Tweak branch descriptions

1 files changed, 30 insertions, 34 deletions

diff --git a/crawl-ref/source/dat/descript/branches.txt b/crawl-ref/source/dat/descript/branches.txt
index 46e90415e0..7ab4735f07 100644
--- a/crawl-ref/source/dat/descript/branches.txt
+++ b/crawl-ref/source/dat/descript/branches.txt
@@ -18,21 +18,21 @@ between the levels 4 and 7 of the main dungeon.
 %%%%
 Orcish Mines
 
-The well-worked goldmines of the orcish tribes are filled with orcs, their
-humanoid labourers, and piles of their freshly mined gold. Enterprising
-merchants have set up trading posts to help relieve the orcs of their auric
-burden. The haphazard manner in which orcs tend to dig their mineshafts has
-resulted in a complex and treacherous tangle of chambers in which it is easy to
-get trapped.
+These bustling goldmines are filled with orcs, their humanoid labourers, and
+piles of freshly mined gold. Enterprising merchants have set up trading posts
+to help relieve the orcs of the latter. Prospective customers should be warned:
+the haphazard manner in which orcs dig their mineshafts has resulted in a
+complex and treacherous tangle of chambers, in which it is easy to be trapped.
 
 The Orcish Mines are four levels deep and contain the entrance to the Elven
 Halls.
 %%%%
 Elven Halls
 
-Whereas most elven folk would never move into a dark subterranean complex like
-this, the deep elves did. Their halls are filled with riches, but any
-passers-by should be aware of the legendary magical prowess of this species.
+This is the realm of the Deep Elves, a race that turned their backs on the sun
+long ago. Their halls are filled with riches, but a deadly welcome awaits any
+would-be robbers. In their long seclusion, the deep elves have perfected dark
+sorceries of a power the orcs can only dream of!
 
 The Elven Halls are three levels deep.
 %%%%
@@ -83,12 +83,11 @@ is present, the entrance is located between Lair:3 and Lair:6.
 %%%%
 Slime Pits
 
-The Slime Pits are the amorphous realm of acids, jellies and slimes. Any trace
-of intelligent beings has long been dissolved. Still, there are rumours of
-great treasures deep down, hidden safely away in secret chambers without door
-or window for acid to leak in. It is well known that even the walls of this
-horrible place are dripping with painful acid, growing more caustic as you
-descend.
+The Slime Pits are the amorphous realm of acids, jellies and slimes. Even the
+walls drip with painful acid, growing ever more caustic as you travel deeper.
+Any trace of intelligent beings has long been dissolved. Still, there are
+rumours of great treasures deep down, hidden safely away in secret chambers
+without door or window.
 
 The Slime Pits are six levels deep and contain the slimy rune. The entry is
 between Lair:6 and Lair:8.
@@ -107,8 +106,8 @@ the main dungeon.
 Crypt
 
 The Crypt is a huge repository for the ancient dead. The air is chill and
-fetid, the walls cold and damp. Bones are strewn liberally everywhere and the
-whole place resounds with the keening of the unquiet dead.
+fetid, the walls cold and damp. Bones are strewn liberally everywhere, and
+every noise echoes worryingly, violating the overbearing silence of the grave.
 
 The Crypt is three levels deep, and contains the entrance to the Tomb. Its entry
 is either on Vaults:2 or Vaults:3.
@@ -190,7 +189,7 @@ Pandemonium is an infinite realm of pain and suffering. While there are many
 treasures to be found within, they are guarded by cruel demons and even
 crueller demon lords.
 
-Pandemonium is endless. Portals there are found abundantly in the Depths. Note
+Pandemonium is endless. Portals leading there are found in the Depths. Note
 that getting back might be more difficult.
 
 No fewer than five runes can be found in Pandemonium:
@@ -198,7 +197,7 @@ No fewer than five runes can be found in Pandemonium:
  • a glowing rune in the contaminated domain of Mnoleg
  • a magical rune guarded by the arcane powers of Lom Lobon and his minions
  • a dark rune in the shadowy abode of Gloorx Vloq
- • demonic runes exist in multiple copies, owned by less famous lords
+ • a demonic rune existing in multiple places, owned by less famous lords
 %%%%
 Ziggurat
 
@@ -213,14 +212,12 @@ It can only be entered when carrying at least three runes of Zot.
 %%%%
 Labyrinth
 
-The labyrinth is a large, complex maze designed by subtle and malicious minds
-for reasons long lost to history. Old stories say that the labyrinth was
+The labyrinth is a complex, ever-shifting maze designed by subtle and malicious
+minds for reasons long lost to history. Old stories say that the labyrinth was
 constructed as a prison for a fearsome minotaur. More recent stories say this
 beast dwells there still, guarding the labyrinth's sole exit — as well as a
 hoard of treasure taken from the bodies of the foolish adventurers who got lost
-inside and starved to death. Take care inside the shifting, twisting passages
-of this labyrinth, or your own possessions may end up in the minotaur's
-treasure pile.
+inside and starved to death.
 %%%%
 Bazaar
 
@@ -234,8 +231,7 @@ Trove
 Once upon a time, an enterprising thief and wizard created a system of portals
 leading into the secret treasure troves and chambers of the rich. Too scared to
 loot them himself, he instead charged an extortionate fee for entry to anyone
-who wanted to rifle through them. A clever artificer, he designed his portals
-to direct the entrant to the trove most suited to their needs.
+who wanted to rifle through them.
 
 The items inside this trove are likely to be useful, but beware: the wizard is
 long dead, and even while alive he never offered a money-back guarantee.
@@ -261,7 +257,7 @@ Bailey
 
 The bailey is the still-occupied and well-guarded fortress of an orcish lord.
 The treasures within are protected by both physical barriers and large numbers
-of well armed humanoid warriors.
+of well-armed humanoid warriors.
 %%%%
 Ice Cave
 
@@ -279,13 +275,13 @@ volcano's heart never ceases.
 %%%%
 Wizlab
 
-In ages past, the most powerful mages — many of whom you may have heard of —
-would frequently find or construct small realms sealed off from the rest of the
-world, where they could isolate themselves in the pursuit of ever-greater
-magical knowledge and power. The mages are long gone, but many of their arcane
-laboratories still exist, filled with the results of their experiments. Those
-willing to explore these laboratories may find powerful magical treasures, but
-be warned: the wizards to whom they belonged deserved their reputations.
+In ages past, the most powerful mages would frequently find or construct small
+realms sealed off from the rest of the world, where they could isolate
+themselves in the pursuit of ever-greater magical knowledge and power. The
+mages are long gone, but many of their arcane laboratories still exist, filled
+with the results of their experiments. Those willing to explore these
+laboratories may find powerful magical treasures, but be warned: any wizard
+capable of constructing such a realm deserved their reputation.
 %%%%
 Depths