FAQ/WALKTHROUGH (version 1.3) by Matt P,
Contact elementalizard@aol.com for information/comments on this FAQ.
If I use your comments in this FAQ, you will be given full credit.
Geneforge and all names in this FAQ are copyright
Spiderweb Software (www.spidweb.com)
INTRO: Welcome to the exciting world of Geneforge! Geneforge is an
innovative game for Windows and Macintosh designed by Spiderweb
Software, who has also made such games as Avernum 1 & 2, Nethergate,
the Exile Series, and Blades of Exile. Their homepage is
www.spidweb.com. While there, be sure to check out their games and the
spiderweb message boards (under forum). At the spiderweb message
boards, you can find codes, editors, and lots of hints.
PURPOSE: Geneforge is an exciting, new game from Spiderweb software.
It has given me much sanity time in this busy period of my life, and I
felt it was my duty to try to write a good FAQ for this game. I have
also written Walkthroughs and FAQs for Avernum 2 and Nethergate. Be
sure to check them out!
Right now, this FAQ is done. I will continuously take
suggestions/new findings well into future versions.
WARNING: There are plenty of spoilers in this FAQ. Please refer to the
specific section/area about which you have a question to avoid being
spoiled silly.
I still will not be providing cheat codes in this version of the
FAQ. If you want them so very badly, then you should order the hint
book or check the spiderweb forums. They may be placed in a later
version of the FAQ, but not for a while.
I will not give out registration codes. Spiderweb is a small
company, and they need your support. Ignoring their request for a
small fee for your hours of enjoyment is stealing, and illegal.
If you wish to post this FAQ/walkthrough on your site, please send
me an email. I will try to get back to you, ASAP. If I am unable to
look at your site due to fee access, I can't let you post the FAQ.
CONTENTS:
1. Character Classes
2. Character Stat Guide
3. Creation Guide
4. Spell Guide
5. Sect Guide
6. Location Guide (table of contents for the walkthrough) and
walkthrough
7. Canister Locations, other Miscellaneous info (including secrets).
8. Equipment Guide
9. HP and XP per creation guides (from y0d1n2a3- many thanks!)
10. Version info.
1. CHARACTER CLASSES
The Guardian: The physical powerhouse of the triumvirate. When playing
as a Guardian, you'll often find that "If I can get next to an enemy,
in the next turn, it will die." This is true. The Guardians can beat
anything to a bloody pulp. They also have decent shaping skills, and
can summon up a weak army if really necessary. They have very poor
magic skills, and this is their main downfall. They are unable to open
most chests until they've advanced to a high level or have invested
valuable skill points in intelligence or mechanics, or are willing to
burn off living tools. On easy difficulties, they rule. On harder
difficulties, they don't. They can not deal effectively with crowds,
as they don't get searing orbs, nor do they get a powerful army. That
said, beginners may find them very easy to start with. Guardians
probably won't find much use out of magic spell canisters. Guardians
can get a lot of damage if they increase their anatomy and quick action
skills. I have received critical hits (caused by high anatomy) on a
double attack (caused by quick action) for 300 damage each hit. If you
have two quicksilver items equipped and are hasted, you can do over
1800 damage in one turn. Nothing can survive this.
HP (please see end of FAQ, the doozy of a formula has been determined
by y0d1n2a3)
Guardian SP = lvl*int+6
Guardian EP = 1.5*lvl*int+6
The Shaper: The shaper is probably the character at whom this game is
aimed to please. They will get a lot of use out of every canister they
find, and this may be appealing on some levels. Their strength lies in
their numbers. Shapers can create with the best of them. They will
always be able to summon up creations, and will rarely be at a loss
when one creation dies. That said, Shaper's can't take a beating.
Essentially, if there's a strong wind, a shaper might lose half of his
hit points. They must be guarded by their creations. Fortunately,
shapers are pretty good with missile weapons and with spells, so
erecting a creation-shield shouldn't be difficult. Shapers can manage
well on all difficulties.
HP (please see end of FAQ, the doozy of a formula has been determined
by y0d1n2a3)
Shaper SP = 2*lvl*int+6 (from Alex on the Spiderweb message boards)
Shaper EP = 2*lvl*int+6
A shaper strategy: The Deadweight Shaper (a suggestion of Zeviz and
Drakefyre): The shaper is the weakest PC. He can't fight worth a dang,
and his spell-casting isn't so great either. However, he can summon
things very well, and his creations are always potent. Thus, you
should always have plenty of creations on hand, willing to fight and
die for you. As such, the most important stats are intelligence and
creation skills. Ignore strength- you will almost always have 2 AP,
even if you're carrying the moon (this may not be true if you've got a
negative AP item equipped, like the stability belt). The shaper should
be a packhorse, and let his creations do the talking. Dexterity isn't
important if you're not going to attack anything, and endurance
shouldn't be important if you're not going to be hit (as a skilled
player shouldn't be).
*Note from author- this strategy can work quite well in most cases.
However, just giving yourself 1 more AP would result in the ability to
use pods and spores.*
The Agent: The agent is probably the singly most powerful character in
the game. Magic is well balanced with creations, and the agent can
spellsling with the best of them. She will never be able to summon up
an army like the shaper or even the guardian, but can take one out on
her own pretty readily. She is very difficult to play at first, as she
will have at most one or two creations as assistants, but will be
increasingly powerful as she levels up. You do not want to create many
assistants with an agent, as she needs much of her essence to cast
spells. She can really clean house on higher difficulties. Some
suggest equipping her with missile weapons at the beginning, however, I
feel as though she should always have a melee weapon equipped, as her
spells are a potent missile weapon.
HP (please see end of FAQ, the doozy of a formula has been determined
by y0d1n2a3)
Agent SP = 3*lvl*int+6
Agent EP = 1.5*lvl*int+6
2. CHARACTER STATS
Stats: Stats can only be raised up to 30. It is unlikely that you'd
reach this over the course of normal play, so it's not a bad cap.
However, stats start to diminish in effect as you go over 10, and later
20. This means that you will probably want to focus on spreading your
points around a bit, so as to get the maximum effect. The 4 prime
stats do not seem to suffer from this feature.
Stat name (cost, Guardian, Shaper, Agent [if constant for all three
classes, then only one number is shown]): Effects and opinion.
Prime stats:
Strength (5): Influences you weight capacity, and your chance to hit
for melee, your stunning resistance, and you're damage done. Very much
necessary to the Guardian and Agent. The Shaper can ignore it
somewhat, but will need it in order to carry items.
Dexterity (5): Influences you chance to hit for missile weapons, your
speed in combat, your acid resistance (from Scales) and your chance to
dodge enemy blows. This stat can be ignored by most characters. The
bonuses given by it are easily mimicked by quick action and missile
weapons. A shaper might find this stat moderately more useful than the
other characters.
Intelligence (5): Influences your spell points, your essence points,
and your mind resistance. This stat is very important to shapers and
agents. Both need essence, and this is the only stat that affects it.
The guardian may want to invest a few points in this stat as well,
since he will eventually want to cast unlock and summon up some
powerful creations.
Endurance (5): Influences you HP in a large way, and your poison
resistance. Guardians get the largest bonus for this skill.
Fighting stats (Guardian strong, Shaper weak):
Melee (G-2, S-5, A-3): Influences your accuracy and damage done by
melee weapons. The most powerful weapons in this game are melee
weapons. The agent should always use melee weapons, as missile- magic
is her specialty. The guardian should use melee weapons whenever
fighting melee opponents, and should try to use them when fighting
distance opponents. The shaper should probably ignore this skill, at
least until he gets a lot of points in it.
Missile (G-2, S-5, A-3): Influences your accuracy and damage done by
missile weapons. Shapers will find this to be a valuable skill.
However, it is extremely expensive, and not necessarily worthwhile for
them. Guardians may find this skill useful, especially when engaging
distant enemies. Normally, they can manage without adding points in
this skill, however. Agents should probably ignore this skill.
Quick Action (G-1, S-4, A-2): Gives you a small chance of attacking
twice in a single round, and also influences the time you act in
combat. A cool, powerful skill. All classes will appreciate this
skill. Guardians and agents will find it more useful to invest in this
skill than shapers, however, given its cost. Some argue that this
skill is superior to anatomy as hitting twice is nearly the same as
getting a critical hit, and you get a speed bonus, and they are
probably correct to some extent. However, I believe anatomy gives you
a larger chance of getting extra damage. This is one skill that you
will probably want to concentrate on raising up to 10, then start
focusing more on anatomy.
Anatomy (G-1, S-4, A-2): Gives you a small chance of getting a
critical hit. Once again, agents and guardians will get the best use
out of this skill. Shapers should pretty much ignore it completely,
unless they decide to use melee weapons.
Magic stats (Agent strong, Guardian weak):
Battle Magic (G-5, S-3, A-2): Influences the strength of your battle
spells, the chance to hit with your battle spells, and the level of
battle spell you can cast. You will need to add points to this skill
if you're playing as an agent. An agent will want to have 5 points in
this skill a few levels after completing the demo region. Shapers can
ignore this skill and instead use thorn batons, and guardians can't
afford this skill. Note, however, that the Carnelian gloves will enable
you to get a free point of this skill from the nearby tombs. You will
have to wait a while before getting the gloves, however. Still, it's a
viable option for Guardians (from Scales).
Mental Magic (G-5, S-3, A-2): Influences the strength of your mental
spells, the chance to hit with your battle spells, and the level of
battle spell you can cast. All classes will want at least one point in
this skill so as to be able to cast unlock. Agents and shapers may
want to invest more points in this skill. The guardian should be
miserly as always when adding points to this skill. Note, however,
that the Carnelian gloves will enable you to get a free point of this
skill from the nearby tombs. You will have to wait a while before
getting the gloves, however. Still, it's a viable option for Guardians
(from Scales).
Blessing Magic (G-5, S-3, A-2): Influences the strength of your
blessing spells and the level of blessing spell you can cast. This
skill is especially valuable to the shaper. The shaper will want to
beef up his creations before any big fight. The agent will want to get
this skill up to level 3 so as to be able to cast speed and war
blessing, but won't find much use out of mass energize.
Spellcraft (G-7, S-5, A-4): Influences the strength of all spells.
This skill is where the agents reign. Other classes won't be able to
invest points in this skill, or will find it too expensive, but the
agent should add a point to it often. It will greatly strengthen all
of your skills.
Shaping stats (Shaper strong, Agent weak):
Fire Shaping (G-5, S-4, A-7): Influences your ability to create fire
creations, and the level at which they start. Shapers will want to
invest in all the shaping skills (or one in particular). Fire
creations are versatile in that they all have strong melee and physical
attacks. Guardians will want to put a point or two in each skill, but
won't find much benefit from further investment. Agents, unless they
desire a pet fyora, should ignore this expensive skill.
Battle Shaping (G-4, S-3, A-6): Influences your ability to create
battle creations, and the level at which they start. Shapers will want
to invest in all the shaping skills (or one in particular). Battle
creations focus primarily on physical attacks, and have a lot of HP.
Guardians may want to invest more points in this skill, as there is
always need for cannon fodder. Agents, again, should ignore this
skill.
Magic Shaping (G-4, S-3, A-6): Influences your ability to create
magic creations, and the level at which they start. Shapers will want
to invest in all the shaping skills (or one in particular). Magic
creations generally have a bonus feature to their attack, but are
generally only missile weapon users (with the Glaahks being significant
exceptions). Guardians may find this skill to be very useful, as
artilas are a nice component to your army. Agents may want to start
with one point in this skill, and to make an artila or two over time,
but again should probably ignore this expensive skill.
Healing Craft (G-3, S-2, A-5): Influences the strength of your
healing spells, and allows you to use the spell mass restore if a
significant investment in this skill is made. Useful for all classes.
Agents should be more hesitant to add points to this skill, however.
Miscellaneous stats:
Leadership (2): This skill is only useful in dialogue. However, you
will be talking a lot in this game, so this skill is extremely useful.
You should at least have 5 points in this skill by level 5, this will
get you more skills and such. You will want at least 8 by the end
game, though more (10 or so) is quite useful. One servile leader
requires 12 leadership to join without performing a quest (brought to
my attention by Zeviz on the message boards). Going above 12 is
unnecessary except perhaps in one (major) encounter. This skill may be
purchased for 2000 gold. Do note that you can obtain a girdle of
leadership without too much difficulty, therefore going above a natural
10 is unnecessary. Also, other than this one leader, nothing else
requires more than 10 leadership, so with the girdle, going above 8
leadership is probably unnecessary.
Mechanics (2): This is a very useful skill. Guardians will get the
most use out of it, as they will be unable to cast the spell unlock
(they should try to have around about 6 by level 5). Agents and
shapers still should not ignore this skill, but do not need to invest
in it as heavily (maybe ~5). Mechanics is used in some special
encounters, and also influences the following: Unlocking of levers and
chests, Manipulation of power spirals, Disarming of exploding crystals,
Disarming of mines, Manipulation of spore boxes and control devices.
This skill may be purchased for 2000 gold. Zeviz, and Vengeful Wise
Man both recommend getting several points of this skill. Getting above
13 is probably unnecessary. Tinker's gloves will raise your skill in
this, and are fairly common.
Luck (1): A useful skill, but not as pervasive as in previous
Spiderweb games. All characters should start with 1 point, and then
delay getting any more points until they can purchase them from Dig.
Depending on the amount of money you have, you may want to purchase
enough points to get up to 30 in this stat. This way you will not miss
anything, and get a hefty armor bonus. Each point of luck increases
the chance to hit by 1%, and the chance to dodge by 1%. It may also
affects some resistances. Every 2 points of luck increases armor by 1,
and monsters may also drop items more frequently (both hints are from
Scales on the Spiderweb message boards). This skill may be purchased
for 500 gold.
Resistances: There are several resistances listed on the character
page. Many of these are somewhat confusing. Two resistances aren't
listed: fire and energy. Both play significant roles. Items that give
"hostile effect" resistance should increase all of these, thus, are
very valuable.
Stun: Stun resistance is pretty straight-forward. When an enemy hits
you, they have a slight chance of stunning you. Being stunned makes
you lose AP in the next round, and may make you weaker in combat and
defense. Increase your strength and wear stronger armor in order to
increase your stun resistance.
Mind: Mind resistance is somewhat more useful for your creations, as it
helps you prevent fear and charming attacks, the latter of which your
PC is immune. Vlish are the main cause of both, although some sholai
can charm your creations. Increase your intelligence to increase your
mind resistance.
Poison: Many enemies have poison attacks- vlish, clawbugs, roamers,
turrets, among others. Poison is the less dangerous than acid, but can
still be a pain. Increase your endurance to increase your poison
resistance.
Acid: This is the favored attack of artilas and many turrets. It can
be very damaging, and raising dexterity will raise this stat.
Fire: This is one of the unlisted resistances. Assume that it is equal
to your unmodified acid resistance, and may also be increased by
raising dexterity. Fire creations love this attack method, and it's
also used to calculate damage received from fire pits and perhaps
mines.
Energy: There aren't that many energy attacks, although perhaps cryoas
and cryodrayks may use energy attacks, and perhaps there's a few
others. The main use of this resistance is to block the damage
received in the power core.
3. CREATIONS
Important things to note- not all creations start off at level 1.
Some creations start off at different levels. Therefore, it is not
necessary to keep around old creations just because you think that
they're more powerful than new, more advanced creations. I once had a
level 17 fyora with my Agent. I decided I needed some help for a
particular battle, so I made a Drayk. I was surprised to see that the
Drayk had superior stats, despite being a level lower. I saved my
game, and absorbed each creation to see which was more expensive in
essence. Much to my chagrin, my fyora was costing me over 100 essence,
whereas the Drayk only cost 60! I got rid of my poor faithful Fyora
right then and replaced him with the superior Drayk.
Generally, creations that have a specific set of stats determined by
their level. Newly created creations have stats defined completely by
the level at which you create them. When creations gain levels, they
don't necessarily get a set of points at each level. As a result,
creations that are newly created at a specific level are almost always
better than or equal to a creation that has ascended to that level
through gaining experience. Creation stats may not go above 30
(without items), and they will not gain levels above 30 either (from
bme).
Creature name: (cost in essence, cost in essence +2 int). [base
starting level] Opinion. Note that the actual starting level is base +
creature skill + specific shaping skill (up to 10) + specific shaping
skill / 2 (all points 10-20) + skill / 3 (20-30).
Fyoras: (8, 11). [0] A staple of lower levels. They can become
fairly powerful at higher levels, but will never be as strong as
Drayks. As a shaper, create a few of these. They will save your life.
They have decent melee and missile attacks.
Cryoas: (30, 39). [3] A more powerful version of fyoras. They can be
more powerful than fyoras, but are also more expensive.
Roamers: (15, 20). [2] Kind of disappointing, in my opinion. They
spit acid, and have a good bite, but artilas are better acid shooters
and are cheaper, and there are stronger physical enemies out there.
Pyroroamers: (12, 17). [1] An interesting concept, but kind of hard
to employ. These little guys explode when they are hit hard (lose all
HP). You could potentially make 7 of these guys go after a single
enemy, and once said enemy attacks, they explode and kill the enemy.
Drayks: (60, 75). [9] Very powerful, but also expensive. Still, a
nice improvement. They have a better melee attack than missile attack,
though both are very strong.
Cryodrayks: (90, 111) [10] Very, very powerful, but also expensive.
Make a lot of these, and you'll be limited in whatever else you can
make.
Thahds: (7, 10) [2] Another staple of lower levels. These guys can
mete out good punishment and take it as well. They aren't the most
powerful, and die pretty easily against turrets and other ranged
creatures, but are still a good first option. Use them as cannon
fodder.
Thahd Shades: (28, 35). [5] These guys are much harder for the enemy
to hit than Thahds, but by the time you get them, you'll be itching for
something more. They still are probably stronger than clawbugs. Thahd
Shades may be immune to poison.
Clawbug: (20, 27). [3] A decent upgrade from Thahds. They can fight
pretty well, but also tend to share many of the Thahd's deficits.
Plated Bug: (48, 59). [9] A very powerful creation. Expensive as
well, unfortunately. These creations start off with 10 AP, so can get
2 hits in during a round. This is a significant advantage, especially
since they start off at a higher level, and can really pummel an enemy.
At higher levels, they aren't as great, and I'd recommend "trading them
in" for glaahks or something bigger.
Battle Alpha: (45, 56). [7] These guys are relatively cheap, and can
pound an enemy pretty well.
Battle Beta: (75, 92). [9] Probably the most disappointing high level
creation.
Artila: (12, 17). [3] Probably the best of the early level creations.
Artilas can take out most everything. They have great accuracy and a
powerful attack. Unfortunately, they can't attack too much, as they
have limited energy. They are also very weak in melee.
Searing Artila: (30, 39). [4] A decent improvement on the Artila in
terms of strength, endurance and such. They can attack more often than
artilas, but cost more as well.
Vlish: (15, 20). [4] Very potent, especially at upper levels. For
mac users, they may not be so hot, but for PC users, they can clean
house. Their attack stuns and does good damage, and doesn't cost too
much energy. They are also quite cheap. Probably the best second
level creation.
Terror Vlish: (45, 56). [7] A very powerful creation. Their spells,
however, are quite draining, and they don't have the stamina of most
Vlish. But the damage they can do is amazing. Enemies will be
paralyzed by fear, and can't do a thing after being hit by one of these
beasts. They also have a good starting level, meaning that not much
can dodge their attacks.
Glaahk: (45, 56). [8] By the time you get these, you can probably
find more use out of its 3rd level upgrade, the Ur-Glaahk. Regardless,
they can be very potent creations.
Ur-Glaahk: (65, 80). [11] A powerful creation. Their sting stuns
enemies, voiding their next turn. Get a few of these creations, and
enemies won't be attacking you at all. They are also the cheapest of
the top level creations, despite having the highest starting level.
An opinion on Glaahks, Clawbugs, and Battle Alphas/Betas from cjenkins:
The clawbugs and glaahks especially get better armor and endurance, and even
combat-heavy Agents don't take blows easily. I've noticed that concentrating in
magic makes the game a lot easier for them, but it's a running game and it helps
to have a creation run interference. It's not important that they hit hard or
hit at all, they just have to absorb or deflect whacks while you firebolt
everything. Since Agents are also weak at shaping, you'd have to spend the
precious skill points and essence on the most durable creations. If shielding
were a spell, Agents probably wouldn't need shaping at all.
Ornk: (8, 11). [0] Sort of a hidden creation. Quite weak, but good
for comic effect. Don't go out of your way for this one (unless you
REALLY want to). Save your living tools instead.
4. SPELLS
Firebolt: A cheap, powerful spell. A staple of the Agent. You can
get it up to a very high level as well. The agent can cast this
without end.
Searer: A bit more expensive and costs essence as well, but somewhat
more powerful. Causes energy damage, and acid damage thereafter.
Searing Orbs: If you can use this (as an agent or shaper), then do
so. It's very powerful. Use it on multiple enemies. At high levels
it can do 200+ damage per orb.
Unlock: A necessary spell. One spell the guardian should definitely
invest in, since he'll have a hard time opening most doors of the
three.
Terror: Kind of expensive, but useful enough. I've gone through
plenty of games without ever even using it. It can be quite powerful
when you're in a bind. Delicious Vlish on the Spiderweb message boards
says that Terror generally isn't very useful on easy and normal
difficulties, but on higher difficulties, being able to scare an enemy
is very useful, as it can mean the difference between life and death.
Dominate: Similar to terror. I rarely ever used it. However, there
are those who swear by it. Give it a try, maybe you'll like it.
Delicious Vlish on the Spiderweb message boards says that Dominate is
very useful for higher difficulties. Being able to turn an enemy over
to your force can really change the outcome of a battle, as the enemies
are much stronger and able to kill others with ease. He also believes
that the strength of your ability to dominate is determined
significantly by your intelligence (although the author has not
confirmed this). Using it successfully on an augmented sholai can turn
the course of a battle fairly readily.
War Blessing: A good spell, saves you from using those battle pods.
Especially useful for shapers, since it blesses all of your creations
as well. Use it before any tough battle, and your creations will hit
more often, and will hit harder.
Speed: A very nice spell, especially for shapers. Agents get good
use out of it, too. It gives you 1.5 X your current AP. Guardians
would find it to be quite useful, but it is very expensive in terms of
skill points to get your skill high enough to use it.
Mass Energize: Good if you know something's coming. Unfortunately,
you can't use it too often. Generally, the other two spells are
sufficient, plus, they can be cast during battle.
Heal: Necessary. You get hit a lot in this game, this will save your
butt.
Cure Effects: Useful, there are plenty of poisonous monsters and
regions out there. This will help alleviate some of the pain.
Mass Restore: Myeh, it's not awful, especially if you have a lot of
creations. If just a few creatures are hurt, use the cheaper and more
powerful heal.
5. SECTS
Sects: Joining each sect is a commitment of time and ability. Be sure
to wait to hear out all sects before agreeing one way or another. If
you join either the Obeyers or Awakened, you will no longer have access
to the opposing sect's merchants. Try to drain them dry of funds
beforehand.
One of the most important things you do in Geneforge is join a sect
(although it isn't required by any means). In order to join a sect,
you must have given an opinion generally consistent with the views held
by the members of that sect. Each sect has its advantages and
disadvantages, and each seems to be morally ambiguous. The Takers
desire open rebellion and violence. However, as you will see as you
play through Geneforge, their cause appears almost just. The Obeyers
desire to serve the Shapers, and to prevent any major problems from
surfacing, which sounds OK. However, as you talk around, you'll find
that the Obeyers are very underhanded and murderous, and starve the
other sects of supplies and food. The Awakened appear to be the least
sneaky, however they also have a few skeletons in their closet (or
rather dead servant minds). In the end, your decision will be tough.
Unless, that is, you're power-gaming it. All of the sects offer
something nice for those who join them. The Obeyers will increase your
fire shaping ability, and will give you several quests. The Awakened
will significantly improve your combat abilities, but don't have many
quests. The Takers give you an item that will make the gameplay a
whole lot easier.
In order to join a sect, you must have announced your opinion to five
people in the way the sect desires (freedom for Awakened/Takers,
obedience for Obeyers). If you offer any contradicory opinions, you
will have to override that. Imagine a lever:
Aw/Ta----X----Ob
You start out at X. Each time you say something the Obeyers like, you
move one notch towards the Ob. Each time you say something the
Awakened/Takers like, you move towards the Aw/Ta. Learned Darian can
help you greatly by instantly setting you in the good graces of
whichever sect you desire to join, even if you are at the opposite end
of opinion for that sect. Also, Croikle has stated that talking with
the leaders of a sect plays a major role, much moreso than your average
servile.
Finally, if you like playing as a manipulative schemer, you can join
all 3 sects (though not simultaneously). Doing so allows you to milk
the best benefits of all three sects (i.e., the stat raises). First
off, say things to make the Obeyers like you. Get their quest to feed
Control 4 and do so. Join the Obeyers (and get a point in fire
shaping). Next, reverse paths (perhaps through Learned Darian), and
get the Kill Control 4 quest from the Awakened. Kill him and join the
Awakened (getting a nice set of stat boosts). Finally, kill Ellhrah,
and join the Takers and get your amulet. You can avoid all of these
quests if you have 12 leadership or more. Finally, you can potentially
rejoin the Obeyers if you haven't upset them too much.
6. LOCATIONS and WALKTHROUGH
Crumbling Docks
Abandoned Vale
Vakirri
Bandit Woods
Ruined School
Watchhill
Ellhrah's Keep
Crag Valley
Spiral Burrow
Thorny Fen
Pentil Woods
Pentil
Pentil Plains
The Tombs
Pentil East
Thorny Woods >>> END OF DEMO!
Wooded Valley
Peaceful Vale
Freeplace
Southbridge
Northbridge
Buried Cells
Stone Circle
Quiet Marshes
Crystal Burrow
Kazg Plains
Kazg
Kazg Ruins
Outpost
East Kazg
Servile Warren
Tribal Woods
Refugee Cave
Holding 2
Dock Ruins
Eastern Docks
Icy Tunnel
Underground River
East Mines
Mine Core
West Mines
North Mines
Arena
Patrolled Dell
Winding Road
Power Station
Power Core
Guarded Bridge
Patrolled Bridge
Ancient Crypt
Drayk's Vale
Junkyard
The Hill
Kantre's Realm
Sealed Labs
South Workshop
Crossroads
Icewalls
West Gate
Diarazad
West Workshop
Dry Wastes
Western Wastes
Valley of the Wind
Spirit City
Sentinels
Great Temple
Vats
Front Gate
Central Labs
Holding Cells
Quarters
Geneforge
Shaper Crypt
Inner Crypt
Guarded Docks
WALKTHROUGH
LOCATION GUIDE KEY
Town Name (Maximum Difficulty)
Q: quests available
C & S: canisters and stat changes available
O: Serviles with whom you may talk and give your opinion
Enemies: Enemies present in the course of normal play
D: Directions
Walkthrough for area. I will not mention every little thing present
in the region, and exploration of the area is definitely encouraged. I
will try to provide information on most important items, and a general
procedure for making it through the region relatively unscathed.
Difficulties are based on the following scale, with recommended
levels. Difficulties with a .5 represent intermediates. Note also
that these are maximum difficulties. It is pretty easy to walk around
the Icy Tunnels, but attempting to clear them is another matter:
1. Very Easy. A character just starting out can complete this map
without being killed too often. Levels 1-5.
2. Easy. A character can manage without many problems. A character
can get this far in the demo. Levels 5-10.
3. Moderate. A character can manage with using some tactics, and will
probably need to be around about level 10-13.
4. Moderately Difficult. Enemies here can kick you around some. Levels
13-15.
5. Difficult. Enemies here will kick you around some. Levels 15-17.
6. Very Difficult. Enemies here can kill you easily, or love to gang
up on you. Level >17.
*NOTE: Quests: All quests give experience, unless you're at a very high
level. Many also give decent items. I do not state the experience a
quest gives, as it changes with level.
Crumbling Docks (1)
Q: Leave the island
C & S: Firebolt.
Enemies: None.
D: (North to the Abandoned Vale)
You start off at the Abandoned docks. You get your first quest, to
leave the island. Walk around and get acquainted with movement. There
are some jars nearby. Search them, but you won't find anything.
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Containers, well, they contain things. In Geneforge, containers
range from jars to vats of goo to cabinets. If you put your mouse over
a container that is searchable, it will be highlighted, and you can
search it.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Head further east, then enter the building. Here you'll find your
first equipment- a tunic. Equip it, it'll aid you slightly. Check the
drawer to the south to find 6 javelins. Head to the northwest room to
get a cloak, some coins, and a key. Then head south, and stand by the
door- it will automatically open for you. Grab the canister:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Canisters give you skills. Use all that you come across.
There's no penalty for doing so (at least, not intrinsically. There
are a few encounters which are different if you haven't used many).
There are at least 4 of every creature and spell. View your skills
with the "character traits" button.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Continue east, you'll get a message regarding your use of the canister,
and check the small passage to the east. You'll find some thorns at
the end. You'll learn what these can do at a later point. Head back
out and search the container for a healing pod. Enter the building,
and grab the dagger and shield. Pull the lever:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Levers are your ticket to moving around. Whenever you see a
lever, chances are there's a door nearby. Some levers are locked and
can only be manipulated with a key or through some sort of unlocking
mechanism.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Head up and around. You'll find another healing pod in a jar.
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Magic items. There are several classes of magic items. First,
you can acquire pods. These affect your main character alone. Second,
there are spores. Spores affect you and all your creations. They are
a bit more rare than pods. Rods behave like spores, but are even more
rare (and valuable). Crystals will cast a spell for you and can be
very powerful (especially swarm and spray crystals). There are a few
other magic items you'll run across as you go on.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Continue, and enter the south entrance of the hotel. Go west, pull the
lever, and you'll find a belt, some more healing pods, and a robe
(better than the cloak). Head north. Here you'll meet the Ornk.
Ornks are rarely aggressive (only in one area). That doesn't mean you
can't take your aggression out on them. Doing so isn't too bad an
idea- they will give you some handsome experience and meat. Head to
the east, and pull the lever. If you have 3 mechanics or more, you can
pick the lock, and get some thorns and ice crystals. Head to the north
to the next level when you're ready.
Abandoned Vale (1)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Fyora, Heal.
O: Timo.
Enemies: Fyoras.
D: South to the Crumbling Docks, East to Vakkiri.
Head directly north. You'll see two pools here, one on your right
and one on your left. Blue pools heal you and your creation's essence
and energy, whereas green ones heal your health. Go up, and you can
get two canisters (Create Fyora, Heal). There are some goodies on the
tables as well. Exit, and choose your path. The lower one leads to a
dead body with some coins and a few minor items. Head through the
middle one. You'll get some messages warning you about enemies.
Prepare for battle, and attack! They should be quite easy. If you're
a shaper, you'll probably want some assistance, in the form of fyoras.
Guardians and Agents can both manage on their own. Check the buildings
for a few more minor goodies. Head to the west, and look in the
building to get a Baton:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Batons are one of the more unique weapons of Geneforge. They are
very powerful, but not useful to all classes. Agents should not use
them, but Shapers should. Guardians may want to use them, depending on
their enemies (i.e., artilas). Many batons also have secondary effects
like poison, stunning, acid attack, or the dreaded super-death attack
(of sorts).
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Enter the center building, you'll find a pair of boots in one of the
containers. Walk to the east, and you'll find a Servant Mind:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Servant minds are great sources of information. They will also
assist you in your quests. Sometimes, you may want to kill them as
well. In such an instance, talk it to death.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Talk with him, and he'll analyze you and let you go off through the
northern door. A servile will come up and talk with you, giving you
information, and asking your opinion:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Opinions matter. In order to join the various servile sects,
you'll have to get on their good sides. Telling them what they want to
hear is the best way to do this. Most of the time, you can exit the
conversation without telling them anything, if you desire to take your
time in making up your mind.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
After you give him your opinion, he will leave. You can now attack his
ornks, if you so desire (from Vengeful Wise Man on the spiderweb
message boards). You may then leave to the east to Vakkiri.
Vakkiri (1)
Q: Eliminate the bandits, Find stolen knife, Find spy in Vakkiri, Kill
Ellhrah, Find Pixley, Find Arth, Search ruined school, Open box, Clear
watchhill, Deliver message to Ellhrah, Clear Crag Valley.
C & S: War blessing.
O: Learned Pinner, Ham, Khobar, Strout
Enemies: none.
D: West to the Abandoned Vale, North to the Bandit Woods, East to
Watchhill.
Welcome to the first Servile settlement. You can get much of the
background story here by conversing with the residents. You will also
get many quests as you talk with the villagers. Brodus Blade asks you
to eliminate the bandits (in the Bandit Woods), and gives a wand of
firebolt as a reward. Inerny asks you to find her stolen knife. Lietz
has it, but you need to have 4 leadership or more to get her to give it
up (look away). The reward for this quest is cheaper food. It might
be better to keep the knife, as it's a powerful weapon for a low level
character. Sencia asks you to find the spy in Vakkiri. Nabb is the
spy, and he gives the quest to kill Ellhrah. He is a member of the
Takers. Reporting him to Sencia only gets you exp (but a good bit).
Sencia also refers to Clakkit, who can give you a good bit of
information about what people think of you, and may give you a few more
hints as you progress through the game. Coale will buy and sell from
you. He gives you quests to find two merchants. Finding Pixley will
get you 3 living tools. Finding Arth will get you a few spore pouches.
Coale's lever room contains a few living tools. The room to his north
has two locked chests that contain pods and coins. Further south,
there is a room to the west that has a trap. Inside is a bronze sword
and some robes. Now is a good time to talk about theft:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Theft- it isn't a crime if it's unseen. Wait for a character to
leave, then steal their stuff. Use this often in Vakkiri to build up
your gold reserves. It will be quite useful later on in certain other
areas, as well.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Dreet will sell you access to a canister (containing war blessing) for
300 coins, or if you have 6 or greater leadership. Save up your cash.
Learned Pinner wants you to search the Ruined School to find some
answers. Your reward is exp. She will also examine you to tell you
how mutated you are. Ham will buy and sell from you, and also wants
you to open his box. Use spells, tools, or pure mechanics if you so
desire:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Opening things can be a problem. Luckily, there are plenty of
living tools available. Living tools act as an unlocking device. Use
them on an object to decrease the mechanics required to manipulate said
device. There are other ways around locked chests and doors. First,
and easiest, is to have a key. A key will open a lever or lock without
problems. Of course, you must find the required key. Another means is
by increasing your mechanics skill. This is the most broad answer, as
you can do almost anything with enough mechanics. Note that each
living tool acts like two points of the mechanics skill. Finally, you
can use the spell unlock. Some doors are resistant to this spell, and
will not unlock even if you have a large unlock spell bonus. Unlock
only works for locked items and does not affect power spirals and such.
The best way to approach unlocking an item is first to use living tools
to get the message down to "You need to use 3 more tools to open this,"
then to attempt the spell unlock. Guardians will have no chance until
they reach a high level of unlocking anything requiring more than 1
living tool.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
For this he gives you a few pods. If you've spilled the beans on Nabb,
you can go up to his room and claim his stuff, which includes a Chitin
armor and a gem. Leader Khobar gives you a series of quests. The
first is to clear Watchhill. The reward for this quest is 300 coins.
Next he tells you to deliver a letter to Ellhrah. Telling him you've
completed this quest gets you 150 coins. Finally, he asks you to clear
Crag Valley. Once this has been done, you get a girdle of strength
Bandit Woods (1)
Q: none.
C & S: none.
O: none.
Enemies: Fyoras, Thahds, and Bandits
D: West to the Ruined School, South to Vakkiri, North to Dry Wastes
As you enter this area, you are accosted by Ghurk, leader of the
bandits. You can attempt to convince him not to attack, and he'll tell
you that they will stop raiding if they get some food (leadership 4 or
more). Tell Brodus Blade this, and if your leadership is >=5, you can
convince her to agree. This results in an early exp reward. If you
wander through their woods enough, they will attack you anyways. They
are difficult for a low level character, but one bandit has a Coated
Cloak. Their NE headquarters has a lot of gold (235 coins), and some
nice pods (healing and 1 shielding). In the center of the woods there
is a room with three locked chests. Opening them gets you gauntlets,
living tools, pods, and one healing spore. Finally, go to the west.
You'll fight several low level enemies, and can gain entrance to the
Ruined School.
Ruined School (1)
Q: none.
C & S: Searer, Endurance, Create Artila, Firebolt.
O: none.
Enemies: Fyoras, Thahds, Artilas, Rawbone.
D: East to Bandit Woods.
This is a fairly rich area, and is well-worth exploring. To the SE and
SW are several magic pods. Check all of the containers you come
across. Get to the center west area, and you'll fight Rawbone, a
powerful Thahd (100HP), and his cronies. Killing him gets you the very
nice Student's Belt. You can also find the School key. Use the key in
the SW corner room to get some thorns, a bronze sword, a studded belt,
and a Searer canister. Head up to the NE, and use the key to unlock
the lever to get a point in endurance from the canister. Then head to
the NW and get to the servant mind. Ask the servant mind about the
history of the place to complete Learned Pinner's quest. If you have 5
leadership, you can also convince it to give you one more point in
Firebolt. Explore the area around the servant mind for a Venom Baton
and a canister of Create Artila.
Watchhill (1)
Q: none
C & S: Create Thahd
O: none.
Enemies: Thahds, Fyoras, Spawner
D: South to Ellhrah's keep, West to Vakkiri, North to Crag Valley, East
to Thorny Fen
Here you will meet your first spawner. Head to the north, and you'll
have to make your way through thahds and a fyora or two. In the NW
corner, you'll encounter a spawner. Spawners generate enemies every
two turns or so (maybe 3). They are a decent place to build up
experience, if you so desire. Once killed, the spawner leaves a group
of gems. Search the area, killing any hostile creations you come
across, and search the containers. You can find a good variety of
items. In the central area of the building, you'll find a canister
that will give you a point of Create Thahd. The rest of this place
doesn't have too much. Seerula will assist you in your fight, if you so
desire and have enough leadership. If she kills an enemy, you don't
get any of the EXP, however. I generally just let her stay.
Ellhrah's Keep (2)
Q: Kill Control 4.
C & S: Firebolt, Create Fyora, Cure Effects.
O: Ellhrah, Swan.
Enemies: Cryoas
D: North to Watchhill.
This is a friendly area. There are some merchants just east of the
entrance, they have a decent amount of gold to trade with you for your
items. Swan is a good character who will train you if you are a member
of the Awakened. Head down south to Ellhrah. Along the way, you meet
Ting, who wants you to kill Ellhrah. Ellhrah wants you to join the
awakened. Give him the message, and then return to Vakkiri to get your
reward. Ellhrah will let you join the Awakened if you have said enough
things to make him happy. He will first make you prove yourself by
insisting you go kill Control 4. If you have enough leadership, you
can avoid this quest. Head to the SE, and you'll find some cryoas.
Thy can be tough for a low level character, but take your time. This
area will yield a canister of firebolt, pods, and living tools. Head
to the center south as far as you can go, then head east. Unlock the
door, and you can get a jar of Mind Nutrients (More on this later), and
a canister of Create Fyora. There's also a dead servant mind here. If
you join the Awakened, Ellhrah will give you a bronze key. You can
convince him to give you a gold key if you have enough leadership. If
you don't want to join the Awakened just yet, you can still pillage the
keep's hidden goods. When you have enough tools, you should head west
from the dead servant mind. Watch out for the guard (unless you have
the key). He'll shout an alarm if he catches you without a key, and if
you can't lie your way out (requires a fairly high leadership). Once
you make it to the west, you can collect a lot of gems and coins. You
can also get a girdle of nimbleness, and a canister of cure effects.
Finally, you can acquire a discipline wand, a powerful magic item early
on in the game.
Crag Valley (2)
Q: none
C & S: Unlock, War Blessing.
O: Forney
Enemies: Thahds, Roamers, Artilas, and a Spawner.
D: South to Watchhill, West to Spiral Burrow, East to Hall of Jars.
As you enter this area, you meet two serviles, who are both members
of the Obeyers. They have been having trouble with artilas, and could
use your help. Head to the west, and kill all of the enemies you come
across. Towards the south you will run into roamers. Head up north
and you'll have to fight some artilas. Enter the building from the
west, and you'll see an essence pool as well as a Power spiral:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Power spirals can be rather annoying. Most of the time they are
powering something dangerous, and should be shut off. There are two
ways of accomplishing this (3 actually, but the third doesn't come into
play until late in the game). First, and easiest, is to blow them up.
The best way to blow them up is to enter combat. While in combat,
disarm the spiral, then get behind a wall. A turn or two later, it
will explode (doing damage to anything nearby). The second way to do
it requires investment in mechanics. If you have adequate mechanics
skill, you can turn a spiral off without it exploding. The third way
is to use the control key. Some spirals are instantly turned off by
this device, but you don't get it till real late in the game.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
You don't have any choice but to explode this spiral. Do so, and
you'll kill the spawner hiding just east, and blow a hole in the wall.
This finishes Khobar's mission. Also, while you're here, be sure to
grab the shaper equipment. It is useful for a later quest. You can
continue heading east in the building, however, you will be attacked by
very strong artilas. If you feel you're up to it (thahds and more
creations can help), you can obtain a canister of unlock and of war
blessing.
Spiral Burrow (1.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Heal, Create Roamer.
O: None.
Enemies: Roamers, Warp.
D: East to Crag Valley.
This area is home to Control Four, who is the object of two quests.
It is also the home of Warp, a dangerous Vlish. As you enter, you'll
notice Roamers that are, well, roaming the halls. If you don't kill
them quickly enough, they will run away and get their friends to gang
up on you. Most of the important stuff is in the center of the map.
You can find some decent equipment and items in each of the four
corners (NE, SW, NW, SE) and to the North. Also in the SE, you can
obtain a canister of Heal. When you're ready, head to the center. You
will have to fight Warp, a dangerous Vlish. If you have any creations
around, Warp will attempt to charm them and get them to serve him. A
charmed creation will eventually uncharm. It may take a few goes, but
eventually, you should be able to kill Warp. Head west, and you'll
find a closed room, wait for the door to open, and use the canister for
a point in Create Roamer. Then head north, and talk with Control Four.
If you want to join the Obeyers, feed him some of your mind nutrients.
If you want to kill him (to join the Awakened), you'll have to tell him
4 times to deactivate himself. If you're not sure, wait before doing
anything.
Thorny Fen (1.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Unlock.
O: None.
Enemies: Roamers.
D: West to Watchhill, North to Hall of Jars, East to Pentil Woods
There's not too much to do here. There are a lot of roamers, and they
yield decent EXP. Be sure to check the bushes- they will yield thorns.
Occasionally you may get lucky and get something other than normal
thorns, but this is rare. To the SE there is a body and a chest
containing a few thorns and other items. To the NE is Sleet, who is
being attacked by a Roamer. Kill the roamer. Talk with Sleet, and you
can get some info on nearby areas, and some crystals, if you ask her
for them. To the NW is a body with a baton, a sword, and a crystal.
The most important thing here is just south of this body- a canister
containing Unlock. You probably can't use the unlock spell if you're a
guardian, but all of the other classes now can open a lot of those
chests. If you kill enough Roamers, the area is cleared.
Hall of Jars (1.5)
Q: None
C & S: Create Thahd, Quick Action, Searer.
O: None.
Enemies: Turrets, Venom Turrets.
D: West to Crag Valley, South to Hall of Jars, East to Pentil Plains.
This is a dangerous, but rewarding, area. There are two main
sections- the outer rim, and the inner room. The inner room is the
most rewarding. There are over 10 living tools available for the
taking in this area. You enter on the outer rim, most likely from
either the south or the west. Explore the area, and head to the SW (if
you're coming from the south or west). You'll find some mines:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Mines are bad. Fortunately, there are many ways to get past
them. Some mines won't explode unless you step right on top of them,
thus you can avoid them by careful walking. Other mines can be turned
of from a lever-controlled spore box. Finally, you can also use spore
batons, which you will find at a later point in time.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Carefully make your way to a nearby locked door- unlock it and use the
lever-controlled spore box. This will turn off all mines in the
region. Then head a bit NE to the central area. You will probably
need to use some living tools to get in. Once you've entered, prepare
for a fight. Turrets are waiting for you.
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
STATIONARY ENEMY HINTS FROM ZEVIZ:
1. Get to the very edge of their range. You can find this by trying to
target them and finding when you are just out of range. They have the
same range as you.
2. Cast haste.
3. Step in range, fire, step out. If you only have 10AP you'll have to
take a very tiny step, so you still have 10AP when you are ready to
fire. This might take several turns.
4. Repeat step 3 until they pylon/turret is dead and move on to the
next one.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
You should be able to kill the one without too much hassle. Then move
to the east and manipulate the spore box, turning off the turrets. You
may now kill them at will. Be sure to kill them in one turn or else
you will be attacked by all of them (this shouldn't be too difficult).
Killing them gets you some EXP, as well as some thorns. You should get
enough venom thorns from the venom turrets that you can now ditch any
plain thorn batons. There are other areas to explore in the room, but
first head to the NE. The door will open, and you'll see a mine. This
mine is always dangerous, but won't do too much damage. Head to the
north. You'll see a servant mind. Talk with it, and with adequate
leadership, you can convince it to turn off all of the mines and
turrets, making your job a lot easier. You can also get the name of
the human who has been troubling you. To the east of the mind is a key
that is quite useful. To the west of the mind is a jar of Mind
Nutrients. This is a very valuable special item, and there are a
limited number of these. Head back down to the west room, and enter
the NW room. You'll find a bunch of Pods, and a canister of Create
Thahd. Head east, and you'll find some neutral turrets (kill them if
you desire). Head to the northern room from this turret room to get a
chainmail armor and a canister of quick action. Head to the western
room from the turret room to get some acid thorns, an iron sword, and a
canister of searer. In the eastern turret room, you can get some steel
gauntlets. Exit once you've got everything you desire.
Pentil Woods (1.5)
Q: None
C & S: Create Artila.
O: None.
Enemies: Vlish, a spawner.
D: West to Thorny Fen, North to Pentil, East to the Tombs.
There are Vlish here. Be sure to kill them in one turn, or else
they'll call their buddies, and you may have a hard fight on your
hands. If you kill enough Vlish, this area will be cleared, and you'll
be rewarded with EXP. Do not bother with the room to the SW until
after you've spoken with Godwin in Pentil. Completion of his quest
before he asks you may result in no reward! To the south there is a
nest, but I've never found anything to do with it. To the NE there is
a room filled with mines that are guarding a canister. The best way to
deal with the mines is to create a dummy creation, and send it in to
get blown to bits. The canister increases you Create Artila skill. In
the center of the woods, you will find the living place of the woodsman
serviles. After you've gotten Godwin's quest, be sure to head to the
SW and unlock the lever. Enter the building, and grab the iron shield.
Unlock another lever, then kill the Spawner. Report back to Godwin to
claim your reward.
Pentil (1)
Q: Clear a bridge, Find Shaper Records, Find source of Vlish, Clear
Pentil gate, Destroy hidden rebels, Feed Control Four, Kill Gnorrel,
Speak with Doge, Speak with Sholai Rebels, Destroy the Geneforge.
C & S: Quick Action (2), Fire Shaping, Melee weapons, Mechanics,
Leadership, Create Roamer.
O: Learned Dayna, Natley, Leader Rydell.
Enemies: None.
D: South to Pentil Woods, West to Pentil Plains, East to Pentil East
This is the home of the Obeyer Sect. The Obeyers worship you. To
the south, you will find Pixley, the object of one of Coale's quests.
Pixley has a mission for you: Clear a bridge. Doing so gets you two
pods, including a battle pod. To the SE are living quarters, and if
you're sneaky you can steal some minor goodies. At the outer wall,
there are chest at each of the four corners (NE, NW, SE, SW), all with
goodies that are ripe for the stealing if you're patient (there's a
guard that is watching you at each, but he leaves eventually). There
are merchants in the eastern section. Learned Dayna, in the library,
is busy saving shaper records. You can help her if you desire, and if
you don't tell her that it's a pointless task. You get 10 coins for
each book you bring her (as well as EXP, which all quests give if
you're a low enough level- 13 and higher only get the coins). There are some in
the southern room of the library. In the NE you can talk with Godwin- he wants
your help clearing out the vlish in the woods to the south. After you kill the
spawner, return, and he will train you in Quick Action (+2). Natley is
just west of Godwin, and provided you haven't cleared out the gate to
the west, she will ask for your assistance in doing so. Upon
completion, you get a shielding band, a nice magical ring. To the NW
is Mickall Blade, who wants your help killing some rebels in the Thorny
Woods. You can either help him (an Obeyer), or help Eko Blade (a
Taker). The Takers give a better reward, but you also have to kill
some friendly humans. Your choice. After completing this quest (for
no reward), you'll get another quest to speak with a servile named
Doge. Completing this quest will get you a pair of shaped gauntlets.
Learned Jaffee will talk with you a lot after you've joined the
Obeyers- he will train you in Fire Shaping, and will instruct you in
the Sholai Language:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Over the course of the game, you will need to learn the Sholai
tongue. *i on the spiderweb message boards says that you need to learn
it 3 times in order to be able to speak it fluently. Each sect will
teach you once, and there are other teachers around who will increase
your knowledge of this language. The complete list may be found at the
end of this FAQ.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Finally you can speak with leader Rydell, and he will let you join the
Obeyers if you've talked down to serviles, and do a quest: Feed control
4. If you've killed Control 4, he will want you to kill Gnorrel, of
the Takers. If you have enough leadership, you can get out doing
either of these tasks. Rydell will give you advice on what you should
do next. He recommends speaking with the Sholai Rebels (east of Kazg).
After doing so (no reward), he recommends that you destroy the
Geneforge. When/If you join the Obeyers, you will be given a key. The
key gives you access to all of the areas in Pentil that are blocked by
hard-to-unlock locks. However, if you have enough living tools/spell
power/mechanics, you can pillage the rooms relatively easily. Start
with Rydell's room. Breaking into his room will let you read his books
(giving you +1 to melee and mechanics), and take his Carnelian gloves,
which are quite useful, as they will give you some valuable magic
skills. The guardian can use these to get the tomb spell abilities.
Head to the SW, and unlock the door there. You can get a canister of
leadership. Then head to the east. For some odd reason, unlocking the
doors in this fashion voids the lock on this door. This is Pentil's
storage room. You can take the steel shield and the canister of create
roamer.
Pentil Plains (2)
Q: None.
C & S: Cure Effects.
O: None.
Enemies: Artilas and Thahds.
D: West to Hill of Jars, East to Pentil, North to the Junkyard.
It's easiest to enter this area from the west. There's not too much
here, but to the SE you can find a few items. In the east, you can
obtain a canister of cure effects after unlocking a nearby lever.
Eventually you will need to kill the creatures guarding the gates. Try
to do this after obtaining Natley's quest. You'll probably want to
kill as many Thahds as you can by wandering around the fields. You
have two options for killing these creatures: the first is to enlist
the aid of the serviles. Go to the south and speak with Chesh (you can
also take any items lying around their camp), and if you have adequate
leadership, you can convince him to attack. In all likelihood, some of
the serviles will die. Otherwise, you can attempt to take on the
creations on your own. This is probably a better choice, despite being
more difficult. Use your cunning to kill the creatures (a good way
I've found is to march forward, then run behind a corner when
attacked). Once dead, tell the serviles, and they'll ask you to escort
them to Pentil.
The Tombs (2.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Melee Weapons, Healing Craft, Fire Shaping, Battle Shaping,
Magical Shaping, Battle Magic, Mental Magic, Blessing Magic,
Spellcraft.
O: None.
Enemies: Unstable Roamers, Thahd Shades.
D: West to Pentil Woods, North to Thorny Woods, East to Southbridge.
This is one of the most rewarding areas in the game. You will get a
lot of stat points by clearing this map, especially as a shaper. Head
to the south. On your way, you will inevitably come across some
unstable roamers. For these creatures, be sure to use missile weapons.
They are very weak, but when they die, they explode, damaging
everything around them (including their friends and you). If you can,
try to get a large group of them assembled, then blast one of them,
yielding a nice batch of fireworks! Head to the SW, and you'll get a
message along the lines of "You see the boat that attacked you sinking"
and will get some experience. Head a bit to the north, and enter the
room to the west. You'll have to fight 3 thahd shades, which can be
very difficult for a low level character. Continue west, and you'll
have to fight another thahd shade. Head into the room to the north,
and search the cabinets. You'll find the Caretaker's amulet, which
will give you access to all of the rooms in the area. Head to the room
to the south, and you'll find a canister with the melee weapons skill.
Now it's time to do some tomb-raiding, especially if you're playing an
agent (sorry, couldn't resist)! Each tomb is guarded by a green mine
which will explode to create a thahd shade. If you enter combat before
the shade appears, you can attack the shade twice before it responds.
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Most tombs have a tome hidden within their casket, which when
read yield a point in a skill. However, in order to get the free
point, you must at least have one point in the skill to begin with.
Therefore, Guardians and Agents may not get full use out of the tombs
until they decide to come back later with either more skills or stat-
raising items. Agents may find the shaper robe (which raises all
shaping skills by one) useful, as they can get the points in shaping
skills instantly after equipping this item. Guardians may find the
Agent's robe useful, as they will get the magic skill points from use
of this item. The wanderer has informed me that the tombs do not give
benefits if your skill is already high (~4). Therefore, it is best to
get to the tombs before you reach this level of skill, so as to get the
largest skill point benefit.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
The tombs to the NW give a point of healing craft and of Battle magic.
The tombs to the NE give a point in Battle Shaping, and you can also
acquire an iron breastplate and sword on a dead body. Those to the NNE
give a point of Fire Shaping. The ones to the east give points in
Mental Magic, Magic Shaping, Spellcraft, and Blessing Magic. Once
you've pillaged all the tombs as best you can, you should leave.
Pentil East (2)
Q: None.
C & S: None.
O: Garnet.
Enemies: Cryoas, Spawners (3)
D: West to Pentil, South to Thorny Woods, East to Northbridge.
If you enter this area from the west, head straight south, and enter
the abandoned building. You'll find some nice items. Directly east
are also several items. You can talk with Pool- she'll give you advice
about the local happenings. Sorking will teach you some of the Sholai
language if you are a member of the awakened. Talk with Garnet. If
you have enough leadership, you can convince him to help you attack the
enemies located here. This place is full of cryoas. It's a relatively
straight-forward place, just kill all three spawners. There's no items
around here that really stick out, although there's a dead human to the
east SE. If you wander around too much, you will be attacked by cryoas
guarding their nests.
*******************EXPLOITABLE BUG************************************
Discovered by Alex on the spiderweb software message boards. In one of the
cryoa nests on this level, you'll find a living tool that has X for its number.
Notes from Alex:
1. Most people carry living tools, in which case it's like 0 living tools - it
simply disappears. I found it with an agent that had lots of spellcraft and
didn't use living tools early in the game (unlock rules!).
2. I used it 5 times on a locked lever - no problems.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This almost certainly a bug, so if you want to play without
cheating, ignore it. If you're unscrupulous, go ahead and take it- you'll never
have to worry about living tools again.
***********************************************************************
Thorny Woods (2)
Q: None
C & S: Firebolt, Create Fyora.
O: None.
Enemies: Warrior serviles, fyoras.
D: North to Pentil East, South to the Tombs.
You have two options for this area. You are either here to kill the
rebels, or to free them. You won't be able to get the "free them"
quest for a while, and that quest also requires another quest as a
precursor, the rather untasteful slaying of friendly humans. So,
killing the rebels is probably why you're here. First off, head to the
SE. You'll see a building (you may also get attacked by a servile
carrying a girdle of strength- it happened once for me). Open the
door, and you'll see some box mines:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Box mines can be very dangerous. However, as opposed to living
minds, box mines can be disarmed, provided you have enough mechanics.
Some box mines explode, and some summon enemies (the bright green
ones). There are ways to explode mines without getting hurt. First,
enter combat. Then, approach the mine till it says "you trigger the
mine," then go hide behind a corner. The mine will explode, but you'll
be unharmed.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Make it through the box mines, and you can get a canister of Firebolt.
Head to the center, and you'll see an Obeyer servile and some tamed
fyoras. Head west. You'll come to an area with essentially 3
branches. Both the north and south passages don't lead anywhere
special. There are some minor items and a few fyoras and serviles to
fight with, but that's about it. Head to the western path. You'll
hear some serviles speaking. In the SW corner you'll find the rebel
base. Ezog is the servile leader. He'll be hostile if you're trying
to complete the Obeyer quest. In the SW room, you'll find a jar with a
key in it that will open up most items in this area. Open the door
slightly to the east, and avoid the mines. You'll find a canister of
Create Fyora, some steel gauntlets, and an acid baton. Return to
Mickall Blade and tell him your success.
The Wanderer has informed me that he found a strange fyora here. It
attacked him, and, once dead, yielded a fyoraskin cloak (similar to the
coated cloak, but provides fire resistance).
******END OF DEMO! TIME TO BUY THE GAME! $25 FOR MUCH FUN! ********
Wooded Valley (1.5)
Q: Find help for Astrov.
C & S: War Blessing, Firebolt, Spellcraft.
O: None.
Enemies: Roamers, Submission Turrets.
D: South to Pentil, North to Peaceful Vale.
You can enter this place fairly early and kill the roamers to the NE.
It's a pretty easy level. The roamer nests have some minor items. To
the west are a bunch of humans, but you can not speak with them till
after you've reached the humans east of Kazg. Sniff is the doorguard
for the humans. Once you have obtained a letter from Masha (received
after completion of her key quest), you can enter the cave.
Immediately to the south, you will see Astrov. He will speak with you,
and fill in even more of the story. After talking with him once, talk
with him again. This time, you will get even more options, and can get
a quest from Astrov. He will also let you take all of the supplies
from the cave. Finally, he will give you many hints, and it would be
wise to take notes (or just use this faq). Speak with Rydell in Pentil
to complete Astrov's quest (no reward). South of Astrov is a Sholai
named Treplev. He has over 3000 gold for trade as well. Of course,
since Astrov told you that you can take all the equipment you need,
take everything around Treplev's feet and sell it back to him. Head
east, and you can speak with Anya. If you have adequate leadership,
you can convince her to teach you spellcraft (increases stat by 1).
She also warns you about the creations to the south. Sounds like a
challenge! Head to the south, you will have to fight three submission
turrets. Once you've killed them, you can enter the secret room.
There are two canisters (war blessing and firebolt) here, as well as a
shaped belt (which isn't really worth equipping). That's about it for
this area.
Peaceful Vale (2)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Artila, Heal, Searing Orbs, Speed.
O: Learned Darian.
Enemies: Searing Artilas.
D: South to Wooded Valley, North to Freeplace, West to Diarazad, East
to Patrol Bridge.
This level is a bit tougher than the Wooded Valley, but may still be
explored fully at a low level. The most important person here is
probably Learned Darian to the NW. Learned Darian will tell you many
things, and advise you. He will also speak on your behalf to any sect
you desire to join. His action will make it much easier to join that
sect. He can only do this once for you. To the NE you will find a
batch of searing artilas, and in one of their nest you can take a Rod
of Battle. This is an especially useful item that will cast the spell
war blessing for you. Guardians will find it very useful. To the SE
you will find Syros the Drayk, who is very intimidating. He can help
you, for a price. For one skill point, he will give you advice. For 5
skill points he will open the west door, allowing you to take a leaded
shield, fibrous plate, and some thrusting gauntlets. Or, also for 5
skill points, he will open the east door, allowing you to use four
canisters of Create Artila, Heal, Searing Orbs, and Speed. This cost
is steep. Don't bother going for the advice. Personally, I would
avoid try to get the western items, as you can find better items on
your own. Of course, if you get to them early enough, you will have a
much easier time dealing with areas that follow, as these are decent
items. As for the canisters, this is a harder call. An agent probably
should avoid getting them, as she could just add a point to spellcraft
and get the same result, since she probably won't be creating artilas
any time soon. Given the price of spellcraft to a guardian, it might
seem like a decent trade, however, the guardian probably won't be able
to cast those spells for a long time, decreasing their worth to him.
The shaper might be best able to use them, but the shaper could use
those five skill points elsewhere, probably to better effect. In the
end, it's all up to you. Killing syros gets you a pair of quicksilver boots.
To the SW you will find more searing artilas, and can take a battle pod from one
of their nests.
Freeplace (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Searer
O: None
Enemies: Ur-Glaahk, Battle Alphas.
D: South to Peaceful Vale, West to Ancient Crypt, North to Power
Station.
If you have enough leadership (more than 6), you can come to this
region and get a very powerful weapon that will serve you well for a
while. Head to the NW from the southern exit. You will be confronted
by Aitch, a Battle Alpha. If you have enough leadership, you can tell
him that Battle Alphas are better than shapers and that you don't need
to fight. He will calm down and let you explore freely. Head through
the northern rooms (take anything you want from this place), and speak
with Ell. He is next to a canister of Searer. If you have
enough leadership, you can ask him about his troubles, and offer to
help. He will thank you and remove a column blocking a room full of
minor treasures. There are pods and thorns in this room, and you can
take the powerful shielding knife from the blue container. That's
about all you can do with the Battle Alphas. You can head to the SW
corner of the map, and you may find an Ur-Glaahk waiting for you. Kill
it to get a Glaahk shield. The SE quad is filled with mines. Many of
these are difficult to disarm. Fortunately, the light green ones only
summon battle alphas. If you make it through this mine field and then
attempt to go through the north, the area should be cleared. There are
two pools to the north (essence and healing), this room also contains a
dead servant mind. There is also a container to the east that contains
two rough crystals. Rough crystals are useful in the mines. To the
NE, you'll find a hostile servile named Zygan. He may have just
murdered someone, I'm not sure. Regardless, you can kill him without
problems.
Southbridge (2.5)
Q: None
C & S: Leadership, Anatomy, Create Clawbug.
O: None
Enemies: Clawbugs, Turrets, Venom turrets, Burning Turrets, Sholai
D: West to the Tombs, East to Stone Circle
Personally, I prefer to clear Southbridge. There are more rewards
hidden in this area. To the NW are two caskets, containing Anatomy and
Leadership. In the west-center, you'll find a steel shield and
gauntlets. Head to the south, and you'll have to fight some turrets.
They may be somewhat difficult, but can be beaten. Continue east, and
you'll be accosted by two sholai, your first contact with humans. You
will not encounter the Sholai if you found them first at Northbridge.
It doesn't matter how you make this discussion end, but if you want to
avoid a fight, say the quote along the lines of "Trajkov sent me."
They will let you pass without problem. Head to the SE to find some
thorn bushes, then head to the north. If you walk past the sholai
without telling them about Trajkov, they will attack you. Head to the
north, and you'll have to make your way through some turrets, but
eventually can get a canister of Create Clawbug if you kill three
burning turrets. Once done with this area (provided you haven't yet
done Northbridge), tell Pixley that you've cleared a bridge.
Northbridge (2)
Q: None
C & S: Terror
O: Lahnee (?)
Enemies: Turrets.
D: West to East Pentil, East to Buried Cells
Clearing Northbridge is your other option. As you enter this area,
you will see a bunch of mines. Don't attempt to cross them yet. Head
to the NE, and you'll find a group of mines that won't hurt you.
Continue on, and you'll find a servile name Lahnee. He will talk with
you, and you can ask him about the mines. He'll tell you that humans
set them up. He also says that you can use a baton that the humans
dropped. Go to the north, and open the chest. If you have enough
mechanics, you can repair the brown spore baton:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Batons are very valuable items. Using them will explode nearby
mines if they are spore-specific to the baton. There are three
varieties of batons: green, brown, and the very rare red.
Occasionally, if you encounter a mine, you will be informed of its
color. Use the baton that corresponds to the mine's color.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Head back out. Head to the east, and you'll find three essence pods in
a chest. Try to avoid using the baton, as you can get around most
mines without too much difficulty. Head south (again avoiding the
mines rather than using the baton), and you'll encounter some turrets.
Kill them and advance along the path. You'll find a building with a
locked levers. Unlock them, and check the east chest for 3 swarm
crystals, and the west room for a canister of Terror. Head back out,
then head east. You'll have to use the baton a lot to clear this
bridge. Walking across the bridge clears it (and allows you to report
to Pixley if you haven't done so already). Head to the south, and
you'll have to fight more turrets. Continue further, and you'll be
able to obtain a Chilling Band. Head to the north (if you didn't take
care of the humans at Southbridge, you will encounter them here). Head
north, and you can obtain another brown spore baton.
Buried Cells (2.5)
Q: Recover a submission baton
C & S: Searing Orbs
O: None.
Enemies: Submission Turret, Spectral Vlish, Searing Artila
D: West to Northbridge, East to Quiet Marshes
You will probably enter this region on the west side. Head straight
north, and you'll find some "friendly" turrets. Continue north and
you'll encounter a servile by the name of Buron. Talk with him, he
will sell you stuff and has a lot of gold with which to buy your stuff.
He will also give you a quest to recover a submission baton. There is
one located in this level, fortunately. Head back down as far south as
you can go, the head east into the building. You'll see a servant
mind, and will have to feed it to gain its assistance. Don't worry,
there is enough food available in the game to feed this fellow without
problems. Feeding this mind will let it open several doors for you.
You'll want to leave now, and enter this building through the main door
to the north. You should see a spore box. Pull it to deactivate
several nearby mines. Head a bit more to the east, and avoid the
mines. You should see another spore box that can be used to turn off
some more mines. Head north. In the room to the NW you'll encounter a
submission turret. Kill it, and you can get some reaper ammo, and a
canister of Searing Orbs. Further to the east you'll find a dangerous
Spectral Vlish, which is guarding a fiery wand and 3 swarm crystals.
Head back south, and you'll find a third spore box that can be used to
disarm the rest of the mines, as well as a canister of speed, a healing
pool, and an essence pool. If you attempt to leave this area from the
east, you will be attacked by searing artilas. They can be dangerous,
especially if they gang up on you. Once you have destroyed them, you
can pillage their nests and obtain a static band to the north, and some
submission thorns, major healing spores, and reaper ammo further to the
south. Enter the main building again and head to the south. You can
get a discipline wand and a submission baton, after fighting a spectral
vlish. Return to Buron, and he will let you take everything from his
store (mainly a baton or two and some living tools).
Quiet Marshes (2.5)
Q: None.
C & S: A burning canister (dangerous).
O: Clois.
Enemies: Vlish and Roamers.
D: West to Buried Cells, East to Kazg Plains, South to Crystal Burrow,
North to Guarded Bridge.
When you enter this region, you will probably get a message related
to your use of the canisters. Although it sounds worrisome, there are
no real side effects to using the canisters. This area is patrolled by
roamers and vlish. The vlish act as shepherds for the roamers. It is
possible to avoid all fighting merely by being careful, although it's
not quite as much fun. However, if you attack the creatures, try to
take the vlish out first, as they can potentially do more damage than
the roamers. Also, if you attack the creatures, it's quite likely that
you'll incur the wrath of all of the creations nearby, so be careful.
There aren't many good items here, but be on the lookout for thorns
lying on the ground near the walls. Eventually, you'll want to make it
up to the NW, and speak with Clois. She is a wise Servile that can
teach and advise you. Be careful what you say to her. Head south from
Clois and get to the hidden canister. Do NOT attempt to use, it sprays
acid on you and does not augment you. You can pillage the bodies
nearby, however. Head to the center north, there are some more bodies
and equipment to search for and plunder.
Stone Circle (3)
Q: None.
C & S: None.
O: None.
Enemies: Vlish and Roamers, Specters, Spectral Sages.
D: West to Southbridge, East to Crystal Burrow.
This is a significantly more difficult area than the Quiet Marshes.
All of the creations roaming around here are one level higher than
their equivalents at the Quiet Marshes. The first thing you should do
is secure the NW building, which used to be a hotel. In here there are
two pools- one for healing, and one for essence. From this point,
you're going to want to clear as many of the roamers and vlish as you
can. It may take a while, and you may have to travel back to the hotel
to heal and rejuvenate yourself several times, but eventually you
should be able to do it. Once they are all gone, you can take care of
the pillars:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Pillars are very interesting objects with which you may interact.
On any given level with pillars, there is almost always one with a
hidden magical item, or a button that causes something on the level to
occur. Using these stone pillars generally requires Luck (the stat).
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
Enter the west central area (with the dead humans). Look at each
pillar. Provided you have at least 1 point in luck, you will find a
bone baton. This bone baton will affect the green runes that you've
seen throughout this level. Walk across each rune, and an area will
open up nearby in the woods. Usually, a specter or a spectral sage
will be hiding in there, along with two pillars. Kill them. The
eastern specter has the only pair of "Spectral Boots" in the game.
Unfortunately, they're not a very good item. That is it for this area.
Crystal Burrow (2.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Speed, Create Vlish
O: None.
Enemies: Lurking Thahds.
D: North to Quiet Marshes, West to Stone Circle, East to Outpost.
If you enter from the east, and then head north, you will encounter a
bunch of mines (and can get some thorns from the nearby bushes). These
can not be destroyed with a spore baton. Since your way is blocked,
head back down and enter the burrow. As you enter, you may notice
several crystals. These will explode when you get near them, and alert
a nearby Lurking Thahd. If possible, try to avoid setting off the
crystal, and go hunt for the Thahd. If you can get to them before they
get to you, they will not cast haste until their second turn, most
likely allowing you to kill them easily. The thahds always guard a
nest, sometimes with some very nice items (living tools, pods, thorns,
wands). The nest in the SE corner has an iron breastplate in a
cupboard nearby. There are two canisters in this level. One can be
obtained from heading east from the west exit till the end, then
heading north (create Vlish canister). There is also a speed canister
near the center of the maze, directions to it are too confusing to be
practical. Try to eventually make it to the NW corner and use the
sporebox. This will turn off the mines (but doesn't really help you
too much). The servile that was caught in the explosion doesn't have
anything on his corpse. You may exit to the NE of the burrow.
Kazg Plains (2)
Q: Find spy in Kazg.
C & S: None.
O: Srel.
Enemies: None.
D: West to the Quiet Marsh, South to Kazg, East to Tribal Woods.
As you enter this area, you will be accosted by Amena. If you have
enough leadership you can convince her to give you safe passage to
Kazg. If you don't, you may want to try entering through the south
(through the ruins). The serviles will be hostile (red) but won't
attack you unless you attack them. Be sure not to do so. Head to the
south to get to Kazg. You can speak with Agat to the SW, who claims to
be a Taker Agent. He will give you a quest to find the spy. The spy
is Hew, who lives to the NE. You must have a few points in leadership
to get him to confess. It is your choice whether or not you want to
turn him in. Your reward is a Girdle of Endurance. Hew will give you
information, especially if you're an Obeyer. Srel will talk with you,
and get your opinion about her life. Say good things, or else she will
try to kill you.
Kazg (2)
Q: Destroy Bore, Kill servant mind in Servile Warrens, Message for
Rydell, Kill outsider rebels, Free the Thorny Woods rebels, Kill
Ellhrah.
C & S: Create Vlish, Create Thahd, War Blessing.
O: Gnorrel, Houten.
Enemies: None
D: North to Kazg Plains, South to Kazg Ruins, East to East Kazg.
This is the final servile settlement, and the most volatile of the
three. Entering can be difficult, but you'll be grudgingly welcomed.
Gnorrel is the leader here, and it would be good to speak with her
eventually. But first, head to the NW. You'll find a servile named
Kyazo, who is growing mines (which you have run across during your
travels). Wait till she leaves the room and you can't see her, then
steal the Green Spore Baton (it may take a while). Alternatively,
there is a green baton near in the locked area behind Gnorrel. Kyazo
will also give you a quest to kill the servant mind in the Servile
warrens if you're a member of the Takers. Doing so will get you a
Shaped Shield. East of Kyazo is a cook. If you are a member of the
Takers, she will ask you to destroy Bore. Doing so gets you nothing.
To the NE are 2 pools- a healing pool and an essence pool. Go a bit
further south, and access the nearby area. You'll have to use your
green spore baton, but can destroy the mines here. You'll find a jar
of Mind Nutrients and a canister of Create Vlish further along here.
To the SE are four merchants who have a lot of gold. One of them sells
an ivory band. In the center of the map you'll find Poola, who is the
friendliest servile here. She will give you hints. In the south
central area you'll find a library which is lead by Learned Toivo.
There are several game-critical hints here. If you are a member of the
Takers, Toivo will teach you some of the Sholai tongue. Alternatively,
you could just go to the SW and enter the nearby "tower." If you have
enough leadership, you can scare off the guard, and get to the book
further back. This will also teach you the Sholai Language. Note,
however, that you can't learn the language from both Toivo and his
book. You will need to find other sources. Once you are ready, head
to the center building. Check out the jail to the south, and speak
with Houten. Houten is an Obeyer and wants you to deliver a message to
Rydell. Doing so does not give you a reward, but does make the
serviles as a whole like you better. Head to the north and speak with
Eko Blade. Be sure to get his "kill the humans" quest, as it will make
your life easier in the area to the east. Completion of this quest
gets you a shaped belt. He then gives you another quest- to free the
rebels in the Thorny Woods (whom you may have already killed). The
reward for this quest is a pair of shaped boots. Speaking with Gnorrel
is somewhat frustrating. She will not tell you much until you hear the
Taker story. She still won't tell you much until you kill Ellhrah (she
gives you a quest to do this, as well). Behind Gnorrel is a very nice
treasure room. If you can open the room, you can get a lot of good
items. If you have joined the Takers, you can speak with the Sholai
named Tuzenbach, who will give you an amulet that will prevent other
Sholai from attacking you. Further to the south, you can get a green
spore baton. To the north you can get two canisters (Create Thahd and
War Blessing), and a lot of good items, including a steel shield and
sword, and reaper ammo.
Kazg Ruins (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Clawbug, Searing Orbs, Unlock.
O: None.
Enemies: Charged fyoras, Battle Alphas.
D: North to Kazg, West to Outpost, East to Servile Warren.
If you enter this area from the north, you will find Rosen. This
servile would have let you in had you not gotten into Kazg from the
other direction. Head directly east, and you'll find Arth, the second
object of Coale's quest. This is a rather confusing area to navigate
through, so I apologize in advance for my directions. From Arth head
south to the SE corner of the map. Pull the lever here, it will open
two nearby doors. The nearby door has a steel sword, spores, and tools
available for taking. Head further to the west, and you will be
attacked by a Battle Alpha. It is guarding a canister of Create
Clawbug. Continue west, and start heading north. In the center west,
you will find a canister of Searing Orbs. Continue north, and you will
have to fight a bunch of charged fyoras. You will see a room with
mines to the NW, use the brown baton to destroy them. Pull the lever.
You will have to fight another Battle Alpha, but can then obtain a
canister of Unlock.
Outpost (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Terror.
O: Dina.
Enemies: Searing Artilas, Battle Alpha.
D: West to Crystal Burrow, East to Kazg Ruins.
As you enter this area, you can head to the north and pillage the
many nests. There's not really anything that stands out in them, but
some equipment never hurt anyone. Once you have taken all you want,
head south, and you'll find the Servile Outpost (populated by Obeyers).
You will find two pools to the SW, one for essence and the other for
health. North of the pools is Dina, a servile in charge of giving out
supplies. You can ask her for some if you so desire. Go north and
talk with Doge. This completes Mickall Blade's quest. Doge will give
you information, but little else. As you attempt to leave this area,
you will be attacked by searing artilas and a battle alpha. The
serviles will help you out, which may make the battle much easier.
Once they are dead, you can head to the east, and kill all of the
searing artilas there. After this you will find a canister of Terror.
The artila nests have some decent equipment, too. Otherwise, there's
not too much else to do, so you can leave this place and perhaps go
tell Mickall Blade, if you've accepted his quest. Zotrium has informed
me that he found an Artila Skin Tunic here on one of the Artilas. It
is probably quite rare, but nonetheless, be on the lookout. It's a
decent item, especially for agents.
East Kazg (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Endurance, Terror, Heal, Searer, Create Roamer.
O: None.
Enemies: Battle Alphas, Glaahk, Servile Cultists.
D: West to Kazg, East to Refugee Cave.
As you enter this place and travel east, you will be stopped by a
servile named Veel. She will not let you past, unless you have
obtained permission to pass from Eko Blade. If you have obtained
permission, she will waste your time making sure you're not lying.
Eventually she will let you past. Head to the center south area. A
bit to the west, you will find a servile named Snag. If you have a lot
of leadership you can calm him down and get some nice experience.
Otherwise, kill him. Head to the main building. You will see three
vats and a control panel. Cast some power magic before using the
control panel (war blessing, speed), then use the panel to pull all
switches. 1, 4, and 5 will open the vats, attacking you with battle
alphas and a glaahk. They shouldn't be too hard if you've prepared
well. Go to the east, and you will find a canister of endurance, as
well as two power spirals (with which you don't need to mess around).
North of this room is a room with several crystals. To the west is a
room with a canister of terror, several living tools, and spores. Head
to the NE, and speak with Kurit. Kurit will sell you items, and has a
decent amount of gold with which to purchase items. He will also sell
you access to three canisters, each for 750 gold (500 if leadership is
5 or more). The canisters include: Create Roamer, Searer, and Heal.
Now it is time to head to the NE. This is the cult of evil serviles.
There's not too much to do here other than kill the evil cultists. One
of the cultists has a ring of the eye, a fairly powerful magic ring.
There are many small items of value, namely gold, spores, pods, and
tools..
Servile Warren (3)
Q: Restore Control 3.
C & S: Quick Action, Dominate, Mass Restore, Create Ornk.
O: None.
Enemies: Guardian Roamers, Venom Turrets, Burning Turrets, and a
Spectral Vlish.
D: West to Kazg Ruins.
As you enter, head slightly to the north. The Greeter will run up to
you and speak with you. He gives you a quest to restore control 3.
There are a lot of decent minor items in this level; be sure to explore
it fully. Guardian Roamers patrol the halls, and may sound an alarm if
you attack them. They aren't too difficult, but can test your
patience. To the NW you will find the discipline chamber with turrets
guarding the halls. Explore the NW room for a terror wand. Head to
the SW corner, and pull the lever to access another room. Pull a lever
in there, and you can take a lot of pods in yet another room. Exit,
and clear the halls of roamers as best you can (to get the EXP). Then
head to the SW, and kill the turrets in the SW corner room. Check the
nearby nest for an iron breastplate. Head to the north, and you'll be
attacked by a spectral vlish. Kill it and proceed north. You will see
the servant mind. Unfortunately, you can not talk with it until you
turn off the three nearby power spirals. In the room to the north you
will find two canisters containing quick action and dominate. After
deactivating the power spirals, talk with the mind. You can ask him to
kill himself, if you are on the Taker quest. Alternatively, you could
feed him. He provides you with valuable information, and opens up the
door to the south (enabling you to get a canister of mass restore).
Finally, there is a room NW of the mind that requires many living tools
to open. Inside is a canister of Create Ornk, hardly worth the loss of
tools. But still, it's your choice. If you're collecting the
canisters, you may want to try to get it. Otherwise, save your tools.
Tribal Woods (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Artila, Mass energize
O: None.
Enemies: Unstable Roamers, Clawbugs, Spawners.
D: West to Kazg Plains, East to Icy Tunnels, South to Holding 2.
If you enter this region and head north, you will have to answer to
the Village Guard. If you have a decent leadership score, you can talk
him out of being hostile, and even maneuver through their village. The
salesman happens to have a pair of shaped boots, which are quite nice.
The majority of the action takes place south of the tribal village. Go
to the NE corner, there's a canister of Create Artila. To the east,
you'll find some thorn bushes. In the center of the map are several
locked buildings- you can either use living tools or wait till you get
the key. The western building has a canister of Mass Energize. The
eastern room has some pools (healing and essence). Go to the south.
The enemies should become thicker. Eventually, as you head west,
you'll find four spawners. They will generate creations every 2 or 3
turns. Kill them, and search the bodies. You will find an iron key
(which you can use to unlock the central buildings), a bunch of nice
minor items, a null wand, and a mica band. That's about it for this
area.
Refugee Cave (3)
Q: Recover Sea Chest Key, Contact Astrov.
C & S: None.
O: None.
Enemies: Battle Alphas, Burning Turrets.
D: West to East Kazg, East to Docks, North to Holding 2, South to Dock
Ruins.
If you enter this area from the west, you will have to get through
several Battle Alphas. Take them on one at a time, and you shouldn't
have any problems. Head to the east then to the north, you'll find
several nests with minor items. The western nest has two gems. Head
north via the west passage- you'll have to fight some turrets, but they
shouldn't be too difficult. If you get far enough north, the humans
make the turrets stop. If you entered this region from the north, you
will have to destroy some mines to get through. You may also exit
through the east. There are a few important individuals here, but you
won't be able to talk with Solyony until after you learn a bit more of
their language (don't worry, Masha will teach you some). He will buy
and sell with you. Narsu is a friendly servile. If you are a member
of the Takers, don't tell him, at least, don't tell him till you've
done everything you want to here. Talk with Masha to the North. She
will tell you the story of the Sholai, and fill in several holes. She
asks for you assistance- she needs to open a chest, but doesn't have
the key. She wants you to find it. In exchange, she will teach you
the Sholai tongue. If you end up attacking them for some strange
reason, you can search Masha's laundry to find a key. The key will
open the western door. There's a book in there that will teach you the
Sholai tongue (but will not help you if you've already learned it from
Masha). Return with the key from the eastern docks. Masha will ask
you to open the chest nearby. Do so and read the notes. Masha will
also teach you the Sholai tongue, and this will enable you to trade
with Solyony (he has over 3000 gold). She will also give you a quest
to find Astrov (in Wooded Valley). Completion of this quest results in
EXP only.
Holding 2 (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Vlish, Speed.
O: None.
Enemies: Turrets, Venom Turrets, Burning Turrets, Submission Turrets,
Charged Fyoras, Charged Thahds.
D: North to Tribal Woods, South to Refugee Cave.
It is best to enter this area from the North. Head immediately to
the west. You will find Bore the fyora. Kill it, and you'll get a
fyoraskin shield, and decent items from its nest. This also completes
the Kazg Cook's quest. Head south and enter the main building. You
will see detonator crystals:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Detonator crystals are yet another thing you're going to have to
worry about. If you can not diffuse the crystals, enter combat, then
get very close to them, and high-tail it out of there. The crystal
will explode, and you're free to do whatever you wish.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
There are spore boxes nearby; these will turn off the nearby turrets.
The best way to get through this area is to go in a zigzag fashion. In
order to get through this easily, you will need 12 in mechanics. This
is a lot, and probably unnecessary. If you're strong enough, kill all
of the turrets in the center. Else, swing over to the other side, and
find the spore box, use it, and proceed. The second tunnel from the
north on the east side has a canister of speed. The third one has a
servant mind at the end. Awaken the servant mind, and lie to it (say
your name is Veet- this may require a few points of leadership). The
servant mind will open a nearby door. Also, you will find a jar of
mind nutrients. Head down to the south, and you can enter a room with
a reaper baton (very powerful missile weapon). You'll also find a lot
of spores. Head back into the main building, and look to the south.
You'll find a dead body with a steel breastplate and a girdle of
nimbleness. There is also a sporebox (requires 10 mechanics to be
used). Continue on your way- to the SW there is a passage north that
leads you to four vats. Use the control panel to summon up four
creations. They have a few gems. Finally, head to the south. You'll
have to kill a few turrets, but will eventually get to a canister of
Create Vlish. Exit to the east, and this area will be cleared.
Dock Ruins (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Cure Effects
O: None.
Enemies: Guardian Roamers, Gyath.
D: North to Refugee Caves, East to Eastern Docks.
Immediately as you enter this region from the north, go to speak with
the servant mind to the east. Lie to it and get the key in the
cabinet. Head down to the south, and pull the lever beyond the door.
Then head to the NW. There are plenty of guardian roamers around here.
most of the time they will run away instead of trying to engage you,
but sometimes they may try to fight. There are two pools (healing and
essence) here. Near the center west, you'll find a canister of cure
effects as well as shaped gauntlets, and a steel breastplate. Head to
the southeast (the bottom this time), and pull the other lever. Then
leave towards the center. You will be confronted by a battle alpha
named Gyath. Kill it, and it will drop a steel shield and a gemstone.
Leaving through the east clears this area.
Eastern Docks (3.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Dominate.
O: None.
Enemies: Pylons, Clawbugs, Plated Bugs, Glaahks.
D: North to Refugee Cave, West to Dock Ruins.
Entering through the North may be slightly easier. Slightly. Pylons
await you here. This will probably be you first run in with these evil
creations. A thahd might help you here, as they can melee well, and
pylons are weakest in melee. Vlish can help as well, as pylons are
very vulnerable to their stunning attack, and will likely lose a turn.
These powerful creations will shoot searing orbs at you if you attack
from a distance. If you get up close, they will hit you with energy.
If you kill them and are standing close, they will poison you. So they
get you coming and going. Nevertheless, the best strategy is to first
figure out when the pylons attack (before or after you, before or after
your creations). Then enter combat, and wait till the Pylon loses its
turn. Then concentrate your forces on it, and hope it dies. Head east
from the north entrance. You will have to fight a few pylons.
Fortunately, there's a submission baton on the table to the east.
Continue east, fighting more pylons, and get to the control panel. Use
it, and three doors to the south will open. Inside the second door is
a canister of Dominate. Continue east, and try to get to the room with
the control panel and two power spirals. You will need to destroy the
two power spirals (or turn them off with a mechanics of 10). This will
shut off all pylons. Whew. Also around here, you can find a room
filled with crystals, and another filled with spore pouches. Exit to
the south. You'll come out in the docks region. You are likely to get
attacked by clawbugs and similar ilk while out here. There are two
bodies nearby, the mage body has the key for which you may be looking.
Head west, and you will be attacked by several creations. Be sure not
to let them gang up on you, or you could be destroyed. Finally,
explore the four rooms to the north. From the west: the westernmost
room has a bunch of grain bags. Do not check any of them except for
the upper right back (NE). There are 8 gems in this one. The next
room to the east has a discipline wand and other goods. The next room
has a canister of Create Battle Alpha. Finally, the easternmost of the
four rooms has a pylon that is guarding a few batons, thorns, and a
pair of thrusting gauntlets (very valuable to the guardian and agent).
That's it for here. You can kill all of the pylons in the rooms to the
north (the neutral ones- the ones you've turned off), but there's no
great need to do so.
Icy Tunnels (3.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Spellcraft.
O: None.
Enemies: Specters, Spectral Sages, Spectral Priest.
D: North to Underground River, South to Holding 2, West to Tribal
Woods, East to Guarded Docks.
This is a dangerous area. You will probably not want to enter the
central tunnels until you've gained a few levels (hence the difficulty
of 3.5). If you head over to the east, you will find some Sholai who
will impede your progress. If you can, you may lie to them and
convince them to leave you alone. You can also steal their stuff to
the SE, you can obtain a green and a brown baton. There are other
minor goods there too. You can head north to get to the underground
river, which is a rather easy area. When you're ready, head into the
tunnels. At first, you will not find any enemies. However, as you
continue to explore, you will be attacked. I'm not sure exactly how
this works, but I believe that as you walk, the walls will open up,
freeing specters and spectral sages. These enemies are pretty easy one
on one, if you have a lot of melee ability. The opened wall spaces
also have crystals and treasures, so be sure to cover all ground.
There's a body in the center who has a submission baton and some
thorns. As you kill these specters, they may occasionally leave behind
specter gloves or specter robes. These items may be an improvement on
your current equipment, but they may not. When you're ready, head to
the SE corner. Prepare for a tough fight. You will have to kill a
spectral Priest and his higher level specter acquaintances. Killing
the priest will get you a fibrous shield and a shielding band. Then
check the pillars to the north, you will find switches that open the
caskets to the east. Using the caskets after opening them in this
method gets you 2 points of spellcraft and a stabilizing band. Also,
the central room should now be open. Check the center of the map, and
you might find a decent size room with four trapped chests. Disarm
their traps (using a living tool), and take what's inside. There are
500 gold coins, and other minor good items.
Underground River (3)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Clawbug.
O: None.
Enemies: Venom Turrets, Burning Turrets, Submission Turrets.
D: South to Icy Tunnels, North to East Mines.
As you enter, first secure the SW area. There are healing and
essence pools here. Turn off the nearby power spiral, it will help you
out later. Then go east. You will have to cross some lava (or a fire
pit, depending on your interpretation):
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: Lava can be a major pain to cross if you don't know how to do it
properly. First, enter combat. Then, approach the lava so as to only
touch one pad:
[ ] [ ]
^ X ^
Aim for the ^, and definitely avoid the X. Unfortunately, you'll also
have to guide all of your creations the same way. Many times you can
find a power spiral with which to turn off the lava pit, but sometimes
you'll just have to walk across it, and there's little that can be
done.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
You'll run into some turrets in the SE. Kill them and search the body.
You'll find a coated cloak and an acid baton. Head north and you'll
find some venom turrets. In the NE corner, you'll see a series of lava
pits. These are blocking an important servant mind. Head west
(fighting some more turrets), and you can enter a room with a cabinet
full of thorns (including reapers). Continue west, and check a room to
the north for a Bonding knife. While you're here, turn off the two
power spirals. This turns off some nearby lava pits. Continue west,
kill the turrets, and go north. You'll find some more power spirals.
Turn them off as well. I believe that these will turn off the lava
pits in the NE corner. Continue west for now, and get to the SW.
You'll find a control panel and some power spirals. Don't turn these
spirals off. Use the panel, and a bridge will arise, clearing this
level for you. Head to the north, and you'll find a power spiral 9turn
it off) and a canister of Create Clawbug. Now you can go back to the
NE and talk with the servant mind. He is selling items, including an
Oozing Belt, a Guardian Cloak, a Static Band, and Dodging Boots. Of
these four, the Guardian Cloak (especially for guardians and agents) is
the most worthwhile. The dodging boots are good, but you'll find a
pair pretty soon. Buy them if you so desire. You find enough items
that you'll be reimbursed by the mind soon enough. Exit to the north
to enter the mines.
East Mines (4)
Q: None.
C & S: None.
O: None.
Enemies: Pylons.
D: South to the Underground River, West to the Mine Core.
This area is a major pain in the butt. It's probably easier to get
to the mines from the west, but that requires getting across the river.
I'll assume you're coming from the south. Either way, there's not much
here but a bundle of nuisances. Your main goal is to head to the west
and exit to the mine core. There are many rough crystals around here,
you will want to collect and save these items for future use. There
are also many pylons out and about. They can really give you a
hurting. You'll need to cross the lava pits here. Fortunately, the
pit to the north is malfunctioning, and you can cross it without
problems there. You'll also find a crystal machine to the NNW:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: There are three Crystal machines in the mines. You'll know it
when you see it. Be sure not to turn off their power spirals, or you
won't be able to use the machine again.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
This one makes swarm crystals for 5 rough crystals. Finally, there are
several pods to the NW. Leave this area as soon as you can. After
you've had the servant mind in the Mine Core turn off the eastern
defenses, you may return and kill the pylons at your leisure (the lava
pits will be mostly turned off then as well.
Mine Core (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Strength.
O: Servant Mind?
Enemies: Glaahks, Pylons.
D: East to East Mines, West to West Mines, North to North Mines.
Once you enter this region (from the east mines), your main goal
should be to get to the south. There are several pylons here, and they
can provide major problems. If you can get to the southern room, turn
on the two power spirals in there. Then head back to the north, and
try to go further west. You'll have to fight several pylons, but if
you take it slow, you shouldn't die too often. Head to the south, and
you'll find a room with a servant mind. Feed this one! It will give
you much advice, and will also turn off the defenses for the mine core
and for one other section of the mines. You may want to have it turn
off the western mines and exit this area. Travelling the full length
of the mines (from east entrance to west exit) results in all three
becoming cleared. When the defenses are turned off, you can kill the
creations without reprisal (especially useful in the eastern mines).
To the SW you'll find some glaahks, and a nest with a pair of Tinker
Gloves in it (very useful). Head to the NE, you'll find a canister of
Strength. To the NW you'll find a bunch of Glaahks. When you're ready
head to the North Mines (get the mind to turn off the defenses!).
West Mines (3.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Mass Restore.
O: None.
Enemies: Pylons, Charged fyoras, Charged artilas.
D: East to Mine Core, West to Arena.
Hopefully you have turned off the defenses using the Servant Mind in
the mine core. Else, this level will be rather difficult. This area
is a bit richer than the eastern mines. There are plenty of crystals
to pick up. Most importantly, some dodging boots can be obtained to
the SE. Note the presence of exploding crystals and mines. You may
need to use your tinker gloves. To the west, you will find a crystal
machine which will make terror wands for 25 crystals. Also, you can
get a canister of Mass Restore. Be sure to search this level
thoroughly, as you will need many of the crystals here for a powerful
item that can be obtained in the Northern Mines. You may exit to the
west. Doing so clears the east, and west mines, and the mine core, and
allows easy travel through these three areas.
North Mines (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Glaahk, Intelligence, Dexterity.
O: None.
Enemies: Crag, Steel, and Pylons.
D: South to Mine Core.
Hopefully you have turned off the defenses using the Servant Mind in
the mine core. Else, this level will be rather difficult. First, head
to the WSW. You can enter a building and get a key that will make it
easier to open doors here. Head up north, and you will be stopped by
two battle alphas named Crag and Steel. If you have a lot of
leadership, you can convince them to leave you alone. Else, you're
going to have to kill them. Check the NE room to get a pair of
Samaritan Sandals. Check the north room for a canister of Create
Glaahk, and an Entry Baton, a valuable special item. The nest to the
west has gold and spores. Head to the west, and you'll find a Crystal
machine that will make Shaped Blades for 50 rough crystals. This a
great weapon in terms of damage (the only one better is the Guardian
Claymore). To the east, you will find a locked room filled with lava
pits. Cross them (alone is probably best), and kill the turret at the
end. You can take two canisters- one of intelligence, the other of
dexterity.
Arena (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Vlish, Luck
O: None.
Enemies: Charged Thahds, Charged Artilas, Glaahks.
D: East to West Mines, West to Patrolled Dell.
You may either be arriving at this area from the east or the west.
If you've been following this walkthrough, you're probably on the east
side. Head north, and you'll find Prav, the Battle Beta. Prav is
questioning the reasons for his existence. He can join you, and is a
decent ally. Yell at him to make him join. Head to the SE, you'll
find a nest with coins and minor goods. Check all nests on this map,
you'll find a good bit of gold and goods. Go inside the building, then
go south to get some minor items. Head to the center and you'll find
the bodies of three Sholai. You can take a steel breastplate, sword,
and a Sharing Belt from their bodies. To the SW (you can exist this
level by going through the SW), you can find a rod of succor. You'll
find a healing pool nearby as well. If you make it to the north center
of this map, you'll find a control panel and two power spirals. If you
plug in the spirals then use the control panel (pushing all of the
buttons), you'll be attacked by several powerful creations. They may
be somewhat difficult (and having Prav on your side could help). When
killed, you can collect a reaper baton, some reapers, and a few other
items. Head to the west, and kill the creations there. To the north
you can get a canister of Create Vlish, and to the NNW you can get a
canister of luck. There is an essence pool somewhere nearby, too.
Leave this area from the opposite direction of your arrival to clear
the map.
Patrolled Dell (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Drayk.
O: None.
Enemies: Sholai, Battle Alphas (without Taker amulet), Specters.
D: East to Arena, West to Winding Road.
This area is much easier if you aligned with the Takers and have the
amulet you gave you. Else, you're going to have to kill the Sholai
here. Fortunately, they're not too difficult. Just take out each
group at a time, or else you'll be swarmed. Several thorn bushes can
be found here. There are also a few items of note. First, the NE
corner has a canister of Create Drayk. It is hidden behind a column.
Sofya is just east of this canister. If you're friendly with the
Sholai (i.e., have the amulet), she will sell you items. Some of the
items are very nice. Her equipment includes a shining shield and a
girdle of endurance, all nice stuff (you may want to get the shining
shield- it's rather nice at this point). If you've killed her, you can
take her stuff, including several steel breastplates (375 gold a pop),
and a pair of tinker gloves. Go to the SE, and you'll find a stone
circle with specters. One of the pillars has an ivory band and some
gold. In the NW you'll find two sholai: Gayev and Borkin. Borkin
doesn't tell you much, if I remember correctly. Gayev will give you
hints to the location of the Drayk canister, if you have enough
leadership. He will also tell you to get moving and speak with
Trajkov. Of course, if you don't have the amulet, you'll just kill
them anyway. Gayev has a book here that will teach you the Sholai
tongue.
Winding Road (3.5)
Q: Kill Wounded Battle Beta.
C & S: Melee weapons,
O: None.
Enemies: Sholai, Servile Cultists, Wounded Battle Beta.
D: East to Patrolled Dell, North to Crossroads, West to South Workshop.
This area is potentially very rewarding. There are Sholai here who,
again, if you have the amulet, are quite friendly. Otherwise, they are
not. There is a building with a sholai wizard (named Treplev), and he
will tell you to go to the NE. Again, you may start out enemies and
will have to kill him. Either way, there's a canister of melee weapons
in the northern room, and a symbiotic cloak and thorns in the southern
room. Head to the east, and you'll find the second batch of servile
cultists. Get to their altar, and you can find an Agent's Robe (note
that it look exactly like a normal robe). The Agent's Robe is very
useful to the Guardian, as it allows him to acquire points of magic
skills from the tombs. Now may be a good time to go back and get the
final skill point form the tombs, if you haven't done so. Don't touch
the altar- it will burn you if you do. Possibly the most important
things here are the serviles to the SW. Znaf will trade with you, and
will teach you the Sholai tongue for 1000 gold (500 if you have enough
leadership). Flig, his wife, will teach you mechanics for 2000 gold.
This is a very valuable offer, and it is a source of free skill points,
essentially. Flig will also give you a quest to kill a Battle Beta to
the NW. North of their building you will find two pools (healing and
essence). Continue north, and you'll find an area which, as you enter
it, will tell you that you've found the passage Flig told you about (it
may not open if you don't have the quest). Go through the passage.
You'll find a door; the door's lever is very close, but hidden. Open
it and take the terror wand, living tool, and pod inside. Go west, and
the battle beta will attack you. Kill it, and go tell Flig of your
success. She will open a nearby door for you. Inside there are MANY
goods, and a canister of mass energize. That's about it for here.
Power Station (4)
Q: Recover Mind's Azzo's crystals.
C & S: Strength, Mass Energize, Create Battle Alpha.
O: None.
Enemies: Charged Fyoras, Gyah-Ki.
D: South to Freeplace, West to Power Core, East to The Hill.
There are many charged fyoras wandering this place. They shouldn't
be too difficult, but can be a pain to get through. Your main
objective is to get to the Servant Mind in the center. You will have
to feed it to revive it. You may not have any food left, so you will
have to get some elsewhere. The servant mind tells you it needs four
crystals in order to function fully, and it warns you of the Drayk
Gyah-Ki. Gyah-Ki is hiding to the south. Make your way down there and
kill him (with his souped-up charged fyora buddies). You can get some
green boots from the trophy room to the north, as well as a good bit of
coin. If you head to the north, you'll run into even more charged
fyoras, but these can haste themselves. There are also some pieces of
shaper equipment to be found (for the Junkyard quest). Finally,
there's on area that can be reached by walking over some lava pits.
You'll find a crystal here, but it may not be necessary to get it if
you get the ones in the power core first. However, if you want to
complete the quest (and get the minor EXP reward), you should get all
four. Once you've gotten 4 (or 3 with sufficient leadership), the
servant mind will open the three nearby doors. Each has a canister in
it (Strength, Mass Energize, Create Battle Alpha). You can also get a
singing rapier, as well as some minor goods.
Power Core (5.5, very annoying)
Q: None
C & S: Create Glaahk.
O: None.
Enemies: Mine Shades, Reapers, Burning Turrets, Submission Turrets.
D: East to the Power Station.
Warning: this level will piss you off. Trust me. If you enter this
level unknowingly, you will notice that you're getting hurt just
walking around. Indeed; this is one of the nastiest (if not the
nastiest) levels in the game. This area is full of harmful energy:
///////////////////////////////HINT\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
HINT: There are a few levels that are similar to this one- they damage
you as you stand around. Fortunately, all of the rest have either
minor effects, or can be turned off. The best way to get through this
level (and one or two other levels) is to enter combat and guide your
character through the maze. It's really annoying, but it's the only
way. Exit combat when you need to cast unlock or save. It is almost
inevitable that your creations will suffer to a greater extent than you
will, as they have less resistances. It may be beneficial to absorb
your creations as you play, especially before they are about to die.
Otherwise they will require maintenance to keep them alive. However,
on this level, they will help you fight off the shades, and can be
really useful, so you will probably want to keep them around for a
while.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\END HINT////////////////////////////////
As you enter this level, you'll see a side room that has grounded robes
and boots in it. They may help slightly. Avoid the center room of
this map- you will die very rapidly if you try to walk through it. If
you enter combat it's not so bad, but can still really hurt you. Head
to the SW- enter the door there, and grab the first crystal. There are
other items around too, it's completely up to you whether or not you
want to get them. You can always return after giving the crystals to
Mind Azzo, who will destroy all of the shades for you. Head to the NW,
and you'll have to fight some nasty reaper turrets, but can obtain a
grounding vest, which also acts to reduce energy damage for your
creations. Head to the east, and you'll find a bunch of shades. Kill
them as best you can (or wound them- if they're wounded enough, they'll
run away). Head to the south, and you'll see some spawning platforms.
Attempt to turn off the nearby power spirals if at all possible. Then
enter the west room. There is a lot of shaper equipment here, and it
may be worthwhile to return and give it to the Junkyard serviles. The
second crystal can be taken from the cabinet here. Then continue east,
then south. In the room to the east you'll find a canister of Create
Glaahk. Continue south, killing the mine shades and turrets. Check
the servile body just to the east for a useful key. Go south and check
one of the eastern rooms for the third crystal, then open the southern
door and leave. Phew.
Guarded Bridge (5)
Q: None.
C & S: None.
O: None.
Enemies: Unstable Roamers, Guardian Roamers, Shepherd Vlish, Sholai,
Reaper Turrets
D: North to Patrolled Dell, South to Quiet Marshes.
This is another difficult area. However, the rewards here are good.
This area will be much easier if you have the Taker amulet. You will
not have to fight the Sholai in that case. All four corners of this
map are filled with roamers and vlish, and all have something
worthwhile hidden nearby. To the SW you'll find a wand of Alacrity
(hastes). To the SE you'll find a vlish with a stabilizing band. TO
the NW you'll find a pair of quicksilver boots. Finally, to the NE
you'll find a rod of defenses (shields). If you're friends with the
Sholai, you can talk with them and get them to give you some
assistance. Ivanov will tell you to take some batons (brown and green)
from a nearby chest if you complain to him and have enough leadership.
If you have even more leadership, you can ask him for all of their
stuff. Nearby you can obtain a shaped breastplate, the best non-
magical armor in the game. Be sure to take it.
Patrol Bridge (5.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Magic Shaping, Terror, Luck from Dig.
O: Dig.
Enemies: Sholai (including augmented sholai), Venom Turrets, Burning
Turrets, Submission Turrets, Reaper Turrets.
D: West to Peaceful Vale, East to Sealed Labs.
This can be a very difficult place to get through if you don't have
the amulet from the Takers. If you do, all of the sholai are friendly,
and Sofya tells you to hurry up and see Trajkov. Else you're going to
have to fight your way through (it can be done, but you'll need good
strategies and perhaps some vlish/glaahks). There are several good
reasons to come here. First, to the NW there are several mines. Use
your brown (?) spore baton to explode them, and get the canister of
terror. Then, head across the bridge. If you're fighting the Sholai,
you'll want to take out the Reaper turrets first. Unfortunately, the
reaper turrets can completely wipe out your HP in one hit if you're not
careful. The augmented sholai may (will) pose some problems. The best
way to get him is to get his attention (with a firebolt), then run
behind a wall. He will follow you, but then you can pummel him alone.
Vlish will help immensely by stunning and slowing him, preventing him
from attacking. He has 800 HP, so it's not easy. Once you cross the
bridge, the area becomes cleared and everything should be better.
There are some Samaritan Sandals to the building just SE of the bridge.
There is a very valuable (especially to the agent) canister of Magic
Shaping to the SE. This may enable you to make more powerful
creations. Head up to the NE, and speak with Dig. Dig is a friendly
servile, and if you ask him the right things, he will offer to increase
your luck for 500 gold. He is one of the three serviles in the game
who will do this for you, and is quite a powerful character. Try to
get up to 10 luck, if possible (and more when you have plenty of
money).
Ancient Crypt (5)
Q: None.
C & S: None.
O: None.
Enemies: Reaper Turrets, Waste Ghosts.
D: East to Freeplace, South to Diarazad, West to Drayk's Vale.
This area pretty much requires a high mechanics skill (at least 11).
You will almost definitely enter from the east. As you enter the main
hub, you'll see that there are plenty of those nasty exploding crystals
set up. They are set up to explode dark green mines and to activate
Reaper Turrets. Try to diffuse them. You can then "harvest" the
reaper turrets. You will have to kill them before they attack, or else
they will attack you (and set off any mines nearby). You can get a lot
of reaper ammo for your efforts (enough to last through the end of the
game, essentially). There's nothing that really stands out in the
first room, however, if you follow some of the passages, you'll
eventually find a column. The column in the WSW has a rod of battle.
Once you get past this region, you'll encounter a few wastes ghosts.
These can be quite difficult, but can be beaten with a bit of patience.
Continue around to the east, and you'll see ghosts that are standing at
attention. Do not attack them- let them attack you. If you attack
them, then all of them at once will attack you. If they decide to
attack you, they will do it one at a time. The most valuable item here
is found in a tomb to the south- a girdle of leadership (probably the
second best girdle/belt in the game). Head up to the north (again take
you time diffusing the crystals and killing the reapers if you wish),
and exit through the NW.
Drayk's Vale (5)
Q: None.
C & S: Leadership from Learned Halm.
O: None.
Enemies: Crescent Shade, Cryodrayks, Waste Ghosts, Rakkhus.
D: East to Ancient Crypt, West to Sentinels.
As you enter this region, you are confronted by Rakkhus the Drayk.
It seems as though he's going to sick his cryodrayk buddies on you. If
you have a few points of leadership you can grovel and offer to pay him
for safe passage (~2000 gold). Or you can just tell him to buzz off.
The Cryodrayks are somewhat difficult, but can be destroyed without an
excessive amount of trouble. I found terror vlish to be quite useful
here. After all of the Cryodrayks have died (or you've paid you're way
through), explore this area. The columns generally have valuable
emeralds in them (625 gold a pop), however, if you take them, you incur
the wrath of all of the nearby shades. Prepare yourself before taking
the gems. If you head to the west, you will find Rakkhus (and his
cryodrayk buddies, if you haven't killed them). Rakkhus is a good
person to sell you gems. You will probably want to kill him after
draining all of his money, as he has a very powerful item in his
chambers. He has a lot gold and jewels, and some Gloves of the Hammer,
the best gloves for agents and guardians. Perhaps the most important
person on this level is Learned Halm. Halm will teach you leadership
if you have a few points already, and if you don't have the amulet
(else he won't sell to you- this is a significant problem with joining
the Takers). Each point costs 2000 gold. Also on this level, you can
find the Crescent Shade, who will drop a rock that is quite useful to
you later on. Finally, you can start the GREAT SECRET ritual here
(read about it in the appendix).
Junkyard (5)
Q: Clear Ghost Gate, Get Equipment.
C & S:
O: None
Enemies: Submission Vlish.
D: South to Pentil Plains, West to Dry Wastes, North to Diarazad.
This level houses some very difficult vlish, whose presence prevents
you from getting the quests here early. Most of the vlish nests have a
lot of valuable minor items in them, so be sure to search them after
you have destroyed the vlish. There are two serviles to the NW, and
both have important quests for you. Proof will sell you some items,
and will give you a quest to clear the ghost gate (which is pretty far
away). Doing so gets you a nice experience award, and also will enable
you to purchase good items from Proof. Proof has a Fyoraskin cloak,
some Reaper ammo, a Fibrous Breastplate, a Shielding Knife, some Tinker
Gloves, and a Shielding band. Shock is repairing a baton. If you have
enough mechanics you can repair it for him, and then he will give it to
you (it's a submission baton). Afterwards, ask him if he needs any
more help. He will ask you to acquire shaping equipment for him. Each
piece of equipment gets you 40 gold and perhaps some EXP. In the room
to the NE in the shop, you can steal a leaded shield and a lot of
valuable small items.
The Hill (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Healing Craft, Create Roamer.
O: None.
Enemies: Spawners, Thahds, Artilas, Burning Turrets, Submission
Turrets.
D: East to Kantre's Realm, West to Power Station.
This level twists about a bit, and there are several spawner/turret
combos here. Take your time. The most useful items are found in the
center west section of the map. Here you will find two tombs that,
when used, will give you points in Healing Craft and in Create Roamer.
You must have points in both of these skills before you can get these
skills from the tombs, but this shouldn't be a problem at this point.
To the NW you can find a set of shaper equipment, and a green baton on
the body nearby. If you head to the east you'll find more enemies, as
well as a brown baton to the south. There's not too much else here.
Kantre's Realm (4.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Cure Effects.
O: None.
Enemies: Submission Turrets, Reaper Turrets, Glaahks, (and that's it,
hopefully).
D: West to The Hill, South to Icewalls, East to West Gate.
As you enter, a servile will approach you. He will warn you that you
aren't welcom here. Kantre doesn't like you. Fortunately, you can
talk him out of attacking you outright (although you'll have to lie).
There are some very valuable items here, but first you ought to go
speak with this Kantre. Try to have at least 8 in leadership before
doing talking with him. If you have less and try to talk with him,
you'll be in significant trouble. Battle alphas and Glaahks roam this
area, and if you make Kantre mad, you'll be in trouble as they'll all
attack you (and the nearby spawning pads will be activated, releasing
many powerful enemies, just waiting to kill you). You will find Kantre
pretty easily by heading to the east and going up the central hall. As
you proceed through the hall, you'll see a body behind a turret. The
body has 5 gems. Get to the far north, and you'll see Kantre, a crazed
servile mind. Again, I hope you have 8 or more leadership. Talk with
him. The only viable path is "Don't attack" followed by "Pass safely."
This will calm the mind down, and he'll give you a key from the
container to the north. The mind will also open a door for you. The
rooms to the east have a shaped belt, and several minor goods. Now
you'll want to head down to the SW. You'll find two rooms. The north
one has several mines that can be destroyed by using a green baton.
The containers here have several minor goods and a rod of defenses.
The main treasure is in the southern room. Enter the first room, and
prepare for a fight with two reaper turrets. Open the door, and kill
them. Take the charmed plate from the blue box. It is one of the
three best armors available in the game (quicksilver plate is the best,
this one ties with the shaped breastplate). Head to the east, and
enter the first room for a canister of cure effects, head north, and
enter the room for a healing and an essence pool. Go up to the north,
and enter the main room. Kill the turrets in here, then open the
center cell. You'll be attacked by several Glaahks, who have some
decent items on their bodies, including a discipline wand and a
restoration pod. Exit here to clear this area.
Sealed Labs (5)
Q: None
C & S: Dominate, Create Drayk, Battle Magic, Mental Magic, Blessing
Magic, Fire Shaping, Battle Shaping, Magic Shaping.
O: None.
Enemies: Sholai, Withered Turrets, Guardian Specters, Agent Specters,
Shaper Specters, Zavor, Tek.
D: East to South Workshop, West to Patrol Bridge, North to Icewalls.
This map is a very rewarding area, but also quite difficult. There
are two bosses here, and both are quite strong. Also, this may be your
first encounter with powerful, mobile magic users. Some strategy will
be required, or else you'll be replacing your creations incessantly,
and using healing pods to no end. Generally, the guardian specters are
pretty easy, whereas both the agent and shaper specters require a bit
more skill. Fortunately, your main character is probably strong enough
(and resistant enough) to take many of the dangerous enemy's blows.
Once you see a magic using enemy, follow one of these two options: run
up to it (best if you've already explored the region, or if there are
no corners to hide around, or if you've got a bunch of slow, physically
weak creations with you) and position yourself in such a way so as to
receive the brunt of their attack. Or you may hide from the enemy,
preferably around a corner, and let them come to you so that you can
provide a pummeling at your leisure. As you enter this level, you will
encounter some sholai. As usual, if you have the Taker amulet, they
will be friendly (but unhelpful), else you will be attacked. There are
some decent supplies hidden to the east, in the Sholai supplies. Head
to the north, and unlock the door, using a lot of tools. Unlock the
next door, and you'll enter the lab. I am not sure what "you feel a
cold presence" means exactly, but it may mean that a specter has been
randomly generated on the level. It may also mean that either Tek or
Zavor is alive. Immediately east and west are the only two turrets in
the game, both are pretty easy. You will probably also encounter a
specter or two, use them to gauge whether or not you are ready for this
level. Rarely, the specters will drop cloaks and gloves, although both
come with significant penalties, decreasing their worth. Your main
objective should be the control panel to the south. It is guarded by
some specters. Use all of the buttons, then go east. You'll find
several rooms. Most have minor goodies and coins, but Zavor's room has
an additional door, leading to his closet. If you have used the panel,
open this door and take the canister of Create Drayk. There is also a
coated cloak and a jeweled wand nearby. Head to the west, and you'll
find pods, crystals, and thorns. Get to the SW, killing all of the
specters, and you'll find a canister of Dominate. Head a bit east,
then start going north. Prepare for a tough battle. You'll find the
specter Zavor guarded by four guardian specters. Kill them, and you
can take Zavor's ring, one of the three best rings in the game (and
most people's favorite). Then head to the SE. You'll find a tombs
region, with, as usual, tomes in the tombs. Use them as you see fit,
and you'll be attacked by a group of specters. Head to the very east,
then head north. You'll encounter the specter of Tek, a guardian. He
is easier than Zavor, as he has no buddies protecting him. Kill him
for his dirk, arguably the second best weapon in the game (the guardian
claymore is probably better for agents and guardians). Leave once
you're ready.
South Workshop (5)
Q: Slay Corata
C & S: Create Battle Alpha, Unlock, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence,
Endurance.
O: None.
Enemies: Guardian Specters, Agent Specters, Corata.
D: West to Sealed Labs, East to Winding Road.
This area is very rewarding (and necessary for a good ending). This
is also one of the annoying areas, similar to the Power Core.
Fortunately, the damage done by this level is poison based, and can be
stopped merely be a cure spell or two. You'll enter on the east.
Immediately head west, through the door, then head north. Reactivate
the power spiral; it will make you life much easier. Head back outside
to the east, and use the control panel. Press the third button. Head
to the east. Since you pressed the third button, all of the pylons in
this level will be friendly (and fight with you) if you find their
power source. As you wander around, you'll find areas with specters
that appear next to pylons. If the pylon is recharged (by reactivating
a nearby power spiral), you'll be assisted by the pylon. Head to the
center, and you'll find a servant mind. This mind doesn't like Corata,
and, provided you have enough leadership, you can acquire its
assistance. The mind gives you the quest to kill Corata. You'll also
find an unlock canister nearby, as well as several pods and tools. To
the center west, you'll see several mines- disarm them and get to
chest. Inside you'll find the very valuable shaper robe (which is
extremely useful for the agent). The shaper robe raises all of your
shaping skills. Be sure to equip it before making any new creations,
and they'll start out with another level (unless you already have a lot
of shaper skill). Head to the east, and you'll find a room with a
canister of create battle alpha, a quicksilver chain, and, to the SE,
you'll find a Rod of Succor. Head west, past the damaging pools, and
you can get a jar of mind nutrients. Finally, head to the SW. You'll
find Corata. If you have enough leadership, you can convince him to
give you the control rod. Find it to the SW (this is the only place to
find one). As you leave, a bug will make Corata constantly ask you for
help. Eventually, you'll have to tell him to buzz off, at which point
you'll have to fight him. If you desire, head to the SE and NW and
reactivate the power spirals, which makes the pylons attack him and his
cronies. Once dead, Corata gives you a reflecting shield. Return to
the servant mind and tell him you've succeeded. He'll strengthen all
of your base stats by 1 as a reward.
Crossroads (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Glaahk.
O: None.
Enemies: Specter Shades, Guardian Specters, Sholai.
D: South to Winding Road, East to Front Gate, West to Icewalls.
Contrary to the norm, the sholai here will be hostile if you're
allied with the Takers. In fact, the sholai mage named Gavrila will
steal your amulet, and you'll have to kill all of the sholai to the NW
to get it back. If you don't have the amulet, you can learn the Sholai
tongue from Gavrila, and all of the sholai here are friendly. There
are some minor items in their containers and supply chests. To the SE
you'll find an area with a lot of mines. Don't bother exploring it
unless you don't want to be bothered by Gavrila (if you have the amulet
and are a low level, this is a good option). Otherwise, the only thing
to do here is to go to the SW and enter the temple. Get to the altar,
and you can take Bhargeth's girdle. Upon doing so, you'll be attacked
by several specters. They shouldn't be too difficult. Exit through
the east gate to clear this level.
Icewalls (4.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Dominate.
O: None.
Enemies: Plated Bugs, Vlish, Terror Vlish, Spawners, Sholai.
D: North to Kantre's Realm, East to Crossroads, South to Sealed Labs,
West to West Workshop.
This is an annoying level. If you avoid it, you won't miss out on
much. Then again, it's not all that difficult. As you wander this
level, you will be attacked by a lot of enemies. By now they shouldn't
be all that difficult. Probably your main goal should be to get to the
center of the map, and kill the spawners (~5). This will alleviate
some of your problems. One flashing spawner is especially annoying.
All spawners are also guarded by evil green slime pools. After you've
slain them all, check the chest for a key that will open the door to
the west. This should also clear the level. To the NE, you'll find a
room with dead, frozen serviles. Take the canister of Dominate, and
search their bodies for minor equipment, and a quicksilver chitin armor
(a decent armor for guardians, but better armor isn't all that hard to
find). Head to the west to get to the west workshop. You'll notice
that several doors here do not open. Although I have not personally
verified this, if you get the baton from the west workshop, these doors
will open and sholai will attack you. They don't have anything all
that great, so this isn't really worth bothering with all that much. i
do not know if they attack you if you have the Taker Amulet.
West Gate (5)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Drayk.
O: None.
Enemies: Guardian Specters, Agent Specters, Sholai Scouts.
D: West to Kantre's Realm, East to the Vats.
The Sholai here will really beat you up if you're not fast. Having a
good bit of quick action will help. If you can hit them once, they
will run away without lobbing their searing orbs. Check the western
door for an area with several guardian specters and an agent specter.
Kill them, then check the northern container for a shaped breastplate.
Attempt to cross over the bridges (there are plenty of sholai here who
attempt to stop you), and go to the SE. You'll find a room with
several containers. Some of them have decent equipment, and one has
shaper equipment. When you're ready, prepare yourself for a tough
battle (casting spells and such), then open the attached door. You'll
be faced with a hoard of specters. Kill them all, and you can claim a
canister of create drayk. Head to the NE, and go around to the
northern corner of the building. You'll see several sacks of grain-
these contain thorns of various types. When you're ready, head into
the building. The sholai have left some nice equipment here for you to
take. Continue east, and you'll see a control panel. Use it, and if
you have an entrance rod, you can open the door. This gives you access
to the Vats and clears the level. If you can clear this level without
too much heartache, you will probably be equally successful on the two
other speed-demon levels: Diarazad, and the Spirit Gates.
Diarazad (5)
Q: None.
C & S: None.
O: None.
Enemies: Stealth Sholai, Burning Turrets, Submission Turrets, Crypt
Greeters.
D: East to Peaceful Vale, West to Shaper Crypt, North to Ancient Crypt,
South to Junkyard.
There are plenty of speedy sholai here. Be careful. If you can hit
them before they attack, they will run away. If you can kill them, all
the better. Unfortunately, there's not too much here in the way of
quality equipment, nor are there any canisters. I believe the sholai
here will attack you even if you have the Taker amulet. This level
must be completed in order to get access to the best and most difficult
area in the game, the shaper crypt. There is some shaper equipment a
bit south of the west exit. Give it to the Junkyard serviles.
West Workshop (5)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Thahd, Healing Craft.
O: None.
Enemies: Cryodrayks.
D: East to Icewalls.
This is the second most dangerous damaging level in the game (the
Power Core alone is [much] worse). Fortunately, you can turn off the
damaging element in this level. In fact, as soon as you enter this
level, this should be your main goal. After entering from the east,
head straight north. You'll probably encounter some cryodrayks- take
them out. Then head east to the central north section. All this
should be done after you've entered combat mode, so as to minimize the
ice damage. Head south, alone, to the area with the power spirals.
Turn them all off. If you have the control key, this is very easy.
Else you'll probably need a good bit of mechanics. You will be damaged
every turn until you've accomplished this task. Once done, you can
explore this area at your leisure. First, you should probably head to
the north. You'll find a servant mind. Fuss at it a little bit, and
it'll open a door for you, and turn off some lava pits. In the eastern
section of this map you'll find some shaper records. To the NE you'll
find a canister of create thahd, a null wand, some reaper ammo, and
miscellaneous pods and spores. To the NW you'll find several
containers with rough crystals, and a rod of alacrity. To the west,
you'll find an entry baton. If you don't have one already, you can
take this one (also, some doors in Icewalls open with hostile Sholai).
Head to the SW to find a canister of healing craft, a submission baton
in the nest to the SW, and a transference robe (although I don't use
it, I suppose shapers could find it very beneficial). In the south
section, you'll find a shaped blade (the mind must open this door for
you, however). To the SE you'll find restoration spores in a
container, which are powerful healing items. Finally, in the central
room (with the spirals) you'll find some minor goods.
Hunter Clawbugs, Pylons.
D: South to Bandit Woods, East to Junkyard, West to Western Wastes.
This level has several strong clawbugs causing it to merit a rating
of 5. Do not attempt this level just coming from the Bandit Woods.
You will die. Fast. Fortunately, this level is pretty straight-
forward. To the NE is the only region of major interest. Here you
will find plenty of clawbugs, but also some shaped gauntlets, some
shaper equipment, and a canister of searing orbs. You will also find a
hostile pylon here- it likes to cast heal on itself and acquaintances.
They can be difficult in groups, but don't have any attacks other then
their poisonous death-explosion. To the SW you will find some specters
that seem to be guarding a stone column. Otherwise, that's it for this
area.
Western Wastes (5)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Battle Alpha
O: None.
Enemies: Crescent Thahd, Spawners, Stinging Clawbugs, Plated Bugs,
Wastes Ghosts, Pylons.
D: East to Dry Wastes, North to Valley of the Wind.
This is yet another straightforward level. It's also quite difficult
for a low level character. There are several clawbug spawners here.
Killing them all will clear the level. In some cases, the spawners
will be accompanied by the healing-pylons. If you're at a low level,
you may be forced to take the pylons out first so as to actually be
able to do damage to the enemies. Near the center you'll find a body
with a jeweled wand. You may also find the crescent thahd if you
haven't killed the crescent shade in the Drayk's Vale. It will drop
the stone used in the Shaper's crypt, and is very weak. There are
several nooks in the borders, search them all. Most don't contain
anything major of note, but the ones to the NE has a canister of create
battle alpha. Finally, to the west you'll find a room with health and
energy crystals. Use them to get back up to strength.
Valley of the Wind (5)
Q: None.
C & S:
O: None.
Enemies: Wind Walkers, Wastes Ghosts.
D: South to Western Wastes, North to Spirit City.
This is the home of the wind walkers, which are probably the most
fearsome spirit you'll be forced to fight. They are very fast, and if
they hit you, they can slow and curse you. Try to hit them first, and
they will run away. There are some places of interest here: to the SW
you'll find several dead sholai. Many have decent equipment. To the
SE you'll find a strange room with "pools" that will heal your ailments
and rejuvenate your spell and essence points. Do not use them after you've
taken the Arcane band, or you'll die instantly (from ???). To the NE you'll
find the best item here: make your way to the tomb and take the ring. All
of the wind walkers will become hostile and hunt you down, but you'll
get an Arcane Band. To the center west you'll find a strange box that
rattles. Open it, and you'll be attacked by two ghosts. One of them
is carrying a living knife. Head to the north, and fight all of the
wastes ghosts. Killing them all completes the junkyard quest, and
exiting through the North clears this level.
Spirit City (5.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Luck.
O: None.
Enemies: Wastes Ghosts, Battle Betas, Battle Gammas, Terror Vlish,
Witch Ghost, Priest Shade.
D: North to Great Temple, South to Valley of the Wind.
Depending on how you choose to approach this level, it can be either
very easy, or very difficult. Several neutral (blue) wastes ghosts
roam this level. These are not your standard pushover wastes ghosts,
however, and they can really beat you to a bloody pulp if you're not
cautious. Also, if you are attacked by one, you will be attacked by
all of them, and they have a special fear attack. They will attack you
if they catch you stealing their stuff. Be sure not to loot any of
their containers if they are present, or they will attack you. You can
avoid their attacks by making sure they're out of the room you're
looting. Some of the items of major interest include a strange pot
that restores 100 essence if used to the SW, a terror want to the SE,
and a fibrous shield in the lower central building. Also in this
building is an imprisoned ghost. Free it for 1 point of luck. To the
north you'll find a small army of battle creatures and vlish- they can
be very difficult at lower levels. They are easier than the ghosts,
however. To the NW you'll find a hostile witch ghost. Kill her, and
she'll drop an emerald. She also possesses many pods and spores.
Finally, there is the spirit temple. You'll notice a pylon as you
enter. There are two ways to explore the temple- the painful way and
the easy way (the easy way is a major spoiler, and I don't want to make
the game too easy, but there are large hints at the end of this FAQ for
figuring out how to get in). The hard way is to enter combat and
explore, taking damage each turn. You'll find a priest shade here.
Talk with it, and it'll tell you to check out the room to the NE. Do
so (picking up the shaped gauntlets along the way), and return. He
will tell you the BIG SECRET. Now, you can go hostile, and kill all
the shades here. If you do, you will incur the wrath of all of the
shades, including those outside the temple. It's your choice. You
will get a lot of exp, and a decent pair of boots, but otherwise, there
is no real reason to do so. Anyway, this is how I do it: Prepare for
battle (bless, haste, shield yourself and your creations). Enter the
SE room, and collect down there. Kill anything that chases after you.
It's difficult, but possible. For all your troubles, you get a pair of
stability boots, and some pods and spores. Once done, you will
probably want to go to the Sentinels next, and not to the great temple,
as there is a direction-dependent quest in the Sentinels.
The Sentinels (5)
Q: Slay Goettsch
C & S: Endurance.
O: None.
Enemies: Reapers, Rogue Ornks, Elder Ornks, Ornk Lord.
D: East to Drayk's Vale, West to Great Temple.
This is one of the more surprising levels in the game. You may need
to get a few more points of mechanics so as to be able to fully take
advantage of this level. This area is home to the same
reaper/mine/crystal combination of the Ancient Temple. As such, an
enterprising PC can harvest the reapers for their thorns. You will
need over 10 mechanics (~12) in order to do this successfully. Note
that you do not want to take the "back route" and circle around
Heustess, as he will not give you his quest. Instead, either go
through the ghosts, or exit the back routes before the final passage.
Hopefully you are entering this level from the east, otherwise you lose
Heustess's quest. Immediately to your NE is a passage leading to two
hostile reapers- slay them and check the body for a pair of quicksilver
boots. Go a bit south, and you'll find some pouches guarded by
poisonous pools. Head to the SE, you'll be alerted to angry mooing.
This is one of the more surreal moments in the game, in which you are
attacked by ornks. These ornks are pretty strong, and also explode
when they die. Make your way to the altar, and prepare for a tough
battle. Use the altar to take the gloves, then kill the Ornk lord.
For this, you can claim the ornkskin gloves, which are rather strong,
but come with a significant penalty. You can either head through the
nearby passage (mechanics route), or go north a bit and talk with the
ghost (leadership route). Exit the mechanics route when you are next
able. Talk with the ghosts, and if you have adequate leadership (10 or
so), you will be able to avoid their fees. Alternatively, you could
just slay them. Otherwise you'll have to take a penalty to strength,
dexterity, and intelligence. Make your way north, and you'll see a
servile, named Heustess. Heustess is the last of the race of people
who inhabited this island. Talk with him. If you have learned the big
secret, he may attack you (although for me he just broke conversation,
but I was able to reinitiate it without problem). Ask him about his
fee, and if you have a high enough leadership, you can get him to give
you the quest to kill Goettsch. Doing so gets you a point of
endurance. Alternatively, you can kill Heustess, and get a Crystal
Plate. You can also do this after you complete Heustess's quest.
Great Temple (5.5)
Q: Slay Trajkov.
C & S: Create Drayk.
O: None.
Enemies: Cryodrayks, Serviles, Battle Betas, Battle Gammas, Goettsch.
D: East to the Sentinels, South to the Spirit City.
This is the home of one of the two main bosses of Sucil island.
Goettsch is a shaper who is at odds with Trajkov. He is part of the
triangle of power and deception that includes you and Trajkov. As soon
as you enter this level, you will be stopped by a battle gamma greeter.
He takes you to Goettsch through a safe path. If you want, you can
veer off and kill some of Goettsch's pets, there's no penalty. Follow
the battle gamma, and you'll be led to Goettsch. He beckons you to
speak with him. There's a lot of shaper equipment nearby, take it for
the Junkyard quest. Speak with Goettsch when you desire. If you are
doing Heustess's quest, you'll have to talk your way out of a fight,
but with adequate (~10?) leadership, this should be easy. He tells you
the story of how he came to be caught by Trajkov and how he realized
the power of the Geneforge. Then he gives you your mission: to slay
Trajkov. He will give you a pair of Fake Shaper Gloves to aid you in
this quest. He will also make all of creations not hostile if you have
enough leadership and ask him properly. If you're in quandary over
whom you should trust, Trajkov or Goettsch, let's just say that
Goettsch makes Trajkov look like Noble Knight in Shining Armor.
Helping Goettsch is an option, but probably a poor one, honestly. If
you have killed Trajkov and freed the Geneforge, Goettsch says he will
let you off the island as your reward. Pretty crummy. You'll probably
want to kill him, but if you do so right now, you'll get ganged up on.
If you've convinced him to make his creations not hostile, you'll have
an easier time. Find each batch of (neutral) creations, and force
attack them. Kill all nearby creations. Then, enter the room with
Goettsch, and kill the drayks nearby. Leave the Greeter, his serviles,
and Goettsch be until you're ready. Then attack him. He's difficult,
but not impossible. Once you've removed Goettsch from the picture,
you're free to explore at your leisure. Goettsch drops a shaper's belt
and a red spore baton. You'll find a column to the north- it will give
you a rod of alacrity if you look at it. To the NE you'll find some
red mines- explode them with the red baton. Search the containers
nearby for a canister of create Drayk, and the extremely valuable
quicksilver plate. You'll find two pools to the north, and the object
of this level to the NW. There are two ways of getting to the NW room-
through the mines (a lot of mechanics and speed required), or through
the guardians (not all that tough). I prefer the guardian route
(south). You'll also find a charmed falchion and an emerald in this
room. Enter the NW room- you'll see two mines, both of which summon
strong battle creations. If you have 14 mechanics, you can defuse them
beforehand. Finally, you can acquire the Shaper gloves (necessary for
using the Geneforge and the object of Trajkov's quest). Once you do,
any not hostile creations on the level become hostile. If there are
any left (or all of them, depending on the violence of your approach),
you'll need to kill or otherwise get around them.
The Vats (4)
Q: None.
C & S: Mass Restore.
O: None.
Enemies: Glaahks, Ur-Glaahks.
D: West to West Gate, East to Central Labs.
As you first enter this area, you might think "Oh no, not one of
these levels again!" Indeed, this level will poison you as you wander
through it. Fortunately, this is the least deadly of all of these
levels. Immediately to your north you can find some vat chitin and
boots (which provide poison and acid resistance), but they're hardly
necessary. Head to your south, and disarm the mines as best you can,
and continue to the SE corner. You'll also come across a room with
some reaper ammo and a canister of Mass Restore. Head north, getting
past the mines, and you'll find a Servant Mind (which is also the
object of Serabryakov's quest). Tell it to stop poisoning the air, and
all of your problems end. Alternatively, you *could* wander through
all the poison pools and fight the glaahks, getting occasionally
poisoned along the way, and wouldn't have to disarm the few mines, but
why? If you want to go back now that the poison is turned off, you'll
find a few minor items including some shaped boots and a mica band on a
body in the NW corner, and some spores and pods throughout in small
containers. It's not really worth it, in my opinion.
Front Gate (5.5)
Q: None.
C & S:
O: None.
Enemies: Reapers, Sholai, Inn Ghosts.
D: North to Central Labs, West to Crossroads.
Several reaper turrets line the passage to the main building. They
will be hostile without the Taker's amulet, as will the sholai. There
are some augmented sholai here, so be careful if you don't have the
amulet. To the NW you'll find an abandoned inn, home to several Inn
ghosts. They are guarding a stability belt in the NE room. To the SE
you'll find a body with minor equipment (at this point in the game).
Head to the NE, this is where the majority of the Sholai are located.
There is also a named sholai here (I killed him a bit too early,
unfortunately) but he doesn't help you much. There are several pieces
of shaper equipment to the east of the main room, and other goods.
Sholai wizards and mages are guarding this area, so be careful. In the
western section of the area, you'll find some nice armor, including a
shaped shield and grounded boots. You can leave through the main
chamber (don't bother with the NE lever- the DO NOT PULL one).
Central Labs (6)
Q: Slay the Vats Mind.
C & S: Dexterity, Create Glaahk, Dominate.
O: None.
Enemies: Sholai, Submission Turrets, Pylons, Battle Betas, Augmented
Battle Beta.
D: East to Quarters, North to Holding Cells, South to Front Gate, West
to Vats.
If you have the Taker's amulet, you won't have any problems with this
level, for the most part. In fact, you can meet with Serabryakov
(center west), who has been heavily augmented, and he will give you a
quest to kill the Vats mind. If you have enough leadership, you can
convince him to give you your reward early- the combination to his room
in the quarters. Otherwise, you'll have to do it the hard way. You'll
see a lot of sholai researchers, mages, and wizards throughout this
level, but they are generally unhelpful. You'll also find Vershinin
(SE), who is an irritable mage who shows you what the sholai have been
researching. However, if you don't have the amulet, you're in for a
rough time. It's not too difficult (not 6 difficulty yet), but it'll
take some significant effort. Naturally, both Serabryakov and
Vershinin are hostile, and their deaths will yield a shaped blade
(Serabryakov), and a girlde of endurance and shining shield
(Vershinin). All of the rest of the sholai will likewise be hostile,
including the searing orbs-happy mages/wizards/researchers. One
researcher had a Vat chitin on his body. You'll also find a lot of
shaper equipment and records on this level, be sure to collect and
trade them in. Be sure to get to the center east room and pull all of
the levers as soon as you can. Doing so opens all of the exits for
you, I believe. To the east you'll find three doors. One of these
will automatically open, and has a canister of dominate. The southern
one will open if you use the lever in the lab just south, and has a
canister of create Glaahk. The northern one requires a lot of tools to
open (or the control key), and will net you a canister of dexterity.
To the NE you'll find a dead body guarded by a fierce battle beta. The
body has some decent equipment on it. Also, guarding the north door
are six submission turrets. These will be hostile without the Taker
amulet. Luckily they shouldn't be all that difficult at this point (I
used a few swarm crystals on them). Finally, you can enter the region
to the NW. Here you will find several pylons of the highest level,
which are the reason I gave this level a 6 in difficulty. These things
are tough, and enjoy wasting your creations and often you. The reward
is decent: a Shaper's boon ring. Give it a try if you're willing, but
be sure to haste, bless, and shield yourself and your creations. You
then have two options for getting to Trajkov- through the quarters, or
through the holding cells. The holding cells is easier if you don't
have the amulet, and vice versa if you do.
Holding Cells (5)
Q: None.
C & S: Battle Magic.
O: None.
Enemies: Glaahks, Pylons, Drayks, Ur-Glaahks.
D: South to Central Labs, East to Geneforge.
This is the easier route for those who do not possess the Taker
Amulet. You'll want to immediately head east, as the path to the north
is pretty rough and difficult. It is an option, albeit in my opinion a
poor one. Instead you'll want to head through the creations. They can
be somewhat tough, but not so much as to completely stop you at this
time. You'll find a room that has a dead body (with a grounded robe),
to the east you'll find a room with reaper ammo. Continue east then
north (you can't open the rooms nearby just yet), and you'll find
plenty of nests. Many of them have useful objects like rods, gems, and
shaper records or equipment. Head to the north, and you'll see two
caged Drayks. Throughout this level, some of the Drayks will drop
Draykskin tunics, so watch out. The caged Drayks have some nice
equipment and treasure. You'll find a door to the north, but it is
heavily locked. Don't bother opening it, as you'll find a key shortly.
Head to the center north, you'll find a dead servant mind. There is a
jar of mind nutrients nearby, be sure to grab it. You'll also see a
control panel, go ahead and pull all of the levers. Head a bit south
and then west, kill the pylon, search the cabinet for a key, and go
north. You'll find Danette's shade. Quiz it for background story.
Head to the SW- you'll find a canister of battle magic and some shaper
records. Further SW you'll find an experimental glaahk- kill it and
you can get the best shield in the game, the Agent's shelter. Now head
north, your key will unlock the lever. This lets you go to the
Geneforge.
Quarters (5)
Q: Slay Akkat.
C & S: Firebolt, Create Fyora.
O: None.
Enemies: Sholai, Drayks, Reapers, Akkat, Varya.
D: North to Geneforge, West to Central Labs.
As always, the Sholai here will be friendly if you have the Taker's
amulet. Else, they'll be hostile. On this level, they also happen to
have several Drayks, so be careful. If you have the amulet, go to the
door and talk with Varya. She gives you a quest to off a nearby drayk-
Akkat. Luckily, you can play them both if you have enough leadership.
Tell Akkat that Varya wants him dead, and he will attack her, joining
forces with you. Take note that this does NOT make the sholai hostile-
they seem to be fed up with her nonsense as well. Otherwise, you can
kill Akkat. He isn't too tough, and you can take his nest items
(girdle of strength, jewelled wand, gems). You can kill both if you
desire. There's a room here that is locked. If you have done
Serabryakov's quest, you can open this room without problems. Or if
you have convinced him to give you the secret, you can open it. Or, if
you have enough intelligence, you can open the door. Inside you'll
find ammo, minor equipment, a reaper turret, and two (weak) canisters:
firebolt, and create fyora. One of the rooms nearby also has a book
that will teach you the Sholai language. Probably the most important
area here is to the NE. Head that way, and you'll see drayks and
reaper turrets. Enter Trajkov's room. You'll find several reaper
turrets, kill them as best you are able. You'll find restoration
spores, a thahd skin tunic, a red spore baton (very useful), an entry
baton (if you need one), and the damaged shaper gloves. Finally,
you'll find the Guardian Claymore, which is a very useful and powerful
weapon. Agents and Guardians will especially appreciate it. Now is a
good time to head to the Geneforge.
The Geneforge (5.5)
Q: Read Geneforge Tome, Retrieve Shaper's Gloves.
C & S: Using the Geneforge gives- 8 Str, 8 Dex, 8 Int, 8 End, 8 Melee,
8 Spell Craft, and 8 to all Shaper skills.
O: None.
Enemies: Trajkov, Battle Betas, Battle Gammas, Cryodrayks.
D: West to Holding Cells, South to Quarters.
Here is the object of your quest, of the game. Trajkov awaits you.
But first, you can kill a drayk to the NW, taking the shaped
breastplate, shield, and reaper baton from the nearby bodies. To the
NE you'll find a locked room with the Geneforge. The door will unlock
itself if Trajkov wills it or dies. Speak with Trajkov. You can go
ahead and be hostile if you so desire, but may find it easier to be
friendly. If you agree to listen what he has to say, he will give you
a quest to read the book behind him, then tell him what you've read.
If you lie, he will attack you. If you tell the truth, he will ask you
if you want to help him. If you agree to help him he will give you an
amulet (the same as the Takers gave you), and a quest to recover the
Shaper's gloves, which Goettsch stole from him. Now you have a few
more options. It is pretty easy to betray Trajkov, especially if
you've got a lot of leadership (and mechanics, if you don't have
Goettsch's fake gloves). Show Trajkov the gloves, and if you have
enough leadership, tell him that his creations will interfere with
their use. He will dismiss them (allowing you to kill him easily, if
you so desire). If you have the fake shaper gloves from Goettsch and
enough leadership, you can convince Trajkov that these gloves will be
good enough. Or, if you have the damaged shaper gloves (from Trajkov's
room) and enough mechanics, you can convince him that the gloves are
repaired. Then, if you have enough leadership, you can convince him to
use the damaged gloves. Both result in nasty ends to Trajkov. You can
also choose to fight him. He has a super-strong searing orbs spell (4-
5 at a time), but isn't too difficult, especially if he doesn't have
any help. Finally, you can choose to help Trajkov. Afterwards, you
can either leave the island, or attack him (in his beefed up form...),
and reclaim the gloves. If you choose to kill him (instantly angering
the Takers), you have two more choices. You can choose to destroy the
Geneforge without using it (the Obeyer path), or to use the Geneforge
(for a lot of significant stat increases). You should destroy the
Geneforge afterwards, if you choose to use it. You will need the
control key to destroy the Geneforge without being blown to
smithereens. If you choose to use the Geneforge, absorb all of your
creations before doing so. You will be able to get all of the
experience, and make much stronger creations on your own. You may also
want to absorb them before destroying the Geneforge as well. Trajkov
will drop a girdle of strength and a shaped blade when slain.
Shaper Crypt (6)
Q: None.
C & S: Battle Shaping, Battle Magic, Fire Shaping, Mental Magic.
O: None.
Enemies: Glaahks, Drayks, Battle Alphas, Pylons.
D: East to Diarazad, West to Inner Crypt.
Welcome to hell. These two areas (with the Inner Crypt) are easily
the most difficult areas in the game. The main cause of this is the
endless spawners (these aren't the biological ones, either). They
create several groups of creations every few minutes. These creations
are also rather powerful (>400 hit points for the drayks), and can do
significant damage to you and your pets. Fortunately, with great risk
comes great reward. Glaahks on this level may drop some very valuable
items- things ranging from gems and steel knives to shaper robes and
singing blades, among others. There are also several tombs here, which
will give you points in battle shaping, battle magic, fire shaping, and
mental magic. There is also a tomb that contains a pair of green boots
and another containing a guardian cloak (the only free one of such an
item). The enemies here will also consistently give you experience,
whereas most of the enemies elsewhere stop, making this the best area
to gain levels late-game. Finally, in the SE you'll find a servant
mind. If you desire and have nutrients to spare, you can feed it. It
will tell you the purpose of this crypt, and will also turn off the
western pylons for you (a very valuable action- dealing with the
creations on this map is chore enough). You can also find several sets
of shaper equipment here, especially around the northern spawners.
When you're ready, head to the NW. You'll find a door, and a special
to the south on the subject of a crescent stone. You will need one to
open this door. Crescent stone-bearing creatures can be found in the
Western Wastes, and the Drayk's Vale. Before coming here you'll
probably want to get one and bring it with you so as to prevent having
to get one later.
Inner Crypt (6)
Q: None.
C & S: Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Magic Shaping,
Spellcraft, Healing Craft, Blessing Magic.
O: None.
Enemies: Glaahks, Battle Alphas, Drayks, Pylons, Danette.
D: East to Shaper Crypt.
Urg. The enemies here are still just as tough, if not worse than in
the previous level. I will be vague here, mainly because it's hard to
really write about this level- too much of my energy is spent on trying
to survive. There are more tombs on this level, many of them contain
nice items (stasis shield, shaped blade, quicksilver plate, grounded
boots) or skills (magic shaping, spellcraft, healing craft, blessing
magic). The most important thing is to the NW. In this room you'll
find Danette. She is hostile, and has some souped-up guardians
assisting him. Kill her buddies and then her, and claim her belt (+3
to all primary stats). Also you'll find some rods, and can claim her 4
canisters (one for each primary stat). Once you've gotten everything
you want or have gotten beat up a lot, head back out the way you came.
Guarded Docks (5.5)
Q: None.
C & S: Create Clawbug.
O: None.
Enemies: Sholai, Terror Vlish.
D: West to Icy Tunnel.
Here is the end place, the final map. It is specifically designed to
prevent early escape, with the augmented sholai and the need for a red
spore baton. As you enter, you'll see a lot of mines. You'll have to
use your green and brown batons to destroy them. Once you get to the
center of the map, a sholai will approach you. If you're not aligned
with Trajkov and the Takers (i.e. don't have the amulet), you're in for
a fight. If you kill this first guy, his buddies come after you, and
can really put the hurt on you. There obviously are ways around this.
To the NW you'll find a servant mind. It needs food, as it has been
beaten and tortured (by Varya, of all things). If you feed it, you can
request that it help you as its last effort. It will scream for you,
attracting the Sholai, and enabling you to get to the boat to the east.
otherwise, if you have a red spore baton (the first sholai on this
island will drop one, there's one in Trajkov's quarters, and Goettsch
has one), use it to explode the southern mines, then go east. You'll
see a canister of create Clawbug. Head north, and try to get to the
boat. There's not much else here (some terror vlish are to the NE and
are guarding a grounded robe, but that's it). If you're allied with
Trajkov and have helped him out, the sholai escort you to the boat.
ENDGAME: Geneforge, as advertised, is very open ended. Many factors
come into play. If you've aligned yourself with one of the sects or
have killed its leader, the sect has a specific ending. The other
sects will have different endings. How you handled Trajkov determines
your ending in a major way, as does what you did with the Geneforge.
Goettsch plays a role as well. The most fulfilling endings occur when
you destroy Trajkov and the Geneforge without using it, when you use
the geneforge and destroy it, and when you aid Trajkov. There are
others. Experiment if you want. If you decide on a specific ending,
you may influence the success of the sects, even if you haven't joined
or attacked them. For instance, if you're aligned with the Awakened
and destroy the Geneforge without using it, the Obeyers get the best
ending.
Skill raising locations (not from canisters)
Ruined School- Firebolt, from Servile Mind if leadership is > 4
Ellhrah's Keep- Melee +2, Missile +2, Anatomy +1, Quick Action +1, if
join Awakened
Pentil- Fire Shaping +1, if joined Obeyers, Mechanics, Melee
Tombs- Fire shaping, Battle shaping, Magic shaping, Healing magic,
Mental magic, Blessing magic, Battle magic, Spellcraft
Southbridge- Leadership, Anatomy
Wooded Valley- Spellcraft from Anya, if on good terms
Icy Tunnels- Spellcraft +2, if sufficient luck (at least 2)
Patrolled Bridge- Luck from Dig, 500 coins a go
The Hill- Healing Craft, Create Roamer
Sealed Lab- battle magic, mental magic, blessing magic, fire shaping,
battle shaping, magic shaping
South Workshop- Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Endurance +1 if you
complete servant mind's quest
Winding Road- Mechanics, purchased for 2000 coins from Flig
Spirit City- Luck +1 from freeing ghost
Sentinels- Endurance +1 if you complete Huestess's quest.
Shaper Crypt- Battle Shaping, Battle Magic, Mental Magic, Fire Shaping
Drayk's vale- Leadership from Learned Halm for 2000 coins, if you're
not aligned with Takers.
Inner Crypt- Magic Shaping, Spellcraft, Blessing Magic, Healing Craft
Geneforge- Using the geneforge gets you +8 Str, +8 Dex, +8 Int, +8 End,
+8 Melee, +8 Spellcraft, +8 Fire Shaping, +8 Battle Shaping, +8 Magic
Shaping, +8 Healing craft
Good magic item locations in the demo:
Vakirri- Belt of strength (reward for doing Crag Valley quest)
Bandit Woods- Coated Cloak (on a bandit)
Ruined school- student's belt (on boss enemy)
Ellhrah's Keep- Belt of Nimbleness (hidden in good supplies), Swan also
has a shielding band (if you've decided to attack them)
Pentil- Carnelian gloves (hidden in Rydell's room), Shielding Band
(free Pentil fields after getting quest).
Thorny Woods- Chilling Band or Girdle of Strength (randomly appears on
a bandit), and possibly a fyoraskin cloak on a strange fyora.
Mind Nutrients (6): Ellhrah's Keep, Hill of Jars, Kazg, Holding 2,
South Workshop, Holding Cells.
Language Locations: Pentil (Obeyers), East Pentil (Awakened), Kazg
(Takers, all), Refugee Cave, Crossroads (not Takers), Winding Road,
Patrolled Dell, Quarters.
Minds requiring nutrients (7): Control 4, Control 3, Buried Cell mind,
Mine Core Mind, Power Station Mind, Shaper Crypt Mind, Guarded Docks
Mind.
Entry Batons: North Mines, West workshop, Quarters.
Control Key: South Workshop
Ancient Pillars- Drayk's vale, Ancient Crypt, Diarazad, Junkyard, Dry
Wastes, Western Wastes, Valley of the Wind, Spirit City.
A Small Secret: On the intro screen, try to get 8 copies of one
creature. A special message will pop up.
THE GREAT SECRET:
Sigh. All right, I'm not going to give this one away. For one, you
don't get anything really all that good out of it (at best, a pair of
magic boots). Start in the Drayk's vale. Touch the pillar-
and-
Travel Clockwise.
That's all for now (if there is enough desperation, I'll say more), and
that's all I should have to give.
Unsolved Mysteries:
Nest in Pentil Woods
Kantre's Realm East door.
8. EQUIPMENT GUIDE
Rings: Bonus:
Arcane Band +10 Arm, +20 Stun, +20 Acid, +6 C Arm
Chilling Band +25 Fire
Gold Ring
Ivory Band +25 Poison
Mica Band +25 Acid
Ring of Eye +50 Mind, +25 C Mind
Shaper's Boon +1 All creation Primary Stats
Shielding Band +5 Arm, +15 Stun
Silver Ring
Stabilizing Band +50 Stun, +50 C Stun
Static Band +25 Energy
Zavor's Band +1 All Primary Stats
Opinion: it seems to be the general consensus that Zavor's band is the
best ring out there. The shaper may find the Shaper's Boon to be even
better, but other classes won't. The Arcane band is the best if found
before obtaining Zavor's band. The shielding band is very nice for an
agent, whereas both the ring of the eye and the stabilizing band are
good for guardians and shapers. Finally, the mica, chilling, and
static bands are the lowest of the magic rings, in my opinion. Don't
bother wearing gold or silver rings, as you'll get better use out of
selling them.
Opinion: Depending on the circumstances, the quicksilver boots are the
best (from both Zyrxil and Zeviz) if you have another quicksilver item
equipped. Being able to attack twice a turn (3 times when hasted)
allows for many tactical advantages. The penalty to strength is very
small compared to this huge bonus. However, if you don't have any
quicksilver items other than the boots, then the dodging boots are
probably the best of the boots. That +2 to dexterity assists your
armor more than the shaped boots. The stability boots are also quite
good, but you'll probably have a lot of stun resistance any way, so
won't really need to sacrifice the point of dexterity from the dodging
boots. The green boots are also quite useful, especially if you obtain
them before speaking with Dig (a distinct possibility). Most of the
other boots are hard to find, or of limited use. The Samaritan sandals
can be quite useful, depending on how much you use magic. You probably
won't want to bother with the specter boots, as that penalty to
strength is very significant.
Gauntlets/Gloves Arm Bonus
Gloves +1
Gauntlets +3
Steel Gauntlets +5
Shaped Gauntlets +7
Carnelian Gloves +1 +1 Battle M, +1 Mental M
Gloves of Hammer +8 +2 Str, +2 Quick A, +2 Anatomy
Ornkskin Gloves +3 +2 Str, +2 End, -2 Int, -20 Mind
Specter Gloves +5 +10 Energy, +10 Stun, -10 Fire
Thrusting Gloves +5 +3 Anatomy, +2 Damage
Tinker's Gloves +1 +2 Mech
Opinion: The Tinker's gloves are probably the most useful here, as they
add some much needed skill points. However, you shouldn't wear them at
all times, as many of the other gloves are much more useful for general
play. Carry them in your pack and equip them when faced with a
mechanic's nightmare. The Thrusting gloves and the gloves of the
Hammer are probably the most useful here for agents and guardians,
especially if they are melee-centered. The Ornkskin Gloves can also be
very valuable, if you don't mind the int penalty. Otherwise, the
Carnelian gloves and the Specter gloves, both of which can be obtained
relatively early in the game, are quite useful, and may be better than
the shaped gauntlets, depending on the circumstance.
Shields Arm Bonus
Wooden +5
Iron +10
Steel +15
Shaped +22
Agent's Shelter +15 +20 Mind, +20 Stun, +1 SpellC, +2 Dex
Fibrous +15 +15 Stun, +5 Energy, -10 Fire
Fyoraskin +10 +15 Fire
Glaahk +8 +40 Stun
Leaded +15 +50 Mind
Reflecting +10 +10 Resist All
Shining +10 +2 Leadership, +25 Mind
Stasis +22 +50 Stun, -5 Mind, +50 C Stun, -5 C Mind
Opinion: There is a good range of options for shields. Nevertheless,
probably the best shield is the Agent's shelter. Next, the reflecting
and shining shields are both quite desirable. Depending on the
circumstance, any of the other sets of shields can be very useful in
providing much needed resistances.
Girdles/Belts Arm Bonus
Belt +2
Studded Belt +4
Shaped +6
Bhargeth's +4 +6 Damage
Danette's +4 +3 All Primary Stats
Oozing +4 -2 End, +2 C End
Of Endurance +4 +1 End, +1 C End
Of Insight +4 +1 Int, +1 C Int
Of Leadership +4 +2 Lead, +1 Int
Of Nimbleness +4 +1 Dex, +1 C Dex
Of Strength +4 +1 Str, +1 C Str
Shaper's +2 +15 C Fire, +15 C Acid, +15 C Mind, +15 C Stun
Sharing +4 -2 Str, -2 Dex, +2 C Str, +2 C Dex
Stability +4 -1 AP, +10 Arm, +50 Stun
Student's +2 +1 Int, +1 Damage
Opinion: Danette's belt is, without a doubt, the best item in the game.
Afterwards, I prefer the Leadership girdle, as the bonuses provided by
this item are very useful. The shaper's belt is quite useful for
shapers, as it essentially adds a level to all of your creations. From
there, most of the other girdles can be very useful (and you may
develop dependencies on them, like with the student's belt), and
ranking them is difficult.
Robes/Cloaks Arm Bonus
Agent +3 +1 Battle M, +1 Mental M, +1 Blessing M, +1
SpellCraft
Cloak +1
Coated +5 +10 Energy
Fine Cloak +4
Fyoraskin +5 +10 Fire
Grounded +3 +15 Energy
Guardian +8 +1 Melee, +1 Missile, +1 Quick A, +2 Anatomy
Robe +3
Shaper +6 +1 Fire S, +1 Battle S, +1 Magic S, +1 Healing M
Specter +5 +10 Energy, +10 Stun, -10 Fire
Symbiotic +5 +2 End
Transference +6 -2 Str, Dex, End, +2 C Str, C Dex, C End
Opinion: Personally, I find the Guardian's cloak to be the most useful
for the Agent and Guardian. The Agent's robe is very useful for all
classes, and lets the guardian be able to obtain the bonuses from
tombs. Many people also like the symbiotic cloak, and it is a better
deal than the Guardian cloak, in terms of skill points, for the
Guardian. The shaper's cloak should not be equipped unless you need to
make creations. There are better cloaks out there. Most of the other
cloaks are useful at low levels, although the transference cloak comes
with a rather large penalty, in my opinion. Dave disagrees, and states that a
shaper can really use the transference cloak, especially if the penalty is
offset by the gloves of the hammer.
Opinion: The quicksilver plate is the best, without a doubt.
Otherwise, the crystal plate is superb, followed by the charmed plate
and the fibrous breastplate. Also worth your notice is the non-magical
shaped breastplate. I don't trust any of the other quicksilver items
(too big of penalties for most characters), and the other items are
specific for certain environments. Howver, the quicksilver chain and
chitin are both potentially valuable, if you've got the quicksilver
boots, but this is not nearly as obvious as it is with the quicksilver
plate. The various tunics can be very useful if obtained early.
Weapons Damage Bonus
Dagger 2-14
Bronze Sword 3-21
Steel Knife 4-28
Iron Sword 5-35
Steel Sword 6-36
Shaped Blade 10-70
Singing Rapier 5-35 +2 Quick A, +2 Anatomy
Shielding Knife 7-49 +4 Arm
Bonding Knife 7-49 -2 Str, Dex, Int, +4 End
Living Knife 7-49 +2 C Dex
Charmed Falchion 7-49 +5 Luck, +10 Resist All
Tek's Spectral Dirk 8-56 +5 Arm, +30 Resist All, +30 Stun
Guardian Claymore 10-70 +2 Str, +2 Quick A, +2 Anatomy
Opinion: Unless you're playing as a shaper, the Guardian claymore is
the best weapon in the game, followed by Tek's Spectral dirk. The
charmed falchion would be great, if it were obtainable early in the
game. Most of the other weapons are fairly decent, although the
shielding knife is obtainable very early. Shapers may want to stick
with batons instead.
Crystals (just an explanation of what they do. I will try to add wands
in a later version).
Icy: Casts an ice bolt, like a fyora.
Ensnaring: Stuns the enemy, like a vlish.
Spray: Shoots orbs, like the spell Searing Orbs.
Swarm: Shoots orbs, like the spell Searing Orbs, but will fire many
more, and also do more damage than spray crystals.
9. HP Calculations
***
HP calculation from y0d1n2a3 on the spiderweb message boards
I have figured out the formula for calculating Shaper's HP. However,
it's DEADLY complicated (blame it on the game engine).
Shaper's HP formula:
Step 1: Endurance Modifier
If your endurance is less than 11, don't change your endurance.
If your endurance is between 11 and 20:
Divide your endurance by 2. If there is any remainder, minus 1 from
your endurance.
If your endurance is between 21 and 30:
Divide your endurance by 3. If there is any remainder, minus your
endurance by that number.
Step 2: Calculate your HP
If Level=1 then HP = 12+(End-1)*0.75
If Level=2 then HP=12+End*1.5 (rounded down to the nearest whole)
(If your level is 2 and your endurance is more than 10, you cheated. )
If your level is at least 3, go to step 3.
Step 3:
Calculate your HP as if your character is Level 2. (If your character's
endurance is greater than 10, treat it as 10 for now.)
If your endurance is less than 11, do step 4 only. If it's between 11
and 20, do step 4 as End 10 and then go to step 5. If it's between 21
and 30, do step 4 as endurance 10, step 5 as endurance 20 and finally
step 6. If it's more than 30, YOU CHEATED. )
Step 4: If endurance is less than 11:
HP=(HP of Level 2)+End*(Level-2)*0.75
Step 5: If endurance is between 11 and 20:
HP=(HP of End 10)+(End-10)/2*Level*0.75
Step 6: If endurance is between 21 and 30:
HP=(HP of End 20)+(End-20)/3*Level*0.75
Note:
1) If your final answer is not an integer, round down any 0.25 and
round up any 0.75.
There is an error margin of ±1 because the game sometimes rounds 0.5 up
and sometimes rounds 0.5 down.
2) You should be confused by now.
****
I've finally figured out the formula for guardians and agents. I'll
combine them into one post.
Calculate your HP as if your character is Level 2. (If your character's
endurance is greater than 10, treat it as 10 for now.)
If your endurance is less than 11, go to step 4 only. If 10
step 4 as End 10 and then go to step 5. If it's 20
End 10, step 5 as End 20 and finally go to step 6. If it's more than
30, YOU CHEATED.
------------------------------------------------------------
Step 4: If End<11:
Shaper: HP=(HP of Level 2)+End*(Level-2)*0.75
Guardian: HP=(HP of Level 2)+End*(Level-2)*1.25
Agent: HP=(HP of Level 2)+End*(Level-2)*1
------------------------------------------------------------
Step 5: If 10
Shaper: HP=(HP of End 10)+(End-10)/2*Level*0.75
Guardian: HP=(HP of End 10)+(End-10)/2*Level*1.25
Agent: HP=(HP of End 10)+(End-10)/2*Level*1
------------------------------------------------------------
Step 6: If 20
Shaper: HP=)HP of End 20)+(End-20)/3*Level*0.75
Guardian: HP=(HP of End 20)+(End-20)/3*Level*1.25
Agent: HP=(HP of End 20)+(End-20)/3*Level*1
P.S. If you're confused, use a +100 Endurance canister.
************************************************************
XP Calculations also by y0d1n2a3, useful for determining how much XP you'll get
for killing a creature with a given number of creations.
Revised Test Results about XP:
(See table below. The first column is the number of creations you currently
have; the second column is the amount of experience you get as if the game
displays "You gain experience (1)." The third column, of course, is the relative
amount of experience for EACH of your creature.)
-------------------------------------------------
For example, the game says that you get 80 experience and you have three drayks.
You get 80*13/16=65 and EACH of your drayks get 80*13/20=52. Therefore, you get
the maximum amount of TOTAL experience if you have seven creations.
There is an error margin of ±1 point (the game seems to be rouding all decimals
off...)
10. Version History:
0.3 (4-27-02) First version, includes walkthrough for Demo, and
numerous hints and evaluations. More to come soon!
0.8 (5-10-02) Walkthrough is more than half complete, many other things
have been discussed. More to come shortly.
1.0 (6-10-02) Walkthrough is complete.
1.2 (6-27-02) Numerous small additions including a correction by
Scales, a few findings from Zotrium and Zeviz, and strategies from
Drakefyre, Zyrxil, and Zeviz. There were too many changes to merely
result in a .1 addition to the version.
1.3 (11-19-02) After a long delay, finally an update! I've added improved XP
tables from y0d1n2a3, the location of the infinite living tool from Alex, a
skill canister correction from Hellspawn007,
Thanks to:
Scales on the Spiderweb message boards for multiple hints/strategies.
Alex on the Spiderweb message boards for clues on how to determine
Spell Points, and for discovery of the infinite living tool bug.
Croikle on the Spiderweb message boards for a bit of sect info.
*i on the Spiderweb message boards for language hints.
Vengeful Wise Man on the Spiderweb message boards for demo hints.
bme on the Spiderweb message boards for arguments about Unlock.
Zeviz on the Spiderweb message boards for arguments about mechanics,
strategies and numerous findings. Thanks as always!
Wasteland Knight on the Spiderweb message boards for a typo correction.
The Wanderer for multiple insights and other hints.
Delicious Vlish on the Spiderweb message boards for helpful spell
insights.
y0d1n2a3 on the Spiderweb message boards for the successful HP
calculation guide! Great work, wow! And for the XP tables!
Zyrxil on the Spiderweb message boards for the dual-quicksilver
strategy.
Zotrium on the Spiderweb message boards for finding the Artila Skin
Tunic.
??? for several corrections.
Hellspawn007 for pointing out an error.
Dave for a few corrections.
Cjenkins for several insights on the battle creations.
GameFAQs for hosting this, and for giving it a May 2002 FAQ of the week
award.
