Scenario
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
reutrned 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,
that drifted the streets in ghastly imitation of the once happy inhabitants. 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 fail 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 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 Time Wars Keepers will keep objects safe and sound.
The Withces 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 to 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.
Controlling Sir Galaheart
Direct Sir Galaheart using your joystick, and press the Fire Button to fire weapons
or to select icons etc. To pause the game, press the F7 key. To restart, press
F7 again or use any joystick action. To abort the game press the F1 key.
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 that you are 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:
Trade an object.
Signpost:
Find out where you are.
Timescape:
Cast a spell to a magic place.
Ribbons:
Colour distinguishes 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.
Exit:
Select this icon to leave the house.
Offer:
When a deal is set up the occupant displayes his offer here.
Portculis:
Pay a toll to pass through the house.
Supplies:
Buy food, weapons, or trading tokens.
Information:
Find out how to accomplish your task.
Loading instructions
Plug in a joystick, if you have one, and connect your Commodore to a cassette
player. Place the cassette in the player and rewind it if necessary. Press the
Shift and Run/Stop keys simultaneously. Press the Play button on the cassette
player. Wait a few minutes for the game to load.
Credits
Designed and Programmed by Stephen Crow
Commodore 64/128 version by John Cumming
