June 9, 1998

Dear Adventurer,

Welcome to the thirteenth edition of the Famous Adventurer's Correspondence School!

We're still hoping to get beta testing going sometime in July. Thanks to everyone that applied! Please be sure to fill out the form at beta.sierra.com if you wish to be in the official beta test data base. I am no longer accepting applications for beta testing through qfg@sierranet.net. Unfortunately, Sierra is only accepting in-country testers (USA only). Please do not write to me in an effort to have this rule changed. There is simply nothing I personally can do about it. But, by all means, write to me about any other questions you may have about Dragon Fire.

Probably the most frequently asked question is: when will the full product be released? As we get closer and closer to the ship date we begin to see the product in all of its glory. No pun intended. This is when we begin to see what works and what doesn't; At least as it was intended. This was the reason for all of my polls on the Quest for Glory board at sierra.com. A deep bow to all the folks that provided input on the qfg board. Thanks! Barring any major design changes, we're still on track for the late September '98 release date.

As promised in the last issue of FACS, Lori Cole shares her insight on the new fighter in Dragon Fire.

THE DESIGNER'S PLATFORM by Lori Cole

What about the Fighter?

Yes, sometimes the poor Fighter has been kind of lost among the other character classes. He had his moments when he went up against EOF in Trial by Fire, or when he faced the challenges of the Simbari in Wages of War. However, he definitely was overshadowed by the Paladin, particularly in Mordavia.

Dragon Fire gives the Fighter the chance to prove the stuff he is made of, and whether he is a man, or a Marine.

First of all, this is the first game in the series that really lets the Fighter make choices. He has options of what armor to wear, what weapons to carry. He will have to learn a new form of combat. He will have the opportunity like never before to test his skills at strategy and tactics. Being able to move in combat will mean totally new fighting styles and techniques.

Most of the Rites of Rulership are chosen to aid Silmaria. The invading army is camped upon the island of Marete - you will have to find their outposts and drive them off the island. You will have to find their secret base, and make certain their general will never lead them into battle again. You will have to fight a one-man war, just to bring Peace. This land needs a Hero who knows how to use a sword and his wits.

Above all, there will be Monsters. More monsters than the Fighter has ever faced before. Tiny monsters that flock together - overwhelming him with sheer number. Huge monsters that can almost crush the Hero with one blow. Hesperian Invaders, Spirits of the Dead, and creatures out of the faded past of mythology will all seek the Fighter's death. This is the game where the Fighter proves once and for all, "You can go farther with a Kind Word and a Sword, than with just a Kind Word."

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Ta-ta!

Lori

If you are in L.A. in mid June, you may have a chance to review Dragon Fire!

Quest for Glory V wants your opinions. Several gaming/discussion groups will be taking place in Torrance, CA, on the evenings of June 15th and 16th '98. The meetings will last approximately 1.5 hours and you will be given a chance to play a pre-Alpha version of Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire and give your feedback. This is not the Beta test that is scheduled for later in development, but only an opportunity for us to get some preliminary game interface feedback from end users. If you plan on being in the vicinity of Los Angeles, or specifically Torrance, CA on these dates and are interested in attending these discussion groups, please call Quality Control Services at 310-316-0626 and ask for Amy Green. To qualify you must call before the 13th of June, '98. Those who qualify for the study and participate can choose a free CD software title, valued up to $75 from the company's buyer's guide. Call soon as only a very limited number may participate.

Well, that's about it for this edition of the Famous Adventurer's Correspondence School. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to email them to comments@qg5.com.

Thank you for being a member of our F.A.C.S. newsletter, and we'll catch you in a few weeks with some more info on Dragon Fire.

Until next time,
Robin Bradley
Web Boy /Quality Assurance
Team Dragon Fire
Yosemite Entertainment, Oakhurst.
(a division of Sierra FX)