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Dragon Wars by Interplay %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% MAGIC Namtar, the Beast From the Pit, is the mightiest sorcerer of Dilmun. Smart boy that he is, Namtar has manipulated King Drake of Kingshome into declaring a general ban on magic, thus giving Namtar a monopoly on this world's true power. The City States of Dilmun, none too closely allied to begin with, did not take kindly to this decree, and open warfare resulted. Spellcasting legions were chewed up in the opening weeks of the war, while conventional forces continued the struggle to this day. Namtar's Stosstrupen, a sort of magical secret police, eliminated most of Dilmun's top individual sorcerers before an effective resistance could be organized. Namtar has all but won the war, and the formal practice of magic has been outlawed in Dilmun. Rumors persist that magic is still taught in secret out- of-the-way places, and it is one of your tasks to ecover the world's lost magical knowledge. Learning a spell always entails using magic scrolls. After a scroll is used, it vanishes forever, although the character reading the scroll will remember the spell for the rest of his life. Using scrolls is easy--find them is the difficult part, but no one said the life of a hero was simple. There are four branches of magic in DRAGON WARS. All wizards must begin with Low Magic. There is no established school of Low Magic; teaching chores are handled by assorted bush wizards and holy men. Because teaching of Low Magic is so widespread--and because Low Magic is relatively mundane--Namtar has done little to shut it down. There's actually a functioning Low Magic shop in Purgatory. The acknowledged master of High Magic as Lanac'toor, a dangerously unstable being formerly in residence in the City of the Yellow Mud Toad. Lanac'toor was the Stosstrupen's first target--he was ambushed while torpid following an excessive feast of lampreys. Lanac'toor's body was first turned to stone and then smashed to pieces. With Lanac'toor's demise, the practice of High Magic all but vanished from Dilmun, but rumors persist Lanac'toor himself had a teacher, and that the teacher resides somewhere in the Eastern Isles. Oddly, Sun magic remains public and legal. The Master of Sun Magic is Mystalvision, a great public hero in residence at the Temple of the Sun in Phoebus. Sun Magic has gained popularity in recent years as the great star Sirius gradually drowns the planet by melting the polar icecaps. Sun Magic combat spells are the most potent in the game. Druid Magic is the way of the elements and the beasts, and is the purest of all magic, although not nearly so powerful as High Magic. The most skillful druid is Zaton the Displaced, of which the current whereabouts are unknown. The Druid Magic cult has been driven underground by Namtar's persecution, but worship of the cult's patron deity, the beast-man Enkidu, continues at the various Druid shrines. There is one further "class" of magic in Dragon Wars: that which is called Miscellaneous Magic." These three spells are usuable by anyone who has skill in any of the four standard classes of magic. When you cast a spell, the computer always deducts a certain number of Power points from the caster. In some cases, the extra points will increase the duration of the spell of its damage or effectiveness. The number of points you can invest in these spells is limited to twice your current skill level in that area of magic. The following few pages contain descriptions of all the world's known spells. Although many spells are well-documented through centuries of use, some descriptions are incomplete because of the spells' experimental or foreign nature. And, perhaps, because some spellcasters have placed themselves in great peril by playing with forces they do not know... Because of this, you will have to experiment with spell use to learn the best application of magic in each situation. In fact, creative use of spells may be a vital element necessary to solve the game. LIST OF MAGIC SPELLS Key to spells SPELL NAME Description of the spell, Effect: Damage or other effects miscellaneous notes, and tips on Range: Distance the spell can be cast casting Target: Who is affected by spell Time: Duration of spell Power: Power points taken Char 1 Character 1-6 x P Damage shown multiplied by power Group 1 group of monsters points expended Party Every characterin your party hr Hour in the game (not real time) Var Variable. The more points Combat Duration of entire encounter. you expend, the more damage Once one side or the other is or extended time. Maximum defeated or flees, the spell equals 2 times your skill in ends. that magical class. LOW MAGIC MAGE FIRE The beginning zap spell, and always Effect: 1-8 pts worth falling back on if nothing Range: 30' more powerful is at hand. Target: 1 foe Time: -- Power: 2 CHARM This simple enchantment offers a Effect: +1 AV small bonus to a character's ability Range: Heal in combat, and will heal 1-2 points Target: Char of damage. Time: Combat Power: 3 LESSER HEAL A simple heal spell, restoring up to four 1-4 pts points of health. Heal spells are very Heal important, because you can't use the Bandage Char skill in combat. Learn a heal spell if you -- want to survive! 2 DISARM This incantation disarms one foe--that is, Disarm if it carries a weapon. Dragons' claws not 30' affected. 1 foe -- 4 LUCK If you'd rather be lucky than good, cast +2 DV this spell on yourself or a friend. It -- improves your DV for the duration of the Char combat. Combat 3 MAGE LIGHT Useful for exploring dark places when a Light mundane source of light is not available. -- A "torch" icon will appear for the duration Party of the spell. Variable 1 = 3 hr HIGH MAGIC Combat Spells FIRE LIGHT An improved zap spell. The greater the 1-6 x P power of the caster, the more damage this 30' spell will do. 1 foe -- Var POOG'S VORTEX An improved version of Elvar's Fire, created 4-24 pts by the arch-wizard Poog to suck away the 20' life force of his foes. Group -- 11 BIG CHILL An area-effect version of Ice Chill that will 4-24 pts inflict up to 24 points of damage to all 30' opponents within range. All -- 15 MYSTIC MIGHT Instant muscles for the friend of your choice, +15 Str lasting for the entire combat. -- Char Combat 4 COWARDICE Fearsome foes suddenly fear you. They will Foes run either run away, or continue to stand and 60' fight if they resist the spell. Works best Group against weaker opponents. -- 8 ELVAR'S FIRE This was Lanac'toor's favorite method of 2-12 pts dispersing autograph seekers. While this 30' spell doesn't pack much punch, it is an Group area-effect weapon, and can sometimes takes -- out whole groups of lesser foes. 6 ICE CHILL A precise spell that usually results in a 1-4 x P frigid death for the victim. Like the Fire 50' Light spell, Ice Chill is power-based, and 1 foe while not so potent as Fire Light for -- beginners, it works at greater range. Var DAZZLE Use this spell to befuddle simple foes, but Miss turn make sure someone is on hand to exploit your 30' enemy's hesitation. 1 foe -- 3 REVEAL GLAMOUR A very important spell that will (usually) Dispel dispel illusions. All is not as it seems, 40' especially in the Eastern Isles. Group -- 2 VORN'S GUARD Originally developed to protect a king and +2 AC his entourage, this spell is excellent for -- parties desiring a blanket of magical Party protection. Improves armor class (i.e. Combat damage absorbed), but has no effect on DV. 6 SALA'S SWIFT Improves the dexterity of a single character, +8 Dex for the duration of an entire combat. This -- will improve the target's AV and DV. Char Combat 5 Other Spells AIR SUMMON Conjures an air elemental for whatever lofty Summon goal you pursue. See the "Summoning" notes -- after the spell listing for further -- information. Var 1 = 4 hr EARTH SUMMON Creates a potent creature from stone and soil, Summon under your command. The earth elemental is -- somewhat stronger and more durable than the -- air elemental. Var 1 = 4 hr WATER SUMMON Allies a spirit of the water for a time. Summon Water elementals are a bit more powerful and -- strong than earth elementals. -- Var 1 = 4 hr FIRE SUMMON Summons a fire elemental. Guaranteed to Summon brighten up a party. The fire elemental is -- the most powerful known. -- Var 1 = 4 hr Healing Spells HEALING More potent than the Low Magic 'Lesser Heal' 1-6 pts spell, this enchangement can set broken bones -- and stop internal bleeding. Char -- 3 GROUP HEAL A group medical plan the entire party will 1-6 pts appreciate. Restores up to six points of -- health to each character. Party -- 6 Other Spells SENSE TRAPS Safely guides you past dangerous deadfalls Sense without tripping the traps. -- Party Var 1 = 2 hr CLOAK ARCANE Renders the party partially invisible, +2 AC diverting both the light around you and the -- force of your opponents' blows. Party Var 1 = 1 hr SUN MAGIC Combat Spells SUN STROKE The Sun Magic version of Fire Light. Subtle 1-8 x P distinctions are claimed by those familiar 20' with both spells. 1 foe -- Var RAGE OF MITHRAS A hideously powerful spell thankfully 1-6 x P restricted in that it can only harm one victim 70' at a time. Can hit an enemy up to 70 feet 1 foe away. -- Var FIRE STORM Simply the most hideous spell known to man. 6-36 pts 60' All -- 20 HOLY AIM Sheds divine light on a melee, and guides a +2 AV righteous group in smiting their foes. -- Party Combat 5 COLUMN OF FIRE Sheets of flame fall from the heavens, Stops preventing a group of opponents from advancing 40' during their turn in combat. Group -- 5 EXORCISM The undead cannot abide the light of the sun. 6-36 pts Usually. Not effective against the living. 50' Group -- 5 WRATH OF MITHRAS An even more hideously powerful spell, 1-4 x P featuring a small blast radius. Damage is 90' lower than the Rage of Mithras, but affects a Group group. -- Var INFERNO An underpowered version of Fire Storm. In the 1-4 x P hands of an experienced character, it can 40' actually cause more damage while using less All power. -- Var BATTLE POWER Significantly improves the muscle ability of +10 Str any band of heroes. -- Party Combat 8 MITHRA'S BLESS Shields a group from harm with a blanket +3 DV blessing, courtesy of an alien god. -- Party Combat 5 LIGHT FLASH Produces a blinding flash that might disorient lose turn foes. Especially useful against underground 50' enemies and creatures unaccustomed to the Group light. -- 6 ARMOR OF LIGHT Cloaks a character in gleaming magic armor +2 AC proof against most attacks. -- Char Combat 6 Healing Spells SUN LIGHT Improves the health of any one character. A 1-6 pts little sun light never hurt anyone. -- Char -- 3 HEAL A potent heal spell which affects one 2-8 pts character. -- Char -- 4 MAJOR HEAL The best value in Sun Magic heal spells when 1-6 pts more than one character is injured. Dispenses -- one 'Sun Light' spell on each party member. Party -- 6 CHARGER The perfect pick-me-up for depleted magic Charge items. Non-addictive. -- 1 item -- 8 DISARM TRAP Will safely trigger a trap. All you have to disarm do is walk into a trap, and it'll safely be -- sprung. -- Var 1 = 2 hr GUIDANCE Accurately tells you the direction you face. Compass Very useful underground, where your friendly -- direction gauge is useless. -- Var 1 = 3 hr RADIANCE The best light spell known to wizardkind. Light 40' Party Var 1 = 2 hr SUMMON SALAMANDER Either this spell conjures a potent magical Summon creature, or it blows the caster's skull off. -- Give us a card and let us know. -- Var 1 = 4 hr DRUID MAGIC Combat Spells DEATH CURSE A savage spell left over from the bad old 3-18 pts days, designed to punch the ticket of someone 40' you hate. Causes up to 18 points of damage to 1 foe the target. -- 6 INSECT PLAGUE A formidable way to weaken some monsters' -2 AV, DV defenses, and a real drag at picnics. Reduces 60' a group's AV and DV, making them vulnerable. Group Combat 4 SCARE If cast at the right time, can improve your +2 AV party's ability in the eyes of your foes. -- Party Combat 4 FIRE BLAST This potent spell unleashes a minor fire storm 4-24 pts on one group of foes. Use with discretion. 30' group -- 12 WHIRL WIND Possibly transports one or more foes away Push 30' from you on a twisting cone of howling winds. 40' Group -- 4 BRAMBLES Erects a temporary barrier of thornw between Miss turn your party and a group of opponents. Use the 60' time thus gained to plan an effective attack. group 1 round 5 Other Spells CREATE WALL Erects a barrier of stone before the party. Create Also of use in reparing old buildings. -- -- -- 5 BEAST CALL This holy spell of Enkidu is used in secret Summon Druid rituals. -- -- Var 1 = 4 hr SOFTEN STONE A very powerful spell popular with civil Remove engineers. Useful for underground -- construction and removing certain walls. -- -- 6 WOOD SPIRIT Creates a helpful ally from wood and bramble. Summon -- -- Var 1 = 4 hr Healing Spells GREATER HEALING Uses natural energies to rejuvenate and heal 1-6 pts the wounds of any one character. -- Char -- 4 CURE ALL The most powerful and efficient healing spell 1-8 pts that ancient Druid learning has devised. -- Party -- 6 Other Spells INVOKE SPIRIT Summons a friendly spirit to aid you in Summon battle. See the restrictions and features -- described in the "Summoning Spells" section. -- Var 1 = 4 hr MISCELLANEOUS MAGIC ZAK'S SPEED Named for a sorceror of long ago, a nifty +15 Dex spell that improves the Dexterity of all -- characters in the party. Party Combat 10 PRISON Pins a group of foes beneath the weight of a Halt magical barrier preventing them from advancing 60' or running away. Group Combat 8 KILL RAY Courtesy of the demented Czar Strahkenhorc out 10-80 pts of centuries past, this deadly beam will waste 50' anything it strikes. Beware the terrible cost 1 foe of the spell, as it can quickly drain a weak -- or weary wizard. 15 A note on spell icons: The computer shows you that certain spells (most notably the light spells) are active by displaying an appropriate icon on the screen. When the icon vanishes, the spell has run out of juice and is no longer active. In the cast of light spells, this usually results in the sudden onset of darkness. For the detect spells, it means you're no longer likely to detect danger at a distance. Monster Summoning: A word is warranted on the subject of conjuring up creatures from other locales or dimensions for use in combat. Several High Magic and Druid Magic incantations bring forth creatures of this sort to do your bidding. All of these spells have some things in common: you must have an open character slot in your party to accommodate the summoned creature. You should also be aware that summoned creatures do not last forever, and will eventually return to the magic worlds from which they appeared, leaving a lifeless husk behind. The more Power points you invest in summoning a creature, the longer you can expect it to stick around. Finally, points you invest in summoning a creature, the longer you can expect it to stick around. Finally, the lengthy and precise summoning spells cannot be cast in combat. Although summoned creatures come complete with their own armor and weaponry, you may be able to equip them with any items you choose. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%