This new version of Sword Dream comprises more than 75 improvements to the popular version 1.0, yet it is compatible with scenarios created for the previous version, and you can import old characters in it.
The manual enclosed in this package documents Sword Dream 1.5, which was made available for a very short time to shareware payers only. The current version, 1.6, adds a full-featured soundtrack and some bug fixes, but is otherwise identical to Dream 1.5: so the manual stays the same.
Warning: Sword Dream 1.6 can't be played from a CD-ROM. If you found it on a CD, please make a copy on your local hard disk first!
THE SWORD DREAM SCENARIOS
Sword Dream is a role-playing engine. This means that the application, by itself, lets you play a game adventure (also called a scenario in Dream parlance). The characters you develop and grow in one scenario can be kept in the next, along with their treasures, spells and items.
You'll find a very short tutorial scenario in this package, called “Open me”. More scenarios can be found in the same place from where you downloaded this package. They include:
• Spirit of Darkness.
This scenario is a leftover from v1.0. It isn't graphically astounding like the new ones, but is'a a good place to start. We also created a ready-for-use character group for use in this scenario, so you can play immediately if you wish (if you are a hard-boiled role player like myself, you'll want to create your characters yourself from scratch).
• Return to Dawn Valley
The sequel to “Spirit of Darkness”. The most extensive scenario yet: it'll take a while to finish... and a beauty to see, too!
We don't suggest you start from here, though.
• Secret of Greywood
A little, nice scenario from Eugenio Spagnolini. Graphically very enticing, also. You can start from here, if you don't like Spirit of Darkness.
• ...and more
More scenarios are being developed, and we don't know right now if you'll find more.
CONTACTING THE AUTHORS
You can contact the Dream Team at the following addresses:
AppleLink (and also, in a short while, eWorld): MISTERAKKO
Internet: MisterAkko@AppleLink.Apple.com
Mail: Luca Accomazzi
Via C. Battisti 44
28073 Fara Novarese NO
Italy
SWORD DREAM IS SHAREWARE
If you paid the shareware fee for Sword Dream 1.0, then you have every right to use the current version.
If you didn't pay, or are meeting our game for the very first time, then please consider registering it. Any sum is OK to us, even if we suggest a fee of $20. If you pay $20 (or more) you'll receive a diskette with the latest release of the software, all of the scenarios we created in the meantime, and a copy of the ScenarioMaker application (with 50 page manual). ScenarioMaker will let you develop new game scenarios for Sword Dream.
A PACT WITH THE WORLD
Sword Dream 1.0 was bought by about a hundred honest souls (may the Lost Saint of Dawn Valley bless their CPUs).
We, the Dream Team, are studying a massively improved version, Dream II. Dream II will feature true 3D subjective views (à la Marathon™), network play, intelligent refereeing by the computer, an internal programming language for scenario developers, and more.
We promise to continue developing it, and release it to the general public if, and only if, the current version will receive at least 200 shareware fees.
(Remember that any amount is OK as a fee, even a single dollar! Paying $20 or more simply entitles you to the disk with the latest release and any new scenarios).
WE CHEATED
...to see if you would read this document. there are a couple of novelties you should be aware of for v1.6.
First, there's a new wizard spell. First level, called “Bee Sting”: it creates a storm of minuscule energy sparks which bite each of your enemies, causing each a single hit point of damage. Its material component is some mushrooms.
Second, in v1.6 Paladins can heal wounds imposing their hands on the hurt limb.
Third, there's now a menu command to automagically shuffle windows to the best possible position. Also works on big screens (not multiple screens, sorry).
And now... go, brave adventurer!
Luca Accomazzi and the Dream Team (Eugenio Spagnolini, Pietro Borradori and Alex Raccuglia).
