Recorded — 1 of 1

"Recorded" by Nick Junius

Release along with cover art, the source text, an interpreter, and a website.

The story description is "Sometimes we lose the things most precious to us and must look for them in unlikely, or sometimes likely places. You have lost your voice and find yourself in a place you do not recognize with its own loss and lies."

Instead of examining the player, say "Everything seems to be there. You say something to yourself, or at least, you try to. You only hear silence. The words were there with nothing to give them form."

[when notes are read, they increment Notes_Read. This can only happen the first time a note is read]

A note is a kind of thing.

A note is scenery.

A note can be read or unread. A note is usually unread.

An extra note is a kind of note.

[Used to track if the player has read enough of the Recorder's notes to allow the key to his lair to spawn]

Notes_Read is a number variable. Notes_Read is 0.

Extra_Notes is a number variable. Extra_Notes is 0.

[The room the player starts in. It also contains the first Recorder note]

The South Inner Circle is a room. "[if South Inner Circle is not visited]You awake to the iciness of the floor on your hands, staring up at a nondescript ceiling. How you found yourself here is a mystery, why you're here even more so. You shout out to the vacant room, maybe someone will hear you. Instead of your voice echoing back, nothing. After a few moments of thought, you realize you never shouted at all, you only wanted to. [end if]Where you stand is entirely nondescript save for [carvings on the wall]. The grey walls are barely illuminated by a sickly pulsing light though its source doesn't seem to be anywhere near you. To the North is a passageway. You can't see where it leads, though something is telling you to walk down it. South of you is an [ancient door]. Where this door leads is probably important considering its construction and immense size."

The ancient door is south of the South Inner Circle and north of the South Outer Circle. The ancient door is a locked door.

The ancient door is scenery.

Instead of examining the ancient door, say "[if the ancient door is locked]A thick layer of dust covers the simple, geometric carvings on the door's surface. At its center sits a circular groove which must be the door's locking mechanism. What could possibly fit this lock?[else if the ancient door is unlocked and the ancient door is closed]The rod rests comfortably in the door's center. Any attempt to pry it out appears fruitless and it has served its purpose anyways.[else]The door's movement has thrown off its dusty coat allowing you to see its green tinged surface."

Every turn:

if the player is in the South Inner Circle and the threaded rod is carried and the ancient door is locked:

try examining the threaded rod.

Before opening the ancient door, if the threaded rod is carried, try unlocking the ancient door with the threaded rod.

After unlocking the ancient door with the threaded rod:

say "You hold the rod out towards the door, unsure of what to expect. Nothing happens for a few seconds then the rod once again comes to life, the metal bands stretch apart and snap into a ring, floating into place. You hear a groan as the ring rotates in its socket.";

now the threaded rod is nowhere.

The threaded rod unlocks the ancient door.

Understand "message", "carving" as carvings on the wall.

The carvings on the wall is a note. The carvings on the wall is in the South Inner Circle.

Instead of examining the carvings on the wall:

say "Through the gloom you can make out this:[line break]'The door, yes, opening the door will shed some light on my predicament, but how to open it? This place...I feel as if I've traveled here countless times, seen this door, and asked myself the same question over and over.'";

if carvings on the wall is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now carvings on the wall is read;

[The endings]

The South Outer Circle is a room.

After going to the South Outer Circle:

say "You walk through the door as it struggles to swing open and see a figure sitting in a small, granite chair in the room's center. As you approach, you notice the figure's arms and legs have been chained to the chair. The only discernible feature of the figure's face is its mouth thanks to the rest of its head being covered by a cloth shroud. The closer you get, the less defined the figure's outline becomes, its fingers blending together and separating as they move. In the still hand, you see some kind of box. The figure finally notices you and the shadowy fingers wrap themselves tighter around the cube. The figure finally speaks with a soft, shadowy voice that only better reflects its almost fading state of being:[paragraph break]

'I see you're...looking for something' The figure's head tilts to look at the hand holding the box. 'And of course...I have it.'[paragraph break]

After a long pause, 'Of course, how could I have forgotten. You may know me as the Recorder. How I got that name...I lost my old one.' The Recorder stares at you intently for a moment. 'Just as you have...I'm afraid.' It twists the box in its hand. 'Along with your voice.'[paragraph break]

It pauses to return its gaze in your direction.

'The question remains, what will you do?' The Recorder's voice has become even more shadowy. 'If you're here, you've already made up your mind...'[paragraph break]";

say "[if Extra_Notes > 0 and the Recorder's Eye is not carried]The Recorder stares at you, possibly waiting for you to do something. The two of you continue to stare until the room shudders, knocking you to the floor and toppling the Recorder. As you pick yourself up, you hear the faint sounds of crumbling stone, deforming metal, and shattering glass all growing louder. The chains binding the Recorder fall away, though it remains in the position it fell. There's nowhere to go as you see the room you initially found yourself in begin to crumble. Your eyes fall back to the Recorder who's appearance has almost faded completely, with only wisps of its hands and head remaining. Another shudder and the room you're standing in begins to crumble leaving only blackness. The Recorder has vanished, you...well you are nowhere. The tendrils of blackness swallow you...[else if the Recorder's Eye is carried]The Recorder's head snaps to stare at the orb you've been carrying and its form regains a tinge of definition. You step away keeping your grip firmly on the orb and watch as the Recorder stains against the chains. You take another step back when the Recorder breaks free of the chains and lunges towards you, shadowy fingers seeking the orb. The fingers miss their target but the sudden move knocks you off balance and you topple over. Seizing the opportunity, the Recorder walks over to you and snatches the orb from your dazed grasp. With the orb in its grasp, the Recorder's form becomes a little clearer with each passing moment. As you pick yourself up, you see the Recorder shutting the door. You hear a metallic groan and know you're trapped here.[else]You take a step towards the Recorder, hoping to snatch your voice from its grasp and you hear a faint hiss. Suddenly, the chains holding the Recorder uncoil themselves from its shadowy figure and lunge towards you, too quick to avoid. They wrap themselves tightly around your limbs and drag you towards the chair. Free from the chains, the Recorder rises from the chair, its figure fading even more as it does so. As the chains maneuver you into the chair and lock your limbs in place, the Recorder reaches the door, fading away like smoke in the wind. The box it was holding clatters to the floor and bounces towards you, coming to a stop at your feet. You watch in silence as the door swings shut. You lose track of time until you hear a gasp come from the other side of the door. You return to staring at the box between your feet and you finally notice how tired you've become. You're hands seem a little closer to shadows than you remember...";

end the story saying "".

[The Hub connects the North, South, East, and West sections. It also contains the altar which can hold the key to the Recorder's lair]

A room called the Hub is north of the South Inner Circle. "The rough stone walls arch over you from every direction creating a massive dome. North, South, East, and West of you are angular archways all leading...somewhere. In the dome's center sits a twisted, misshapen [obsidian altar]. [if Notes_Read < 3]The light seems to be coming from somewhere above the altar, though it has no obvious source. [else if Notes_Read < 7]The light has receded noticeably from the edges of the dome, though the walls are still distinct, if only just. [else]The dome's walls are nearly invisible. With nearly all the light focused on the altar now, you can barely make out the stone archways."

The obsidian altar is scenery and a supporter in the Hub. "The altar almost grows from the floor, spiraling up to about chest height. The top of the altar is unnaturally flat for something so organically shaped. As you study it further, you realize the altar almost appears to be consuming the light emanating from somewhere in the dome."

Instead of touching the obsidian altar, say "Running your hand along its surface reveals a slight, pulsing warmth coming from the altar."

Every turn:

if Notes_Read > 6 and the threaded rod is nowhere:

now the threaded rod is on the obsidian altar.

Instead of examining or touching the threaded rod, say "[if the threaded rod is on the obsidian altar]A rod made of metal bands somehow held together to create an apparently solid object. One end of the rod remains pointing at you as you circle the altar. Every so often, the rod bends in seemingly impossible ways.[else if the player is in the South Inner Circle]The rod, while still feeling completely solid, seems to have regained some of its former life.[else]A rod made of metal bands somehow held together to create an apparently solid object. Before the rod seemed to move with a will of its own. Now it rests peacefully in your hand. Any attempts you make to bend it are fruitless and your efforts wasted."

A room called the North Inner Circle is north of the Hub. "The contrast from the Hub is striking. The entire room is built from pure iron. A [blue flame] flickers at the room's center, suspended eerily in the air. As you pace, your shadow leaps across the walls, floor, and ceiling, revealing [etchings on the floor]. You also notice an angular arch leading further North."

The blue flame is scenery in the North Inner Circle. "A dancing flame with an unusual blue hue. Whatever purpose it serves, it's rather soothing, almost entrancing."

Instead of touching the blue flame, say "You move your hand into the flame. To your surprise, not only is the flame completely devoid of heat, it slithers out of your way. Is it alive?"

Instead of taking the blue flame, say "Even before you reach out to grab the flame, you hear something, almost like the howl of the wind in some far off place. There was definitely meaning behind it and you decide it's best not to disturb the flame. Someone, or something, obviously cares for it."

Understand "message", "etching" as etchings on the floor.

The etchings on the floor is a note. The etchings on the floor is in the North Inner Circle.

Instead of examining the etchings on the floor:

say "By the flickering flame light you read:[line break]'If only there was someone else here...wait...someone else is definitely here. Can they help me? Where are they? Do they have anything to do with this...curious...flame? I can't help but wonder if this person brought me here. If so, for what purpose?'";

if etchings on the floor is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now etchings on the floor is read;

A room called the North Outer Circle is north of the North Inner Circle. "Similar to the last room, this one is entirely iron. A pillar hangs from the ceiling, ending in an [iron table] suspended a few feet above the floor. A quick glance across the surface of the table reveals some [markings], presumably more writing by the person responsible for the others. [if the Recorder's Eye is carried]An archway has appeared to the west. Whoever this...Recorder is, they have certainly left something of great value behind.[else]The only apparent way out is back the way you came, though something tells you there's more here than you can see with your own eyes unaided."

The iron table is scenery and a supporter in the North Outer Circle.

Instead of examining the iron table, say "The table almost could be mistaken for being upside down, were it hanging farther off the ground. Suffice it to say, it's impressive the ceiling has yet to collapse from the table's weight. Unlike the other messages left for you, these appear almost grown from the surface of the table. Who, or what, made these must have spent quite a while writing this one. [if the Recorder's Eye is on the iron table]The strange orb follows your movements with an almost sickening focus."

Understand "orb" as Recorder's Eye.

A thing called the Recorder's Eye is on the iron table.

The description of the Recorder's Eye is "The Recorder's Eye constantly rotates, as if it's following you."

Instead of examining the Recorder's Eye, say "A strangely smooth orb. It's glass coating reveals a small iron core embedded with granite fragments."

Instead of touching the Recorder's Eye, say "[if the Recorder's Eye is carried]With the orb in your hand, you feel it channeling the warmth from your hand into its core. You can tell it isn't draining the life out of you, but why it needs your warmth is another question entirely.[else]You run your finger over its surface feeling the orb's iciness, though no frost has formed on or around it."

Instead of attacking the Recorder's eye, say "You throw the orb at the ground with all your strength in the hope to shatter it. Instead, the orb hits the ground without so much as a scratch on its surface. To your surprise, the orb simply lies where it hit the ground. Reflexively you pick the orb back up, it's been helpful after all."

Instead of opening the Recorder's eye, say "There are no seams anywhere on the orb, let alone somewhere for your fingers to find purchase."

After taking the Recorder's Eye:

say "[line break]";

try looking.

Understand "message", "marking" as markings.

The markings is a note. The markings is in the North Outer Circle.

Instead of examining the markings:

say "The shadows the raised markings create read:[line break]'Someone is definitely watching me. I can feel their eyes on me, particularly in this room. They must be the reason I came here...Did I come here, or was I brought? I...can't remember. I can't remember so much. There's...something I should be doing...I'm not sure what it was...All I know was it was...important, yes, very important.'";

if the markings is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now the markings is read;

A room called the West Inner Circle is west of the Hub. "Unlike the Hub, this room is made entirely from black marble. In a small depression in the floor rests a gently rotating [diamond] reflecting light shafts at odd angles. The beams slowly wash over what might be described as [writing] on the archway leading west."

The diamond is scenery and in the West Inner Circle. "This unusually large diamond rotates perfectly in the room's center casting radiant beams around the room. While it doesn't appear to be the source of the light, it is certainly focusing whatever light enters the room. As the beams pass over you, you feel someone carefully watching you. Once the beam leaves your person, the feeling is immediately lifted."

Instead of taking or touching the diamond, say "Such a beautiful gem would certainly fetch a nice sum back home...home...you know you have a home, but where was it? It was comfortable yes, but that is the only thing you can manage to remember. As you reach your hand out to grab the jewel, you hear a low growl. You have no idea where its source is or what made the noise, but that is enough to stop you from trying to take anything in this room."

Understand "message", "writings" as writing.

The writing is a note. The writing is in the West Inner Circle.

Instead of examining the writing:

say "As beams of light wash over the writing you can make out the words:[line break]'This place...everywhere I go, someone is following me, yet I am alone. There only door here is locked by some...unusual mechanism to say the least. If there is someone here, they have to be behind that door.'";

if the writing is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now the writing is read;

A room called the West Outer Circle is west of the West Inner Circle. "Somehow this room is smaller than the last almost bringing a sense of claustrophobia to the room. The black marble walls gently arch upwards forming a low ceiling. If you were any taller you'd have to uncomfortably stoop to avoid hitting your head. A curious [marble block] rests in the room's center, directly below another [carved message]. Every so often, a beam from the diamond in the previous room strikes the carvings. [if the Recorder's Eye is carried]An arch has appeared north of you. What secrets has the Recorder left there...[else]The only exit is behind you, though you don't feel you've seen everything in this place yet."

The marble block is scenery in the West Outer Circle. "Not only is the block a perfect cube of black marble, polished to a gleaming, nearly glowing, sheen, the block has no seam at its base. How someone carved this block out of the ground is a mystery...maybe one better left to the imagination."

Instead of touching the block, say "It's smooth, so much so that, for a second, you doubt the block is marble and not polished glass."

Understand "carvings", "carving" as the carved message.

The carved message is a note. The carved message is in the West Outer Circle.

Instead of examining the carved message:

say "By the light reflecting from the block you read:[line break]'I thought I saw someone in here. I couldn't have. No, definitely not. I'm alone. Completely...No, I'm not. I can't forget such a thing. There is something else...someone else. They can't want to be found. They must be why I can't...remember. The door. Yes, the door will help...How? I can't get it open. I must unlock it. It has to have answers.'";

if the carved message is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now the carved message is read;

A room called the East Inner Circle is east of the Hub. "From the stone dome that is the Hub, you wouldn't have expected to find a room made of pure glass. Through the glass you see the [void of space] stretching to infinity. Is this real space, or a mere illusion? A [hollow pillar] stands at the center allowing the void surrounding the room to flow into its center. You see an [inscription] spiraling around the pillar. An archway leads further east."

The hollow pillar is scenery in the East Inner Circle. "The void trapped inside is gathering the light reflected from the walls, causing the [inscription] to glow. The feeling of being watched has dissipated somewhat. Could this pillar be the source of light for the rest of this place?"

Instead of touching the hollow pillar, say "You gingerly place your hand on its surface and immediately pull it away and cry out in pain, though no sound escapes your lips. The pillar has scorched your palm with its heat. Surprisingly, the longer you stare at the seared flesh, the faster it heals."

Instead of attacking the hollow pillar, say "You have no idea what releasing the void from the pillar would do, let alone you don't have a suitable weapon to even crack the thick glass. You decide the intelligent thing is to leave the pillar be."

Understand "space", "void" as the void of space.

The void of space is scenery in the East Inner Circle. "The vast expanse of emptiness stretches before you. Is the whole structure floating in nothingness?"

Understand "message", "inscriptions" as the inscription.

The inscription is a note. The inscription is in the East Inner Circle.

Instead of examining the inscription:

say "The glowing inscription reads as follows:[line break]'This place...it's almost alive...this room almost feels like a heart. Why would a structure need a heart? Am I an intruder? I was brought here...against my will...I think...was it against my will? It has to be.'";

if the inscription is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now the inscription is read;

A room called the East Outer Circle is east of the East Inner Circle. "If the previous room had a strangely warm quality to it, this one has the opposite. While no frost covers the glass, you can see your breath and your hands are shaking. Again all around you through the glass is the [expanse of space], this time a little more claustrophobic. On a [strange outcrop on the wall] you see another [carved inscription]. [if the Recorder's Eye is carried]You notice an archway to the South. Perhaps this will at least lead you to your voice if not some answers.[else]The only way out seems to be how you came in, though you find yourself unsure of the truth behind that observation."

The strange outcrop on the wall is scenery in the East Outer Circle. "The more you study this anomaly on the otherwise perfectly smooth wall, the more it appears to be some sort of deformity rather than an intentional design choice. The inscription on here is quite difficult to make out and you face is hit with an intense chill as you bend closer to study this curious formation."

Understand "space", "void" as the void of space.

The expanse of space is scenery in the East Outer Circle. "While the void still appears endless, something about it feels as though it is almost suffocating this place."

Instead of touching the strange outcrop on the wall, say "You reach your hand towards it and stop. Your finger tips are numb with cold. Any attempt to touch this object will likely cost you at least a finger."

Understand "message", "carving", "carvings" as the carved inscription.

The carved inscription is a note. The carved inscription is in the East Outer Circle.

Instead of examining the carved inscription:

say "You can just make out the words:[line break]'Why is this where I feel safe...safe from the one watching me? I'm surrounded by emptiness and in a near formless place. The void is almost a comfort. It's almost like home...I had a home...once...it's...gone now...Is it really gone, or just from me? I want to stay here...it's my new...home...No, this place is tricking me. This place isn't my home...I just...don't have one right now...'";

if the carved inscription is unread:

now Notes_Read is Notes_Read + 1;

now the carved inscription is read;

[To access the hidden rooms, the player must have the Recorder's Eye in their inventory]

Before going to the Hidden Stone Room:

if the player does not carry the Recorder's Eye:

say "You place your hand on the wall, expecting the ordinary feeling of marble beneath your fingers. To your surprise, you don't feel anything, yet your hand cannot go any further.";

stop the action.

A room called the Hidden Stone Room is north of the West Outer Circle. "The marble here is cracked and malformed, receiving no attention, perhaps purposefully. When you came here, the constant feeling of being watched left you. Perhaps the Recorder forgot about this place. On the wall opposite the archway you see a [delicately chiseled message]. Answers? Hopefully. The only way out is back the way you came. This time, you're sure."

The delicately chiseled message is scenery in the Hidden Stone Room."The message reads:[line break]'This place is far more sinister than I could have imagined. It exists simply for its own ends. Why it has brought me here is for its own purpose, nothing more. I can't know its intent for its intent defies human understanding. This place is alive, somehow. It wants...something from me, I'm not sure what. I...I can't save myself anymore. I've lost too much already. I just...just need to save as much as I can...'"

Before going to the Hidden Glass Room:

if the player does not carry the Recorder's Eye:

say "You place your hand on the wall, expecting the ordinary feeling of glass beneath your fingers. To your surprise, you don't feel anything, yet your hand cannot go any further.";

stop the action.

A room called the Hidden Glass Room is south of the East Outer Circle. "Past the room's ceiling, floor, and walls you see what can only be described as emptiness. As you survey your surroundings, you realize your view of the emptiness is distorted thanks to every surface in the room being covered in a single, [repeated phrase]. The only way out is back the way you came. This time, you're sure."

Understand "message" as repeated phrase.

The repeated phrase is scenery in the Hidden Glass Room. "Every inch of every surface is covered by this phrase repeated countless times:[line break]'I am the Recorder'"

Before going to the Hidden Iron Room:

if the player does not carry the Recorder's Eye:

say "You place your hand on the wall, expecting the ordinary feeling of iron beneath your fingers. To your surprise, you don't feel anything, yet your hand cannot go any further.";

stop the action.

A room called the Hidden Iron Room is west of the North Outer Circle. "Unlike the previous rooms, the iron construction here is covered in rust. Why has this room been left to decay? Is this Recorder trying to hide something from you? From themselves? Whatever the reason, you notice a patch of wall relatively free of rust with something resembling a [journal entry] gouged into the metal. The only way out is back the way you came. This time, you're sure."

Understand "message", "gouging", "gougings" as journal entry.

The journal entry is an extra note in the Hidden Iron Room.

Instead of examining the journal entry:

say "The entry reads:[line break]'I have found the truth. I held out hope that finding it would bring answers. Unfortunately the answers have only led to despair. Everyone who comes here is cursed. I left a fragment behind to protect something of myself from this curse. Should someone be reading this, they must have that fragment. I beg of you, do not return it to what is left of me, for both our sakes.'";

if the journal entry is unread:

now Extra_Notes is Extra_Notes + 1;

now the journal entry is read;