95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 1 & Blade Sword User’s Manual www.whiptailinteractive.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 2 Stor y Intr oduction CHAPTER ONE 1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 How to Install Start the Game Meeting the First Challenge The First Battle Saving the Game and Loading Saved Games CHAPTER TWO 2-1 2-2 2-3 Characters Guide Battle Skills Guide Monsters Guide CHAPTER THREE 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 Equipment Guide Gems Guide Projectile Weapons Guide Storyline Equipment and Important Characters CHAPTER FOUR 4-1 4-2 4-3 Creating and Using Combo-Techniques Using Combo-Techniques Embe
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 3 Intr oduction The creation of "Blade and Sword" may be traced to the summer of 2001. At that time, core members of Pixel Studio were nearing the final stage of developing another game; driven by their passion for adventure role playing games (ARPGs), core members decided to leave their jobs, form a new team, and begin developing an ideal Chinese action RPG. This game is the "Blade and Sword" you see today.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 4 Stor y Approximately three thousand years ago (BC 1044), when Emperor Zhou-Wu attacked Emperor Jo and destroyed the country Shan, Emperor Jo set himself alight in the Reaching Star Building. Before Emperor Jo died, country Shan’s grand wizard Wen exerted all of his arcane might to garner and teleport the hate-filled dying thoughts of Emperor Jo out of the Human Realm, awaiting the day when Emperor Jo could return to the Human Realm to reclaim his throne.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 5 Chapter One HOW TO INSTALL It is very easy to install "Blade and Sword". You only need to put "CD 1" in the CD Drive, and click on Setup.exe to activate the installation program. The installation process is completely automated. After installation has been completed, you will only need to re-install Microsoft DirectX 8.1 to play this game. START THE GAME In a hurry to try your hand at this game? If you’re a seasoned gamer, feel free to skip this section.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 6 If this is the first time you play this game, naturally you should select "New Game". Please click on the "New Game" button. You will then see the following Character Selection screen: When you move the cursor near a character’s icon, that character will be highlighted; left-click to select this character for the game.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 7 YOUR FIRST CHALLENGE Ok, after viewing the opening animation and the story introduction, are you ready to slay monsters and demons? While viewing the story introduction, you can hit the Space Bar to accelerate the scrolling speed; while speaking with other characters in the game, the Space Bar may also be used to accelerate the conversation’s scrolling speed.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 8 Hit the Tab key, open the small map Hit the TAB key to open the small map, or click on the map button at the lower right hand corner to open the small map. The marks on the small map The green dot on the small map represents your position; the blue dot represents friendly NPC. & Blade Sword 8 www.whiptailinteractive.
5209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:24 AM Page 9 Entering the first conversation Move to the upper right corner of the screen from the starting position, and you will see the first NPC "Shopkeeper Guo", the speech bubble above his head indicates he has something to say to you. Receiving the first mission After Shopkeeper Guo finishes speaking to you, you will have received your first mission: rescue Doctor Chin. & Blade Sword 9 www.whiptailinteractive.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 10 Opening the Journal notes to review missions You could click the "Journal Notes" button or hit the N key to open the notes window, and review your mission messages and progress. Purchasing from Shopkeeper Guo Before leaving Shopkeeper Guo, you ought to buy some potions from him, so you have enough healing potions to heal yourself during battles. Click on Shopkeeper Guo, select "Purchase Goods". & Blade Sword 10 www.whiptailinteractive.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 11 Buy four healing potions In the lower left hand purchasing window, select a small vase sealed with red cloth, click on it, and select "Confirm". Now you will see a healing potion in "Items" window in the lower right hand corner, your money has decreased by 60 units. Repeat this process until you have four healing potions in your "Items" window. Speak When you leave Shopkeeper Guo and head down, you will see another character - Kung Shu Ban.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 12 Leave the village, meet the first challenge Leave Kong Shu Ban, head towards the upper right hand corner, and you will see the village gates. At the gates, you see four soldiers. Click on the village gates, head out of the village until the cursor turns into what you see in Picture 1-3-14; click once, and you will enter the first stage: "Sunset Trail".
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 13 THE FIRST BATTLE After entering the first stage ("Sunset Trail"), what should you do? You know you have two missions to complete: (1) Rescue Doctor Chin; (2) Find the wooden eagle for Kung Shu Ban. In the game, taking on missions is a very important process; if you do not accomplish the required missions, you will not be able to successfully complete the game.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 14 • Experience: Your character’s current accumulated experience; when the experience bar is full, the character will automatically gain a level. • Right belt: Can hold up to six projectile weapons or projectile items; each block holds up to nine identical items. To use them, hit F1 - F6 on the keyboard. • Journal notes button: Clicking on it once will open the "Journal" window.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 15 Locate the enemy, attack and defend The first enemy you will meet on the Sunset Trail is "Carrion Corpse". When a red circle appears beneath its feet, it means it has been locked on as a target for attack. (Your character will automatically search for enemies; you can also use the cursor to select targets for your attacks.) Click the left mouse button to execute the left attack technique. Press the Alt key to start to block and resist an enemy attack.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 16 Dodging and leaping Apart from your defense moves, you can also press the keyboard space bar to suddenly dodge behind the enemy and carry out a surprise attack before the enemy attacks you. When you are surrounded by enemies, you can press the right mouse button to leap out of the encircling mob (leaping will expend your chi).
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 17 Homing pearl (quick return to the village) When you are in danger, e.g. when you have used all your potions but are still surrounded and fiercely attacked by enemies, you may press the F2 key (the homing pearl will be displayed), and click on empty ground with the right mouse button. A teleport gate back to the village will appear next to you. Enter the teleport gate, and you will immediately leave the battlefield and return to the village.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 18 Transport points Legend has it that Transport points are flight spell wards left behind by powerful Taoists, capable of rapidly transporting you to the village or to certain scenes. The transport point in Wa Dong Village is located in the middle, slightly to the lower left. When you find it, you will have to first enter its circle before you can activate it. Ok, you should now have learned basic battle and defense techniques.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 19 SAVING THE GAME AND LOADING SAVED GAMES Hitting the ESC key or clicking on the "System" icon during the game will activate the "System" menu. In this menu, you may exit the current game, and save the current progress. Exit the current game and save the game Clicking on the "Exit and Save" icon will take you back to the game’s main menu, and will automatically save the current game.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 20 Chapter Two 2-1 CHARACTERS GUIDE LONG SWORDSMAN Well-versed in all areas, of exceptional speed and strength, and with a wide variety of attack methods: combination attacks that emphasize technique, killing attacks that emphasize power, as well as blade wind attacks that are capable of tackling the enemy at a distance. Overall there are no obvious weaknesses or strengths; this character is easier to play, suitable for beginners.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 21 TWIN BLADES HEROINE The advantages include fast, agile movement that makes it harder for enemies to land hits, yet makes it easier to hit the enemy; the capacity for delivering a high volume of hits, and the use of mighty kick attacks. The sword skills she employs are not meant to slay with one single hit; she is skilled in destroying enemies’ body parts and decreasing their ability to attack. This is the only character capable of support techniques.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 22 GREAT BLADE WARRIOR The advantages include high attack power (which makes him capable of destroying the enemy in a few moves), more hit points, increased stamina; and the capacity to permanently increase some attributes through training. The weakness is in the character’s lower speed, which makes him an easier target for the enemy, and decreases his ability to grab hold of the enemy.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 23 2-2 BATTLE SKILLS GUIDE LONG SWORDSMAN MULTIPLE ATTACKS CATEGORY First maneuver: Ride the Wind. Harnessing the power of the wind to sweep by and attack enemies may be used three consecutive times. Second Maneuver: Sweeping Leaves. Float in the air and spin quickly to attack nearby enemies. Third Maneuver: Chase the Cloud. Float in the air and rush towards enemies, decapitate an enemy officer amidst chaotic enemy formation. Super Attack: Sunfall.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 24 LONG SWORDSMAN IMPACT ATTACKS CATEGORY First Maneuver: Lightening Flash. Strike an enemy's head using Chi and cause confusion. Second Maneuver: Rolling Thunder. Shield the body with Chi and break through enemy formation. Third Maneuver: Thunder Crash. Channel your might in a single powerful attack. Category Super Maneuver: Thunderous Fury.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 25 TWIN BLADES HEROINE WIND-RIDER CATEGORY First Maneuver: Lotus Goddess Rising. Increase the speed by riding the wind. Second Maneuver: Alabaster Elixir. Apply the secret wind-bath breathing techniques to rapidly mend wounds. Third Maneuver: Cloud Homage. Lighten the body with Chi and move with the breeze to make yourself a difficult target for the enemy. Category Super Maneuver: River Goddess’ Waves. Attack enemies with super speed, the path is "M" shaped.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 26 TWIN BLADES HEROINE DASH ATTACKS CATEGORY First Maneuver: Fleeting Kick. Sprint, leap, and then fly-kick the enemy’s head. Second Maneuver: Triple Kick. Kick enemies, can be used three times consecutively. Third Maneuver: Swallow’s Dance. Spin quickly and kick surrounding enemies. Category Super Maneuver: Cold Moonlight. Move with great speed, create numerous shadows to bypass enemy defense, then critically hit the enemy, the path is "/" shaped.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 27 GREAT BLADE WARRIOR THROWS CATEGORY First Maneuver: Smash Throw. Use the enemy as a throwing weapon. Second Maneuver: Tiger Grapple. Run towards and grapple with the enemy, then cast him into the air. Third Maneuver: Dragon Bisector. A powerful technique that lifts the enemy and smashes its back on the warrior’s head. Category Super Maneuver: Titan Throw. Lift the enemy overhead, then spin to attack nearby enemies with him, the path is "|".
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 28 GREAT BLADE WARRIOR BRUTE CHI CATEGORY First Maneuver: Cosmic Chi. Speed up the recovery of Chi. Second Maneuver: Breath of Renewal. Increase Max HP. Third Maneuver: Dragon Chi. Increase attack power. Category Super Maneuver: War Avatar. Ultimate chi technique of invincibility, as though possessed by the god of war; the path is "W" shaped. GREAT BLADE WARRIOR BURST CATEGORY First Maneuver: Meteor Strike. Charge the enemy with your body.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 29 2-3 MONSTERS GUIDE Corpse: After normal people die, their bodies will gradually decompose and be returned to the earth. If anything prevents this natural process from occurring, the dead will change into terrible monsters instead. These creatures will possess no consciousness of their own; they will simply chase any living creature they see. If one injures you, you may become poisoned as well, and slowly begin turning into a corpse yourself.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 30 Grave Digger: These creatures from the Demon Realm dig up graves to extract cadaver gases, and to steal any treasure that might be buried with the dead. The Grave Digger has sufficient attack powers to kill. Being demons, on some levels they are more terrible than spirits: because demons often possess higher intelligence, and have special attack abilities, it is difficult to defend oneself against them. They are very agile.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 31 Hell Dog: When the world faces the chaos caused by war or famine, the masses have no means to live, and thousands perish. Wild dogs, having subsisted on carrion for long periods of time, become bloodthirsty rabid hounds. Nowadays, the lands are littered with corpses. The dogs feed upon these poisoned corpses and fight among themselves, causing them to be infected by the corpse poison, which changes them into fearsome Hell Dogs.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:25 AM Page 32 Evil Bat: Evil Bats and Large Evil Bats are related. Except for their difference in body size, they have almost the same behavior and attack patterns. With their incredible flying abilities and agility, these creatures always attack by quickly rushing in, striking, and then quickly withdrawing. Evil Bats' attacks are very fast; they will target you from a long distance, and attack with great speed.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 33 Marine Ghost: Because they were accidentally drowned, Marine Ghosts are filled with considerable amounts of hatred. All Marine Ghosts seek opportune moments to find a substitute to bear their dreadful fate, so that they may reincarnate. Because Marine Ghosts prowl underwater for long periods of time, their bodies are especially swollen, but their mobility is not affected.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 34 Succubus Sue: Succubus Sue is a unique creature sent to earth by the Empyrean Queen. According to rumors, her true form is a nine-tailed fox spirit; however, because she was already skilled in the arcane arts, she was also able to learn many unique spells while she was in the Human Realm.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 35 Wizard Wen: Wizard Wen is Emperor Jo’s chief minister. He has extremely powerful mental strengths, and has mastered arcane arts as well as swordsmanship. He is unmatched. Wizard Wen comes and goes unpredictably. It is rumored that a while ago someone saw Wizard Wen in the frozen northern lands. As for Wizard Wen’s abilities, at present no one knows how strong he really is, because the Wizard Wen has never fought by himself.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 36 Snow Ettins: Snow Ettins are said to be distant relatives of Snow Giants, but they were exiled from the clan of Snow Giants because of their disfigured appearance. They are born with two heads; as a result, their temperament is even odder than that of the Snow Giants, and their attacks are oftentimes extremely erratic. They are formidable opponents.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 37 Chapter Thr ee 3-1 EQUIPMENT GUIDE This game offers a wide variety of equipment. Apart from common healing potions, stamina potions, and rejuvenation potions, you can also obtain all kinds of amazing pills and protective equipment. There are six types of offensive scrolls for you to find or purchase. These scrolls are used in the same way as projectile weapons; if used wisely to accompany attack maneuvers, scrolls can also cause tremendous harm to the enemy.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 38 Guiding Pei: As one of the three jewels of warding, the function of Guiding Pei was similar to Homing Pearl. However, when demonic influences became prevalent, Guiding Pei's original abilities were altered; it no longer opens a teleport gate; instead, it will help souls of travelers who died in alien lands return to their hometown by opening a special resurrection gate.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 39 Scroll of Imprisonment: This is an amazing scroll that harnesses the power of nature. This scroll hits a single enemy with incredible amounts of energy gathered from the depths of the earth, temporarily freezing him to the spot. Summon Celestial Soldiers: Some highly trained sorcerers know how to summon celestial beings when they are facing a tough battle.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 40 Perfect Chalcedony: The highest quality chalcedonies, aside from translucent clarity, the color often appear crimson vermilion, or hawksbill magenta. Because it is difficult to find Perfect Chalcedonies, they are greatly prized. Because the red chalcedony contains such strong vitality, when a perfect Chalcedony is attached to armor, it greatly increases the wearer’s hit points.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 41 Refined Kyanite: It is valued for its blue color with traces of golden hues, and for its sparkle. Bright blue Kyanite possesses a deep, mysterious power. If you embed a Refined Kyanite into a weapon, its holder’s Chi will be enhanced to a greater extent. Put three Refined Kyanites into a Spagyric Cube to produce a Perfect Kyanite. Put a Refined Amber and a Refined Amethyst into a Spagyric Cube to produce a Refined Kyanite.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 42 Perfect Jadeite: The highest quality Jadeite, commonly known as "Crystal Jadeite", is marked by its translucent, blemish-free quality; it is also commonly called "Ice Grade". They are greatly prized because they are difficult to obtain. Because green Jadeite possesses an inexhaustible source of life force, when a Common Jadeite is embedded into a weapon, it can greatly increase the fighter’s fury gain ratio.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 43 Star of Seven Deaths: As soon as gem makers found that it was possible to combine natural gems to create artificial ones, they began studying various theories on jewel synthesis. They eventually invented new gems, such as Star gems. Combining a perfect Chalcedony with Perfect Kyanite may create a Star of Seven Deaths; however, due to its power this gem will also weaken one of the player character's attributes.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 44 3-3 PROJECTILE WEAPONS GUIDE Projectile weapons are commonly called, "concealed arms". Projectile weapons are frequently used in ranged attacks in the game; you can use them to accompany attack techniques or the six offensive scrolls. When facing multiple enemies, projectile weapons can often catch them off guard. Stone: Putting it plainly, this is a stone you can pick up anywhere.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 45 Invisible Needle: Invisible Needles are very useful; they are used when the wielder is in serious danger. To launching these needles one must harmonize movements of the hand and the body, and launch the needles rapidly in all directions. Although some may think using such a weapon is underhanded and devious, when fighters must break free of an emergency situation, using this weapon to launch a surprise attack on close-ranged enemies is not a bad idea.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM INTRODUCTION Page 46 TO IMPORTANT NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS This game allows you to interact with dozens of characters; most of them are famous figures in Chinese history. Because of the time-space disturbances, they have been sucked into this battle between good and evil. Most of them are on your side, here to aid your quest to conquer all the demons and monsters.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 47 "Historical Account of Blades and Swords", and gained an understanding of sword skills; later he consulted fellow Taoists, and managed to merge sword skills with the Tao, from where he began merging the two paths. However, he has not yet become a master at this new proficiency, so he still has difficulty combating monsters. MADAM HUANG She lived in the Sung Dynasty, and was famous for her skills at weaving.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 48 LI JING His birth name is Yao Shi, later he changed his name to Jing. He believes that "When a hero meets the right lord and at the right time, he should do great deeds to gain wealth and honor." Li Jing was an official of the Sui Dynasty; when he heard Li Yuan wanted to raise an insurrection, he wanted to report to the government.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 49 Chapter Four 4-1 CREATING AND USING COMBO ATTACKS The term "Combo Attack" means that various techniques are linked to form a continuous series of attacks. The game provides four sets of combo attacks for you to freely compose. The way to combine them is outlined below: Combo Attack Combination Window Press the V key or click the "Kung Fu" Button to open the battle techniques window.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 50 Try Your First Set of Combo Attacks Click on the "Right Technique" icon, select the icon f or combo attack number one. On the right side of the screen you’ll see a row of icons for all the combo attacks you have already composed. It is very easy to use them; while attacking the enemy, just press the right mouse button continuously to activate the preset combo attacks.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 51 LONG SWORDSMAN: 3 Normal Attacks + 1 Solidify Chi + 3 Normal Attacks + 1 Wind Rider + 3 Normal Attacks + 1 Dragon Soar + 3 Normal Attacks + 1 Dragon Grab (or follow with the fatal blow Flight of the Dragons) TWIN BLADES HEROINE: 6 Normal Attacks + 1 Summon Manifestation + 1 Triple Kicks + 6 Normal Attacks + 1 Sky Mend + 6 Normal Attacks + 1 Chain Kick (or follow with the fatal blow Court Lady's Reed Pipe) Important Note: After using Summon Manifestation, the e
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 52 Processing Gems Drag the gemstones you want to merge from the "Inventory" window to the "Spagyric Cube" window, click the "Check" button, and you will begin crafting gems. 4-4 EMBEDDING GEMS The process of embedding gems is carried out by other characters in the game. In "Chapter One" of the game, this service is rendered by Smith Ou. Once you have completed the mission "Strengthen my weapon", Smith Ou will be able to embed gems for you.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 53 Embed Gems Drag gems from the "Inventory" window to the slot on the weapon or equipment. Embedding different gems requires different levels and fees. Click "Ok" to embed the gem in the weapon or equipment. Please note! Embedded gems can be removed, but you will have to pay a considerable amount of money. Embed Multiple Gems There is only a limited number of embedding slots on weapons and equipment.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 54 Changes in the Character after Embedding Once you have embedded gems for a weapon or a piece of equipment, your character will change according to the level of the gem, and the weapon or equipment will also change accordingly. & Blade Sword 54 www.whiptailinteractive.
95209_ManuelBlade 26/11/03 7:26 AM Page 55 Chapter Five 5-1 TECHNICAL SUPPORT If you have any questions, please contact our local representatives: Home Page: www.whiptailinteractive.com E-mail: support@whiptailinteractive.com 5-2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Why doesn’t the program start or run normally? Probably because you are using an old version of DirectX. The game requires DirectX 8.1 or above to run normally. 2. Why does the music sound choppy? Because your DirectX version is dated.
