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The Oracle's Cave
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Document created by rstuart@ukonline.co.uk on 20th Dec 99 for
World of Spectrum: http://www.void.demon.nl/spectrum.html

Doric Computer Services - 48K Spectrum
LOAD "oracle" (5 minutes approximately)
PLAYING TIME: 1 hour maximum, 40 minutes average.

The Oracle's Cave
-----------------
The Oracle's Cave is an exciting adventure game containing a unique blend
of high resolution, animated graphics and text which has been designed
especially for the 48K Spectrum.

In the game you are an adventurer trapped in the entrance to the Oracle's
Cave Complex. The only exit is through the Oracle's own cave on level four.

To escape and win the game you must fight fierce monsters (all graphically
displayed), collect treasure, carry out a quest and finally defeat the
Oracle.

Be warned: You have only five 'days' to succeed. To add to the challenge a
new cave layout is created for each game.

(c) Chris Dorrell 1983
Doric Computer Services, 3 The Oasis, Glenfield, Leicester

How to play 'The Oracle's Cave'
-------------------------------
Throughout the game the Oracle asks you questions and gives you a choice of
responses. To answer, input a single character followed by ENTER. Valid
responses are shown at the bottom of the screen.

The rest of the game is self explanatory but here are a few notes to help
you:-
- The message "CAVE DESIGN IN PROGRESS" appears at the beginning of every
  game and requires no action - just wait.
- Remember that even whilst considering your next move time is passing.
- The cave map shows the special caves, the caves in which you have killed
  monsters and your present position which is marked "."
- If you run away from a monster, you must retreat into a safe cave.

Energy and Wounds
-----------------
You start the game with 12 units of energy and no wounds. Moving or fighting
obviously uses energy. Your combat strength is based on your energy, wounds
and weapons you possess. When fighting, your combat strength, the monster's
combat strength (shown next to yours) and Chance, decide who wins each round.
If you become too weak to continue you will be forced back to a safe cave to
recover. The strength of each monster increases at lower levels.
There may be occasions when your adventuring leaves you stranded. Have a
rest and explore your surroundings - something will turn up eventually.

Explanation of Responses
------------------------
m = to move, followed by direction - up, down, left, right, secret passage.
r = to rest, to heal wounds and regain energy but watch the time.
u = to use an article that you are carrying.
e = to explore your surroundings. This can be dangerous but don't play
    safe if you want to succeed.
h = help, this is given as an option when you are stuck.
* = to abandon the present game and begin a new one.

Articles     Effect When Used
--------     ----------------
Balm       - Heals 2 wounds
Cloak      - Protects you from three wounding blows
Food       - increases energy by 2
Key        - Work this one out for yourself!
Magic Ring - Makes you invisible for one turn
Potion     - Heals 1 wound
Rope       - Use if there are no steps
Wine       - Increases energy by 1

Weapons      Increase your Combat Strength by:
-------      ---------------------------------
Sword      - +3
Axe        - +2
Dagger     - +1

Treasure             Value
--------             -----
Gold Ingots        - 4 units
Silver Bars        - 3 units
Gold Coins         - 2 units
Chosen Quest       - 0
Other Quest Items  - 8 units
