Unlike Hero's Quest, Quest for Glory II is colossal. There are two cities, Shapeir and Raseir (although Raseir is only accessible later in the game [editor's note: this is not true, you can get there after all!]) as well as a vast desert. There isn't quite as much to do outside of town but since Shapeir is a massive city compared to Spielburg's tiny town, that's OK.
When last we left off, our Hero and his Katta friends Shameen and Shema and Abdulla Doo the sad sack merchant were whizzing on a magic carpet out of Spielburg valley around a bunch of credits. As this game opens, they are whizzing on a magic carpet into Shapier around a bunch of credits. Nothing like continuity!
Quest for Glory II Introduction Video
A couple of cool things to note in the intro: yes, you can right-click anywhere in this game to "look" at things. Yes, you can do it on the opening screen. You can also do it during video sequences, as you'll see later. A cool easter egg not many people know about.
Also - the Djinni clapping his hands and laughing is one of the first examples ever of digitally sampled sound effects in a game. True that Mean Streets and Martian Memorandum used RealSound but QFG2 used the Soundblaster's full-on digital synthesizer - in a game that came on 9 720k floppy disks. If you had a Tandy 1000 SL or RL computer, you could also hear the digital effects through the Tandy's built-in digital chip although you were slightly more limited in the Midi sounds you could hear than if you were using an AdLib or a Soundblaster (this is how I initially experienced Quest for Glory II.)
So what about this new land of Shapeir? As usual the Famous Adventurer gives us some advice:
- ow that you've been on your own in the real world of high-powered adventuring, you have probably discovered that there is more to this hero business than was covered in your Famous Adventurers' Correspondence School Handbook. (After all, why should we tell you everything at once when we can make big bucks selling you additional
manuals?)
In your everyday Quest for Glory, you are bound to encounter situations of such magnitude and unbelievable stress that you probably say to yourself, "Maybe I should have taken the Famous Accountants' Correspondence Course, instead."
Relax. We here at the Famous Adventurers' Correspondence School have the information you need. For just 10 golds, plus 25 silvers shipping and handing, we will send your free copy of the Famous Adventurers' Correspondence School's "Advanced Adventuring Manual". This manual will help you survive the everyday stress and strain of marauding monsters, malicious magic, and corporate managers to archive the acme of your adventuring activities.
You, too, can become an "Advanced Adventurer". Guaranteed, or double your money back (minus shipping and handling charges).
Famous Adventurers'
Correspondence School
12345 Aerris Way
Silmaria
So what is an Advanced Adventurer?
- When an adventurer becomes bored with bravery, fatigued with fighting, or ho-hummed about heroics, it's time to start thinking upward mobility. You're in the hero business now, and you can't just rest on your laurels. You must explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations. A hero must boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before - and come back alive.
- The Paladin is the Goody-Two-Shoes of champions and the Dudley-Do-Right of defenders. This job is clearly not for everyone. If you are willing to be bold for no gold, risk your name without acclaim and campaign without gain, this could be the occupation for your emulation. A Paladin is a hero's hero (and he can have him). Frankly, Paladins constantly become involved in extremely dangerous quests like slaying Dragons, and rarely survive long enough (or earn enough) to purchase our all-important F.A.C.S. pamphlets.
- The Land of Shapeir
Shapeir is a small Sultanate in the South. It consists of two major mountain ranges surrounding a desert of sand dunes. Its climate is arid and extremely hot in the Summer. It has two major cities: the capital, Shapeir, in the north, and Raseir in the south. Shapeir's principal income is from imports and exports as it is along a major trade route. It is noted for its exotic scenery and fascinating bazaars.
Background and History
The twin cities were built around Katta settlements (see Sentients of Shapeir) protected by mountain barriers. Magical springs which never run dry create the central fountains of the cities. Both Raseir and Shapeir were designed as mirrored cities, with the Sultan's Palace in Shapeir, and the Emir's in Raseir.
Some thousand years ago, a Marid called Iblis (see Djinn) attempted to rule the world and turn all men into slaves. He created a huge city in the desert and tried to summon the Djinn to his side. The Sultan Suleiman bin Daoud in turn summoned all the magical Djinn he could bind, and a great war occurred. Iblis was defeated and bound into the form of a statue. Ruins remain near Raseir of what is now called the 'Forbidden City.'
The Sultan is the absolute ruler of the realm. The current Sultan, Harun alRashid, is noted for his wisdom and judgment. The Emir is the governor of Raseir. During the past year, the Emir of Raseir is rumored to have disappeared, and there have been disquieting tales about the current political situation.
Desert Survival
Water - Without it, you are just a heap of bones covered with sand. It is best to carry several waterskins when traveling in the desert. Water is available in the cities and at the occasional oasis.
Saurus - The friend you can depend upon for roaming the dunes. This creature makes an excellent mount. It is fearless, loyal, and quick to defend its master against monsters. It is obedient and willing to go wherever its master wishes. Most critically, it can always find its way back to the place where it is stabled, so it never gets lost. A properly trained Saurus will understand such simple commands as "go home," "Stay," and "Get off my foot." Your Saurus -- Don't leave town without it.
Caravans - For long distance travel of any sort, it is best to join a caravan.
Money
The basic coin of the realm is the Dinar, a gold coin equal in value to the gold coin of Spielburg. The people of Shapeir also use centimes, which are small brass disks. The current rate of exchange is one silver to ten centimes, and ten silvers (or one gold) to one dinar.
When visiting the city of Shapeir, it is wisest to first seek out a Money Changer, who will exchange your coins. This person will usually retain a small percentage as an exchange fee.
Sentients of Shapeir
There are several intelligent races associated with this region.
Humans
Humans are a relatively new race to this area. They created the cities and towns which occasionally dot the landscape of Shapeir.
Gnomes
Small humanoids with a frivolous outlook on life, Gnomes, as always, go anywhere they choose to go in order to have fun. Since mankind seems to be the butt of many of their jokes, wherever humans congest, Gnomes are pests, as they frequently know magic. If you become the victim of one of their practical jokes, it is best to grin and bear it.
Katta
Katta are small, feline-like humanoids which have adapted well to dealing with human society. They resided for centuries in the region around where Raseir was built, but are now found throughout the Southern regions. They are gifted artisans and talented merchants.
Centaurs
Half horse and half human, the Centaurs roam the deserts of Shapeir in nomadic herds. They make excellent guides for this region, since they take pride in knowing the desert like the tips of their tails. Centaurs are extremely honorable, but have no sense of humor. They do not get along well with Gnomes.
Liontaurs
The Liontaur looks like a cross between a human and a lion. They reside primarily to the south of Shapeir in their great kingdom of Tarna. Occasionally a young male will wander into the Shapeir lands. Liontaurs are fierce fighters and very proud, so it is best not to annoy them.
The Land of Enchantment
When Shapeir is called the 'land of enchantment', it is not simply a motto. There are many magical beings residing here.
Djinn
Djinn and their relatives, the Djann, Shaitan, Ifreet, and Marid, are magical creatures of high intelligence found primarily around the lands of Shapeir. They are all shape-changers, but most frequently take man-like forms. They are occasionally found trapped in items such as bottles and rings. Releasing a Djinni from such an item can be very dangerous.
Djann take the shape of animals, live in the mountainous areas, and are seldom seen.
Djinn are commonly associated with air. Tales are told of wishes being granted to whomever releases a Djinni from an item. Tales are also told of the Djinni destroying the one who released him.
Shaitan prefer to live around streams and running water. As thi i an extremely arid region, Shaitan are extremely rare.
Ifreet are fiery creatures that prefer the remote dunes of the desert.
Marid are the most powerful of all the Djinn.
Enchanted Creatures
Much of the magic in Shapeir has to do with shape-changing. It is not uncommon for humans to be turned into animals, animals into humans, and snakes into Trademark Lawyers. It is wise to be wary around Wizards and Djinn to avoid this occupational hazard.
Endemic Monsters of the Desert Regions
Creatures endemic to the desert regions have one outstanding characteristic - they are tough to kill. The evolutionary reasons for this are rather obvious. A monster, as always, is defined as "that which attacks before asking questions".
Jackalman
Jackalmen are jackal-like humanoids that travel in packs. They are cunning and prefer to attack things previously wounded.
Brigand
Desert brigands roam the desert in search of unwary travelers to waylay. They are tough fighters and experts at desert survival. Tribes of brigands occasionally band together to attack caravans.
Griffin
The griffin is a highly intelligent creature which seldom attacks humans. However, this cross between an eagle and a lion is a ferocious fighter, and is extremely tough. It is difficult to kill, and will retreat from battle if seriously injured. Once its anger has been aroused, however, it will not forget an enemy. Griffins can be found nesting on the rocky ledges of the mountains surrounding the desert regions.
Terrousaurus
This is an extremely quick-footed creature well adapted for racing down and disemboweling prey with the deadly claws upon its hind feet. Like most species of sauruses, this one is not noted for its brains.
Moose
The rare southern desert Moose, a benevolent and fraternal creature, is frequently found congregating in groups around a drinking hole. It is extremely dangerous to approach at such a time, since you will probably be forced to wear a silly hat and be dunked into the pool. It is also advised to avoid the stampede when the Moose discover that the only thing to drink is water.
Scorpion
The giant black desert Scorpion is one of the deadliest creatures upon the sands. Its claws are capable of inflicting deep wounds. The tail has a stinger which contains a deadly poison. One sting brings death to the one stung. Anti-venom pills are available, but are of no avail against multiple stings. Unless a fighter has an extremely good defense against the tail, he or she should avoid this monster. Retreat from combat usually means a stab in the back.
Magical Creatures
Elementals
Elementals are created by magical spells placed upon the primal elements of Earth, Air, Water, Pizza, and Fire (Some theoreticians suggest that there are only four real elements, but most modern scholars agree that fire is undoubtedly a basic element). The Elementals have the characteristics of their associated element.
Ghouls
Supernatural creatures of the undead which prey upon the living. The very touch of one's claws has a chilling effect upon the victim similar to frostbite. The more wounds the ghoul makes, the more the victim's movements are slowed, until he finally collapses. It is best to avoid damage from Ghouls entirely.
Masikh
This distant relative of the Djinn is frightening and dangerous to encounter. It is invisible, distinguished only by the movement in the sands and the fearful reactions of animals in their vicinity.
Coming up: our introduction to Shapier and changing our Spielburg gold for some funny money.
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