User Guide

companions. In cases like this the poor monster would get zapped, turn and still see
nothing!
Run
On occasion, you may encounter something that's just too tough for your party to
handle (it's 80 feet tall and drools). At times such as this, the "Run" option may be
your only hope. Your characters won't get any experience points for the combat, but
they may come out with their lives. Eventually all of the party will follow even if only
one character actually selected "Run" to begin with. Characters who are running have
their backs turned to the monsters. Because of this, it's easier for the monsters to hit
them, and if hit, the character will probably suffer extra damage.
There is a chance that the monsters will block the route of your characters. The party
will have to continue combat or attempt a getaway again. Additionally, even if your
party successfully escapes, there is a chance that in their haste to get away, they may
crash smack-dab into another group of monsters.
Breathe
Dracons, because of their genetic balance, are able to breathe acid upon their
opponents. Selecting this option invokes the Dracon's inborn ability. Breath attacks
require a lot of stamina, so be careful not to exhaust your character.
Cancel and Backup
If you're having second thoughts about your selections, the "Cancel" option allows
you to start all over again beginning with the first character. "Backup", on the other
hand, just takes you back to the previous character's selection.
Combat Notes and Modifiers
Certain conditions can have an effect on your characters during combat and therefore
modify their performance. For example, a sleeping character can't attack the monsters
or defend himself at all, neither can a character who is carrying seven suits of plate
mail. These conditions are generally known as modifiers.
Health-Related Maladies
There are several maladies (or modifiers) which can strike your character at any time.
In general, these illnesses have three affects: the character will not perform as well,
the character will be easier to hit, and more damage will be done if the character's
armor is penetrated. However, some illnesses have their own special side-effects.
Should you see one of these symbols in your character's icon, you know the character
has been affected. For the most part, however, a good rest or a magical spell can cure
their ailments.
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Bane of the Cosmic Forge