User Guide

Other characteristics include hit points, which describe how much damage a character
can tolerate before death, and armor class, which describes how well protected the
character is.
Possessions
Possessions are objects that characters own.
Gold is a very important possession. When your character begins life, he has a
pittance (probably won in a lottery), barely enough to buy some simple armor and a
few paltry weapons. As your character explores the Maze, he will find great riches in
gold, which may be used to purchase better items, lodging, and perhaps occasionally
acquire the services of a high priest to cure, heal, or even resurrect a friend.
Gathering and maintaining the best possible set of items is a major pastime for
Wizardry adventurers, as they can make the difference between life and death! The
number and variety of items found in Wizardry may be a little bewildering at first.
We won't tell you how the items work, but do offer some general guidelines here.
First of all, not all items may be used by every character. Some items may be used
only by specific character classes. You will learn what works by practice and
experience.
For example, mages may not use armor, shields, swords or maces.
Also, some items have an alignment, just as your characters do. If a character equips
an item that has a different alignment, the item will seriously impair him. In addition,
it will become cursed.
A cursed item is any item that cannot be voluntarily unequipped. If you equip such an
item, you will be "cursed to wear it."
Cursed items are not always bad for you. Some of the better items in the game
like to "stick around."
The only safe way to rid a character of a cursed item is to pay to have it removed
at Boltac's Trading Post.
Some items may be used to cast spells. Each time you use the item to cast a spell,
there is a chance it will break. Generally, scrolls and potions can only be used once,
while rods and staffs may work a dozen times.
Items may affect a character even though they are not equipped; they can do things
just because they are being carried around.
Finally, certain magic items have special powers which you can invoke. When you try
to equip yourself with one of these items, you will be asked if you wish to invoke its
power.
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Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord