Non-Warranty

This warranty is in place of all warranties, either expressed or implied. Commonwealth Software no longer warrants anything concerning this software which is provided "as is."

Notice

BRONZE DRAGON WAS COPYRIGHTED 1985 BY ADAM WEST AND DAN SCHNAKE, WHO ARE ALSO KNOWN AS "COMMONWEALTH SOFTWARE" Copying any of the Bronze Dragon programs was against the law, but it has now been placed into the public domain.

Ourselves

We're Adam West, Dan Schnake, and Dale King. People we owe thanks to include Ray West, Tim Young, Doug Rollison, Dan Graves, Mr. Robert Shaw, Tom Truden, David Hall, Gary Walker, our families, and everyone at the Game Preserve. Geez, this list sounds like an academy award acceptance speech....

Commonwealth Software no longer has an address, but we can be reached by email at adamw@iquest.net or KingD@rnd1.indy.tce.com

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Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• Overview
• Mechanics
• BD Expansion Stuff
• The Disks
• Disk One
• Bronze Side
• Dragon Side
• Disk Two
• Character Disk
• Module Side
• Disk Three
• Castle Disk
• For Those With Two Drives
• Beginning Play
• Main Menu
• How to Create a Character
• Name
• Race
• Class
• Alignment
• Dragon Village
• Dragon Village Menu
• Copying Modules
• Constructing Castles
• Gathering a Party
• Going on an Adventure
• The Screen
• Turns
• Areas
• Exits
• Monsters
• Traps
• The Controls
• Regular Commands
• Special Commands
• Range
• How to Fight
• How to Eat
• Saving a Game
• Mapping
• Solving Plots
• The Crossroads
• Skill Levels and Skill Points
• Glossary
• Appendices
1. The Plots
2. Monster Attacks
3. Martial Arts
4. Weapons
5. Armor
6. Equipment
7. Spells Explained
8. Skill Levels
9. Three Formulas
10. Multiple Attacks
• Tips

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Introduction

You've just entered another world. A world with fabulous riches, unbridled sorcery, and no end. Over 200 types of monsters are waiting for a chance to kill your characters in dozens of exotic ways. Even if the monsters don't get you, the traps lurking around every corner most certainly will.

You say you're a veteran of many types of role-playing games? You've seen it all? You'll find Bronze Dragon is an easy game to play, yet creates an infinite variety of situations. Even beginners can enjoy hours of adventuring without having the frustration of losing their characters every 5 minutes.

Overview

This manual is as short and simple as possible. If you find a term that you don't recognize, check the glossary. We strongly recommend that you read the entire manual at some time, although it isn't necessary to know everything about BD before beginning play. The information contained in the appendices will be a useful reference for a long time.

Mechanics

Every option in BD is represented by a number. Hit the number representing your choice, then hit the RETURN key. In some places, such as the provisioner's in Dragon Village, the SPACE bar will access another menu. If any other keys are needed, the screen will show them.

To abort most things, hit the RETURN key by itself (without typing a number first). While out on an adventure, the ESCAPE key will abort most commands.

BD Expansion Stuff

• The Dragon's Tale: The Bronze Dragon newsletter was a free newsletter sent when you sent in your warranty card. It had contests, info on new stuff, articles, etc.
• Seekers of the Storm solution: Are you stuck on the first module? If you want a hint or three check out the Seekers of the Storm solution manual for complete maps and solution.
• Dragon Side II (The Twisted Speare): Available now. Contains 10 new plots and a pub that sets new standards for intrigue and complexity along with new types of characters and a new dungeon maker.
• The Burning Storm: The second part of the Seekers of the Storm series. Enthralling. Stupendous. Alas, it was never finished.

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The Disks

Bronze Dragon consists of two disks that we provide and one that you must provide. Whenever you're prompted to insert a new disk, do so and press RETURN. To abort a procedure, press the SPACE bar at the disk prompt.

Disk One

• Bronze Side - The Main Menu and Dragon Village are on this side. You must boot the Bronze Side to begin play.
• Dragon Side - This side contains the monsters, the plots, and generates the castles.

Disk Two

• Character Disk - This side contains up to 40 of your characters.
• Module Side - Our first module, Seekers of the Storm, is contained in its magnificent entirety on this side. The monsters and the dastardly plot are already there, waiting for you. You must copy the module onto the Castle Disk before you can explore it. See "Copying a Module"

Disk Three

• Castle Disk - Use one of your blank disks for this. You'll copy the module and castles onto it. Instructions on how to copy castles and modules are under "Constructing Castles" and "Copying a Module"

For Those With Two Drives

BD can be configured for two drives quite easily. Instead of switching disks and pressing RETURN when the program prompts you, just put the required disk in drive two and press "2".

From then on, the program will know to access drive two for that disk. The Character Disk should be put in drive two when you're in Dragon Village. The Castle Disk should be put in drive two when you're copying a module or creating a castle.

Beginning Play

Boot the Bronze Side to begin playing Bronze Dragon. The first screen you'll see after the BD logo clears is the Main Menu. The choices on that menu are summarized below, then explained in detail later.

Main Menu

1. Create a CHARACTER: You can actually make a flesh and blood being! You can determine the name, race, class and alignment of each character.
2. Enter DRAGON VILLAGE: Dragon Village is a mystical town where characters resupply themselves. They can buy or sell goods, learn spells or Martial Arts, mingle in the Boar's Head Pub, pay for healing, consult the Wizard, raise the dead, or exchange money in the Bank.
3. Copy a MODULE: Seekers of the Storm cannot be played on the original disk. This will copy it onto your Castle Disk.
4. Construct a CASTLE: BD can generate castles of immense complexity, full of wonderful surprises. You can choose the size, difficulty and story.
5. Gather a PARTY: This assigns a group of characters to an adventure. Up to 5 characters must be gathered before they can go on an adventure.
6. Go on an ADVENTURE: Once you've equipped and gathered your party, it's time for the thrill of adventure. This takes your party into a castle or module.
7. Go to the CROSSROADS: After the adventure is over, your group of characters may travel to the Kingdom of King Leopold or the Pit of Lord Usul to gain skill points and skill levels.
8. Use Character UTILITIES: There are two options here. You can either check a character's status or delete a character. The status listing here is the most complete - you may even print characters out on hardcopy if you have a printer card in slot one. Also, this is the only place you can check a dead character's status.

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How to Create a Character

Before going on an adventure, you must create at least one character. It is best to create a full party of 5 characters with a variety of classes and races. Up to 40 characters may be created and stored on the Character Disk.

You may specify the name, race, class, and alignment of each character. Each character starts with 75 bronze pieces and five ability scores. These are a function of race and class. See ability scores in the glossary for details.

Name: Up to 16 letters. Enter "R" to see the roster.

Race: This determines the basic abilities and characteristics of each character.

• Humans are an odd race, one that isn't very well liked by more advanced beings. They stand about 6 feet in height and seem to regard this mutation as an advantage somehow. Special Command: Humans can approximate the value of any object.
• Elves are the fairest of all races and never hesitate to point this out to others. "Arrogance" and "Vanity" are currently the two most popular elven children's names. Special Command: Elves can detect evil in characters or monsters.
• Dwarves are generally sullen and ill-tempered. Many scholars attribute this to their incredible ugliness. In fact, most female dwarves possess beards, which is why so many males go on adventures. Special Command: Dwarves are always aware of their position above or below ground.
• Halflings are short. Reeeaaally short. They even look up to Dwarves. To be fair, they're humble about their deeds of valor. Well, they would be if they had any valor. Special Command: Halflings hurl weapons with startling accuracy. However, Halfling Knights (a strange combination) lose their hurling ability in favor of swordplay. It is replaced with Detect Evil. Check Appendix 6 to see which weapons may be hurled.

Class: This is the profession of a character. Each class is beneficial to a party and has at least two special commands.

• Knights are fightin' strong, blood 'n guts, here's mud in yer eye type characters. They can wear any armor and use any weapon. Special Commands: Swordplay and Rage.
• Assassins are shifty, underhanded, and incredibly dangerous. They can use almost as much armor and weaponry as Knights. Special Commands: Assassinate and Sneak.
• Ninjas are mysterious masters of the oriental fighting arts. They can wear very little armor, but may wield most weapons. Special Commands: Martial Arts, Imitate Dead, and Leap.
• Elders are spell-casters especially adept at healing and conjuring. They can wear average armor and use few weapons. Special Commands: Sorcery, Destroy, and Innate Heal.
• Wizards are spell-casters who can dish out massive amounts of damage or alter reality at whim. They use almost no armor or weapons. Special Commands: Sorcery, Cast Energy.

Alignment: Ah, "the shadow of one's soul." It can be virtuous, lawful, chaotic, or vile. Good characters are virtuous or lawful. Evil ones are chaotic or vile. Good characters will go to King Leopold to gain skill levels, while evil ones must meet with Lord Usul. See "The Crossroads."

During an adventure, a character's alignment will change according to the player's actions. Striking good monsters makes one vile. Attacking evil monsters makes one a little more virtuous. The trip down is much faster than up. If you're not sure about the alignment of a monster, have an elf detect evil.

It is worth mentioning that characters can change their alignments by attacking themselves! If a good character attacks himself, he'll become evil. By the same token, an evil character will become a little less evil by attacking himself. Sure, it's a radical way of doing things, but BD inspires such lunacy.

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Dragon Village

After creating a party of characters, they need to prepare themselves for the rigors of adventuring. To enter Dragon Village, enter the character's name at the prompt (Hit "R" for the roster).

Dragon Village Menu:

1. Purchase Equipment: The provisioner brings out objects in 4 groups: weapons, armor, equipment, and magic items. To purchase an object, enter the number of the object. SPACE bar brings the next group up. RETURN brings back the Dragon Village Menu. Appendices 4, 5, and 6 have details.
2. Haggle with Merchants: Want to sell something? Johan, Bernard and Herbert will buy anything except cursed objects. First, pick a merchant. To sell an object, enter the number of the object. They haggle, so don't accept their first offer or you'll be ripped off. To cut short a bargaining session, press 1Return 2 instead of making a counter-offer.
3. Learn Spells: Elders and Wizards must learn a spell before they can cast it. The number of spells a Wizard or Elder may learn is limited by their spell points. A level 2 spell requires 2 spell points, a level 6 spell requires 6 spell points, etc. To learn a spell, enter the number of the spell. To forget a spell and regain the spell points, press "F" and enter the number of the spell. For characters above 2nd level, SPACE bar will access the next available spell level. Elders can learn up to 6 spells; Wizards can learn 7. See Appendix 7.
4. Learn Martial Arts: Ninjas can learn Martial Arts if they have enough money for training. To learn a certain move, just enter its number. A Ninja can learn a maximum of 6 moves. As Ninjas gain access to more Martial Arts, they can replace old moves with more powerful ones. SPACE bar accesses new Martial Arts for higher level Ninjas. See Appendix 3 and Ninja Special Commands.
5. Mingle in the Pub: You'll probably need help to solve the plots, and who better to turn to than the drunkards of Boarshead Pub? Some ask for money, some don't. Some tell the truth, some don't. Nobody said an adventurer's life would be easy.
6. Visit Healers: The Healers can cure anybody of anything except death (for death, see option 8). If you pay less than the amount asked for, they won't work quite so hard. Paying 25 BP will cure illusion, berserk, poison, etc.
7. Consult Wizard: The Tower Wizard loves to examine rare and wonderful goodies. Ask him about any object which seems magical or unusual. For no charge, he will tell you all he can. The Wizard can also uncurse objects, but he charges a fee for this service.
8. Resurrect a Character: Aw... did a monster snuff one of your characters? Well, who said death was permanent? The Tower Wizard can resurrect any character whose constitution is above 3. If you give him the recommended fee, he has a 50-50 chance. Giving more or less money will adjust the chances accordingly. Characters lose 3 points of constitution if the process is successful.
9. Look at Status: This shows the current status of the character in Dragon Village.
10. Visit the Bank: First Federal Dragon is the world's only socialistic bank. Characters may leave bronze pieces here for other characters to pick up. Alas, an ancient enchantment on the vault prevents characters with no skill points from entering the bank. WARNING: When you turn your computer off, the merchants will snaffle up any leftover change in the bank (capitalistic greed, that's what it is)! It's a good idea to have a character remove the money before going on an adventure.

"S" will save your character in Dragon Village. "B" will bring a new character in. Return by itself will return you to the Main Menu.

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Copying Modules

Copying a module should take about 2 minutes. After you've done so, you're ready to go adventuring.

The first module, Seekers of the Storm, is a complex adventure of tremendous scope. If you find it too difficult, try solving a castle or two to make your characters more powerful. If you get stuck in the module, just send for the hints (see page 1).

WARNING #1: As you've probably guessed, copying a module onto another disk destroys the data on that disk. Our monsters can eat your spreadsheets, so use a blank disk and the labels we provide.

WARNING #2: After your characters have cleaned out a castle, you can copy a new castle onto your Castle Disk. But before you do, make sure the characters have returned to Dragon Village. You can check this under Character Utilities on the Main Menu. If any characters are "away," do not overwrite the castle they are on.

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Constructing Castles

Important: The two warnings under Copying a Module (page 7) also apply to Creating a Castle.

BD can generate adventure settings (castles) for each of its 12 plots. You can customize these castles to your liking. A few limitations apply: a castle must have 10-100 rooms. For a castle to contain an entire plot, it should have over 50 rooms. If the castle does not contain the entire plot, there will be a message telling you so.

Some inputs are limited by others. For example, if you choose 25 rooms per level, you cannot have over 3 levels below ground.

1. Rooms Per Level: (10-30) This is the number of areas on each level of the castle. "Areas" include hallways, chambers, etc.
2. Levels Below Ground: (0-10) The number of floors below ground level.
3. Levels Above Ground: (1-10) The number of levels above ground. Level 1 is where you enter.
4. Starting Monster Level: (1-10) High level monsters are nastier than low level ones. On your first adventure, choose 1. Some plots have a minimum starting monster level.
5. Difficulty: (1-10) The higher the difficulty, the more monsters, traps, and treasure the castle contains. On your first adventure, choose 3 or less.
6. Plot Number: (1-12) Refer to Appendix 1 to choose the appropriate plot. Do not choose a sequel unless you've successfully completed the preceding plot.

Your castle will be built from the bottom up. When the word "making" is in the upper left corner, the map is created. When "filling" is there, rooms are being jam packed with monsters, traps, and treasure. A 60 room castle takes about 15 minutes to generate.

We recommend that you construct a castle with 17-20 rooms per level, 0 levels below ground and 3 levels above ground.

An appropriate monster level is half the skill level of the most powerful character in your party (5th level characters should fight 2nd or 3rd level monsters).

Difficulty is a matter of preference, but difficulty 1 gives little treasure while difficulty 10 gives many mean monsters. Also, castles are always more difficult the farther above or below ground level.

The higher numbered plots are more complex, but offer greater rewards.

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Gathering a Party

If you have created and equipped up to 5 characters, and either Copied a Module or Created a Castle, you are ready to gather your party.

Characters are gathered by entering the numbers next to their names. "R" will remove a character from the party and place him on the list of available characters. However, if you remove a character who is on an adventure, that character will be lost if you save the party. The only way to recover a lost character is resurrection in Dragon Village.

When the last character has joined, hit Return. Each is now listed as "away" under Character Utilities. Your party is now ready to Go on an Adventure. You will not have to regather your party again until you enter a new castle or module.

IMPORTANT: To abort Gather a Party, remove everyone from the party and hit Return. Everything is as before.

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Go on an Adventure

The Screen

During play, there is a four line menu window at the top of the screen that contains a lot of information. The top line shows which character and which menu are up. The numbers represent the commands which are highlighted on the right. The bottom line shows the character's current hit points, armor rank, and endurance.

 SIR LANCELITTLE %[REGULAR COMMANDS]%%%%

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

 1 2 3 4 5 SEARCH

 6 7 8 9 0 %(HP 100)%%(AR 4)%%%(END 12)%

Don't be put off by the complicated looks of this window. Before long, you'll be able to access any command with only a few keystrokes.

The arrow keys (or number keys) will move from number to number in the menu window. Return will then do what is shown in the window. For example, hitting Return while on number 4 will Look. Some commands will access a sub-menu such as Search, Use and Inventory. Other commands ask for more information. For example, Fight asks whom you wish to attack, Leave needs to know which exit, etc.

Space bar is used to access other menus or offer further choices. For example, while on Regular Commands, it will access Special Commands and vice versa. Commands affecting creatures will usually show monsters on one menu and characters on another. Space bar will switch between the two.

Turns

Bronze Dragon is a game of individuals. Each character has an opportunity to decide on a course of action. This is called a turn. After every party member has completed a turn, the first character in the party begins a new turn.

During each turn, a character chooses a command which is immediately executed. Some commands do not take a turn, such as New in Hand, Sneak and Detect Evil. The commands are explained on the following pages.

Areas

Castles and modules consist of many areas. An area can be a room, hallway, courtyard, narrow path, section of woods, etc. Each has a description and at least one exit. An area can be filled with objects, monsters, and traps.

An adventure always begins "outside." This is the only area from which your party can return to Dragon Village and is always free from monsters.

Exits

An exit is a door, path or archway which leads to another area. To move from area to area, a character Leaves through an exit. This is not to be confused with Advance and Retreat which allow movement within an area. See "Range."

Some exits may be hidden, but can be found by Searching for Secret Doors. Some exits may be blocked by a group of monsters.

Monsters

Any creature that is not a character is a monster. Monsters attack in a variety of ways and can be found anywhere. Some monsters may be good. These you should bribe with objects or bronze pieces rather than kill. Like characters, monsters take turns and may have multiple attacks.

Wandering monsters are monsters that roam from area to area. Each castle or module has a unique wandering monster related to the story. In some plots, it may be possible to eliminate all of the wandering monsters.

Traps

Castles and modules often contain traps. Picture a sliding panel springing open, spraying toxic gas all over your favorite Knight. Not a pretty sight. Traps are usually triggered by attempting to take an object, but other blunders sometimes set them off. Traps are often avoided by searching for them.

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The Controls

The number, arrow, and letter keys all perform the same function, highlighting commands. Choose the method of input which suits you best.

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The Regular Commands

The following commands are available to any character. The numbers correspond to those in the menu window.

1. Rest: The pause that refreshes and regains endurance.
2. Fight: Fighting is attempting to hit a monster or character with a weapon. You must be in the proper range to have a chance at success. High level characters will have multiple attacks. See "How to Fight" and "Range."
3. Search: There are 4 ways to search.
1. Search for Objects: You can pick up an object with this command. It is also used to read a scroll, flip a switch or just fiddle with an object on the ground. You cannot do this in the dark.
2. Search Creature: This allows you to take an object from a dead character or monster.
3. Search for Secret Doors: You can attempt to locate a secret door with this command. You will not find any in the dark. Repeated searches and high intelligence will help.
4. Search for Traps: Paranoid? You may check for traps, but the search itself may set one off. Again, several attempts and intelligent characters will help.
4. Look: If there's enough light, this will show the dimensions, a description, all visible door locations, an object, and any monsters in the area. This is automatically done when you enter a room, unless description is turned off.
5. Diversion: This gives every character in the area a +1 on their next to hit roll. It also allows low-level Assassins to assassinate. IMPORTANT: The diverter draws attention from monsters.
6. Advance: Advance is moving within an area toward a certain character or monster. It's usually used to get in the proper range for combat. See "Range."
7. Retreat: The opposite of advance, retreat is often used when a short range weapon isn't available. See "Range."
8. Use Object: There are 5 ways to use an object.
1. Unlock Item: This command is used to try to unlock an object on the floor such as a chest or coffer with the object in hand (thieve's tools work best). This command won't unlock doors.
2. Use on Creature: Using the object in hand on a monster or character is done with this command. Food, elixir, and many magic items are used this way. While food and elixir are beneficial, most characters don't appreciate a "Rod of Death" being used on them.
3. Examine Object: You can look closely at any object you're carrying by examining it. It is a good idea to check out anything suspicious, confusing or interesting.
4. Use on your Possessions: This is using the object in hand on another object. You can connect two rods together, put poison on a dagger and complete many plots and modules with this command.
5. Use in Room: This is using the object in hand in a way other than on a creature or your possessions. Unlocking doors with keys, waving wands, tying ropes to windows and all sorts of magical feats are covered here.
9. Inventory: There are 5 commands under Inventory.
1. New in Hand: This puts an object you're carrying in hand so you can use it or fight with it. Putting a candle or lantern in hand will immediately light up the area. New in Hand does not take a turn.
2. Status: Here's where you can see a detailed status of the character. It does not take a turn.
3. Get Rid Of: This is used to erase the object of your choice. This does not affect the object in hand, unless you choose it for disposal. Get Rid of does not take a turn. Warning: Get Rid Of works as advertised. It's permanent, so be careful.
4. Give Object: Give Object transfers an object from one character to another character or monster. It often bribes non-vile creatures into leaving peacefully.
5. Give Money: This works like Give Object, except bronze pieces are exchanged.
10. Leave: After conquering one piece of turf, it's time to move on to another. This command will take your party to the next frontier. Characters travel in a pack unless you turn group move off. Exits appear at numbers 1-4. If you're outside a castle, "Return to Dragon Village" will be at 5.

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Special Commands

Hitting the SPACE bar on the Regular Commands menu will bring up a second menu, the Special Commands. These commands are different for each character, depending on one's class and race.

Knights have two special commands:

• Swordplay: This adds +1 to hit for every two skill levels and maximizes the sword's damage. This command only works when a sword is in hand and only allows one attack per turn. See Appendix 4 for a list of swords.
• Rage: This doubles the number of attacks in one round, but reduces endurance to 0.

Assassins have two special commands:

• Assassinate: This instantly kills most monsters or characters if the Assassin hits. However, a dagger or garrote must be in hand and until the Assassin reaches 10th level, the area must be dark or someone must divert.
• Sneak: This works like the regular command Advance, but it does not take your turn. Assassins sneak better at higher skill levels.

Ninjas have three special commands:

• Martial Arts: There are 10 disciplines of Martial Arts. Each discipline has 3 moves: Attack, Strike, and Defense. A Ninja can learn up to 6 moves. See Appendix 3 for details on disciplines.
• Attacks: An Attack is a special method of fighting creatures in short range. It will do double the maximum damage if the creature is affected by that discipline. Example: A Yeti Attack will do 1-10 damage against most monsters, but against monsters with a freeze attack it does 20 damage.
• Strikes: Unlike Attacks, a Strike only affects monsters under that discipline and may affect more than one monster simultaneously. The actual effect depends on the discipline (Yeti Strike freezes for 2 turns). Example: Tiger Strike, which only affects monsters that claw or bite, is useless against ghosts, but can severely cripple tigers or goblins.
• Defenses: Defenses improve your armor rank and make you immune to attacks under that discipline. The effects are cumulative. Example: Having both Bear Defense (-1) and Eagle Defense (-2) would lower your armor rank by three and make you immune to encircle and drain level attacks.
• Leap: This works like the regular command Advance, but doesn't take your turn. Ninjas must leap toward a creature, but only a martial arts Attack or Strike is allowed following the leap. First level Ninjas have a 25% chance of leaping with bonuses for agility and skill level.
• Imitate Dead: Imitate Dead regains hit points; cures illusion, berserk, and poison; and prevents creatures from attacking the Ninja for 3-6 turns. Attempting to enter this trance-like state is a risky maneuver. If unsuccessful, the Ninja will suffer damage.

Elders have 3 special commands:

• Sorcery: Sorcery is the act of casting a spell. Spells work at any range. Each spell has a certain number of charges or times it may be used. If the charges are used up, the spell is gone and the caster regains the spell points used to learn the spell. See Appendix 7 for all the details.
• Destroy: Undead creatures less powerful than the Elder using this will be turned to dust. Undead creatures are those who have lived and died, yet still walk the earth. Typical undead include ghosts, demons, zombies, lethal deadlies, etc. Alas, characters gain no skill points for disposing of monsters in this way.
• Innate Heal: This will heal characters whose hit points now have fallen below half their hit points max, but will also lower their hit points max. Example: Sir Lancelittle, a Knight, begins an adventure with 100 hit points now and 100 hit points max. His hit points now were reduced to 40 by a group of tempermental fire beetles. Guinevere, an Elder, uses Innate Heal on Sir Lancelittle, which puts both his hit points now and hit points max at 90.
  
  Sir Lancelittle's hit points aren't permanently lowered. The Healers will restore them for a price and King Leopold will do it for the return of an unusual plot object.

Wizards have 2 special commands:

• Sorcery: See Sorcery under the Elder's special commands.
• Cast Energy: This is a special method of fighting which works at any range. The damage is 10 times the Wizard's level with a +1 to hit for every 2 skill levels, but reduces endurance to 0.

Humans have one special command:

Jeweler: With this command, a character can approximate the value of any object. Such knowledge comes in handy when bargaining with the merchants. Jeweler does not take a turn.

Elves have one special command:

Detect Evil: This enables a character to discern the actual alignment of a creature - whether evil or not evil. It does not take a turn.

Dwarves have one special command:

Know Level: This allows a character to determine the level he is on. "Level 1" is the ground level. This does not take a turn.

Halflings have one special command except for Halfing Knights who lose their hurling ability in favor of swordplay:

Hurling: This adds a +1 to hit for every two skill levels and maximizes the damage of the weapon. This command only works when the proper weapon is in hand and only allows one attack per turn. (See Appendix 4).

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Range

There are three ranges in Bronze Dragon: short (SR), medium (MR) and long (LR). Characters must be in the proper range to fight which depends on the weapon used (See Appendix 4). You can move into proper range with the Advance, Retreat, Sneak or Leap command. Example: Sir Lancelittle wants to stab a giant rat, but finds he is in long range. This leaves him with two choices. He may advance toward the helpless rodent or put a long range weapon in hand.

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How to Fight

Before you fight, you should put a weapon in hand. This is done with the New in Hand command.

The next step is choosing the proper fight command (Fight, Swordplay, Hurling, Assassinate, etc.) and a victim. The Space bar will switch between monsters and characters. The Escape key aborts a fight command.

After selecting a victim, the screen will display the number needed to hit. Below this is a flickering number ranging from 1-20. To stop the number, press any key. Bonuses to hit will then be added to your roll. If the resulting number is equal to or greater than the number needed, you hit! If you roll twice the number needed to hit, you usually do double damage.

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How to Eat

After 160 turns without food, your party will begin to complain of being famished. Characters are fed one at a time. To feed a character, you should put some food in hand with the New in Hand command. The next step is selecting the Use on Creature command and a character who needs to be fed. You can monitor turns without food with the Status command or Control-X.

Important: If you do not feed a character within 200 turns, he will drop unconscious. Unconsciousness can only be cured by a spell or elixir.

Elixir will also feed a character as well as cure illusion, berserk, freeze, etc. Food purchased in Dragon Village will have more than one meal. Example: Merchant's Meal has 15 meals which can feed a party of 5 three times.

There are several different types of food that can be found on an adventure. Poison and spoiled food will severely weaken a character, while magic food will enhance armor rank or hit points. The Tower Wizard will be able to tell which is beneficial and which is harmful.

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Saving a Game

Since it takes hours to complete an adventure, you will probably wish to save the game. You can save the game in progress at any area in the castle or module; you do not have to go back to Dragon Village. Simply press Control-Q during the first character's turn. After the game is saved, you can continue play by entering "Y." Entering "N" will take you back to the Main Menu, but your characters will remain on the adventure.

You may also save the game by having your party return to Dragon Village for supplies, healing, etc. The party will remain gathered.

If a character dies, do not leave him alone and save the game. Hungry monsters will come in, find the body, and... Well, we shan't go into the grisly aspects of adventuring here. If a character has a Raise Dead spell, cast it. If not, the Tower Wizard can recover dead characters (even gobbled ones). See Appendix 7, Raise Dead spells.

To restart the game later, boot the Bronze Side and select Go on an Adventure. You'll be back exactly where you left off.

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Mapping

You'll need graph paper and a pencil. In a castle, each level will have exactly the number of rooms you specified. Also, each level's dimensions are based off the number of rooms it has. Example: If you made 15 rooms per level, the level would be 150x150 beters (15 blocks high and 15 blocks wide).

The dimensions of each room will be displayed in the menu window. A 30 NS 50 EW room would be 3 blocks high and 5 wide. Door locations are indicated by the number in brackets - you must count over that number of blocks from the north or west wall.

Count 3 blocks from the left along the north wall and mark the 1st door. Count 1 block down from the top along the east wall for the 2nd door. The staircase would be denoted with (D) for down. The room should look like the map on the right:

The room should look like the map on the left:

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Mazes

Mazes are confusing places; the exits are right, left, forward, and backward instead of "wooden door" or "beaded tapestry." A description might read: You're in a misty, disorienting section of the marsh.

Even mazes are mappable. One maze area has three sections: the entrance, the center, and the far side. Each section has the four directions: right, left, forward, and backward. The party starts at the entrance, but each character moves individually until someone finds a way out.

Example 4: The party has just entered a twisty, disorienting maze.

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Solving Plots

A plot is a series of puzzles connected to a specific story. Several objects are needed to solve a plot. These are called plot objects. Most plots lead to the recovery of an unusual object which is worth several thousand skill points if returned to King Leopold or Lord Usul. If the final object is needed to begin a sequel plot, they will not take it, but will award skill points for some other plot object. See Appendix 1 for a listing of plots and final objects.

The four steps to solving a plot are:

1. Study the Legends: To discover what to look for and how to recover it, you should visit the pub before setting off on an adventure. Pay attention to what's going on, who says what and write down anything that seems important. After visiting the pub several times, you'll know exactly who to listen to and who not to. At the beginning of an adventure, more legends will be told in the opening story. Again, write down important information.
2. Find the Objects: You'll encounter hundreds of objects while adventuring; some will be plot objects. Inaccessible objects are almost always plot objects. Examining objects and asking the Tower Wizard will also help in determining if an object is a plot object. Examples: Twine, rags, and broken dishes are garbage. Pots of glue and crimson rods are probably important. A golden helm affixed to a statue is almost certain to be a plot object.
3. Use the Objects: To solve a plot, you will need to use plot objects. If something is inaccessible, think about what you might use to recover it. Example: You find a glowing iron crown. Sure sounds important, but it's too hot to touch. Maybe that bucket of ice water will work! (Use in Room)
   
   You may even have to assemble certain objects yourself. Example: You find an axe handle. You already have an axe blade. If you use the blade on the handle or vice versa, you'll get an axe of giant slaying! (Use on Possessions)

1. Take It Back: After obtaining the final object, you can take it back to King Leopold or Lord Usul at the Crossroads. The two rulers treat characters differently and reward different amounts of skill points to characters. It is generally a good idea to take back all plot objects, just in case. Some plot objects are valuable magic items and can be sold in Dragon Village or kept for another adventure.

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The Crossroads

After you've completed a plot, your characters should go to the Crossroads. Good characters should visit King Leopold, while evil characters should go to Lord Usul. Characters are rewarded with skill points and bonuses to ability scores for the return of unusual plot objects.

King Leopold's Bronze Castle

King Leopold is a benevolent ruler, a champion of truth and justice everywhere. He is an extremely pleasant man to deal with, although the same cannot be said for his wife, Queen Putrid. He'll look over a character's possessions in hopes of finding unusual plot objects which he'll naturally want for himself. He desires the final plot object most of all. In return, King Leopold will grant each character in the party skill points and, if anyone has enough skill points, skill levels. If he's in a good mood, the King may even grant bonuses to the ability scores of favored characters. Incidentally, Leopold also heals party members after they give him an unusual plot object.

Lord Usul's Demonic Fortress

Lord Usul is the evil counterpart to King Leopold. If a character brings anything to Lord Usul that interests him, he'll just take it - no arguments allowed. He may give more skill points than Leopold, but he's been known to take skill points away if he's in a really foul mood. Unsubstantiated rumors have it that Usul becomes very friendly to high level servants, giving many bonuses to ability scores. Lord Usul does not heal characters.

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Skill Levels and Skill Points

A skill level is a measure of a character's ability in fighting, spell casting, etc. All characters begin at 1st skill level. Skill points are a measure of how experienced a character is and are gained through slaying monsters and recovering plot objects. Having the correct number of skill points does not instantly result in increasing a character's skill level. Skill levels are awarded by King Leopold or Lord Usul. They can also be gained upon entering Dragon Village at a skill point base of 2,700. See Appendix 8.

Example: Sir Lancelittle, a 3rd level human Knight with 7,500 skill points, brings the wonderous Lore Stone of Acalon to King Leopold. Leopold rewards him with 5,700 skill points (for a total of 13,200) and increases his skill level to 4th. The King also grants an additional strength point and increases Lancelittle's hit points now and hit points max to 180.

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The Glossary

Ability Scores - Ability scores are numbers which represent how strong, smart, agile and hardy an individual character is. An average ability score is 10. High ability scores will add bonuses in fighting, searching, spell points, etc. Low scores can penalize a character. Each character has five ability scores: Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Constitution and Endurance.

Adventure - Any castle or module in which characters find monsters, treasure and surprises.

Agility - Agility is an ability score measuring how quick and nimble a character is. Special traits such as Leap and Sneak are affected by agility. High agility can give bonuses to hit and added protection from attacks.

Armor - Objects which protect characters from damage are called armor. Any armor carried is automatically worn. Armor is classified by types such as body, shield, boot, belt, etc. Characters can wear more than one piece of armor, but no more than one of each type. Not all armor may be worn by all character classes. See Appendix 5.

Armor Rank - Armor rank or AR is a measure of how vulnerable a creature is to physical attacks. Low numbers are better than high ones. A creature with no armor has an armor rank of 10, which means an unlucky dart-throwing blind man could strike him at 500 beters.

Attack - This is a special method of fighting without weapons. It is short range and available only to Ninjas. See "Martial Arts" (page 14). Attack also refers to the method a creature uses to damage another creature.

Base Hit Points - A number of hit points from which hit points are calculated. Base hit points are determined by race and class.

Base Skill Points - A number of skill points from which skill levels are determined. See Appendix 8.

Berserk - An insane state in which a character lashes out at fellow party members in an unthinking rage. The effects will eventually subside or can be cured with spells or elixir.

Beter - The standard unit of length in Bronze Dragon. It's the length between the tip of King Leopold's nose and his outstretched hand (approximately 2.92 feet).

Bilo - The standard unit of weight in Bronze Dragon. It's the weight of one bronze coin (approximately 1.55 ounces).

Bronze Pieces - Otherwise known as BP or bronpies, bronze pieces are the standard unit of money in Bronze Dragon. Fifty-five BP is a good day's wage. Castle - Castle is a general term used for a place to adventure. Every castle is filled with monsters and treasures.

Character - The role played by an individual is called a character. Up to five characters may adventure together in a castle or module.

Charges - This number measures the amount of times a spell can be cast or an object can be used. When all charges are gone, a spell will be forgotten and an object will lose its power or disappear completely.

Class - This is the profession of a character. There are currently five classes: Knight, Assassin, Ninja, Elder and Wizard.

Constitution - This is an ability score measuring the hardiness of a character. Constitution determines maximum endurance and how quickly endurance is regained by resting. Three points of constitution are taken away if a character is resurrected in Dragon Village.

Creature - This generally refers to a monster or character.

Cursed Object - This is any object which cannot be dropped, given away or sold. The Tower Wizard or the remove curse spell can remove a curse from any object.

Damage - Anytime hit points are taken away from a creature, damage has occurred. Damage also refers to the present condition of an object such as a lantern after it has been used to hit a troll.

Death - This is the condition of a creature when they lose all their hit points or skill levels. A dead creature will no longer have a turn.

Defense - A Defense improves a character's armor rank and gives immunity to certain monster attacks. See "Martial Arts" (page 14).

Difficulty - Difficulty is a measure of how tough a castle is. High difficulty also means greater treasure.

Discipline - A level of martial arts which affects a certain type of monster attack. There are 3 moves in each of the 10 disciplines.

Double Damage - This means twice normal damage.

Elixir - A special substance which is used to feed and cure a character of berserk, illusion, freeze, etc.

Endurance - This is the ability score which measures how tired a character is. Fighting and Sorcery lower endurance and Resting will regain endurance. If a character fights or casts a spell while at zero endurance, he will suffer damage. Maximum endurance is the average of a character's strength and constitution.

Familiar - This is a conjured or created creature that defends and fights for the spell caster.

Fight - A command used to damage a creature.

Food - Any object which is edible is food. Food can be poisonous, spoiled, magical, or typical.

Frozen - A state of immobility in which a creature cannot do anything. This will eventually wear off or can be cured by elixir.

Group Move - This is a command which determines if a party moves together or separately.

Haggling - The merchants in Dragon Village will bargain for your treasures. You will ask for a high price, they will offer a low price. This process is called haggling.

Heal - Raising hit points is called healing.

Hit Points - A measure of how much life a creature has. When a creature is damaged, hit points are lost. When hit points fall below 1, the creature is dead.

Hit Points Max - Hit points max is the maximum number of hit points a character should have at their present skill level. Hit points max is lowered when an Elder uses Innate Heal on a character.

Hit Points Now - This is the number of hit points a character currently has.

Illusion - A confused state in which a character flops on the floor, smashes objects, goes beserk, etc. The effects will eventually wear off or can be cured by elixir.

Intelligence - This is the ability score which measures how smart a character is. High intelligence helps in detecting secret doors and detecting traps. Intelligence also determines the number of spell points a character has and the chance for spell failure.

Level - This is the term used for the floor of a castle. Level 1 is ground level, -1 is one level below ground, etc.

Light - Light affects how well a character can see in an area. Objects, secret doors, and creatures not in short range are impossible to see in the dark.

Magic Item - An item with a special power is a magic item. Magic items usually have a limited number of charges and can be used a number of different ways.

Martial Arts - These are special forms of open hand combat and defense available to Ninjas. There a 10 disciplines and 3 moves per discipline.

Maze - An area with exits leading left, right, forward and backward. Mazes are always found at the bottom of castles and are normally very difficult to map.

Menu Window - This is the four line information box at the top of the screen which is used to select commands while a party is on an adventure. The top line shows which character and menu are currently up.

Module - This is a complete adventure designed by Commonwealth Software. It contains new monsters and magic items, several puzzles, and an immensely entertaining story.

Monster Level - This indicates how mean and nasty a monster is. There are currently 10 levels of monsters. Level 1 monsters are geared toward low level characters; Level 10 is geared toward level 20 characters.

Monster - Any creature which is not a character is a monster. They can be good or evil.

Move - There are 3 types of moves in each martial arts discipline: attack, strike and defense. A Ninja can know up to 6 moves at one time.

Multiple Attacks - High level creatures can attack more than one time per turn. See Appendix 2 and 10.

Object - Any item or thing which can be taken or purchased by a character is called an object.

Party - A group of up to 5 characters who adventure together is called a party.

Plot - A series of puzzles and objects related to a specific story.

Plot Object - Any object used to solve a plot is called a plot object. Each plot has a final plot object which is usually worth several thousand skill points. See Appendix 1.

Poison - Poison normally refers to the weakening condition of a character. Each turn a character remains poisoned, he will suffer damage. The effects of poison will eventually wear off or kill the character, but can be diluted by using elixir. Poison can also be purchased in Dragon Village and used on weapons to increase the damage they do when fighting. However, doing this will negate the magical ability of some weapons. Poison on a weapon will eventually wear off.

Race - The race is the type of creature a character can be. Race determines ability scores and the number of hit points a character has. The four available races are: Human, Elf, Dwarf and Halfling.

Range - The distance between two creatures is the range. Short range is close enough for hand to hand combat, medium range is about 2 - 4 beters away and long range is over 4 beters away.

Regular Commands - These are the commands available to any character.

Room - A general term used to describe an area within a castle.

Roster - The roster is a list of up to 40 characters saved on the Character Disk.

Skill Level - This is a number representing the measure of a character's ability in fighting, spell casting, and general adventuring. Higher skill levels mean greater hit points, better ability scores, bonuses in fighting, multiple attacks, more martial arts disciplines and more spell levels. See Appendix 10.

Skill Points - This is a number representing how experienced a character is in his class. Skill points are awarded for slaying monsters and recovering unusual plot objects. See Appendix 10.

Special Commands - These are the commands available only to certain classes and races. Some special commands are Detect Evil, Swordplay, Assassinate, Know Level, Sorcery, etc.

Spell - A spell is a method of harnessing and directing magical energies. Spells are learned in Dragon Village and cast using the Sorcery command.

Spell Level - A measure of spell difficulty and power. There are 10 levels of spells for Elders and Wizards. High spell levels are only available to high level characters.

Spell Points - Spell points limit the number of spells a Wizard or Elder may learn. Spell points are expended by learning a spell and regained by forgetting or dispelling it. Two spell points are gained for every skill level and extra points are gained for intelligence greater than 14. See "Dragon Village" (page 6).

Strength - Strength is an ability score measuring the physical power of a character. High strength adds bonuses to hit and damage. It also determines maximum endurance and how many bilos a character can carry.

Strike - A strike is a special martial arts move which only affects monsters in its discipline. See "Martial Arts" (page 14).

Time Delay - This determines the speed at which the game plays and ranges from 0 to 50. More specifically, it is the amount of time text remains on the screen. A time delay of zero will wait until a key is pressed.

To Hit - This is the number needed to successfully hit a creature. An average to hit value is 10. Lower to hit numbers mean an easy hit, while higher numbers are more difficult.

Treasure - An object of great value.

Turns Without Food - This number represents the total turns a character has not eaten. After 200 turns without food, the character will drop unconscious.

Unconscious - A character in this state will continually lose hit points until death occurs. Elixir and some spells may revive an unconscious character.

Uncurse - This simply means removing the curse an object may have. A cursed object must be uncursed before dropping, giving, or selling it.

Undead - Any monster which has died, but doesn't quite accept that fact is an undead. Undead can be destroyed instantly by a powerful Elder.

Weapon - An object used in combat is a weapon.

Weight - This is a measurement of how heavy an object is in bilos. Each character can carry a number of bilos equal to their base hit points times their strength. Carrying a heavy load does not inhibit a character at all.

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Appendix 1: The Plots

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Appendix 2: Monster Attacks

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Appendix 3: Martial Arts

¹Only for Attacks

²Only for Defenses

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Appendix 4: Weapons

¹Can be used for Swordplay

²Can be used for Assassination

³Can be used for Hurling

Note: Weapons that work in Medium-Long Range have a limited number of uses. Example: 5 Orbs have 5 uses, but a Bola can only be used once.

These lists are a result of the Provisioner's prejudice regarding which weapons are proper for each class. Your characters should not feel constrained by this list. Feel free to exchange weapons and experiment with new ones found on adventures.

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Appendix 5: Armor

¹Characters may only wear one from each type.

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Appendix 6: Equipment

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Appendix 7: Spells

Spells are learned in Dragon Village and cast using the Sorcery command on the special commands menu. Spells have a limited number of charges or times they can be cast. Each time a spell is cast, a charge is removed and when there are no charges left, the spell is forgotten or dispelled.

There is a chance to fail casting a spell. If this happens, the caster's endurance will be reduced to 0, but a charge will not be removed. Character Utilities will display the exact chance of failing. The formula is listed in Appendix 9.

Spells are explained on the following pages. If a spell has a number by its name, it belongs to one of the following categories:

1. Familiars are conjured or summoned creatures that will defend and fight for the spell caster. You cannot cast a long-term spell or another familiar spell while your familiar is still alive. Familiar spells always have two charges, one to summon the familiar and one to dispell (forget) it.
   
   Once a familiar is summoned, it can either fight (choose a creature) or rest (hit ESCAPE) if there are monsters in the area. It can attack creatures at any range and will automatically rest if there are no monsters to attack.
   
   A familiar will also intercept blows aimed at the spell caster, taking the damage itself. However, if a familiar dies, the caster suffers triple damage from the killing blow. It is wise to dispell a familiar if its hit points become low. You can monitor a familiar's hit points in the menu window when monsters are in the area or with the Sorcery command.
2. Multiple Damage spells can damage more than one monster simultaneously. However, characters receive no skill points if a monster is killed this way. To use a multiple damage spell effectively, it should be cast on the first monster appearing in the menu window.
3. Raise Dead spells bring a character back from the dead. If successful, the resurrected character will have 1 hit point. If Raise Dead V doesn't work, the best resort is to go back to Dragon Village and pay the Tower Wizard.
   
   Important: If a character dies, it is a good idea to leave someone in the room to guard the body if the Elder needs to return to Dragon Village for a Raise Dead spell. See "Saving a Game."
4. Long-Term spells last 1 turn for each charge. You cannot cast a familiar spell or another long-term spell while a long-term spell is still active. Like familiars, long-term spells can be dispelled (forgotten) at any time.

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Appendix 8: Skill Levels

This table shows the number of skill points necessary to obtain a given skill level. The formula is in Appendix 9.

¹Skill points necessary when entering Dragon Village.

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Appendix 9: Three Formulas

Maximum Hit Points

Level 1-5: Max hit pts. = (Skill level X Base Hit Pts.)

Level 6-10: Max hit pts. = ((Skill level X 2)-5) X Base Hit Pts.

Level 11-15: Max hit pts. = ((Skill level X 3)-15) X Base Hit Pts.

Level 16-20: Max hit pts. = ((Skill level X 4)-30) X Base Hit Pts.

Example: Fafnir Gudrun is a 9th level elven Knight. ((9 X 2)-5) X 5) X 42 = 546 Hit Points Max.

Chance of Spell Failure

% Chance = (Spell level X 10)-(Skill level X 2)-Intelligence+10

Example: Guinevere is a 12th level Elder with 21 intelligence casting the 6th level spell, Orb of Healing. (6 X 10)-(12 X 2)-21+10 = 25% chance of failure.

Skill Level

This is the number of skill points necessary for a given skill level. It is tabulated in Appendix 8.

Skill points = Level X (Level-1) X Base Skill Points ÷ 2

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Appendix 10: Multiple Attacks

This represents the number of times a character can attack when using the Fight command or Martial Arts unless endurance reaches 0.

No more attacks are gained after 20th level.

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Tips

• Bargaining: Start with a price that's nearly double the object's true value.
• Boarshead Pub: Talk to everyone. Remember their personalities and take into account what's going on when you enter.
• Sorcery: Conserve your spells, but not at the cost of a character's life. Recommended spells are: Find Traps, Energize, Dimension Door and Orb of Healing.
• Equipment: Everyone should buy a weapon. Wizards usually have extra BP so have them buy the equipment. Recommended equipment is a torch, merchant's meal, flask of elixir, and thieve's tools.
• The Tower Wizard: Consult the Wizard about every object you bring back. After all, it is free.
• The Module: Read every description carefully taking note of changes and unusual happenings.
• Dead Characters: If a character dies and is beyond resurrecting, don't be afraid to strip him clean.
• Parties: Create a party of characters with a variety of special commands - one of each class and race.
• Diversion: Have the character with the lowest armor rank or an Elder with a long-term spell divert in difficult fights.
• Fighting: Concentrate on killing one monster at a time. Less monsters do less damage.
• Reorder Party: The first character in a party always suffers the most damage. Reorder and give the rear guard a chance to experience pain.
• Where?: If you still can't find the final plot object, search for secret doors, map every staircase and come in through different outside exits.
• Monsters: Learn how monsters attack and how to best counter attack. Remember alignments. Ninjas have a special way of dealing with certain monsters.
• Special Commands: Use your special commands for they are your ultimate advantage.
• Resting: Go back to Dragon Village when you run low on hit points and supplies. Never fight with zero endurance.
• Valor: Who needs it? Be a coward - those who fight and run away live to fight another day.
• What is It?: Examine anything which may be a plot object. And why not appraise it, too?
• How?: Where you use an object is just as important as how. Some objects can be used in more than one way. And most plot objects are actually useful too.
• Traps: Search for them.
• While you're standing there: Try putting objects together. Feed the hungry. Heal the sick. Rest the weary. Examine objects. Comb the sheep.