Games PC DARK SUN-SHATTERED LANDS User Manual

4.5 (2)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ....................................

1

World of Dark Sun.................................

1

What Comes with This Game?.......

2

Copy Protection ..............................

2

Using the Mouse.............................

2

Using the Keyboard ........................

2

Getting Started Quickly with a

 

Pregenerated Party ..................

2

JARETH’S JOURNAL ...............................

3

HOW TO PLAY SHATTERED LANDS.....

5

Adventuring and Combat ...............

5

Character Interaction......................

7

Camping..........................................

7

Training ..........................................

7

Spellcasting / Psionics ....................

7

CREATING YOUR PARTY.......................

8

Creating Characters ........................

8

Adding Previously Created

 

Characters..............................

11

Modifying Your Party ...................

11

CHARACTER OPTIONS ........................

11

View Character..............................

12

View Inventory..............................

13

Cast Spells / Use Psionics.............

15

Current Spell / Effects ...................

15

GAME MENU........................................

16

View Character..............................

16

View Inventory..............................

16

Cast Spells / Use Psionics.............

16

Current Spell / Effects ...................

16

Exit to DOS...................................

16

Load / Save Game.........................

16

Set Preferences ..............................

17

Overhead Map ..............................

17

Center on Leader...........................

17

Collapse Party...............................

17

Walk..............................................

18

Look ..............................................

18

Attack............................................

18

Return to Game.............................

18

ABILITY SCORES ..................................

18

CHARACTER RACES .............................

19

Dwarves ........................................

19

Elves..............................................

19

Half-Elves......................................

19

Half-Giants ...................................

19

Halflings........................................

20

Humans ........................................

20

Muls ..............................................

20

Thri-kreen......................................

20

CHARACTER CLASSES .........................

21

Fighters .........................................

21

Gladiators .....................................

22

Rangers .........................................

22

Preservers ......................................

23

Clerics............................................

23

Druids ...........................................

24

Thieves ..........................................

25

Psionicists .....................................

25

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS.................

26

Alignment......................................

26

Armor Class...................................

27

Hit Points......................................

27

Experience Points .........................

27

Level..............................................

28

THACØ .......................................

28

BESTIARY..............................................

29

Creatures of Shattered Lands .......

29

Detailed Descriptions of New

 

Monsters ................................

36

MAGIC ..................................................

55

Preserver Spells .............................

55

Cleric Spells...................................

67

PSIONICS..............................................

79

Psychokinesis................................

80

Psychometabolism ........................

81

Telepathy ......................................

84

APPENDIX ............................................

87

Preserver/Cleric Spell Index..........

87

Psionic Power Index .....................

89

Racial Ability Adjustments Table...

89

Level Advancement Tables ...........

90

Spell Progression and

 

Spell Bonus Tables ................

91

Hot Keys........................................

92

Games PC DARK SUN-SHATTERED LANDS User Manual

1

INTRODUCTION

The World of Dark Sun

Athas, the world of Dark Sun, was once as pleasant as any other. But, after many thousands of years, powerful mages found ways to gain power through draining the planet’s vitality. At their zenith, these wizards caused the sun to transform from a pleasant yellow glow to a raging crimson fireball on the horizon. The seas evaporated and were replaced by huge basins of silt.

Mines played out, rendering metal extremely rare and valuable. Scarcer still were any sources of water. The creatures of Athas were twisted by the free use of magic. They constantly adapted to the harsh conditions. New monsters emerged from the deep desert to plague the remnants of man.

Now the only stable concentrations of humanity are in tightly controlled city-states. Without exception, these are ruled by vicious sorcerer-kings — the last remnants of the wizards who depleted Athas. These kings call themselves gods and rule through

a religious organization known as the templars. Their rule is uniformly

harsh and capricious, and a large proportion of the populace is enslaved. Only the strongest can feel any measure of safety because the templars can condemn anyone without a trial.

The few places with any freedom are isolated villages founded by escaped slaves. Though free, life in the wastelands is precarious. Water supplies can fail, marauding monsters can devastate a village, and slavers are a constant threat. Until these tiny villages can look beyond day-to-day survival and ally with one another, they are unlikely to survive more than a few years.

SHATTERED LANDS takes place in and around the city-state of Draj, ruled by the sorcerer-king Tectuktitlay.

What Comes with This Game?

In addition to this rule book, your game box should contain the game disks and a data card. This rule book explains how to play, and gives you valuable reference information on characters, monsters, spells, and psionics. The disks contain the game. Install the disks by following the instructions listed on the data card.

Copy Protection

There is no physical copy protection on your SHATTERED LANDS disks, so please make copies and put the originals away for safekeeping.

2

To assure that you have a legitimate copy, there are copy protection questions during the game. Find the indicated word in this rule book, type the correct answer, and press Enter. Do not count headings.

Using the Mouse

You need a mouse for this game. A note to novice users: throughout this book, the term “click” means move the cursor to the desired area and press either the left or right mouse button. “Right-click” means move the cursor to the desired area and press the right mouse button. “Left-click” means move the cursor to the desired area and press the left mouse button.

Note that you can hit Esc to exit any menu in the game.

Using the Keyboard

Operations in this game are designed for the mouse, but certain functions do have keyboard commands. See the “Hot Keys” section on page 92 or the data card for a complete list.

Getting Started Quickly with a Pregenerated Party

A saved game containing a pre-built party comes with your game. To get right into the game without creating your own party, select START GAME from the Start Window. The game automatically loads the pre-built party, and you immediately enter the game.

3

JARETH’S JOURNAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. I

 

 

I am Jareth,

 

an itinerant

bard,

lately

of Draj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of spending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

had the

dubious honor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

— a noble whom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

condemned to the arena

 

 

 

 

 

 

. Thankfully, my

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

regretfully

survived

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

some

 

 

 

poisoned

 

 

 

 

 

 

a templar with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to bribe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

family

was able

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

magic

fruit

 

 

 

in the slave

 

pens,

 

I was able to

 

 

 

 

While

locked

 

 

 

. These

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the other

slaves’

lives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in

 

 

learn about

 

 

 

 

of surviving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

challenges

 

 

 

 

 

illuminate

the great

 

 

 

about

his

 

 

 

 

 

philosophical

 

 

 

 

. The

slave most

 

 

 

 

 

.

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-giant

named

 

Gareth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

plight was

 

a half

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

he had won many

 

 

 

 

gladiator

of some repute,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. He also

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

house

of Tehuactl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

matches

for the noble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. Thus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

loyalty

 

to his master

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

had

a misguided

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

he lose his

 

 

 

a templar

came and suggested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. In

 

when

 

 

 

 

 

 

broke

the templar’s

neck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gareth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

next match,

 

 

 

this an escape

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

his master

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in the royal

 

return,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

him to die

 

 

attempt and condemned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

but now seeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. He

is still not bitter,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

slave pens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to escape

 

to freedom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bizarre

 

prisoners

is the thri

 

 

One

of the most

 

 

 

 

 

 

city troops

 

 

 

 

 

 

hunting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. She had been

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

when she was

 

 

kreen, Tarim

 

 

 

west of Draj,

 

 

on

the salt flats

. Rather

 

than kill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by a powerful

templar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

arena,

 

trapped

 

 

 

 

sent her to the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the

templar

 

 

 

.

 

her outright,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

entertain

 

the masses

 

 

so that her

death could

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the

 

 

 

 

fight, she misses

 

 

 

 

 

 

mind the

 

 

While

 

she doesn’t

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of the wasteland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hunt and the freedom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-king,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

was

a favorite

of the sorcerer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of

Selucus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

gladiators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

one of the great

 

 

 

to become

 

 

 

 

 

 

to spend

destined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and allowed

 

 

 

was pampered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. He

 

 

 

 

 

 

his

brilliance

his time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. Alas,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

time unescorted

in the city

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alliance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. The Veiled

 

 

led him

 

to temptation

 

 

the ways of the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

him

to learn

 

 

 

 

 

 

convinced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

his gladiator’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

he set aside

 

. Foolishly,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

preservers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to the arcane

 

path

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

weapons

and took

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

His masters

were shocked

 

and condemned

 

 

the slave

 

 

 

 

 

pens. I believe

 

 

 

 

him to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

they hope to force

 

to return to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

him

 

However,

 

his gladiatorial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am

sure he

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

skills to survive.

 

has

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

will not do so

until he

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mastered the spells of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beautiful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the preserver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saria is

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the offspring

of a foolish

 

human slave girl and a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

master.

Her

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

roguish elven

 

caravan

 

was born.

 

father left for

 

other cities

 

 

Saria spent her

 

 

before she

 

stealing to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

survive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

youth on the

street,

 

her

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before this life

 

 

 

 

 

 

down, she was

 

could wear

 

 

caught picking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a preserver’s

 

pocket. He took her

out of the city

 

 

her in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and trained

 

 

 

 

the east, near the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

peace amidst the

 

 

 

 

 

 

volcano. She discovered

 

to call

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

harsh landscape.

 

She learned

master

on the spirits of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the preserver’s

 

earth, as well

 

as how to

have

 

 

 

dangerous art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She might

 

 

stayed forever, but a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

her and killed her

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

slaver band captured

block, she used

 

 

benefactor.

At

the auction

 

her spells to

 

 

 

 

 

 

she lives in the

 

slay a templar.

Now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wasteland.

 

 

 

pens, seeking a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

way back to the

Those condemned to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

such as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

slavery

 

without

connections

mine can only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

into the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wilderness.

 

 

find freedom by

 

fleeing

 

 

 

 

 

Travellers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

villages of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tell me of

whole

freed slaves,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

near small

eking out an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

existence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

watering holes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

villages are

so weak

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individually,

 

these

 

of raiders

 

 

that a city patrol or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

band

There are

 

could wipe them out

with ease.

 

very few slaves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

that have any

 

 

 

 

 

 

planning or

leadership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ability. I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

strong personality

 

 

 

 

believe that a

 

could unify

 

 

 

 

dangerous force.

I

them into a

 

 

 

know that

 

 

 

 

 

 

templars are

 

 

 

 

 

the

Drajian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

beginning to share

this view. I

 

 

have heard rumors

of a punitive

 

 

clear the wastes of

expedition to

 

 

these villages

 

 

the

Silt Sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

all the way to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

HOW TO PLAY

SHATTERED LANDS

To start the game from the main menu, select START GAME. You are supplied with a pregenerated party in case you wish to begin adventuring immediately. Otherwise, create a party by selecting CREATE CHARACTERS. See “Creating Your Party” on page 8.

By default, only the leader of your party appears on the map. The other three characters appear whenever combat is initiated. However, if you like, you may also toggle the Collapse Party icon from the Game Menu to have all four characters appear at all times. See “Game Menu” on page 16.

At the start of the game, your characters find themselves in an arena in Draj. To escape — and escape they must — they must battle their way to freedom. If you want them to survive past the first battle, here are some things you should know.

Adventuring and Combat

While your party adventures on Athas, use the mouse to direct their movements and actions.

The mouse has three modes:

• Walk

• Attack

• Look

Right-click to change between these modes. Notice that the cursor cycles through the icons each time you right-click. To make a selected action happen, left-click. For example, if you have the “Walk” mouse icon, left-click to make your characters walk from one location to another.

To scroll the screen, move the mouse cursor in the direction you wish to move the screen. The screen scrolls in the direction selected until you move the cursor away from the screen edge, or until you reach the edge of the map. NPCs do not move unless the mouse pointer is in Walk mode.

Note that the mouse pointer is temporarily replaced by an hourglass when the game is processing your commands.

Whenever you use an icon to target, aim with the upper-left corner of the icon.

Walk

Use the mouse pointer to find the area you want the party to walk to. Leftclick on that location with the Walk icon. If it is possible to get there, the party takes the most direct route to do so. If you ask them to do something impossible or suicidal, like walk into a lava pit, the icon changes to the Can’t Walk icon, and the party waits until you make a more sensible request.

You may also move your characters around using the arrow keys on the numeric keypad.

When combat is initiated by one of the two attack icons explained below, use the Walk icon to attack an opponent by clicking on the target. The character walks to the target and automatically attacks it.

Attack

There are two ways to attack enemies in SHATTERED LANDS. They are Hand-to-Hand and Ranged.

There is no need to switch back and forth between Hand-to-Hand and Ranged attacks manually; simply ready both types of weapons — the computer will decide which icon/weapon can be used.

NPCs may flee, fight back, or even summon reinforcements if attacked! Keep in mind that indiscriminate killing may lead to a distinct lack of people to speak with. This in turn may cause the party to miss essential clues and items.

The Hand-to-Hand Attack icon only works when your character is adjacent to an enemy. Click the icon on the enemy and the character will attack it with

his or her readied weapon(s). A character can ready two one-handed weapons, one in each hand. Rangers and characters with high Dexterity do so at no penalty. Others use the second weapon at a disadvantage. If the character is not adjacent, the Invalid version of the icon appears.

The Ranged Attack icon only works when the enemy is at a distance and the character has a readied missile weapon and/or

ammunition. If the enemy is out of range, the icon changes to the Invalid version. This means the target is not a valid target and cannot be attacked.

Look

You can examine objects by leftclicking on them when you are in Look mode. If you can use the item, talk to it, or pick it up, a box appears with a summary and with buttons showing what options you have. If only one of these options is available

6

(for example, you can only open doors, never talk to them or pick them up) it will happen automatically instead of displaying this box.

When you are in combat with a monster, you can use the Look icon to see basic information about your opponent. This information includes: the type of monster it is, its current state (casting, charmed, held, petrified, etc.), and a hit point bar indicating what proportion of its hit points remain.

You can also use the Look icon on a party member to bring up the View Character screen.

Talk

When you click the Look icon on someone or something you can talk to, you see the Talk button. Click on the Talk button to begin a conversation.

Use

To use an object, click on the Use button. Some objects may be used on other objects. For example, to use a pickaxe, click on it, select the Use button, and then click the pickaxe on a pile of rock. The rock breaks apart to reveal other objects.

Pick Up

To take an object, click on the Pick Up button. The cursor becomes a graphic representation of the object. Clicking the object on a character icon places it into that character’s backpack; otherwise, the object may be carried around as the cursor. Clicking on an open area drops the object on the ground. You can only carry one item at a time on the mouse pointer.

7

Character Interaction

NPCs (non-player characters) are characters that your party interacts with in the course of the game. Some NPCs have their own agendas and initiate conversations with the party.

To speak to an NPC, click the Look icon over the character. To start a conversation, click on the Talk button when it appears in the options box. One or two windows appear. The upper window shows a portrait of the NPC and what that character is saying. The lower window lists the responses you may make. To select a response, you can either highlight the response you wish to make and leftclick or use the up and down arrows to highlight the desired response. Pressing Enter selects it.

Conversations occur between the NPC and the leader of the party. Even though the leader may say “I...,” he or she speaks for the party.

Characters That Join Your Party

Many NPCs inhabit Athas. As you adventure, these people provide information to help your party continue its journey. They do not enter your party, though they may follow it or lead it somewhere.

Camping

Camping allows you to rest. Rest is necessary to recover from

battles and to regain spells and psionic points. Safe places to rest are depicted by a fire ring. To camp, move the Look icon over the fire ring and left-click. As you rest, characters with cure spells automatically cast them on wounded characters. Psionic Strength Points are fully restored, as well as all the spells that spellcasters can cast.

Training

When your characters go up in levels, they may be eligible to learn a new spell or more psionic skills. If so, a box appears with all the

icons depicting the spells or psionics you may learn. To toggle between different spell levels/psionic disciplines, click the icon on the lower-left corner of the box. To pick a new psionic or spell, click on its icon. Press DONE when you’re finished.

Spellcasting / Psionics

Spells and psionics are often the deciding factor between winning and losing a battle. Knowing how to cast spells and use psionics is a very important skill, and should be learned early on.

The first step in casting a spell or using a psionic is to select it in the Cast Spells/Use Psionics screen. After you select the spell or psionic power, the cursor becomes the icon

you selected. To abort, right-click once. Some spells or psionics (healing spells, for example) can be cast directly from this screen by clicking the spell icon on the target character. Other spells and psionics automatically return you to the regular game screen.

Refer to “Cast Spells/Use Psionics” on page 15 for detailed instructions.

Once spells have been cast, you may also right-click on the Dark Sun icon to bring up a box displaying the last five spell and psionics icons used.

This provides quick access to the most frequently used spells.

CREATING YOUR PARTY

To play SHATTERED LANDS, you must create a party of one to four characters. We recommend you create a party of four. The races you can choose from are:

human

dwarf

elf

half-elf

half-giant

halfling

mul (male character only)

thri-kreen (female character only)

Depending on the race you choose for your character, he or she is eligible to belong to certain classes. (A class is like an occupation.)

8

If you’re new to Athas, or just want to know more about various races and classes, refer to “Character Races” on page 19 and “Character Classes” on page 21.

Creating Characters

To create your own characters, select

CREATE CHARACTERS from the main menu. The main menu is the screen that has the following options:

START GAME

CREATE CHARACTERS

LOAD SAVED GAME EXIT TO DOS

After selecting CREATE CHARACTERS, you see the View Character screen with four empty character slots. It has six icons along the bottom of the screen: View Character, View Inventory, Cast Spells/Use Psionics, Current Spell/Effects, the Game Menu button, and the Return to Game button. For now, leave these icons alone. You can come back to them after you create your party.

Right-click on an empty character slot. A short menu appears with these options:

NEW

ADD CANCEL

NEW allows you to create an entirely new character.

ADD allows you to add a previously created character.

CANCEL closes this menu.

9

CHARACTER PORTRAIT

 

CHARACTER ICON

 

DIE

 

CLASS LIST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTER DATA

PSIONIC DISCIPLINES

 

AND/OR CLERICAL

 

 

SPHERES

Character Generation Screen

Creating New Characters

Select NEW. You see a screen that looks like the one above.

Here you choose the race, sex, class(es), and abilities of your new character:

Character Portrait

This area displays a body portrait of your character. Left-clicking on the character portrait advances you through the entire selection of races and genders. Right-clicking returns you to the previous portrait.

Decide on the race and sex of your character by moving through the portraits until you find the character you want.

Character Icon

This box displays what your character looks like from a distance as he or she explores the barren face of Athas.

Class List

This list shows the various classes that your character is eligible for, and allows you to choose a class (or classes) for your character.

As a default, the fighter class has been pre-selected for you. A diamond appears next to currently selected classes.

Left-clicking on the diamond deselects that class, and allows you to choose a new class. Try deselecting “fighter” on a human character. Notice that all the class options are

now available. This is because humans can be any class. Other races, however, are limited in their class options. Halflings, for example, cannot be preservers.

While humans can only have one class, other races are eligible for more than one class. When a character has two or three classes, he or she is referred to as multi-classed. For example, dwarves can have one, two, or three classes.

Keep in mind that, when multiclassing, some classes are unavailable when others have been chosen. For example, a character cannot be a cleric and a druid at the same time.

In addition, when characters are multi-classed they advance in experience and hit points much more slowly than single-class characters. This is because multi-class characters divide their experience points evenly among the classes.

For reference information on classes, see “Character Classes” on page 21.

Psionic Disciplines and/or Clerical Spheres

This lists the various psionic disciplines or clerical spheres that your character is eligible for, and allows you to choose among them. Leftclicking on VIEW SPHERES or VIEW PSIONICS toggles you between the list of psionic disciplines and the list of clerical spheres.

Psionicists can specialize in all three psionic disciplines: psychokinesis, psychometabolism, and telepathy.

10

All other characters can only choose one of these disciplines. For more about these disciplines, refer to “Psionicists” on page 25.

Clerics can choose any one of the four clerical spheres: air, earth, fire, and water. For a description of the four spheres, refer to “Clerics” on page 23.

The Die

Clicking on the die generates a random set of values for the character’s statistics.

Character Data

To improve an ability, left-click on its adjacent box. The value increases by one. Right-click to decrease the value. This allows you to match a character’s statistics with those of a favorite role-playing character.

Similarly, you can alter the hit point value (HP) and the character’s alignment by clicking on the small gray boxes next to those options.

For a thorough description of these statistics, refer to “Other Characteristics” on page 26.

Your character has been given a random name. If you want to change it, left-click on the name. A cursor appears where you clicked. Delete the previous name and type in the name of your choosing.

When you are satisfied with the character you have created, click on DONE and continue creating characters until you have a complete party of four.

11

Adding Previously

Created Characters

You can also add previously created characters to your party. When you are at the View Character screen, right-click on an empty character slot, and choose ADD. Click on the character name of a previously generated character to have him or her appear in your party.

Modifying Your Party

Once you have created your party, you may decide that you want to make minor alterations. Go to the View Character screen and right-click on the character you want to alter. You’ll notice that the menu now reads:

EDIT

DROP

DUAL

EDIT returns to the character generation screen. You may make any changes you wish to the character, as during generation. This option is only valid before the character

first goes adventuring on Athas. After that, the option changes to

EDIT NAME only.

DROP removes a character from the party and puts him or her on disk. If you change your mind, you can pick up this character later with ADD.

DUAL is only available when viewing a human character, because only humans may become dual-classed. You must be at least third level in your current class before you can dual class. Selecting this option allows you to choose a new class. See the section on “Character Classes” on page 21 for more information on dual-class characters.

CHARACTER OPTIONS

The first time you left-click on the Dark Sun icon the

Cast Spells/Use Psionics character option screen appears. At the bottom left are the four character options icons. These are described in detail below. The most recently chosen character option remains selected until you choose another. Thus, if you selected View Inventory, the next time you click on the Dark Sun icon (or on a character with the Look icon) the Inventory screen appears.

Right-clicking on the Dark Sun icon displays the last five spells or psionics cast. Click on one of these spell icons to cast it.

View Character

The View Character screen shows your party. When you highlight a party member by left-clicking on his or her character box, the character’s stats and other vital information appear on the right side of the screen.

Alongside each character box are two small buttons, one for Computer Control and one for selecting the party Leader. Click on Computer Control to place the character’s actions under control of the computer during combat. Click on Leader to make that character the party’s leader when walking and interacting with Non-Player Characters (NPCs).

Character Boxes

If you right-click on a character box with a character in it, you get the following menu:

EDIT NAME DROP DUAL

EDIT NAME returns to the character generation screen. Since the character has already begun to adventure, at this point in the game you may only change his or her name.

12

DROP removes a character from the party and puts him or her on disk. If you change your mind, you can pick up this character later with ADD.

DUAL is only available when viewing a human character, because only humans may become dual-classed. Selecting this option allows you

to choose a new class. See the section on “Character Classes” on page 21 for more information on dual-class characters.

If you right-click on an empty character box, you see the following menu:

NEW

ADD CANCEL

NEW allows you to generate a new character. See the “Creating Your Party” section on page 8 for more information.

ADD allows you to add a previously created character.

CANCEL closes this menu.

13

CHOOSE

 

 

CHARACTER

 

ACTIVE CHARACTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTER

PARTY

 

 

BOXES

 

 

PORTRAIT

 

ITEM SLOTS

 

CHARACTER‘S BACKPACK

 

 

 

DATA

LEADER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPUTER-

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSILE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTROLLED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMBAT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON/OFF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETURN TO HANDS/ GAME ITEMS IN

HANDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION BOX

 

MONEY

 

CHARACTER OPTION

 

GAME MENU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUTTONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory Screen

View Inventory

To use, ready, drop, or transfer items, select the View Inven-

tory icon. The inventory screen appears with a large portrait of the active character in the center. To see the inventory screen for a different character, click on one of the character boxes on the left edge of the screen.

Surrounding the active character portrait are fourteen slots. Each refers to a different part of the character’s body, such as legs, head, fingers, and arms. Left-click on an item to pick it up. To move an item to the character’s body, first pick up the item and look for outlines around the item slots. A yellow outline appears around all the valid slots for that

item. Center the item over any outlined slot; the outline flashes when the item is centered. Left-click again to drop it there. To ready weapons for combat, place them in your character’s hands. Missile weapons and their ammunition have special slots at the upper left.

To the upper-right are twelve more slots representing your character’s backpack. Store items here that you wish to keep. You may also find pouches and chests which can be used for more storage within the backpack. Pouches and chests hold six items, and both can be placed in your character’s backpack. A pouch can be placed in a chest, but not vice versa; pouches cannot hold other pouches, nor can chests hold other

chests. Open pouches and chests by right-clicking on them. Close them by left-clicking on the lid or flap.

To drop an item, select it and click DROP. The item disappears from your character’s inventory and falls to the ground. If you want it again, just pick it up off the ground.

To split a bundle of “grouped” items (such as arrows) in half, select it and click on SPLIT. This only works if you have an empty slot in your backpack to hold the other half.

To transfer an item to another character, select that item and click the character box of the character you wish to transfer to. That character’s inventory screen appears, and you can place the item appropriately.

The inventory screen also contains more data. Under the active character portrait, a description box provides information about objects, buttons, and available options. Along the right side of the screen, a panel displays character data. Along the bottom, a bar shows how much money, in ceramic pieces (CP), your character has.

Also at the bottom of the screen are the four character options buttons, the Game Menu button, and the Return to Game button.

Item Summary / Using Items

Right-click on any item in inventory (or in a container) to bring up its item summary. This is a box containing relevant information about the item. If the item is magical and can be used, a Cast Spell icon appears. Press the icon to cast the spell. You can’t use this function during combat if it is not the character’s turn, or if the spell

14

can’t be cast by the character holding the item. If you know what spell the item casts, the spell icon appears in the summary box. When you rightclick on a spell scroll, a window with a spell icon appears. Click on the icon to learn the spell.

Some items are inherently magical. A magical sword, for example, may cast spells against your opponent whenever you hit him with the sword. This happens automatically if you have the sword readied and fight with it. Other items cast magical effects on whoever wears them. If an item casts a haste spell on the wearer, for example, the spell is cast as soon as that item is readied.

Stores

In your adventures on Athas, you may encounter shopkeepers who want to sell you their wares. When you visit a store, the regular inventory screen is displayed alongside a store screen.

Stores have six item slots showing the items for sale. If there are more than six items for sale, a MORE button appears allowing you to display the rest. The prices of the items appear below their slots. When you point to an item, a flashing highlight indicates that you can afford it; a solid highlight means you do not have enough money. To buy the item, simply click on it. The money is deducted automatically. The cursor becomes the item, and you can place it in your inventory where appropriate.

To sell an item to the shopkeeper, select the item to be sold and click SELL.

To leave the store, select the Return to Game button.

15

Cast Spells / Use Psionics

To select a spell or prepare a psionic power, press the Cast

Spells/Use Psionics icon. All your spells and psionics will be displayed for each level known. To cycle between spell types and levels, click the appropriate buttons in the bottom row. Pointing with the cursor to a spell or psionic power displays its name at the bottom of the window. For a short description of a spell or power, rightclick on the icon. (To close the window click anywhere within it.) Select a spell or psionic power by leftclicking on its icon. After you have chosen, the pointer becomes an icon representing your choice. Some spells (healing spells, for example) can be cast directly from this screen by clicking the spell icon on the target character. Other spells automatically return you to the regular game screen.

Quick Cast: Right-clicking on the Dark Sun icon displays a box showing the last spell icon cast. Up to five different spells are shown in the queue. If you have no spells in the queue the Cast Spells/Use Psionics screen appears. If you cannot cast any more spells at a particular level an orange “X” appears over the spell icon.

Dots around the icon show the area of effect. Target the spell with the icon. Move it to your target and left-click. To

abort, right-click once. This procedure is sufficient to cast most of the spells and psionics in SHATTERED LANDS. The only exceptions are “wall” spells (i.e., a wall of “something”). To cast a wall spell, left-click where you want one end of the wall to appear. Then move the spell cursor to where you want the other end of the wall to appear and left-click again. Your wall appears, and you live to fight a little longer.

The maximum number of spells that the player character can cast before resting is determined by his or her level. Refer to page 91 for the number of spells each class has available

per level.

If you move the pointer beyond the range of the spell or psionic power, the icon disappears and the Can’t Cast icon takes its place. A location is invalid when it is out of range or line of sight, or when it cannot be affected by magic.

All characters begin as first level psionicists in the SHATTERED LANDS computer game.

Current Spell / Effects

To see if there are any good or evil effects influencing a character, press the Current Spell/ Effects icon. Any effects your character is operating under appear in

a row next to his or her icon. To eliminate a good effect, simply rightclick on it and it disappears.

Evil effects are harder to get rid of. If any member of the party has a counter-spell or psionic ability that can void the effect, cast it on the affected character(s).

16

VIEW CHARACTER

 

VIEW INVENTORY

 

 

 

CAST SPELLS/USE PSIONICS

 

CURRENT SPELL/EFFECTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SET PREFERENCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOAD/SAVE GAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVERHEAD MAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXIT TO DOS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CENTER ON LEADER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COLLAPSE PARTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETURN TO GAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WALK

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOOK

 

 

ATTACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Game Menu

GAME MENU

The Game Menu button appears on the bottom row

of the character options screens after your party has begun adventuring. When you select the Game Menu button, the Game Menu screen appears with the following options:

View Character

See “View Character” on page 12.

View Inventory

See “View Inventory” on page 13.

Cast Spells / Use Psionics

See “Cast Spells/Use Psionics” on page 15.

Current Spell / Effects

See “Current Spell/Effects” on page 15.

Exit to DOS

If you want to quit playing, select the Exit to DOS icon.

SAVE allows you to save the game in progress before quitting.

QUIT exits the game immediately, without saving.

CANCEL returns you to the game in progress.

Load / Save Game

Selecting the Load/Save Game icon brings up the following menu:

LOAD

SAVE RESTART

LOAD brings you to the Load Game screen. Click on the name of the saved game you want to load.

SAVE brings you to the Save Game screen. Click on any empty slot, then type in a description of your saved game. Note: you can’t save the game during combat.

RESTART restarts the game from the beginning. You do not lose the characters you’ve created.

17

 

 

 

 

 

MUSIC ON/OFF

 

 

MUSIC VOLUME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOUND EFFECTS ON/OFF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOUND EFFECTS VOLUME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIFFICULTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANIMATIONS ON/OFF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETURN TO GAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT DARK SUN

 

 

GAME MENU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set Preferences Menu

Set Preferences

This option brings up the Set Preferences screen, which allows you

to control the way the game looks and sounds.

Music volume is a slide bar you can adjust to control music volume. Click on the buttons on either end of the bar to change the volume.

Music on/off allows you to turn the music completely off.

Sound effects volume is a slide bar you can adjust to control the volume of the sound effects. Click on the buttons on either end of the bar to change the volume.

Sound effects on/off allows you to turn the sound effects completely off.

Animations on/off allows you to toggle the game’s animations on and off. Turning the animations off helps speed up the game on slower systems.

Difficulty allows you to control the level of difficulty in combat. The settings are Easy, Balanced, Hard, and Hideous. Default is Balanced.

About Dark Sun gives you version information and copyright information.

Overhead Map

The Overhead Map is a detailed overview of the region your party is currently exploring. The party’s location is indicated by a blue dot. Red dots indicate monsters and NPCs. Only areas you have explored are visible on the map, the rest is covered up until you travel to that area.

Center on Leader

The Center on Leader icon centers the screen on the leader of the party. This is useful in combat when you have scrolled the cursor off-screen to target on a monster.

Collapse Party

Choose whether your party is depicted walking about Athas as a single person or a full group. Selecting a single person speeds up the game. If you choose the single person option, only the currently selected Leader appears.

Walk

Selecting this icon changes your cursor to the Walk icon and returns you to the game. See page 5 for more information on the Walk icon.

Look

Selecting this icon changes your cursor to the Look icon and returns you to the game. See page 6 for more information on the Look icon.

Attack

Selecting this icon changes your cursor to the Attack icon and returns you to the game. See page 5 for more information on the Attack icon.

Return to Game

The Return to Game button returns you to the game in progress.

ABILITY SCORES

Each character has six randomlygenerated ability scores as described below. These scores fall within a range determined by the race and class of the character. The possible values range from 9 (low) to 24 (high). Higher values always offer greater advantages.

Strength measures physical power, muscle-mass, and stamina. High Strength increases a character’s combat ability with melee weapons such as swords or maces. Strength also determines how much a character can carry without becoming encumbered and slowed in combat.

18

Dexterity measures agility, hand-eye coordination, and reflex speed. Characters with high Dexterities have bonuses to Armor Class, an indication of how difficult they are to hit. Thieves especially benefit from high Dexterity. Good Dexterity also gives bonuses when using missile weapons such as bows or slings.

Constitution measures fitness, health, and physical toughness. High Constitution increases the number of hit points a character receives. A character’s Constitution also determines the maximum number of times that character can be raised from the dead. Every time a character is successfully resurrected, 1 point of Constitution is lost.

Intelligence measures memory, reasoning, and learning ability. Preservers especially rely on high Intelligence scores; their skill and very survival hinge on learning and using their knowledge of magic.

Wisdom measures a composite of judgment, enlightenment, willpower, and intuition. Characters with low Wisdom are more susceptible to magical spells, while those with higher Wisdom have greater resistance. Clerics with Wisdom 15 or greater receive extra spells (see the “Cleric Wisdom Spell Bonus Table” on page 91).

Charisma measures personal magnetism, persuasiveness, and ability to assume command. NPCs may respond better to characters with higher Charisma.

19

CHARACTER RACES

Your characters can be any of eight races: dwarf, elf, half-elf, half-giant, halfling, human, mul, and thri-kreen. Each race has its own unique features and abilities. Some races are naturally stronger or weaker,

or more or less agile than others. These differences are reflected in modifications to their generated ability scores. See the “Racial Ability Adjustments Table” on page 89 for specific adjustments.

Dwarves

Dwarves are short but extremely powerful. Athasian dwarves average 4 1/2 to 5 feet in height and tend to have a very large muscle mass — a full-grown dwarf weighs in the neighborhood of 200 pounds. Dwarves can live up to 250 years.

By nature, dwarves are nonmagical and never use magical spells.

This restriction does not apply to dwarven clerics.

Dwarves can be fighters, gladiators, clerics, thieves, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

Elves

Elves are a race of long-limbed sprinters given to theft, raiding, and warfare. An Athasian elf stands between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 feet tall. They are slender, lean, and generally in terrific physical condition. An elf

warrior is conditioned to run quickly over sandy and rocky terrain, sometimes for days at a time — an elf warrior can cross better than 50 miles per day.

Elves use no beasts of burden for personal transportation. It is dishonorable among elves to ride on an animal unless wounded and near death.

Elves can be fighters, gladiators, rangers, preservers, clerics, thieves, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

Half-Elves

Half-elves are the result of the intermingling of human and elven societies in the great cities of Athas. Half-elves are generally tall, standing between 6 and 6 1/2 feet.

Due to their mixed heritage, halfelves are often unaccepted by both elves and humans. This intolerance leads them to be self-reliant, and able to survive without companionship.

Half-elves can be fighters, gladiators, rangers, preservers, clerics, druids, thieves, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

Half-Giants

Giants dominate many of the islands and coastal areas of the Sea of Silt. In some lost millennium, as a bizarre experiment or perhaps as some sort of curse, giants were magically crossbred with humans. Half-giants are now fairly common.

Half-giants stand between 10 and 12 feet tall, and weigh in the neighborhood of 1,600 pounds. Their features are human, but exaggerated.

Half-giants can be fighters, gladiators, rangers, clerics, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

Halflings

Halflings are very short humanoids, standing no more than 3 1/2 feet tall. They are muscled and proportioned like humans, but they have the faces of wise and beautiful children. Halflings weigh 50 to 60 pounds and are always in peak physical condition.

Halflings can be fighters, gladiators, rangers, clerics, druids, thieves, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

Humans

Humans are the predominant race on Athas. The average human male stands between 6 and 6 1/2 feet tall and weighs 180 to 200 pounds. The average human female is slightly smaller, averaging between 5 1/2 and 6 feet in height and weighing between 100 and 140 pounds.

Humans can be fighters, gladiators, rangers, preservers, clerics, druids, thieves, psionicists, and dual-class characters.

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Muls

Muls are an incredibly tough crossbreed of humans and dwarves. They retain the height and cunning of their human parent, with the durability and raw strength of their dwarven parent. Muls are usually the products of the slave pits. They are always male.

Full-grown muls stand 6 to 6 1/2 feet tall and weigh 240 to 300 pounds. They have stern facial features, and most muls have no hair or beard.

Muls can be fighters, gladiators, clerics, thieves, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

Thri-kreen

Thri-kreen are the least “human” in appearance of all the races. Thri-kreen are insectoids — six-limbed creatures with tough, sandy-yellow exoskeletons. They stand as tall as 7 feet at the shoulder, have two large eyes, two antennae, and a small powerful jaw. They are always female.

Thri-kreen make and use the chatkcha, a crystalline throwing wedge. The chatkcha can be thrown up to 90 yards and still return to the thrower if it misses the target. When it hits, the chatkcha inflicts 3 to 9 points of damage.

Thri-kreen cannot use armor, cloaks, belts, boots, or rings due to their non-human shape.

Thri-kreen can be fighters, gladiators, rangers, clerics, psionicists, and multi-class characters.

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CHARACTER CLASSES

Character classes reflect the interests and occupations of your characters. A class is like a job; it’s what a character does on a daily basis. Each class has certain unique abilities and limitations. Characters may also become dualor multi-class, specializing in more than one area at once.

A dual-class character is one who starts in a single class, advances to a moderate level, and then changes to a second class, starting all over again from level one. The benefits and abilities of the first class are lost until he exceeds the level of his first class in his second. The character can never again advance in that class. Only humans can be dual-class characters. A human character may do this process twice, potentially allowing a total of three classes.

A multi-class character improves in two or more classes simultaneously. All experience is divided equally between each class. This, of course, means that level advancement proceeds at a much slower rate than in those characters who remain singleclass. Only demihumans and thrikreen can be multi-class characters.

Special note: A prime requisite is the most important ability score for a particular class. A fighter’s prime requisite, for example, is Strength. Characters who have an ability score of 16 or greater as their prime requisite receive a 10 percent bonus to the experience points they earn. Characters with more than one prime requisite must have a score of 16 or greater in all of their prime requisites to receive the bonus.

Fighters

Ability Requirement

Strength 9

Prime Requisite

Strength

Races Allowed

All

 

 

Fighters on Athas are skilled warriors, soldiers trained in both individual combat and mass warfare. This training includes use and maintenance of all manner of weapons and armor. Fighters can use any type of armor or weapon without restriction. (Thri-kreen fighters, however, have certain restrictions.)

Fighters cannot cast magical spells; they rely solely on their strong sword-arms. They can, however, use any type of magical weapon or armor. They can also use magical items such as rings and gauntlets.

Fighters gain speed in addition to skill when they advance in levels. High-level fighters (as well as gladiators and rangers) are able to attack more often in melee than other types of characters.

Gladiators

Ability Requirements

Dexterity 12

 

Strength 13

 

Constitution 15

Prime Requisite

Strength

Races Allowed

All

 

 

Gladiators are the slave warriors of the city-states, specially trained for brutal physical contests. Disciplined in many diverse forms of hand-to- hand combat, and skilled in the use of dozens of weapons, gladiators are the most dangerous warriors on Athas. Gladiators cannot cast spells, though they can use any type of magical weapons or armor.

Gladiators learn to optimize their armor when they reach fifth level. They condition themselves to use the armor to its best advantage, consequently gaining a -1 AC bonus. This bonus does nothing for gladiators who aren’t wearing armor.

Gladiators, like fighters, gain speed with experience, and consequently can attack more often in melee

at higher levels than other types of characters.

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Rangers

Ability Requirements

Strength 13

 

Dexterity 13

 

Wisdom 14

 

Constitution 14

Prime Requisites

Strength, Dexterity,

 

Wisdom

Races Allowed

Elf, Half-elf,

 

Halfling, Human,

 

Thri-kreen

 

 

 

Rangers are trained hunters, trackers, and survivalists. They are taught to live as much by their wits and skills as by their swords and bows. Like fighters, rangers can use any type of weapon or armor, though heavy armor interferes with their special abilities. They can, however, use two one-handed weapons (at the same time) with no penalty.

Rangers, like other fighter-types, gain the ability to attack more often in melee than other characters when they reach higher levels. In addition, rangers also gain some spellcasting ability. When you create a ranger, you must choose the elemental sphere that character will belong to. When a ranger reaches eighth-level, he or she gains the ability to cast cleric spells from his or her elemental sphere.

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Preservers

 

 

Clerics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ability Requirement

Intelligence 9

Ability Requirement

Wisdom 9

 

Prime Requisite

Intelligence

Prime Requisite

Wisdom

 

Races Allowed

Elf, Half-elf, Human

Races Allowed

All

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preservers are individuals trained in the arcane and mysterious secrets of magic. They cast their spells in harmony with nature, giving back the energy they take from the land. Preservers are usually poor fighters, preferring to rely on their intellect and magical abilities. They tend to hang back in battle, pummeling their foes with mystic attacks.

Preservers cannot wear any type of armor because armor is restrictive and interferes with spellcasting. Also, because they lack martial instruction, preservers are severely limited in the weapons they can use.

Clerics are priests who choose to worship one of the four elemental spheres (earth, air, fire, and water). This choice dictates what spells the cleric can call upon, and what types of weapons the character can use.

Clerics have major access to the sphere of the element of their worship. They also have minor access to the Sphere of the Cosmos. This means that they can cast any spell within their own sphere, and can cast Cosmos spells of third level or less. However, clerics cannot cast any spells from spheres they do not belong to.

Clerics generally prefer to leave combat to the fighter-types, but, when necessary, they can fight in melee. All clerics are trained in combat. Clerics are not restricted with regard to the armor they wear.

Clerics can only use weapons that are associated with the sphere of the element of their worship. A cleric of the plane of fire can only use flaming weapons such as flaming arrows, burning oil, and weapons enchanted to burn or scald. Obsidian weapons are also acceptable because they were once fused under great heat and

Clerics, cont.

pressure. Clerics of the earth must use weapons of stone (obsidian included), metal, or wood, as these elements originate in the earth. A cleric of the air is restricted to missile weapons, because they fly through the air. Water clerics can only use weapons of bone or wood, because these are organic materials through which water once flowed. Clerics who associate with the spheres of earth and fire have the most choices as to which weapons to use.

Clerics also have powers against undead monsters such as skeletons. The ability to turn undead causes undead creatures to flee in fright. Higher level clerics can destroy monsters by “turning” them. Clerics with Wisdom 15 or higher gain extra spells as they advance levels (see the “Cleric Wisdom Spell Bonus Table” on page 91).

 

 

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Druids

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ability Requirements

Wisdom 12

 

 

Charisma 15

 

Prime Requisites

Wisdom, Charisma

 

Races Allowed

Half-elf, Halfling,

 

 

Human, Mul,

 

 

Thri-kreen

 

 

 

 

Druids, like clerics, are priests who worship the elements. Unlike clerics, they are responsible for guarding a section of land. Their power derives from the spirits of these lands. They have major access to the Sphere of the Cosmos, and the sphere of their chosen element.

Druids have no restrictions as to what weapons they may use. They are not allowed to wear armor, but may don items that give magical protection (such as bracers, cloaks, etc.). They can use any magical items. However, unlike their cleric brethren, druids cannot turn undead. Druids with Wisdom 15 or higher gain extra spells as they advance levels (see the “Cleric Wisdom Spell Bonus Table” on page 91).

Continues...

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Thieves

Ability Requirement

Dexterity 9

Prime Requisite

Dexterity

Races Allowed

All

 

 

Athasian thieves run the gamut of society. Some are malcontents, who prey on the unsuspecting. Others are in the employ of the nobility, plying their trade by contract in the name of a royal household or noble family. As thieves gain levels they become more proficient at picking locks, and avoiding any attached traps. Due to their high Dexterity, thieves are skilled at scaling vertical surfaces such as cliffs.

In combat, thieves do additional damage by “backstabbing.” A thief backstabs by attacking a target from the exact opposite direction it was first attacked. A backstab has a better chance of hitting the defender and does greater damage.

Because they need to move freely and quietly, thieves’ abilities are restricted when they wear anything other than leather-type armor. Thieves can use all weapons.

Psionicists

Ability Requirements

Constitution 11

 

Intelligence 12

 

Wisdom 15

Prime Requisites

Constitution,

 

Wisdom

Races Allowed

All

 

 

All intelligent creatures on Athas have some measure of psionic ability. Psionics are the powers of the mind, powers like clairvoyance and telepathy. Psionicists are those who have devoted their lives to the study of these powers.

Psionicists can fight, if necessary, but they are restricted in both armor and weapons. Like thieves, psionicists can only wear leather-type armor. They are restricted to small weapons, though they can be of any sort: short swords, daggers, short bows, maces, etc.

The three psionic disciplines are psychokinesis, psychometabolism, and telepathy. Each gives access to different mental powers. As the psionicist advances in levels, he can improve in psionic power.

Psychokinesis concerns physical manipulation of objects, often for destructive purposes. Psychometabolism involves manipulating the character’s own body to enhance it. Telepathy deals with the defenses and attacks of mental warfare.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

In addition to ability scores, race, and class, characters have several other characteristics that affect game play: alignment, Armor Class, hit points, experience points, level, and THACØ.

Alignment

Alignment is the philosophy a character lives by and can affect how NPCs and some magic items react to a character. The possibilities range from believing strongly in society and altruism (Lawful Good) to being anarchistic and actively unpleasant (Chaotic Evil). Life-threatening situations put a character’s alignment to the test. Note: your party characters must be good or neutral; they cannot be of evil alignment.

Alignment is presented here with examples of how differently-aligned members of a party face a lifethreatening situation (in this case, a shortage of water).

Lawful Good

A character of this alignment insists that everyone get an even share of what water there is, even those in the party who seem beyond hope. He or she readily conceives of and accepts plans that call for unequal distribution of water for the greater good of the group, but will never let the weak or dying go without water.

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Lawful Neutral

Such characters insist that everyone get an equal share of available water, but won’t care one way or the other about characters that may be beyond hope. They also accept plans that call for unequal distribution of water for the good of the group.

Lawful Evil

A character of this alignment insists that available water be evenly distributed among the able-bodied of the group, but won’t offer any to those that seem too far gone. He or she accepts plans that call for unequal distribution of water if that means more water for him or her.

Neutral Good

A neutral good character insists that everyone in the group get an even share of remaining water, even the seriously dehydrated. He or she considers plans calling for unequal water distribution, but has to be thoroughly convinced that the plan will ultimately benefit the party and not hurt him or her personally.

True Neutral

A character of this alignment wants a fair share for him or herself, but won’t necessarily come to anyone’s aid. He or she considers plans that call for unequal water distribution if he or she and the party benefit in the short term.

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Neutral Evil

A character of this alignment insists on his or her fair share, and is against giving water to the very weak. He or she considers plans for unequal water distribution if he or she personally benefits.

Chaotic Good

A chaotic good character insists that everyone get an even share of the available water, even the very weak. He or she considers plans calling for unequal water distribution if he or she and those he or she likes personally get more water as part of the plan.

Chaotic Neutral

Such a character insists on his or her fair share, and won’t concern him or herself with the plight of those too weak to stand up for themselves. He or she considers plans calling for unequal water distribution if he or she personally gets more water as part of the plan.

Chaotic Evil

A chaotic evil character freely lies, cheats, or even kills to get all the water he or she can. He or she constantly suggests plans for unequal water distribution that grant him or her additional water immediately.

Armor Class

Armor Class (AC) measures how difficult someone is to hit and damage; the lower the Armor Class value, the harder they are to hit. Low Armor Class values can indicate different things. A character might be difficult to hit because he or she is outfitted with magical armor, while a monster might have the same AC because it is small and fast. Armor Class changes when characters find and use new armor or shields. High Dexterity improves a character’s AC.

Hit Points

Hit points measure how difficult a character or opponent is to incapacitate or kill; higher values are better. Every time an attack gets past armor and defenses, it does damage that is subtracted from the target’s hit points. If the hit points reach Ø, the character falls unconscious. If the hit points reach -10 or less, the character dies.

Experience Points

Experience points measure how much a character has accomplished. Your characters earn experience points for killing monsters, finding treasure, and completing parts of the adventure. Having prime requisite scores of 16 or more increases experience earned by 10 percent.

Characters increase in level as they earn more experience points. All

characters start with some base amount of experience. These base experience points are distributed evenly among all of the classes for multi-class characters.

Level

Level measures how much a character has advanced in his or her class. Whenever characters earn enough experience points to advance in level, they gain hit points, combat ability, and resistance to the effects of poisons and magical attacks. Preservers, clerics, druids, and highlevel rangers gain the ability to memorize a greater number of spells and to cast new spells.

When your characters gain enough experience to advance a level, they advance automatically. Once trained, the benefits of the new level come into effect. Level advancement tables for all the classes begin on page 90.

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THACØ

The ability to hit enemies in melee or with missile fire is represented by THACØ, which stands for “To Hit Armor Class Ø.” This is the number a character must “roll” equal to or greater than to do damage on a target with an AC of Ø. The lower the THACØ, the better the chance to hit the target.

Note: the generation of a random number is often referred to as a “roll.” In determining the success of an attack, the number generated is from 1 to 20.

An attack is successful if the random number is greater than or equal to the attacker’s THACØ minus the target’s AC. THACØ may be modified by things like range, attacking from the rear, magic weapons, and magic spells.

For example: a fighter with a THACØ of 5 attacking a monster with an AC of 3 would need to roll a 2 or greater: (THACØ 5) - (AC 3) = 2+. To hit a monster with an AC of -2, however, he would need to roll a 7 or greater: (THACØ 5) - (AC -2) = 7+.

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