The Myth II: Soulblighter FAQ

Release v1.5
Last Updated: July 31, 1999
Maintained by: Jeffrey Blake & Ancrik
Originally Compiled and Maintained by: Omer Shenker


Content:
[1] Introduction:
     [1-1] Forward
     [1-2] About the FAQ
     [1-3] Distribution
              [1-3-1] via Usenet
              [1-3-2] via the World Wide Web
              [1-3-3] via Mailing List
     [1-4] Contributing
     [1-5] Acknowledgements
     [1-6] Accuracy
[2] General:
     [2-1] What is it? Who makes it?
     [2-2] Where can I get it?
     [2-3] Is Myth good? Is it better than Game X?
[3] Single Player:
     [3-1] What difference does the Difficulty Level make?
     [3-2] Cheats
              [3-2-1] Skipping directly to any level
              [3-2-2] Winning any level instantly
              [3-2-3] Losing any level instantly
     [3-3] Strategy
              [3-3-1] Willow Creek
              [3-3-2] Salvation
              [3-3-3] Down a Broken Path
              [3-3-4] Into the Breach
              [3-3-5] The Baron
              [3-3-6] Gonen's Bridge
              [3-3-7] Beyond the Cloudspine
              [3-3-8] The Great Library
              [3-3-9] Gate of Storms
              [3-3-10] Landing at White Falls
              [3-3-11] Through the Ermine
              [3-3-12] The Stair of Grief
              [3-3-13] The Deceiver
              [3-3-14] With Friends Like These
              [3-3-15] Walls of Muirthemne
              [3-3-16] The Ibis Crown
              [3-3-17] Redemption
              [3-3-18] Relic
              [3-3-19] The Summoner
              [3-3-20] A Murder of Crows
              [3-3-21] The Wall
              [3-3-22] Shiver
              [3-3-23] Twice Born
              [3-3-24] The Forge
[4] Multiplayer
     [4-1] How does the server-client model work?
              [4-1-1] What is a host drop?
              [4-1-2] What is lag?
     [4-2] What are all the different methods?
     [4-3] bungie.net
              [4-3-1] How do I get started?
              [4-3-2] How do I look at info such as rank?
              [4-3-3] Who are these Admins?
              [4-3-4] Should I give someone my prefs file(s)?
              [4-3-5] How do I keep bn2 from crashing?
     [4-4] TCP/IP
     [4-5] Strategy
     [4-6] How do I use italics or bold text?
              [4-6-1] How do I use those strange characters?
     [4-7] Where can I find new maps?
              [4-7-1] Why can't I join a game in red?
     [4-8] How do I gain rank?
     *4-9* Can I play multiplayer maps by myself?
     [4-10] What are some common acronyms?
     *4-11* What is a bungie.net order?
     *4-12* v1.3 and Deathmatch.
[5] Technical
     *5-1* Known Bugs
     *5-2* Updates
              [5-2-1] What is the 1.1 patch?
     [5-3] When will the next update be released?
*6* Release History
[7] Disclaimer

[1] Introduction

   [1-1]: Forward

  This FAQ is not intended to be a complete anthology of all knowledge and information related to Bungie Software's excellent game, Myth II: Soulblighter. It contains many references to other resources not written by the author, for which he is not responsible in any way. This FAQ explicitly does not cover Myth: The Fallen Lords. Section [1-4] will point you to a FAQ specific to Myth TFL. The format of this FAQ draws on the formats of countless other FAQs and text documents that have passed my way; it's not directly based on any particular base but is rather my own attempt to combine style and functionality.

It is assumed that you have the latest version of Myth II. See [5-2].


   [1-2]: About The FAQ

  This is a user-driven FAQ, that is, most of the content is not contributed by the author. Hence, you'll see credit and attribution all over the place.

Any FAQ is a collection of (F)requently (A)sked (Q)uestions.

Sections are enclosed in either [] or **, for example, [1-2] or *3-4*.
     []: Chapters enclosed in brackets have not been noticeably modified since the last version of the FAQ.
     **: Chapters enclosed in asterisks have been updated since the last version of the FAQ.


   [1-3]: Distribution

      [1-3-1]: via Usenet
This FAQ is posted each Thursday on alt.games.myth.
The 'Subject:' line of the post will be 'Myth II FAQ v?.?' where '?.?' is the version number of the FAQ.

      [1-3-2]: via the World Wide Web
New releases of the FAQ will be found on the following web sites:
http://www.ancrik.com/
http://www.myther.com/faq/mii/
If you would like to mirror the FAQ, you must contact Jeffrey Blake for instructions.

      [1-3-3]: via Mailing List
A mailing list exists for the collection of Myth:TFL, M2:SB, and AGM FAQs. Members of this list will recieve a copy of each FAQ via email every time the respective FAQ is updated. Only the FAQ which has recieved an update will be mailed out. To join this mailing list, contact me and I will submit your subscription.


   [1-4]: Contributing

We depend heavily on contributions from people like yourself to make this FAQ whole. Please, don't make us beg. Help us fill in the blanks.

We accept all sorts of contributions. Don't hesitate to send anything in, even if we don't even have a place for it yet. If you see something that you think is wrong, correct us.

In your email, include the name to which you would like us to include when I credit your help. We will not publish your email address unless you specifically ask us to do so.

You can contact Jeffrey Blake via email: kith@ancrik.com

Please note that all submissions to the FAQ become property of the author (Jeffrey Blake) and that they may or may not be acknowledged. By submitting to the FAQ, you grant permission for use of your submission in any future publications of the FAQ in any media. The author reserves the right to omit information from a submission or delete the submission entirely.


   [1-5]: Acknowledgements

Bungie for making this great game and being such a cool company.
Omer Shenker for beginning this FAQ and passing the torch to me.
Everyone who has contributed in any way.


   [1-6]: Accuracy

As much as we try to keep all information in the FAQ completely accurate, undoubtably errors will creep in. Please correct us. We're only human.


[2] General

   [2-1]: What is it? Who makes it?

Myth II: Soulblighter is a real-time tactical combat game set in a quasi-medieval fantasy world. Bungie both developed and distributes MII.


   [2-2]: Where can I get it?

Your local software retailer or preferred mail order outlet will most likely carry MII. It's also available direct at the Bungie Store.


   [2-3]: Is MII good? Is it better than Game X?

Yes, Myth is an excellent game, from a company with a history of excellent games. However, Myth is different enough that it can not be easily compared to other real time strategy games, let alone other strategy games in general. Myth broke new ground when it was released, and is still an excellent buy.


[3] Single Player

   [3-1]: What difference does the Difficulty Level make?

All the difference, actually. From easiest to toughest, they are:
      Timid
      Simple
      Normal
      Heroic
      Legendary
Selecting a Difficulty Level that is easier than Normal will make the game significantly easier, and making it harder than Normal will (gasp) make it much harder.

Objects (units, trees, etc.) can be set to only appear on a certain difficulty level or above. For example, some enemy units may only appear at a certain difficulty level; the higher the difficulty level, the more enemies you must face.

There is also a modification of the actual strength of your units and those of the enemies. On an easier difficulty level, your units are tougher and hit harder; the opposite happens on a higher difficulty level.


   [3-2]: Cheats

      [3-2-1]: Skipping directly to any level
Hold down the shift key for a second, and click New Game. Now you've got a list of every level except the secret levels. Also, when you watch a film of a level, you are recorded as having played that level. This includes the secret levels.

      [3-2-2]: Winning any level instantly
Use control-plus (that's the plus on the numeric keypad) to win the current level. You will not get to the secret levels this way. (Thanks: Forrest Cameranesi)

      [3-2-3]: Losing any level instantly
Use control-minus (that's the minus on the numeric keypad) to lose the current level. Why you'd want to do this is beyond me. (Thanks: Forrest Cameranesi)


   [3-3]: Strategy

      [3-3-1]: Willow Creek
Don't ever leave your Dwarf undefended. Just use your Dwarf to blow up every Ghast you see.

      [3-3-2]: Salvation
You can go around and enter the graveyard from the west. This way, the guard(s) at the gate won't be able to sound the alarm.

      [3-3-3]: Down a Broken Path
Be careful not to get too far ahead or behind of Rurik. Your Bowmen outrange Soulless.

      [3-3-4]: Into the Breach
Keep your Warriors handy to kill Ghols. When you get to the village, send two flaming arrows after each set of enemy Bowmen. Jari is invisible, so don't bump into any enemies with him. You'll have to sneak him in the side gate, then go up the ramp and blow up the winch that controls the drawbridge. At the end of the level, you'll face some Stygian Knights, who are completely immune to Bowmen but doubly vulnerable to Dwarves.

      [3-3-5]: The Baron
Split your forces to cover both secret entrances. Don't go into the large main room. Push up the sides slowly and carefully. Always make sure that the Baron can't get around your forces to the exits.

      [3-3-6]: Gonen's Bridge
Head out and don't look back. There's a large force of enemies behind you, so you have to keep moving. There are multiple two routes to the bridge, but both are long and winding. Zoom in on the signposts when you see them. Get across the bridge as soon as you find it, and blow it up with a Dwarf.

      [3-3-7]: Beyond the Cloudspine
The waterfall may be pretty, but it's also pretty dangerous, so stay away. Instead, head north to the river crossing. Use a Berserk to lure the enemy into the range of your archers and Dwarves. Cross the river and head northwest to the World Knot. Have your Dwarves pick up the large pieces of debris, which they will automatically use. When they're done, put everyone into the Knot.

      [3-3-8]: The Great Library
Your main worry are Fetch and Ghols. Use your Bowmen to kill the Fetch, and use your Berserks to protect your Bowmen. Dwarves, of course, can massacre Thrall without any problem. When the Journeyman comes out, run south into the Knot.

      [3-3-9]: Gate of Storms
You'll need one (and want two) of Alric's Dispersal Dreams at the end of the level, so use them sparingly. You'll need to use your archers and Dwarves to soften up the Myrkridia, then fade them back and fade your Warriors forward to finish them up. Go around the edge of the map rather than plow through the middle.

      [3-3-10]: Landing at White Falls
You don't have time to waste. Head inland, but don't rush. Take down the Soulless. It's possible to kill the Ghols manning the cannons from outside the fort, by positioning your archers just right. Or, rush in your Berserks.

      [3-3-11]: Through the Ermine
Find a nicely defensible place away from the fire. Scout to find the direction of the next wave.

      [3-3-12]: The Stair of Grief
Move from one ambush point to another. Save the satchels for the Mauls.

      [3-3-13]: The Deceiver
Speed and reflexes are very important on this level. The moment you get control of your units, run them north. You'll want to pass between the Warlock's bluff and the Mauls. Then you'll pass between two groups of Soulblighter's army. Once you clear them, hug the north wall as you run west. You'll come to a pass, which you should enter. Send one unit a bit ahead of the rest as bait. Have him wait, facing away from the first Warlock, and start him running as soon as the fireball begins to be fired. Repeat, and then move in for the kill. Once you've triggered the second set, you can use a convenient corner to shield yourself from the blasts, and then kill those two Warlocks. Move on out of the pass, but wait if you see the Warlocks. When the Mauls come and start killing Warlocks, run in and put all your Berserks close to the Deceiver.

      [3-3-14]: With Friends Like These
Making your units into veterans is a good idea, and Ghols need to be killed anyway. Archers make good Trow-bait.

      [3-3-15]: Walls of Muirthemne
As soon as you hear the cannons fire, immediately reverse the direction of your Trow. Keep your Mortars away from your Trow, to make sure they don't get hit by cannonfire. Trow can kill Fetch without taking very much damage. When you find the crack in the wall, spread your Mortars into a very wide semicircle. Blast open the wall. Lure the enemies in with your Trow, and blast them to pieces. Don't leave any units close together, or the Shade will use a Dispersal Dream on them.

      [3-3-16]: The Ibis Crown
Always try to avoid fighting if you can. Pick up the crown with your Journeyman.

      [3-3-17]: Redemption
Instead of defending the wall, defend the two ramps leading up to it. Use scouts to let you know where the next attack is coming from. Try to do as much damage with your Mortars before moving in with your melee units. Stay spread apart more than usual, to make the flying heads less damaging.

      [3-3-18]: Relic
Don't rush anywhere. Let the Deceiver recharge his mana between fights. Head up the roots of the "mama kong tree", kill the defenders, and have the Deceiver pick up the artifact.

      [3-3-19]: The Summoner
Your Dwarves will have to pick up the shiny orbs and throw them into the pits to unlock the gates. If you kill any Spiders, they'll become hostile. The Deceiver can pick up the artifact and walk into the pit of lightning towers. He's immune, so you can send your other units through. When you reach the Summoner, leave your units very spread out or they'll be teleported away. Kill any Myrkridia he sends at you, then end his suffering.

      [3-3-20]: A Murder of Crows
Be very careful not to alert Soulblighter, or let any Ghols get away to alert him. Find the crystal in a cave along the wall, get it out, and hug the wall back to the structure with the Deceiver inside. Free him, and teach Soulblighter a lesson in humility.

      [3-3-21]: The Wall
Set yourself up in a defensive position. Leave your Herons by the water to unheal Wights that come out. Leave your archers on the dam itself to kill Wights that come out of the river. Split your Dwarves between the two sides, and split your Warlocks as well. Your Berserks can run around and cause havoc, killing archers and that sort of thing.

      [3-3-22]: Shiver
Just be slow and methodical. Have some fun.

      [3-3-23]: Twice Born
Slow and steady wins the race, once again. Keep Alric away from your other units, so that his lightning doesn't hurt them. Alric is also good at killing Fetch; just remember to keep him healed. The Mahir can only be killed when they are attacking. Keep this in mind. Lure Soulblighter out of his circle and let Alric fight him.

      [3-3-24]: The Forge
Your goal is in sight, but it's a long way around. On the way, you'll kill lots of stuff. Save the Dispersal Dreams for the very large groups. Alric will go after Soulblighter when you get near, and you need to use the rest of your army to protect the Emperor.


[4] Multiplayer

   [4-1]: How does the server-client model work?

The server (called the host) is the computer that starts the game. The clients (the other players) join the game. The host sets all the options. If a player is disconnected from the host, the player is out of the game.

      [4-1-1]: What is a host drop?
A host drop is an intentional disconnection by the host, usually to prevent the host from losing a ranked game on bnet. This is cheating and is often punished by an account suspension. If you are hosting, leaving the game under any circumstances should be avoided at all costs.

      [4-1-2]: What is lag?
Latency, known as lag, is an inherent problem to the Internet. Lag is a delay between the time you give an order and the time it is received by the host and acknowledged. Hosts will rarely experience any lag, because it takes no time for their orders to reach their own computer. Lag is not necessarily caused by a slow host. There are 5 major factors that can cause lag:
  1. Your slow computer. There's only one way to fix this problem, but it involves your checkbook.
  2. The host's slow computer. They shouldn't be hosting if their system is slow enough that it's causing you lag.
  3. Your slow connection to the Internet. Get a better one. AOL users can't complain about this, because AOL is notorious for laggy games.
  4. The host's slow connection to the Internet. Again, they shouldn't be hosting if their connection is slow enough that it's causing you lag.
  5. A slow path between your connection and the host's connection. Not much you can do about this, really.
If you are experiencing lag, don't complain about it. At most, mention it and see if other players are experiencing it. Whining about lag is the sign of a sore (and immature) loser.


   [4-2]: What are all the different methods?

The most common method of playing multiplayer games is bungie.net, Bungie's free online service. (You need your own connection to the Internet, but bungie.net itself is free.) It's sometimes called bnet, bn2, or some such derivative.

For other options, click the Other button in the Multiplayer dialog box.

For direct play over the Internet, use TCP/IP. This bypasses bnet entirely.

For modem-to-modem play, you must establish a TCP/IP connection. More information on this in a future version of the FAQ.


   [4-3]: bungie.net

      [4-3-1]: How do I get started?
You need to register your account with the bungie.net server first. Your serial number is on the back of your jewel case, and is highly irreplaceable. You get one serial number, and one account, per copy of Myth that you have purchased. Bnet accounts are game-specific, so an account for MTFL won't work for Myth II. Your login doesn't have to be your screenname when playing, but it is something that will follow you around and that you should be happy with. Now use your web browser to register your account at http://www.bungie.net. While you're at it, you can register your copy of the game.

Make sure that you choose a password that no one else knows (not even your friends) and that you will remember. Writing down your login and your password now is highly advisable. Keep it in a safe place. If you're not worried about physical security, the manual provides a handy spot at the very back for you to write this information down. You can also write down other useful information in the manual, such as the location of this FAQ. ;) Seriously, if you forget your login or password, you'll have to fork over some cash for another copy of Myth if you want to play on bnet. Never give your password to anyone.

Now that you've done all that, you probably are itching to play. With your Internet connection active, launch Myth and click on Multiplayer. Give yourself a creative (but not offensive) name and color scheme, enter your login and password, and decide whether you want to enter your password every time you log on to bnet or not. If you want Myth to remember your password, check the appropriate box. Now you're ready to connect. Click and go.

      [4-3-2]: How do I look at info such as rank?
When you're in one of the main bnet rooms (not inside a game) click on the name and then click on the Stats button. If you look at your own, you can edit your location and quote.

      [4-3-3]: Who are these Admins?
The Admins have the Admin icon in their name, which appears at all times. If someone tells you that they are an Admin but does not have the icon, they are lying. The Admins are the administrators of bnet. Bungie trusts and respects them, and so should you. Don't ask to become an Admin, because they have no open slots available. Be sure to look at the information on the Admin's site.

      [4-3-4]: Should I give someone my prefs file(s)?
No. This is a scam designed to get your bungie.net password, which would be very bad for you.

      [4-3-5]: How do I keep bn2 from crashing?
When switching rooms, wait for the room list to fully load before so much as selecting another room.

If you use the Find button, don't double-click on a name to go to that room. Instead, select the name and click on the Go To Player button.


   [4-4]: TCP/IP

Playing via TCP/IP (the acronym stands for Transport Control Protocol/Internetworking Protocol, if you were curious) bypasses the bungie.net server completely. Note that this will not make your games any faster. The bnet server does not actually host the game, so it is not slowing it down. All the bnet server does when you join a game is point you to the host via a TCP/IP conneciton. It doesn't communicate with you further until the game ends.

TCP/IP play requires that you know the numerical IP address of the host. Contact your ISP or system administrator for more information on finding this number. If you host, you will need to tell this number to anyone else you want in the game. If you are joining a game, you will need to enter this number. Ignore the port setting unless you know what you are doing.

The Myth TCP Game Registry is a good resource for TCP/IP Myth games, and has more information about its particular specialty.


   [4-5]: Strategy

If you want to be successful, good resources include MythAdventures and Sons of Myrgard.


   [4-6]: How do I use italics or bold text?

Precede italicized text with |i and bold text with |b. To switch back to plain text, use |p. For example: Plain |bBold |iItalics |pPlain (Thanks: Dan Daranciang)

      [4-6-1]: How do I use those strange characters?
You've probably seen people whose names have high ASCII characters, such as a trademark symbol. Your OS comes with a utility that tells you how to make these characters. On a Macintosh, simultaneously pressing a combination of the option key and many of the various other keys will result in a special character. On a PC, simultaneously pressing the windows key and many of the various other keys will result in a special character. Private experimentation is recommended for finding the exact key to produce the desired character. Be forewarned that this may brand you as lame, and not someone that's fun to chat or play with.


   [4-7]: Where can I find new maps?

Good map sites include The Mill and The Baron's Keep. Once you have downloaded and extracted them, you must place them in the plugins folder. It's MythII:plugins.

      [4-7-1]: Why can't I join a game in red?
When a game is displayed in red text and is unavailable for joining, you do not have the map or plugin that is necessary to play it, or you do not have the latest patch. Try to join a red game and you'll get an error message with the name of the map and a URL that the author provides to download it.


   [4-8]: How do I gain rank?

To gain rank you must:
  1. Play on bungie.net; playing anywhere else won't affect your rank.
  2. Have the latest update installed. See [5-2].
  3. Play in ranked rooms, which have "RANKED" in the room title graphic.
  4. Play in competitive (non-coop) games of 4 or more players.
  5. Have played at least 3 games; otherwise you will have 1, 2, or 3 daggers.
  6. Win more than you lose, overall. Second place out of 2 players or teams won't help you, but second place out of 5 will raise your rank.



   *4-9*: Can I play multiplayer maps by myself?

Yes. Host a TCP/IP game, even when not connected to the Internet, and play it. See [4-4].
Note that even the most novice players will have trouble losing when there's no competition, so it's a great way to learn the games types and maps without any pressure. On bungie.net II, multi-player maps may be played by one person in unranked games.


   [4-10]: What are some common acronyms?

Most common lingo is a shortening of a game type or map name. The best way to guess these is to be familiar with all the map and game types. See [4-9].
For example, "Creep LMOTH" is Last Man on the Hill played on "Creep on the Borderlands". An even more common term you'll encounter is "BC Trow", which refers to Body Count on "If I had a Trow...."
When you see "gg" at the end of the game, it means "good game." At the beginning of the game, "gl" means "good luck," and "gla" is a short form of "gl [to] all."


   *4-11*: What is a bungie.net order?

A bungie.net order is a group of players who enjoy playing together as a team or are just a group of friends who hang out together often on bungie.net A bungie.net order, in order to be official, must have a minimum of 4 members.
Orders often participate in tournaments for prizes and bragging rights, as well for rank on the Orders Leaderboard at www.bungie.net. For more information, go to the orders section at www.bungie.net.


   *4-12*: v1.3 and Deathmatch.

Bungie released v1.3 to fix options lag, room crashes, and reduce typing lag. It ends options lag (which was a bug that caused lag in pre-game screen when the host goes into the options screen) by analyzing the number of plugins in a machine while you start Myth instead of analyzing in midst of hosting a game.

Along with v1.3, Bungie included a new option: Deathmatch. When this option is turned on, all units that die will be reincarnated to their original positions. Unfortunately, there are some techincal issues with the use of Deathmatch. see [5-1]


[5] Technical

   *5-1*: Known Bugs

There are plenty of known bugs. While many bugs were eliminated with the release of version 1.3, some still exist.
One common bug is typing lag, in which your typing might be slowed down, as if you were lagging in a game. Another bug is in Deathmatch mode, where if too many projectiles (limbs, swords, bottles, etc.) are on the ground, the engine will crash. This bug, however, can be easily avoided by playing Deathmatch games that can produce a final result without a sudden death, such as Body Count, or keeping the time limit in games down. Another bug is with old films: 1.0 films may go Out Of Sync with the 1.3 patch.


   *5-2*: Updates

It is highly recommended that you have the latest update to MII installed at all times. The latest version is currently 1.3. You can download it from Bungie's FTP server. They are also available from other download locations, though you are advised to make sure you are getting the latest version and be wary of altered updates, as these have been known to steal your prefs files (See [4-3-4]). The safest way to go is to download from Bungie's FTP server. Installation of the updates is simple and straight-forward if you read the included help files.

      [5-2-1]: What is the 1.1 patch?
The 1.1 patch is available only for Windows. It fixes an uninstaller bug. Without the patch, uninstalling an installation that was performed anywhere but the default directory will wipe the hard disk. This patch is not included with the 1.2 patch, so you need to install it separately. If your CD says "v1.1", you already have the 1.1 patch installed.


   [5-3]: When will the next update be released?

Bungie doesn't give release dates of any sort, including for updates. Don't waste their time by asking or nagging, because "when it's done" will be their answer.


*6* Release History

This is the version history of this FAQ, not of Myth. If you've got some burning desire to see an old version of the FAQ, let Omer Shenker know. He keeps them all, although the old versions are (quite obviously) outdated and inaccurate.

Version 1.5 990631 Version 1.4 990621 Version 1.3 990620 Version 1.2 990613 Version 1.1 990401 Version 1.0 990401 Version 0.1 990321

[7] Disclaimer

Ask before taking.

All content is copyright (C) 1999 Jeffrey Blake. This document is not in the public domain. To distribute this document, please contact Jeffrey Blake. Jeffrey Blake and Ancrik claim no responsibility for the content of this document, or for any uses of the information contained herein. This document is distributed as is, and the user assumes all risks from interaction with this document. This document is protected by international treaty law and governed under the laws of Medford, Minnesota, United States of America or as applicable. Caveat lector. This is the end.