Characters fight in rounded fashion taking turns moving and using weapons or throwing spells. Each of the first four characters appear on the front line and can engage the enemy with one of 38 available melee weapons unless they engage at a distance where one of seven available ranged weapons and spells could be employed. Those on the back row have to maneuver to use melee weapons or they can use range weapons unless engaged by the enemy in melee combat. The combat system was seen first in Wizard's Crown and Eternal Dagger, except that this system is more higly refined and less confusing. Gone are the multple body parts and different damage for cutting, piercing, and crushing weapons.
Spells are active in camp, while adventuring or when in battle.
There are 24 clerical spells and 31 wizard spells on levels one, two and three since the clerics and magic-users are limited to advancing beyond level six in this game. Puzzles and copy protection scheme are contained on a character translation wheel where you translate amoung English, Elven and Dwarvish characters. The messages given in many puzzles provide clues to avoiding battles and making the job of ridding Phlan of monsters easier. Puzzles, even the word translation type described here, are not the main thrust of the game, which is to figure how to overcome battle and situational obstacles to your goal. The scenerio was created by TSR's own Jim Ward with help from David Cook, Steve Winter and Mike Breault.