Banks' Runemaster

Introduction

Banks' Runemaster is a game run by Groundskeeper Banks in Founder's Cemetery. It is an action/puzzle game, with the puzzle portion similar to Gem Lab or Sutek's Tomb.

How to Play

The aim of the game is to get Groundskeeper Banks to the end of the level before time runs out. There are five levels in all, and each level is made up of a long wooden pier with enemies and crystals scattered randomly about.

In the middle of each level is a large grid puzzle comprised of different rune tiles. You can switch around tiles by clicking on two tiles next to each other, but only if you line up three or more identical tiles with that switch. If the switch is good, the lined-up tiles will disappear and be replaced with other, randomly selected rune tiles. If you can't think of any moves, you can click the "shuffle" button on the bottom left of the level to randomize all the tiles on the board.

On the left side of the level is a set of potions, each corresponding to a type of rune tile, which also corresponds to a type of enemy. When you line up three or more tiles of a certain type, it's corresponding potion bottle fills up by one-third. However, Grimelda will sometimes zap one of your bottles, causing it to become empty. These potions will become important when you run into an enemy.

Each set of lined-up tiles you make lets Banks move forward a few steps. If there is a fork in the pier, you can select which direction you want Banks to go by clicking on the red arrow on the fork before Banks gets there.

The Crystals

	Blue Crystal - Worth 500 pts.
	Red Crystal - Worth 1000 pts.
	Yellow Crystal - Worth 2000 pts.

Battle Screen

If you run into an enemy, the game changes to a battle screen. In order to win the battle, you need to clear all the vine-covered tiles from the board before your enemy strikes you three times in a row. Vine-covered tiles can be switched around like normal tiles, will stay the same type and in the same place when you click "shuffle", and will only be cleared if you line it up with two or more other tiles of the same type.

If your enemy is getting too close and you have a full potion on the left side of the screen, you can use a potion bottle to drive it backwards and buy yourself some more time. Just click and drag the bottle on top of the enemy. This will also cause the bottle to empty, but you can refill it by lining up tiles that are the same type as your enemy.

If you manage to clear all the vine-covered tiles, then you win the battle and get a nifty 1000-point bonus. If you lose, however, Banks will be sent back several steps, and you will need to redo the battle from scratch.

The Enemies

Giant Draphly
Worm
Jack-o-Lantern
Ghost
Sludge Monster

Hints and Tips

When choosing which direction to go to at a fork, keep the time remaining and the crystal values in mind! Defeating an enemy on one path may give you 1000 bonus points, but they may not be worth it if you're running out of time, or if there are yellow crystals on the other path.

In a battle, try to focus on lining up tiles that match your enemy as well as the vine-covered tiles, especially against the three harder enemies. You'll want to use that bottle as much as you can.

Don't be afraid of using the "shuffle" button, especially in a battle. Although clicking it will cause it to be unusable for a short while, there is no score penalty, and it can be a lifesaver if you're stuck with a few vine-covered tiles with no matching tiles nearby.