TREASURY
OF ZORK
The Treasury of Zork, lying at the core of the Dungeon of Zork in its
deepest level, is the ultimate storehouse of the treasures of Zork and
the wealth of the Great Underground Empire. Originally guarded by the
First Dungeon Master, who was appointed by Megaboz in 883 GUE, the
Second Dungeon Master (and presumably each of his successors) inherited
this underground chamber in 948 GUE with the title.
The
Treasury was not only guarded by the Dungeon Master, but by a series of
puzzles and traps, including the Guardians of Zork, and a complicated
cell-rotation device. Eight completely seperate cells lined the inside
of a narrow tunnel wrapping like a carousel around a large circular
parapet. Only one cell could be entered at a time, and had to be ridden
from the entrance to the Treasury. The difficulty in this was that
controls for the cell rotation were found in a different location, thus
the person inside the cell was unable to enter the treasury alone;
entry provided the cooperation of at least two individuals, provided
that one that manipulated the controls was aware of which position to
move the cell to.
The Treasury itself was large room was richly
appointed and decorated in a style that bespoke exquisite taste. This
trove at one time contained precious jewels, mountains of zorkmids,
rare paintings, ancient statuary, and beguiling curios. In one corner
of the room a bookcase boasted such volumes as 'The History of the
Great Underground Empire,' 'The Lives of the Twelve Flatheads,' 'The
Wisdom of the Implementors,' and other informative and inspiring works.
On one wall was a completely annotated map of the Great Underground
Empire, showing points of interest, the locations of various troves of
treasure, and indicating the locations of several superior scenic
views. On a desk at the far end of the room were stock certificates
representing a controlling interest in FrobozzCo International, the
multinational conglomerate and parent company of the Frobozz Magic Boat
Co., etc.