Soulbringer FAQ/Walkthrough
Version 1.4, 1/28/2005
By Matt P
Email: elementalizard@aol.com
SOULBRINGER is copyright Infogrames, and is distributed by Interplay in
the United States.  Be sure to check that you have the most up-to-date
version of this game by checking its site.  All characters in this FAQ
should be treated as the intellectual property of Infogrames.
Please contact me if you desire to post this FAQ somewhere, or if you
have any additions/comments.
Soulbringer is a decent game that is easily acquirable at most
Walmarts.  You can get it with Planescape: Torment, for $10 US.  The
manual is included on the CD.
What's new in v1.3- Added a number of small things and some strategies.
Many thanks to all who have helped, especially Danny!
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0) Frequently asked questions
1) Tricks of the Trade
2) Stat analysis
3) Walkthrough
4) Spell analysis, book locations
5) Brief weapon discussion, the best armor
6) Herbs and what they do
7) Credits/miscellany
STORY: The world has always had a big evil demon guy and the hero to
stop him.  Recently, the big evil demon guy returned and is tormenting
the populace.  Now where's the hero?  Hm...  I wonder.
IMPORTANT GAME MYTHOLOGY: The Big evil demon guy's name is Skorn.  Your
hero is unnamed.  Skorn corrupted the hearts of several men (the
hexseekers- who seek you out and try to destroy you), and brought forth
some of his fellow demons (the revenants).  It is these revenants who
are often causing major problems- one of them is the cause of the
horrendous winter, another is attempting to enslave a town, one is
locked away in another dimension (and you'll use the key to bring him
back and kill him), and yet another is torturing souls by preventing
them from going to the Well.  Destroying the body of either a hexseeker
or a revenant does not destroy the creature, it merely allows them to
reform elsewhere, unless they are contained.  Minor demons also abound
(raals and others).
The Well is the afterlife.  Harbinger was the previous hero who tried
to defeat Skorn and his demon allies, and Harbinger used the Hex to
travel and, uh, fight evil.  Kinkathra is the "first dragon," whose
dream is that all life will be peaceful, and whose heart is an object
of great power, said to be capable of containing the spirits of the
Revenants.
=====================FAQ============================
Q: I can't get Malkuth to revive the anvil guy!
A: Talk with him about it, don't give it to him like you do the
majority of your stuff.
Q: I killed someone in the game, got some experience and a few minor
items, but it doesn't mention that you're able to do so in the
walkthrough.  What gives?
A: Yup, not everything is in this walkthrough.  Many people can be
killed, it's just not that heroic to do so.  Oh well.
Q: Where is *ITEM*?
A: Its location is probably in the walkthrough, but if you don't see it
at first, you may just be missing the little glowing star that
surrounds it.  Look hard, I know it's a game flaw.
Q: How do I regenerate mana?
A: Use a potion, or touch a Hex stone once you have access to the Hex.
Q: How do I get the cheats to work?
A: You don't.  The cheats you see advertised on sites do not work.  If
you ask me about this, I will NOT respond to your emails.
Q: Where are the hex stakes?
A: Two are acquired from Malkuth.  The others are in the church ruins,
Thardolin Docks, and Deep desert.  Refer to each of those locations for
the exact locations.
Q: How do I get my quest list to scroll down?
A: From Thomas: there are two things that look like horseshoes on
the right side of the quests on the top and bottom of the quest
page, the one on the top has a circle under it that will move
up or down depending on witch of the horseshoe things you click on.
Q: Crap!  I need to get back into Crux's manor?  How?
A: Without editing the game files, it's impossible.  However, with
editing the game files, this is what you need to do (from Hyland H.
Capin Jr):
In your walkthrough there is a part that mentions that if you fail to
get the "rune of manipulations" it is lost forever, or you have
to restart from a save before entering the manor or even start
a new game. Because the door is shut and locked. This isn't
completely true there is a way of getting back into the manor.
However this involves editing the doors.s in the script folder, if
one does overlook the rune and can't get back in.
Steps to take to fix this:
Be sure to make a back up of this file.
1.) Save and Quit Soulbringer.
2.) Use the find > files or folders from the Start Menu.
3.) Search for doors.s (default location is: "C:\Program
Files\Soulbringer\data\script").
4.) Right Click on doors.s and select properties under Attributes uncheck
ReadOnly, Click Apply then click Ok.
5.) Having done step 4 Right Click on the doors.s in the find files &
folders search select Open With and Choose Notepad.
6.) Change "VIG SetUpDoors-Intro FALSE" to "VIG SetUpDoors-Intro TRUE"
(Without the quotes.)
7.) Locate    // *** manorext ***
Note: Only Changing the Closed or Locked values to Open is needed.
// *** manorext ***
IDoorOpen dlord_fr
IDoorOpen dlord
// *** manorint ***
IDoorOpen dlib1
IDoorOpen dbed_2
IDoorOpen secdoor_1
IDoorOpen dlib_2
IDoorOpen dmeeting
IDoorOpen dstore
IDoorOpen dstore_1
IDoorOpen dkitch_1
IDoorOpen kitch_2
Save the changes made.
Also Note that in order for these changes to take effect in the game you
must let the Intro play.
=============TRICKS OF THE TRADE=====================
Here I will mention a few tricks that may be in hidden in the manual
somewhere, but which are better stated up front.
ARMOR- pick up the piece of armor and drag it over the doll to the
left.  This equips it, and you can see the increase in your defense.
BAGS- bags expand your inventory, allowing you to carry much more
stuff.  You may even put bags into bags, up to four times (i.e., a bag
in a bag in a bag in a bag in your backpack).
FIGHTING- generally, attacks that are closer to the bottom of the list
are superior to those you obtain earlier.  Not always, but most of the
time.  Often, these attacks take more time to execute, so you must find
a balance between hitting hard and hitting often.
DIRECTIONS- note that, although your compass is quite useful, it can
get you confused.  If you line up your view behind your character, N
and S on the compass will point in the correct direction, but E and W
won't (they'll be reversed).  Think about it and you'll see it makes
sense.
THE HIGHER GROUND- One of the more interesting things about combat with
this game is the fact that where you're positioned actually matters.
Strangely, having the higher ground often hurts you more than it helps,
as you'll miss more often.  You'll have to attack 'low' to hit with any
consistency.  Luckily, your enemies suffer from a similar problem.  Be
sure to exploit this.
COMBOS- In my previous play through, I would have said to ignore
combos.  However, that has recently changed.  Making an effective combo
is difficult, but combos are often better than just clicking on
something till it dies.  The main difference in play style you have
between these two options (combo and non-combo) is speed.  Manual
attacks are faster, but combo attacks also allow your character to
defend and parry blows.  A particularly effective combo I used early on
was with the mace- endless looping underhand strikes.  Many things fell
quickly to this attack.  Also, if you don't use combos, you won't get
the full benefits of the combat skill.
---Insight from Gary Keeling:
It also doesn't hurt to program a few spell combinations into the
Combos.  I have Shield and Haste looped into one Combo.  However, if
you do that, make sure you get off of that combo once it's cast,
otherwise it'll keeping casting them round after round, wasting mana.
It sure beats running around in circles running from your enemy while
you're trying to scroll through all your spell books to find the right
one in the middle of combat!
EXPERIENCE (XP)- Generally, you'll get the majority of your xp at the
beginning of the game from completing quests, and the majority at the
end of the game from killing nasty creatures.  Killing non-hostile
creatures (including ones that can be made hostile- like the fey) costs
you XP equal to what you would gain if you killed them when they are
hostile.  Sometimes, when you're leading an army, an enemy will kill a
soldier of yours and you will lose xp.  If you kill the enemy, you will
gain the normal xp for killing it and the xp lost through the soldier's
death.   The maximum level is 41 by the manual, but I've only got up to
39, and that's with killing most everything bad that moves.
THE SECULORUM- As you cast spells of a specific element,  your
seculorum is modifies.  The seculorum is pictured on the character
screen after you've gained access to the Hex.  If you cast too many
spells of a specific element, your seculorum becomes unbalance.  This
isn't always a bad thing, as you get certain perks with increasing
focus.  However, the counter side to this is that spells cast of
opposing elements do significantly more damage.
MISSILE WEAPONS- Generally, these things are useless.  Few enemies
stand still and let you pummel them from a distance, with one major
exception.  Generally, I sold most of my arrows, and sent the
magic/special ones to the HEX.  Eventually, when you get to the deep
desert, these things can actually be useful in getting a hefty bit of
XP, if you're willing to be patient.
WEAPON QUALITY- Whenever you hit an enemy who has defenses against your
specific attack, your weapon gets damage.  Trying to hit a character
wearing plate armor with a knife will generally just get you a broken
knife.  Some weapons always penetrate armor (like the pickaxe), and
hence wear out very slowly.  Two game-story critical weapons are
indestructible- Messenger and Bloodmaster.
CHAPTERS: Although not formal by any means, the main character
undergoes a few changes as he fights and gets stronger.  Most notable
is the change in clothes, which is generally coupled with a change from
subservience to arrogance.
===========================STAT ANALYSIS===============
STRENGTH: Determines how much damage you do and how much you can carry.
At the beginning, you'll want to increase this regularly, so that you
can use the heavier armor and kill things with greater ease.
SPEED: Determines the quickness with which you attack in combat, and
modifies your defense.  Speed is an interesting stat that can be
modified with large results.  If you're fighting an enemy, the ratio of
blows you get in compared to the number of blows he gets in is directly
related to your respective speeds.  If you're a lot faster than your
enemy, you'll hit a whole lot more.  Don't focus on this skill (never
put all of your points in it), but always hold it in consideration.  If
you have a lot of points in this skill, you can get some very high
armor classes.  The increase of defense due to higher speed appears
almost exponential.  A speed of ~85 gave me ~1500 defense.
COMBAT: Determines the attacking options available to you and your
ability to block/parry blows in combat.  If you don't use combos, then
this skill isn't very useful to you and can be ignored in part.  If you
do use combos, then this skill is significantly more useful.  You'll be
able to block a lot of hits from enemies if this skill is high.
HEALTH: Influences your health points (HP).  This skill isn't bad, but
compared to the benefits you get from other skills, don't focus on this
one.  You'll still suffer the same damage from blows, you'll just be
able to last a bit longer in a fight if you've put a bunch of points in
this skill.
MAGIC: Influences your spell points (or mana points, SP), and your
ability to cast spells.  This skill is what sets you apart from your
normal soldier.  Each spell has a specific Magic skill requirement, and
can't be cast unless you have enough skill.  The bonus to SP is nice,
but again, it'll just enable you to cast a few more spells before you
have to drink a potion.  Get this skill up to 50 BEFORE Chapter 5, or
you'll be sorry.
====================WALKTHROUGH=======================
General Guide
Name of area
Q: Quests available
D: Directions to/from nearby locations
Walkthrough for area
**********CHAPTER 1, prissy boy clothed-hero************
NOTE: There are five "chapters" in this game, during each the hero gets
a new outfit and a better attitude.
Eastern River
Q: Find Andrus, Drive off brigand.
D: W to Madrigal town square, Madrigal sewers
You start off with a strange dream, and soon awake at the docks,
talking with the ferryman, Allis.  You get a quest starting out, to
find your uncle.  Allis gives you some advice, and if you talk with him
thoroughly, will give you a second quest, to kill a nearby bandit.  He
gives you a key so that you can enter his home (while he cowardly
hides) once you've done the deed.  In the nearby barrel you will find a
fish, which is decent food.  Another barrel has some worthless stones.
**********************************************************
HINT: Food is good, and it heals you well.  Try to always have some on
hand, instead of relying on spells or expensive potions.  Food is
ranked: Apples (20 HP, 1 lb), Bread (35 HP, 2 lbs), Fish (50 HP, 2
lbs), Chicken (75 HP, 3 lbs), and Ham (100 HP, 4 lbs).  Bread weighs
the most for its restorative ability, but that doesn't mean you should
ignore it.  Always pick up food if an enemy drops some, but purchase it
selectively.
**********************************************************
You'll also find that you have some stat points to distribute if you go
to your character screen.
**********************************************************
HINT: At this point, you'll probably want to spread your points out
evenly.  You'll have one point left over, put it wherever you wish.  I
put it into magic.  You'll be getting a few spells soon, and they
require a base level of training to cast.  The complete spell list can
be found at the end of this FAQ.
**********************************************************
Now press the dagger button.  Use your weapon.  This causes the hero to
draw the weapon and use it.  Nothing is in your way, so this doesn't
really accomplish much, other than readying your weapon.
**********************************************************
HINT: Whenever entering an area with potentially hostile enemies,
always have a weapon readied, generally by this method.  If you have a
weapon preference, make sure you've got the weapon you want highlighted
and equipped.  This saves valuable time and may save your life.  You
will generally unequip a weapon after talking with a friendly person,
so make sure you ready it afterwards.
**********************************************************
Walk along the path.  A bandit will soon grunt at you, and attack.
Click on him to select him as your target, then attack him in kind.  I
found that the simple "cut" command works well against him.  He dies
quickly, and drops a knife, an apple and a scroll.  The scroll has some
interesting information, but is otherwise useless.  Return to Allis Ham
for your reward (25 XP, and a magic rune- the Rune of Knives).  Save
the rune, you'll use it later.  There's not too much else to do around
here, most of the other areas are closed to you except for Madrigal
town square and the sewers.  You should avoid the sewers for now, as
the spider in there is quite strong and is better taken on later.
Also, you will find several herbs and mushrooms along the riverside,
take them.  Herbs and mushrooms are quite common and you should gather
all that you find.  Most are useless, but some are very helpful.  Also,
be sure to check the barrels and crates for a few more minor goods.
From henceforth I will not mention whether or not you can find herbs
and minor items (you almost always can), and will generally only
mention items of note.  Enter Madrigal when you've picked up everything
you want.
Madrigal Town Square
Q: Kill Brigands in Madrigal
D: E to Eastern River, S to South Madrigal Square, N to Northern forest
A cut scene occurs as soon as you enter this area.  A rather nasty
fellow accuses you of being a beggar and tells you to get lost.  You'll
want to speak with him again unfortunately (and he'll show up several
more times later) at the Inn.  Most everything else is closed.  Find
the guard captain.  He gives you a quest to kill some brigands.  Doing
so gets you 30xp and 10 gold.  You'll also see the Hex stone here, but
can't do anything with it for a long while.  Check the boxes in this
area for a new weapon, the spade.  It's ruined, so it's not really all
that useful.  Go south to the south square.  If you head north, strange
things will happen, and it's not a good idea.
South Madrigal Square
D: North to Madrigal Town Square, W to Madrigal Market
This place has several brigands.  You'll be attacked soon after
entering.  Walk slowly, and eventually you'll see a brigand dressed in
red.  He is quite difficult (cutting low works best, I've found), and
you'll probably need to break off combat mid fight and run away to eat
some food.  Once dead, you can take his club and his brigand's cloak
(the cloak provides 10 armor).  The rest of the brigands here are
pretty easy, and shouldn't give you much trouble.  Once you've killed
them all, don't bother healing yourself- you'll soon be automatically
fully healed.  As always, check all crates here.
Madrigal Market
D: E to South Madrigal Square
Follow Barthelago as he enters the Inn.  He's rude, as before.  Once
entering the Inn, you'll have another long cut scene as more people yak
(do follow the story though).  You'll then be given the chance to talk
with everyone.  Do so (especially with the Traveler, who's name is
Chant), and leave once you've heard enough.  Head back to the town
square and go north to the Northern Woods.
Northern Woods
Q: Get 200 coins for Andrus
D: S to Madrigal town square, W to Cavern, N to North Forest Tower
Follow the path.  You'll see a brigand.  If you give chase, you'll
find his buddies waiting for you (including a nasty red brigand).
However, if you don't kill them now, you won't get another chance.
They don't have much, though.  Continue along the path, and eventually
you'll find your Uncle's hut.  Enter, and it'll be time for another cut
scene.  When finished, talk with your uncle about runes, and you'll get
one.  Use the book and you'll get your first batch of spells (the Book
of Dreams).  Pick up the book on the table, it's worth a fair bit of
money (at this point in the game, anyway).  Your uncle will also give
you an annoying "Get me money" quest.  When ready, go to sleep (the
door is locked, so you can't go out and try your spells on those
brigands, sorry).  Go to sleep, and you'll heal completely.  Head out
the next day, and look around a bit more.  The brigands have left, but
their camp is still there.  Take their food.  There's a cave to the
west, unfortunately it's a bit too tough for you just yet.  Head back
into Madrigal.
Madrigal Town Square (revisited)
Q: Rescue Farmers and Townsfolk, Defeat Brigand Leader, Bring Herbs
D: E to Eastern River, S to South Madrigal Square, to Madrigal Market,
N to Northern forest, W to Western Moors
Things have finally opened up.  I would recommend heading over to
Elric's first, which is just east of the north entrance.  Speak to
Elric, and ask about work.  You'll want to ask everyone you meet about
work.  Elric gives you three quests (two are official).  Two have to do
with the nearby mine.  Both have rewards of 100 gold (how
convenient...).  The other has to do with the "demon papers."  This is
not an official quest, but you'll find some of these papers during your
journeys.  Sell them for a tidy profit.  Sell the book you found in
your uncle's cabin (on the balance of magic, or something).   Elric
will also identify your strange items, although that's a bit expensive
just yet.  Head west to the general store.  You'll find Alfonse Getts,
the storekeeper.  Trade with him and try to purchase the superb compass
(the mundane compass is pretty awful) and a bag.  Bags expand your
inventory greatly, allowing you to carry many more things.  You just
need one for now, and you may not have been able to carry all the items
given to you, but now you can.  You'll find more later.  I'd recommend
keeping at least 3 or 4 bags on you, this way you never get the
"inventory full" message.  Now head over to the alchemist's shop.
Barthelago is mean to you as usual, but he will give you a quest to
bring him some herbs.  He will also identify all the herbs you're
carrying for a few coins each.  Sell him the useless ones.
**********************************************************
HINT: I would strongly recommend keeping one of each herb in your
inventory.  This way, when you pick up a new herb or mushroom, it
automatically gets identified and you're not left wondering what you
have.  This will also mark new, unidentified herbs for you.
**********************************************************
Selling him an herb gets you 10xp.  Now head south to South Madrigal
Square.
South Madrigal Square
Q: Find Dove's Eggshells
D: N to Madrigal Town Square, W to Madrigal Market, E to Eastern River
Two buildings are opened here as well.  Melissa is the seer, and will
later get you some of the best armor in the game.  Speak with her and
she'll give you a rather peculiar quest to get some dove's eggshells.
Doing so gets you 15xp and 25 gold.  She'll also give you the first set
of Demon Papers.  I've never figured out the significance of her
"seeing" skill, and as far as I can tell, it's just a waste of money.
Enter the other open building in this region and you'll find Chant (the
guy in the wolf hat).  Search his crates to get some ham.  He doesn't
have much to say to you at the moment, but will shortly.  Now head W to
the market.
Madrigal Market
Q: Deliver package to Jake
D: E to South Madrigal Square, W to Western Moors, N to Madrigal Town
Square.
Reenter the inn.  Talk with the innkeeper.  Ask for work.  He'll give
you a quest to deliver a package to Jake.  It's a rather peculiar
package, and you should take it to Elric, Barthelago (who gives you a
discount on all his goods afterwards), Chant and Melissa in roughly
that order.  Afterwards, you'll probably want to head out to the
Eastern River and speak with Hammer.
Eastern River
Q: Recover Diamond Ore for Hammer
D: W to Madrigal town square, Madrigal sewers, Madrigal South Square
The smith's shop is now open.  Here you can repair all those beaten
weapons and armor that you have.  Hammer is a good guy.  He gives you a
quest to get some diamond ore.  Doing so gets you 15xp and 10 gold per
ingot.  He also has some very nice items.  Right now, you probably
can't afford many of them, and you'll find some on dead bodies later,
so don't try to get them all.  Now that you've got a fair number of
quests, head to the Western Moors.
Western Moors
D: E to Madrigal town Square, Madrigal Market, W to Sacred Grove, High
Rock Pass, N to Jake's Estate, the Mines
It is in this area that you are most likely going to give up and say
hell with this game.  This area is somewhat tedious, and often nasty.
Two brigands types (easy and red) can be found here in abundance.  The
easy brigands are best killed with the club and it's third fighting
option.  The knife just doesn't cut it (pardon the pun).  The red
brigands are a might bit more difficult.  One red brigand a little ways
north of the town square entrance has a spear, one of the best weapons
for you at this point.  I killed him with fire bolt, and took to spear
to get repaired at Hammer's.  The brigands generally like to travel in
packs of three, one red and two easy.  The red generally attacks you
first, so you can lead him away from his buddies and take him down on
your own.  Other brigands can be found near fires, these will actually
talk to you (although mainly to threaten you).  If you can, get the
drop on them.  Some red brigands carry bow and arrows, this is a great
way to get a decent first hit in on these brigands.  There are also
many herbs and mushrooms to be found here, so be sure to look
thoroughly.  Above all, take your time.  This area can be downright
frustrating.  You shouldn't need to buy any food any time soon, as all
the brigands drop decent stuff.  After you've cleared out the brigands
to the best of your ability, you should find the dove.  You've probably
heard plenty of chirping as you've wandered this region.  Follow it and
you'll find the dove.  Chase it as it flies away (it's not too hard, as
it waits for you each time), and eventually it hits a door, opening it.
This is the door to the Sacred Grove.  When you're ready, head to the
North.  You'll see two brigands and a little girl.  If you want a few
cheap kills, approach slowly, and ready a bow and arrow.  Shoot the
brigands, they don't react until you talk with the little girl.
Approach the little girl and a cut scene will take place in which the
girl takes you to the entrance of the mines and tells you that her
parents are in there.  Before entering the mines, you may want to buy
the following items: 1 scroll of banishing from Elric, and a pickaxe
from Alfonse.  Both will serve you well.  Enter the mines when ready.
Once you've cleared the mines, you can head over to Jake's Estate.
Sacred Grove
D: E to Western Moors.
Inside you'll find a new Hex stone, and will hear a voice in your
head.  Continue to search, entering the small cave and you'll find a
statue with which you can interact.  Do so to get the dove eggshells.
When you've got access to the Hex, be sure to come back and touch this
stone.
The Mines
D: Exit to Western Moors.
This area can be quite tough if you're unprepared.  Most of the
brigands here are pretty easy, but the rock beasts can be quite
difficult.  The best weapon to use against rock beasts is the pickaxe,
if you have one.  There are a few lying around this cave, however, to
get to most of them, you will have to pass some of the rock beasts.
This can hurt.  After you enter, you'll see a mine cart and a small
switch with arrows on it.  Step on the direction you want the cart to
go to get it to move.  For now, move this cart away from the exit (up
on the rough map below).  You'll want to hug right.  Several brigands
attack you, but they're quite easy.  Be on the lookout for diamond iron
ingots, they're fairly common and a good source of cash.  You'll see
several farmers and townsfolk, they have been brainwashed by a strange
pillar.  Continue to Point B on the rough map below.  This is the
brigand leader.  Either use your spear or pickaxe to bring him down.
Heal as needed, and cast minor shield if you're getting beat up.  He
drops a suit of armor, a key, and a short sword.  Pick up all of the
items.  Very close to here you will find several rock beasts.  Be
careful not to get swarmed.  If you need a pickaxe, head up (on the
map) then hug left.  You'll find a couple.
=================================
Geza steiner has the following hint regarding rockbeasts: To kill
rockbeasts in the Mines there is another tricky way:
you attack near to a mine cart switch where there is a mine cart, the
beast attacks you, you activate the switch and run slowly on the
railway in front of the beast, that the beast can follow, meanwhile the
cart behind the beast has started, the speeds are so that the cart
can catch up with the beast from behind and hit him and it costs you
nothing.
=================================
Otherwise, equip one rapidly, as you probably have a few rock beasts on
your tail.  Once you have the pickaxe, the rest of the level is pretty
easy.  Brigands die in one overhead strike with the pickaxe.  Now head
to the pillar.  Once you've found it, head back towards the exit.
You'll see that the mine cart you sent on its way at the beginning is
being stopped by another mine cart.  Head left (on the map), and you'll
find a switch for another nearby mine cart.  Send it right, and it'll
bash into the obstacle cart and allow the first cart to proceed along
and smash the pillar.  This frees the townsfolk.  Now, if you head back
to the entrance, a farmer will stop you and give you a key (which you
will use much later).  You can head to the upper right, and you'll find
the brigand leader's money and item stash.  You can also head to the
upper left and you'll see a hooded man.  This hooded man is a Raal, a
big badass demon.  Trying to take him on in hand to hand combat is a
BAD idea.  However, if you did like I said you should, and bought a
scroll of banishing, use it on the Raal.  It dies pretty easily.
Killing it gets you 200xp, a hood, and a saber.  The saber is a better
official weapon than anything else you'll be getting any time soon (the
pickaxe still does dang well), so be sure to grab it.  You'll see that
the hooded man was hanging around a closed door.  A cart is nearby-
move it right with the switch.  You can't open this door with your key,
but if you head down from the door, you'll find another door.  Use the
slaver's key, and you can move a cart up with the switch.  This cart
smashes open the door.  A rock beast is waiting for you.  Kill it, and
grab the skull.  This is the skull of alchemy, and will serve you well
once you get the hex.  That's about it for here, be sure to get your
200 gold from Elric.  People will like you more as well, now.
Rough Map
±-----+
|S P  |
|   B |
|     |
+--E--+
Enter at E, go right and get to B (the brigand leader).  The pillar
which you must destroy is at P.  The skull of alchemy and the hooded
man are at S.
After you've cleared out the mines, return whenever you will and
brigands will now be mining.  Kill them for some minor items.
Farmer's Estate
Q: Find the Guild.
D: S to Western Moors, N to the Cavern
Jake's Estate is very rewarding.  Search the area around the estate
for several herbs.  If you get close to the entrance, Jake stops you
and tells you to turn around slowly, and another cut scene results.
You'll enter the building and continue to talk with him.  Be careful
what you say, then show and open the casket.  I won't spoil the next
bit of show.  Jake will give you his key right before  he disappears.
A shadow is summoned- this guy can be tough.  I cast minor shielding
and used my pickaxe to take him out.  You get a guild ring for this
action, with some armor and a short sword.  You'll need the guild ring
later, but should be able to find a lot of them later with ease, so
it's your choice if you want to pick it up.  Search the home.  You'll
find plenty of scrolls and decent magic items (including the demon
scrolls 2), and a magic tome.  Get all that you can and then head
north.  This takes you to the Cavern.
The Cavern
D: S to Farmer's Estate, E to North Forest
You may have already come here from the North Forest.  You are strong
enough to handle it now, hopefully.  Enemies here include spiders and
skeletons, and this can make it difficult to fight the enemies
together.  Spiders can only be hit by low blows (like with the spear or
knife), whereas the skeletons are pretty fragile vs. the pickaxe.  The
spear would probably be the best route overall (at least until you kill
the two spiders), as it also has a bashing attack.  Numerous minor
items may be found here, including several herbs and a few scrolls.
There's also a nest of hornets here, they once killed me because I got
too close.  Stay away from the stalagmite as best you can and you'll be
safe.  Head to the west and you'll find a room with some shelves.  On
one shelf you'll find a key, and on another you'll find a cloak, and on
the third, some gold.  Definitely grab the key.  If you're willing to
spend some spell points, you can go fight a rather tough enemy right
now.  The reward is quite decent.  If so, head to the north.  You'll
have to pass a few more stalagmites, and you'll come to a large room
with a staircase with a dragon painted on it.  Two skeletons attack
you.  Use your key from this cave on the door to get into the North
Tower.
North Tower
D: S to the Cavern, North Forest
There's one big nasty here.  Continue up the stairs.  If you head to
the right, you'll have to fight the skeleton noble.  I found that
casting minor shield and using my pickaxe worked quite well, although I
had to run off a bit more than halfway through and recast minor shield.
It'll take a bit, but eventually the skeleton will fall.  Pillage it's
bones for a ring of health (+5 to health, get Elric to identify it for
you if you want), a cap, a staff, and a key.  There's also a rune (of
arrows) in the skeleton's tomb.  Be sure to grab it.  Head to the west,
and open the door.  You'll see several dead bodies with some minor
items.  Collect all that you want, then head east to the room with the
tomb.  You'll see a door to the south.  Use the key you got from the
skeleton to open the door and leave.  You'll find yourself in North
Forest.
North Forest
Q: Find Temple of Shadows
D: S to Madrigal town square, W to Cavern, N to North Forest Tower
You should have plenty of money to pay your uncle with by now.  Do
so, and you'll get a Hex compass.  The hex compass points to the
nearest source of power.  It can be used to supplement your other
compass in case you get lost.  Your uncle also gives you another quest,
to find the temple of shadows, and will identify the book you got from
Jake's estate as the book of trinkets.  Head back to Madrigal.  Elric
gives you the same quest as your uncle did, and will identify some of
your other items, and purchase some of the scrolls and useless books
you've acquired.  Hammer will also sell a few more decent items.  I
would recommend purchasing a mace from him, and the plate helm (lots of
good defense).  Buy some food from Alfonse if desired, and sell your
excess herbs to Barthelago.  Now it is time to head to High Rock Pass
(W of the Western Moors) and Ravenscar.
High Rock Pass
D: W to Ravenscar, E to Western Moors
This is a fairly straightforward area.  Several brigands can be found
here, including two red ones (which should no longer be any trouble).
The brigands kill a townsperson, and then attack you.  Avenge the
townsfolk.  You'll find several diamond iron ingots if you look.
Continue west to Ravenscar.
Ravenscar
D: E to High Rock Pass, N to Path of Shadows, E to Cavern, W to Temple
of Shadows
This town is deserted of all life.  Undead and gargoyles roam freely.
I would suggest switching to the mace if you have one, or using the
pickaxe.  Undead fall easily to the mace, and gargoyles crumble under
the pickaxe.  The mace also works fairly well on gargoyles, so I would
recommend using the mace as your weapon of choice for this area.  The
smash and underarm smash work quite well, and are probably the best way
to kill these creatures. There are three main subsections to this area,
two of which are connected.  As you head west, you'll come up to a
crossroads.  If you head to the north, you'll find an abandoned town
(abandoned by people, anyway).  Search all of the buildings, and kill
all undead who get in your way.  You'll find several long swords as you
go along, take them if you have room.  Hammer will pay you a good bit
of money for them, so if you don't get them all now, get them when you
have access to the Hex.  You'll also find two stairs that go to
basements.  Both lead to dead bodies.  One basement also leads to a set
of mail leggings (ruined), and a magic cloak (the ghost cloak- defends
against spirit magic).  Get Hammer to repair the leggings for some
decent armor.  In the other basement you'll find another set of dead
bodies.  You'll also find two books (one gives you a bit of information
as to why there are so many recent dead bodies), including a Golden
Grimoire (the book of medicines).  You'll also find a mail vest, which
is again in ruined shape.  If you want to get them repaired now, I
would suggest taking the "short cut."  Follow your hex compass to the
Hex stone, then head east.  You'll find a small entrance that leads to
the Cavern.  There are several shelves here, many of which contain
potions.  You'll be able to go back to the North Forest through this
route, and then to Hammer.  To the SW you'll find the manor house.
It's well guarded.  Take your time and draw the enemies out one at a
time if possible.  You may be able to handle more, but it's easier this
way.  Enter the house.  Before attempting the temple, you may want to
purchase a few fireball scrolls from Elric.  The bishop dies quickly to
fire magic, and fireballs are the best thing available to you at the
moment.  When ready, head to the west to the Temple of shadows.  You'll
find another section of destroyed town, this one has a strange pillar
in the center.  Grab the rune (of trinkets), and you'll be attacked by
a few undead.  Continue west to a column area.  You'll be attacked by a
group of undead, just take your time.  Remember that skeletons can run
faster than zombies, so use this to your advantage.  Or use your bow to
fish them out one at a time.  Once you enter the Temple, you'll
complete the quest that your uncle gave you (50xp).  You can kill all
the undead in here as you desire, but you may want to hold entering the
temple for just yet.  Instead, head to the Sewers (to the north).  A
large batch of undead and gargoyles will impede your progress, just
take it slow.  Enter the keep.
General map:
T
M  X
|  |  |K
+--+--+--G
|   H
E   C
T = temple, M = manor house, X = rune, K = Keep, G = Shadow gate, H =
Hex symbol, C = Cavern
Manor House
Q: Free Elsbeth's spirit
After you enter and take a couple of steps, a cut scene occurs in
which a spirit asks you to destroy her body.  Talk with her about
things, and you'll be attacked by a group of gargoyles.  Cast minor
shield if necessary, and use either the mace or the pickaxe.  Run off
and heal if needed.  They shouldn't be too tough.  Once destroyed,
search the house.  You'll find a few potions, and a gemstone that
fetches a pretty penny from Elric.
Ravenscar keep
This area is pretty much the sewer.  It may be somewhat confusing,
and it's quite dark.  There are several spiders around here, so be sure
to have the mace equipped so you can actually hit them.  There are also
a few zombies and skeletons down here, so be careful.  You want to get
to the south, as that is where Elsbeth's body is located.  Open the
door, and cast firebolt on the body (35xp, completes her quest).  You
can either go to the SW and enter the temple, or go to the temple the
preferred way (head back out to Ravenscar and then go west).
Temple of Shadows
D: E to Ravenscar
You may have already cleaned out all of the undead here, but if not,
do so.  The temple is pretty straightforward at this point, just
continue west, killing monsters and getting a few herbs and potions.
You'll eventually reach a strange fluffy teleporter.  Step on it to get
transferred to the main portion of the temple.  I have made a quick
table with a key that describes how you should go about getting to
Bishop Mortan.
Temple Map
+-X
|
+-$     B
|       |
+---+---+-A
|   |   |
+-$ |   C
|   |
+---+-G
|   |
J EL+-D
|
F-+-
|
G-+-H
|
$
You start at A, there's a mace nearby.  At B you'll find another mace
and a trap, and at C you'll find a scroll.  The $ signs represent areas
you can go to and get a bit of money.  At X you'll find a few potions
and the exit to the sewers.  J has a few more potions, and G has a long
sword stuck on the wall.  Head to D and grab the scroll of Motran and a
key.  You can use the key on L and get to E.  E has several scrolls,
Mortan's journal, and an arcane rune (cloak rune) and an arcane
grimoire (book of arrows).  F has a tomb with a traps- you can get the
gem but will suffer about 100 damage.  It's your choice.  G and H have
a mail hood and a scroll respectively.  Once you've got everything you
want, go up to the top of the level, get in the bubbly field and read
the scroll of Mortan.  You get transported to the final area.
You'll find yourself at another crossroads.  All of the rooms but
west have potions.  Once you've grabbed them, go west.  You can grab
four more potions by veering off you main path.  Eventually, when you
get too close, you'll get a cut scene where the Bishop summons 6
skeletons.  He then fires a spell at you, but you can outrun it by
going east.  The skeletons will follow you, but they shouldn't be too
hard for you anymore.  Once you've destroyed them, go after Mortan.  He
has two spells as attacks, and will melee you if need be.  Shoot him
with fireballs if you have the scrolls from Elric, then go for
firebolt.  He should fall easily with some patience.  He drops some
nice items, including the staff of lore, a bunch of gold, and an arcane
rune (of corpses).  Cast Death's recollection on the bishop's corpse,
and you'll get a bit of info and storyline (and some xp).  Then grab
the book on the stage.  It's time to head back to Madrigal.
Madrigal Town Square
D: E to Eastern River, S to South Madrigal Square, to Madrigal Market,
N to Northern forest, W to Western Moors
As soon as you enter, you get to enjoy a cut scene which transfers
you to the Hex (50xp) and full SP.
Hex
Q: Get the skull of alchemy, get the anvil of Horath, retrieve the
heart of Kinkathra.
As soon as you enter, you get accosted by Malkuth, a giant tree.  He
gives you some quests.  If you have the book of Hades and the skull of
alchemy, give them to him.  This brings back Jaard the librarian and
Caldor the alchemist.  First go speak with Caldor.  For this you get a
potion, and can pick up some other items if desired.  Caldor will give
you a potion whenever you gain experience.  Now go to Jaard and, if you
have some books and their runes, you can place the books and get new
spells.  Whenever you get a new book and/or rune, be sure to come back
and place it in your library.  You'll get experience and some nice
spells.  If you want to maximize the bonuses you can get, place a book,
get the experience, get a potion, then place another book, and again
get your experience.  There are several items lying about, be sure to
pick them up.  Go back and talk with Malkuth.  Talk about items, and
select "take" and grab the two hex stakes (and the potions, if you
want).  You now have nearly infinite inventory, and should never have
to return to town to sell your items.  You can use the "hex" symbol in
your inventory menu to send things instantly to Malkuth from anywhere.
You can also view your seculorum by going to the character screen.
There's not too much variation with it just yet, but it's good to know.
Now it's time to tell your uncle the good news.
North Forest
D: S to Madrigal town square, W to Cavern, N to North Forest Tower
Prepare a weapon (pickaxe is good).  Go to your uncle.  Uh oh, he
just got killed by Tamaran.  Fortunately, Tamaran is pretty weak, since
your uncle beat him up pretty well.  Kill him, you don't really need
any spells.  Now cast death's recollection on him (make sure you have a
hex stake!).  Tamaran is actually kind of pitiful.  End his life
(25xp).  Now cast death's recollection on your uncle.  He tells you a
bit more information (10xp).  You've also been given a hint to go to
the Path of Shadows.  Head there after everything is fixed up and
you've got enough food and healing items to manage.  The next few areas
can be somewhat tough.  Oh, and Barthelago left, so you can't get any
more potions or identify any more herbs.
Head west.  On your way, return to the sacred grove and activate the
hex stone.  You'll get experience and your spell points recharge.
Continue through Ravenscar, and north to the Path of Shadows.  You can
activate the hex if you desire, but you may find it more advantageous
to save it.
Path of Shadows
D: S to Ravenscar, N to Mercenary camp.
Hm, a deserted path... seems suspicious.  Indeed, as soon as you
cross, you're attacked by two shadows.  They have short swords, cured
leather armor, and some rings (basically worthless).  That's it for
here, continue north.
Mercenary Camp
D: S to Path of Shadows, N to 7 Kings Barrows
As you enter, your character decides to listen in on a few thugs.
They talk a bit, and then you regain control of your character.  I
would suggest equipping your mace.  Next, take very slow steps forward
(North), and wait after each step.  Mercenaries will decide to attack
you.  They can be quite tough, but you can be tougher.  They drop some
very nice items- pick them all up and send them to your hex.  You'll
get a hefty bit of gold and will be able to afford some of the niceties
later on.  Many also drop potions (mostly lesser heal, I believe).  If
you enter the mercenary camp proper, you'll get shot at by the thugs.
You can respond quite well with fireball.  Two blasts should be all
that it takes.  When you run out of spell points, go back to Ravenscar
and touch the hex stone.  I got an instant kill on one fellow by
attacking him as he was changing weapons (from crossbow to long sword)
with my pickaxe.  I'm not sure if this can be repeated, or if it's just
a fluke.  Anyways, continue on, and be cautious.  You don't want to get
two mercenaries whacking you at the same time.  In the center of the
camp you'll find a pit full of rockbeasts.  You can shoot at them, but
it's not that worthwhile, mainly a waste of ammo or SP.  When finished
with this area, go north to the 7 Kings Barrows.
----A hint from KA107:
I found a good trick to use on the mercenary camp is to sneak around to
the left side. There is a narrow back entrance. They don't all run at
you at once, and you can pick them off. This tactic also works for the
church ruins.
7 Kings Barrows
D: S to Mercenary Camp
This is a rewarding area.  You get the best boots in the game here,
as well as several (3!) runes.  There are seven barrows (tombs) here,
but I found it difficult to map them out.  I would suggest instead
entering each tomb, searching it thoroughly (including killing the
skeleton nobles and grabbing the boots of dashing, and the runes of
medicines, breaths, and fears).  The nobles generally drop long swords,
send them to your hex so that you can resell them later.  Once you've
finished with a tomb, I'd recommend dropping an item in front of the
entrance to mark the fact that the tomb is cleared.  I prefer dropping
poisonous or useless herbs and potions.  Continue around, searching all
the barrows you find.  Eventually you'll find one with orange phoenix
symbols on it.  This is the barrow of Horath, the great king.
Barrow of Horath
Fortunately, this place isn't nearly as confusing as the temple of
shadows.  There's one crossroads here, and head straight for now.
You'll find a body on a tomb, cast Death's recollection on it for some
storyline.  Then head up, and you'll see two skeleton mages get
summoned.  Fiddle with one of the pillars, and no more will be
summoned.  The skeletons aren't too tough, but do cast a nasty
firebolt.  Touch all of the pillars so that they turn blue, and avoid
the center of the circle, or else you'll be badly hurt.  Next, head
back to the crossroads, and take either left or right path.  Enter the
room, and you'll find yourself in a rather strange place.  Make it to
the bubbly teleporter and take it.  You'll see the anvil of Horath
nearby.  Prepare for a fight (equip either your mace or pickaxe), and
pick it up.  4 gargoyles attack you, but shouldn't be difficult at this
point.  Head out and get back to the crossroads.  Now attempt to exit
(a cut scene ensues).  Galgaros decides to stop you.  He is very
powerful, and you'll need to do something cheap to beat him.  Walk back
to the pillars spewing blue fumes, and maneuver yourself behind the
circle.  Galgaros will follow, but will step in the center of the rune
and suffer ice damage.  He dies fairly quickly.  If he gets out of the
center of the circle, position yourself so that he gets back into it.
When he dies (300xp or so), fiddle with one of the pillars (don't
bother casting death's recollection on him, Galgaros fled the body),
and grab his stuff.  You'll get firesword, a decent weapon, and some
gold.  Head back to the Hex.
Hex
First, get a potion from Caldor.  Then give Malkuth the anvil, which
brings back Crucibus.  You can go get another potion if you desire.