I have compiled this document of the most asked questions about Aethra in 
the hopes it will address any problems you may experience.


Program Questions

Q: How far does the shareware version go?

A: The shareware version is the quest for the "Book of Prophecies" once the 
book is found you have probably done all that you can.  The rest of the game 
involves the 4 Gems of Power and the Demon lord.

Q: Why can't I get into certain places?

A: These are areas only available in the registered version.

Q: The Sound does not work?  Music Does not play?

A: You must first answer yes to the sound configurations in the install 
program.  If the sound is configured ON and does not play then you may need 
to free up more memory.  The program needs 590K free to play both music 
and sound effects.

Q: I get an error code 3 after generating my first 3 characters?

A: The program did not install properly or you did not run the install program.  
The install program creates 5 sub directories Save0-Save4 if these directories 
do not exist this error will occur.

Q: The program aborts and gives me an error message 203 or 204?

A: You are on the borderline with memory.  Free up more memory or disable 
the sound and music from the install program.

Q: I have an original Soundblaster card and the game locks up when I attempt 
to run it or install it.

A:  Apparently my sound library does not detect the old SB properly.  The 
latest version of the game has been rewritten to not auto detect if sound is 
turned off.  So if it locks up while trying to configure sound choose no sound 
as an option.

Q:  The mouse cursor disappears half the time, why?

A: Apparently the latest mouse driver from Logitech has a bug in it.  It does 
not support Native EGA mode on the second video page.  The only thing to 
do is try a different mouse driver.  The MS mouse driver that comes with 
windows works with almost any mouse and functions properly.

Q: The computer locks up when the program plays a sound effect (i.e. door 
opening in dungeon).

A: While playing sound in the background my sound library will lock up if the 
Hard Drive is accessed.  If you are running a disk caching program like 
SMARTDRV.EXE  the write caching may be turned.  Write caching takes 
the control of HD access out of the programs control and it may happen at 
any time most likely it seems when the game tries to play a sound effect.  
Please disable write caching if you are going to enable the sound effects.  
Please see you DOS manual on how to do this.

Q:  Why does the dungeon map screen go black after an encounter of other 
screen update?

A:  If you do not have an active light source the screen will stay black when 
the program does a screen refresh.  Make sure you have an active lantern or 
torch, the little torch icon will be on if you do.

Game Questions:  

Q: What is the best way to start so I will survive?

A: Try the pregenerated  and equipped party under Save game 4.  Here is my 
recommended start until you get the hang of it.  First character make a Human 
Paladin with STR=100 and WIS=100 with CON and AGI as high as you can 
get them.  Next make a Dwarf Fighter with  STR=100 and CON=100 with 
AGI and REA as high as you can get them.  The last guy make a 1/2 Elf 
Ranger with AGI=100 and WIS=100 with CON and STR as high as you can 
get them.  Immediately go hire a Cleric from the Temple, a mage from the 
Mages College,  and a thief from the Crafts Guild.  Hire as high a level NPC 
as will go with you.  Go buy a sword for everyone but the mage and thief.  
Buy a bow for thief, ranger and paladin.  Buy a shield for everyone.  Buy 
boots for everyone.  Buy chain vest for Paladin, Fighter, Ranger and Cleric,  
Buy leather vest for thief and a cloak for mage.  Buy a lantern   This should 
be enough initial equipment.  Do not worry about paying the NPCs until you 
are ready to leave the city.  Time passes slowly in the city but days will go by 
while traveling outdoors if you leave the roads.  Go to the cemetery and 
explore the dungeon you will find there.  Be sure to look for secret doors.

Q: In the pregenerated game who are the NPCs?

A: Suela, Mahmoud, and Lucina.

Q: Why does time pass so quickly outdoors?

A: The rougher the terrain more time it takes to travel over it.  Stick to the 
roads for the quickest although not always the shortest journey.

Q: How do I go up in level?  Where is the Paladins Guild?  Where is the 
Ashikari Guild?

A: When you have gained enough experience points you are ready to be 
trained.  Go to a guild and asked to be trained if you are ready and it is a 
guild which will accept you  then pay for training and develop your char for 
the next level.   The Paladins Guild is in the town of Drensea just to the NE of 
Stormhaven.  It is next to the Warriors Guild.  The Ashikari guild is in 
Drensea in the NW quadrant. Hint: Guilds specific to character classes will 
train you better (ie fighters can train at the Mercenaries guild but will do 
better at the warriors guild).

Q:  How do I get experience points?

A: By completing quests.  Most experience points are gained from the quests 
and some from killing monsters.

Q: How does one get rid of a cursed item?

A:  The cleric spell Remove curse removes a curse from an item so you can 
then get rid of it.

Q: How do I get Hitpoints and Spellpoints back?

A: Hitpoints and spell points are regained while resting at an inn or camping 
outdoors.  Hitpoints can also be restored at temples, from healing spells, and 
potions.  The green potion restores spell points.

Q: How do I resurrect a char?

A: Either the cleric spell Faith Resurrection or at a temple.

Q: What happens if you dismiss a core member? As in one of the three? Does 
a hireling take his/her place or are you just SOL? 

A: You cannot dismiss a core member and are stuck with them for the whole 
game.

Q: I have a Sword and  Bow but in combat when I try to swing at a monster it 
says I do not have a weapon, Why?

A: You must equip with armor, weapons and some magic items before they 
are usable.  Select the review character option then  select items, then equip 
items then select the ones you wish to equip with.  You are allowed one hand 
weapon and one bow.  In combat move next to an opponent and select the 
swing icon or (W) key to swing a weapon. or the shoot bow (B) option to 
shoot at an enemy.

Q: Where is the Aelftrowe Forest?

A: It is the large forest along the southern coast in the middle map grids.

Q:  How do I find secret doors? detect traps?

A: The 3 lead party members are the ones who are checked against there 
perception/detect traps skill for secret doors and traps.  They always get an 
automatic check.  By using the look option you can choose to look in specific 
spots this gives you a bonus versus just walking by.  It is wise to have a party 
member with high perception and detect traps in one of the front 3 positions.


Game Hints and spoilers.

Q:  Where is that $^&* Painting I have looked all over the bandits dungeon?

A: It is hanging on the wall in the lair of the Bandit Leader.  His lair is in a 
hidden section on the first level of the bandit dungeon.

XXX
XXX
OYX

If each X is a dungeon map square the secret area is the O.  Entrance to O is 
from Y.

Q: Where is Galoran,  I killed the bandit leader in the city isn't this Galoran?

A: No the bandit leader in the city is not Galoran.  Galoran is hiding out in the 
hills just to the NW of Stormhaven.

Q: Where is Babbage?

A: Babage is located in the Village of Drensea.

Q: Where is the Monastary?

A: It is located on the NE section of the continent, nested in a mountain 
range.

Q: What is the GEM of power I found in the Bandits dungeon?

A:  It is part of the greater quest when you register so do not sale it.






