User manual GAMES PC THE LORD OF THE RINGS-THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE-EARTH II

[. . . ] Your most important goal is to complete the quest built into the game. In The Bard's Tale the city of Skara Brae is threatened by an evil mage called Mangar. You must find Mangar and "persuade" him to release the onceharmonious city from his evil control. But Mangar is protected by layers of obstacles, mazes and evil henchmen. [. . . ] Higher level rogues are excellent at opening chests, but when in doubt use the "Trapzap" spell. TRZP is guaranteed to work with no harm to the party, unless, of course, the trap is protected by even more powerful magic. In fact, you can use TRZP to disarm any traps you encounter. Gas Cloud traps have doomed many brave but foolish adventurers. If you set off a trap and nothing happens, you were lucky not good. Be sure that your party is fully healed before entering a new dungeon. When you are finding your bearings in a maze, remember that each succeeding level goes UP in a tower or castle and DOWN in a dungeon. TAVERNS Taverns are the Bard's favorite places for gossip and refreshment. There's even a tavern named after him. Watch him carefully though; the Bard has a tendency to overtip the bartender. DUNGEON DELVING The term "dungeon" refers to any indoor labyrinth, designed for mapping, combat and puzzle interaction. They take a variety of forms, from towers to catacombs, and have a varied number of levels for each. You can go up or down to levels higher and lower than the one you're on via stairways, portal, and teleportation. If a non-illusionary special is attacked by another member of the party for any reason, it will turn immediately hostile and fight until defeated. The Bard's Tale Attack foes: To physically assault foes in the first or second group of monsters. Party attack: To assault another member of the party, including special members. Defend: Do not interact this round -- reduces chance of being hit. Use an item: Make use of a magical item held in the character's inventory and currently equipped. This may require specifying a target for the effect. Bard Song: Bards can play a short tune to affect the party or the foremost group of monsters in some fashion Cast a spell: Cast a spell at the party or a group of foes. The spell code must be entered, and a target identified. Hide in Shadows: A rogue can try to avoid combat altogether by hiding and, if successful, will be skipped as a target of attack in the upcoming combat round. The first three characters in your party can be attacked physically by monsters, and can attack back. The last three characters can only be struck by magical attacks, and can only attack back with magic. This simulates your first three characters being up on the front line of attack, with the last three characters acting as backup in case one of the first three is killed. [. . . ] You may want to experiment with a hunter, because his "critical hit" capability can vanquish superior monsters, and the monk, who is perhaps the best fighter of all after he reaches the 6th level. Warriors and other fighters often play less of a role against higher level, magic-using monsters. But without the protection of their armor and strong arms, your Magic Users would not survive long enough to learn the higher level magic spells. It enters your party and looks just like one of your members. 46 The Bard's TaleTM Magic 1. [. . . ]