This is a real-time adventure based in mythological times, first released
for the Sinclair QL home computer by Talent computer systems of Glasgow in 1984.
Written by Alan Black and Jon R Malone, it is probably one of the best selling
programs ever for the Sinclair QL . It was also released on the Atari ST.
It has now been made available to Windows based PC users thanks to QL2K, a
Sinclair QL emulator by Jimmy Montesinos and Raphael Zhou in France, based
on the freeware QLAY emulator written by Jan Venema in the Netherlands.
The Lost Kingdom of ZKUL is a classic, challenging text only adventure, with
hundreds of locations and a huge vocabulary. It is set in real time with
traps, puzzles and mazes - and a special note-pad feature to help you!
The name of this adventure is based on a skull-like rock formation that marks
the entrance to the ancient dwelling place of the dwarves, an enormous
labyrinth of tunnels inside a mountain. Many years ago, the dwarves of the
mountain, who had lived in peace for centuries, were besieged by the men of Caras,
from far in the south. The dwarves were all but beaten, driven back to their last
refuge in the Domed City, when the great Wizard Taradon, summoning his final
reserves of strength, led the dwarves in a last tragic assault.
The men of Caras were defeated, but at heavy cost to the dwarves. Few survived that
day, and those who did, remain their still, mourning their dead.
Of the Wizard, little is known, although it is said that he remains in the Domed
City, guarding the last precious secret of the old civilisation.
Although the history of these days has now lapsed into legend, you have heard
tell of adventurers seeking the Domed City and the great treasures said to be
hidden in the dwarves' mountain dwelling. Some have returned empty-handed,
with tales only of failure. Most have never been heard of again.
Guided by your friend Eldomir, you have travelled to where he believes you
will find the ancient dwelling place of the dwarves.
As you approach the river, he bids you farewell, leaving instructions for
you to bring any treasure you may find to the house in the forest.
NOTE: You can download a demo version from this website - this is the full
adventure but is limited to 3 sessions of 20 minutes playing time.
Reviews
"Zkul is an excellent adventure and its size means that the further you
get into it, the harder it gets... This is the standard the others have to
beat."
Micro Adventurer November 1984
"ZKUL has a bewildering number of settings, some vexing logic tests,
a full cast and an entirely satisfactory store of treasures."
QL User December 1984
"from the feel of the initials moves and encounters I am sure expert
adventurers will not be disappointed."
The name of this adventure is based on a skull-like rock formation that marks
the entrance to the ancient dwelling place of the dwarves, an enormous
labyrinth of tunnels inside a mountain. Many years ago, the dwarves of the
mountain, who had lived in peace for centuries, were besieged by the men of Caras,
from far in the south. The dwarves were all but beaten, driven back to their last
refuge in the Domed City, when the great Wizard Taradon, summoning his final
reserves of strength, led the dwarves in a last tragic assault. 
