ETHERLORDS II. Update patch 1.02 for the English version of the game
====================================================================
November 2003

Etherlords II © 2003 Nival Interactive. All rights reserved. Etherlords is a trademark of 
Nival Interactive. Etherlords is a trademark of Nival Interactive. Published in North America 
by Strategy First Inc.



1. INSTALLATION
===============
This is the second official update patch for the English version of the game after its release.
It integrates all improvements and bug fixes done in patch 1.01. To install the patch, 
launch EL2_102ENG.exe file and follow on-screen instructions.

By default the patch is installed to C:\Program Files\Strategy First\Etherlords II. After the
installation is complete, you can launch the game in the usual way - either from your Windows 
Start menu or by double-clicking on the file Etherlords2.exe in the game directory.


2. PROBLEMS FIXED BY THE UPDATE
===============================
Update patch 1.02 fixes the following problems discovered after the release of update patch 
version 1.01:

Campaign mode
-------------
- fixed the bug potentially leading to a security breach when playing on maps created by 
players using the Map Editor;

- in windowed mode, fixed switching to other tasks using Alt+Tab keys: the game no longer freezes
and the user can switch back to the game without encountering any problems;

- fixed the bug occasionally leading to appearance of multiple artefact blanks in the third 
mission of the Synthet campaign;

- in Load Game screen, the last saved game is now selected automatically;

Duel (Combat) mode
------------------
- fixed the bug causing loss of recharged artefact energy between rounds;
- "Dissolution" spell now works with zero ether;
- the camera can now be rotated using the mouse;
- the time of displaying screen messages during duel has been doubled;
- in Current Preset screen, if no spells are selected the spell price is displayed when the cursor 
passes it over;
- in Replay dialog the last saved replay's name is now kept;
- when a new deck is being created, the initial deck in Current Preset screen is now empty 
(to make editing more convenient, primitives have been removed);
- when deck is being edited in Current Preset screen, it's no longer possible to put more than 
4 identical cards into the bag and the deck;

Multiplayer game
----------------
- fixed the bug causing unjustified appearance of "Cheating is detected" message;
- in windowed mode, fixed switching to other tasks using Alt+Tab keys (before, this action 
disconnected the player);
- added information about the number of players present in each "room" on the master server;
- when players log on to the master server, their login names are now saved (the last login name
entered by the player);
- fixed the bug in Round Table mode which caused players to reassemble their decks after each
round;
- fixed the bug in Round Table mode which set minimum and maximum time for spell selection
incorrectly: 7 and 17 seconds respectively, instead of 1 and 20 seconds;
- fixed the bug which made impossible to release OK button in Blind and Round Table modes;
- opponent's name is now displayed in Current Preset screen in Blind and Round Table modes;
- in LOBBY interface of Duel, Blind and Round Table modes of the master server, default sorting  
of players is changed - now those players who're ready and waiting for opponents to start combat 
are displayed first in the list; 
- different sets of spells are now generated for both players in Blind mode;
- both players now receive identical sets of skills in Blind mode; one of the skills is always
"Resources" (level 1-3), and all skill slots are filled;
- it's now impossible for any three people to connect to host computer;
- fixed the bug causing de-synchronization in duels played via a LAN if spells were cast quickly;

Statistics and ratings on the master server
-------------------------------------------
- players' places are now displayed in their rating;
- it's now possible to search for a specific player name in the list;


3. ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS ACHIEVED BY INSTALLING THE PATCH
===========================================================
- update patch 1.02 makes it possible to play "Single Mission" games on maps created by players 
using Map Editor (can be downloaded from Etherlords II web site).


4. Known technical issues
=========================

4.1 Background applications
---------------------------
We recommend against switching to other applications (by using Alt+Tab) while the game is 
running in windowed mode. In particular, using Alt+Tab in the Master server mode may cause random 
disconnection with the master server.

In addition, before launching the game, we recommend closing all other applications (especially 
Microsoft Outlook), to maximize system free resources. 

The game doesn't support switching to other applications when running in full-screen mode.

4.2 Known video cards issues
----------------------------
The game has problems with some accelerators based on ATI Radeon 9700 and 9700Pro chip sets from
certain manufacturers while working with some video drivers from ATI Catalyst series.

It is definitely known that Sapphire Atlantis RADEON 9700PRO 128MB doesn't work with Catalyst 
video drivers higher than version 3.0. However, this video card set does work with Catalyst 3.0.
Besides, most of videocards based on ATI Radeon 9700 and 9700Pro chip set do work with Catalyst 3.7
and Catalyst 3.8 drivers.

Catalyst 3.0 drivers are supplied on the CD2 in the directory /Video Drivers/ATI. 



5. Developer feedback and support
==================================

Nival Interactive and Strategy First Inc. companies do not guarantee full 
operability of this game on all hardware.  However,  experience has shown that 
most computers which meet the minimum system requirements  will be capable of 
running the game.  We greatly appreciate all notes and bug reports.

Strategy First Inc. offers technical support through the Etherlords web 
site, E-mail, and via phone.

If you run have problems with the program, and the information in 
the manual and Readme file are insufficient, consult the support 
area on the Etherlords web site at http://www.etherlords.com.  
Our web site contains up-to-date information on the most common 
difficulties with our products, and is kept current with the most 
up-to-date information and patches.

If you are unable to find the information you need on our web site, 
you can E-mail Strategy First Inc. at support@strategyfirst.com. 
Please be sure to include the following information:

	Title of Game
	Operating System
	Type of CPU, and speed in MHz
	Amount of RAM
	Sound card type
	Video Card
	CD-ROM
	Mouse type and driver version (if available)

	And a detailed description of the problem you are having.


If you need to speak with someone immediately you may contact the Strategy First Inc. 
Technical Support department at (514) 844-2433. Please have the above information ready when 
you call. This will help us answer your question in the shortest possible time. Customer Service 
at this number is available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern time. Note that no hints or codes 
are available from this line.


Our web sites
=============
http://www.etherlords.com
http://www.strategyfirst.com
http://www.nival.com

ENJOY THE GAME!


6. VERSION HISTORY
==================

Problems identified in the release version of the game and fixed by the patch 1.01:
===================================================================================

Single Player Campaign mode
---------------------------

- fixed the bug that randomly crashed the game to desktop after a battle;
- fixed the bug that prevented the camera from returning to “hero-centered” position after 
a script movie played;
- fixed a number of minor script bugs;
- fixed the bug that caused message console unpredictably appear over a dialog;
- fixed a few misprints in campaign descriptions;

Additions:

- pressing PgUp/PgDn now allows for smooth camera zoom-in/zoom-out;


Multiplayer mode
----------------

- fixed the bug that caused multiple random disconnections with the master server; 
- fixed the bug that caused blinking of a message box “Waiting for Player ..” in Hot-Seat mode;
- fixed the bug that caused displaying incorrect status of a player in the waiting room in 
Round Table mode;
- fixed a few minor interface bugs in setting connection dialogues;

Additions:

- a number of interface elements tool-tips were added;


Duel (Combat) mode
------------------
- Purify Station building's visual effect of inflicting damage changed from "Exile" to 
"Call Lightning";


The following bugs were fixed:

- adjusted functionality of some spells, specializations and special abilities:

1) The working of "Reanimate" spell adjusted according to its description. Now the spell 
brings the last creature back to the player's hand from the graveyard (before, the first 
creature was returned from the graveyard);
2) Fixed the effect of "Gift" spell on creatures with Non-Summoning Sickness. Now these 
creatures are not affected by Summoning Sickness after the spell has been cast.
3) Fixed the effect of "Discriminating Lighting" specialization. Now the cost of enchantment 
created by "Lighting Storm" spell when the specialization works, equals the cost of the spell.
4) Removed negative enchantment visual effect when "Mark of Pale" spell is cast.
5) Fixed the working of "Transfer Aspects" spell. Now it only works when both creatures really
can change aspects.
6) Fixed the bug causing creatures to stay alive and keep on fighting after HP-affecting
enchantments have been cast/removed during combat.
7) Fixed the bug which in certain situations led to incorrect calculation of combat state when
a blocking creature with "Regeneration" ability was taking part in combat; for example, this
could make blocking the opponent with such a creature impossible.
8) Fixed the bug causing the game to crush after "Physical Resonance" and "Magical Resonance"
specialization have worked.
9) Fixed the bug causing the game to crush after the player clicked on the following icon spells
in certain situations: "Stone Skin", "Energy Barrier", "Lifeguard".


- edited descriptions of a few spells:

1) "Flame Lick" spell: description changed to "Pay X ether: remove specified enchantments 
providing their casting cost equals X";
2) "Disintegrate" spell: description changed to: "Pay X ether: remove specified creature costing 
X ether from the game (the creature cannot use "Regeneration" ability to cancel this effect)";
3) Special ability of Pteros and Reinforced Pteros creatures: description changed to: "Rest, 
pay X ether: remove enchantment with casting cost X";
4) "Second Birth" spell: description changed to: "Recycling. Pay X ether: return specified 
creature with casting cost X from your graveyard into play";
5) "Alpha Strike" spell: description changed to: "This spell can only be cast on friendly 
creatures. The enchanted creature becomes Trample and gets First Strike ability. The strength of 
the enchanted creature increases by X, where X is the creature's initial strength. The enchanted 
creature's Health resets to 1. At the end of the current turn (or if the enchantments are removed) 
the enchanted creature dies; it cannot use regeneration to prevent its death."


Balance change:

- Pale Knight creature is deprived of "LifeTap" ability;

Additions:

- a scrollbar is added to description window in the combat tutorial;