
                      L o r d s   O f   C o n q u e s t

                                 M a n u a l





Basics
Throughout the game, use the arrow keys to move the cursor around the screen
and the Enter key to select.
To Save or Quit the game press the spacebar when the "Press Spacebar for
Utilities" prompt comes up in between player's turns.



                         Starting Out - The Main Menu
            The following options are available from the Main Menu:

    Start A New Game -- Sends you to the New Game Menu to setup gameplay.
    Continue A Saved Game -- Load a previously saved game.
    Use Map Maker -- Build your own map from scratch
    Demo Game -- The computer displays a demonstration game
    Exit To DOS -- Quit the game



                              The New Game Menu

After selecting 'Start A New Game' from the Main Menu this menu comes up and
you setup all the specifics you'd like to have for the upcoming game.


Number of Players -- You can select 1-3 players. If 1 player is selected
you'll play against the computer and can set the Difficulty of the game.


Game Level --  There are four levels of gameplay. Each is more complex than
the last.
Beginners: Only two resources available at this level: Gold and Horses.
Intermediate: Five resources available: Gold, Horses, Iron, Coal and Timber.
Advanced: Same five resources and allows boat building.
Expert: This level has the five resources, boats, and allows you to move
your horses, weapons and boats during the Shipment round.


Resources Abundance -- Sets the general quantity of Resources (low, medium or
high) that will appear on the map. The quantity can be set in all except 
beginner game. A higher number of Resources usually means a faster game.


Cities to Win -- The number cities that must be built to win the game.


Element of Chance -- Affects various aspects of chance during the game.
Low: Only the location of new horses is a random event. All battles are
     decided on solely on force count numbers, and ties go to attacker.
Medium: New horse locations, occurrences of Resource production, trade and
  shipping are all random. Ties are decided randomly. If you should lose an
  attack, you turn is over and any horse, weapon or boat that you brought
  into the attack is lost.
High: In addition to the above random conditions, you can win or lose on any
  attack, with the outcome fixed in proportion to the point totals.


Music -- Toggles the music off/on.


Difficulty (available for 1 player game vs. the computer only) --
Level
  1 - you get 1st pick, 1st attack and 4 extra territories
  2 - you get 1st pick, 1st attack, but no extra territories
  3 - computer gets 1st pick, you get 1st attack, you get 2 extra territories
  4 - computer gets 1st pick, you get 1st attack,  but no extra territories
  5 - you pick 1st, computer attacks first, no extra territories
  6 - you pick 1st, computer attacks first, computer gets 2 extra territories
  7 - computer goes first, gets 1st pick, no extra territories
  8 - computer goes first, gets 1st pick, computer gets 2 extra territories
  9 - computer goes first, gets 1st pick, computer gets 4 extra territories


Exit To Map Screen -- Once you have finished setting all the game parameters
above, it's time to go to the Map Screen and select what type of map you'll
use in the game.



                           Map Selection Screen

 - Choose existing map
      These are "historical", pre-made maps of true places.
 - Have The Computer Generate A Unique Map
      The computer will draw a random map.
 - Define Your Own Unique map
      Set the parameters the computer will use to generate the map:
                  Water Boundary  [Yes or No]
                  Water Area  [small, medium or large]
                  Number of Territories  [20-48]
                  Islands  [none, some or lots]
                  Territory Shape [regular, illregular]

After the map is made you can:
 - Start over using all new parameters: This restarts the process of defining
   the type of map you want.
 - Redo it, using the same parameters: You will get a new map, based on the
   settings which generated the current map.
 - Save the map to the hard disk if you think you might want to use the map
   again later. You can save up to 20 maps.
 - Redistribute Resources: In all but the Beginner game you can redistribute
   where the resources are placed on the map before you begin playing the
   game. There are two ways to redistribute:
     1) Redistribute Resources Randomly [The computer places them]
     2) Move A Specific Resources [You move any resource anywhere on the map]
        You may move a resource to any territory which doesn't already have
        one. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor over the territory with
        the resource and press the Enter key to select it. Move the cursor
        when you want the resource site to be and press Enter again. To exit
        This mode, move the cursor to a water area and press Enter.
 - Proceed: Begin the game.



                               Playing The Game

The Objective - An overview
  Lords of Conquest is based on the board game "Borderlands", which is also
very similar to Risk - but with some key differences.
  Players strive to be the first to build the required number of Cities on
their territories to win the game. The number of Cities needed can vary from
game to game. (You select how many Cities are needed to win before you start
playing the game from the 'New Game' Menu.) If two or more players have the
winning number of Cities, then play continues until one player has one more
City than the others at the end of the "year".
  Scattered throughout the territories are natural Resources (gold, horses,
etc). Resources are an important element in the game since you will use them
to buy weapons and boats and to build Cities.
  Players can attack their opponent's territories and try to take possession
of them during the 'Attack' phase of each round of play. If they are
successful they win the territory and if there are any resources, weapons
or Cities on the captured territory they become the property of the victor.
  You may only attack a territory that shares a border with one of your own
territories (unless you are playing an Advanced or Expert level game); and
whether or not you win the attack depends on a number of factors that will be
explained below.


Territory Selection
  The game begins with players taking turns picking the territories on the
map. Each player is assigned a color and as territories are selected, they
will be colored in with the player's color. The order of play is shown by the
small colored shields at the bottom left of the screen. The first player is
on top, the last player on the bottom. After all the territories have been
chosen, the order of play will rotate each "year" in the game so that no
player has an unfair advantage.
  To select a territory use the arrow keys to place the cursor over the one
you want and press the Enter key. Press Enter again to verify your selection.
Players continue selecting territories until all them have been taken.
  When trying to decide which territories you should pick, keep in mind that
although choosing territories with Resources on them does have advantages, if
you can't prevent your opponents from taking them away from you in the Attack
phase then it may be wasted choice. Keep in mind that some of the territories
that have no natural Resources on them may provide great advantages in the
long run because of where thay are postioned on the board in relation to the
territories you own, and how many (and which) territories share its borders.

  After all the territories have been selected each player must chose one of
their territories to place their Stockpile onto. The Stockpile is where all
the Resources you have accumulated during the Production Phase are stored.
It's your treasury. If the territory your Stockpile is located on is
captured, then you will lose any Resources you have in your Stockpile to the
capturing player.
  So care must be taken to place it on the "safest" territory you own. At the
beginning, try to place it on a territory that has several of your own
territories bordering it since it will be harder for your opponent to capture
it.
  During the Shipment Phase you can move your Stockpile to any territory you
own.



                             The Phases of Play

  The game is played in five phases: Production, Trading, Shipment, Attack
and Development. The five phases equal a "year" in the game and each player
gets a chance to take a turn in each phase. When a year has been completed
the phases begin all over again and the cycle will continue until someone
wins and is declared the "Lord of Conquest."
  If you selected 'medium' or 'high' as your Element of Chance in the game,
the Production, Trade and Shipping phases may occasionally be skipped. For
example, when it comes time for the Production Phase the game might report
"Year long drought prevents Production."


                              Production Phase
  The first phase is Production. Any territories that have Resources on them
will produce new items; the computer will flash each Resource territory and
briefly show new totals for the territory owner's Stockpiles at the bottom of
the screen.
  Note that
   1. You can have only one horse per territory. Horses appear on the map
directly in territories with pastures. New horses born during Production
spread from their original territory to adjacent ones and then beyond. If you
have moved a horse out of its original pasture the new one will appear there.

   2. A City will double the production of gold, iron, coal and timber in the
City's territory and in any adjacent territories you own.


                              Trading Phase
  In a three player game only -- the trading phase occurs directly after the
Production Phase. Players can choose to trade any of the Resources they have
accumulated in their Stockpiles with other players.
  If any players agree they want to make a trade, use the arrow keys to
highlight 'Make Trade' and press the Enter key to select it. When prompted
"Who ?" use the arrow keys/Enter key to hightlight and select which two
players will trade. From there, tradable items will be displayed and you can
select what will be traded.
  If trading away a horse you'll be prompted to pick the territory it will be
taken from. Use the arrow keys to place the cursor over the territory and
press the Enter key to select it. The player who receives the horse will also
be prompted to select where it should be placed.
  When all players are satisfied and finished trading select 'End Trade'.


                              Shipment Phase
  During this phase you may move your Stockpile to any territory you own.
The Stockpile is where all the Resources you have accumulated during the
Production Phase are stored. It's your treasury. If the territory your
Stockpile is located on is captured, then you will lose any Resources you
have in your Stockpile to the capturing player.
  If you are playing an Advanced or Expert game you may also move horses,
weapons or boats to new locations during this phase. Weapons may be moved one
territory away from the original location. Horses can move two territories
and can pick up a weapon on the way. A boat can move to any territory as long
as it's accessible by water. Boats can carry a horse and a weapon.


                               Attack Phase
  In this phase each player is given the option to attack their opponent's
neighboring territories. Each player gets two attack turns. If you lose the
first attack, then you don't get the second.
  You may only attack a territory that shares a border with one of your own
territories unless you are playing an Advanced or Expert level game. In the
higher levels you can build boats to use in your attacks.
  The outcome of the battle depends on the Force Count of each player's
territories and which Level of Chance you have chosen to play the game in.

 Defending Territories
   The basic Force Count for the Defending territory is
   1 point for the home territory itself
   1 point for each adjacent territory
   1 point for a horse in the home territory
   1 point for each horse in adjacent territories
   2 points for a city in the home territory
   2 points for each city in adjacent territories
   3 points for a weapon in the home territory
   3 points for each weapon in adjacent territories
   2 points for each boat in the home territory

 Attacking Territories
   The basic Force Count for the Attacking player will include the Forces of
 all the Attacking player's territories which border the Defending territory.
   In most situations, you have the option of adding to your attacking force.
 If you have a horse, weapon or boat that you wish to add then choose the
 'Add Forces' option. A weapon can only move into an adjacent territory.
 Horses can move from two territories away and can pick up a weapon on the
 way. To do this, first move your horse into the territory with the weapon,
 pick it up, then move on.
   In Advanced and Expert level games you can attack territories that don't
 border yours by using boats (if the territories involved touch water). You
 can also 'Add Forces' to an attack by using boats. A boat can also ferry a
 horse and/or a weapon into an attacked territory if the attacker has a horse
 and/or weapon in the boat's originating territory. The points of the boat,
 horse, and weapon will be added into the attack. They will be unloaded into
 the conquered territory if you win the attack.
  Boats are not included in an attack unless specifically added.


The Element of Chance factor on the Attack Phase
Depending on what Element of Chance you chose to play the game (Low, Medium
or High) the outcome of the battle will be influenced:

   Low Chance attacks
   To make an attack, choose 'Plan Attack'. You'll be asked which territory
   you want to consider attacking. When you have made a selection, the
   screen will display the force points on both sides. Ties go to the
   attacker. If there is no way you can win this attack, the screen will
   display 'Lose !' and you are not permitted to try an attack on the
   territory. The menu allows you to 'Exit' to the main menu, 'Replan' an
   attack elsewhere or continue with this 'Attack' if possible.

   Medium Chance attacks
   (See rules for Low Chance)
   In a Medium Chance game, even though the point total of your force and
   that of the defending player are equal, the outcome is still uncertain.
   If you are repulsed, then your attack round is ended and you lose any
   horse, weapon or boat which you attempted to move into that territory.

   High Chance attacks
   In a High Chance game, all attacks are subject to chance, with the odds
   fixed in proportion to the points total (so that a 3 force attacking a
   6 force would have half as much chance of winning as the 6 force).
   Consequently, you can attempt attacks even when you are outnumbered, and
   you may win. By the same token, it is possible to lose attacks when you
   have the most points. If you lose an attack, your attack round is ended
   and you lose any horse, weapon or boat which you attempted to move into
   that territory.


Three Player game attacks
  In a three player game, if you have a chance of winning and a third party's
forces are adjacent to the territory you're attacking, you'll be given the
option 'Allies'. You must select this if you wish to continue the attack. At
this point the third party decides whether they will throw their weight in
with the defender or the attacker or stay neutral. The allies make their
choice by highlighting to the appropriate choice with the arrow keys and
pressing the Enter key.


Choosing to Attack
  If you are able to win the attack, then you will have the option of
selecting 'Attack' from the menu. You'll find that there are times when it is
not strategically advisable to attack even if your victory seems certain.
  Select 'Attack' if you decide to do so. If you brought a horse or weapon
into the territory as part of your attack and the defender's territory had
one, then you lose yours. Each territory can only have one horse and one
weapon. If you win the attack, whatever was there is now yours. If there is a
Stockpile there, it is looted and the contents are added to your Stockpile.


                              Development Phase
In this phase you can choose to build weapons, Cities (and boats in higher
level games) using whatever Resources you have accumulated in your Stockpile.

                           Development Costs
                        Level 1 game
                          2 gold = 1 Weapon
                          4 gold = 1 City
                        In a level 2 game add:
                          1 Iron + 1 Coal = 1 Weapon
                          1 Gold + 1 coal + 1 Timber = 1 City
                        In levels 3 or higher add:
                          3 Timber = 1 Boat
                          3 Gold = 1 Boat

  The Development Menu will only show what items you can afford to build. To
develop an item, use the arrow keys to highlight its name and press the
Enter key. You'll be asked where it should be placed and which resources you
wish to spend on it, if there is a choice. You may not have two weapons,
horses or cities in the same territory.
  If, after selecting it, you change your mind about the purchase of a City,
weapon, or boat, place it in the water or an opponent's territory. The
computer will view this as an invalid move and will return you to the
previous menu.
  If you build a boat, you will be asked to place it in a territory. The
computer will put it in the adjacent water. If the territory borders on more
than one body of water, you will be asked to choose the one in which you want
your boat. You may have several boats bearing on the same territory, provided
there is available coastline.


                             The INFO option

  The INFO option is available from most all the main menus of each Phase.
Selecting 'INFO' will take you to the Scouting Report Menu and gives you the
following information/option:

      Force Count
         lets you select any territory to see how much force it has and how
         much bears against it.
      Stockpile
         shows all of the Resources in every player's Stockpile.
      Territory Info   
         gives information about the bordering lands, weapons, cities,
         resource production, and horses in a selected territory.
      Exit
         takes you back to the previous menu.



                The "Press Spacebar for Utilities" prompt

Between player turns this prompt flashes at the bottom of the screen.
Pressing the spacebar gives you the following options:

  - Set the background color
  - Save the game. You can save up to 20 games.
  - Toggle the music on/off
  - Resign, give up and Quit the game.


Deb Jan/2002