GATEWAY TO KAROS

© Acorn Computers Ltd.
for the BBC Microcomputer Model B
Acorn Computers Ltd. have generously released
this game for free distribution.

Author: Derek L. Haslam

LOCATIONS Gateway to Karos includes 250 separate locations.
Many of these locations are out in the open, eg on moors, in
forests or at sea.  When in open country it is possible
(unless there are obstructions) to move in any of the eight
principal compass directions.  Moreover, such movement is
usually self-consistent, so that successive moves NORTH,
EAST, SOUTH, and WEST bring you back to your starting point.
There are a few deliberate exceptions to this -- where the
terrain is confusing or magic intervenes.

OBJECTS There are 62 objects and the description of some of
these objects changes when they are put to certain uses.
Many of the objects are valuable treasures and one is the
Talisman of Khoronz itself.  You need have no doubts that
you will recognise the latter when (if!) you find it.  Some
objects have no immediate obvious use, but don't be
deceived, *everything* is either valuable or useful or
*both*.

USEFUL WORDS Many words are recognised by the program, and
synonyms may often be used, eg GET COINS has the same effect
as TAKE THE MONEY.  A complete listing of the program's
vocabulary would spoil the fun, but here are some useful
words: NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, UP, DOWN, ENTER, EXIT, NW,
SW, NE and SE are the words normally used to cause movement.
The first six of these may be abbreviated to their initial
letter.

INVENTORY (abbreviation I) will list the objects carried or
worn by you.

LOOK or DESCRIBE will repeat the description of your current
location.  This is useful since a sequence of commands may
scroll the description off the top of the screen.  You may
use L as an abbreviation for this command.  Some of your
traveling will need to be done by boat.  A boat may only be
landed in certain places -- the text describing the location
always gives a clue.  When landing the boat you must use the
word LAND.  Using a direction word in such circumstances
will often lead to your being wrecked!  To set off in your
boat you must use LAUNCH or SAIL.

QUIT (abbreviation Q) may be used to stop the game.  The
computer will display your inventory and score, and then
give you the choice of starting a new game or carrying on
with the old one.

RESET allows you to start again.

SAVE enables you to record the game position on tape to
CONTINUE later.


SCORE

During the game you may display your score at any time by
the command SCORE. With your score is displayed a number
representing your physical condition. This number will be
1000 at the beginning of the game, but it falls as the game
progresses.  When it reaches zero you are dead!  Food and
water may be found and will under certain circumstances
boost your condition.  Encounters with wild beasts and
contacts with certain places and objects have alarming
effects on your condition, so watch this number carefully.


YOUR OBJECTIVES

1.  To find the Talisman of Khoronz.

2.  To bring the Talisman and all the other treasures of
Karos back through the gate.  Once you enter Karos and move
away from the gate you may have a little trouble finding it
again.  Even when you do find it you won't be able to pass
through it automatically.  The maximum score is 1700 and to
achieve this you must return carrying 14 objects and wearing
another 12.

NOTE:  You will soon find that you are not alone in this
fantasy world.  Not only are there hostile beasts but there
are people too.  It is worthwhile trying to get information
from them concerning persons, places or things.  To do this
the words ASK and QUESTION are useful.  The information
varies in the ease with which it is obtained and also in its
reliability!  You may also try putting direct questions to
these folk, eg WHERE IS THE TALISMAN? (but don't expect a
helpful answer to that one!).

GOOD LUCK!