                         Ultima VII - The Black Gate
                            Player Reference Card
                                      
To load  Ultima VII,  go to the drive that contains your game. (If it is in C
type drive,  type 'C:<Enter>')  Then go  to the  subdirectory containing your
game.  (If  you  choose  our  default  directory,  type  'CD\ULTlMA7<Enter>')
Finally, type 'ULTIMA7' to begin the game.


                                  MAIN MENU
                                      
After the  game loads,  an introductory sequence automatically begins, but it
may be  skipped by  pressing <Esc>.  Then the main menu appears, listing four
options:

ù View Introduction,
ù Start New Game,
ù Iourney Onward, and
ù View Credits.

To select  one of  these options,  single-click it  with the mouse or use the
arrow keys and press <Enter>.
  To exit the introduction, character creation or credits, press <Esc>.

VIEW INTRODUCTION

The introduction  reveals how and why the AvatarTM has returned to Britannia.
Information presented  here is very relevant to your quest. This scene is the
same one that you see the first time you run the game.

START NEW GAME

This is  where character  creation takes place. it must be selected the first
time you  play the  game. When you are asked to name your character, type the
desired name  (up to  14 letters)  at the  flashing cursor and press <Enter>.
Next, you  determine the  gender of  your character.  With the mouse or space
bar, select the gender of your choice and press <Enter>.

JOURNEY ONWARD

After you first create a character, this option takes you to the beginning of
the actual  game. In  future sessions,  this option  returns you to your last
saved game.

VIEW CREDITS

This option lists all of the many people who worked on Ultima Vll.


                          INTRODUCTORY WALKTHROUGH

This section  guides you  through the  first few  minutes of  Ultima Vll.  It
doesnt reveal any deep secrets, but it does introduce you to all of the basic
actions you  may perform in the game. It assumes you are using a mouse, which
is highly recommended by both lolo and Lord British.
    The  scene opens  as you, the Avatar, step out of a red Moongate into the
Britannian town  of Trinsic.  Before you  stand your  old friend lolo and the
stable master, Petre.
    Conversations.  When lolo  addresses you, read each line of text and then
click the  left mouse button ('left-click'). Continue until lolo has finished
speaking, at which point he automatically joins your party.
    Next, Mayor Finnigan approaches you. Again, left-click after each line of
text. Finnigan  asks you  to investigate  the Trinsic  murder. Position  your
mouse cursor  (represented by  a green  arrow) over  the word 'Yes' and left-
click to answer him.
    Finnigan  asks if  you've visited the stables. Put the cursor on the word
'No' and left-click. He suggests that you visit the stables and you can begin
moving around.
    Moving.  You (the  Avatar) are  always in  the center  of the screen. The
stables are  through the  doorway to  your north (i.e., toward the top of the
screen). Position  the cursor  so that it points upward (northward) and right
click. You  step to  the north. Continue moving the cursor and right-clicking
until you enter the building.
    Examining  Things. When  you (the  Avatar) enter  the  stables  the  roof
disappears, allowing  you (the  player) to  see inside. A horrible murder has
occurred! You  can look at each object in the stables by left-clicking on it-
Place the  cursor over  the gold  key (lying just west of the body) and left-
click. The  word 'key'  appears (to identify it, if you couldn't tell what it
was).

    Perhaps  the key  will provide a clue. Move the cursor to the left of the
key and  click the  right mouse button twice ('double-right-click'). You walk
to that  location.  Notice  that  moving  around  is  accomplished  by  right
clicking, and  all other  actions, like  talking and  examining objects,  are
accomplished by left-clicking.
   Using Things. You don't want to be disturbed during this investigation, so
close the door by placing the cursor on it and double-left-clicking.
    Taking Things. The key may be a clue. Place the cursor so that the tip of
it overlaps  the key. Click and hold down the left mouse button ('left-click-
and-hold'). As you continue holding, move the cursor around. If the mouse was
properly positioned, the key is attached to the cursor. Don't let go yet!
    To  give yourself  the key, move the cursor (and key) over your character
and release the left button. The key will vanish.
    Examining  Yourself (and  other things).  Find out if you have the key by
double-left-clicking on  your character.  An image  of your character appears
(your  Inventory  Display)  with  blue  lines  indicating  the  locations  of
equipment and clothing. The key is in your right hand.
    Put  the cursor on the large red check mark and left-click-and-hold. This
lets you move your inventory window; move it to the upper right corner of the
screen by  dragging it  in that  direction. Release  the button  when you are
satisfied with the new position.
   You can remove your Inventory Display by left-clicking on the red check.
    Talking  to People.  Perhaps your  companion lolo  knows more  about  the
murder. To  speak with  him, double-left-click  on him. His portrait appears,
along with  speech. Responses  you may  select appear  in the  center of  the
screen. Left-click 'Murder' to discuss the murder with him.
    When  you are  finished talking  to lolo,  left-click on 'Bye' to end the
conversation.
    Further  Investigations. There  are other  things  you  might  try  while
inspecting the  stables. It's  a good  idea to examine everything. Be sure to
check out  the dead  gargoyle at the north of the stables, as well as the bag
Iying on  the ground.  You can see the bag's contents by double-left-clicking
on the  bag. Iry  removing items  from the  bag, such  as the torch. Once the
torch is on the ground, you may double-left-click; on it to light it. Double-
left-click; on  it again  to extinguish it. (Note that while the torch is lit
you cannot  move it  into any  container.) In  general, open the inventory of
everyone in  your party  and both  single-  and  double-left-clich  on  every
object. You may discover all sorts of handy things .
   When you've finished here, you'll want to leave. You can walk continuously
by right-click-and-holding.  You always  walk in  the  direction  the  cursor
points. The  farther the  cursor is from the center of the screen, the faster
you travel. Luck be with you as you journey onward!


                                  COMMANDS
                                      
Ultima VII  is  an  entirely  mouse-driven  game.  All  action  commands  are
controlled by  the two  mouse buttons.  However, for  those who do not have a
mouse, all commands may also be performed from the keyboard.

USING THE MOUSE

The key  point to  using the mouse is knowing that the left button is used to
perform actions  involving the hands, and the right button is used to perform
actions involving  the feet.  The mouse  will generally  appear in one of two
forms: a green, straight arrow for normal activity or a red, jagged arrow for
combat.

               Left Button              Righl Button

Click          Look                     Take One Pace

Double-Click   Use/Talk/Attack          Find a Path

Click-and-Drag Move Items               Walk Continuously


MOVING YOUR CHARACTER (RIGHT-CLICKING)

To make  yourself walk,  simply point  the arrow in the direction you wish to
travel and  right-click-and-hold. The  farther the  arrow is  from  you,  the
longer it  gets, and the faster you travel. To stop moving, release the right
button.
  When danger is near, your speed is limited in proportion to your dexterity.
   Double-right-clicking on  a point  on the  screen makes  you walk  to that
location, providing no obstacles bar the way (e.g., a locked door).

MANIPULATING OBJECTS (LEFT-CLICKING)

The left mouse button is used to look, move, use or attack.

Look

To bring up a short description of an object, left-click; on it.

Move

Many objects  may be  moved from  one location  to another. To move something
that is  portable, left-click-and-hold on the object. The cursor changes to a
hand to  indicate that  you are  holding an  object. Move the cursor over the
desired destination and release the mouse.
  Releasing the item over a character places the item inside that character's
inventory. If his Inventory Display is open, dropping the item on a container
within the  display places  the item  inside of that container (see Inventory
Display).
   If a  container is not in anyone's inventory, it must be open (its display
visible) to drop an item into it.
  If an object is too heavy or too large to fit inside a container, or if you
can't reach it, a message saying so appears in red above the object.

Use

To use  an object,  double-left-click on  it. Each  type  of  item  functions
uniquely when  used. For  example, using an unlit lamp will light it; using a
lit lamp will extinguish it.
   Some objects  may be  used on  other objects  (e.g., a  bucket on a well).
Double-left-clicking on such an item turns the cursor into green cross-hairs.
Moving these  to the target item and left-clicking uses the first item on the
second.
   Double-left-clicking on  many usable  objects brings  up  a  display  that
provides more  information  about  that  object.  For  example,  double-left-
clicking on  a chest  brings up  a display  that reveals  the contents of the
chest. The  contents may  then be moved and manipulated like any other object
within the world. The bodies of fallen foes are treated like chests for these
purposes.
   In addition,  the displays  themselves may  be moved in the same manner as
moving an object--left-click, drag, release. Single-clicking on the red check
at the left side of the display or pressing <Esc> will close that display.
   'Using' a  person has  several meanings. Double-clicking on a person while
not in  combat will  initiate a  conversation with  that  person.  (For  more
information on how conversations work, see Screen Display.) However, doing so
while in  combat mode  indicates that  you wish to attack that person. If you
are clicking  on a  member of  your party  while in combat mode or while your
Inventory Display is up, that member's Inventory Display will appear.
   'Using' the Avatar will bring up your character's inventory (see Inventory
Display).
   To use  a cart,  double-left-click on a chair in the cart. Once all of the
characters are seated, move the cart as if you were moving the Avatar.
A boat  operates under  the same principle, but you must double-left-click on
the sails instead of a chair. To stop using a cart or boat, double-left-click
again on the chair or the sails, respectively.

Attack

While in  combat mode,  double-left-clicking the cursor on another person who
is not  in your  party or  on an object initiates an attack on that person or
object. If  you are  in combat mode, and in any attack mode other than Manual
Mode (see Combat) you automatically attack any nearby hostile foes.


                              KEYBOARD HOT KEYS

Key     Function

<C>      Turns combat mode on ond off
<I>      Opens up the Inventory Display of each party member beginning with
         the Avatar
<Z>      Opens up the Statistics Display for each party member beginning with
         the Avatar
<S>      Opens up the Save/Load Window.
<R>      Turns all audio effects on ond off.
<U>      Displays a scroll showing the version number of your copy of Ultima
         VII
<ALT><X> Exits Ultima VII and returns to DOS.
<H>      Changes the handedness of the mouse by swapping the functions of the
         left and right mouse buttons. The left button is now used to move
         around and the right button to manipulate obects. This H toggle
         affects only the mouse not keyboord commands.
<Esc>    Closes Save/Load window if it is open If Save/Load is not open
         closes all open displays and windows


USING THE KEYBOARD

Though using  a mouse  is highly  recommended, the  keyboard may be used as a
substitute if you have no mouse installed.

Walking

The arrow  keys may  be pressed  to walk  one step  in the desired direction.
Holding the  shift key down while pressing an arrow key will allow the Avatar
to take  three steps  instead of  one. If <Num-Lock> is on during play, every
step will be a triple one.

Manipulating Objects

Press <Spacebar>  to make  the hand  cursor visible.  Now the arrow keys will
move the cursor instead of the Avatar. Holding down <Shift> will increase the
rate at which the cursor travels.
    Treat  <Ctrl> as  if it were the left mouse button. For example, a single
'click' identifies an object, while a 'double-click' uses it.
    If  you are in any attack mode, there is no red cursor to remind you, but
'double-clicking' still initiates an attack.


                                  DISPLAYS

In Ultima  VII, the  entire screen  is devoted  to displaying  the  map.  Any
messages or  other relevant  information appear over the game map, at various
places.
    During  conversations, a  portrait of  the character  you are speaking to
appears in  the upper  left corner  of the  screen,  with  all  of  his  text
appearing to  the right  of the  portrait. If any other characters interject,
their portraits appear in the lower left corner of the screen with their text
just to  the right  of their  portrait. During  conversations, your  portrait
appears in  the center of the screen, with your word options appearing to the
right of  your portrait.  Selecting  a  word  or  phrase  from  your  options
initiates a response from the character you're talking to.
    Text  that identifies an object appears just above that object. Text that
appears just  above a character icon means that that particular character has
spoken.

INVENTORY DISPLAY

When you  double-left-click on  yourself your Inventory Display appears. This
is also  true of  any character  in your  party, As  long as  you have  first
brought up your own Inventory Display.
   Dove/Flaming Sword.  At the left of the Inventory Display is either a dove
(non-combat mode)  or a  flaming sword (combat mode) icon. Left-click on this
icon to  switch from  one mode  to the  other. During  play, the color of the
cursor arrow  indicates whether  you are in non-combat mode (green) or combat
mode (red).
  Containers. Double-left-clicking on any container in your inventory reveals
the contents of that container.
  Disk. On the right side of the Inventory Display is a disk icon. Left
clicking on this brings Up a window that permits you to load or save a game,
turn sound and music on and off, or exit the game.

   Heart. Below  the disk  is a heart. Left-clicking on this icon reveals the
Status Display.
  Numbers. At the bottom of the Inventory Display is a number next to another
number (e.g.,  '24/36'). The  number on  the left  is  the  weight  that  the
character is  carrying expressed  as stones.  The number  on the right is the
maximum number of stones that the character can carry. When buying items from
shopkeepers, you are told if an item is too heavy for you to carry.
   In addition to weight, items also have volume. Sometimes you are told that
you cannot  carry an  item because  your hands  or your  packs are  full.  By
rearranging your  equipment (e.g.,putting  a weapon  in your  pack or  buying
another back pack), you may be able to carry the new item.
  Current Attack Mode and Protected Holo are described in Combat.

SPELL BOOK

Double-left-clicking on  the spell  book in your Inventory l)isplay brings up
its display.  To cast  a spell,  double-left-click on  that spell's  icon. To
select a  spell without casting it, left-click on its icon in the spell book.
The buckle  on the  bookmark moves  to that spell. There are six spells (Fire
Blast, Paralyze, Lightning, Explosion, Death Bolt and Sworai Strike) that may
be cast  in combat by double-left-clicking on a target as if attacking it. If
the spell  book is  in vour hand and the book was closed while that spell was
selected (the bookmark's buckle was on that spell), using the mouse to attack
causes you  to cast that specific spell (as long as you have the spell points
and reagents neceessary) Also, if you (the Avatar) are not in Manual Mode and
have your spell book ready (in hand), you cast spells automatically.


Status Display

The Status  Display lists  a character's current attributes, both primary and
secondary, and  whether that  character is  unconscious,  poisoned,  charmed,
hungry, protected, cursed or paralyzed.

PRIMARY ATTRIBUTES

Strength, Dexterity  and Intelligence are the primary attributes, with values
ranging from  range from I to 30. The higher an attribute is, the better. The
remaining attributes  are secondary  statistics.  Strength determines several
things, including  how much you can carry, how much (if any additional damage
you do  with a  hand-to-hand weapon,  and how  many Hits  you can take before
dying. Dexterity  affects such  things as  how fast  you are and how well you
pick locks.  Faster characters  can move  and attack  more often  than slower
ones. Dexterity determines your Combat skill.
   Intellegence determines several things, including your Magic skill and how
well you cast certain spells.

SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES

Combat. Your  base combat  skill is  derived directly from your dexterity. It
determines how likely you are to hit in combat with normal weapons.
   Magic. Your base magic skill is derived directly from your intelligence.
It determines the maximum number of Mana points you can have.
    Hits are derived directly from your strength. They are reduced by damage,
poison and hunger. When your Hits reach 0, you are unconscious.
   Mana records the current number of Mana points you have at that moment.
The less active you are, the greater the rate at which Mana points return.
    Level indicates your overall prowess. As you gain experience (see below),
your level  increases. As  your level  increases, you have the opportunity to
raise one  or more  of your  primary attributes.  In addition,  Hits  usually
increase as your level does.
    Experience points (Exp) are a measure of your accomplishments. Every time
you solve  a quest  or slay  a monster,  each  member  of  your  party  gains
experience points. After earning the required number of points, a character's
level increases.
    Training points are accrued with experience points. To increase strength,
dexterity, intelligence, combat or magic, you must find a trainer who teaches
expertise in that specific attribute. If you pay the trainer's fee and 'trade
in' training  points (representing your study and practice with the trainer),
the attribute you are concentrating on increases.


                                   COMBAT
                                      
In the  lower left  corner of  each character's  Inventory Display is an icon
representing the  attack mode  for that  character when  he is in combat. The
following attack modes are available:

------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
Icon  | Avatar | Other Members |   Attack Mode  | Description
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
* * * |  Yes   |      No       |     Manual     | You may direct each
 ? ?  |        |               |                | combat action.
  O   |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
  o   |  Yes   |      Yes      | Attack Weakest |The Character will attack
  ^   |        |               |                |the weakest opponent.
  O   |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
  *   |  Yes   |      Yes      |Attack Strongest|The Character will attack
  ^   |        |               |                |the strongest opponent.
  O   |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
  *   |  Yes   |      Yes      |     Defend     |The Character will be less
 \|/  |        |               |                |effective at hitting more
  O   |        |               |                |effective at dodging.
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
* * * |  Yes   |      Yes      | Attack Nearest |The Character will attack
  ^   |        |               |                |the nearest opponent.
  O   |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
  *   |  Yes   |      Yes      |      Flee      |The Character will flee
  O   |        |               |                |any opponent.
 \/   |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
* * * |  No    |      Yes      |     Bezerk     |The Character will never
 \|/  |        |               |                |flee, regardless of wounds
  O   |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
*   * |  No    |      Yes      |     Random     |The Character will attack
 >O<  |        |               |                |a random foe.
*   * |        |               |                |
------+--------+---------------+----------------+--------------------------
  *   |  No    |      Yes      |     Protect    |The Character will attempt
 /-   |        |               |                |to protect the party
O o   |        |               |                |member in protect mode
------+--------+---------------+----------------+-------------------------

  If the Avatar's attack mode is anything but Manual Mode, he selects targets
on his  own (according  to the  rules of  his attack  mode) and  fights those
opponents without  any further input from the player. The player may override
control at  any time  (by double-left-clicking on a specific target to attack
it, right-click-and-holding to lead the Avatar in a certain direction, etc.).
   When not  in Manual  Mode, the  Avatar does not select fleeing or disabled
(sleeping, paralyzed  or unconscious)  targets on  his own, and breaks off an
attack once  any of  these eonditions  are met.  To make the Avatar pursue an
enemy to  the death,  double-left-click on  the opponent after it has already
fled or been disabled.

Flee Mode

If a  party member  is seriously injured, he may flee. Neither the Avatar nor
party members  in Berserk  Mode will  ever flee. Normally, fleeing characters
might drop some of their possessions. Party members who have been set to Flee
Mode will make an orderly retreat and will not drop any of their possessions.

Protected 'Mode' and Protect Mode

You may  designate a  party member  to be protected by clicking on the 'halo'
just above  that character's attack mode icon. It turns gold, indicating that
this party  member is  to be  protected. Only  one person in the party may be
protected at any one time.
   Note that  if if  you have not designated any party member to be protected
('turned his  halo on'), an injured party member may turn his own halo on and
call out to other party members for protection. Any party members that are in
Protect Mode will follow this injured character around and attempt to protect
him. Effectively, any protecting character's main concern is for the welfare
of the protected individual, and he will fight anyone who attacks the
protected character until there is no longer a threat.