TILEMASTER2004 DATA V1
SCRIPT: 125
0 CMessage "You look at the book.  The cover is made of black leather with the image of a hideous monster face woven in gold-colored thread." -NL -NL "Read the book? "
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1 AddKeyWords 0 5 1 10 2 11 3 12 4 14 5 15 6 16 7 17 8 18 9 19
2 CMessage -NL "The Great Beastiary" -NL "By Rilis of Seaport" -NL -NL
0 Message "Table of Contents"
0 Message "0: Introduction"
0 Message "1: Goblinoids (Goblin, Kobold, Gremlin)"
0 Message "2: Orcish beasts (Orc, Troll, Ogre)"
0 Message "3: Undead (Skeleton, Ghost, Phantom)"
0 Message "4: Giant vermin (Giant Rat, Giant Bat)"
0 Message "5: Snakes (Normal, Giant, Serpent)"
0 Message "6: Aquatic monsters and enemies (Sea Serpent, Aquatic Terror, Ghost Ship, Pirate Ship)"
0 Message "7: Dragonkind (Drakes, Wyverns, Dragons)"
0 Message "8: Humans"
0 Message "9: Monsters of rumor and legend"
0 Message "Read which chapter? (return to exit)"
0 DoStringInput -PROMPT -IMESSAGE "That is not a valid option." -IPAUSE -ITAG 2
3 Message "You close the book."
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5 CMessage -NL "Introduction" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "My name is Rilis, of late residing in the city of Seaport.  I was formerly a warrior, then an explorer, and now a cleric of Seaport's new, glorious temple, although the details of my life are a bit more complex, such as my dubious time spent as a mercenary.  In any case, I am well-travelled, quite old, and decided that it was time that a record of some of my knowledge may serve the greater good.  So in this book is a clear and concise explanation of most of the monsters found within our lands.  I have unfortunately fought or at least observed most of these creatures personally, save a few.  Therefore, be assured that this information is correct, not exageration or hearsay." -NL -NL
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10 CMessage -NL "Goblinoids" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "These are small, green, vicious humanoid creatures.  The goblin family includes the goblin, the slightly smaller kobold, and the smallest, the gremlin, which also has a magical affinity." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Goblin: Goblins often band together in large groups, and, while there are far more powerful creatures, should not be underestimated.  It is worth noting that some goblins are skilled archers.  Related creatures are kobolds and, a bit more distantly, gremlins." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Kobold: Kobolds are similar to goblins, but a little smaller and less powerful.  Kobolds often band together in large groups and, while there are far more powerful creatures, should not be underestimated.  It is worth noting that some kobolds are skilled archers.  They have some traits similar to both goblins and gremlins, although they seem to be a distinct species and not a hybrid." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Gremlin: Gremlins are similar to kobolds, but smaller and physically less powerful.  They have been said to have some kind of innate magical connection.  Perhaps as part of this, they are extremely skilled thieves, though they tend to use their skills exclusively to steal food, and may, in fact, even pick the pockets of opponents during combat instead of attacking.  Goblins are another related species, although gremlins are much closer to kobolds than to goblins." -NL -NL
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11 CMessage -NL "Orcish beasts" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "These are brutish, humanoid creatures.  The orcish beasts include the standard orc, the slightly larger troll, and the largest, the ogre." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Orc: A man-size, brutish humanoid creature.  Orcs are primitive, but extremely skilled and brutal warriors in combat.  They frequently band together, making them even more dangerous.  Some are skilled archers.  A few are shamans with dark, dangerous powers.  Related creatures include the larger troll, and the even larger ogre." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Troll: A large, brutish humanoid creature.  They are a bit like large orcs, and are a related species, although their appearance differs somewhat.  To avoid confusion, trolls are a distinct species from the huge swamp monsters or tiny goblin-like creatures of various legends that are also sometimes refered to as trolls (although those creatures may be nothing more than legends).  Trolls are extremely brutish, but deceptively crafty when it comes to ambushes, and will often hide near ruins, bridges, and other such remote landmarks.  Some are skilled archers.  Besides orcs, related creatures also include the huge ogre." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Ogre: A very large, brutish humanoid creature.  They are a bit like large trolls, and are a related species, although their appearance differs somewhat.  They are very primitive, but their very large size gives them a massive advantage in combat.  Another related species are orcs." -NL -NL
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12 CMessage -NL "Undead" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "The undead include the skeleton, ghost, and phantom.  It is said that a fourth, extremely powerful type of undead also exists, but the author has found nothing conclusive to support this legend.  Further, a variation on undead exist in the sea: the ghost ship, which is filled with the afore-mentioned creatures." -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Undead are typically created when the remains of the dead are filled with taint, a sort of energy of raw foulness.  Old, abandoned crypts, ruins, battlefields, etc. are likely to create these conditions, while peaceful, natural settings and well-maintained graveyards are usually quite safe.  A special variety of wizards, called necromancers, are also able to create undead using magic." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Skeleton: These are the walking bones of humanoids, many of which carry old, rusty weapons from their days as warriors.  They are skilled fighters that are particularly dangerous because they are fearless, meaning they will never retreat from battle.  It is worth noting that some were apparently archers in life." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Ghost: These undead appear as vaguely humanoid, but are distorted, whispy, blurry, and can be seen through somewhat, as though one was looking through a dirty window.  They can move through most objects, including walls, although they do seem to be blocked by other creatures.  Weapons only seem to be able to contact them some of the time, making them very difficult to hit in battle.  They are also fearless, meaning they will never retreat from battle.  A rumor exists of a more powerful variety of ghost called a wraith, but the truth of this remains unclear." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Phantom: Phantoms are similar to ghosts, but are totally invisible.  They are very rare and this author only reports what he has heard, although from reliable sources." -NL -NL
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14 CMessage -NL "Giant vermin" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Giant vermin include giant rats, giant bats, and giant snakes.  I have categorized giant snakes separately, with their kin.  While rats and sometimes bats can be a nuisance, they rarely attack directly.  However, their giant kin are extremely aggressive and can be a danger.  They are not particular powerful compared to other monsters, but can still be a danger to inexperienced warriors, who should not underestimate them.  While I refer to them as giant, this is a relative term; they are still smaller than a man." -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Note that I have heard rumors of other types of giant vermin in distant lands, but I do not have any specific information on such creatures.  Also note that a strange and horrible creature known as a 'spider' once existed in our lands, but the gods smote them all many years ago, so naturally no giant variety survived, either.  I have seen drawings of these terrible creatures and am quite glad they are gone." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Giant Rat: These are an extremely large, aggressive version of the standard rat, vermin that everyone is unfortunately familiar with." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Giant Bat: These are an extremely large, aggressive version of the standard bat.  Their ability to fly gives them a distinct advantage." -NL -NL
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15 CMessage -NL "Snakes" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Snakes include the normal-sized variety everyone is unfortunately familiar with, the giant snake, and the serpent.  While even the standard snake is a type of monster, the giant snake and serpent are out of the ordinary." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Snake: While some of these creatures are harmless, there are many that are aggressive and inflict poison with their bite.  Note that there is a variety known as the Spitting Snake that can spit poison at range, and can be found living right alongside the standard variety." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Giant Snake: This is an extremely large version of the standard snake.  They have great strength and, like their smaller kin, inflict poison with their bite." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Serpent: These huge beasts are extremely strong, poisonous, and can move across water as easily as across land.  Fortunately, they are also quite rare." -NL -NL
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16 CMessage -NL "Aquatic monsters and enemies" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Here I categorize the monsters that are native to the sea or other water-based environments, as well as the human threat, pirate ships.  Note that any flying creature, such as dragons, or any creature than can also move on land, such as the serpent, are a threat at sea, but are categorized elsewhere." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Sea Serpent: This creature is huge and extremely powerful.  It is wise to avoid them whenever possible.  However, when sea serpents cannot reach a victim that is aboard a ship, they often will attack the ship itself.  In such a case, it is better to engage them directly than to let them sink your ship, as once in the water, there is no warrior that stands a chance against them.  Note that there is a variety known as the sea dragon that can spit fire at range, and can be found living right alongside the standard variety.  Also note that while sea serpents are well-known for trying to sink ships, any creature may do so." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Aquatic Terror: These are ugly, terrifying humanoid monsters that live in water, but can also walk onto the land, moving as quickly and skillfully as any human.  They usually don't carry much beyond a triton, which they are quite skilled with.  However, they can also attack with their razor-sharp claws and fangs.  As with sea serpents, they may attack your ship directly since you won't stand a chance against them once you are in the water.  One of their favorite strategies is to swim underwater where you can't see them coming and then ambush you.  These are often found at sea, but I've also encountered them in deep, fresh-water lakes.  Those in settlements along bodies of water, such as fishing villages and port towns, often hold a stark terror of them, as some have been ambushed by these monsters, who suddenly appeared out of the water, often in the dark of night.  Beware of underestimating their minds, some even being skilled with the dark powers of a shaman." -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Ghost Ship: This ship is a disaster that should barely be afloat, and yet sails as well or better than a normal ship, and glows with a faint, ghostly energy.  While it is clearly of the undead, I have opted to categorize it here, partially because it is not so much a creature itself as it is a vessel for the undead.  That said, the ship itself is embued with the foul energies of its crew, and therefore is much more powerful than it should be given its terrible condition.  It even seems to move wherever the undead desire, contrary to the wind and other such normal rules of navigation.  The crew consists of any variety of undead, although skeletons are the most common.  They are entirely capable of using the ship's cannons, which can easily sink a ship, and can reach a great distance onto shore.  If the undead onboard are destroyed, the ship is freed from the undead taint.  It does not sink and is still usable, although barely, as it becomes as much a wreck as it appears." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Pirate Ship: While I was uncertain of including humans in this book, it would be a grievous error not to include this major threat at sea.  They are skilled sailors.  They will not hesitate to use their cannons, which can easily sink a ship, and can reach a great distance onto shore.  If you engage them directly, the pirates themselves are skilled fighters and some are skilled archers." -NL -NL
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17 CMessage -NL "Dragonkind" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Dragonkind includes drakes, wyverns, and, of course, dragons." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Drake: A drake is like a fairly small, less powerful dragon.  They tend to band together, sometimes even with dragons, serving them.  Drakes attack using claws, biting, tail slaps, and breathing fire, but they cannot breath far enough to attack at range.  They are less-intelligent and far more animalistic than dragons." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Wyvern: A wyvern appears as a smaller, more snake-like dragon, and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a dragon.  They are extremely dangerous opponents.  They attack using claws, biting, and with the poisonous barbs on their tails.  They can also throw the barbs from their tails at range.  It is unclear how intelligent they are because they tend to behave very animalistically." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Dragon: The dragon is one of the most powerful and legendary monsters known.  They attack using claws, biting, and tail slaps.  And, of course, they can breath fire, which can be done at range.  They are extremely intelligent, moreso than even most of the race of men.  Very few fight a dragon and survive." -NL -NL
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18 CMessage -NL "Humans" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "While I was uncertain of including humans in this book, it would be a grievous error not to include the threat posed by various wicked men.  Some of these can be categorized, while others can not.  There are individual human enemies who are skilled well beyond even the average dragon." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Bandits: Bandits are a major threat to travellers, as much as any monster.  They are usually decent warriors, and some are fairly skilled archers.  They typically work together in groups, making them a powerful enemy in combat." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Enemy fighters: Some skilled warriors turn their talents towards evil pursuits." -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Enemy rogues: While not all rogues are nefarious, there are, of course, many who will do whatever they can to fill their own coffers." -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Enemy clerics: These clerics further the goals of some of the less benevolent gods." -NL -NL
0 CMessage "Enemy wizards: A wizard that turns his talents towards evil pursuits can be deadly.  They are known to throw fireballs from a distance and stun their enemies with their direct attacks." -NL -NL
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19 CMessage -NL "Monsters of rumor and legend" -NL -NL
0 CMessage "While this author is quite well-travelled, there are still creatures that I have only heard of in rumor and legend, or have only glimpsed but know little about.  I cannot eleborate much on these creatures, but hope to offer at least some useful warnings about them." -NL -NL "Further, there are certain to be anomalies amoungst all types of monsters.  Certainly, this is true of humans, so why not other creatures?  Legends sometimes speak of more powerful or strange versions of the various monsters I have mentioned in this book." -NL -NL "Lastly, although I have tried to be complete, it is entirely possible that there are creatures so rare or far-removed that I am completely unfamiliar with them." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Beholder (Disembodied Eye): There are a number of consistent legends about a creature that appears much as a gigantic, floating, disembodied eye.  The name I have given this creature is 'beholder'.  Several individuals, myself included, have been in deep, underground passageways and glimpsed this terrifying and bewildering creature.  I had the good fortune never to enter combat with these beasts, but stories tell of them being extremely powerful and slaying entire groups of skilled warriors with magical powers, which is probably why so little is known about them.  I do not know anything more, but it grieves me to think that future generations may find out, as these stories are becoming more and more frequent." -NL -NL
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0 CMessage "Animated Objects: I have heard many legends about objects or even magical energies that have been animated.  I have not personally seen one of these creatures, but several wizards I have met have verified that it is entirely possible." -NL -NL
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