the number ''99'' carved into it.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Bronze Key99">><<xluck "1">> You take this key with you and [[leave the room|ff01-363]].

Further up the passage on the west wall you see another similar door. You listen at the door and grimace to hear the worst singing you have ever heard in your life! Do you want to go into the room to [[investigate this hideous din|ff01-370]] or walk on [[up the passageway|ff01-042]]?

You find no secret passages. You return to the crossroads and proceed either [[northwards|ff01-366]] or [[westwards|ff01-011]].

The creature now standing before you is a semi-decayed man. His quick eyes dart from side to side watching you. His long tongue flashes out with a hissing noise. His teeth and nails are sharp and he doesn't seem to be afraid of your weapon. He is a ''Ghoul!'' He has the ability to paralyse you if you remain in contact with him for too long or get hit four times, so beware! [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Ghoul", 8, 7, 2, "claws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-390", 2, 10, "ff01-064"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-390]][[Dummy|ff01-064]]<</silently>>

As you watch the living mural, you are unaware of the speed with which your candle is burning. Suddenly it flickers and goes out! You again begin to hear the piercing screams and their pitch grows to an unbearable level. You drop to your knees clutching your ears and crawl towards the wall. Which wall will you crawl towards: o The [[east|ff01-181]] wall? o The [[north|ff01-265]] wall? o The [[west|ff01-355]] wall?

You walk up a long corridor, round a sharp hairpinbend at the top and finally along an east-west corridor, eastwards to a [[crossroads|ff01-085]].

You are in an east-west corridor with a T-junction at both ends. You can go [[westwards|ff01-150]] or [[eastwards|ff01-256]].

As you put the two swords into your belt, your new one seems to take on a mind of its own.<<xstamina "-1">> It cuts your leg and, as you draw it out, it turns rubbery in your hand. It's useless now so you fling it into the river. <<drop "$inv" "Enchanted sword">><<xinvent>>It seems that the only way forward is for you to swim eastwards down the river. You plunge in and [[start swimming|ff01-399]].

He is a powerful adversary - a ''Wight''! He is large, strong and evil. The battle commences: [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Wight", 9, 6, 2, "claw"], $p_stats = ["no", 2, 1, "ff01-310"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-310]]<</silently>>

Something is not quite right. You landed a fair blow on him, but he appears not to have noticed the wound! You deduce that this ''Undead'' creature is not vulnerable to normal weapons. [[You may choose a new weapon|ff01-211]].

The door bursts open and you fall headlong into a room. But your heart jumps as you realise you are not landing on the floor, but plunging down a pit of some kind! Luckily the pit is not particularly deep and you land in a heap less than two metres down.<<xstamina "-1">> You lose 1 Stamina point for your bruises, climb out of the pit into the room and leave through the door, [[heading westwards|ff01-092]].

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_365 -= 1>><</if>><<switch $e_365>><<case 5>>The Orcs attack you one at a time. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 6, 4, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-365", 1, 1, "ff01-237"]]]<<case 4>>One dead. Here comes the next one... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 5, 3, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-365", 1, 1, "ff01-237"]]]<<case 3>>Two down... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 6, 4, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-365", 1, 1, "ff01-237"]]]<<case 2>>That's number three... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 5, 2, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-365", 1, 1, "ff01-237"]]]<<case 1>>Last one now... [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Orc", 4, 4, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-183", 1, 1, "ff01-237"]]]<<default>><<goto [[ff01-183]]>><</switch>><<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-183]][[Dummy|ff01-237]]<</silently>>

<<testluck>> <<if $lucky>> <<goto "ff01-237">> <<else>> <<goto "ff01-365">> <</if>>

You follow a long, narrow passageway which goes south, then east, then south again until you eventually find yourself at a [[crossroads|ff01-267]].

The passageway ahead runs northwards and you follow this until you reach another junction. Here you may either continue [[northwards|ff01-023]] or you may turn [[westwards|ff01-069]].

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_236 -= 1>><</if>> <<switch $e_236>> <<case 3>>The battle commences. The Skeletons attack you one by one: [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 6, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-236", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<case 2>>One dead. Here comes the next one. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 6, 6, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-236", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<case 1>>The bodies pile up. Here comes the next. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Skeleton", 5, 5, 2, "sword"], $p_stats = ["ff01-395", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<default>> <<goto [[ff01-395]]>> <</switch>>

The old man thanks you and rather sheepishly ties up his boots. You explain that you mean no harm and he caLms down, calling off his dog. He tells you that this area is the only passageway through to the inner chambers. Some years ago the river swelled after a particularly severe spring thaw and cut off supplies from the outside world. All the area's inhabitants starved to death but the Master, realizing he needed defences against the outside world, put a curse on the area. The last remaining creatures became the Undead and now guard the passageways through. He starts to inquire about you. Will you: o Be straight with him and [[tell him of your quest|ff01-141]]? o Thank him for the chat and [[leave through the south door|ff01-066]]? o Try to [[grab the keys|ff01-249]] and go for the nearest door?

You land in the icy water and frantically swim for the south bank. To your amazement the raft turns round in mid-stream and makes its own way back to the south bank. You quicken your pace, aware that your splashings may at any time attract the attentions of any underwater creatures living in the river. <<set $roll = random(1, 6)>><<switch $roll>><<case 1 2 3 4>>You make it safely back to the [[south bank|ff01-218]].<<default>>[[Continue|ff01-158]]<</switch>>

During your adventure, you will have come across various keys and should have collected some of these. You notice that the box has three key holes. <<if $keycount lt 3>> You do not have three numbered keys, this is the end of your journey. You sit on the chest and weep as you realize that you will have to explore the mountain once more in order to find the keys. <<else>> You may now use three of these keys to try to open the locks on the chest. Pick three keys then click on ''Continue''. <<set $keytotal to 0>> <<if $inv.has("Bronze Key9")>><<linkreplace "Bronze Key 9">><<set $keytotal += 9 >><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Small Key111")>><<linkreplace "Small Key 111">><<set $keytotal += 111 >><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Bronze Key99")>><<linkreplace "Bronze Key 99">><<set $keytotal += 99 >><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Red Key111")>><<linkreplace "Red Key 111">><<set $keytotal += 111 >><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Copper Key66")>><<linkreplace "Copper Key 66">><<set $keytotal += 66 >><</linkreplace>><</if>> <<if $inv.has("Gold Key125")>><<linkreplace "Gold Key 125">><<set $keytotal += 125 >><</linkreplace>><</if>> [[Continue|ff01-139a]] <</if>>

<<switch $keytotal>> <<case 335 288 219 231 276 347>> Two of the keys fit the locks perfectly. The other doesn't. You leap to one side as a jet of clear liquid spurts from the chest. it just misses, but you lose 2 Stamina points as the liquid emits an acidic vapour which makes you cough and choke.<<xstamina "-2">> You can [[try another combination of three keys|ff01-139]]. If you have no more keys to try, you sit down exhausted and in despair after having got so near to your goal. Remember to look for keys next time you enter the dungeon! <<case 233 186 290 174 245 302>> One of the keys turns, but the other two will not fit. As you struggle to try to make them turn, you hear two small clicks and then 'pings' as two miniature darts shoot from the chest at you. You leap back wards to try to avoid them, crack your head on the wall behind you, and slump to the floor, unconscious.<<testluck>> <<if $lucky>> The darts miss you, and you awake with a sore head. Lose 2 Stamina points.<<xstamina "-2">> You can [[try another combination of three keys|ff01-139]] (remember — one of the keys you just used fits perfectly). If you have tried all combinations for the keys that you have, you bury your head in your hands and weep after having got so far. You are so near to achieving your objective, but you will have to try again. Re-enter the dungeon - but remember to look for keys as you progress! <<else>> The darts strike and you [[never recover consciousness|dead]]. <</if>> <<case 200>> You try the keys. Not one will turn. As you try to turn the third key, small catches drop and your last memory is a sting of pain as three small darts pierce your skin. Each is treated with a quick-acting poison. Remember not to use this [[combination of keys next time|dead]]! <<case 192 321>> One by one all the keys click and turn in the locks. You have placed them all correctly! As the last key turns, the lid of the chest comes free and [[you open it|ff01-400]]. <<default>> You need three keys to open the chest. You can [[try again|ff01-139]]. If you have no more keys to try, you sit down exhausted and in despair after having got so near to your goal. Remember to look for keys next time you enter the dungeon! <</switch>>

<h1>Your Quest Is Over!</h1> <img src="images/ff01-400.jpg" align="left" style="padding:10px;"> The Warlock of Firetop Mountain is no more and you are now the owner of the Sorcerer's riches. At least a thousand Gold Pieces, jewellery, diamonds, rubies and pearls are in the chest. Hidden under these you find the Warlock's spell book and as you leaf through the pages, you realize that this tome is probably more valuable than all the treasure. Instructions are given for the control of all the secrets - and the creatures - of Firetop Mountain. With this book, unlimited power is yours and the safety of your return to the village is ensured. Or, if you would prefer, you could remain as master of the domain of Firetop Mountain... Why not try <a href="https://scaryroj.neocities.org/games.htm">another game</a>?

You drink the Potion and can see the look of astonishment spread across the ''Troll'''s face. He comes up to you and feels for you, but you step aside and he gropes the air fruitlessly. He thrashes around, clutching for you, but you are easily able to sidestep him. Eventually he gives up and returns to his chamber, just in time, as you feel yourself reappearing.<<xluck "2">> You gain 2 Luck points. You may leave along the [[passage to the north|ff01-287]].

<img src="images/ff01-287.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The passage continues for quite some time, then you reach the foot of a staircase cut into the rock. You ascend the stairs and they end at a wooden door with rusty hinges. Listening at the door, you can hear some scratching sounds. You try the handle and the door creaks open. You step into a bare room scattered with bones. There is a door on the wall opposite. Gnawing at the bones are three ''Giants rats'' which stop to look at you as you enter. Each is at least one metre long and their tatty coats indicate that they are fighters. You will have to take them on if you are going to get through the room, as they no doubt see you as a tasty meal. <<if $inv.has("Cheese")>>You have some Cheese in your rucksack...[[continue|ff01-032]]<<else>>[[Continue|ff01-309]]<</if>>

You find a secret door which opens into the bend where two passageways meet. To the north a short passage runs into a dead end, and to the east, the passageway reaches a crossroads. You can step through this [[secret door|ff01-187]] into the passageway. If you decide against going through the secret door, close it and return down the passage to [[the crossroads|ff01-359]].

You are standing in the corner of a bend in the passage. To the north the passage ends in a dead end. You can: o [[Investigate the dead end|ff01-171]] o [[Go eastwards|ff01-308]]

<img src="images/ff01-168.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You open the door to a large room. A large chair behind a solid-looking table suggests to you that someone, or something, of rank uses this room. A chest in the centre catches your eye. In a corner of the room stands a man-sized creature with a warty face, standing over a smaller creature of similar race, With the whip in his hand, the ''Orc Chieftain'' has been beating his servant, who is whimpering beneath him. Will you: o [[Attack them both|ff01-372]]? o [[Spring at the Chieftain|ff01-065]] in the hope that his servant will aid you? o Leave the room and head back for [[the junction|ff01-293]]?

The crucifix is solid silver and worth 4 Gold Pieces. You put it in your rucksack.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Silver crucifix">> [[Continue|ff01-319]]

You are standing at the north end of a short north-south passage. You are at a dead end. You can [[investigate the wall|ff01-337]], or [[go southwards|ff01-187]].

You find no secret passages, but as you press the walls, you hear a click. You feet dizzy and slump to the ground. When you come to, the surroundings look strange. [[Continue|ff01-267]]

The old man's eyes flutter open. He sees you and grabs for a half oar lying by his bench. You tell him you mean him no harm but he remains on guard and eyes you cautiously. Although he looks harmless enough, his dog could be dangerous. The man's boots are undone. Will you: o [[Rush the dog|ff01-249]] with your weapon drawn? o [[Ask the man questions|ff01-141]] regarding your quest? o [[Tell him his boots are undone|ff01-165]]?

You are standing in a narrow corridor. Behind you is a secret door to the east. Ahead of you is a crossroads. Will you [[go through the door|ff01-177]], or [[walk to the crossroads|ff01-267]].

You see a well-used door on the right-hand (east) side of the passageway. With your ear to the keyhole, you listen and hear a man screaming for help from inside. Will you [[open the door|ff01-213]] or [[walk on|ff01-314]]?

As you walk up the passage, it visibly widens and eventually you find yourself standing at the mouth of a rough cavern, a natural cave in the rock. As you look into the darkness, the cavern appears to be about 30 metres deep, with no visible exit. Do you want to [[go into the cavern|ff01-270]] or go [[back to the junction|ff01-375]]?

You enter the cavern and look around to see dozens of beautifully coloured stalactites and stalagmites bordering the perimeter. Numerous drips can be heard, but the whole place seems like a magic grotto. Near the back of the cavern, you come across a ''pair of boots'', which seem to have been made quite recently. Will you: o [[Continue investigating the cavern|ff01-061]]? o [[Try on the boots|ff01-394]]? o [[Leave the cavern and return to the junction|ff01-375]]?

You tiptoe precariously across the room to the door in the north wall. You open the door and [[proceed through it|ff01-162]].

You sort through the broken pots and find little of interest. The liquid looks, smells and tastes like water. The coins in the pot are a fraud. Eight genuine Gold Pieces lie on the surface of the pile, and you take these, but underneath are merely painted pieces of pot.<<xgold "8">> As you tip the vase out it slips and breaks. A red-coloured ''key'' appears, hidden inside a false bottom in the bowl. You take this key. It is inscribed with the number ''111''.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Red Key111">><<xluck "2">> You gain 2 Luck points for defeating the Minotaur. <<linkreplace "You may rest here and eat a Meal.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> You can leave through the [[west door|ff01-054]].

The passageway goes west and then south. Finally you come to a stop at a dead end. You may return to the three-way junction and [[go east|ff01-070]] or [[north|ff01-329]], or you may [[investigate the dead end|ff01-022]].

You search the bodies of the dead Orcs but find only a few teeth, nails, bones and knives in their pockets. You search the cupboards around the room but find only crude bowls, plates and spoons. But under the serving hatch you find a ''thin leather case'' half a metre long. You may [[open the case|ff01-266]] or you may leave it behind and [[walk out of the door|ff01-237]]. You are proud of your victory and gain 1 Skill and 5 Stamina points.<<xskill "1">><<xstamina "5">>

<img src="images/ff01-266.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The case opens easily and inside you find a magnificent bow and one silver arrow. An inscription on the case says: "The giver of sleep to those who never can". You put the bow, arrow and case in your pack. (Add 1 Luck point).<<xluck "1">><<pickup "$inv" "Giver of sleep">> <<linkreplace "You may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> [[Leave the room|ff01-237]].

The ''Wererat'' slumps to the ground. You search his body and find 2 Gold Pieces, his fare from the last crossing. You curse him for trying to overcharge you. You take the 2 Gold Pieces and row yourself across the river. You gain 2 Luck points. As you moor the boat on the north bank you look back at the body. It has vanished! <<xluck "2">><<xgold "2">>[[Continue|ff01-007]].

You are in a narrow north—south corridor. There is a dead end to the north. You may [[check the dead end|ff01-167]] or give up and [[return to the crossroads|ff01-359]].

He shrieks and hides behind his desk. He is terrified of your aggressive manner. His squeaky little voice explains that he is the Mazemaster in charge of The Maze of Zagor. You talk to him and reassure him that you mean no harm and he eventually comes out from behind the desk. He sits down and as his confidence returns, a strange thing happens. His manner becomes firm and self-assured. He refers to a book, points his finger and the book slips from the shelf and floats on to the desk in front of him. You deduce that he is a Wizard of some power; perhaps even the dungeon Master himself, come to investigate you. You ask him the way out of the maze. He tells you to leave by the south door, walk past a door on your right until you can go no further and turn left. Go over a crossroads and turn left at the next one. o If you take his advice, leave through the south door and keep going until you [[reach the second crossroads|ff01-308]] o If you leave through the south door but intend to [[make your own way round|ff01-392]] o If you leave via the [[west door|ff01-046]]

You are in a north—south corridor. You may go either northwards [[through a large wooden door|ff01-206]] or [[south|ff01-329]].

<img src="images/ff01-193.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The door opens and you enter a small room. Your eyes widen as you look around to see that the walls of the room are covered in ornate stonework. Mosaics and marble inlays give this room a kind of beauty you have never seen before. In a corner of the room is a large metal statue of a one-eyed creature. In its single eye is a sparkling ''jewel''. As there appear to be no other ways through the room, you will have to go back to the junction - but that large ''jewel'' is very tempting. Will you leave it alone and [[go back to the junction|ff01-093]] or [[try to take the jewel with you|ff01-338]]?

You approach the statue cautiously. A scampering behind you makes you flash round.. . but it is only a rat. You feel at the ''jewel'', but it is solidly in place. You try to work your sword in behind it and as you work, you hear an ominous creaking noise. To your horror the statue is beginning to move! You jump down and draw your sword. The ''Iron Cyclops'' cranes its head round towards you and steps down from its pedestal. You must fight! [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Iron Cyclops", 10, 10, 2, "iron fist"], $p_stats = ["ff01-075", 1, 1, "ff01-093"]]] If you want to Escape during combat, you can run through the door back to the junction. <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-075]][[Dummy|ff01-093]]<</silently>>

You search the room. Try as you may you cannot find the secret switch to open the door in the book shelf - the old man must have locked it from the inside.<<xgold "5">> You do find 5 Gold Pieces in a drawer in the table. You decide to [[return to the junction to the south|ff01-280]].

<<switch visited()>><<case 1>>You find no secret passages. However, your explorations attract some sort of creature, and as you listen you can hear something coming down the corridor towards you. [[See what you have attracted.|ff01-161]]<<default>>You may press on [[down the passageway|ff01-048]].<</switch>>

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">> <<set $e_199 -= 1>>One dead. Here comes the next one. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Caveman", 6, 4, 2, "club"], $p_stats = ["ff01-283", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<else>> The passageway ahead widens and you can see ahead a large cavern. As you shine your lantern around it you can see crude stone weapons on the floor and a smouldering fire in the centre of the cave. But you see no way through. As you turn to make your way back you stop in your tracks to see two Neanderthal ''Cavemen'' barring your exit. They grunt aggressively at you. You draw your sword and must prepare to fight. If you win, you leave the cavern and return to the junction. Here comes the first one! [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Caveman", 7, 6, 2, "club"], $p_stats = ["ff01-199", 0, 999, "no"]]] <</if>><<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-283]]<</silently>>

You arrive back at the junction and [[progress westwards|ff01-251]].

You sink to the floor. You pull the dart out and decide to bandage the wound. This gives some relief, but you still feel weak. You decide to take it easy and examine the contents of the chest. <<pickup "$inv" unique "Potion of Invisibility">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Glove">><<xgold "25">> <<linkreplace "If you are hungry you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> There are 25 Gold Pieces and the label on the bottle shows it to be a ''Potion of Invisibility'', good for one dose. The glove is a mystery. You put all of these into your rucksack and [[leave the room|ff01-293]].

<<xluck "1">>You get a Luck point for defeating the Werewolf. As you look around the room there appears to be little of use. <<linkreplace "If you are hungry you may eat a Meal here.">><<eat>><</linkreplace>> The bunch of keys looks interesting, particularly the one marked ''Boat House''. None are numbered. You take the keys.<<pickup "$inv" unique "Boat House key">> There are doors to the [[west|ff01-038]] and [[south|ff01-066]].

"You again?" says the Mazemaster obviously annoyed at being disturbed. "You are disturbing my concentration. Be off with you!" You begin to explain that you only returned by mistake, but as you open your mouth, an icy glare from the old man silences you. You decide to leave him to it. Do you want to leave by the [[west door|ff01-046]], or leave by the [[south door|ff01-392]]?

The old man glares at you as you enter the room. You may either apologize, explain that you lost your way and leave through either the [[door in the west|ff01-046]] or [[south walls|ff01-392]], or alternatively you may try to talk to the old man. If you want to talk to him, you can either [[be pleasant|ff01-220]] or you can [[demand that he answers your questions|ff01-191]].

Going through the door you enter a large room. Various bits of wooden debris are strewn untidily across the floor. Apart from your entrance door, there is also a door in the north wall. In one corner is a crude wooden desk with a box on it. In another corner, apparently asleep (or dead), is a hideous-looking man-sized creature with warty skin, wild hair and long claws for fingernails. Will you [[tiptoe out through the north door|ff01-083]] or [[tiptoe across to the desk to look at the box|ff01-154]]?

The door opens to reveal a small room with a stone floor and dirty walls. There is a stale smell in the air. In the centre of the room is a makeshift wooden table on which is standing a lit candle. Under the table is a small box. In the far corner of the room is a straw mattress. You may either [[open the box|ff01-240]] or [[leave the room|ff01-363]].

The passageway continues westwards and then turns due north. Some way up, you reach a junction where a narrow passage runs off to the west. Will you [[continue northwards|ff01-077]] or take the [[west way|ff01-063]]?

The passage runs for some distance northwards and then starts to open into a large cavern with rough walls. There appears to be no way through. Will you [[return to the junction|ff01-269]] or [[enter the cavern|ff01-057]]?

You swallow some of the liquid. [[Continue|ff01-109]].

The door is locked. You try to charge it down. <<set $roll = random(1, 6) + random(1, 6)>><<if $roll lte $c_skill>>The door bursts open. [[Go through the door|ff01-036]].<<else>>Ouch! You bruised your shoulder.<<xstamina "-1">> The door is still locked.<</if>> You can progress [[up the passage|ff01-314]].

Further up the passage you see a door in the east wall. You listen hard, but can hear no sound. Do you want to [[open the door to investigate|ff01-223]]? Do you you want to [[walk further up the passage|ff01-300]].

The short passage begins to narrow and ends a few metres ahead at a doorway. Do you wish to go [[through the door|ff01-336]]? If you decide against this direction you can [[go back to the river|ff01-214]].

He is enraged by your pleasantries. He waves his hand in the air, mumbles a few strange syllables and then points at you. You feel your head spinning and pass out. [[You awake in a dead-end passage|ff01-171]].

The door is firmly locked. You may try to [[force it open|ff01-053]] or you may [[continue along the corridor|ff01-300]].

You walk a short distance south and find yourself at a [[crossroads|ff01-267]].

You find no secret passage ways. You are careful not to make too much noise in case you attract any wandering creatures. You stop and listen but can not hear anything. [[You return to the crossroads|ff01-085]].

''Inventory'' ---- Meals: @@color:red;''$c_meals''@@ Gold: @@color:red;''$c_gold''@@ <<inventory "$inv">> <> ---- <<if $inv.has("Potion of Luck")>> <<link "Drink Potion of Luck?">> <<drinkluck>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $inv.has("Potion of Skill")>> <<link "Drink Potion of Skill?">> <<drinkskill>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $inv.has("Potion of Strength")>> <<link "Drink Potion of Strength?">> <<drinkstrength>> <</link>> <</if>> <> ---- ''Stats:'' Skill: @@color:red;''$c_skill''@@ (Max: $s_skill) Stamina: @@color:red;''$c_stamina''@@ (Max: $s_stamina) Luck: @@color:red;''$c_luck''@@ (Max: $s_luck)

Almost exhausted after your awkward fight with the ''Spider'', you set to work on hacking the ''boots'' off with your sword, Eventually they come free and you may leave the cavern down the passageway and [[back to the junction|ff01-375]].

You follow the passage westwards, then it turns sharply to the north and, some metres further on, a passage runs off to the west. Would you like to go [[along the westwards passage|ff01-176]] or [[carry on northwards|ff01-005]] up the passage.

You are at a three-way junction: o [[Go east|ff01-070]] o [[Go west|ff01-180]] o [[Go north|ff01-329]]

You think back to the words of the old man. "You might need it sooner than you think..." You grope in your pack and pull out the candle. Immediately it lights itself of its own accord. The howling stops and the room appears bathed in a blue light from the candle. On the walls, the figures in the mural are //moving//! They are mouthing silent screams as if trapped in a two-dimensional hell. On the wall opposite is another door, which you may [[leave through|ff01-088]], or you may [[stay to investigate|ff01-149]].<<xluck "1">> (You add 1 Luck for your foresight).<<drop "$inv" "Blue candle">>

<img src="images/ff01-240.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The box is light, but something rattles within. You open the lid and a small ''Snake'' darts out to bite at your wrist! You must fight the Snake. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Snake", 5, 2, 2, "fangs"], $p_stats = ["ff01-145", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-145]]<</silently>>

The door opens to reveal a small, dimly lit room. The walls are hung with ornate curtains, laced in silver and gold. A single flame burns in one corner, throwing light on a low table in the middle of the floor. On this table is a large chest. You step up to investigate the chest and from all around, yet from nowhere, a mysterious sound fills the room. It sounds like the rumbling of thunder clouds preparing to make storm. You approach the chest and can see that it is held shut by three locks. As you approach, the noise gets louder. Will you: o [[Hack at the box|ff01-379]] with your sword to try to split it open? o [[Search through your bags|ff01-139]] to see if you can find keys to fit?

As you prepare to strike the box, the rumbling sound gets louder. You lift your sword high and prepare to strike. As your blade comes down on the box, a loud crack deafens you and, from one corner of the room, a small bolt of lightning darts through the air to the sword hilt, sending you reeling across the room. <<testluck>> <<if $lucky>>Your sword has shattered and lies on the floor, but you managed to release your grip just before the lightning struck.<<drop "$inv" "Sword">><<xinvent>> You may try to [[use keys|ff01-139]] from your rucksack.<<else>>Your charred remains have formed a small black outline on the floor. Next time, do not try to strike the chest! [[Continue|dead]].<</if>>

To your horror, you realize that this dummy lever was a trap! Although it looked like a handle, it was in fact a wax-coated sword blade and it has now cut your hand badly... <<set $roll = random(1, 6)>> <<switch $roll>><<case 1 3 5>>That was your sword hand! <<xskill "-3">><<xstamina "-1">><<default>>Thank goodness it wasn't your sword hand.<<xskill "-1">><<xstamina "-2">> <</switch>> Do you now wish to pull the [[right lever|ff01-128]]? If not, you won't be getting much further.

You set off south along a cobbled passageway. It swings west, then south, then west again until you find yourself at a three-way junction: o Go [[north|ff01-329]] o Go [[west|ff01-180]] o Go [[back east|ff01-070]]

<img src="images/ff01-251.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The passageway twists sharply northwards and ahead you can hear water flowing. You eventually reach the south bank of an underground river. As you stand on the pebbled bank you hear a fluttering of wings and look up to see three ''giant bats'' swooping down on you to attack. Fight these three as a single creature. You may Escape by jumping into the river. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Bats", 6, 6, 2, "fangs"], $p_stats = ["ff01-344", 1, 1, "ff01-399"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-344]][[Dummy|ff01-399]]<</silently>>

You sheathe your sword and walk up to the water. Is it safe to swim? Although you cannot see any immediate signs of danger either in the water or around its banks, there is no way through on the north side of the river. You suddenly notice a gleaming sword lying on the river bed several steps in. You wade in to retrieve it. It is light in your hand, far less cumbersome than your own weapon, and it has a keen edge. This marvellous weapon will add 1 point to your Skill whilst you use it. <<pickup "$inv" unique "Enchanted sword">><<xinvent>> A mysterious voice speaking directly to your mind seems to be telling you to throw your own sword into the river. Will you: o [[Throw your old sword into the river|ff01-056]]? o [[Keep both swords|ff01-153]]?

You follow a long, narrow passageway which goes north, then west, then north again and you eventually find yourself at a [[crossroads|ff01-308]].

Both pieces of wood are Y-shaped and smooth, as if washed up from a river.<<linkreplace " You can put one in your pack.">><<pickup "$inv" unique "Y-shaped Stick">><<xinvent>><</linkreplace>> Now you can either leave through the [[north door|ff01-073]] or stay and [[examine the rope|ff01-125]].

The passageway ends in a sturdy wooden door. Do you want to try [[opening it|ff01-193]], or do you want to go back to the junction and [[try another route|ff01-093]].

You feel around the rock face at the end of the passage. One rock comes free and reveals a small knob with a handle on the end. Will you [[push|ff01-364]] it or [[pull|ff01-012]] it?

The passageway runs straight for several metres and then ends at a wooden door. You listen at the door and hear angry shouting coming from within. Will you [[investigate|ff01-168]] or [[turn back|ff01-293]]?

There is no way you are going to charge the door down as it is twelve centimetres of solid oak! You bruise your sword arm at the attempt. (Lose 1 Skill point).<<xskill "-1">> You can only get through the door if you have the ''Boat House key''. <<if $inv.has("Boat House key")>> Which you have! You should have [[used it|ff01-080]] straight away. <<else>> You will have to return to the riverbank and [[try again|ff01-129]]. <</if>>

You walk a few metres down the passage and find yourself at a dead end. You may either [[return to the crossroads|ff01-267]] or [[investigate|ff01-030]] the end of the passage.

<img src="images/ff01-394.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The boots are well-fashioned in a deep red leather. They are much sturdier than your own and fit you well. You try a few steps but are horrified to find that you cannot move, and the boots seem to be gripping your feet with considerable force. As you struggle to free yourself, you hear a crack and a smash as a stalactite falls from the roof; you crane round to see a large black shape shifting towards you. As it approaches, you turn cold. Several metres away is a ''Giant spider'', at least a metre across, advancing towards you on spiny legs, mandibles clicking nervously in anticipation of its next meal. You draw your sword to defend yourself as it stalks you, but the boots will hamper you has you cannot move. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Giant spider", 7, 8, 2, "mandibles"], $p_stats = ["ff01-232", 3, -2, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-232]]<</silently>>

<img src="images/ff01-336.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">You are in a small, foul-smelling room. You notice two doors: one to the west and one behind you to the south. The furniture in the room is sparse and has been made mostly from bits of old boats. There appears to he nothing of value in the room, but a bunch of keys hangs on the wall. An old man in ragged clothes is slumped asleep on a 'bench' made from half a rowing boat, snoring loudly. Next to him is a vicious-looking brown dog with red eyes and black teeth, whom you have awakened and who now is eyeing you suspiciously. A deep growl is coming from its throat. You may: o [[Tiptoe an exit through the south door|ff01-066]] o [[Bang on the door behind you and cough a few 'Ahem's' to wakeup the old man|ff01-172]] o [[Leap across the room with sword drawn to cut down the dog|ff01-249]]

You leave the cavern along a long, narrow corridor. After several hundred metres, it ends at a large wooden door which is slightly ajar. Carefully you ease it open a little further and poke your head around the side to see what is in the room. You see a small old man sitting at a tab]e on his own, playing with a pack of cards. He looks quite a harmless old soul, grey-haired and bearded. He is seated. What will you do: o [[Burst through the door, sword drawn, to surprise the old man|ff01-324]]? o [[Knock on the door and enter, greeting the old man courteously|ff01-356]]? o [[Get down on all fours and try to creep into the room unnoticed|ff01-098]]?

As you burst through the door, the old man turns to look at you, not in the least perturbed by your intrusion. Suddenly he vanishes! He reappears against the wall and, as you spin round to see him, he laughs. Not the feeble cackle of an old man, but the booming laugh of a much younger man. Again he disappears, and reappears in another corner of the room, glaring at you and taunting you with his evil laugh. You swirl round just in time to see him disappear again. This time he reappears in the air above you and slowly floats down to you. His glaring eyes make you shiver as they approach. [[Continue|ff01-358]].

The old man looks at you, accepts your greetings and bids you sit down. You sit at the table and notice that he is glaring at you. His piercing stare is becoming hypnotic, but you realize this and break eye contact. He opens his mouth to speak and to your amazement, instead of an old man's voice, the whole room resonates to a powerful voice which seems to be coming from the walls themselves. You throw a glance back at the man and can see him changing before your very eyes. He is of imposing height. His tattered old rags have become robes of velvet and gold. His black eyes are fixed directly on yours. [[He has been expecting you ...|ff01-358]]

<img src="images/ff01-275.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">As you move over towards the second body, you accidentally kick the third corpse on the floor, its eyes flick open and it quickly sits up and slashes at you with its long, sharp fingernails.<<testluck>> <<if $lucky>> The creature missed you! <<else>> Ouch! It caught you across the leg.<<xstamina "-1">> <</if>> [[Continue|ff01-230]].

<img src="images/ff01-311.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The passageway ends in a door at which you listen but hear nothing. Trying the handle, you find that the door opens to reveal a large, square room. The room is completely bare, but the floor is covered in a mosaic of tiles. Two shapes stand out on the floor; star-shaped tiles and hand-shaped tiles A door on the opposite wall is the only way through. Will you: o [[Walk across the room to the door|ff01-305]]? o [[Walk across the room stepping only on stars|ff01-178]]? o [[Walk across the room stepping only on hands|ff01-108]]?

You find 5 Gold Pieces in the pockets of the corpse. You gain 1 Luck point for your find. You may now either:<<xgold "5">><<xluck "1">> o [[Search the second body|ff01-275]] o [[Search the third body|ff01-148]] o [[Tiptoe through the room northwards|ff01-107]]

<<if previous() is "enemyhitsyou">><<set $e_309 -= 1>><</if>><<switch $e_309>><<case 3>>You draw your sword and wait for the ''Rats'' to spring. As the leader prepares to jump, you shout loudly and leap forward at it. Your cry frightens off the other two and they scamper back a few paces. Fight each of the Rats in turn: [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Rat", 5, 4, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-309", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<case 2>>One dead. Here comes the next one. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Rat", 6, 3, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-309", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<case 1>>Last one.. [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Rat", 5, 5, 2, "teeth"], $p_stats = ["ff01-309", 0, 999, "no"]]]<<default>>You may leave through the [[door in the north wall|ff01-124]].<</switch>>

You look frantically round the room but can see nothing to aid you. Suddenly your eyes stop on the pack of cards he was fingering as you entered, and you remember the rumours and stories the villagers told you: "The Warlock's power comes from his cards." The sorcerer sees your interest in them and you both rush for the table. You get there first. "Leave those alone," he screams, "or you risk my fullest wrath!" But you move backwards and set fire to one with your lantern. He cries out wildly and then begins to plead with you to leave them alone. One by one you burn the cards and, as you do so, the Warlock diminishes in stature. As the last card goes up in flames, he stands facing you, a broken man. "My book!" he croaks, and he tries to unlock the door on the far side. You race across to him with your sword drawn and spring at him. Resolve this battle: [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Warlock", 7, 12, 2, "dagger"], $p_stats = ["ff01-396", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-396]]<</silently>>

The box contains a small leather-bound book entitled //The Making and Casting of Dragonfire.// You open the pages and begin to read. Fortunately it is written in your own language and so was probably not understood by the Orcs - otherwise this treasure would certainty not be as loosely guarded as it was. The book is written in tiny handwriting by ''Farrigo Di Maggio''. In it he tells the story of his life's work; the creation of the Dragonfire spell with which to fight evil Dragons. You read how, in his last years, Farrigo finally perfected his spell but by then was too old to make use of it. So he completed his book, locked it in a chest and hid it in the depths of Firetop Mountain, afraid that it might fall into the wrong hands. The last page reads: "And so, you who now hold this book, you have my power in your hands. the power of destruction is yours if you wish it, but do not waste it. Unless you use the spell for the purpose for which it was intended, you shall yourself be consumed by evil itself and die by the fire from own own hands. Remember, only when the Dragon breathes its fire at you should you raise your arms and say ' Ekil Erif, Ekam Erif, Erif Erif, Di Maggio'. You say these words slowly and softly. Suddenly the pages seem to glow and as this glow disappears, so do the words on the pages of the book.<<timed 30s>><<replace "#book">><</replace>><</timed>> You repeat the spell to yourself to memorize it and [[leave the room|ff01-042]].

The dead-end appears to have no secret passageways. You can [[double-check|ff01-306]] or [[go back|ff01-291]].

The passageway runs east for several metres and then runs north. You walk a long way northwards. You may [[check for secret passages|ff01-260]] along the way or simply [[proceed northwards|ff01-359]].

<<xluck "1">>The old man is furious at you killing his dog! His eyes turn white with anger. He slowly rises from his seat and as he stands he appears to gain in size and stature. He is changing in front of your eyes. He sprouts hair on his face and forearms. His nose lengthens and becomes dog-like. His teeth are pointed. He is a ''Werewolf'' and he advances towards you. You can [[Escape|escape][$e_name = "Werewolf", $e_attack = 2, $p_target = "ff01-066"]] only through the door behind you to the south. Otherwise you must fight him: [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Werewolf", 8, 8, 2, "claws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-203", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-203]][[Dummy|ff01-066]]<</silently>>

<<set $roll to 0>><<testluck>><<set $roll += $lucky>><<testluck>><<set $roll += $lucky>><<testluck>><<set $roll += $lucky>><<switch $roll>><<case 3>>You made it to the far door and can [[leave the room|ff01-162]].<<default>>Oops! You stood on a hand tile. [[Continue|ff01-108]]<</switch>>

<<switch visited()>><<case 1>>You still find no secret passageways. But coming towards you down the corridor you can see a creature-like shape. [[See what you have attracted.|ff01-161]]<<default>>You can go [[back along the corridor|ff01-291]].<</switch>>

The passage twists and turns and eventually ends in a solid iron door. You listen but hear nothing. You can try to [[open the door|ff01-134]] or you can go [[back to the junction|ff01-087]].

What are these mysterious items you have collected? o [[The armour|ff01-072]]? o [[The sword|ff01-027]]?

After a few metres you reach another three-way junction. You may go either [[northwards|ff01-008]] or [[eastwards|ff01-255]].

The creature is man-sized but its long arms look very powerful. Resolve this battle; [[Fight|fightenemy][$e_stats = ["Troll", 8, 8, 2, "claws"], $p_stats = ["ff01-287", 0, 999, "no"]]] <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-287]]<</silently>>

<img src="images/ff01-370.jpg" align="right" style="padding:10px;">The door opens to reveal a small room. The room is dirty and unkempt. A straw mattress lies in one corner. In the centre of the room is a wooden table upon which a candle burns, lighting the room with its flickering flame. A small box rests under the table. Seated around the table are two small creatures with warty skin, dressed in leather armour. They are drinking some sort of grog and, by the way they stagger to their feet on your arrival, you assume they are very drunk. You may either draw your sword and [[leap forward at them|ff01-116]] or slam the door quickly and [[run on up the passage|ff01-042]].

The passage ends at a wooden door, trimmed in iron. Various inscriptions adorn the door, but none makes any sense to you. You listen, but hear nothing. You may either [[open the door|ff01-084]] or [[return to the junction|ff01-280]].

<<testluck>><<if $lucky>><<goto [[ff01-289]]>><<else>><<goto [[ff01-112]]>><</if>>

You travel westwards for several paces. Then the passage turns to the north. Some way up, you reach a junction. You may go [[south|ff01-114]] or [[west|ff01-297]]. To the north, the passage ends shortly at a dead end, which you can [[investigate|ff01-398]] if you wish.

You search the pockets of the other body and find 8 Gold Pieces, a bottle of liquid and an old piece of parchment. You can:<<xgold "8">> o [[Read the parchment|ff01-212]] o [[Test the liquid|ff01-369]]

You are at the south end of a north—south corridor. Looking northwards, you can see a passage coming off from the east wall. Do you want to: o [[Go up to this passage|ff01-052]]? o [[Check for secret passages as you walk northwards|ff01-362]]? o [[Go south, following a bend to the west|ff01-048]]?

<<xskill "-1">>You notice that your strength is ebbing. (Lose 1 Skill point.) You deduce that this is yet another magical power of this foul creature and you feel a shiver of panic. Will you [[continue to fight|useweapon][$p_win = "ff01-135", $p_flag = 2, $p_round = 3, $p_target = "ff01-024", $count_rounds = 0]] or [[run|ff01-360]]?

<<if $silver_weapon is "bow">><<drop "$inv" "Giver of sleep">><<xinvent>><<testluck>><<if $lucky>>The arrows strikes the ''Wight''. [[Continue|ff01-135]]<<else>>Oops! Missed. Let's see if you have anything else you can use. [[Continue|ff01-211]]<</if>> <<else>>OK, you are using the $silver_weapon... [[Fight|useweapon][$p_win = "ff01-135", $p_flag = 2, $p_round = 3, $p_target = "ff01-024", $count_rounds = 0, $c_weapon = $silver_weapon ]]<</if>> <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-024]]<</silently>>

''Wights'' are vulnerable only to weapons made of solid silver. <<if $inv.has("Silver chisel")>><<set $silver to 1>><</if>><<if $inv.has("Silver crucifix")>><<set $silver to 1>><</if>><<if $inv.has("Giver of sleep")>><<set $silver to 1>><</if>><<if $silver>>You have something made of silver. Which one will you use: <<if $inv.has("Silver chisel")>> <<linkreplace "o The silver chisel">><<set $silver_weapon to "chisel">><<goto "ff01-173">><</linkreplace>><</if>><<if $inv.has("Silver crucifix")>> <<linkreplace "o The silver crucifix (as a dagger)">><<set $silver_weapon to "crucifix">><<goto "ff01-173">><</linkreplace>><</if>><<if $inv.has("Giver of sleep")>> <<linkreplace "o The Giver of sleep">><<set $silver_weapon to "bow">><<goto "ff01-173">><</linkreplace>><</if>><<else>> You have nothing made of silver, better try to run for the north door!<<xstamina "-2">>@@color:red;Ouch!@@ You were hit by the Wight<<timed 5s>><<set _xx to 1>><</timed>><<if $c_stamina lt 1>><<goto "dead">><<else>><<link "Continue" "ff01-360">><</link>><</if>> <</if>> <<silently>>[[Dummy|ff01-173]]<</silently>>