The Reliques of Tolti-Aph — 17 of 57

Section 3(d) - Combat-readiness

To decide whether combat proceeds:

if a hostile alive monster (called the baddie) is in the location, decide yes;

decide no.

Before reading a command:

if combat proceeds, now the command prompt is "Combat> ";

otherwise now the command prompt is "> ".

After waiting when combat proceeds: stop the action.

Check going (this is the need a saving roll to retreat rule):

if combat proceeds:

if a saving roll of 11 by the player to "disengage from the fight" is made, continue the action;

say "So you are unable to break away." instead.

Check casting (this is the can't cast non-combat spells in combat rule):

let the warlike nature be the nature of the spell understood;

if the warlike nature is defensive, let the warlike nature be offensive;

if combat proceeds and the warlike nature is not offensive:

say "The nature of that spell is [nature of the spell understood]: unlike offensive and defensive spells - which are structured for use in combat - [nature of the spell understood] spells need a little peace and calm to be cast." instead.

A person can be surprised or ready. A person is usually ready.

Instead of attacking a monster:

if the noun is hostile, say "You are already locked in combat." instead;

now the noun is hostile;

now the noun is surprised;

now the player is ready;

say "You make a surprise attack on [the noun]!" instead.

To mount an attack from (bad guy - a monster):

now the bad guy is hostile;

now the bad guy is ready;

now the player is surprised;

say "[The bad guy] attacks!"

Every turn when a hostile monster is in the location:

if the player is ready, make the player strike a blow against the scariest hostile monster in the location;[1]

repeat with the opponent running through hostile monsters in the location:

if the player is killed, stop;

if the opponent is ready:

if Zoorl is in the location, make the opponent strike a blow against Zoorl;

otherwise make the opponent strike a blow against the player;

now the player is ready;

now all hostile monsters are ready.