Detailed instructions for use are in the User's Guide.
[. . . ] While investigating one of the ruins, I noticed a large, ivory-toned object in the shape of a half moon. As I picked up the item, requiring both hands, I realized it was made of bone. Though I saw no teeth, I surmised I held in my hands the jawbone of some creature. I was able to match the shape to sketches I had made both here and in Sosaria, pleased that I have always had the foresight to note my surroundings in journals. [. . . ] Thus, it is important to provide armour for all parts of the body, including the remaining three regions -- the arms, legs and feet. While these latter three are easier to live without, the appendages are directly in the line of fire, if thou wilt permit the turn of phrase, and therefore struck more often. Armour is crafted from four types of material: leather, metal scales, chain mail (or chain links) and metal plates. For the most part, the thicker the material, the higher the level of protection. In addition, the thicker the material, the heavier and more expensive it is. Leather, being light and inexpensive, is useful for those less likely to face powerful foes. But were one to enter a war-torn battlefield without metal armour of some sort, I would assume the warrior poor, weak, or fatally foolish!
15
Although a shield serves the same function as armour, its form is entirely different. A shield does little to reduce the effects of a blow; its main purpose is to deflect attacks away from the fighter. Personally, I see little difference, but many warriors have sworn to the distinction. I do, however, know that the experienced combatant wears the best armour and carries the sturdiest shield that money can buy and endurance will permit.
Weapons
According to sources, the simplest definition of a weapon is anything that extends the range and enhances the wounding capability of the wielder. Weapon selection seems to be as important a decision as armour selection, as each type leads to a variety of effects. A variety of avian creatures inhabit the land, though an attractive silver-winged creature seems the most prevalent. Preferring fruits and vegetables, birds rarely attack people, though I have witnessed a few that were so inclined. One of the most colorful birds, the parrot, is even rumored to be able to converse in human language. Though boar's meat is quite delectable, fear of being gored by a tusk leads many to seek less violent sustenance. The stereotyped familiar of wizened mages (another myth I hope to dispel), cats populate the nooks and crannies of every area of civilization. Little more than a nuisance, they do seem to possess the cunning necessary to survive in big cities. Cowardly birds with little or no ability to fly, chickens are an excellent source for both meat and eggs. A thorough description of this vile ghoul has never been compiled, for no one has ever survived a close encounter with one. However, once one has made its presence known, it can be identified easily by the tentacles it forces up through the ground to grasp its prey. As with the acid slug, fire is the only reported way to slay a corpser. Cyclops are giant, man-like creatures recognized by their lone eye centered in the forehead. [. . . ] My people's history, this island's history -- as much as we have discovered -- and the land's creatures are all described within. As I sit back in momentary relaxation, free from my self-appointed task as scribe, I am able to cease observing my surroundings and begin absorbing them. I can hear the crackle of the fire and the buzzing of a bothersome fly. I can hear a roar outside -- no doubt another teleportation storm preparing to rage across the landscape. [. . . ]