************************************************ Thor's Hammer A Shareware Adventure Game Copyright 1995 Escape Programming An MVP Software Production this edition courtesy PC GAMER magazine February 1996 ************************************************ FORWARD ------- As in ages past, the shadow of a great evil falls across our homeland. In a trial that marks the passing of an age, a champion must once again take up the legendary Thor's Hammer to quell the encroaching darkness. Soon you will find yourself gripped in an adventure of mythic proportions. Indeed, even now a messanger prepares to ride in search of you. I only hope that there is time yet to study carefully the information gathered here and to arm yourself with its knowledge. It will surely be of use to you on your quest. Our situation is grave, young warrior, and it is in desperation that our village turns to you. Take with you the wisdom contained in these pages and the prayers of the dwarven people. ---------------------------------- This game is shareware. You may freely try it. If you like it or find it useful, then you must register with MVP Software. To "register" a shareware game means to purchase it directly from the developer. (Shareware games are evaluation versions only, which means you have the right to try them, but after trying them you must either register them with the author or delete them from your system. It is unlikely that anyone will check up on you, so shareware works because of the honesty of users.) When you register you will receive Thor's Hammer: Trilogy Edition, which includes all of the following additional features: * The complete trilogy -- all three episodes * New graphics * New monsters to battle * New characters to meet * More than nine megs of graphics, music and sound, and program files * The complete Thor's Hammer trilogy printed manual, including the cool hint book with tips and hints on how to get through those tough areas. Thor's Hammer: Trilogy Edition is just $19.95 plus shipping. So order today! Registered users receive a special offer on other MVP products. To order, call 800-968-9684 toll-free 24 hours a day. Please have your Master Card or Visa ready when you call. Or fill out the order form in this manual and fax it to: 616-245-3204. Make sure your credit card number and expiration date are legible. Or if you prefer mail the order form and your check to: MVP Software, 1035 Dallas SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1407. For overseas orders or technical support call 616-245-8376. How to Register Online and Receive Thor's Hammer Immediately! MVP is pleased that all MVP shareware products can now be registered online, with immediate download of the registered version. This service is available to anyone in the world who has a Master Card or Visa and can call from a modem. To register Thor's Hammer or any other MVP shareware game online, call InterComm at 1-310-286-0881. Once you are connected, go to the MVP section. There you may download any MVP shareware program free of charge, or you may order and immediately download any MVP non-shareware title or registered title. It's easy and it's fun, so call today. MVP is Now on the Internet and the World Wide Web! You can get all of the latest MVP shareware releases, find out news of future activities, get cool free stuff, and give feedback to MVP on the Internet. To visit our new home page, just set your WWW browser to this URL: http://www.mvpsoft.com While there, you can see descriptions of all our releases, download the shareware versions with a click of your mouse button, and check out full color screen shots for all of our games. Be sure to leave feedback telling us how you like our page! If you prefer using direct ftp to get our files, you can find them at the following sites: ftp.he.net/pub/mvpsoft ftp.uml.edu/msdos/games/mvp These sites also have many mirrors, so just look for a game site with an MVP directory, and you'll be assured of getting the best games around! MVP is Now on CompuServe! You can get all of the latest MVP shareware releases, and discuss MVP titles directly with the authors on MVP's new section on the world's largest online information network, CompuServe. Just type GO MVPSOFT to get to our section! 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In Grand Rapids, Michigan -- Ryan's Bar (616) 456-1845 In Milwaukee, Wisconsin -- Exec-PC (414) 789-4360 In New York, New York -- The Invention Factory (212) 274-8110 In Boston, Massachusetts -- Channel 1 (617) 354-3230 In Kansas City, Missouri -- Sound Advice (816) 436-8029 In Palo Alto, California -- Space BBS (415) 323-4193 In Reston, Virginia -- World Data Network (703) 620-8900 Or call Intercomm Online at (310) 286-0881, the new source for all of MVP's shareware and registered software. Even better, tell your favorite sysop about the MVP Distribution Network and how he can be assured of getting all of the latest MVP shareware hits as soon as they are released. See the SYSOP.DOC file for details. Ordering Information Thor's Hammer: Trilogy Edition is available from the following authorized distributors: In the United States: -------------------- MVP Software 1035 Dallas SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1407 phone: 800-968-9684 24-hour order line only (616) 245-8376 information, technical support, or orders. fax: (616) 245-3204 order price: $19.95 plus $4.00 shipping in the US, $5.00 shipping to Canada, $6.00 shipping everywhere else. Michigan residents please add appropriate sales tax. In Australia: ------------ Budgetware 9 Albermarle St Newtown NSW 2042 phone: (02) 519-4233 Fax: (02) 516-4236 order price: $A30.00 (includes shipping) In the United Kingdom: --------------------- Oakley Data Services 3, Oakley Close Sandbach Cheshire CW11 9RQ phone: (0) 1270 759739 fax: (0) 1270 765272 email 74774,1347@compuserve.com order price: L20 (includes shipping and taxes) In Denmark and all of Scandanavia: --------------------------------- Pro-Soft Benloese Skel 4 G DK 4100 Ringsted phone: 53 61 90 42 Fax: 53 61 93 91 order price: 145,00 kr. + VAT 25% + s/h 25,00 In Japan: -------- P. & A. Company Ltd 302 Bellwins, 1367-23 Nakagami, Akishima Tokyo 196 phone: 425-46-9141 Fax: 425-46-9142 BBS: 425-46-9143 order price: 3015 yen includes shipping and taxes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland --------------------------------- Topware PD-Service GmbH Quadrat 0 3, 2 68161 Mannheim phone: (0621) 1 26 73 30 Fax: (0621) 1 26 73 33 order price: 33 DM (includes taxes) plus 6 DM shipping Italy ----- Systems Comunicazioni srl via Olanda 6 - 20083 Gaggiano phone: (02) 9084 1814 Fax: (02) 9084 1682 BBS: (02) 9084 1811 order price: Lire 42.000 IVA inclusa Spain ----- Friendware S.L. C/ Miguel Angel, 6 2-5 28010 Madrid phone: (91) 308 34 46 Fax: (91) 308 52 97 CIS: 100413,1667 order price: 3.000 Pts Thor's Hammer Trilogy Order Form Name ______________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ______ ZIP _____________ Country (if outside USA) __________________________________________ Price of Thor's Hammer Trilogy $19.95 Shipping and Handling (US) 4.00 Shipping and Handling (Canada) 5.00 Shipping and Handling (all other countries) 6.00 Michigan residents add sales tax 1.44 ----- Make check payable to "MVP Software" Total enclosed: $ Master Card/Visa information (credit card orders only) Card number __________________________________________ Expiration date ______________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------- VOLUNTARY QUESTIONS: Please help us determine what features you ==================== would like in future products. Circle what type of equipment you have: 386 486SX 486DX Pentium Circle the speed of your computer(Mhz): 25 33 40 50 66 90 ___ Circle any that apply: Joystick Mouse Modem_______ SVGA card (speed) Sound Capability: Adlib Sound Blaster SB Pro SB AWE32 PC speaker only Other ____________________________________ Where did you get Thor's Hammer? Friend CompuServe AOL Prodigy Channel 1 Invention Factory World Data Network Ryan's Bar Exec-PC Space BBS Sound Advice BBS (name): _______________________ phone # _______________________ address ________________________________________________________ Shareware Distributor (name): ______________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------- Send this order form and your check to: MVP Software, 1035 Dallas S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1407 Checks must be in US funds and drawn on a US or Canadian bank. US or Canada 24-hour order line: 800-968-9684. Fax: 616-245-3204. Tech support, information, or overseas order line: 616-245-8376. GAME PLAY Play Screen ----------- Throughout the Thor's Hammer Trilogy, the play screen provides the player with a means of viewing and manipulating the game world. It consists of a view window, game buttons, spell buttons, a status window, and a compass. View Window ----------- This area displays the world from the player's point of view. The view window can be resized for personal preference by selecting "options" from the disk menu. Game Buttons ------------ These buttons provide basic game functions. They can be activated by clicking the first mouse button on them or by pressing the specified keys. Disk Menu Button ---------------------- This button calls up the disk menu. This menu enables the player to save and load games, change game options (i.e. view window size, sound volume, joystick calibration, etc...), view the credits, and exit the game. Automap ----------- This button calls up a map of the current area. The map is always oriented so that North is up and displays only the parts of the area the player has seen so far. Help -------- This button brings up the help screen, displaying the game controls. By pressing the button or by clicking the left mouse button on the uplifted corner of the page located at the bottom-right, the help screen toggles through the controls for keyboard, joystick, and mouse. Spell Buttons ------------- These buttons allow the player to cast magic spells in the game. Each button represents a different spell. They can be activated by clicking the left mouse button on them or by pressing the through keys. The player begins the game without spells and must learn them during the quest. At the start of the game, the five spell buttons are inactive and dim. When the player learns a spell, its button lights up and becomes active, allowing the player to cast the spell. If the player does not have enough magic to cast a given spell, its button remains frozen down and the spell cannot be cast. See the "Magic" section for further explanation of the use of magic and the five spells. Status Window ------------- The status window occupies the lower portion of the play screen. It informs the player of his/her current status. It displays the player's health and magic (see "Health and Magic"), the keys the player is carrying (see "Opening Doors"), the number of throwing axes the player has (see Combat--Throwing Axes), and the weapon and armor the player is currently using. Compass ------- The compass simply displays the direction that the player is facing. Movement -------- The player's movement can be controlled using the keyboard, mouse, or joystick. When using the keyboard, holding down the up or down arrow keys causes the player to walk forward or backward. Holding down the key makes the player run instead of walk. Using the left or right arrow keys turns the player to the left or right. To control the player's movement with the mouse, the mouse cursor must be positioned over the view window. When the mouse cursor enters the upper portion of the view window, it becomes an arrow pointing up. Similarly, when the mouse cursor enters the left, right, or lower portions of the view window, it becomes an arrow pointing left, right, or down, respectively. Holding down the left mouse button causes the player to move in the direction indicated by the arrow. When using the joystick, pushing the stick forward or backward causes the player to walk forward or backward. Holding joystick button1 makes the player run instead of walk. Pushing the stick left or right turns the player to the left or right. When dodging a fireball or stepping around a corner, it is sometimes advantageous to step sideways and remain facing in the same direction. This maneuver is known as "strafing" and can be accomplished by holding down the key or holding joystick button2. While strafing, the player will walk to the side instead of turning. Health and Magic ---------------- The health bar displayed in the status window is simply a measure of the player's physical wellbeing. When the player is in full health, the health bar is solid white. As the player is injured, more and more of the bar becomes gray. When there is no more white remaining on the health bar, the player dies and must reload or restart the game. The magic bar displayed just under the health bar is a measure of the player's magic energy. When the magic bar is solid purple, the player has the maximum amount of magic available. Each of the five spells cost a certain amount of magic energy. As the player uses up magic, more and more of the magic bar becomes gray. If the player does not have enough magic to cast a certain spell, its spell button is frozen down and cannot be activated. There are many ways to restore the player's health and magic. One such way is by drinking a potion. White potions restore a portion of the player's health while purple potions restore a portion of the player's magic. Potions can be found either on the ground or inside chests. In addition to restoring health or magic, a potion found in a chest increases the player's maximum health or magic, thereby increasing the length of the associated bar. Of course, there are other ways to restore health and magic. Combat ------ Throughout the game, the player will be confronted by all manner of ghastly creatures. Sometimes, there is no alternative but to stand and fight. Pressing the key, the right mouse button, or joystick button1 causes the player to swing the weapon displayed in the status window. To successfully hit, the player must be facing a monster and be standing within striking range. Not every attack that is within range is successful, however, so the player must be very careful when attacking. Throwing axes provide the player with the means to attack from a distance - generally a much safer approach. The player begins the game without any throwing axes. They can be found in chests throughout the game. Throwing axes can be thrown by pressing the key, by pressing both mouse buttons simultaneously, or by pressing both joystick buttons simultaneously. After throwing an axe, the player must retrieve it by walking over it. It is possible to lose a throwing axe by throwing it somewhere where it cannot be retrieved (such as into a lake). If this happens, don't fret - there is bound to be a way to get it back. Miscellaneous Action -------------------- There are many other actions that the player must do from time to time, all of which are accomplished in the same way. These actions include opening and closing doors, searching for secret doors, talking to people, reading signs, climbing ladders, pulling levers, drinking from pools, opening chests, and learning magic spells. By pressing the spacebar on the keyboard or joystick button2, the appropriate action will be performed on the person or object directly in front of the player. These actions can also be performed using the mouse by moving the mouse cursor to the center of the view window and clicking the left mouse button. MONSTERS -------- Many varieties of fierce beasts will attempt to stop you in your quest. The wise adventurer will acquaint himself with all the types of monsters, in order to best devise strategies for victory. Bats ---- The most common of all the creatures encountered is the lowly bat. In small numbers, they provide no more than an annoyance to the seasoned warrior. However, when found in great numbers, they have been known to surround and drain the blood from the mightiest of adventurers. Bats are commonly found out in the open air, but they prefer to dwell in dark, cramped caves, where they are the most difficult to defeat. Goblins ------- The blood-curdling shriek of the goblin suprises most creatures, and the goblin uses this cry to attempt to frighten away stronger creatures that might feed upon it. Although able to fly, the goblin is a fairly weak creature. The green goblin's tongue slap is more annoying that it is damaging, although there are rumored to be many types of goblins stronger than this commonly found variety. One breed of goblin is even said to be able to breathe fire! Orcs ---- Orcs are said to be a cross-breed between men and goblins. They have some of the intelligence of a human, but lack the strength and speed of a true warrior. However, they are better equipped than their goblin cousins, wielding short swords and round shields. Occasionally, an orc chieftain will be found, distinguishable by the customary blue tunic, as well as his greater physical prowess. Orcs are to be treated with more respect than a lowly bat or goblin, yet should not pose a serious problem if encountered in small numbers. Water Spirit ------------ These mystical creatures defy all attempts at explanation. Most say that they are creation of a powerful wizard who animated water itself for his own purposes. Water spirits rise out of the water, casting a ball of water at the unwary adventurer before sinking below the surface. Their missiles do little damage, but the spirits themselves are very difficult to kill, as they can only be hit when they are out of the water. Thief ----- Thieves are the bane of all adventurers. The common thief wears a brown robe and wields a knife. His stealthy way of attacking adventurers from behind make him a worthy adversary. Rogues, wearing blue robes, are slightly faster and cause more damage with their swords. Worst of all are the dreaded assassins. These black-robed figures are incredibly agile, and often can circle around a normal man several times, stabbing all the while with his knife. Assassins should be avoided at all costs. Zombie ------ Many powerful sorcerors are not content to let their servants die peacefully. Instead, they resurrect them from the dead to continue to serve as personal guards. Zombies are very slow and notoriously stupid, but can sustain many blows, and their superhuman strength causes their punches to do incredible damage. Zombies are found deep underground, usually in the presence of a powerful wizard. Elementals ---------- Elementals are also the product of a sorceror's spell. In this case, the wizard tampered with the very fabric of nature itself to create an utterly evil being. Water elementals are similiar to the water spirits but are humanoid from the waist up. Fire elementals are animated pools of lava capable of hurling damaging balls of molten rock. Air elementals are truly fearsome, appearing to blast the adventurer where he leasts expects it. All of the elementals are difficult, because they can only be struck when they appear to attack. Giant Worm ---------- This breed of carnivorous worm have been the end to many a hardy warrior. They are usually found in dark, dirt-floored caves, where they can rear up in front of the adventurer and attack him with their rows of sharp teeth. After attacking, they sink back into the earth and positition themselves for their next attack. Giant worms are often found in packs, and are deadly if they surround the hero. Wraith ------ Wraiths are evil, soulless monsters that wander the land, possessing only yellow eyes, a huge mouth, and and even bigger appetite. They must consume the souls of living beings to stay animated, lacking souls of their own. Wraiths like to inhabit dark, maze-like dungeons where they can remain concealed until they attack, often with devestating results. Only the bravest warriors care to battle a wraith in it's own lair. Nezgul ------ Often an especially evil wizard will promise his soul to a demon in exchange for increased powers and extended life. When such a wizard dies, his remains turn into one of the most dreaded of all creatures: a nezgul. These monsters summon powerful missiles out of thin air to blast the adventurer before he can get close. Most warriors would do well to avoid the fearsome nezgul at all costs. Wizard ------ Wizards are the controllers of most of the evil monsters in the land. They are usually quite weak and frail, yet cast deadly fireball spells at the hero. Often wizards will surround themselves with lesser monsters to help weaken or delay the adventurer. Guardian -------- Guardians are an ancient race of giants which turned to the side of evil many centuries ago. They are the leaders of the armies of evil, second only to the Great Demon himself. Though slow and cumbersome, they are almost impossible to damage, and do tremendous amounts of damage. It is rumored that the leader of the the guardians is in possession of Thor's Hammer, and guards it with his life. ITEMS ----- Many objects can be found throughout the land. Barrels, chests, bags, and pools can be found everywhere, ouside and deep within the earth. Barrels and bags contain items such as food or clothing which are useless to the adventurer. Chests, however, can contain such important items as potions, armor, or throwing axes. Potions are covered in the section entitled Health and Magic. Keys are used to open locked doors. When a key is picked up, it will appear in the status window. There are five types of keys, and each type of key opens a certain type of door. The color of the key must match the color of the lock on the door to open it. WEAPONS AND ARMOR ----------------- The adventurer will gain many types of hand-to-hand weapons on his quest. All hand-to-hand weapons are found lying on the ground. The weapon with which the hero starts is a simple hand axe. Whenever the hero gains a new hand weapon, it replaces the old in the status window as the hero drops his old weapon in favor of the new. The ultimate hand-to-hand weapon that the hero can gain is Thor's Hammer. This mighty weapon calls down a mighty bolt of lightning with every swing, and can kill many monsters in a single blow. The adventurer will also come across throwing axes, which he will find extremely useful in his quest. Throwing axes are always found in chests. A throwing axe must be picked up before it can be thrown again. The number of throwing axes currently possessed is shown in the status window. Magical pendants can also be found which increase the power of the adventurer's throwing axes. These pendants are found on pedestals throughout the land. Whenever a pendant is found, it is displayed in the status window along the bottom of the playscreen. There are three types of armor that the adventurer can find in this land as well. Armor is always found within chests. The type of armor currently worn is shown in the status window. When a new type of armor is picked up, it automatically replaces the old armor. SPELLS ------ Fireball -------- The fireball spell is one of the easiest types of magic to learn, yet one of the most useful. This spell creates a dazzling ball of flame which flies at your opponents. The fireball spell also uses the least amount of magic out of all of the spells. Heal Casting ------------ This spell instantly heals some of your injuries, restoring a small part of your health. This spell is particularly useful when far away from health potions or civilization. Air Blast --------- Air blast is similiar to the fireball spell, but summons a damaging whirlwind instead of a ball of flame. Air blast costs more magic to cast, yet does substantially more damage than the fireball spell. Time Stop --------- This miraculous spell distorts the very fabric of space and time itself. The progression of time is stopped everywhere except for a small field around the caster, enabling him to move when all others are frozen. This spell is temporary, and uses a substantial amount of magic to cast. Kablooie -------- The kablooie spell is the most devastating spell of all. A violent earthquake erupts when this spell is cast, destroying nearly everything in an area around the caster. Only the strongest monsters can survive a blast from this fearsome spell. ---- Thor's Hammer PC GAMER February 1996