Demons of the Deep (book)

Fighting Fantasy Gamebook
Outline
Location:	Atlantis, Titan
References:	400
Publication Details
Author(s):	Steve Jackson (2)
Illustrator(s):	Bob Harvey
Puffin
Cover illustrator:	Les Edwards
First published:	January 30 1986
Number	19
ISBN:	ISBN 0-14-031921-2
Previous Book:	Rebel Planet
Next Book:	Sword of the Samurai
Wizard (Series 1)
Wizard (Series 2)
Scholastic

For other uses of Demons of the Deep, see Demons of the Deep

Demons of the Deep is a single-player role-playing gamebook written by Steve Jackson (2) (the American game designer, rather than the series co-creator), illustrated by Bob Harvey and originally published in 1986 by Puffin Books. It forms part of Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone's Fighting Fantasy series. It is the 19th in the series in the original Puffin series (ISBN 0-14-031921-2). There are currently no announced plans to republish this book as part of the Scholastic series.

Background

“	As the dread pirate ship Troll strikes, you know that you are doomed! Captain Bloodaxe - the terror of these seas - is known to give no quarter. But you and your crew are hardy sailors, courageous too, and are determined to go down fighting. The skirmish is swift and deadly. When it is over, YOU are the only survivor from your ship. But Captain Bloodaxe has a terrible fate in store for you - one which will take you into the coral caverns beneath the waves and into the dens of the demons of the deep, in search of the mysterious Black Pearls, which are your only hope for survival! Two dice, a pencil and an eraser are all you need for this adventure. YOU decide which route to follow, which dangers to risk and which monsters to fight.	”
—Demons of the Deep - Back Cover ("Dragon" Edition)

In this gamebook, the reader takes on the role of the first mate of the merchant ship Sunfish. Unfortunately, before the adventure even begins, the pirate ship Troll strikes. The entire crew, save for the main character, are slain. Although the protagonist is merely knocked unconscious, waking grants little respite, as a quick walk off the stern of ship follows. The player sinks into the sea but, thanks to magic, doesn't drown, beginning an adventure underwater. The player character must collect black pearls and learn a spell to form skeletons from them, then use them to attack and capture the Troll.

How to Fight the Creatures of the Deep/Equipment/Hints on Play

The book in general follows the original rules set down in The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (see Game System).

Equipment List

• Leather Armour

In the course of events in the "Background" the player is given a sword and a bag containing 10 Provisions which can also be used to carry other items.

Cover and Illustrations

Main article: Demons of the Deep (illustrations)

Covers

The original cover of the book was designed and illustrated by Les Edwards.

Demons of the Deep Cover Variants

1985	1987	1989	1990	1993
Adventure Gamebooks	Dragon ver.I	Dragon ver.II	Dragon ver.III	Dragon ver.IV
£1.951	£2.252	£2.503	£3.504	£3.995
NOTES Price of 1st~2nd Impressions Price of 5th~6th Impressions Price of 7th Impression Price of 8th Impression Price of 10th Impression

Illustrations

The interior illustrations were by Bob Harvey. There were 32 full page illustrations and 9 minor repeated illustrations scattered throughout the text. The paragraphs with a full page illustration were: 1, 13, 25, 38, 50, 62, 75, 87, 97, 111, 122, 135, 148, 160, 172, 184, 196, 208, 232, 244, 256, 269, 282, 294, 307, 320, 333, 346, 359, 372, 385 and 398.

Other Media

Main article: Demons of the Deep (computer game)

A computer game was planned under the Fighting Fantasy Software brand, to be distributed by Adventure International (UK), sometime after February 1987. However, this was never released.

Main Characters

YOU: Hero of Demons of the Deep

• Captain Bloodaxe - Pirate
• Cyrano
• Greylock
• Keeekweeet - Dolphin
• King Seamoss - Deep One
• Sharkspear - Deep One
• Water Elemental

Locations

• Atlantis
• Bloodaxe Island
• Fish Island
• Gorblimey Rocks
• Kestrel Island
• Pirate Cove
• Port Blacksand
• Skull Island
• Tarfeather Island

Encounters

• Anemones
• Barracudas
• Batfish
• Bloodworms
• Bone Demon
• Captain Bloodaxe
• Cyrano
• Deep Ones
• Devilfish
• Dolphins
• Giant Crabs
• Grouper
• Kraken
• Lionfish
• Mermen
• Moray Eel
• Muck Demon
• Pirates
• Sawfish
• Sea Dragon
• Sea Hag
• Sea Ogre
• Sea Snakes
• Sea Spiders
• Sharks
• Sharkspear
• Skeletons
• Statue
• Swordfish
• Water Elemental
• Water Sprite

Further Notes

• This is the only gamebook of those that the American Steve Jackson wrote that follows a traditional linear design.
• Unlike many gamebooks, the best ending is not found at (400).
• Titan - The Fighting Fantasy World elaborates on the location of Demons of the Deep. The book takes place in Atlantis, a sunken continent located west of Allansia.

Errors

• The illustration of the Sea Hag at (307) shows a lit fire under the cauldron, yet the scene is set underwater.
• At (128) you can offer a gift to a certain character; however, it is possible you have none of the items and there's no other option leading away from this section. It stands to reason that you can still choose to attack (30) or talk (305) with the creature.
• At (61) you're offered to call a befriended Dolphin. While you were able to initially communicate to it with the help of a magic item, that item is not required here, and it is unclear how you call and talk to the Dolphin in (288) if you have managed to lose the magic item in the meanwhile.

Dedication

Dedicated to Monica, with love

External Links

• Character Sheet - Retrieved 2019-10-26
• Fighting Fantasy at Gamebooks.org - Retrieved 2019-10-26
• Demons of the Deep at Gamebooks.org - Retrieved 2019-10-26
• Demons of the Deep at the Internet Archive record of the old Fightingfantasy.com - Retrieved 2019-10-26