Gnu in the Zoo — 15 of 30

Chapter 3 - Rest of Africa Zone

Section 1 - Lion Enclosure

The Lion Enclosure Entrance is a room. "You stand at the entrance of the lion enclosure. A strong, high fence separates you from the dangers lurking within. One of whom[if the Lion Enclosure Entrance is unvisited], you realise with a start,[end if] is standing there looking at you through the gate. A path rises back eastwards to an observation platform and beyond.[paragraph break]Being this close to one of your natural predators fills you with unease." It is west of the Gnu Enclosure Entrance.

The Lion Enclosure Itself is a room. "[unless Dawn is happening]It’s hard to make out much in this light. [end unless]It's bumpy. There’s a ragged pool float hanging from a tree. And, bizarrely, beautifully intricate carvings everywhere. The thing that most completely captivates your attention, though, is the stench of Tex the Lion’s breath. It carries easily over to you in the [if Night-Time is happening]cool night[otherwise]crisp early-morning[end if] air. Unmistakably, raw meat." Index map with the Lion Enclosure Itself mapped west of the Lion Enclosure Entrance.

The Lion Enclosure Entrance is connected with the Lion Enclosure Itself.

The lion enclosure gate is inside of the Lion Enclosure Entrance and outside of the Lion Enclosure Itself. It is a door and scenery. It is lockable and locked. The description of the lion enclosure gate is "The enclosure’s gate is made up of closely spaced bars and a reinforced box housing the lock mechanism." The yellow key unlocks the lion enclosure gate.

The lion enclosure fence is a backdrop with description "The fence is a tough-looking mix of steel bars and chain-link, reaching up a good twelve feet." It is in the Lion Enclosure Entrance and the Lion Enclosure Itself.

Tex the Lion is an animal with description "Tex is sleek, powerful, and if you read his expression correctly, really quite hungry." He is in the Lion Enclosure Itself. He is undescribed. Understand "lion" as Tex the Lion.

The grit path is in the Lion Enclosure Entrance.

The observation platform is an object in the Lion Enclosure Entrance. "A broad wooden platform to the side of the path, affording a good view over the enclosure[if Night-Time is happening], though there is not much to see at this time of night[end if]." It is scenery.

The ragged pool float is an object in the Lion Enclosure Itself. "It would probably not float any more, given how it is punctuated with bite marks." It is scenery.

The intricate carvings is an object in the Lion Enclosure Itself. "You recognise the style, but can't place it." They are scenery.

After unlocking the lion enclosure gate with the yellow key:

say "Tex chooses that moment to yawn and lick his lips.";

continue the action.

After opening the lion enclosure gate:

say "The gate swings open with an ominous creak. Tex looks you up and down; a single strand of drool escapes from his lips. You hardly have chance to back away before he leaps through the gateway, all teeth and claws. In a final moment of detachment, you muse that the service you were aiming to provide was escape, not breakfast in bed.";

end the story saying "Tex's mouth and stomach are no mystery to you now."

[The player should never get this far]

Instead of touching Tex the Lion:

say "You are distracted by a cloud of bugs that begin to buzz around you. A few swishes of your tail is sufficient to move them on, but the experience leaves you shuddering."

After going east from the Lion Enclosure Entrance for the first time:

say "You retreat back eastwards, nearly tripping over that obstructive sign. Such is your relief at leaving those slavering jaws behind, you don't even glance back down into the lion enclosure as you pass the observation platform. Soon the strangely reassuring sight of your own enclosure comes into view.";

increase the time of day by ten minutes;

continue the action.

After going east from the Lion Enclosure Entrance at least twice:

say "You retreat back eastwards until the reassuring sight of your own enclosure comes into view.";

increase the time of day by ten minutes;

continue the action.