Skullkeep
Version 1.0
By Rover (r_o_v_e_r@hotmail.com)

Description
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A Halloween-themed, 3-player, fast-paced deathmatch level in DK2 style. Annihilate your opponents before they do the same to you!

This map is best played against live opponents in FFA style using default settings. Feel free to send in comments or suggestions.

To Use
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Extract the enclosed files to your game's installation directory, into the subdirectory "\data\editor\maps". The level will then be available under Skirmish mode. The bmp file is the map thumbnail, and can be placed in the "Thumbnails" directory.

The Story
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The conquest of the sunlit surface of Harmonia has begun! In one of countless engagements with the forces of Good, you are in pursuit of a group of Wizards, as are two other rival Keepers unbeknownst to you. The Wizards retreat to their tower stronghold, with you following in close behind.

But wait - the Wizards have laid a trap! Using powerful magic, they have transformed the tower, ensnaring all three Keepers within. What was once a Wizard's tower has now become a battle arena. To your utter dismay, you discover that most of your army has vanished into thin air!

You hear a commotion coming from above and all around you. Looking up, you see ornate balconies arrayed along the perimeter of the arena. Standing in the balconies are hordes of people of all descriptions looking on, some with spyglasses in hand; presumably they are the local inhabitants. Some are cheering you and the other Keepers on, while others are jeering.

A voice that seems to resonate from everywhere at once booms out: "Let the contest begin!" The crowds erupt in a chorus of cheers and applause as the Heroes enter the arena.

To escape the Wizards' nefarious trap, you must somehow defeat the other Keepers, who no doubt have similar agendas, while defending against marauding Heroes. You hastily make preparations for battle...

Notes
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Each Keeper starts out with three Minions. Managing them carefully is key to success.

Sometimes your Imps may refuse to do the tasks assigned to them. That's because something is agitating them, usually nearby traps and/or Heroes. (Yes, it can be frustrating). Use your combat creatures to deal with the source of agitation.

If a worker doesn't construct a door or trap in the Workshop when instructed, try dropping the worker directly into the Workshop.

A functional Workshop can be built in 3x1 tiles against uninterrupted wall tiles (solid rock and/or reinforced wall).

It is possible to place traps or doors when there is no one qualified to use the Workshop. Imps can drag back found crates into the Workshop, and will deploy them when the relevant blueprints are placed.

Possession is a very handy weapon when used right. You can use a possessed creature to lure Heroes to your enemy Keepers' doorsteps, but watch out! They can do the same to you.

Watch your back when dueling in the arena! You never know who or what is lurking in the darkness beyond.

Don't let your Minions fall in battle! Once they're gone, they are lost forever. Remember also that fallen creatures can only be recovered if they are on land where you have influence.

To use Dungeon Specials directly, left-click on the golden boxes.

You can regain some Mana by dropping Imps into your Dungeon Heart. While handy in a pinch, it does cripple your workforce for a short time before your Dungeon Heart generates more Imps.

Known Issues
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There is an apparent bug with the game program when Horny exits the realm while standing on a Hero Lair tile. When that happens, Horny gets "stuck" and cannot exit. Even though the Mana drain has stopped, the Summon Horny spell cannot be cast a second time because the program thinks that Horny is still active.

DISCLAIMER
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The author accepts no responsibility whatsoever for damages resulting from the use of these map files, and makes no warranty or representation, either express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. These files are provided "AS IS", and you, its user, assume all risks when using it.