                                Ananachronist
                         A Puzzle in Four Dimensions

Have you ever wondered about lack of universe-destroying temporal paradoxes?
The anthropic principle just not a good enough explanation for you? Here's a
short game about how difficult it is to keep the universe non-existence free.

Ananachronist is a single puzzle (and pretty much everything else has been
sacrificed for its sake).  If you're looking for a good story you won't miss
anything by stopping after the first three paragraphs.  Additionally, that this
game contains a sequencing puzzle and unwinnable states (see below for
details).

anachron.z5 is the game file and requires a Z-code interpreter such as Frotz
(http://www.ifarchive.org/indexes/if-archiveXinfocomXinterpreters.html).  A
minimal solution is included in the file solution.txt.  The remainder of this
file contains general notes and hints.  These hints are also available using
the HINT command in-game (and the in game hints will try to guess at where
you're stuck).






Notes - Verbs

The game is solvable with the standard set of IF verbs.  A few extra
additionally verbs are available that can provide more information or are more
descriptive than the standard ones.  POINT X AT Y is the major one you should
be aware of.

The verb EXIT can be used to leave rooms with an obvious exit.



Notes - Unwinnable States

The game can be placed in an unwinnable state by actions which close off areas
of the game.  All of these actions are somewhat obvious in their effect and
immediately afterward the rune tracer will indicate that you've just done
something irrevocable.



Notes - Multiple Solutions

There is more than one way to perform your primary goals.  If one solution doesn't seem to be compatible with the others, look for a different approach.



Notes - Walkthrough

A walkthrough is provided with the game in the file solution.txt.  The walkthrough attempts to show the minimum understanding of the game mechanic needed to win.  Using the walkthrough, you cannot score to entire 9/9 points.



Hints - Vortex

Point the rune tracer at everything.




Hints - Items

Being a packrat is counter productive in this game.

Examine the roman camp, then examine the army base.

Leave the shield in the forum, then visit the parade ground.




Hints - Doors

You won't find a stack of keys somewhere to open all the doors in the camps.

Use the time periods to your advantage.

The control room holds the answers.

To enter the control room, alter the entrance of the command tent.



Hints - The Last Three Points

The final three points are awarded based on how you leave the world at the
end.

Don't be sloppy and clean up any problems you create and you'll gain all three.
