Firelord
========

The Game
--------
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.



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.
                             
                   __/\__   
                   > () <   
                   ~~\/~~ 





Game Controls
-------------
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.

Follow the instructions on the screen to select your
preferred method of control. Control keys may be re-defined.

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.