Curse of the Azure Bonds - Part 2

             Played by Ron Rainbird on an Amiga 500

@~Continued from last issue.

There are four levels to THE WIZARD'S TOWER, plus the roof where
you are transported by Dracandros upon entering Level 1. You must
now force your way downwards. On the roof, there are many
dragons. Talk to them in a nice or meek manner and you should
avoid combat, otherwise you will, in all probability, be wiped out
by 14 Black Dragons. At locations 3-2 and 4-2 on Level 4 there
are two trials, the Trial of the Sphere - use your strongest
character - and the Sphere of Annihilation Duel for which you must
use your Mage. On Level 3 at 0-5 there is an illusion. Get rid of
it with one blow. On Level 2 at 5-5 there is a valuable Black
Dragon's Egg. On Level 1 at 3-1 is a Library which will enable you
to lose another of the Bonds. Go now to ...

YULASH, through which you must search for the Pit of Moander. Much
combat occurs here, but if you win the fight at 11-7, you will get
a Wand of Defoliation (invaluable against monsters in the Pit) and
a Wand of Lightning Bolts. The entrance to the Pit is at 11-0.

The PIT OF MOANDER contains 2 levels. At 1-4 on the first level
you get the opportunity to add Alias and Dragonbait to your Party.
I would enlist them. Stairs to Level 2 are at 7-15. At 3-1,
approximately, you will meet Mogion for a really hard fight but by
beating him you get an essential artefact, the Gauntlet of
Moander. After this, make your way to Level 1 and exit at 0-12 for
a final battle in this location. Upon leaving successfully,
another of the Azure Bonds will have been disposed of. Now go
to ...

ZHENTIL KEEP. This will lead to the Shrine of Bane, but there will
be plenty of encounters. Try talking in a sly or nice manner if
you want to avoid some of these. At location 6-4 there is a Magic
Shop. The prices are rather high but, if you can afford them, get
the potions, magic arrows, darts and wands. I spent out on these
and never regretted it. At 10-11 you will get the chance to enter
the Temple of Bane by a secret door, but you will not be able to
leave by this entrance. However, you will avoid a tough fight to
get in by the official gateway at 2-7.

THE SHRINE OF BANE. Once inside, several encounters are likely
with evil Clerics who can throw some really deadly spells. At 7-7,
you get the chance of adding Dimswart the Sage to your party.
Welcome him with open arms. At 7-6 there is a spying room which
enables you to see just where the monsters are lurking. At various
places, a hooded woman will appear if Dimswart is in your group.
Beware, she is a Medusa. However, saying 'yes' to her proposal
enables you to leave the Shrine. This is the only way of getting
to ...

THE CAVE OF THE BEHOLDER, Dexam. This character will release you
from another Bond. From then on it is almost non-stop slaughter in
order to find your way out of the Cave. During your search for a
way out, you will meet Ogres, Minotaurs, Otyughs and Griffons.
They are not too deadly, but when you come up against Manticores,
get up close to them and attack like mad. At 2-11 there comes a
crucial battle with the Medusa and her underlings and the
Beholder, Dexam. Try to kill Dexam first. When the battle is over,
you can get the Amulet of Lythander from Dexam's body. Go to 11-15
for the exit and the release from another Bond. On now to ...

THE BURIAL GLADE (it's all go!). You are now getting nearer to the
Chief Evil Magician, Tyranthraxus. When attacked by wandering
packs, try telling them your leader is Tyranthraxus. This usually
frightens them away. Don't believe elfin spirits. Re-bury any
skeletons you find - do not rob them. Accept Princess Daemir's
blessing. By overcoming a Rakshasa ambush at 13-6, you will get a
Long Bow +5. At 1-3 is the Ancient Queen's spirit. If you are
allowed in to see her, you will be given some magical treasure. Go
to the Eastern border of the Glade and you will enter the RUINS OF
MYTH DRANNOR ...

@~To be continued next issue.