ba_the_script

General Information

Weren’t you suppose to meet me at the door?

Sorry, I got side tracked. Glad you made it; you are quite good at handling yourself.

What do you do here and what is this place?

We are the caretakers; and as a caretaker, we’ve dedicated our lives to keeping as many cats happy and out of harm’s way as we can. And as High Caretaker I look over the day-to-day operations and make sure everything that needs to be done gets done around here.

Looks like you’re doing a good job of it.

What is this place?

This is a tribute to the Prime Caretaker.

Who’s that?

He’s the one who founded our order, the one that rescued the Oracle when he was only a kitten, the one who tried to bring the two sides together and live in harmony, the one who gave his life saving us after the wolf clan broke their word.

Sounds like he was a good man. I’ll try my best to keep his dream alive.

He was, and thank you.

This is the main area where we try to maintain the spirits of all that we have rescued.

Look at them go. You seem to have everything under control

We have sealed the main entrance, but you will still be able to access our stronghold through this back entry.

So, I see you are headed to the snowy lands of the hoblings. They may be small but are quick and dangerous.

Try using fire to even the odds, but they are used to the cold so avoid using cold against them.

Off to the kingdom of the dwarves. A hardy and warlike race. They are tied to the earth and have protection from electricity.

But living their entire lives underground in isolation, their immune systems are weak. Try hitting them with toxins.

Going on a trip to the forest of the elves. Peaceful nature loving folk, but like all races there are factions that break from the norm.

They are more resistant to toxins than most, living among the venomous spiders and the like, but just like trees, they do burn good.

Headed back home. I guess I don’t really need to tell you much about your own kind, but I feel I must.

They have no real strength to speak of, but also no weakness. Hit them with whatever you’ve got and they’ll fall.

It’s dirty business fighting our own, but they started this civil war.

My kind are a strong race with no weaknesses to speak of and brush off physical bumps and bruises as if they were nothing.

But we’re not invulnerable; keep pounding on us and we’ll go down.

You are actually going to try and take on the D-Men in their own realm? We know little about them, and what we know comes from tall tails passed down from days of old.

But I’ve got a feeling that fire isn’t going to faze them much; maybe try ice instead. They’ve probable never seen a winter.

Sorry. I don’t have any new information right now.

Oracle’s Toy-box

What’s that you’ve got there? A ball of Yarn?

Yep, just found it lying around. Would you like it?

Not yet; but if you find more I might be able to use them for something.

Sounds good. I’ll keep my eyes open for more of them.

Now that is a lot of yarn! I’ll take it off your hands now and start work on a special project I’ve got in the works.

What are you going to do with that much yarn?

After the last two assaults on our lair, I have a plan to create roving guardians that will fend off any that attack.

Sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see what you’ll cook up.

I should be all done by the time you return, and as a bonus for all your hard work, I shall give you a title. From this point on, you will known as Pork Pie!

You are too kind, but please, you can just call me #6.

Perfect, simple and memorable. I like it.

Much better than the prisoner number the orcs gave me, that is for sure.

Here, I thought you might like this.

Wow! A cloth pea. I had one just like that when I was a kitten. Thank you.

Here, I thought you might like this.

Perfect, a milk ring! Drink the milk and get a bonus toy. Thank you.

Here, I thought you might like this.

That box is great! Perfect for sleeping or defending against enemies. Thank you.

Here, I thought you might like this.

A roll of ribbon! Is it getting that close to Christmas already? Thank you.

Here, I thought you might like this.

Nothing better than a simple piece of string. Reminds me of hunting snakes. I like snakes. Thank you.

Here, I thought you might like this.

Is that what I think it is? A block of foam! This is going to keep me up all night. Thank you.

Act 1: The Oracle

Press Space to Continue

Back home my life was getting stale, repetitive. I felt like I was wasting my talents.

So, I headed for the border towns. There were always people in need of help.

It all started good, then I got in over my head.

I was tracking orc raiders and found their stronghold. I met my match.

They beat me down. I thought I was dead. Then I woke up here. Trapped in a cell.

Psst. Over Here.

Who are you?

Who I am will be revealed later; for now, all you need to know is I’m a friend and I am here to help.

Help? Well, you know what they say about gift horses. So, what’s the plan?

Me and my friends have staged a diversion nearby that has led most of the guards away from here. You should be able to handle the remainder and escape.

What then, and why are you doing this for me?

My master sees potential in you. Please, once you are free, meet me at the ‘Oracle Assault’ atop ‘Oracle Peak’; here let me mark it on your map. All will be explained there.

But what about the door, can’t you help me with that?

I’ve got faith in you, I’m sure you can figure it out. Goodbye and good luck.

Look, the door isn’t even locked.

That orc said she marked something on my map. What was it, ‘Oracle Assault’ on ‘Oracle Peak’? I’d better check my ‘World Map’ and head over there right away.

I escaped the wolf clan prison and was instructed to make my way to ‘Oracle Assault’.

If you were playing the full version of the game you would have had to navigate your way through an open world to find this level, but fear not, there is a big glowing star on the map to guide your way.

Good, you made it and just in time.

Just in time for what?

The Wolf Clan has stormed our stronghold. We are not warriors and will not last long without help.

Well that’s why I came out here, to help people in need. Consider it done.

Thank you. Once you’ve dealt with the attackers, wait for me at the doors to the Oracles Chambers. He’ll want to speak with you.

I seem to be lost. Any idea what I should be doing?

If I knew what to do, I would have taken care of the problem already; that’s why we need you.

I guess she’s not coming. I’ll let myself in.

Hello Hero and thank you. Without your aid we would have surely been defeated.

And thank you for helping me escape, but why?

I wish I could tell you we did it out of the kindness of our hearts, but to tell you the truth, we need you.

If you want me to do some dead-end job, I can’t help you. I’ve given up that life.

I know you’ve left that life behind and that you have come here to help people. A darkness is coming and, with my aid, you may be the only thing that can save the world.

Well I did want to make a name for myself. Saving the world would definitely put a feather in my cap. So where do we begin?

The moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. The threat I see coming is still yet undefined but inevitable.

So, you need me to do some investigations and figure out what’s what?

Precisely. The hoblings have been having troubles of late and have come to me to see if I can help. This will be your first task. Travel to the ‘Wild Lands’ of the hoblings and meet their marshal. He’ll explain everything when you arrive.

Right, go to the ‘Wild Lands’ and meet the marshal.

Good journey, Hero.

Act 2: Hobling Unrest

Again after a short run across the open world I find the marshal.

Hello, are you the marshal of these parts?

Yes I am. Who’s asking?

I’ve been sent by the oracle to lend a hand.

Perfect! I’m at my wits end. The bandits in these parts are out of control.

I’m good at dealing with trouble; point me in the right direction and consider it dealt with.

Through this pass is a small village that was recently attacked by the bandits. If you move fast, you’ll be able to take them by surprise and save the villagers.

And what about you?

I’ve got other things to tend to. Outlaw troubles, those I care about are in danger. I’m tracking leads and can’t let the trail get cold.

I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll take care of the bandits and you do what you need to.

Once you’ve dealt with the bandits, return to me and we’ll go from there.

And then I made my way here to this level to help out the marshal.

Thanks for the save. I think I heard some of the bandits say they were heading out to the old farm to the west. But I think their main hideout is to the east. Hope that helps.

Better than nothing, I’ll track them down.

Thank for taking care of the bandits, but who are you?

Just of passing do-gooder, doing some good.

We are in your debt, but watch your back. I heard that the bandit’s leader will be back any moment.

Thanks for the heads up.

I’ve got a feeling you’re the one that killed all my men.

You’ve got that right, but it looks like I missed one.

Such a mess! Look, it’s all over his bullets and everything.

Looks like my work here is done. I’ll be leaving the same way I came in.

Onto the open world again and I tracked down the marshal.

Marshal, the village is free again; any luck on your end?

I’ve got a strong lead, and with the village situation taken care of, I’ll be off to follow it.

Need any help?

Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got to do this on my own; I’ve got a train to catch.

Good luck, and may we meet again.

I hope so too, but you should go to the Magistrate near ‘The Capital’ in ‘The Valley’ and let her know the bandits have been put down.

Okay, off to the Magistrate.

So as a good hero I did as I was told and traveled to the valley and found the magistrate.

You must be the agent of the Oracle. I hope you have good news.

The bandits have been driven from the village.

Very good, but this whole thing is troubling. There are always small groups of bandits, but this incident was more organized. There is something bigger going on here and if you’re up to it, we could use your help again.

Anything you need. I’m just getting warmed up.

Excellent. Another odd thing we’ve noticed about the bandits is they seem to be very well armed. We know of an arms dealer with a hideout nearby. He may be the one supplying the bandits, or at least could point us in the right direction. Seek him out and get the answers we need.

If you know about this arms dealer why haven’t you taken him out earlier?

He watches us as close as we watch him. We’ve tried to get him a few times but he always slips away. He’s not on the lookout for you. You should be able to get to him before he knows what hit him.

Sounds like a plan. I’ll get in there and make him talk. Now which way am I going again?

South-West.

Thanks, I’m Off.

Another short fight to the smugglers hut and a hidden passage within leading to this level.

Look at all the crystals! With all these I could retire and start a tribble farm. Nah, I don’t think I’d have the patience for farming, better stick to the job at hand.

It’s a trap!

I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

You made it! Good job! You’ve completed the demo!

Not the greeting that I was expecting but I’ll take it. Tell me everything you know.

Well, at this point in the full version of the game, I’d give you a bunch of information and then you’d continue your quest.

But I have a feeling that is not going to happen.

Nope. This is just a demo. That’s it. If you want to find out how the story end you’ll have to buy the full version of the game.

Looks like I have some decisions to make. Hopefull I’ll see you again and find out what info you have for me in the full version.

That is the hope. Until then, use the exit in the next room to return the main menu.

Thanks for saving me! They were going to kill me.

Not the greeting I was expecting, but I’ll take it. So start talking.

I’ve been doing this for years; then a new upstart bandit lord named Drake comes to me and needs weapons. Lots of weapons. There was always something a bit off about him, but all I could think of was retiring on a sale like this, so I didn’t ask any questions.

A bit off?

I’m not quite sure. One thing was for sure, he was much more organized then most of my clientele, almost military like.

Interesting, go on.

Then right before you show up, his goons raid my hideout and try to kill me. I don’t think they would be happy if they knew I was talking to you.

You’ve been extremely helpful. Any idea where this Drake is?

Not a clue. I dropped the goods in a clearing at night and the next day they were gone. He did want a lot of dwarven weapons. Not that strange, they are the best weapon smiths in the lands, but you’ve got to be willing to pay; lots of bandits just like something that works and is cheap.

It’s a start; at least I’ve got a name to track down.

What word do you have?

Drake. At least that’s the name the gun runner gave me. Some new Bandit Lord in the area. Wanted a lot of dwarven weapons. Tried to silence the dealer.

Not good business to kill your best supplier. Something seems off here. But there is some good news. We’ve heard whispers of this Drake fellow and have got one of our best trackers trying to find him.

Where is the tracker now?

Head to the ‘Wintery Forest’. You’ll find him there. You shouldn’t have any trouble recognizing him. He is a bit odd, and one of your kin folk.

Off to the ‘Wintery Forest’ then. Next news you’ll hear about Drake will be in the obituaries.

I hope you are right, but do try to get some info from him before you kill him.

Right, questions first, then fight.

You must be the tracker; strange to see a human working for the hoblings like this, so what’s your story?

I first came to these lands on the trail of the killers of my father and for reason that don’t need explaining at this juncture; I’ve stayed as liaison to the Imperial consulate. What can I do for you?

The magistrate sent me. I’m hunting the Bandit Lord Drake!

Ah yes, Drake. I’ve been tracking him for some time now. He’s good, but I think I’ve found the location of his fortress. You’ll have to travel down a snowy canyon, and at the end of the canyon is a mountain. And at the top of that mountain should lie the fortress of Lord Drake.

Then all I need is directions to the canyon and I’ll take care of Drake.

Right, the canyon is due south. That’s the way you’re going, due-ooh south.

Now if you break into song, I’m going to have to hurt you.

Understood.

You must be the Bandit Lord Drake; kind of tall for a hobling?

…

I was instructed to question you before I deal out my own brand of justice on your short self.

…

Why are you doing this? Are you working for someone or is this all your doing?

…

Not much for talking I see. Good, this was taking too long anyways. Prepare yourself Drake!

What’s this. Drake is a dwarf! Now what does this all mean?

I’d better return to the tracker and let him know he doesn’t need to track Drake any more.

I see you’ve returned in one piece. I hope that’s a good sign?

Drakes dead. He wasn’t the talking type, but I did find out something important. He was a dwarf.

A dwarven bandit lord in the land of the hoblings. That can’t mean anything good. I’ll report this news back to the magistrate and we’ll clean up here. You’d better return to the Oracle and see if he has any idea what it all means.

I’ve returned and the hobling troubles have been dealt with.

We’ve heard. You are doing great so far, but this only raises more questions.

Like what are the dwarves up to causing unrest in the land of the hoblings?

Exactly. The magistrate sent us some of the weapons recovered from the overrun village. They are definitely dwarven made as the gun runner told you, but I know these markings. These weapons were made by the royal weapon smith, Carnac.

Not the kind of guy that would sell to common bandits.

Correct. But why? We need to question Carnac and find out more.

Then it’s off to the land of the dwarves. Where do I begin.

Last I heard, Carnac’s main workshop is located in ‘The Great Plains’. Go there and find out all you can.

Act 3: The Kingdom Down Under

No one is home. I’d better look around.

You survived my proving grounds. I guess you are also the one that foiled the plans in the land of the hoblings and the one that killed Drake.

Right on all three counts. And that makes you Carnac, the guy behind all the troubles. What’s your plan?

I’m sure you learned nothing from Drake, and you’ll get the same from me. Defend yourself!

I’m starting to miss the chatty hobling. I’ll put you down just like Drake!

One thing is for sure, Carnac was definitely involved in the whole hobling mess, but why? I better get back to the oracle.

Who are you?

I’m Nysick, noble of one of the greatest houses of the dwarven underkingdom, who are you?

I’m on a mission to find out why your royal weapon smith is trying to cause unrest in the land of the hoblings.

And?

I got trapped in his proving grounds of death and had to fight for my life. I did find Carnac, but had to kill him.

So, let me get this straight. You come to our lands, break into the royal weapons smith’s workshop and kill him. Guards, arrest this murderer!

Wait! It was self-defense! He attacked first!

This is the second time you’ve interfered with our plans. There is no defense for you.

Your plans? You’re behind this whole thing, aren’t you?

Guards! Take the prisoner away.

Darn it! They took all my weapons. This is not good. A dwarven noble is in on this plot.

How high does this go? Is the dwarven government trying to invade the hoblings homeland?

I’ve got to get out of here and find out more.

Look, a note.

I’ve been imprisoned for a while now. I’ve lost track of time but I must keep going.

I must make it back to my wife, Aleana. I must see the sunset over the bay a least one more time before I die.

I’ve made this crude stone blade and plan to make my escape soon.

If I don’t survive, whoever finds this note, please tell my wife I love her and that I never gave up.

I guess he didn’t make it. But look at that, the stone blade looks just like mine!

First thing’s first. I’ve got to escape. Then I’ll track down his wife and let her know what has happened. And if I’m lucky, maybe she’ll know something about what is going on.

Where do you think you’re going prisoner?

Any place but here. Do you have a problem with that?

No one has ever escaped my prison and you won’t be the first.

I’m leaving if you like it or not. Prison life just doesn’t suit me.

Over my dead body!

That’s becoming a theme with you dwarves. If you insist.

Looks like I’ll be the first to escape your prison, and the last.

Now this letter mentioned the sunset over the bay. I’d better start looking for the widow near the ‘Coastal Village’.

Hello there, are you Aleana?

Hello, who are you? Have we met before?

Who I am in not important and no, we have not meet before, but I’m here to bring you bad news.

My husband… He’s dead, isn’t he?

I’m afraid so.

How did you come by this information? Do you work for the government?

No, I was actually imprisoned for looking into the matters of some powerful people and found the note in my cell. Why would you think I worked for your government?

They are the ones that took him.

They came in the night, forcing people into service for some major upcoming military engagement.

My husband told me to hide, then they took him.

Any idea where they took him?

After they left, I came out of hiding and saw the glow of their lights in the distance. They were heading to the cliffs overlooking the bay.

It’s a good place to start looking. Whatever they are up to, I’ll put an end to it.

Please don’t get yourself killed over this. Too many have died already.

Don’t worry ma’am, this is what I trained for. I’m a professional.

A professional what exactly?

Um… I’ll get back to you on that. Good day ma’am.

This could be where they took the widow’s husband. I’d better check it out.

I’d better watch my step.

This has to be it. Looks like some military training camp. I’ll have to find who’s in charge and figure out what their plans are.

Before you say anything, I just want you to know, if you tell me everything you know, you don’t have to die.

I’ve heard a lot about you. You are a capable warrior. Join us and I can promise you more power; money and fame then you’ll ever see working for that oracle of yours.

I’m not in this for the power. Money and fame would be nice, but I don’t think I agree with your views of the future. And anyways, how could I agree to your terms if no one will tell me what your plans are?

You are a tricky one, trying to get me to reveal the master plan to you. As soon as I did, you’d most likely kill me like the others. One last chance. Join us or die!

I will select: Die. But you’ll be the one doing it.

Looks like the general had a log book. I’d better just grab this and get it back to the oracle before I get into any more trouble.

From what I’ve heard, your journey to the kingdom of the dwarves didn’t go smoothly, but I’m glad you are okay. Did you learn anything?

One thing is for sure. The dwarven government is behind it all. They are planning some big military offensive. I did bring back the general’s log book. Hopefully we can get something out of that.

Let me take a look. Interesting. According to this, they are increasing all border defenses, especially on their border with the elves. They are also planning to mobilize the Element of Earth. Strange.

The dwarves have always been at odds with my kind. It’s strange that they are concerning themselves more with the elves.

Maybe they are planning to defeat the weaker races first before they tackle the humans, or maybe they don’t like trees. We’re still missing too many pieces of the puzzle.

Maybe the elves have a clue. I’m sure they are watching the dwarven movements on their borders.

My thoughts exactly. We have been in communication with an elf for some time now. Her last message made it sound like bad things were coming, then we lost contact.

Off to the forests I go. Find the contact and figure out what troubles lurk in the darkness. Where was her last location?

In ‘This Forest’. Go quickly and find our contact.

Which forest? I can’t see where you’re pointing.

It’s the ‘This Forest’ on your map.

Now that is just bad grammar. “The this?”

Just use your map, you’ll figure it out.

Okay then. I’ll be back.

Act 4: Darkness in the Forest

That’s a lot of blood. I wonder if it belongs to the elf I’m looking for. There is a trail of blood leading into the forest. I’d better see where it goes.

The blood trail goes deeper into the forest. Something is out there. I can hear voices. It might be chanting. I’d bet the fate of the contact lies within.

Another unbeliever come to meddle in our master’s plans?

No, at least I don’t think so. Just looking for someone. But because you asked, who is your master and what is his plan?

You can’t be serious? You really mean you have no idea what we’re up to?

Not a clue. But I believe that elf you have tied up over there is who I’m looking for, so how about you let us go on our way and forget everything.

Maybe this is a better solution; I kill you and offer your head as a sacrifice to my masters!

Like I didn’t see that coming. Okay, we can play it that way if you want, but you’re going to have to fight for it.

Thank you stranger for saving me, but what brings you here?

I’m working with the oracle. I was sent to save you and learn what is going on.

Unspeakable horrors, that’s what’s going on. This cult has been growing and is out of control. They worship something dark and evil, deep within the world.

Now we are getting somewhere. Any idea what the evil is?

No, not yet. My village elder recruited me to track down the cult and find out more. When I was getting close, they attacked me and brought me here.

You’re safe now. Return home and I’ll pick up where you left off.

Thanks again; you may also want to return to ‘The Village’ and speak with our village elder. He may have more information for you.

I am in your debt for saving Blue-Bell; had I known how dangerous this cult was, I would have never sent her on this mission. I would have contacted the Oracle and requested that he send a champion to help us.

Well here I am. How can I help? Do you have any more information?

Not much, but I do know where you can start looking. There is a cave to the north-west; that is where we first noticed the cult’s activities. I told Blue-Bell not to go in there, just follow the cults movement, but you look like you can handle yourself. You can find out what they are doing down there.

Consider it done. Not only will I find out what’s going on down there, I’ll probably put an end to it too.

The cave itself was actually small, but looks like they have been digging. But why?

What in the world is that! I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.

I come in peace. There is no need to attack.

Danger! Danger! Intruder Detected! All Intruders must die!

So much for small talk.

I’m guessing that was some kind of digging machine. But this place seems a bit rundown, abandoned and collapsing.

Maybe they moved onto a better spot to dig. But what are they digging for? Back to the village!

What did you find down there? Did you put a stop to this madness?

They were digging for something down there. I destroyed some sort of robotic digging machine, the likes I’ve never seen before, but it looks like they abandoned their operations in that cave and moved on.

The darkness is still amongst us. Our best bet now is to seek out the seer.

And where can I find this seer?

Go to the ‘Dark Forest’. The seer resides at the core of the forest. They see what others can’t, but require perfect darkness to do so.

Makes sense, I guess. To the ‘Dark Forest’ to see the seer.

Hello, you must be the seer I seek. I’ve come for direction.

I know why you have come. You seek information about the growing darkness.

I do; how did you know?

I am a seer; that is what I do, isn’t it? Also, the village elder contacted me to let me know of your arrival.

Don’t let me know all your secrets. I’m beginning to lose faith in you already.

Your faith is not required, and I will still help you even after that last comment.

Thank you, please continue.

They are digging. Ancient forefathers. Great evil. One walks among them. Their defeat will come. You will be there. Into the darkness you must go. There you will find what you seek.

Can you be any more cryptic? What are you talking about?

What do you want from me? A big glowing arrow on your HUD? Go north, you will find what you seek there.

North. Perfect. Thanks for the ‘information’. I can take it from here.

They are clear-cutting the forest! These elves have really gone off the deep end. I’ve got to stop this!

Now that is one big hole. I’m sure whatever I’m looking for is at the bottom.

What in the world are you supposed to be?

Will you look at that, a human, pitiful creatures. I will take great pleasure ripping off your head and feeding it to my pets.

Over my dead body! Okay, that didn’t come out quite right. Can’t we just slow down here and talk a bit. This could just be a big misunderstanding.

No.

At least he gets right to the point. Come and get it, monster.

Whatever he was, it can’t be a good sign. But at least I shut down this mining project.

Hopefully whatever they were up to down here is finished now.

I’d better get back to the oracle as quick as possible.

I hope your time in the forest was well spent.

The elves’ troubles have been dealt with. But the question remains, what did I deal with?

What do you mean?

I put down an evil cult and their operations. But they were digging, deep into the world. They were using strange robotic digging machines and their leader, he was something from nightmares.

What kind of nightmare?

He was tall, taller than even an orc, orange skinned and horned. He wore armor black as oil and had weapons unlike anything I’ve seen before. And he seemed to have a great dislike for humans.

This is bad. If what you described is what I think it is, this is really, really bad.

How bad is really, really bad?

This foe you defeated sounds like an ancient enemy from the underworld. More precisely the D-Men, follower of the underworld tyrant Da-Ming-O.

That can’t be. I remember my father telling me tales of the battle with the underworld and how my people were able to seal the portal between our worlds and bring peace to the land.

You say the elves were digging. Could they be trying to create a passage to the underworld? Maybe the D-Man got through the failed mining attempt before it collapsed.

But I stopped their operations. We’re safe now, right?

I have a feeling this is just the beginning. You stopped the elves from digging down, but I’ll bet the D-Men are still digging up to meet them. You’ve bought us some time, but they are still coming.

Okay, the D-Men are still tunneling, so how do we stop them?

First we need to inform the humans of the dwarves plans and the impending invasion. They are the only one who have a chance of standing against the D-Men.

They are going to need a lot of convincing to believe this story.

You are right about that. While you were in the forests, I contacted the humans and told them all that we had learned so far. But they want to talk to you face to face before they will believe any of it.

So, I’m heading back home. Back to all the rocks and bugs and things.

Head to the ‘Burial Grounds’. Enter ‘The City of the Dead’. Meet the emissary. Tell them what we know so far.

The City of the Dead? Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

With your track record I’d stay on my toes. If it all goes south, seek out one of our undercover agents in ‘The Great Oasis’ and she’ll give you further instruction.

Act 5: I Need Your Keys

I’m here as requested. I have information concerning the dwarves and the underworld.

It was so nice of you to come all this way to meet with me, it saves us the trouble of seeking you out and taking you down.

I knew it! But what about the dwarves! What about the impending D-Man invasion! And why does everyone want to kill me!

We need to remove you because you keep messing with our plans. You may have slowed down the D-Men, but we should still be able to pull it off.

The dwarves, D-Men, Elves? You knew all about it?

Of course we did. The dwarves were planning on allowing the D-Men to invade and would funnel them to us. Then the dwarves would just have to clean up what was left.

How would you survive that?

We have the key to the underworld portal. We were going to unleash the D-Men directly into the dwarven capital, causing chaos and forcing the dwarves to close the elven tunnel to the underworld. In their weakened state we could invade the dwarven underkingdom!

But the elves and hoblings would be wiped out!

A small price to pay for complete control of the lands.

You’re mad! I won’t let you do this!

But I have you outnumbered. You don’t stand a chance.

What then, are you planning to take all my weapons and throw me in a cell so I can watch as you destroy the world?

No, Hero, I expect you to die.

Big talk coming from someone who doesn’t have me tied up and has no super laser in sight.

May the prophets guide you swiftly to the afterlife. Kill this fool!

I have to get to the ‘Great Oasis’ and find my contact.

I just don’t know how you humans can stand this heat? I’m cooking out here.

You get used to it. I guess you’re my contact.

Yes, and seeing how you’re here, things did not go as planned.

You’ve got that right, but when do they ever. What’s the new plan?

The oracle was afraid of this. Both the humans and the dwarves want to use the D-Men to further their plans. We can’t let that happen.

I’ve already put a hold on the dwarves’ plans, but the humans have the key to the underworld portal.

Then we need to take their key, making sure no one can unleash the D-Men.

But the key has been locked away in the valley of the elders for as long as I can remember. That place is a fortress.

The oracle knows of a key maker that can help, but he is hiding in the ‘River Valley’, and the humans are already trying to find him.

Go to the ‘River Valley’ and save the key maker. Happen to know the way?

North-East.

I’m off.

Step away from the little one and I might let you live.

What’s this! I was ensured that you would be dead by now.

Many have tried. Many have failed. How lucky are you feeling today?

Luck has nothing to do with it. My skills will be more than enough to defeat you.

Come and get me.

Thank you for saving me! They were going to kill me!

You’re welcome, but now I need your help.

As I am a key maker, I’m guessing you need a key.

I need to get into the valley of the elders.

You don’t ask for much, do you? There is no way to get through the locked gate of the valley, but I may have a way to get passed them.

Come again?

In my home I have a special project I’ve been working on. Not a key per se, but it will allow you to get inside.

This could save the world from complete destruction! I’ll take it.

Great! It a short-ranged teleportation device. It can’t get you through the door itself, but it should be able to get you into the aqueduct system that leads to the valley.

Okay, how does it work.

There is a place I know of in ‘The Desert’. Go to this place and press the button on the device. It will do the rest. I’ll mark it on your map. Now go and get the device. There is a secret passage in the back of my home that will get you out of here. Good Luck.

Good journey, small friend.

This must be the key. Looks more like an musical instrument, or a food processor.

This must be the place the key maker was talking about.

Darn it! I dropped a lot of my gear during teleport. Maybe some of it landed nearby.

Don’t shoot! I’m on your side.

And what side is that?

The oracle’s reach is long. I have information for you.

Information about the key to the underworld? Where is it?

The temple in the distance is a landing platform for the airship which is to carry the key to a safer location. You’ll have a tough fight ahead of you. The valley is a maze of courtyards which are all locked down. You most likely won’t be able to proceed until you’ve solved the puzzle locking each courtyard.

So, you’re telling me I’ll have to fight through endless courtyards with hordes of enemies attacking me from all directions, and I’ve got to solve puzzles before I can continue on to the temple in the distance to get aboard the airship! You can’t be serious!

I am.

Well then, I guess I’ve got a fight ahead of me.

This is the end of the road for you, trouble maker.

It can’t be! Is that one of the new combat mechs I’ve heard of. I thought they were only in the concept stage.

Lucky for me they just started production last week.

Not so lucky for me then. Well, I’m not turning back now, so lets get this over with.

It will be my pleasure.

Looks like they still have some bugs to work out of the design.

Now there is nothing stopping me from getting the key.

Well, except the transfer tower. And with my luck they already have it on the airship by now.

Okay, just two heavily fortified installations between me and the key. I’d better get moving.

If I understand the construction of this place, I’ve got to make it to the very top.

There, I should be able to teleport to the airship.

I just made it. The airship is taking off. I’ve got to find the key.

The Key to the Underworld!

Now, how am I going to get off this ship.

I doubt they’ll land it for me.

Perfect! I’ve got the key. But who’s that?

I’m the captain of this sky ship. That makes me the supreme law on this craft and you’re a criminal, so you can just call me sir.

I don’t think so, mister law. I’m just here for this key. Let me leave and we can save each other a lot of grief.

You don’t really think I can just let you leave with that key, do you?

Going off past experiences, I’m guessing that there will be a fight in my near future.

You’re smarter than you look.

Now that does it. Time to play!

Had enough yet captain?

Yes, now it’s time to end this.

What’s that you’ve got there? Looks like a detonator. You’re going to blow up your whole ship just to stop me?

Not the whole ship. Just the part you’re standing on.

Oh…

Now that was close. My shield absorbed the impact, but it’s toast.

But I’d better hurry and get this key back to the oracle for safe keeping. That is, if I survive the fall.

This sand sure is softer than it looks.

Looks like I survived again. Back to the oracle!

When it rains, it pours. I don’t know how you keep surviving these ordeals, but I’m glad you do.

Tell me about it. But here is the key. What’s our next move?

With the key in our hands, we have time to regroup and prepare, but something has come up that I hope you are willing to help me with.

What is it? You look troubled.

While you were getting the key, the wolf clan kidnapped my brother! I don’t know what their plans are, but I want you to get him back.

What? How? I’ll get him back for you, Oracle; where do I start?

Thank you, Hero. Please go to the ‘Wolf N’ Stein’ tavern in ‘The Common Lands’ and meet one of our agents there. He may have news of my brother’s whereabouts.

Don’t worry, oracle, I’ll bring him back, dead or alive.

Let’s just focus on alive for now.

Right.

Act 6: Abduction!

I’ve heard the wolf clan moved in on the oracle recently?

A little known fact about the situation is the oracle’s brother was taken.

So I’ve been told. Where would they keep such a prized prisoner?

Not many know this but I’ve learned that some who claim to help the oracle are double agents.

That’s hard to believe, but if it were true, the oracle’s people will probably take care of it, if they knew who the traitors were.

There is a farm to the north that is a rumored safe-house for cats before they are rescued by the oracle. But I hear that not all the cats are handed over to the oracle.

I think I’ve heard enough. Thanks for the information; buy this man a beer.

Thank you, friend.

No one is home; I’d better check the barn

I’ve got to find where they are hiding the oracle’s brother.

This is horrific! All these cats locked in cages. What are they planning to do with them? They’ll pay for this.

A secret canyon. They are transporting the cats somewhere. Once I find out where, I’m putting an end to this.

I’m back! You probably never though you’d see me again, did you?

This is unreal! Prisoner 849 has returned. Did you miss us?

I am not a number! I am free now! Free to come back and make you pay.

You know you have caused me a lot of trouble. You’ve destroyed my operation, but others will take my place. You cannot win this battle.

But why are you doing this? Why can’t we all just get along?

Cat loving orcs? The concept is just sickening. You are unnatural and must be removed.

I may not be a big fan of your wolves, but I don’t want to kill every one of you I see.

And how many of my wolf-loving comrades did you spare fighting your way to me? You are the same as me.

I didn’t slaughter any of the wolf clan in the bar. We can come together. Be the first to say no more.

Never!

I’ve got to find the oracles brother.

Meow!

Hi there. You must be the oracle’s brother. Time to go home.

Meow! Purr…

You did it, thank you for returning my brother. He’ll probably sleep for days after this ordeal.

It was my pleasure. And with the slave trade shut down, maybe we can work toward peace again.

Let us hope so.

Looks like we’ve taken care of all the loose ends. Time for a vacation.

I’m afraid we are not done yet. There is one more task that needs to be dealth with.

I have a feeling I’m not going to like this.

We have the key to the underworld, but both the human and dwarven government want it. You are the only thing standing between the key and the two most powerful armies of these lands. There is no way you could survive.

So you want me to take the key and destroy it in a volcano or something of the sort?

That would only seal one path, but they are still digging up. The only way to prevent an invasion is to travel to the underworld and kill Da-Ming-O! Without him, the D-Men will scatter and have no need to invade.

And without an invasion, both the human and dwarven plans fall apart and the world is saved. I personally can’t think of any other way out of this. Let’s do it.

You are brave, Hero. On this mountain in the ‘Barren Wastes’ is the entrance to the ‘Cavern of the Portal’. Use the key to enter this place and travel to the underworld.

What can I expect when I get there?

No one has ever returned from the other side so you will be going in blind.

Just as well. Every time I go in with a plan it usually falls apart.

And here is the key to the armory. Take whatever you need before you head out.

Thanks. And don’t worry about me. After everything I’ve survived so far, this will be a cake walk.

Godspeed, Hero.

Act 7: To the Other Side

This is it. The start of the path to the end.

Why are we digging this tunnel again?

This tunnel will lead directly to the dwarven underkingdom.

Right. Then we open the portal and let the D-Men attack the dwarves. But I heard the key was stolen so why are we still digging?

Without the key we are also trapped in here, so this might be our only way out of this place.

Hey! Who are you?

Hello. I’m new here, just transferred in. Security detail.

If you just transferred in, that means they’ve got the key back? We can go home!

Not till this tunnel is done, carry on.

Darn it.

Will you look at that. A D-Man with cybernetic enhancements. That is just so keen.

Interesting. Usually just the sight of me makes humans quake in their boots.

I use the rage inside me to steel myself to your presence.

Once I’m done with you, you’ll be a broken husk, your mind trapped within you id!

He could be right, this battle could spell my doom.

This is it human, time to send you to the abyss.

Now there wouldn’t be a catacomb attached to that, would there?

Enough with the bad puns! You will Die!

Bring it D-Man!

There is a trophy to hang above my doorway.

Now is the time. I’ve got to enter the portal.

Something Lurks Below

No one has been in here for a long time. There should be some undiscovered treasures down here for me. Or at least a few bandit to hone my skills.

What are you doing down here? You look awful.

It was the perfect plan. Build a maze and live off adventurers that became lost in it.

But something didn’t turn out quite right?

It was a complete failure. Most people got lost so quick, they never made it to the core where I lived. By the time I found most of them, they and their supplies had spoiled so I had nothing. And to top it all off I’m a herbivore. I couldn’t eat the bodies without getting heartburn, and they seldom carried fruit. I’m starving and I can’t even remember how to get out of my own maze.

You’ve had a tough time of it haven’t you? Here, take this food.

You mean it? Thank you, stranger.

And I’ve got an auto-map. It can help you find your way out of here.

Oh, you are too kind. I don’t know how to repay you.

I’ve also got a change of clothes, so you can get out of that dreadful outfit.

What? You have something against my clothes?

We’ll you have to admit, that yellow bodysuit looks kind of ridiculous.

That does it! You’ve gone too far!

Wait a second, I’m just here to help.

I’ll tear your heart from your chest and eat it as you watch.

But, what about your heartburn?

Ah. Got a little carried away there. Just no more cracks about my outfit.

Deal. Here’s a copy of my map. Now you can get out of here whenever you like. Just promise me that you’ll give up on this maze and make an honest living for yourself.

It’s a deal. Thanks again hero.

Mole from Above

A UHE man I see.

This is neither the time nor the place to discuss that. I need your help.

I guess I’m not very busy right now, what do you need?

It’s time to open the soup kitchen, but without the sacred mole we will never have enough to feed everyone.

What is this mole you speak of and where is it?

The mole was given to us from above. It is a never-ending sauce we use to top whatever we serve. Whoever eats it will be nourished for days afterwards.

But someone stole this sacred mole and you want me to get it back?

Not stole per se. Bandits have desecrated the shrine where the mole is kept and will not let anyone near. If you could, please dispose of the bandits and bring the holy vessel of mole back to me.

Always looking for reasons to bash in some bandit skulls. Consider that mole yours.

I’ll be waiting for your speedy return.

Holy Mole!

The shrine has been cleansed and here is the mole.

God bless you! The poor will eat well tonight. Thank you, hero.

Just doing my job.

Closing the Portal

What are you doing just standing out here in the swamp?

We’ve got troubles, orc troubles.

Orcs? This far into dwarven territory?

Sadly yes. The orcs are using different tactics than normal.

How so?

A small raiding party moved into an abandoned castle in these swamps and have begun to construct a teleportation system.

A bit high tech for orcs, but if they could get it operational, they could bypass your boarder defenses completely.

Precisely. It would be devastating. Will you help us stop these orcs?

Why do you need me? Can’t you take them down yourself?

Sadly no. A few years back I took an arrow to the knee. All I can do now is guard duty.

I have little love for the orcs, wolf-loving orcs that is. I’ll do it.

Great! Just follow this path to the fortress and close this dark portal of the orcs.

Poor soul. I will avenge you.

Hold up there, I’m not quite dead.

Sorry; the way you looked, I just figured you were already gone.

Pish Posh. Tis only a flesh wound.

How did this happen?

Me and my master were just passing through when smack!

Very strange. There are orcs in these swamps. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of orcs using arrows before.

Well there it is. I wouldn’t make up a story like that now, would I?

No, of course not. Well, I will dispense justice on these foes for dealing this near fatal wound upon you, friend.

That’s quite kind of you. But I’m feeling much better, I might pull through.

Goodbye, may your journey to the afterlife be quick.

Four charges. I’ll have to find four good places to put these before I can call this job done.

Destroying these supports should destabilize the foundations of the fortress.

Destroying the armory should cause a mighty fine fire.

Destroying this pumping station should return the water levels to their natural state.

For Freedom!

Now to use the teleporters to get out of here.

I’ve reset the teleporters so I can use them to escape.

Blast! Reinforcements! I’ll have to deal with them before I leave.

Okay, now to get out of here before the charges go off.

I hope you were successful?

After the charges blow, the castle will burn down, fall over, then sink into the swamp.

Perfect, I can finally go home. Thanks.

If you could put in a good word for me with your superiors, that would be great.

Are you crazy! You are very unpopular with my government. If they knew you helped me, they’d probable kill me.

It’s just so hard to make friends these days.

Salsa Doom

Please, I need your help. I’m in dire need.

Need? How can I help?

The great contest is about to begin and my foes have taken all my gear. Without it I will surely be defeated.

I can help. Where is your gear?

It’s too late for that. My only hope is to get my hands on a jug of Salsa-Doom!

Sound, dangerous. Where is this jug?

You’ll be able to find it at the top of the dark tower overlooking this town. There are many dangers you will have to face, but there are also many treasures for the taking. All I want is the jug.

Treasures, you say. I guess I could look into this matter for you.

Thank you, and hurry back.

Looks like the dwarves are trying to take control of the tower.

I’ll have to fight my way through them if I have any chance of finding that jug.

A great battle took place here. Looks like they were evil hunters.

I guess they thought they were unstoppable… They were mistaken.

More evil hunters. None of them survived.

Guess they should have brought a gunslinger.

Beasts from every land reside here.

This tower must be a convergence point of all the realms. Cool.

What’s This? A Book?

The Tetrahedron Cycle?

Terracotta-Ramekin Cycle?

Terra-jam-e-rama Cycle?

With a name this hard to pronounce, it must hold arcane secrets!

This must be what she is looking for. It’s full of something. It’s red and very chunky.

Look at that! He’s giant! Hope he’s friendly.

What brings you here stranger?

I was going to ask you the same thing. I’m just here to find something.

Me? I got stranded here. I was on a journey to new lands when those scavengers swooped in, guns blazing, and damaged my wings. So did you find what you where looking for?

Yep, got it right here. A jug of Salsa-Doom! It was nice talking to you, but I’d better get back before it’s too late.

What!? No, you can’t take that. It’s the only food I’ve got, and until I fix my wings I’m trapped here. I’ll starve!

Now this is a dilemma. You see, someone gave me a quest and I can’t leave unless I complete the quest. So either we are both stuck here or I’m leaving with this jug.

We’ll I’m not going to die just so you can check another quest off your list. I can always just kill you! That should also end your quest.

And that’s another thing that seems to happen with most quests I take on. Okay, if it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get.

Sorry about that but it had to turn out this way.

No… It can’t end this way. I’ll get my revenge even if I have to come back from the dead.

Now don’t get all dramatic. Your wounds aren’t that bad. I’ll leave the exit open. Go check into an inn and get the dwarves to fix your wings.

What? Now why didn’t you think of that before you beat me to an inch of death?

It’s just what I do. Be seeing you.

Arg…

Hey! You’ve got a copy of the ‘Terrarhea Cycle’! I love that book!

What’s the ‘Terrarhea Cycle’?

Better just to read it. Any luck with the jug?

Here you go. I hope it helps.

That’s it. Thank you, hero. With this I will be able to crush the competition and be victorious!

Always willing to help. Good luck.

Now the fifth annual salsa cook-off trophy will be mine! My folks will be so proud!

Monday Night Madness

You look like you’ve seen better days? Any way I can help?

My rivals have taken over the meat packing plant. I fear they have killed everyone inside.

Looks like you put up a good fight; I’ll take it from here.

Be careful. There are 3 of them. They used the mazes under the plant to surprise us. They are most likely still there.

They’ve broken into the storeroom from a secret cave.

Ghosts of the fallen worker haunt this place. I’ll have to put them to rest.

All the ghosts have been put to rest, time to find the exit.

Puck It! Another maze!

It’s Endless! This better be the last one.

One of Grid-Iron Bob’s opponents. Not even his feline nature could help him survive the mazes of Lam-Bo.

What’s this? I was expecting a Cyclops.

Hut!

Hut!

Hike!

I’ve got the balls! Now to run them in for the score!

It’s going to take a leap of faith to get out of here.

Sadly, I did not find any survivors, but your 3 opponents have been defeated.

That is truly sad, but without those 3 causing trouble I should be able to reopen the plant, once we re-staff.

Good luck, and don’t forget to seal the maze entrance. Who knows what else lurks below?

Northern Lights

Stranger! Destruction is coming! Help us please!

Calm down. What’s coming that has got you so worried?

Van-Allen and that Radiation Belt of his, that’s what.

I wouldn’t worry about it. They are just charged particles in the sky that look pretty. I think someone is just pulling your leg.

How can anyone be so naive? Van-Allen is coming, and where ever he goes chaos follows.

I can see this has you very troubled. I’ll look into the matter and see what I can find.

Thank you, but be careful. He’s more powerful than before.

If this Van-Allen truly does exist, I’ll put an end to his madness.

You must be the one that I’m looking for.

I am Van-Allen! Scientist and conqueror!

You sure aren’t Buster Crabbe. Why are you doing this?

Science dictates it. The equations don’t lie. And now that I’ve harnessed the spirit of Aurora my plan will not fail!

You are mad! And I promised someone that I’d put an end to your madness. Is there any hope I could convince you to back down?

The stars are in alignment. The Spirit is bound. The Belt is fastened. The plan is in motion and cannot be stopped.

I’m sure I can figure out a way.

I knew you would come to save me ranger G… Wait, you’re not who I was expecting.

It all makes perfect sense now. You must be the spirit of Aurora. Van-Allen was telling the truth!

That is me. And thank you hero; without your aid I would have surely been doomed. Take these gems as reward for saving me.

Unbalancing Van-Allen’s equation would have been reward enough, but thanks for the gems too.

You’ve survived! And Van-Allen?

He won’t be a problem anymore. He is dead, his belt destroyed and Aurora’s spirit is free.

You’ve saved us and countless other villages. Thank you, hero.

All in a day’s work.

Transplanting Troubles

You look troubled? Anything I can do to help?

I don’t know. I don’t want to put anyone in harm’s way if I don’t have to.

You know what they say, no one lives forever. Whats going on here?

It all started a few years back. I was traveling in the land of the dwarves when I came across a wonderful tree.

And the tree was cursed and you’ve been seeking a cure ever since and it led you here.

No. I found a merchant selling saplings and I bought one.

And after planting it, it died and the merchant wouldn’t give you your money back even though he said there was a money back guarantee!

Wrong again. I planted it and it grew and grew. It’s a beautiful addition to the grove.

But it kept growing and growing and growing and is now choking out all the other trees in the grove and you want me to kill it!!!

Heavens No! Trees are our friends.

Then what’s the matter?

It seems to have attracted animals native to the dwarven plains. They are large and wild and I can’t get in there to tend to the plants.

Okay, I’ve got it now. I can clear these beasts out, no problem.

Thanks, but beware that strange cult moved in right after the animals did. They claim these horned animals are a sign of their master approaching. But once the animals are gone, they should move on.

Now that is one nice looking tree.

So all the beasts have been put down. Now to get out of here.

I’ve killed the beasts, and most of the cultist too. The grove should be safe, for now.

Perfect. Now I’ve got to see how much damage they’ve done and start building fences to keep them out for good. Thanks again.

Misbehaving Sprites

You look smart enough, and strong. The perfect combination for the task I have for you.

Hi. Who are you?

Sorry, got ahead of myself there. I’m the royal coder and have been tasked to find out why the sprites near here are misbehaving.

And you need help because you haven’t stepped away from your desk in years and need someone with real world experience to finish your job.

Straight and to the point. I’m not sure I like that much, but you smacked the donkey square on the nose with that one. Strange and dangerous happening in the glade ahead. No way I’d survive. Can you help?

Danger and mysteries are my specialty. Where do I begin?

First, here is a book that will help you get the sprites under control. Go to the glade ahead, find the sprites and recompile their subroutines. Then find the source of the problems and deal with it.

‘Advanced graphics programming in C#’. Now there is a book I thought I’d never need. I’ll be back once I’ve tamed these unruly sprites.

Just don’t get yourself killed. My job depends on it.

Now that’s just not right.

What’s that: rotation.y += 1; update_display_matrix();

Let’s try this: rotation.y = camera.rotation.y; update_display_matrix();

Compiling… Subroutine recompiled.

That’s better.

This sprite just isn’t acting normal.

Let me see: a++; s = sin(a); scale = new Vector3(s, s, s); update_display_matrix();

Maybe if I change it to: scale = new Vector3(1, 1, 1); update_display_matrix();

Compiling… Subroutine recompiled.

Now that looks right.

What in the world is wrong with you?

The code reads: ConstantColor = Green; ColorArgument1 = Constant; update_display_matrix();

I can fix this: ColorArgument1 = TextureColor; enable_alpha_test(); update_display_matrix();

Compiling… Subroutine recompiled.

Perfect! Another happy sprite.

Okay, now to find out who’s behind this.

What are you supposed to be? I’ve got a feeling you’re behind the sprite troubles.

Why did you come here? Why are you interfering with progress?

Progress? What are you talking about? Those sprites looked mad.

You can’t learn and move forward without making a few mistakes. Just look at what I’ve done! I’ve created a new body for myself out of polygons!

But this isn’t right. You can’t just kill sprites just to create a new shell for yourself. It’s just wrong.

Sprite are the way of the past. You can’t stop this. I am the future!

You just have to be patient. You are right, there is no stopping it, but you have to let the sprites be sprites and as time goes by your new world will overshadow this one. Your time will come.

Do you really mean it? If I just lay low and wait, the creators will build a fully polygonal world?

And think about it. Sprite are just textured polygon which always face the camera. I’m as polygonal as you are at the core.

You do have a point.

And look at yourself. The creators were running out of time and just rendered a cheap polygonal character and slapped it onto a sprite to create you.

What? Oh my, you are right. How could I have been so blind?

Soon there will even be worlds that are fully polygonal and render with real time ray-tracing.

Blasphemy! Real time ray-tracing! It can’t be! You had me going there, but you’ve gone to far! Now you must die!

If that is the future, I’ll stick with the past. Neo-Retro-Gaming Forever!

I’ve dealt with the sprites and put an end to the culprit.

What was it? A bug in the graphics engine? A corrupted sector on the hard drive?

No, just some entity trying to create a polygonal body for himself out of sprites.

Madness! Now I’ve seen it all. Thanks for the help.

It was my pleasure.

Pirate Radio

Wow, it’s foggy. I’d better watch my step.

What are they doing here? Some sort of pirate radio broadcast?

That can’t be all. Radio stations don’t need this kind of security. I’d better keep looking.

This must be their main broadcast tower. I’d better take it down.

The tower won’t be standing much longer.

What’s this? They are passing on secret information to whoever owns this sub. I’d better destroy it.

That should take care of the sub.

Now to find out who’s behind this.

Very resourceful. You’ve terminated my transmitter to my contacts and destroyed their transportation. Why?

Just passing through. Things seem to get messy when I’m around.

Time to clean up the mess. I’ll swab the decks with your corpse.

I’ll take you out like the one-eyed pirate you are. But first, I’ll have to find you. I can’t see a thing in the fog.

Well, that is one less pirate causing troubles. Now to find a way out of here.

The Knight is Lost

Welcome, adventurer, to my humble keep. I’m Smaloc and was wondering if you would have time to find one of my missing servants?

Humble? Not quite done yet would be more like it.

I’m more of a half-full kind of lord. Once completed, it will be glorious; for now, it is just humble.

Well, who am I to argue with a lord. So, this servant, what do I need to know?

He’s an elf and a good friend of mine. I think he had some plan to try and take down a group of smugglers and gangster near here. I’d start looking in the ‘Retched Hive’ to the north-east.

If he’s such a good friend why don’t you go after him? You look like you can handle yourself in a fight.

I can, and I could but keeps don’t build themselves now, do they. I’ve got to make sure the construction stays on schedule.

Saving your elf couldn’t hurt my reputation. I’ll be back.

This place reeks of scum and villainy. I’d better watch my back.

An elf frozen in some magic barrier. The controls are locked. I’ll need to find a key.

You’re free now.

Who… Who are you?

Your lord, Smaloc, has sent me to rescue you.

Smaloc? A lord? I’m out of it for a little while and everyone gets delusions of grandeur.

That may be, but you should see the keep he’s building. Wow.

Well thank you for saving me hero. And here, take this book. If you are ever in ‘The City of Kahlgorn’ it will come in handy.

You are too kind. I’ll have to give it a look. Once the effects of the barrier wears off, you should be able to get out of here on you own.

Thanks again.

So, what word of my lost elf?

I have saved him. He was weakened, but should be along once he has recovered.

Perfect. I can’t keep running off to save him every time he gets into trouble if I want to get the keep done by winter.

Books of Lore

The following is a log of my journeys to date (I needed something to do while I drifted on the waves).

It all started that day those men came and took my chief. All I had to do was destroy a rival’s installation and they would free him.

So I did, but did they follow through? Of course not! They tried to kill me. So I put the hurting on them, then my chief was taken again.

Then it was back to the island. More intense action and chaos. And then I finally reach my goal and I get banished from the island!

I wandered the seas for awhile and ended up here. It’s nice and all, but I do miss the smooth motion and real time lighting I’m used to, so the journey continues to find a new home.

Off to the mines for me I guess. This is not where I saw my life going. It all started the day they took my father.

Strangers invaded our home and I was held captive. During the ordeal I did meet a nice man and helped him so that he could stop this madness.

I guess he failed because I later found out that my father sold the island and we all had to leave or work in some mine. I’m never leaving my home, so that left the mines.

And the worst part about the whole thing is that my agent told me it would all be okay and that I’d get my own game!

So far all I’ve gotten is this text cameo in some neo-retro game! Maybe if it sells well I’ll get what I was promised.

I’m not much for writing but I must record what has happened the past few days.

I was just walking in the woods one day like I always do when I came across an abandoned tank. So of course how could I pass up an opportunity like this so I jump in and started driving.

But as soon as I did, crazy vehicles and military personal started coming out of the woodwork and they tried to stop me, but this tank proved to be more powerful then them.

After defeating all their ground forces, I came across the giant crate. Inside, I found a jet! Again I hopped in and took off and the carnage continued, but this time in the air.

Again they all fell, but the jet ran out of gas and crashed. But the insanity did not end. There on the island I crashed on was a hovercraft, which I took as my own, and I don’t need to tell you what followed.

I’ll never forget the ordeal: the mayhem, the explosions, enemies everywhere and of course the giant chickens. But will anyone every believe me? Sadly, I think not.

Death

Horror

Madness

Is the world fracturing or is my mind?

Good lollipops though.

Will look at that. It’s 6:45. I’ve got someplace to be.

They came to our isle, a few at first, but their numbers grew.

I was sent with a small detachment to deal with the situation but found their strength to be much greater than we thought.

The empire had forsaken us long ago and my own lord, afraid of my growing support, left us to fall.

We had very few options, all would only postpone our demise. Sadly my mystic had an idea.

God help us. We accepted an offer for the likes no one should even speak of.

Now our victory is almost certain. Our enemies will die. But what of our souls?

Nothing

Here

Yet

Check

Back

Later

Please

The Path to Money, Success and Happiness: part 1

It is time. Time to move out into the world and make something of my life. So the question remains, what shall I do?

There were two options that I could see before me: unskilled labor or education. But to fulfill my primary hopes for the future, education seems like the quickest path to happiness.

So that is the path I followed. I jumped in head first with hope and a goal. Soon I realized that education was not for me. 99% of the time was wasted on things that meant nothing to me and the other 1% could have been self-taught.

But I started down this path and was too far in to turn back, so I completed it. At least I would be able to stay out of the factories. Wrong again. This so-called education had gotten me nothing, so off too the factory for me as the bills needed to be paid.

And this ends the first chapter of my life: little money, no success and even less happiness.

The Path to Money, Success and Happiness: part 2

So now moving on to the next stage. Do I admit defeat and continue life in the factory or do I try for better? I will never admit defeat, but what can I do?

The money I’m making is enough to keep me going, so in my spare time I’ve decided to put that 1% of the useful education to use.

The plan: make something amazing that people can’t help but want. So I set to work, day and night, and completed my goal. It was amazing, I though (and still do) but I need the public to agree.

So there I was doing everything in my power to get the word out. Spending what little savings I had to spread the word, which fell on deaf ears. At least I still had what I produced, it was something.

And this ends the second chapter of my life: less money, no success (in the worlds eyes), and very little happiness.

The Path to Money, Success and Happiness: part 3

After my last attempt I was broken. I focused on getting what the world views as success: home, transportation and money in the bank. But even after that I was still empty.

Time passed as I watched the world change, but nothing changed for me. I knew I needed to try again, but how?

I began with research. What were people looking for? Could I cater to the masses? Was there a better way to get the word out? All the research showed me that if I was going to act, I’d have to act now.

The next project began. Focusing on creating something that would meet the needs of the masses, while still being something I could be proud of. Not an easy task.

It started to take shape. It started to become something I thought might work. It became something better than I thought it could be. Now only time will tell where it will go.

And this ends the third chapter of my life: even less money, but some hope…

The Spirits Within

What’s this? A card with a drink recipe on it. Something called an Atomic B’lue.

Howdy. What can I get you?

I’ll have an Atomic B’lue.

Don’t you mean a Blue Moon?

No, an Atomic B’lue.

What about a Blue Jellyfish?

Nope.

Maybe a Blue Hawaiian?

Try again.

Blue Bayou?

Here, this card has the recipe.

Interesting. I’ve never heard of this one before. Must be as rare as a Screaming Viking. Just one second.

There you go.

Ah… Paradise.

What’s this? A can of some elven brew.

Cool, refreshing, this elven lager is as always brewed from the purest spring waters.

Then infused with flavors from a multitude of berries, leaves, bugs and bark: everything you’ll find overhead.

So next time you’re lost in the forest and get a thirst, grab an Elven Canopy!

If the name infers how it tastes I think I’ll pass

Look! A jug of pirate brandy?

‘One Eyed Pete’s Brandy’. Lost at sea or just returning to port after a long haul, this unique brandy will always hit the spot.

And as always all water used to create ‘One Eyed Pete’s Brandy’ is filtered through Pete to give it that unique taste you’ve come to know and love.

Must be a pirate thing. Maybe I can sell it or something, but I’m not going to drink it.

It’s a canister of some cleaning solution I think?

‘Dwarven Mineral Spirits’. Perfect for the workbench and the banquet table. To impress your guests, chill and garnish with gold flakes.

WARNING: non-dwarves should not drink mineral spirits as it will cause death.

Well, I’ll hang onto it. Might need to clean my armor later.

A bottle of something called ‘Spice Ale’. Doesn’t sound too bad.

This ale has been being produced since time began with the original recipe handed down generation to generation.

The process begins by capturing a young sand worm and feeding it grain until it dies.

Then the stomach is removed and hung in a warm, dry cave for two weeks time after which it is ready to drink.

Over-consumption may produce side effects such as: glowing blue eyes, the ability to navigate, and the uncontrollable urge to start rebellions.

As if the worm stomach wasn’t bad enough.

Other Stuff

Training

Wolf Clan Prisons

Oracle Assault

Oracle’s Lair

Overrun Village

Ice Caverns

Canyon Approach

Mountain Climbing

Drake’s Keep

Proving Grounds

Prison Life

Sunken Mines

Crumbling Ruins

Military Academy

Chanting in the Night

Digging for Something

Lost in the Darkness

Path of Devastation

Crater to Hell

City of the Dead

River Valley

Aqueducts

Gateway Control

Removed

Valley of the Elders

Sky Tower

Airship

Inhumane Society

The Slave Train

Slavemaster’s Stronghold

Cavern of the Portal

The Void

Forgotten Maze

Desecrated Shrine

Swamp Castle

The Dark Tower

Lam-Bo Arena

The Far North

The Groove

Glade of Confusion

Fighting the Fog

Retched Hive

Wolf ‘N Stein Tavern

Puzzle Temple

Super Secret Treasure Cave

Oracle Peak

Realm of the Wolf

Common Lands

Barren Wastes

High Cliffs

Frozen Tundra

Wild Lands

The Valley

Endless Snow

Wintery Forest

Swamps of Sorrow

Coastal Village

Farming Country

The Great Plains

Gateway to Underkingdom

This Forest

The Great Tree

Dark Forest

The Village

Clearings

The Great Oasis

The Desert

Burial Grounds

Seaport

Phishers

Test Area (Hoblings)

Test Area (Dwarves)

Test Area (Elves)

Test Area (Humans)

Test Area (Orcs)

Test Area (Bosses)

Wolf Clan Prisons (Demo)

Oracle Assault (Demo)

Oracle’s Lair (Demo)

Overrun Village (Demo)

Ice Caverns (Demo)

Oracle Peak (Demo)

Realm of the Wolf (Demo)

Wild Lands (Demo)

The Valley (Demo)

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Blocairia

Underworld

Aquatopia

Vulture Town

Andor

???

Oracle Assault

Sky Lift

Oracle’s Lair

Wolf Clan Prisons

Inhumane Society

Wolf N’ Stein Tavern

Gateway to the Underworld

Retched Hive

–

Fighting the Fog

Hackers Hangout

Underwater Passage

The Green Bay

Lam-Bo

Overrun Village

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Smugglers Hut

River of Slime

The Capital

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Far North

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Canyon Approach

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Chanting in the Night

Puzzle Temple

The Groove

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Lost in the Darkness

Tinkerer’s Workshop

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Digging for Something

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Glade of Confusion

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Swamp Castle

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Sunken Mines

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The Dark Tower

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Proving Grounds

Train Yard

Drainage

Underkingdom

Prison Life

River Valley

Valley of the Elders

Imperial Palace

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Back Way In

Super Secret Treasure Cave

City of the Dead

Desecrated Shrine

–

Forgotten Maze

Crash Site

Act 1: The Oracle

Act 2: Hobling Unrest

Act 3: The Kingdom Down Under

Act 4: Darkness in the Forest

Act 5: I Need Your Keys

Act 6: Abduction!

Act 7: To the Other Side

Outrageous!

Truly Outrageous!

Glitter and Gold!

Fashion and Fame!

Oh, The Excitement!

Oh, The Adventure!

Synergy!

Oh, Gem!

I’ve got no time to just sit behind cover and hope I get better. I’ve got to keep moving.

Wow! A weapon for each hand.

Three weapons! And I don’t ever have a super suit.

The coming thing.

This gem doesn’t have any special power. It’s just a misfit.

It’s just me versus unending hordes of evil. THEY don’t stand a chance.

Now they’re in trouble.

That’s the last of them, I should get out of here.

Now to find the oracle.

All done here, I’ll be leaving the same way I came in.

Look at that. Shelves. Matt Helm would not approve.

They are all dead. That tower might hold the key that I need to move on.

No more left. I’d better find the key.

I don’t think I’ve left anyone alive. Time to get out of here.

What was that?

Whoever did this is still nearby.

Stop laughing at me!

The smell of wet fur surrounds me.

Digging more holes. These dwarves need a new hobby.

Now diggy, diggy elves. What’s the world coming to?

Jump froggy, jump!

Look, a hidden wine cellar.

I’d hate to be trapped in here, good thing there is a back way out.

Speak with the Oracle.

Just like watering the roses!

Time for some BLOCAGE!

Better than a food processor!

It worked!

Nope.

It worked! That’s the last one. I don’t think I’ll be able to return after this. Better find everything I need before I go.

Nice looking sign.

Very Informative.

Good Craftsmanship.

I don’t get it.

Interesting.

I’m not ready to go there yet.

What am I missing?

Something is stopping me.

Maybe I need to talk to someone first.

I’ve still got work to do.

Not quite done yet.

Something more needs to be done.

What am I missing?

I’ve still got work to do.

Not quite done yet.

Something more needs to be done.

What am I missing?

No need to go that way.

Nothing but death and destruction that way.

A dead end.

Now why would I want to go that way?

I don’t need anything that way.

There is nothing for me that way.

The way is blocked.

What was I thinking?

I can’t go that way.

I can’t just run away.

Endless wastes that way.

Why didn’t they make the map bigger?

Wolf N’ Stein Tavern

Warning!

Keep Out!

Danger

Bank

Stable

Salon

Hotel

Storage

Armory

Wolf Clan Correction Center: Closed, please leave any deposits in the box

Drop Box: If the delivery is no longer moving, please dump in the river

Hall of the Oracle

Back Entrance

Shrine of the Prime Caretaker

Waste Disposal: Enter at your own risk

Sun-room

Upper Expansion: Under Construction

Lower Expansion: Under Construction

If you are here to buy weapons, leave your contact info and I’ll get back to you. Otherwise, GET OUT!

Bio-Weapon Storage: Do Not Enter!

Warning! Long falls will kill you!

Welcome to the puzzle temple. Great rewards await those who can solve the riddles of these halls. You may come and go as you please, that is until you gain access to the treasures below.

Cell: 06 – Prisoner: 849 – Crimes: terrorism, murder, espionage – Punishment: daily beatings without food until death

Cell: 07 – Prisoner: 792 – Status: dead, cleaning crew requested

Cell: 08 – Prisoner: 65 – Crimes: agent of the Oracle – Punishment: public lashing until dead

Cell: 09 – Prisoner: 87 – Status: unknown, please inform lashing team to confirm death or complete job

Cell: 10 – Prisoner: 1024 – Crimes: being a power of 2 – Punishment: de-resolution

Cell: 11 – Prisoner: 677 – Status: requesting re-trial, please move execution time to tonight

Cell: 12 – Prisoner: 867 – Crimes: database error… please check back later…

Cell: 13 – Prisoner: 555 – Crimes: providing a false phone number – Punishment: quick death

Cell: 14 – Prisoner: 2076 – Crimes: follower of Da-Ming-O? – Punishment: detain for further questioning

Cell: 15 – Prisoner: 138 – Crimes: harboring cats – Punishment – flogging for one month, if still alive send to re-education

Cell: 16 – Prisoner: 976 – Status: time served, please confirm this is an error and re-sentence quickly

Cell: 17 – Prisoner: 248 – Crimes: Unknown – Punishment: continued questioning until crimes can be manufactured

Road to the Academy closed by order of the General.

Basic Training

Motor Pool

Advanced Training

Courtyard

Command Center

Com-Tower

Barracks

It’s a trap!

I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

I have a feeling bad things are coming.

Doom approaches.

Oops.

Not good.

I sense troubles ahead.

The unusable is now usable.

That turned something on.

Now it should work.

Good, now I can keep going.

Now what did that do?

What am I missing?

I’m sure that did something.

Wonder what that did?

Did that open something?

Ain’t gonna happen.

It will never work.

I’d better just move on.

There has to be a way to unlock this.

What am I doing wrong?

I’ve got to get this working.

I am the alpha and the omega!

I am death incarnate!

I’ll bury you in a lunchbox!

You fight like a cow!

Blah!

I forgot what I was going to say.

You can’t win!

You won’t survive!

You’re going down!

I am rubber, you are glue!

Oh Yah!

Ain’t gonna happen!

In your dreams!

You’ve got to be joking!

I’m shaking in my boots!

Is that all you got!?

Sticks and Stones!

What are you talking about?

Copy Cat!

How Original!

Hey! That’s my line!

You stole my line!

Now you’re not even trying!

You can do better than that!

Need food.

Dying here.

Can’t go on much longer.

The light at the end of the tunnel.

It can’t end like this.

Yum, yum, yum.

That hit the spot.

Better than hiding behind cover.

They almost had me there.

Just what the doctor ordered.

You can’t take me that easy.

M M M Monster Kill!

Look at them Fall!

I’m Unstoppable!

Ohhh… Yayyy!

Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!

Power Overwhelming!

You are no match for me!

Delicious, bring more!

And I was just getting warmed up!

I’m done here.

Where did they all go?

Is that all you’ve got?

More please.

Time for a break.

Just what I asked for!

They’re back!

Couldn’t stay away, could you?

The never-ending tide.

Come to join your friends?

Never a dull moment.

What was I doing again? Right I need a

Still need a

It ain’t just gonna open. I should find a

Nobody is coming to open it for me. I’d better find a

I heard you work for the oracle. Someday I hope to be recruited and help with the fight.

It’s hard and dangerous work, but we do need all the help we can get.

Thanks again for saving me. Without your help, the cult would have killed me for sure.

All in a days work. The life of an agent is not for everyone, but there are many ways you could help the oracle.

I might look into it someday, but for now I have to rest up and regroup.

MORN!

Oops, Sorry about that. I thought you were someone else.

Good, it looks like this is a place where nobody knows my name.

We’re sorry, you can’t enter. We have a dress code.

You’ve got to be joking! What do I need to get in?

Coat and tie for the gentlemen and taffeta for the ladies.

I’d love to take a look around, but you’ll never catch me dressed like that.

Your loss. Good day.

No place I’d want to go anyways.

There seems to be something wrong with this portal. It wants me to buy something. Something called ‘Bloc-Age: Da-Ming-O’s Inferno’. Yes! That means we’re getting an expansion!

Don’t you mean a DLC?

Great, now I’m talking to my other self. But all games seem to be Downloadable Content these days. And this is a retro-styled game, shouldn’t it use retro terms?

Okay, okay. Stay tuned for the action packed expansion coming soon (or already available).

Just remember to hang onto this save slot. Then you’ll be able to pickup right here and start playing the expansion as soon as you get it.

The End… For now.

The Cure.

The One.

New Hope.

Hail to the king

Knee deep in the dead.

The hunt begins.

language specific text for creating menus

Continue

New

Load

Exit

Jump

Edit

Setup

Input

Back

Next

Prev

Select Game to Load

Select New Game Slot

Overwrite Game

Select Your Path!

GO!

Training

Continue Game

Game Saved!

Keypoint!

Exit to Windows?

Local

World

Items

Log

Inventory

Log Book

Mouse Accel.

Sound Volume

Music Volume

Gore Level

Mouse Speed

Invert

Resolution

Color Depth

Display FPS

Throttle FPS

Fighter

Mage

Start New Game?

Start Training?

Choose Your Style!

Difficulty

Saves

Unlimited

Keypoints

Level Start

Easy

Medium

Hard

Ready!

Upgrade

Save Game

Load Game

Select New Game Slot

Yes

No

Are You Sure?

Your Life Has Ended!

Keypoint

Restart

End

Menu

Restart Level?

Load Keypoint?

End Current Game?

Quick

Save

Overwrite Quick Save?

Abandon

Abandon Current Quest?

Load Quick Save?

Last

Load Last Save?

Prepare Yourself!

Close

Final Rundown

Total

New Level Build. If problems arise use

[Restart] from the menu for a clean restart.

Restart Level Clean

It’s Locked!

It’s Locked! I Need A

Fast Travel

Clean Restart

Clean Restart?

Fast Travel?

Mouse Wheel Speed

Weapon Wheel

Use Hand Selection Key

Use Weapon Wheel Key

HUD Overlays

Music Overlay

Skip

Skip to Next Level?

Audio

Mouse

Gamepad

Display

Game

Movement

Interaction

Combat

Weapons

Advanced

Look Accel.

Look Speed

Flip Sticks

FOV

Brightness

Auto Weapon Select

Crosshair Size

Map Brightness

HUD Size

FIRE RIGHT

FIRE LEFT

SHIELD

JETPACK

FORWARD

BACK

LEFT

RIGHT

RUN

DUCK

JUMP

USE

SELECT RIGHT

SELECT LEFT

WEAPON SWAP

WEAPON

MAP

WEAPON WHEEL

Movement

Interaction

Combat

Weapons

Did you like the

movement key layout?

interaction key layout?

weapon key layout?

HAND TOGGLE

HEALTH

ARMOR

SHIELD

STAMINA

BREATH

FUEL

Retaliation

Health Absorb

Blocage! Window

To Attacker

Damage

Radius

Projectile

(On Blocage!)

Health

Shield

Stamina

Speed

Breath

Fuel

Ammo Cap.

Armor

Blast Radius

Fire Rate

Enter

Sealed

Proceed to

Return to

Radius

Throw

Area Effect

Loading

Initializing

Loading Audio: Music

Loading Audio: Sounds

Press Space Bar To Continue

Generating Game Grid

Self

Gems

Mouse Wheel

Use

Map

KEYS

Move

Zoom

Click

Impact

Fire

Ice

Lightning

Toxic

Elemental Fire

Elemental Water

Elemental Air

Elemental Earth

Spirit

,

: Move (forward, back, left and right)

: Run (hold to continue running)

Move Mouse: Look Around

: Game Menus (Local, World, Inventory, Log)

F1, F2, F3, F4: Quickly Access Game Menus

F5: Quick Save – F9: Quick Load

Escape: Main Menu

: Use

There are many things which are usable such as doors, switches and people. Your cursor will change to a box if the object can be used. You will need to ‘use’ the doors ahead to continue.

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

: Jump

There are times where you will need to ‘jump’ to finish levels. You will need to ‘jump’ the crates ahead to continue.

EMPTY

EMPTY

Elevators allow you to move to different parts of the level. At the end of the hall there is an elevator which you will have to ‘use’ to continue. If the elevator is at the top of the shaft and you are at the bottom, just ‘use’ the shaft to call the elevator to you.

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

: Duck (hold to continue ducking)

There will be short areas that will block your way. You will need to ‘duck’ and than ‘use’ the access doors ahead to continue. You will need to continue to hold ‘duck’ to stay ducked.

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

There are many other ways to navigate through levels, such as Jump Pads and Teleporters. You will NOT need to ‘use’ these object, just move over them to activate them. Move over the jump pad ahead to continue.

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

In addition to enemies, you will also face environmental hazards such as toxic sludge and lava. Just ‘jump’ over this river of sludge to continue.

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

: Fire Right Weapon

: Fire Left Weapon

Weapon are how you will be able to defeat enemies. Just move over a weapon to pick it up. You can have 2 weapons active at one time (one for each hand) and can attack with each seperately or both at the same time.

EMPTY – You can swap your currently equiped weapon between hands by pressing the ‘swap weapons’ key.

EMPTY – (For Currently Selected Hand)

EMPTY

EMPTY

: Select Weapon

: Select Hand (Left)

: Select Hand (Right)

: Swap Weapons (Left and Right)

Press a ‘select weapon’ key to equip that weapon. The ‘mouse wheel’ can be used to select weapons. Hold the ‘weapon wheel’ key to show the weapon wheel.

: Toggle Hand

: Weapon Wheel

EMPTY – Use a ‘select hand’ keys to select a hand. / to the currently selected hand

EMPTY – Press the ‘toggle hand’ key to toggle between hands. / a ‘select hand’ key OR

: Shield Block

The shield is a powerful tool. While blocking and facing your attacker the shield will take all damage. If you can time your block to stop a projectile right before it hits you a ‘BLOCAGE!’ effect will be produced (depending on what gems have been installed into the shield).

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

EMPTY

Exit Bloc-Age and return to Windows.

Load a previously started game.

Start a new game.

Continue the last game saved.

Modify keyboard and mouse inputs.

Modify sound, graphics and gameplay options.

Go back to the main menu.

Continue playing the old level build. If problem arise use Restart from the menu.

Skip to the next level. You will miss points, gems and story but will be able to continue the game.

Restart the level with the new level build

Select this game slot for your new game. Information in the slot will be overwriten.

Select this game slot to load it’s last saved game.

Restart the current level from the start.

End the current game and return to the main menu.

Reload the level from the last keypoint.

Reload the level from the last save (keypoint or quick).

Go back to the game menu.

Return to the action.

Save the current game to a specific save slot.

Reload a specific saved game slot.

Save the current game to the quick save slot.

Reload the game from the quick save slot.

Abandon the current side quest and return to the world map. You will be able to re-try the quest later.

Smoothes look movement, but may decrease aiming accuracy.

Flips control of the movement and looking between the left and right sticks.

Display the current music tracks title and artist in-game.

Adjust how much of the world is visible from the characters point of view.

Adjust how bright the game is (will take affect on the next level).

Display frame per second (FPS) in game.

Allow the computer to select which weapon is used in the left hand, freeing you to focus only on the right hand weapon.

Adjust the size of the in-game crosshair.

Adjust the brightness of the local maps unscouted area from black to tan.

Adjust how much blood and gore is generated in-game (green block is default).

Adjust the size of the in-game heads up display (HUD).

Display text information in-game showing what is what.

Click and then press a keyboard or mouse button to change the control-binding. Press escape to cancel.

Play as the Figher. Tough and fast, but lots of melee action may make the figter more difficult for new players.

Play as the Mage. Weak and slower, but lots of ranged action may make the mage easier for new players.

Start the main game with the selected character.

Start the training level with the selected character.

Select an item to upgrade.

Select this slot to view gems available to upgrade the selected item.

Gem assigned – Click to unassign

Gem available – Click to place gem into current slot.

Unlimited saves gives you the ability to save anywhere in the level (+0 point multiplier).

Keypoint saves will only save your game at special points in the level (+1 point multiplier).

Level Start saves will only save your game at the begining of the level (+2 point multiplier).

For those who are not sure what to expect. Slow and weak enemies and attacks (+1 point multiplier).

For those who are getting the hang of it. Normal enemies and attacks (+2 point multiplier).

For those who know the game inside and out. Fast and strong enemies and attacks (+3 point multiplier).

Upgrade your self, armor, shield and weapons.

Select number of saves and difficulty of enemies.

Are yoy ready? You will not be able to access this screen until the next level (or restart this level).

LOCKED!