Ranadin Version 2.0
by J. Mather
copyright 1989 J. Mather


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

IBM pc or 100% compatible computer
128k memory
CGA/compatible graphics card
color graphics monitor
1 disk drive
DOS 2.0 or later version


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Ranadin is a graphical fantasy adventure game which engages you in the
struggle to free a group of islands from the clutches of evil creatures. The
game uses full-screen, color tile graphics to simulate your surroundings.
Both combat and sorcery play a major role in your quest.


GAME DISK FILES

ranadin.exe | game program (type "ranadin" at the prompt to start game)
ranadinp.d | data files
ranadina.d |
ranadins.d | player statistics (current saved game)
ranadin.doc | these instructions


PLAYER BACKROUND

Times have been slow for the mercenary on the northern continent of
Mesotania. The massive hordes of creatures invading the land from the
icy reaches of the far north have ceased to exist, having destroyed
themselves through internal conflict and dimwitted lack of supplies.
While the Mesotanians felt relief at the passing of such a threat, your
own feelings centered on disappointment, for it was with such attacks
on your countrymen that your services were called into use.

These days unemployment rules your life and the lives of the other
Mesotanian fighters throughout the land. Having spent your rewards
from your previous mercenary work, you now find yourself penniless
and in desperate need of a job.

Thus you have quickly decided to leave the mainland and head south,
for rumors of opportunity there are in the talk of many of the people.
These speak of a fantastic force of horrific creatures from the south
demolishing every island in their northward path. Actual survivors
from the spoken-of attacks have arrived on the continent and confirm
much of what has been said. From the latest reports, these creatures,
led by a glowing, demonic robed figure, have made their way as far
north as the now-uninhabitated islands of the former kingdom of Argentan,
and are now gearing up for advances on islands directly north of
their present position.

Your aim, as you see it, is to get a good piece of the action before
your competitors do. You have heard that the creatures have brought
with them the treasures of the islands they have conquered. This
is motivation enough for you to seek these fiends out as soon as
possible.

You know little of the islands of Argentan, not having traveled southward
from Mesotania before. They are four in number and are supposed to be
connected by a permanent "teleportation bridge", a group of magical
structures left by the islands' previous inhabitants. This "bridge"
will hopefully provide a reasonable substitute for water travel in
the area. Details of the other features of Argentan, its caves and
crumbling castles, will have to be left to their exploration.

The only other information you have about your quest concerns the leader
of the creatures himself. Those survivors who have witnessed this leader
exercise his power seem to believe that he has some sort of reliance
on his onyx sceptre, which he wields in battle, as well as on the pieces
of an onyx crown, which they have seen being guarded by large groups of
his underlings. Those in the know about magic suggest a possible
life-essence link between the leader and these objects, but this is only
speculation.

Nevertheless, poor and poorly-equipped, you have arrived on the northern
shore of the first Argentanian island you sight, hungry for combat and
the wealth that should come with it. This is where your quest begins.


GAME COMMANDS

arrow keys | move up, down, left, and right
| (or attack monster if in way and melee weapon in use)
0-9 | use object in inventory
| (or ready a weapon, or wear armor)
g | get object (must be standing on it)
! | exit game (without saving current statistics)
* | save game (one game per game disk)
r | fire a ranged weapon (if in use)


PLAYER STATISTICS

The far right portion of the screen is used to display the player's current
statistics and inventory. The first two items shown are statistics:

stamina | this a measure of the health of the player; the game
(player symbol) | ends when this reaches zero
experience | the overall combat ability and maximum stamina value
(dagger) | of the player

Higher numbers are always better to have for these statistics, with 99
being their maximum value.

The remaining ten items give a graphical display of the inventory of the
player. To select an object for use from the inventory, you must press
the keyboard number that is to the left of that object on the screen.
Weapons and armor are readied/worn in this manner, also.

Note that monetary treasure, if found, is not treated as an object, but
rather has an immediate effect of adding to the player's experience total.


RANADIN DISTRIBUTION

Ranadin is being distributed under the user-supported concept of software
marketing. This means that you are invited to make a copy of this game
and try it out on your computer. If you like Ranadin and plan to continue
using it after the trial period you are required to register your ownership
and use of this product with the author, namely me.

The registration fee for Ranadin is only $9. To register, simply mail
this amount (cash or check) to me along with your address. Once registered,
I will mail you a registration number specific to you and your use of
this game.

My address is:

1150 W. San Nicolas Cir.
Tucson, AZ 85704


I sincerely hope that you enjoy this game.