User manual GAMES PC ULTIMA I

[. . . ] Ultima I The First Age of Darkness Disclaimer This document is a word-for-word digital copy of the printed Ultima I manual that came with the re-distributed Ultima 1 with enhanced EGA graphics. It is intended to accompany the Ultima 1-6 CD compilation. Origin apparently decided that this document was not necessary for redistribution when putting the CD together. However, there's a wealth of information about the world of Ultima 1 within the pages of this document. [. . . ] There are numerous underground labyrinths to be found throughout Sosaria, the handiwork of unspeakable creatures and unknown forces. These mazes have become the dwellings of many of the horrors unleashed by Mondain upon our poor land. Indeed, the lowest depths of some of these hellholes contain creatures that make even the staunchest warriors blanch and tremble. Yet these subterranean passages also contain caches of the ill-gotten gains of the predations of Mondain's minions. An intrepid adventurer can finance many an expedition with the spoils of a careful foray in the dungeons of Sosaria. Hearken to my words: The use of extreme caution is needed when exploring underground. The corridors of the dungeons are lined with the bones of explorers who overestimated their abilities! 8 Starwalking efore the archmage Mondain can be defeated, one's mettle will first have to be tested in the farthest reaches of the heavens. `Tis said that the Evil One has formed alliances with starwalking monsters of unparalleled savagery. These malicious creatures stand poised to swoop down upon our people and devastate them. The need to slay the vile wizard is redoubled in the face of this threat. combat this menace from the skies will appear--so say the prophets. The legends which foretell of this hero include a number of writings and several ballads sung by the bards of our Realm. Among the more recent discoveries pertaining to the coming of the starwalkers is an arcane manuscript, found on the foothills of Mt. Since it appears to hold instructions for the use of some form of transport, it has been broadcast throughout the land in hopes that it might prove useful to one engaged in the quest to rid Sosaria of Mondain. The substance of the document is as follows: retro (reverse thrust). `Twas not until the coming of Mondain the Wicked that our scholars once again unearthed the dusty tomes that contained the records of the once flourishing arcane arts, and set about to retrain adepts in the use of enchantments. Our leaders realize that once the discipline of magic is reawakened, it shall never again be put to rest. Such is our plight that even the most dreaded of the arts is laid bare to all who will try to learn it and who swear to use its powers to combat the spread of Mondain's vile influences. hile those naturally born to the practice of sorcery, who can invent their own enchantments and forge new ground in the arts, have yet to emerge as powerful wizards in their own right, a certain progress has been made. There are four artifacts available to the budding mage which will enhance the ability to weave enchantments: Staff, Wand, Amulet, and Triangle. The latter is a magical sword that may also serve as a weapon. Several powerful spells, which will cost the buyer in both gold and experience, may be purchased in the magic shoppes of Sosaria. These include: W Blink ­ The ability to be physically transported a short distance while underground. 10 Create ­ The ability to create a wall of magical force directly in front of the spellcaster. Destroy ­ The ability to remove a wall of magical force that blocks the spellcaster's path. Kill ­ An enchantment hurled at a foe in front of the spellcaster. cantrip will destroy the opponent. If successful, this Ladder Down ­ This enchantment creates a magical ladder which permits the spellcaster to descend to the next level of a dungeon. Ladder Up ­ This enchantment creates a magical ladder which permits the spellcaster to ascend to the next level of a dungeon. [. . . ] Once a Tangler hath enmeshed an adventurer in its tentacles, it will hold the victim fast until starvation ends the struggle. The monstrosity then feasts on the corpse. Thief ­ Long before the coming of Mondain, the common cutpurse was a plague to travelers in Sosaria. Lurking in alleyways, poised behind trees, and skulking in dungeon corridors, these villains are always ready to relieve innocent citizens of their valuables and their lives. `Tis a service to your fellow Sosarian to exterminate a Thief whenever possible. Trent ­ Native to the woodlands of Sosaria, the evil Trent seems like an ordinary oak tree until one approaches near enough to be ensnared in the grasp of its plaint branches. [. . . ]