BLACKSCAR MOUNTAIN
(c) Terry White 1989
To load the game, insert the disk into drive A. Turn on the
computer and double click on the icon labelled disk A. You will
then be presented with 3 more icons. Double click on the icon
marked BLACK. PRG and the game will automatically load.
Full instructions for playing the game have been included on the
disk, and can be accessed at any time during play. Typing QUEST
will inform you about your objective in the game. Whilst typing
COMMANDS will give details about the type of commands that the
adventure will accept.
Blackscar Mountain is a traditional Atari ST fantasy adventure
which has some 87 locations, most of which are illustrated with a
picture. Although this adventure has less locations than SHARDS
OF TIME, the puzzle/problem content is higher.
The magic system that has been incorporated into the adventure
mainly revolves around teleportation and the use of magic items.
Although some of the occupants of the mountain can cast spells,
the problems encountered in the adventure need to be solved by
logic and lateral thinking.
To make the adventure even more challenging a monetary system has
been thoroughly integrated into the adventure. Money can be
obtained from monsters who often keep it as treasure. Money can
be used to pay tolls and ransoms, and to buy things.
A help command has been included in the game. Typing HELP during
play will either reply with a general hint, or give you a
specific cryptic clue. You may also find it useful to read
through the bestiary before commencing the game.
(c) Terry White 1989
A BESTIARY OF THE OCCUPANTS OF BLACKSCAR MOUNTAIN
All of the following creatures have been sighted near Blackscar
mountain within the last 2 decades. The list is not meant to be a
definitive guide, and it probably doesn't cover everything.
However, it should give you some idea of the type of creatures
that you may encounter.
DEMONS - Blackscar mountain has always been plagued by demons,
the most notorious of which is Skairos. Although Demons are
commonly regarded as evil beings, there are some which will have
dealings with humans. Like most creatures not of the material
plane, demons need a link to maintain them on it.
DRAGONS - These gigantic winged reptiles are capable of breathing
fire and causing vast amounts of destruction. If you come across
one of these then try your best to avoid it.
ELVES - Elves are humanoids who are gifted with high dexterity.
They make excellent archers and will often hire themselves out as
mercenaries.
GHOULS - Ghouls are degenerate humans which inhabit old
cemetaries. They are quite insane, and derive their nourishment
from feasting upon the bodies of the dead. They will also feast
upon the living if they are given the chance.
GHOSTS - These are the ectoplasmic forms of dead individuals who
having died still have an overriding desire to remain on the
material plane. Most of these creatures have some form of a link
with this world.
GOBLINS - Wherever there is trouble there is sure to be goblins.
Goblins usually travel around in large bands. They are evil,
cowardly creatures which are often bullied by other more evil
creatures.
HUMANS - In addition to the listed mythical creatures, it is
suspected that humans with an evil nature may also dwell inside
Blackscar Mountain. These will either be brigands, evil priests
or wizards.
HOBBITS - Small furry footed humanoids which just happen to be
the favourite meal of Ogres. Hobbits are renown for the way in
which they relieve people of their possessions.
OGRES - Large, cave dwelling humanoids which are constantly in
search of food. These creatures are immensely strong and cannot
be easily killed in combat.
ORCS - Orcs are foul, evil natured humanoid creatures whose only
aim in life appears to be to cause as much misery and suffering
as possible.
TROLLS - Trolls are carnivorous cave dwelling creatures which
plague mountainous areas. These vicious creatures are almost
impossible to kill by normal means, although they do have one
weakness. A troll will never willingly go out into the sunlight,
for if it did it would be turned into stone.
VAMPIRES - Vampires are undead humans which shelter from the
sunlight in their coffins throughout the day. At night they come
out and feast upon the blood of the living.
WARNING! - BEFORE READING THE NEXT SECTION, PLEASE NOTE THAT IT
CONTAINS HINTS ON CERTAIN OF THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE
ADVENTURE.
USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS
Travelling in the dark can prove to be lethal.
Quite a few of the objects are well hidden, so you will have to
look hard to find them.
If at first you don't succeed then try again.
Make a map and keep examining things.
You will have to spend your money wisely, otherwise you may find
yourself not being able to get very far.
Some exits are hard to spot, so keep examining things.
Not all monsters can be killed.
Quite a few of the residents of Blackscar mountain are relatively
friendly. There are 4 entrances that lead into the mountain.
The solution to some problems may require you to lure the
monsters away from their lairs.
Some of the more useful objects are well disguised.
Don't forget to keep looking for the useful messages that were
left by previous adventurers.
Some of the initial problems have two solutions.
SPECIFIC HINTS
CAN'T FIND ANY EQUIPMENT - Take a trip to the village store.
CAN'T KILL THE TROLLS - Trolls usually only come out after it is
dark !
THE VAMPIRE KEEPS KILLING YOU - Oh well, we all have our crosses
to bear.
CAN'T AFFORD AN ITEM - You will have to obtain some more money
from the inhabitants of the mountain.
CAN'T LIGHT THE CANDLE - A trip to the village inn might prove
most illuminating.
KEEP GETTING KILLED BY THE OGRE - You must be going to pot if you
can't solve this !
HAVING TROUBLE GETTING PAST THE ELF - You will just have to try a
different approach.
CAN'T GET PAST THE PORTCULLIS - Don't let this ropey problem tie
you in knots.
CAN'T KILL THE WIZARD - This problem is not to be sneezed at.
CAN'T KILL THE GUARDIAN OF THE LAKE - Put some extra iron in his
diet.
Anyway I hope that these hints prove to be of use to you, and
that you enjoy playing this adventure.
FULL SOLUTION TO THE GAME
This can be obtained from either of the following sources :
ADVENTURE PROBE MAGAZINE, 67 Lloyd Street, Llandudno, Gwynedd,
LL30 2BN for a small fee.
ONE OF THE ADVENTURE SOLUTIONS DISKS available in the public
domain.