I agree, Lady Avalon, the manual can be confusing, especially to those who are new to RPGs, haven't played AD&D and don't have all day to sit and play computer games.
I hope my earlier post didn't sound too harsh, I just get annoyed when people say "read the manual" when someone has asked an honest question. We all had to start somewhere, and a lot of us learned what we know now by asking on this board and getting friendly answers, not by being told to read the manual, which I think is a bit unhelpful.
(OMG I hope this doesn't sound to harsh either, it's just I would like anyone who goes to type 'Read the Manual' to have a think about how that would make THEM look to others on the board)
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Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Epona of The Laughing Hyenas.