Skull Island

The foreboding isle called Skull Island is an extremely desolate spot, so named because of the peculiar shape of the island's central mountain. Surrounded by a dense jungle, Skull Mountain is actually an ancient storehouse for the largest ruby in the world. Caves within the mountain itself feature elaborate boobytraps and security devices, designed to keep trespassers away from the valuable gem. However, a petty thief named Covington managed to infiltrate Skull Mountain and abscond with the ruby talisman, only to carelessly drop the precious jewel into a pool of slime.

The caves hidden in the heart of Skull Island are said to be the work of a foreign ruler who had among his treasures a fabulous talisman of pure ruby, the largest in the world. The potentate hid the jewel deep within Skull Mountain, concealing the entrance to his storehouse behind a barrier unlocked only by a special key.

From the counterweights tied to the lock mechanism that automatically opens the cave door to the entryway torch that lights itself, the Skull Island storehouse contains small wonders of ancient engineering. Traps include falling swords large enough to cut a man in two, and dropaway tile floors suspended over bubbling slime pools.

Above: A wooden replica of the talisman is the key to unlocking the secrets of Skull Island. Below: Surprises wait at every turn within the dangerous confines of Skull Island's caves.

(For more information, see Ancient and Lost Artifacts in the "TaleSpin World" section.)

Left: Thief and con artist Covington lays claim to the Skull Island Talisman, largest ruby in the world.