BLACK CRYSTAL
=============
Carnell Software, 1983


DIAGRAM 1:
Cassette 1 Side A - Map 1
Cassette 1 Side B - Map 2
Cassette 2 Side A - Map 3 & 4
Cassette 2 Side B - Map 5 & 6

DIAGRAM 2:
    7
    |
    |
5-- . --8
    |
    |
    6

DIAGRAM 3:
    7
 1  |  2
  \ | /
5-- . --8
  / | \
 3  |  4
    6


Key Q   sword up         uses physical power
Key R   sword forward     "      "       "
Key U   sword down        "      "       "
Key A   shield up         "      "       "
Key L   shield forward    "      "       "
Key Z   Lightning        uses spiritual power
Key B   Power Drain       "       "       "
Key P   swerve           when used in battle it puts your Physical and Spiritual
                         strength up one point; but beware, the monster may still
                         kill you.


LOADING:
Black Crystal is a multi-Program adventure. To begin your quest Load "map 1".
This program is your doorway into the other map sections. When your screen
display asks "Do you want to start a new adventure?" Press Key Y to answer
yes. When you are successful in entering the Shaggoths lair, Castle, Temple or
Tower you will be given a reference number and a Map number. To continue
your adventure find and load the program with the file name that matches the
Map number (Diagram 1). When the next program is loaded the computer will
ask you to enter your Map reference number. Now enter the reference number
given to you by the previous program. Black Crystal it a delicately balanced
game and interfering with the reference number could spoil your adventure.
When you have a reference number for each map section you will be able to play
favourite parts of your adventure over again without starting from Map 1.

At various times during the adventure you will be returning to Map 1. Each time
it will ask you if you want to start a new adventure. Unlike the first time, you
will now type N for no. The computer will ask you for a map reference number
and you must repeat the procedure outlined above.

WARNING: ZX81 owners do not use RUN. Using run will clear important
variables held in Memory.

PURITY: This is an important value. When you are killed the Wizard Gora can
resurrect you by bringing you back to sanctuary, but only if your purity reading
is greater than zero. You lose purity points by using spells that you might find
on your quest or by using the help of the Oracle Zenobie.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:	
You need this to use your physical weapons (Sword, Shield)
SPIRITUAL STRENGTH:	
You need this to Cast Spells (Lightning, Power Drain
etc). Using "Lightning" and "Power Drain" will not
effect your purity level.

SAVE GAME ROUTINE:	
Each program contains a save routine. This allows
you to save the game part way through. To use the
save routine with single-key sections of the program
(i.e. real-time sequences), you only have to press
Key S on your computer. To use the save routine
on Two Word Command sequences of the program
you must type in "SAVE" then press "ENTER".

SPECTRUM USERS ONLY:
After saving the main program the computer will
repeat the instruction "START TAPE AND PRESS
ANY KEY". Keep your tape recording and press a
key, the SCREEN DISPLAY will now SAVE. When
loading the first section will load the second (screen
display) section automatically.


DETAILS OF EACH PROGRAM

MAP 1	
This shows you a Map of the Kingdom of Beroth.
Pressing arrow Keys 5 to 8 will allow you to move
around the screen (Diagram 2). There are two
reasons why your token may not respond to your
key commands.
1) You are trying to enter an area in which you
are not allowed.
2) You are being challenged by a monster. If your
token stops, look to the bottom of the screen
display to see if you are under attack. The
monster battles are in real time so you must be
quick. The computer does not wait for you to
respond, You can respond by hitting Keys Q,R,
U,P,A,L,Z,B (see Diagram 4).
For Example: Key P allows you to swerve.
Keep your fingers off the keys until you have
decided which key to press. The computer
reacts almost immediately to your input. Keep
the key pressed until the computer reacts to it.
Spectrum owners have the added feature of an
audible Warning when a monster challenges
them; they also have an ever-changing difficulty
level from Misfit to Demi-God.

MAP 2	
This holds the three floors of the Castle of Shadows.
The style of play is similar to Map 1 but this time
you have the added difficulty of finding your way
through secret passages and an Invisible Maze.

MAP 3 / MAP 4	
THE SHAGGOTHS LAIR. This section of the
quest introduces a more traditional style of
adventure playing. By using one word or two word
commands or numbers when asked for numbers you
can manipulate your environment.
For Example: "Move North" will allow you to
travel North. You must find your way through
the maze of Caves and raid the Shaggoths'
treasure chamber. There are however, a few
sequences which are realtime or strategy based
graphic games included in the lair that use
single Key input.

MAP 5
THE TEMPLE OF THE FIRE DEMON. The fire
demon holds the great ring of fire. To reach it you
must cross a bridge and an Invisible Maze, both
guarded by magical fire breathing Dragons. Most of
Map 5 is a realtime graphic single Key input.

MAP 6
THE TOWER OF BEROTH. In the top room of
the dark tower rests the evil Black Crystal. This
section is all single Key input.


INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS

SEA OF SAND	
Use Keys 1 to 8 to move (Diagram 3).

UNDERGROUND SWAMP	
Use Keys 1 to 8 to move (Diagram 3).

GOLD MINE	
Use Keys 5 to 8 to dig for gold (Diagram 2).
Beware of fools gold and the terrible flesh eating
rock snakes.

BRIDGE OVER ABYSS and TEMPLE MAZE
Use Keys 5 to 8 to move (Diagram 2).
Use Key 0 to use your Sword. Use Key Z to
fire lightning bolts. Fire breathing dragons hunt
you down across the bridge through the Maze.
Your strength and spiritual power will not be
replaced until you make it through the maze.

ROOM OF PITS	
Use Keys 1 to 8 to move (Diagram 3).
Reach the exit on the other side of the room
while trying to avoid the pits. To make it more
difficult Sirens will appear and drive you off
course. When a Siren appears only ONE Key
will control your movements and that Key will
be between 5 and 8. It's up to you to find
which one before the sirens claim another
victim.

LORDS OF CHAOS	
Use Keys 1 to 8 to move (Diagram 3).
This is a strategy game. You make your move
and the Lords of Chaos make theirs.
Use Key 0 to drop the fire ring.
Use Key P for power search.
You must lead the Lords of Chaos over the fire
ring to banish them. If they see the ring they
will throw it across the room. You can pick up
the ring by passing it or using Power search
which will pick it up from anywhere on the
boards. Beware of Death; do not move directly
towards him or you might gaze on his face and
no mortal will live after it.

THE BLACK CRYSTAL	
Use Keys 1 to 8 to move (Diagram 3).
Use 0 to drop a ring.
Use T to pick up a ring.
The Black Crystal is surrounded by pedestals.
To destroy the crystal you must place a ring on
each pedestal.
The Black Crystal is not defenceless and can
knock the rings off or kill you.


--
Another Fine Product transcribed by:
Jim Grimwood (jimg@globalnet.co.uk), Hatfield, England
--