Secret of the Silver Blades
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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Release Date: 	5/18/1990
Manufacturer:	Strategic Simulations 
 
 Secret of the Silver Blades is the third in a four-part series of Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons "Gold Box" adventure computer games. The game was released in 1990. 

 The story is a continuation of the events after Curse of the Azure Bonds. 

 375 years ago, twin brothers Oswulf and Eldamar built a castle in a large valley in the Dragonspine Mountains and the town of Verdigris was founded below the castle. The town prospered under the guidance of the brothers. Oswulf was a paladin and Eldamar was a mage. As Eldamar became older, his obsession for immortality grew and he began studying how to become a lich. Oswulf tried to stop his brother, but failed. Eldamar became a lich known as the Dreadlord. 

 A horrified Oswulf could not bear to kill his own brother. He sought the help of a band of adventurers known as the Silver Blades to help contain the Dreadlord. The Dreadlord was certain that these adventurers were called upon to slay him and he began gathering armies of evil creatures to aid him. The town was overrun by monsters and the inhabitants abandoned it. With the help of the Silver Blades, they succeeded in driving the monsters out of the town and back to the castle. Oswulf was still determined not to kill his own brother, however. The Silver Blades set out to research a spell and when cast, it encased the entire valley in a glacier. Everything inside became frozen, but was still alive. Oswulf sacrificed himself so his spirit could guard the castle. The intro of when the party is summoned. 

 A few of the Dreadlord's followers were beyond the glacier's effects and began attempts to get through the ice, but failed. 15 years ago, they formed a group known as the Black Circle and succeeded in breaking the spell. The glacier began to melt. As the ice melted, many miners noticed the old mines of Verdigris were once again accessible and founded the town of New Verdigris. The mines contained vast amounts of gems. As the miners descended to the lower levels, monsters that had been frozen for over 300 years began to emerge and once again took over the mines. 

 In desperation, the miners took all their gems to the Well of Knowledge, which is said to grant wishes and provide information for those who dropped treasure into it. The party was then summoned to the town of New Verdigris by the Well of Knowledge at the wish of the townspeople. They need the party to protect them from the monsters and so begins the story of the Secret of the Silver Blades.

Trivia

US Gold were so incensed at a negative review given to the game by Amiga Power magazine that they immediately cut off all contact with the magazine. For at least 2 years they never sent them preview information or review copies of their games, and never involved their journalists in promotional deals.

Alternate Titles
"Secret of the Silver Blades - A Forgotten Realms™ Fantasy Role-Playing Epic, Vol. III" -- Tag-lined title

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Description from the packaging:

Ancient Terror Awakes from Deep Freeze!
The frigid valleys of the Dragonspine Mountains echo with the desperate plea of terrified miners: "Heroes of the Forgotten Realms, save us from evil!"
Unwittingly digging in unhallowed ground, they have disturbed an ancient vault and released its terrible content. Scores of horrific creatures now infest the mine shaft - and threaten to escape into the world above!

You and your heroes must find the way to contain this scourge. All hope depends upon your ability to unravel the age-old mysteries surrounding this vile infestation.
Sequel to Pool of Radiance and Curse of The Azure Bonds!

Secret of the Silver Blades improves on the award-winning game system used in Pool of Radiance and Curse of the Azure Bonds. Continue your exciting saga in the Forgotten Realms game world - transfer characters from Curse of the Azure Bonds, or create all-new characters. Either way, explore the largest 3-D adventuring expanse ever in an AD&D computer game! Battle monsters you've never before encountered. Use higher character levels, and invoke new, wondrous spells.

All this plus spectacular graphics add up to unequaled excitement in AD&D computer fantasy role-playing!
Long-awaited sequel to Curse of the Azure Bonds.
Uses official AD&D game rules, character classes, monsters, spells and magic items.
Characters can rise to 15th level (18th for thieves).
More than a dozen new spells, including Disintegrate and Death Spell.
Encounter a variety of deadly new monsters, including Umber Hulks, Hydras and Golems.
Use characters from Curse of the Azure bonds.
Adventurer's Journal provides maps, clues, tips and hints.
Largest ever 3-dimensional AD&D adventuring area.
The depths of the earth harbor many hideous and ravenous creatures.
Where is this four horde coming from? You must find out before the mining town of New Verdigris is overwhelmed!
Uncover the ultimate evil- the secret of the silver blades!

---

Description from the packaging:

Ancient Terror Awakes from Deep Freeze!
The frigid valleys of the Dragonspine Mountains echo with the desperate plea of terrified miners: "Heroes of the Forgotten Realms, save us from evil!"
Unwittingly digging in unhallowed ground, they have disturbed an ancient vault and released its terrible content. Scores of horrific creatures now infest the mine shaft - and threaten to escape into the world above!

You and your heroes must find the way to contain this scourge. All hope depends upon your ability to unravel the age-old mysteries surrounding this vile infestation.
Sequel to Pool of Radiance and Curse of The Azure Bonds!

Secret of the Silver Blades improves on the award-winning game system used in Pool of Radiance and Curse of the Azure Bonds. Continue your exciting saga in the Forgotten Realms game world - transfer characters from Curse of the Azure Bonds, or create all-new characters. Either way, explore the largest 3-D adventuring expanse ever in an AD&D computer game! Battle monsters you've never before encountered. Use higher character levels, and invoke new, wondrous spells.
All this plus spectacular graphics add up to unequaled excitement in AD&D computer fantasy role-playing!

Long-awaited sequel to Curse of the Azure Bonds.
Uses official AD&D game rules, character classes, monsters, spells and magic items.
Characters can rise to 15th level (18th for thieves).
More than a dozen new spells, including Disintegrate and Death Spell.
Encounter a variety of deadly new monsters, including Umber Hulks, Hydras and Golems.
Use characters from Curse of the Azure bonds.
Adventurer's Journal provides maps, clues, tips and hints.
Largest ever 3-dimensional AD&D adventuring area.
The depths of the earth harbor many hideous and ravenous creatures.
Where is this four horde coming from? You must find out before the mining town of New Verdigris is overwhelmed!
Uncover the ultimate evil- the secret of the silver blades!

http://www.pcmuseum.ca/details.asp?id=36883&type=Software
http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/secret-of-the-silver-blades
