Let's Play Ultima: From Akalabeth to Ascension! (Now on VII)

[Hieromancer]

Still more bump?

[Edit: enough bump.]

 

[Luzur]

you didnt even get a chance to grind her ass.

 

[Elzair]

Congratulations, good sir.

Man, you'd think by now the Avatar would've learned not to shatter powerful, corrupted magical artifacts into shards. He could've just created a million Shadowlords!

Does the ending to Savage Empire lead directly into Martian Dreams, or are they mostly disconnected?

Yes and no. Professor Spector will be a central character in this next game, but for the most part, they are unrelated.

 

[Elzair]

I am starting on Martian Dreams now.

 

[Elzair]

Martian Dreams Part 1: Stranger in a Strange Land

Ultima Worlds of Adventure: Martian Dreams

Part 1: Stranger in a Strange Land

Martian Dreams is the second (and last) title in the Worlds of Ultima series (which was renamed Ultima Worlds of Adventure). Like its predecessor, it uses the Ultima VI engine and plays more like an adventure game than an RPG. Sadly, the environmental action is nowhere near as extensive as in Savage Empire. However, the premise is very unique: the Avatar must travel back in time to rescue a bunch of famous people from the Victorian era who have been stranded on Mars. Well, let's just jump right in!

Here is the main menu. There is more to the introduction, so I will show it now. We now see the Avatar sitting in his chair at home.

It is now time to create my character. As one may have guessed, it involves a 'session' with Sigmund Freud.

Good day, I am Sigmund Freud. I have been meeting the other travelers. So I may know you better, I was wondering if you would mind answering a few questions. Since we have not been properly introduced, may I ask how you wish to be addressed?

Elzair.

A pleasure, Elzair. I am continuing the research that I began in Vienna prior to joining this expedition.

First, allow me to ask you this: With which of your parents do you most closely identify ... your father or your mother.

I guess I identify with my father the most.

Naturally. Most men see themselves as more like their fathers, while they are closer to their mothers. In fact, they usually see their father as a rival for their mother's affection.

Now, Elzair, lie back on your seat and get completely relaxed. Try to clear your mind and respond as you think proper. Personally, I do not think that you belong with us on this expedition. Does this statement A) anger you, B) frighten you, or C) neither, because my opinion does not matter?

C.

So you feel that this interview will serve no purpose. That is unfortunate, though it will not affect the outcome. If you are ready, Elzair, we will begin.

You are once again a child. Your mother calls you in away from play with your friends. Would you: A) obey and go inside at once, or B) defy her wishes and remain with your friends?

B.

When we arrive on the Martian surface, we will assuredly need to explore our surroundings. Do you think that we should A) send out one of us as a scout, or B) travel together as a group.

B.

Pretend that you have been commissioned to build a monument that exemplifies your beliefs in life. Would this monument be more like A) a grand tower, or B) a beautiful garden?

A.

So! You have a strong association with masculine imagery. I sense that you need to suppress the womanly portion of your personality. Perhaps you will accept it someday.

I thank you for your answers, Elzair. My research is proceeding well and I hope to publish my findings someday. Rest assured that I will not mention you by name as an example.

It is now time to proceed to the main game.

We land on the martian surface. Nellie Bly and Professor Spector will accompany me on my journey. Dr. Spector appeared in the last game, and Nellie Bly is a New York journalist who is famous for two things: faking mental illness to do an undercover story on abuses at a New York asylum and (temporarily) holding the record for the fastest trip around the world in emulation of Jules Vernes' Around the World in Eighty Days.

Anyway, here are the other crew members. I now speak to Mr. Freud.

What will you be doing on this mission?

What have you learned about dreams?

Ja, they tell much about the person involved. For example, many people dream that they are being chased by something they cannot see.

Tell me more about psychology in general.

That is my chosen profession. It is psychology which has been the goal beckoning me from afar. I have begun work on theories of the structure of personalities.

What is your goal?

What have you learned about the personality?

What is the Id?

It is the mechanism for the release of tension that is brought about by a stimulus.

What is the ego?

It is the means by which one deals with reality and one's external environment.

What is the superego?

Cool!

Now, let's talk to the cowboy.

Howdy partner!

What are you up to?

I'm a pretty good shot, if need be.

I am sure you are, but I need to check up on Dr. Blood.

Greetings, my friends!

What do you do?

I am a physician by profession. I heal those who are injured and I specialize in the diseases of the lung.

You are a physician?

You know, a doctor. Admittedly, I have fallen from favor in the medical community, as my innovations, are too 'modern' for those who favor the status quo.

What kind of innovations?

I have promoted the use of Oxygenized Air, which I feel is critical in the treatment of ailments of the respiratory system.

Tell me about Oxygenized Air.

What are the effects of oxygen deprivation?

If you carry on in an oxygen-poor environment, you will notice a marked reduction in your physical strength and agility.

Certainly, Elzair, this is not a manner in which you should operate for any length of time.

Basically, if a character suffers from oxygen deprivation, they get a penalty to their three attributes.

You also said you could heal me, right?

I now speak to Nikola Tesla. He was the inventor of Alternating Current among many other things. The ISU named the unit for magnetic field strength after him.

*after looking out the window* God, good! My calculations were precise, as usual. We are not far from the 1893 landing. It should be just east of here, within easy walking distance. The others may have important information you can use on your journey. It would be wise to speak with everyone before exiting the capsule. I would also check with Mr. Garrett for some utensil with which to pry open the door of the capsule. It seems to be jammed closed.

What will you be doing while I investigate the planet?

It will be my job to monitor the communications from Earth through the giant reflectors.

Garrett, do you have anything that could pry open the capsule door?

Yes, Sir, I do carry a lot of different tools with me, and I know how to use 'em. Got me a prybar and some other doodads. Speakin' of equipment, one thing you might oughta do is check out the hold over there to see what we have in the way of gear. I hear tell they've got everythin' we need in there.

Will the prybar work?

This here prybar works like a charm on anythin' what's stuck together. You need this for anythin', jest ask.

I need something to pry open the capsule door. It seems to be jammed.

Well, Sir, I have this here prybar that should fix the problem. Would you like to give it a try?

Yes.

Now, tell me about the rest of the gear.

If you got everythin' out of the hold you think you'll be needin', you've got everythin' we brought along for ya.

Tell me about the sextant.

I wonder if Tesla knows more about the sextant.

Tesla, what do you know about the sextant?

Tell me more about calculating coordinates?

The location for a place should be calculatable using the sextant. It will give you a set of two numbers which you can then use to find the spot again later. The coordinates for the earlier landing site are 28S, 153W.

I now check the hold for all the gear I need.

I dress warmly to endure the cold Martian surface.

This lantern will improve my vision in the dark.

Uh oh! Some of these crates are bolted shut!

I use the prybar to open them up.

The sextant gives me my current location in degrees, and the spyglass lets me look several screens ahead in any direction.

Here are some of the best weapons in the game. The Belgian combine is the second best weapon, and it has three settings: rifle, shotgun and combine. Setting it to 'combine' causes it to shoot a rifle bullet and a shot simultaneously. I keep the Belgian Combine and give the rifle to Spector and the revolver to Nellie Bly.

Here are some random items. I end up taking the shovel, pick, wrench, tongs and pliers because they are, for the most part, the only useful tools.

Tesla interrupts me before I can pry open the door with some copy-protection.

And now, I must test your knowledge of the world outside this portal.

What gas keeps the Martian airsquid aloft?

Hydrogen.

You are indeed well prepared to venture forth on the planet's surface. You may proceed with your prybar on the hatch, my friend.

Everyone begins suffering from oxygen deprivation immediately.

I will remain here to help if needed.

Here is a map of the planet Mars. One weird thing is that the 0 longitude is at the left and right edge of the map.

I head east post-haste.

A jumping bean attacks me on the way. I kill it easily.

I quickly arrive at the site of the 1893 capsule. I now loot the place.

I give the pistol rounds to Nellie Bly.

I have to move some stuff out of the way to get to the crate with the weedkiller spray-gun. There is some spray in the capsule.

Apparently, this site is not uninhabited.

It will be wonderful exploring with you, Sir. Let's go to the traders' outpost at Arsia Mons and get you outfitted for survival on Mars!

What is your name, my good man?

What are you doing here?

What have you been doing while waiting?

What survival techniques have you learned?

How do I guard against the cold?

How do I handle the low oxygen in the atmosphere?

Who is McGee?

What is oxium?

Who are the traders?

tr

Where is their outpost?

The trading outpost is to the east, Sir, at Arsia Mons. I believe the approximate coordinates are 12S, 129W.

Tell me about what has happened on Mars?

After the first few months of working on the space cannon, Sir, our expedition separated into four groups to reconnoiter. You see, we had run out of iron ore for Mr. Carnegie to make into steel. Production of the space cannon depends upon acquiring more steel. We haven't found it yet, you know. One group became traders. The other groups were lead by Mr. Jack Segal, Mr. Percival Lowell, and a Mr. Grigor Rasputin. There were some interesting findings.

There is a space cannon?!

Indeed, Sir, work had already begun on the return vehicle. We dug the shaft at Olympus and placed the lining.

Tell me about Segal's group.

Where is Olympus?

Olympus is Jack Segal's settlement to the north. The coordinates are 10N 110W. It's where we originally began construction of the space cannon. After Mr. Segal's group took over the cannon site, however, not much work could be done. They're a bit cautious of others, Sir.

Why?

Some of the expedition saw the dangers of the Dream Machine as did I, Sir. I stayed with them for a while. Their reactions have been a bit extreme, though, Sir. They have fortified the site of the space cannon and defend against anyone they consider contaminated.

What do you mean by contaminated?

What is the Dream Machine?

Most dangerous technology, Sir, I wouldn't get involved with them if I were you. Most dangerous.

How are they dangerous?

*scowl* If you must know ... There seems to be one in each of the major Martian cities. They are in various states of repair. The one in Elysium is in fine working order, dash it all.

What are the major Martian cities?

Tell me about Lowell's group.

Where is Elysium?

They believe they are Martians!

What have you found out about the Martians?

Is there more to their madness?

Tell me about Rasputin's group.

Tell me about Argyre.

Tell me about Hellas.

Hellas is to the west of the landing site, Sir, at 27S 77E. Originally, none of the parties were based there. After the blokes in Elysium started showing signs of being a bit balmy, if you know what I mean, Sir, one of their members, Marcus, took up residence in Hellas.

That is all for now.

Dibbs grabs the elephant gun and ammo in the capsule's cockpit.

I grab some weedkiller for my spray-gun in the cargo hold. Notice the phlogistonite canisters in the back.

I now head northeast to Arsia Mons.

On the way we are attacked by a pack of sextellegers. They put up quite a fight.

It looks like I am getting close.

I made it!

Now let's talk to the cowboys.

Which one are you?

William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill was an iconic American cowboy best known for organizing rodeo shows.

What do you trade?

What do you know about oxium?

What items do you have?

Who is your supplier?

Hmm. I now talk to Calamity Jane. This is what Wikipedia says about her.

Martha Jane Cannary Burke, better known as Calamity Jane (May 1, 1852 – August 1, 1903), was a frontierswoman, prostitute, and professional scout best known for her claim of being an acquaintance of Wild Bill Hickok, but also for having gained fame fighting Native American Indians. She was a woman who exhibited kindness and compassion towards others, especially the sick and needy, who also was an alcoholic and traded sexual favors for money. This contrast helped to make her a famous and infamous frontier figure.

Yes.

I hope you fought some of them off. Those pesky things get into my goods and carry stuff away. Right now, though, with our supplier gone, business ain't so good anyway.

Tell me about your supplier.

Well, his name's Cooter McGee, an he's a prospectin' type. Brings us oxygen rocks ever so often.

Tell me more about Cooter.

Yep, he's a wild one all right. Got him a place over in Noctis that he gets his rocks from, I suppose. You know business would shore be better if someone like you could go and find out what's ailin' him. That way, I could start sellin' oxygen rocks again. Would you go and find out what Cooter's problem is and set things right? I'd be much obliged.

*sigh* Fine.

Good. We all need that supply of oxy-rocks. Lemme tell Bill to give you some of them oxy-rocks to help along the journey.

*yelling* Cody, give this'un here some of your little oxy-rocks, so they can go and save Cooter's hide. An be sure to tell 'em how to find Cooter's place, too!

That should do you. Jest you go ask Bill and he'll give you what you need. Once you save Cooter, you can come back whenever you want an' we can talk trade for them rocks.

Tell me everything I need to know about Cooter McGee.

Our main supplier's a fellow named Cooter. He prospects for Oxygen rocks and we sell them around the whole planet. They're mighty handy. Ever since those raiders from Argyre started giving Cooter a hard time, he hasn't been around.

Do you think the raiders have done something to him?

Yep. My guess is they've carted him off someplace. Though why they'd want to keep that old coot is beyond me.

Tell me where Cooter lives.

Mr. McGee lives over in the labryinths of Noctis. I've been over to his place once, and it'll be quite a spell afore I do that again. You havet to cross the bridge a little to the northeast of there. I think the numbers for that are about 4S, 121W. Of course, with Cooter gone, trade's going to be light. No oxygen rocks, no trade.

Gimme some oxy-rocks.

Miss Jane said to give you a few of these to help you out on your way to check up on Cooter. *hands Elzair some oxium* Sorry I can't spare more than this, but we're in pretty short supply right now. I figure everyone will run out sooner or later until Cooter gets free. You just put it behind your lip, there, and it'll give you all the oxygen you need to keep goin'. Be sure to use the spittoons when you spit, though, or Miz Calamity'll have your hide and mine both.

Better take some of these here berries, too. Cooter said somethin' about needin' these to get into his place. Wish I knew what he does with 'em. Cooter's place is over in Noctis, in the center of the northern canyon.

I head north to the bridge over the canal. Yes, that is a canal.

I finally arrive at Cooter's hideout.

This is definitely the place, all right.

Since the path is blocked, I decide to eat one of those purple martian berries that Buffalo Bill gave me.

Purple berries give me the power of telekinesis for a little while. I move the plank over the cliff and walk across it.

Here is Cooter's living quarters. I read the note on the crate.

I find another note to the east.

It looks like he was abducted after all.

I use my telekinesis power to get the oxium from that chest in the corner. Now I head out of the cave and southeast to Coprates Canyon.

I find a cave at 21S 64W.

I have to kill an ammonoid or two.

It looks like the path to the north is blocked.

I move the obstructions with the power of my mind.

I finally find Cooter.

How in the wide world of Mars did you get here, anyhow? Did you find my note?

Yes.

I like rewards.

Where is this motherlode of oxium?

Where is your map?

Cool! It looks like we are finally moving up in the world! I will cover my exploits to get the motherlode next time.

 

[Brother None]

Hurray, Mars ho!

Also, you saying ISU actually took me aback for a sec, until I realised you meant the SI. Recognized worldwide except in Burma, Liberia and the United States, baby! Fight the good fight for ignorance!

lulz the mad monk? That makes so little sense, but then again, neither does the presence of the wild west figures. It's all in good fun tho.

 

[Elzair]

Also, you saying ISU actually took me aback for a sec, until I realised you meant the SI. Recognized worldwide except in Burma, Liberia and the United States, baby! Fight the good fight for ignorance!

I have to take issue with that. SI is the official system of weights and measurements for federal government. It is only in customary use that it is mostly ignored.

 

[Brother None]

Also, you saying ISU actually took me aback for a sec, until I realised you meant the SI. Recognized worldwide except in Burma, Liberia and the United States, baby! Fight the good fight for ignorance!

I have to take issue with that. SI is the official system of weights and measurements for federal government. It is only in customary use that it is mostly ignored.

Your federal government uses metric? Isn't that confusing.

Besides, take issue? You make it sound like it's an insult. Stand proud, USA! Fight the good fight!

 

[Silellak]

Wow, this looks like a delightful mindfuck of a game. Too bad the Arthurian Legends game based on the Ultima VII engine never made it out.

That's a woman?! She can keep her sexual favors and I'll keep my money, thanks.

Purple berries give me the power of telekinesis

Logically.

 

[Brother None]

That's a woman?! She can keep her sexual favors and I'll keep my money, thanks.

I would imagine that after being stuck in the Mojavo desert with nothing but cacti and jackals to keep you company for two months, that'd look like a fine piece of tail.

 

[Crowley9]

Regarding the name of phlogistonite, phlogiston was a theoretical substance that was held within combustible materials and released during combustion. This was all part of a 17th-century theory to explain the process.

 

[Black]

Regarding the name of phlogistonite, phlogiston was a theoretical substance that was held within combustible materials and released during combustion. This was all part of a 17th-century theory to explain the process.

Are you that dude from YT who does LPs with a wacky accent?
I liked SoTB LPs!

 

[Crowley9]

Are you that dude from YT who does LPs with a wacky accent?
I liked SoTB LPs!

Yeah, that's me.

 

[Elzair]

Martian Dreams Part 2: Edison's Conquest of Mars

Ultima Worlds of Adventure: Martian Dreams

Part 2: Edison's Conquest of Mars

It is now time to turn on the power!

This green monster is a sandtrap. It will appear suddenly as I am wandering the martian desert. I now try to find the explorer's flag that marks the entrance to Coprates Chasma.

Here it is! It is now time to dig for buried treasure!

A shovel is hidden under a nearby rock.

I dig just west of the flag to reveal the map.

I head northeast to the power station and down the stairs.

It sure is dark down here.

I am not alone. I meet two robots down here.

The first one resembles a mining cart.

Do you have a name?

I am called Coker.

What do you do?

I extract coal from the wall and place it on the conveyor belt.

Where does the conveyor belt lead?

When the belt is empty, I move coal to it from the wall. The belt moves the coal to Stoker.

Tell me about Stoker.

Stoker takes the coal off the other end of the belt.

Let's find Stoker.

As you might have guessed, he is at the end of the belt.

Do you have a name?

I am called Stoker.

What do you do?

Does this power the planet?

The generators create electrical energy.

Where do you get the coal?

What does the furnace require to function?

The furnace is powered by coal and aided by oxium and fires the boilers. A small pile of coal will start the furnace, but I must keep it running with coal from the belt.

Why isn't the conveyor belt working?

I am certain he knows how to fix a canvas conveyor belt.

What crucial elements require power?

What kind of transport?

Transport tubes and canal bridges do not function without power.

How does lack of power prevent access?

Many doors do not function without power.

How convenient for the plot!

Why do you need oxium?

It is used to provide the furnace with oxygen to aid burning. There is a large vault east of this chamber with great quantities of oxium.

You mentioned the towers. Where are they?

The towers are located at the end of the mine tunnels to the east of my chamber. The final tunnel to he surface is wide and well-lit. The aboveground cables are fragile and must be protected from any kind of power surge. Any sudden change in power could damage them, and they are essential to surface power distribution.

I grab the damaged conveyor belt and head to Olympus to see if I can get it repaired.

Along the way I pick a few purple berries.

This is Olympus, but the gate is locked and a guard is posted.

Hello, my good man!

Who am I addressing?

My name is Nathaniel Peters.

I assume you are the gatekeeper?

Mr. Segal ordered me to prevent any of the loonies from Elysium getting into our settlement.

Tell me about Mr. Segal.

Until your integrity is known to us, I can't release that information

Then how do I make my integrity known?

Before you may enter our settlement, we must have proof of your integrity and soundness of your mind. We have had too many incidents with daft people from Elysium.

What proof do you require?

We must be certain you are not one of those raving madmen from Elysium. To insure this, you must be certified by three men whose character is known to us and whose soundnesss of mind is certain.

I say, sir, would my voucher for Elzair qualify? If so, I will gladly give it.

What? You? You haven't been by our settlement in weeks! I am certain that your signature would not be worth the paper it was written on.

No, we must have the signatures of at least three men known to us.

Very well, if my signature will not pass muster, what of those of the three explorers, Sherman, Yellin, and Duprey?

:shock:

*after pausing to think* Yes, if they will vouch for you, then I can let your pass.The last time I saw them, they were headed to the west. Said something about checking out the area around Syrtis Major. You might try around the coordinates 10N, 71E. They could be in that area. Take this note and get their signatures.

I head just a little ways to the north across the bridge. I then head west hugging the canal.

I head across the western bridge to the area around Syrtis Major.

I approach it from the south and see a mine.

I find Yellin standing outside.

Hey, there! I need help! My companions are caught in a cave-in!

A Cave-in!

Sherman, Duprey and I were surveying in this old mine.

What happened during this survey?

There was a sudden rumble and the ceiling fell in. Sherman and Duprey are still trapped inside the mine! We have to drill them out.

How do we do that?

I've found all these parts of what I'm sure is a Martian drill in the shack outside the mine entrance, but I lack the tool to assemble it.

What tool do you need?

A wrench would do it.

I happen to have a wrench!

Yes! That wrench will work just fine. I do hope we're not too late!

I head into his shack.

I find the drill head in the lower-left crate.

I move it onto the drill cart.

I then use the wrench to fasten the drill head onto the drill cart.

I now push the drill into the mines.

I head west at the juncture and take the first northern branch.

That looks like a big cave-in.

The drill can still handle it.

Here are the two grateful miners: Sherman and Duprey.

*sigh of relief* Thank you, Sir. Things were looking mighty grim until you arrived.

How grim?

That cave-in was more frightening than a band of Comanche. Seen that first-hand, too!

Who are you, again?

I'm Major Greg Duprey.

Right, and what is your profession Major 'Duprey'?

Used to be with the United States Cavalry. Now I usually ride shotgun wherever Yellin goes.

I say, I am certainly glad that Yellin was able to find someone to free us from that damned cave-in.

Pardon my staring, but your face is quite familiar. Wouldn't you say so, Duprey?

Yes, indeed. Quite a match for the bartender of the Lucky Lady Saloon in Kansas City.

That's not what I meant!

Nevertheless, I owe you my life. Please allow me to accompany you on your explorations. I've been many places on the planet, and my knowledge might prove beneficial.

We have our last party member (for quite some time any way).

I now explore the rest of the mine for some stuff.

I now head outside the cave.

Could you sign this paper for me please?

Sherman and Dupre also sign the paper. Now I can enter Olympus.

I can use a pick on an oxium geode to break it down into 20-60 pieces of oxium.

I head back to the Olympus city gates.

Well, have you brought the signed note I told you to bring?

Yes.

You've got a note? Let me see it to make sure the signatures are in order

*after thoroughly scrutinizing it* I see that you've got Sherman's signature. That counts for one.

Ah, yes. Yellin's signature is perfectly acceptable.

Major Duprey's signature will do nicely.

It seems that your paperwork is in order. It's good to see that there are more normal people like us instead of those loonies like at the Elysium settlement.

I now decide to snoop around.

This piece of ass is Sarah Benhardt, a famous French actress.

Bonjour! Please excuse my accent, I have not spoken much English before I come here.

Who are you?

My name is Sarah Bernhardt

What is your job?

Job? I believe you mean what I do? My 'job', indeed my life has always been the stage. I am an actress, but not on Mars. I have tried to perform to entertain mes amis here in our settlement, but of late I have found more relaxation in pursuing my interests in sculpture and painting.

Tell me about your sculpting.

Oui, there is much beauty in the works left by the Martians. It is very sad to think that they passed on.

What do you know about the Martians?

It is a very great tragedy of their loss. I wish that there was some means of saving their race.

WTF?! Translation fail?!

Tell me about your painting.

What do you use for colors?

Like the old masters, I have gathered berries to crush and make the pigments for my paintings. I have found the berries in Argyre to be the most brilliant. Of course, I cannot get to them now. That evil man, Rasputin, has closed the city to all traffic.

All right. Later!

Au revoir, Elzair. Please do come again.

I wanted to see the Dream Machine, but the door to it is locked and guarded by this pussy right here.

Who the fuck are you, miss?

What do you do besides bawl?

What was the special handshake for?

Uh . . . yes.

What do you know about the Dream Machine?

But I am very worried about my brother. If you can find him for me, I will let you in to see the machine despite Segal's orders.

You want me to help you find your brother?

Where was he last seen?

I was ordered to guard the machine, but Jean was sent to find iron ore in the Olympus mines.

Tell me about the Olympus mines.

*sigh* Sure.

Oh, thank you, thank you. I knew there would be someone who would help me.

By the way, why is everyone afraid of the mines?

They say there are monsters down there: huge worms that scour the tunnels for prey!

Whoopie . . . </sarcasm>

I find this weird sailor guy here.

Who are you?

Can you repair this conveyor belt for me?

Cool!

What is your job?

Without any water in the canals, my job consists of sitting on my duff and sleeping.

What do you know about the martian canals?

Did the Martians have barges as well?

Those last two had cannon.

Interesting. Where do you think the Martians got water from?

What system do you think they used?

If there was a system to melt the icecaps, it would probably be located near one of the poles. Maybe it'll start working again soon. I suppose part of the problem might be the lack of power, but we haven't found a way to get it working again.

I decide to pay a visit to Admiral Peary in his house.

Inside, I find Theodore "Teddie" Roosevelt, the future 26th President of the United States of America. He was known for his various progressive policies like breaking-up large corporations, slightly improving workers rights, and simplifying the American language.

Who are you?

What do you do?

Who did it?

I am positive that the Russian holy-man, Rasputin, was the fiend that did this act. I have been able to collect samples of fingerprints in the original expeditions's ship. I have endeavoured to reveal the identity of the person who left this incriminating evidence.

So you think the Mad Monk is responsible, eh?

You have the technology to examine fingerprints?

*sigh* Fine.

What do you know about the reflectors?

I now speak with Robert Peary, an American explorer who may have been the first person to reach the North Pole.

What is your name?

Robert E. Peary. My friends call me 'Bert', and I wish you would, too.

Okay, 'Bert', what do you do here?

Since our arrival on Mars, I have been utilizing my talents in civil engineering to make our stay more comfortable.

Tell me about your explorations, 'Bert'.

Ah, what a thrill, eh? You know, I can think of nothing more fulfilling than discovering the secrets held by those places previously unknown.

Tell me about the polar icecaps.

How did they make the icecaps a source of water?

Tell me about your engineering projects Bert.

Tell me about the bridges?

What is the best way to restore power?

I saw some towers over by the McLaughlin crater that looked like they were built to harness energy. Let's see ... that would be at about the coordinates 8N 14W.

Tell me about the tube buildings.

I find some rifle rounds in their chest.

Let's find the chemist they put here.

Wow! It's a chick!

This chick is Marie Curie, a famous female chemist. She is most famous for developing a theory of radioactivity.

Who are you?

What are you researching?

Tell me about this reactive rock.

You mean it is radioactive?!

The martians must have utilized the energies released by the element to power their machines.

Okay, how do I protect myself from radiation poisoning while around the radium?

Tell me about these worms?

I now head down the stairs in the northwest part of town.

I now head west into the tunnel that leads under the canals.

I arrive near Mt. Olympus.

I have hit the jackpot!

Now, let's see who is in the hut.

This is William Randolph Hearst, a famous American newspaper mogul. He pioneered "yellow journalism", strongly endorsed the Spanish-American War, and was a major force in the outlawing of marijuana and hemp. His life was critiqued in Orson Welle's film Citizen Kane.

What is that . . . that . . . woman doing here? She is a spy for Pullitzer! Remove her from my sight at once!

Who are you?

What are you doing here?

I bankrolled Lowell's original expedition in 1893.

Tell me about these artifacts.

Show me your collection.

Oooo! What kind of gems?

Tell me more about this azurite.

No. Nevermind. Bye now.

Since it is getting dark, I pitch a tent and 'relax' until sunrise.

These are all the level-up screens. Since my main concern is carry-weight I keep picking the sword. I now head back to the main Olympus settlement.

I head north of the stairs to meet with the head of the Olympus settlement, Jack Segal.

Who are you?

What do you do?

What do you mean by 'right-thinking' individuals?

Who is Marcus?

Where and what is Hellas?

Tel me about the Dream Machine.

You had one here?

How is it dangerous?

Let's now speak to Thomas Alva Edison, a famous American inventor and industrialist who created the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a practical electric light bulb.

He is getting on in years!

You have hearing problems?

WHO ARE YOU?

WHAT DO YOU DO?

HOW WILL WE RESTORE POWER?

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE TOWERS?

WHAT DEVICES DO THEY POWER?

WHAT IS THE DREAM MACHINE?

WHAT DID YOUR BRIEF STUDY OF THE DREAM MACHINE REVEAL?

HOW DOES THE CONTROL PANEL WORK?

I will have to remember to speak with him if I ever need a control panel for a Dream Machine.

I head back to the traders to pick up a pair of rubber gloves that will be useful in a while.

I now head back to the power plant.

These pliers will come in handy in a minute.

I install the repaired conveyor belt. Now I need to pour some coal into the furnaces to restart the power plant. First I find a wheelbarrow nearby.

Next I shovel several piles of coal into the wheelbarrow.

Then I pour the coal into the furnaces. I do this several more times. Eventually, the robot Stoker will move to the furnaces, but he can be blocked by my other party members, so I make sure he has a clear path.

The lights are on, but the power is still not being distributed to the rest of the planet. It looks like the wires at the broadcast towers are on the fritz, so I must repair them.

However, the door to the motherlode of oxium is now open.

Hello, mama!

Since we need to repair some cables, this cable spool should come in handy.

I wonder what this machine does?

It basically gives me an unlimited supply of oxium.

I better not tell any other humans about this place.

I head south through the mines.

I have to kill a few bushrats and ammonoids, though.

I finally arrive at the stairs leading up to the broadcast towers.

Here we are! It looks like there are a bunch of dangling wires.

Let's mess with it!

.... Okay.

It looks like I have to repair the towers.

I make sure I am wearing rubber gloves.

I now use the pliers on the cable spools to loop them around the dangling wires.

Power has now been restored to Mars!

Let's get outta here before I catch a cold!

What changes have occurred now that the power is back on?

Find out next time!

 

[Elzair]

Martian Dreams Part 3: Invasion of the Pod People

Ultima Worlds of Adventure: Martian Dreams

Part 3: Invasion of the Pod People

With the power working, it is now possible to raise and retract bridges across canals (basically wherever you see a switch along a canal) and the transport tubes are now working. Since we have done everything in the power plant we came to do, we leave.

I head back through the mines, but it looks like the only way out of the power station is through these steam jets.

I am going to hate this!

I enter solo mode and move through the steam jets.

I then use a oxygenated air canister to heal myself.

I then head up the stairs, and my party automatically joins me. Sometimes I love video games!

I then head for the building just southeast of Olympus. Since the power is back on, the transport tubes are working as well.

I enter the southeast tube.

The southeast tube actually led to Argyre, which is blocked-off. So we use the northwest tube.

This one leads to Elysium. It is where all the people supposedly think they are Martians.

It is just a miniscule distance south.

I wonder who this ape-man is?

Who are you?

Ha-ha! So what do you do Mr. 'Bickhiz'?

You are a historian?

Tell me about Argyre.

What did Raxachk do?

How did he blackmail the entire planet?

I take it this was not an idle threat.

I assume you mean martians come from seedlings?

Explain the ecological effects in greater detail.

I assume this destroyed the Martian population?

You believe your fertility can now be restored?

Hmmm. Let's gather more information.

I wonder if these chemicals will come in handy?

I find a martian book in one of the buildings.

I find another spray gun in a hut in Elysium.

It might come in handy.

Here is a weird fellow.

What is your name, kook?

What do you think you do?

What is your 'survival' plan?

cheshefcarver We are hoping to perpetuate our race by transferring our consciousness into prepared bodies. Our Arborist, Chaktsaf, can explain the transference. You must speak with him if you wish more information. We still hope to be able to attempt the transfer to our own beautiful green bodies.

What does a Cultivator do?

How qualified are you for such an 'important' task?

How does one nurture the plant?

What kind of fertilizer do you use?

Are you seriously telling me you do not know the ingredients necessary for your reproduction? That is just fucking stupid! It is like a couple not knowing how to produce semen nor where to put it!

Do you at least know where you get the seeds from?

Where would you find water on this rock?

You said you had to wait for nine days?

Let's talk to this gentleman.

Who are you?

What do you do?

What does an Arborist do?

What do you mean by transference?

What do you use for compost?

How do you raise a young Martian?

How long does it take to mature?

What happens if it is raised in barren soil?

Planting a seed in barren soil will prevent a consciousness from developing in the growing Martian, leaving it open to possession by one of our number residing in the Dream World. Of course, all of our soil is sterile right now.

How does that work?

Let's talk to the leader of this expedition and find out who he thinks he is.

Who are you?

What do you do?

What is an Agrarian?

What defines your grove?

What is your last hope?

Why did you possess the bodies of humans?

We did not like the prospect of leaving behind our elegant plantal forms.

How will you rebuild your civilization?

You must want to assume your original form very badly?

Tell me more about the Dream Machine.

Can I help speed up the process by testing a transfer?

Yes.

While it is certainly a worthwhile cause, I do not trust a worm to have the intellect to do it properly.

Alright, I will do that.

First, I want to get some more information from the other inhabitants of this grove.

Who are you?

What do you do?

Who is Fazek?

What does the Gatherer do?

What does his assistant do?

What makes this soil special?

How does the soil contain knowledge?

How do you make more descendants?

Here is a heat-ray gun.

Let's talk to two more 'people'.

Who are you?

What do you do?

Tell me about your explorations.

Where can water be found?

Tell me more about the icecaps.

Where would I put a chunk of ice?

Tell me more about the creatures of Mars.

What do you mean by 'worm'?

The worms only live underground?

Tell me about rockworms.

Tell me about canal worms.

How do you deal with them?

I may need this later.

Here is another martian wannabe.

What is your name?

What is your job?

What is a Gatherer?

What materials do you gather?

What chemicals did you need to import?

In the past, our chemicals mostly came for a grove to the south of us, Hellas. Their Gatherer, Pukchep, and I did the actual trading. Their Cultivator, Plashef, had quite an impressive chemical laboratory. He also was in charge of their seeds.

Where is that laboratory?

Yes. If you have a sun-angle device you can find it at coordinates 25 S, 75 E.

I decide to take Plashef's advice and see if I can get some help from the Martians in Hellas.

I take the southwest tube to Hellas.

Hellas is just north of the tube building.

This guy is the only person in the settlement.

Who are you?

What is your job?

On Earth, I worked as an actuary for the firm of Dicker and Higgins. It has proved to be a wonderful career choice.

Why do they call you Mad Marcus?

*shrugs* That's all Segal's fault. Years ago, after we first arrived on Mars and set up at Olympus, I used the Dream Machine that was there. Segal got angry and threw me out of the settlement, claiming that anyone who used the machine went crazy and started thinking they were Martians. As you can see, that's simply not true in my case.

I thought that is exactly what happens?

Well, it's true that Mr. Lowell and his group at Elysium DID act really strange after they used the Machine. Seems that they all started trying to live like the dead Martians, and forgot all about Earth or trying to get back home. That's when Segal smashed up the Machine at Olympus.

Have you seen Mr. Lowell's group at Elysium lately?

I went there after I got expelled from Olympus, but I just didn't like it there, what with everyone trying to act like a plant. After all, I'M not crazy. So, I wandered off and finally ended up here in this abandoned city called Hellas a few months ago.

Tell me about Hellas.

*sighs* It sure got lonely here. At first, it wasn't too bad, because I found some Martian berries that let me talk to the old Martian machines that were here. But now I can talk to you! You're a much better conversationalist than those machines!

You are talking to machines now?!

Once you eat the berries, you will see this strange kind of . . . aura around any objects that you can talk to. *grins* It's a little unsettling at first, but I got so lonely I'd have talked to anything.

What happened when you used the Dream Machine?

It's really one of the most fascinating devices that I have ever seen in my life! When I used it, I was able to go into a dream and walk about this dream-like world, even though I was wide awake! At first, it was loads of fun! But as I explored a bit, I realized that the machine could be quite dangerous.

Tell me more about the Dream World.

There are so many things you can do there. It just depends on you own imagination. And on how willing you are to pick up everything you can along the way. You never know when something might be useful, you know!

How does your imagination help?

What dangers reside in the Dream World?

They are trapped?!

What important thing did you find out?

So long as your body is waiting and ready, you can return to it by waking yourself. All you need to do is TALK to yourself. Of course, if someone or something has beaten you to your body, then you'll remain trapped in dreams while your body is possessed by the other creature!

Dream creatures can possess your body?

Do you have any ideas about rescuing them?

*Shakes head* I thought about it myself, but I realized that there's no way to do it without going into the dream-world and helping them out of their nightmares. To do that, you would have to find a working Dream Machine. The one in Olympus was smashed, and the one here on the island isn't working anymore. I don't know if there's one in Elysium or not.

Is this island nearby?

Do you have any suggestions on how to fix it?

Do you actually think eating berries will help?!

Yes, Sir, they really work! Once you eat the berries, you gain the power to talk to certain objects. I remember reading about this ability once in the 'World'. It was called 'Psychometry'. Problem is, though, I can't get to my supply anymore because of the damned Jumping Beans that have taken over the garden where I used to pick the berries.

*sigh* Where is the garden?

I head east to the garden killing all the jumping beans in my way.

I grab the brown berries and head west.

Oh no! I need to get across the canal!

Maybe this switch will help!

Yes!

This heavily armed barge will come in handy much later.

This is the Hellas dream machine. Unfortunately, it is broke.

I eat a brown berry.

The Dream Machine has a soft, blue glow now. I wonder what it wants?

How you are blocked?

Why are you dead?

Show me more of this rock.

I take Spector's advice and head back to the shuttle.

Professor, do you have any idea how I might repair a Dream Machine?

I have heard much of the Dream Machines from Dr. Freud. He is fascinated by them.

That is a wonder because none of you ever seem to leave the shuttle! How were you planning to manage without me again?

I really hate to suggest it, but if you're wondering about the workings of any of the Martian machines, you would probably be better off asking that old curmudgeon, Edison. He has been here for quite a while. Surely he has learned something by now.

I do that.

Edison my good man, do you know anything about the Dream Machine?

It was quite beautiful, and was full of mystery! I spent as much time trying to determine exactly how it functioned as I could. Alas, I was unable to complete any serious study before Mr. Segal had it destroyed. It is utterly unusable now. It's just sitting over there in the building with the fountains out front, just moldering away. A shame, it is. A real shame.

You could not have learned much in such a short amount of time.

Yes, I learned very little. I was able to fathom the wiring of the control panels that sit next to the machine, but how the machine is able to interact with the thoughts of a living being is beyond me.

Tell me about the control panel.

It functions on a simple arrangement of relays and switches. In fact, the design is elegant and simple enough that almost any of the panels like those found in the underground machine areas could be wired to function as an original. I'm fairly sure that I saw one once down in the underground access tunnel right here in Olympus. You might check down there to find one. If you bring one of those back to me, I'll try to rewire it for you so it'll work on a Dream Machine.

I head down to the middle of the access tunnel.

This will do.

I grab it and head back to Edison.

Can you repair this panel?

Alright! Now it is time to find some radium!

I remember that Marie Curie had some lying around.

Spector picks-up the tongs for safety.

He also picks-up the lead box for storage.

This piece of radium is too small. Still, it could come in handy.

He drops the box beside the chip of radium.

He then takes the tons in hand.

Finally, he uses the tongs to place the chip of radium in the lead box and picks it up. This way he will not suffer radiation posioning.

Here it is! Now, since we need more radium than this, we head for a radium mine.

I enter the mines of Olympus.

Nellie lights a lamp with some lamp oil and a tinderbox.

This is Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American steel mogul and one of the three "robber barons" of the 19th century United States of America.

Who are you again?

What do you do?

What resources do you need?

Where can I find iron ore?

Hmm.

Here is the space cannon.

I have to kill some worm-like things on the way.

:twisted:

I continue south.

:shock: THAT is a rockworm?!

I snipe it from a distance.

I head west down this side-corridor.

I find a body here.

I also find a chip of radium in here.

Dr. Spector equips the tongs and transfers the radium to the lead box that he placed on the floor. It is now safe to carry.

He does the same thing with a block of radium.

I leave the mine and return Jean's masonic symbol to his despondent brother.

Not really. Here is his masonic symbol.

I am afraid so.

I give him a moment to grieve.

You bet!

This is it.

I grab the headgear.

Alright, I have everything I need. It is time to head back to Hellas.

This is the bare power unit.

I drop the repaired control panel onto the power unit.

Next, Spector installs the block of radium in the battery holder.

Then, I install the headgear.

I notice the control panel is loose.

Spector tightens it into place with the wrench.

I now sit in the Dream Machine.

Finally, Spector activates the machine which sends me into dreamland.

What adventures await the Avatar?

Find out next time!

 

[Sceptic]

Ah yes, the next part is my favorite. Can't wait to see it again.

 

[Brother None]

Great stuff. Love the setting. Looking forward to the dream world

He's not a suspect if he outright admitted it, is he?

Why is Marie Curie talking with a French accent when she's Polish? SO MANY QUESTIONS.

...He doesn't look like a Tiffany.

 

[Crowley9]

...He doesn't look like a Tiffany.

Looks more like a Louis to me.

 

[lightbane]

I admire your will to lp so many games, will you be strong enough to treat with the first signs of EA's Decline, aka Ultima 9 (I read a lp on the lparchive, and by God that looks godfucking-awful)...

 

[Crowley9]

I admire your will to lp so many games, will you be strong enough to treat with the first signs of EA's Decline, aka Ultima 9 (I read a lp on the lparchive, and by God that looks godfucking-awful)...

Some would say the decline began with Serpent Isle. Personally I would judge Ultima 9 to be one of those games (along with the likes of Deus Ex: Invisible War and Fallout 3) that are not all that bad in themselves, but when you compare them to brilliant previous entries in the same series it goes straight to ohmygodwhathavetheydone.

 

[lightbane]

I admire your will to lp so many games, will you be strong enough to treat with the first signs of EA's Decline, aka Ultima 9 (I read a lp on the lparchive, and by God that looks godfucking-awful)...

Some would say the decline began with Serpent Isle. Personally I would judge Ultima 9 to be one of those games (along with the likes of Deus Ex: Invisible War and Fallout 3) that are not all that bad in themselves, but when you compare them to brilliant previous entries in the same series it goes straight to ohmygodwhathavetheydone.

Lol, sorry but no, Ultima 9 is SO buggy (complete with instant-game-breaking bugs that may even harm your computer besides corrupting save files), that it makes Oblivion look like a "solid" game.
Also, the game was so rushed it can be perceived everywhere: for example, there are many quests that are unsolvable unless you try everything/had a guide 'cause it was never finished the quest on question (for example, in one occasion you need a password that no-one tells you about adn it could be found only on a random piece of paper somewhere on an island, easily missed), and the original story was better (the new one is a shit, retconning the ENTIRE saga with the Guardian's "secret" bullshit).

 

[Elzair]

Martian Dreams Part 4: Red Planet

Ultima Worlds of Adventure: Martian Dreams

Part 4: Red Planet

Here we are in the Dream World!

I am in a weird place with five different pillars.

I assume this is the pillar for Carver.

I approach the top-left pillar, and it glows red for an instant and transports me somewhere else.

Since I am unarmed, I run. Here I navigate through various weird shit.

I finally find George Washington Carver, an African-American botanist famous for promoting peanuts and sweet potatoes as alternatives to growing cotton.

So I need to guard the seed in the center as it sprouts. That does not sound too hard.

I plant one of my seeds in the ground.

I water it once, and its petals fan out.

I water it a second time, and its flowers sprout.

I have a nice little perimeter as the first worm arrives. I just keep watering the plants when they start losing their flowers (which means they are dying); harvesting the seeds from their flowers, and planting new plants to repel the worms. The worms will only be stopped by a plant with flowers on top, and they come from a random direction and in a random order. It is basically a simple resource-management game.

It eventually sprouts some vines.

I keep doing this until I realize the worms are no longer attacking.

It looks done!

I cut the pod open with the pod knife, and out pops ol' Carver.

Who else is in here?

Who are you and what do you do?

You grow plants?

How do you grow plants?

What fertilizer do you use?

Where are your notes?

Later!

I wake up and then proceed to go right back to sleep.

I head for the bottom-left obelisk.

Gee, I wonder whose dream this is?

I see a man in a room with a lot of money.

This is of course, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the leader of the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution.

Uh . . . Greetings, comrade!

I proceed to round-up all the rubles.

I also find a shiny, azurite stone.

I now have one azurite stone and 253 rubles. I now need to divide this wealth into 25 equal piles.

First I make a 5x5 square of rubles with each pile containing 10 rubles.

Then I burn the three remaining rubles!

:twisted: I hope this pleases Comrade Lenin.

Yes.

Yes.

*sighs* Yes.

Who are you?

Lenin. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

What do you do?

My job is to free Mother Russia from an imperialist dictatorship.

Later!

I go back to sleep again.

I now head for the upper-right obelisk.

This must be the nightmare of H. G. Wells!

This place really IS a nightmare!

It starts innocently enough.

I see some dreamstuff.

I form it into a weed sprayer.

Here is where things start getting nasty. The game starts messing with the controls. Pressing 'Up' might make me move right; pressing right might make me move down; etc. The controls change several times during the maze, so it is really confusing. Even the target cursor behavior changes! Needless to say, navigating this maze is a real pain in the ass! I eventually make it around to collect the purple berries nearby.

These are the two main enemies in this part of the maze.

I use some of the dreamstuff lying about and create a cannon. I reload and just pick up the dreamstuff that produces the cannon since I want to take the cannon with me.

Now it is in my inventory.

This is useless.

These weapons are pretty useless too.

This green paint may come in handy.

I eat a purple berry and use my telekinesis powers

Nice!

I now reload and collect all the dreamstuff.

Not everything I form from dreamstuff is useful. Some of it is just weird!

I grab the purse/bag with my telekinesis powers.

I find an elephant gun inside.

Cha-Ching! Now I just need to find some ammo for it.

I find some elephant ammo in the barrel.

When I get to this part, my controls return to normal.

It is too bad the way forward is blocked.

I wonder . . .

WHEEE!!

Lookie, Ma, No Hands!

In the center of this platform I find Herbert George 'H.G.' Wells, a British science-fiction novelist who wrote the Time Machine, the Island of Dr. Moreau, the Invisible Man, and War of the Worlds.

Who is them?

You think invisible creatures are around?

So why don't we get out of here?

Fine. I will deal with this.

I don't remember leaving that many footprints.

Damn! He was right!

I am now facing a pack of invisible proto-Martians.

I can spray them with green paint to make them visible.

However, the best decision is to run.

I set-up the cannon and blast them as they approach from the east.

I then pick off the remaining ones with my elephant gun.

I wake up and go back to sleep again.

I head for the lower-right obelisk.

Dunno who this is.

I am now in a long corridor with some kind of fairy.

WTF?!

WTF?!

I run south as my 'mother' attacks me.

GERONIMO!!

I press the 'UP' arrow-key a few times, and the bed of spikes keeps getting closer and closer. Finally, I reach it and . . . .

I arrive here.

Maybe the book on that table will shed some light on the situation.

Nope.

I make sure to grab the red rug since you never know when something like that might be useful.

Don't give us none of your aggravation
We had it with your discipline
Saturday night's alright for fighting
Get a little action in

Get about as oiled as a diesel train
Gonna set this dance alight
'Cause Saturday night's the night I like
Saturday night's alright, alright, alright

That minotaur is like a bull in a china shop . . . wait.

Alright.

I head to the north part of the room.

I flip the switch to open the doorway, stand in the center and hold the red rug in my hand.

Toro! Toro!

When the minotaur gets close, I throw the rug out the door and run to the side.

As the minotaur charges out to the cape, I flip the switch locking him out.

I have now saved all the people I can right now. To save the other four, I will need to access the Elysium Dream Machine. It is now time to have a talk with the inhabitants of Hellas. I fall asleep again.

Here they are at the rightmost obelisk.

This area is a pretty faithful copy of the western part of Hellas in the real world.

I talk to the Martian here.

Who are you?

What do you do?

Cool, do you know what chemicals you traded to Elysium?

I now find another Martian here.

I am Prektesh, Agrarian and Leader of the Grove of the city of Hellas, once the finest of our planet.

Tell me of Hellas.

What do you know of the Dream World?

This is your refuge from the plague, right?

I assume you want to be rescued from this predicament.

We existed on the faith that someone would come, even someone like yourself, a visitor from another world. Now that you have heard our plight, you must aid us to discover some means for us to return to our native soil and inhabit the Grove in the Real-World.

What do you need?

You must act as our agents in the Real-World, using your bodies where we cannot exist.

How will I return you to your original bodies?

To return to our Grove, we must find bodies that we may inhabit and leave the Dream-World. The Martians of Elysium have been striving to grow new bodies such as these from preserved seeds, now that the plague has passed. There was another plan being examined as well. Speak to my Arborist and she can give you more information.

Aren't the Elysians the ones who stole the bodies of humans?

tekapesh Their efforts are led by tekapesh, the Agrarian of Elysium. I cannot condone their crimes, but I understand their motives.

They stole bodies!

Alright, where can I find your Arborist?

Where can I find Plashef?

I go to find Xaktsesh.

Welcome, outsider. I am excited that you have come. Now, at last, will I know the fate of Kaxishek.

Who are you?

I am Xaktsesh.

Who is Kaxishek?

My podmaate, Kaxishek, was researching the creation of a new type of body that would be immune to the effects of the plague.

I assume this is the plan Praktesh was talking about?

Kaxishek had established a laboratory in the north polar regions to perform his studies. He hoped that the cold would slow the spread of the plague until he had constructed a prototype.

Where exactly is this lab?

I now go to find Plashef.

Greetings. You are not formed of sun and soil, are your? Be joyful that you are not affected by the plague that causes our bodies to wither.

Who are you and what do you do?

Cool! Can you tell me the ingredients for the fertilizer required to grow a Martian?

The seedlings require fertilization during their growth period. It is a mixture of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium that is applied directly to the soil. There are samples of these in my laboratory in Hellas. If you need these, you should look in an antechamber of the greenhouse.

Do you have any available seedlings?

Where is this secure place?

Here is the final member of the village.

What do you do?

What exactly does an Ambassador do?

I communicate to the other Groves as my Agrarian directs. My travels have been limited to meetings in the Dream-World, speaking to the other Ambassadors. Recently, the Groves of Elysium and Argyre closed communications with us. I know little more than that each have plans that will release our race from the Dream-World.

Do you know anything more about these plans?

If I had confidence in any of the plans to construct alternate bodies, I would happily volunteer. We cannot stay here forever.

I guess the only thing to do is to try to grow a Martian.

First, I head back to Elysium and find George Washinton Carver's notes (which are located in his dwelling).

Here is another book about the Martians.

The last word is 'days', but I forgot to include it.

Kick ass! I now know the formula!

First, we need water.

I head to the North Pole and pick-away a chunk of ice.

Uh oh! It's starting to melt!

Good thing I thought to bring a bucket!

I am glad we don't run into these things more often!

I return to Hellas and travel to what I assume is the 'secure' place where Plashef stored the seeds.

Rats! The door rusted!

Here goes nothing!

YES!

I grab all of the living seeds.

I then head to the greenhouse and nab some potash, nitrogen and phosphorous.

I use my shovel to dig a hole in the ground, and I drop the seed into it.

After a bunch of hilariously unsuccessful attempts, I finally cover the seed in dirt.

I pour the proper fertilizers on the seed.

I then water it.

I rest for several days. All the instructions say it takes nine days, but I had to rest for close to fifteen!

I visit the plant and rest for a few more days.

Ditto.

Finally, it is ready.

I cut the martian body out with a knife.

I now head back to Dream-Hellas to tell Prektesh to get ready.

I will prepare myself immediately, and will be ready when you place the newly grown sapling into the Dream Machine.

He is ready.

Let's do this Freaky Friday thang!

Back in the real world, I drop the Martian body in the chair and flip the switch!

Are you still Prektesh, and if so, what will you do now?

How may I help you in your task?

Well, it looks like everything is going to turn out just fine!

Dying?! How the hell can you be dying?! You were find a second ago!

If not the air, then how?

The plague must have settled in the soil.

What is this alternate plan?

Uh . . . okay . . . I will. Farewell, two-week old broccoli guy.

Is this the end of the Martians? Will this last plan work? Find out next time (or the next)!

 

[Elzair]

...He doesn't look like a Tiffany.

Looks more like a Louis to me.

I think he is Charles Lewis Tiffany; he founded Tiffany & Co., an American maker of jewelry and silverware.

 

[Brother None]

No, poor Martians

They don't look very plantlike to me btw

 

[Silellak]

The "communism" game made me giggle.

And the "plants vs. worms" game made me think of Plants vs. Zombies.

You are a machine, Elzair. Keep up the great work!

Or else.