Vol. V/No. 3 —Summer 1986— Lawsuit Edition Get Ready to Spend the Night in a Haunted Castle You've spent the day driving ing events have led her to believe southwest from London, from the that someone's trying to kill her. small brick houses of the suburbs Worse yet, the culprit seems to be and the treeless plains of the the spectral "White Lady" that South Downs to the Avon River haunts the medieval tower. and the picturesque villages of the Inside the castle, you meet a cast Devon. Now, as evening draws of eccentric characters ranging near, you reach the storied land of from a blue-blood debutante to an Cornwall. overly helpful butler. Most of them On either side, the moors stretch have seen the ghost, and some say out, filled with heather and bogs. it looks like Deirdre, the former Moonmist is an introductory-level mystery. The fading light silhouettes craggy lover of Tamara's fiance, Lord Jack rocks on the horizon. At last you Tresyllian. Deirdre purportedly arrive at your destination: an drowned shortly after Jack ended ancient castle perched on the their romance. Could it be that she LEATHER GODDESSES granite cliffs by the sea. is still alive, jealously taking A full moon is rising above the revenge on Tamara? OF PHOBOS castle turrets as you pull up to the To add to the suspense, you gate. Fog shrouds the old stone learn that a valuable object is “Hitchhiker’s Guide with Sex” walls. Is that a ghostly figure in hidden somewhere in the castle. the tower window, or merely the This treasure rightfully belongs to From the "Heat 'n' Eat" cookbook a tiny moon of Mars, the evil mist playing tricks on your weary Lord Jack, but apparently he is not of , we bring you Leather Goddesses are plotting an eyes? the only one searching for it. If it's the following recipe: invasion of the Earth to turn it It's your job to find out. In not found, family heirlooms will Take a clean . Fill it into their private pleasure world. Moonmist™, the new interactive have to be sold to pay off debts. nearly to the brim with loving You are subsequently kidnapped gothic mystery from , You'll find yourself involved in a satire of pulp science fiction. Stir by minions of the Leather you're a famous young sleuth, treasure hunt as well as a in a generous helping of zany Goddesses. If you escape from called to Tresyllian Castle by your mystery, as you search the lavish humor and a healthy dash of their dungeon on Phobos, you'll be friend Tamara. A series of terrify- (more Moonmist on page 2) clever puzzles. Add ribald sex plunged into a bawdy romp scenes to taste. Toss in just a hint through the solar system's most of hints to bring concoction to exotic (and erotic) locales. You'll standard level. Mix well and bake find yourself battling giant car- for nine months. Surround by an nivorous plants in the jungles of intriguing package and serve im- Venus, sword fighting by the light mediately. of Saturn's rings, exploring the That's the recipe for Leather God- pleasures of the harem near the desses of Phobos™, Infocom's new Grand Canal on Mars, and comedy. Author avoiding the unspeakable horrors Meretzky calls Leather Goddesses of Cleveland, Ohio. of Phobos "an unbeatable combi- Leather Goddesses of Phobos nation of space opera, bawdiness, gives you the option of playing as and humor, plus lots of good either a man or a woman — no old-fashioned Infocom puzzles." minor point, since your choice will Infocom Marketing Director Mike affect many of your encounters in Dornbrook, being a scheming the story. And in order to make marketeer, simply describes Leather Goddesses of Phobos suit- Leather Goddesses of Phobos as a able for everyone from the prude "Hitchhiker's Guide with sex." to the lewd, you can play it in any Leather Goddesses of Phobos is one of three "naughtiness levels." set in the 1930's, the Golden Age What possessed Meretzky, of pulpy space opera. You begin whose last work was A Mind the story in a sleazy bar in Upper Forever Voyaging™, a sober work Leather Goddesses of Phobos includes a scratch ‘n’ sniff card. Sandusky, Ohio, unaware that on (more Leather Goddesses on page 3) PAGE 2 THE STATUS LINE SUMMER 1986

Moonmist (continued from page 1) Moonmist Was Written by… rooms and secret passageways of an excellent introduction to inter- Jim Lawrence the castle for the hiding place. active fiction for players of all Who is this mysterious person Many of his books were ghosted Clues are given in the form of ages. It will fascinate every young behind the by-line of Moonmist? for juvenile series like Nancy riddles, which hold the answers to girl who loves reading mystery No, not Stu Galley — he's the Drew and Tom Swift, Jr., but he the puzzles in the game. books about that famous female well-known and well-loved inter- has also written juvenile and Moonmist has four different sleuth whose last name rhymes active writer and gnus reporter adult paperbacks under his own variations, each with its own with "." It will intrigue every who hangs around the lavish In- name. puzzles, treasure, hiding place, man who wants to be the Lord of a focom offices on CambridgePark As a successful storyteller in and solution to the mystery. This castle and the consort of a seduc- Reverse Neutral Drive whenever many media, Jim learned the art gives Moonmist more replay value tive Lady. It will captivate every he hasn't anything better to do. of interactive storytelling with than any other Infocom story to woman who imagines herself as No, we're talking about Jim Law- impressive ease. Equally impor- date, providing you with plenty of the heroine of a Daphne du rence, who has written so many tant, he's been willing and able to time to savor the gothic atmos- Maurier novel. And it will delight works of fiction that he can't devote considerable effort to a phere of the castle. anyone who enjoys riddles, count them accurately. creative project for a year or more, Moonmist also responds differ- puzzles, and the detailed charac- Jim's relationship with Infocom knowing that the end product ently to male and female players. ters, plots, and atmosphere that began in the spring of 1983, when would not make him rich or (See the Leather Goddesses of distinguish each Infocom game. he saw a column in the "New York famous. He writes interactive Phobos article for another example To introduce you to mysterious Times* Book Review" concerning fiction for the best of reasons: for of this fine feature.) When you Cornwall, the package contains an Deadline® and this new medium him, it's challenging, creative, and arrive at the castle gate at the illustrated copy of "Legendary of computer-aided interactive fic- fun to give players a thrill. start of the game, you're asked for Ghosts of Cornwall." Also included tion. He realized at once that he Jim is the sort of person who your title and full name. You can are a Moonmist iron-on logo for had the proper sort of both experi- remembers anecdotes, unusual take advantage of your elegant your T-shirt; a visitors' guide to ence and daring to bring profes- events in the news, and interest- surroundings by calling yourself Tresyllian Castle; and two confi- sional writing skills into this ing names. He keeps files of short "Baron Wilhelm" rather than plain dential letters from your friend medium. So he hopped a plane news clippings. He may take old "Mr. Bill." Tamara. from the Garden State to the Bay years developing a character in From your title, the program Moonmist was written by Stu State, and almost immediately his mind before he'll use the ® may deduce your gender and Galley, author of The Witness and reached agreement with Infocom character in a story. ® respond accordingly throughout , and Jim Lawrence, to begin a series of projects, And he's a calming influence. As the story. If you're a woman, you co-author of Seastalker and author beginning with Seastalker and Jim and Stu worked on a story, have a gown to put on for dinner. of dozens of books for children now continuing with Moonmist. Jim would make the plot thicker… A man's suitcase will contain a and adults, including numerous In his long career, Jim has and thicker and thicker and dinner jacket. Lord Jack will kiss a Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew sto- scripted technical training films, thicker. Stu fretted. "Don't worry, woman's hand. If you're a man, ries. Moonmist will be available in free-lanced magazine articles, Stu," said Jim. "I've gotten heroes he'll shake yours. And there's October for a wide variety of per- turned out weekly dramatic radio out of much tougher situations another guest who may flirt with sonal computers, at a suggested scripts, written "continuity" for than this." you. retail price og $34.95 for Atari XL/ newspaper comic strips, and Since the puzzles are relatively XE and /128 and authored some 60 books of * Not the New Times. easy, we recommend Moonmist as $39.95 for all other systems. fiction. Dustin Rosing Your Weekly Horoscope by Omar

LUGNUT (April 3 to May 14) surrection this week. This is a * Use the number "eleven" as many good time to put down those read- times as possible this week. You ings of Marx and Trotsky, and to have a speck of food on your really feel good about the ol' red cheek. There you go. white and blue. PANCREAS (May 15 to FATTY ACID (July 5 to June… oh, let's say 22) August 17) * This is a good week to bake muf- * Due to planetary conflicts, your fins at altitudes higher than sign has been accidentally deleted. 14,000 feet. Consider making a Until this situation is remedied by new friend, preferably one who the proper celestial entities, why won't embarrass you in restau- not forge a new birth certificate rants by making loud snorts and under a different sign? (Don't pick clucks. PANCREAS though -- you should CRANBERRY (June 23 to July 3) see what's in store for them next * That great-looking power broker week!) you've had your eye on just started PROTOZOA (August 18 to dating a squash pro. Oh well, it September 12) looks like you got shot down * Be wary of any clones that you again. You're really a loser at love. have made of yourself in the last MANGE (July 4) twenty-four hours. Avoid dishpan * Avoid violent anti-capitalist in- hands, especially if you live alone, SUMMER 1986 THE STATUS LINE PAGE 3

Leather Goddesses Charles Engebretson & Mark Cantrell (continued from page 1) of speculative fiction, to write a something with a little bit of sex in giddy story like Leather Goddesses it, because nothing generates con- of Phobos? We sent a reporter to troversy like sex. I'm hoping to get find out: the game banned from Seven- Reporter: MERETZKY, HELLO. Eleven stores. Finally, I get asked all the time, "When are you guys SM: Howdy! Always happy to gonna do a graphic adventure?" chat with representatives of the Well, we won't add pictures to our media. stories, so this was the only way to Reporter: MERETZKY, TELL ME create a graphic adventure. ABOUT LEATHER GODDESSES OF Reporter: ASK MERETZKY PHOBOS. ABOUT THE NAUGHTINESS LEV- SM: Well, I thought of the title ELS. more than four years ago, before I SM: I tried to make them roughly was even writing interactive equal to the G, PG, and R ratings fiction. Everyone loved the title; it used for movies. I doubt that even appears in the diary in the new ® the "naughtiest" mode will offend Starcross package, and it's the anyone, but why not ask some of name of the machine in the Leather ® the folks who've played Festeron arcade in . I Goddesses of Phobos? finally decided that it was about time we had a game to match the Greg K. from Rancho Palos name. But there were other rea- Verdes agreed. "I showed it to my sons as well.... mom, and she decided it was 'harmless.'" Reporter: STEVE, WHAT ARE However, M'gump-kin X. from be ordered to scratch one of the THE OTHER REASONS? "None of the sexual content both- ered me… I was hoping for more," the lesser moon of Falwell VII told spots on the card and sniff the SM: I was weaned on pulpy said Steve K. from Tulsa. "I would- us, "My shrooks and I were greatly heady odor that results. space opera, and I've always had a n't have much trouble showing the offended. The description of g'wik- We'd be remiss if we didn't men- deep desire to write something in game to my eight-year-old son." acts were unsuitable for thwai'ves tion one additional feature of that genre. Another reason: A Mind or ik-ti'ups to read. By Hoov, if In- Leather Goddesses of Phobos, Judith . from Huntsville, a self- Forever Voyaging dealt with some focom ever wis's!ms this b'h:o'vich, which is available only in the IBM described conservative Bible Belt politically sensitive topics, and I I'll th-t!'rop my ig'l%ig!-o'o?ls." version: a "boss key." This feature southerner, said, "The sexual con- was hoping that it would stir up a "Enough about the story makes it "safe" to play Leather tent is dependent upon the player's lot of controversy. It didn't. Not a already!" the marketeers bellow Goddesses of Phobos at work — if input... Leather Goddesses of single flaming froth-at-the-mouth from down the hall. "Talk about your boss should walk in on you, Phobos is only as lewd as the letter. So I decided to write the awesome packaging!" just press CONTROL-B and hit player wants it to be." The package features some un- RETURN. Your screen will clear usual elements which are, as and be replaced by a sample screen or with a mollusk. * Sell your stamp collection. Bring usual, deeply intertwined with the from Infocom's database, Corner- FLAMINGO (September 12 to the world to its knees. Slurp loudly story itself. Upon spreading the stone™! Naturally, we're not en- mid-December) tonight at dinner. Convert yourself covers of the package, you'll be couraging anyone to play Leather * It's time to confront that crisis to the metric system. Wear a greeted by a '30s-style 3-D comic Goddesses of Phobos at work — that's been threatening your life for hotdog as a tie. Divest. book entitled "The Adventures of but then again, we do it all the the last month or so. Try a new LIMPKIN (Those born by Lane Mastodon (#91)" which dis- time, so why shouldn't you? breath mint. At all costs, avoid the contractual obligation) plays a typically myopic 1936 vi- Leather Goddesses of Phobos is Greek alphabet. * A supernova in a distant galaxy sion of 1986, when the Leather the fifth work of interactive fiction CADAVER (The rest of has opened new career paths for Goddesses are once again schem- by Steve Meretzky, who has also December to February 3) you. Take advantage of this once- ing to conquer humanity. To prop- authored ® and Sorcerer™, * If you're planning a holiday, don't in-a-half-life opportunity, and seek erly view your 3-D comic, each and co-wrote The Hitchhiker's leave out Fitzwilliam, New Hamp- employment in organized crime or package comes well-equipped with Guide to the Galaxy™ in collabora- shire, as a possible stop-over or at an artificial turf dealership. a huge pair of red-blue 3-D glasses. tion with . Leather final destination. Exclude curry MAN-HOUR (Those not yet born, Sliding deeper into the package, Goddesses of Phobos has been dishes and fine Italian chianti from or born in a funny position) you'll come across a handsome given a difficulty rating of Stan- your diet this week. * Don't trust anyone, not even parchment map of the Catacombs, dard Level. Available September RAWHIDE (February 4 to April 2) yourself. Stay inside and keep your to help you grope your way 10, Leather Goddesses of Phobos * It's a good week to break prom- doors and windows locked. Carry a through the ancient burial cham- will run on most personal ises, commit lude [sic] acts, and in loaded shotgun on your person. bers that lie under the palace of computers and sells for a any way harm your fellow crea- Begin to hoard canned food and the Sultan (or Sultaness, if you're suggested retail price of $34.95 on tures. Then make it up to them by medical supplies. Don't pick up the playing as a woman). the Atari XL/XE series, the Commo- reupholstering their cars and living phone. Don't respond to any chain The packaging climaxes with a dore 64, and the Commodore 128; rooms with shocking-pink nylon. letters or enter in any sweepstakes, new dimension in interactive $39.95 on all other computer DIRIGIBLE (Those born against even if you may have already won fiction: a scratch 'n' sniff card. At systems. So you don't forget, order their will) a fabulous prize. various points in the story, you'll before midnight tonight. PAGE 4 THE STATUS LINE SUMMER 1986

The Spellbook The Daily Hacker Distributed a Times to Infocom: DROP DEAD Couple of Times a Year Slime's Times Dear Friend: Bud Aku's Review The Shining Sword U.S. News (or Gnus) and Dungeon Once before we have written to Nerd News The Rusty Lantern ask you to cease and desist your Report Digithead Digest Grues 'R' Us mimicry of the logotype and front- G.U.E. News (or Gnus) and page style of . NZT The Richard M. Nixon Report on Dungeon Report Ethical Actions in Politics It is clear that that you are con- The Four Asterisks Zork Quarterly scious of copyrights and regis- Great Underground Examiner !!!! Zorkers Quarterly tered trademarks — you take (G.U.E.) !#$%&*! The Yakker steps to protect your own in your The Great Underground Enquirer Ctrl Alt Del masthead notice and in your text. (G.U.E.) Gnu Zork Nose Yet you continue to violate our Fresh Frazzled Frobozz Facts, Fal- The Copyright Infringement Times All This and Zork II copyright and our registered lacies, Faces and Farces trademark. By so doing, you are The Infocom Insider The Yak-tual Truth Grue's Vues endangering vital Times Company The Infocom Grues Don't Panic assets. The New Grue Review Almost The New Zork Times This Space Intentionally Left Blank I am asking our attorney to take The Grue Review the necessary steps. What's Gnu? The Gnu Republic The Gnu Grue Review information Yackety Yak Sincerely yours, The Gnu Review INFOcommunique Interactive Fact Leonard R. Harris The Gnus' Paper Frob Hall Forum Director, Corporate Relations Unicator (referred to as "the The Grues' Paper and Public Affairs Infocom Unicator") The 6:00 Grues Our thanks to everyone who sent The New York Times Company Infocomments The Daily Planetfall in a suggestion. Cliff Tuel of San Infocomcepts Jose, CA, was the first person to Rolling Zork Infocolumns recommend The Status Line, so Dimwit's Ditties Finding Ourselves GUE Today Cliff wins our prize: a subscription Popular Adventuring to The New York Times. a Gnu Name GUE Herald Popular Zorking This newsletter used to be called GUE Gazette Dear Friend: The Festeron Gazette The New Zork Times. But some old Frobozz Free Press As publisher of Bat Facts, I was Gray Lady in New York didn't like No Gnus Today upset to learn that your news- that, so we had to change our The Underground Press The Daily Catch ("Stick this in your letter has been carrying "Yak name. We asked our readers to The Underground Grues ear") Facts" for several months without help us find a new name. Here are The Tunnel Times my permission. I am incensed that The Daily Babel Fish ("All the news but a few of the suggestions we many people in the bat industry, fit to stick in your ear") The Tunnel Tattler received: who would normally pay good The Basement Bugler The Gnu Yak Times ("All the gnus' The Zorkian Review money for top-notch bat news, wee feet leave prints") Infocom, Infogo ("What took place, Hello Sailor have opted instead to receive your The Old Zork Times I do not know") The Zork Report free newsletter, not realizing the essential difference between my Ye Olde Zork Times Sargent Blather's Lonely Lifeform Zorkshire Pudding Club legitimate Bat News and your The New York Times ("Really give Zorktown Gazette rip-off Yak Facts. My lawyers will them something to complain The Infocom Inquirer The Rootinest, Tootinest, Best Darn call your lawyers. about") Grues Say Hey Today Newsletter in the Known Universe Gayle's Gazette The Brass Lantern The Multi-Paged Guide for Adven- Love, Jack McBlack Gayle's Tales The Brash Lantern tures in the Underground Empire and Other Similar Locations Saranac, NY

Justin Weiss

[Notice to our readers: Those wishing to threaten us with a lawsuit over this issue are encouraged to take a number and wait in line. Only one lawsuit per person, please; we want everyone to have a chance. Sorry for the inconvenience. Have a nice day.]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SUMMER 1986 THE STATUS LINE PAGE 5 Infocom Games in Brief Mike Stanfill

Zork® I by and Dave l Lebling (Standard, 1980). The story Planetfall by Steve Meretzky that started it all. Treasure hunts (Standard, 1983). When you joined and derring-do in the Great the Space Patrol, they didn't say Underground Empire. you'd end up swabbing the decks. l When the ship is destroyed, you Zork II by and Marc and your faithful robot sidekick Blank (Advanced, 1981). Outwit Floyd must survive on an appar- dragons, demons, and the Wizard ently deserted planet. of Frobozz. l l The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Zork III by Marc Blank and Dave Galaxy by Douglas Adams and Lebling (Advanced, 1982). Con- Steve Meretzky (Standard, 1984). clusion of the Zork Trilogy. An Based on the best-selling book. unusual goal and scoring system doesn't realize his highlighted by encounters with troubles are only beginning when Dimwit Flathead and the Dungeon the bulldozer arrives to demolish Master. his house. eyes it becomes a murder — his! crew, an intrepid archaeologist l l ® Set in the 1930s and in the hard- probes the mysteries of an un- Enchanter by Dave Lebling and by Steve boiled Raymond Chandler style. touched Egyptian pyramid. Marc Blank (Standard, 1983). A Meretzky (Advanced, 1985). l l novice Enchanter must save the Explore a frighteningly possible Suspect® by Dave Lebling Seastalker by Stuart Galley and world from the nefarious Krill. First future as PRISM, the first true (Advanced, 1984). Your editor Jim Lawrence (Introductory, 1984). of a trilogy where magic outweighs artificial intelligence. Senator sends you to cover a society Inventions to hand and faithful fighting ability. Ryder's Plan looks pretty good — Halloween Party. Then the hostess helpers at your side, you rush to l or does it? is murdered, and guess who's the rescue the Aquadome from the Sorcerer by Steve Meretzky l prime suspect? Can you clear your- monstrous Snark. (Advanced, 1984). In the midst of Leather Goddesses of Phobos by self before the police arrive? l Hellhounds, amusement parks, Steve Meretzky (Standard, 1986). l Cutthroats® by and mazes, and flumes, rescue Belboz (See the article in this issue.) Ballyhoo™ by Jeff O'Neill Jerry Wolper (Standard, 1984). and defeat the evil demon Jeearr. l (Standard, 1986). Winding up a Who needs enemies with friends l Deadline by Marc Blank (Expert, ™ day at the circus, you become en- like Pete the Rat and Johnny Red? by Dave Lebling 1982). Industrialist Marshall meshed in a plot that takes you You may be in with them in a hunt (Expert, 1985). Conclusion of the Robner is found dead in his behind the scenes of The Travelling for sunken treasure, but you can't Enchanter Trilogy. Magic fails, and Library. An obvious suicide. Then Circus That Time Forgot. trust them, and with McGinty on you must make your way through why is everyone so defensive? A l your tail, you might end up in over some of the hardest puzzles in classic locked-room mystery. Moonmist by Stu Galley and Jim your head. interactive fiction to find out why. l Lawrence (Introductory, 1986). l l The Witness by Stuart Galley (See the article in this issue.) Fooblitzky™. A unique board game Wishbringer by (Standard, 1983). Freeman Linder l played on the computer. A multi- (Introductory, 1985). A simple job wants your help on a little Infidel® by Michael Berlyn player game with dozens of varia- of letter-carrying turns sinister, as blackmail case, but before your (Advanced, 1983). Deserted by the tions and hours of fun. the town of Festeron becomes twisted and dangerous. Envelope (continued from page 12) coveted position on the envelope. of Torrance, CA; Kevin Savetz of l you agonized over the perfect con- We sincerely sympathize. In fact, Agoura Hills, CA; Samuel Shepard ™ Trinity by Brian Moriarty cept, your creative juices churning the judges of the contest, while of Youngstown, OH; Marc (Standard, 1986). Travelling until they oozed from your every highly discriminating, are also ter- Sylvester of Spring Valley, CA; and through time and space, you must pore in beads of perspiration. Then ribly soft-hearted. With hearts the Brian White of Houston, TX. All escape from several atomic you spent hour upon hour transfer- consistency of oatmeal, they could- six winners will be receiving their explosions, to eventually land at ring your creation to paper, your n't bear to limit the contest to just prizes within the next few weeks. the New Mexico desert moments heart and soul pouring from you one winner. They instead wanted The five remaining designs will before the A-bomb explodes. Can like the ink flowing from the pen. to declare everybody a winner, but appear on our future envelopes. you change the course of history? Finally, you spent minute upon we had to hold them to six. So, the Many thanks to all the great artists l painstaking minute assembling SIX first place winners are: Chris who participated, and congratula- Starcross by Dave Lebling (Expert, your precious artwork into an en- Douglas of Austin, TX; Jeff Nelsen tions to the winners. 1982). A strange artifact velope, carefully addressing, seal- enters the solar system, and a ing, stamping and sending it off to down-at-the-heels asteroid miner is Infocom along with your youthful “Please Postpone Poll!” drawn into a puzzle that could give hopes and starry-eyed dreams. mankind the stars. And now, after having spent Due to the overwhelming response peace and put a pause to the l month upon month anxiously to Readers' Poll #1, Paula the polling. Paula will probably perk up Suspended® by Michael Berlyn awaiting the arrival of this news- Pollster is too pooped to pop. Paula and Poll #2 will appear in the (Expert, 1983). The controlling letter, your dreams are shattered paled at the piles of polls pouring pages of the next Status Line. brain of a totally automated planet and all creative energy drains in and pleaded to postpone poll #2. Plenty of thanks for your patience must repair the system before the from your body when you see the We passed Paula's plea to the pub- and patronage. planet's inhabitants "replace" him. unfamiliar design gracing the lisher who promised Paula peace PAGE 6 THE STATUS LINE SUMMER 1986

O. "You may not be aware of this,

PUZZLE NUMBER ELEVEN COLUMN I but I'm not working. I need to get This puzzle is a combination of a matching column and a connect-the- repaired." dots. First, match up the quotes in Column I with the character in A. "This has been my desire e'er P. "I thought I should come here Column II who said it. You will therefore be matching a letter (or a since this charlatan bent me to his on the streetcar, in case you pair of letters) with a number. Next, replace the letters on the service. I perform this deed with needed help." connect-the-dots graphic with the matched number. pleasure!" Q. "Frobizz! Frobozzle! Frobnoid!" Finally, connect the dots in the order of these numbers. (Note that, B. "One more step and the Presi- R. "If anyone tries anything stu- since there are 45 quotes but only 40 names, five of the quotes will be dent of the Galaxy is fried meat!" pid, you won't live to regret it." unused — and five of the dots will be unused as well.) You will C. "You reporters have all the sen- produce a graphic that is somehow associated with one of Infocom's S. "Squawk! This tea is cold! Get sitivity of buffalo. Can't you leave me another cup. Squawk!" twenty-two works of interactive fiction. To answer the puzzle me alone?" correctly, simply give the title of this work. T. "I'm gonna use it to find the D. "Uh, no thanks. I prefer to stay The answer and winners for Puzzle Number Ten will appear in the legendary lost planet of Magra- near my beach. I don't see much next issue. thea. Let's go sit in the sauna yummy seaweed out that way." while I explain." ANSWER: ______E. "We have a position for an En- U. "I have a busy appointment sign Ninth Class in the toilet- schedule and little time to waste Name: ______scrubbibg division, you know." on trespassers, but for a small fee Address: ______F. "I dinna give a hoot about you I'll show you the way out." or your questions! Now, begone!" V. "Is this… is this a squash ______G. "She spake against the Church; court?" T-Shirt Size (S, M, L, XL): ______she tried to poison the mind of a W. "Detested words! Even now it child too young to know the sticks my soul to hear them ut- CONTEST RULES: Truth." tered." 1. All entries must be submitted on this form or a photocopy of this H. "Ragweed!" X. "We could be in danger! The form. I. "My, I wonder what this fine Snark may attack again any time!" 2. Entries must be received by November 1, 1986. rope is doing here." Y. "He always promised me 3. Limit of one entry per person. J. "That's strange! Maybe you wealth here in America, but I've 4. All entries must be mailed separately. should use the Computestor." never seen it." 5. Up to 25 prizes will be awarded. If more than 25 correct answers K. "I've heard talk of a merger Z. "Guards! Throw this trespasser are received, a drawing will be held to determine the winners. between Dad's company and an- into the glass maze!" other one, but I don't think it's 6. Void where prohibited by law, of course. AA. "This is surely a terrible waste happened yet." of time, not to mention upsetting, PRIZE: The slightly-outdated but still-coveted New Zork Times Puzzle L. "When we began to approach having all these police marching Winner T-Shirt your system, I got excited! A whole around the house." SEND TO: Infocom new culture to learn!" BB. "You should not even be here. The Status Line Puzzle M. "My court thanks you most You will disturb our rest.") 125 CambridgePark Drive humbly for rescuing the life of my CC. "My sister was a fool to send Cambridge, MA 02140 daughter." the likes of you on such a quest!" N. "Aha! A thief! Didn't I tell you that we needed more security!" (continued) SUMMER 1986 THE STATUS LINE PAGE 7

DD. "Here come da clone, here MM. "Do this. Pick up that. Unjam 4. Monica Linder (The Witness) (Starcross) come da clone." the opening mechanism of the 5. The Dungeon Master (Zork III) 23. The Wizard of Frobozz (Zork II) EE. "A courtly gentleman, isn't he? other." 6. Corky Crisp (Wishbringer) 24. Johnny Red (Cutthroats) That black cape makes him look NN. "Can't you talk this copper into 7. The Vogon Captain (Hitch- 25. almost cuddly." letting me loose?" hiker's Guide) (Hitchhiker's Guide) FF. "If he's going to read us his OO. "I am not permitted to enter 8. The Detective (Suspect) 26. Pollibar (Sorcerer) poetry, just pray he softens us up the prison cell." 9. Krill (Enchanter) 27. The Volcano Gnome (Zork II) with some cudgels first...." PP. "Daydreaming again, eh? I've 10. Poet (Suspended) 28. Floyd (Planetfall) GG. "Mmm. Just like Mom used to been looking everywhere for you!" 11. Belboz (Spellbreaker) 29. Sergeant Duffy (The Witness) make 'em." QQ. "Bleem miserable venchit! HH. "If you won't turn it off, I will. Bleem forever mestinglish asunder 12. Zoe Bly (Seastalker) 30. Iris (Suspended) I can't take the noise any more." frapt." 13. Phong (The Witness) 31. Dimwit Flathead (Zork III) II. "The last vat, I swear it, tasted RR. "Just because he's a boor does- 14. Alicia Barron (Suspect) 32. Tip Randall (Seastalker) as if grues had been bathing in it." n't make him guilty." 15. The Cyclops () 33. The Thief (Zork I) JJ. "You're going to be a hero, you SS. "I have waited three ages for 16. McGinty (Cutthroats) 34. The Turtle (Enchanter) know. You'd probably get a call someone to say those words...." 17. Marvin (Hitchhiker's Guide) 35. (Hitchhiker's Guide) from the President congratulating 18. The Navigational Computer 36. Michael Wellman (Suspect) you...." (Starcross) 37. Blather (Planetfall) KK. "Take the victim to the tower. COLUMN II 19. Leslie Robner (Deadline) I shall prepare for the sacrifice!" 1. Hoobly (Spellbreaker) 38. Angus McNabb (Deadline) 20. Duncanthrax (Sorcerer) LL. "We will need that boat after 2. The Evil One (Wishbringer) 39. Mitchell Simm (A Mind Forever all." 3. Abraham Perelman (A Mind 21. Anatinus (Wishbringer) Voyaging) Forever Voyaging) 22. Gurthark-tun-Besnap 40. The Demon (Zork II) Letters About Our Puzzles Dear Infocommies: Sick Sirs"?) never calls Bogey "Eric." In fact, game. (What is so funny, how did You guys must be a hoot to work Dan Donahuen of Lake Havasu she calls him Richard on a number you get the babel fish, etc.) around. Do you have an opening City, Arizona, wrote to the puzzle of occasions. During the flashback Because I feel that Infocom for an environmental engineer/ mail bag to challenge Infocom's in Paris, she says, "Richard, they'll games are assets to our family life, classical tenor/professional wres- spelling of the name Louis Renaut find out your record. It won't be I will continue to buy each game as tler? I'm your man. (in Puzzle #9). Actually, both safe for you here." The note that it is introduced. That means at Seriously, though, I had to write Infocom and Donahuen are wrong. Sam hands him on the train least seven people in our family concerning one of your answers to Enclosed is a copy of a page from platform is addressed to "Richard." will play the game. Now, I am not Puzzle #9. There is a scene in the printed script of Casablanca, Later, when she goes to his room a selfish mother, but I want to be Casablanca in which Ilse (that's from Casablanca, Script and during the night to ask him for the able to enter the contests also. right, Ilse, not Ilsa as you spelled Legend by Howard Koch (a treasure letters of transit, she says, Would you discriminate against me it — it's my mother's name) Lund of a book!). "Richard, I had to see you" (to just because I'm the wife and clearly calls Rick Blain "Eric." Do As you see, the Prefect of Police which Rick replies, "So, it's Richard mother of all these "Infocommies" you have any direct evidence that is clearly "Renault," just like the again! We're back in Paris."). Major and I've only had time on the the character's first name was in auto: not "Renaud" (Donahuen) or Strasser also refers to him as computers to finish one game fact Richard, or are you merely "Renaut" (Infocom). "Richard" when reading his myself? After all, I'm supporting assuming that "Rick" is always Howard Russell dossier, and Sam calls him "Mister you by purchasing your products short for "Richard"? If you aren't Charleston, WV Richard" when he isn't calling him for birthdays, Christmas, and just sure, I invite you to rent the VCR "Boss." Anyway, the point is made, because there is a new game avail- and check. I believe the scene in [Puzzle Editor's Reply: Okay, let's the evidence is overwhelming, but able. Some of my children greet me question is the first between Rick get this silly spelling business I'll rent the videotape anyway, each afternoon by asking me if [the and Ilse, and it occurs about 20 straight once and for all. In Puzzle since I haven't watched it in over a Infocom newsletter] came today. minutes into the film. You can also #9, in the Winter 1986 issue, we month.] Even if it comes in my name, they check the credits for all this Ilse/ correctly spelled the Prefect's name feel a proprietary right. Ilsa and Renaud/Renaut/Renault as "Renault." When we printed Dear [something]: Do you know how many games I spelling business (damn furriners, reader Donahuen's letter, in the I am disturbed by your comments have had to buy to feed the why couldn't she be Jane and he be Spring 1986 issue, it was on the puzzle entries. Perhaps you family's habits? Also, we have Ford — think about it). They could misspelled due to a typo. The sen- feel that only one person in each addicted other families to this even set it in Whitehouse, Texas tence in his letter that reads "...you family plays an Infocom game. As wicked pastime. We get calls at all (it's ten miles south of Tyler). had the name Louis Renaut" an Infocom player, the wife of an hours from some soul asking Aunt I look forward to trying Trinity should have read "...you had the Infocom player, and the mother of Judie how you get the key from the and A Mind Forever Voyaging. The name Louis Renault." seven (five of whom are avid Info- Unicorn or asking Uncle Delbert concept of both is intriguing. And As for our "Ilsa" vs. reader com players and the remaining two how you get the grue's milk. hurry up with the sequel to Hitch- Donehoo's "Ilse," we stand by our are learning to read JUST so they So — how about one envelope hiker's! spelling. Our , by the way, is can play Infocom games), I feel per household? Allowing photo- Mike Donehoo The Film Classics Library maligned. I buy Infocom games for copies is nice. When we had to Marietta, GA Casablanca, edited by Richard J. our family. While one person is send you the original, we kept a Anobile (also a treasure of a book). playing the game, many members photocopy; and I had to be a Dear Sirs (sic): — (or is it "Dear According to our source, Ilsa of the family are involved in the (more Puzzle Letters on page 9) PAGE 8 THE STATUS LINE SUMMER 1986

Kob on Double Fanucci Alisa Hickey Let's look at the following situation: Teams: North & Up, Southwest & East Warm Diplomatic Relations: North & Up Slavic Nations: Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Up, Rumania Handicaps: NORTH: 43; UP: 976.4; SOUTHWEST: [Classified]; EAST: .4

NORTH (vulnerable) UP (dealing 1st, 3rd*) -4, -2 6, 8, 84 Water Molecule, Bromide (none) multiples of 11 even, except multiples of 11 4, 8, K J, 9, Rook Red, Red, GunMetal-Gray 3, 11, Off-White, Beet-Red Bocce, K, Teapot 3, Law School 3, 3, 3, 3, 2 77, 3, 3, 3, 10

SOUTHWEST (dealing across table) EAST (dealing 2nd, 3rd*) 1097, 2 2, A, K, Alan (none) Bromium, J Cartoon Flow Unabated opposite points within the shaded area The poor, wretched cartoon on white, unlined paper. Please 2, 4, Bishop, K 3, K, H, N editor continues to suffer from don't fold your cartoon! All Blue-Gray Tangerine-Orange, Black, Q the incessant barrage of nearly submissions become property of Melon, 5, Granola Cottage, 9, Chaise fifty cartoons per week. You Infocom. If we print your 3, 3, 3, 3, Q 2, 3, 3 haven't broken his spirit yet, so cartoon, we'll send you a free keep 'em coming! If you'd like to game of your choice. Don't forget *Note the co-deal Up and East! submit a cartoon for publication, to include your name, address, send it to The Status Line Car- phone number, the title of the This set-up occured in 904, at the gauntlet for three turns. North, toons, Infocom, Inc., 125 Cam- game you'd like to win, and the annual Championships at Borphee. hoping for Manhattan, signalled bridgePark Drive, Cambridge, MA computer system you'd like the Veldran of Aragain and BoBo the for a switch, and exchanged 02140. game to run on. Somewhat Misguided played his -2 for his partner's 84, a differ- All cartoons must be in black (respectively) North and Up, ence of 86. BoBo factored an 11 challenging Hobart the Unmerciful out of his 77 of , and formed a and Snuffie (playing Southwest straight, which he traded in for an Turn two began, and the players Things looked grim for N-U, their and East). Since the SW-E team option on the movie rights. North, revolved. Snuffie, drawing a Red combined score so tiny that it was controlled "Alan," they were able to monopolizing on a distraction in of , mixed it with the Tanger- immeasurable since the microscope make a decision. Southwest the bleachers, seized his misplaced ine-Orange and Black of , as hadn't yet been invented. But, as is arcwelded his Q and K to his cards and incorporated them into well as his partner's Blue-Gray, in customary in tournament play, partner's Q and K for a Simpleton. his hand — the Hydronium Ion of order to produce a ghastly shade of luck saw to it that the underdog Jazzing, East formed the word and the 4 of . As North re- brown. After a brief pause, the wasn't trampled. As Southwest "ANKH" from various letters in his stored himself his seat, East dealt judges raised their placards — a dealt across the table, Snuffie fell possession, to gain control of the a round of cards (out of turn). 9.8, a 9.77 and a "nice job." A new over backwards clutching his ham- championship record! Southwest string. The medical crew, rushing drew another trebled fromp, there- onto the field, confirmed that he Jeff James fore controlling more 3's than any was suffering from a broken wrist, other player, and thus was allowed and dragged him to the sidelines. to roll again. Rolling a four, Hobart Southwest tossed his cards into declared "Argyle!" for which he the air and unleashed a long string received ten points and a chance at of expletives about elks. After the trip for two to Arulis Maptar. much consultation, both teams Poker-faced, Veldran bluffed, agreed to end the game in a draw claiming that he had, in fact, won and order out for pizza, making the game several turns ago. Un- this the 72nd year in a row that convinced, team SW-E challenged, the tournament closed without a winning the judges' favor. To confirmed winner. Nevertheless, conserve pride, Veldran ionized his the fans swept onto the field and Hydronium Ion and his Water ate the goalposts — a true Double Molecule of , to form a strong Fanucci tradition. acid. Some cards were accidentally [Reprinted with permission from dissolved in the resulting confu- the Borphee Digest, vol. MMCXXI, sion. Up passed, to cuddle his s. p. 879] SUMMER 1986 THE STATUS LINE PAGE 9

that I'd like to think I am, I invited suggest playing Zork without a sale. It has only been used once, Weird Letter a friend over to play with me. monitor. It's much more chal- but I recommend disconnecting it When my friend got there I lenging. when playing Infocom games. Dear Sirs [sic]: eagerly started up the game. But Disgruntedly yours, Recently I read the trademark then my friend asked, "Hey, don't Tom Schwartz [Editor's Reply: We find it hard to information on the back of one of you need a monitor to play this?" Raleigh, NC believe that your lawyer said your pamphlets and became terri- I'm outraged!!! It's discrimination P.S. I have an excellent monitor for Infocom is far above the law.] bly interested in interactive fiction. of the second to the worst kind!!! So, one fine afternoon, I marched My lawyer again reminded me down to the computer store and that Infocom is far above the law Danny Simon & Mark Cantrell purchased your famous Zork I. and I should keep quiet, lest I be When I got home, I ripped off all visited by a slue of grues. So I the plastic and sat down to read resorted to buying a monitor. the manual. When I got home, I connected the After about an hour or so, I monitor and invited my friend over began to realize that this game to play again. When he arrived, I required the use of a computer! I'm booted the computer and we outraged!!! It's discrimination of listened to the incredibly fascinat- the worst kind!!! ing noises the disk drive made. But Immediately I dashed off to my then, to our utter disappointment, lawyer's office and had a chat with words began to appear on the him. He assured me that Infocom screen. Such horrible description! was far above the law and there Such grotesque exaggeration! I had was nothing I could do. So, I always believed the White House resorted to purchasing an IBM-PC. was much bigger than that! And I immediately put the disk in the where was the President and all drive and booted the computer. his Secret Service men? It wasn't Superb! The best game I've ever totally void of life though: I did had! I was fascinated by all those find a maid in the basement with sophisticated electric sounds of the an axe. Anyhow, I soon lost disk spinning inside the computer! interest in the game altogether. So, generous and sharing person To anyone who reads this, I

Puzzle Letters (continued from page 7) Solomon to decide who got to enter legitimate, or whether John is the contest that time. merely entering his cat, dog, and Judie Eatough sheep in the contest in order to Provo, UT multiply his chances. It would be nice if nobody cheated, but experi- [Puzzle Editor's Reply: Don't grum- ence shows that this simply isn't ble, because the one-entry-per- the case. For example, we limit envelope rule really doesn't entries to one per person, but nev- discriminate against you. Actually, ertheless we still find people who it merely prevents you from having enter multiple times. (By the way, an additional advantage over when this occurs we simply ignore entrants who ARE the only player all the entries from that person.) at their address. You already enjoy Don't grumble, because we feel an advantage in puzzles that such that the one-entry-per-envelope solo Infocommies don't have: the rule is the fairest method, even seven-heads-are-better-than-one though some members of the vast advantage. (It would, of course, be honest majority have to be just plain silly to have a rule that inconvenienced a little. said "You must do the puzzle on Don't grumble, just think of how your own without any help from much better things have been for anyone else.") you since we began allowing Don't grumble, because the goal photocopies! Would you rather go of our puzzle rules is to maximize back to the system where multiple the number of people who can entries could be put in one enter, while attempting to envelope, but you had to cut up eliminate cheating or ploys to gain your issue? unfair advantages. Unfortunately, And finally, don't grumble! It's when an envelope arrives filled only a silly little puzzle! It's with photocopied entries from John supposed to be fun! Diverting! Smith, Tabby Smith, Rex Smith, Entertaining! Grumble about taxes and Daisy Smith, we have no way or toxic waste dumps, not the of knowing whether they are all puzzle!] PAGE 10 THE STATUS LINE SUMMER 1986 Infocom Puzzles Chicago

We The Summer Consumer Elec- climb ______the ______tronics Show, held in Chicago each ______stairs. year in early June, is the tradi- tional time for software companies At the first landing, continue to introduce the "Fall Product ______in the same direction Line." At this year's CES, Infocom the lobby ______is facing. introduced three new stories: Stop when you are surrounded Trinity (which you read about in by the columns and the abor- the last issue), Leather Goddesses iginal guards. of Phobos, and Moonmist. The new games were introduced At three places along the path at a BYOB ("Bring Your Own were exhibits reminiscent of the Brain") Party held at Chicago's three games being introduced. In- Field Museum of Natural History. formation from those three exhib- Guests relaxed in the spacious and its was manipulated to produce the elegant museum, then were enter- ultimate answer (and no, it wasn't News Inside Infocom tained (and presumably edified) by 42). Infocom's John O'Leary (VP of Mar- The more sedentary team mem- YOU TELL ME: There's a certain new Hyundais. We're anxiously keting), Brian Moriarty (author of bers could eat, drink, and socialize school of thought around this awaiting the bug reports on these Trinity), Steve Meretzky (author of while watching their teammates' place that maintains that you babies! TRAVEL NEWS: Every Leather Goddesses of Phobos), and progress on a huge scoreboard, puzzle-punks and Zork zombies summer, they flock in like lem- Stu Galley (author of Moonmist). and the less sedentary had the could care less about the bitingly- mings... Yes, along with Plymouth Then we made the guests work. pleasure of exploring the nooks beautiful reality that is Infocom. Rock, Harvard Yard, and Faneuil Each, on registering, had been as- and crannies of the Field Museum. On the other hand, there are others Hall, Infocom is always an impor- signed to one of six teams. Each It was a close contest, with five of who say, "They'll take anything we tant stop for many travellers when team ended up with about fifty the six teams in a dead heat going feed 'em, and they'll love it. If they they're visiting the Boston area. people on it. The teams were sent into the Road Rally. The Orange don't, we'll turn up the juice..." This year the first person to pass out into the museum in search of team was victorious, and each HOOKED: Many here at Infocom through the front gate was Derek the answers to eighteen sneaky member of the winning team won are dosed out on , a new from the Buckeye state of Ohio. In questions. For example, "The a lovely "Bring Your Own Brain" product from our California broth- commemoration of his pilgrimage, Oldest Canadian in the main hall sweatshirt personally distributed ers at ... EDUCATION: he was presented with a personally of the museum" turned out to be a by contest authors Steve Meretzky Ace apprentice Infotestor Matt autographed business card by 65-million-year-old dinosaur. The and Dave Lebling. Hillman is off to be a Yalie, while Steve Meretzky... One of the high answer to these teasers were used Tester Tom Bok, the son of the points of the summer season is to fill in the blanks in the instruc- Raiders of the Lost Box president of Harvard, is rejecting Hollywood's Concord River canoe tions for an on-foot "Road Rally." The most critical component of college at this time in favor of a safari. This year, the S.S. Bud, a The Road Rally sent the teams all the vast InfoEffort for the BYOB tour of the Australian thrash rock shallow-draft beer hauler, was over the museum, following Party was the contest. InfoAuthors music scene... SPORTIVO CITY: added to the flotilla. The good ship cryptic directions. For example: Meretzky and Lebling were flown Once known for his napkin-sized Bud proved to be very seaworthy; Head towards the only fountain to Chicago to scout out the Field ties, game-writer Brian Moriarty is however, the crew sank... you can see. When you reach it, (continued) now showcasing a brand new PRODUCT BRIEFS: In response to GOLD chain. If you people will buy the request for product ideas, one

Trinity, maybe we could fit him out reader felt that undergarments em- with some Gucci loafers... WIGGED blazoned with the Wishbringer

OUT: Linda Mazzotta (Manager of cover art would be a good idea. Office Services), in an effort to ex- Sorry, Pat, no panties... FORWARD pand her creative horizon, has THAT MAIL: Ballyhoo-author Jeff joined the Arlington Historical O'Neill says that his next game will Writers: Dave Anderson, Tom Bok, Gary Brennan, Society's Fife and Drum Corps. definitely be written in Mozam- Victoria Cyr, Mike Dornbrook, Stu Galley, Elizabeth Word is she is quite striking in her bique as proof that the computer Langosy, Dave Lebling, Steve Meretzky, Curtis white wig and three-cornered hat... revolution has liberated mankind Montague, Jonathan Palace, Gayle Syska, Tom Veldran TRANSPORTATION NEWS: Re- from the office... EYE OPENER: member the Harvard president's Finding it hard to stay awake? Production: Cynthia Curtis, Susan Goldman, son? Well, he recently took a road Many Infocom employees are Jonathan Palace test for his driver's license, and in constantly trying to stretch their an amusing twist of reality it was endurance through caffeine abuse. Boss: Susan Goldman the license examiner and not the Their newest weapon against Harvard president's son who heavy lids is JOLT. This cola © 1986 Infocom, Inc., 125 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140 showed up with a hangover... product claims the legal limit of Zork, Enchanter, Deadline, The Witness, Starcross, Suspended, Planetfall, Infidel, Suzanne Frank (Manager of Test- caffeine. However, JOLT is only Seastalker, Cutthroats, Suspect, and Wishbringer are registered trademarks of Infocom, ing) and Gary Brennan (Tester) available in the Buffalo, NY, area, Inc. Moonmist, Leather Goddesses of Phobos, Trinity, Ballyhoo, Sorcerer, Spellbreaker, showed a preference for autocratic and our supplies are running low. A Mind Forever Voyaging, Fooblitzky, , Tales of Adventure, Interactive Korean hardware, when they both Help! Fiction Plus, and InvisiClues are trademarks of Infocom, Inc. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a trademark of Douglas Adams. showed up at work sporting brand ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ SUMMER 1986 THE STATUS LINE PAGE 11 morning. One other team solved This fall, Infocom is planning High School Marathon of the Mind the game about 45 minutes later; Marathons across the country, to We Last fall Infocom co-sponsored setting). At about 5:45 the first by that time, all other teams had be held in major museums for area a Marathon of the Minds at the groups started to leave the Gar- given up to get some much needed high school students. The tenta- Boston Museum of Science dens, and others followed over the sleep. Congratulations to Bill tively scheduled cities are: Atlanta, ComputerPlace for area college next hour. After that, they were Shubert, Adam Crossland and Mark Chicago, Dallas, , New students. Well, we did it again this able to explore the large geography Hald for winning the Marathon. York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San spring with our newest release, of the central portion of the game. Congratulations also go to Francisco, Seattle and Washington, Trinity, written by "Professor" Throughout the night they Infocom's Spencer Steere for D.C. Our newest releases will be Brian Moriarty. This time twelve struggled to finish the game. The setting up this event. Those in the featured: Moonmist and… well, area high schools competed to be first team to finish, from Acton/ Boston area were able to see the we're not going to tell you yet. So the first to finish. Boxboro Regional High School, start of the Marathon on the 11 keep an eye open for the Marathon The contest officially started at finally solved the game almost 17 o'clock nightly news on channel 7 coming to YOUR area 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30th, but hours later, at 9:45 Saturday (WNEV). beforehand the students were able to look at the game materials. Many of the people constructed paper cranes from the instructions included with the game. At 5:00 GRUER'S PROFILE: they all started the game by explor- ing Kensington Gardens (the first JAMES H. Museum, prowling its stately marble halls for two days to search LEVY out the contest clues: HOME: Mountain View, CA Lebling: There must be hyraxes PROFESSION: President, Activision, Inc. around here somewhere. They're HOBBY: Collecting software development cute and cuddly and the closest companies. living relatives of the elephant. It LATEST BOOK READ: The Ballyhoo hint would make a great question. booklet. Meretzky (on being shown LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Finding hyraxes): I don't believe it, and foster homes for all the . besides, no one else has ever heard FAVORITE INFOCOM GAME: of them. Cornerstone. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: Slow dissolve to Cambridge: the Alimony. contest materials are written, then QUOTE: "People often mistake me printed and collated onto carefully for Bruce Willis." chosen, color-coded Day-Glow™ PROFILE: Charismatic. A real papers. Matching color-coded motivator. Looks great in a name tags, tablecloths (for the limousine. tables that would serve as the HIS DRINK: "Gruer's Dark," teams' home base), etc., are right out of a canteen. "Its assembled. The materials are care- taste blends perfectly with the fully packed and sent to Chicago. sense of satisfaction I feel in Cut to Chicago, the morning of knowing that I am now the the event: kingpin of interactive fiction." Meretzky: The boxes haven't arrived! No one answers the phone! Lebling: Put down that knife!

Much searching, confusion, near-panic (peril-sensitive sun- glasses turning dark all around). Fortunately, Steve brought the originals, so InfoPRperson Spencer Steere and her associates could, at the last minute and at great ex- pense, produce a new set of mate- rials. So what if there was no red paper and the purple was actually more or less gray? Many would imbibe too much to notice. Cut to the Field Museum, one hour before the event: "What do you mean, you've thrown away all the maps of the Museum?" PAGE 12 THE STATUS LINE SUMMER 1986 Have We Got a MAN for You! Is your idea of Mr. Right a guy should they win: there are any meetings, you can Send your entry, and a photo who can get the babelfish without Your InfoDream date begins with take the minutes, unless you (optional, but you don't think we're doing a save? Is he the kind of guy a tour of the Infocom facilities. don't want to. Then you'll be going to send Mikey out with just who knows just the right f-word for You'll meet the game writers and whisked a block away to Aku-Aku anybody, do you?) to InfoDream the Wizard of Frobozz? The kind of have your picture taken on the (Polynesian dishes a specialty) Date, 125 CambridgePark Drive, guy who would start the Zork Users computer they work on. You'll see for dinner with Mikey. All this Cambridge, MA 02140, Attention Group? Well, have we got a date for Marc Blank's desk and his Hal- can be yours if your entry is se- Jim Lange. Employees of Infocom you! loween costume from last year. lected by our distinguished com- and their families are not eligible Enter the InfoDream Date Con- You'll see Infocom's trophy case. If mittee of judges. since they see Mikey all the time. test and win a date with Infocom's Director of Marketing, Mike Dorn- brook. Just tell us in 50 words or Envelope Contest less why you would want to go on a date with Mikey. Entries will be Right now, somewhere near - judged by a committee of married rance City, CA, a man by the name Infoemployees, and the winning of Jeff Nelsen is probably running entry, along with a few runners-up, around with his head swollen to will be published in a future issue the size of the Goodyear blimp and of this newsletter. Runners-up will shoving his Status Line (formerly receive an Infocom poster. All con- The New Zork Times) envelope un- testants will have the satisfaction der the nose of family and friends. of knowing they have flattered His actions are very understandable Mikey and helped put a dent in this because he, having recognized the year's Postal Service deficit. design on the envelope as the prod- Unfortunately, most of this year's uct of his creative genius, knows enormous contest budget is gone, that he is the winner of the prestig- so the winner will have to get to ious "Design a Better Envelope Con- Boston on his or her own. Jim, tell test." And winning this contest was our eager contestants what awaits no small feat. The competition was them on their InfoDream date, stiff. Literally HUNDREDS of bud- ding Picassos submitted their finest Louvre-quality works. It was from this ocean of artistic talent that a discriminating panel of Infocom Ask Gabby judges selected Jeff Nelsen's breath- taking masterpiece. A proud accom- Dear Gabby, Dear M 'n M, fence in their yard, a foot in from plishment for Jeff indeed! Now, on the other hand, if your I'm madly attracted to the boy next Bag the close-minded jerk and win the property line. I showed them design is one of the hundreds that door. I think we would make a a date with Mike Dornbrook! He the deed to my house which apparently was drowned in this so- great couple because we have so loves both Infocom AND marketing. confirmed that I was correct in my called "ocean of artistic talent," much in common — namely, we're He even loves to work all night and assumption of the property line, you're probably pretty ticked off both Infocom fanatics. We're so all weekend without taking a vaca- but it didn't dull their hostility. right now. And your reaction is also crazy about Infocom that if we were tion. So he's sure to love you too. What should I do? I absolutely very understandable. Day after day Infocom employees, we would work don't want to make enemies of my (more Envelope on page 5) all night, all weekend, and never Dear Gabby, neighbors. But shouldn't I stand up take a vacation! I am a home-owner who takes a for what's rightfully mine? don't call that weird. I call that The problem is that one time I great deal of pride in my yard as Signed, practical. How can I make people told "Jim" (not his real name) that well as my house. I have worked Straddling the Fence understand that and accept me as I when I grow up I want to go into very hard to make my backyard a am? marketing. Well, Jim, who wants to place that is not only pleasing to Dear Straddling, Signed, be a game designer, said that we'd the eye but also pleasing to the Boy, that's a toughy! In fact, I don't No Iced Tea never see eye to eye because game soul. Now, after several months of think I can help you out on this designers and marketeers never do. hard work, the only thing I need to one, but I know who can... Mike Now he won't have anything to do attain this goal is a fence. A fence Dornbrook! Wouldn't ya know it, Dear No Tea, with me. Every time he sees me he would block from view a rather Mike had the exact same problem You can't change the way people just sneers and mutters something unsightly woodpile on my neigh- with his fence-building. Win a date think. So what you have to do is about stupid marketing people. bor's property, and it would give me with him and he can tell you all find people who think the way you the peace and solitude that I'd like. I know we could be happy if he about how he solved this dilemma. do. And, as unbelievable as it may would just give it a chance. Gabby, When I asked my neighbors if seem, there is someone that thinks please tell me what to do! they would mind a fence along the Dear Gabby, like you. You guessed it — Mike property line, they were perfectly I don't own a refrigerator. As a re- Dornbrook! Mike likes to eat out a agreeable. But when I started to put sult, people think I'm really weird. lot, and he too is refrigeratorless. Signed, the fence up, they became irate. It's not fair, though. I eat out a lot, So get together with him. Win a Miserable in Marketing They claimed I was putting the so I don't need a refrigerator! I date with Mike! I $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ I More Infocom Games for

Only $14.95!!!

Crazy Dimwit is clearing out the castle, and slashing prices like they were trolls! Whether you’ve been spending the winter searching for the Coconut of Quendor, or still trying to get that darn babblefish in your ear, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!!! When Crazy Dimwit starts cutting, there’s no stopping him. Now three more Infocom favorites can be yours for the low, low, low price of $14.95! If deep sea adventure is your cup of tea, then Cutthroats, written by Michael Berlyn, is the story for you. Jeff O’Neill’s Ballyhoo comes complete with the smell of grease- paint and the roar of the crowd. And you’ll want to finish Suspect, by Dave Lebling, before your next Halloween party, in case you need to solve a murder.

+ Still More Games for $14.95!!! In the last Status Line, Mike “Mad Dog” Dornbrook chopped some prices, but he forgot to tell you about them (we had so much else to jam-pack into that issue). So, here’s another opportunity to order more Infocom classics at the low, low, oh-so- very-low price of $14.95!!! If it’s Zorks you like, then it’s Zorks you’ll get! Try Zork II and Zork III at $14.95 each! Or if Floyd the Robot is more to your taste, there’s the ever popular Planetfall by Steve Meretzky. For those with a yearn for alternate realities, get Brian Moriarty’s Trinity! Or maybe explore the future as the first sentient computer with Meretzky’s A Mind Forever Voyaging!!! Each only $14.95!

+ Free InvisiClues!!! But wait! There’s more!!! Crazy Dimwit really wants you to buy!!! If you order by March 31, 1988, you can get a free InvisiClue kit!!! Just buy any three of the eight games included in this offer, and you can have a free InvisiClues hint book- let!!! Each InvisiClues kit comes complete with a special marker so you uncover the clues only as you need them. InvisiClues start with a gentle nudge in the right direction and go all the way to the complete answer, so you can have just as much help as you want. And one can be yours absolutely free!!!

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Crazy Dimwit's Crazy Eight at a Crazy Price

Cutthroats, written by Michael Berlyn and Jerry Wolper, casts Planetfall is often cited by Infocom fans as their favorite work. you as a backwater island’s top diver and foremost expert on local Steve Meretzky’s zany humor makes your adventure as a lowly shipwrecks. It is no surprise that you’re picked to locate and salvage ensign in the Stellar Patrol very memorable. When you crash into a a fortune in sunken treasure. You must risk the perils of unknown deserted planet, you must unlock its mysteries, using your wits and waters and of an untrustworthy crew, but the reward is far too great Floyd, a lovable robot with the personality of a mischievous 8-year to pass us. A+ Magazine declared Cutthroats to be “another feather old. Said Memphis Magazine, “Planetfall is just about worth the in Infocom’s cap.” purchase of a computer.”

In Jeff O’Neill’s Ballyhoo, you stick around after the circus, Meretzky gives an awe-inspiring look into the future in A Mind hoping to get a glimpse of the glitter and the glamour. But when you Forever Voyaging. You are Prism, the world’s first conscious, hear that the owner’s daughter has been kidnapped and the detective intelligent computer. It is up to you to travel fifty years into the in charge couldn’t find the nose on his face, you set out to find her. future to determine how a new government policy will reshape the As you seek clues and doge danger, you must watch your step… or nation and affect the world. According to Newsweek, “AMFV uses you might become the next sideshow freak. Computer Entertainer the expanded memory to breathtaking effect, creating a richly gave Ballyhoo four stars, saying, “Ballyhoo is typically excellent imaged anti-Utopian future-world… AMFV isn’t ‘1984’, but in Infocom interactive fiction. Their authors have never let us down!” some ways it’s even scarier.”

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R I N I T T Y

When you show up for a Halloween party in Suspect, by Dave Brian Moriarty’s Trinity puts you in London seconds before an Lebling, you expect to spend the night mingling with bluebloods and atom bomb vaporizes the city at the start of World War III. You power brokers, sampling champagne and caviar, enjoying the fine must escape to a secret universe, a plane between fantasy and orchestra and exotic costumes. But when murder halts the festivities, reality, where every atomic explosion is mysteriously connected. fingers start pointing at you. You’ll need all your wits to prove your Here you’ll crisscross time and space, in a journey to the dawn of innocence and try to solve the crime. According to the Portland the atomic age, and the course of history will be in your hands. Oregonian, “This isn’t a computer game. This is complex, confus- Computer Entertainer said that Trinity “is the most original and ing, varied, independent real life as well as one of the most intricate daring of all Infocom works of interactive fiction.” and well-written text adventures ever devised.”

In Dave Lebling and Marc Blank’s Zork II, you journey to a Zork III, the climax of the trilogy, draws you into the deepest long-hidden region of the Great Underground Empire, dominated by and most mysterious reaches of the Great Underground Empire. the frivolous Wizard of Frobozz. As the strong-hearted adventurer Your goal is to determine why you’re in the perilous ruins of the you are, you try to survive his bothersome spells and solve such empire and what you’re supposed to be doing there. The Washington fascinating puzzles as the Maze of Oddly Angled Rooms. Post said, “If it’s two in the morning, it must be ZORK. Not even Ted Koppel can keep the nation up so late.” Crazy Dimwit’s Ordering Instructions:

1. Fill in your name, address, phone number, and other pertinent information below. 1a. To order by phone, call 1-800-262-6868 and ask for operator 15D. (But don’t yell, scream or shout.) 2. Yell, “Wow!! Check out these prices!!!” 3. Circle the product number in the grid below for each game you want to buy at the outrageously low price of $14.95. 4. Scream, “Hot diggety dog!! Look at all these great games!!!” 5. If you’re buying at least three games, check the box in the lower left corner and circle the game title for which you want free InvisiClues. 6. Shout, “Yeah!! I can’t believe I’m saving all this money!!!” 7. Circle the product number for any other InvisiClues you want to buy at $7.95. 8. Jump for joy!!! 9. Multiply the number of games you’re ordering by $14.95 and the number of InvisiClues by $7.95; add those number together and put it on the SUBTOTAL line. Add $2.00 shipping and handling for each game ordered. NJ residents add 6% sales tax. Enter the grand total on the GRAND TOTAL line. 10. Do the Funky Chicken dance. 11. Enclose appropriate payment and mail the bottom part of this sheet to: Crazy Dimwit Sale, Infocom, PO Box 478, Cresskill, NJ 07626. 12. Go outside and wait 3-6 weeks in front of your mailbox. (Holding your breath is optional.) 13. To check the status of your order, call 1-800-262-6868. Retain this portion for your records.

Name ______Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______Phone ______Age: p Under 6 p 6-1 p 12-17 p 18-24 p 25-35 p 36-49 p 50+ Payment Method: p Visa p Mastercard p American Express Card Number ______Expiration Date ______Signature ______Date ______p Check p Money order Make check payable to INFOCOM, INC. (Please do not send cash.) p YES!!! I want to take advantage of this totally awesome, pissa-cool, psychedelically groovy, bigger-than-life offer!!!

Atari Commodore IBM/ Apple II XL/XE Atari ST 64/128 MS-DOS InvisiClues Cutthroats IA3-AP1 IA3-AP2 IA3-AT1 IA3-AT2 IA3-CO1 IA3-CO4 IA3-IB2 IA3-INV Ballyhoo IM3-AP1 IM3-AP2 IM3-AT1 IM3-AT2 IM3-CO1 IM3-CO4 IM3-IB2 IM3-INV Suspect IM2-AP1 IM2-AP2 IM2-AT1 IM2-AT2 IM2-CO1 IM2-CO4 IM2-IB2 IM2-INV Zork II IZ2-AP1 IZ2-AP2 IZ2-AT1 IZ2-AT2 IZ2-CO1 IZ2-CO4 IZ2-IB2 IZ2-INV1 Zork III IZ3-AP1 IZ3-AP2 IZ3-AT1 IZ3-AT2 IZ3-CO1 IZ3-CO4 IZ3-IB2 IZ3-INV Planetfall IS3-AP1 IS3-AP2 IS3-AT1 IS3-AT2 IS3-CO1 IS3-CO4 IS3-IB2 IS3-INV Trinity IZ7-AP12 IZ7-AP22 IZ7-AT2 IZ7-CO52 IZ7-CO4 IZ7-IB12 IZ7-INV AMFV IS5-AP12 IS5-AP22 IS5-AT2 IS5-CO52 IS5-CO4 IS5-IB12 IS5-INV

1Due to limited quantities, Zork II InvisiClues are not available as part of the free offer. 2Trinity and AMFV requires 128K; IBM or 100% compatibles only; 512K Macintosh; not available for Commodore 64 or Atari XL/XE.

p Yes!!! I’ve ordered three games before March 31 and SUBTOTAL ______want the free InvisiClues circled below. (RB-795) p Yes!!! I live in New Jersey! Add 6% sales tax! ______Add $2.00 P & H per game. ______Cutthroats Ballyhoo Suspect Zork III Planetfall Trinity GRAND TOTAL ______AMFV

This order form is not valid after June 30, 1988. Source Code 15D

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BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Post Office Box 478 Permit No. 5938 Cresskill, New Jersey 07626 Chicago, IL

CRAZY

DIMWIT’S CASTLE CLEARANCE