Curse of the Azure Bonds

     Part One of a hint file supplied by Ron Rainbird

           As played on an Amiga 500 (1 meg)

     Being an attempt to give a "skeletonised" guide through this
     sprawling (26 major locations) RPG, which is the second in
     the "Pool of Radiance" quadruple adventure. Many random
     features have been omitted, whilst non-essential encounters
     will have to be sought out by the player purely for the
     harvesting of experience points.

The Party is discovered at the start of the game in Tilverton
City, bereft of weapons and with little money. On their arms are
blue sigils which they cannot get rid of - at first, anyway - and
which binds them to some mysterious force which can dictate their
movements. It is therefore your priority job to find a way to
escape from this shackle.

TILVERTON CITY.
--------------

You will be forced eventually to attack the Royal Coach which
leads to your incarceration in the local hoosegow. Not to worry!
Thieves' Guild members will rescue you. Before attacking the
Coach, however, be sure to visit the Armoury at map ref:2-12 so
that you may equip yourselves before it is too late. Once you
attack the coach, all shops, inns and temples are barred to you.
The coach attack occurs at map ref:2-1 (approx) so visit
everywhere else first. When rescued you are taken to

TILVERTON THIEVES' GUILD.
------------------------

Here you will learn things but all too soon encounters occur. Go
to map ref:5-5 where you can get a Stone of Dexterity. Wend your
way southwards through a secret door into the


TILVERTON SEWERS.
----------------

Keep heading southwards and when you come to a barrier guarded by
a Knight, swear allegiance to the Princess if you want to pass.
Keep on travelling south, despite some tough opposition. A good
resting and training place can be found, via a secret eastern
door, at map ref:4-38. Going south you will eventually emerge into

THE HIDEOUT OF THE FIRE KNIVES.
------------------------------

Here is where you can force the Fire Knives Master to free them
from his bond. At the Armoury, map ref:6-13, you can find some
magical items - but don't use the Bracers, they are cursed. At
14-11, Khybor's Office, more magical items may be found - search
for them. At 3-13, the crucial battle takes place. Rescue the
Princess and your bonds will be no more. However, the King arrives
and although he reluctantly reprieves you for the attack on him in
the coach, nevertheless, you are banished from his Kingdom. You
are escorted to the edge of the City and left to travel overland.
It has been found that the best place to head for is

HAPTOOTH VILLAGE.
----------------

This is under assault by Drow and Efreeti. Plenty of opportunities
to boost your experience points. There is a Healing Place at 1-7
where you can meet Akabar, a goodly companion. The major battle is
at 3-13, but it would be better if you do not enter here until you
have wiped out several of the Drow Patrols. When you eventually
kill the Leader here, you will find a map of the Caves of the
Dracolith.

THE DRACOLITH CAVE.
------------------

It is necessary to enter this fearsome place in order to get into
the Wizard's Tower. In the cave you will meet Silk, an outcast
from the Dark Elves, who leads a band of female adventurers called
the Swanmays. Accept her help in whatsoever she proposes. Go to
the Salamander's Cavern at 1-2. You may avoid combat by taking in
Sly and you can then get a Dragon Slaying Sword and a Scroll of
Protection against Dragonfire. At 0-15, you can enter the Wizard's
Tower (after much combat).

To be continued ...