Druid: Daemons of the Mind

Druid: Daemons of the Mind
Game Information
Developer(s)	Synthetic Dimensions
Publisher(s)	Sir-tech Software Koei
Genre(s)	Adventure Role-Playing Game
Mode(s)	Single Player
Platform(s)
PC
Date: 1995
Date: 1995
Date: 10/31/1995
Date: 10/31/1995
Date: 1998
Date: 1998
PlayStation
Date: 02/19/1998
Date: 02/19/1998
Sega Saturn
Date: 07/02/1998
Date: 07/02/1998
Rating(s)

Druid: Daemons of the Mind (ドルイド 闇への追跡者, Druid Yami he no Tsuisekisha) is a point-and-click adventure game filled with role-playing elements. The game was designed by Matt Stott.

Plot

The story is about supernatural druids with magical powers who were transported to Navan by a mysterious force. They formed settlements and lived in harmony with nature. As a new generation gained power, they summoned a hero from Earth to locate their missing brethren, aiming to restore their society.

Gameplay

The player must explore their environment and solve multiple inventory-based puzzles in order to proceed through the story. Hints are provided by interacting with NPCs or examining different items scattered throughout the game. Multiple endings are also included for replay value.

Enemies, either human guards or elemental creatures, hinder progress. Players can deal damage, block hits, and overpower enemies using button inputs. A steady rhythm is necessary, and more enemies spawn after defeat.

Upon receiving damage, the player will grow weak and become less able to counterattack. They may choose to heal themselves by using magic or restorative items. If those options are unavailable, one can simply wait for several minutes to recover gradually.

Leveling up after 3,000 experience points improves strength, speed, mind, and body traits, affecting combat performance. Acquiring better equipment boosts damage output and durability. Japanese port features palette-swapped weapon graphics.

	Axe and Wrist Guard 1
	Bonus: None Location: Initially available to the player.
	Axe and Wrist Guard 2
	Bonus: +2 Location: Keown - Drill Area Entrance
	Axe and Wrist Guard 3
	Bonus: +4 Location: Aneli - Havnar's Audience Chamber
	Axe and Wrist Guard 4
	Bonus: +6 Location: Rumi - Left Castle Stairs B2

Characters

• Protagonist - Summoned to Navan by the druids, the protagonist is tasked with finding their missing colleague Lawson in order to go back home. Although druid blood runs in his veins, he can only cast spells with the aid of an amulet. His fate is determined by the player's actions.
• The Three Druids - The three druids are Navan's current ruling figures. Seemingly wise and enigmatic, they appear from time to time providing the player with clues on where to go next.
• Lawson - Known as the air druid. He went missing shortly after having a dispute with his peers.
• Ferghus - One of the civilians residing in Rumi. He knows much about Lawson's whereabouts as well as the truth behind Navan's current state.
• Kreitzer - A Common Ground scientist imprisoned for unknown reasons. His freedom may lead the player back home or to a fatal end.

Locations

The four known islands of Navan: Common Ground (west), Keown (east), Aneli (south), and Rumi (north).

• Common Ground - A desolate wasteland filled with plant-based monsters, it serves as a neutral zone for the druids to discuss important matters with one another. The player may have to backtrack here several times to uncover the secrets of Navan.
  • Wendron - The game's initial hub includes an observatory, prison, arena, and underground mine shaft, serving as the gathering place for the three druids.
  • The Archives - A two-story library. Contains ancient texts on various subjects like history and magic.
  • The Quoits - An ancient stone circle with a secret mechanism. If solved, it activates a portal teleporting the player to the other islands.
  • Restricted Area - A heavily-guarded facility where research on space travel and monster creation is being conducted.
• Keown - Domain of the earth druid Astor. Full of overgrown wildlife, the island does not seem to have any obvious disasters other than the presence of plant monsters.
  • Broadoak Woods - A forest of pine trees; a wine maker's cabin can be seen within the area.
  • Duir - A small town near the Lost Peaks. Houses are built in rows.
  • Astor's Palace - Astor's home, it is located near the shoreline. The palace contains plenty of corridors leading to secret passages.
  • The Black Mountains - The mountains have become an excavation site where workers drill the area for minerals.
• Aneli - Domain of the water druid Havnar. A small but cold region, the monsters there are made of ice. The island used to be fertile until a sudden blizzard changed it for the worse.
  • The Great Glacier - The glacier serves as a bridge between the Rime Cliffs and Havnar's Cave, containing valuable treasures deep within the snow.
  • The Rime Cliffs - A lone cliff with a wide view of the sea.
  • Havnar's Cave - Situated near Icicle Bay, Havnar's home is a palace built within a cold damp cave. Inside the palace is a library and several galleries.
• Rumi - Domain of the fire druid Curak. Home to a volcano, this crescent-shaped island is filled with strong golem-like monsters.
  • Taranis - A village located at the center of Rumi. The people live in huts and have their own distinct culture. At the west of Taranis lies a beach.
  • Sulphur Caverns - This cavern has been turned into a laboratory where research on energy is being done. It is also a hazardous place due to the amount of lava present.
  • Curak's Castle - Curak's abode is a large fortress decked with bone-like pillars.
• Zynaryx - Lawson's hidden island, discovered through a secret stone circle, is a peaceful, non-monster-inhabited space with an Egyptian-inspired palace interior.

Gallery

Western version protagonist

Japanese version protagonist