OFFICIAL

Advanced
Dungeons & Dragons�

COMPUTER PRODUCT
_____________________
| |
| HEROES OF THE LANCE |
|_____________________|

U.K. VERSION
______________________________
| |
| A DRAGONLANCE TM Action Game |
|______________________________|
______ � 1988 TSR, Inc.
/ \ � Strategic
| U.S. | Simulations, Inc.
| | __________________ _ All rights reserved.
| GOLD | \ ____\ ______|_\ TM
\______/ \__\___ \__\___ | | TSR TM
__________________________________\ \____\ \ | |_____________________________
______________________________________\_______\|_______________________________

STRATEGIC SIMULATIONS, INC.


CREDITS


HEROES OF THE LANCE


Program Creation: U.S.Gold Ltd

Design & Co-ordination: Laurence H. Miller

Programming Team:
-----------------
Alan Bridgeman, Matt Ellis, Graham Lilley,
Teoman Irmak, Anthony Scott.


Product Manager: Jerry Howells

Production Co-ordination: Bob Kenrick

Based on the module: DL1 Dragons of Despair

Original U.K.Manual: Laurence H. Miller
Manual adapted by SSI: Louis Saekow Design:
Louis Hsu Saekow, David Boudreau, Pete Gascoyne

Box Art: Jeff Easley


Original Graphic for Title Screen: Clyde Caldwell

Game developed by: U.S. Gold Ltd. & Strategic Simulations, Inc.

U.S.Gold Test & Development Team: Paul Sutton,
Charles Cecil & Mike Dixon

SSI Testing & Development Team: Chuck Kroegel, Dick Vohlers,
Cyrus Harris, Graeme Bayless, Zane Wolters, John Bruning,
Robert Daly & James Kucera


ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, AD&D, DRAGON LANCE and the TSR logo are trademarks
owned by TSR, Inc., Lake Geneva, W.I, USA and used under license from Strategic
Simulations, Inc., Mountain View, C.A., USA.

� 1988 Strategic Simulations, Inc. � 1988 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This handbook, any other accompanying printed material and the computer
programs, on the accompanying floppy disks or cassettes, described herein, are
copyrighted and include proprietary information belonging to Strategic
Simulations, Inc. and TSR, Inc. No one is permitted to give or sell copies of
this handbook, any other accompanying material and the computer programs, on
the accompanying floppy disks or cassettes or listings of the programs on the
disks or cassettes to any person or institution except as provided for by
written agreement with TSR, Inc. No one may copy, photocopy, reproduce,
translate or reduce to machine readable form this handbook or any other
accompanying printed material, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of TSR, Inc.
Any person/persons reproducing any portion of this program for any
reason, in any media, shall be guilty of Copyright violation and subject to the
appropriate civil or criminal legal action at the discretion of the copyright
holder(s).


CONTENTS

I. Background & History ....................................................2
A. The DRAGONLANCE� Saga
B. ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS� Game

II. The Action Starts........................................................3
A. Preparing for Play
B. Loading The Game
C. IBM version differences
D. Cassette/Disk version differences

III. Playing The Game ........................................................5
A. Movement
B. Ranged Combat/Dodge
C. Close Combat
D. Screen Displays
E. Menus and Sub-Menus
F. Winning the Game
G. IBM Keyboard Commands
H. A Note to ST Hard Disk users

IV. Characters .............................................................13
Tanis Half-Elven
Caramon Majere
Raistlin Majere
Sturm Brightblade
Goldmoon
Riverwind
Tasslehoff Burrfoot
Flint Fireforge

V. Monsters ...............................................................21

VI. Lost & Found - objects in the ruins.....................................23

1


I. Background & History
It is now more than three hundred years since the Cataclysm when the wrath
of the gods descended upon Krynn. With the only direct access portal denied
her, the Queen of Darkness spreads her power across the land by awakening the
evil dragons and creating the Draconians. Once in control of Krynn, she will be
free to force entry to the world. Only the 'Companions of The Lance' (they
aren't 'Heroes' until they succeed) can stop her final victory. Should they
fail, the Queen of Darkness will be free to come through from the Abyss into
the world and darkness will cover Krynn for all eternity, as she and her
Draconians will control the largest, most evil empire ever created.
The only threat to her awesome power is the possibility of a revival of the
worship of the old gods. In the years since the Cataclysm, the inhabitants of
Krynn have lost their belief in the gods. Before opposition to Takhisis can be
united, you must restore faith in the old gods by recovering the Disks of
Mishakal from the ruins of Xak Tsaroth. Use of their knowledge will bring True
Healing back to Krynn and restore faith in the old gods, allowing them to
intervene in the fate of their worshippers. More importantly, it allows them to
confront the Queen of Darkness directly and restore the balance between Good,
Evil and Neutrality.
This mighty relic is the only hope for Krynn and you must aid the Companions
in their quest to retrieve the Disks. Unfortunately, the Disks aren't just
lying in the ruins but are actively guarded by Khisanth, an ancient, huge,
black dragon, served by Draconians who have enslaved the local Aghar (gully
dwarves).

A. THE DRAGONLANCE� Saga
The world of Krynn resulted from players who wanted more dragons. The basic
plot which became the basis of the entire DRAGONLANCE� game universe was put
together by the TSR design staff. These concepts were then brought to life by
the TSR artists to produce the DRAGONLANCE� saga - a rich, diverse gaming
universe with awesome dragons and questing adventurers. From this beginning
came an entire world and its history, the place now known to gamers as Krynn.
Until now, occupation of Krynn has been limited to the imagination of the
readers of the DRAGONLANCE� novels and players of the ADVANCED DUNGEONS &
DRAGONS� role-playing game. However, things have changed.
The Heroes of the Lance game gives you the chance to take part in the quest
of the 'Companions of The Lance,' as they begin their fight to save Krynn from
domination by Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness. Find yourself in the thick of
the action as you control the characters in their life-or-death struggle
against the forces of evil. Can you retrieve the Disks of Mishakal from the
lair of Khisanth, deep in the ruins of Xak Tsaroth? Before you can even reach
the lair, the companions must defeat Draconian hordes in hand-to-hand combat
and deal with powerful magic, monstrous spiders, skeletal undead, and many more
terrors that lurk amidst the rubble of a once beautiful city.
For those familiar with the AD&D� game, this is not a role-playing game but
an Action game. The computer is used to keep all of the usual 'to hit,' 'damage
inflicted,' 'saving throw,' etc., dice rolls behind the scenes so that you can
concentrate on the action on screen. You won't see the numbers, allowing you to
concentrate on what is actually visible - the Draconian charging forward waving
a sword. Can you see any traps while the detect spell lasts or is that a potion
bottle in the corner?

2


B. The ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS@ Game
Some of you may not have encountered role playing games (RPGs) before.
Although this isn't an RPG, it is based around the concepts of what is probably
the most widely played system - the AD&D� game from TSR.
Instead of being a passive reader or observer as in a novel or play, RPG
players control one or more characters within the story. You take an active
role in determining the course of events within a game, during which the
characters (if they survive) will learn and become more experienced, thus
equipping them to deal with tougher challenges. The players have an opportunity
to interact not only with the game but also with each other.
The game is open-ended and, when one scenario has been completed, characters
can continue to another and another...
A 'Dungeon (or Game) Master' directs each game by controlling the entire
action within the game, apart from the players' characters. This person is
responsible for describing the characters' environment, controlling all the
monsters and traps and dealing with combat resolution, treasure and anything
else which may occur. Many people enjoy being a Dungeon Master as much as
running a character in another person's scenario.
The Heroes of the Lance game is designed to hide the dice rolling and
table-referencing from the player and allow him/her to concentrate on the
action as the computer takes on the mechanics of the game. But, of course, it
doesn't allow players to interact with each other in the way the AD&D� game
does.

II. The Action Starts...
Despite the various encounters with Draconians whilst approaching Xak
Tsaroth, the Companions are finally standing within the Great Temple of
Mishakal before the statue of the goddess. As Goldmoon, carrying the Blue
Crystal Staff, approaches the statue, it animates and speaks to you:
"...Krynn is about to face its greatest test... You must return the truth
and power of the true gods to men. It is time to restore the balance.
To gain the power, you shall need the truth of the gods. Far below this
temple lie the Disks of Mishakal: circular plates of platinum that are all you
need to call upon my power. You must recover these disks.
Your way will not be easy. The disks now lie in the lair of the dragon.
Therefore I charge your staff: if you present it boldly, never wavering, then
you shall prevail..."
You will find the Heroes ready to start their explorations of the ruins of
Xak Tsaroth. You must be ready for anything as Draconians aren't the worst
thing you may meet. Good luck, the fate of Krynn is in your hands.

A. Preparing for play:
Copying your disks - Before beginning to play the game, you MUST make a copy
of your game disks. Set aside the original disks and play off the copies. The
original disks do not have any physical copy protection on them. ST users will
have to use a special format command, contained on Disk C (3). Insert that disk
and start your system. Double click on FORMAT.TOS and follow the prompts on the
screen. Because all versions will periodically write to disk, you should not
write protect your copies.
Saving the Game - Before beginning to play, you will also need to format a
blank, disk to use as a saved game disk. You can save your game during play by
selecting SAVE from the Main Menu and then following the screen prompts. These
prompts will instruct you to insert the formatted disk at the proper time.

3


Copy Protection - After you load the game but before any action starts, you
will be asked a question. This question can be answered by referring to the
rulebook. Enter the correct answer to the question and you will be able to
proceed.
Contrast - Due to the wide variety of monitors available, some adjustments
may be necessary to the contrast and brightness controls of your monitor in
order to get the best picture.

B. Loading The Game:
AMIGA - Plug your joystick into Port 2. Turn on your system and boot with
Kickstart 1.2 or greater (either built in as ROM or by disk, depending on model
number). When the computer asks for the Workbench disk, insert Disk A (1) into
your disk drive. The game will auto-boot and load into the computer. Follow the
screen prompts which tell you when to swap Disk A (1) for Disk B (2) and vice
versa.
AMSTRAD Disk - Plug your joystick into Port 1. Insert Program disk A (1)
into disk drive. Type �CPM and press ENTER. The game will load and run
automatically. Follow the screen prompts. AMSTRAD Cassette - Plug joystick into
Port 1. Press CTRL and small ENTER keys then PLAY on the cassette recorder.
Follow the screen prompts.
ATARI ST - Plug your joystick into Port 2. Insert Disk A (1) into your disk
drive. Turn on the computer. The game will load and run automatically. Follow
the screen prompts which will tell you when to swap disks.
COMMODORE C64/C128 Disk - Plug your joystick into Port 2. Turn on your disk
drive and then your computer. With the C128, hold down the Commodore Key as you
turn the computer on to put it into C64 mode. Insert Disk A (1) into the disk
drive with the label side facing up. Type LOAD "*",8,1 and press RETURN. The
game will load and run automatically. Follow the screen prompts which will tell
you when to swap disks. C64/C128 Cassette - Plug joystick into Port 2 (C128, as
above for C64 mode). Press SHIFT and RUN/STOP keys together, then RETURN. Press
PLAY on the cassette recorder. Follow screen prompts.
IBM PC and Compatibles - Start your computer with DOS 2.0 or greater. If you
don't see the A prompt (A>) type A: and press ENTER. Remove DOS disk and insert
Disk A (1) into your A disk drive. If playing for the first time or if you wish
to change a previous set-up, type HINSTALL and press ENTER. You will then be
given a range of choices allowing you to customise the game for your machine.
These cover graphics mode, control (IBM joystick or keypad) and hard disk
installation. When you are satisfied with your selections and accept them, they
will be written to disk. After this installation and in the future just type
START and press ENTER. Follow the screen prompts. You do not need to use
HINSTALL again unless you wish to change your current set-up.
SPECTRUM 48K/128K & +2 Cassette - Connect joystick interfaces before
switching on. 128K or +2 use Tape Loader option. 48K type LOAD "" and press
ENTER then PLAY on the cassette recorder. Follow the screen prompts. SPECTRUM
+3 Disk - Turn on the computer, insert disk and press ENTER. Follow the screen
prompts.

C. IBM Version Differences:
The IBM PC and Compatibles version can be played using either a joystick or
the numeric keypad. If you play with the joystick, follow the general joystick
directions given. If you play using the numeric keypad you will control your
character using the numbers on the keypad and the letters on the keyboard. Read
the rules so as to understand how the commands work. A section at the end of
the rules details the keyboard commands which you should read thoroughly before
beginning to play.

4


D. Cassette/Disk version differences
The major differences between cassette and disk concern the availability of
a variety of monsters, disk access is needed during a game, for additional
information. This is not possible with cassette so, although the game has the
same variety of monsters, in any given location the number of different types
is limited. It requires additional loads as you go deeper into the ruins but,
whilst different monsters are added, it is at the expense of creature types
already met.

III. Playing The Game
This game has been designed to give you the feel of adventuring in the world
of Krynn, a strange and dangerous place full of monsters and treasure. There
are many things you can do during the course of the game, from movement and
fighting to casting magic and collecting potions.
To enable you to engage in all of these things, we have set up methods to
control everything as simply as possible. Movement and physical combat are
entirely controlled from the joystick (or keypad on the IBM PC and
compatibles), and everything else is dealt with by a mixture of Icon and Menu
selection.
These methods have been designed to minimise interference in the flow of the
game by never requiring you to let go of the joystick during the course of
play. While playing, simply pressing the space bar will bring up the Main Menu
and pause the game as you make your selection, and then restart when you quit
the menus. The easiest way to get to the menus is press the space bar with the
side of your hand as you hold the joystick. The menus can be accessed at any
time during the game.
The two methods of controlling actions are:
1. Joystick (and fire button) for movement, Close Combat (sword, staff etc.)
and Ranged Combat (bow and arrows, spears etc.). Close Combat is possible when
a character and monster approach each other within a quarter of the screen
width.
2. Menu selection is for spell choice, character selection, picking objects
up etc. and you can use it at any time by pressing the space bar to activate
the Main Menu. Use the Joystick to select an option which will either give you
further choices from a sub-menu or carry out the specified action.

A. Movement
All movement on screen is controlled by the joystick as shown here,
including movement towards or away from the player - into or out from the
screen. Moving the joystick in the various directions will move your character
accordingly (e.g. if you are walking left at normal speed and you move the
joystick to the upper right diagonal then your character turns around and
starts running at double speed.
The IN(joystick pushed LEFT IN RIGHT
forward) and OUT (joystick pushed Double Speed\ ^ /Double Speed
back) directions are active only \ _____|_____ /
at certain times. Whenever a / \
corridor crosses or joins the FIRE button---| O __^__ |
corridor you're in, the compass | / - \ |
direction, that your character LEFT <--| <| |O| |> |--> RIGHT
can travel down that corridor, Normal Movement | \__-__/ | Normal Movement
is highlighted. You will notice | v |
that if you choose to go down a \___________/
cross-corridor, the compass | Joystick
direction will change. The screen v --------
always shows your character OUT
moving left and right.

5


On the other hand, the compass is oriented to maintain the same absolute
direction, just as a real compass. As an example, if your character were to be
travelling along an east-west corridor, the compass would show north as being
up. If the character then entered a corridor that went north, the compass would
change. North would then be on the right of the compass since that is the
direction the character is facing. This is not as complicated as it sounds and
is easily mastered when you play the game.
Pressing the fire button will cause one of two options to be available,
depending on whether your character is running or stationary when the button is
actually pressed:
STATIONARY - Pressing and holding the fire button puts the character into
one of two Combat modes. The character will enter Ranged Combat Mode (see
details below) if the character is more than a quarter of a screen width from a
monster. If within this distance, the character will enter Close Combat mode.
You will see the word "COMBAT" displayed below the compass when your character
comes within the quarter screen width.
RUNNING - Pressing the fire button while you are running causes the
character to JUMP in the direction of movement. This allows the character to
pass over certain types of obstacles.

B. Ranged Combat/Dodge / FIRE
This mode is used for two purposes: ___________ / High
dodging and using a ranged weapon (one that / \
fires over a distance such as a bow and | O __^__ |
arrows or a throwing axe). It can only be | / - \ |
used by a stationary character and requires | <| |O| |> |--> FIRE
pressing the fire button to begin operating. | \__-__/ | Centre
With the fire button depressed, moving the | v |
joystick in the appropriate direction will \___________/
cause your character to perform the indicated | \ FIRE
action. The character's weapon is v \ Low
automatically selected when you move the DODGE
joystick into a firing position. For the
bows and the hoopak, you must first select Character facing right.
the Use command from the Main Menu and -----------------------
choose either a pouch or quiver before the
ranged weapon can be used. The moves are FIRE \
reversed depending on the screen facing of High \ ___________
the character (see diagrams). As long as the / \
joystick is held in position, the weapon | O __^__ |
will continue to fire until it runs out of | / - \ |
ammunition or until a monster moves within FIRE <--| <| |O| |> |
Close Combat range. If you push the stick Centre | \__-__/ |
into a firing position and release it, the | v |
weapon will only fire once. \___________/
Fire CENTRE lets you shoot parallel to the FIRE / |
ground at about shoulder height and is the Low / v
most likely choice to use when firing at DODGE
monsters. Fire LOW and fire HIGH allow your
character to fire below or above the centre Character facing left.
line. DODGE allows the character to take ----------------------
avoiding action from an attack and is also
available in Close Combat.
All Ranged Combat selections are cancelled, changing to Close Combat, if the
player's character and a monster move within the 1/4 screen trigger distance.
At the same time, the character's weapon changes to the Close Combat weapon.

6


C. Close Combat B
The computer allows you to enter Close THRUST
Combat mode whenever a monster and a A \ / High
character move within one quarter of a screen \ ___________ /
of each other. You will see the word COMBAT M C / \
below the compass when you can enter Close | O __^__ |
Combat mode. To enter this mode, keep the O K | / - \ |
fire button depressed. This mode stays in <--| <| |O| |> |--> THRUST
force until one of the combatants is dead, V W | \__-__/ | Centre
they move away from each other until | v |
separated by more than a quarter of a screen E A \___________/
or you release the fire button. / | \
When in Close Combat, joystick moves R / v \ THRUST
change to those shown here and the character DODGE Low
automatically uses his or her Close Combat D
weapon. In this mode, the player selects the
indicated combat moves, for close (melee) Character facing right.
fighting by moving the joystick in the -----------------------
relevant direction.
The terminology used applies to sword B
fighting but the physical moves apply equally THRUST
to whatever weapon the character is using High \ ^ / A
whether sword, staff, axe etc. \ _____|_____ /
MOVE BACKWARDS means the character keeps / \ M C
the current facing and walks backwards. The | O __^__ |
character will back up (still holding his or | / - \ | O K
her weapon), moving to the edge of the screen THRUST <--| <| |O| |> |-->
or until reaching an impassable barrier. If Centre | \__-__/ | V W
this allows the character to move beyond the | v |
combat trigger threshold (quarter screen), \___________/ E A
movement reverts to normal joystick mode. / | \
DODGE is available and the character THRUST / v \ R
behaves the same as in Ranged Combat, with Low DODGE
the ability to avoid things. D
You can still make selections from the
menu if required and the computer will pause Character facing left.
the game, making the necessary combat ----------------------
adjustments while any changes and selections
are made. The menus allow you to change the lead character.

7


D. Screen Displays.
There are two main screen displays used during the course of play:
1.STANDARD SCREEN - The main section of the screen shows the actual view of
the area being explored with a double row of character icons along the
right-bottom of the screen and a compass indicating viewpoint and exits. Next
to each character, that character's Hit Point status is shown as a vertical
bar. Pressing the SPACE Bar brings up the second display - the Main Menu.
2.MAIN MENU - The main section is overlayed with a scroll of selections,
with the top selection highlighted and the lower section of the screen
continuing to hold the same information. Selection is either by moving the
highlight with the joystick or the Up/Down cursor keys. When the required
selection has been made, pressing the fire button or the Return/Enter key
(Insert on the ST) will activate the selection. An error message is displayed
if you attempt a selection that is not available.
There is a third type of screen - The animation sequence. Return to normal
game action by pressing the space bar.
Choosing the Main Menu can also be used as a pause during gameplay should
you require a short break and not wish to quit the game.

E. Menus & Sub-Menus.
1. Hero Select - showing Status screen:
The order in which the characters appear on the screen has an effect on
play. The top left character is first in the party and is the active character.
The character immediately to the right of that character is second and so on.
The bottom right character is the last one. The icon of the first character
will appear on the screen and represent the entire party. Spells can only be
cast if the character casting the spell is one of the first four. Characters in
the bottom row cannot cast any spells. The active character will suffer the
most damage in combat, but all of the top 4 characters may suffer some damage.
You can change the order of the characters in your party by selecting Hero
Select from the Main Menu. When you have done this, a white box will appear
around the active character. You can use the joystick or the cursor keys to
move this box over one of the

8

CHARACTER SELECT (cont):
characters that you want to move to a different position. When the box is on
the desired character, press the fire button or hit the Return/Enter key
(Insert on the ST). You will then get a second white box. Move this white box
over the character you wish the first character to switch positions with. Once
again hit the Return/Enter key (Insert on the ST) or press the fire button. The
characters will switch positions. If you wish to change the order of more than
one pair of characters, re-select this option for each swop you wish to
perform.

Should Goldmoon's hit points fall to a low level and she is the active
character, Riverwind will switch positions with her in order to protect her.
Once she is revitalised, she can once again assume the lead.

2. Magic User/The Staff of Magius Spells:
The number in parentheses (brackets) is the number of charges used per spell
when Raistlin uses the staff of Magius. This staff holds up to 100 charges.
Using scrolls and potions does not take charges. Wands use these charges.
Charm - each use takes 1 charge (1).
Sleep - uses one charge (1).
Magic Missile - each use takes one charge (1).
Web - entangles an opponent for a limited amount of time (2).
Detect Magic - shows location of magic items (1).
Detect Invisible - shows location of anything invisible (2).
Final Strike - destroys staff & causes intense damage when it explodes;
provides option to cancel in case selected by mistake (uses all remaining
charges).
Burning Hands - each use takes one charge (1).
Exit - return to Main Menu.

3. Clerical Staff Spells:
This selects one of two sub-menus depending on who is using the staff. Only
Goldmoon can use the staff unless she is incapacitated or dead. In that case,
Riverwind, Caramon or Sturm can use it at a reduced capacity.
The number in parentheses (brackets) is the number of charges used per spell
when using the clerical staff. This staff holds up to 200 charges but will
absorb energy if attacked by energy-using monsters.
When you select Clerical Staff Spells, a different sub-menu is displayed
depending on whether Goldmoon is alive and conscious or one of the other
characters is controlling the staff.

3a) Clerical Staff Spells (for Goldmoon):
Cure Light Wounds - heals minor damage to a character (1).
Protection from Evil - helps you against evil opponents (1).
Find Traps - indicates the location of a trap (2).
Hold Person - stops a monster in its tracks (most of the time) (2).
Spiritual Hammer - just like a warhammer but no hands (2).
Prayer - a little extra help from on high (3).
Cure Critical Wounds - more powerful healing (5).
Raise Dead - resurrects dead characters whose bodies are available (5).
Deflect Dragon Breath - very useful if you meet a dragon (10).
Exit - return to main menu.

9


3b)Clerical Staff Spells for Riverwind, Caramon or Sturm:
Cure Light Wounds - heals minor damage to a character (1).
Find Traps indicates the location of a trap (2).
Cure Critical Wounds - more powerful healing (5).
Deflect Dragon Breath - very useful if you meet a dragon (10).
Exit - return to Main Menu.

4. USE:
This displays a list of the active character's possessions with the
exception of his/her initial equipment (i.e. personal weapons and items worn).
It includes anything acquired during the course of play such as potions,
scrolls, rings etc. Any weapons, in excess of the two usable by the character
are listed here. Excess weapons can't be used by the character although they
will contribute towards the experience points total at the end of the game. A
character's carry limit is affected by quivers of arrows and pouches of
bullets.

5. TAKE:
This command applies to the currently occupied area and lists any item that
can be readily picked up as well as any magic or invisible items that have been
found. Due to the limited number of items that anyone character can carry, it
may be necessary to select a different character to pick up an item or have the
current character drop or give away an item first. Note that a dropped item
will appear under this command when it is reselected.
Should this list include one of the staffs (due to the death of Raistlin or
Goldmoon), there are restrictions on picking them up and using them:
The Staff of Magius - Nobody can pick it up apart from Raistlin as they are
all of the wrong alignment and will take damage if they attempt it.
Blue Crystal Staff - Apart from Goldmoon, Riverwind, Caramon and Sturm,
anybody else will take damage from this clerical staff. Only Goldmoon can use
the staff unless she is dead or incapacitated, in which case one of the others
may use the staff.

6. GIVE:
This lists all of the items owned by the lead character which can be
transferred to another character. It does not include personal weapons or (for
Goldmoon and Raistlin) the staffs but does include items such as potions,
arrows etc.
To GIVE an item, choose it on this sub-menu and press the fire button (or
equivalent) to initiate the transfer. The highlight will then appear on the
character icons. Move it to the character you wish to receive the item and
press the fire button to complete the transfer. A character's carry limit
cannot be exceeded by this procedure and the game will not allow the transfer
to be completed. If you attempt it, you will return to the start of the GIVE
menu.

7. DROP:
Drop shows all of a character's possessions which can be dropped to the
floor. As with the other sub-menus, this option does not list personal weapons
(including Raistlin's and Goldmoon's staffs).

8. SAVE:
Choosing Save allows you to save a game for completion at a later date.
Before you perform this operation, you must have a blank cassette or an already
formatted disk as mentioned earlier, depending upon which machine you are
using. Once Save is selected follow the prompts provided to complete the save
procedure.

10


9. RESTORE:
Use of this selection allows you to restart a previously saved game at any
time. If you are already playing a game, it will be cancelled and replaced by
the saved game which you reload. If you select it by mistake, you have the
option to return to the Main Menu before any damage is done. If you proceed
then you will be asked for the disk or cassette containing the saved game and
prompted as to the correct procedure.

10. SCORE:
You can view your accumulated experience points during play by choosing this
option. The number shown as a total is a summary of all points accumulated by
characters that are still alive. The number of monsters killed is a running
total of all monsters of the given type killed to that point in the game.

11. EXIT MENU:
This selection provides the means of returning to the main game display and
continuing the game.

F. Winning The Game.
You accumulate experience points during the play of the game. You get
experience points for killing monsters, for gathering treasures or for
surviving to the end of the game. The current total score for the party can be
viewed at any time from the Main Menu. Detailed scores (character by character
as well as total) are provided at the end of a game. At this time, scores are
listed for each character and two party scores are given. One score is the
total number of points of all surviving characters and the second is the total
of all characters whether dead or alive at the end. These scores allow you to
compare games as well as giving a numerical value as a measure of success in
any one game.

G. IBM PC & Compatibles Version:
Using The Keyboard
Introduction - As mentioned earlier in the rules, the IBM PC and Compatibles
version can also be played using the numeric keypad and the keyboard. This
section describes how playing this way differs from playing with a joystick.
Using Menus - To access the Main Menu, press Insert. To select an option
from a menu, press the first letter or number of that option. You may also
select an option by using the cursor keys to move the highlight bar to the
option and then pressing Enter. You can exit any menu either by using the Exit
Menu option or by pressing the Escape key.
Selecting Heroes - To move a character to a different position, use the
cursor keys to select the character you wish to move and press Enter. Use the
cursor keys again to move the character to the desired position and press
Enter.

H. A Note to ST Hard Disk Users.
Heroes of the Lance can be played from a hard disk provided your machine has
at least 1 megabyte of RAM. Copy all of the files over to the hard disk, and
then remove the EXEC.PRG file from the AUTO folder. Double click on EXEC.PRG
and the game will begin.

11

Character Control Using the Keypad:
The following diagrams illustrate how the numeric keypad is used to control
your character during Movement, Close Combat and Ranged Combat. Use the Return
key in place of the fire button.


IN
_____|_________
LEFT | | | | RIGHT
Double Speed |_____|_____| | Double Speed
\___|__ | | | __|___|_/
MOVEMENT: |___|___|___| |
LEFT______|__ | | __|___|______RIGHT
Normal Movement |___|___|___| | Normal Movement
| | | | |
|___|_|_|___| |
| | | | __________FIRE
|_____|_|___|___| button
|
OUT

RANGED COMBAT/DODGE:
_______________ _______________
| | | | | | | |
FIRE |_____|_____| | |_____|_____| | FIRE
High \__|__ | | | | | | | __|___|__/ High
|___|___|___| | |___|___|___| |
FIRE ___|__ | | |___| | | | __|___|___ FIRE
Centre |___|___|___| | |___|___|___| | Centre
__|__ | | | | | | | __|___|__
FIRE / |___|_|_|___| | |___|_|_|___| | \ FIRE
Low | | | | \ | | | | | \ | Low
|_____|_|___|___\ |_____|_|___|___\
| \ FIRE | \ FIRE
DODGE button DODGE button

Left - Character Facing - Right

CLOSE COMBAT:
_______________ _______________
| | | | | | | |
THRUST |_____|_____| | B |_____|_____| | THRUST
High \__|__ | | _______________ A _______|__ | | __|___|__/ High
|___|___|___| | M C |___|___|___| |
THRUST ___|__ | | __|___|________ O K _______|__ | | __|___|___ THRUST
Centre |___|___|___| | V W |___|___|___| | Centre
__|__ | | __|___|________ E A _______|__ | | __|___|__
THRUST / |___|_|_|___| | R |___|_|_|___| | \ THRUST
Low | | | | \ | D | | | | \ | Low
|_____|_|___|___\ |_____|_|___|___\
| \ FIRE | \ FIRE
DODGE button DODGE button

Left - Character Facing - Right

12


IV. Characters

Tanis:

Orphaned by the death of his elven mother, Tanthalas, better known by the
shorter, human form of his name as Tanis, was raised amongst the elves.
However, as a half-human, Tanis always felt somewhat of an outcast. Finally
driven by his restless nature, he left the Qualinesti and headed for Solace and
the only 'outsider' known to him, his friend Flint. By the time he became
involved with the Companions - other than Goldmoon and Riverwind - he had
become an experienced half-elven fighter wandering the world of Krynn in search
of True Healing and clerics. A natural leader, he has known, travelled with and
fought beside the Companions for many years. Although none of them knew it at
the time, their meeting became the start of their joint quest and the formation
of the Companions of The Lance.
His travels, through an unsettled world, combined with his early training
amongst the Qualinesti elves, have turned him into a master swordsman. Equipped
with his elven blade, there are few fighters skilled enough to match him in
combat. Of course, an enemy has to reach him first because his natural skill,
augmented by plenty of practice, with the bow, will usually stop all but the
most determined opposition before it comes within reach of his sword arm.


AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 16 (Damage +1);
Intelligence 12; Wisdom 13;
Dexterity 16; Constitution 12;
Charisma 15; Alignment - Neutral Good
Hit Points 35; Armour Class 4.

EQUIPMENT:
Leather armour +2;
Longsword +2 (damage 1-8/1-12 vs. Giants);
Bow & quiver of 20 arrows (damage 1-6).

13


Caramon Majere:

The twin brother of Raistlin, Caramon can be considered a complete opposite
to his brother. From early childhood Caramon made himself the protector of his
weaker brother, rescuing him time and time again from bullying tormentors. His
training as a warrior while a young child, was started by his sister, Kitiara,
who later became a Dragon HighLord in the service of Takhisis. Inseparable from
his brother, except when Raistlin was being schooled in the magic arts, Caramon
lived all his life in Solace. Here he met Sturm but it wasn't until their
father's death that the twins met up with Tasslehoff and, through this meeting,
another of Solace's long time inhabitants, Flint Fireforge. This was the start
of the friendships which led to the formation of the 'Companions of the Lance.'
Although a well trained warrior by this time, Caramon was relatively
inexperienced in combat and it was his travels with his newly acquired friends
(later to include Tanis) that turned him into a seasoned warrior. Travelling
the country with Raistlin was always an exciting adventure. One of his
brother's greatest joys was exposing false clerics as fraudulent charlatans
making money at the expense of the sick and helpless. Usually, rather than
being grateful, the people would turn on the twins who often only escaped
serious harm as a result of Caramon's increasing martial skills. It took a long
time for them to realise that people don't like being shown as fools even for
their own good. After some years of travel with Flint, both on trading
expeditions and on their own, they all met up again at the Inn in Solace on
that fateful night where they met Riverwind and Goldmoon. The rest is history,
as they say, and in this adventure, the conclusion is up to you.

AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 18/63 (Damage +3);
Intelligence 12; Wisdom 10;
Dexterity 11; Constitution 17;
Charisma 15; Alignment - Lawful Good;
Hit Points 36; Armour Class 6.

EQUIPMENT:
Ring mail armour;
Longsword (damage 1-8);
Spear (damage 1-6).

14


Raistlin Majere:

So weak when he was born that he wasn't expected to live, Raistlin survived
his childhood through his sister's efforts and through the protection of his
twin brother. Just before their fifth birthday, they were taken to the fair
where a conjurer was performing tricks and illusions. Caramon watched for a
while then wandered off but his brother stayed all day and that evening
astonished his family by reproducing every trick he'd seen performed.
Shortly after his sixth birthday, the family took Raistlin to a Master Mage
who, although at first not overly impressed by the boy, took him as a pupil
after he was found in the mage's library reading a spellbook, thought to be
impossible without years of study. Never popular and often bored, his studies
continued despite his contempt for both fellow students and instructors. This
period reinforced Caramon's protective attitudes towards his brother, providing
the root for Raistlin's general dislike of humanity at large together with a
deep and lasting sympathy for the weak.
During this period, Raistlin supplemented the family's income by public
performances of illusions and tricks, which often brought him into open
conflict with his school. One of these public disagreements led to the twins
meeting Tasslehoff and subsequently Flint.
Raistlin was destined to become the youngest mage to take (and pass) the
Test which confirmed his future power and gained him his Staff while leaving
him a physical wreck.

AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 10;
Intelligence 17; Wisdom 14;
Dexterity 16; Constitution 10;
Charisma 10; Alignment - Neutral;
Hit Points 8; Armour Class 5.

EQUIPMENT:
Staff of the Magius (+3 protection;
+2 to hit - damage 1-8);
Close combat with Staff as weapon;
Ranged combat - see spell list.

15


Sturm Brightblade:

The son of one of the remaining true Knights of Solamnia, Sturm was sent
south with his mother for safety when his father could no longer guarantee the
security of their home. His father was to have sent for them when things calmed
down - he never did. At this time, the Knights were looked down upon by the
general population of Krynn as they were unjustly blamed for failing in their
duties and not stopping the Cataclysm.
Conscious of his father's position and duties, Sturm has dedicated his life
to the Knighthood and become a well trained but inexperienced fighter by the
time he met Caramon. Drawn together by their mutual martial interests, they
quickly became fast friends and, for Caramon's sake, he even somewhat
befriended Raistlin. He holds the high ideals of his father and the Knights
despite the difficulty of maintaining them in the current state of the world.
His rescue of Raistlin's Master's pouch, caused their first meeting with
Tasslehof and their subsequent fellowship with Flint and Tanis. Flint taught
Sturm and Caramon the wilderness survival skills that were to save their lives
many times in the future. Their journeys with Flint over the next few years
formed them into the formidable group of adventurers who now bear the survival
of Krynn upon their shoulders. Finally, in the year 346, with Flint's
retirement, the companions went their separate ways. Sturm went to Solamnia to
search for his heritage but they all agreed to meet at the Inn of the Last Home
in five years' time. Having gained his inheritance by this time, Sturm was
equipped as a Knight of Solamnia, and this meeting marked the start of the
quest when they rescued Goldmoon and Riverwind.

AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 17 (Damage +1);
Intelligence 14; Wisdom 11;
Dexterity 12; Constitution 16;
Charisma 12; Alignment - Lawful Good;
Hit Points 29; Armour Class 5.

EQUIPMENT:
Chainmail armour;
Two Handed sword +3 (damage 1-10);
No ranged weapon.

16


Goldmoon, Chieftain's Daughter:

Daughter of the chieftain of the Que-Shu tribe, Goldmoon's future was mapped
out from birth as whoever she married would become chieftain of the tribe.
Unknown to everyone, the gods had different plans for her. The first inklings
that none of this would come to pass came when she fell in love with Riverwind
rather than the supposed best warrior of the suitable young men.
When Riverwind returned from his quest to prove himself eligible for
Goldmoon, things really changed. The Staff that he returned with didn't appear
to do anything and her father condemned him to death. As the rest of the tribe
started to stone him to death, Goldmoon threw herself into his arms as she
realised that she couldn't live without him. Suddenly the Staff flared with a
brilliant blue light and they found themselves standing miles away from the
village with all their injuries healed. Rejected by their tribe and realising
that the Staff was something special, they decided to go to Solace and ask the
Seekers for their help in discovering the Staff's true nature. The Seekers were
the nearest thing to clerics in Solace, but were also indirectly acting for
Takhisis to recover the Staff.
Before Goldmoon and Riverwind could hand the Staff over, they became
involved in a fight at the Inn and were rescued by the other Companions. So
begins the story of the Heroes of The Lance which leads to your task amongst
the ruins of Xak Tsaroth.

AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 12;
Intelligence 12; Wisdom 16;
Dexterity 14; Constitution 12;
Charisma 17; Alignment - Lawful Good;
Hit Points 19; Armour Class 6.

EQUIPMENT:
Leather armour;
Blue Crystal Staff (damage 4-9,7-12 or 10-15);
Clerical magic from Staff, see sub-menu.

17

Riverwind:

Born into a family of virtual tribal outcasts, there was no-one in the
Que-Shu with a lower social position. His family refused to believe in the
divinity of the tribal chieftain and were the last believers in the old gods.
Tolerated for his skills, Riverwind would probably have been left alone to live
his life were it not for his love for Goldmoon which led him to ask her father
for permission to marry her.
Her father gave him a task to prove his suitability for this marriage. He
ordered Riverwind to search for proof that the old gods still existed and not
to return without a powerful magic item to convince the tribe. In reality, her
father never expected to see him again. As the months passed, it seemed as
though his wishes would be fulfilled but Goldmoon never gave up hope and her
faith was eventually rewarded.
The Riverwind that returned wasn't the same man that left. He was harder,
changed by things he'd seen and unable to remember exactly where he had been or
what he had done. Later, when the Companions formed and made their way to Xak
Tsaroth, he realised that the ruined city was the place from which he had
retrieved the Staff. In his hand he carried a blue crystal staff but when asked
to demonstrate its powers, he was unable to do so. The chieftain mocked him,
called him a liar and ordered the tribe to stone him to death. When Goldmoon
joined him in the hail of stones, the Staff flared with blue light and
teleported both of them out of the tribal village.

AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 18/35 (Damage +3);
Intelligence 13; Wisdom 14;
Dexterity 16; Constitution 13;
Charisma 13; Alignment - Lawful Good;
Hit Points 34; Armour Class 5.

EQUIPMENT:
Leather armour & Shield;
Longsword +2 (damage 1-8);
Bow & quiver of 20 arrows (damage 1-6).

18


Tasslehoff Burrfoot:

Most people not only don't understand Kender but don't want to know them.
Part of the problem arises from their basic personality traits: fearlessness,
unbelievable curiousity, irresistible mobility, independence and the need to
pick up anything not screwed down (unless they have a screwdriver in which
case...) The usual reaction to the sight of a Kender, is to lock everything up
and check your pockets. Although fully justified, this attitude is somewhat
unfair because they do not see themselves as thieves. They do not steal for
profit but out of their intense curiosity about everything. Even when caught
'in the act' they will offer an amazing range of excuses from: "You dropped
it." through "It probably fell in my pocket." to "I thought you didn't want
it." and "I was just looking after it in case it got stolen." As far as they
are concerned, it is only "borrowing" and they regard being called a thief a
grave insult.
Apart from their size, Kender would be easily recognised by the number of
pockets and pouches that festoon their clothing and their favoured weapon, the
hoopak. Used exclusively by them, it is a combination of staff (shod in iron)
and slingshot, giving Kender a lethally potent weapon.
Tasslehoff met Flint through the normal actions of a Kender - absolute
amazement at being accused of stealing a bracelet as he walked off with it from
Flint's stall. Tanis arrived to calm the situation and it wasn't long before
they were fast friends. Tass was later responsible for the meeting with
Caramon, Raistlin and Sturm.
AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 13;
Intelligence 9; Wisdom 12;
Dexterity 16; Constitution 14;
Charisma 11; Alignment - Neutral;
Hit Points 15; Armour Class 6.

EQUIPMENT:
Leather armour;
Hoopak +2 (damage 3-8);
Sling +1 with a pouch of 20 bullets
(damage 2-7).

19


Flint Fireforge:

Born and bred a hill dwarf and raised in poverty, Flint left home as soon as
he was capable of earning a living. As the years passed and his skills as a
metalsmith grew, his improved fortunes led him to buy a small house in Solace,
which became his base.
From here, he travelled widely due to the great demand for his skills. As
his fame spread, samples of his work came to the attention of the elven leader
in Qualinesti, resulting in his first invitation to become one of the few
dwarves not only to visit the elven kingdom but to become a welcome visitor.
Flint delighted in making ingenious toys which made him a childrens' favourite
wherever he worked including amongst the elves. It was here that Flint and
Tanis first met and, over many years became close friends, for Flint was a
solitary figure and Tanis always felt an outcast due to his human blood. When
Tanis finally left Qualinesti, his natural destination was his old friend
Flint, whom he joined in Solace. He soon made himself very useful to Flint, who
made Tanis his business partner.
One day, whilst Tanis was breakfasting at the Inn, Tass arrived at Flint's
stall and set in motion the events that quickly led to the meeting of all those
destined to become the Companions of the Lance when they rescued Goldmoon and
Riverwind from the Seekers. In the period leading to this rescue, the world
became more perilous as the evil of Takhisis gained a stronger grip on Krynn.
Flint retired as it is was no longer worth travelling and the friends went
their separate ways with a promise to meet again after five years had passed.
This fateful meeting brought them together with Goldmoon and Riverwind, setting
in motion the train of events that brought you to the start of your quest.

AD&D� Game Statistics:
Strength 16 (Damage +1);
Intelligence 7; Wisdom 12;
Dexterity 10; Constitution 18;
Charisma 13; Alignment - Neutral Good;
Hit Points 42; Armour Class 6.

EQUIPMENT:
Studded leather armour & Shield;
Battleaxe +1 (damage 1-8);
Throwing axes (damage 1-6).

20


V. Monsters:
During your travels through the ruins of Xak Tsaroth, you will meet many
different beings, from ferocious animals to the evil and intelligent followers
of Takhisis. The best response you can expect is indifference but the most
usual is active hostility because you are enemies or look like food. All
opposition is described as monsters.
If you meet anything, remember that it is safer to defend yourself by Ranged
Combat than to wait until within Close Combat range. You can more easily
retreat from Ranged Combat than from Close Combat.
Men:
Any humans whom you meet, if they are moving around freely, are going to be
in the employ of the Dragon Highlords. Their usual equipment includes leather
armour and swords. They will be eager to fight as they are all experienced
soldiers, usually veteran mercenaries that serve as low status guards within
the ruins.
Baaz Draconians:
These Draconians are the smallest and most plentiful kind. Used as common
ground troops, they are at the bottom of the social order. Although often used
as spies as they can easily disguise their origins under robes with large
hoods, you will have no problem recognising them here in territory they regard
as their own. They are quite fond of humans as a favoured addition to their
diet, so they will be eager to close and fight. They wear some armour and fight
with swords. When killed, their bodies turn to stone and crumble to dust.
Giant Spiders:
Just as the name implies, these monsters are large enough to pose problems
to you and your party. Not being intelligent, giant spiders conclude "If it
moves then it must be food." They are tough opponents and will take a large
amount of damage before dying. They attack by biting.
Trolls:
These large shambling humanoids are not highly intelligent but, like so many
others, regard humans as a pleasant dietary supplement. They make very tough
opponents as they are difficult to injure and, when finally wounded, their
injuries start healing automatically. They are more efficiently injured if
burnt. Using clubs, they are capable of inflicting terrible injuries.
Hatchling Black Dragons:
They are exactly what their name says, baby black dragons, but don't try
petting them unless you don't mind losing an arm. They will breathe acid
whenever you come across them. Like all young dragons, they can take punishment
without serious injury and, although newly hatched, make vicious little killers
since they aren't averse to a little fresh human now and then. Too young for
magic use, with a blast of acid they inflict substantial damage.

21


Spectral Minions:
The spirits of humans or demihumans who died before they could complete
powerful quests or vows, they are still bound just as when they were alive.
They may not attack unless their daily routine is interfered with, but, as this
routine consists of repeating the actions leading to their deaths, it is
virtually impossible not to interfere. Very often just being present is
regarded as interference and results in an attack on the party.
Spectral Minions look exactly as they did at the time of their deaths (i.e.,
like normal humans but transparent to varying degrees), so if you see the wall
through your opponent, it's probably not human. They use the weapons they died
with, usually swords and are intelligent opponents not to be taken lightly.
Bozak Draconians:
These Draconians are slightly larger and less plentiful than their lesser
Baaz kin. They are the magic users of the dragonmen, dedicated to the purposes
of the Dragonlords. Highly intelligent and without mercy once they attack,
Bozak are deadly opponents. They share the general Draconian liking for humans,
similarly regarding them as a favoured addition to their diet as well as
opponents to the will of Takhisis. So, they will be eager to fight. They do not
wear armour but are actually harder to injure than the armoured Baaz. They use
magical attacks such as Magic Missile. When killed, the flesh dries and
crumbles from their bones which will then explode causing injury to anyone too
close.
Aghar (Gully Dwarves):
As the lowest class of dwarf, the Aghar are denied kin status by the other
dwarves and are regarded as comical nuisances by humans. Their strongest
instinct is survival and they see cowardice as a virtue and raise grovelling to
the status of an art form. They originated from inter-marriages between dwarves
and gnomes in the distant past. This new race lacked all the better qualities
of their parents and they were driven out to survive as best they could. The
Cataclysm proved their salvation by giving them access to dozens of ruined
cities including Xak Tsaroth. Gully dwarves will remove a character's body if
not raised.
Wraiths:
The spirits of evil beings, condemned or determined to stay in our world,
these undead are amongst the most deadly opponents you could ever meet. Needing
no weapons, their very touch is deadly, not so much for the physical injuries
caused but for the life force such a touch can steal. The wraith's black evil
is only matched by its black appearance as it glides torwards you intent on
stealing your life force.

22


Khisanth:
The guardian of the 'Disks of Mishakal' is probably the only thing deadlier
than the wraiths. Khisanth is an ancient, huge black dragon. She is skilled in
the practice of staying alive, capable of lethal blasts of acid breath. She is
the final obstacle to be overcome before completing your task in the ruins of
Xak Tsaroth.
General Advice:
Moving deeper into the ruined city, the greater the danger you face since
more dangerous monsters prefer to live in the lower reaches of the ruins. You
must learn effective ways of dealing with different monsters as you explore.
Don't be ashamed to run away if you feel that you can't handle a given
encounter or are already seriously injured from previous meetings. Strategic
withdrawals (running for your life) allow you to heal injuries gained in other
fights and thus equip you to better face a new opponent. Be aware, however,
that as you progress farther and farther into Xak Tsaroth, the party's presence
will begin to draw more and more monsters. To delay is to allow your enemies an
advantage. It is not wise to start a fight with a badly injured party unless
there is no other option. Although you will have to fight many times, your real
purpose is to recover the 'Disks of Mishakal' which will restore worship of the
old gods - the true gods of Krynn. You may fail many times before succeeding
and even then you can try this quest again and again for there is more than one
way to success. Every new game is different. However, if you save and restore a
game it will still be the same game with already explored areas unchanged.

VI. Lost & Found - objects in the ruins:
The city was abandoned in blind panic as the Cataclysm struck. People fled
in terror leaving things behind. While the more obvious items have been looted
over the following centuries, there remain many useful things simply
overlooked, lost or abandoned by looters or later inhabitants of the ruins.
While you have the ability to find magic items, remember that even detect
spells use energy which may be more useful elsewhere. Using too many detect
spells may attract magic-sensitive monsters. Also, searching for things takes
time and may allow you to be found by things you'd rather not meet. You must
balance your actions accordingly.
Scrolls.
These items contain pre-prepared spells that are ready for instant use by
Raistlin. Any character may pick up a scroll but only Raistlin can use it. You
must select the required scroll from the USE sub-menu and, the next time
Raistlin enters Ranged Combat Mode, it will be the first spell used.

23


Swords.
Although the characters cannot use weapons found within the ruins, they can
gain experience points from picking up such items to improve their standing at
the end of the game. Acquired weapons cannot be used as they are unfamiliar to
the characters who would lose their skill bonuses for their normal weapons.
Other weapons & ammunition.
There are some other items around such as bows and daggers but they are
subject to the same usage limitation as swords.
Ammunition available includes quivers of arrows and pouches of bullets for
the sling users. These should be picked up whenever they are found as combat
uses up large quantities of such things. Where possible, try to use single
shots in Ranged Combat rather than rapid fire as it will considerably reduce
the expenditure of arrows and bullets. A bullet is a small lead pellet that can
inflict severe damage when fired by an experienced sling user.
Potions.
There are many potions to be found in the ruins, mostly concealed by magic.
Many date back to the time of the Cataclysm as few people took the time to
recover concealed items while fleeing for their lives. They are not all the
same and can help in a variety of ways. The only way to find out the effect of
a potion is to try it. While they are different colours, each type is the same
colour. If you try one and discover its effect then another of the same colour
has the same effect.
Any character can pick up a potion but you may have to transfer it to
another character to use it. To drink a potion, it must be in the inventory of
the character you wish to drink it. If this is the case, select USE from the
main menu and the potion from the sub-menu listing usable items. The potion is
drunk and its effect applied to the character. If you see no change, the potion
may be unsuitable for that character or you may be in the wrong location for
its effect.
Healing potions cause a permanent change by healing wounds. They are not all
of the same strength and their effect varies. They only restore damage taken
but can't increase a character's 'Hit Points' beyond the starting value. These
potions can be drunk by anyone.
Strength and Invulnerability potions both last for a certain amount of time
(variable) and only affect Tanis, Riverwind, Caramon, Sturm and Flint. While
their effects last, they can be very useful in dangerous situations.
Strength potions increase the damage inflicted by the character every time a
successful hit is inflicted on an opponent. The amount of this extra damage
varies as some potions are stronger than others.

24


Invulnerability potions give immunity to non-magical attacks, make it more
difficult to be hit by magic and increase resistance to the effects of a
magical hit. The minimum length of time for both to be effective is the same
but Invulnerability potions are capable of lasting much longer.
If you are very lucky you may even find potions that allow you to control
monsters for a short time or until you attempt to kill them. Unfortunately, it
is difficult to discover the effect of this type of potion as it apparently
does nothing unless your characters are in the presence of the target
monster-types. However, if you do discover the purpose of such a potion then it
will usually allow you to walk right up to a monster and attack it with no
initial attempt at defence until a character hits it.
Rings.
There are several magic rings which may be used by any character. Selecting
a ring from the USE sub-menu means it will then be worn and confer its benefit
on the wearer. Rings can have many effects but the types you are likely to find
will make the wearer more difficult for monsters to hit. Some are more
effective than others and once put on, all work indefinitely. Until selected as
above, they do nothing and are regarded as being carried around in a pouch or
pocket rather than being worn. Once put on, a ring is permanently associated
with a character, vanishing from the game in the event of the character's
permanent death.
Wands.
Only usable by Raistlin, wands provide a device to fire a spell. Each one
has a limited number of charges and, when used up, the wand crumbles to dust.
If you are lucky enough to find a wand, once it is in Raistlin's possession, it
can be used by selecting from the USE sub-menu and it will stay as the active
'Ranged Combat' weapon until discharged or changed by another selection.
Miscellaneous.
There are various other items such as jewellery or other treasure but these,
like much of the above, are not just lying around unguarded. They may have
monsters with them or your efforts to search for things may attract their
attentions. Another possibility is the trap - some items and areas are
protected by traps which you may trigger. There may be some indication of a
trap, either something obvious or maybe a situation too tempting to be true.
Such traps can be triggered from a distance or avoided if a suitable character
finds them. You will learn about these, and many other things as you experience
the world of the 'Heroes of The Lance.' Good luck... you'll need it!

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