User Guide

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
Occasionally you will surprise the monsters. If this happens, you are entitled to a free
round of attacks, with the restriction that you cannot cast spells. Needless to say,
sometimes your party will be
surprised, which has far less
pleasant effects. Certain peaceful
monster types may offer your
party a truce. If you agree, the
monsters will politely scram,
letting you go about your
business. If you refuse a truce,
however, combat will begin.
Note: Monsters, like adventurers,
may be inclined either toward
good or evil. Strange things have
been known to happen to those
who respond inappropriately to
peaceful overtures in the Maze.
General Combat Notes
Generally, the only party members who can suffer damage from a physical attack by
monsters are the first three characters. However, some monsters can bend the laws of
the universe! They'll sneak up on your lowly Mage, cowering in the sixth position, and
squash him to bits! For instance, a Giant (not of the New York variety) may step over
some of your characters to get at the weaklings in the rear (again, squashing them to
bits)! Additionally, a Spirit may float through the wall behind your party determined
to attack! Lastly, monsters may cast spells on any or all members of the party.
Should one of your characters die in combat, he or she will automatically be shifted to
the "dead-last" position in the party at the end of the round. The deceased will be
hauled around by the living adventurers until revived or removed from the party. This
will mean, of course, that the party member previously in fourth place will move up
to the number-three slot, rendering him or her vulnerable to attack. This character
will be able to fight as well, with whatever weapons come in handy. Keep this in mind
when organizing and equipping your party.
Whew! When all is said and done
When a combat is over (and you have survived), you will be told how many experience
points each surviving member of the party will be awarded for his or her brave
conduct. You don't earn any points for monsters who run away or for dispelling
monsters. You'll also find out how many gold pieces each character earns.
Regrettably, some groups of monsters are security-conscious and like to hide their
money and other valuables in treasure chests.
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Heart of the Maelstrom