The Dark World of "Hexen" Trivia Quiz

Answer: Korax

Korax is the second of three evil beings known as the Serpent Riders. He is a skeletal-looking figure whose face appears on the portals throughout the game. Korax is more powerful that D'Sparil, who was defeated in "Heretic" (which preceded "Hexen"), but who is not as powerful as the third Serpent Rider, Eidolon, who is the antagonist in "Hexen II".

Answer: The warrior

These three men represent the three areas that governed humanity before Korax exerted his evil influence. These three areas are the Legion, the Church, and the Arcanum. At the start of the game, the player is offered a choice of three characters, and is given a selection of "ratings" to help them make their decision.

For example, Baratus ranks highly for strength, but poorly for magic. Daedalus is magical, but not very strong. Parias can be seen as a compromise between his two allies in terms of his qualities.

Answer: The Mystic Urn

Throughout the game, floating potions and artefacts can be collected and used accordingly to help the player. While the crystal vial, quartz flask and mystic urn restore health, other items such as the flechette can be used to inflict damage on their opponents.

The decision of which character to play as is an important one, since items (such as the flechette) are utilised differently by different characters.

Answer: Ettins

In the first level of "Hexen" - the Winnowing Hall - Ettins appear constantly and in rather large numbers to try and kill the player character. They are, despite their fearsome appearance, rather slow and easy to overcome. They therefore serve as a good way of easing the player in before they are made to face more challenging foes.

Answer: Range weapons

Afrits are flaming gargoyles that can move in several directions, making them tricky enemies to fight. They themselves possess range weapons (they can fire balls of flame) and so have no real need to get close to the player character. This makes things difficult for Baratus, who must wait until he has acquired the Hammer of Retribution before he can fire projectiles. Daedolon, on the other hand, can use the Sapphire Wand (a range weapon) from the beginning of the game.

Answer: The Porkalator

Like Circe turned Odysseus's men into swine, you can too with the Porkalator (or Porkelator) in "Hexen". Turning emeries into pigs makes them easier to defeat, but only holds them in their porcine form for a limited time. The player can even use this item to turn themselves into a pig. Though their health is reduced, it can allow them to fit through passageways that are usually too small.

Answer: Arc of Death

Arc of Death is one of the weapons used by Daedolon, rather than Parias. It is less a physical weapon, and more of a piece of magic used by Daedolon to fire lighting at oncoming monsters from his hands, akin to the Emperor in "Star Wars". The Mace of Contrition is Parias's first weapon and his only one which does not permit him to use projectiles.

Instead, it is used to bludgeon enemies -the old-fashioned way.

Answer: The Kraken

"Hexen" has a distinctly mythological feel, which is perhaps what drew me to it as a child. Clothing which makes one stronger, faster, or capable of flight is all too familiar in the stories of Greek mythology. For example, Perseus is given winged sandals by Hermes, helping him to defeat Medusa. Similar items, such as the Boots of Speed, can be found in "Hexen". Even the names of the main characters are similar to some characters in Greek mythology. Daedolon is close to Daedalus, who built the labyrinth in which the Minotaur dwelt (incidentally, creatures similar to the Minotaur are also found throughout "Hexen"'s gameplay). Also, Parias is similar in name to Paris, the youngest son of Priam and killer of Achilles.

Answer: Field of Dreams

As well as the Seven Portals, Shadow Wood, and the Castle of Grief, Heresiarch's Seminary and Necropolis make up the five hubs of "Hexen". Each hub is subdivided into different maps (or levels), making completing "Hexen" a long and time-consuming process - but which is hardly boring!

Answer: Pope

In the "Dark Crucible", you attempt to vanquish Korax, who is equally keen to dispatch you (or make you his slave). Korax's name is derived for the Latin name for raven - a bird associated with horror and graveyards, as well as being the name of the software developer behind "Hexen" (Raven Software).