Castle II (Beta 1)
                         -The definitive Psion RPG-

Welcome to Castle II, the sequel to the original Castle Reisling. Castle II
allows you to wander a fantasy world, attempting to slay the powerful mage
Malivium. Since this is a beta version, not all features are complete, but
it gives you a good idea of what the final version will be like, when it is
released in April or May this year.

Features comparison with Castle Reisling:

                Castle II       Castle Reisling
Level Size      160*40          70*14
Monsters        5 (*)           11
Weapons         11              8
Types of armour 10              8
Spells          5 (*)           None
Help system     Graphical       Dialog based

A (*) means this number is almost certain to increase in the final version

In addition, the following new features have been implemented:

* Graphics: so you no longer have to work out whether "S" is a shop or a
spider!
* Menus: implemented sort of like the ones on the Series 5
* Better dialog boxes: drawn in my proprietry interface
* Character converter: use your existing Castle Reisling character!
* Monster effects: instead of all being the same monster, but tougher, some
  monsters do special things, eg vampires leech your health

Installation:
Place the castle2.opa file anywhere.
Place the c2lev.1 file in an \APP\CASTLE2 subdirectory on drive A, B or M.
Place the gfx.pic file in the same directory as the level file.

Starting the game:
When you first start Castle II, you will se the title screen, offering a
choice of New, Load, or Exit. Use the cursor keys and enter to select an
option.

Spells:
The following spells are available. To cast a spell, press Ctrl+A, or select
the Cast menu item. Spells cannot be cast in combat, and all spells require
mana, of which you have 20 at the start of the game.

(1) Heal Wounds - 4 mana
This spell instantly heals a small amount of your health. This spell is
affected by your character level: the higher you level, the more health
you regain.

(2) Levitate - 15 mana
This spell makes you float above the ground, meaning that traps no longer
affect you. Note that traps will not be uncovered whilst you are levitating.
The duration of levitation depends on your character level.

(3) Magic Strength - 15 mana
This spell grants you magical strength for a limited time. This strength
then gradually wanes over the next few turns. The higher your level, the
greater your strength boost, and the longer it will last.

(4) Magic Shield - 20 mana
This spell creates a magical shield, and the higher your level, the larger
(more effective) it is, and the longer it will last.

(5) Heal - 30 mana
This spell heals you instantly to full health.

Help:
Help is available in the game. Press help during gameplay to access it.

Beta Limitations:
As this is a beta, and there has to be some incentive for you to download
the final version, only 1 level (small) has been provided, and the character
converter is not present.

Licence:
This game is freeware. You are allowed and encouraged
to give this game to anyone.

Contact info:
I would appreciate any comments (good or bad!) about this game. Who knows,
if people like it enough, there may well be a Castle III!
Please send e-mail to darren_prescott@compuserve.com
Visit CastleWeb at:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/darren_prescott/
for updates, levels and more.