Nox Archaist

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Nox Archaist, an 8-bit computer role-playing game! While playing the game, you take on the persona of an adventurer in the land of Vali, ruled by Queen Isa. As the player, you control one or more characters who form a party of adventurers. Your characters will travel the Realm, visiting towns and castles, exploring dungeons, talking to non-player characters (NPCs), and fighting monsters.

As you journey, your characters will grow in wealth, experience, and skill. The wealth and experience are not an end in themselves. Instead, they provide a way to measure your progress and give you the opportunity to face ever greater foes and challenges as you seek to save the world from an unknown and terrible danger.

The land of Vali is a challenging and unforgiving place. Nox Archaist does not use level scaling, where encounters are balanced for your party’s strength. If you are not ready to face a challenge, you will be soundly defeated. When this happens, think carefully about causes. Perhaps you are missing someone in your party with certain skills, or maybe you need to rethink your tactics, or perhaps you simply need to upgrade your weapons, armor, and spells. In many cases, the best course of action may be to explore another region, gain more experience, and then come back later when your party is ready.

There is no right or wrong way to play. Although there is an overarching story, there are many side quests and adventures that are enjoyable in themselves. Or, you can simply wander from town to town, talking to NPCs, fighting monsters, and immersing yourself in the Realm of Vali.

QUICK START

You may find it useful to explore the Nox Archaist tutorial videos and community websites, especially if this is your first time playing a computer role-playing game. You can find a list of these on the main game menu and at NoxArchaist.com.

If you’ve played games like this before and you want to dive right in, we strongly recommend that you read this quick-start chapter first. It describes some of the unique features of Nox Archaist, as well as some general tips.

To help you get started in the Realm of Vali, we tracked down Nox Ffred in the pub in Everton. After buying him a pint of Ghrodwir Stout, we asked him for his favorite tips.

First, start out slowly. Don’t go rushing off into the wilds like a drunken dwarf without an axe. Remember, once monsters have picked up your trail they won’t stop chasing you. Find friends: I think there’s someone here in Everton looking for adventure. Start with a fighter, a thief, and a mage, but get to six party members as soon as you can.

Stay close to town and pick off rabid dogs and rabble rousers. The guards are your friends; if you get chased back to town by enemies, the guards will clear them out.

You’re a good hunter, so you don’t need to worry about starving. However, there are only three things that will rejuvenate your health and magic: a healer (expensive), resting at a inn (hard to find in the woods), or good, old-fashioned food rations. Sure, they taste like dried basilisk strips, but hey, you’re tough, right? I try to rest after every battle to restore some health and magic. If you don’t need the health or magic it won’t waste any extra rations.

When you start, stick close to Everton so you’ll be near the Inn. Once you’ve gained experience and improved your skills by using them in combat, cross the river to Suurtheld Castle and clear out some hooligans. These battles will not be easy! Buy your companions shortswords and shortbows as soon as you have the gold.

Speaking of gold, don’t hoard your treasure. You’ll find lots of armor, weapons, gems, books and other items. Some of these you can use, and some have a special purpose. Others are just loot. If something doesn’t have an obvious use, try selling it. If the merchant refuses your offer, don’t be offended; that item must be important and you should hang onto it.

Don’t forget to consult your quest log. It tracks the basics of who you’ve talked to and where you’re headed. It doesn’t record every clue and can’t replace a good map. You’ll want to bring a sheaf of parchment and your favorite quill pen to keep a journal.

Next, we asked Nox Ffred about gaining experience and skills, and what to do if you think you’re moving too slowly.

This isn’t a race; you’re not on a deadline. The only thing fast will get you is dead. If you want to move up in the world quickly, wait until nighttime. Lots of creatures come out. Just be sure to bring a torch and stick close to town so you have an escape route.

Another way to improve is through training. Ask the pub keepers, after buying a drink of course! They can guide you to trainers in fighting, critical hits, dodging and parrying, or less savory skills like lockpicking.

Just be careful out there. Some areas of Vali are more dangerous than others and you can quickly get in over your head. You’re on your own to figure out where it’s safe to explore. I like to camp in an area and gradually tackle unexplored territory. If the enemies are too tough I clear out and live to fight another day.

You ever heard of TPK, total party kill? It’ll happen eventually, as it’s a natural part of exploration when you’re learning where the toughest battles lie. When it does, just pick yourself up (or what’s left of you), get stronger and more powerful, then come back and get revenge.

After buying him another stout, we asked Nox Ffred for his final words of wisdom.

Don’t go alone. Find friends. Six is a good number. Also, when you’re praying to the gods for powers, if you want to play it safe, stick with one ability. If you’re a mage, pray for intelligence. Then, when you find that magic Dragon Staff, well, Bob’s your uncle, you’ll be able to use it!

Look, I think someone is summoning me. Gotta run, thanks for the Ghrodwir Stout!

As you watch, Nox Ffred begins to disappear. The word pixelated enters your mind as his form becomes blocky and indistinct before fading away.