+---------------------------------------------------------+ | FIRELORD | +---------------------------------------------------------+ by Stephen Crow The path wove deeper through the forest beckoning Sir Galaheart further into the flickering shadows. A voice spoke out in the dimming gloom. "My son, you have returned to this land of Torot, to discover its hidden secrets. You must seek out the sacred Firestone and return it to the Dragon's safekeeping." Galaheart trembled with fear as he recalled how the Evil Queen had seized the Firestone and used its power to curse the land with fire and ghostly apparitions who drifted the streets in ghastly imitation of the once happy inhabitans. At one time the people had roamed freely but now they cowered in their homes. Her price for the release of the Stone was for some brave warrior to win for her the four charms of eternal youth. The brave knight sank to his knees overpowered by fear and foreboding. "Fear not," said the voice, "for the answer lies within the kingdom. Use the enchanted crystals and fall not." Sir Galaheart was alone. A feeling of mystery filled the forest. The very air breathed the secrets of this haunted land. CHARACTERS IN TOROT ----------------------------------------------------------- As well as the ghosts which Sir Galaheart must dispel there are a host of characters for him to meet and trade with. the Peasants know the villages and forests well although they are often slow-witted. Travel may be arranged by paying the Gatekeeper at a Toll House or by buying a Timescape spell from a Herbalist or some other magic character. The Tithe Ward Keepers will keep objects safe and sound. The Witches and Wizards have spells available and the Dragon's teeth may be of use. Weapons can be obtained from the Knights and the Wise Old Man is a useful source of information as is the Hermit who is rumoured to live in the forests. The Bishops tend to be quick and greedy so it pays not to try and cheat them. Justice is administered by the Reeves who may be helpful if treated with respect. Princess Eleanor is held captive by the Evil Queen and she may look kindly on those who are trying to free her. CONTROLLING SIR GALAHEART ----------------------------------------------------------- SPECTRUM Follow the instructions on the screen to select your preferred method of control. The default keyboard setting is: O - Left, P - Right, Q - Up, A - Down, M - Fire. Firelord is compatible with all recognised joystick systems including Kempston (i.e. IN 31 type), Sinclair Interface 2 and Cursor types. To pause game press the BREAK/SPACE key. To restart press any key or use any joystick action. To abort the game press keys ASDFG simultaneously. AMSTRAD Follow the instructions on the screen to select your preferred method of control. The default keyboard setting is: O - Left, P - Right, Q - Up, A - Down, M - Fire. To pause game press the ESC key. To restart press any key or use any joystick action. To abort the game press the SHIFT and DEL keys simultaneously. BARTERING IN TOROT ----------------------------------------------------------- When you enter a house you may trade with the occupant. Place the cursor over an icon and press FIRE to select it. To cancel a selection press FIRE a second time. Each occupant provides one or more types of service. Select the type you require and between one and four of your objects which you prepared to trade in exchange. If your payment is sufficient the occupant will make an offer by displaying a suitable icon. If you wish to complete the deal select the icon displayed. TYPES OF SERVICES ----------------------------------------------------------- SCALES __|-- PORTCULIS i i i Trade an object | | L Pay a toll to pass -+-+-+- j | through the -+-+-+- __|__ house v v v SIGNPOST TT=== SUPPLIES ___ Find out || Buy food, /.-.\ where you are || weapons or |<__~>| ~~ trading tokens `-___-' TIMESCAPE INFORMATION _______ Cast a spell to a __/\__ Find out how to | . | magic place > () < accomplish your | I _| ~~\/~~ quest. |___|/| RIBBONS Colour ditinguishes similar characters, Green Witch, Red Witch, etc. ____ ' /\ \.---, ' `^----` CHEAT Select this and you may not have to surrender the objects that you are paying with. Get caught and justice will be swift. __.-. ,oO_____\ || / _. ` -' /| ' EXIT Select this icon to leave the house. _______ | | | X _| |___|/| OFFER When a deal is set up the occupant displays his offer here. In this case the Dragon is offering the Timescape spell in exchange for a bag of gold and a candlestick. __/\__ > () < ~~\/~~