The Curse of the Fire Dragon Online Player's Guide

Necessary Programs

     The Curse of the Fire Dragon is designed for use with SSI's Unlimited Adventures, and cannot be played without this program. To find out more about Unlimited Adventures, you need to view the Helpme!.txt file included in the zip file.

    The numerous hacks included with this module require UAShell to function properly. The game will be unplayable without this program. UAShell is a freeware program and can be downloaded from David Knott's website. If you already have UAShell, I recommend updating to the current version, or at least version 8.40, as The Curse of the Fire Dragon makes use of the extended music hacks discovered only recently.

Installing the Game

    Well, first you need to download the file, which can be found at the UA File Archive.  Then, just follow the instructions below.

1. Place the curse.zip file within your main FRUA directory.

2. Extract the zip file to this directory, using the instructions below:

Using Winzip: Simply click on the file curse.zip to open it, then extract it to your main FRUA directory. Make sure that the option to "Use folder names" is checked in the Extract window. Then Winzip should automatically create the necessary directories and set everything up for you.

Using Pkunzip: Open a DOS window and go to the directory where curse.zip is now located. Then type "pkunzip -d" to extract the files into the proper directories.

3. Once these steps are completed, start up UAShell and select Designs, then Apply, then curse.dsn. This will install all of the hacks needed to play the adventure. Then just select Designs, then Run to begin the game!

Character Information

    If you want to use the pre-generated party that is included, you don't need to read any further in this section. Instead, you can read about the included characters on the Characters page. If you wish to transfer or create new characters, read on...

    Transferring Characters: So you would like your own characters to continue their adventures in Ramah? No problem. Simply copy the character files into the "curse.dsn/save" directory, start the game, add your characters and play! There are a few things to keep in mind however. First, The Curse of the Fire Dragon was designed for adventurers of about fifth-level, for ideal gameplay and challenge.  The game will still be enjoyable with higher-level characters, but be aware that some of the battles will be very easy.  Also, characters below fifth-level may find some battles nearly impossible. The other major factor is regarding a few hacked items. Because a few items have been replaced or altered, there may be display problems if you enter the game carrying any of the following equipment: Scale Mail (magical and non-magical), Tridents (magical and non-magical), Drow Long Swords, Drow Chain Mail, or the Periapt of Health. It would be a good idea to drop these items before transferring the characters into the game.
 

Playing the Game

    Searching vs. Looking: Searching is almost never necessary during this adventure. Sure you're welcome to do this, but it's really a waste of time (and in one dungeon, you will pay a deadly price for this time).  I suggest only using the Search command when you are stuck or lost, or nothing seems to be happening. Usually a character will suggest "searching" for something.  Otherwise, the Look command is the most useful. Most of the time you can "Look" at a door to read the sign hanging above it or "Look" at a wall to view a painting or tapestry. The Look command can also trigger an action. For example,  if you find yourself staring at a wall that you know is a secret door or a shiny button you can't resist pushing, try using Look to activate it.

    Enchanted Items: Don't expect to find hordes of magical weapons in Ramah. By the time you finish the adventure, your characters should be at about 8th level, and if they all had Vorpal Long Swords at this point, what would they have to look forward to? In this module, I've treated +1 items as "exceptional quality". For this reason, you can often find them in specialty shops in the town (i.e. go to the Arrowsmith for +1 Arrows). So anything above that is a true magical item of unmatched quality, and those are fairly rare.

     Inventory Items: I've borrowed an idea I first saw in Dan Autery's game Thieves' Run in which the inventory shows not only special items, but also current quests. If you take an extended break from playing, you might want to check the inventory to help refresh your memory so you can pick up right where you left off.

    Area View: I've left Area view on in most places, even in dungeons in which you could easily get lost. I personally don't like to use Area view unless I'm really stuck, which is how I've intended its use in this game. In other words, it's there to help you, so use it if you need it.

    Saving your Game: Because I like to use event chains, there are places where saving a game, exiting play, and returning later can get you stuck. I've eliminated all the crucial problems, but not some of the minor ones. If you go to a training hall, save, quit, and return later, just press the "Look" command to retrigger the event chain and you'll be fine. If you get stuck, reload your last saved game and "Look" to get back on track.

    The Password: I have locked the editor with a password. I have done this simply because I want to urge you not to look through the art or pick through all the dungeons before you play the entire game at least once, as this will surely spoil many of the surprises found near the end. Once you have completed the adventure, you can unlock the editor with my name, Darius.

    Final Note: Other than that, everything is self-explanatory. There are many, many helpful clues strewn about the game. If in doubt, make sure you talk to everyone in town.  For those that are really stuck, I've created a Helpful Hints page, but I warn you that it is full of spoilers.