A mysterious body, known only as The Ruling Council of Acheton, has issued the following challenge to sentient life-forms everywhere.
"We, the Ruling Council of the Land known as Acheton, do hereby
challenge the greatest adventurers in the known universe to
uncover the dread secrets of our realm.
You are advised that Acheton is no ordinary land: although
explorers are welcomed, you may find that Death is the inevitable
reward. Deeds of heroic valour will be required of you; feats of
intellect that Newton and Einstein would have boggled at, will be
needed at every turn; and understanding of the arcane sciences
known to the ignorant as Magic will be mandatory.
For the successful adventurer, the rewards will be great: riches
immense, power supernatural. But more: the knowledge that success
has come to you where lesser adventurers have failed.
Good luck - you will need it!
Signed and sealed in the four thousand and twenty-seventh year of the reign of Yelkha-Oekkim IV, may his dread majesty live for ever."
Here was a challenge that the universe could ignore at its peril. Who were these semi-divine beings, the Ruling Council of Acheton? Where was the land of which they spoke?
Many adventurers offered their services. Old wizards in black cloaks, their pockets bulging with arcane scrolls, laden with wands and staffs; seasoned fighters, bearing the scars inflicted on them by irate dragons, or ghoulish foemen; high priests serving mysterious deities whose name one dare not breathe; robed monks whose ascetic disciplines were to prepare them to face unknown terrors; sages, who had slaved all night over learned texts bearing such names as "Nonseparable Banach Spaces" and "Exceptional Lie Algebras", in the hope that their mental training would fit them for the challenges ahead; even the young but courageous novice, armed with axe and bow; all attempted the impossible quest. All failed.
The time has come for you to adventure into Acheton. Before you finally disappear into this extraordinary land, perchance never to return, it may be advisable to read one final document, a tourist brochure that appears to have been produced by the Ruling Council of Acheton. It could contain information essential to the preservation of your life and your sanity!
"Acheton is a land like no other. Caverns measureless to man,
inhabited by powerful beings, await the bold explorer. For those
who prefer the outdoor life, we offer several attractive options:
the sea, where strange beasts lurk, and where pirates ply their
trade; parchingly dry deserts and a mysterious pyramid, where the
ancient Egyptian gods slumber until the day when they shall rule
once more; the scenic gardens of a mighty wizard, where the
unexpected confronts you at every turn; huge ice floes, and
glacial passages, where the slightest false step may mean doom;
and many other fearsome challenges await you. It is said that
Death is not the worst thing that can happen to you.
There is much more to explore, but you should see it for
yourself. That little green idol now: what fate can he be
planning for you? Will you ever escape from the wizard's
dungeons? What does the magic word ZOOGE do? The answers may
surprise you."
Will you be the one whose wits and skill match the diabolically cunning minds of the Ruling Council? You dare not refuse...
David Seal, Jon Thackray and Jonathan Partington