Bards Tale 1 – Tales of the Unknown is an adventure game packed with fantasy elements and puzzles. As with most classic RPGs the initial few levels are the hardest to earn. See the Party creation notes and tips to build your strength below.
“You need a bard.”
bard
Initial Party Creation
There are many classes to choose from and each has something to offer. Spell casters have the unique ability to change class and there are 4 distinct Spell caster classes each with a unique spell book.
Race and Rolling Dice
Races define the range of values possible when rolling dice for attributes.
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Race STR | INT | DEX | CON | LCK
Human 11-17|07-13|09-15|09-15|06-12
Elf 09-15|10-16|10-16|07-13|07-13
Dwarf 13-18|07-13|08-14|11-17|04-10
Hobbit 05-11|07-13|13-18|06-12|11-17
Half-Elf 10-16|09-15|10-16|08-14|07-13
Half-Orc 12-18|04-10|09-15|12-18|05-11
Gnome 10-16|11-17|08-14|04-10|05-11
Class Restrictions
Human None
Elf Hunter
Dwarf Conjurer, Magician
Hobbit Paladin, Hunter
Half-Elf Paladin, Hunter
Half-Orc Paladin, Bard, Monk
Gnome Paladin, Bard
Class Hit Points and Hit Rate
Classes define bonus to hit in combat and HP earned per level. Spell casters can cast spells from their class spell book.
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Warrior ToHit+2 1-16 HP/Level
Paladin ToHit+2 1-16 HP/Level
Rogue ToHit+1 1-8 HP/Level
Bard ToHit+1 1-16 HP/Level
Hunter ToHit+2 1-16 HP/Level
Monk ToHit+3 1-8 HP/Level
Conjurer ToHit+0 1-4 HP/Level
Magician ToHit+0 1-4 HP/Level
Sorcerer ToHit+0 1-8 HP/Level
Wizard ToHit+0 1-8 HP/Level
Archmage Bard's Tale 2 Only
Chronomancer Bard's Tale 3 Only
Geomancer Bard's Tale 3 Only
Attributes
STR(ST) Affects the amount of mundane damage done in combat
INT(IQ) Affects the amount of Spell Points for magic users
DEX(DX) Affects combat initiative and Armor Class
CON(CN) Affects the amount of Hit Points
LCK(LK) Affects many things, even the best adventurer can have a bad day
Attribute Priority
Front Line -> STR,CON,DEX,LCK
Spell Casters -> INT,DEX,CON,LCK
Attribute Bonuses
+0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5
STR |0-16| 17 | 18 | 19 |
INT |0-14| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19
DEX |0-15| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19
CON |0-14| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19
LCK |0-14| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19
Suggested party
The front 4 are the main melee combatants and it is ideal if they have a +1 or +2 bonus for STR, CON, DEX, and also a high bonus ToHit and Hit Points. Make sure your spell casters have high Spell Points, INT and DEX. You can leave a slot open and only create 6 characters. The open spot is for summoned creatures or creatures that join your party. I decided to make a party of 7 so that I can have more spell power. I decided against having a lock picker in favor of Trap Zap which only costs 2 spell points.
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1 Half-Orc Warrior
2 Half-Orc Hunter
3 Dwarf Monk
4 Half-Elf Bard
5 Gnome Magician
6 Gnome Magician
7 Gnome Conjurer
Once the Party is ready, check out the Building Strength page here.
Attribution
How to obtain a copy of this game
GOG link – Digital PC Bundle (Remastered Trilogy) (includes games 1-3)
GOG link – Digital PC Bundle (Action RPG Version 2004) (includes Original Trilogy 1-3)