Entry point 1 of 7
CogitatorYour knowledge of machine spirits is sufficient to trick the system and subdue it to your will. A false query, a crafty manipulation of the controls — and you get what you want.
CogitatorYou gain access to the cogitator's systems. The device's machine spirit can do nothing to thwart you — subdued by its defeat, it hides in the depths of its lair.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]
CogitatorYou touch the levers and the reels on the control panel and disturb the slumber of the spirits that reside within this cogitator. The machine dawdles as if still drowsy, but nevertheless performs its assigned function.
CogitatorThe cogitator is silent, awaiting new commands.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorYou discover the local data-crypt with contents collected by either previous operators or the machine spirit itself. Using your access, you study the archives stored on this cogitator.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]end of branch
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorYou force the machine to work around its own prohibitions and restrictions. The strange intrusion and the logic failures might later drive the cogitator's machine spirit mad, but right now, the terminal obeys you completely.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
CogitatorYou are almost certain that your hacking has damaged the cogitator's inner structure. The conflicts might lead to the collapse of the entire system, which means that you should hurry.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 2 of 7
CogitatorYour understanding of sacred technologies is not enough to get past the cogitator's loyal guardian — its machine spirit. No matter how hard you try to coerce it, the system remains impervious.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 3 of 7
CogitatorBefore you is an ancient, but wholly typical console, intended for use by people not trained in the mysteries of ministering to machine spirits. The cogitator is completely silent, but as you approach, you sense the warmth emanating from its metallic casing — a tell-tale sign that the machine is working.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 4 of 7
CogitatorThe cogitator's panel has dozens of breakers, buttons, handles, switches, and other control mechanisms.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 7
CogitatorAs you approach the cogitator, you notice a number of deep scratches left by huge claws on its metal surfaces. Despite the apparent damage, the machine seems to be in working condition.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 6 of 7
CogitatorSomething is howling within the metal housing, as if the machine spirits of this cogitator are lamenting some irreparable loss.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 7 of 7
CogitatorThe cogitator looks dead — only a single lit lumen shows that there is life within the machine.
YOU[Force access to the cogitator's systems]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Awaken the cogitator's machine spirit]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[View the log]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Step away from the cogitator]continues where this line first appears above