tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62648814097898726292024-03-19T04:53:44.775-04:00Data Driven GamerAhabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.comBlogger549125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-78102162438125543692024-03-18T15:08:00.003-04:002024-03-18T15:08:25.770-04:00Game 404: Flight Path 737
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJfLhx7uIPQObVhxZYJYLJjr30WqqsdFB4UtpLwrmSPqJBIwZRxlPdcQCBkFZZRWiuoWDEDMUq2g_TkiGyFNMKxj_pbMaLLa0RhnqRYha47rVI1yEAaWlAbkXa6YaJ9E3DXgKzC3Ee79ZxYfOjtR2STDYgZGRnLUkdCuQqA3yQwiRFhUHOed78mNgkQ/s320/vice-screen-2024031809461182.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJfLhx7uIPQObVhxZYJYLJjr30WqqsdFB4UtpLwrmSPqJBIwZRxlPdcQCBkFZZRWiuoWDEDMUq2g_TkiGyFNMKxj_pbMaLLa0RhnqRYha47rVI1yEAaWlAbkXa6YaJ9E3DXgKzC3Ee79ZxYfOjtR2STDYgZGRnLUkdCuQqA3yQwiRFhUHOed78mNgkQ/s1600/vice-screen-2024031809461182.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The green rectangle is just for show; instruments tell you everything.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><p>The first of two Anirog games by professional jump jet pilot Vaughan Dow, <i>Flight Path 737</i> is a flight simulator in the same sense that Activision's <i>Space Shuttle</i> is - very little of the physics of flight is actually simulated, but rather a simplified model of the procedure is, which you must follow to taxi, take off, ascend to a safe height, pass over a mountain range, and descend into a valley beyond and land on the runway safely. Do anything incorrectly and it is an instant fail, with a sometimes confusing abort message to announce your mistake.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVDSWM5AK__p3ODo0-GWRjAEHCL27aki48__ppQVRwmMv8tlVYSHp7WA_pf9g74UfgghlSigJUduIZdaOOl4GBKaNw3V01bDa6haFWksIQpFrHd5N8X73amJiIdLNN4L-ozvy7JELzJpBI90TERRgBJMsEhMz9UId5szRO7MAUyXWmObwuBWEB8QWhg/s320/vice-screen-2024031809495167.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVDSWM5AK__p3ODo0-GWRjAEHCL27aki48__ppQVRwmMv8tlVYSHp7WA_pf9g74UfgghlSigJUduIZdaOOl4GBKaNw3V01bDa6haFWksIQpFrHd5N8X73amJiIdLNN4L-ozvy7JELzJpBI90TERRgBJMsEhMz9UId5szRO7MAUyXWmObwuBWEB8QWhg/s1600/vice-screen-2024031809495167.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Accent to slow?" What? Ohhh... you mean ascent too slow!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Make no mistake, this is not an easy game. You will be needing to watch your airspeed <i>obsessively.</i> The safe speed range for any given phase is tight - deviate from this even a little bit and you fail The optimal speed range is even tighter, and on higher difficulties you cannot afford to stray from this or you will hit the mountains, or miss the runway, or just run out of fuel. There's no autothrottle; only keystrokes to adjust in 10 or 20 knot increments, and it increases or decreases on its own with pitch, drag, or, on higher difficulties, random engine fires. While climbing or diving, you'll need to adjust it constantly, and that's all the while keeping an eye on your other gauges and remembering everything else you need to do.<br /></p><p>Gameplay is semi-realtime; with PAL timing, the game accepts one keystroke command and/or joystick direction per second, and instruments update at about this rate. It takes some getting used to, but it gives airspeed adjustment a tick-tock rhythm; one tick it goes up by five knots because you were diving, then you hit F5 and the next tock it goes down by five, and you repeat until an event happens.</p><p>A complete run takes no more than ten minutes, and six difficulties are offered, which I completed in sequence. "Part-time" is where things started getting really difficult.<br /></p>
<table align="center" class="ddg">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Difficulty</td>
<td>Mountains</td>
<td>Runway</td>
<td>Engine fires</td>
<td>Landing tolerance</td>
<td>Crosswinds
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First solo</td>
<td>5000 feet</td>
<td>3 miles</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
<td>No
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stunt pilot</td>
<td>6000 feet</td>
<td>3 miles</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
<td>No
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Part-time</td>
<td>7000 feet</td>
<td>2.5 miles</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Strict</td>
<td>No
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Experienced</td>
<td>8000 feet</td>
<td>2 miles</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Strict</td>
<td>Yes
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Professional</td>
<td>9000 feet</td>
<td>1.8 miles</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Strict</td>
<td>Yes
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Test pilot</td>
<td>9200 feet</td>
<td>1.5 miles</td>
<td>Yes</td>
<td>Strict</td>
<td>Yes
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><p></p><p> </p><p>Below is my first and only successful "test pilot" run - the only such video on Youtube to my knowledge. There were many unsuccessful runs.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="592" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MP6N6bUwYls?modestbranding=1;showinfo=0;rel=0" width="800"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>I did find that the cassette inlay instructions are a bit confusing and sometimes incomplete. Discovering the correct procedure took some trial and error, and in the process, I rewrote them for my own benefit.<br /></p><p>Remembering the safe airspeed rules is paramount. You should always be paying attention to the ASI indicator, and always maintain a safe speed, no matter what else you are doing.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Airspeed must never fall below 160kn.</li><li>Airspeed may not exceed 200kn while the flaps are down.</li><li>Airspeed may not exceed 250kn while the undercarriage is down.</li><li>Airspeed may not fall below 180kn while the flaps are up.</li><li>180kn-200kn is the only safe range for raising or lowering the flaps.</li></ul><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Taxi</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hAcOl5vyHoPtcY87ojdeNhsAlBGZzYgx5vR-LQq-aCIEIxKC8mWgMYyVQZeonrPlCvmkCRJMKdi_LOo2JS0klYBCPP0Y8sSa-dGKi5iSGGDvSFlp8f6I9TuRuX4oUp6i2OOb2HjZoqSL9Ju9zFRNn4Ya-ZfimxhuY5c_rvBpnJMg_2GAOhccKWO-yA/s320/1-taxi-vice-screen-2024031814291748.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hAcOl5vyHoPtcY87ojdeNhsAlBGZzYgx5vR-LQq-aCIEIxKC8mWgMYyVQZeonrPlCvmkCRJMKdi_LOo2JS0klYBCPP0Y8sSa-dGKi5iSGGDvSFlp8f6I9TuRuX4oUp6i2OOb2HjZoqSL9Ju9zFRNn4Ya-ZfimxhuY5c_rvBpnJMg_2GAOhccKWO-yA/s1600/1-taxi-vice-screen-2024031814291748.png" width="320" /></a></div></h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Press F1 once to increase ground speed to 20kn.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press V to lower the flaps.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Use the joystick to correct runway heading. Center once aligned.</li></ul><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Takeoff </h3><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwmrFCG95m28_ZhSRy4OqvaoWiEa13D96wFSJp8K01rM51Mydva3r_qJiV74_PdeZTDvs94oTNSv69mtyqfZhLZw5K6FE-vGSIS9Zh89V74WyA4r1DdSDkQTXBdU8K1bnei76gUz6EG-uWMjXb34_A7zz9fUh5K5KPXOgGXxX2FQR4XCW6DFL4Awy8A/s320/2-takeoff-vice-screen-2024031814293930.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwmrFCG95m28_ZhSRy4OqvaoWiEa13D96wFSJp8K01rM51Mydva3r_qJiV74_PdeZTDvs94oTNSv69mtyqfZhLZw5K6FE-vGSIS9Zh89V74WyA4r1DdSDkQTXBdU8K1bnei76gUz6EG-uWMjXb34_A7zz9fUh5K5KPXOgGXxX2FQR4XCW6DFL4Awy8A/s1600/2-takeoff-vice-screen-2024031814293930.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div style="text-align: left;">Press F1 eight times to increase ground speed to 180kn.</div></li><li>Pull joystick back to increase pitch and take off.</li></ul><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ascent </h3><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6_DprMQOqlkuAD-XPxoJpAlCFz8mfOYL_zjY7hbvAJDqfJuChgNiHtyli3HR5WD5edAZEr_J2dUM6UNYln7u-aY3zGf_oyPCyGrLaeRMmJn07CBzgpuSpVpS1d02SQnVVA91-ycBtvR7odrNrTnm5sUxTFpsMRLKUlaveZ-JbnXUnLAJI83iDGtN2Q/s320/3-ascent-vice-screen-2024031814294665.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6_DprMQOqlkuAD-XPxoJpAlCFz8mfOYL_zjY7hbvAJDqfJuChgNiHtyli3HR5WD5edAZEr_J2dUM6UNYln7u-aY3zGf_oyPCyGrLaeRMmJn07CBzgpuSpVpS1d02SQnVVA91-ycBtvR7odrNrTnm5sUxTFpsMRLKUlaveZ-JbnXUnLAJI83iDGtN2Q/s1600/3-ascent-vice-screen-2024031814294665.png" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br />On all difficulties except first solo, engines can catch fire <u>any time</u> from here until the final approach! Pay attention to the FW indicator and if it lights up, immediately stop what you're doing and hit 'E' to extinguish it. Then adjust your throttle to recover any lost speed.</i></b><br /><p></p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Increase pitch to +5.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Maintain airspeed between 185kn-200kn.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Once altitude passes 300ft, press F to raise flaps.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press F1 to throttle up.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press A to raise undercarriage.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press F1 repeatedly to reach 410kn.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press F3 every two seconds to maintain 410kn airspeed.</li></ul><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cruise</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m5iHKjronaxHU8A8Exw1BNaJb6Wf69Xd-s5_LYuGFwkcR8lJiwRIr_lVx5xycZz6fZhidawoiIDfIGh0BkA8JezqTm8U_mjYRaDC1wKbLY7j-TuqkCc0GTzDBdU0DYxhouU-58NUxtLg7RC1PmFvtMORPe7EtcSbUwhyphenhyphenhqBIfcbavcJJtbaunO-2pQ/s320/4-cruisevice-screen-2024031814304510.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m5iHKjronaxHU8A8Exw1BNaJb6Wf69Xd-s5_LYuGFwkcR8lJiwRIr_lVx5xycZz6fZhidawoiIDfIGh0BkA8JezqTm8U_mjYRaDC1wKbLY7j-TuqkCc0GTzDBdU0DYxhouU-58NUxtLg7RC1PmFvtMORPe7EtcSbUwhyphenhyphenhqBIfcbavcJJtbaunO-2pQ/s1600/4-cruisevice-screen-2024031814304510.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Once altitude is within 400ft of the mountain tops, use joystick to level pitch.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press F7 repeatedly to lower speed to 180kn-200kn.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press V to lower flaps.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Press Z to lower undercarriage.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Use joystick to correct runway heading. Center once aligned.</li><li style="text-align: left;"><b><i>On higher difficulties, it may be necessary to begin RH alignment early and multitask.</i></b></li></ul><b><i> </i></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Descent</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5V7edIUI6wS4zGHKaftEdxqt0h3OvL2AlhRSjBT7XdtjIWnG6OOfMQ9eobGHb1oFnW7DnpOoH9dOZ_iAzs52JZ1TMb-qoMkJ7N8ZWOvjVvb-IN40BXg5tsvZN1PYyPdclZgMk0gc8CwoZi8GM-wjD1W5yU8-UOxfixQYinUUgHrAW0j_7Za4i9-txA/s320/5-descent-vice-screen-2024031814312233.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5V7edIUI6wS4zGHKaftEdxqt0h3OvL2AlhRSjBT7XdtjIWnG6OOfMQ9eobGHb1oFnW7DnpOoH9dOZ_iAzs52JZ1TMb-qoMkJ7N8ZWOvjVvb-IN40BXg5tsvZN1PYyPdclZgMk0gc8CwoZi8GM-wjD1W5yU8-UOxfixQYinUUgHrAW0j_7Za4i9-txA/s1600/5-descent-vice-screen-2024031814312233.png" width="320" /></a></div> </div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Once 'GW' light turns off, you have cleared the mountains. Depending on how long it took you to perform RH alignment, this may have already happened.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Use joystick to lower pitch to -5. Airspeed will increase 5kn per second as you dive. Let it approach 200kn, but never exceed it.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Press F5 every two seconds to maintain airspeed.</li><li style="text-align: left;">When the altitude is about equal to [distance*100], press F7 once and raise pitch to just one notch below level.</li><li style="text-align: left;"><i><b>On test pilot mode, you will be very lucky if this is above 500ft. It's entirely possible that you completely pass the runway during descent! In which case, too bad.</b></i></li></ul><p><i><b> </b></i></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Final Approach</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P2eOxesfSHaLTWjn_Nie4UM3RxhjGoLvX0g3l5OlDpWDVMFYV1WQBAGt_ZggxLRHGRE_MNeKvR-H4nMTMIikewLUCRIAojEdaZC3m4zpt2WwO6NuGYtonMsL1wARg6A_7Bs45dkYRGuvhqZ0BEgQf5qkKPydptCvb0S14e877gDAEQX9gr-dTO0XWQ/s320/vice-screen-2024031814325390.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P2eOxesfSHaLTWjn_Nie4UM3RxhjGoLvX0g3l5OlDpWDVMFYV1WQBAGt_ZggxLRHGRE_MNeKvR-H4nMTMIikewLUCRIAojEdaZC3m4zpt2WwO6NuGYtonMsL1wARg6A_7Bs45dkYRGuvhqZ0BEgQf5qkKPydptCvb0S14e877gDAEQX9gr-dTO0XWQ/s1600/vice-screen-2024031814325390.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Reduce airspeed to 160kn-170kn. Maintain during final approach.<br /></li><li>At 10 distance, an ILS light flashes.</li><li><i><b>At higher difficulties, this has probably already happened.<br /></b></i></li><li>White means you must lower your pitch.</li><li>Red means you must raise your pitch.</li><li>Green means you are on track to land.</li><li>Once green, set pitch to -1.</li><li><i><b>At higher difficulties, crosswinds interfere with your RH. Adjust accordingly.</b></i></li></ul><i><b> </b></i><h3 style="text-align: left;">Landing</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFOZTYHMOtkrkCXxN12OaLHt65l1lVXczqRuPu9JRikb-Doi3VsFg4F5KTtbzQgJRn0FwtbkeHDib2UoU8hWGZSfL6AWpN06zlrftogQbKoLeGDVToVvK9gF2dMJwQ1pwk8g5AQCq1teJNSkzCDXaoL3D4YN-P-sTpVsVU-RGdHBn5K8szAo538FRmg/s320/7-landing-vice-screen-2024031814332367.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFOZTYHMOtkrkCXxN12OaLHt65l1lVXczqRuPu9JRikb-Doi3VsFg4F5KTtbzQgJRn0FwtbkeHDib2UoU8hWGZSfL6AWpN06zlrftogQbKoLeGDVToVvK9gF2dMJwQ1pwk8g5AQCq1teJNSkzCDXaoL3D4YN-P-sTpVsVU-RGdHBn5K8szAo538FRmg/s1600/7-landing-vice-screen-2024031814332367.png" width="320" /></a></div></h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Once altitude reaches 100ft, increase airspeed to 170kn-180kn.<br /></li><li>Once altitude reaches 0, immediately level pitch.</li><li>Press R to activate reverse thrusters.</li><li>Press F7 repeatedly to reduce speed to zero.</li></ul><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBkdKgenV6l62IMSzePk6R707yqg7cZg6B43zxNMHrocliLut0Qw7S0AW_8jhadzmXbJ7KLCYA9sK_EWC98QAJvM55JLiqrHBDYgSu-sYyl1mQAU73GjcjapoRRVacBUwmzg2fw3uObLGdca1kQhDMPt7nQyf-6VKN8jHrovomah3Wk7Zkf9jQToGyA/s320/8-vice-screen-2024031814333141.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBkdKgenV6l62IMSzePk6R707yqg7cZg6B43zxNMHrocliLut0Qw7S0AW_8jhadzmXbJ7KLCYA9sK_EWC98QAJvM55JLiqrHBDYgSu-sYyl1mQAU73GjcjapoRRVacBUwmzg2fw3uObLGdca1kQhDMPt7nQyf-6VKN8jHrovomah3Wk7Zkf9jQToGyA/s1600/8-vice-screen-2024031814333141.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddHchx8IJG7rHkvNAT8a02Yy2vCH4zKFyLv9QbOgBmC0q9TXThUy8gDMNWhsb1-UWptm88VcJu0AP2P6mcVnDKj2NkhP5NryELhlEkyH2s5M1w2ES1J2HZuUfkqkNXG9AAKH43rUtwUKoQIBWO3y0mex-0hge7Uch2uqQfivx5Bn241MAe9cCemIalQ/s320/9-vice-screen-2024031814333911.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddHchx8IJG7rHkvNAT8a02Yy2vCH4zKFyLv9QbOgBmC0q9TXThUy8gDMNWhsb1-UWptm88VcJu0AP2P6mcVnDKj2NkhP5NryELhlEkyH2s5M1w2ES1J2HZuUfkqkNXG9AAKH43rUtwUKoQIBWO3y0mex-0hge7Uch2uqQfivx5Bn241MAe9cCemIalQ/s1600/9-vice-screen-2024031814333911.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p><b>GAB rating: N/A.</b> More of an education product than a full-fledged game. Like other computer flight simulators, I don't feel it makes a great deal of sense to evaluate this as I would a game designed to entertain, but I don't get the impression that this is the most polished or most professionally-developed product out there. Microprose's <i>Solo Flight</i> outclasses this in every regard imaginable.<br /></p>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-38110070178823057122024-03-16T13:24:00.000-04:002024-03-16T13:24:12.997-04:00Games 401-403: Early Anirog Software<div style="text-align: left;"></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Sometimes, Data Driven Gamer's early company retrospectives are the most personally rewarding part of the blogging experience. I get to experience the seldom-played formative products of a culturally significant brand, and see how it would lead to the games we know and love.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Other times, it's a company I'd have otherwise never heard of, whose major products are games I've never had interest in, and the only reason I'm playing them to begin with is to ensure there aren't any gaps in my knowledge.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Such is the case with Anco Software, originally known as Anirog Software, which sounds like a corruption of "Analog" but is named after founders Anil Gupta and Roger Gamon. A major British publisher best known for the Kick Off and Player Manager football series, Anco published over a hundred titles during its 20 year lifespan, making it comparable to big U.S. publishers like Broderbund. But while the name Broderbund evokes the image of numerous computer game classics, Anco evokes none for me. Selecting titles representative of their early output is difficult!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">At least, as it appears to be, Anco favored Commodore computers over Sinclair early on. Good, I say - I'd much rather emulate a VIC-20 than a ZX81 again.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Game 401: Cavern Fighter</h1>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
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<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">An utterly dreadful clone of Konami's Scramble. The controls, which use the p/l/;/. cluster to move are uncomfortable and I can't image they're much better on a real PET or VIC-20 keyboard. The space bar, when it works, fires missiles and drops bombs at the same time, but with the game's broken collision detection, either are just as likely to pass through your target as they are to hit and you can't fire again until both of them have left the screen.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">At least the game's pretty easy... on the easiest setting. Crank it up and it gets near impossible, though only because the speed increases and the controls don't get any more lenient.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>GAB rating: Bad.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Game 402: Pharoah's Tomb<br /></h1>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
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<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This one seems based on Atari's Adventure, though at least it isn't an outright clone in the same sense that Cavern Fighter is. We need to emulate a 16kb RAM expansion to make it work, which can break other VIC-20 games that don't need it. The ingame instructions tell us that we're here to search for the ancient king's magic triangle, buried deep within his trap-filled tomb. Some creatures lurk inside which can cause harm, eventually but not immediately resulting in death. You can also starve if you take too long.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Controls are still the p/l/;/ cluster.,which still isn't great, but less awful for an adventure-type game. Too bad the movement speed is <i>agonizingly</i> slow. I grab the hammer - I'm not exactly sure what it does, but you can carry more than one thing - and go in.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9xmI7d3Wk8HucYy82t2Gk3mYpuiU-s6K8bzNDVqnOE09M0HwfpQAd9K1GMeeMc2Ie2zjoHMSg5uDOOgOXzZTdXkOUPg48NQN-LesODA-dxxdoCM_WUQQ5fi5jMbkaiHi8I_bCtavyVSBNZ-OCJlWyBgKkWpUykXBz8qvI2YwprYobTEfcGGJNeH8eQ/s184/vice-screen-2024031605343825.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9xmI7d3Wk8HucYy82t2Gk3mYpuiU-s6K8bzNDVqnOE09M0HwfpQAd9K1GMeeMc2Ie2zjoHMSg5uDOOgOXzZTdXkOUPg48NQN-LesODA-dxxdoCM_WUQQ5fi5jMbkaiHi8I_bCtavyVSBNZ-OCJlWyBgKkWpUykXBz8qvI2YwprYobTEfcGGJNeH8eQ/s1600/vice-screen-2024031605343825.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">There's a key here, which I get, and what looks like a door, but it won't open. So I keep going north.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlsBG956HJnsDaG0rxdrB1s6ic_YEjkMbIzyU1t9xGYaqovdn2CREvmdcjgV_2dujVj-d1UmkeSO9XhKvogeWxOGtq2zAXwcqEG0eTrre8Iw_5m5KdaGyPqCnjngXexwXQFNFFpAs3VimYuT-eG9N3ih_luYoP2sU7uhUdsnrmQZPI3TeR1eXwnQl7Q/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlsBG956HJnsDaG0rxdrB1s6ic_YEjkMbIzyU1t9xGYaqovdn2CREvmdcjgV_2dujVj-d1UmkeSO9XhKvogeWxOGtq2zAXwcqEG0eTrre8Iw_5m5KdaGyPqCnjngXexwXQFNFFpAs3VimYuT-eG9N3ih_luYoP2sU7uhUdsnrmQZPI3TeR1eXwnQl7Q/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">A friendly lizard man walks around here. Well okay, he's not that friendly, as prolonged contact will kill you. But maneuver around him, using the stochastic trees to block his path, and you can leave.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To the right is a dark room. <br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p8TdiQQy75Rd9iu_oz_Mp_dH8Fdvp1mg-dpo5x-6W__jQiroADn0BcYgrzw5pVdSxwH5bI8_67BPCLaUEawQMCsN-97-SnQJsTaw1bhXe09XPy1KK4eSv3VIcaQjtmvo0-7OEkzr0nLT6WM94rtg-DtIElyQV53aU_HBwcn7ScL7Dzz9kiZtcZN06Q/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p8TdiQQy75Rd9iu_oz_Mp_dH8Fdvp1mg-dpo5x-6W__jQiroADn0BcYgrzw5pVdSxwH5bI8_67BPCLaUEawQMCsN-97-SnQJsTaw1bhXe09XPy1KK4eSv3VIcaQjtmvo0-7OEkzr0nLT6WM94rtg-DtIElyQV53aU_HBwcn7ScL7Dzz9kiZtcZN06Q/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Walking around will probably get you killed. Better not go here yet - go left instead, which takes you through a filler room with more trees, and then to a little maze.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQp__GOYnGh5TK3zbYTiGXgVzUs66ai7MPs9AK73F0xghE652d4CrX23DfsAMTPwDZSFpNgrbg2FH52rr1EHfEc0rn2CSSEzdnpXXDmHuJZPm34XD39JXxDCYZB3g94lcmmRk8NBQeD6-NSYA9BmkGctdKwMVI_HFmRFbmTi45VjxpJOLqUUFjhDFKg/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQp__GOYnGh5TK3zbYTiGXgVzUs66ai7MPs9AK73F0xghE652d4CrX23DfsAMTPwDZSFpNgrbg2FH52rr1EHfEc0rn2CSSEzdnpXXDmHuJZPm34XD39JXxDCYZB3g94lcmmRk8NBQeD6-NSYA9BmkGctdKwMVI_HFmRFbmTi45VjxpJOLqUUFjhDFKg/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">The "Ad" pickup gets you an ad.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs2lVBAQsVumSvZr-EVrOJZaq8xnoWVXshMTbDgxqu7V0vTzFSd6Uh3zM5zWtZP1k9bVZ02XsmO0vkmgqkyvmTt7lt86hKFbIBeiDd8yCOyvRa9M77xT66WD309XfOJcBKNSaYxOXX4v8oA4vYrVT8FAslbvD90F-62FKVLEyIsHI9jzcfKeSueXz5g/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs2lVBAQsVumSvZr-EVrOJZaq8xnoWVXshMTbDgxqu7V0vTzFSd6Uh3zM5zWtZP1k9bVZ02XsmO0vkmgqkyvmTt7lt86hKFbIBeiDd8yCOyvRa9M77xT66WD309XfOJcBKNSaYxOXX4v8oA4vYrVT8FAslbvD90F-62FKVLEyIsHI9jzcfKeSueXz5g/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Going left enters another dead-end.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bhLr3QQDYUTAxBk9GhDJM67uwGIYg8M50DD-1Svhat3alh41pidcXo0pTiuyUSgnatt0M3tBsU72xijZ3dkXiLs4s-AIJx-mpOvnV0zZJFpDmACo-Sh3X6CkcdNQ7806lrZxkMwz-oE4n1PwaGrGyaiZMV8FCPlbDJ3WSaqH0x7bUv-pT5eg2RSYBA/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bhLr3QQDYUTAxBk9GhDJM67uwGIYg8M50DD-1Svhat3alh41pidcXo0pTiuyUSgnatt0M3tBsU72xijZ3dkXiLs4s-AIJx-mpOvnV0zZJFpDmACo-Sh3X6CkcdNQ7806lrZxkMwz-oE4n1PwaGrGyaiZMV8FCPlbDJ3WSaqH0x7bUv-pT5eg2RSYBA/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That 4,000 year old apple looks tasty, but the door here doesn't open yet. Good thing the door to the <i>right</i> opens. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1pWH23cX6GA2VpqkXSkeC2ErZybGNopyrL2TBzkuYLAO-5hv4QJkwWOdxFD51clXb_AIbIAz3LJPG0Sk8zzQfkmRKpDUfDNenrv0_kYsvT5L4A3Ce39cMjIjDJh9LuRnrgMvR5KeS_5yaMetEpThRAWcWib58b9xStUn4FnRPHkC7ox1MzONZsMJTQ/s184/vice-screen-2024031605534053.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1pWH23cX6GA2VpqkXSkeC2ErZybGNopyrL2TBzkuYLAO-5hv4QJkwWOdxFD51clXb_AIbIAz3LJPG0Sk8zzQfkmRKpDUfDNenrv0_kYsvT5L4A3Ce39cMjIjDJh9LuRnrgMvR5KeS_5yaMetEpThRAWcWib58b9xStUn4FnRPHkC7ox1MzONZsMJTQ/s1600/vice-screen-2024031605534053.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;">That Space Invader paces left and right, and there doesn't seem to be any way to get through without touching it. Thankfully, you pass right through it, but there's no way to query how much damage you take doing this.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lest this isn't clear enough, your movement speed is <i>slow,</i> and the controls are sluggish and unresponsive. Getting through this one screen alone takes more than a minute.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OpEkdm3k7-tkeu_Zf-oD7ltQAgGnnet-Sjq0VVdVgYoO6MQ4aShNIym5iWENkPnYfreuv2w8GcbJMJRkenoQykJrjOcFrjdsIWYKk7zcY5bA2PHF2c8x0MvmPVYQdHq21tam2rrjPr3tRX_cJutfCNKc09zf8ul2q_2sDk-pzaDNBpQS0zLCqWVaSA/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OpEkdm3k7-tkeu_Zf-oD7ltQAgGnnet-Sjq0VVdVgYoO6MQ4aShNIym5iWENkPnYfreuv2w8GcbJMJRkenoQykJrjOcFrjdsIWYKk7zcY5bA2PHF2c8x0MvmPVYQdHq21tam2rrjPr3tRX_cJutfCNKc09zf8ul2q_2sDk-pzaDNBpQS0zLCqWVaSA/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huh, this looks familiar.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Inside the castle is another junction.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0Li_G-YhNz-tSstqr5ncxRN4G1Dxh_oQsITuqklgt-8BrMfF4Lb4SIceCTD_FwonYhNNQ9ua5zyEzRY_v3vSwZEEyTE8CJoVJlQdMsgcLDAgvK-wXoAGbSC1XbECvk4TR5rijjwnloqORC0ejYM7n7CqAVs-Pw1RzULy-Lu30cuK8oZg1bBsjY1iKw/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0Li_G-YhNz-tSstqr5ncxRN4G1Dxh_oQsITuqklgt-8BrMfF4Lb4SIceCTD_FwonYhNNQ9ua5zyEzRY_v3vSwZEEyTE8CJoVJlQdMsgcLDAgvK-wXoAGbSC1XbECvk4TR5rijjwnloqORC0ejYM7n7CqAVs-Pw1RzULy-Lu30cuK8oZg1bBsjY1iKw/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">Here, both doors will open, but you don't want to go into the room in the upper-left. It fills with sand, burying you. To the right is another dead-end.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjqWDAfldm1yz3B42jkEdTwch3mxj9hBfrbAUgeLLrRUX8Y6EDEzKvd13K6u9Kb0VBNYii83Ezs4-ZUTpB54LhBd0iSl1OICaeLhYhp0h5oMv30wgbaaNM-zdxwtoZWxYCYwzDUFH7vcNHIP4T7g95GFcfcumVCsg7D-nZU_c7CxRXJTL06pdIALKWg/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjqWDAfldm1yz3B42jkEdTwch3mxj9hBfrbAUgeLLrRUX8Y6EDEzKvd13K6u9Kb0VBNYii83Ezs4-ZUTpB54LhBd0iSl1OICaeLhYhp0h5oMv30wgbaaNM-zdxwtoZWxYCYwzDUFH7vcNHIP4T7g95GFcfcumVCsg7D-nZU_c7CxRXJTL06pdIALKWg/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">The door here doesn't open yet. So we go north instead.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fI-xLb7M3NON4s_I5hMchMri1crmO1mpPQ5hwbz9aR5G2yUSHKQnGoA5tXUig9NaSJRsdVLskVcyTcOoq32VezkGD8w9UMDY6qZOXhXBBJk-HsCysS5LWtktqP2NOIjAW_wwt23OGBuxqU4TQX5cmnOZLmjH5b86guTtlHv8N6cq8zP7UOZ60u8iKw/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fI-xLb7M3NON4s_I5hMchMri1crmO1mpPQ5hwbz9aR5G2yUSHKQnGoA5tXUig9NaSJRsdVLskVcyTcOoq32VezkGD8w9UMDY6qZOXhXBBJk-HsCysS5LWtktqP2NOIjAW_wwt23OGBuxqU4TQX5cmnOZLmjH5b86guTtlHv8N6cq8zP7UOZ60u8iKw/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">It's a lamp, I think. I grab it, and continue west through these caves, past a room with an easily avoided bat, and into a chamber beyond.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w5KhaN0yNvI-QUi6g0O0m6694Zp6482elJMhxUxBuuTvSYBnk6r4myVAX58Heere1m-J73LbNaqb_6O00pzFWIZtX-OtB1mbLj0GNXhaBTmArgyEauosek9AS8AVi4kdn0geSyd8We6FKRYjFNSlbQjMtxZ2d_hn1wfCCtN7E_DY5TM5CL7f0kRK_g/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w5KhaN0yNvI-QUi6g0O0m6694Zp6482elJMhxUxBuuTvSYBnk6r4myVAX58Heere1m-J73LbNaqb_6O00pzFWIZtX-OtB1mbLj0GNXhaBTmArgyEauosek9AS8AVi4kdn0geSyd8We6FKRYjFNSlbQjMtxZ2d_hn1wfCCtN7E_DY5TM5CL7f0kRK_g/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p style="text-align: left;">I have no idea what that blue thing is supposed to be, but the door here opens, so I take it. And begin the long, slow walk back to the dark room near the pyramid entrance.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkc83DcbPuJXSJTlJX5xhfIG6k8dDFdMIAVqWX0FNPFi1RDuTfuoghXbDv4KwG76nXtmjsg0rKUIcwC81BiLOn_1qucbGzJ2rSv0wuy2wyHwD5gKYawWg8BF0itA8TXCKJ7E24xTWNWvcmuPiKXYJbh9InXn693e14y_vJdfouyjrGVPnF3Cclnb_PtQ/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkc83DcbPuJXSJTlJX5xhfIG6k8dDFdMIAVqWX0FNPFi1RDuTfuoghXbDv4KwG76nXtmjsg0rKUIcwC81BiLOn_1qucbGzJ2rSv0wuy2wyHwD5gKYawWg8BF0itA8TXCKJ7E24xTWNWvcmuPiKXYJbh9InXn693e14y_vJdfouyjrGVPnF3Cclnb_PtQ/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to the lamp (I think), we can see it's full of holes. And more holes open up as you walk around - if one randomly opens up right underneath your feet, or they open up in a manner that makes it impossible to return to the door, sucks to be you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I get the shovel and go back. Carefully. The shovel lets me get that... thing from the room with the sand trap, and then I can open the door in the room with the river and cross to the right.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_oZOWWuqp4YcGv8z2gYW3NuNgvfsv6DPGvHWIjOzUSZjF7v3-C5kzhplZIJFQGmEhtj4kvbPdgp8MMOjSXpfBTUhiEvDvbU6QTwl7edU-nrGjgDImjAyCFAJI-76Xv6dBJkp2lyCAWElChlp03Ey7UZNOqrVoSmy05O_K7BdaFoG6rh_vjw_cpXD7g/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_oZOWWuqp4YcGv8z2gYW3NuNgvfsv6DPGvHWIjOzUSZjF7v3-C5kzhplZIJFQGmEhtj4kvbPdgp8MMOjSXpfBTUhiEvDvbU6QTwl7edU-nrGjgDImjAyCFAJI-76Xv6dBJkp2lyCAWElChlp03Ey7UZNOqrVoSmy05O_K7BdaFoG6rh_vjw_cpXD7g/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">I grab the key here.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Now, do I go into the room up north, or do I go back and see what this key can unlock?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I try the new mystery room first.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9T1gIRP7KqLXBSHAlCct5WSyoVUiBno_QYtn7WfSdpKTH9sO5NKMHnyT6zC1t5nNLE0l5r8FhTs5rF0mXN0CrEeJL3t6epEw8T3LP3GuKuspIDPm5LswDO_BmcghXd36RxfcIBTC3Xv2mCISc-Y2i2a534u311HTiVCzcECfixk2q5L7P_f7g72_9g/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9T1gIRP7KqLXBSHAlCct5WSyoVUiBno_QYtn7WfSdpKTH9sO5NKMHnyT6zC1t5nNLE0l5r8FhTs5rF0mXN0CrEeJL3t6epEw8T3LP3GuKuspIDPm5LswDO_BmcghXd36RxfcIBTC3Xv2mCISc-Y2i2a534u311HTiVCzcECfixk2q5L7P_f7g72_9g/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">Ok, what happens if I grab the '?' pickup?</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc-D6cfTNlgclECo2CU-VioZjT7uGYkR-6u27sBsElLuuElbk_qyj-GEWgzoSnL8-r_0M8gD9DfnLTAGWFIsaHOcV_twYRrpeNDznLUbN-KphrE2HFr93H2SdIVqDBk5AIUU2H3hb2e8M3aOkNH707thN0-qMhdP3y5ylRFlR5-LGy1LY2GpbWaaT5g/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc-D6cfTNlgclECo2CU-VioZjT7uGYkR-6u27sBsElLuuElbk_qyj-GEWgzoSnL8-r_0M8gD9DfnLTAGWFIsaHOcV_twYRrpeNDznLUbN-KphrE2HFr93H2SdIVqDBk5AIUU2H3hb2e8M3aOkNH707thN0-qMhdP3y5ylRFlR5-LGy1LY2GpbWaaT5g/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">Of course. I get surrounded by frickin' lasers is what happens. Touching them kills you.<br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But getting the key and backtracking isn't any better. Not now.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR-iH8R8R1fC-UY5iJeq1DV2DVSoGTp3b91NNOv1gO0Lw9EbpAeynx2K4n0MK63V8Bo24TmRR7D8_Z846MmCpHQhx8O6e3TC3mgivxEO9GKZls1VGZMYXr1VPgqtPGtb6WX5nk2m7fmH_v9t6RVnfvLLwcXjAGJ5MaFAov3d_tPck9_86n3Dvre0vMw/s184/untitled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="176" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR-iH8R8R1fC-UY5iJeq1DV2DVSoGTp3b91NNOv1gO0Lw9EbpAeynx2K4n0MK63V8Bo24TmRR7D8_Z846MmCpHQhx8O6e3TC3mgivxEO9GKZls1VGZMYXr1VPgqtPGtb6WX5nk2m7fmH_v9t6RVnfvLLwcXjAGJ5MaFAov3d_tPck9_86n3Dvre0vMw/s1600/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You should have packed a lunch, Birmingham Smith.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">I have no idea how to get any farther and I don't care. This adventure sucks.</div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>GAB rating: Bad.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Game 403: Skramble</h1>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJUnulitajS0vbyZw3xhFYj9zG0cqJN47jhRDTu4-st3ecABUTnH88FskUCszcW1SHohmsd-86YOtePRgs5pAhfmgVqgwRgDiKaaxWlybJpC9EO6vhCV6Jh2u2WEE9lUpAR_l5F2oDgRfRm7kFANsmWjy5-46Q4iEBvW710RCO9x-pxbUmWw9UFB8dg/s304/vice-screen-2024031607030052.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="304" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJUnulitajS0vbyZw3xhFYj9zG0cqJN47jhRDTu4-st3ecABUTnH88FskUCszcW1SHohmsd-86YOtePRgs5pAhfmgVqgwRgDiKaaxWlybJpC9EO6vhCV6Jh2u2WEE9lUpAR_l5F2oDgRfRm7kFANsmWjy5-46Q4iEBvW710RCO9x-pxbUmWw9UFB8dg/s1600/vice-screen-2024031607030052.png" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That disclaimer is rich coming from this game.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p style="text-align: left;">We're back to Scramble clones again - seems there were a <i>lot</i> of U.K. Scramble clones called Skramble, but this one is Anirog's, and this time the lead platform is the Commodore 64. At least I think it is - a VIC-20 version was also released the same year, but the C64 version is credited to Darrell Etherington, the author of the original Cavern Fighter.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="600" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H3D8QRAwlJA?modestbranding=1;showinfo=0;rel=0" width="684"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">And it's actually fairly competent! Or at least it seems that way compared to Etherington's last version. It's smooth for a computer game, though not quite arcade smooth. You still fire missiles and drop bombs with the same button, but at least this version is joystick compatible, and the collision detection works fine.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Skramble is not a challenging game - it has no difficulty options, and I beat the initial six-stage loop on my first try and didn't feel like continuing. It's also a nearly 1:1 replica of Scramble - itself not the most challenging arcade game of its day - right down to the stage layouts and the final challenge of bombing a tricky target by the "Anirog" headquarters. Not one iota of gameplay is original here, folks, giving me not much to talk about.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>GAB rating: Average.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
</div>
</div>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-29274006973340097372024-03-12T17:46:00.004-04:002024-03-12T17:46:24.040-04:00Game 400: Twinbee<div style="text-align: left;"></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;">Going a bit out of order here, TwinBee, not Gradius, was the first game that Konami developed for their Bubble System arcade board. Unlike Gradius, it has a proper two player mode. I wanted to play it with "B" in order to cover properly, but illness, weather, and more illness delayed this session, and therefore, this post.</p><p style="text-align: left;">TwinBee, much like Capcom's debut Vulgus from the year before, is a vertical shooter that draws mainly from Xevious. If anything, it copies the formula more closely, bringing back secondary air-to-surface bombs, which are guided with generous aim assistance instead of an onscreen reticle. Some of the enemy movement patterns, like the shot-evading strawberry ships, and shot-blocking spinning baseball bats downright rip off Xevious! And yet it plays quite differently, thanks to a powerup system based around colored bells, anticipating the more advanced Gradius system to follow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="600" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hKcaeQzqvAs?modestbranding=1;showinfo=0;rel=0" width="450"></iframe></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I'll say this up front - TwinBee is better than Vulgus, but it isn't half as good as Xevious, even with a two player co-op mode. The sense of progression and difficulty just isn't there - the six stages get faster and busier, but they just feel randomly designed and repetitive, with little to distinguish one stretch of gameplay from another. Ground targets aren't nearly as big a factor as in Xevious, and there are no targets of opportunity that tempt you to go out of your way to bomb them for extra points. And apart from the Twinbee sprites, the pastel-colored visuals aren't imbued with much personality beyond "cute." Though the music's not bad.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">At least, unlike Vulgus, there are bombs to add <i>some</i> variety, and there's a cute little mechanic involving them - if you get a hand shot off, your bomb power is cut in half, and if both hands are shot off, you lose bombs entirely until you touch an ambulance powerup, which restores both of your hands. Also, in co-op, you and your partner can hold hands, which turns your shots into powerful giant bullets, though doing this also makes you a double-wide target until you separate.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The biggest issue, much like in Gradius to come, lies with the powerup system, which both "B" and I found frustrating and confusing. Shooting clouds sometimes spawns yellow bells, which can be juggled and eventually changed into powerups by shooting them repeatedly - every five shots changes it to a non-yellow color corresponding to an ability; blue for speed, red for shields, white for double shots, and green for screen-clearing options. A sixth shot, far too easy to do by accident with a stray bullet, changes it back to yellow. Counting the shots on each bell is pretty futile, especially once you get a fire powerup of your own and shoot multiple bullets per discharge - it's better, though still very difficult, to just hold your fire once you see a color you want and grab it while avoiding enemies and their bullets.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Make no mistake, you need powerups to survive for very long. And if you do survive long, one hit will ruin your day, just like in Gradius. You lose everything, and with your pitiful default speed, you don't have much of a chance of surviving in the later levels long enough to color-cycle and snag the powerups that you so desperately need. It's not quite as murderously difficult as Gradius, but it's still far too unforgiving.</p></div><p style="text-align: left;">One clever bit of design is that the yellow bells are worth big points with consecutive pickups, eventually earning you extra lives. But the extra lives don't help much if you can't survive for more than a few seconds on a fresh Twinbee, so doing this is mostly about the points.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">"B" absolutely preferred Gradius over Twinbee, citing his frustration with Twinbee's bells, his difficulty in seeing the bullets on Twinbee's busy backgrounds, and the repetitive design compared to Gradius' variety of set pieces. And I'm inclined to agree with these points, though the insane difficulty of Gradius harms my estimation of it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I played one-player for a little while to see if I could get any farther, and I could, but it's difficult; solo mode disallows continues. I did find I lasted longer when I made an effort to collect red bells for shields, and to avoid the green bells for options, which are mutually exclusive. Making the screen bullet hell for your enemies is cool, but shields let you take hits without dying and losing everything and are renewable, and you can collect a three-way splitter gun from certain ground targets anyway. In fact, the game gets rather easy with the shield and splitter combo, a least until your shield runs out. Then you scramble to get a new red bell to replace it before you take another hit.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In my best run, the shield ran out just before I made it to the final boss, where I got hit and died. And then, having no opportunity to gain any power ups since there were no bells, got hit again and again and lost the rest of my lives.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="600" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GliyU_0pB0M?modestbranding=1;showinfo=0;rel=0" width="450"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>GAB rating: Average. </b>Konami's first game on the doomed Bubble System isn't much more than a manic Xevious clone with worse craftmanship, way better music, and a very flawed powerup system that would ruin Gradius with its absolutely unforgiving one-hit-and-you-might-as-well-quit feedback loop. The same system doesn't ruin Twinbee quite as badly, but there's less here to ruin.<br /></p></div>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-20022051699477607512024-03-08T09:25:00.002-05:002024-03-08T09:25:50.079-05:00Final PhantasieOne dungeon left, and it's only a short swim away from the starting town of Pelnor, which I teleported to, after swapping Lenny back into the lead.<p>I went into the castle, protected from its fear curse by Zeus's rune.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWkU01bvrgFqs9k31Lw7Oi0iJX5p6ws0A4LjmKl0jaw93fcfLwYpoAgxOoj39DNckGN161-OxyEanF4-z1lQgx3f3RfxZDQ8oGWeRjkS33TjtNfDwg9hyphenhyphen0NLidCDho9-LEPCGYR5uHIBiE2FrAP6b6GdForYKorxoxEeYYEAZGTxeJksB6sw9hj_GmA/s280/P1dungV111_000000006.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWkU01bvrgFqs9k31Lw7Oi0iJX5p6ws0A4LjmKl0jaw93fcfLwYpoAgxOoj39DNckGN161-OxyEanF4-z1lQgx3f3RfxZDQ8oGWeRjkS33TjtNfDwg9hyphenhyphen0NLidCDho9-LEPCGYR5uHIBiE2FrAP6b6GdForYKorxoxEeYYEAZGTxeJksB6sw9hj_GmA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000006.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>Predictably, black knights guarded the gate. Predictably, I beat them easily.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_DHPXFs-Xff2ZbnvM47JmIEecB1GaES66yqY_5vwc9jTeuD4EnIZ9DhcOD3lZz1I_t-j1RrLyhNsc63wWqfE90z_WED_wyGRSrDvAjCmqzKsdbaHipR9prZQjntPVzmOVD-Bbbxl7tyi-i1WACHOvwB7gTcMOBoRlMDNLPnsIJy8IlPFn22crE_otg/s280/P1bootV111_000000023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_DHPXFs-Xff2ZbnvM47JmIEecB1GaES66yqY_5vwc9jTeuD4EnIZ9DhcOD3lZz1I_t-j1RrLyhNsc63wWqfE90z_WED_wyGRSrDvAjCmqzKsdbaHipR9prZQjntPVzmOVD-Bbbxl7tyi-i1WACHOvwB7gTcMOBoRlMDNLPnsIJy8IlPFn22crE_otg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000023.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>Unsurprisingly, a lot of black knights guard the rooms here. They aren't much of a threat to an appropriately leveled party with good HP management, but you need magic to kill them efficiently, and this took its toll on my once-substantial potion supply as I explored the castle. Spirits, though less common, proved costlier, often needing multiple casts of the expensive Quadruple Mindblast to kill most of them.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcz8Hg_SxvpLVIH-JTYdY-BwUi4tqTdESxJCNb85nXZdNxVUSZFSGtU1ugKU6K0rGvA8VxsD70h7kuJBSw-yD1x4wGXSVyAtDh9fkmoWHn6SoGXDteZ0oeOWTMO7RV8YmDgBvHTbgPPSGlE76VdRCGm63PWyI2TZGihUsPC1KpVOwKkAlr9114qJfow/s280/P1bootV111_000000024.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcz8Hg_SxvpLVIH-JTYdY-BwUi4tqTdESxJCNb85nXZdNxVUSZFSGtU1ugKU6K0rGvA8VxsD70h7kuJBSw-yD1x4wGXSVyAtDh9fkmoWHn6SoGXDteZ0oeOWTMO7RV8YmDgBvHTbgPPSGlE76VdRCGm63PWyI2TZGihUsPC1KpVOwKkAlr9114qJfow/s1600/P1bootV111_000000024.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A devil guard<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB4s_8Onr_YHSzxgIGPeFbNMFPGz-xPVWgQpeOdFiM3bi_ZTQbbvRI-ma4K33CwNXeQ94j8-ZxnyYoiBW-mfPwX6srZ223kOxN1KMFHIIwj8vRZgy1HtuN8_8BxY_U89-_scgGDIbU8XVaQt9KwcqFjAzzN0cDbBW_2Ke8WlYC5NvvBiwlIQDhU5ThQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000025.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB4s_8Onr_YHSzxgIGPeFbNMFPGz-xPVWgQpeOdFiM3bi_ZTQbbvRI-ma4K33CwNXeQ94j8-ZxnyYoiBW-mfPwX6srZ223kOxN1KMFHIIwj8vRZgy1HtuN8_8BxY_U89-_scgGDIbU8XVaQt9KwcqFjAzzN0cDbBW_2Ke8WlYC5NvvBiwlIQDhU5ThQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000025.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New enemy - Dragon King! He's a wimp, but sits on good treasure.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVpXVdDGcLL8ZTVREfgMD45aIsaBsAQDcF8NMu35RiMyxf3kysTpxxGlkpLBouK4aKCXpxYvsF91i1ii-X29-ggFNIFqe_yvRyKsG52TvK-bz1-c4XHz1z58Vc5in0cLPBmm-jVhDE1E6k0fUPu-dlQp79FG-vsRLK0_nzPOP0Igqh-P0JnfGBgiMGQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000026.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVpXVdDGcLL8ZTVREfgMD45aIsaBsAQDcF8NMu35RiMyxf3kysTpxxGlkpLBouK4aKCXpxYvsF91i1ii-X29-ggFNIFqe_yvRyKsG52TvK-bz1-c4XHz1z58Vc5in0cLPBmm-jVhDE1E6k0fUPu-dlQp79FG-vsRLK0_nzPOP0Igqh-P0JnfGBgiMGQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000026.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never seen that before, but he goes down in round 2 without needing magic.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLINx9s9Z6eu3w2vzgPVUSSq5S1tKXjZI851Tcsh0rYASuLr6eRBSh9Jx5oHJGv08s3MjScSCLGh-AYeELlwY7fRezsEtxcObqSD65V7pTuRQLVc_JE4oyTXePu4jo2C5Qtz4cOxdmxvwVAn1R5vJpOtf5LW_RB0iaI38nKN_KLRS-SVlz1Evh9bPOsg/s280/P1bootV111_000000027.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLINx9s9Z6eu3w2vzgPVUSSq5S1tKXjZI851Tcsh0rYASuLr6eRBSh9Jx5oHJGv08s3MjScSCLGh-AYeELlwY7fRezsEtxcObqSD65V7pTuRQLVc_JE4oyTXePu4jo2C5Qtz4cOxdmxvwVAn1R5vJpOtf5LW_RB0iaI38nKN_KLRS-SVlz1Evh9bPOsg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000027.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dead-end.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD-uK9ZWz5M-UE6gRK8qnHWt_DQtNerENoUyQPlS9TewFWnygiroevlfrOFpRUBTcXfBMAduj7mpCOCrOzW3kFOLEdeJ0oQqgbDcWjyrYhc_khXdZOzKSUQRArZDbotT2WUfoj0hHgmTCSPOEyiGc2rqCBUT0WYMHs_B6XGlfJpefX95UWmWhobmQng/s280/P1bootV111_000000029.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD-uK9ZWz5M-UE6gRK8qnHWt_DQtNerENoUyQPlS9TewFWnygiroevlfrOFpRUBTcXfBMAduj7mpCOCrOzW3kFOLEdeJ0oQqgbDcWjyrYhc_khXdZOzKSUQRArZDbotT2WUfoj0hHgmTCSPOEyiGc2rqCBUT0WYMHs_B6XGlfJpefX95UWmWhobmQng/s1600/P1bootV111_000000029.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the next one, also guarded by water elemental, teleports me to the southeast corner!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5V7_rKobp6TgNDf4WaO07XQ9WCdGs73N_EYBhVp1jyqke8WkK46rzIipQ2ADKFO0ZJhFVLQK06EoK9jGT-DEuc-5jS7zlN9VPQ-GVGuarI13wGYjew31h32ymWbOU8Y5ynV5sALx9F3YQ7CZHcW3niJmlmHvVl6BP6oFDuDXlHzoo1vpq-tOJUGppA/s280/P1bootV111_000000030.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5V7_rKobp6TgNDf4WaO07XQ9WCdGs73N_EYBhVp1jyqke8WkK46rzIipQ2ADKFO0ZJhFVLQK06EoK9jGT-DEuc-5jS7zlN9VPQ-GVGuarI13wGYjew31h32ymWbOU8Y5ynV5sALx9F3YQ7CZHcW3niJmlmHvVl6BP6oFDuDXlHzoo1vpq-tOJUGppA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000030.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More dead-ends with water elementals.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9k_e5V3ufpTWs2A9qh8t4MFiFwxP2WxeEi1DTgTLtoJ9fYULKPUV5gHsTX21mFVEotkeNrQ_6sh6LRr_V-n0qnwLotxbDdB6rdjXgvrHEV5C-jKL6OYkOuOjvKT3ibe7bbW8bFMdEQJEr9OsUJ-kipgxwjD2mfZmmNASWZji2SgMZWR2H-w8OVeC-w/s280/P1bootV111_000000031.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9k_e5V3ufpTWs2A9qh8t4MFiFwxP2WxeEi1DTgTLtoJ9fYULKPUV5gHsTX21mFVEotkeNrQ_6sh6LRr_V-n0qnwLotxbDdB6rdjXgvrHEV5C-jKL6OYkOuOjvKT3ibe7bbW8bFMdEQJEr9OsUJ-kipgxwjD2mfZmmNASWZji2SgMZWR2H-w8OVeC-w/s1600/P1bootV111_000000031.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the other side, just to be sure.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Before taking the teleporter, I left and returned to Pelnor one last time to heal, save, and level up Minmax, who finally learned Quadruple Quickness, though as of late I had not been relying on Quickness spells very much, preferring to save MP for direct damage spells on monsters resistant to physical harm. The run's loot, sadly, had been nothing but pointless gold and gems, and only four magic potions remained.</p><p>I returned and took the teleporter, and advanced through the stone passage it took me to. An entrance to the throne room was at the end of it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtO3Em_lfimvvf7APJM_d3Zpw6OH6XR7qC9OM87URB1wTRNH3PelMQDFpHwqhqxbNwZfuCKAep7hudp49-irCQdw6dOLfXTsRBgEl3J9VyBR8aNMu3vRb0xfOEUWCCKsfR4jccQwFgvzwPnF7F3klrcXj5_LMVF_lIzOwTmr6u_QpQVBWqxWE8HZHdg/s280/P1bootV111_000000032.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtO3Em_lfimvvf7APJM_d3Zpw6OH6XR7qC9OM87URB1wTRNH3PelMQDFpHwqhqxbNwZfuCKAep7hudp49-irCQdw6dOLfXTsRBgEl3J9VyBR8aNMu3vRb0xfOEUWCCKsfR4jccQwFgvzwPnF7F3klrcXj5_LMVF_lIzOwTmr6u_QpQVBWqxWE8HZHdg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000032.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, more black knights!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp3rMTI2FHw09gwR9ahO98ccoqdwokmQTEYzRiP9NlZ-1wjNNsW3hUtd1Wi0cnuLiV_sJIMhX54wTvKzVh7ycl1wbZBvzvSwQoZ9dMnnkrsbtqedupDgfB665v6wl9GNVcJUW5qy7X4YjWn7cvgeoZxSPGcjuNxzba6dhkuf4h3XBCRGXN0bKJBl_ow/s280/P1bootV111_000000033.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp3rMTI2FHw09gwR9ahO98ccoqdwokmQTEYzRiP9NlZ-1wjNNsW3hUtd1Wi0cnuLiV_sJIMhX54wTvKzVh7ycl1wbZBvzvSwQoZ9dMnnkrsbtqedupDgfB665v6wl9GNVcJUW5qy7X4YjWn7cvgeoZxSPGcjuNxzba6dhkuf4h3XBCRGXN0bKJBl_ow/s1600/P1bootV111_000000033.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Three chairs sat at the north end.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuhDNcJpdE5KweT-k0r-fIYL6TGq83C_mWeshv1U9xyprV_cy7s8JiaLN4m4yCS8iQcgWvYGY3essFmQv82sNuzaCLzW1ZaqX9xwRNTfGFZws9nBgRoQUAkb28iMQBmvkSxNvBPue7oegqqfTYQUB-9OxnHYLGIRh7XkH_9_LxFs0OFkMwvRl8Rdydg/s280/P1bootV111_000000034.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuhDNcJpdE5KweT-k0r-fIYL6TGq83C_mWeshv1U9xyprV_cy7s8JiaLN4m4yCS8iQcgWvYGY3essFmQv82sNuzaCLzW1ZaqX9xwRNTfGFZws9nBgRoQUAkb28iMQBmvkSxNvBPue7oegqqfTYQUB-9OxnHYLGIRh7XkH_9_LxFs0OFkMwvRl8Rdydg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000034.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>I smashed the center one, and walked through the secret passage to the north, where The Black Lord fired a warning shot.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNSYmZsIlLCpUHk9IdFZYUx5wowyYw6TnvZFe5FKpqmYYy6B8JDzXNQq170y-EFHD1cHZNXvatyYnPRkkyflpAg4uX4XRPVtT3GPKmEbnxAFGMf4pagG5ZBosfOvAMQY9zcktB-TesY8L_GG8x06os2rMnJgmz8cIPBNrVDZ1ZqeDL9xSpDrSnSyuIQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000035.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNSYmZsIlLCpUHk9IdFZYUx5wowyYw6TnvZFe5FKpqmYYy6B8JDzXNQq170y-EFHD1cHZNXvatyYnPRkkyflpAg4uX4XRPVtT3GPKmEbnxAFGMf4pagG5ZBosfOvAMQY9zcktB-TesY8L_GG8x06os2rMnJgmz8cIPBNrVDZ1ZqeDL9xSpDrSnSyuIQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000035.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"That tickles!" - Minmax<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I kept going, and he fired a few more lightning bolts at premarked spots through the corridor, until I caught up with him at the end of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvLWhcv1oEIiDfvVHIyzAWB1GhGJ6LVHn1BDwT7pVkP5rDGayx42RxK7WeKOivrU-5nbtHT180aY16znyyn4eAFK-vaG28myASIi3vbn0nov6ISZbzoML6zMBXseuCFz2mcy0dLKYBJGUQRMFSTlGKxqQEYA1_Pm-8fLlbidklK6Q20DLQXkYFxNslw/s280/P1bootV111_000000036.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvLWhcv1oEIiDfvVHIyzAWB1GhGJ6LVHn1BDwT7pVkP5rDGayx42RxK7WeKOivrU-5nbtHT180aY16znyyn4eAFK-vaG28myASIi3vbn0nov6ISZbzoML6zMBXseuCFz2mcy0dLKYBJGUQRMFSTlGKxqQEYA1_Pm-8fLlbidklK6Q20DLQXkYFxNslw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000036.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEVZso1jCloEfkPRTmaBOQJMxL4D1jUJm_DCBdQQnesHQeIQu0RAXOQxtKectKLrNuXQSc6vCr7mb0YkEwMuVW7rovDmCMM4HK8u-m5zWaOb0iCVteD7KzRQLlg-GM-LqQHQKLuB5yobUPzmcDgeE8pccJfGVNRUMUWTPwlsrEPx1CKvLaOkKvZlbcQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000038.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEVZso1jCloEfkPRTmaBOQJMxL4D1jUJm_DCBdQQnesHQeIQu0RAXOQxtKectKLrNuXQSc6vCr7mb0YkEwMuVW7rovDmCMM4HK8u-m5zWaOb0iCVteD7KzRQLlg-GM-LqQHQKLuB5yobUPzmcDgeE8pccJfGVNRUMUWTPwlsrEPx1CKvLaOkKvZlbcQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000038.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously, I picked option 1 here.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>I went north first, after the wand. The ground trembled again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q47aIbNYaruokONG_uFvdrp3FWbLoKoyfUV8jBiKj1NIJYF5GtK-djjm-iBJLkU7xe14z8u0gnaVhSqdIyUBX5frPnCNA6opOV9kNF6pk2FE9z1oXIGGYVwnmBpQgrx8Z9E6W80RfVw8hEy3nQ0L_z9MeprvXIo8MNXU9H-ZazqN4Uu8fCe9kFYRfg/s280/P1bootV111_000000039.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Q47aIbNYaruokONG_uFvdrp3FWbLoKoyfUV8jBiKj1NIJYF5GtK-djjm-iBJLkU7xe14z8u0gnaVhSqdIyUBX5frPnCNA6opOV9kNF6pk2FE9z1oXIGGYVwnmBpQgrx8Z9E6W80RfVw8hEy3nQ0L_z9MeprvXIo8MNXU9H-ZazqN4Uu8fCe9kFYRfg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000039.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>I waved it, and found myself teleported.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIwBvBxmIfDXbGBH0C0yNSexd5K98a49tW9w9LkYVLvtarZ1eAKD6vU0_9Qk9y1Gz6wAAotICzQEFE0IFaZ6t-HUKcSejYqgdaZmemAZGZTEFbGME0FUwgIe8jKN00wxLBV4XdFVKuHX5HpC0mA24KNiImQBf7DMqZC8rFDEsPBvoMcP6jE8b47lPaQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000040.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIwBvBxmIfDXbGBH0C0yNSexd5K98a49tW9w9LkYVLvtarZ1eAKD6vU0_9Qk9y1Gz6wAAotICzQEFE0IFaZ6t-HUKcSejYqgdaZmemAZGZTEFbGME0FUwgIe8jKN00wxLBV4XdFVKuHX5HpC0mA24KNiImQBf7DMqZC8rFDEsPBvoMcP6jE8b47lPaQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000040.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><p>A scroll sits on a pedestal in one corner. An old man sits in the other.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq0Bn1SB1l3aF3RbVIKRs2JQUzzzs9B9HGdEhDsz9N2Z0QYZ33ZPhLZi-caCPS8BOdjSXDWt8MHhKEFg6D5GyRLNWPcMkE7XEP8J7oJlKc-NnqoKU80gB7e72XUvZrrTxZujxtPvV9mFiJm6cz7imv8caENvrekhAbcOHR0QGF-XaNTIiQ8jpxvHXog/s280/P1bootV111_000000041.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq0Bn1SB1l3aF3RbVIKRs2JQUzzzs9B9HGdEhDsz9N2Z0QYZ33ZPhLZi-caCPS8BOdjSXDWt8MHhKEFg6D5GyRLNWPcMkE7XEP8J7oJlKc-NnqoKU80gB7e72XUvZrrTxZujxtPvV9mFiJm6cz7imv8caENvrekhAbcOHR0QGF-XaNTIiQ8jpxvHXog/s1600/P1bootV111_000000041.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Of course I want to fight!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8xcgfyBUNYLnDZ18gORsrQ0Lt-ZuCt1uA3IDK6HuotpYRvbDOWmPODJBS8YLUpxK7UqoxoGoE60pBCPqsKM_q4JzYJqNp0AW4Dpnb1nm7avuz31jTXox-u9_V08TaMU1X2IO6LWwLDf_GZx3GWSmPWgC5yWIlpJGqdL3ACdqfzVTJ6ZgJ8R61o0QLQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000042.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8xcgfyBUNYLnDZ18gORsrQ0Lt-ZuCt1uA3IDK6HuotpYRvbDOWmPODJBS8YLUpxK7UqoxoGoE60pBCPqsKM_q4JzYJqNp0AW4Dpnb1nm7avuz31jTXox-u9_V08TaMU1X2IO6LWwLDf_GZx3GWSmPWgC5yWIlpJGqdL3ACdqfzVTJ6ZgJ8R61o0QLQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000042.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>He awaits at the end of the fissure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD04NSjkqnIyDuZA8NfE2ilD0-JzVdq6QnIds2f8fNVV1Fb6Z2wsSnHEaqzxIsVf0TYxHGr0zLHHLhy1eH5Uc7v-t1pLLSET_Z0fVvo5JbT6jEBY56bjWtqWSXukoJ-gwE_94bOU2gwB2c6WNkI-OrCxzPsQ6sktq02SAuq9pxDR2cC3Ocu4SInJQA7Q/s280/P1bootV111_000000043.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD04NSjkqnIyDuZA8NfE2ilD0-JzVdq6QnIds2f8fNVV1Fb6Z2wsSnHEaqzxIsVf0TYxHGr0zLHHLhy1eH5Uc7v-t1pLLSET_Z0fVvo5JbT6jEBY56bjWtqWSXukoJ-gwE_94bOU2gwB2c6WNkI-OrCxzPsQ6sktq02SAuq9pxDR2cC3Ocu4SInJQA7Q/s1600/P1bootV111_000000043.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImgCDvg-rXB9FBGASBT4uoo00ukjBJgO_1cFjqKFhF-UKsRnWh5kjZWAbbRRpgyuYBdoaburFT6Pg_sCHCezlQmD9OpjqksDYWEwWor0clMdUd3L2q-xQBg3IvS7tH1x0pnTPSCf9LpgjxiPXr4VaYUVdNfuPO1YQpPsMmE3Y8nO8AD7i8nH0YOrgmw/s280/P1bootV111_000000044.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImgCDvg-rXB9FBGASBT4uoo00ukjBJgO_1cFjqKFhF-UKsRnWh5kjZWAbbRRpgyuYBdoaburFT6Pg_sCHCezlQmD9OpjqksDYWEwWor0clMdUd3L2q-xQBg3IvS7tH1x0pnTPSCf9LpgjxiPXr4VaYUVdNfuPO1YQpPsMmE3Y8nO8AD7i8nH0YOrgmw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000044.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>And like a palooka, he goes down in round one from a mere two castings of Quadruple Fireflash. Doesn't even get a chance to hurt us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutIRYa5Y6bs-bFKoiQCImkiXMoIwfSo9fSSxdErD0TivMvFqL_3fDWAv3HH9Bi9F_YOI1Q9H0zRSk-pTQN9geth56WmN8fXnqnIcrBNvebbGt6h0ARnaGrGL5EhpTEj-mam-SBkZly2ABdY_-Y8En84iXrClS5lA12EUIkbtIXHx_-aM1kvYkf1OqAQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000045.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutIRYa5Y6bs-bFKoiQCImkiXMoIwfSo9fSSxdErD0TivMvFqL_3fDWAv3HH9Bi9F_YOI1Q9H0zRSk-pTQN9geth56WmN8fXnqnIcrBNvebbGt6h0ARnaGrGL5EhpTEj-mam-SBkZly2ABdY_-Y8En84iXrClS5lA12EUIkbtIXHx_-aM1kvYkf1OqAQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000045.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>We are magically whisked away to Olympus.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqQ_DjBJTMUPE2Gn4CvhbOlzSYDIGg70N8piwOSzXVNpKNEJYQWqQTSyLBqLDquSKF8KXzLsi47AGWyURqNomyLC2hek8VTZJZ8t412a_WjJT-u2eSE3W9YdddDnUbOlBDeCbUUbEcfTwiOdRhjMkI8rEi5-BisY-LeCDOkqnIYjq4s3PKOWW7iYUEQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000046.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqQ_DjBJTMUPE2Gn4CvhbOlzSYDIGg70N8piwOSzXVNpKNEJYQWqQTSyLBqLDquSKF8KXzLsi47AGWyURqNomyLC2hek8VTZJZ8t412a_WjJT-u2eSE3W9YdddDnUbOlBDeCbUUbEcfTwiOdRhjMkI8rEi5-BisY-LeCDOkqnIYjq4s3PKOWW7iYUEQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000046.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>I have to fight a few more orcs and trolls to get back to town, where the gifts are a gold fox, gold ox, and gold box.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT9Q8lRiBTuNcIGk1q7iYojAjyaASnjhrQ-OGhD5k2mQ1nV2H9CaLOJRzwmRWKD6wSMFTQl2PTxKOf82fKUvRsGg2Ap9ZJM7OT5rBA6GUW8vNwFVneake4ug_5kh7j32xip1S7JbyU1QV_toLX2Fg9ztCKiGN2i0GgHzlsY6yWNs-zNexsO8onIx0tw/s280/P1bootV111_000000047.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT9Q8lRiBTuNcIGk1q7iYojAjyaASnjhrQ-OGhD5k2mQ1nV2H9CaLOJRzwmRWKD6wSMFTQl2PTxKOf82fKUvRsGg2Ap9ZJM7OT5rBA6GUW8vNwFVneake4ug_5kh7j32xip1S7JbyU1QV_toLX2Fg9ztCKiGN2i0GgHzlsY6yWNs-zNexsO8onIx0tw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000047.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't kidding.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The scroll I picked up is nowhere to be seen, but as for the "divine spell," everyone in the party has a unnamed new spell; #60. I cannot determine what it does.</p><p>But I was able to retrieve the scroll - and the wand too - by returning to the final dungeon, where the dungeon state had not been committed to disk, repeating the ending sequence up to the point of finding the scroll and then leaving when given the chance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC6p0gSpJiBAsGS9qIbJzRuDhGJ7Ob-WlvZigm5lQF08iLn07v_khd5ZKZVW__vTeQ67Aopu_LRjObqGzZBiFDACzwFhY7YFunN9wCC212kRdqV7rirkkurBD88W5GDtwYrfUbwOxvvjlbjnLdCN3ALgxn3axDhPSkhy41wIgukzMJwDr6MfySjUKSg/s280/P1bootV111_000000049.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC6p0gSpJiBAsGS9qIbJzRuDhGJ7Ob-WlvZigm5lQF08iLn07v_khd5ZKZVW__vTeQ67Aopu_LRjObqGzZBiFDACzwFhY7YFunN9wCC212kRdqV7rirkkurBD88W5GDtwYrfUbwOxvvjlbjnLdCN3ALgxn3axDhPSkhy41wIgukzMJwDr6MfySjUKSg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000049.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>The game doesn't stop, but for all intents and purposes, it's over. If Phantasie has any remaining secrets worth discovering, then by all means let me know, but otherwise I'm done.</p><p>I think, in retrospect, that priests are the best class in the game. With MP reserves as high as wizards, access to powerful healing magic, as well as the most powerful direct damage spell, and okay melee combat, not to mention an array of debuff spells, why use anything else? Okay, so you need to have transport magic too - a monk or a wizard can fill that role. A thief might also be necessary - I never had the opportunity to see if my monk's thieving skills were adequate, and backstabbing is a nice perk. But if I were to replay, I'd try a team of five priests and a monk.<br /></p><p> </p><p><b>GAB rating: Average.</b> Phantasie is mechanically fine and decently paced, if a bit simplistic and sometimes flawed. It is probably the most casually accessible RPG I've covered yet - it isn't brutally
unforgiving like Wizardry, and gameplay is more streamlined than Ultima. In some ways it feels like a lost missing link between those games and Final Fantasy. But it's ultimately too shallow to really merit much of a recommendation.</p><p>The best aspect, by far, are the dungeons, which are dense with special encounters, events, and puzzles, and are attractively designed, feeling like they could be actual game world locations rather than the abstract mazes seen in Wizardry, Ultima, or the majority of RPGs out there, really. I don't think I've seen this sort of mimetic design in any game I've covered yet except the Temple of Apshai series, which were a lot more primitive, and the room descriptions in the manual did a lot of heavy lifting there.</p><p>But the connective tissue, which borrows heavily from both Ultima and Wizardry, doesn't do anything as well as either. Combat in particular just doesn't offer the sort of tactical depth it ought to; even though it seems to have more options than Wizardry, most of the spells are either useless or clearly inferior to other spells, and they cannot target specific monster groups, robbing the game of a whole tactical dimension. Of the five melee options, I got by on "slash" most of the time, followed by "thrust" against monsters that were difficult to hit. "Lunge," the most tactically interesting option, was only useful once in the entire game. I don't think this is just because of how overpowered my party became either; with weaker characters I'd have done the same things, and just needed to go back to town more often. Gear is nothing but a one-dimensional numbers game - banded plate rated 8 beats ring mail rated 7 provided you have enough strength to equip it, and there are no other properties to consider.<br /></p><p>The Ultima-style overworld doesn't quite capture the joy of Ultima-style exploration either. Other than finding the dungeon entrances, the three magic pools, and the one-time trip to Olympus, there's nothing to discover here except for eleven identical towns and some featureless inns. The sluggish movement speed (on Apple II anyway) and constant interruptions for random combat encounters not only made exploration a tedious chore, but even made walking short distances to known landmarks a tedious chore. Ultima could be tedious too, but its world had always been ambitious, and by Ultima III it offered a grandiose world dense with meaningful content. Phantasie just doesn't reach for the stars like that.<br /></p><p>Phantasie is overall functional, and mostly inoffensive, but we've seen better.</p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-14310222600877609402024-03-06T08:44:00.001-05:002024-03-06T08:44:35.029-05:00Phantasie: Temple of the evil Dosnebian clericsHaving passed the trials of Zeus and been granted the boon of courage, the castle of Nikademus is the logical next step and presumably the final dungeon, but one other dungeon - which by process of elimination, I must assume to be the Dosnebian Temple, remains unvisited. And I feel I owe it to the game - and to my completionist tendencies - to delve into it.<br />
<p>Previously, I could not enter.</p>
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<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>An anonymous commenter said I would need a specific "monster" party member at some point, and I'm pretty sure this is it.</p>
<p>Two approaches presented. I could roll myself a bunch of minotaur fighters, train them up a bit, and take them to the three magic fountains to boost their stats before selecting the best one. Or, I could roll a throwaway minotaur character and just wing it.</p>
<p>Given that you can't actually select "minotaur" as a race for a new character - you just pick "random creature" and hope it gets selected, and that my party had been pretty overpowered thus so far, I went with the latter option.</p>
<p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>It took me 23 tries to get any minotaur at all - I immediately discarded the 22 others - and I had him join, replacing Lenny. I trained him a little bit - a single combat in this area got him to level four, and another three to level six. Level seven is reached in one more brief session, but this is as far as I bothered.</p>
<p>Evdomos, technically leading this party, was indeed judged worthy. <br /></p>
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<p></p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>The gate issued a challenge:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxEd40XPNb84sFyY2RGcczXZ6kWE1rUEL8Yv1uNz3LMOP7TmyeIuWJ3Ai3k4iWQegaLTo2_-UOovayiMQ822IqTNxkmv8bmrzKfNzDntjeCT9O0ylUWyKtTWXeQrD9x1eKF19Eiw540rG3mz9Tqd0GfOAk9EFFaJtYGUDgyAgLsb8Ps5HSF6eHszV4w/s280/P1dungV111_000000003.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxEd40XPNb84sFyY2RGcczXZ6kWE1rUEL8Yv1uNz3LMOP7TmyeIuWJ3Ai3k4iWQegaLTo2_-UOovayiMQ822IqTNxkmv8bmrzKfNzDntjeCT9O0ylUWyKtTWXeQrD9x1eKF19Eiw540rG3mz9Tqd0GfOAk9EFFaJtYGUDgyAgLsb8Ps5HSF6eHszV4w/s1600/P1dungV111_000000003.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>One of the scrolls in Lord Wood's castle had the password - and a clue on what to do later.<br /></p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZnA3Vz1XBJQusq2_hBjDXHW3k5lD1PmDFgxRov6Bg41ruuQyWPSO8Bd2EY8nsCBQaKJj6o3zNHM7nQcHjOKNBzq5VeWka1XL2pYFE9H8ds8bGo7LeHh9kBgbBXufI3KaUiEcCnqy1PmMAMeAmArVZAU8BoNkWGx_CSrZcvtSf3Hfgs7SCwzgxZOM0g/s280/P1bootV111_000000042.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZnA3Vz1XBJQusq2_hBjDXHW3k5lD1PmDFgxRov6Bg41ruuQyWPSO8Bd2EY8nsCBQaKJj6o3zNHM7nQcHjOKNBzq5VeWka1XL2pYFE9H8ds8bGo7LeHh9kBgbBXufI3KaUiEcCnqy1PmMAMeAmArVZAU8BoNkWGx_CSrZcvtSf3Hfgs7SCwzgxZOM0g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000042.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
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<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOWI8HKJLWviSS0VPBYCEjBql0ChzQpWy1v0gelRkbJbgkunv_rT36FdiQRqkrwvSj2zQlvo0OArW4whHEe8Nv-dZ_Vnn5DHCRR4KL6KL7uvK33yHci0YF8khGOemNn9yWsfjm51NT4cxw8t9y36n7XmKzU5xqn-b6xwSIugQg1__Kpv-MWdpdASkAg/s280/P1bootV111_000000000.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOWI8HKJLWviSS0VPBYCEjBql0ChzQpWy1v0gelRkbJbgkunv_rT36FdiQRqkrwvSj2zQlvo0OArW4whHEe8Nv-dZ_Vnn5DHCRR4KL6KL7uvK33yHci0YF8khGOemNn9yWsfjm51NT4cxw8t9y36n7XmKzU5xqn-b6xwSIugQg1__Kpv-MWdpdASkAg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000000.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just past the gate<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>
I soon encountered a side chapel with an "enormous statue" and a prompt to deface it, which I disregarded. Another had a "black knight," another "wall paintings," another a set of ten small, trapped caskets lining the walls, one of which had a golden key.</p>
<p>Evdomos, though worthy to enter, was not especially valuable in combat.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOJz9bMVedXHOmJF2OhxIvOsmbPd9zq7UJUFJsqXm7TbIFM3yHuUeRRBGZYVJJRyumB6Y-xxdYFTR0sjPLuXNyHVoEuiGNTZnKsDFsV_vMuLoENaUFXGE1PvTD-YBgTjxy9QgjIh4-cvgCsbu634Itv1FXAU9Fdik3vuEfAgTRJ6Z7x_FldUzFyG0Ow/s280/P1bootV111_000000001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOJz9bMVedXHOmJF2OhxIvOsmbPd9zq7UJUFJsqXm7TbIFM3yHuUeRRBGZYVJJRyumB6Y-xxdYFTR0sjPLuXNyHVoEuiGNTZnKsDFsV_vMuLoENaUFXGE1PvTD-YBgTjxy9QgjIh4-cvgCsbu634Itv1FXAU9Fdik3vuEfAgTRJ6Z7x_FldUzFyG0Ow/s1600/P1bootV111_000000001.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The only slightly troublesome combats in the main temple area were spirits - invulnerable to axes and blades, but destroyed with strong magic. I fought enough that I had to gulp some magic potions.<br /></div>
<p>Emerging from the casket room, the preceding chapel had a "small" minotaur statue, which I opted to deface as per the scroll's instructions.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccUrk1gMPHFVEki_EBp2Qd9OclqcIlRgyy0LnX4Sdo1IYufqQzR0L6eSKgq7AtkUpvz0Lf7QvnNPSeqUK_M767FqA5-8Cqqe3ZzIvJotPhYj_23oVPxx0og20EmgPmAHhT-V70FEZ6ZDy0d3KqAGlOGiJnPuFak1xIYCi4iZtu7dMn7qzODHM0bgWVg/s280/P1bootV111_000000002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccUrk1gMPHFVEki_EBp2Qd9OclqcIlRgyy0LnX4Sdo1IYufqQzR0L6eSKgq7AtkUpvz0Lf7QvnNPSeqUK_M767FqA5-8Cqqe3ZzIvJotPhYj_23oVPxx0og20EmgPmAHhT-V70FEZ6ZDy0d3KqAGlOGiJnPuFak1xIYCi4iZtu7dMn7qzODHM0bgWVg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000002.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p style="text-align: left;">Further inward, past a door unlocked by the golden key, I fought my first ever titan. It shrugged off the majority of my hits, and dealt out nasty magic spells, but succumbed to my own magic.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOJC-8I2u9fUOIMP8j4juQRK7tMUw3Q8Mt9jBAe8P4cgNNG3vwaE0mibQ6Kne2MaoxihTK7TKtbbB2cZMyGOBUdOJXV5RMD4QWSjJT054KOmU3oYlDgv-H0-vzf_4tgcrDViEAUBZ-lYBYqzK6RXU8GjRxhejQyOKIG9Wwo-uWCOvmfdykoen4LdORw/s280/P1bootV111_000000003.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOJC-8I2u9fUOIMP8j4juQRK7tMUw3Q8Mt9jBAe8P4cgNNG3vwaE0mibQ6Kne2MaoxihTK7TKtbbB2cZMyGOBUdOJXV5RMD4QWSjJT054KOmU3oYlDgv-H0-vzf_4tgcrDViEAUBZ-lYBYqzK6RXU8GjRxhejQyOKIG9Wwo-uWCOvmfdykoen4LdORw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000003.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">I kept exploring.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxNF8s3s8HeT1-AjfMzJ5Cjg4aUQvbz2dQodWJoNCfu4JZseEhTA1k5ZMV7JirrROjYdYVBhjQZVljpnpYvYgTV_TLxWwVNvwCvXtAjpFwzy1Lg26hggKVgfxIe-hej4XX8ds30X6ppK3AoWnSslMe9J3PGdOaBcNlO7RTuKgB1TzqepDkTXsIA9Rw/s280/P1bootV111_000000004.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxNF8s3s8HeT1-AjfMzJ5Cjg4aUQvbz2dQodWJoNCfu4JZseEhTA1k5ZMV7JirrROjYdYVBhjQZVljpnpYvYgTV_TLxWwVNvwCvXtAjpFwzy1Lg26hggKVgfxIe-hej4XX8ds30X6ppK3AoWnSslMe9J3PGdOaBcNlO7RTuKgB1TzqepDkTXsIA9Rw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room: I ruin a dinner party for orcs, kobolds, and great trolls.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUsU7mHaMnLYKs7OghGGsA5EnlRJodxV6PYQCpp5y32JoPJ4qkjkHNskDH1m3pwq6nI3usxe3Hkfj9TVV7YyRizyMCeWiDQ_wPrTu1XsLuAqUlwhrtxrgwfbH39ceA2BU4prZ2fOUB6xinZf8lkEuCM6JoP4gLqs_D9hUaxvkPy9R9nfQ46hlLzLn4w/s280/P1bootV111_000000005.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUsU7mHaMnLYKs7OghGGsA5EnlRJodxV6PYQCpp5y32JoPJ4qkjkHNskDH1m3pwq6nI3usxe3Hkfj9TVV7YyRizyMCeWiDQ_wPrTu1XsLuAqUlwhrtxrgwfbH39ceA2BU4prZ2fOUB6xinZf8lkEuCM6JoP4gLqs_D9hUaxvkPy9R9nfQ46hlLzLn4w/s1600/P1bootV111_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A jail with three cells. Two are unpickable.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3yaZTzJW9PpOKHM53Nx-D_Era8bbSBWKUuRtUz-V3o5-RBdGwnNa-vRiAT0oket_t0p_rLKKiADjcdQps8yLaex2c9FMv7nGG9Ok5qRymUhhduLCq574kNVnzthyphenhyphenVobC6PzT6yS3C3OV2H_VRLlXu1pdH2RE8HgWw7O7dqh2h4aKawj3LQ-5wSH2SQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000006.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3yaZTzJW9PpOKHM53Nx-D_Era8bbSBWKUuRtUz-V3o5-RBdGwnNa-vRiAT0oket_t0p_rLKKiADjcdQps8yLaex2c9FMv7nGG9Ok5qRymUhhduLCq574kNVnzthyphenhyphenVobC6PzT6yS3C3OV2H_VRLlXu1pdH2RE8HgWw7O7dqh2h4aKawj3LQ-5wSH2SQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000006.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally - Lord Wood!<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS64xMkzRDdToAmh1x65Hr9lQdKAu9UzvVQk8eDpEmvnqHB_7iQrvqkHcw9rw9w7WT1Mlp9IVwCwbLjEfOdzKeZZSdpCagTgZelqJLwqU5UTZSpYWp7qEf0KBmTzsBcs265FD0mYjgRlG_nJ821p7bX1F_OM6T24wjtNWGx8KGZHiDm7jxuSvh_hZ9Q/s280/P1bootV111_000000008.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS64xMkzRDdToAmh1x65Hr9lQdKAu9UzvVQk8eDpEmvnqHB_7iQrvqkHcw9rw9w7WT1Mlp9IVwCwbLjEfOdzKeZZSdpCagTgZelqJLwqU5UTZSpYWp7qEf0KBmTzsBcs265FD0mYjgRlG_nJ821p7bX1F_OM6T24wjtNWGx8KGZHiDm7jxuSvh_hZ9Q/s1600/P1bootV111_000000008.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second cell magically opens after freeing Wood.<br /></td>
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</table>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzXg_JdLDqBI_5ItphtH0UFXvlqTMH577Pkc2e77i9keL60AiBk7phMTMQoDrbU8jcrcmNiagatg1eBlTGS8kz2nH1yx9pF_GybCfvvhiAZX-l9f_8mms1ylsNnAuM9-ZxVOXjb_Q6tVEK4r3MDZF51tRP4DWLz9sd0xUc5zxUKrH8-1R9zOGFd1QLw/s280/P1bootV111_000000009.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzXg_JdLDqBI_5ItphtH0UFXvlqTMH577Pkc2e77i9keL60AiBk7phMTMQoDrbU8jcrcmNiagatg1eBlTGS8kz2nH1yx9pF_GybCfvvhiAZX-l9f_8mms1ylsNnAuM9-ZxVOXjb_Q6tVEK4r3MDZF51tRP4DWLz9sd0xUc5zxUKrH8-1R9zOGFd1QLw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000009.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The third cell opens next, and I rescue my first damsel in distress.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRbS_2lLlD_cCsp_r2J6sFHCea4RyfcDadN6CuhoD4Mr07Glm3AV5QwoyBscptxUe6m79OHoISMgSOFZWFQzyiws8ZBHkI7-Kpe77_48JTkyQboopC-LNeKKUpAYb8f26dnf4Wp3zDSnh3_bbhOC2xvORYYrzQOwmRpM2LtdbARn7emK2pfvydZgw5g/s280/P1bootV111_000000010.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRbS_2lLlD_cCsp_r2J6sFHCea4RyfcDadN6CuhoD4Mr07Glm3AV5QwoyBscptxUe6m79OHoISMgSOFZWFQzyiws8ZBHkI7-Kpe77_48JTkyQboopC-LNeKKUpAYb8f26dnf4Wp3zDSnh3_bbhOC2xvORYYrzQOwmRpM2LtdbARn7emK2pfvydZgw5g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000010.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now the jail is completely flooded with water.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5_ud-ABae9bc_yKK-KMv4Lc5dOqv7IUtDM0UNYIpitg878o2cC1Y4Fcn0lRCeh4WaBHLRSJvZi75jV9lMC_zztgqRv3LKM6d6ZyR5uc-aT6a_ZcAsIDQno2lSPQj8d46PVrGk05mNLJjF6KP7g4uoNP4cTN64_GGb_DFQjXoGgYts31O9Q1ETluNUA/s280/P1bootV111_000000011.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5_ud-ABae9bc_yKK-KMv4Lc5dOqv7IUtDM0UNYIpitg878o2cC1Y4Fcn0lRCeh4WaBHLRSJvZi75jV9lMC_zztgqRv3LKM6d6ZyR5uc-aT6a_ZcAsIDQno2lSPQj8d46PVrGk05mNLJjF6KP7g4uoNP4cTN64_GGb_DFQjXoGgYts31O9Q1ETluNUA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000011.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen: Even a temple of elemental evil needs one.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p>North of the kitchen was the display room, where I found the last two rings of power in a jewelry case. After taking them, guards attacked!<br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI38vV0xyHHX1k-q2X_hO_sNZs6OCRGiWJcff_1_Z81z4E8I7RTgod3g2xoYGiesIvxAVpsWfqAMlqJJEDTDg84aRWJzRm8jYQuR6rgPFK2m8Tfnha-0vC8xlCitihyphenhyphenBi-yiW_jrTAjka0GmlzMXWUeb1x6wGNu5uNFqQmgEkedjavGwIhCIvcNAVCg/s280/P1bootV111_000000012.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI38vV0xyHHX1k-q2X_hO_sNZs6OCRGiWJcff_1_Z81z4E8I7RTgod3g2xoYGiesIvxAVpsWfqAMlqJJEDTDg84aRWJzRm8jYQuR6rgPFK2m8Tfnha-0vC8xlCitihyphenhyphenBi-yiW_jrTAjka0GmlzMXWUeb1x6wGNu5uNFqQmgEkedjavGwIhCIvcNAVCg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000012.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">This was the toughest fight yet - wizards in the second row can perform massively damaging spells, making me wish I had Lenny available to help thin them out with a few well-placed lunge attacks. Alas, I had to cut my way through the rank of warriors in front of them first, though Dennis was able to backstab one in the meantime.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We survived, but needed several potions to recover from that one.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">True to the damsel in distress's word, a secret passage was found in here, leading outside.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcNDwJIq-CK2QnVoNkPX3cWj8F3vLK_oVJSdHrH-HcUd4b0o5gJ-yp5FzvpsK2wrBjLO9zT9WL4jjk0uTWOjG-WGwyBxVKOueKI4O3hA3wntcLj_RPUdfQCyF6WMFLae9p8XF8kav-E0FNqtguRuAvVDWg8BZSqWSqN04JBa-1ySelykNZbgAN5N_jg/s280/P1bootV111_000000013.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcNDwJIq-CK2QnVoNkPX3cWj8F3vLK_oVJSdHrH-HcUd4b0o5gJ-yp5FzvpsK2wrBjLO9zT9WL4jjk0uTWOjG-WGwyBxVKOueKI4O3hA3wntcLj_RPUdfQCyF6WMFLae9p8XF8kav-E0FNqtguRuAvVDWg8BZSqWSqN04JBa-1ySelykNZbgAN5N_jg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000013.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">But I went back and kept exploring. I had to fight few more guards leaving the cell, including a titan, but nothing we couldn't handle.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">During this time, I had the opportunity to try out "summon
elemental" - to do this, you must first "add" an elemental of choice to
your party from the guild, and found it to be rather impressive. I had
picked a fire elemental, and for the cost of only 4MP, you summon a
spellcaster with 20MP of his own. And while there doesn't seem to be a
way to query the spells available, Quadruple Fireflash is one of those
available to the fire elemental. On top of that, it has 100 MP, and
tends to get hit by melee instead of Minmax.
</p><p>
The big downside - the fire elemental must be re-summoned in subsequent fights, and whatever MP it spent doesn't come back. The only way you can get it back is by returning to town, saving, and restarting the computer!<br /></p><p>
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKOeeB1lrXQdSgPB2T6mBrpAmAyEbaBo3PJ8CdPzK5hl4tX07e1QtCbBmbk7rQA_aN5hHi38h_bj6YLMaYQmK-kDCAWJYqMH8mD5g6eo7PeCQyxLnlpV1lFHDyanMV5qkHMQaQoPz_yI3ZV9-FLskIRl7dXLdQOa5MtMna1TmC03vaIvpEMBqoUh2NQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000014.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKOeeB1lrXQdSgPB2T6mBrpAmAyEbaBo3PJ8CdPzK5hl4tX07e1QtCbBmbk7rQA_aN5hHi38h_bj6YLMaYQmK-kDCAWJYqMH8mD5g6eo7PeCQyxLnlpV1lFHDyanMV5qkHMQaQoPz_yI3ZV9-FLskIRl7dXLdQOa5MtMna1TmC03vaIvpEMBqoUh2NQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000014.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priests' chambers: A "great deal of gold" is found in a chest here.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb0N-l9QbPBoGMLfoXAYcQqHgZ6VKO4ZuZw8PUBAyuQEeFCzVzBluO5AjfnFAxDcPhvJi-eoV6QA8TMxYjM6VrEPjPBrDem9WhSazO6J0JLId8SYbIDmcJVqkm5iKnebuN51nLeafCq7QVCtmmSx8ISv96pWFPmSEZ2lG2xpBHQm63bRgCwMGJmtMVA/s280/P1bootV111_000000016.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb0N-l9QbPBoGMLfoXAYcQqHgZ6VKO4ZuZw8PUBAyuQEeFCzVzBluO5AjfnFAxDcPhvJi-eoV6QA8TMxYjM6VrEPjPBrDem9WhSazO6J0JLId8SYbIDmcJVqkm5iKnebuN51nLeafCq7QVCtmmSx8ISv96pWFPmSEZ2lG2xpBHQm63bRgCwMGJmtMVA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000016.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But only a great deal of annoying debuff-casters are found here.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMONFWPs-BJaISmOdb_UkRyKB0ZovNErkmf7I8oVMwDs0GYHisSMVAIhplMqhg7yw1bTAXMa4SGZFLQe1_HLtWx5YSlQ3URvs6bp2ZWm9etFuqs1Zj2_7QbMToqz9WrxJtNGh4MRYnzNUmAyUzg4Pw3U0ZDcA5d9YaRh4YkmcRc12exnSGwxPjZc46g/s280/P1bootV111_000000017.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMONFWPs-BJaISmOdb_UkRyKB0ZovNErkmf7I8oVMwDs0GYHisSMVAIhplMqhg7yw1bTAXMa4SGZFLQe1_HLtWx5YSlQ3URvs6bp2ZWm9etFuqs1Zj2_7QbMToqz9WrxJtNGh4MRYnzNUmAyUzg4Pw3U0ZDcA5d9YaRh4YkmcRc12exnSGwxPjZc46g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000017.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orcs and great trolls lurk at the end of a long, winding side-passage.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDvEpwUDkTcVHExmJ_d-1EYfCU7H1ZZOOj8KbykKEWrHH3laVirYFNATchyekHVX6JCwLUudu5M4KwcdLq5IRPqZLYudY-amPRPCNETaJDPMXa37Y8GqjWAOY1BEu-V-5x0CKYVgEMiRkrF5YQn3mKm3Rt7kI0E2IHvC6VOSzynjFzwd3SHTTHQ93DQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000019.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDvEpwUDkTcVHExmJ_d-1EYfCU7H1ZZOOj8KbykKEWrHH3laVirYFNATchyekHVX6JCwLUudu5M4KwcdLq5IRPqZLYudY-amPRPCNETaJDPMXa37Y8GqjWAOY1BEu-V-5x0CKYVgEMiRkrF5YQn3mKm3Rt7kI0E2IHvC6VOSzynjFzwd3SHTTHQ93DQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000019.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sounding the temple gong brings predictable results.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYbyo4z_1nSbHxqQmbu0ZpVaddYDEOFRbmd3IBQ2pQmGy-Fm196BZ277AsdfNe9nF46JqDpxuipEHSDpqEMaxtM3oLGK6fI8QvPfJhFVp-9Z3CnJjEH5lvLlqOee38Z5Ow8yiAO2HpLJh8Fj9POTHzJiK8LzbH6HwdLJI_xYu-cW7sgyRM-H7pZCGig/s280/P1bootV111_000000020.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYbyo4z_1nSbHxqQmbu0ZpVaddYDEOFRbmd3IBQ2pQmGy-Fm196BZ277AsdfNe9nF46JqDpxuipEHSDpqEMaxtM3oLGK6fI8QvPfJhFVp-9Z3CnJjEH5lvLlqOee38Z5Ow8yiAO2HpLJh8Fj9POTHzJiK8LzbH6HwdLJI_xYu-cW7sgyRM-H7pZCGig/s1600/P1bootV111_000000020.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southeast tunnels: What the crap is that?<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26gr3Fg_L6YF9_YsFKwmgiPgDEvZvpI9s1gKTk-k9TweHkxLaDIg78OwVjtFBR8OwBoK0weNneAydkYiBPztttvxknAS8MOta9Z3ecRU_adRkeJ2ZyZvdPnEnKi0wYktuV3yTKE_qdXk96TkvRE-QrwMZNmivVYLq8USKdkk-Tju1OsnEMAQisPAc6g/s280/P1bootV111_000000022.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26gr3Fg_L6YF9_YsFKwmgiPgDEvZvpI9s1gKTk-k9TweHkxLaDIg78OwVjtFBR8OwBoK0weNneAydkYiBPztttvxknAS8MOta9Z3ecRU_adRkeJ2ZyZvdPnEnKi0wYktuV3yTKE_qdXk96TkvRE-QrwMZNmivVYLq8USKdkk-Tju1OsnEMAQisPAc6g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000022.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic armor is found at the end of the waste tunnels.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>I left, reasonably satisfied that I'd seen everything here or close to it, and trekked back to town.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-Jl31jlxCInfn4PrEXiNL-AUy_mzXRugWLabpKBKkkD3vhNyo6MUQPg65VzyHf6q3NNP0saAYL_xGGisO60ob05BAxmFZgsRZlsOT15TJ6LaQztKSoQz4-aPhH4h2oTDuV3YCINr9FLnoQmRTsHWPzmpgmbu7lUxPMmtbJVn0DxlOvZHKYF1NyaLWg/s280/P1dungV111_000000004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-Jl31jlxCInfn4PrEXiNL-AUy_mzXRugWLabpKBKkkD3vhNyo6MUQPg65VzyHf6q3NNP0saAYL_xGGisO60ob05BAxmFZgsRZlsOT15TJ6LaQztKSoQz4-aPhH4h2oTDuV3YCINr9FLnoQmRTsHWPzmpgmbu7lUxPMmtbJVn0DxlOvZHKYF1NyaLWg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>The spoils, in addition to far more gold than my already overfull bank accounts could hold, included:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The last two magic rings</li>
<li>One new scroll</li>
<li>Ring mail +2</li>
<li>Leather armor +2</li>
<li>Enough experience to level Evdomos three times, to level 10<br /></li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The scroll:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOPdb2y2rrBVk_Oc99xQ4c1GWFtZpPO36hlUyfwymcOpwfOdl8J24cO2ds6EqAfAsoZPqKXuU7sqykrOTjTon-GFD9_487zG1PeFy0u61HNzBWktFz9pZH0gl3dpsXxQyhCwQyEMTWAb5SsyhjGGyy6GvjdEb68PAq9M7vGJPttpFlOyzXdgDFIAZHg/s280/P1dungV111_000000005.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOPdb2y2rrBVk_Oc99xQ4c1GWFtZpPO36hlUyfwymcOpwfOdl8J24cO2ds6EqAfAsoZPqKXuU7sqykrOTjTon-GFD9_487zG1PeFy0u61HNzBWktFz9pZH0gl3dpsXxQyhCwQyEMTWAb5SsyhjGGyy6GvjdEb68PAq9M7vGJPttpFlOyzXdgDFIAZHg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">My party:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mystic-rated party score of 79 - "You are ready to visit the gods."</li><li>Air rune, earth rune, fire rune, water rune, and god rune<br /></li><li>Nine rings of power</li><li>Lenny - Level 13 dwarf fighter</li><ul><li>Needs 257,000xp to level</li><li>220 HP, 5 MP <br /></li><li>22/10/20 combat stats (God knife, plate mail, god shield)</li><li>Slash can hit up to four times per round without magic buffs <br /></li><li>Knows one spell - Monster Evaluation.<br /></li></ul><li>Lambert - Level 12 dwarf ranger</li><ul><li>Needs 290,000xp to level</li><li>169 HP, 18MP</li><li>19/9/18 combat stats (Halberd +4, banded mail, giant shield +2)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing and Awaken<br /></li></ul><li>Claude - Level 13 human priest</li><ul><li>Needs 167,000xp to level</li><li>154 HP, 20 MP</li><li>19/8/16 combat stats (Sword +10, splint mail, giant shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing, Quadruple Fireflash, Quadruple
Confusion, Triple flamebolt,
and Awaken.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Protection, Triple Weakness, Quadruple Binding, Teleportation, and Resurrection.<br /></li></ul><li>Rasputin - Level 12 halfling monk</li><ul><li>Needs 236,000xp to level</li><li>144 HP, 13 MP <br /></li><li>19/7/13 combat stats (Sword +10, ring mail +2, large shield +1)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Double Ninja, and Transportation<br /></li><li>One untested spell - summon elemental</li></ul><li>Dennis - Level 14 sprite thief</li><ul><li>Needs 296,000xp to level</li><li>138 HP, 8 MP</li><li>18/7/12 combat stats (Halberd +3, ring mail +2, large shield)<br /></li><li>Generally excellent thieving skills, with a so far 100% success rate at lockpicking and trap disarmament <br /></li><li>Age 33, which is starting to push it for an exotic race.<br /></li></ul><li>Minmax - Level 12 elf wizard</li><ul><li>Needs 50,000xp to level</li><li>92 HP, 17 MP</li><li>8/5/4 combat stats (Flail +1, Leather +2, small shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Triple Quickness, Quadruple Mindblast, Triple Flamebolt, Double Ninja, Summon Elemental, Awaken, and Transportation.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Strength, and Fear.</li></ul></ul><p></p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-87816951283109390262024-03-04T07:42:00.001-05:002024-03-04T07:42:54.605-05:00Phantasie: Trials of the Olympian godsThe mystic said we were ready to visit the gods, but I took a little detour first. The keeper of the magic pools in Lord Wood's castle had denied me entrance to his quarters before, but now that I'd visited them all, would he be more welcoming?
<p>I warped to Hobbiton, right near the castle, and went in. To my surprise, the map had reset itself! But I was able to visit the keeper and receive his runes.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ClaBpN8SeiV5dXL_TuIQIC4BHySTcUsm5dDh89ygNvPi3zPn7WlTX8QaeaRb6euE4miuMYfsNVYXNb3YOPnMTD_UcG3uD-a6JyCDO942MXNIX42bq-j4I3lTlHAIwe3va32jJ5-xXX422CGaHdo_wYBFIi2Zus8g-hXsKxbEf91Zn5IXE6U7U1e7Kg/s280/P1dungV111_000000027.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ClaBpN8SeiV5dXL_TuIQIC4BHySTcUsm5dDh89ygNvPi3zPn7WlTX8QaeaRb6euE4miuMYfsNVYXNb3YOPnMTD_UcG3uD-a6JyCDO942MXNIX42bq-j4I3lTlHAIwe3va32jJ5-xXX422CGaHdo_wYBFIi2Zus8g-hXsKxbEf91Zn5IXE6U7U1e7Kg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000027.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I2XB2MAZO2NHbEBTdFaARrvbDTbnUvoxcHfJibXVoQBZnQI0FSo3-jAOIC8WcNzvRGF93rajZ2PebYjfZnJ2j8fTHHFeWnRo_HRwzaZBJNAXlSsABqyCCdyP-9s2BPLMLBxGG7fFTqFrxxxmIzGJlIeVSyvSAOse_eC43u95qNbOYGjXFbtEt7ZKnw/s280/P1dungV111_000000026.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I2XB2MAZO2NHbEBTdFaARrvbDTbnUvoxcHfJibXVoQBZnQI0FSo3-jAOIC8WcNzvRGF93rajZ2PebYjfZnJ2j8fTHHFeWnRo_HRwzaZBJNAXlSsABqyCCdyP-9s2BPLMLBxGG7fFTqFrxxxmIzGJlIeVSyvSAOse_eC43u95qNbOYGjXFbtEt7ZKnw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000026.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>I returned to town and then, as the clue found in Lord Wood's storage room so long ago said, I cast Transport and warped to town 99 - Olympia.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBOpnbfRDvvFU_vmxBJ0bD1w-aDFiCujtMa2nDfqZ7wRDAcRKPISGQ7bgibOaBqXIZo7EJXrC-W9XVWzgPeWISSlRu-s3cVmXmqhEq0ATr0crUmTrNmX2MqnV77DKQs3pxru9iDoCYXvs351rsBUay7Xv-sKaeRRsK7LKDzavjDBiT5ARNke1JXIqfw/s280/P1dungV111_000000028.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBOpnbfRDvvFU_vmxBJ0bD1w-aDFiCujtMa2nDfqZ7wRDAcRKPISGQ7bgibOaBqXIZo7EJXrC-W9XVWzgPeWISSlRu-s3cVmXmqhEq0ATr0crUmTrNmX2MqnV77DKQs3pxru9iDoCYXvs351rsBUay7Xv-sKaeRRsK7LKDzavjDBiT5ARNke1JXIqfw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000028.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Surrounded by the impassable river Styx on three sides, the only direction to go is east. I had a few encounters with "great trolls" here, which were little more than damage sponges.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL63UUH_33J2-zkh2RtUXv3IjO5dhWeSGP9mO8dnTuB8pcBlYtGR2x51EMXpOWriWG4OMFLOJevNJ2sIm9ofza8oz9AV7LZLydbhS5IUgnkp49x8_zTKYpfDqaTFMUL_RbNYVtZawZcO2uQwz7srnjcE_VeMaZdU5z0P7KEtclrn8HQTE4DiItaNYzg/s280/P1dungV111_000000030.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQL63UUH_33J2-zkh2RtUXv3IjO5dhWeSGP9mO8dnTuB8pcBlYtGR2x51EMXpOWriWG4OMFLOJevNJ2sIm9ofza8oz9AV7LZLydbhS5IUgnkp49x8_zTKYpfDqaTFMUL_RbNYVtZawZcO2uQwz7srnjcE_VeMaZdU5z0P7KEtclrn8HQTE4DiItaNYzg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000030.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>The dungeon seems impossible to reach, but Charon is found right in the middle and will row you across.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNhC7T_yOwymDHJl-JA3UipB0RrOcOs61WHxeRceADW9O-wsvbV8wtY68elEsAheUEHrC6exrXXwpR9hkD_kj_ZFV5tlm0oua4v_3b8_YHnopkLubtsWMiKbe98x9oodPk-Ci3mvqrT3AalGFq-3fi-33FbjJja5Pk3pzWbAX6PryQ7A78h5LXJRNFQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000033.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNhC7T_yOwymDHJl-JA3UipB0RrOcOs61WHxeRceADW9O-wsvbV8wtY68elEsAheUEHrC6exrXXwpR9hkD_kj_ZFV5tlm0oua4v_3b8_YHnopkLubtsWMiKbe98x9oodPk-Ci3mvqrT3AalGFq-3fi-33FbjJja5Pk3pzWbAX6PryQ7A78h5LXJRNFQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000033.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Six chambers line the misty entrance hall of Mount Olympus. I visited in a counter-clockwise direction:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>In a windy room, a god speaks. "You have passed the test of air."</li>
<li>In a burning room, a god speaks. "You have passed the test of fire."</li>
<li>In a room with a symbol of nine rings carved onto a wall, a god speaks. "You have passes {sic} the test of rings." But I only have seven of them!</li>
<li>In the southeast room, I fight two combats.</li>
<ul>
<li>First, a high devil, who squeezes off a somewhat damaging party-targeting spell, but I get him in the second round with a single cast of Quadruple Fireflash.</li>
<li>Second, a group of spirits, complemented by apprentice devils. The former prove invulnerable to melee, but Quadruple Mindblast decimates their ranks, and the survivors flee.</li>
<li>A god speaks. "You have passed the test of combat."<br /></li>
</ul>
<li>In a flooded room, a god speaks. "You have passed the test of water."</li>
<li>In a dirty room, a god speaks. "You have passed the test of earth."<br /></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Zeus's throne room opens. Attacking seems like a bad idea.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX_KIqVtiFZe95LJlsPMAhl4VJsCrpYTw6eGEq3wrxTgfyVV8gfF3OhDaSJFISXH0Q3baMOPUw_sgcZkEOk5OriiGboVkP4Gd6xsx6WGZUshqc2lmdSdTm91NAaRXUD7J0t_q_qn1er8m55EOBeAtzsSJmCUwyitDCXUVE_9HB8xkESTKmUdfW4i0sw/s280/P1bootV111_000000034.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX_KIqVtiFZe95LJlsPMAhl4VJsCrpYTw6eGEq3wrxTgfyVV8gfF3OhDaSJFISXH0Q3baMOPUw_sgcZkEOk5OriiGboVkP4Gd6xsx6WGZUshqc2lmdSdTm91NAaRXUD7J0t_q_qn1er8m55EOBeAtzsSJmCUwyitDCXUVE_9HB8xkESTKmUdfW4i0sw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000034.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDregM0Dc4XXVxV4aRgclObvJ_GVcRSR8C7lcfRPZdxe3Xfj4Dk5Fvc64PuIWv9t816xUk6FrIXQbCQStCH6WvauUKuFuyNDYbkFvGhXyWkpOiFmU0qOTco1GR69sK4N6ssRshERKwRaO9BTdZOXZQ5SZYf5HIA1jpWFMT0xT2ZpgwlvKRHvbTOb-Fw/s280/P1bootV111_000000036.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDregM0Dc4XXVxV4aRgclObvJ_GVcRSR8C7lcfRPZdxe3Xfj4Dk5Fvc64PuIWv9t816xUk6FrIXQbCQStCH6WvauUKuFuyNDYbkFvGhXyWkpOiFmU0qOTco1GR69sK4N6ssRshERKwRaO9BTdZOXZQ5SZYf5HIA1jpWFMT0xT2ZpgwlvKRHvbTOb-Fw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000036.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Almost done! But I think I cheated one of the dungeons - gonna have to rectify that.<br /></p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-81769110932721491002024-03-01T08:16:00.004-05:002024-03-01T09:42:28.690-05:00Phantasie: Illogical dungeon of the hued bleebies
<p style="text-align: left;">The
sweatier my puns, the fewer hits my posts generally get. I estimate
that close to zero people will actually read this one. Possibly
negative.<br /></p>Which is too bad, because this is one of the most
unusual dungeons yet, for reasons that will soon become clear. And it
has nothing to do with monster encounters, which were annoyingly
frequent, but not challenging.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBTLhLPeZoWZjPzeJp6I7g6bRxVwvD3AzqtylWRmUzAWi6fiLF9pAnQIkzRcAkDp0TudPvZ6w-JHK-BQSkW9elSBw_r2Q57kFCbDYS6ZpqmhPSW3SPZ5ReYAjSNRezSVJsHWKd0PP-pcmwHNNhyfJf-IomFgjxADnFwD5vj6jjqNb03oSWmYQ8dxKtg/s280/P1dungV111_000000021.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBTLhLPeZoWZjPzeJp6I7g6bRxVwvD3AzqtylWRmUzAWi6fiLF9pAnQIkzRcAkDp0TudPvZ6w-JHK-BQSkW9elSBw_r2Q57kFCbDYS6ZpqmhPSW3SPZ5ReYAjSNRezSVJsHWKd0PP-pcmwHNNhyfJf-IomFgjxADnFwD5vj6jjqNb03oSWmYQ8dxKtg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000021.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a time I found you guys slightly intimidating.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><br /><p>Soon, I encountered the first bleeb in a bright blue room.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Me8PZyqrbjxk8COgzXgC2bzgBl_O4vMpSj546zOB72OHM-oOgf0EmgWJRxuws0GZa_uhox8-ZbujUKfUruSnJ_G7j4cQldB-Yb9rzejrY8rC7IfBZW0jafpphn6FvkWNmhIQC7M-sloYifvr0nSVse_Ue61sVe5gEe0IG5khT4lK8DJb8gb9e_V2ug/s280/P1dungV111_000000022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Me8PZyqrbjxk8COgzXgC2bzgBl_O4vMpSj546zOB72OHM-oOgf0EmgWJRxuws0GZa_uhox8-ZbujUKfUruSnJ_G7j4cQldB-Yb9rzejrY8rC7IfBZW0jafpphn6FvkWNmhIQC7M-sloYifvr0nSVse_Ue61sVe5gEe0IG5khT4lK8DJb8gb9e_V2ug/s1600/P1dungV111_000000022.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Oh boy, logic puzzles! Unfortunately, as I'd soon discover, the puzzle is rendered nonsense by ambiguously worded clues, and not actually solvable with logic.<br /></p><p>Nearby rooms had blue, green, and red pools, and I figured it would be wiser not to step into them for now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_rUS1_38C5W-CIy2a7tYyjL5XIxZEcVezN8c9gRZKb8U7NTTyBY2vBrHMGoAWlLuxVv1S2DhaGvFns8senoXh6vTEZpuvwFHMI3zbOi5mH24BPVD04I2iIhpiQmCXuRa5WWwuS9xXXPbRlqJAtRfKERqwGFID-B2pDg1f4cuJO72m80mUJV31fL88A/s280/P1dungV111_000000023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_rUS1_38C5W-CIy2a7tYyjL5XIxZEcVezN8c9gRZKb8U7NTTyBY2vBrHMGoAWlLuxVv1S2DhaGvFns8senoXh6vTEZpuvwFHMI3zbOi5mH24BPVD04I2iIhpiQmCXuRa5WWwuS9xXXPbRlqJAtRfKERqwGFID-B2pDg1f4cuJO72m80mUJV31fL88A/s1600/P1dungV111_000000023.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>As I explored and found more bleebs in different rooms, I took note of their claims:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red: "Green bleebs always lie."</li><li>Green: </li><ul><li>"Red bleebs sometimes lie." </li><li>"Green pools teleport."</li></ul><li>Blue: </li><ul><li>"Green bleebs tell lies and truths."<br /></li><li>"Blue pools are harmful."<br /></li></ul></ul><p> </p><p>This isn't really enough to establish anyone's truth value just yet, so I tried plunging into a green pool to see what would happen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HTUVPmcIgKxeOCe90ZNVm0umGhKs2HvAWMfePVpayEzbVUeO2toOWx4f2BneMhpYVPC5o88vnKN-RwBm_XAdo_25WBgTIdkPQIAC5SJKYF-tjgIfPOhPgaD6DlxpMrj5vVJUatWkob7_WZClixc58js386csQeJi8cePnWduETwnt9E1l_8MfjZshg/s280/P1dungV111_000000024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HTUVPmcIgKxeOCe90ZNVm0umGhKs2HvAWMfePVpayEzbVUeO2toOWx4f2BneMhpYVPC5o88vnKN-RwBm_XAdo_25WBgTIdkPQIAC5SJKYF-tjgIfPOhPgaD6DlxpMrj5vVJUatWkob7_WZClixc58js386csQeJi8cePnWduETwnt9E1l_8MfjZshg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000024.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>I tried entering the blue pool. What's the worst that could happen?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod9BuyqiRUIxd_HATz1l62CsgVsKWpu7qwVyX5-Eihp6xyAFlVVBS3QVUxS9ueXtZbqku3dndka0JNqr5LPv9GW9YrSz6vu_bmR0J5OtANXcL29aML9TZkJg0R7WgM2r028TFwnIWJ3rho80wP6oVpnJaSg89KmnTd-UpQhHzKxE8Fun_l5xIB6UYXw/s280/P1bootV111_000000018.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod9BuyqiRUIxd_HATz1l62CsgVsKWpu7qwVyX5-Eihp6xyAFlVVBS3QVUxS9ueXtZbqku3dndka0JNqr5LPv9GW9YrSz6vu_bmR0J5OtANXcL29aML9TZkJg0R7WgM2r028TFwnIWJ3rho80wP6oVpnJaSg89KmnTd-UpQhHzKxE8Fun_l5xIB6UYXw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000018.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>That wasn't so bad, and it proves blue bleebs at least sometimes tell the truth.</p><p>I tried another green pool. This one teleported me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbdjOMULFiOhJXrYjv2Y3pnWOnrPz9zREoXrPGm1JVfo_7Zp-BMFr3Q9yykCWXuTvccUZiWNJFQARYPlxPnJN951gqeVjY3OILPBd2XkXllqbMIhSbr6f2SeyOHHqPXxqtdRl_UzY6uWDtjiizc_6-lSZ2pEjDHjw9NdTaZmo_T7zNKyHaJ5FOtab3g/s280/P1bootV111_000000019.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbdjOMULFiOhJXrYjv2Y3pnWOnrPz9zREoXrPGm1JVfo_7Zp-BMFr3Q9yykCWXuTvccUZiWNJFQARYPlxPnJN951gqeVjY3OILPBd2XkXllqbMIhSbr6f2SeyOHHqPXxqtdRl_UzY6uWDtjiizc_6-lSZ2pEjDHjw9NdTaZmo_T7zNKyHaJ5FOtab3g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000019.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Now I'm not even sure how to interpret the green bleeb's claim about the pool. Truth, lie, or half-truth?</p><p>Another green pool was in the room - I left it alone and explored.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuXKKZLXGDzAXrfBaVf5hH2Go5FDpQoPMveB2F0SMDctCunC_9rRWJXhnlU0dzZ7LnEMkT85dVvr3qvJTKvCjZMUMuWfQEiXFtiABQQx_WsPCzxbgWWD8jstcUrj6lpp43aWpO67PeWB4NlEsBSRenuq18n6Lf7GuPEkOkAGVn0wpqov9IfuvBN0fWA/s280/P1bootV111_000000020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuXKKZLXGDzAXrfBaVf5hH2Go5FDpQoPMveB2F0SMDctCunC_9rRWJXhnlU0dzZ7LnEMkT85dVvr3qvJTKvCjZMUMuWfQEiXFtiABQQx_WsPCzxbgWWD8jstcUrj6lpp43aWpO67PeWB4NlEsBSRenuq18n6Lf7GuPEkOkAGVn0wpqov9IfuvBN0fWA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000020.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>This series of corridors and rooms had three more pools - one of each color (plus the green one I emerged from), and three more bleebs.</p><p>I went back to the first green pool to return to the starting area, and tried the red one there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpvoicTrJJB_VHx3oX0S4Sofv-J-uppklR7xDMtkDZfJC4tuXVStA5cV8qrk2e_3HZp5bO4m8AJQayzW-EOJhu-kLItclspPNPYVDCObvWdQM2jbIatTEsoHQSQqpRSbhLMcPOasnDL24JCb6po6OxVZMTOaUWpodiIWGM7sI6HxAhDt1gGi7XnfNbQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpvoicTrJJB_VHx3oX0S4Sofv-J-uppklR7xDMtkDZfJC4tuXVStA5cV8qrk2e_3HZp5bO4m8AJQayzW-EOJhu-kLItclspPNPYVDCObvWdQM2jbIatTEsoHQSQqpRSbhLMcPOasnDL24JCb6po6OxVZMTOaUWpodiIWGM7sI6HxAhDt1gGi7XnfNbQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000021.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>After circumferencing the initial room and determining that no new doors opened, I tried the inert green pool - it teleported my party this time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiestiLOSah9PNPVnVj-qbGL3Da__WaAmoSwbhgxIWOj5qhJWLT27aCQqvZrN6YFt8pMenerNJ0OVqLDgeugF5W1XAm4aGYmQS-pXcrwp7vosJt50cf7jEdJWsWxOW1iftpirCMv53KDH8xHxWG5eZ3B6I76g3b2vdn4BBeyIm9JnnwCxg_yCxltuRuCQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiestiLOSah9PNPVnVj-qbGL3Da__WaAmoSwbhgxIWOj5qhJWLT27aCQqvZrN6YFt8pMenerNJ0OVqLDgeugF5W1XAm4aGYmQS-pXcrwp7vosJt50cf7jEdJWsWxOW1iftpirCMv53KDH8xHxWG5eZ3B6I76g3b2vdn4BBeyIm9JnnwCxg_yCxltuRuCQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000022.png" width="280" /></a></div><p><br />This new area contained:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A green pool to teleport back where I came from.</li><li>A red pool that made another noise in the distance.</li><li>A damaging blue pool.</li><li>A locked, unpickable door.<br /></li></ul><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Eventually I wound up in a room with six doors, three of them colored red, blue, and green.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzAai_sY3OL-FCfmpyqEauhGG80aUMaUlpGxnGiC3vFDZ5PbV-fu_5qOoDAWRRFfeHSqQK0i4Cll1xsQDK2cBxdfOfWlP-PEa7FgbOS6RxMKL_7CxDHGDK1ToJI-YwqT0cqY1j24PbD0h4wwr_mQAX91TdRnIO4RSO5WdTJrh90QwsqTHtnwqrGw6lg/s280/P1bootV111_000000024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzAai_sY3OL-FCfmpyqEauhGG80aUMaUlpGxnGiC3vFDZ5PbV-fu_5qOoDAWRRFfeHSqQK0i4Cll1xsQDK2cBxdfOfWlP-PEa7FgbOS6RxMKL_7CxDHGDK1ToJI-YwqT0cqY1j24PbD0h4wwr_mQAX91TdRnIO4RSO5WdTJrh90QwsqTHtnwqrGw6lg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000024.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I checked the non-colored ones first. Each one led to a small, colored room, where a bleeb gave advice:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red: "Use the green door."</li><li>Green: "Avoid the red door."</li><li>Blue: "Avoid the blue door."<br /></li></ul><p><br /></p>Time to solve this knights and knaves puzzle. All of the bleebs' clues given so far:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red: </li><ul><li>"Green bleebs always lie."</li><li>"Red pools sometimes teleport."</li><li>"Use the green door."<br /></li></ul><li>Green: </li><ul><li>"Red bleebs sometimes lie."</li><li>"Green pools teleport."</li><li>"Blue bleebs tell lies and truths."</li><li>"Avoid the red door."<br /></li></ul><li>Blue: </li><ul><li>"Green bleebs tell lies and truths."<br /></li><li>"Blue pools are harmful."</li><li>"Always listen to red bleebs but don't trust them."</li><li>"Avoid the blue door."<br /></li></ul></ul><p></p><p> </p><p>Red #2 is false, so red bleebs do not always tell the truth. Green #1 is therefore true, which makes Red #1 a false statement. Blue #2 is true, and Blue #3 is a bit fuzzy but I decided to assume it counts as true.<br /></p><p>Even with this assumption, the solution isn't clear at all.<br /></p><p> </p><p>If we presume the green door is safe, and that the other two are bad, then the bleebs' statements can be evaluated like so:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red: </li><ul><li>F: "Green bleebs always lie."</li><li>F: "Red pools sometimes teleport."</li><li>T: "Use the green door."<br /></li></ul><li>Green: </li><ul><li>T: "Red bleebs sometimes lie."</li><li>T: "Green pools teleport."</li><li>?: "Blue bleebs tell lies and truths."</li><li>T: "Avoid the red door."<br /></li></ul><li>Blue: </li><ul><li>?: "Green bleebs tell lies and truths."<br /></li><li>T: "Blue pools are harmful."</li><li>T: "Always listen to red bleebs but don't trust them."</li><li>T: "Avoid the blue door."</li></ul></ul><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>I see no contradictions! Green and Blue's unresolved statements are mutually exclusive - one must be true and the other false, but either way works. But perhaps we are meant to assume - we aren't told this - that one color always lies, one color always tells the truth, and another does both.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If we assume the red door is safe, then I interpret the statements like this:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red: </li><ul><li>F: "Green bleebs always lie."</li><li>F: "Red pools sometimes teleport."</li><li>F: "Use the green door."<br /></li></ul><li>Green: </li><ul><li>T: "Red bleebs sometimes lie."</li><li>T: "Green pools teleport."</li><li>F: "Blue bleebs tell lies and truths."</li><li>F: "Avoid the red door."<br /></li></ul><li>Blue: </li><ul><li>T: "Green bleebs tell lies and truths."<br /></li><li>T: "Blue pools are harmful."</li><li>T: "Always listen to red bleebs but don't trust them."</li><li>T: "Avoid the blue door."</li></ul></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>No contradictions here either, and the truth-type assumption is satisfied.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And if we assume the blue door is safe, then the statements look like this:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Red: </li><ul><li>F: "Green bleebs always lie."</li><li>F: "Red pools sometimes teleport."</li><li>F: "Use the green door."<br /></li></ul><li>Green: </li><ul><li>T: "Red bleebs sometimes lie."</li><li>T: "Green pools teleport."</li><li>T: "Blue bleebs tell lies and truths."</li><li>T: "Avoid the red door."<br /></li></ul><li>Blue: </li><ul><li>F: "Green bleebs tell lies and truths."<br /></li><li>T: "Blue pools are harmful."</li><li>T: "Always listen to red bleebs but don't trust them."</li><li>F: "Avoid the blue door."</li></ul></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Yet again, this works, and gives us green as truth-tellers, red as liars, and blue as moderates.</p><p>I tried green first.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeCojVZXYMc4gxEG9WNSksw6yd9mfGvHzePvjSuBno1Mm8d6tiTsmeRMia5Y1t7gChd5YaRp9nNGbgQGlqgZ-hnskolVq1DEyvPh8f1VsJr_UlR7XFa6Aaj5TrPCVyQ7EBvWO1qjKX3xlwUfTEHxHmVrZldBzISzzvXqmklYf-QPVJnko2M_64v5EVg/s280/P1bootV111_000000025.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeCojVZXYMc4gxEG9WNSksw6yd9mfGvHzePvjSuBno1Mm8d6tiTsmeRMia5Y1t7gChd5YaRp9nNGbgQGlqgZ-hnskolVq1DEyvPh8f1VsJr_UlR7XFa6Aaj5TrPCVyQ7EBvWO1qjKX3xlwUfTEHxHmVrZldBzISzzvXqmklYf-QPVJnko2M_64v5EVg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000025.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>A long, trap-filled passage leading to a dead-end. Guess that was wrong.</p><p>Next I tried blue:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMozU58p4NEKEpWNVvBAUap6MGODO6BHsCirtkZkZxXOVAWq6Vd_NWewe_islnetdY59UAvgzbJNdeX9gQYrsirCcvYSvKGK3KPMLf390pFb1jd8QX6dPHOdHG9bgRapiCb9M-xXQMxP_O8igx0rNC7Ie4HA015UryUQSK0sX1W63J3FkWHUHnuzbz9g/s280/P1bootV111_000000026.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMozU58p4NEKEpWNVvBAUap6MGODO6BHsCirtkZkZxXOVAWq6Vd_NWewe_islnetdY59UAvgzbJNdeX9gQYrsirCcvYSvKGK3KPMLf390pFb1jd8QX6dPHOdHG9bgRapiCb9M-xXQMxP_O8igx0rNC7Ie4HA015UryUQSK0sX1W63J3FkWHUHnuzbz9g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000026.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>This one teleported me outside! Dumped me in the lake near Northford too. Oh well, I needed a rest. I took one, and went right back in, fighting my way back to the junction and taking the red door to the next challenge.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CPkqemzyQRjH8RUxWZYHxB4ZyLftlESfIunJZRkUDU-mCikoXPZ-1lRkdDYzbH3b5zu6Hm1ObgN9h4RQapmSwbUonTXVns9CImflUfURqFooAkM_n_UpaG-AXlUxIVK5uk_TO8oh6sR7tF0P8l-OK_XC9abg8De2y5XfRP0KRQ-tCfcvmqmhWeI2AA/s280/P1bootV111_000000027.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CPkqemzyQRjH8RUxWZYHxB4ZyLftlESfIunJZRkUDU-mCikoXPZ-1lRkdDYzbH3b5zu6Hm1ObgN9h4RQapmSwbUonTXVns9CImflUfURqFooAkM_n_UpaG-AXlUxIVK5uk_TO8oh6sR7tF0P8l-OK_XC9abg8De2y5XfRP0KRQ-tCfcvmqmhWeI2AA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000027.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do you know they're different colors?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The bleebs spoke:</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>"Push the button with my color, which is red.<br /></li><li>"If I were red I would tell you to push the blue button."<br /></li></ol><p> </p><p></p><p>Now we know that red bleebs always lie, and blue bleebs always tell the truth. Neither would ever say they were red, therefore bleeb #1 is a lying green, and we should <i>not</i> push the button with his color.<br /></p><p>But the second bleeb is a problem. If the correct button is blue, then a red bleeb would not tell you to push it, making his statement a lie, and his color red. But if the correct button is red, then a red bleeb <i>might</i> tell you to push the blue button, making his statement plausible, and his color possibly blue. Neither one can be ruled out!<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Turns out, you are supposed to hit the green button after all, and I only learned that through process of elimination after hitting both wrong buttons, which teleport you outside. Aaagh!</p><p> </p><p>Here's what I think is going on. I had interpreted the first bleeb's statement as "I'm red. Push my color [actually green]." But it is meant to be interpreted as "I'm red. Push red." This reading identifies the bleeb as green, and proves you should not push the red button.</p><p>The second bleeb's statement is meant to parallel the solution to the classic fork-in-the-road riddle ("the other guard would tell you to push blue"), proving you should <i>not</i> push blue. But this is not the same riddle, and the solution to that one just doesn't work here. The possibility of the second bleeb being red makes his recursive claim a double negation, rather than a single one.</p><p>No matter how you justify it, this is a terrible puzzle and D.W. Wood should feel bad for wasting the time of everyone who tried to solve it honestly. I propose this revision:<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>"Push the red button. That's my color!"</li><li>The bleeb does not speak.</li><li>"If the other guy could speak, he'd tell you to push blue."<br /></li></ol><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>The green button let me enter the throne room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqrO8MJunaOEKP2Ob9sPXEO_iAPUT9KqAHdEsDFVyedKDjFgT7OHi14qmtHiewZNFjoKS7Sk7f4P5cjoEUUid5g3z7QfS78iSdZQpyzcIATcMG4YLDX6zg0UMjJqsZIm9WMva-_ykxHlgZZ0yUGmlTohLpsIBALunqLZ8C0qEktyAyhmq0PiTQBHfNA/s280/P1bootV111_000000028.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqrO8MJunaOEKP2Ob9sPXEO_iAPUT9KqAHdEsDFVyedKDjFgT7OHi14qmtHiewZNFjoKS7Sk7f4P5cjoEUUid5g3z7QfS78iSdZQpyzcIATcMG4YLDX6zg0UMjJqsZIm9WMva-_ykxHlgZZ0yUGmlTohLpsIBALunqLZ8C0qEktyAyhmq0PiTQBHfNA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000028.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Knowing that red bleebs lie, blue bleeds tell the truth, and green bleebs do both, the questions were straightforward to answer, and actually logically consistent.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0jpqRlOW9IQiZaSWX_J1QpnbCoGG7_AvZctYEw1HlJnBNUAN0npbLuyv3K1dCt99C_-uHVramqdeX3mhRJ0KXIecKIW-g6dbWuYI-PGWrgRgKuZoZcJMTCnPdywR2twCh9GmlFIrL-en6PPLupG5V0U60B_m0D6nOE2L8gday2R8B3sU-LD8uV2WlA/s280/P1bootV111_000000030.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0jpqRlOW9IQiZaSWX_J1QpnbCoGG7_AvZctYEw1HlJnBNUAN0npbLuyv3K1dCt99C_-uHVramqdeX3mhRJ0KXIecKIW-g6dbWuYI-PGWrgRgKuZoZcJMTCnPdywR2twCh9GmlFIrL-en6PPLupG5V0U60B_m0D6nOE2L8gday2R8B3sU-LD8uV2WlA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000030.png" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfQAewMaAsWZ9BQOCQCjV9fRmOuKTAmCDgaa7Y9SSRheknAq6F3Thd1tOWan9bBb_Hm7CR6ayfsDHtDgG2UxwWBM550T-Dbzcb9cthxBHKO-f3MGYjzkI7qPMImBUVx9DwsC9N2SY1FR4QYqOogClcPhQ-meFDGn5XErgfouwpiELdFfmgN8t5jj8Tw/s280/P1bootV111_000000031.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfQAewMaAsWZ9BQOCQCjV9fRmOuKTAmCDgaa7Y9SSRheknAq6F3Thd1tOWan9bBb_Hm7CR6ayfsDHtDgG2UxwWBM550T-Dbzcb9cthxBHKO-f3MGYjzkI7qPMImBUVx9DwsC9N2SY1FR4QYqOogClcPhQ-meFDGn5XErgfouwpiELdFfmgN8t5jj8Tw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000031.png" width="280" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnEl2JiDaMF56kneqf227BFMbccQmHzetanp6gqu7Lk5E0BEvt3ZJ50zGXqOyqHifZO4G0mb8PgA-5l_TieLiaQrWJQw3MYTlzamrvkKtlG7dmt7ZTJjZRyc4Q2X9MLOM3ySGpshLWeOv0URGKjHT_Nwq6PwMy2QYKZArOTeHINgQ5hAS91Ct7V80EQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000032.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnEl2JiDaMF56kneqf227BFMbccQmHzetanp6gqu7Lk5E0BEvt3ZJ50zGXqOyqHifZO4G0mb8PgA-5l_TieLiaQrWJQw3MYTlzamrvkKtlG7dmt7ZTJjZRyc4Q2X9MLOM3ySGpshLWeOv0URGKjHT_Nwq6PwMy2QYKZArOTeHINgQ5hAS91Ct7V80EQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000032.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color of the bleeb asking does <i>not</i> matter.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>What a waste. I like a good logic puzzle, but these were not good logic puzzles. The real puzzle is trying to figure out the rules that Wood forgot to tell you!<br /></p><p>The Bleebs' treasure was three more rings of power. And nothing else worthwhile. We also gained some levels, and Claude hit the jackpot, with his magic pool-boosted brain capable of learning 13 new spells - far more than what was actually available.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">My party:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mystic-rated party score of 67 - "You are ready to visit the gods."</li><li>Air rune, earth rune, and fire rune</li><li>Seven rings of power</li><li>Lenny - Level 13 dwarf fighter</li><ul><li>Needs 290,000xp to level</li><li>220 HP, 5 MP <br /></li><li>22/10/20 combat stats (God knife, plate mail, god shield)</li><li>Slash can hit up to four times per round without magic buffs <br /></li><li>Knows one spell - Monster Evaluation.<br /></li></ul><li>Lambert - Level 12 dwarf ranger</li><ul><li>Needs 445,000xp to level</li><li>169 HP, 18MP</li><li>19/9/18 combat stats (Halberd +4, banded mail, giant shield +2)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing and Awaken<br /></li></ul><li>Claude - Level 13 human priest</li><ul><li>Needs 321,000xp to level</li><li>154 HP, 20 MP</li><li>19/8/16 combat stats (Sword +10, splint mail, giant shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing, Quadruple Fireflash, and Awaken.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Protection, Quadruple
Confusion, Triple Weakness, Quadruple Binding, Triple flamebolt,
Teleportation, and Resurrection.<br /></li></ul><li>Rasputin - Level 12 halfling monk</li><ul><li>Needs 391,000xp to level</li><li>144 HP, 13 MP <br /></li><li>19/6/13 combat stats (Sword +10, ring mail +1, large shield +1)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Double Ninja, and Transportation<br /></li><li>One untested spell - summon elemental</li></ul><li>Dennis - Level 14 sprite thief</li><ul><li>Needs 451,000xp to level</li><li>138 HP, 8 MP</li><li>18/6/12 combat stats (Halberd +3, ring mail +1, large shield)<br /></li><li>Generally excellent thieving skills, with a so far 100% success rate at lockpicking and trap disarmament <br /></li><li>Knows three spells, but none of them have been useful lately (and two of them never were).</li><li>Age 33, which is starting to push it for an exotic race.<br /></li></ul><li>Minmax - Level 12 elf wizard</li><ul><li>Needs 205,000xp to level</li><li>92 HP, 17 MP</li><li>8/3/2 combat stats (Flail +1, Robes +1, wood shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Triple Quickness, Quadruple Mindblast, Double Ninja, Awaken, and Transportation.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Strength, Triple Flamebolt, Fear, and Summon Elemental.<br /></li></ul></ul>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-75832447093186535492024-02-28T08:59:00.000-05:002024-02-28T08:59:05.330-05:00Phantasie Island<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVvBuzZvkywwni8tIukBtUh2QZFf1BVn0OOFag5QuDOWgj2UvRhGsotiU9vyHUs15h6Re3JzhdJEHHMoGMCXHeE5HPmt2xEaIPB401xXQvYiXybYL4xn_Ahv-lI8SErBeqqUb4AQtcBIRjNv33IZ4IJfyIkCh5j0dus2V-kM6CJ3XzOpT3RrTUAmzRg/s280/P1dungV111_000000011.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVvBuzZvkywwni8tIukBtUh2QZFf1BVn0OOFag5QuDOWgj2UvRhGsotiU9vyHUs15h6Re3JzhdJEHHMoGMCXHeE5HPmt2xEaIPB401xXQvYiXybYL4xn_Ahv-lI8SErBeqqUb4AQtcBIRjNv33IZ4IJfyIkCh5j0dus2V-kM6CJ3XzOpT3RrTUAmzRg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000011.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 9: "Dragonor"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Continuing my exploration of Gelnor, all that remains are the four sectors on the east coast. I started at the bottom, where I am clearly overleveled for the encounters present. I found nothing of interest - just a town and inn, and a lot of empty terrain. But the experience gained from the various snakes, orcs, and occasional devils was enough to level up Lenny, as if he needed more.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO34BK0V5ONv0ft-0eQ9ozHuli1IUvVAsm7ipuGzeIFknb6fLl2Pj8vYq6IyIVHrwQXFoY0blglFSPjqIp7yDgcEnRXg_qx3y7U_a_FK9QrKmL0ld2WuuTNxYPjN2-QtzywIVoNRjV7KUFaQl9HyG3MU5yY-7oXmoa4nL7Sj8ExK00-xeo5xLORPzYJw/s280/P1dungV111_000000012.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO34BK0V5ONv0ft-0eQ9ozHuli1IUvVAsm7ipuGzeIFknb6fLl2Pj8vYq6IyIVHrwQXFoY0blglFSPjqIp7yDgcEnRXg_qx3y7U_a_FK9QrKmL0ld2WuuTNxYPjN2-QtzywIVoNRjV7KUFaQl9HyG3MU5yY-7oXmoa4nL7Sj8ExK00-xeo5xLORPzYJw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000012.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 7: "Trollport"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>One screen north held a town, more unchallenging encounters, and a second bubbling pool.</p><p>We took the plunge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-D-d6sHqN1IPwFZ0HbjTzEC9fVs4hdh7SbkU_EGL4KFNOfwRkxO4Kd1jPMCUv3G5FpfvppIV_mQfF-6huY_9XLfPoCBMUxW0Kf8LqNe1ov5sJ9JwDqcRaWMXS3G2DfvJEyWF_hdbsK7XpddwGgmUJmNHz_8JJr1Tt_YCQ7pUH-Y8MnhTknoDBJbYpw/s280/P1dungV111_000000013.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-D-d6sHqN1IPwFZ0HbjTzEC9fVs4hdh7SbkU_EGL4KFNOfwRkxO4Kd1jPMCUv3G5FpfvppIV_mQfF-6huY_9XLfPoCBMUxW0Kf8LqNe1ov5sJ9JwDqcRaWMXS3G2DfvJEyWF_hdbsK7XpddwGgmUJmNHz_8JJr1Tt_YCQ7pUH-Y8MnhTknoDBJbYpw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000013.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>The results:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lenny's strength increased from 20 to 23!</li><li>Lambert's charisma increased from 12 to 14.</li><li>Claude's intelligence increased from 18 to 22.</li><li>Rasputin's intelligence increased from 15 to 18.</li><li>Dennis' dexterity increased from 22 to 24.</li><li>Minmax's strength increased from 3 to 5.<br /></li></ul><p><br /></p><p>The experience gained also leveled up Lambert, who learned an outmoded spell (Double Fireflash), and Rasputin, whose newfound intelligence let him learn three new spells. I picked Double Mindblast, Vision, and Transportation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOckxo_gBU4N8tIrMBQG65rk_eQwlVEJYW4TthywVOJe_0gkmErSKktLPxAyr6GgaalyfNFqf2ClPpKXMaonzLEIHQkWYtAUeDRSdG94xWd9expxImhxTC0GNO30sMhOnQGAk5lQAWMtdEOjtVykeN1KTIm5-NRByRXujtOHVmWOEx2JBpCjzvmqxSg/s280/P1dungV111_000000014.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOckxo_gBU4N8tIrMBQG65rk_eQwlVEJYW4TthywVOJe_0gkmErSKktLPxAyr6GgaalyfNFqf2ClPpKXMaonzLEIHQkWYtAUeDRSdG94xWd9expxImhxTC0GNO30sMhOnQGAk5lQAWMtdEOjtVykeN1KTIm5-NRByRXujtOHVmWOEx2JBpCjzvmqxSg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000014.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>The Vision spell, as it turns out, reveals a portion of the map sector. Convenient, but with only two sectors left to map out, a bit late to really take advantage of.</p><p>I finished mapping out the last two areas with relative quickness and no real difficulty.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxO88_dHpbRxJIHNl2FZ7lCvFzaWOg8uemlIvy9KKOOHr-gfS_D2pZyR8pKUlRghxaDOvuw8BxpNekCfMRO_Fy30eNBmLkq4dud79pBeCJRdkt6AcaKNPz442-Bum4d63mhtabIwtzmcaouMTLufw5UssUNXkFFpyMtsb83Nc_OmaIDaJpKNjcrX-Zg/s280/P1dungV111_000000015.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxO88_dHpbRxJIHNl2FZ7lCvFzaWOg8uemlIvy9KKOOHr-gfS_D2pZyR8pKUlRghxaDOvuw8BxpNekCfMRO_Fy30eNBmLkq4dud79pBeCJRdkt6AcaKNPz442-Bum4d63mhtabIwtzmcaouMTLufw5UssUNXkFFpyMtsb83Nc_OmaIDaJpKNjcrX-Zg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000015.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 10: "Northford"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcbHM_-N36-3dNGd2dyhdS2dEErjrrPDxr6XaciYuXcXTUpfDYLF8GKfSa02Q20UHbIr7jEnH6wxJDirwtkNyxBN_GkpfL0KTOod3BAcKQydEFUvApL6eia-t3WyMXzj_9-8rql6ok83SyhELOZv8C5WRGHnt996Mg5DzvftXcpFW0KuN9he89FVkOg/s280/P1dungV111_000000016.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcbHM_-N36-3dNGd2dyhdS2dEErjrrPDxr6XaciYuXcXTUpfDYLF8GKfSa02Q20UHbIr7jEnH6wxJDirwtkNyxBN_GkpfL0KTOod3BAcKQydEFUvApL6eia-t3WyMXzj_9-8rql6ok83SyhELOZv8C5WRGHnt996Mg5DzvftXcpFW0KuN9he89FVkOg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000016.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gelnor's northeast corner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Before going to the dungeon in the serpent-shaped archipelago, I had a bit of unfinished overworld business. A portion of the map in the southwest remained unexplored, surrounded by deep, unswimmable waters. Two of Gelnor's eleven towns also remained undiscovered, Asgard or wherever the gods lived notwithstanding.<br /></p><p>I returned to Northford and Minmax cast Transportation, selecting town #5 as a destination. This brought me to a new town, "Appleton," but as I left, I got a surprise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwnEd_Y05EvYqYiecaLlzKDkNpne2PDYc7b6Z1LRZr9yxXWL9wDGM5VMCXhszE6qZYF4H5-EmSb721GCabj1gzSIX-Fa1AJcKwFs2EPh0Utt4WlBQV_cScVeiqf6J4D9K1jAmx_GIyuy3rxb33VwUUY69dAxR-KGitNm987hBCr15Ul8S1HV1v6wWuw/s280/P1dungV111_000000017.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwnEd_Y05EvYqYiecaLlzKDkNpne2PDYc7b6Z1LRZr9yxXWL9wDGM5VMCXhszE6qZYF4H5-EmSb721GCabj1gzSIX-Fa1AJcKwFs2EPh0Utt4WlBQV_cScVeiqf6J4D9K1jAmx_GIyuy3rxb33VwUUY69dAxR-KGitNm987hBCr15Ul8S1HV1v6wWuw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000017.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>"Appleton" is just an inn on the southwest coast, where I've already been! If you teleport there by magic, it behaves as a town, but if you walk there (or leave and come back), it's just an inn.</p><p>We walked north to Greenville and cast Transportation again, going to area 8 - Phantasia.</p><p>Checking out the armory, which had long ceased to offer interesting wares, there was another surprise.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-oETUphiCJacUJ-WFaaxpHeITY8QIL6PPWryDULpSWrITM6XV6aek1QtUlTt5WWM3_b_wK0nXgsQBkofrJVPl9ZPgvuVd6ldwTFOWKME0Ls6CwOysbvn44bD9rHEf9Q8kcnisNxPpu4vlrlKdnY5ZgLiFFsKbpGnVFpqtUJePK_DlNd0JCJ4KKnTrA/s280/P1dungV111_000000018.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-oETUphiCJacUJ-WFaaxpHeITY8QIL6PPWryDULpSWrITM6XV6aek1QtUlTt5WWM3_b_wK0nXgsQBkofrJVPl9ZPgvuVd6ldwTFOWKME0Ls6CwOysbvn44bD9rHEf9Q8kcnisNxPpu4vlrlKdnY5ZgLiFFsKbpGnVFpqtUJePK_DlNd0JCJ4KKnTrA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000018.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, so <i>this</i> is where one of the missing rings wound up!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I bought the ring, and left town to map the surrounding area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a2HD5fOzzMAV0p1_DGSoCWNeO5utsoCxLww2YAQEi4fl9K6Nfjm8-AZwYhQs1ElUVK75PVzokm1BJg8axfWssLTaJ9VkGfeUfRM4DH5rIV0cB5bAcJxYX_VsPZWcvfNu-VmYK0tuKI-floXK_eEy_xY05um7t9Sn6qxxB9vjs31g3Jy90J7t_ASJpQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a2HD5fOzzMAV0p1_DGSoCWNeO5utsoCxLww2YAQEi4fl9K6Nfjm8-AZwYhQs1ElUVK75PVzokm1BJg8axfWssLTaJ9VkGfeUfRM4DH5rIV0cB5bAcJxYX_VsPZWcvfNu-VmYK0tuKI-floXK_eEy_xY05um7t9Sn6qxxB9vjs31g3Jy90J7t_ASJpQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000020.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Great. Another Brigadoon that vanishes when you set foot outside of it.</p><p>Recalling the scroll concerning the magic pools, I knew a third one could be found here, and I found it, hidden among the ocean tiles, but revealed by its irregular oval tile pattern among the waves.<br /></p><p>The area is surrounded by deep ocean, which you normally cannot cross, and without any town to go back into and cast Transportation, we seemed stranded, but there's a way out, thanks to a quirk in the game logic. By leaving on the east side of the screen, the party is deposited onto the west side of the next screen, onto a normally impassable "deep ocean" tile, and allowed to swim away from it, onto the shore.</p><p> The results from the third and final pool:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lenny's charisma increased from 12 to 15.</li><li>Lambert's dexterity increased from 13 to 15.</li><li>Claude's intelligence increased from 22 to 26.</li><li>Rasputin's charisma increased from 12 to 15.</li><li>Dennis' constitution increased from 14 to 16.</li><li>Minmax's dexterity increased from 15 to 17.</li></ul><p> </p>Not terrific, but my party isn't exactly struggling.<br /><p> </p><div style="text-align: left;">My basically complete map:<br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhD97Hyrq5vA7w1fF2M2NFfXUllF5eP5BB8bgOc5KGXxmycbsSseAS3ZPGgTRGlU92QTMsFoEbr_r6P-5QoPJvay_HrZGt8nIKxv_28gsjerAayF-4bskw7d6LNo5UyyyxA7s0s1D77zLKaOVGzKrqGA6HoNmLuTS0efNJmO-y7qloPBny2sufjc_Ww/s618/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="553" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhD97Hyrq5vA7w1fF2M2NFfXUllF5eP5BB8bgOc5KGXxmycbsSseAS3ZPGgTRGlU92QTMsFoEbr_r6P-5QoPJvay_HrZGt8nIKxv_28gsjerAayF-4bskw7d6LNo5UyyyxA7s0s1D77zLKaOVGzKrqGA6HoNmLuTS0efNJmO-y7qloPBny2sufjc_Ww/w358-h400/untitled.png" width="358" /></a></div>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-85556007030003595822024-02-27T06:24:00.001-05:002024-02-27T06:24:33.395-05:00Phantasie: J.R. Trolkien's Castle<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrrpyMvoPK9r0Zh-yIlEbqDSmTApx0fvaVedVqUo6UN8ZUDH7Jwz-Fr5eoWFdyZTemXVfl21mgAjB-gJdSxtrxmF_Oa5NJN9AAFCcNazHCZrKGRvZkk6lgycoUqhfhuCHAMRktoW0jnV9P6tnLeK259uH5_vhX994uJ_ItryyV9UjF9_lDV-1Isr0TA/s280/P1bootV111_000000001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrrpyMvoPK9r0Zh-yIlEbqDSmTApx0fvaVedVqUo6UN8ZUDH7Jwz-Fr5eoWFdyZTemXVfl21mgAjB-gJdSxtrxmF_Oa5NJN9AAFCcNazHCZrKGRvZkk6lgycoUqhfhuCHAMRktoW0jnV9P6tnLeK259uH5_vhX994uJ_ItryyV9UjF9_lDV-1Isr0TA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000001.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>My party awakened in a jail cell with an unpickable lock. Nothing to do but search the walls for a secret exit, and of course there was one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AEnPe7eEyR-J8emJUTXyaE85OvkgYyk5mR4CfCrsI1_RnPYhR4a_pt6HYvr2DhvXQ2SSpHYATtDLpixvwHT_2sp05C8VTGMFvybklKkGCmoLLgwF4M4Gn2fEjmJrF62grOmt6kWDR4E9FDuKpGQPBRHIDjl_-w3s23k-GE7mTKmTFlUwuxEGz0Fcew/s280/P1bootV111_000000004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AEnPe7eEyR-J8emJUTXyaE85OvkgYyk5mR4CfCrsI1_RnPYhR4a_pt6HYvr2DhvXQ2SSpHYATtDLpixvwHT_2sp05C8VTGMFvybklKkGCmoLLgwF4M4Gn2fEjmJrF62grOmt6kWDR4E9FDuKpGQPBRHIDjl_-w3s23k-GE7mTKmTFlUwuxEGz0Fcew/s1600/P1bootV111_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>A new enemy, "High Rangers," guarded the passage out. but we killed them before they could demonstrate any mischief.</p><p>At the end of the passage is a bloody arena.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7yTE2QoqJNMLmuPWGoOL1z9et_HOOfIs-kRXPYycOx9cHRccQ-HOBSVyBQz8kQFMfNdoe4Ckni15LLFH5Tep6XL0KssO0UZ09dcMhfAvULxbwwRE-EKM4VgK4dXT34F8YnIggJtTwVFjoCAoguXWDjlr_qxO4J_OAi8y7PJmb9lDYFvumoeN32V7PQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000005.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7yTE2QoqJNMLmuPWGoOL1z9et_HOOfIs-kRXPYycOx9cHRccQ-HOBSVyBQz8kQFMfNdoe4Ckni15LLFH5Tep6XL0KssO0UZ09dcMhfAvULxbwwRE-EKM4VgK4dXT34F8YnIggJtTwVFjoCAoguXWDjlr_qxO4J_OAi8y7PJmb9lDYFvumoeN32V7PQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOWFjphkIJtprDHlN2GPECHnQWm2mlnPgaC95Cy3vJkjIplEH45EWkv0ABRWTF_0E9shJ3Jf-NIvBKL_kDmCqIsyhFzm_FLHWZT3QcbHJd4o394hS2g3r8xT9d8GMZAScu6pOgFUGBZL4OGTQT-4Memf0utShQ5K0jLNYEwkokEK8t25XhN7RDoDdNQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000006.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOWFjphkIJtprDHlN2GPECHnQWm2mlnPgaC95Cy3vJkjIplEH45EWkv0ABRWTF_0E9shJ3Jf-NIvBKL_kDmCqIsyhFzm_FLHWZT3QcbHJd4o394hS2g3r8xT9d8GMZAScu6pOgFUGBZL4OGTQT-4Memf0utShQ5K0jLNYEwkokEK8t25XhN7RDoDdNQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000006.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Just a troll. His hits barely tickle my weakest member, and went down with a single round of sustained hits. Some human soldiers attacked next, but they went down with little trouble too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t21uAYzmXMqkUJBT8h3oraJPUXUPC29DrtKxFk98P7ynjES4oO-iwvc6EQB4slzT_9QP7mBSw_LvkGmhwDaKdee-Tgcq41C1BIrnt2WBA05QB_G7-j_86dVBTceEWXlrS1iFR1w2NGu-3__I3rXblIbYQ77ilTFb0vJwSh7m50NWTBMSOpo5vByJlA/s280/P1bootV111_000000007.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t21uAYzmXMqkUJBT8h3oraJPUXUPC29DrtKxFk98P7ynjES4oO-iwvc6EQB4slzT_9QP7mBSw_LvkGmhwDaKdee-Tgcq41C1BIrnt2WBA05QB_G7-j_86dVBTceEWXlrS1iFR1w2NGu-3__I3rXblIbYQ77ilTFb0vJwSh7m50NWTBMSOpo5vByJlA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000007.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>The arena exit was, once again, locked, and so I searched the walls for another secret passage, which I found in the north end of the tunnel, leading to a control room.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdkn2f-lPoWHRmJhyK_3Q0MBs3ZtsxFZS4hicTDqXf8qrMmcuh68qAvyn7TYZUF0gxmkythamP-FOEEBnQ-Q5cDAWokIif2dxaIiH4eK6Ha92Skun7Bg1abv_tHuFJrfL7-mSxuir7rP-JIqvXysfLsQ5-Sk6p3wp8ThMPOgC8Y_J1ZiEXzNh3cy_vA/s280/P1bootV111_000000008.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdkn2f-lPoWHRmJhyK_3Q0MBs3ZtsxFZS4hicTDqXf8qrMmcuh68qAvyn7TYZUF0gxmkythamP-FOEEBnQ-Q5cDAWokIif2dxaIiH4eK6Ha92Skun7Bg1abv_tHuFJrfL7-mSxuir7rP-JIqvXysfLsQ5-Sk6p3wp8ThMPOgC8Y_J1ZiEXzNh3cy_vA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000008.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Three levels stuck out from a panel, and I pulled them all before continuing eastward, through a secret passageway, where I met the big guy - J.R. Trollkin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AmOBcBTn18onjub8vrxTuZxHWWsWsiR2AMXIw6qhblRJ133x0Nd9Zt_uLeSnaougo4Fb85c239QC6ZVtjlh-3s6W6Aeb7lx66hgeoTTi7xionwsTnUXMp8NaYy7Od2RVqv-1RVhSU5ZHqbl_zYoIcyzgU_mIll5ePoDRVswzcpeDTdIXgs0xW5FjFw/s280/P1bootV111_000000009.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AmOBcBTn18onjub8vrxTuZxHWWsWsiR2AMXIw6qhblRJ133x0Nd9Zt_uLeSnaougo4Fb85c239QC6ZVtjlh-3s6W6Aeb7lx66hgeoTTi7xionwsTnUXMp8NaYy7Od2RVqv-1RVhSU5ZHqbl_zYoIcyzgU_mIll5ePoDRVswzcpeDTdIXgs0xW5FjFw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000009.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>He was a bit of a pushover who went down in five rounds of combat, and I looted his bedroom and closet.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVorWKtuASHeujdrrs5aPNaBm7qxM1jSUu6J_zJQxXxbFvNS0xMhRd17q-Rm-b_OQuDzii78DAkwHkzyPMAna0wBbkX6E2o_Axkp5719LiycklwVbrhKAew0aMvsX8GNXp00KeGyIuXew1WleU1LLyeA_pineoTPy9vqx6mknI6QVJMejOgWtcixDBew/s280/P1bootV111_000000011.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVorWKtuASHeujdrrs5aPNaBm7qxM1jSUu6J_zJQxXxbFvNS0xMhRd17q-Rm-b_OQuDzii78DAkwHkzyPMAna0wBbkX6E2o_Axkp5719LiycklwVbrhKAew0aMvsX8GNXp00KeGyIuXew1WleU1LLyeA_pineoTPy9vqx6mknI6QVJMejOgWtcixDBew/s1600/P1bootV111_000000011.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Further up north, a group of high rangers supported by two big groups of scribes hit us with repeated debuff spells to the point where our attacks ceased to be effective, so I hit them with Mind Blast, Minmax's most powerful group-targeting spell, and finished off the survivors with a thousand cuts.</p><p>I explored the majority of the map, though some doors remained impossible to open. Some rooms of note included hidden corridors that led to the arena viewing area, an armory filled with weapons, and another library. Eventually I returned to the starting area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvKpQbqxtfrdkU5GiZQIQUsr9HidQHL_aeAVeSulb_HCeYmR14EqCmwpVUy8Ut0hIj3j9PHgSjryrc-pZjJmZ6w2ZFrCdEaBD2h6JlhTO5udr5pkmMg9APNFQobuWTh1gg9MxLusHWPx_9f8ExrTYKnYFfEFdmRKn5G4y4r5nbOhy1m_ftkf36z2Iug/s280/P1bootV111_000000012.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvKpQbqxtfrdkU5GiZQIQUsr9HidQHL_aeAVeSulb_HCeYmR14EqCmwpVUy8Ut0hIj3j9PHgSjryrc-pZjJmZ6w2ZFrCdEaBD2h6JlhTO5udr5pkmMg9APNFQobuWTh1gg9MxLusHWPx_9f8ExrTYKnYFfEFdmRKn5G4y4r5nbOhy1m_ftkf36z2Iug/s1600/P1bootV111_000000012.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>But the exit door wouldn't open!</p><p>I went back to the jail - the door there <i>was</i> open, and led to a few storage areas where I got more treasures, including a key.</p><p>I backtracked all the way to the entrance, and unlocked the exit door.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyPo3Kgs0UFFNdYtYYGQZ22dmpLG8DW_2yF5ViUMIr4-1hC8wXpyhrV3iQKYbh2Q705f5Gap3KMw2B7_2h5LMCYHg6iV-sxy8rXSGJhZdO_zpexYHtyzZ76WptfOXGD0FiAbZlnaaEdEOEX_-dJF8Wfw622bFfDMAm9EOVCzhuVX3-l2C9sqLtuT08g/s280/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyPo3Kgs0UFFNdYtYYGQZ22dmpLG8DW_2yF5ViUMIr4-1hC8wXpyhrV3iQKYbh2Q705f5Gap3KMw2B7_2h5LMCYHg6iV-sxy8rXSGJhZdO_zpexYHtyzZ76WptfOXGD0FiAbZlnaaEdEOEX_-dJF8Wfw622bFfDMAm9EOVCzhuVX3-l2C9sqLtuT08g/s1600/untitled.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>This was the first dungeon that I effectively had to complete in one go. Previous dungeons could be entered and left at will to heal and level up, apart from the occasional curveball such as being kidnapped at the lizard men's caves and being forced to fight my way out of an arena before I could leave. But this dungeon kidnaps you from the start, and makes you fight your way out, find the secret passageways, and find a key somewhere in a maze-like layout where the doors open and close from a three-lever control panel. By the time I did all that, I probably saw the entire dungeon, unless I missed some secrets. There is no opportunity to rest, which would have been a problem in levels past, but by now I really didn't need it - I barely even needed to use magic healing.</p><p>I went back north to Splitwater to check out the loot and gains. The game doesn't tell you what you found until you return to town.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJcJ7cONo350JikqhZR1ZZ0WwW_UGn6KfVvEm0yO_RfBOgBavNYiyqgLk649-hTSNSqslLuKRfZmlxB-f-gJWiy0W4awh0HOVcSwKhgUYEsOPssGQEu4zwf2x2d6D0hj52eRyyswI74-XPyK8KR2gg96PbI06hBWYh0h5I1K2cKEqSIIklPvJlMElhA/s280/P1bootV111_000000015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJcJ7cONo350JikqhZR1ZZ0WwW_UGn6KfVvEm0yO_RfBOgBavNYiyqgLk649-hTSNSqslLuKRfZmlxB-f-gJWiy0W4awh0HOVcSwKhgUYEsOPssGQEu4zwf2x2d6D0hj52eRyyswI74-XPyK8KR2gg96PbI06hBWYh0h5I1K2cKEqSIIklPvJlMElhA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000015.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>The haul included three numbered rings - likely found among the treasures in J.R.T's bedroom closet - as described by the prisoner's scrolls in Lord Wood's dungeon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPGbetBxMe_1r3uyxTV1ieBshk_zhyTuDn7Dxacs8OdfMzuLKLKGYpLcWb7YKV5HnpduK3CDE7i2i1mRLNLFUpdtQQloquZ8c1g9AbnfT9uxH4B6ZW-DJRO0M9ZPcpTw4E8TDetqDODqsSry95rjPf6Qbe7ViizEGNfHZLs913oQRUOfaPPrlSKWq-g/s280/P1bootV111_000000016.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPGbetBxMe_1r3uyxTV1ieBshk_zhyTuDn7Dxacs8OdfMzuLKLKGYpLcWb7YKV5HnpduK3CDE7i2i1mRLNLFUpdtQQloquZ8c1g9AbnfT9uxH4B6ZW-DJRO0M9ZPcpTw4E8TDetqDODqsSry95rjPf6Qbe7ViizEGNfHZLs913oQRUOfaPPrlSKWq-g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000016.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>The weapons - good lord there were so many - were all vendor junk downgrades from what I brought with me, but a few pieces of armor were improvements. Nobody gained quite enough experience to gain a level, but by now we had so much money that a few characters couldn't even store their shares in the bank - the limit is $65,535 per person.</p><p>The scroll found in Trolkin's library gave a clue that you probably don't need if you've managed to escape the castle and read it.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_thyOShsax1185iLDz7-LWJauIVR0yKMjCC9KLiL2tjFbdHSEEE7w2-nZXK_IFanPTI9oZ3OQoeNc5tA-OyXSzPXyh0qeBMqC95Ldlj4wobSGVPGHWu6ws5hK0D3RPR3hEJ-yWHVjADjl0XkkqRe9fBSptT4459x9zyESoNhu776p_GHtLcwHaUvEQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000017.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_thyOShsax1185iLDz7-LWJauIVR0yKMjCC9KLiL2tjFbdHSEEE7w2-nZXK_IFanPTI9oZ3OQoeNc5tA-OyXSzPXyh0qeBMqC95Ldlj4wobSGVPGHWu6ws5hK0D3RPR3hEJ-yWHVjADjl0XkkqRe9fBSptT4459x9zyESoNhu776p_GHtLcwHaUvEQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000017.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oof. That last one didn't age well.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">My party:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mystic-rated party score of 42 - "You are almost ready to visit the gods"</li><li>Air rune, earth rune, and fire rune</li><li>Three rings of power <br /></li><li>Lenny - Level 12 dwarf fighter</li><ul><li>Needs 14,000xp to level</li><li>216 HP, 5 MP <br /></li><li>22/10/22 combat stats (God knife, plate mail, god shield)</li><li>Slash can hit up to four times per round without magic buffs <br /></li><li>Knows one spell - Monster Evaluation.<br /></li></ul><li>Lambert - Level 11 dwarf ranger</li><ul><li>Needs 44,000xp to level</li><li>168 HP, 17MP</li><li>19/9/18 combat stats (Halberd +4, banded mail, giant shield +2)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing and Awaken<br /></li></ul><li>Claude - Level 12 human priest</li><ul><li>Needs 162,000xp to level</li><li>126 HP, 20 MP</li><li>19/8/16 combat stats (Sword +10, splint mail, giant shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing, Quadruple Fireflash, and Awaken.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Protection, Quadruple
Confusion, Triple Weakness, Triple Binding, Teleportation, and
Resurrection.<br /></li></ul><li>Rasputin - Level 11 halfling monk</li><ul><li>Needs 59,000xp to level</li><li>142 HP, 13 MP <br /></li><li>19/6/13 combat stats (Sword +10, ring mail +1, large shield +1)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash and Double Ninja</li><li>One untested spell - summon elemental</li></ul><li>Dennis - Level 13 sprite thief</li><ul><li>Needs 95,000xp to level</li><li>113 HP, 8 MP</li><li>18/6/12 combat stats (Halberd +3, ring mail +1, large shield)<br /></li><li>Generally excellent thieving skills, with a so far 100% success rate at lockpicking and trap disarmament <br /></li><li>Knows three spells, but none of them have been useful lately (and two of them never were).<br /></li></ul><li>Minmax - Level 12 elf wizard</li><ul><li>Needs 350,000xp to level</li><li>92 HP, 17 MP</li><li>8/3/2 combat stats (Flail +1, Robes +1, wood shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Triple Quickness, Quadruple Mindblast, Double Ninja, Awaken, and Transportation.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Strength, Triple Flamebolt, Fear, and Summon Elemental.<br /></li></ul></ul><br /><br /><br /><br />Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-26351919763655401242024-02-25T19:04:00.000-05:002024-02-25T19:04:09.940-05:00Phantasie Starville<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExoL1d3wzpuNweQ4WMWBd_lmj-In-zpqZKbK9-pHLQ_YYaCY-AOui7ER35NSqAJQW4_cWFLgtP5rJs1pg4F-9RolvBqPFSm6F8Pifxw3_1b6GdxmUHuIn8TTKIZDxV6eVOvQyWi8k0GgVFTMj36XQb6nGVysphgTluY-HvAH-6oT7Z3ePyTA75kui2A/s280/P1dungV111_000000003.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExoL1d3wzpuNweQ4WMWBd_lmj-In-zpqZKbK9-pHLQ_YYaCY-AOui7ER35NSqAJQW4_cWFLgtP5rJs1pg4F-9RolvBqPFSm6F8Pifxw3_1b6GdxmUHuIn8TTKIZDxV6eVOvQyWi8k0GgVFTMj36XQb6nGVysphgTluY-HvAH-6oT7Z3ePyTA75kui2A/s1600/P1dungV111_000000003.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Two screens north of Lord Wood's castle, on an island a few day's swim east of the starting town, Nikademus' castle is carved into the mountains. We can't enter yet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtspkNiQ1ToKEyBA11uxp8GZDaepZjiPHj0x9eVdZ5jOpWonIQg8GXRa-jQdvWiYEkucHsPrNYyAFlGC0-kHRKLzovctbAp86J6k0F_ihtZJvKGctN1g_xq-ApBv32xfHGeUbH45xpEHYKEdpnf0K2BaLYIxUv32RabW6pOUfA2VdJYMVPtWgJA7AZg/s280/P1dungV111_000000004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtspkNiQ1ToKEyBA11uxp8GZDaepZjiPHj0x9eVdZ5jOpWonIQg8GXRa-jQdvWiYEkucHsPrNYyAFlGC0-kHRKLzovctbAp86J6k0F_ihtZJvKGctN1g_xq-ApBv32xfHGeUbH45xpEHYKEdpnf0K2BaLYIxUv32RabW6pOUfA2VdJYMVPtWgJA7AZg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>I kept exploring.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsZuVA_hlHmTrlA3hMAa12L5N5XAXFC18RHCiXI72kn3yk-ALXrCBzhyphenhyphenN1DOySKsFBS9KRWsrwLExQzsAYTZphQQsRDK-vM4OOmXs0gJityc4vCmrOFchOR7-WBMZfh3UWV4zYnrm2IXEiA-NfCxfhboKo_33eCdlzy8MCMbGSld4R8x1sj5qb7Qojw/s280/P1dungV111_000000005.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsZuVA_hlHmTrlA3hMAa12L5N5XAXFC18RHCiXI72kn3yk-ALXrCBzhyphenhyphenN1DOySKsFBS9KRWsrwLExQzsAYTZphQQsRDK-vM4OOmXs0gJityc4vCmrOFchOR7-WBMZfh3UWV4zYnrm2IXEiA-NfCxfhboKo_33eCdlzy8MCMbGSld4R8x1sj5qb7Qojw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 11: "Starville"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>A bit out of numerical order from the previously visited locations, Starville has nothing but a town and a lot of hilly terrain, where once-tough monsters like fire elementals, orange dragons, sorcerers, and high demons attack frequently, but by now have become more nuisance than menace.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_y5wrUpVAITZ399Gglg-7P93xIKEB27w1qOHdQ8pht6mG3VO0Tf3_VANyu8d3ZnOHy12ttUbHjMIRgWc9ZBCnXNb_MwQYFP1kXY7ru8FpdEyOGyExTwVhaAXw8730WzjIKgr667rY7HQDDiAnYO_9OZsYZTeBozLZYikanI0K0tB3Z6CkZE956l2-g/s280/P1dungV111_000000007.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_y5wrUpVAITZ399Gglg-7P93xIKEB27w1qOHdQ8pht6mG3VO0Tf3_VANyu8d3ZnOHy12ttUbHjMIRgWc9ZBCnXNb_MwQYFP1kXY7ru8FpdEyOGyExTwVhaAXw8730WzjIKgr667rY7HQDDiAnYO_9OZsYZTeBozLZYikanI0K0tB3Z6CkZE956l2-g/s1600/P1dungV111_000000007.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>South of Starville, the terrain and random encounters are more of the same, but this is where I found the next dungeon.</p><p>Except we couldn't enter this one yet either.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPKRQZAYHCOyUMFBUqd4kgDWhDpJjUTYNFnKfYKMD8hsfm9zmj0kNWPipPQf6x6Yr2ayXW75vd7sr4mQiLVPosnllM7gLSLfc7pnp0lWtiWvA632i28rkxhKiLEVf0fGKgD9md8ab_QsKVPFxOiKKHMO_5d-AVo3aPN3be_h6bTHkBtSsTLDh-OeX7Q/s280/P1dungV111_000000008.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPKRQZAYHCOyUMFBUqd4kgDWhDpJjUTYNFnKfYKMD8hsfm9zmj0kNWPipPQf6x6Yr2ayXW75vd7sr4mQiLVPosnllM7gLSLfc7pnp0lWtiWvA632i28rkxhKiLEVf0fGKgD9md8ab_QsKVPFxOiKKHMO_5d-AVo3aPN3be_h6bTHkBtSsTLDh-OeX7Q/s1600/P1dungV111_000000008.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Further south we go.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWHy3541odYqPyQ7AbbiTsNDEdOgL_YqZWBBhaDi8vFq5WKSrOc6531KfU214_F8Ui8OZg1r-UyX1pFBX8BYNwJG-P_NdqHtec62q0gQYkmMGx1raTH0gd1AJeL9-5wN-tDoV359_EsQwuvi4L8LL1lLuIEcHAITOL9JZBNZWO7-o_efdcYQWrCKvew/s280/P1dungV111_000000009.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWHy3541odYqPyQ7AbbiTsNDEdOgL_YqZWBBhaDi8vFq5WKSrOc6531KfU214_F8Ui8OZg1r-UyX1pFBX8BYNwJG-P_NdqHtec62q0gQYkmMGx1raTH0gd1AJeL9-5wN-tDoV359_EsQwuvi4L8LL1lLuIEcHAITOL9JZBNZWO7-o_efdcYQWrCKvew/s1600/P1dungV111_000000009.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 6: "Splitwater"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Just another town with another pointless inn. Encounters are easier than they were in the areas to the north, but no less of a constant annoying interruption to the mapping effort.</p><p>We kept going south, to the edge of the map.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4mQ9s048RwPnNCMdsk_Rf5MRbDlU3rH9nt0T0OYoDuT6nNJW5m1jagHXjpgZLZQ5PB2EBPFIbSJydCVFadkmGsmlTvUaYasit_DzETdn4WuuseMN039A7cQbsul2ASgLvBqnvmSCGDtC7PJ0B0s15W8JZZHSkVbvfiyh7PiUI7B8iwkpH0sHUJZ0bg/s280/P1dungV111_000000010.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4mQ9s048RwPnNCMdsk_Rf5MRbDlU3rH9nt0T0OYoDuT6nNJW5m1jagHXjpgZLZQ5PB2EBPFIbSJydCVFadkmGsmlTvUaYasit_DzETdn4WuuseMN039A7cQbsul2ASgLvBqnvmSCGDtC7PJ0B0s15W8JZZHSkVbvfiyh7PiUI7B8iwkpH0sHUJZ0bg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000010.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>And inside the castle, this happened.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdIetPLxKz8CR0VZgOohr0pjiGrARdp0VD-zK9Me18ehJ6gWtSB_95nqa6XxEJ2Dh7e0tZ8zEZyWhsYFBeASHpBGRVrKqq-4FF1QlqVaVxo8MuzgOtmVDbS8x6cxA6wbzI3p64szLo6xqQJ4fx0btbx8Bs9lmXVFqeNKSBTIlXMJsXtLkAeuU_OEM7g/s280/P1bootV111_000000000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdIetPLxKz8CR0VZgOohr0pjiGrARdp0VD-zK9Me18ehJ6gWtSB_95nqa6XxEJ2Dh7e0tZ8zEZyWhsYFBeASHpBGRVrKqq-4FF1QlqVaVxo8MuzgOtmVDbS8x6cxA6wbzI3p64szLo6xqQJ4fx0btbx8Bs9lmXVFqeNKSBTIlXMJsXtLkAeuU_OEM7g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000000.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>My Gelnor map (so far):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuavXwkl1RA0nIYpUtf5Bla8GfWevImXlO1bOvUjeADcv0NcAEzTL9CBAluzPiAMMOxEJ-dWPhYt9mGxrXeC8ajKv8x9XxfsDicZnIB0IKxYR9bgNse0TJ2ji3HFEySNSefUdGtXeweY12rp4FnVfvXs7t1ZDsXjrUJTx46ZL3KeWtd2s5Wcx6OAKkQ/s618/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="413" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuavXwkl1RA0nIYpUtf5Bla8GfWevImXlO1bOvUjeADcv0NcAEzTL9CBAluzPiAMMOxEJ-dWPhYt9mGxrXeC8ajKv8x9XxfsDicZnIB0IKxYR9bgNse0TJ2ji3HFEySNSefUdGtXeweY12rp4FnVfvXs7t1ZDsXjrUJTx46ZL3KeWtd2s5Wcx6OAKkQ/w268-h400/untitled.png" width="268" /></a></div><br /><p>Hey, I'm almost 75% done!</p>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-69796640833109794372024-02-23T10:33:00.000-05:002024-02-23T10:33:04.787-05:00Phantasie: Lord Wood's Castle<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsi9SzyMqczMfw5oZck3uHHgtIcogrwozMBNetkO-qg-raaj6KfedGvwbx-4bA71Munkc-0GE-CgeGhAeiI7l9MHxtn2t8cY1FFlKtj3VLSuA_yy_1QzAeTlAAzEciPTSxORWzXnCrLviXGFnaww4gQBiZRPCk3KgyRw4LaA4JOggQGPpauTRBypMmw/s618/untitled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="273" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsi9SzyMqczMfw5oZck3uHHgtIcogrwozMBNetkO-qg-raaj6KfedGvwbx-4bA71Munkc-0GE-CgeGhAeiI7l9MHxtn2t8cY1FFlKtj3VLSuA_yy_1QzAeTlAAzEciPTSxORWzXnCrLviXGFnaww4gQBiZRPCk3KgyRw4LaA4JOggQGPpauTRBypMmw/w176-h400/untitled.png" width="176" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Gelnor<br /></td>
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<br />
<p>Now that my party is fairly high level, we're all pretty good at swimming. Incredibly good, actually - we can swim for <i>days</i> on end, as each map tile represents a day's travel. Each tile's distance carries a slight chance of somebody sinking, but this only damages that character for 4-5 HP, which at this point is no big deal.</p>
<p>And so, I took this opportunity to revisit my partially mapped areas and fill in the missing ocean terrain. The gulf east of Woodville still has some deep waters where my party can't go yet, but other than that, nothing is especially interesting yet, and the monsters are not troublesome. Black Knights, of which I've fought multiple now, are chumps.</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRlZOk6Zvy9v7tc0C0enT0dd-X5xE37GOBWZ1k433U5OyT7sTKyKsTdoTLcwAX5vm59Mu6j7jq8hDAQLwrCwq40eO6u-rn7piPzl55QTFnpcuEqSRyKXmKsCTcpn6XARyNfoNfhoSqyoSdIqQjqPAtNmOf_YcZ6NOUMpWIrxDiHp7EkaIEjU2TZoq7A/s280/P1dungV111_000000046.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRlZOk6Zvy9v7tc0C0enT0dd-X5xE37GOBWZ1k433U5OyT7sTKyKsTdoTLcwAX5vm59Mu6j7jq8hDAQLwrCwq40eO6u-rn7piPzl55QTFnpcuEqSRyKXmKsCTcpn6XARyNfoNfhoSqyoSdIqQjqPAtNmOf_YcZ6NOUMpWIrxDiHp7EkaIEjU2TZoq7A/s1600/P1dungV111_000000046.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 4, "Hobbiton"<br /></td>
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<p></p>
<p>North of the gulf, east of Greenville is Hobbiton. Nothing remarkable about the town itself, but close by is the next logical dungeon - Lord Wood's castle.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJnCwQL7oP37TnFh7YCXkLxEIgsNyZNtXgYtzSgjIMDz9y2Xdu55nG-IWp_RgLL0MM7ZLbIp7XLgeyoG_Ti_LRwjCKde4f2KaoHYCq20JHgp-l4nACYwrLes5cH-2cZZQBGdUsnsMRGwUQ3KnX7cB6AKyaXCBHUmGkzyWZGjtifII2Y-o0ygyfuYHWQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000047.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJnCwQL7oP37TnFh7YCXkLxEIgsNyZNtXgYtzSgjIMDz9y2Xdu55nG-IWp_RgLL0MM7ZLbIp7XLgeyoG_Ti_LRwjCKde4f2KaoHYCq20JHgp-l4nACYwrLes5cH-2cZZQBGdUsnsMRGwUQ3KnX7cB6AKyaXCBHUmGkzyWZGjtifII2Y-o0ygyfuYHWQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000047.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>A butler at the door bid me entrance, advising me Lord Wood was not home, and an old captain fought me in his quarters on the bottom floor.<br /></p>
<p>Then, after climbing two sets of stairs, I arrived on a diabolical maze of tiled floor.<br /></p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhxJP-UbfUd87K7CrejAuoQUCBJCiEqERKKvkyUuuK8qXIFGOWjoT-d0mIaPrX0CR7F8kAZNUU0do7yzgzJSLuoWTzHzB7WUwNwQDLhyphenhyphenfwjdVFEoiTUCE1w1psfCBWdErgKwAMx5s8PQWLQYhouh4Y4e8t4u7HBvcldlzBYpW4kldTJMADGFWltJ5GQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000050.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhxJP-UbfUd87K7CrejAuoQUCBJCiEqERKKvkyUuuK8qXIFGOWjoT-d0mIaPrX0CR7F8kAZNUU0do7yzgzJSLuoWTzHzB7WUwNwQDLhyphenhyphenfwjdVFEoiTUCE1w1psfCBWdErgKwAMx5s8PQWLQYhouh4Y4e8t4u7HBvcldlzBYpW4kldTJMADGFWltJ5GQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000050.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>There's one safe path through to the end, and any deviation from it dumps you down to the ground floor. I eventually found the way through force pathfinding and a whole lot of magical healing and potion drinking, but it took time.<br /></p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6lCrCp0kiGq0AzyLQGaZVVE1SI1YIlMdLG91wq7vzps-0DCJB2OHMg5aQ4HLk5jJv_THzaIeHG89eyJru-mS44Uv-rTUmqsXviQBQq-l7QQSaKGPdOWLFf_BofsrxtPStFPKUyvomq5Elb2E0nhMdtssbiB1w-TqbPZGG6NqEs_tSDCymeTZpV9tMQ/s273/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="273" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6lCrCp0kiGq0AzyLQGaZVVE1SI1YIlMdLG91wq7vzps-0DCJB2OHMg5aQ4HLk5jJv_THzaIeHG89eyJru-mS44Uv-rTUmqsXviQBQq-l7QQSaKGPdOWLFf_BofsrxtPStFPKUyvomq5Elb2E0nhMdtssbiB1w-TqbPZGG6NqEs_tSDCymeTZpV9tMQ/s1600/untitled.png" width="273" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>At the end, a storage room held some gold, and a clue.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TbIm3_6h82TPYbBIMmn2EElRtB6xSMf3nT92fpaTrp9GF8YavquLTFT7hKwUBnRB1KV1hy1fq17udyWnk4s2kTzj2IFlzN-BAwy15xURHgwZWZ_X9J5176MzgyIn5OYbpVcXe6jHpZ0aaHwyG2Ko7Tw5iOJ1uifLvVbtWmsSRtGWXzEqtqBDfHMBDw/s280/P1dungV111_000000049.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TbIm3_6h82TPYbBIMmn2EElRtB6xSMf3nT92fpaTrp9GF8YavquLTFT7hKwUBnRB1KV1hy1fq17udyWnk4s2kTzj2IFlzN-BAwy15xURHgwZWZ_X9J5176MzgyIn5OYbpVcXe6jHpZ0aaHwyG2Ko7Tw5iOJ1uifLvVbtWmsSRtGWXzEqtqBDfHMBDw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000049.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>In the south, at the bottom of some stairs, is the dungeon.</p>
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<br />
<p>I went back and circled around the keep before entering the several rooms inside it.<br /></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A magic wave kept me out of a corridor to the east.</li>
<li>A "messy library with scrolls everywhere" contains no scrolls for me to take.</li>
<li>Another storage room has a trunk with several items.</li>
<li>In the barracks, a precious gem is found under one of the beds.</li>
<li>Robed sorcerers warn me to stay out of the southeast room, and I fight them to get in, where I find nothing but a guest bed.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40XYuACKE847W-aJndmhAvl0ZiiBjN0t11Zs-pujUslJFFlMErg5au3emSramaS7ghI1BNBNJgfKcryIUn6fIM3Hn15OiH29zmxYXTxRp9Pm1tjQnA_QobJA3dgXcrj5XbjxDl3qMDGV-v86hGlVJHGYl5J4orqvoTy-pq2aFzHLNfvVOJTGbXjYaTw/s280/P1bootV111_000000054.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40XYuACKE847W-aJndmhAvl0ZiiBjN0t11Zs-pujUslJFFlMErg5au3emSramaS7ghI1BNBNJgfKcryIUn6fIM3Hn15OiH29zmxYXTxRp9Pm1tjQnA_QobJA3dgXcrj5XbjxDl3qMDGV-v86hGlVJHGYl5J4orqvoTy-pq2aFzHLNfvVOJTGbXjYaTw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000054.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Another guest room is guarded by lords and magic users. And a viper. Above the bed is inscribed "JRT."</li>
<li>Lord Wood's bedroom above that has a walk-in closet where two scrolls are found, and the safe path through the tile maze is inscribed. <br /></li>
</ul>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7e6Oyg7yQ-MQKfzFM36FFAFqql-hsnnA5cZFoHxfYsnlEukraBVFXmP3M3odxyhZUgzd4RJcxRLvwAG8Uqb4f6L4espOfUn4L4YO8am7qnB6MOKG083j8UXjVLtfYH3HUMShE4BdEtr_7pGIk9dSec7btsldXbBMxGY89Wmz7eggEBd2hlTDS4u-Pg/s280/P1bootV111_000000055.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7e6Oyg7yQ-MQKfzFM36FFAFqql-hsnnA5cZFoHxfYsnlEukraBVFXmP3M3odxyhZUgzd4RJcxRLvwAG8Uqb4f6L4espOfUn4L4YO8am7qnB6MOKG083j8UXjVLtfYH3HUMShE4BdEtr_7pGIk9dSec7btsldXbBMxGY89Wmz7eggEBd2hlTDS4u-Pg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000055.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was <i>this</i> close to putting off the maze to look for a clue like this.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Going south from the main entrance is a great hall and kitchen, but nothing interesting in either.<br /></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpLnrDD85GMM8LCPW56PlAfmj1sSGYCiqAuM4oDW_Ql5HEmMLRU5NJRLFvMwD07vlQFgSXD2mPCz1QOZ4jAf4fXbP0x_FeP-rTHUVptNJMHxBFdKCjD-lkkUkdGytS9f4XwCbzu6-HHo80HJoXGgc9EZzzw2NW72DV15Grd7MJTbnXYdlbO0DYlbdTA/s280/P1bootV111_000000056.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpLnrDD85GMM8LCPW56PlAfmj1sSGYCiqAuM4oDW_Ql5HEmMLRU5NJRLFvMwD07vlQFgSXD2mPCz1QOZ4jAf4fXbP0x_FeP-rTHUVptNJMHxBFdKCjD-lkkUkdGytS9f4XwCbzu6-HHo80HJoXGgc9EZzzw2NW72DV15Grd7MJTbnXYdlbO0DYlbdTA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000056.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Recalling the words of the imprisoned elves, I searched the western wall of the great hall, where I found a secret passage guarded by some ogres. At the end of it are chests containing treasure and a key, which did indeed unlock one of the cells.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPSBF8rvZyyLIBun-3T4hhHpusue3-3b5CquU79AwkUXjkfulefHePUFKsiyf-_FUBoYb5Kza6lidjEgqbyGDpkPUOXds49k_HnKJyf9R3JZG2Ijay4M2IjryPyB-H45DcWwGVvxapA8VgsWHNYk7_8FeoSNPLPUxJauxPw6QljLHymLuU88k5IIvug/s280/P1bootV111_000000057.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPSBF8rvZyyLIBun-3T4hhHpusue3-3b5CquU79AwkUXjkfulefHePUFKsiyf-_FUBoYb5Kza6lidjEgqbyGDpkPUOXds49k_HnKJyf9R3JZG2Ijay4M2IjryPyB-H45DcWwGVvxapA8VgsWHNYk7_8FeoSNPLPUxJauxPw6QljLHymLuU88k5IIvug/s1600/P1bootV111_000000057.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Before leaving, I searched the walls in the southwest corner, noting a suspicious amount of negative space in the map, and found a secret garbage chute, where a large number of devils lurked.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIdu9pxMubY4gI1PjwpUWs5aUEDUp9SGUOVlbW0BglJo0pSVcIrUyMCkIJ1yHbhcf3YLOVCk1hPaSy8jbaEKxD1xKAn0__r47nx_LWnkF3OzUgGWrZa5y86R2XsXn6EgyMS0gdz749-r6hAdzP1FPkTnmLaohyphenhyphenwKAj6XDOgP6eSBdF1tlYwKMYFYYzQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000059.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIdu9pxMubY4gI1PjwpUWs5aUEDUp9SGUOVlbW0BglJo0pSVcIrUyMCkIJ1yHbhcf3YLOVCk1hPaSy8jbaEKxD1xKAn0__r47nx_LWnkF3OzUgGWrZa5y86R2XsXn6EgyMS0gdz749-r6hAdzP1FPkTnmLaohyphenhyphenwKAj6XDOgP6eSBdF1tlYwKMYFYYzQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000059.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mostly-explored map - I still can't visit the keeper<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The trip didn't get me any equipment upgrades, and the experience only leveled up Rasputin and Dennis, but it did fetch four new scrolls (the two found in Lord Wood's closet were duplicates).<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv966yXakiYWcKXStUrWMgJydkjGDkIw3ElpXREzHTVmZM3_RWdTjB9LECZkXPMMXLk05uW0ADZyD6jBCep9CR0fcL9iNsvBacKadXW1OjVfMUs8tp_A9RcBRDs-n3oAXQ7ldf90ErS8Bgyl3hWFLmh5RSZhqYHGbVkmlaqk6d3PHct_KkQIxcFntTw/s280/P1bootV111_000000060.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv966yXakiYWcKXStUrWMgJydkjGDkIw3ElpXREzHTVmZM3_RWdTjB9LECZkXPMMXLk05uW0ADZyD6jBCep9CR0fcL9iNsvBacKadXW1OjVfMUs8tp_A9RcBRDs-n3oAXQ7ldf90ErS8Bgyl3hWFLmh5RSZhqYHGbVkmlaqk6d3PHct_KkQIxcFntTw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000060.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaocflATKqrKY_KdbvxWgpDDdBmuUIck1TFPKY0JIv7k7V-K101D9D4PCc1JZBMQHZIgsCAP8I_Q9ZrWSY89QCQqjQcrTFxOXp_po09h1Y3sRjNRU30OjddY4IFIqmtSunAvo6IkiNau0u-AR2-xiTzEJKwyBW6xAeLToOD1NT7gfp4wFQZuIoxRdug/s280/P1bootV111_000000061.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaocflATKqrKY_KdbvxWgpDDdBmuUIck1TFPKY0JIv7k7V-K101D9D4PCc1JZBMQHZIgsCAP8I_Q9ZrWSY89QCQqjQcrTFxOXp_po09h1Y3sRjNRU30OjddY4IFIqmtSunAvo6IkiNau0u-AR2-xiTzEJKwyBW6xAeLToOD1NT7gfp4wFQZuIoxRdug/s1600/P1bootV111_000000061.png" width="280" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu0mWQe26qb3Ee8Xe4muFDlolRxHs4si4mxwBREBAlsRWJGUdcvy0FTD1RB2gmHN2T7jTrmX2FXII6iyg8xTKIrJyZ7YfKuBFkWFS3skFEY_D4m3VqDzvB2KVrdNzsPwQLvTVzuWv3p_Lq0pv8rMJUGx2U_7-_yZWB72kREdEdl243PvfaLTkIJMb5Q/s280/P1bootV111_000000062.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu0mWQe26qb3Ee8Xe4muFDlolRxHs4si4mxwBREBAlsRWJGUdcvy0FTD1RB2gmHN2T7jTrmX2FXII6iyg8xTKIrJyZ7YfKuBFkWFS3skFEY_D4m3VqDzvB2KVrdNzsPwQLvTVzuWv3p_Lq0pv8rMJUGx2U_7-_yZWB72kREdEdl243PvfaLTkIJMb5Q/s1600/P1bootV111_000000062.png" width="280" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Knrb8lq_JuTEyYBHy5ZHiC3yyu64q1SvSMM8EPzvAAQRQFgaQTU6fc-B34e4-BAK0rKY7Vlur-T4EGeEmelhiyZ-3WqU-n2w1pU5cnLZZsgvJvR7KTbcf8hLbJMnLBwywpDGC2Z0nyadnqNCiTEg9-7m2APIHkXGDVofRq2g_qlSz-uGSh7Kpj9VdQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000063.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Knrb8lq_JuTEyYBHy5ZHiC3yyu64q1SvSMM8EPzvAAQRQFgaQTU6fc-B34e4-BAK0rKY7Vlur-T4EGeEmelhiyZ-3WqU-n2w1pU5cnLZZsgvJvR7KTbcf8hLbJMnLBwywpDGC2Z0nyadnqNCiTEg9-7m2APIHkXGDVofRq2g_qlSz-uGSh7Kpj9VdQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000063.png" width="280" /></a></div>
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Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-23499556601889563852024-02-22T10:45:00.000-05:002024-02-22T10:45:32.518-05:00Phantasie: Woodville's jealous gods<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bGhAH03PrA-iweIeZBxM3EM0KQXHNNTyvp1MOKw7i6YjDPT1OKBiXaeJu5F12PONkvC82mQVoPEq7S13Da0n9RwOia38VULq8q9rJ1el48f7Jx3j6Ri8nQ7ZGgdv2VGj6AeKxmzYbJg5vFl7s2Su1wECnId52f68EMoQfF1fSqNovMUvl-GIL1z4-w/s280/P1bootV111_000000030.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bGhAH03PrA-iweIeZBxM3EM0KQXHNNTyvp1MOKw7i6YjDPT1OKBiXaeJu5F12PONkvC82mQVoPEq7S13Da0n9RwOia38VULq8q9rJ1el48f7Jx3j6Ri8nQ7ZGgdv2VGj6AeKxmzYbJg5vFl7s2Su1wECnId52f68EMoQfF1fSqNovMUvl-GIL1z4-w/s1600/P1bootV111_000000030.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">Ah, Woodville-by-the-sea. Once a magnificent walled coastal city built in honor of Lord Wood, now a wretched hive of scum and villainy. My party would fit right in.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Though laid out like an Ultima town, Woodville is considered a dungeon by the game engine, and has the usual locked doors, loot, random and fixed encounters and special events. For the first time yet, Woodville is no longer anywhere near a proper town where one can save the game, sell loot, train for more levels, and identify and equip acquired gear, though an inn where one can rest (for a fee) sits closer. Given how long it takes to travel multiple screens to reach the nearest town, I felt tempted to rely on the inn to rest between sessions, but since you can't save your progress there, it's risky.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Exploring in a counter-clockwise direction,</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A "private residence" is broken into, its tenants of orcs and ogres killed, and valuables looted.</li><li>A "pet shop" with numerous locked display cases - the "pets" are the likes of dragons and were-bears, and will, of course, attack if you enter their cages.</li><li>The temple has statues on the north and south walls, which prompt you "break them?" as you approach. Being no fool, I declined. A priest guarding a combination lock mechanism here also offers a dire warning regarding the numbers.<br /></li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BaOcx0slmLKrTggL7RW6AscBSLLeOre39GZ-0s4XAmNJC7aB_qPpZpZe7buQlNakDd_pAtnr9UEq4SM9Yl0DqXQa_Q3YKqGv8aTwoUMfvSFm6mJV3ipb-VBbIZLi4-EblVlsIN4sLLtru29FMBDLQpoNuZoFmHfYoaK6XILjwkoyCCij3NDNNDThVg/s280/P1bootV111_000000031.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BaOcx0slmLKrTggL7RW6AscBSLLeOre39GZ-0s4XAmNJC7aB_qPpZpZe7buQlNakDd_pAtnr9UEq4SM9Yl0DqXQa_Q3YKqGv8aTwoUMfvSFm6mJV3ipb-VBbIZLi4-EblVlsIN4sLLtru29FMBDLQpoNuZoFmHfYoaK6XILjwkoyCCij3NDNNDThVg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000031.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">The inn at the southwest corner has three rooms. In the first, Kilmore gave me the clue "79" to punch in at the temple. In the third, I got arrested for trespassing and sent to jail, where I had to pay a $500 fine to leave.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Another set of private residences house lords, who are harmed only by magic or by characters under the effect of the Ninja spell.</li><li style="text-align: left;">A jewellery store in the southeast corner has precious ornaments to smash and grab.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The bar is full of colorful characters to have brief interactions with, like a grumpy dwarf, a bibulous hobbit, and some hill giants playing poker (who throw their cards at you for damage if you ask to join).<br /></li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPXhKR7t4oVs3T1Y6Yx4S5CjOfJ6Sgv8UvleTNwKmTArjT2mxXVnvkWT57_FfIXR9jNj-1F8fUcZBSfTrRjput2bUeO202KmSsjbN5do6puXhhPAs1-rFpR0cSodff1R-Vzj1zwMbtZhUSQqTMQtHrMGCdwBnzOml71l7ncVDlFyOCequ-Wu73kN3cA/s280/P1bootV111_000000032.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPXhKR7t4oVs3T1Y6Yx4S5CjOfJ6Sgv8UvleTNwKmTArjT2mxXVnvkWT57_FfIXR9jNj-1F8fUcZBSfTrRjput2bUeO202KmSsjbN5do6puXhhPAs1-rFpR0cSodff1R-Vzj1zwMbtZhUSQqTMQtHrMGCdwBnzOml71l7ncVDlFyOCequ-Wu73kN3cA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000032.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And coquettish elves. I already know room three means trouble, and so do they.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit58pKDYivRRvJ_PU-X-H8CbTa5WCxSdvxdLP79RWCCnH6QfB_xt7sxIbaXiOVFE_LAHeKkqQkA6-40r3dmJWCGmmg6DsOeMf8BFEeAu06Uq6ThFudE7xa16U2v4ic-8DRbFfwV6-nwUvacR11Uz0XZXdZPRYSHdd-vQjbr_RwsIB5k9Fp8GxsKlyOHg/s280/P1bootV111_000000036.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit58pKDYivRRvJ_PU-X-H8CbTa5WCxSdvxdLP79RWCCnH6QfB_xt7sxIbaXiOVFE_LAHeKkqQkA6-40r3dmJWCGmmg6DsOeMf8BFEeAu06Uq6ThFudE7xa16U2v4ic-8DRbFfwV6-nwUvacR11Uz0XZXdZPRYSHdd-vQjbr_RwsIB5k9Fp8GxsKlyOHg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000036.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep inside the Woodville archives - the building near the south<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I went to the temple and entered both numbers - '79' and '45'. Both caused loud shifting noises elsewhere in Woodville, and I soon discovered an open passage in the fountains to the north.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Going in, a written message declared "ONLY THE FOOLHARDY WILL GO FARTHER." Guess I'm a fool, because I went farther. Without saving. And got blasted to bits.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW5Tzf3CIbNMQVJRQ73bSJ8Si_ap6X4NSRzroSPR6HWpWNXBr37yfobj85ZCBM6-pAf1bfOt6ASE21twEf8e29FVGnWDixFdncSsgoCURLjI1TcjOqJOwKsi7QK0CZ0_tbeNuSvJNqySTT17XHeJx06Gnqjv_NqayCMkqR465tPvDW8RwUK2tDVZP7g/s280/P1bootV111_000000038.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW5Tzf3CIbNMQVJRQ73bSJ8Si_ap6X4NSRzroSPR6HWpWNXBr37yfobj85ZCBM6-pAf1bfOt6ASE21twEf8e29FVGnWDixFdncSsgoCURLjI1TcjOqJOwKsi7QK0CZ0_tbeNuSvJNqySTT17XHeJx06Gnqjv_NqayCMkqR465tPvDW8RwUK2tDVZP7g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000038.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">One reload and multiple trips to Woodville later, I returned with a collection of, among other things, multiple "giant shields" - major upgrades to my party's set of large and medium shields, but of dubious value as I never parry.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I returned and tried smashing one of the statues to see what would happen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fLJXzdwVOTI69FclfoaN0Hp5CLZATQPou7_gI_U2MEV3rjeIILr_B8sS0n1eAv1rjkhZmftW9ogak02eW9cdpTjNi74_DX1fManUoM3t8Y2VB0ePUGpk13cXdMI_adLbUWj69w3ZsKhx1BM7Tyq82NAflYlBhByHb9q_wGFZfq_O7G14-ShqJ2jFug/s280/P1dungV111_000000041.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fLJXzdwVOTI69FclfoaN0Hp5CLZATQPou7_gI_U2MEV3rjeIILr_B8sS0n1eAv1rjkhZmftW9ogak02eW9cdpTjNi74_DX1fManUoM3t8Y2VB0ePUGpk13cXdMI_adLbUWj69w3ZsKhx1BM7Tyq82NAflYlBhByHb9q_wGFZfq_O7G14-ShqJ2jFug/s1600/P1dungV111_000000041.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">The angry god that this awakens is tough, but repeat casts of quad fireflash and quad healing eventually take it down, though this almost totally depletes my mana reserves.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCpP8_BknVYM4ySMjcS1NkPhnjD1ZwMZ0UrfP6BnghC6TGBT05NYBb3vgt0Q71UxjialCMB4fwdmfCfmWZiztOUksMNFtc4ArUJqnEMIEoeI1N5tr8kmx0kcBASY2MQWWtraiPkqwQlvKtJ2WXVhMIyBWtTKc4fQi7LOjGn67dLIKLP6QQkaRNuKjCg/s280/P1dungV111_000000043.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCpP8_BknVYM4ySMjcS1NkPhnjD1ZwMZ0UrfP6BnghC6TGBT05NYBb3vgt0Q71UxjialCMB4fwdmfCfmWZiztOUksMNFtc4ArUJqnEMIEoeI1N5tr8kmx0kcBASY2MQWWtraiPkqwQlvKtJ2WXVhMIyBWtTKc4fQi7LOjGn67dLIKLP6QQkaRNuKjCg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000043.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But nets me some good loot.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;">The best part is - this action is repeatable! Risky, but worth it. Breaking the other statue, though, just gets you thrown in jail and fined.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I used this encounter to train everyone to level 10+, which gave everyone except Minmax 100+ HP. I then returned and used code 79 to open the southern fountain, where I found a scroll. Code 45 opened the north fountain, where I teleported to an alley and got revenge on the demons that jumped me before. Further back the alley, I fought spirits - weak monsters that were utterly impervious to any sort of melee attack and went down with fireflashes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Lastly, recalling the dying words of Lord Wood's uncle, I tried code 48.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKfL-4TcKvzzwxQsJVQsIA8aB9Y77N_qg4QbT0YdzlagWv_9FGYb0VpLMY3OAomUTgA2yVfoqNkMZyZtKXBW2Ak-2Bz4UFb1IVH2YXZuYRC0deks5SnrSJa3HfvLGvbBFWjw_JMWtXkPyhTHohFTy0fZF03lJiQ7XHF6WlHZD2DcpR1f0XQh0rVs3uA/s280/P1bootV111_000000040.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKfL-4TcKvzzwxQsJVQsIA8aB9Y77N_qg4QbT0YdzlagWv_9FGYb0VpLMY3OAomUTgA2yVfoqNkMZyZtKXBW2Ak-2Bz4UFb1IVH2YXZuYRC0deks5SnrSJa3HfvLGvbBFWjw_JMWtXkPyhTHohFTy0fZF03lJiQ7XHF6WlHZD2DcpR1f0XQh0rVs3uA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000040.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">After returning back to Greenville, I found I had some powerful items in my inventory, including a God Knife and God Shield. I also read my new scrolls:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E_HrTXztMGo7QXNylZLoBqITxzFsxHTj_eSCCbvfC7ge_3PylO9_3DDfXl_e2t4C9t1qq7JBWZBrVSRw3eBGFyzgvAPbRZw9q0-UcT1nZjjgNeifkeMiX1eJkog0ixB9GQT_2w2GeKe2j7_GdEfg3ssqA6H4OXQCGUGRbXMxWO-7FfSwrR4Ls8qeBw/s280/P1bootV111_000000041.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E_HrTXztMGo7QXNylZLoBqITxzFsxHTj_eSCCbvfC7ge_3PylO9_3DDfXl_e2t4C9t1qq7JBWZBrVSRw3eBGFyzgvAPbRZw9q0-UcT1nZjjgNeifkeMiX1eJkog0ixB9GQT_2w2GeKe2j7_GdEfg3ssqA6H4OXQCGUGRbXMxWO-7FfSwrR4Ls8qeBw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000041.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZnA3Vz1XBJQusq2_hBjDXHW3k5lD1PmDFgxRov6Bg41ruuQyWPSO8Bd2EY8nsCBQaKJj6o3zNHM7nQcHjOKNBzq5VeWka1XL2pYFE9H8ds8bGo7LeHh9kBgbBXufI3KaUiEcCnqy1PmMAMeAmArVZAU8BoNkWGx_CSrZcvtSf3Hfgs7SCwzgxZOM0g/s280/P1bootV111_000000042.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZnA3Vz1XBJQusq2_hBjDXHW3k5lD1PmDFgxRov6Bg41ruuQyWPSO8Bd2EY8nsCBQaKJj6o3zNHM7nQcHjOKNBzq5VeWka1XL2pYFE9H8ds8bGo7LeHh9kBgbBXufI3KaUiEcCnqy1PmMAMeAmArVZAU8BoNkWGx_CSrZcvtSf3Hfgs7SCwzgxZOM0g/s1600/P1bootV111_000000042.png" width="280" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">You're probably wondering if the priest is telling the truth about what happens if you put in a wrong number. I was, anyway. He is! If you enter a wrong number, your entire party gets hit with two powerful spells and then you fight Zeus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUw2hzB8wiSd3kgPU2Mh0DB7O4sI0hPgQYy5L0Z_bJDYECxM3raUjrUz11NVXDXw78SyUuREAeXRUlUmTym1VlQ6qewWVLwYkXAExJLMrrvja6uPR9JHjurejdxLWrvUYwwt97aLt_zy9QdKPqBhPBabkKrTiNa-DHYvRbXrwQfq692v0FLX9v9KS-A/s280/P1bootV111_000000039.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUw2hzB8wiSd3kgPU2Mh0DB7O4sI0hPgQYy5L0Z_bJDYECxM3raUjrUz11NVXDXw78SyUuREAeXRUlUmTym1VlQ6qewWVLwYkXAExJLMrrvja6uPR9JHjurejdxLWrvUYwwt97aLt_zy9QdKPqBhPBabkKrTiNa-DHYvRbXrwQfq692v0FLX9v9KS-A/s1600/P1bootV111_000000039.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">My party:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mystic-rated party score of 22 - "You are not yet ready to visit the gods"</li><li>Air rune, earth rune, and fire rune</li><li>Lenny - Level 11 dwarf fighter</li><ul><li>Needs 30,000xp to level</li><li>190 HP, 5 MP <br /></li><li>22/9/22 combat stats (God knife, banded mail, god shield)<br /></li></ul><li>Lambert - Level 10 dwarf ranger</li><ul><li>Needs 23,000xp to level</li><li>154 HP, 16 MP</li><li>19/8/17 combat stats (Halberd +4, splint mail, giant shield +1)<br /></li><li>Knows Quadruple Healing, plus some useless spells</li></ul><li>Claude - Level 11 human priest</li><ul><li>Needs 117,000xp to level</li><li>119 HP, 16 MP</li><li>19/6/16 combat stats (Sword +10, scale mail, giant shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing, Quadruple Fireflash, Sleep, and Awaken.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Protection, Triple Confusion, Triple Binding, Teleportation, and Resurrection.<br /></li></ul><li>Rasputin - Level 10 halfling monk</li><ul><li>Needs 66,000xp to level</li><li>135 HP, 11 MP <br /></li><li>19/6/12 combat stats (Sword +10, scale mail, large shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash and Double Ninja</li><li>Untested spell - summon elemental <br /></li></ul><li>Dennis - Level 12 sprite thief</li><ul><li>Needs 82,000xp to level</li><li>100 HP, 7 MP</li><li>18/6/12 combat stats (Halberd +3, scale mail, large shield)<br /></li><li>Generally excellent thieving skills, with a so far 100% success rate at lockpicking and trap disarmament <br /></li><li>Knows sleep (useful), Double protection (dubious), and charm (useless)<br /></li></ul><li>Minmax - Level 11 elf wizard</li><ul><li>Needs 204,000xp to level</li><li>78 HP, 16 MP</li><li>8/3/2 combat stats (Flail +1, Robes +1, wood shield)<br /></li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Triple Quickness, Double Ninja, Awaken, and Transportation.</li><li>Untested spells include Triple Strength, Triple Mindblast, Triple Flamebolt, and Fear.</li></ul></ul>
<br /><br /><br />Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-87731527667710884502024-02-19T15:25:00.000-05:002024-02-19T15:25:31.702-05:00Phantasie: Under new management<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the harsh realities of managing a team is that sometimes, you've got to let people go who aren't pulling their weight. I had done so early on, on account that said personnel were dead.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But three dungeons in, and maybe 25% into the game, it didn't feel like my team was firing on all cylinders. And Robert the Priest seemed to be the weak link, both in terms of statistics and actual performance.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rHDY8IQkbzEPKiQHgddI8AW9FxzS9841Ad2MbXCHm9lD6nR3Awg35-zQT-nbCae4Q2RM6f_wJQUziOW-UrcjxcQ-P1qwkE7zgW6El6lD_-WyRhxLYfsb9y_nKRMaiF-qjy_CHaRRW3eQonAktX8Vh2kBrZCvnQV-ULepBsSLmg37wx71HgHmrmaCpw/s280/P1dungV111_000000029.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rHDY8IQkbzEPKiQHgddI8AW9FxzS9841Ad2MbXCHm9lD6nR3Awg35-zQT-nbCae4Q2RM6f_wJQUziOW-UrcjxcQ-P1qwkE7zgW6El6lD_-WyRhxLYfsb9y_nKRMaiF-qjy_CHaRRW3eQonAktX8Vh2kBrZCvnQV-ULepBsSLmg37wx71HgHmrmaCpw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000029.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p><p>
</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>So I rolled, rolled, and re-rolled new human priests, immediately discarding most of them without even giving them the dignity of a name. Until I rolled a winner.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-thQzVSRtP6zcHPra62iA0Az5b_BVjMUPYCmJtiKtd7_ynMI_4F9kg391F7DyYwzDqlizMAY73A9fg_4d-WSR3Brhfnjw7ISK9w2U6dE76vovIIJ0RVYpwHD2kbXQYubdrnaEl4in-F0AwBvSHahhwK1ag4v_PJ2ySvOXDr7CtjkWp7TzT-L-zKEXpQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000030.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-thQzVSRtP6zcHPra62iA0Az5b_BVjMUPYCmJtiKtd7_ynMI_4F9kg391F7DyYwzDqlizMAY73A9fg_4d-WSR3Brhfnjw7ISK9w2U6dE76vovIIJ0RVYpwHD2kbXQYubdrnaEl4in-F0AwBvSHahhwK1ag4v_PJ2ySvOXDr7CtjkWp7TzT-L-zKEXpQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000030.png" width="280" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">I transferred all of Robert's gear to Claude and had him leave the party.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But then I tried something. I took Claude to the magic pool by Pineville. He "changed." What did this do, exactly? After returning to town and checking his character sheet, his dexterity had boosted from 18 points to 22.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">This gave me an idea. I checked my party to see if anyone could stand some improvement. Surprisingly, my reliable standby Kruncha came up short!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_i-SDsnizBUxISBKYFscDWJ35Z7y8nFQ0yLkKbOJHXAwX8rxPbX4M7i8S6zrBwntN7ITN85BRvGul5ToEp5afEMp4HE6hSLA66GaJfic2YgPQXo4S_Vhm0mNAfm6nCu_Ovj7E4cLqcUnpWc1Lip-A_zaRvhmqxSXNgYWBrXLbiGjHpKusfZ7suvNuA/s280/P1dungV111_000000031.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_i-SDsnizBUxISBKYFscDWJ35Z7y8nFQ0yLkKbOJHXAwX8rxPbX4M7i8S6zrBwntN7ITN85BRvGul5ToEp5afEMp4HE6hSLA66GaJfic2YgPQXo4S_Vhm0mNAfm6nCu_Ovj7E4cLqcUnpWc1Lip-A_zaRvhmqxSXNgYWBrXLbiGjHpKusfZ7suvNuA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000031.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Great strength, pretty good constitution, okay dexterity. We can do better. I'd invested a lot of money into leveling him up, but you can't buy good stats.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I rolled six fresh fighters, making sure each one had at least somewhat comparable stats, and took them to the fountain. Each of them gained 2 or 3 points in one stat, and I decided this one was the best off:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsEkEYB3Ik7rZ-qNzIdISmNwuPwsthlS8Pjzlw_5JgK1r5_14SYV3AtIykISXfW-1bmmiB6Pb680n3KavhGrX8qw7VwRskLogmaFmzNZFuU9QvmVqak8hoSwXapcb45s9fYahlMwRIemwXLujOQZdeT3i7DLPltXwQk_7XM1aHchJ4TqHJ6bNN0OazQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000033.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsEkEYB3Ik7rZ-qNzIdISmNwuPwsthlS8Pjzlw_5JgK1r5_14SYV3AtIykISXfW-1bmmiB6Pb680n3KavhGrX8qw7VwRskLogmaFmzNZFuU9QvmVqak8hoSwXapcb45s9fYahlMwRIemwXLujOQZdeT3i7DLPltXwQk_7XM1aHchJ4TqHJ6bNN0OazQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000033.png" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">Compared to Kruncha, he'd have one less point of strength, and severe mental retardation which barely mattered to a fighter, but the rest was solid upgrade; 17 dexterity and 18 constitution are fantastic fighter stats. Luck, whatever it did, stayed the same, and charisma got a solid bump too.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I transferred Kruncha's gear to him and renamed him Lenny. Sue me.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Finally, I generated a mixture of rangers, thieves, and monks, took them to the fountain, and in the end decided that my old monk Greg was replaceable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgJpLoftNfPEwTNwhd3LYDHrxlEA00nZv0dz4vyol_ASU0hctYyThBCfiYFl-SnteSgp_ig_RMwDoxDsb01FQNVcraQsiBWpNJuFLkTQqjhe56895rpJAKdjTqeXhwmwUFHjrCwGF3DAx0uCX4tZwvzoQTRBCyqvX7FE6m8d2IeHGLSoWroqOOs9MUQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000035.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgJpLoftNfPEwTNwhd3LYDHrxlEA00nZv0dz4vyol_ASU0hctYyThBCfiYFl-SnteSgp_ig_RMwDoxDsb01FQNVcraQsiBWpNJuFLkTQqjhe56895rpJAKdjTqeXhwmwUFHjrCwGF3DAx0uCX4tZwvzoQTRBCyqvX7FE6m8d2IeHGLSoWroqOOs9MUQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000035.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNe3EFFloj29L-3gWHNZN9nlRbZYrVM2Q3FZd6o-7fqlQTSTwn6DmwaKwPLNI-X8wDOsGITwRiE0-WowYw528vs98eRAGtJLfocsOIs4ChJFyQ7-JEddWtsIhMV6K-gaVP8YIUhUCatQPFBFGR03YKy14MXa28ag63PWzw8Wc9G_XW5hBA5YEcfwtjA/s280/P1dungV111_000000036.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNe3EFFloj29L-3gWHNZN9nlRbZYrVM2Q3FZd6o-7fqlQTSTwn6DmwaKwPLNI-X8wDOsGITwRiE0-WowYw528vs98eRAGtJLfocsOIs4ChJFyQ7-JEddWtsIhMV6K-gaVP8YIUhUCatQPFBFGR03YKy14MXa28ag63PWzw8Wc9G_XW5hBA5YEcfwtjA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000036.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg's awesome dexterity will be missed, but his replacement will learn to eat halberds.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I returned to the Dwarven Dungeon to train the underleveled half of my party, and found it had reset itself. The map unexplored, the treasures untaken. I'm not sure exactly what triggered this, and have to assume it is related to the party change, but I was fine with that. More chances to get gold and missing runes.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5TUATmBA9CUmS4SN0HIgcNw_S91yrG37IF6TUIabnGOcH_5l-u1rjL9vlSNGhtYPJ-33DWAJ90AgmJ-K2TO6jjwpyvJOpSct0kKj9iwBN67BgfV7Me6CnejYhgYwPBZ-YGcVSQrbXUhy3Fbs8-VuK-Tk9-rWk7dZG-YRICYMSx1cBjE7Qncf9CScyg/s280/P1bootV111_000000028.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5TUATmBA9CUmS4SN0HIgcNw_S91yrG37IF6TUIabnGOcH_5l-u1rjL9vlSNGhtYPJ-33DWAJ90AgmJ-K2TO6jjwpyvJOpSct0kKj9iwBN67BgfV7Me6CnejYhgYwPBZ-YGcVSQrbXUhy3Fbs8-VuK-Tk9-rWk7dZG-YRICYMSx1cBjE7Qncf9CScyg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000028.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>I easily cut a swath through the dungeon on my first go, even being a bit overcautious in withdrawing early to protect my weak level 1 members. I knew the layout, and had three overlevelled characters.</p><p>Also, in Phantasie, the experience points needn't be distributed evenly,
which is perfect for this kind of situation. Money, not experience,
very quickly became the limiting factor for training. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb-WDIPEinRRLxNzjTylB-fvk9w33QQZcRNdKsAnvN78jp5CWwRm3k8viKAReiXh3bU-qG5Wh62yqh1865HsXofjJkMvE4LmKuKL_IQNGt85SMPjEhxt0yIQIC6uew4ThK8QmhPCQ04iEo4sVknEgocR7NnKoEWdibH4SywViJauJBzc9MU7Bp0VTsA/s280/P1bootV111_000000029.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwb-WDIPEinRRLxNzjTylB-fvk9w33QQZcRNdKsAnvN78jp5CWwRm3k8viKAReiXh3bU-qG5Wh62yqh1865HsXofjJkMvE4LmKuKL_IQNGt85SMPjEhxt0yIQIC6uew4ThK8QmhPCQ04iEo4sVknEgocR7NnKoEWdibH4SywViJauJBzc9MU7Bp0VTsA/s1600/P1bootV111_000000029.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>In the second dungeon, the earth guardian showed himself this time and granted the party the earth rune.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vFLgggV6fIrknzqZWh6-q-t6zNGKxt_nm_rEU2wuZvZecZ9UdTIFkqs0Un9Y22ip9MaJ2UOIYdivPhrdnGbnZmaXNnJVF90bzYJAj_fTEw_OOYuKpzxpc9-3o7EykGapgyBf4NCW0BRC06mkbZRlBnf4zyHtNqNKzdr_OGBU2Y1omMQUs0g7tNw51A/s280/P1dungV111_000000038.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vFLgggV6fIrknzqZWh6-q-t6zNGKxt_nm_rEU2wuZvZecZ9UdTIFkqs0Un9Y22ip9MaJ2UOIYdivPhrdnGbnZmaXNnJVF90bzYJAj_fTEw_OOYuKpzxpc9-3o7EykGapgyBf4NCW0BRC06mkbZRlBnf4zyHtNqNKzdr_OGBU2Y1omMQUs0g7tNw51A/s1600/P1dungV111_000000038.png" width="280" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After breezing through the first two dungeons, and suffering through the third's jagged layout (but breezing through its combats), my party now looks like this:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mystic-rated party score of 16 - "experienced adventurers"</li><li>Air rune, earth rune, and fire rune</li><li>Lenny - Level 9 dwarf fighter</li><ul><li>Needs 48,000xp to level</li><li>161 HP, 5 MP <br /></li><li>12/6/12 combat stats</li><li>Knows Monster Evaluation, but had a very difficult time learning it.</li></ul><li>Lambert - Level 8 dwarf ranger</li><ul><li>Needs 8,000xp to level</li><li>116 HP, 14 MP</li><li>11/5/12 combat stats</li><li>Knows Quadruple Healing, plus some useless spells</li></ul><li>Claude - Level 8 human priest</li><ul><li>Needs 20,000xp to level</li><li>81 HP, 12 MP</li><li>12/5/11 combat stats</li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Healing, Sleep, and Awaken.</li><li>Untested spells include Double Protection, Triple Confusion, and Teleportation.</li></ul><li>Rasputin - Level 7 halfling monk</li><ul><li>Needs 22,000xp to level</li><li>89 HP, 9 MP <br /></li><li>11/5/10 combat stats</li><li>Useful spells include Triple Fireflash and Double Ninja</li></ul><li>Dennis - Level 7 sprite thief</li><ul><li>Needs $5,000 to level</li><li>45 HP, 6 MP</li><li>10/5/9 combat stats</li><li>Generally excellent thieving skills, with a so far 100% success rate at lockpicking and trap disarmament <br /></li><li>Knows sleep (useful) and charm (useless)<br /></li></ul><li>Minmax - Level 9 elf wizard</li><ul><li>Needs 51,000xp to level</li><li>65 HP, 15 MP</li><li>8/1/2 combat stats</li><li>Useful spells include Quadruple Fireflash, Triple Quickness, Double Ninja, Awaken, and Transportation.</li><li>Untested spells include Double Strength, Double Mindblast, and Fear.<br /></li></ul></ul>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-44344697732141497042024-02-17T10:53:00.003-05:002024-02-19T15:25:39.480-05:00Phantasie: The Caves of the Lizard Men<p></p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suck it, Nikademus!<br /></td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p style="text-align: left;">On the way to the next dungeon, I killed my first Black Knight! Minmax's fireflashes did the majority of the damage - melee barely scratches his armor - but I did it. Ingame lore is that nine of them serve Nikademus, and none have ever been defeated in battle. Well, first time for everything, but I would wager that the game doesn't keep track of how many you've beaten.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The kill earned me $2,706, bringing my bankroll just high enough to train Lambert once. <br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I saved and entered the Caves of the Lizard Men.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine.</td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">
Soon after entering, my party stumbled onto a pool of stagnant water, which caused everyone to faint and wake up in a small, blood-stained cavern near the middle of the map. I had to fight my way out, blindly through the unexplored twisty little passageways, back to the entrance, where I escaped somewhat depleted but alive, and with not insignificant earnings. A maul and shield+3 went to Kruncha, who also trained to level 5 on the golden dividends.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I went back and partially explored the region south of the pool - a "twisty maze of rock and rubble." I withdrew before completion, but the experience and gold leveled Lambert, who learned Triple Healing. I also picked up a +2 mace which went to Minmax, being light enough.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">With a third trip, I finished exploring the rock and rubble maze, where the exit triggered a cave-in, revealing a dead-end with a dead fighter possessing a scroll, and a secret passage that led out through the lizard men's barracks.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">The treasure leveled Kruncha, who pointlessly learned quickness. But the scroll shed some interesting light on the mysterious pools.</p>
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<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>I went back in and challenged the mysterious entity that had bid me to turn back before.<br /></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Fire elemental! It hits hard, and most physical attacks do little in return. But it went down easily - to Minmax's Quadruple Fireflash spell, oddly enough.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Past the fire elemental, an old man granted me the fire rune.<br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I kept exploring. Deep into the cave, a dilemma presented itself:<br /></p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see that Chris Nolan played this game.<br /></td>
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<p style="text-align: left;">I don't see why you <i>couldn't</i> rescue both - there's six of us and two of them. But you have to pick. I picked the distinguished man, recalling the High Priest's quest. He thanked us, uttered "Straticon uble and 48" and died.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Further up north, another warrior's corpse could be seen through a crack, but no obvious way of reaching it presented. I searched the quadrant for false walls, bumping into dozens of real ones until I found one, and another jagged passageway, through a crevice lined with damaging mold, to the body where I found a scroll and a 'good weapon'. The scroll turned out to be one I'd seen before.<br /></p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dungeon 3, finished<br /></td>
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</table>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">I went south to explore the next dungeon. Or rather, I would have, if a random encounter with devils didn't one-shot Minmax with a single hugely damaging spell.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Might need to do some grinding. <br /></p>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-18392900830201989532024-02-16T15:29:00.004-05:002024-02-16T15:32:46.142-05:00Phantasie: The Temple of the Gelnor Priests<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdxiNNSSAh3OIvlN5S8OfNfOpbRk5ghRQv-Y1xtbsbmyoZdZzRw9JKrjCf_kSUXxyFnsgQfDmp0ThaZuGQpHP5UyngBKsDSAset-ziTUhUpJ1mquNGz8yfZwuN0_eO6Ba3KsJTygjItUEnSvtKYtL1Xa-3_0hQXZATS9ZyCqdDQFdhrUsQ_jv7kxiWw/s280/P1bootV111_000000011.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdxiNNSSAh3OIvlN5S8OfNfOpbRk5ghRQv-Y1xtbsbmyoZdZzRw9JKrjCf_kSUXxyFnsgQfDmp0ThaZuGQpHP5UyngBKsDSAset-ziTUhUpJ1mquNGz8yfZwuN0_eO6Ba3KsJTygjItUEnSvtKYtL1Xa-3_0hQXZATS9ZyCqdDQFdhrUsQ_jv7kxiWw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000011.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 2, "Pineville"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">South of Pelnor, monsters were a bit tougher, but not yet a problem. Bears are tough, drawing out the fights, and hit inaccurately but cause worrying damage when they land. Sting beetles are the opposite, numerous, hard to hit, more accurate, and will gradually cause hurt. Badgers and baboons were also seen but didn't last.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A town in the hills, Pineville, also functioned much like Pelnor. There wasn't much new stuff, but the free inn is always welcome, and the armory sold wooden shields light enough for Minmax the wizard to carry. They're not great, but better than nothing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">A pool by the hill region's northeast base "changes" my characters, but I couldn't tell what actually happened.<br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The cathedral/dungeon by the lake's edge was my undoing.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXWqIUMB3c-mH8crxfdmeCxPg8hbmOGx0FSVIXy6hpudTvf4wFMKqGt0TX09k86dPBXmce0PHk4qFtPMtQOHXHTz3JvmJHIQsiLjfvZL2lA8rGk2liXV6LUQzSr1dUKyHiRWENSqIBvjHOvVl4tFZiWI2w70KobsZOmiwHn8Sv_I-KmTwOui4KGsOGQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000009.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXWqIUMB3c-mH8crxfdmeCxPg8hbmOGx0FSVIXy6hpudTvf4wFMKqGt0TX09k86dPBXmce0PHk4qFtPMtQOHXHTz3JvmJHIQsiLjfvZL2lA8rGk2liXV6LUQzSr1dUKyHiRWENSqIBvjHOvVl4tFZiWI2w70KobsZOmiwHn8Sv_I-KmTwOui4KGsOGQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000009.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>The main chamber here has four monks' cells who do not mind that you pick their locks and enter, and give some shady warnings about the temple and high priest. "We have very few secrets," mutters one of them. Few ain't none, my man.<br /></p><p>South of it is a teleporter room, where portals send you to the different areas of the cathedral. Such as the crypt, where Minmax got torn apart by zombies.</p><p><br /></p><p>Maybe this was a fluke. Maybe I was careless. And maybe I was underleveled, or even understatted. But I decided that for now, I'll stick to exploring and training on the overworld. The battles might get more difficult, but at least you're never too far from an inn.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cRS32BGsuqIIaPpCbZI8xMQaRMdJvEGEMYzmCZUn2tZH00YzlQCExUpzbgYBKB5eQFY9Ra-DcFzvojke2YrOdgkTC1RZa9I4Ed4R0SipX5UCKFEEm5I3-XonNKHxVZDs6rjPbkoUKR1Sk96fsQmIHBNqWdxBJ_7UF6JzygL-qERf6bmnSRmfvVQJcA/s280/P1dungV111_000000023.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cRS32BGsuqIIaPpCbZI8xMQaRMdJvEGEMYzmCZUn2tZH00YzlQCExUpzbgYBKB5eQFY9Ra-DcFzvojke2YrOdgkTC1RZa9I4Ed4R0SipX5UCKFEEm5I3-XonNKHxVZDs6rjPbkoUKR1Sk96fsQmIHBNqWdxBJ_7UF6JzygL-qERf6bmnSRmfvVQJcA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000023.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 3, "Greenville"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PHGIeeU8ZScBD19f3dqaYRq1ANIVkHzn23duKow2VADDGCrnHEFXhlp4nqL5ZYhorl8a8APW2_dqbUhpW2ES4K1N07rg5x9mtgrChhujbXgbaoZZXVqs5ALQ2Xeqyr31A4yBpm4YNXAYurdqcfNTF5OksmX8X14tY8XH8v9VbL3yh1dUMmKng7r-8A/s280/P1dungV111_000000024.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PHGIeeU8ZScBD19f3dqaYRq1ANIVkHzn23duKow2VADDGCrnHEFXhlp4nqL5ZYhorl8a8APW2_dqbUhpW2ES4K1N07rg5x9mtgrChhujbXgbaoZZXVqs5ALQ2Xeqyr31A4yBpm4YNXAYurdqcfNTF5OksmX8X14tY8XH8v9VbL3yh1dUMmKng7r-8A/s1600/P1dungV111_000000024.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of my element one screen east<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMZurX3Ta87FtnxHbkrcpH5pCcxl3HqbiLhd06nIrSIcoe-KXn6TP8hEB1ywkGuPDbpdpNy3mxRPgnYwVXjoqXVsEQJbUojta-ZLtVW49EPIgYOBGUL-P9LgTZV9YhmQi_2M1sWSKALLBevxv9KOUt9pk7n4E36GSsu5am84Uv4mYHssU3z2cEd5nWw/s280/P1dungV111_000000025.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMZurX3Ta87FtnxHbkrcpH5pCcxl3HqbiLhd06nIrSIcoe-KXn6TP8hEB1ywkGuPDbpdpNy3mxRPgnYwVXjoqXVsEQJbUojta-ZLtVW49EPIgYOBGUL-P9LgTZV9YhmQi_2M1sWSKALLBevxv9KOUt9pk7n4E36GSsu5am84Uv4mYHssU3z2cEd5nWw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000025.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly devils. Lucky me.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sqWjZfIY4yxv-ZdwOgbix0aAvJrPT7RS_K3clQdh8MBK53Ay8NfmLKdak9d77VcCsmcfzI4vQiv1MDKC1biAJiATfhRrP92Cmmh2D4w70WvpvNC9e05E1vkdQqHaKonnPWdIAV4AJIGtWBNCf3pMSWPqmlfWB2xmDQUww9NkeHFULnQIftXoxhyNCw/s280/P1dungV111_000000026.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sqWjZfIY4yxv-ZdwOgbix0aAvJrPT7RS_K3clQdh8MBK53Ay8NfmLKdak9d77VcCsmcfzI4vQiv1MDKC1biAJiATfhRrP92Cmmh2D4w70WvpvNC9e05E1vkdQqHaKonnPWdIAV4AJIGtWBNCf3pMSWPqmlfWB2xmDQUww9NkeHFULnQIftXoxhyNCw/s1600/P1dungV111_000000026.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area 3S: No town, just an inn and a dungeon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJarjbOsMDf9kDR1gxoXZcbYly5d7h990jLK6Kf-a8ymy_tGC4yAlRBsSZImHIu67WmnexgC02lQXqhM6uLWMwVFofWWSkTqwqb4H4dQqsI9kDAfB2K0D3RuktuLRr-LjDsq1DY_ZHTy8d1ezMOShnLdEbqAhBgdQl56_bexyms6PGokKwZ2z5TXUcQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000027.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJarjbOsMDf9kDR1gxoXZcbYly5d7h990jLK6Kf-a8ymy_tGC4yAlRBsSZImHIu67WmnexgC02lQXqhM6uLWMwVFofWWSkTqwqb4H4dQqsI9kDAfB2K0D3RuktuLRr-LjDsq1DY_ZHTy8d1ezMOShnLdEbqAhBgdQl56_bexyms6PGokKwZ2z5TXUcQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000027.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here be dragons. And too much ocean.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>One problem with this plan is that although there's no shortage of encounters on the overworld, ones that bring cash rewards are scarce. Bears, coyotes, and killer bees, etc. tend not to have any gold, and it didn't take long before all of my characters had earned enough XP to level but the training cash just wasn't there. Occasionally I'd loot a few bucks from brigands, skeletons, and baby dragons, and it bought a training session or two, but I hit a wall.</p><p>I gritted my teeth and went back into the cathedral dungeon.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00dfuPSDGgz6EZx3zM8NEKkTjQqGnFViXDpjVRGbHrpeo5ibgQeHnX74UaitAjgL_SnFtPX05OGIpS_tUvc9k7z2l7w04zVbDgHIZQEAfJGoBNGYDTaffpP1q1EB9uawXLCOeu3PqMi-sGOIkDqF4qWLbb4I5Y1jwQRM9gaoWAn4cxu5JtxV9-KImAQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000012.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00dfuPSDGgz6EZx3zM8NEKkTjQqGnFViXDpjVRGbHrpeo5ibgQeHnX74UaitAjgL_SnFtPX05OGIpS_tUvc9k7z2l7w04zVbDgHIZQEAfJGoBNGYDTaffpP1q1EB9uawXLCOeu3PqMi-sGOIkDqF4qWLbb4I5Y1jwQRM9gaoWAn4cxu5JtxV9-KImAQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000012.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Surprise! I had a pretty easy time exploring it this time, and mapped out most of it in one pass. It helps to conserve your magic except for when you actually need it.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In the jail area in the northwest, orcs sitting in one cell offer a key to a locked cell, where trollkins sell a scroll.</li><li>The living area in the south has a number of rooms.</li><ul><li>The Earth Guardian's chamber has an unopenable safe box. "Burn it" is presented as an option. For now I chose not to.<br /></li><li>In the maid's room, three scrolls lie on her bed, which turned out to be another copy of the History of Gelnor.<br /></li><li>A secret door in the janitor's room opens to a natural cavern, where I found a key at the end of it.</li><li>A gnome in the kitchen responded to "Nifle Scro," telling me his name was Nisconat.</li></ul><li>The southwest antechamber opens with the key found in the caverns, and robed men guard the inner door. I tried to bribe them, and they responded by teleporting me back to the exit.<br /></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>I decided to head back to town and save/rest/train before exploring any further. With the gold found, Minmax could level up twice, and learned several new spells, including quadruple fireflash, mindblast, ninja, and fear. A few minor weapon upgrades were picked out from the haul too.</p><p>The scroll found in the jail read:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1A26CcTZE0180PMsZxncfPW_FHIaMHdbaJ16N9i9tgWqmJeRDwIUvb5GyhXRGtij94qLlRt4us1K5xNxxAfLvp2pYZEpyJqGtWuxP071_5BWWGok4YaCO8AHyzHB68IxYVBLuJvjS6Euvl9vpbzRD027r84JM4bDuor46-vBH4MUD-MVR7Q1cjtPdw/s280/P1bootV111_000000013.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1A26CcTZE0180PMsZxncfPW_FHIaMHdbaJ16N9i9tgWqmJeRDwIUvb5GyhXRGtij94qLlRt4us1K5xNxxAfLvp2pYZEpyJqGtWuxP071_5BWWGok4YaCO8AHyzHB68IxYVBLuJvjS6Euvl9vpbzRD027r84JM4bDuor46-vBH4MUD-MVR7Q1cjtPdw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000013.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>I returned and fought the antechamber guards - just a pair of scrawny magic users who didn't even squeeze off a spell before getting Kruncha'd. The high priest sat within and didn't seem to mind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU87nmBzr4AXxAyFbzIXrlQ199M5OHh0vkLyG5MbSEMf7xO0HuLK-LGkD0G-mMQs2-bK2Q2YhDGOztELq26LaBgDvD-MU5yUFGkq1rwuLbCwqbTV5WWgKICWXdAh8wobfruw9ntz3YTX3ZifSI6VFgxqKnTWB_-5rXcv0V93559i5WoboDQY8KfhIhNg/s280/P1bootV111_000000014.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU87nmBzr4AXxAyFbzIXrlQ199M5OHh0vkLyG5MbSEMf7xO0HuLK-LGkD0G-mMQs2-bK2Q2YhDGOztELq26LaBgDvD-MU5yUFGkq1rwuLbCwqbTV5WWgKICWXdAh8wobfruw9ntz3YTX3ZifSI6VFgxqKnTWB_-5rXcv0V93559i5WoboDQY8KfhIhNg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000014.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>His pair of scrolls read:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0thyphenhyphenXHN-T6Gr0RNQS5aKLW8_DEEJyHOWd-GB50rdk2sn-sUHr0wcNFLEOte63-iNqFSMVTPy_LMi6fa6kqn7cnchiaLrECxQ-S4pHYFW27IT5Dzk08ES3EhClb3btEU-lxnBa2Drw4oEMYIwnH-GZR9ZZ_sOGNeE7LN4Xod6UG_YkURme9h9_F9jgOQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000015.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0thyphenhyphenXHN-T6Gr0RNQS5aKLW8_DEEJyHOWd-GB50rdk2sn-sUHr0wcNFLEOte63-iNqFSMVTPy_LMi6fa6kqn7cnchiaLrECxQ-S4pHYFW27IT5Dzk08ES3EhClb3btEU-lxnBa2Drw4oEMYIwnH-GZR9ZZ_sOGNeE7LN4Xod6UG_YkURme9h9_F9jgOQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000015.png" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fNaI8Wl4JWnCnWLxmj7a8KmlVjOBN3MyeMEbIGi9-bdSpjkxuzZxoyLtCrR36U_isHYRquUM9EE3oxd-cpTCvIZFQisVF4pzPcYn4JOvptU6rNbTfHjSy9pZl73a0OnxM2yZOFjlDRoy0x3cxngXBYUD1-SB0vGlfApaHEmflNzKNxqqbSsrnvrICg/s280/P1bootV111_000000016.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fNaI8Wl4JWnCnWLxmj7a8KmlVjOBN3MyeMEbIGi9-bdSpjkxuzZxoyLtCrR36U_isHYRquUM9EE3oxd-cpTCvIZFQisVF4pzPcYn4JOvptU6rNbTfHjSy9pZl73a0OnxM2yZOFjlDRoy0x3cxngXBYUD1-SB0vGlfApaHEmflNzKNxqqbSsrnvrICg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000016.png" width="280" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The state of my party:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kruncha - Level 4 fighter. Will need nearly $7000 to level up again, thanks to the ugly troll tax. Wields an axe, wears scale mail, carries an Md. Shield +1, giving gear states of 9/6/9. Still only knows Monster Evaluation. Is 18 years old, which is slightly worrying as he started the adventure age 14 and trolls have a life expectancy of 40-50 years.<br /></li><li>Lambert - Level 5 ranger. Gear stats 8/5/8. Knows a few spells but only Healing has proven useful so far. Would need about $3000 to level up, as would everyone else except Kruncha and Minmax.<br /></li><li>Robert - Level 4 priest. Gear stats 8/4/8. Knows Double Healing, Sleep, and Awaken, which have been useful, and Confusion and Binding, which have not been useful. Would need about $3000 to level up.</li><li>Greg - Level 5 monk. Gear states 8/4/8. Only knows fireflash - mostly useless - and Double Ninja, which rules.</li><li>Dennis - Level 6 thief. Gear stats 8/4/8. Only knows charm, which has been no use whatsoever to me yet.</li><li>Minmax - Level 7 wizard. Gear stats 5/1/2. Needs 20,000 XP to level up. Has some half-decent HP now, and knows many spells at this point.</li><ul><li>Quadruple Fireflash - Untested, but triple fireflash did powerful damage to a single creature at great MP cost. I expect the quadruple version is even more so.</li><li>Double Quickness - A terrific party combat enhancer.</li><li>Double Strength - Boosts Minmax's own damage output somewhat for a low MP cost. Okay if there's nothing else to do.</li><li>Confusion - Causes spellcasters to fail more often. It sucks.</li><li>Weakness - Reduces monsters' damage output. Useless.</li><li>Mindblast - Untested damage spell.</li><li>Charm - Allegedly makes monsters "forget to fight." Seems useless.</li><li>Fear - Untested spell that makes monsters flee combat entirely.</li><li>Ninja - Good combat booster. Haven't tried it with Minmax yet.<br /></li><li>Transportation - Instantly travel from one town to another. Untested.</li></ul><li>The mystic evaluates us as power level 10 - experienced adventurers.<br /></li></ul><br />Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-14042918227000271812024-02-14T18:40:00.003-05:002024-02-14T18:40:28.299-05:00Phantasie: The Dwarven Dungeon<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj02fU8wGmkOtv6aGEppjWTNDC9ODa33gDAhd8DifGa2O4VJijjacb6BNxBj5kQdcTpPt0JYGTVowgDfu2PPFRgC_k-YA9cfSW3rJA1TYLkoU3e-tQ-4tD9xuHSU9oDKQf7VHqqBUU8nLBJcciBDV-YdGAzikzkhiH91byWwDS8LobNZD-zk9HbixxQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000006.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj02fU8wGmkOtv6aGEppjWTNDC9ODa33gDAhd8DifGa2O4VJijjacb6BNxBj5kQdcTpPt0JYGTVowgDfu2PPFRgC_k-YA9cfSW3rJA1TYLkoU3e-tQ-4tD9xuHSU9oDKQf7VHqqBUU8nLBJcciBDV-YdGAzikzkhiH91byWwDS8LobNZD-zk9HbixxQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000006.png" width="280" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Following my initial disaster, I rolled two new characters to replace the fallen - Dennis the sprite thief (22 dexterity!) and Greg the halfling monk (19 dex, slightly above average stats the rest of the way).</p>
<p>No new spells were available, but the shop had another leather armor and small axe, which I bought for Lambert.</p>
<p>I realized, by accident, that unlike Wizardry, Phantasie does not automatically save your game when bad things happen. Game state is saved only when you command it to be (and whenever a character is generated or deleted). An unacceptable outcome can be undone with a reboot - your party will be back in town, alive or in whatever state they were when you last saved, ready to be assembled.<br /></p>
I explored the initial overworld sector more aggressively, this time fighting anything that came my way. If someone dies, they die, and I replace them. If I suffer a total party kill, oh well - better luck next time.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A group of ten or so "drip slimes" throttled Robert a bit, but he lived long enough to heal at the inn. The fight yielded 173XP for everyone; about 1/2 of the XP needed to level up a thief, or about 1/6th of the XP needed to level up a ranger.</li>
<li>Twelve nearsighted orcs made for a prolonged combat in which I slowly whittled away their ranks as they mostly whiffed their attacks. This only earned me 135XP, and a bit of gold.</li>
<li>Five bees and ants went down easy, and Dennis got his very first level-up for $73 in town.</li>
<li>Six coyotes died easily.</li>
<li>An amorphous "skum" creature looked scary, but went down in two rounds. Afterward, Kruncha had enough points to level up, but for a pricey $337.</li>
<li>Five bantirs attacked at night, to little avail.</li>
<li>Black knights actually showed up once, and I made an exception to my rules of engagement and ran.</li>
<li>A group of nine kobolds and two orcs yielded some good XP, enough to level up Robert and earn him a new spell - I picked Confusion 1. They even dropped some nice scale mail.</li>
<li>Minmax leveled next, for a cheap cost of $24, and got to learn Strength 1 and Charm. Dennis leveled up again, this time for $337.</li>
<li>Lambert and Greg leveled up next and learned protection 1 and ninja 1, respectively.</li>
<li>A viper took about two rounds of poking with sharp sticks before it died and gave about 100XP and some gold.<br /></li>
<li>Kruncha earned enough XP for level 3, but this would cost $1,550 - more than I'd got at this point.<br /></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>I figured it was time to try my luck at the Dwarven Dungeon.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cr_t_caWe3zL_lEcSmyo_iawyztE0lFdL8zrVglj0-xJbwiRUeLEdDfzvCNEllhCtt-U9i8gCi3m2LnUpYoP9DRcNZaEFhrISFb2moMy0UxEQFKW4IPpbm5-kBKrplvDJcYTslNkxTULeePARzhts_sQn-JgJW8BqLyC0ORFJ58F09cI_S608t-LzA/s280/P1dungV111_000000009.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Cr_t_caWe3zL_lEcSmyo_iawyztE0lFdL8zrVglj0-xJbwiRUeLEdDfzvCNEllhCtt-U9i8gCi3m2LnUpYoP9DRcNZaEFhrISFb2moMy0UxEQFKW4IPpbm5-kBKrplvDJcYTslNkxTULeePARzhts_sQn-JgJW8BqLyC0ORFJ58F09cI_S608t-LzA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000009.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>The encounters are mostly the same as the overworld - a lot of orcs, some bugs, and occasionally a viper or two. Nothing my party can't handle individually, but the encounters are pretty frequent, and when you're deep in the dungeon, you've got to consider your prospects of fighting your way back to the entrance before going any deeper. It takes me several runs to explore every inch of the dungeon, but each return makes me stronger for it.</p>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbCIygosDN89eQr_xHZvk-IuCi6LhyoxObzbfZ1ne3-3XAx0xeHpq2DNDZ0i8jLqkI0QUeUTgD1X96RwepBCgLKX1HeNxjjkb94_mHMic-U5GxRvnbUly-ibT-jr_JowNFNu_zeV4jVaUZqfuoWlOmmBK2DBwMoLP_vHbQ0D2UBqBTNBJCXUpcAMglQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000012.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbCIygosDN89eQr_xHZvk-IuCi6LhyoxObzbfZ1ne3-3XAx0xeHpq2DNDZ0i8jLqkI0QUeUTgD1X96RwepBCgLKX1HeNxjjkb94_mHMic-U5GxRvnbUly-ibT-jr_JowNFNu_zeV4jVaUZqfuoWlOmmBK2DBwMoLP_vHbQ0D2UBqBTNBJCXUpcAMglQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000012.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial map after my first go<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>Some combat notes:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Four melee options exist; thrust, attack, slash, and lunge. Not all of these are available to all characters, but fighters and fighter-adjacent classes gain access to the more challenging attacks sooner.<br /></li>
<ul>
<li>Thrust strikes once with a bonus to damage and accuracy. All characters can do this.</li>
<li>Attack strikes twice with no bonus to damage or accuracy. Most characters learn this relatively quickly, but my wizard lacks it.</li>
<li>Slash strikes three times at a penalty to damage and accuracy. At my level, only Kruncha the fighter has access to this, and only when Quickness is cast first.</li>
<li>Lunge strikes once with a penalty to damage and accuracy, but strikes an enemy in the second rank instead of the first. It is more difficult than attacking, less difficult than slashing, and of no use to thieves who can attack any rank they choose.</li>
<li>Parry is a fifth option, but I have not used it yet - my wizard alone can't attack worth a damn, and being too weak to use a shield, can't parry worth a damn either.<br /></li>
</ul>
<li>Spells are cast from a character's MP pool. The most useful spells so far have been Quickness, and Ninja 1, which grants its castor a very random but occasionally devastating critical hit ability.</li>
<li>Enemies fight in up to three ranks, but your party fights as a single rank. You can't protect your squishy wizard from harm as you can in Wizardry - you've just got to hope he doesn't get hit too much. Damaging spells generally target the rearmost rank.<br /></li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4x3mdd4xZV_WEfNU1VmSKSIVgBRW9WHct30vdgXyHarVFp6L7_IZRSs2hRAXV10DPxMgPl6oGhjajZ1z6c5ogKfMx63PQF8KkR3XPL3K2snbXp5Z5Jv3heT3idVh5c0VGtVC4Am6nLu5sMEvHI3QTU3IRNrwzkHNTHLXvpcGkVGN3lKcf8F45j8liQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000010.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4x3mdd4xZV_WEfNU1VmSKSIVgBRW9WHct30vdgXyHarVFp6L7_IZRSs2hRAXV10DPxMgPl6oGhjajZ1z6c5ogKfMx63PQF8KkR3XPL3K2snbXp5Z5Jv3heT3idVh5c0VGtVC4Am6nLu5sMEvHI3QTU3IRNrwzkHNTHLXvpcGkVGN3lKcf8F45j8liQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000010.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clue found in the west chamber. Having an orc in your party makes no difference.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbXVUW5seSVOxTYD44Tg0uTJsH9cQD5ozI2LSkpPyphJRuFY_dZLsyBuin7xcXAT5vI-K2VTKf66mmhtP-3ODMLddyCgI11BQp-8bdQflyOAsbVXPXbdpIPiHWDnvZBSlto6cOiUuZAs47wXZydW4cNKvrrAPDBRiNWczs6fA-VB8VV6De8HO-sLvFQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000011.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbXVUW5seSVOxTYD44Tg0uTJsH9cQD5ozI2LSkpPyphJRuFY_dZLsyBuin7xcXAT5vI-K2VTKf66mmhtP-3ODMLddyCgI11BQp-8bdQflyOAsbVXPXbdpIPiHWDnvZBSlto6cOiUuZAs47wXZydW4cNKvrrAPDBRiNWczs6fA-VB8VV6De8HO-sLvFQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000011.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trapped corridor activates<br /></td>
</tr>
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<p></p>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8l_qTTjduzFRuOwv0aL4vHnaFl3Ri_eHlJ_hH98sX2NcQfspCpf-gng-mKmSaOHg7T2Eq4TfMP5ILchNy1HHJXCJkYFNiRj4yVLX0ne_CtMwkpzvoRP6sLcth3zl1iTgyfbqj9j5Q3Q9l3pR0KmglkXXAiQj0EFPdaRr77ZC6Dc0X5cIwieDxVhklg/s280/P1dungV111_000000013.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8l_qTTjduzFRuOwv0aL4vHnaFl3Ri_eHlJ_hH98sX2NcQfspCpf-gng-mKmSaOHg7T2Eq4TfMP5ILchNy1HHJXCJkYFNiRj4yVLX0ne_CtMwkpzvoRP6sLcth3zl1iTgyfbqj9j5Q3Q9l3pR0KmglkXXAiQj0EFPdaRr77ZC6Dc0X5cIwieDxVhklg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000013.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fell for the old creeping coins trick<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8yyfNMkAlct1MkUBCKIyUFsJmqiKBjkzY9AV6JN7n_E_UbqlgrjXz5OtoUry4W8F5_lwsilYP-w6s9O6Dcp9VGJDTd4g_owLysTCx7VbSQ2j6_ATNVTITYkNmh-6Wo6rOXZFNszGRFO9X-hUSurSRVux7eVEn2caD9VyCQXIrqP-vIFGWGZG4Sr93A/s280/P1bootV111_000000000.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8yyfNMkAlct1MkUBCKIyUFsJmqiKBjkzY9AV6JN7n_E_UbqlgrjXz5OtoUry4W8F5_lwsilYP-w6s9O6Dcp9VGJDTd4g_owLysTCx7VbSQ2j6_ATNVTITYkNmh-6Wo6rOXZFNszGRFO9X-hUSurSRVux7eVEn2caD9VyCQXIrqP-vIFGWGZG4Sr93A/s1600/P1bootV111_000000000.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This seems important<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cMZj40JPFfk-fRhjOsZ0sqK9Ftf3D1-pXfn_2fdJI6BIZU12Ze8Y0g77nW6wtPeiZvd1IJA625ttH-VOqbvOlDGssOKwF5za46jhHcBji8q4aoR7MfR7wIY7mOgRNm81r9syfRAJ1deKVXx8maKz8qNU1QxVlvSLNCySlFeNY-QzjRlEnBdllctVaQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000001.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cMZj40JPFfk-fRhjOsZ0sqK9Ftf3D1-pXfn_2fdJI6BIZU12Ze8Y0g77nW6wtPeiZvd1IJA625ttH-VOqbvOlDGssOKwF5za46jhHcBji8q4aoR7MfR7wIY7mOgRNm81r9syfRAJ1deKVXx8maKz8qNU1QxVlvSLNCySlFeNY-QzjRlEnBdllctVaQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000001.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 25% done<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p>Toward the south end of the dungeon, a winding tunnel, carved out from a flowing stream of water, cuts through the straight corridors. The murky water washes your party in a southeast direction.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XmOrJI6_vshGuyESmyWyckLz-cmzfa6y1i_x8DAortMQv10yq1mSEbTssSs_9kvt87S07jl91-1OmgS7c4zSzF0ngBvAfBNHTJQZiZAodM4LmLyJp6PVm2uolfdXkkJNYx4P_4tb9rBjLSC12FFYn32T75j8SRIwozhPgv_OH71sjDQqSjpGFHyUdg/s280/P1bootV111_000000003.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XmOrJI6_vshGuyESmyWyckLz-cmzfa6y1i_x8DAortMQv10yq1mSEbTssSs_9kvt87S07jl91-1OmgS7c4zSzF0ngBvAfBNHTJQZiZAodM4LmLyJp6PVm2uolfdXkkJNYx4P_4tb9rBjLSC12FFYn32T75j8SRIwozhPgv_OH71sjDQqSjpGFHyUdg/s1600/P1bootV111_000000003.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>East of the central corridor, I find a trilogy of scrolls stored in a library. West of it, a locked door, easily picked, leads to a boss fight of sorts.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGOzqVU_LN-U-DNPbUlmzSGhVkpob9A8iGDwTIVKh2fAb50j3gNAAp_S2DJ0q3Ow3bCC4jUrauxIuvOxujg1tKxze5OFyl5qENskNcDtcqcEEPGvDfz2WvHOyFGrxu6rpzlClxClrgfAiZ9qrQXRPvwlQX7lueRlP4-kcZitAPGZMAprWt097Zqx5VQ/s280/P1bootV111_000000004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGOzqVU_LN-U-DNPbUlmzSGhVkpob9A8iGDwTIVKh2fAb50j3gNAAp_S2DJ0q3Ow3bCC4jUrauxIuvOxujg1tKxze5OFyl5qENskNcDtcqcEEPGvDfz2WvHOyFGrxu6rpzlClxClrgfAiZ9qrQXRPvwlQX7lueRlP4-kcZitAPGZMAprWt097Zqx5VQ/s1600/P1bootV111_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>The rangers are annoying elite enemies who hit your party with a barrage of debuff and damaging spells, undoing useful buffs like Quickness and Protection. The fight drags on, as I'm reduced to slowly and inaccurately hitting them for pitiful damage, but their own strikes do little damage to me in exchange - only their direct damage spells cause significant hurt, and they are uncommon.</p>
<p>Beyond the locked door is the kitchen, and a group of scribes guard a door in the rear.<br /></p>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tyBROuAueUSw1OGYfdz6wO_jV6y51dNKVHM-i3djmhSunfw1nZ4Lo2vLDU98I7LZlVF4SrusjxC3-gxu9kZVaC8n5az5yvJACHlJDhIne6V6it-qYv3sWu8UCc94mIDf_EX20V5o1NaYvxzTyaWnqFsD5rNUmfPcVmWjnT0wOSqpuWe51lrUBN4OJw/s280/P1bootV111_000000005.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tyBROuAueUSw1OGYfdz6wO_jV6y51dNKVHM-i3djmhSunfw1nZ4Lo2vLDU98I7LZlVF4SrusjxC3-gxu9kZVaC8n5az5yvJACHlJDhIne6V6it-qYv3sWu8UCc94mIDf_EX20V5o1NaYvxzTyaWnqFsD5rNUmfPcVmWjnT0wOSqpuWe51lrUBN4OJw/s1600/P1bootV111_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike the rangers, they are wimps.<br /></td>
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<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>But I find nothing in the storeroom behind them but some rotten food.</p>
<p>Exploring southward, I find a long stone passageway, with a lever at the end.</p>
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<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>This closes the valve, and I can explore the water tunnel without getting washed up.<br /></p>
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<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>This gets me access to the armory, where I find some gear, another scroll, and a cryptic message.<br /></p>
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</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get what it says, but not what it means.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<br />
<p>The dungeon may have been encounter-heavy, but this is one of the more mechanically complex dungeons I've seen this side of Wizardry. Buttons unlock doors elsewhere in the dungeon, there are special encounters and events, a lever closes a a water sluice, one room has a door that crashes behind you as you enter which forces you to poke around to search for the secret exit, and the rooms even have descriptions here and there, like in Temple of Apshai but without needing to read paragraphs in the manual. It's cool stuff.<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>Concluding this adventure, everyone is significantly more powerful than they were beginning it.</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kruncha the fighter reached level 3 and is armed with a flail, scale mail, and a medium shield. He's even learned a spell - Monster Evaluation - not the sexiest spell in the book, but casting it in a new area provides an average level of the monsters that will spawn in it.</li>
<li>Lambert the ranger also reached level 3 and is similarly armed, except with ring mail, one step down. Spells include healing, protection, and dispel undead.</li>
<li>Robert the priest is level 4, has a short sword, heavy leather, and a medium shield, and can cast double healing, confusion, binding, sleep, and awaken spells.</li>
<li>Greg the monk is level 3, has a staff, heavy leather, and a small shield +2, and can cast fireflash, a damage spell, and Ninja.</li>
<li>Dennis the thief is level 3 and has the same arms as Greg, and has no spells.</li>
<li>Minmax the wizard is level 4, wields a hammer, wears "clothing" and no shield, and can cast lots of spells - triple fireflash, double quickness, double strength, and charm.</li>
<li>We all have air runes, and the mystic evaluates the overall party power level as '7'<br /></li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The scrolls found in the library are a chronicle on the history of Gelnor:</p>
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<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9KCdu4ods0EpJszsV28PBIQLdKbpN8u7Ip_0hEu-JSpQq3zlBxUe2hUjl71CA9-63CJR0KDfmw85qVnqB4jFP0rlxNIFQ8Dm-rlI_FkMVFoMklph0sj9b5qYtA8GSO1HI_lPawdnqwsCPLVX9M2vOUpJVq1N_K6ZVRolZI8gBQ6Ni7arr-ue5jXINQ/s280/P1dungV111_000000016.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9KCdu4ods0EpJszsV28PBIQLdKbpN8u7Ip_0hEu-JSpQq3zlBxUe2hUjl71CA9-63CJR0KDfmw85qVnqB4jFP0rlxNIFQ8Dm-rlI_FkMVFoMklph0sj9b5qYtA8GSO1HI_lPawdnqwsCPLVX9M2vOUpJVq1N_K6ZVRolZI8gBQ6Ni7arr-ue5jXINQ/s1600/P1dungV111_000000016.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JBtEc_Mh-DRz8FnTDzjhHRpms1uOL5ARa-sEzQrYxQlDa1eCsFdzdUxap5VE8nWFR8Fa_Lrz-TTV3JwJ9eFGNRRk67t73CywpeqPl8Pt4PdCCWl2dR_0D_w3p7eRFz8WTFgJbQ7kJejyjLV4HFlxl9QueYJjfiRVJJjdebI6Y8yP_0w2BNPls3wVg/s280/P1dungV111_000000017.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JBtEc_Mh-DRz8FnTDzjhHRpms1uOL5ARa-sEzQrYxQlDa1eCsFdzdUxap5VE8nWFR8Fa_Lrz-TTV3JwJ9eFGNRRk67t73CywpeqPl8Pt4PdCCWl2dR_0D_w3p7eRFz8WTFgJbQ7kJejyjLV4HFlxl9QueYJjfiRVJJjdebI6Y8yP_0w2BNPls3wVg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000017.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">And the other scroll gives me a geography clue:<br /></p>
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<p><br /></p>Time to boldly ride further south. The manual says there are 16 overworld areas, and I've seen one of them.<br />Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-3192756172705060192024-02-12T12:06:00.001-05:002024-02-12T12:08:13.171-05:00Game 399: Phantasie<p>Read the manual here:<br />
<a href="https://www.mocagh.org/loadpage.php?getgame=phantasie">https://www.mocagh.org/loadpage.php?getgame=phantasie</a>
</p>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookin' a little spartan there, Phantasie.<br /></td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>SSI is known for two things - computer wargames, and the Gold Box series of RPGs with wargame-like trappings. I covered a smattering of their early wargames about three years ago, and their signature Gold Box series is some ways away, but in the interim, there were a few early CRPG efforts.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot by Mobygames<br /></td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>First, there was Questron - not a whale, nor a game that personally interests me, seemingly not much more than an Ultima copycat, but nevertheless one that performed pretty well by SSI's niche standards. That it was released in 1984, a year without any new Ultima or Wizardry games certainly didn't hurt, nor did its availability on Commodore 64, which did not have many RPGs by this time. The success would encourage SSI to expand their horizons a bit and open the gates to publish more RPGs.</p>
<p>Phantasie, developed externally by author Winston Douglas Wood, was their next, and performed even better, becoming the first SSI game to make whale status. Ported to a wide variety of computer platforms, including the PC, Amiga, Atari, and even multiple Japanese computers including the MSX, the game sold best of all on Commodore 64, but I will be playing the Apple II original.<br /></p>
<p>The manual opens with a fairly trite framing story - a newly arrived adventurer looking for fortune and glory goes to the pub for a pint and some gossip, learns about the dreaded Black Knights who menace the land of Gelnor, yada yada. The big bad is a sorcerer, Nikademus, who operates out of a fortress that we've got to find and enter. Most of the manual is dedicated to rules and game structure, and it paints a picture of a game that combines aspects of Ultima and Wizardry - from the former series, an overhead view and modal overworld exploration, and from the latter, party-based menu-driven combat as well as Wizardry-like character creation and towns.</p>
<p>Some of the standout features:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Character creation includes the usual men, dwarves, and elves, but also includes exotic races such as kobolds, minotaurs, and sprites, whose stats tend to be very high in one or two places and very low in the rest. Notably, these exotic races often have poor charisma and short lifespans.</li>
<li>There are 11 towns in Gelnor, though initially only Pelnor is available. As in the later Might and Magic, ending a game session in town disperses your party there, allowing you to resume play starting from that town rather instead of the default Pelnor.</li>
<li>Characters have skills in addition to attributes, such as attacking, swimming, and lockpicking, which are rated from 0 to 99.<br /></li>
<li>Overworld movement maps to the keys 3/W/E/S, which seems arbitrary at first, until you realize this makes a neat little diamond pattern on the keyboard where three out of four keys have letters that also correspond to the cardinal directions they move you in.</li>
<li>Dungeons are explored with an overhead view that begins blank and fills out the corridors and rooms as you delve them, like an automap.</li>
<li>Random monster encounters come with more options than Wizardry - you can fight, demand the monsters surrender, offer to surrender yourself, flee, or just say hello. Again, like Might and Magic would later.<br /></li>
<li>Melee combat has more tactical options than Wizardry; fighters can thrust, strike, slash, or lunge, and thieves can strike monsters in the rear ranks without penetrating the front rows.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was as far as I got at first.</td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>I had a false start. The 4am collection copy, which I normally trust, had a little problem - it includes a boot disk, but no dungeon disk! And other copies' dungeon disks don't work with it. And so, I had to bite the bullet and deal with a "dirty" cracked copy.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sigh.</td>
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<p></p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towns look just like Wizardry<br /></td>
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<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I thought it might be fun to have a party consisting mostly of monsters, so I rolled six "creature" characters to see what would happen. Unlike humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, and gnomes, you cannot choose your specific race if you pick the creature option; one is selected at random.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A freshly rolled character<br /></td>
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<p>Unfortunately, most of the creature races seem to be suitable only as fighters. And goblins don't even seem to be suitable for that.</p>
<p>I rolled:<br /></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Iggy, a lizard man fighter</li>
<li>Oblib, a kobold thief</li>
<li>Bruno, a gnollish fighter</li>
<li>Thork, an orcish fighter </li>
<li>Klogg, an ogrish fighter</li>
<li>Kruncha, a troll fighter</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>I decided to keep Oblib and Kruncha, and fill out the rest of my party with more traditional races:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Tom, a halfling monk</li>
<li>Robert, a human priest <br /></li>
<li>Lambert, a dwarven ranger</li>
<li>Minmax, an elven wizard<br /></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluIZu3HseeH6WAJGnxXSuVBiXZK0XOxp09vBDlylPJwh7SJjPW-5gnZ5hG3g9NJZuqsZWFU3Xb1yCSCVp-9UC6VoZfn9NWT86YUZ6mIbSDYok3raC_JgzL9sJ9loxfVVlhOB2AoANlry6Jdpn8PmLE2Ezkw_DDrRj3if9VlEUasKW9zkTICPb110Gtw/s280/Mindshadow%20side%20A_000000005.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluIZu3HseeH6WAJGnxXSuVBiXZK0XOxp09vBDlylPJwh7SJjPW-5gnZ5hG3g9NJZuqsZWFU3Xb1yCSCVp-9UC6VoZfn9NWT86YUZ6mIbSDYok3raC_JgzL9sJ9loxfVVlhOB2AoANlry6Jdpn8PmLE2Ezkw_DDrRj3if9VlEUasKW9zkTICPb110Gtw/s1600/Mindshadow%20side%20A_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each rolled character is Hobson's choice - take it or leave it.<br /></td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>That gives me one of each class. Monks are hybrid fighter/wizard/thieves, while rangers are hybrid fighter/priests.</p>
Spells in Phantasie have to be bought, but they're cheap, at least at first. I have 1,536 gold, and 29 buys me two of the three available spells - Awaken for Robert, and Quickness 1 for Minmax. Vision is available too, but is only available to Robert, who only had the capacity for one spell.
<p>Next, I go to the armory. All characters come equipped with a club, a small shield, and robes, except for Minmax who has only the club.<br /></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohuL5rPRNAj6r8pT0LKYZTRNLkVxYt9QT3OIA5skXppb9_t8hKmf3rNCH8yYiCJUIzPVsGUu-s7fn7v4q0oQbmssGJ91EGZ-H1ZmhLc9bVAG7OdbLssAw5VpIXIQQzx1lZy4BAovRENYdL_Xtgh4rdg14Sjzm5tWjsJdNlbTo7zwxyx00ziSmRCirsw/s280/Mindshadow%20side%20A_000000006.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohuL5rPRNAj6r8pT0LKYZTRNLkVxYt9QT3OIA5skXppb9_t8hKmf3rNCH8yYiCJUIzPVsGUu-s7fn7v4q0oQbmssGJ91EGZ-H1ZmhLc9bVAG7OdbLssAw5VpIXIQQzx1lZy4BAovRENYdL_Xtgh4rdg14Sjzm5tWjsJdNlbTo7zwxyx00ziSmRCirsw/s1600/Mindshadow%20side%20A_000000006.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike Wizardry, weapon damage and armor classes are listed.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p></p>
<p>But the only things that seem worth buying are clothes for Minmax, and a scroll, which reads:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH5N2Cgbk-GXYzShfRgVhjmxwdJcksZYSOwfjIBfCA96c7uyd8c9_SuKZPkDM1k8vntFEgBhbcAW5tnu5zKQII79_imlQemSchSpbAS9ljPxst88ddv8pRA3eiwQqurfG8QJoQYOc_PEGLcZGF23XsEAUNuAmvmkFg6qeJts2tVxRgcbMSeXIkJpk4A/s280/Mindshadow%20side%20A_000000007.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH5N2Cgbk-GXYzShfRgVhjmxwdJcksZYSOwfjIBfCA96c7uyd8c9_SuKZPkDM1k8vntFEgBhbcAW5tnu5zKQII79_imlQemSchSpbAS9ljPxst88ddv8pRA3eiwQqurfG8QJoQYOc_PEGLcZGF23XsEAUNuAmvmkFg6qeJts2tVxRgcbMSeXIkJpk4A/s1600/Mindshadow%20side%20A_000000007.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>I left town.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEEvhXieakSX50_vhGo0q_6KAn7AS_P-_W5FK7o7D6ZlUO6efE2xfL0JzYRkXtvxcZYn6dPZPZc-13EWX0gPQuVX3_VPukfgaISByFJMKOE5M6mxw8mxHuFn6OVl80IMdM3R3eS76Vas_7rNasa33QUwi4yBF22dVxsKM0UrIrGvfqoYqcIihSPIIYg/s280/P1dungV111_000000001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEEvhXieakSX50_vhGo0q_6KAn7AS_P-_W5FK7o7D6ZlUO6efE2xfL0JzYRkXtvxcZYn6dPZPZc-13EWX0gPQuVX3_VPukfgaISByFJMKOE5M6mxw8mxHuFn6OVl80IMdM3R3eS76Vas_7rNasa33QUwi4yBF22dVxsKM0UrIrGvfqoYqcIihSPIIYg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000001.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Now this is different. The 4am version showed the whole overworld sector map, but this version's map reveals itself as you explore!</p>
<p>I went north a few squares.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenrmUbl98Ueh6rEB68-D8bAf6tIYA-N1uSZA1DbidYDFhaFuv0N5igBjtpxeBp39450hAkxl-Qvz71GMSaDy2OUUIzPxG2Jy_EzNZcDREoRApDP8P7XKNkV0iuFN8s8LZdhHpv4pTPqFkFAGWF43f47HCaO4ugr8lVLp5lR7t8HNitfjXYooG3A5Rpg/s280/P1dungV111_000000002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenrmUbl98Ueh6rEB68-D8bAf6tIYA-N1uSZA1DbidYDFhaFuv0N5igBjtpxeBp39450hAkxl-Qvz71GMSaDy2OUUIzPxG2Jy_EzNZcDREoRApDP8P7XKNkV0iuFN8s8LZdhHpv4pTPqFkFAGWF43f47HCaO4ugr8lVLp5lR7t8HNitfjXYooG3A5Rpg/s1600/P1dungV111_000000002.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPC5T-YB0F3QQOamF2WnHUHQPMMuGECQgCoJbriuoMerSQYTdpD9DENoPy87T9wa-5_Hc8ppWOUXVRX5yGkGlB6aEUa79futhMq-PBE8hbFegq-hfTpc7wo_R0RR-LyVN6U7STZBubGi3TE0SEoy1hYMV2EHmI0bWLuqGldOLA2BgfbJYzSYfjL5Q3w/s280/P1dungV111_000000003.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPC5T-YB0F3QQOamF2WnHUHQPMMuGECQgCoJbriuoMerSQYTdpD9DENoPy87T9wa-5_Hc8ppWOUXVRX5yGkGlB6aEUa79futhMq-PBE8hbFegq-hfTpc7wo_R0RR-LyVN6U7STZBubGi3TE0SEoy1hYMV2EHmI0bWLuqGldOLA2BgfbJYzSYfjL5Q3w/s1600/P1dungV111_000000003.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Eleven giant insects? Too much. I ran for it, suffering a few cuts and bruises but escaped with our lives.</p>
<p>The next encounter seemed more reasonable - just four ants. Unfortunately, they ambushed us at night while half the party was asleep. Robert the priest was among the awake half on turn 1 and I had him cast awaken on the other half while his partners groggily thrust at the ants.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLUFTgmKz3JtB8MbWb88uCgC8L3SuPctp_hIqarY5C-SSoSGsUxqxu_dvpkgkZP_BN81A8Y2kj1EnwAmdx2mlwibV5bUig3WRz-lmvVGTupKPmV8xz6xhLOrGSJFTPO4OEeczrCGNrnftgcjFrr_r25BcEXr6K1BnI4Yb5Qzr9DppSMD1BA0FFHLyVw/s280/phantasie1.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLUFTgmKz3JtB8MbWb88uCgC8L3SuPctp_hIqarY5C-SSoSGsUxqxu_dvpkgkZP_BN81A8Y2kj1EnwAmdx2mlwibV5bUig3WRz-lmvVGTupKPmV8xz6xhLOrGSJFTPO4OEeczrCGNrnftgcjFrr_r25BcEXr6K1BnI4Yb5Qzr9DppSMD1BA0FFHLyVw/s1600/phantasie1.gif" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>I returned to town to rest up, and found the armory was selling an axe and leather armor, which I bought for Kruncha.</p>
<p>And then I left and got ambushed by a big pack of skeletons.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iGQ6jWDxaGcXTLPzgaAixel4vUquyeJ8sKQIaneHLJInFlPGziT25vP42Uw3tl3GSiTcxIXz7q9jRQ_1ykdt4umXltdbBaaAcmEFtEolvL-9z3pW0acIuFFNG7X169TdckyYwPcaKn6QOlVW0jRhOK7YukqyGc_AVEZ6vyqNfvbhRDh3Px46UEBp_A/s280/P1dungV111_000000004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iGQ6jWDxaGcXTLPzgaAixel4vUquyeJ8sKQIaneHLJInFlPGziT25vP42Uw3tl3GSiTcxIXz7q9jRQ_1ykdt4umXltdbBaaAcmEFtEolvL-9z3pW0acIuFFNG7X169TdckyYwPcaKn6QOlVW0jRhOK7YukqyGc_AVEZ6vyqNfvbhRDh3Px46UEBp_A/s1600/P1dungV111_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>After two failed escape attempts, Oblib and Tom joined their ranks. I offered to surrender, and the skeletons accepted, taking all of my gold in exchange for the rest of our lives. The joke's on them - we left all our gold at the Bank of Pelnor!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBA6qxloYDgcUxV9npXGQoOZx73-UJC4iL8kJWRsZZPYGw9nXigiLRaOGue0VfsXAPIOnizItSeaHMMr0hoHDR_KfqPCREkUXJYN0r3D9fNz6DIBW4T2BcRYlGsNRdsrsI9soKK28fO1sGuQ57LG_kPwLjBXsHU_T7CvFn94qI4JXvBsmzqIN7zFQxA/s280/P1dungV111_000000005.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBA6qxloYDgcUxV9npXGQoOZx73-UJC4iL8kJWRsZZPYGw9nXigiLRaOGue0VfsXAPIOnizItSeaHMMr0hoHDR_KfqPCREkUXJYN0r3D9fNz6DIBW4T2BcRYlGsNRdsrsI9soKK28fO1sGuQ57LG_kPwLjBXsHU_T7CvFn94qI4JXvBsmzqIN7zFQxA/s1600/P1dungV111_000000005.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>This is gonna be a long one, isn't it?<br /></p>
<p></p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-19899412452079184022024-02-09T09:22:00.001-05:002024-02-09T09:22:58.373-05:00Game 398: Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYdafEea6Ja6zpt4bNZWEf1rWmN-OwyHr5GSevv0re6E-_HUfc5orhU0xSfxDaTxO33DsbKJMOixLYBsjUQBFwBQDED6RNf4iBi-0j9IZAy9SqTTA1yEBWRc27Q_agrsPu61X176674b2BMM5vaqfujzu8YzkLvjgPBfCkDFo_Wjlms0r-7Ja2r_7ow/s280/untitled2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYdafEea6Ja6zpt4bNZWEf1rWmN-OwyHr5GSevv0re6E-_HUfc5orhU0xSfxDaTxO33DsbKJMOixLYBsjUQBFwBQDED6RNf4iBi-0j9IZAy9SqTTA1yEBWRc27Q_agrsPu61X176674b2BMM5vaqfujzu8YzkLvjgPBfCkDFo_Wjlms0r-7Ja2r_7ow/s1600/untitled2.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvTkUmWVccg2MfoBmigmlZVfmAALucPJ9gJHoMB_azQZY0bUUUj1aUOeKpiiey5zgRReSTJWFT8foLyXJDD46XnswwPTCKgwPIWzDHichyKaCAUA_1qw9Xa1pNbyTYWfj3Ddh277Q8JqSHg7UmMcDh5r5VOM_jkjQhzb_wWFueAOlyedHepq920OBIA/s280/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvTkUmWVccg2MfoBmigmlZVfmAALucPJ9gJHoMB_azQZY0bUUUj1aUOeKpiiey5zgRReSTJWFT8foLyXJDD46XnswwPTCKgwPIWzDHichyKaCAUA_1qw9Xa1pNbyTYWfj3Ddh277Q8JqSHg7UmMcDh5r5VOM_jkjQhzb_wWFueAOlyedHepq920OBIA/s1600/untitled.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Carmen Sandiego was the first million-selling edutainment franchise, and launched numerous sequels, remakes, and at least two game shows throughout the 90's. I expect that every single person reading this has at least heard of it.</p>
<p>I had a copy of <i>Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?</i> for my first computer, a black & white Macintosh, which came with a paperback encyclopedia; useful for finding out what century the Sung Dynasty ruled, or where and when El Misti erupted. But I never finished it; the cases got repetitive and dull, and though I reached the highest rank, Ms. Sandiego eluded me, even pulling a heist herself in one case that I failed to complete in time.</p>
<p>So, here I am decades trying out the original Apple II game for the first time, with "D," and it didn't take us two hours to get promoted to the final rank and catch Carmen. Each case can be finished in about five minutes, it takes ten cases to reach the Ace Detective rank, and another four to finish the game proper.</p>
<p>Each case follows the same formula - one of Carmen's gang of thieves has stolen a national treasure and fled to his or her hideout, making several stops around the world. You fly to the scene of the crime, look for clues indicating their location and identity, and follow their path until you catch them or run out of time. The higher your rank, the more stops you have to follow, giving you that much less tolerance for error.</p>
<p>What follows is a walkthrough of my final case. Spoiler - the culprit was Carmen Sandiego.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViVusQ5MiHrmNqJeoDR7tL0_vh7v8oA0N_JFlj1JpEeF2iv14gUrvkT-okdSMr6dk3IKzBZkhN96ioBe8nHGKwMx5F6mSdQsdfFYLpEOgB0FUtEIN-LktL7YgCU1Tz4hvPvITSAF29MZ80zk7G36Was_u6vg9twJC8dgfA1_oY6d4mQEAE1Wun8_MpQ/s280/untitled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViVusQ5MiHrmNqJeoDR7tL0_vh7v8oA0N_JFlj1JpEeF2iv14gUrvkT-okdSMr6dk3IKzBZkhN96ioBe8nHGKwMx5F6mSdQsdfFYLpEOgB0FUtEIN-LktL7YgCU1Tz4hvPvITSAF29MZ80zk7G36Was_u6vg9twJC8dgfA1_oY6d4mQEAE1Wun8_MpQ/s1600/untitled.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She stole an entrée?<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7fgWoE7K8Y-xgisQF2_JJAZqe-XbuBA8YWhsvYJIljyp1nzm8c8b5Kl2AWSOyNqbdjldpCj0OuwokqYK8ZMgLLYYDnaXMz2aViBJrZccrZiLDR1v4lGRESRLOpLDhhvDN6is9WcXuk4pC4wqyjcQ-po_Wv1fS4Tix127xVMcTwAhourRA9U7tJHV0A/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000003.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7fgWoE7K8Y-xgisQF2_JJAZqe-XbuBA8YWhsvYJIljyp1nzm8c8b5Kl2AWSOyNqbdjldpCj0OuwokqYK8ZMgLLYYDnaXMz2aViBJrZccrZiLDR1v4lGRESRLOpLDhhvDN6is9WcXuk4pC4wqyjcQ-po_Wv1fS4Tix127xVMcTwAhourRA9U7tJHV0A/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000003.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>It's Monday, and I have until 5pm on Sunday to identify and serve this nefarious diner dasher a hot plate of justice.</p>
<p>First, I check the connections. This is a free action that shows you the possibilities of where you'll need to go next.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4NOKZ2gP1648OLLApKHtwS55PsoMK2PFzUkGLcpKUPtjSidv-V4DPzJZ26Ywc1Ja0WLtjVA1oa6zxQv42PkEFHNwwtjgLG5BeMGRTHgcabtbqrmFGxGHb3xOuJq0CVRYvQ5YvPP34Lmnn4qBFyqDp75QIWwrxGfoYVdk6m2pX9oXVG9tDUq4uaXM9Q/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4NOKZ2gP1648OLLApKHtwS55PsoMK2PFzUkGLcpKUPtjSidv-V4DPzJZ26Ywc1Ja0WLtjVA1oa6zxQv42PkEFHNwwtjgLG5BeMGRTHgcabtbqrmFGxGHb3xOuJq0CVRYvQ5YvPP34Lmnn4qBFyqDp75QIWwrxGfoYVdk6m2pX9oXVG9tDUq4uaXM9Q/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000004.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Next, I investigate. Every city has exactly three places to search for clues, and contrary to common sense, none are the actual scene of the crime.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeD1QQyCzkF3r0lSUQGpnsehHWSKomXQabV0Lcgk80wREWO8UnQF9P5SJg4hBp9cFwHgagVSN6i3GbqYiuSry31fD69tjnMMZ7CjpS7w5_pE-EcqNT6hcfaHWnSZqDNAyr0fI5eqCTBTkBepSh9SIsVQ9DW9psiUrVKCex9P1NyHQ8HhrSYSYMxcIeg/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000006.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeD1QQyCzkF3r0lSUQGpnsehHWSKomXQabV0Lcgk80wREWO8UnQF9P5SJg4hBp9cFwHgagVSN6i3GbqYiuSry31fD69tjnMMZ7CjpS7w5_pE-EcqNT6hcfaHWnSZqDNAyr0fI5eqCTBTkBepSh9SIsVQ9DW9psiUrVKCex9P1NyHQ8HhrSYSYMxcIeg/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000006.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Excuse me, have you seen a woman with a stolen duck?"<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>Mount Fuji, about 70 miles from Tokyo, is probably the volcano in question, but we're not done here - <i>always</i> get your location's entire set of clues until you can identify the suspect.</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Foreign Ministry, undersecretary: "I heard she said she was taking a message to the Emperor."</li>
<li>Library, reference librarian: "I saw the person you're looking for and she checked out all the books about Shinto shrines."<br /></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>Nothing useful, and my Monday is mostly spent. I hop on a plane to Tokyo.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLVzxpsSUqDsI0l3MGgwXRPdkcjKpG8tuvXnvgB5E6AOYM3VytpR_HKV1xCing8dXt98U28hXyW60_igTzQYoJG11o2E3-xdu9dfXsZcg6ACBFTUIZuZ5EZY5AuNHmxA6bm-MnzKcAbR-kaGAJ-Va3o2M_IG8NwtZvwi2Efl3dJkITJXkIyiMkhU0LQ/s291/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000009.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="279" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLVzxpsSUqDsI0l3MGgwXRPdkcjKpG8tuvXnvgB5E6AOYM3VytpR_HKV1xCing8dXt98U28hXyW60_igTzQYoJG11o2E3-xdu9dfXsZcg6ACBFTUIZuZ5EZY5AuNHmxA6bm-MnzKcAbR-kaGAJ-Va3o2M_IG8NwtZvwi2Efl3dJkITJXkIyiMkhU0LQ/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000009.png" width="279" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Connections are Bangkok, Montreal, New York, and back to Peking.<br /></p>
<p>I investigate.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BwPdulmmf5pJQodA9c31wY_-O2luU8vOTLehurhkJbM8u5FWcb8yN41GoXuBg47BR4LLeAM4SLkc7-SVKwcJYnY-_zGi69SueMQLoy9_ytek5MZ9vGz8sknMf-4zkQrMHDUfsLWd2vqwLceyQnTHCn5e2aWdUxR1FWwJu1C3VHC_Rr5R602Cu7yRhA/s280/wwcs1.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BwPdulmmf5pJQodA9c31wY_-O2luU8vOTLehurhkJbM8u5FWcb8yN41GoXuBg47BR4LLeAM4SLkc7-SVKwcJYnY-_zGi69SueMQLoy9_ytek5MZ9vGz8sknMf-4zkQrMHDUfsLWd2vqwLceyQnTHCn5e2aWdUxR1FWwJu1C3VHC_Rr5R602Cu7yRhA/s1600/wwcs1.gif" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>The clues:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Hotel, manager: "A reliable source told me she said she had always wanted to see the Statue of Liberty."</li>
<li>Stock exchange, messenger: "I heard she wanted to know the price of a seat on the stock exchange."</li>
<li>Library, archivist: "All I know is that she checked out all the books about subways."<br /></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Still not getting anywhere with regards to identifying the suspect, but New York is obviously the next stop.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVF_dfX5AbSOQ_A9YUcrzSW6V347UdZUfzNx5lfyj-d9OP6Shk2T49fJtu01x8-JsFwnj40PlgBCb9-aN-HkJGVhXI2S5CAMwl8T5xyn7gtYHJ9AkmwOAxsDwqHWljj8m4ivXyMt8i100atlxU-QtcJapgmaqgxj6LDJaOEd8EernVJxKMj7fVfZzfg/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000010.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVF_dfX5AbSOQ_A9YUcrzSW6V347UdZUfzNx5lfyj-d9OP6Shk2T49fJtu01x8-JsFwnj40PlgBCb9-aN-HkJGVhXI2S5CAMwl8T5xyn7gtYHJ9AkmwOAxsDwqHWljj8m4ivXyMt8i100atlxU-QtcJapgmaqgxj6LDJaOEd8EernVJxKMj7fVfZzfg/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000010.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Connections are Mexico City, London, Montreal, and Tokyo.</p>
<p>Clues:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Sports club, waiter: "A reliable source told me she wanted to punt up the Thames."</li>
<li>Hotel, manager: "My sources tell me she wanted a Welsh dictionary."</li>
<li>Airport, flight attendant: "I heard she said she wanted to visit Orkney Island."</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Thames = London, so I go there.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl6qRLCEvWuRHSupG2t_ntXHDlxpJJ2wt1OVI7_pABG-ZYpKCag8Y7fo5VIg42EF1h2LbApk7xyX3x4VZYU8EmVL_lTp0e2OSp85RDOgqkyan7RYFLuhR5U2ItzsUvxhIm2TIokyDYxnkVAau6eCMnSwHGWPuWXpfyDpCjrFgxj9TRrBsvUvydnnhow/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000011.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl6qRLCEvWuRHSupG2t_ntXHDlxpJJ2wt1OVI7_pABG-ZYpKCag8Y7fo5VIg42EF1h2LbApk7xyX3x4VZYU8EmVL_lTp0e2OSp85RDOgqkyan7RYFLuhR5U2ItzsUvxhIm2TIokyDYxnkVAau6eCMnSwHGWPuWXpfyDpCjrFgxj9TRrBsvUvydnnhow/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000011.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Connections: New York, Oslo, Paris, Reykjavík</p>
<p>Clues:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Marketplace, hawker: "My sources tell me she said she was a wine buyer. She arrived in a convertible."</li>
<li>Library, circulation clerk: "A suspicious person was here and said she checked out all the books about the Franks.<br /></li>
<li>Museum, docent: "I heard she said she planned to study wine."</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, <i>something</i> to identify our person. It's not much, but it's something. I fax Interpol with the clue, who cross-references the dossiers on V.I.L.E. for potential suspects.<br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJekHK8fF3Sc0cljXMouqfm2B6YLdzScJs-FhdBeAgB7RKE3yb9ltQbUmulvBmvGqivQc0EzIgIJuwy2JtqzUvi3yppDdLHBRgfFGX0duW5M85-LCd1_27jPsoZ3_hNVjyfMRFjJHxkwUC8iDO2RaI1OXzXnIHPat75RNKX50SidwzbL0HguggrwZaxw/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000013.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJekHK8fF3Sc0cljXMouqfm2B6YLdzScJs-FhdBeAgB7RKE3yb9ltQbUmulvBmvGqivQc0EzIgIJuwy2JtqzUvi3yppDdLHBRgfFGX0duW5M85-LCd1_27jPsoZ3_hNVjyfMRFjJHxkwUC8iDO2RaI1OXzXnIHPat75RNKX50SidwzbL0HguggrwZaxw/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000013.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More V.I.L.E. members play croquet than ride motorcycles and none have scars. What kind of a criminal gang is this?<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>Next stop, the land of wine and Frankish history.</p>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4zow9fNYxDKoJCZbc-Z2TtpvcgkERDXlfgIwoxYfJ6sVheJzn_We4be8KcyNlWiqnhEssCuemWltAHPFO5nhdse6DohAIZyAk_laX9gsN96EOAlZnNPhDh3EnleDywHS4F3n5yBw7pQH5UK-TL3Qm9WScUU2b4RU-3J4ONGOfStEdAElrBd-gCL6qg/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000014.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4zow9fNYxDKoJCZbc-Z2TtpvcgkERDXlfgIwoxYfJ6sVheJzn_We4be8KcyNlWiqnhEssCuemWltAHPFO5nhdse6DohAIZyAk_laX9gsN96EOAlZnNPhDh3EnleDywHS4F3n5yBw7pQH5UK-TL3Qm9WScUU2b4RU-3J4ONGOfStEdAElrBd-gCL6qg/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000014.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun fact: Everywhere you go in Paris, you can see the Eiffel Tower.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>Connections: Budapest, London, Moscow, San Marino<br /></p>
<p>Clues:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Hotel, house detective: "A suspicious person was here and said she had always wanted to see a postage stamp printing plant. She ordered Mexican food."</li>
<li>Marketplace, hawker: "A reliable source told me she was looking for stamps. She had brown hair."</li>
<li>Sport club, waiter: "I heard she said she wanted to visit all of Italy's neighbors. She wore fancy jewelry."</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Finally, enough clues for a warrant. But time is running out.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEjxzhy2wVW-TH0lahTX1m5wdjFSlitmlg10Gdtf3hqgO8tHtSCJ-NSL2jlpYhfTsKVbPWWXPizAZcYAlcKxVx7NlzHCgPy9TrsHjXa9b9YXHXeF_8oKaXsN65ZiHJHIaFAcKn8fsNKyZfOUGyqvTMwg9e69UtLrD7kfsLY_7GB9bLNW_Sqm5Tyv74w/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000016.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEjxzhy2wVW-TH0lahTX1m5wdjFSlitmlg10Gdtf3hqgO8tHtSCJ-NSL2jlpYhfTsKVbPWWXPizAZcYAlcKxVx7NlzHCgPy9TrsHjXa9b9YXHXeF_8oKaXsN65ZiHJHIaFAcKn8fsNKyZfOUGyqvTMwg9e69UtLrD7kfsLY_7GB9bLNW_Sqm5Tyv74w/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000016.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Budapest, London, and Moscow are not in countries bordering Italy, but San Marino sounds Italian enough, so I go there.<br /></p>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oAxQmR3BUqCFpBlLeWbFd8I40_Av7Ep7LtW5-TDNWDXHlRWZrzEWnkEWe1JUr0Lu6YifSM0ODpmGVc3JfwZhBWNE_BxFU0TUpKyUQKwG-z9yusfkpUOs8tiuYe2tDzVkM8k3eTnoXTdM5k8zF68ZOyTjYwN7hpc3oOVoPfWsEy1Rfx6UKa3GJajYuw/s280/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000017.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oAxQmR3BUqCFpBlLeWbFd8I40_Av7Ep7LtW5-TDNWDXHlRWZrzEWnkEWe1JUr0Lu6YifSM0ODpmGVc3JfwZhBWNE_BxFU0TUpKyUQKwG-z9yusfkpUOs8tiuYe2tDzVkM8k3eTnoXTdM5k8zF68ZOyTjYwN7hpc3oOVoPfWsEy1Rfx6UKa3GJajYuw/s1600/carmen-13%20-%20Copy_000000017.png" width="280" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=San_Marino" target="_blank">Turn's out it's a micronation <i>inside</i> Italy.</a><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>Paris and Rome are the only connections here.</p>
<p>I investigate one place, a hotel, where I'm told the suspect talked about seeing the Po.</p>
<p>No need for more clues, and no time for them either. I fly to Rome, and receive a very Roman welcome.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KEKgi4b4xSxx5TtIseGHwYnXcupieCo77Ug1SPuzhkpVqZqiyTersFwrG13On0bYjFuivYgY92ev1OlYUhJHaueXDNxVlRVYeUF_cMJMeRd9Hye21t68Cp9iTYgexZmeM3mavGv6b_Si8YjrOoXt9UhAd6Ao3A5g7dhLKitUybEVjG6p2fFTk0nEvA/s280/wwcs3.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KEKgi4b4xSxx5TtIseGHwYnXcupieCo77Ug1SPuzhkpVqZqiyTersFwrG13On0bYjFuivYgY92ev1OlYUhJHaueXDNxVlRVYeUF_cMJMeRd9Hye21t68Cp9iTYgexZmeM3mavGv6b_Si8YjrOoXt9UhAd6Ao3A5g7dhLKitUybEVjG6p2fFTk0nEvA/s1600/wwcs3.gif" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>I catch Carmen selling duck futures at the stock exchange without an hour to spare.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd3OV6smOuRAXAY7vVYJjK8bDKXqwrbarIiaQUp3Lcf6Xu4f4Ck_vyuD-2d8POUMaR0jxwcgK2fhyyZvfpRFUvgn_uxMqELGy9japqLwus5iLUMGKwKQZ56cxIVwHCWbD7DTDUfIBYvmkBLr8OGTIBxPBM5LPyJDagUAybygMyHirrYC_rqgVB2C_pQ/s280/wwcs4.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd3OV6smOuRAXAY7vVYJjK8bDKXqwrbarIiaQUp3Lcf6Xu4f4Ck_vyuD-2d8POUMaR0jxwcgK2fhyyZvfpRFUvgn_uxMqELGy9japqLwus5iLUMGKwKQZ56cxIVwHCWbD7DTDUfIBYvmkBLr8OGTIBxPBM5LPyJDagUAybygMyHirrYC_rqgVB2C_pQ/s1600/wwcs4.gif" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxM-jCl_RUMQFFfCZutqKA3iXU96BnTEGgDuRz2rcXjg904tKeY3QHo7kO-xnpCmFML0xIlFsEUuBP6eghYV-YFNp1ly3zOL_Jo6LrK5Q3U5skWUYuHVCyRa6Qc-Zt7B3Tju9datRT004XewAA4pBMzQMLsXXtumdxUE3MBxaBFhQR-QxKMUGzowq_w/s280/3891.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxM-jCl_RUMQFFfCZutqKA3iXU96BnTEGgDuRz2rcXjg904tKeY3QHo7kO-xnpCmFML0xIlFsEUuBP6eghYV-YFNp1ly3zOL_Jo6LrK5Q3U5skWUYuHVCyRa6Qc-Zt7B3Tju9datRT004XewAA4pBMzQMLsXXtumdxUE3MBxaBFhQR-QxKMUGzowq_w/s1600/3891.png" width="280" /></a></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrator: She did not stay in jail for good.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>After this, you're off the ACME roster permanently. You'll need a new identity if you want to play again, which means starting over again with a rank of rookie.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVARMHIoqbioCJlbfq8e0zUUplnwD4qeE-l-mlYIpZn15t3e-gorKsb6bukrfpED8qx8ZIvetffUtJD8MGTwdI_80CuKMVjekQXJ_acvbVeNNeNdheoFXzSsMvpQX_DcYU5gtufZMczL-fTdByLlj7xSYm5D2Kf0XVMzRRouLpAqrpbsYYwPsuZiokA/s280/Where%20in%20the%20World%20is%20Carmen%20Sandiego%20side%20A_000000002.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="280" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVARMHIoqbioCJlbfq8e0zUUplnwD4qeE-l-mlYIpZn15t3e-gorKsb6bukrfpED8qx8ZIvetffUtJD8MGTwdI_80CuKMVjekQXJ_acvbVeNNeNdheoFXzSsMvpQX_DcYU5gtufZMczL-fTdByLlj7xSYm5D2Kf0XVMzRRouLpAqrpbsYYwPsuZiokA/s1600/Where%20in%20the%20World%20is%20Carmen%20Sandiego%20side%20A_000000002.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>GAB rating: Above average.</b> The original version of Carmen Sandiego feels pretty limited nowadays, with its simplistic, formulaic cases, and finite set of clues and locations that repeat themselves well before capturing the infamous crook. Nevertheless, it's a classic for a reason - the cases were fun to solve for at least a little while, the noir'ish detective theme is appealing, sincere, and well realized, and I always appreciate educational efforts that don't feed pablum or otherwise condescend to the audience. Perhaps the real educational value, at the time anyway, was in the included almanac, which players were encouraged to reference while playing. And, perhaps, long after they were done.<br /></p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-57044382510765028232024-02-07T17:00:00.002-05:002024-02-07T17:13:46.924-05:00Rebelstar Raiders: The Final Assault
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqfjzKq1jA5z490uPlVB2ZReLuZHCz5PBIOs1KZwA0YMeMTeLCFreQiTHZTaTxAdZxqmJvVRNEPUPqKoSno97mQWSmg9iqUAOJh5589hLoSjSPoVsNR6Nhmd_WZwVYtGuprcwBeOzrSaGLKsECnlPjYBIx5Nxrk_VKbT7EzAzdfjvk_6KSc3TNW2pDA/s320/rebelstar8.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqfjzKq1jA5z490uPlVB2ZReLuZHCz5PBIOs1KZwA0YMeMTeLCFreQiTHZTaTxAdZxqmJvVRNEPUPqKoSno97mQWSmg9iqUAOJh5589hLoSjSPoVsNR6Nhmd_WZwVYtGuprcwBeOzrSaGLKsECnlPjYBIx5Nxrk_VKbT7EzAzdfjvk_6KSc3TNW2pDA/s16000/rebelstar8.gif" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>This is it - The Final Assault. The Starlingale is lost, and two of Joe Capricorn's clones are dead, but the mission must continue. Main-Comp's planetary shields are deactivated, and JC#4 leads a platoon of raiders into the MCU's core. And this time, they have space RPGs.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzuo3bHRHQt8MgXcBYvV_-1DKylmmS72iu8pO-7qJwmjpDTimShnirNCHWVys75AAM_jJBxzeXXT5UNwS98A8tPNF7VnVjO76uNR2Ok370iQlZXXlpnANyu6y_EhH6J31-r8KHcHDSvT1A45jEBWbiMujW4suGzGz_qPcJ_Ydzi23-9OgwHhMcEHV-A/s609/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="609" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzuo3bHRHQt8MgXcBYvV_-1DKylmmS72iu8pO-7qJwmjpDTimShnirNCHWVys75AAM_jJBxzeXXT5UNwS98A8tPNF7VnVjO76uNR2Ok370iQlZXXlpnANyu6y_EhH6J31-r8KHcHDSvT1A45jEBWbiMujW4suGzGz_qPcJ_Ydzi23-9OgwHhMcEHV-A/w400-h224/untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Scribe leads Main-Comp's last stand on <a href="https://zeitgame.net/archives/12651" target="_blank">his respective blog</a>.<br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Deployment phase <br /></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DhMDpJDZtSxJ0aDdJEi6XmBiQCtwtTjCADowduitZypFCxVPfB8NCjiHHZoQf25KfsKg-WiSDRf7-5LNJPrYAaXFfgwCnMtsHPL60yc9fIWnxrgXLuU_RsnnZsgu4ndloAcplCnlI7pFpbTLzxXJvyXJaXkqfEdBZeZkPK1ojjAxH0op2sYktCxPpg/s320/1.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DhMDpJDZtSxJ0aDdJEi6XmBiQCtwtTjCADowduitZypFCxVPfB8NCjiHHZoQf25KfsKg-WiSDRf7-5LNJPrYAaXFfgwCnMtsHPL60yc9fIWnxrgXLuU_RsnnZsgu4ndloAcplCnlI7pFpbTLzxXJvyXJaXkqfEdBZeZkPK1ojjAxH0op2sYktCxPpg/s16000/1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>I'm up against mostly familiar enemies:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>My target: eight immobile, defenseless computer cores <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg875LzaxHIi3LlDMiO6nf9M9R5x9RwY10U09QaQ-XkuWjBhhFLZLOfrwhJpmfKiTl1DTzNFiMsrpcEySJyVkjuu59duVzINAlRvvdMOL52i0NXSlEOcWKVoIdET9j9h196W5qbRuSNcARFFoOehNu7bALmI4LtzzgdHq4YEMPIrGmNe5Rg_2TycWKCzQ/s1600/2-151-Flash2.png" /></li>
<li>Seven sentry bots with laser guns <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZ6huz_UkMKpNHOZhMQVwh2z789FiqLCcbZ5QdJ0zbeGAL4o3bkTwfNX5Ik3UNlx55NYJIHf03OcScef47-C9lH1SC65TKINtO6aVnNVwZ887o3SZA4V1G164l7Aow1uzKji2Qlmeu8UiZ6w5uNO5gMKO1MOmnCrs_fMb-CxAzo1jG36FbVmPQI0QDw/s1600/2-148-Cyan.png" /></li>
<li>Six service bots with crushing pincers <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pDDwiDe_qpZ3TyZMgG5pF7Y3mx-TR2ucv1A9gNcq-eRbFykXDjD8EByEk3KIFISjbDtetJ3UrTdOsWd0c-vvzktk4bs8YR2d95YQLMedqoE-N_qFjecZngQ-ywsFRIUkJ-9LSReoN2_P236pGucZ1-QYOsFS8_etRdWetZkqC3i0oqNmytFliTEBiA/s1600/2-150-Cyan.png" /></li>
<li>Six Flybots with zeekers <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQiAkptxjUMr4XPqEGmRhK8tkvFLR8TQv7gqG0Px8V1PCSRFq47uk2R0e_ieVTj3pK-SvN2e0A4B_HW1UpmLF9WHnKV_69YGjx2wL0jZCY9hHfF7WLV0GKklmzmseMjHZZERvIvK3vTiIF7O8xsCTCPODZ0geAESSGx_lOsjyFA6wR1a2rWgROV7mpg/s1600/2-147-White.png" /></li>
<li>15 laser riflemen <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHwxLoby4dt9DYKnZi3goBuvdqBXDS9_aymucgTUhuIoVCSqYvV996mM-tD92xVosYVTNht_1vW9GbVFpywBBQh4eeRaLtWwgrRO-uQMiZozchbCVd375z9Tp6QGossW4FbhRvkk_IpZJnoa7_yYtC1b2P-Nlhbo5rxYCo3Ceer-RGyRAu5MyoIs9Ow/s1600/2-144-Green2.png" /></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>The speedy Flybots concern me the most here. Sentry bots are quite slow, unable to do much as long as I don't leave my men exposed to them. The service bots are marginally faster, but melee-only and certainly not fast. Laser riflemen are perhaps more dangerous to my meatbags than my own riflemen are to Main-Comp's robots, but their range isn't great against any target.<br /></p><p> <br /></p>
<p>I deploy my attack troops in the magenta regions in the four corners of the map:<br /></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Joe Capricorn and Captain Krenon return from the dead again <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEHqRnDHWsLe1LlEohWmOuwOz3VKl87xCOsHWXMe5Q0s1jdgcMWL3WokBOmLHf5kFKHfv-iCnx9CKtq7h5TmpgPUK_4Q3BqKNs9hvF0FrjN-GQYgDS3DHyFZD4Wmnj9q57sVZhbQ9ZJlbrXXEJd1G9m5jQ4BvMXN1D8d3AzygVcMrikfNCK3nIuUQTg/s1600/2-145-Yellow.png" /></li>
<li>Six laser gunmen <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOgOoL9oBCcy1bowNqsgNyxe6Rrn7GCzqF_Zw5Y2X6VM8e-6gfq2eMy_rhqmHlUDfG9lnQzh8-XZupYkGtQ2ZH6bVQI4_z3i0Fh0yHFZjkbunA17-3MMZJquF4IQhcExr1kd90H0wdCxYQq7cnXL7gJArRUU6LdClr3TiQlFhzLhZwjz2mniPsqe5RQ/s1600/2-146-Yellow.png" /></li>
<li>Six Starbolters <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfExNyTQAkXJ_4TVZCICDrKllh3acIHRJUq4fChmlZxcLLhLKXdmuQ3wXjx0QrjC5wxkK9PHaDO2EhQQ0kteF97DAuE3ksSZiEJt_2sTDhq-I2dTkMIyYe59PpF1sutotEBQpJSnkjVYAv-Bc6yNAP3LLhICmeK9fQKO5zEnQgpYv16-4DAy6WaB-o1g/s1600/2-149-Yellow.png" /></li>
<li>15 laser riflemen <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCzaCmMcu79zgyQLoVhXPPKXKr2uFTnUlbtS26aP4K35N8qovXx53HzCVhc8OPRfpw8pJ97XoH5ib1O6Z1Oe6CDbgarPon_peE83y3esGR6B47vXNcgH3FQ2XdG7siatqjrVOmo4IYzLfSB3m38EH_7TBwfzVcUYb1CveWNtu9Y9EZwUei9K8t9-4nQ/s1600/2-144-Yellow.png" /></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>The Starbolters are for sure going to be the stars of the show here. Like grenadiers on steroids, they have insane range, punch right through walls, fire a maximum of 3-4 rounds per turn, and pack 12 rounds each. Accuracy isn't the best, but you know what they say about grenades and horseshoes. But boy, when things go wrong...<br /></p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>I seriously outgun Main-Comp, and intend to maximize this advantage. My first turn must inflict as much damage as possible.</p><p>My fireteams:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fireteam Whiskey - three lasgunners and six riflemen deployed in the northwest corner, led by Capricorn.</li><li>Fireteam Nile Echo - three lasgunners and three riflemen deployed in the northeast corner, led by Captain Krenon.</li><li>Starbolt Team Alpha - Three Starbolters in the room just below Nile Echo</li><li>Fireteam Sierra Echo - Three Starbolters and two riflemen deployed in the southeast corner.</li><li>Four leftover riflemen deployed in the southwest corner because I couldn't fit them anywhere else.<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwY9oabgHKjCI2pXcZmCfwyQCpyE_4SXwS7o8Es5Y7aNaADfjkXLuzzz-YVw2Ff2oa4VAayROGVO2bhtDbMW180Nrc21cUi0oCaxPG9VZn7iDFCfae_1_zaRIjePoaPEtKJItRVQuWY019wuL3u00xKD9D0ea1qDYSOlHZc_-feCz7P3xoIpw1AR9Sqw/s320/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwY9oabgHKjCI2pXcZmCfwyQCpyE_4SXwS7o8Es5Y7aNaADfjkXLuzzz-YVw2Ff2oa4VAayROGVO2bhtDbMW180Nrc21cUi0oCaxPG9VZn7iDFCfae_1_zaRIjePoaPEtKJItRVQuWY019wuL3u00xKD9D0ea1qDYSOlHZc_-feCz7P3xoIpw1AR9Sqw/s1600/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">As before, I have a reconstructed video of the match. It's a long one!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Q5v0Hc49Vk?modestbranding=1;showinfo=0;rel=0" width="800"></iframe></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 1 <br /></h2><p>Sierra Echo demonstrates the awesome power of the Starbolt with six shots fired, killing two nearby riflemen and exposing a third one.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBdGXzezIY9e7ubUWzKXcsYA_QQZbuT_DPRklYvdvXqokixZxzot4SBgmrmjEtrewRQmCgki214Bs24bZXyWntAZDgXmi0PjAwlA1ej94Ifex7UhVwrhvPe2DsHXWl32nMsbvgxioDHRemN6s5pziDtJX0oM86jsPCErVVriQhXRRJKQkEJXM9NSiXg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBdGXzezIY9e7ubUWzKXcsYA_QQZbuT_DPRklYvdvXqokixZxzot4SBgmrmjEtrewRQmCgki214Bs24bZXyWntAZDgXmi0PjAwlA1ej94Ifex7UhVwrhvPe2DsHXWl32nMsbvgxioDHRemN6s5pziDtJX0oM86jsPCErVVriQhXRRJKQkEJXM9NSiXg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>The riflemen move to the front to shield the Starbolters, and take out the enemy rifleman as a target of opportunity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgpbAr0jmA4JrTdwA7BhAweFP8cg65uRjVPSj636X5q2sGjEo67aiRgP3OY3SWLGHn5JlJkmiIfhfwaQGMX9-wh_ztnEikzIaG6yB-7wnZ_iO5D1OpNW7L8c9Iu6bHsFxCFixmqCUntxWy60pqB04bEkIH0w_zmoNge26jjeVRe30SzUt0bpkqrlqAQ/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgpbAr0jmA4JrTdwA7BhAweFP8cg65uRjVPSj636X5q2sGjEo67aiRgP3OY3SWLGHn5JlJkmiIfhfwaQGMX9-wh_ztnEikzIaG6yB-7wnZ_iO5D1OpNW7L8c9Iu6bHsFxCFixmqCUntxWy60pqB04bEkIH0w_zmoNge26jjeVRe30SzUt0bpkqrlqAQ/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Starbolters Alpha fire seven shots, killing a rifleman and two robots behind cover.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtCZRfMAD0IEWWR7Selr610x03UFIcj3r4K0ZyExl6rsfzy5yj_l1QUrhAEuCsbDoqjMpqOcrrwUCoEwO2SYBL4ipSYW5HMVAUNB4NyyBVmWD-zYttqvQEQOomjslFyoE9m4HZd_999spGMPRveum2KR6M0QgCwezm1Ddb_3EPdtWbHeg4dJ7ehLb-w/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtCZRfMAD0IEWWR7Selr610x03UFIcj3r4K0ZyExl6rsfzy5yj_l1QUrhAEuCsbDoqjMpqOcrrwUCoEwO2SYBL4ipSYW5HMVAUNB4NyyBVmWD-zYttqvQEQOomjslFyoE9m4HZd_999spGMPRveum2KR6M0QgCwezm1Ddb_3EPdtWbHeg4dJ7ehLb-w/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Krenon, taking point for Nile Echo, rushes for the wall, and the riflemen move to shield the starbolters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO65dGDDkWGwxTjii5HXZdUrYERDyl9UyfQS94y1U0Q1bCZzQfeUJ2f9zBoIkbT53unkqv36LL9Iu1faOmKF077HG-5hLalaqWF2umd4UvHr279XpkPflm6g1FeLMaTZ9QJgK40oytp1O4oO2xbQ2OBleQ0thBAzbOkhBdmxAu69yttbOkiBf3HO_MPQ/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO65dGDDkWGwxTjii5HXZdUrYERDyl9UyfQS94y1U0Q1bCZzQfeUJ2f9zBoIkbT53unkqv36LL9Iu1faOmKF077HG-5hLalaqWF2umd4UvHr279XpkPflm6g1FeLMaTZ9QJgK40oytp1O4oO2xbQ2OBleQ0thBAzbOkhBdmxAu69yttbOkiBf3HO_MPQ/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Finally, Fireteam Whiskey begin funneling themselves through a nearby opening, while the other riflemen file north to join them.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWqt_sU9ubg9UrwjzJu-1FYTKT1ZeeeihjQKD3te6DhIFK4Wm8JpuRf88GOtnGuutbvOQiRWrFHqRPt49Xvn4bPXuTOpJS8HDZnqVJjsbhUAryJqMGaGbibQeDJt6bayPNv16Ikev39sC6R31eM57Qen5FNhliqXZnbn_DWB1Jfcx-aWmEtUcYQxK0w/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWqt_sU9ubg9UrwjzJu-1FYTKT1ZeeeihjQKD3te6DhIFK4Wm8JpuRf88GOtnGuutbvOQiRWrFHqRPt49Xvn4bPXuTOpJS8HDZnqVJjsbhUAryJqMGaGbibQeDJt6bayPNv16Ikev39sC6R31eM57Qen5FNhliqXZnbn_DWB1Jfcx-aWmEtUcYQxK0w/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Main-Comp makes its move - flies swarm in on Sierra Echo's position, robots clank to tactical positions, and riflemen advance tepidly, taking shots at me here and there, killing one Starbolter.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN1Tl9pVbrxHNqB2KGmjWi-9-DpXi8HRFPqLNXnPcUTJ1BpVKQDFDrCbGbiOIoDZ5p1SvsHJXm8k9SEN-D47vesu8si4qVHM55CloQDr7mqX0Las9qKgehx0m2mgbj3fyKZO12tInIyOGYpfY_M1BiWiRR8rgaXj3rXwiv7BDpTMeUWoD1dwtLzw1Ug/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN1Tl9pVbrxHNqB2KGmjWi-9-DpXi8HRFPqLNXnPcUTJ1BpVKQDFDrCbGbiOIoDZ5p1SvsHJXm8k9SEN-D47vesu8si4qVHM55CloQDr7mqX0Las9qKgehx0m2mgbj3fyKZO12tInIyOGYpfY_M1BiWiRR8rgaXj3rXwiv7BDpTMeUWoD1dwtLzw1Ug/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 2<br /></h2><p>Sierra Echo's riflemen take out the enemy in the room and prepare to shield the surviving Starbolters from the incoming swarm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ2DRd0_iYjAlkRlOg1SUUBWxhRuHYPUus9iELSBxtmagtsfYV3PekSd9xknMO2Su_ej-WZypijxxY4gxgCWX189l56z8-6o6I5aHSeSpGD6gVN02iFpD4hz4j5_LsCX0SD6fFcb109fzx43NamX2xGmqntA9bJ0khRc9Zcy6-2PJ-19r99RpLFvo_g/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ2DRd0_iYjAlkRlOg1SUUBWxhRuHYPUus9iELSBxtmagtsfYV3PekSd9xknMO2Su_ej-WZypijxxY4gxgCWX189l56z8-6o6I5aHSeSpGD6gVN02iFpD4hz4j5_LsCX0SD6fFcb109fzx43NamX2xGmqntA9bJ0khRc9Zcy6-2PJ-19r99RpLFvo_g/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Nile Echo's riflemen corner and kill an isolated rifleman, and an Alpha Starbolter blows up another hiding near the eastmost computer core.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqj45C-kM9QyL-puq1yMqZhIT-dLfuPoKWof1rh7qz4gnh-d2xPKzC5ASW0wadOSHNCSfnPQWvfWDe3Zw7RPaxVXhJGwmtNXuEF8SGFXJpdqa6MG00JV_u3gSeeQdZbuWF4KZ-T206cFMvIvTZY2p6s_Py4YuQH4lP3eFmkcEbqX-hxd0zn3ukZ0jqA/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqj45C-kM9QyL-puq1yMqZhIT-dLfuPoKWof1rh7qz4gnh-d2xPKzC5ASW0wadOSHNCSfnPQWvfWDe3Zw7RPaxVXhJGwmtNXuEF8SGFXJpdqa6MG00JV_u3gSeeQdZbuWF4KZ-T206cFMvIvTZY2p6s_Py4YuQH4lP3eFmkcEbqX-hxd0zn3ukZ0jqA/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Another Starbolter fires off two shots at the service droid shielding a sentry. One lands, but doesn't kill. The other misses and blows up a barrier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBpj4TfBpeznuPZSj65zlV-bWWbIctKJvyUBKeVNA_QMy5fp4hzdpt-b3DAabVroUMKyxtXGbLygK2x9JFLBcXaRbLOZK3uJNU77seranNjYNHpMmGez9H7Xlb_zRTeUW5Vq3GoCCzHbu6I5B34_tvB4eiBzvR9WTidi3wPFPz0XfvuQmg9-Vi-5ysw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBpj4TfBpeznuPZSj65zlV-bWWbIctKJvyUBKeVNA_QMy5fp4hzdpt-b3DAabVroUMKyxtXGbLygK2x9JFLBcXaRbLOZK3uJNU77seranNjYNHpMmGez9H7Xlb_zRTeUW5Vq3GoCCzHbu6I5B34_tvB4eiBzvR9WTidi3wPFPz0XfvuQmg9-Vi-5ysw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The third Starbolter moves into position and has enough time to fire two more shots. Both miss the intended target, but wind up hitting a different service droid and the nearby rifleman, killing the latter.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCakFZyyzkQpeLmMznxEgMFAyTCDyAsmugTjA7_BzpWqy3KONONghiyOiR2BM6dMpuR9ham5gvPkJPg0pcSJomZqbD9pHQkFWIMeC0o8A87xznejZBPn9zREF3E93qNlBHTEbwZk8GaQl22zDXmBgbw7e0Nl7YMXNIth9Aq0XAhIIvtSfegOGewtHhA/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCakFZyyzkQpeLmMznxEgMFAyTCDyAsmugTjA7_BzpWqy3KONONghiyOiR2BM6dMpuR9ham5gvPkJPg0pcSJomZqbD9pHQkFWIMeC0o8A87xznejZBPn9zREF3E93qNlBHTEbwZk8GaQl22zDXmBgbw7e0Nl7YMXNIth9Aq0XAhIIvtSfegOGewtHhA/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Captain Krenon bravely, but uselessly, jumps in front of them and fires off his gat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD799ZUc4gQSMzyO_SJFzcssiNFgo8J_ZIV5TS5B_LaQXw2bq9Ocvuhy1-whvKUHxOt1ZQO8bjgCltCCfzGW5gx9YUw3kC2SniC0WJ68ibvBDPY9CL02YXWJC3aAM1g0asAWK0s9Lf4-x7-u-aO7RAeO4EO7UnZ8xCoIBYbAaU0nZN1yLx_es3ntpwyQ/s320/rebelstar9.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD799ZUc4gQSMzyO_SJFzcssiNFgo8J_ZIV5TS5B_LaQXw2bq9Ocvuhy1-whvKUHxOt1ZQO8bjgCltCCfzGW5gx9YUw3kC2SniC0WJ68ibvBDPY9CL02YXWJC3aAM1g0asAWK0s9Lf4-x7-u-aO7RAeO4EO7UnZ8xCoIBYbAaU0nZN1yLx_es3ntpwyQ/s1600/rebelstar9.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Finally, I advance fireteam Whiskey, executing the westmost rifleman by firing squad.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4uPPXq35qmHqbDO2zRzcXTw96q281_fl9XFSA1YhiPttugxpDEWpWR0yi1FTZSnnJ69PgzOwDAJhYoq6uuItU_4wG1dZm0dSroFbLxkOJgFp2TdXSeZlkdXCmTRqSRWErvvMXB4-R6sq2GsAqIbNac5edGif0d_StJIVdOzf6KfOalKoIZp-98fzPg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4uPPXq35qmHqbDO2zRzcXTw96q281_fl9XFSA1YhiPttugxpDEWpWR0yi1FTZSnnJ69PgzOwDAJhYoq6uuItU_4wG1dZm0dSroFbLxkOJgFp2TdXSeZlkdXCmTRqSRWErvvMXB4-R6sq2GsAqIbNac5edGif0d_StJIVdOzf6KfOalKoIZp-98fzPg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This leaves Nile Echo somewhat exposed, but at a range where most of Main-Comp's return fire misses or does poor damage. Krenon bites it, and riflemen in Sierra Echo and Whiskey take minor injuries.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr8wO_Iota6fPM68PfSMfcy5I1nQeUh7L6TsLPwrdK7ShzlJgZmxnw0WqTznzlsHA0en3II6Cth9tcDQtndZasEV2SxDRJe-OCWIOqppkhOJ-ZeH4iC9gxvDIOHyT9AbiN9nQuH3T4P9Ced3YjWYd2aHlemT83ZvEwqVpvgddhWt_3mUVDZQRXhEfuA/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr8wO_Iota6fPM68PfSMfcy5I1nQeUh7L6TsLPwrdK7ShzlJgZmxnw0WqTznzlsHA0en3II6Cth9tcDQtndZasEV2SxDRJe-OCWIOqppkhOJ-ZeH4iC9gxvDIOHyT9AbiN9nQuH3T4P9Ced3YjWYd2aHlemT83ZvEwqVpvgddhWt_3mUVDZQRXhEfuA/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 3<br /></h2><p>Sierra Echo kills a fly with a sledgehammer, firing a volley of Starbolts which take out several chunks of their quadrant but only kills one target.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvqQWgIaOeL3ttLVQ4hFjaNWxJ3bvkqMDzghSKSLT2ve97_0TmHohz-lMd6kXTxjgcD6-dBkqovN2hY7tir-JTNSxDiJVbH3ILfp9289Okof2HCopHLe3pOO70F2il5JNGcOBpFr0MQDB03Ob4mReEouAoalcJx98j2mK3OIklgz8fbQz0kXV1o1g6A/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvqQWgIaOeL3ttLVQ4hFjaNWxJ3bvkqMDzghSKSLT2ve97_0TmHohz-lMd6kXTxjgcD6-dBkqovN2hY7tir-JTNSxDiJVbH3ILfp9289Okof2HCopHLe3pOO70F2il5JNGcOBpFr0MQDB03Ob4mReEouAoalcJx98j2mK3OIklgz8fbQz0kXV1o1g6A/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>Nile Echo riflemen move toward and shoot at another Flybot, and miss.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjLTf5FSbNXZzh9yMT0mWZsErrahcyIzsspAWiDZ0QC-bx3AKPltWf7Vd8O7_HElDyDQaEElOQhtq3UStJObY4eGzUQbH-GsZ5hzFoKfQfNohvQ5T67DvvDfiUtYfDRmAPM1PrMsnp1hpkZFOCOOFwZeZyEuTNBiyVswEStAlByJRKKpW_BeJQZ7X8w/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjLTf5FSbNXZzh9yMT0mWZsErrahcyIzsspAWiDZ0QC-bx3AKPltWf7Vd8O7_HElDyDQaEElOQhtq3UStJObY4eGzUQbH-GsZ5hzFoKfQfNohvQ5T67DvvDfiUtYfDRmAPM1PrMsnp1hpkZFOCOOFwZeZyEuTNBiyVswEStAlByJRKKpW_BeJQZ7X8w/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Jaded Jon, leading the Starbolters, cleans up, knocking out the service bot that menaces the group and one Flybot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrU3sELd6C9DsdmjI9fVPX7cpuPstVXiVZ89mmnZ9T1UWOzVARtfBvd_L7IxhL2jo4WvEn2hyqfHZ0maDG-2omp60h5obsA4AX5841Qs6SmgIoTI2JzrO00oLwuBMrybKMV_1NiLB5uQkTlXGtFv77KG2Pg8SmGUPkPtxs0Di4gFXFYJC11p6TygqKw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrU3sELd6C9DsdmjI9fVPX7cpuPstVXiVZ89mmnZ9T1UWOzVARtfBvd_L7IxhL2jo4WvEn2hyqfHZ0maDG-2omp60h5obsA4AX5841Qs6SmgIoTI2JzrO00oLwuBMrybKMV_1NiLB5uQkTlXGtFv77KG2Pg8SmGUPkPtxs0Di4gFXFYJC11p6TygqKw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The others kill another two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfxbZ8HdABIhx1R_ChB2K1jGZhK9BovF8VH7LtgfnkZcloYLkbTBaJELWwQMtxBc6FfKiNmD69BAspWoC4K8NpL0yxFEGjedcon6ZRCUHFEX_3I9_sTk6HH8165XGKOzM5_fItPEaUXGO65Hu5814Zd4-jsbURxbDFqm8sPDhiqyt59bV4l-hoJ1gOg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfxbZ8HdABIhx1R_ChB2K1jGZhK9BovF8VH7LtgfnkZcloYLkbTBaJELWwQMtxBc6FfKiNmD69BAspWoC4K8NpL0yxFEGjedcon6ZRCUHFEX_3I9_sTk6HH8165XGKOzM5_fItPEaUXGO65Hu5814Zd4-jsbURxbDFqm8sPDhiqyt59bV4l-hoJ1gOg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>And the laser gunmen move south to shield them, taking out another service bot (though aiming for the more opportune rifleman).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO9hMccFHuXuhtHx448rRtQbZx7khuq-RrGDUHYn8XAqBZTw6xZvWnSpNqnMX3WRiWIDllNkRnNvO_n6944yW2j-ruqs91YW9FAzysxU0BhUaxLjaOd5s7s0Dn9y47fxB4MnH1OPcjB8AcmgXmG5YiT2ra1zMl2HNADg56AcJ6nyxwB0PqXbSScnkOw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO9hMccFHuXuhtHx448rRtQbZx7khuq-RrGDUHYn8XAqBZTw6xZvWnSpNqnMX3WRiWIDllNkRnNvO_n6944yW2j-ruqs91YW9FAzysxU0BhUaxLjaOd5s7s0Dn9y47fxB4MnH1OPcjB8AcmgXmG5YiT2ra1zMl2HNADg56AcJ6nyxwB0PqXbSScnkOw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Finally, Whiskey shuffles toward core central, expendable riflemen first, taking non-lethal shots at the western core and one guard.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXJtCDokn0OKKW6IfPCNcIRWjbWyB5KfSKBSuwfdFcvRtsrCFeQeHOP1QSSO9DDbjtuEyd3wrwFtkhyphenhyphenuJHxCP4OS7wYcAECEB7H8MJJSj_QqPkkbxWKhD8612MBq96uYauaVZTcNOT8FwO3GJXvIUlKP4vk6rxGi0Bj-SdofsT0CKWx3V1WhpWNrVAw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXJtCDokn0OKKW6IfPCNcIRWjbWyB5KfSKBSuwfdFcvRtsrCFeQeHOP1QSSO9DDbjtuEyd3wrwFtkhyphenhyphenuJHxCP4OS7wYcAECEB7H8MJJSj_QqPkkbxWKhD8612MBq96uYauaVZTcNOT8FwO3GJXvIUlKP4vk6rxGi0Bj-SdofsT0CKWx3V1WhpWNrVAw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Main-Comp returns fire on Nile Echo, this time killing two Starbolters and a rifleman. The rest of the forces reposition, mainly toward Nile Echo, or retreating to the nearest computer core.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBY30Hc5IWg_DdRtuz9SRPUwFNv3LUrn_-_p62T2QujbW160l0o-o5A2X4AEhv4-biWNrtSyj2RA4sNaJKE22g6yLVwb4Sf0g5tkhLhhy2pUyqxstVDE1u-HGhDnfz66gCrjbK7v2R0Ae07m6LzBj3DU9MA8waJuLuW24T1IOyTZRTN82_qwSLN-9lw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBY30Hc5IWg_DdRtuz9SRPUwFNv3LUrn_-_p62T2QujbW160l0o-o5A2X4AEhv4-biWNrtSyj2RA4sNaJKE22g6yLVwb4Sf0g5tkhLhhy2pUyqxstVDE1u-HGhDnfz66gCrjbK7v2R0Ae07m6LzBj3DU9MA8waJuLuW24T1IOyTZRTN82_qwSLN-9lw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note that service bots block core central's south and east exits, where Whiskey threatens<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 4<br /></h2><p>Sierra Echo, not yet lacking for manpower or ordinance, continues its barrage to rather ineffective results, though this inadvertently takes out one of the computer cores.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQPiq3itNUtlZi3bq96H6FNtBg5hg5Jtlv2yePHClyh280f_k4QZG7iBQfkLV4ZZxznHKcxYrouNspeoCJrGtTL8NMblIAVbiG1OB4I31RexeY-eR1aiFZnuOdlgw7JHLVyNCR79jdETnlWmZWbAH0_I7kFWWySXN6gx_I_oxSuoHYSitbIjlZ8feIA/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQPiq3itNUtlZi3bq96H6FNtBg5hg5Jtlv2yePHClyh280f_k4QZG7iBQfkLV4ZZxznHKcxYrouNspeoCJrGtTL8NMblIAVbiG1OB4I31RexeY-eR1aiFZnuOdlgw7JHLVyNCR79jdETnlWmZWbAH0_I7kFWWySXN6gx_I_oxSuoHYSitbIjlZ8feIA/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">Nile Echo, down several men and flanked on two sides, shoots back desperately, killing two riflemen with the laser gunmen. "Scorpio," the last surviving Starbolter, kills two sentry bots with their last Starbolter. Not bad, but not good enough to save them.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9zWXuZgK2vE8xQNaNHhmMK73PPb1CQKZxm0Jw-fy-20XVwBiDtaXXlXIduT-U8ks6P_0DMG1_1Hu3bp98QzkzDbsAxGRPKwBiq5razyDQ6WroDApbnWgPg0wG-yu8JdloebDjAU0-8IH2yEtOvs4sduguCh2xX8ebcwJ_7wYsm93k78hO9hiEaddLg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9zWXuZgK2vE8xQNaNHhmMK73PPb1CQKZxm0Jw-fy-20XVwBiDtaXXlXIduT-U8ks6P_0DMG1_1Hu3bp98QzkzDbsAxGRPKwBiq5razyDQ6WroDApbnWgPg0wG-yu8JdloebDjAU0-8IH2yEtOvs4sduguCh2xX8ebcwJ_7wYsm93k78hO9hiEaddLg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I end my turn by destroying the eastern core with the nearby riflemen, then split up fireteam Whiskey, sending the riflemen toward the central core and the laser gunmen northward, with Capricorn right behind them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQnMq7tD6c6pGYYHg4DexGJaHLFDhX1JG2Q7kDErcC1o6zkpbEmajlNfPgBlBySkPKaV7dqibPUqn2HSc-5GqXD1sQuY39bn0EzlvSqorq7f2zrZoydRVggCb-BHzRKHRjZ7ccXsW_wniE652k6AcK5VwYvdkmt1X0XokmgAoR_olLzkiXyqayo0B-A/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQnMq7tD6c6pGYYHg4DexGJaHLFDhX1JG2Q7kDErcC1o6zkpbEmajlNfPgBlBySkPKaV7dqibPUqn2HSc-5GqXD1sQuY39bn0EzlvSqorq7f2zrZoydRVggCb-BHzRKHRjZ7ccXsW_wniE652k6AcK5VwYvdkmt1X0XokmgAoR_olLzkiXyqayo0B-A/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>As I feared, concentrated fire in the north kills Scorpio and the lasgunner in front of him. Flybots fire on the riflemen, killing one, and precision shots in the south kill Sierra Echo's riflemen, leaving the Starbolters exposed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lgdCaPpvQi8ZpjkgBY4vx80xSGCvzU7bOzBSSqF-KuQYEZmGe0n0U2hGm9VK4-jMgFWhUi6B00iNy2eWV-CUKbXNGUhsbX4JADLQ3fcclTm2LVcWX-UAUuv8FcENNtPUMWRH5B9XjVGfFitroVOjQl46HPEbD0EenDNOMzgkCjKvhtXS3zLWknK1hA/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lgdCaPpvQi8ZpjkgBY4vx80xSGCvzU7bOzBSSqF-KuQYEZmGe0n0U2hGm9VK4-jMgFWhUi6B00iNy2eWV-CUKbXNGUhsbX4JADLQ3fcclTm2LVcWX-UAUuv8FcENNtPUMWRH5B9XjVGfFitroVOjQl46HPEbD0EenDNOMzgkCjKvhtXS3zLWknK1hA/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 5<br /></h2><p>Sierra Echo, down to their last nine rounds and lacking cover, desperately, and recklessly fire back, destroying a sentry bot. And their own cover.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSou4Ix7LdWX56DU6xfB384sUj2SPkNH8bFrfRQ36_d8naqHVUz0BxpR2KxxQG6sKENv9jy5CI2oe78ZMXwhN13YHc_47jpr_CM97BhJDYFNXaRSwUtNsmU8H_9rzlD6pfqyxO9jTrYJR-lKRfuK1agu79RCCukJx6noicpY2mX3x_bKZF5QTecGEpSQ/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSou4Ix7LdWX56DU6xfB384sUj2SPkNH8bFrfRQ36_d8naqHVUz0BxpR2KxxQG6sKENv9jy5CI2oe78ZMXwhN13YHc_47jpr_CM97BhJDYFNXaRSwUtNsmU8H_9rzlD6pfqyxO9jTrYJR-lKRfuK1agu79RCCukJx6noicpY2mX3x_bKZF5QTecGEpSQ/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Knowing very well they're screwed, they fire off one last shot each, blowing up a service bot and a few decorative pixels.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeRRAg6-DbaTV-7Mqei3a-jROrI9P7VVCHQUXyCA_wxYqDD1faUWZdmHoFQG7zh3n3ERGcp9nbUeR1s24pWJm4pjodkvZNyHBFSCvteAAD1hyphenhyphenXbj9M16VbXeyj3T0wogbxXAMo_poeKQbVWogUYcAj6IoLtBlezfWkpPaUY88S9DlV8oR5XkKnPDdmg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeRRAg6-DbaTV-7Mqei3a-jROrI9P7VVCHQUXyCA_wxYqDD1faUWZdmHoFQG7zh3n3ERGcp9nbUeR1s24pWJm4pjodkvZNyHBFSCvteAAD1hyphenhyphenXbj9M16VbXeyj3T0wogbxXAMo_poeKQbVWogUYcAj6IoLtBlezfWkpPaUY88S9DlV8oR5XkKnPDdmg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were both aiming for the rifleman!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Up north, Nile Echo's remnants inefficiently kill a lone rifleman, and completely miss the east computer core at point blank range.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSEzHl0FtZUmBttOZlPffX-GxB3hFW2OzdUYvY1U_LNqi9nSppk7OuEh4KAKpBolWft12JW7VaZuDeRjoJE0ASs1bkLMua_DU69kQJB8jcICMBWMfZkLoSnwPI1ppKDnRqj2I2-CKFvsVyMjoq8H7yP5CzKMu_mFZJYnPOHqXQ-iuDwI4spEjwc3Yhw/s320/3.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSEzHl0FtZUmBttOZlPffX-GxB3hFW2OzdUYvY1U_LNqi9nSppk7OuEh4KAKpBolWft12JW7VaZuDeRjoJE0ASs1bkLMua_DU69kQJB8jcICMBWMfZkLoSnwPI1ppKDnRqj2I2-CKFvsVyMjoq8H7yP5CzKMu_mFZJYnPOHqXQ-iuDwI4spEjwc3Yhw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Whiskey splits up further and continues a three-pronged advance on the core central.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwyzTawR6ov1rvfmvY6xzKqC2V3rYJC5l4PP24AOR3xcr_4Puzc5ZFpKg5dgEk5FvKLcoDAa0R8RlnAD5KGmxqaxunSPc1J7Xjw-o7cRrce_QOw3sSSBmQOTf8oltLP-xwB6vFDpkfRiHd6ebYJedmiRQhkYK1SSjJKKs0eM73B9m2_sQBDHIDlqd6w/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwyzTawR6ov1rvfmvY6xzKqC2V3rYJC5l4PP24AOR3xcr_4Puzc5ZFpKg5dgEk5FvKLcoDAa0R8RlnAD5KGmxqaxunSPc1J7Xjw-o7cRrce_QOw3sSSBmQOTf8oltLP-xwB6vFDpkfRiHd6ebYJedmiRQhkYK1SSjJKKs0eM73B9m2_sQBDHIDlqd6w/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Predictably, Main-Comp eliminates my exposed men, only sparing one Starbolter who is out of ammo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkaiMYz7Z4irvH05nAsgB7ZyUecukS2_mGaameycRh9ilD6lI0Y3kDG_CTLTPeuzFIOE3TKZiJJficmfou5LzVz3uZTYXXYqOPyt-Mnt2crEt7yjfe28jqTaijQynUwYRToiBxf5vhmocAJcR2BPCGrPSdX5nBuDA-rvEHe4Y4pgy-6rqsAXhC7JiOg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkaiMYz7Z4irvH05nAsgB7ZyUecukS2_mGaameycRh9ilD6lI0Y3kDG_CTLTPeuzFIOE3TKZiJJficmfou5LzVz3uZTYXXYqOPyt-Mnt2crEt7yjfe28jqTaijQynUwYRToiBxf5vhmocAJcR2BPCGrPSdX5nBuDA-rvEHe4Y4pgy-6rqsAXhC7JiOg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 6<br /></h2><p>I'm out of Starbolts. Echo teams are all but destroyed. Whiskey is split up into three subgroups, which I now designate:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Nile Whiskey - Capricorn and three laser gunmen, attacking from the north</li><li>Charlie Whiskey - Four laser riflemen, attacking central from the west</li><li>Sierra Whiskey - Three laser riflemen, attacking central from the south.</li></ul><p> </p><p>The last Starbolter, Grinny Scab, is out of ammo and makes a suicidal charge. The last lasgunner in Nile Echo, Darwin Jones, takes out the east computer core with a snapshot, well protected from the sentries west, but with no protection from the incoming Flybot.</p><p>Whiskey makes more suicide charges. Two laser gunmen from Nile Whiskey suicide charge the service bot blocking the way. All of Charlie Whiskey suicide charges the central core entrance, still blocked by a service bot, but it can only kill two of them. And one rifleman from Sierra Whiskey, Mr. Creepie, suicide charges the south entrance while the others take cover.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLTGmJMOop09dMb28XL5-xAAIn1dQj4dJKO3xS_S6cvcIBb2GnVeR33hPP_M228Joo_Ww7xTOtSFnnqwPTkyBFfIFDJtBq1WBZhRU5zAoz50WUUxlMoMlsFjgIw5wQ4SFXKT185VE88z7D9zjegYcGZIE91q7yx3YM4hxFIa88uZny97vgc3EAVFa7w/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLTGmJMOop09dMb28XL5-xAAIn1dQj4dJKO3xS_S6cvcIBb2GnVeR33hPP_M228Joo_Ww7xTOtSFnnqwPTkyBFfIFDJtBq1WBZhRU5zAoz50WUUxlMoMlsFjgIw5wQ4SFXKT185VE88z7D9zjegYcGZIE91q7yx3YM4hxFIa88uZny97vgc3EAVFa7w/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In retaliation up north, concentrated fire takes out one of Nile Whiskey's suicide chargers, but not both as I feared. The service droid flanked by Charlie Whiskey pulverizes one and wisely retreats back into its alcove. Mr. Creepie is shot dead from left and right. And a Flybot pumps Darwin Jones full of bullets, but doesn't quite kill him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit_JSQzDpIBj7CfgIxIbiRnfSeDnLlT4BOHb371t4Yfmba-1U5MX6yBaKouJ7txrZFcl6av74SHt2103AYTtepIsKUixJmrZEOOW_4Z72t32JMARxCsMP7BQt8ki9sTxzRXrWpBSV_WhlguCHzJTJgUMSKwJ_qWWO6lUNYfz3BI9MkwLJFSGMsg2hOg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit_JSQzDpIBj7CfgIxIbiRnfSeDnLlT4BOHb371t4Yfmba-1U5MX6yBaKouJ7txrZFcl6av74SHt2103AYTtepIsKUixJmrZEOOW_4Z72t32JMARxCsMP7BQt8ki9sTxzRXrWpBSV_WhlguCHzJTJgUMSKwJ_qWWO6lUNYfz3BI9MkwLJFSGMsg2hOg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 7<br /></h2><p>This round was a welcome turn of fortune!</p><p>Grinny Scab continues his repentant suicide charge, daring the southern guard to shoot him down.</p><p>Darwin Jones, wounded and barely able to hold his own lasgun, shoots down the Flybot with a slightly off-center blast.</p><p>In Nile Whiskey, Paxa Quexatl, who survived the suicide charge, ducks into an alcove to the south and kills the rifleman standing there. Behind him, Capricorn and Anna Pumul spray and pray from cover, mostly hitting the corridor but also taking out a sentry bot.</p><p>Charlie Whiskey, down to three riflemen, crowd and finally take out the service bot. This involves a trick shot - deliberately misaiming so that the laser angles past the wall that would block a direct shot and hits the wide bot off-center, but it works. The path to core central is open, but they stare down the face of a loaded sentry bot next turn.</p><p>Sierra Whiskey snipes at the last Flybot from cover, killing it with two precision shots.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc3huKYVvcVHSAtrSbRAdHZPyif78doxYeoPR8rpLXXtf5ac6plO2HWY5fQZLkzpUs9apwrvbg54YBWi02DvxyxuhcPqdNg2X9P5QgJdY_YlbXO62Uker_TS2cLY9R3yNhD5VBA4IUbbJ9dUdPSJe8sTBS_kD_8ffkNVhb0bCMV2b58VMe5W1wWtGrw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc3huKYVvcVHSAtrSbRAdHZPyif78doxYeoPR8rpLXXtf5ac6plO2HWY5fQZLkzpUs9apwrvbg54YBWi02DvxyxuhcPqdNg2X9P5QgJdY_YlbXO62Uker_TS2cLY9R3yNhD5VBA4IUbbJ9dUdPSJe8sTBS_kD_8ffkNVhb0bCMV2b58VMe5W1wWtGrw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The sentry bot in the core shoots, killing one of Charlie Whiskey, and Grinny Scap is shot at twice, but not killed yet. The other guard retreats north into the core.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlsrFIZPtrMvZceQVlI3orAJ8LMlS1c5mG_1QnHIijxtvGxMSYK6Nc-sBDe8w49XGmbS07fPZGuVebmNlca6R39Qtkyt5Ee3H6_TAMu3CGPEoK0HzduDdTc-nsmwU7zoLuxgMPOcSLAZWkCv1rcDPhA1FsSo2JJHU1Pq481cF8tANGtWZsf3u5ae0mw/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlsrFIZPtrMvZceQVlI3orAJ8LMlS1c5mG_1QnHIijxtvGxMSYK6Nc-sBDe8w49XGmbS07fPZGuVebmNlca6R39Qtkyt5Ee3H6_TAMu3CGPEoK0HzduDdTc-nsmwU7zoLuxgMPOcSLAZWkCv1rcDPhA1FsSo2JJHU1Pq481cF8tANGtWZsf3u5ae0mw/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 8<br /></h2><p>Ginny Scab keeps moving forward and parks his meat right north of a guard in an attempt to block him from approaching Sierra Whiskey, or at least to slow him down.</p><p>Darwin Jones sucks his wounds and crawls on his belly through the north corridor, eager to support Capricorn in the ongoing attack.</p><p>Paxa Quexatl moves south from one cover to another, taking a single shot at the northern core in transit. Capricorn follows, while Anna Pumul stays in cover.</p><p>Charlie Whiskey's surviving pair of riflemen shoot at the sentry bot through the doorway, destroying it.</p><p>Sierra Whiskey head through the southern room toward the south core entrance, taking a tricky shot at the guard there, but miss.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tIN1Z-zIjLTtfJR1k8VZ5fd7Gy8DkAS_PgIUjo7_tW3hXbB0bs3ddizsSyvhv0e_OJAdPbGhzs-Ihl_LMLC6VpME1hguciyYUk8SPyZC2BA3oEUY7x4xyCUTs738WQ5vHsgQ9XQ1IRFGs29cXt2fPVcK6bBe2OmQNr9zqP7WeS8Z51BeNHf-AgFSMg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tIN1Z-zIjLTtfJR1k8VZ5fd7Gy8DkAS_PgIUjo7_tW3hXbB0bs3ddizsSyvhv0e_OJAdPbGhzs-Ihl_LMLC6VpME1hguciyYUk8SPyZC2BA3oEUY7x4xyCUTs738WQ5vHsgQ9XQ1IRFGs29cXt2fPVcK6bBe2OmQNr9zqP7WeS8Z51BeNHf-AgFSMg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The guard backs into the core to join the other, and shoot Charlie Whiskey is shot at through the doorway - one man is nearly killed, but not quite. The sentry also shoots at Paxa with a trick angle, also injuring him.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3r7sniZSjWVHDdCM3_uJtGVsoGekKa1nQTfL2rimaVXN9ouKtNMkeyB4-6odNULpBlWm5K5mCwkkaCoksqxTSiuG4lympNfGHQdeUPaG6WgAPijbQETb3wBMBBvjcjdJJJsq7HQRqehsx-Bu069YHygeDGMX4hSWtj_BZ9tXs32gC_eCzeEpFJfBwg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3r7sniZSjWVHDdCM3_uJtGVsoGekKa1nQTfL2rimaVXN9ouKtNMkeyB4-6odNULpBlWm5K5mCwkkaCoksqxTSiuG4lympNfGHQdeUPaG6WgAPijbQETb3wBMBBvjcjdJJJsq7HQRqehsx-Bu069YHygeDGMX4hSWtj_BZ9tXs32gC_eCzeEpFJfBwg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 9<br /></h2>Darwin Jones exits the corridor, the north core in sight.<p>Paxa pops out of cover to shoot at the sentry, and backs up to make room for Capricorn to jump in front and administer a coup de grace. But with just enough time for one last shot, Paxa lands a miracle hit at 7% odds, doing it himself!</p><p>Capricorn instead moves south to cover, destroying the north core along the way, and Anna follows.</p><p>Sierra Whiskey, clear on the east, move to the core corridor to snipe at a retreating guard, and Charlie Whisky snipes the other through the doorway.</p><p>It's almost over.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnWFuG_M0JNUlwy0L0gJBTW_s_PcyT2CVQ0bN1YWN0aKxWKLDRyISZzuqquIJAWgKVVXaaAlfKwEzcJdJ9dsrKeCuBooCdn0blPKXp8oE6DQNRR8Pfeuc5MNL4tcyzr9FWv1X1t38Hvo6xRIsGqSrYlPU_wF-upt4dXLYTKnnUVMsqAntDCiOX4WUgg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnWFuG_M0JNUlwy0L0gJBTW_s_PcyT2CVQ0bN1YWN0aKxWKLDRyISZzuqquIJAWgKVVXaaAlfKwEzcJdJ9dsrKeCuBooCdn0blPKXp8oE6DQNRR8Pfeuc5MNL4tcyzr9FWv1X1t38Hvo6xRIsGqSrYlPU_wF-upt4dXLYTKnnUVMsqAntDCiOX4WUgg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Main-Comp is literally down to their last man, who shoots and kills Paxa.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUB3npcHIadwMsKgHnR7kJhKfr8x7M6VHYayBvEx8QfV0MGkgKPP8gXLJskFuKrlGGAYNR4EvEbpAkyF8dkcCqyFpTrkU8jCvlMWJPiWxUEhEyuyqhIq7wFEa16owemKI6P8FZuT2k7v7Ld7Po9FNxbh61jgi9my2AYNHBaOKX28Jb0yA18ByylbRUrg/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUB3npcHIadwMsKgHnR7kJhKfr8x7M6VHYayBvEx8QfV0MGkgKPP8gXLJskFuKrlGGAYNR4EvEbpAkyF8dkcCqyFpTrkU8jCvlMWJPiWxUEhEyuyqhIq7wFEa16owemKI6P8FZuT2k7v7Ld7Po9FNxbh61jgi9my2AYNHBaOKX28Jb0yA18ByylbRUrg/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 10<br /></h2><p>Darwin Jones kills the last operative as Capricorn and two riflemen finally enter core central.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIKDZH17tDtUrtTKNU-rF_1NuG8R8b-Aha7FiUJRpg_QgETxLrvB4vqgiZGkiI0AZQu5uPFBIBjqwwsn-XTNAenT2pd3SaRjG6QCvhq7pJnkbnvddFF-swtQSt98EW1OaLplj-03ufGHuVxVUYags-G1HDRpEBG1y3EVkLLQGTMNpGeMYey_-mRNijQ/s320/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIKDZH17tDtUrtTKNU-rF_1NuG8R8b-Aha7FiUJRpg_QgETxLrvB4vqgiZGkiI0AZQu5uPFBIBjqwwsn-XTNAenT2pd3SaRjG6QCvhq7pJnkbnvddFF-swtQSt98EW1OaLplj-03ufGHuVxVUYags-G1HDRpEBG1y3EVkLLQGTMNpGeMYey_-mRNijQ/s1600/3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 11<br /></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW8MZs3i28eWKceooKxcCc7196MZzGOt9kXCG2nLVJ50l8xcEl2vdePHhvhrgnDmZHoJqfe_C8lQMK6jGNKnoFriHZc4jX4u03XRKjm5tBDfOLTXMGd0O8Xo6hLXabmpfhX9rztBilar3hkp-ICdzyDiXyl7kaCR44NqBQaXxVlKDVRqBJy0dJiUQNQ/s399/rebelstar11.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW8MZs3i28eWKceooKxcCc7196MZzGOt9kXCG2nLVJ50l8xcEl2vdePHhvhrgnDmZHoJqfe_C8lQMK6jGNKnoFriHZc4jX4u03XRKjm5tBDfOLTXMGd0O8Xo6hLXabmpfhX9rztBilar3hkp-ICdzyDiXyl7kaCR44NqBQaXxVlKDVRqBJy0dJiUQNQ/s16000/rebelstar11.gif" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbE9Teoxfl2f3oGiBdt081h99D3OX6ekxLntm-t-vMssxSA0QVPFuW8a__PmybThoJ4ZbULBui34xC2FvrF5eRRhmpcDIBVqpEXLh0JERBYLX7ttphLpd1HIYq_gtpO_GinhoCTOKIgVM3rWB_hic6frXM2p5fQ-w802twgAMCEka8fO4P3asm4vuKQ/s320/rebelstar10.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbE9Teoxfl2f3oGiBdt081h99D3OX6ekxLntm-t-vMssxSA0QVPFuW8a__PmybThoJ4ZbULBui34xC2FvrF5eRRhmpcDIBVqpEXLh0JERBYLX7ttphLpd1HIYq_gtpO_GinhoCTOKIgVM3rWB_hic6frXM2p5fQ-w802twgAMCEka8fO4P3asm4vuKQ/s1600/rebelstar10.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />As with Starlingale, we tried this one again in reversed roles. Scribe led Rebelstar to victory yet again, but it was a lot closer - it took him 13 turns, by which time he was down to two men. We can credit this difference in performance in part to having better understanding on how to use Flybots, partly on our mutually improved understanding of trick shots, which tend to benefit the defender more than the attacker, but also to the fact that on Scribe's first turn, one of his Starbolters tried to rocket jump and blew his own feet off.<br /></p><p> </p><p></p><p><b>GAB rating: Good.</b> </p><p>This was surprisingly enjoyable. I wasn't expecting much more than a dry run for X-COM - we're at least three iterations removed from Gollop's MS-DOS masterpiece - but Rebelstar Raiders is, and without having a whole lot of earlier precedent to draw upon, a surprisingly solid tactical strategy game. It's primitive, sure, and not very pretty, but there's more than enough tactical depth for interesting situations to unfold. Rules are very clearly explained in the manual - the only part that isn't immediately intuitive is the relation between weapon range and damage, and the interface is simple and easy to master - much more so than X-COM, in fact.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Of course, there are two elephants that I can't completely ignore. First, there's the absence of a computer opponent. If you don't have friends who are willing to give this a chance, you can't play. At least, as mentioned, the game is more accessible than many of its contemporaries. But second, Rebelstar Raiders is imbalanced. All three missions are lopsided in the attacker's advantage, granting that player better units and first strike ability. In all missions, the attacker can deploy their superior troops in concentration on the defense's weak points and begin killing immediately. I find I can forgive these faults, but not overlook them.</p><p><br /></p><p>One last anecdote on Rebelstar Raiders before I close out this chapter.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VsQeumnPdCE3sj9m7cQR7u_vymOPwMckdYtnhohAe1oaSfCdUU-mU7ndDdeSAPBozV_YDQYFeSdPEAKp6pWZmUegkzDPbgIZh9hB-zUGRlCRqjKZcgSuhhKGpuB_E2ejgTJqKgLNfUe6ASk0AMw4XrzITn1wqYxa2VoPZJqVVEe2q8Y-euPRHkgZJQ/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VsQeumnPdCE3sj9m7cQR7u_vymOPwMckdYtnhohAe1oaSfCdUU-mU7ndDdeSAPBozV_YDQYFeSdPEAKp6pWZmUegkzDPbgIZh9hB-zUGRlCRqjKZcgSuhhKGpuB_E2ejgTJqKgLNfUe6ASk0AMw4XrzITn1wqYxa2VoPZJqVVEe2q8Y-euPRHkgZJQ/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Last week, to close out our symmetrical match set, Scribe and I played out a rematch of Moonbase, with one house rule intended to even the odds a bit - as Rebelstar, Scribe deployed his troops without knowledge of my own positions.</p><p>Even with this handicap, and with multiple grenade-related accidents to boot, Scribe quickly overran my guardsmen, blew open a passage in the northeast corner, and moved a runner past the sentry bots, completing the mission by turn 6.<br /></p>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-21701885012704688052024-02-03T10:22:00.004-05:002024-02-07T17:07:51.495-05:00Gradius: Won!<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p>
<p>Gradius's utter lack of mercy for the player is absolute. The prospect of earning extra lives through points, a false reprieve. Take even one hit, and you might as well restart from the beginning, as you'll never survive long enough on your reset stats long enough to get the powerups that will put you back on your feet.</p>
<p>...is what I would have said if I didn't just defeat the final boss with my peashooter a few minutes ago, having lost everything to a cheap trick in the preceding sector.</p>
<p>Still, I think the thesis is largely correct. There aren't many places where you can die and not be immediately overwhelmed on your next life, and even fewer of them are threatening to a fully armed Vic Viper.</p>
<p>I needed four save states to reach the end, and I followed my usual rules of 30 minutes minimum of honest play per state, which is funny considering the entire game barely lasts 15. From the Moai heads section until the very end, death always put me in a state that I could not recover from, and I tried every single time, never quickloading until the last life had been lost. And so the video of my victory, assembled from five segments out of dozens generated by this quantum immortality multiverse, appears deathless until nearly the end, and I am never without my multilasers.<br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>I made my first save state just before the volcano miniboss. Being heavily armed doesn't change my strategy here much, but the lasers and missiles make me feel safer.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrqQ79x6dcX4PKLt-MTQ33lWj1UtIGIPGXNoHkOzeqHg66VDiM_O6JcRQTyHEWw9u9qKDqX_pjCVLL0LQ0yxgIqRy8SJDjKBESyMHGT2KvSOXsYPUsCELw0Rqf7PhKdaZ7HjTSZGiX_s99hvczsXTe1jOomxqDXsy5Nn-ThizpTjyt8lSQRzqboR8Ug/s256/gradius6.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrqQ79x6dcX4PKLt-MTQ33lWj1UtIGIPGXNoHkOzeqHg66VDiM_O6JcRQTyHEWw9u9qKDqX_pjCVLL0LQ0yxgIqRy8SJDjKBESyMHGT2KvSOXsYPUsCELw0Rqf7PhKdaZ7HjTSZGiX_s99hvczsXTe1jOomxqDXsy5Nn-ThizpTjyt8lSQRzqboR8Ug/s1600/gradius6.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Jumping ahead to the core ship of the second area - by now I've maxed out my firepower and bought a force field - it moves and shoots considerably faster, now that I've reached it deathlessly and the dynamic difficulty has reached the maximum levels.</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QKVazNOoUFMrAk-k-Eqmo0UFYmPup_UA9pJmPDHmbMUwvVU_Ehd9F4AYwqZgK_0NtbuTdtLkD0Txlx-bt8VaDWe2sIjlqz7LSrb0Q2AsC50OovkuesXSjf1Ljk3qKWPsWtctSMVtUCKeINa9n6zDLXLhu-3QUYzLjvyawfUso_14P3AU3xJiJNFhXQ/s256/gradius7.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QKVazNOoUFMrAk-k-Eqmo0UFYmPup_UA9pJmPDHmbMUwvVU_Ehd9F4AYwqZgK_0NtbuTdtLkD0Txlx-bt8VaDWe2sIjlqz7LSrb0Q2AsC50OovkuesXSjf1Ljk3qKWPsWtctSMVtUCKeINa9n6zDLXLhu-3QUYzLjvyawfUso_14P3AU3xJiJNFhXQ/s1600/gradius7.gif" width="256" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still kinda easy.<br /></td>
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<p></p>
<p>I made my second save right before the Moai heads, still fully armed and with my shields intact.</p>
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<p>This was one of the hardest sections to do without getting killed. There's little maneuvering room, several of the heads, which can only be destroyed by being shot in the open mouth, are angled in ways that make it impossible or nearly impossible to do so, and consequently you'll be shot at from behind a lot, which your shields can't block and your lasers can't shoot down.</p>
<p>Funnily enough, it's easier to get through this stage without powerups than with. Your death resets the dynamic difficulty, which helps you more than all your weapons did. Even the boss isn't too bad.</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDshF6cKzIKlmBmCmj4yDbhOuxWwPiFZThpOUIBbIEdwHpU5RTr1mNkGNJxvKGyMnIlBMlIHDPRsO11hMrQtKRldN6ZZnAIowvOt6lalDLKAA09qnN7PjQdFzdCmF6NnfJsUhUhIR_zhKtK1kV3fdVVtcUJ62ZN6XDKZfO9c4UcXDqrIf15TqKNwSnRA/s256/gradius9.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDshF6cKzIKlmBmCmj4yDbhOuxWwPiFZThpOUIBbIEdwHpU5RTr1mNkGNJxvKGyMnIlBMlIHDPRsO11hMrQtKRldN6ZZnAIowvOt6lalDLKAA09qnN7PjQdFzdCmF6NnfJsUhUhIR_zhKtK1kV3fdVVtcUJ62ZN6XDKZfO9c4UcXDqrIf15TqKNwSnRA/s1600/gradius9.gif" width="256" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is followed by another core ship.<br /></td>
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<p>But surviving the next part on what little you can salvage during the interim space segment? Fuhgettaboutit. I tried.</p>
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<p>I made my third save state right after navigating the Moai heads. Getting through cost me my shields, but I was able to get the requisite six powerups to buy them back during the space section.</p>
<p>Good thing too, because the next asteroid area is bullet hell but without bullet hell-like hitboxes.<br /></p>
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<p></p>
<p></p>
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<br />It's also rich enough with powerups that I could generally accumulate and hold onto six, and buy back my shields as I inevitably lost them.
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfz28_oaEXEvvLZmFmzFkHVQCYnxLAPFfU7KZCeoIXILvtWvHGyHH9aa05NYTVgbqPSZUjRUCfWwo_Ybhwlj0QJNQGYQXBmKTUdiadrckvBO29sE5HqsNDWOKAjc7sTMoL8LxkAIF7LiQw9Fr2ss6nkbL6OhDZhh4GjxcA1OHX0GbWUxz4rQZTBXQtQ/s256/gradius13.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfz28_oaEXEvvLZmFmzFkHVQCYnxLAPFfU7KZCeoIXILvtWvHGyHH9aa05NYTVgbqPSZUjRUCfWwo_Ybhwlj0QJNQGYQXBmKTUdiadrckvBO29sE5HqsNDWOKAjc7sTMoL8LxkAIF7LiQw9Fr2ss6nkbL6OhDZhh4GjxcA1OHX0GbWUxz4rQZTBXQtQ/s1600/gradius13.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<p></p>
<p>The stage boss seems impossible at first - enemy spawners placed in areas you can't hit scrambling fighters nonstop, and then big heavily armored robots come at you too?</p>
<p>But with full options and lasers, it's actually pretty simple.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEZoPWfd5tQ-K6Nd2Qpe_CWhDWHeQziaGGf-uyTzRDj6l_BVk6TDU7zBwol5TljwCpMuKjikhya4NoBB04pQa9QVBvR0tA_TmU3o_XRZYgzEsIhWGU3OfLhqVPwKJfXBUPJMokQeu24Y5xOyvuF1DJd09GYse5WN02m515JupULIVC9kNiyBcnrI5Zg/s256/gradius14.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEZoPWfd5tQ-K6Nd2Qpe_CWhDWHeQziaGGf-uyTzRDj6l_BVk6TDU7zBwol5TljwCpMuKjikhya4NoBB04pQa9QVBvR0tA_TmU3o_XRZYgzEsIhWGU3OfLhqVPwKJfXBUPJMokQeu24Y5xOyvuF1DJd09GYse5WN02m515JupULIVC9kNiyBcnrI5Zg/s1600/gradius14.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Yes, another core ship appears after this.</p>
<p>I didn't make my save just yet, despite the difficulty. It hadn't been quite a half hour.</p>
<p>The next space section isn't too bad with full arms, and gave me a chance to recover my shields. And then, you start to see weird stuff.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDmiGObK83Pym24PrQDzVnnUXvjzudUnSSJ1lsRgPEzJZD8hvkAyP5m31OKMzuZxtcQwYhz4EFL7q1k83oxNi0usofbQRWpLQgUUAekOrDMOMSl6c9m5FSBE9xHNu68JC2qY9uqpAIGIJhCi2MpQghA5dai4i00IpxHlNYS2w8mQUGhYM4FVW5wwQcA/s256/vlcsnap-2024-02-03-08h51m01s763.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDmiGObK83Pym24PrQDzVnnUXvjzudUnSSJ1lsRgPEzJZD8hvkAyP5m31OKMzuZxtcQwYhz4EFL7q1k83oxNi0usofbQRWpLQgUUAekOrDMOMSl6c9m5FSBE9xHNu68JC2qY9uqpAIGIJhCi2MpQghA5dai4i00IpxHlNYS2w8mQUGhYM4FVW5wwQcA/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-02-03-08h51m01s763.png" width="256" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<p>But I didn't find these cosmic horrors too bad - I made it through this section on my first try. Being armed to the teeth and having bullets only approach you from the front where you're shielded helps a lot. Their arms can be destroyed by hitting the red spheres dead-center, or you can just shoot the "brains" repeatedly which causes them to gradually shrink into nothingness.</p>
<p>Afterward, you enter some kind of biological ship.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkxJf1C_k0bJTHbRvH6SqHLlNp0eeqZ1PWDzYhZDlk5Gj6pJSLL7rZvUjP6JH723qxmy7q5vDJucUhWuj6Pv7WFhxlxuQHJYgmXU46c3-7mZp3hQpt1AVRwsJDnnMGqozyUvBDi8bFZDQQevOB4VZPqhESykvQPCdZk1Z-03XnanAy48qC0zCn8lEOg/s256/vlcsnap-2024-02-03-08h57m14s766.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkxJf1C_k0bJTHbRvH6SqHLlNp0eeqZ1PWDzYhZDlk5Gj6pJSLL7rZvUjP6JH723qxmy7q5vDJucUhWuj6Pv7WFhxlxuQHJYgmXU46c3-7mZp3hQpt1AVRwsJDnnMGqozyUvBDi8bFZDQQevOB4VZPqhESykvQPCdZk1Z-03XnanAy48qC0zCn8lEOg/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-02-03-08h57m14s766.png" width="256" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>Again, I did not find this part challenging, and breezed through on my first try, but I can't imagine doing it without multiple lasers. The ship is full of a deadly blue membrane and Viper-eating amoeba that can pass right through it. You can't, but your lasers can, and the fire from turrets on the ground is nothing compared to the bullet hell of the preceding asteroid stage.</p>
<p>I made my final save right before the boss. Good thing too, because I died right after. Stupidly.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn6norjoasoI_KIgXYUSyE-hW1GViGoDkdOntHOz0rNHsDM_Z0qIFjg26C8oyUbj0bvnAuh1r-PrtgFNd_NX6goBJCNNrNfyUgVJdFpDxgFGpsNxEkPPGqubEkPCii769ZSZS5qDSD9g_tjRJTdp5ZhAKQ-WQbi0KK2oPbhtuD_SrejxJUAiO3P062Q/s256/gradius16.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn6norjoasoI_KIgXYUSyE-hW1GViGoDkdOntHOz0rNHsDM_Z0qIFjg26C8oyUbj0bvnAuh1r-PrtgFNd_NX6goBJCNNrNfyUgVJdFpDxgFGpsNxEkPPGqubEkPCii769ZSZS5qDSD9g_tjRJTdp5ZhAKQ-WQbi0KK2oPbhtuD_SrejxJUAiO3P062Q/s1600/gradius16.gif" width="256" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite an easy boss if you're fully upgraded.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The next and final part - a space city, is no place for an underequipped Vic Viper.<br /></p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYChdrfZfaBXl_rUt_ac8RpGdjWwyXjpMqSJDKWhv210YpVyBXxI5UkvP1IVbffEH2D3_N-5Y4j3n_dP8PPM2_1YF_PD-J832jhWTlKOSScCXodwwCV74ndtFCshrIC123ZfGrLh1Pix6xR0v5u7VQgNcKCUGmHEUTaUmOkUcmpkVtJ7ZJsS-KNFGUw/s256/gradius15.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYChdrfZfaBXl_rUt_ac8RpGdjWwyXjpMqSJDKWhv210YpVyBXxI5UkvP1IVbffEH2D3_N-5Y4j3n_dP8PPM2_1YF_PD-J832jhWTlKOSScCXodwwCV74ndtFCshrIC123ZfGrLh1Pix6xR0v5u7VQgNcKCUGmHEUTaUmOkUcmpkVtJ7ZJsS-KNFGUw/s1600/gradius15.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<tbody>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q5aKH1mVPZS2Bpi4AY7e0jPJV67jRvFFTpZ24wz8vyE8qO7SaJRamK64sPfZom3dnZUHWJiCrkxsS0_F9rC_XLSt-ihGNW06JbkrWkChIKwVbESqwJRW7BTbPTGSQ5oh9LB4DPJTAi8qLffW_tz7mGA5D5iysj4-OHzho7stbdmE0NUPpw8zgr1Mjg/s256/gradius17.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q5aKH1mVPZS2Bpi4AY7e0jPJV67jRvFFTpZ24wz8vyE8qO7SaJRamK64sPfZom3dnZUHWJiCrkxsS0_F9rC_XLSt-ihGNW06JbkrWkChIKwVbESqwJRW7BTbPTGSQ5oh9LB4DPJTAi8qLffW_tz7mGA5D5iysj4-OHzho7stbdmE0NUPpw8zgr1Mjg/s1600/gradius17.gif" width="256" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's more like it!<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p></p>
<p>Even with a save state right before, with a fully upgraded ship, it took me many attempts to make a dent. The corridors are narrow and the bullet clouds are dense. Still, this hadn't been the hardest part of the game by a longshot - that would be the final asteroid section. It's bullet hell for your enemies too, and the narrow corridors mean the fighters aren't likely to slip past your lasers and shoot you in the back.</p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINRtSWbC6gm-SKsVaCA3rPS4tWvALND2STQU4UkRewD7s9iBSzdFxG1rta8rHYgvCLOcG5jYC4dq9hcbTZxfcKM3RyNzLPNG0hmvTiAxAVUyQxWUoZmBicYSlt8h3OpbWjm26ucz42VDmGZE920YROcEHY23SOTk_N07kj0eBxT9HjMjMcmJpS9InGQ/s256/gradius18.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINRtSWbC6gm-SKsVaCA3rPS4tWvALND2STQU4UkRewD7s9iBSzdFxG1rta8rHYgvCLOcG5jYC4dq9hcbTZxfcKM3RyNzLPNG0hmvTiAxAVUyQxWUoZmBicYSlt8h3OpbWjm26ucz42VDmGZE920YROcEHY23SOTk_N07kj0eBxT9HjMjMcmJpS9InGQ/s1600/gradius18.gif" width="256" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Until they do.<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br />
<p>I kept playing after the the above death. The difficulty, surprisingly, relented enough that I could make it through!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQDEmT6OHFMljktPzJhRX4T0-sptYVF9GPiDMcZeWTN_EASm52Q7zSSTLOXWLiMZGHxU-TdJlFoFmbqxXPf8yTh__zlakXAEy7IQtGGE6OJDR-dCzluiCVpY10upG61vI_FZgJp59mBnDwT6ELTWDolTso8UHSW4QntB-Dvf-2O9_hrWYaTIjyV4kAg/s256/gradius19.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQDEmT6OHFMljktPzJhRX4T0-sptYVF9GPiDMcZeWTN_EASm52Q7zSSTLOXWLiMZGHxU-TdJlFoFmbqxXPf8yTh__zlakXAEy7IQtGGE6OJDR-dCzluiCVpY10upG61vI_FZgJp59mBnDwT6ELTWDolTso8UHSW4QntB-Dvf-2O9_hrWYaTIjyV4kAg/s1600/gradius19.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>Right after that, a damn CAGE just encloses around me out of nowhere as robots shoot me to death. Aggh!</p>
<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4RUPAVSWzbWFt93csPSyJnSskLIR_qGPy328YqSsL216FMvKQs_cv3VbjOoZq31h5UsNuXodzgvuSXh7WcF5yFokkd2ULPZgpAgxC29PEDkHbH7tF6s60FN9znRPmBIucG-WPku_GlQ5qTImUzu7cls2y25bnbJGxhLn3jBA3cK5oqXebIcpGrwb_Q/s256/gradius21.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4RUPAVSWzbWFt93csPSyJnSskLIR_qGPy328YqSsL216FMvKQs_cv3VbjOoZq31h5UsNuXodzgvuSXh7WcF5yFokkd2ULPZgpAgxC29PEDkHbH7tF6s60FN9znRPmBIucG-WPku_GlQ5qTImUzu7cls2y25bnbJGxhLn3jBA3cK5oqXebIcpGrwb_Q/s1600/gradius21.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p>But I didn't have to go through that again - I respawned, but the cage didn't, and I easily got my revenge on the robots who had previously shot me like a fish in a barrel.</p>
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<br />
<p>Two tentacles guard the closing door to the final boss.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZSnLd4Gtf9579Q9sZ-am6WHsh4B2T1faAuJqlUDAk-V6Is068J8KFpCHhM78BkVKxvr4-OucNN4OojNGGyAoHl95zEgbNPbnKu88e_Ni9WXtOES0t8-yJMrzKbPZywve0zOnhyBsbdFMVHZansCKI4-i8vQ47e13pF0Uj5tEbDvyi38JuwTbM0f0iQ/s256/gradius23.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZSnLd4Gtf9579Q9sZ-am6WHsh4B2T1faAuJqlUDAk-V6Is068J8KFpCHhM78BkVKxvr4-OucNN4OojNGGyAoHl95zEgbNPbnKu88e_Ni9WXtOES0t8-yJMrzKbPZywve0zOnhyBsbdFMVHZansCKI4-i8vQ47e13pF0Uj5tEbDvyi38JuwTbM0f0iQ/s1600/gradius23.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<p>And, well, grandma brain just sits there helplessly! Her daughter would wisen up and encase herself behind a bulletproof glass panel and install some turrets in the room, but the O.G. brain boss is an anticlimax.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZh_il09bexncgXMBqihMTHLp2qVUQnYbm5k_HSB3Bwk9JfJgO0QO80cMJs0nohS_EHsln960Bi1VXXisZHEdgzOBBKWqHHQWmJxnjflZc-oN1sQzdsp5GF7CxjJRluNnZmOm_OuzbQqOf6mM0zE9M8F2CklcHs-KMsZ7hyfcMxA4iapn8FyKDHyK3A/s256/gradius24.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZh_il09bexncgXMBqihMTHLp2qVUQnYbm5k_HSB3Bwk9JfJgO0QO80cMJs0nohS_EHsln960Bi1VXXisZHEdgzOBBKWqHHQWmJxnjflZc-oN1sQzdsp5GF7CxjJRluNnZmOm_OuzbQqOf6mM0zE9M8F2CklcHs-KMsZ7hyfcMxA4iapn8FyKDHyK3A/s1600/gradius24.gif" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<p><b>GAB rating: Average.</b> Gradius has the potential to be a good game. It looks great, sounds good, controls flawlessly, has creative, non-repetitive stage design from beginning to end, and "options" are one of the best shoot'em up powers ever. Turning the game into bullet hell for your enemies is great fun.<br /></p>
<p>But getting through the game? Whooo boy, not a fun time! Getting hit even once almost always dooms your run, and there's just enough bullshit to ensure you <i>will</i> get hit unless you've memorized the game or are using save states. And it's all thanks to the powerup system which cruelly sets you back to power level zero upon death, so that it can kick you again and again while you're down. Honestly I'm not sure how this could be fixed - the game is designed around its powerup system. Maybe if dying removed one random upgrade instead of all of them, it could be tolerable?</p>
<p>And I hear Gradius II is even harder. <br /></p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-16888372549057509182024-02-01T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-01T08:31:04.172-05:00Game 397: Gradius<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2E2MLnNZ39a4P9jxI7wQy3Bmw80jscwIYolHoQRcnhjA95Yvn8iqphCqTUb0ieu2ILQfQ6pEOQRTspMzv25BJk79JogIl-WSNLKlHoEfK4bdqoXEieAGta4ekt09XoVtNkJ6vOm96_-Qs_viwB_6L2L55iPbqUtgNL96X9rycgAnfyKN-PvR97-a7g/s1007/untitled.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="729" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2E2MLnNZ39a4P9jxI7wQy3Bmw80jscwIYolHoQRcnhjA95Yvn8iqphCqTUb0ieu2ILQfQ6pEOQRTspMzv25BJk79JogIl-WSNLKlHoEfK4bdqoXEieAGta4ekt09XoVtNkJ6vOm96_-Qs_viwB_6L2L55iPbqUtgNL96X9rycgAnfyKN-PvR97-a7g/s320/untitled.png" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yie-Ar coverage is skipped. TwinBee is TBA.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Shoot'em ups are one of the most enduring genres to come out of the Japanese arcade scene, but they were never my favorite genre. I enjoy a challenge, but the challenge in these games gravitates toward intense rote memorization, knowing exactly what combination of enemies are going to spawn, where you need to be to shoot them down and have a chance of dodging the return fire, and the genre is by and large plagued by a sameyness that kills my motivation to play most of them long enough to reach the point where I could do this.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Despite this, I have discovered and enjoyed a few through DDG. Such as Defender and Konami's Scramble / Super Cobra, which are often seen as predecessors to Gradius.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwhC8xlvoN3iQFkkYwVKHUkrQW5J6FobupSY9oxtKmc91ZdKLGXEZvoJgJoTm4iPQ0C4B93y7LuJayoM1L-hqsU2V33iR9Hv0hjrT980XqWxJ4qmi0XJEA_MrkgcPSmQiQi9MdRRlAZmkvTLGZZPbJaS4Lc0hC0Y_mc6zL7zMASEKm1f2Jpri5GZRdQ/s256/0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwhC8xlvoN3iQFkkYwVKHUkrQW5J6FobupSY9oxtKmc91ZdKLGXEZvoJgJoTm4iPQ0C4B93y7LuJayoM1L-hqsU2V33iR9Hv0hjrT980XqWxJ4qmi0XJEA_MrkgcPSmQiQi9MdRRlAZmkvTLGZZPbJaS4Lc0hC0Y_mc6zL7zMASEKm1f2Jpri5GZRdQ/s1600/0000.png" width="256" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Gradius itself, though, is a game I've never gotten far in, nor its sequels. Exponentially harder than Scramble, this is the point where, I feel, shoot'em ups start taking their modern, memorization-heavy form. Seconds in from starting, a string of enemies comes in from the right, close to the top of the screen, and if you aren't aligned in a position to shoot them down by the time you see them, you don't get to shoot them down in a row and get their powerup. And then you're already behind the curve, because you need that powerup to boost your speed so you can chase down the next set of enemies, kill them all, and get <i>their</i> powerup.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Invariably, I'd start a game, score a few powerups, increase the Vic Viper's speed, get an ATS missile, upgrade the pea shooter to a laser, and maybe even unlock a trailing "option" to double my firepower, and then lose it all once things start getting actually difficult and I take one lousy hit. And then be double screwed, because I'd have to face a difficult section that killed me before, only now my ship is dog-slow and my multiple screen-clearing lasers reverted to a popgun.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZLbGAVE5ED9bo4I40VCW5fhrSa6bp_pT4AtL0ZV8NcaE_zJCGSVxrQ8C7mPwIjNzCE9cD-S_htksOqGN_N0xiUaMZ-qR9rQQ_yZKWBS1VRzLJJJlATklArvvAn5CWDN-Jncg4zP4ldfgEMS4SinVCkBjOO3hq64z_dasyH9K6eBpqAJSGsvBdh4jvQ/s256/0001.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZLbGAVE5ED9bo4I40VCW5fhrSa6bp_pT4AtL0ZV8NcaE_zJCGSVxrQ8C7mPwIjNzCE9cD-S_htksOqGN_N0xiUaMZ-qR9rQQ_yZKWBS1VRzLJJJlATklArvvAn5CWDN-Jncg4zP4ldfgEMS4SinVCkBjOO3hq64z_dasyH9K6eBpqAJSGsvBdh4jvQ/s1600/0001.png" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nemesis</i> title background, added to US/EU versions<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Initially localized as Nemesis in western regions - I assume the original, and now more iconic title to be a recursive transliteration of <i>gladius</i>, I learned that there are no fewer than four arcade versions of the game. The U.S. version of Nemesis, in particular, is dramatically harder, though it also offers some unique mercies.</p><p>Gradius had originally been designed for Konami's proprietary - and very short lived - Bubble System board. The system's distinguishing feature was that instead of onboard ROM chips, it accepted bubble memory cartridges; a predecessor to solid state drives. I'm honestly not sure what the advantage would have been over floppy disks in an arcade environment, but high price and reliability problems killed it, and all of Konami's Bubble System games were quickly redesigned as conventional ROM-based boards.</p><p>The Bubble System features a distinct startup sequence - even before any display appears, a synthesized voice bleeps out "Presented by Konami. Getting ready," as the board literally warms up so that the bubble memory becomes operable. Once hot, the monitor turns on, a tune somewhat reminiscent of Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 plays from the Mockingboard-like PSG, and a countdown ticks from 99 to 0 as the software is copied into memory. MAME has only added playable Bubble System emulation somewhat recently, and even now does not emulate the entire sequence, skipping the warmup (and synthesized voice) and goes straight to the countdown.</p><p>Three ROM based versions exist, and have been emulated for some time. All have some <a href="https://tcrf.net/Nemesis_(Arcade)" target="_blank">gameplay differences</a>.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Gradius, Japan - The startup sequence is considerably shorter, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was just for show. Music plays, but the sequence ends before it completes. I can't tell if there are any gameplay differences from the Bubble System version, but I did notice that in the attract mode demonstration, the Vic Viper sometimes gets killed by a volcanic eruption, and sometimes survives, only to be killed right afterward by a spawning miniboss. In the original, it always survives the eruption and gets killed by the miniboss. There might be some differences in input timings or RNG factor.<br /></li><li>Nemesis, EU - The startup sequence is removed entirely, and instead, there's a new background graphic to the title screen. Some gameplay sequences are shortened. Support modules are called "multiple" instead of "option." Attract mode demonstration is completely different.</li><li>Nemesis, US - All of the EU changes, plus a difficulty curve that ramps up far more quickly. Enemies are faster, more aggressive, and more numerous. To balance this out, you're allowed up to three continues per game, and after each death, you are guaranteed that the next six kills will yield powerups.<br /></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p>Even with the latitude granted by Nemesis US, I found it far too difficult to be enjoyable. I stuck with the Bubble System version, as it's the only one which I know features authentic original gameplay. My best attempt, so far, lasts six minutes and gets me to the nigh-unkillable Moai heads, whose dense batteries of energy rings just seem impossible to dodge, especially if you've already gotten hit once and had to restart the area without any speed powerups.<br /></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Minute 1:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5YWZN-tJ0lkU8fCuMN_inEvwyeOtBxdDOBwl1AfGwX1U6PTzyQSr0MDfjHkKz-aWP8wnDa89zAPrZEeKUo8jSpEdR3Ov7XTTf2-zPCOAQTEvEvf_umByNMdUQWKqwMhFHg1cPXjuJkcut0v5lXmAT_OxUG6oz-FIRQUU1lzAx13a_4iFdtvEOs2zwA/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-18h42m54s186.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5YWZN-tJ0lkU8fCuMN_inEvwyeOtBxdDOBwl1AfGwX1U6PTzyQSr0MDfjHkKz-aWP8wnDa89zAPrZEeKUo8jSpEdR3Ov7XTTf2-zPCOAQTEvEvf_umByNMdUQWKqwMhFHg1cPXjuJkcut0v5lXmAT_OxUG6oz-FIRQUU1lzAx13a_4iFdtvEOs2zwA/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-18h42m54s186.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>You start off flying through space. Series of enemies fly at you in predictable patterns without firing back much, if at all. It's crucial that you earn as many powerups as you can, by killing chains of enemies or individual red ones.</p><p>The powerup system allows you to select and purchase upgrades with a simple menu system. You can stockpile up to six pickups (collecting a seventh wastes the first six and reverts you to one), and with the press of a button, you exchange your collection for the highlighted upgrade. <br /></p><p>My powerup priorities:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Speedup - Costs one pickup, and it is utterly crucial that you have at least one of these ASAP. So crucial that certain sections will grant you a mercy pickup on your death just so that you stand a remote chance of not being re-killed immediately. I prefer to have two of these, but no more, as the Vic Viper starts getting very hard to control after that.</li><li>Option - Expensive at five pickups but worth it, as it effectively doubles your firepower by giving you a trailing orange orb that fires whenever you fire. I always get at least one before upgrading the main weapon.</li><li>Missile - Costs two pickups. Allows you to drop a bomb, which then propels itself along the surface until it hits something. Quite powerful, and capable of taking out heavily armored ground targets in one hit, but quite slow, and not really worth it without an option, but situationally devastating when you have multiple.<br /></li><li>Laser - Costs four pickups. Replaces the main gun with a more powerful laser weapon that can penetrate multiple targets, and can be guided by moving the Vic Viper vertically. A worthy upgrade even without options, but I prefer to get one option and the missiles first.</li><li>More options. Maxes out at four, which when combined with the laser makes for a screen-clearing array of death. I aim for that before getting the "ultimate" upgrade. <br /></li><li>? - Costs six pickups. Gives you two shields in front of the Vic Viper which can block a few shots. The last thing I get, because the best defense is a good offense.</li><li>Double - Costs three pickups. Replaces the laser if you have it, and vice versa, with a spreader shot that fires upwards at a 45 degree angle. Seems situationally useful, but overall less useful than the laser, so I never bother with it.<br /> </li></ul><p>About 30 seconds in, the terrain changes, and enemies start fighting back. By this time, I've gotten a single option and the missiles.</p><p><br /></p><p>Minute 2:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxw71t6AIqmP3ZEHVJmIPVdf61tS__MoVsPd5a1T6j23BzsqfNbq3PS1noRy0S3RWl4cDrV_35D9WvaNcgHjqn4n2H-8wPUEx9RG6QgfImC75kynRrtCQkPeExDcD6KN5TXNSjspR_lN-WaBhs0avFIax2CB7-bHYxTskBFY0D0FNDcDFuXKlY5Y8iA/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-21h38m01s890.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxw71t6AIqmP3ZEHVJmIPVdf61tS__MoVsPd5a1T6j23BzsqfNbq3PS1noRy0S3RWl4cDrV_35D9WvaNcgHjqn4n2H-8wPUEx9RG6QgfImC75kynRrtCQkPeExDcD6KN5TXNSjspR_lN-WaBhs0avFIax2CB7-bHYxTskBFY0D0FNDcDFuXKlY5Y8iA/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-21h38m01s890.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>With an actual surface for them to skim, double missiles become invaluable for taking out ground targets, which include ground turrets, bullet-spamming hopper bots and ship-spawning hatches. You can quickly get overwhelmed if you don't destroy your enemies efficiently from here on.</p><p>I earn a laser and another option, and this works out great for me until I get too focused on bombing the ground targets and get fatally caught between spawning ships and ceiling-hanging turrets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtXHIfU50nPf1hGal0iFtRcEVNa4YQQI4ISjWJgaBnu_aQnNIpACgdzqjDOhpSk0rBSjj83a36Chct93S8X5tbH8WwZatKV3gyM6lzkxrmYgmUkSOK6j_Hc9d2_e6yOYZ0JKCuSOa3fdeylrV_ai9V5pmdgvvkIkA7JYTGInVNk0KkLxl3p1Ev0uPAg/s256/gradius1.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtXHIfU50nPf1hGal0iFtRcEVNa4YQQI4ISjWJgaBnu_aQnNIpACgdzqjDOhpSk0rBSjj83a36Chct93S8X5tbH8WwZatKV3gyM6lzkxrmYgmUkSOK6j_Hc9d2_e6yOYZ0JKCuSOa3fdeylrV_ai9V5pmdgvvkIkA7JYTGInVNk0KkLxl3p1Ev0uPAg/s1600/gradius1.gif" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>Gradius does have one small mercy when you die - there's a dynamic difficulty of sorts, which increases the speed and frequency of enemy bullets and the speed of the enemies themselves over time, and this resets to the lowest level every time you lose a life. But it doesn't stay there long. In this case, it lasts long enough for me to reclaim my speed and a missile, before facing the first boss.</p><p> </p><p>Minute 3:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSe6-BOoUcBAeKDVzR01WH22gd9Th_e0-mc-nwCbg_jZ4oZchYDSwrAgqwiBqfAhh5YwQS2YN5KilQWkozoyKnX4ltzQz8Yrl3bMHOGlAoQ_ve5Joy9Lm1B35ClTUnR3DkbrN8sTBtojHVLbBboGMaer5MGdG7SOdj2QiVHmJY7PHfbln62Fcq4_flw/s256/gradius2.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSe6-BOoUcBAeKDVzR01WH22gd9Th_e0-mc-nwCbg_jZ4oZchYDSwrAgqwiBqfAhh5YwQS2YN5KilQWkozoyKnX4ltzQz8Yrl3bMHOGlAoQ_ve5Joy9Lm1B35ClTUnR3DkbrN8sTBtojHVLbBboGMaer5MGdG7SOdj2QiVHmJY7PHfbln62Fcq4_flw/s1600/gradius2.gif" width="256" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The volcano boss seems impossible to beat without your lasers and several options, but you're actually pretty safe from its spew in the top-left corner of the screen.</p><p>Survive long enough and a core ship spawns.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa2n-KJ8sJLKjsx0xCX-Mv_bJ5iNLzlhno_dcRrwsRsXnoiS5xMVRf_7Y8g4vRdlqkYXCmHBfdzrdAcNXK6J61r7IrU3A8KUqLW1QZTX_tmSt_foL8zssyhEwGfibEW9_bm9Xva_QaR69dEVeKDOASS4iXbnL28NgL17J3zd7UkmiNY_rm5UXWDCYFg/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-21h52m04s606.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa2n-KJ8sJLKjsx0xCX-Mv_bJ5iNLzlhno_dcRrwsRsXnoiS5xMVRf_7Y8g4vRdlqkYXCmHBfdzrdAcNXK6J61r7IrU3A8KUqLW1QZTX_tmSt_foL8zssyhEwGfibEW9_bm9Xva_QaR69dEVeKDOASS4iXbnL28NgL17J3zd7UkmiNY_rm5UXWDCYFg/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-21h52m04s606.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p>They're not that hard to beat as long as you have at least one speed boost. Their bullets fire in predictable patterns, and you can just plink at the shields until the blue core behind them is exposed, at which point a few more shots finish them off.</p><p><br /></p><p>Minute 4:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYIGWh1eeUSTkrjruNzVI6AZVJ48jRRHO6N-RUWUnkBAKw-gbdwioC9M_JLXgzUOtrsD-8uNkJGIm_UzcWAHVQ9yPewZTK7-xxrEF1-vk_IFXZx2u7tUL33Z1vwoCN9fCOWxYDeFlhwfNZ36cT_9ixxlQ7Id8-8031psSYco7duPWwj51gLW0uHB_6w/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-21h55m30s448.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYIGWh1eeUSTkrjruNzVI6AZVJ48jRRHO6N-RUWUnkBAKw-gbdwioC9M_JLXgzUOtrsD-8uNkJGIm_UzcWAHVQ9yPewZTK7-xxrEF1-vk_IFXZx2u7tUL33Z1vwoCN9fCOWxYDeFlhwfNZ36cT_9ixxlQ7Id8-8031psSYco7duPWwj51gLW0uHB_6w/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-21h55m30s448.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>Back to outer space, and a chance to recover some powerups, but enemies are more prone to shooting back this time.</p><p>I get what pickups I can and cash in for a laser. I'm going to need it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WzmUsTXk7QGcw_TO4_QaYFIaMzDkhX_UvoHs-lUU_mPzzkJeqYU6X_AsANSS7bF1WOpecb5rRmzkk-sS6d_TtlxppG5jzwFskR51Gt7Q7lZ6FDBJh5mGspU7TGLZ4I8Gr3QJLN6K4Iqv00-0JZYWRggl_AlnjMnnMduiBQsPYvh400Fwg-Guy0VB3g/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h00m22s163.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WzmUsTXk7QGcw_TO4_QaYFIaMzDkhX_UvoHs-lUU_mPzzkJeqYU6X_AsANSS7bF1WOpecb5rRmzkk-sS6d_TtlxppG5jzwFskR51Gt7Q7lZ6FDBJh5mGspU7TGLZ4I8Gr3QJLN6K4Iqv00-0JZYWRggl_AlnjMnnMduiBQsPYvh400Fwg-Guy0VB3g/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h00m22s163.png" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Turrets. So many turrets. And destructible walls, which you'll need to shoot to carve out safe tunnels through. The peashooter just can't cope with all this, not even with an option. There's a lot of opportunity for more pickups, and this gets me an option, but you've got to be able to destroy your targets first.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR6wr6oiWU5J8LoQXlhmbHQn4zMp3O8vmfg7Tu7ONcJrhoYv46g5HDaUkJ1U89LNSDQRpHiWUncnyyqZPqmg-v4hWYZP6aMf_zCrBtBRMOkOTgKYyjJNPCNuA0PRMhWQQAO04pxF075x4qa1adzy09VdpBjC1AuDekIdVqSgS4JW1PDldONpTvM1S0w/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h03m24s858.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR6wr6oiWU5J8LoQXlhmbHQn4zMp3O8vmfg7Tu7ONcJrhoYv46g5HDaUkJ1U89LNSDQRpHiWUncnyyqZPqmg-v4hWYZP6aMf_zCrBtBRMOkOTgKYyjJNPCNuA0PRMhWQQAO04pxF075x4qa1adzy09VdpBjC1AuDekIdVqSgS4JW1PDldONpTvM1S0w/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h03m24s858.png" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good luck cutting through that without lasers.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p> </p><p>Minute 5:</p><p>Another boss sequence!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkRxpmnkhmojoFsmeSLTwOXUZkW6a9YAmO_psP7mN-Gjba7DqYhhMCRX9Nmv2-VNte-aBUU_uOe9hXj4QEUs7LMiCBWN3fOqMi3duYjEMurE91_xY0emIl-XWcFicBrU-koL4HYoAJ_5efv1PnmG4GaHT0cdlb1YBmlbFDVgSB2vwpMsoJ8PDxjvNcw/s256/gradius3.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkRxpmnkhmojoFsmeSLTwOXUZkW6a9YAmO_psP7mN-Gjba7DqYhhMCRX9Nmv2-VNte-aBUU_uOe9hXj4QEUs7LMiCBWN3fOqMi3duYjEMurE91_xY0emIl-XWcFicBrU-koL4HYoAJ_5efv1PnmG4GaHT0cdlb1YBmlbFDVgSB2vwpMsoJ8PDxjvNcw/s1600/gradius3.gif" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>Sphereoids spawn anywhere on the screen - stop moving and you probably die.</p><p>Once you've survived long enough, another core ship appears. But lasers, which hit all of its shields at once, make short work of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxwLmQfCN32SwRDMRkNXXZELlCU8jiiFzG2ucO5EK6bHDN2l7vx1z70AgEN5Pg4WGfDVCL0v-hzOo6ZVBlSd-JI8v9heRDQlj2OelP-flZwzhxO2cZlb4AQAPkPzmIQ06fE3rdzaYthJJDa_rITrvwm6GI_NNx_tlUunTDUHXmnxYnPPntsSWjudguA/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h08m25s237.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxwLmQfCN32SwRDMRkNXXZELlCU8jiiFzG2ucO5EK6bHDN2l7vx1z70AgEN5Pg4WGfDVCL0v-hzOo6ZVBlSd-JI8v9heRDQlj2OelP-flZwzhxO2cZlb4AQAPkPzmIQ06fE3rdzaYthJJDa_rITrvwm6GI_NNx_tlUunTDUHXmnxYnPPntsSWjudguA/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h08m25s237.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>Another space section follows, where I earn my third and fourth options. And promptly lose them to a small group of fighters that slip past my wall of death and shoot me from behind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuCjbZ5EIEQsT-FlIzAUbw30OZTv8teZYdyUxS8F8PPwbFlFy948BPTvBo44xYkPgEfl73PdyTsJKkvtQ80E6fx0aRmctpnfuDzv2VoXdWLXTvmZbevOB3jC46E2UeM0JRq36XvLEdjAjGl0cp4fEGaYfnjpJCZX2EVCp0wY5UkNfGi4rjuQDy2LQ3g/s256/gradius4.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuCjbZ5EIEQsT-FlIzAUbw30OZTv8teZYdyUxS8F8PPwbFlFy948BPTvBo44xYkPgEfl73PdyTsJKkvtQ80E6fx0aRmctpnfuDzv2VoXdWLXTvmZbevOB3jC46E2UeM0JRq36XvLEdjAjGl0cp4fEGaYfnjpJCZX2EVCp0wY5UkNfGi4rjuQDy2LQ3g/s1600/gradius4.gif" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p>Minute 6:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9EHH9rbkykwtIg3aw7JMB3-RaIrfjZ5Jc43ntmeJ2rU19FecQjv6SrKAySYpGD7daM_18taEi_z8QAjrr5VJk1y-qFYEaKcNjqLS9SwYha4F2n43dweiuKj8VdKSrQBzjnoQoPJpvZcCjM-9E2_b-ZEtZRlehEawgYCBiL8oNEV4NLGwjH4fVpJ28w/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h13m57s004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9EHH9rbkykwtIg3aw7JMB3-RaIrfjZ5Jc43ntmeJ2rU19FecQjv6SrKAySYpGD7daM_18taEi_z8QAjrr5VJk1y-qFYEaKcNjqLS9SwYha4F2n43dweiuKj8VdKSrQBzjnoQoPJpvZcCjM-9E2_b-ZEtZRlehEawgYCBiL8oNEV4NLGwjH4fVpJ28w/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h13m57s004.png" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>A bunch of Moai heads burp energy rings at my newly underpowered Vic Viper. I don't last.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMtOtvVY-R_zMMl-O-gOmRaTrsRw9oE5pcZ0HnJHNw3KhiRCQ1KScGVc27ZiGbsSmpISdeADWpEmzD_4iTa9rhjhyphenhyphenoTcuIsvTUibTKrWlhtJMfkHFCU0oiHFVDqWPUD5RdVtvoDAtTfwtZ5uJa0-3Co1TCCndIPYcohPz6ZfkBEQbGhmBW9_Px63FDA/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h15m41s643.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMtOtvVY-R_zMMl-O-gOmRaTrsRw9oE5pcZ0HnJHNw3KhiRCQ1KScGVc27ZiGbsSmpISdeADWpEmzD_4iTa9rhjhyphenhyphenoTcuIsvTUibTKrWlhtJMfkHFCU0oiHFVDqWPUD5RdVtvoDAtTfwtZ5uJa0-3Co1TCCndIPYcohPz6ZfkBEQbGhmBW9_Px63FDA/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h15m41s643.png" width="256" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nIuHzXRwnRrQMhhWqHn3EKFxlRmvnK4LRNTziNZfoJO5k9iP-TDgbv1Cdvflt5zkTpusb_WyNWfpdlK5L1oPxMCsGaL_oCGrpiUI8piO8OQasvQKDzZzv0dT2R-SH0FvNfqyPM2dKi2DM6TPZoZw7VErM-Su-qPH_ncTmt1i4b05u1iLoLQVXK7Vaw/s256/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h16m50s344.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="256" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nIuHzXRwnRrQMhhWqHn3EKFxlRmvnK4LRNTziNZfoJO5k9iP-TDgbv1Cdvflt5zkTpusb_WyNWfpdlK5L1oPxMCsGaL_oCGrpiUI8piO8OQasvQKDzZzv0dT2R-SH0FvNfqyPM2dKi2DM6TPZoZw7VErM-Su-qPH_ncTmt1i4b05u1iLoLQVXK7Vaw/s1600/vlcsnap-2024-01-31-22h16m50s344.png" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The high score board logs not just your initials but your gender and zodiac sign too (and I'm not sure what the latter is).<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I'm not done with Gradius, but I'm certain that I won't be able to reach the end honestly. I'm glad that I am playing the Japanese original instead of the even more difficult US version - I got much farther on one credit than I'd have been able to get in the US version on four. But I can't help feel that even in this easier version, Gradius is far too punishing for its own good.<br /></p><p></p>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-70200537245061580262024-01-26T14:14:00.003-05:002024-01-26T14:14:39.987-05:00Game 396: Commando<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
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<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I can't believe it - I actually beat Commando - an old-school, quarter-munching multidirectional shooter which, unlike Capcom's prior (and much longer) game 1942, doesn't allow you any continues.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I cheated, but only a little bit. Specifically, I made a save state right at the game's midpoint, once I managed to reach it without losing any lives. Beating the first four stages on one life, earning me two extras along the way, took me quite a few tries. Beating the remaining four stages on five lives still took me far longer.<br /></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>At first glance, Commando seems awfully similar to Taito's Front Line. Even dumbed down compared to it. You run around in eight directions, shooting at grunts with your semi-automatic carbine and throwing grenades, but there's no aiming dial here - you shoot in the direction you are moving, which can be a bit awkward as you might not always want to be moving toward the thing you're trying to shoot. There are no tanks to commander (or fight), and no multi-directional scrolling; you're doing this on foot, and it's vertical scrolling only. At least it looks nicer.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except for when Super Joe appears faceless in closeups. Aaaaaaaa!<br /></td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Much of what <a href="https://datadrivengamer.blogspot.com/2020/04/game-169-front-line.html" target="_blank">I said about Front Line</a> still applies here, especially regarding the success of an aggressive playstyle. If you try to cautiously and systematically eliminate threats before advancing, you'll get overwhelmed by infinitely respawning soldiers. If anything, Commando demands even more aggression than Front Line does; your bullets do not outrange the enemy, but their bullets are slow and individually easy to dodge. Eventually, you'll face barrages of grenades, mortars, and bazookas, but they tend to be bad about leading you, and overtaking these enemies can be easier than killing them and almost as good.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only grenades can kill men in foxholes, but sometimes it's better to walk around them<br /></td>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Your own grenades, though they are finite and may seem a bit underpowered, are still quite useful simply because they are quick to throw and are always thrown due north, no matter what direction you are moving in. You can afford to be a bit wasteful; there are lots of grenades lying around, and you never know when lobbing one or two ahead of you as you move at an angle might take out an enemy, sparing you the trouble of stopping to shoot him.</p>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of enemies, lots of bullets, good thing the puddle is a barrier to them too.<br /></td>
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<p></p>
<p>Super Joe can face and shoot in 16
intermediate directions, though you only move in eight of them, and this can lead to some control awkwardness. Rotation is not instant; there is a delay of a few frames as he cycles through each angle. A light joystick tap in the direction opposite
or lateral to your current movement vector, intended to help you face a certain direction without moving, could only rotate him part of
the way, causing him to not face and shoot in the desired orientation. On the other hand, this can be done on purpose too, when you need to hit something at a slight angle, but not a full 45 degree diagonal. Especially during the climactic fights at the end of each stage where enemies spawn in great numbers but not infinitely, making it worthwhile to fight more cautiously.
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<p>A late stage unpleasantly reminds me of Cannon Fodder and its grunt-spawning barracks.</p>
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<p>Beating Commando is doable, but it felt like it required some luck, even with my midpoint anchor save. Enemy spawns and attack patterns are semi-random, and sometimes you just get pinned down into a corner and gunned down in an inescapable hail of bullets and grenades, or sometimes an enemy spawns on the edge of the screen and shoots you immediately.</p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Most dangerous of all are the overpasses, which funnel you into a small area that conceals the bullets that fly under them, during which enemies on the overpass are lobbing nonstop grenades at you from above - I found that the best approach is to keep moving forward, toss some grenades, shoot, and hope you emerge unscathed on the other side. Any hesitation means more enemy spawns to deal with.<br /></p>
<p>And I swear that during the second half, enemies' hitboxes magically shrink. During one run I flat-out saw one of my own bullets pass right through an enemy sprite.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, after countless failures, I beat the last level, on my last life, and without many grenades left. <br /></p>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSlLqui1IRgZHTPPN23OHZrCGBTv2qmWKVMfmjHGWG0KAN7eYGEAs1jRuESoKksmRDZeyKgny_JhKaplSGUcAugoj_Ehl5VgISMxV54ModU97SOF8Wi0x9Jrrnpp5neJxQB9xSTboScImgpyVGpRFTeUdPKhsGZGWD-j2D1-L-TL5v2XyzSh8Q19Q3Q/s256/0007.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="224" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSlLqui1IRgZHTPPN23OHZrCGBTv2qmWKVMfmjHGWG0KAN7eYGEAs1jRuESoKksmRDZeyKgny_JhKaplSGUcAugoj_Ehl5VgISMxV54ModU97SOF8Wi0x9Jrrnpp5neJxQB9xSTboScImgpyVGpRFTeUdPKhsGZGWD-j2D1-L-TL5v2XyzSh8Q19Q3Q/s1600/0007.png" width="224" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting fire to the final compound<br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<p>Side note - in order to comply with German censorship laws, Europe got a sprite-swapped version called Space Invasion, where the soldiers have a robotic makeover, somewhat resembling Star Wars stormtroopers, perhaps anticipating the similar redesigns of Contra/Gryzor/Probotector. Super Joe at least stays human.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDhoL79zsPw3vVWU_Vv000ypoGzgBCsnpHYP_wWFhvfK6B92kPjgCwKQoWaRyv-07-5DOkf9cnPIUGrRd4E9hxE1NaFpRgbHApS8E27q7ESrh6rTN7dC1BF-PbCdTRFDZo546f_gBi7dKlNOhvm_l-PPH0o0u0Oy7nWnUEp9fkHbPeZ0svTd_ubumKg/s256/0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="224" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDhoL79zsPw3vVWU_Vv000ypoGzgBCsnpHYP_wWFhvfK6B92kPjgCwKQoWaRyv-07-5DOkf9cnPIUGrRd4E9hxE1NaFpRgbHApS8E27q7ESrh6rTN7dC1BF-PbCdTRFDZo546f_gBi7dKlNOhvm_l-PPH0o0u0Oy7nWnUEp9fkHbPeZ0svTd_ubumKg/s1600/0000.png" width="224" /></a></div>
<p></p>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5khyk-otSf8bGRPvMu4HPgI45NpwW-tPZx_s8XT2-HPsT2yVm7-Ic-4QIyjZk5-UTmaNSWe55sfwwE9Fcw4MtLv7ez-7KtmN9Utwf6U2sjI28Cq2JAYWHuhyphenhyphent1aUOt18_WxFJTL89q3YAm7N0e3Fnia-hp2mpEzOFgz71EFTUAizelgW3Q-sJ5PjLkw/s256/0004.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="224" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5khyk-otSf8bGRPvMu4HPgI45NpwW-tPZx_s8XT2-HPsT2yVm7-Ic-4QIyjZk5-UTmaNSWe55sfwwE9Fcw4MtLv7ez-7KtmN9Utwf6U2sjI28Cq2JAYWHuhyphenhyphent1aUOt18_WxFJTL89q3YAm7N0e3Fnia-hp2mpEzOFgz71EFTUAizelgW3Q-sJ5PjLkw/s1600/0004.png" width="224" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><p><b>GAB rating: Above average.</b> Commando is, like many arcade games, repetitive and a bit shallow. It's also a better game than its inspiration Front Line despite being simpler on the surface - the run & gun action is tighter, faster, and more intense. It's also better than its predecessor 1942 despite having more awkward controls - I noted that game was overlong and overpadded and should have had eight levels instead of 32, which is exactly the length of Commando.</p>
<p></p>
Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-87046686965280718512024-01-22T17:00:00.003-05:002024-01-22T17:00:26.732-05:00Rebelstar Raiders: Starlingale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhbK5NTzDY14LHVEboCNdOAjj0xaGX-1xIrPSC1gVik2IOd8xhKFPwEny-NVsAuk3bWhAvS1yUjCBXRd8m3qB66Bb8RKJIab2WTApyvE1QeBJZlavGtb8wXoWKXwYIz6rVhvvr31eAyu_whUj8eDdNAxotbYmU58798P2RYSmHOsqs1GyPJyFBPh6nQ/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhbK5NTzDY14LHVEboCNdOAjj0xaGX-1xIrPSC1gVik2IOd8xhKFPwEny-NVsAuk3bWhAvS1yUjCBXRd8m3qB66Bb8RKJIab2WTApyvE1QeBJZlavGtb8wXoWKXwYIz6rVhvvr31eAyu_whUj8eDdNAxotbYmU58798P2RYSmHOsqs1GyPJyFBPh6nQ/s16000/1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;">Scenario 2 follows the Rebelstar victory on the moonbase, as Joe Capricorn #2 and Captain Krenon, assumed (despite the reality) to survive the first scenario, attempt to escape on the Starlingale.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Main-Comp attacks while half of the Starlingale's security team is on an away mission.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I will once again command Rebelstar, who takes the defender role this time, and <a href="https://zeitgame.net/archives/12372" target="_blank">Scribe plays Main-Comp</a>, who must disable the Starlingale in twelve turns. I deploy first, in the magenta area, but Scribe will have the first move.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My units are mostly familiar, minus the incredibly useful grenadiers:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: left;">Two defenseless navigation computers, placed at the bridge. Main-Comp's target. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHH7pvTNXsD02LhJeUQ9plClRAwjRWnukh-jLp5KAz25oDbaPujOh4JcFpLEjawF0AX5pEDlAUUamxTfuajluHGca1WeLnReNsHS6Pf4nG5Qp8CnvwYxHxGMmNgDOhBLqGepnzyd8oQiBgLlu57H9XRZAsyMhUNZH4OgoGr8zFp-D3ApoHktxOzQbMQ/s1600/1-153-Yellow.png" /> </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Three pilots with laser pistols, at the bridge <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMxv8hkwxLLUa5I9o4ahtUYjpP9jzykTT4QjJee5A6xMHQDDky_5lxkdfuMsOhWOUBn0QDFjbDzUO1VPBNIiBxXRY0jhyphenhyphenSwADGrhxKHiMzCAxEdq7822UI3uEkOkE8MPkxK5BXJHIqd-NZwLzYITqzae2Ya7ay5HHj7OGXk4XTORUeDOAxT2L_iTe4g/s1600/2-151-Yellow.png" /> </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Three slow-moving robots with laser rifles at the north flank of the bridge <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D9YjSspwLgLfwxsRmDz33T6l13Fc9-1YxtgJVCdnWVlwsbzSULtcsn_5Eg39Wuhyd9xwUAUzFx0q_tkN3t2rtPz35ddFoYH6VYW6OxxeIiAyXxmZ9W1YX6M5fpwvmKqVHaELGw20apwn_X1eEbg58wsu3RD-32Za1uAOP7quNksE2v5l4-iF8MWTTA/s1600/1-149-Cyan.png" /> </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Two commanders with their rapid-fire photon guns <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VVM10ThQ6u-VF83m92WhgK5AsqB4kd_rusD-sSr54qQQ5SidPaK30zY2P4rKvI4Vemc0r0LIO7mfx94Ds97qG7ZUuzStbbfVwUJVlC_6wCAwQFgOXipjim4sKx0m913WU7TU2es9elQO_-s05JDl7P26uHJjUxpUag1dqxRR5jQrBACY6yRXNpjSVA/s1600/1-150-Yellow.png" /> </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Three laser gunmen, survivors of the moonbase raid <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PqcZsY8gXO2wD3rAFagOWnQLjrF6OnoZaODMx7s3DJxcijVuRL61M-frCg7uYVNT3Q_jFOdPYlwz-YcwjlpJBarJXZDkhD_xXRNLHTb9VPz6apNJIz3ksZPthYpWFVElBzetX97y0AnIv0fYfxZasPxNsyLmLodgn2qN-GJzIBGWdONhcLZNQKFDRw/s1600/1-154-Yellow.png" /></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Eight laser riflemen <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11VjAPleDtlOB0_2jGpF7z5T67sAVJGS4YB2MB_7NjAi35eU8qp0KeZAabW7_7sttfqpELXl3cdluT20kGN-J0YCv7qkBdInrtDnatrQNc3lepkvjvo5gUjGPvgMQNA9e4t5jyEWQEKNsU1q-UlvcNE8COJTmhmlI44OP8WCKgJvQJML_dFywLtsjaA/s1600/1-148-Yellow.png" /><br /></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p></p><p>We know from the last mission that laser pistols are better than laser guns, and photon guns are even better. Speed is more useful to a defender than accuracy, and a quick unit can jump out of cover, squeeze off multiple unaimed shots, and jump back into cover. A lasgunner, on the other hand, takes far longer to aim and fire a single shot, and is liable to run out of movement points doing this, forcing him to end his turn in whichever spot he fired from.</p><p>But my main rifleman security detail are even worse than lasgunners. They're just as slow to shoot, and although they fire more accurately, damage is poor - worse than laser pistols - which is doubly bad against Main-Comp's armored robots which negate a fixed amount of damage from every shot. Range is not great either, with a linear damage reduction applied over a distance until it drops down to nothing (or too little to penetrate armor). So, they don't miss often, but hitting and doing zero damage isn't any better than a miss.<br /></p><p><br />
</p><p style="text-align: left;">Main-Comp attacks with an exotic array of killbots.</p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Four Zorobtrons, slow but powerful robots with gas grenades <img left="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtzoBlW0oucwkxC2GGiU0kKr0dubU2K8uPAIMyA7gord9k48y3dFSVSRrEKsF99DhcuZH-TfSOpKOjcTQB4z28YOVY6iMjRR2Qcvide6CEhtRY_yK1p49HVC-NtzKKZZPemncBTFiJhLnM6vumyZhFFEMKCTt3HyKaPNK-BLwYUarE4czXGOkcJ2IcQ/s1600/1-144-Magenta.png" /></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">13 Flybots, fast, weak robots with fast, weak "zeeker" guns <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0Y-oYLH32X9_CtIJkGfsYrLZdz56d-uA9_Od6CDzWNkhP35qylYUDTJJyPGPfC_CDQpdWm2BY8ic5xDiHcURl2QSWSjv8A0opSfRd6comABS_0sl68F-QUxiurBix5xD5MeyTPEFeGqqYw0EG76lexVWbJbUKBioPSBqU8r-sVWgSaO9arlvbyt1wA/s1600/1-145-White.png" /> </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Four Slaverbots with powerful laser whips <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmYWzzN-V67BOGKwf-XJtGWulfSPyZuJSJfCltvFTO5IsTu7eG2TO7CdFT5ENYafxYY1QJYsAjo5EB75MAMXdQfJ6vegNOwKWmQmhtMVtSkis0BXQdiuDNbtIZlgxwu9VwE1tEo6qGwkENVjVFWKD9AoSK2scCErad5GVOr_jbLIzQJ8ZCXu0xOpJ0A/s1600/1-146-Green.png" /> <br /></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">One mining bot <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXtujIw-zp7fZmEE8B3EkkUHVbluqKiBvtHMQeyCmueUfFsPp828AaRoNbNIaLcZHHdeRfoXvcPGIaqeDfrvRVG95ER2TxC06BbssdyPZatyDJmIDYNkWjcsSxzH2cfP37cvhzolHfYCA7QGM4c1BayV5R06v9LVf8q9iiBr1uDjBcFHB74cZKJ-h7Q/s1600/1-152-Cyan.png" /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Two human guards with laser pistols <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRDuK1PRl-i11ja-auhuqp8xMvPafRrf3DkHVkG7f2kQjD7s5Y25oQb_jJ2d-x80hAZGvrl-Ewaeod9-FHVRETGGoa_draKr5nOygj0Yi7S6jg2uCo9TIVx62j_SD2lb-oY1QujPBKU3Yvt8s_-v7uXdIg0zbcizH0mVe4n0QO0tfToXJoVMecfRWDg/s1600/1-147-Magenta.png" /></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<p></p>
<br /><p style="text-align: left;">The last scenario taught me the power of grenades, and this time I'm up against them. Gas grenades don't demolish walls, but can bypass them, killing whoever takes cover behind it. "Zeekers" could be trouble - the Flybots are fast and expendable, letting them swarm and suppress key targets, and their weapons' weakness is made up for by speed and accuracy; five weak shots is at least as good as one strong shot. Laser whips are something altogether new - shorter range than pistols, but longer than melee, and the Slaverbots wielding them are faster than Zorbotrons and mining bots, though a bit slower than humans.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Main-Comp will get the first move, and will almost certainly inflict massive casualties if I place my men too close to the aft. Anything I put in the central magenta area is likely to die right away. The two commanders are especially prime targets; the only units that can really take advantage of cover apart from the pilots who are all the way up in the bridge.</p><p style="text-align: left;">But I'm also outgunned and outnumbered, and if I spread my defenders too far apart, Main-Comp can just ignore half of them as they push through the other half while using flybots to swarm isolated units. I've got to slow them down until my reinforcements arrive, or I lose.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">I deploy the majority in cover, with two riflemen covering the gantry, away from the walls. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzF1342a-6n6hgTnoMAcD8XhWha-bg231txOc_0RtfS1ZDCM8v8Xch2YU0potfk9Uy7l-RFcndCSeKmCVn7YtRJLWIAywNTvoUv-1_Eji8466SWEWjNZwa8n1cwdKkY8VVIB2S9oQ50ecReyxta4zLQJW_9bjGC_qKRxTBCdDm6Wt4NbnLaR2WGLZ4w/s320/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzF1342a-6n6hgTnoMAcD8XhWha-bg231txOc_0RtfS1ZDCM8v8Xch2YU0potfk9Uy7l-RFcndCSeKmCVn7YtRJLWIAywNTvoUv-1_Eji8466SWEWjNZwa8n1cwdKkY8VVIB2S9oQ50ecReyxta4zLQJW_9bjGC_qKRxTBCdDm6Wt4NbnLaR2WGLZ4w/s1600/2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Main-Comp deploys.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_lRcUDKatcIdrxkrOcsiDZ5TKOLzzXRa4NyNc2n33VF2oBb-7_wEVhySP1xFkCMxEQ0nrqFjW2x1Ij-tljebcC8xFgMuSeJdr3Zm8k9H2EH4nTs1unsb42rc9FuKRhGIEq59QHtEUK6SXQDerDTcGUJBkLYZLykfbz_kLpJlnVeIU0ZN1bZj6vSXhw/s320/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_lRcUDKatcIdrxkrOcsiDZ5TKOLzzXRa4NyNc2n33VF2oBb-7_wEVhySP1xFkCMxEQ0nrqFjW2x1Ij-tljebcC8xFgMuSeJdr3Zm8k9H2EH4nTs1unsb42rc9FuKRhGIEq59QHtEUK6SXQDerDTcGUJBkLYZLykfbz_kLpJlnVeIU0ZN1bZj6vSXhw/s1600/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>As before, I have a reconstructed video of the entire battle.<br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="596" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WLPtyjH3jiE?modestbranding=1;showinfo=0;rel=0" width="800"></iframe></div>
<p> </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 1</h2><p>They advance, killing both riflemen in the center, but the narrow corridor slows their entry.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBxSRs8FiytuX0W4ub2sutLVLJ3fqim3ejvo8yYA6XEwU25IgkNddDX7EexJ_x-IDpx3dVHpldpGj8Q_M6IbSUbUrLIdIKAFjJ21P8TivJ5qZxzXyt_uyjY0qwneaSSPVAhb5jSXnfjnOGmgsznWAtHKriX_RoA8v19Ki7QVVd1VQSUNML3nFYuKa-w/s320/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBxSRs8FiytuX0W4ub2sutLVLJ3fqim3ejvo8yYA6XEwU25IgkNddDX7EexJ_x-IDpx3dVHpldpGj8Q_M6IbSUbUrLIdIKAFjJ21P8TivJ5qZxzXyt_uyjY0qwneaSSPVAhb5jSXnfjnOGmgsznWAtHKriX_RoA8v19Ki7QVVd1VQSUNML3nFYuKa-w/s1600/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>My men do their best to return fire from cover, but only manage to kill one guard and hit a few Flybots. The rear guard advances from their post, and I can only hope Main-Comp fails to sneak a Flybot past them.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPOqsz3w_-c9chiobLWGne004Ek9hZ3xvEUeEpZvEZG_w7RAF4laHQpiZl-FfVdfvBgj6BKOrIz_Mg6TsnPmhnCaveM1s2C8EIK5Oe26pro40WFaNDyay5Nt9kTdIOphXuuVCXFsKw2UTkLE68aaIn1jl6KEhFxdYX1YKAypwWkyz6DqOkjWPNtIneA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPOqsz3w_-c9chiobLWGne004Ek9hZ3xvEUeEpZvEZG_w7RAF4laHQpiZl-FfVdfvBgj6BKOrIz_Mg6TsnPmhnCaveM1s2C8EIK5Oe26pro40WFaNDyay5Nt9kTdIOphXuuVCXFsKw2UTkLE68aaIn1jl6KEhFxdYX1YKAypwWkyz6DqOkjWPNtIneA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 2<br /></h2><p>Main-Comp continues its advance, suppressing my northern flank with Flybots. Slavers move past, entering a northern passage. The Zorbos and surviving guard advance toward the north flank and fire at my riflemen reserve, killing two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yvFSAaszHcYeMQ9jyV9G8MOLBfvT9mTqomxHeSXFAS2btJWpNtJrzv_4VRS2deAq3baYNmkY0jCxZRIh-0fSc0-IhQnV5oS4e_UE2ku6O_42ETPABcbsD4i1NNS_R2BBcm-az1lERRlfkE4sqYiak2VrsBvKLUaBfH8Y71oKwPQ6VoTqx9xvtTDYQQ/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yvFSAaszHcYeMQ9jyV9G8MOLBfvT9mTqomxHeSXFAS2btJWpNtJrzv_4VRS2deAq3baYNmkY0jCxZRIh-0fSc0-IhQnV5oS4e_UE2ku6O_42ETPABcbsD4i1NNS_R2BBcm-az1lERRlfkE4sqYiak2VrsBvKLUaBfH8Y71oKwPQ6VoTqx9xvtTDYQQ/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Joe Capricorn and his first mate Darwin Jones are pinned down.</p><p>I send one riflemen up north to swat a fly, Darwin, who moves south and kills the Flybot blocking Capricorn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc-w8e8-_ysSMfGooyDrtOhUsJb2_E-ErpzWwTfv9B275Q_xV_NtY2DAk2dfDG-foQr-wFc7faa2ZsdqWmMxwgOTZ7MCfxvzKCV80c5vQcuXzfwQWnrhQWYt74l7qbT2irEOf3GRj8CQBXDYkcNlGGJw7Yd5M8nJVU3IYilYrY-Ae78tiK-B0hf45FA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc-w8e8-_ysSMfGooyDrtOhUsJb2_E-ErpzWwTfv9B275Q_xV_NtY2DAk2dfDG-foQr-wFc7faa2ZsdqWmMxwgOTZ7MCfxvzKCV80c5vQcuXzfwQWnrhQWYt74l7qbT2irEOf3GRj8CQBXDYkcNlGGJw7Yd5M8nJVU3IYilYrY-Ae78tiK-B0hf45FA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Capricorn, free, moves south to shoot at the intruders, joined by Krenon from the south, but all that their combined firepower can take out is one Flybot and one Zorbotron.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW0jgdKYkbCS4W8aasfmOGpp1XS4dWL0tTsTbdYwoZVFAcIpQmVZ03mmesnZa3CvEQROjeLZ3pLhjXxCKVn9ucC6INoBZIdeZN4PCPISZDLS9QrlKoIFJR0Kci8x-q7gYDBKofDcbGY5FoABK_7XI-Kqa8Qf5FPXzUBliZzVuL-UmMUhIQOq8EuhEhA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW0jgdKYkbCS4W8aasfmOGpp1XS4dWL0tTsTbdYwoZVFAcIpQmVZ03mmesnZa3CvEQROjeLZ3pLhjXxCKVn9ucC6INoBZIdeZN4PCPISZDLS9QrlKoIFJR0Kci8x-q7gYDBKofDcbGY5FoABK_7XI-Kqa8Qf5FPXzUBliZzVuL-UmMUhIQOq8EuhEhA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Two riflemen step out of cover, and shoot at the guard, wounding him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRGn13knBcxQjXGGL3sLZDhvfoJ2YxaOqFR0GltNrPsoFiHRjtEeqvt9PY-g58TYDJNfNiEDP1FSnsUL05XPzWcIwPfans6xL8D20oLMF3JhCeeQnH29qRSx1_g2ZLmvpp-ldi0V_WFkIK35B7ivUlGb-RljIt_VjntvavzF-zeYruBxNccP9ZG1e7w/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRGn13knBcxQjXGGL3sLZDhvfoJ2YxaOqFR0GltNrPsoFiHRjtEeqvt9PY-g58TYDJNfNiEDP1FSnsUL05XPzWcIwPfans6xL8D20oLMF3JhCeeQnH29qRSx1_g2ZLmvpp-ldi0V_WFkIK35B7ivUlGb-RljIt_VjntvavzF-zeYruBxNccP9ZG1e7w/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The pilots and robots move closer to the action, and I detach one man from the south flank.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DqbDIKv8HqXQwj45gOKxIqN8-7XzBR96CkMfUV7uRTqZOuF0w9Hk7Y975eTdX9sVE_0cYOP-AS1iI5UZVaammFkwWYOQgAe2oYRe3_qeHsVeOTA4WXFkHbLhTULLWRc2sknNAoPbfSGr5_FnTxT0AUKGQntKvDDGL3vJk0htU_a4JbDI4OQxm6yr-w/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DqbDIKv8HqXQwj45gOKxIqN8-7XzBR96CkMfUV7uRTqZOuF0w9Hk7Y975eTdX9sVE_0cYOP-AS1iI5UZVaammFkwWYOQgAe2oYRe3_qeHsVeOTA4WXFkHbLhTULLWRc2sknNAoPbfSGr5_FnTxT0AUKGQntKvDDGL3vJk0htU_a4JbDI4OQxm6yr-w/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 3<br /></h2><p>Major losses as flybots swarm and kill Joe Capricorn and a rifleman, trapping Darwin Jones, while the guard and Zorbotrons destroy Krenon and the two exposed riflemen.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1nPNCmzb4mJpZpESE0qOhNk4xL9IBRjTfoHgUxhZE_PlE7PXfxXib5SbRIMyjcBWXxFopJL6SWsvYo7S2oNmdykfqlO7NaTD7WpryLlOzt3iN9fV6urHpNeC8HbblrRPO7Zy8r3LEKy_6UtH-Mi8rCOzn4KnxvVFguIsngXTNaJdI8wZXtKBI4gBcw/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1nPNCmzb4mJpZpESE0qOhNk4xL9IBRjTfoHgUxhZE_PlE7PXfxXib5SbRIMyjcBWXxFopJL6SWsvYo7S2oNmdykfqlO7NaTD7WpryLlOzt3iN9fV6urHpNeC8HbblrRPO7Zy8r3LEKy_6UtH-Mi8rCOzn4KnxvVFguIsngXTNaJdI8wZXtKBI4gBcw/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Darwin Jones desperately kills two Flybots.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9I6FUv7OjQWA6cJbtusGm03Gv0rsy3OyV3XrZrZyFcAmURCzDswsOOjwXZNFR79wLHdPgNWYUN0B3PMh8bc5-J9umZUqfj1XuThB8-7lJtOWBrP1_9G75ujt1ScUU1YJsgcQoRou1fvNt5PlauLnLtHhm2R5e_Z23ZfRGr6kHcyEPJLe_4VrLXY7XQ/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9I6FUv7OjQWA6cJbtusGm03Gv0rsy3OyV3XrZrZyFcAmURCzDswsOOjwXZNFR79wLHdPgNWYUN0B3PMh8bc5-J9umZUqfj1XuThB8-7lJtOWBrP1_9G75ujt1ScUU1YJsgcQoRou1fvNt5PlauLnLtHhm2R5e_Z23ZfRGr6kHcyEPJLe_4VrLXY7XQ/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My plotbots move to intercept the slavers, and I detach another gunman from the south flank. The pilots, now joining the sole survivor of the original rifle team, fire from cover, but only manage to kill another two Flybots.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2G750Q1klp1hfkUfyeyrW3-LsHHFktQyI403lXexGF9Ekxlg_TDFNa5_yNmgdBIDLH6ieL94IuwcnWdUolMUJDe0kfzq3Y5vcYB_Sxpm9Al-4pidBVbxPPi0oRHAZdwfsxKwriw3Awfr__RNjynA3IvTwPP8aAkLqxmVOXfHhfvJvQFH11jITqE_eg/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2G750Q1klp1hfkUfyeyrW3-LsHHFktQyI403lXexGF9Ekxlg_TDFNa5_yNmgdBIDLH6ieL94IuwcnWdUolMUJDe0kfzq3Y5vcYB_Sxpm9Al-4pidBVbxPPi0oRHAZdwfsxKwriw3Awfr__RNjynA3IvTwPP8aAkLqxmVOXfHhfvJvQFH11jITqE_eg/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 4<br /></h2><p>The Flybots, escorted by Slavers, mobilize en masse toward the bridge, killing Darwin Jones along the way, while the Zorbotrons continue shooting gas bombs from cover, killing another rifleman.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAfahStnRcvM9Oaax6tqZs0pZWBd8giCJmSFat8QoEhI3geqSsmZdvhV8Am8XXMXkPnZFzKiMNjI-achYssKDStHgmfl2lIWjj3UCYQ3m7QMWv3Nq8VUzdTIcwUiXyyiE56bNlq7554kok-zu4uTlNR-TiCUpvo2ZG_71JKIEjLj4RfSoXHldUKqvBA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAfahStnRcvM9Oaax6tqZs0pZWBd8giCJmSFat8QoEhI3geqSsmZdvhV8Am8XXMXkPnZFzKiMNjI-achYssKDStHgmfl2lIWjj3UCYQ3m7QMWv3Nq8VUzdTIcwUiXyyiE56bNlq7554kok-zu4uTlNR-TiCUpvo2ZG_71JKIEjLj4RfSoXHldUKqvBA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Situation: Not good! Two Flybots are heading unimpeded toward the bridge, my best men are dead, and my second best men are being pummeled by artillery while kinkybots close in for the kill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEdCCfEK0ZMNsie4NVgtk8kTiK00eqGP-SOls8S67QRKQvzUBma8Ez9BTUl9-JZQ8WzEYLXRpTAbK7AE5wEPq-SiXSJ2SpKzYRaosjz3nwVYN3faHd5UPqssp7QPb0hmUvxI6H1plLNob5o6k5pYs1hY5r2fgBl6q60zWFbDYiOnO6kigoOtRL12W5w/s488/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="488" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEdCCfEK0ZMNsie4NVgtk8kTiK00eqGP-SOls8S67QRKQvzUBma8Ez9BTUl9-JZQ8WzEYLXRpTAbK7AE5wEPq-SiXSJ2SpKzYRaosjz3nwVYN3faHd5UPqssp7QPb0hmUvxI6H1plLNob5o6k5pYs1hY5r2fgBl6q60zWFbDYiOnO6kigoOtRL12W5w/w400-h397/untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOdVHDaSQUMIEXWGUnvq3XvR93TmZIKsKJxjoT3P8G_1He1oL3jsJwkIFwOMsyXoyH0lTf81HiWqc-JlMQRnDsLLVLMf6aXNnQFuo41p0SPz69TAx_QlWDTjvApg8YvuIhKE1XW4cwRwnOdYJHuhJgfgwJm2NiKFUTyKthbPx4FqetM6CVXeNyF2KGA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOdVHDaSQUMIEXWGUnvq3XvR93TmZIKsKJxjoT3P8G_1He1oL3jsJwkIFwOMsyXoyH0lTf81HiWqc-JlMQRnDsLLVLMf6aXNnQFuo41p0SPz69TAx_QlWDTjvApg8YvuIhKE1XW4cwRwnOdYJHuhJgfgwJm2NiKFUTyKthbPx4FqetM6CVXeNyF2KGA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Eight more riflemen arrive. Super.</p><p>I hurry to intercept and shoot at the flies, but only manage to take out one of them, and one Slaver.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFaNVaS6JCHNJXzlxP1Oq2iRdgXyoLTD6ffGHCSBemjM_nJf-EAJrlsk2Ev5gLkljz1sBVQ2s1gloEXAYbpmQLp8ScpKXqgSEPku1Pl65_7cOw2vpTUwjLgcx6MHyQHm1xFEYelAxVaxRQWjtT3jvSJujbpu3BVpj8CC665-MmExU_lMvW9rDBsC7jA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFaNVaS6JCHNJXzlxP1Oq2iRdgXyoLTD6ffGHCSBemjM_nJf-EAJrlsk2Ev5gLkljz1sBVQ2s1gloEXAYbpmQLp8ScpKXqgSEPku1Pl65_7cOw2vpTUwjLgcx6MHyQHm1xFEYelAxVaxRQWjtT3jvSJujbpu3BVpj8CC665-MmExU_lMvW9rDBsC7jA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The riflemen advance to engage the Zorbotrons, but only succeed flaking off some of their paint and killing the human guard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zfD5e9Fft9UcjnEPlMGbHBzY-mWJIbehB7pjYAt3o-iBNhViVckyA-V3vfXVGVbreaviWR5N6a86y3bqmoWPWm3ornNTq4FGesMWtCvMypCqJVeGKa2SRoxfWmMXtL_GfP0uJ-djmLqIXHlSYCClEEU0A6Ivqo-JnD1tEhJ1ZqWvZnyGeslZW-LX3Q/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zfD5e9Fft9UcjnEPlMGbHBzY-mWJIbehB7pjYAt3o-iBNhViVckyA-V3vfXVGVbreaviWR5N6a86y3bqmoWPWm3ornNTq4FGesMWtCvMypCqJVeGKa2SRoxfWmMXtL_GfP0uJ-djmLqIXHlSYCClEEU0A6Ivqo-JnD1tEhJ1ZqWvZnyGeslZW-LX3Q/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 5<br /></h2><p>It's a nightmare for the Starlingale, as Slaverbots move in and kill two of the pilots while Flybots continue onward to the bridge. Zorbos pound the absolute crap out of the rifle reinforcements, and even one of the Flybots scores a double Zeeker kill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WvpbRM-lm2c1v-2EJqPmWaIECbC9p6BeOYFo7ym-_YTBBsxGXERARQ41Gs2kYoegHCfA5C4ZL7UsqG59d6xkunrYsFcxI3M5XjTbJ8gv2MR5ibt-OnGYED0yxsud0RMbR-BUO-iPV2XMFFwqjLuiqg5oc9qgny_MGZ3MzQP5hleyxp9s2JKqopYFIw/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WvpbRM-lm2c1v-2EJqPmWaIECbC9p6BeOYFo7ym-_YTBBsxGXERARQ41Gs2kYoegHCfA5C4ZL7UsqG59d6xkunrYsFcxI3M5XjTbJ8gv2MR5ibt-OnGYED0yxsud0RMbR-BUO-iPV2XMFFwqjLuiqg5oc9qgny_MGZ3MzQP5hleyxp9s2JKqopYFIw/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>No time to grieve - I do my best to chase and kill the Flybots with what I've got left, but am only half successful. Amazingly, three riflemen with unerring aim utterly fail to kill even one of them.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTFoej7K42Bb4a2OaqtlOkj6SfjO3EPo2KTZtEVrkRB2BNSe3E2w0FhiCkYpRIEjYNlvJQM0J1BkJvNWePbKFDvujLPKYiEh46gYmUM4fZSvha1i67gyulZAAP0OuEyHHB3nKxEZWRN9gw8lsxA9k5f9E9eJl5s1pAaASWvNQTHrCaQrtkB2W_iyvMw/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTFoej7K42Bb4a2OaqtlOkj6SfjO3EPo2KTZtEVrkRB2BNSe3E2w0FhiCkYpRIEjYNlvJQM0J1BkJvNWePbKFDvujLPKYiEh46gYmUM4fZSvha1i67gyulZAAP0OuEyHHB3nKxEZWRN9gw8lsxA9k5f9E9eJl5s1pAaASWvNQTHrCaQrtkB2W_iyvMw/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 6<br /></h2><p>The Flybot enters the bridge, destroys one of the navigation computers, and comes to rest on the right arm of the captain's chair. The rest of the robots continue to advance and/or flagellate my crew - the final pilot is crushed by a miner, a plodbot is flanked and flogged by two Slavers, and the three remaining riflemen are zeeked and gassed, killing two of them.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJITMHy4PCwrfNj0TMeX4RIV_Ta9cPQYQ4CnYKz_XF4Ew_KmWBDIYFKLbs150jYDtPzuPIBOeTbRPKPbmCn7IqVEov0tu3_TIIRLCmOur-sJme9EB7DufUQo2FPD4Owz61GBTy0dnqls3NWQYUcrKrTl42M9OzkyEHYeWFvZOSBKE2dx8RfLqB09i0A/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJITMHy4PCwrfNj0TMeX4RIV_Ta9cPQYQ4CnYKz_XF4Ew_KmWBDIYFKLbs150jYDtPzuPIBOeTbRPKPbmCn7IqVEov0tu3_TIIRLCmOur-sJme9EB7DufUQo2FPD4Owz61GBTy0dnqls3NWQYUcrKrTl42M9OzkyEHYeWFvZOSBKE2dx8RfLqB09i0A/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I send my nearby gunman into the bridge to shoot the Flybot, but only manage to singe the chair it sits on. Meanwhile, my plodbots double-team and fail to kill a slaver, and the last rifleman shoots and finally kills that damned fly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6eyzD6ArupiNp5KCnsomrCYZj5Erpt9T_V-NHAqU7IAgwqEx9-caMr8bSX6QYK1xNXgDuZeF32Bh04bTHeGTl3_-i6vIx0z6Uqs0CGejP2hYzfvL8-ek2OVpTg2fCLZsR2JAD5lJWIKYyvlzKQkPrWZFhiag0xF9t9wUTxbp8TWcAGpYGnTMHQvuFA/s320/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6eyzD6ArupiNp5KCnsomrCYZj5Erpt9T_V-NHAqU7IAgwqEx9-caMr8bSX6QYK1xNXgDuZeF32Bh04bTHeGTl3_-i6vIx0z6Uqs0CGejP2hYzfvL8-ek2OVpTg2fCLZsR2JAD5lJWIKYyvlzKQkPrWZFhiag0xF9t9wUTxbp8TWcAGpYGnTMHQvuFA/s1600/1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Turn 7<br /></h2><p>The Flybot in the bridge finishes off the other navigation computer, and the robot rampage continues against the few survivors.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPdn_flVsBD_EwMys6ka3rALK8SDHQHXV-gy2Wcqt62YV7XIx25t_KBT6cZ9A7C-dihy-teF-Pi7RX0mxz6rhoUvP2_xCHJe-hcChWBsldDomwcK2gg4ru3-ZZMlCr78i3IfDeV_VoXSIKGsjWlDUohJVP8lwEbIIi_vOIzNXKiunBk3jmHLWtICPOg/s320/rebelstar7.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPdn_flVsBD_EwMys6ka3rALK8SDHQHXV-gy2Wcqt62YV7XIx25t_KBT6cZ9A7C-dihy-teF-Pi7RX0mxz6rhoUvP2_xCHJe-hcChWBsldDomwcK2gg4ru3-ZZMlCr78i3IfDeV_VoXSIKGsjWlDUohJVP8lwEbIIi_vOIzNXKiunBk3jmHLWtICPOg/s1600/rebelstar7.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Once again, the attackers have a major advantage here, maybe even more so than on Moonbase. Riflemen <i>suck,</i> their underpowered laser rifles barely able to hurt Main-Comp's softest robots, and laser gunmen less able to take advantage of cover than the moonbase's guards were. Only the two commanders have half-decent firepower, and Main-Comp has many options for flushing them out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbYbeonwlvMuSkPNncptn5oGTznb77lbeXwYyd8Y2a7jJQuRkKzbEeu8WSkrLBb4loFaYFnsI_X1dgp7jL4yPZovwdZyjBogAj22E-v4niA_RG8NBx0coFwPiI7o2GMOg2lVzjA0SxkKyr0MuxvFFIo8CgejYFwFsTAC0AVvPV_XzKaUBp4AUGr8QkQ/s320/untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbYbeonwlvMuSkPNncptn5oGTznb77lbeXwYyd8Y2a7jJQuRkKzbEeu8WSkrLBb4loFaYFnsI_X1dgp7jL4yPZovwdZyjBogAj22E-v4niA_RG8NBx0coFwPiI7o2GMOg2lVzjA0SxkKyr0MuxvFFIo8CgejYFwFsTAC0AVvPV_XzKaUBp4AUGr8QkQ/s1600/untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We tried this scenario a second time, swapping sides, and Scribe employed a stalling strategy of blocking off the bridge with two Plodbots, stationed in the narrow doorwars. This made it all but impossible for Flybots to sneak into bridge without some support from slow-moving artillery, but nevertheless, Main-Comp wins again, this time with an even bigger victory point margin. By turn 2, I had wiped out half of Starlingale's crew, mostly with Flybots, while the big boys followed as closely behind as their actuators allowed, and by turn 8, I breached the bridge and took out the nav computers, leaving no survivors but for a single pilot and an away-team rifleman.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Back in our main reality/timeline, the Starlingale and her crew is lost, but their primary mission on the moonbase was still achieved, and Joe Capricorn's final clone lives. One mission left - the final assault on Main-Comp's master control unit.<br /></p><p></p>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-31087795983807174912024-01-15T07:46:00.000-05:002024-01-15T07:46:49.686-05:00Wishbringer: Won!<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhcBPV-768E3TTvDcNkFQlmPo6lEOST8QPse96d5gOAZyETYi_R4iS7XzOnwAoZ17GUZb45CH27HFgxAXz_mK6ClxDrSzIABlv0kqos5MMJBtL5mfqdWVsV9UTRatprU9kVpnMvBu-Y0kL0SnFVo7vjyNmp7_XtgA3aMo-eYJTVS4lK0v7j8l5fRpsQ/s1103/untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="921" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhcBPV-768E3TTvDcNkFQlmPo6lEOST8QPse96d5gOAZyETYi_R4iS7XzOnwAoZ17GUZb45CH27HFgxAXz_mK6ClxDrSzIABlv0kqos5MMJBtL5mfqdWVsV9UTRatprU9kVpnMvBu-Y0kL0SnFVo7vjyNmp7_XtgA3aMo-eYJTVS4lK0v7j8l5fRpsQ/w334-h400/untitled.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">Last session, we delivered a letter - an ultimatum to deliver Wishbringer into the hands of The Evil One - to the kooky, isolated magic shop at the top of a windy, treacherous mountain path, and subsequently watched the township of Festeron go dark and transform into a foreboding, fog-swept pit of a city, a massive tower erected where the post office used to be.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Wishbringer itself is in our hands, concealed in the bottom of a rattlesnake-in-a-can taken from the shop's joke shelf, but the fog is quickly rising, concealing the safe footing of the trail back down.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I have the means to wish for advice, luck, or rain, but each wish is only granted once. Opening my umbrella and wishing for rain quickly disperses the fog, and I found myself at the bottom of the cliff again.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Returning to the bridge, things have changed. Festeron has become Witchville, and a troll guards it, demanding payment of a gold coin to cross. I had none, and couldn't see a means of obtaining one - perhaps one could be found in the fountain that I neglected to search during my trip through, but that was on the other side of the bridge now.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I thought that perhaps I could scare the troll off with the rattlesnake can, but to do that, I'd have to reload to a save from before opening it. And this also means I'd have to descend the foggy trail without magic. Blindly. But thanks to my Trizbort map, this was simple.</p><p style="text-align: left;">My thought was correct - the simple-minded troll opened the can and got spooked off by the snake inside, saving me a wish and a hypothetical gold coin. Crossing the bridge, an ominous sign bared a warning:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><code> ENTERING WITCHVILLE<br /><br /> Curfew Begins At 6 PM<br /> Boot Patrol On Duty<br />Violators Will Be Jailed! <br /></code></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Not good! And it was already after 6:00 when I left the magic shop.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I explored Witchville:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Giant, magic boots patrol the rotary. The sound of them stomping around can help you to sneak around without getting caught.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">God no longer dwells in the church. The candle can be taken now, and the mouse infestation has become a rat infestation.</li><li style="text-align: left;">I searched the fountain water and saw a brass token, and a piranha that prevented me from taking it.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The police station has a wanted poster with my picture on it! Enter and the sergeant threatens to arrest you, but won't pursue if you leave.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The movie theater is open (How? There's a curfew!) and the gravedigger works as a ticket collector.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The vicious poodle south of the rotary is now a vicious hellhound.</li><li style="text-align: left;">A platypus is trapped in a pit near the cemetery gate, too narrow for us to enter, too deep for us to reach into.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">The gate to the cemetery is unlocked, but ghosts infest it. Try to cross through and they carry you off to a random part of Witchville, and your possessions scatter all over the place.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">The mailbox on the wharf is alive, and demands mail. I tried giving it Ms. Voss's note, but it rejected the offering; "Not STAMPED!" And it followed me around for awhile.</li><li style="text-align: left;">The rocky path leads to a familiar scene - an open field west of a white house, with a boarded front door, and a little mailbox beside it. Soon, the big mailbox found me, and they fought to their mutual deaths.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Getting caught by the boots lands you in jail, but escape is pretty easy; an obvious secret passage leads to an underground maze.<br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">Three ways out of the maze; a grue's nest with a refrigerator you don't have time to open, a stump at the top of Lookout Hill, and the open grave in the cemetery.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;">Stuck, with no ideas on what to do next, I wished for advice. The conch shell rang like a telephone - I picked it up, and a voice whispered "release a prisoner, be rewarded." I was pretty sure this referred to the platypus, but couldn't find any way to get it out, and so I turned to a walkthrough to see what I might be missing.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I restarted the game and followed it for a bit, mostly repeating prior actions but with a few more things picked up:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">A gold coin (not bronze!) is found in the Festeron fountain during the day.</li><li style="text-align: left;">After descending the foggy trail, a branch can be broken off the tree at the base.</li></ul><p> </p><p>The branch rescues the platypus, who gratefully etches an 'X' into the sand. Digging reveals a silver whistle, which when blown began a surreal little episode where I was magically transported to a majestic castle of platypuses, who thanked me for rescuing their princess, and commanded me to bring a magic hat to a creature of the sea.<br /></p><p>The creature was a pelican perched on the fake lighthouse. I gave it the hat, and learned the magic word - SORKIN.<br /></p><p>Stuck again, I wished for advice, and got some - "One path Magick; one path Science; both lead to thy Goal." Useless!</p><p> </p><p>So I turned to the walkthrough again. I am supposed to get arrested, take a blanket from the jail cell, and go to the grue's nest, where I may cover the grue with the blanket and raid its refrigerator.</p><p>Um. Okay. I did that, and found a bottle of grues' milk and an earthworm.</p><p>The earthworm baited the fish, letting me grab the brass coin, which I put into the sole working machine in the arcade, now titled "TRANSMATTER." The screen displayed a map of Festeron, corresponding to the map in the game package, and the machine's purpose became clear; operating the joystick selects a sector of the map, and pushing the button teleports you there (and fries the machine). Only the post office tower cannot be reached by foot, making it the obvious destination, and five points awarded upon its selection confirm this. But I didn't save just yet - it's a one-way trip, and my business in Witchville seemed unfulfilled. In particular, the movie theater's purpose wasn't yet clear.<br /></p><p>SORKIN lowers the tower drawbridge, and upon entering it, Mr. Crisp seized me and dragged me to a torture chamber, where Princess Tasmania of the platypus kingdom was clamped into some diabolical machine. Really, Taz, twice in the same night?<br /></p><p>I offered him the note from Miss Voss, and he blushed, removed his coat, and took off in a hurry. Grabbing and searching the coat procured a key, which freed me and the princess, who thanked me and blew her own magic whistle to leave.</p><p>Reading the note, an invitation to cookies from Miss Voss, revealed a clue - the poodle obeys the command "ALEXIS, HEEL."</p><p>Climbing up from the torture chamber, I ascended into the tower, where a room was described as "Fuzziness." I couldn't go anywhere, or look at anything - it was all too fuzzy. Every object in my inventory had become fuzzy. I couldn't seem to do anything, not even wish for advice.</p><p><br /></p><p>Surely enough, I had missed something important at the movie theater. Miss Voss, who waits outside, sells tickets for the price of your gold coin if you type "BUY TICKET."</p><p>The gravedigger took my ticket and let me in, where the picture was a blurry double-image. I know what this means. I looked at the floor - this is something I'd never think of doing except for the fact that adventure game logic meant there had to be <i>something</i> useful in here - and found a pair of 3D glasses, letting me watch the movie.</p><p><br /></p><p>I repeated my actions leading to the tower. Wearing the 3D glasses let me see inside the laboratory, where I found a telescope, control panel, broom, and a black cat - "black as night from head to tail," and therefore not Chaos.</p><p>The control panel de-activated some security system, and a crank hidden behind a painting lowered the drawbridge, letting me leave.</p><p>The hellhound outside Violet's cottage obeyed my command, letting me enter, where I found a steel key and a cutsey love message scrawled in the dust.</p><p>The key unlocked the library door, and upon entering, the door slammed behind me. No matter - here, I found a cat sculpture inside a display case, which I smashed with the umbrella. The sculpture was black marble, with a shallow hole carved into the forehead, just like Chaos!</p><p>With no other ideas, I put Wishbringer inside the hole. An old woman appeared, demanding I hand over the stone. Obviously a fraud, I ignored her and carried on. Energy rays shot out from the stone, annihilating her disguise, and afterwards herself.</p><p>I found myself transported back to the cliff edge.</p><p><code>The door of the Magick Shoppe creaks open, and the old woman, dressed in a nightgown, stands blinking in the morning sun. "Who's there?"<br /><br />The black cat leaps into the woman's arms. "Chaos!" she cries, laughing and sobbing all at once as the cat licks tears of joy from her face.<br /><br />At last the old woman lowers Chaos to the ground and walks over to where you're standing, red with embarrassment.<br /><br />"Now you know me for the old liar I am," she chuckles, clasping your hands gratefully in her own. "I promised to give you Wishbringer, knowing full well that, if you succeeded, its virtue would be lost.<br /><br />"In truth, the Stone would make a poor reward," she continues, stooping to tickle the cat's white forehead. "As you can see, it brings more joy in the shape of a companion than in any other. This is Wishbringer's finest Magick. A pity that my sister, the Evil One, did not know of it."<br /><br />The old woman touches the violet note in your hand. "Make sure you give this to Mr. Crisp when you see him," she says with a sly wink. "And tell him I said hello."<br /><br />Cradling Chaos in her arms like a child, the old woman ambles back into the Magick Shoppe. "Farewell!" she calls from the closing door, and the sunlight makes her face look young. "Now you are a true Adventurer."<br /><br />A concealed bell tinkles merrily.<br /><br /><br /><br />Congratulations! You've finished the story of Wishbringer!<br /><br />Your score is 100 points out of 100, in 297 moves. <br /></code></p><p> </p><p><b>GAB rating: Good,</b> but not great. There's some decent writing and storybuilding here, albeit with some aspects that can come across as childish when I don't think they were meant to. The colorful cast of characters - often not an Infocom strong suit - are some of the most memorable yet. Exploring Festeron the first time around was fun, despite the time limit hanging over your head, and the return to its wicked nighttime counterpart Witchville was an odd but effective mix of whimsy and horror, made better for the twisted familiarity of your first trip through it.<br /></p><p>But its puzzle design isn't the best. All actions taken to finish the game are either completely obvious, or obscure and unmotivated. Nothing indicates that you can buy tickets from Miss Voss, or that a pair of discarded 3D glasses is on the floor of the theater, or that one of the paintings in the gallery can be moved. This is meant as an introductory game, and there are some beginner's guardrails, like explicit warnings on when you should save, and second chances to retrieve lost items, but it's inconsistent. Right away in the first chapter, you have to think to search the fountain at the center of town for a gold coin. This isn't signposted, and you absolutely must have it later on, and if you don't get it before delivering the letter, the one thing you're under strict instructions to do and to do so quickly, you've locked yourself out of victory. By nightfall, it's gone. This seems arbitrarily cruel for a beginner-friendly game! </p><p>Then there's Wishbringer itself, whose magic is often mentioned as a means to provide beginners with alternate solutions to difficult puzzles. Hogwash, I say - in retrospect, darkness is the only legitimate example of this, and even that has limitations!<br /></p><p>My assessment of the wishes from most to least useful:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Darkness - Sneak past certain characters. Notably the troll, but you need to sneak past him anyway long before you raid the grues' refrigerator (this itself a ridiculous puzzle that magic will not help you to solve) for the milk needed to do this. You can also sneak past Violet's dog in darkness, but you'll need to make the return trip the more conventional way.</li><li>Rain washes the fog away from the dangerous trail, but if you do this, then you've already destroyed the snake-in-a-can joke needed for the troll. And you're locked into the alternate solution of bribing him with the gold coin, then coming back later and wishing for darkness to scare him off, and also wishing for luck so that your coin doesn't fall into the river. It's much easier and obvious enough to just give him the
rattlesnake-in-a-can joke and avoid all that nonsense, not to mention
the burden you spare your inventory limit from not carrying a bunch of
magical crap that you don't need.</li><li>Luck also delays the ghosts in the cemetery from spiriting you away
(they'll steal your things instead and <i>then</i> spirit you away, so
just stay out), and delays Violet's dog from killing you (but she still
won't let you pass, so you'll need to learn her command anyway).</li><li>Freedom - which you can't even wish for unless you took the time during
your day errand to steal candy from the police station - lets you escape
from jail, which is easy enough (and required) to do normally. It can also unshackle you in the torture chamber, but if Mr. Crisp is watching he'll just re-shackle you, and if not then it's trivial to take his key and free yourself.<br /></li><li>Advice hardly ever tells you anything you didn't already know.<br /></li><li>Foresight gives you a glimpse of the ending, but this tells you nothing useful.</li><li>Flight takes you back to the magic shop, but you do <i>not</i> want to do this before finding Chaos, whose magic teleports you there anyway. </li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Overall I enjoyed Wishbringer, and can certainly recommend it as a gentler, more accessible counterpart to the Enchanter trilogy, but still can't help but feel a little unsatisfied.<br />
</p><div style="text-align: left;">My Trizbort map:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><iframe height="600" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jFWGSDmPEAYVFEZlHlYKVSTbIp0aA-7T/preview" width="800"></iframe> </div>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264881409789872629.post-85314164645137317652024-01-12T09:04:00.003-05:002024-01-12T15:59:12.359-05:00Game 395: Wishbringer<div style="text-align: left;">Read the manual here:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.mocagh.org/loadpage.php?getgame=wishbringer">https://www.mocagh.org/loadpage.php?getgame=wishbringer</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
Get Frotz (if native Windows execution is your wish) here:<br />
<a href="http://www.davidkinder.co.uk/frotz.html">http://www.davidkinder.co.uk/frotz.html</a>
<br /><p> </p><p>Rebelstar Raiders will continue next week, but today, we return to interactive fiction.<br /></p><p> </p><p>1985 is a lean year for Infocom adventures, and a troubling time for the company, with only three releases (two of which I will be playing) compared to the five of 1984 and the five in 1983 before that. They had been busy with their ill-fated Cornerstone database software, along with their "Z-Machine v4," a 128KB upgrade to the aging v3 engine which, thanks to the memory requirement, could not replace it, but coexisted alongside it for years, for bigger games that had to run on bigger computers.</p><p>Wishbringer, the first release of the year (and the first by Steve Meretzky), is one of those smaller v3 games, targeting older 48KB-64KB computers such as the Commodore 64, Atari, and Apple ][+ and //e models. Marketed as a beginner's interactive fiction, though not necessarily a children's one, it became one of their five best sellers, earning a 1988 re-release under the "Solid Gold" label.</p><p>The manual begins with a Grimm-style fairy tale about a peasant-born girl, Morning Star, kidnapped by a wicked queen and raised as her daughter. As she came of age and suitors from across the land come to seek her hand, the queen sends them all off on various grue-filled quests, never to return, and the poor princess, doomed to spinsterhood, shrivels away into dust. Nothing remains but her heart and lifetime of unfulfilled wishes, which metamorphosed over the centuries into a gemstone - Wishbringer.</p><p>We're told that Wishbringer's magic can grant whoever possesses it seven wishes, but only specific ones, under certain requirements.</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Rain, but you must have an open umbrella.</li><li>Advice, but you must have a sea shell.</li><li>Flight, but you must have a broom.</li><li>Darkness, but you must drink grue's milk.</li><li>Vision, but you must wear glasses.</li><li>Luck, but you must have a horseshoe.</li><li>Freedom, but you must eat candy.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Also included in the box is a sealed envelope - a replica of a letter that our protagonist will be tasked to deliver - a map of the area, and Wishbringer itself.</p><p>Like many Infocom games, Wishbringer begins in media res, only to be a dream.</p><code><p><br />"Behind you!" cries the Princess. "It's a trap!"<br /><br />Too late. The drawbridge crashes shut against the tower wall. You turn to face your enemy, and find yourself staring into the open maw of Thermofax.<br /><br />Only your Magick sword can save you now. You swing it high, speak the Word and stand unhurt as the blade absorbs the searing dragon-breath.<br /><br />The reptile bellows with rage and flaps its wings to fan the fire in its belly. You are advancing, sword poised to strike, when a familiar voice shatters the daydream and stays your mighty hand...<br /><br />WISHBRINGER<br />Interactive Fantasy for Beginners<br />Copyright (C)1985 Infocom, Inc. All rights reserved.<br />Wishbringer is a trademark of Infocom, Inc.<br />Release 68 / Serial Number 850501<br /><br />Hilltop<br />You're on a hilltop overlooking the seaside village of Festeron.<br /><br />To the south stands the Festeron Post Office. It's a little brick building with a neatly-trimmed lawn. The Post Office door stands invitingly open.<br /><br />Roads run down the hill to the east and west. There's a signpost nearby.<br /><br />Somebody inside the Post Office is calling you.<br /></p></code><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>The obvious thing to do is to go south, and for now I do.</p><p><code>Post Office<br />This is the lobby of the Festeron Post Office. The walls are lined with small, private mailboxes and wanted posters. A service counter runs along the entire length of the room.<br /><br />Your boss, Mr. Crisp, is behind the service counter reading other people's postcards.<br /><br />Mr. Crisp hides the postcards away as you enter. "Where have you been?" he barks angrily. "Daydreaming again, eh? I've been looking everywhere for you!"<br /><br />(Your score just went up by 1 point! Your total score is 1 out of 100.)<br /><br />What next?<br />>z<br />Time passes.<br /><br />Mr. Crisp reaches under the service counter and pulls out a mysterious envelope. "We just got this Special Delivery," he snarls, tossing it onto the service counter. "I want you to drop it off right away. That means NOW!"<br /><br />What next?<br />>get envelope<br />Taken.<br /><br />(Your score just went up by 5 points! Your total score is 6 out of 100.)<br /><br />Mr. Crisp drums his fingers on the service counter impatiently. "Quit stalling, chowderbrain! The Magick Shoppe closes at five o'clock!"<br /></code></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>No time for that right now, though - even though the game comes with a map, I've got some Trizborting to do!<br /></p><p>The time limit eventually cuts my adventure short, but I'm able to map out a good chunk of Festeron before five. The game does not accept intercardinal directions, for which I am thankful.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>East from the hilltop overlooking the signpost, a small but very nasty poodle outside a cottage prevents me from heading in any direction other than right back the way I came.</li><li>West from the hilltop is a small, spooky cemetery area, which the narrator warns us to take caution exploring.</li><li>Within the cemetery, a creepy gravedigger inquires about the letter. I ignored him, and he disappeared through a gate off to the north, locking it behind him. An umbrella, one of the wishing items, is found here, leaning against a recently-placed tombstone.<br /></li><li>A bone lies in an open grave. I grabbed it and fed it to the poodle, allowing me to pass into Festeron's suburbs.</li><li>Approaching the central rotary, surrounding a park, Miss Voss, the town librarian gave me a note addressed to Mr. Crisp. A church sits on the corner of the north side.<br /></li><li>Further northward, past the rotary, a bridge leads to the base of a cliff.</li><li>Eastward from the bridge is a decorative lighthouse, where a pelican sits perched, watching intently.</li><li>South from the lighthouse is a tidal pool where a conch shell, another of the wishing items, sits half-buried in the sand.</li><li>Further south is the wharf area, which is directly east from the rotary. A movie theater and video arcade are seen from the corner, and a large mailbox is seen in the center. On the east end, a seahorse, caught and abandoned by the fishermen, gasps for breath.</li></ul><p> </p><p>My round-trip through Festerton brought me back to the cottage, where the poodle had finished its snack and wouldn't allow me to return, and I had no choice but to face Mr. Crisp's wrath.</p><p><code>"There you are, dummy!"<br /><br />You wince as Mr. Crisp strides into view and grabs you by the front of your uniform.<br /><br />"You good-for-nothing numbskull!" he bellows in your face. "I wanted you to deliver that envelope BEFORE five o'clock! Now the Magick Shoppe is closed... and you're FIRED!" <br /></code></p><p> </p><p>Restarting, I continued exploring, this time being more adventurous in my interactions.</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Trying to open the envelope and read is not allowed yet.</li><li>Offering it to the gravedigger causes him to remark that he buried the addressee years ago.</li><li>Miss Voss's note also cannot be opened. Nor can it be given to Mr. Crisp just yet - the poodle blocks your return home.</li><li>There is a police station on the west side of the rotary. Here, Sergeant MacGuffin naps, and a chocolate bar sits on his desk. Waste any time here, and Mr. Crisp chides you through the police radio.<br /></li><li>The church on the rotary's north side is open. There is a lit candle on the wall - not take-able - and a mouse can be seen skitting across the floor every now and then.</li><li>The mailbox by the west rotary has nothing inside, and clangs itself shut when opened.<br /></li><li>West of the bridge is the river outlet and lake, from which the other side of the cemetery's locked gate is seen. A hill can be climbed here, where a horseshoe sits on a stump.</li><li>The seahorse on the wharf can be thrown back into the bay to save its life, but there's no immediately obvious benefit.</li><li>Only one machine in the arcade is operable, titled "LEATHER GODDESSES OF PHOBOS!" But playing requires a token.<br /></li><li>Heading upwards from the cliff leads to a twisting trail, where wrong steps kill you. The correct path leads to the magic shoppe.<br /></li></ul><p> </p><p>Confident that I've seen everything I can while meandering, I restarted and made sure to grab everything and do everything before heading up the dangerous trail, arriving a few minutes before 4:00pm.<br /></p><p>I handed the letter to the half-blind old woman who ran the shop, who asked me to read it to her. At this point, we are meant to open the envelope included in the game box.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h1T5HRirvoXd0q9MgR66t41R86OenCklaoa_RkJUUWQqcchyphenhyphenFR_la3fAs16miWVuLPvp552zNvPBkISqUogQfGkYjIT0mslXID6_k46SRZjsK771QSVdv3IvoLggf2YKScG9U1m8JEe0os86Nrog4lWF5oma1R7h2M9jDS6FaleTLcTSO-AOIm_peg/s628/untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h1T5HRirvoXd0q9MgR66t41R86OenCklaoa_RkJUUWQqcchyphenhyphenFR_la3fAs16miWVuLPvp552zNvPBkISqUogQfGkYjIT0mslXID6_k46SRZjsK771QSVdv3IvoLggf2YKScG9U1m8JEe0os86Nrog4lWF5oma1R7h2M9jDS6FaleTLcTSO-AOIm_peg/s320/untitled.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p><code>The old woman is motionless as you read. Glancing up, you see tears of anger forming; but she turns away as your eyes meet.<br /><br />"Kidnapped," she whispers after a long silence. She paces aimlessly around the room, deep in thought.<br /><br />"Many seek to gain the Stone of Dreams," she mutters, mostly to herself. "Yet few can imagine the price. For years I have fought to conceal it from the Evil One and others like her. My youth, my home and family, all were forfeited for its protection. And now," her voice breaking with emotion, "now it claims my only companion."<br /><br />Impulsively, the woman snatches away the letter and envelope and crumbles them in her trembling hands. "No one is strong enough to guard Wishbringer alone." </code></p><p><code>The old woman makes an effort to compose herself.<br /><br />"Thank you for coming all this way for me," she says, reaching up to a shelf full of cheap gags. "I know I'm not supposed to tip you, but take this little trinket anyway."<br /><br />The woman holds out a small metal can for you to take.</code></p><p><code>>get can<br />Taken. <br /></code></p><p><code>"It's getting Dark outside," the old woman remarks, and you can almost hear the capital D. "Maybe you should be getting back to town."<br /><br /><br />The old woman hobbles over to the Magick Shoppe door and opens it. A concealed bell tinkles merrily.<br /><br />"Keep a sharp eye out for my cat, won't you?" She speaks the words slowly and distinctly. "Bring her to me if you find her. She's black as night from head to tail, except for one little white spot... right HERE."<br /><br />The old woman touches the middle of your forehead with her finger. The light outside dims suddenly, like a cloud passing over the sun.<br /><br />The old woman takes away her finger. Your forehead is tingling.<br /><br />"The Stone of Dreams can help you in your search. I cannot reveal the place where I have hidden it, for the Evil One would see your thoughts and take the treasure for herself. You must discover it alone, and rely on legends to instruct you in its mysteries."<br /><br />As she speaks, the old woman gently leads you through the door of the Magick Shoppe. She pauses before closing the door.<br /><br />"Return the cat to me, and Wishbringer shall be yours.<br /><br />"Her name is Chaos."<br /><br />A concealed bell tinkles merrily.</code></p><p><code> </code></p><p><code>Cliff Edge<br />You're standing high on a rocky cliff, at the top of a steep trail leading downward.<br /><br />The surrounding landscape has disappeared under a thick blanket of evening fog. All the familiar buildings and landmarks are completely hidden; only the summit of Post Office Hill is high enough to pierce the cloud, rising like a lonely island in a sea of mist...<br /><br />... an island with a tower on it.<br /><br />There's a TOWER where the Post Office used to be! The massive outline is hard to make out against the twilight sky. But the longer you stare, the clearer and more frightening it becomes.<br /></code></p><p> </p><p>The can contains a rattlesnake joke... and Wishbringer, concealed by a false bottom. But as I retrieved it, the fog quickly rose from the valley, concealing the safe path down the cliff.</p><p> </p><p>My inventory:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wishbringer</li><li>A squashed can</li><li>Violet note</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p>Magic stuff: <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Conch shell</li><li>Horseshoe</li><li>Umbrella</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">My Trizbort map (so far):</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><iframe height="600" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nE6qA8lDCCeBNXGtbHi16zf69jBe-696/preview" width="800"></iframe> </div>Ahabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04131989140638867919noreply@blogger.com3