Realms of Arkania: Blade of destiny

Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny is a computer role-playing game adapted from the Das Schwarze Auge tabletop system. Its narrative centers on a looming orc invasion in the northern territories, which can only be thwarted by retrieving the legendary Grimring sword. The player's party is tasked with assembling a torn treasure map to find the weapon, with a two-year timeframe to complete this mission.

Character creation involves forming a group of six, defined by archetypes that blend traditional class and racial concepts. Beyond standard positive attributes, each adventurer has negative traits like phobias or greed that influence in-game behavior. A wide array of practical and social skills, from geography to deception, are also tracked.

Exploration occurs in different visual modes. Towns and dungeons are navigated in a first-person, pseudo-3D view, while overland travel uses a separate two-dimensional map. This journey requires careful management, as characters are affected by hunger, fatigue, and illness. Combat is a distinct tactical phase, shifting to an isometric, turn-based screen where positioning and facing are important factors.