The Crystal Chalice

An adventure by Mike Meineck

The Dark Forces of Klartz were held at bay from Quorom by the power of the Crystal Chalice, but when (finally) they broke through, the Chalice was shattered. Now its fragments are scattered to the four corners of the Kingdom, darkness reigns supreme and a thorn-spiked Tanglewood has overgrown the Meadowplain.

As an Apprentice Adventurer of the Second Order, you have been selected to quest for the lost shards of the Chalice and, through death and danger, to return them to the Palace. Then (and only then) will peace and light return to the stricken Kingdom.

Introduction

Peace and prosperity reigned in the Kingdom of Quorom since the years of Far Beyond. The Dark Forces of Klartz were held at bay by the power of the Crystal Chalice, which was kept in safety in the King's Palace. It radiated warmth and light throughout Quorom, bringing joy and tranquility to all.

This was the rosy state of the Kingdom, until at last a junior White Wizard, on guard at the fringes of the Kingdom, took time to dally with a milkmaid and, by his inattention, allowed the Dark Forces to penetrate the frontier. They slithered through the defences, across the Meadowplain and into the Palace. The Crystal Chalice was shattered and its fragments scattered to the four corners of the Kingdom. Since that dreadful day, darkness has reigned supreme, with a thorn-spiked Tanglewood replacing the lush meadows and a black, brooding castle raised on Dragon Mountain to overlook the plagues and misery sweeping through the Kingdom.

As an apprentice Adventurer of the Second Order, you have been chosen to quest for the lost fragments of the Chalice and, through death and danger, to return them to the Palace. Then (and only then) will peace and light return to the stricken Kingdom!

Playing The Game

Your journey will take you through Quorom, but also into The Klarz, the home of the Dark Forces. You will meet many enemies, spawnedby the presence of evil, and perhaps even the awful fearfulness of Klarz himself. Look out for weapons or any other object which could assist you to survive and remember that, while some foes may be laid low by brute force and cold steel, others must be overcome by stealth or cunning.

Should you stumble in your quest and find yourself overcome by the awesome power of the Dark Forces, I, the Dragon, will assist you and bring both your body and spirit back to the Palace to set out afresh. Your possessions, alas, will be left behind and beware of relying on my powers too freely. Even Dragons can only rescue Second Order Adventurers just so many times!

Commands

Use the following commands to travel in your quest:

N, S, E, W - Go North, South, East, West
NE, SE, NW, SW - North-East, South-East, North-West, South-West
U, D - Up, Down
I, O - In, Out
TAKE [name of object], DROP [name of object]
LOOK - Describe location fully
INVEN - List an inventory of all the objects which you are carrying

There are many, many more commands and words understood by the Dragon, which could assist you in your journey through mystery and danger. Keep your eyes open and your wits sharp and, above all, look out for clues and portents.

May the Dragon protect you in your search!

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CLOAD (ENTER)
RUN (ENTER)

Game Credits

(c) Dungeon Software 1983