The Lunastone by Craig Dutton

On a far distant ocean planet you live peacefully with your daughter on one of the many islands. Out of the blue your daughter goes missing. She had been kidnapped by your insane brother. You must find and steal the Lunastone, a powerful weapon, to be found on a secret island. If you don't steal it for him your daughter will die.

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Comment DavyB

08 Mar 2023

@Kmo73, have you tried typing "use flying craft"?

Comment Kmo73

08 Mar 2023

Im a bit late to the game here but what do i need to type to get the craft to go? I've got the co-ords from the leaflet but cannot figure out how to input them.

Comment Exellinor

13 Apr 2022

Is there a walkthrough for this game?

Comment rebekiah27

03 Jun 2018

I'm stuck on S Chandra - how do I get the door open? I saw someone mention a console but I can't find one anywhere around. I'm assuming this is the answer of how to get to Q'Rel as otherwise I don't have any idea where to go next. I've got the vial, ruby, snowglobe and various plants.

Comment rebekiah27

03 Jun 2018

I'm really enjoying the game but it keeps freezing - I'll be able to click/type instructions and that might open up new options on the right panel but the main text on the left panel doesn't change. I restarted once but now I'm a lot further through - is this a known glitch / fixable?

Comment SteveM

22 Feb 2017

Not sure if anyone is struggling through this game at the moment? I have read the plaque for S Chanra but still cannot get any combination of coordinates to work. Am I missing another part of the clue? Can anyone help?

Review jong09

08 Aug 2016

A very fun game. Reminiscent of Zork.

Review You Can't stump the Trump

27 Jul 2016

It takes a bit of getting into I think, but it's a pretty well rounded game I'd say.
Definitely needs Donald Trump, and it's pretty hard to get into.

Comment Smarty3b

25 Jul 2016

I haven't played very much at all. I've made it to Chanra, but I think I jumped the gun, because I never found Neos's coordinates, so I'm stuck here, as best as I can tell. Guess I'll have to start over.

Review MTaylor

02 May 2016

Enjoy the background music and the font is very nice as is the display. The cover art is visually appealing and I enjoyed the game very much.

Comment rcsjr1951

06 Feb 2016

Finally figured out how to obtain a happy ending. Craig Dutton you have done a fantastic job on this game! Look forward to trying out other you have written. I was tempted to write a spoiler sheet for the game but thought why ruin it for everyone else that might play. I have played many text adventure games and I can say this is one of the most unique, which also makes it one of the most difficult to figure out. Again a great Job, Many THANKS!

Comment rcsjr1951

05 Feb 2016

Fantastic game. Can anyone help me achieve a happy ending? Running out of ideas and word play combinations. Cant figure out how to communicate privately.

Comment ForlinA

18 Jan 2016

What are the coordinates for Neos?

Comment ForlinA

18 Jan 2016

Realized I need the moon lily and the enzyme, how do I get the enzyme?

Comment ForlinA

18 Jan 2016

Stuck on Chanra, humiliated that I have to resort to comments. Please help.

Comment itchy

30 Nov 2015

I just can't work out how to open the hidden panel in the vault in Q'rel. Any assistance gratefully received!

Comment Ibat

08 Sep 2015

What do i do on chanra?

Comment Ibat

08 Sep 2015

Never mind, figured it out

Comment Ibat

08 Sep 2015

The coordinates aren't working

Comment Maxmusic

04 Sep 2015

So hard
How do you play

Comment nerdgrl

30 Jun 2015

I can't figure out the puzzle with the console at south chanra. Looks like one of the symbols looks like the door symbol, but don't see a door open up at all.

Comment TextBasedDog

15 Jun 2015

Me again - I figured out the hut.

I'm now outside the tower on Q'Rel. I've said the name of the constellation that I saw through the telescope but it just ends the game. I've tried saying all the constellation names and the game ends each time.

Have the rules regarding the tower changed since your last comment about it?

Comment TextBasedDog

14 Jun 2015

I might be a bit late for this but I can't figure out what to do with the painting in the hut...can anyone help?

Comment llama75

02 Jun 2015

can anyone help me light the lamp? I'm stuck on that one.

Review MisterPibb316

30 Apr 2015

I love the inclusion of background music (a very pleasant tune greets you right when you boot this game up, I must say), and I do understand the idea behind this game: its lack of clues, and therefore, high difficulty, combined with its deep sense of mystery, are inspired by the PC classic Myst.

My issue is that Myst had a point-and-click interface, and in that sort of setting, it's easier to pull off that sort of atmosphere while keeping the player intrigued. Here, I found myself frustrated (even when I solved puzzles), although a lot of people, including the author, have left helpful comments.

With that said, a lot of people *love* this game, and what I find frustrating is actually endearing to many others, so hey, you just might really like The Lunastone a lot. Its universe, once you get to know it, certainly has its charms, and there's a considerable amount of length and depth if you manage to make it far enough.

[[Reviewer's Note: If this game had a limited walkthrough (in other words, one that didn't spill the beans, but guided you in the right direction if you thought what it offered over) and was a little more descriptive, I would have rated it at least 4 stars.]]

Comment MisterPibb316

28 Apr 2015

Some of this game's puzzles are effectively driving me insane. A lot of effort clearly went into it, so much props.

Comment Craig Dutton

20 Apr 2015

Morgen,

You should have found a leaflet on the table in the Living Area. Read it and look at the quote by the High Priestess from Chanra for the first set of co-ordinates.

Comment Morgen

19 Apr 2015

Could someone give me a hint where I can find the coordinates to get off Neos? I'm right at the start of the game. I've got the ruby, found my home coordinates, and have three books and various flowers.

Comment Craig Dutton

17 Apr 2015

PieFaceDude,

If your Moon lily/enzyme is still separate in the bowl then MIX BOWL to make a mixture. Then DRINK MIXTURE while your in the Cave of Dreams.

Comment PieFaceDude

17 Apr 2015

How do I drink the Moon lily / Enzyme mix?! i tried eat, drink, with, on... AH! Help!

Comment aeliria

13 Apr 2015

Great game!!!

@sheo look for the wyrm , it has something for you

Comment sheo

27 Mar 2015

Hi everyone.

I really enjoy the game, thank you very much Craig!

Besides, I could use some help; I'm stuck with the Cave of dreams. I've tried to prepare liquid mixtures but they won't do anything, and the High Priestess doesn't talk to me (she just told me the cave should guide me the first time I spoke to her).

Thank you in advance.

Have a wonderful day/night, text adventurers :)

Review Emipop325

18 Mar 2015

The best game on this site for sure! Captivating and exciting the whole way through - a real brain teaser! I recommend this game to everyone :)

Comment Emipop325

18 Mar 2015

Hi Craig, we finished! (Finally!) Such a great game and really gave us a run for our money! Thank you for all of your help and for making this game! :)

Comment Craig Dutton

18 Mar 2015

Emipop325,

As you've probably worked out, the four guardians are linked to the old four elements of Fire, Air, Earth and Water or close to it according to the Book of Symbols.

The Blue guardian therefore requires a drop of H20. You should have the snow globe on you from the shelf in the Living Quarters on Scython. What's inside it that 'whooshes' the snow around when you SHAKE it? Give it a BREAK and USE it on the guardian.

Comment Emipop325

17 Mar 2015

No need to apologize! It's still a great game - my bad for using the ivy!
Thank you so much for your help, but I guess it's time to start it again! Any clues you can give me for the blue guardian?
Thanks again! :)

Review DaNiX88

16 Mar 2015

A very difficult, but fun game! It definitely reminded me of the Myst series. I highly recommend this game to the daring text-adventurer.

Though a little more hints in the game would have been a little more user-friendly. I don't really like having to resort to the comments in order to proceed through a difficult puzzle.

Comment Craig Dutton

13 Mar 2015

Emipop325,

The vial contains Vrox - a smell suppressor. I didn't make the vial a proper container in the game so: USE VIAL WITH IVY is what you only do with it. The ivy has one purpose - to feed a certain creature found in the tower at Q'rel.

Sorry, but if you've used the ivy you'll have to start again. When you give the bowl full of enzyme to the High Priestess she will never suggest to add the ivy but the others will be randomly chosen for each game.

The game was inspired by the point 'n' click game Myst released initially in 1993. The game and its sequels were hard, so I'm only following tradition.

A hard game, cruel more like, sorry!

Comment Emipop325

12 Mar 2015

Thank you! That was really helpful, I had an idea that I'd have to use the Crorl on the wires (with it's sharp teeth!) but now I'm stuck again... Any clues as to what we fill the vial with (I'm assuming water)? Or how we fill it? I've read that people have used it on the ivy... and I really hope that's not the case because I tried all the flowers with the enzyme when I got stuck... D:
Thanks again! :)

Comment Craig Dutton

12 Mar 2015

Emipop325,

I wrote this and I can't even remember how to help you without referring to my notes.

The vial is on Palamore, hidden in the throne. Sit on the throne and find the seat is loose. Move it to reveal some wires. On the south side of Chanra in the Glass dome is a dead Crorl. Put it on the plinth in the secret room, south of the fountain, on Scython. It will come back to life. Go back to the thone of Palamore and USE CRORL WITH WIRES. The throne will move and you'll find the vial inside.

As for a crown there isn't one? The crimson narcissues has a 'crown' but that's it?

Anyway, to get into the secret room go to the repository on Scython (push philosopher statue to break open the door.) Examine the panel and pull the lever until (see book of symbols found in the living room) the symbol for heat appears. Turn on the valve by the lava river. The pipes are hot giving power to the turbine and mountain. Go to the control room. The first button means 'OPEN' the second means 'CLOSE'. Push the first button and get the metal rod from the chamber. Go to the fountain and insert the rod into the hole (X FOUNTAIN) the secret room opens.

That should keep you busy. Glad you're enjoying the game.

Comment Emipop325

11 Mar 2015

I might be the only person playing this right now.. but my GOD it's difficult... I've been stuck for days! (literally). I've heard talk about a vial and a crown? I can't turn the valve and I've activated three of the four guardians (The last one I'm assuming is linked to the fountain that's empty?) I've been everywhere and done everything (though obviously I haven't) and I'm just so stuck D: Please please help! I want to finish this game!

Comment stella1

22 Feb 2015

Another (somewhat) vicious set of puzzles from CD! Can anyone please drop a hint on how to deal with the veech?

Thank you!

Comment danaburgerrr

16 Feb 2015

Atuin,

yay! I'm glad my hint was helpful. in the hut, you need to examine the frame of the painting if I recall correctly. that will help you get to another location. Craig also likes the command "lift" for future reference! :)

Comment Atuin

14 Feb 2015

Yay I got the dream sequence but I'm already stuck again. I can't for the life of me do anything with the painting in the hut. I've tried drop, use, open, break, tear, turn. This game really needs a walkthrough as this is like the 5th time I've gotten stuck on what to do next.

Comment Atuin

14 Feb 2015

Danaburgerrr I did indeed encounter the wyrm and got the enzyme. Tried talking to the priestess but she just gave me a blank look. Will try again using commands with the enzyme

Comment namekuseijin

13 Feb 2015

"It's quite detailed." LOL

really, what a piece of utter garbage. I feel sorry for this generation.

Comment danaburgerrr

13 Feb 2015

Atuin,

have you encountered the cave with the Wyrm? you need something from there to assist you in the Cave of Dreams, and after you have the item you should speak to the Priestess first, she knows what you have to do.

Comment Atuin

13 Feb 2015

Currently really enjoying this game. It's quite detailed. I am stuck at the moment on what to do at the cave of dreams but I'm sure I'll get there and want to.

Comment danaburgerrr

10 Feb 2015

06MN02, I realize now that you may have already done what I suggested. if you have the coordinates for another destination, type "use craft" and it will prompt you for where you'd like to go.

Comment danaburgerrr

09 Feb 2015

06MN02,

search the metal plate in the room with the craft. it's dirty; what do you do to things that are dirty? look in the kitchen for the solution.

Comment 06MN02

08 Feb 2015

how do you leave the house

Comment danaburgerrr

02 Feb 2015

faayth,

if you found the cloth, you're nearly there. go back to the kitchen and open the cupboard and you should find what you need.

Comment faayth

31 Jan 2015

okay just found this site, started with this game...I think I'm ready to get off the first island, except I can't figure out how to clean the metal plate, and I've read in the comments that if I don't do this now, I won't be able to later. My cloth is too dry, but I can't figure out how to get a liquid. Help would be appreciated.

Review S_Vaine

29 Jan 2015

Very creative, I really liked this one.

Comment danaburgerrr

28 Jan 2015

OK so I have made it to Q'rel and got past the guardians just fine, but I am trying to a) get past the veech and b) figure out what the heck to do with the plinth. any help would be much appreciated.

Comment danaburgerrr

23 Jan 2015

hey Craig (or anyone really), I am royally stuck. I've been to Neos, Chanra, Scython, Palamore and S. Chanra and I think I've figured out the symbols...but I'm not sure because I don't think anything happens with them until later in the game. I don't really know where to go from here. is there something I'm missing at the Tree of Ages? I've picked a leaf but I can't for the life of me figure out what to do with it. also I'm seeing mention in the comments of a vial and a crown on Chanra but I haven't found them either or don't even know if they exist, lol. a tiny hint about something I might have missed would be much appreciated!

Comment danaburgerrr

21 Jan 2015

FYI: do NOT "break snowglobe" before you've fully examined it, lol! I suck so much. :)

Comment Marzipan

07 Jan 2015

@JCB_diggerbrown Please notice that games on the site also have a 'comments' section. You're not REQUIRED to rate games, especially games you admit you (or your class) barely glanced at and didn't play.

Review Marzipan

07 Jan 2015

This is a very good game, I enjoyed the setting and the puzzles were just the right level of difficulty. It was one of the first I played on the site once I'd made an account and was one of the things that convinced me that there was something to this Quest thing, and the OTHER good Quest game I'd come across in the IF comp wasn't just a fluke. Anyway, I just now realized I'd never actually reviewed it and so am correcting that now. :)

Oh, and @JCB_diggerbrown: Wow, an excellent example of why children should never be allowed on the internet, ever. 1 star spite review after admitting to only playing for 15 minutes? Very classy.

Comment marshall122402

30 Nov 2014

Is it possible to breed plants in the Botanical Laboratory? If so, how? Does it involve the bench or what?

Comment Lunastone

23 Nov 2014

Why would you steal me?! Why?!

Review boilermaker1972

15 Nov 2014

I found this game (and site) quite by accident, after looking to revisit the old text adventure game Zork (in my youth, I was a bit too young to fully appreciate the game). Little did I know that text adventures were still being developed in 2014. Lunastone was the first game I tried on the site, as the cover art reminded me of the Myst series. Immediately, I was hooked. I found the game to be quite more elaborate than I had anticipated, which was a welcome surprise. I found that once I became accustomed to the syntax, navigation became easier, especially after I had solved some of the game's initial puzzles. I must admit to getting stuck in multiple places, sometimes in locations that ultimately proved to be "red herrings". The comments were both a blessing and a curse, as I had misinterpreted what some of the other players had been saying. The syntax required to solve some of the puzzles was exacting, which led to some frustration. However, there was ultimately enough hints so that the player could intuit solutions (often after multiple attempts), and the puzzles were challenging (but not nearly as fiendish as those I had encountered in prior games). For what this was, it was excellently designed and executed. The hints in the comments section make the game ultimately soluble (thanks to everyone who posted), but even with the hints the game was sufficiently challenging so as to be enjoyable. I cannot wait to try some more, especially by this author,

Comment boilermaker1972

13 Nov 2014

Very interesting game, and the hints in the comments have proven invaluable. I note that these have not been updated for while, so I don't know if anyone is still playing. There was a suggestion that a vial could be found on Chandra, but after trying every item in every location, and various combinations of verbiage in the command lines, I simply cannot figure out how to find this item. If there is anyone who might be able to help, I would be most appreciative.

Review EnderDoesMC

11 Oct 2014

Its a good game, some glitches, can't complete the first part, but good when I figured the game out!

Comment 2dots1symbol

25 Sep 2014

how do you get past the encyclopedias??

Review miepmiep

15 Sep 2014

I really liked this game. The first I played to the end, entirely, here on textadventures.co.uk. It sure wasn't easy, and the comments helped me achieving this goal. However, it wasn't to difficult either. Not impossible or anything. I liked the theme and story and I couldn't stop playing. Great work. Looking forward to playing some of your other games.

Comment miepmiep

13 Sep 2014

Now i'm trying to reveal some panel at the vault (Q'rel)....help?

Comment miepmiep

13 Sep 2014

never mind ;)

Comment miepmiep

13 Sep 2014

Hello, I really like this game. However, I can't figure out to light the lamp. Any thoughts?

Comment reiikon

06 Sep 2014

I can't figure out what to do. I can go to Neos, Chanra, scython, palamore, and s chanra. I don't know what to do with the wires or how to unlock either of the doors or turn the valve.

Comment boxofcookies

20 Aug 2014

I just solved the encyclopedia puzzle, but I don't know what to do now. Can anyone help?

Review Silver

19 Aug 2014

Haven't completed this yet but you get drawn into it very quickly and there's plenty to do. Think I'm going to have to set aside some time for this. Makes a refreshing change to starting games that are sparsely populated, broken or half finished.

Comment Craig Dutton

13 Aug 2014

Sophia1,

Glad you liked it.

I've tried my best to explain how I did the coordinates function in The Forum > Quest Forum > X and Y coordinates from Lunastone REQUEST.

Any questions, just ask.

Comment Sophia1

12 Aug 2014

Hello! Really liked this game, but I was wondering if you could give me tips on how you programmed the game to allow you to enter coordinates and whether they were right or wrong. I can understand if you don't wish to spread your expertise, but it would be really useful for the game I am creating. Love your work, Thanks!
-Sophia

Comment jordan4890

25 Jul 2014

OkamiShelli: You can use commands that the game doesn't give you in the upper right corner. For instance, you could "rip" your daughter's drawing from the wall if you were an evil parent, but you'd have to type it into the box at the bottom of the screen. Happy hunting!

Comment kitfox

24 Jul 2014

So, I've entered the black crystal tower and activated two of the guardian statues, but can't figure out what I need to do to activate the clear or blue ones. Any hints?

Great puzzle game, btw.

Comment mavi

18 Jul 2014

How am I supposed to hurt Krelos? Is it something to do with fire? I've used the ruby, but I either can't find the right object or the right command... Argh, so close to the end!

Comment mavi

17 Jul 2014

Found them! It was all linked to turning the valve on after all. I hadn't realized that I had become able to do that. Got to appreciate how elaborate this game is.

Comment mavi

16 Jul 2014

I can't find the plinth and the vial. I unlocked the door beneath the statue hall, lit the lamp, unlocked all islands, looked over the rooms repeatedly but still can't find them... I don't know where to go from here. Also, is there supposed to be a crown in the first two islands?

Comment mavi

16 Jul 2014

Kendansa, first put the flower in the bowl, then command 'mix bowl.' (That took me so long to figure out I can't believe it worked.)

Comment he.bann28

09 Jul 2014

Hi, I got the ruby, the coordinates or Neos and looked at pretty much all on the island. How do I continue?

Thanks :)

Comment Kelema

08 Jul 2014

I'm stuck on first island and I don't know what to do.

Comment Kendansa

07 Jul 2014

I've just started playing, and I'm already stuck. I can't figure out the command to dilute the enzyme with moon lily. I've tried 'mix ... with ...", "combine... with...", and even "use... with/on..." and nothing seems to work.

Comment OkamiShelli

07 Jul 2014

I just started playing, I can't solve the encyclopedia puzzle...

Review johnhf

29 Jun 2014

EPIC minecraft seems to be an idiot giving a great game like this 1 star. This is better than his games by far!

Comment Ice-S

28 Jun 2014

Vortex_319, in order to find the sphere, you should get rid of the Veech.

Review Tom C.L.

27 Jun 2014

What a great game

Comment Vortex_319

26 Jun 2014

Thanks for all the great clues everyone! I'm finally in the tower, got the elevator working, and found the vault key. Now I'm stuck trying to get the stone, which I can't touch. Across the hall I have the smoke filled room with the Veech.

Not sure if I'm carrying the correct item(s) to solve the rest of thing. I see int he comments by Ice-S that there is suppose to be a sphere somewhere, but I have yet to find it. Any hints?

Comment cowlicksi

19 Jun 2014

Thanks Ice-S!

Comment Ice-S

19 Jun 2014

cowlicksi, focus on the floating sphere in the other room, solving this puzzle, will give you the answer on how to take the stone.

--SPOILER--
Think about 'genie in a wonderlamp'-stories, and you should now what to do with the sphere.

Comment cowlicksi

18 Jun 2014

let me know how you get on with the stone Ice-S, I'm running out ideas!

Comment Ice-S

18 Jun 2014

Thanks Sarah! Lighting the light source and using the right command to help the unfortunate soul did the trick! Now trying to figure out how to take the lunastone...

Comment sarah4

16 Jun 2014

Ice-S, you should have already found the items you will need to use on the red and blue statues on your travels so far, if you have worked out what the symbols by each statue represent then this should give you the clues you need.

Spoiler alert
If you're still struggling, here's a more explicit clue. You will need a light source which you should already have lit on the island where you found it and an object under which you found some island coordinates. Hope this helps.

As for the plinth, if you work out what the symbol represents then this should give you a clue to aiding an unfortunate soul you should already have located on your travels which will, in turn, be able to help you. I don't want to give too much away but I hope this points you in the right direction.

Comment Ice-S

14 Jun 2014

Lighnagain: give the rock on the same island a closer look.

I'm still stuck on the plinth...just can't figure that one out. Also missing 2 items I need on Q'rel (the ones for the red and the blue guard), but I guess that's because I didn't finish the plinthpuzzle yet?

Comment Lighnagain

11 Jun 2014

Ok, I got the poster, feel dumb for not having tried it before... Assumed I would have to use some sort of solution or scraper. Anyway. But still stuck on the Follishram! I feel like the rest will come after that... I know I have to feed him, but I can't find what to give him!?

Comment Lighnagain

11 Jun 2014

I am feeling stuck, and I have read through all the comments looking for little hints!
I've been to Chandra, Scython, and Palamore. I don't know what to do with the wires, how to get rid of the Follishram even though I know his diet, or what to do with the plinth. I don't know how to get Vessa's poster off the wall. I just need a little push in the right direction!!

Comment sarah4

06 Jun 2014

nerdgrl, you won't be able to turn on the valve until you have accessed the locked room in the basement on Scython, to do this you will need to commit an act of vandalism in the hall of statues! As you have probably noticed, the wyrm is secreting a fairly disgusting looking enzyme, you are going to need to collectthis in a recepticle you will also find on Chandra, once you have filled the container with enzyme, take it to the only other person on the island who will tell you what you should do next, this will deal with the 'Cave of Dreams' mystery for you. Hope this helps.

Comment nerdgrl

05 Jun 2014

Craig, I'm stuck. I've been to 5 Islands. Not sure what to do about cave of dreams, or wyrm. Not sure what to do with statues, or valve.

Comment markydennis

05 Jun 2014

once again, thank you so much Sarah :)
so glad to have achieved the "happy ending" finally :)

Comment sarah4

05 Jun 2014

Markydennis, glad to be of help. There are two things you need to do to reach the 'happy ending' which can only be achieved through fratricide, you have a powerful weapon with you that should do the trick. However, before you attempt this you need to make sure that Vessa is out of the way by secretly communicating with her, climb up the cliffs on Q'rel and the solution should come to you, good luck!

Comment markydennis

05 Jun 2014

got the stone!!! ...... any clues for the "happy" ending?

Comment markydennis

05 Jun 2014

Thank you Sarah!! why didnt i think of that!!
now... just have to figure out how to take the lunastone.... :)

Comment sarah4

04 Jun 2014

Markydennis, since I'm in a cryptic mood, I'd say you should take the advice that Lauren Bacall famously gave to Humphrey Bogart in the classic movie 'To Have or Have Not' regarding whistling. An extra clue, you don't need to use any object you have on the clear statue as you did with the other three, think about what the statue represents and that should give you the solution, that's probably far more helpful advice than my first clue!

Comment markydennis

03 Jun 2014

im a little stuck on the clear statue in the tower on Q'rel.... any tips please?

Review sarah4

31 May 2014

Thanks again for all of your help Craig, I have now finished the game and achieved the happy ending!

This was yet another wonderfully constructed and meticulously planned game, with a large and ambitious game world, a plethora of fiendish, but always soluble, puzzles and an involving story. The puzzles were all beautifully integrated into the game and it's environment. I was impressed by the way you ensured that the player never gets so caught up in puzzle-solving that they forget their motivation for solving all these puzzles in the first place. The various islands were all well-described and the inclusion of the space ship to provide transport from one island to another was an inspired idea and made for some excellent code-hunting puzzles in order to find the co-ordinates!

Thanks so much again for sharing your masterpieces with us and I wait with bated breath for your next game!

Comment GlaDOScake

31 May 2014

Thanks Craig and Sarah, those hints helped massively. I keep missing little things that are so important!

Comment Craig Dutton

31 May 2014

Sarah

When you believe you have the right symbol on the screen just give it a PRESS/PUSH (I wasn't going to make it easy for anyone, LOL). When you eventually get to Q'rel and enter the tower, the other things will prove useful. The ruby... I leave that hint to later.

GlaDOScake

On Scython look on the shelf in the Living Quarters - What you find there needs a good examination - LOOK UNDER it. When you get to Palamore, visit the Arboretum and feed the beast here (read the Book of Beasts to find out what exactly it likes and do another closer examination on something outside.) You'll eventually find info. on how to get to South Chanra.

Comment sarah4

31 May 2014

The co-ordinates for South Chandra can be found in the arboritum on Polamor, you just need to get rid of the critter that's loitering in there, try feeding it something you will find on the same island. Hope this helps!

Comment GlaDOScake

31 May 2014

Any hints on how to get to S Chanra? Explored most of Scython I think, got the lamp, ruby and found the room with the plinth

Comment sarah4

31 May 2014

Hi Craig, sorry it's taken me so long to get around to playing your latest masterpiece! I've just started it this morning and it is absolutely fantastic, not that I would expect anything else from a Craig Dutton game! The puzzles have been particularly fiendish so far, but I have come reasonably far I think, though I have now reached something of an impasse and would greatly appreciate a metaphorical shove in the right direction please! I currently have access to Neos, Chandra, South Chandra, Polamor, and Sython and have acquired a number of useful looking items, but I am currently wandering around aimlessly as I cannot figure out how to solve the mystery of the visual puzzle in the basement. The notes you sent me have proved extremely helpful in navigating the visual parts of the game, and I had an idea of how to solve the basement puzzle, but so far it does not seem to have worked. I also used the vial I found on the ivy (which I hope was the right thing to do), but can't figure out how to use it. The leaf and ruby are also seemingly unhelpful at the moment, though they may come in handy later in the game. Any assistance you could give in getting further with this wonderful game would be great thanks!

Comment GlaDOScake

31 May 2014

Thanks Craig! Seems obvious now but I seriously couldn't figure any of that out myself. Loving the game so far

Comment Craig Dutton

31 May 2014

GlaDOScake

Check out the hut on Chanra and X WALLS. Look closely at every component regarding what you just found here and another island's co-ordinates will be found. Vessa's codeword is hidden in her bedroom - it's hiding underneath something. To remove it think 'How do I remove glued down paper from a wall?'

Comment Craig Dutton

31 May 2014

Vortex_319

The vision in the Cave of Dreams gave you the hints to opening the tower door. It said 'You see stars, then a number (random every game?), a black door, you say a name, the door unlocks.'

The 'stars' refer to the telescope on Palamore. USE it and work out, with the Book of Constellations (hidden in Palamore), the name of the constellation you see. Outside the tower door SAY (name of constellation) and this will unlock the door. Once you're in you'll have a bit more to do to finish the game.

Comment GlaDOScake

30 May 2014

Great game so far, but can't figure out what to do now. I've only explored Neos and Chanra, can't seem to get to any of the other islands. Can't find the codeword to Vessa's safe either. Managed to see the vision in the Cave of Dreams but now I don't know where to go. Any hints would be greatly appreciated!

Comment Starcat

30 May 2014

haven't finished it yet. But it has been great so far. This is a work of art, not a game.

Comment Vortex_319

29 May 2014

Craig,

Thanks for replying. Sorry I was not more specific in my last comment. I am current on Q'rel at the doors of the tower. The issue that I'm facing at the moment is finding out how to open them. I've used the vision's hint and used just about everything I've come across in the game, but nothing yet. There are a lot of options, and I think I've used them all (books, people, islands, etc.).

At this point I'm still going through every island with a fine tooth comb trying to find what I need. I'm starting to wonder if this is similar to how the plate on Neos was in the beginning, where there is something I haven't found because it takes more imagination to find.

As much as I don't like giving up I'm running out of things to try. I'd like to finish this game. I'm loving it so far and can't wait to try out your other games! Just hope I can complete this one.

Comment Avramis

28 May 2014

@Thunderwolf5590

If you still need help i can help you. you can email me at [email protected] to avoid spoilers for the others.

Comment Thunderwolf5590

27 May 2014

I still haven't gotten off the first island. HOW???

Comment Craig Dutton

17 May 2014

Vortex_319.

I'm not sure what you're asking? Anyway, Q'rel, mentioned in Book of History, is the location of the Lunastone. Your main aim now, as far as I can tell, is for you to get to Q'rel. The X and Y co-ordinates are located separately. One is discovered through a vision in the Cave of Dreams. The other is solving the symbols/visual panel puzzle in the cellar in South Chanra. On Q'rel, getting into the tower will be your next challenge.

Comment Vortex_319

16 May 2014

Hello Craig. Are you willing to provide any hint as to the name needed? Even if it's just the island I need that would at least help me focus. Any other clues are welcome of course. Thank you!

Comment Vortex_319

16 May 2014

You'll get S. Chanra in Palamore. If you've been through all of Palamore and are still stuck with S Chanra lemme know. It shouldn't be too difficult if you've made it this far.

Comment markydennis

15 May 2014

ahha, found Palamore :) a hint for S. Chanra would be appreciated :)

Comment markydennis

15 May 2014

havent been to S.Chanra yet..... any hints would be great!

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

Yea, I can't figure out what name to use. I will continue to try every last thing I can think of. But any kind of hint would be much appreciated.

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

UGH! As far as I can tell I've used every name/title this game has given me. I've even used YOUR name Craig...

What have I missed now? I've reread every book, written all titles/names down and used them all. Even mine, daughter's, and brothers. There are only a few named people. The rest are descriptive titles and those don't even work.

Willing to lend any hints as to at least 'where' I can find the name I'm missing?

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

Gotta hand it to you Craig, you sure do know how to hide things... Wow, I cannot believe it took me that long to figure out the symbols in S. Chanra.

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

I really wish I had a list of all available commands. I have quite literally interacted with every thing/room I can and I'm still no closer to the next step. I ask the Priestess about everything. I'm tried to combine ever item I can think of. Looked and searched every room and item. Looked under everything. Read everything... ugh...

I know there are probably verbs that I'm not thinking of. Like "pick", but I've tried some new ones and still no help. What do I do next!?

vTx

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

So, I have the leaf. Found out the other is a little more stubborn, but I have a feeling that will play into it.

Still need to find out what to do with the Ruby, Vial, and Lamp.

So, those 3, with the addition of my new leaf, and possibly another. Grrrrr... There's also the issue with the new symbols at S. Chanra which I still can't figure out what they do. Nothing seems to change no matter how much I search once the image has changed. I have a sneaking suspicion that there is something that uses the ruby, but I haven't "looked" in the right place.

Craig, you said the new version "tells you what to do" in regards to the Tree of Ages. I haven't seen any new directions on that just yet, but I'm not sure if you mean that it tells you to use the 'pick' command or if there are more instructions for the whole puzzle. I am determined to beat your game, but right now I'm finding myself running around the each island trying every possible command I can come up with and still nothing. Love the challenge. But man am I stuck. lol

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

markydennis: Note the symbol on the plinth, and note the symbol in the book and compare. There's a slightly subtle hint in the difference.

Also, you'll have to have gone to S. Chanra before you can complete that puzzle. If you have, I'll provide an additional hint if you are still stuck. Took me a minute until I tried something random and figured it out.

vTx

Comment Vortex_319

14 May 2014

Craig: Thank yo so much for that hint! OMG! "PICK!" hahahahaha. I knew the leaves had to be something! I'll be sure to check that out right away. Loving the game btw! I'm addicted to figuring this out. And regarding the plate; it did fall in line with how you normally have to find everything else (by looking in not so obvious places), it just was a bummer to find out that if you miss it, you get stuck. Then again, I didn't find Vessa's code until I went back, so had I found that first, it may not have been such a problem for me.

Comment markydennis

14 May 2014

any hints on what to do with the plinth? i recognise the symbol and have tried putting various things on top of it... thanks :)

Comment Craig Dutton

14 May 2014

Updated the game by making the metal plate visible (sorry, if that puzzle was too cruel) at the start of the game. I also made the Tree of Ages 'puzzle' a lot easier. Since the new version tells you what to do then the command for the old version is PICK LEAVES. The new version can also work with PICK LEAF.

Comment markydennis

14 May 2014

well done vTx! sounds like you have found quite a lot!

im still at the room with the plinth....

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

This is the most I've been lost before. I've gone over every island, every room, and every item I can look at/touch/pick up/examine/smell/etc. front/back/under/etc... w...t...f...

Knowing Craig I'm gonna kick myself for not seeing it, but I've tried to look at every little thing that's available, even tried to find things that weren't, just in case. But nothing yet.

I think I'm missing a book. I can't figure out the symbols on S. Chanra. They don't seem to do anything for me yet. I have yet to figure out the need for the ruby, the vial, or the lamp.

I was thinking the pipes once the machine was on. But I haven't found anything that could be used with them.

Ideas?

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

OK what am I missing? I have the vial, Vessa's item, lamp, and 5 islands unlocked. I've gone over each on and every room at least 3 times now and cannot find anything on, under, or in that could work with the ruby. Nor can I find any clues as to how to proceed to the next area.

markydennis how are you fairing?

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

And of course, I'm now wandering around every island trying to figure out what to do with my new item... grrrrr.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

BAM! Found the safe code. Damn, i have to hand it to Craig. Really knows how to make a good interactive game.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Cool. Back to where I left off, except this time I didn't use the vial yet. Time: 10:35am

30 min aint bad haha. So markydennis, where are you at? I'm back to the 5 islands. 1 of which I'm still confused as to how to use the new symbols. But I think I'm done with the others except Neos. I need to now figure out how to open the safe.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Yea, I'm gonna restart. Time: 10:05am

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Good job! Lemme know if you need any help finding the other 2 islands. I've completed one of them, the other I'm still stuck on, but unless I can figure out away around the bug I don't think I'll get past them. I'm really wondering if I should restart. I could probably catch up to where you're at pretty quickly if I ran through it.

I made my own maps so I know where everything is and what is needed to pass each puzzle.

Comment markydennis

13 May 2014

oh sorry :( it is a bug of the game.... unless there is another way of finding it out???

thanks... got past the statues and found a plinth.....

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I'm screwed.... Unless I can guess it I wont get back to Neos. The coordinates are per game generated... So, unless the creator put in a fail safe to get the codes after the fact, there's no way for me to get back to Neos...

I love this game, but this is a HUGE oversight and game bug. If the codes change every game, and thus are probably random, if a player doesn't think to examine the platform itself in the beginning it's an automatic fail. Like picking the plant in the begining of Return to Zork and not digging it up. One of the first things you do can completely ruin your chances of success...

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Success! Got the code.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Well then... I guess I'll log out, start a guest game to get it and log back in and restore. How goes it on Scython? Did my clue help get you to the next part? Like I said I made it to 5 islands, 2 after Scython so I should be able to assist a little if you get stuck. As you can see in the comments I got stuck plenty of times haha

Comment markydennis

13 May 2014

yes sorry :( im think you have to be on Neos to find the coordinates of Neos

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

To put it in perspective I've been to 5 islands so far.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

wait... I have to be ON Neos!? I don't really want to start all over........ I'm long past that.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

One of your four friend's isn't so sure footed.

Any help on the plate? I'm so lost as to how to find it.

Comment markydennis

13 May 2014

on Neos .. try "x platform" a plate should appear, but you will need a cloth to clean it :)

Comment markydennis

13 May 2014

stuck now... found my way to Scython, have examined the buttons and found symbols, cant move the lever, cant open the door, not sure about the fountain.... any ideas or clues?

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Thank you again! I hate asking for answers but I am truly stuck. I'm trying every keyword combination I can. I've use under/behind/at.etc.etc.etc. and I'm finding nothing. I can see the craft and platform "M.S." but it isn't letting me look/clean/etc. anywhere else. I'm obviously missing something simple. I've learned that haha. It's always the simple stuff that gets you stuck.

Comment markydennis

13 May 2014

try looking at the platform :)

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

Although, having issues finding the plate. But I'm sure I just need the right key word.

Comment Vortex_319

13 May 2014

markydennis you are a life saver! Thank you.

vTx

Comment markydennis

13 May 2014

HI vTx
there is a way to get back to Neos - under the craft is a plate... just needs a little cleaning.

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Not sure if I screwed up. I've gotten the vial, but I used in on the ivy. Hope that's what I was suppose to do. But once again I'm out of ideas. I've used most of the symbols. There's the device at SC that I can't figure out it's use yet. I think I'm done with S and P but again, no indication one way or another. God this game is frustrating and addicting!

Still lost on whether I need to get back to Neos though. I have to take a break until tomorrow but if any info can be shared it would be appreciated!

vTx

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Damn... Finally got past the statues at it timed out on me. Gotta restart. But, it'll be worth it to finish!

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Stuck over 2 hours now... I have no clue as to how to proceed.

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Yup... Officially stuck/lost. Been to 5 islands now. Can't figure out what to do with the wires. Documented all the symbols I've read about. Not sure what to do with the Visual Panel. And can't figure out how to work with the statues/locked door/valve handle...

Any help on any of this would be great! Also, I missed Vessa's safe in the beginning. I'd like to know if there is a way back to Neos, or if that's later on.

vTx

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Is there a way to get back to Neos after you leave for Chandra? I've been to C, SC, S, and P, but I haven't found a way back to Neos yet, and I am wondering if I was suppose to open Vessa's safe before I left. I figured I could go back but it never gave a return code.

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

omg... ok, I fell a LITTLE bit dumb for that one. Craig, you are giving me a run for my money. OFF TO SCYTHON!

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

I am going crazy trying to figure out how to leave Chandra! hahaha, I love the challenge but now it's getting a little too difficult. I'm finding myself attempting the same things with different keywords but nothing is working!

I'm narrowing it down to either the painting in the hut, the Wrym, or the crown (with or without using the oil/cloth with it). I'm almost out of ideas though...

Review Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Love the game! Definitely makes you think! Might be able to use a few more hints, but if you're a hardcore puzzle master then you wont want them! A good challenge for sure!

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Yup, now stuck with 'markydennis'. Got the vision. But now what? Can't talk to priestess anymore. Is there something with the Wyrm? I also can't find any of the symbols from the book yet. Please help.

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Found it! OK, let's see if I can get past this next part...

Comment Vortex_319

12 May 2014

Loving the game so far. Very interesting. I'm having two minor hang ups though:

1) I'm finding it difficult to figure out which items I need to continue carrying. Not use to having a limit so it is hard to know which items I should keep. Although, found an easy way to add 2 additional items to the limit while in Chandra.

2) I'm stuck in Chandra. I've gone everywhere I can (I think), but I'm now stuck trying to figure out the Cave of Dreams. I've tried drinking the enzyme, with and without the different additions. Perhaps a different combination? Or have I missed something?

Please help! Not looking for spoilers! Just a little hint or next step so I can continue. Thanks!

vTx

Review markydennis

12 May 2014

super game, very well designed and like the theme... excellent!

Comment markydennis

12 May 2014

Thought i was doing quite well, managed to get the vision from the Cave of Dreams, but seem to be stuck now... any tips?

Thanks!

Comment sarah4

10 May 2014

Hi Craig, thanks so much for your quick reply and for being so considerate. I have no useful sight so I entirely use speech output to access information on screen, though the larger images sound like a great idea for players with low-vision, I know there are a few of us who visit this site so your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. I am happy to leave an e-mail address in this comment, I created it purely for use on this site so I don't need to worry about keeping it secret. It is:
[email protected]
Look forward to hearing from you and getting further along with another of your wonderful games!

Comment Craig Dutton

09 May 2014

sarah4,

I actually did think of you when I wrote this game. I thought you could 'read' the book(s) without your reader since I thought the symbols were big enough. The game itself is riddled with symbols written on things and the idea was to refer to the Book of Symbols to get an idea of what it means.

What I suggest, rather than let anyone else receive spoilers, is if you want to arrange with Alex to email me a private email address from you then I'll send you a WORD document explaining what symbol in each room means so you don't need to refer to the Book of Symbols. Also there are 3 other books too that I'll put in the WORD document for you. I'll try to complete it today.

Sorry about that, I can't think of any other way to do it. When I receive an email from Alex (or whoever from this site) then I'll send it straight away to you.

Craig.

Comment sarah4

09 May 2014

Hi Craig, I'm back already! Very exciting game so far, but I think I may need a little technical help before I can properly get started. The problem is that, while I can take and examine the books around my home, if I use the command 'read book', my screen-reader is unable to read the presumably resulting content. I imagine this is because the book's contents is being displayed as a picture. I think that the contents of these books may be very important, especially in finding out about the forna and flora and the planets I'll be visiting. I am so sorry to ask this, but if there is any way you could tell me what text should be displayed when the command 'read book' is used on the various books found round the house please then I would be extremely grateful! I think that I'm going to struggle to get a lot further without this information.

Comment sarah4

08 May 2014

Wow, so wonderful to see a new game from you Craig, and your first in the sci-fi genre I believe! I'm about to download it now, can't wait to start playing!

Review MooCow

07 May 2014