Companion universe

This is the article for universe of the King's Quest Companion and KQ7 Authorized Guide by Peter Spear. This article compares between the classic King's Quest series (including its hint books/strategy guides, manuals, and other related Sierra games) and the King's Quest Companion.

While King's Quest Companion is heavily inspired upon and intended to expand the universe of the games, and was influential to the games (see Derek Karlavaegen and King's Questions for examples), there are a number of ways that details in the guide may differ from details given in the games (Game realities) and other official guides such as official Sierra hintbooks, and the The Official Book of King's Quest

Background

This article goes into the artistic licence and differences between the novelizations of King's Quest in the King's Quest Companion said to be based on the Real world of Daventry, and the games said to be based only on the dreams of the world of Daventry (Game realities).

The Multiverse

The Companion splits the stories of Daventry into another universe, and claims that it is the real universe in which the games are based on, and the games are actually less accurate retellings of real events (aka the game universe).

Much of the backstories of the various games, place Daventry in earth's past a long time ago, some centuries past.

Other Sierra franchise play along with King's Quest being past or contemporary part of a Sierra universe/multiverse.

See On the Origin of Daventry, for more detail.

Kingdom of Daventry

It's strongly implied that the present Daventry has only been existence for around two generations. Edward founded the kingdom (consolidating it from previous warring regions), built the castle for his wife, and Graham took over. There is little evidence of previous dynasties. The only evidence of previous kingdoms located in the same place is mention that the kingdom is very old founded just after people came to the world from Serenia after the withdrawal (the Ancient Well is ruins from that time), and there is also mention that the Magic Mirror has been in use by Edward and the rulers before him who used it mostly for crop forecasting. The Withdrawal is seeming implied to have been over a thousand years before in relation other related info in the book.

It is said that when Graham restored the kingdom, it was became whole and united as never before. Implying that the kingdom was at least as large as it had been at the time Edward consolidated the kingdom and put it into order, and likely that he expanded it further. It also suggested that Daventry is largest of the four Great countries of the world. It is the greatest of the great countries and has much influence on world (in part due to suggestion that the Royal Family apparently helps balance the world representing the side of Good). In comparison in the BB universe Daventry is portrayed as particularly minor country in scheme of things with Serenia being more of the major kingdom (Insects of Serenia and the Surrounding Lands, Volume III: T to Z) on the continent.

Daventry has one main town but it is mentioned that there are other towns throughout the kingdom. Various manuals for KQ1, KQ5 and KQ8 mentions Daventry having a village/town. Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles may hint at other small roadside inns in Daventry proper as well. And a map in KQ8 may show two villages/towns. But only one small village is visited in the game in Daventry proper. The BB universe only confirms one town.

Like KQ3 the Companion's first edition places Daventry has covering most of the continent, (except for small Western and southern kingdoms, and small section of Serenia along the northeasterm shore) and thus being one of the largest countries in the world, as it is described in Prince Alexander's Own Story! Exclusive Interview. Later after KQ5 is revealed, Daventry becomes the continent of Serenia, now combined as one continent with Daventry to the south and Serenia to the north (both roughly taking up most of the land of the continent).

The KQ4 manual states that Daventry has existed for thousands of years under many kings and queens. In KQ1SCI remake there is mention Edward's father having lived in the castle before as a child.

In the BB universe (novel universe) there is mentions that many generations have lived in the castle, and there is a hallway with paintings of many of the kings and queens from previous generations. And it’s stated that moar monsters were out i the moat during an early king. However, in contrast to the companion, and games. Daventry is described as a small place surrounded by much larger lands.

Land of Kolyma (and Enchanted Isle)

The various editions imply several theories for the location of the Enchanted Isle/s in relation to Kolyma and the further geography of Kolyma. 1st edition placed the enchanted isle just off the coast of Kolyma to it’s southwest in the Southern Sea.

While Gerwain speculated that it might be in another world (similar to the boxes and other promotional material).

Meanwhile it also talks about how doors lead between east and west of continent through the use of keys, implying that Blue Beach is eastern Kolyma, with the island just a short ways off it’s coast just like in the maps. Furthermore it’s said that nothing (or almost nothing) is known about eastern Kolyma, but that it’s apparently the home of the royal family of Kolyma and has the population center for the kingdom.

In later editions however the location of the island on map is moved to far west of Kolyma (south of Tanalore in the Great Sea Ocean). The context of the door leading to eastern Kolyma becomes less clear in context (as to it’s connection to blue cliffs).

Furthermore in later editions extra lines are added about shipwrecked sailers speaking of mysterious areas where the islands are blue and the oceans are red. Seemingly further separating the Enchanted Isles from eastern Kolyma.

Serenia

In the companion Serenia is largely missing during events of KQ3 (much as in KQ3 charts). But appears later in second and 3rd edition maps. It is said to border Daventry with the Great Mountains being a natural barrier between both lands.

In the BB universe there are a number of lands lieing in between Serenia and Daventry.

The companion does leave room to explain this away that kingdoms come and go sometimes daily.

World Scale

The scale of the world in the King’s Quest Companion seems to vary inconsistently across articles. Overall it seems to be inspired by game scale, albeit slightly larger since it takes days to cross lands as opposed to a few hours like in the games (see below). But traveling seems to be much quicker than it takes in the BB universe novels which took weeks or months to move around the lands. For example it only takes Alexander to cross from Llewdor to Daventry in about a day. Yet oddly enough it takes him three months to travel from Llewdor to the Green Isles as stated in the Companion.

In addition, there are times when individual lands seem to be described much larger than they generally appear in the companions stories, for example Tamir described has having many families of fisherman living along it’s shores (possibly in line with some promotional material speaking of the Town of Tamir (despite only one fisherman family seen in the games).

In several sections it talks about how Daventry having a single town south of the castle (much as it appears in the novels). However, in another story related to KQ2 it talks about a much larger Daventry made up of many towns across it’s lands. However it also suggests Daventry grew again under Graham which might explain it being larger than in KQ1.

To be fair the scale of the world might not be consistent between individual games either with Guidebook to the Land of the Green Isles implying wider oceans and larger versions of Daventry and Tamir filled with roadside inns.

Likewise there is some sources that only that Llewdor has one town, but other sections that might suggest it is made up of several towns.

Serenia is described as having a palace, though it isn’t seen in KQ5, though implied in backstory for Wizard and the Princess.

The scale of the Green Isles changes between books sometimes showing more islands in some than in other editions.

The book waves away most of these inconsistencies as the world always in magical flux, and changes sometimes even daily.

Notably King’s Questions map which is based on 3rd edition map shows a much larger scale for ocean between continent of Daventry and the Green Isles. However it flips the world upside down.

Manannan’s personality

In the companion Mannanan is more complicated. He has mood swings, sometimes he might be considered to be somewhat nice and forgiving, and even promises to let Alexander free at some point. But only for him to get angry for minor things and threaten to kill him on the spot.

In King's Quest 3 and its manual Manannan never promises to let his victims go, and always strives to kill them on their 18th birthday or earlier. There isn't any strike of mercy in his soul.

In the game however it does mention his countenance softening a bit and he gives a second chance, as long as none of the major transgressions are not committed such as having contraband, missing wand, or being caught inside of the laboratory. It indicates Alexander is at the mercy of the miserable old wizard.

Manannan's Cat

The Companion backstory makes the Mananna's cat female, and a victim of the evil wizard revenge on a rival wizard using the cat cookie spell.

KQ3 makes the cat male, and other guides usually go with this. Going as far to add that the cat is Manannan's pet, and loyal to his master, actively trying to kill Gwydion to protect his master.

The Sorcerer/Enchanter

The Companion makes the Sorcerer in KQ1 and Enchanter in KQ2 the same character.

The Official Book of King's Quest makes them separate characters.

This one is complicated, originally in early versions of KQ1 the Sorcerer and Enchanter were obviously different characters with different character sprites.

But in later version releases (1987) of KQ1 the Sorcerer was replaced with the KQ2 enchanter, making them the same character.

The sorcrerer/enchanter is able to speak common in the Companion, however in the OT universe he is said to only be able to speak the language of the Mystics.

Kicking Manannan

In the Companion Gwydion kicks Alexander for catharsis.

In KQ3 there is a special message for trying to kick Mannanan… telling the player to get on with his quest since the wizard will no longer be a bother to anyone.

True Identity

The point when Alexander learned his true identity and how differs between sources. He doesn’t appear to have learned it while in Llewdor in the Companion. Certainly not before meeting the Oracle.

In the game he can learn his true name from the hens. And about his family’s names from various animals.

Heir of Daventry

See Heirs.

The Companion is based on documents published at different points during Daventry’s history, and collated by Derek Karlavaegen. Hence the history of who will be heir to the throne of Daventry shifts to different individuals depending on when they were published (and if if they were written during the period when Alexander was missing).

During the period when Alexander had been kidnapped and thought gone forever, Rosella was trained to be the next heir to the throne.

However, after Alex returned and saved the kingdom he became the next heir apparent.

According to Derek Karlavaegen he was still the prince of Daventry even after he married Cassima and became King of the Green Isles. Meaning he was still the heir to the kingdom someday. Also he mentions that the wedding ceremony united the two kingdoms in marriage.

Generally speaking most advertising synopses for KQ3 claim that becoming the next king of Daventry is Alexander’s Royal inheritance and destiny someday.

Other sources foreshadow had Alexander never returned or passed on the throne, Graham and Valanice were looking towards Rosella possibly taking over the kingdom (which would go against the Mirror and Edward's prophecy in KQ2).

Some fans think that Daventry was left without an heir, with Alexander moving to the Green Isles and becoming King and Rosella potentially running off to live in Eldritch, leaving the Kingdom without an heir, and in the same predicament as Edward at the end of his life. The Companion sidesteps this issue by allowing Alexander to maintain his princely title in Daventry.

Many fine children and grandchildren

One difference over many other sources, is the potential forshadowing of future children of Graham and Valanice, younger siblings of Alexander and Rosella. There is also foreshadowing of many grandchildren to be had by their children as well.

"Many" indicates large number of offspring, not just two twins. As of KQ8 the other future offspring have yet to be born. But Valanice appears to still be young enough to have children based on most sources that indicate she was a young girl (a young maiden) when Graham married her. Graham is also not much older than he was left at the end of KQ6, or KQ7AG novelization (so still virile and vitality surging through him thanks to having ate the Magic Fruit).

In addition the Prologue (KQ2) also indicates a prediction of at least one more son, Graham would marry someone who would give his people a prince that would make their future secure. With Alexander having moved to and becoming the king of the Green Isles, it’s not clear if he would rule both nations, or give up his inheritance to his sister, or others. Though in the Companion, Derek maintains that he was still the crown prince or Daventry following weddings, and becoming king of the Green Isles.

Hence the 'blessing'/prediction of many fine children would be another way to side step the issue by giving Graham and his people heirs including another prince who would make the country secure.

Birthmark

In Companion Alexander’s birthmark is said to be on his thigh.

In KQ3 it’s said to be on his bottom.

It could be that it’s on upper thigh where bottom meets.

Timings of events

The Companion often places many of the stories over the course of a few days. In the game there is no day and night cycles, and no way to tell how much time has passed usually. The exceptions being KQ4 in which the 'single day' is a major plot point. Time still exists in KQ3, but there is no way to tell what counts as a 'day' as the sun is always up.

With the exception of KQ4, the games do not have any noticeable change of time, and seem to all take place in the daytime. One exception might be in KQ5 that moon is seen as Graham crosses the mountains perhaps indicating its turning into night. However the sky still looks pretty bright. In KQ6 it seems to turn into day to night while traveling to Land of the Dead.

The Authorized guide suggests that KQ3 takes place over three days. This can be made out if one carefully reads descriptions in the Companion's novel.

Otherwise as far as the Companion timelines (there are two interpretations given) are concerned both stick a little closer to the KQ1 and KQ2 manuals, as opposed to future sources. That is Graham married Valanice one year after KQ1 (as opposed to 'three' as mentioned in the KQ4 manual (KQ4 timeline)). The twins birth appears to be roughly '1 year after KQ2.

Beyond that both the Authorized Guide and Companion appear to be rather loose on if the series (1-7 + 8) takes place over roughly 20 years or a 25 years period (hence the timeline article gives two versions). These differences the fact that the timeline is based more on the original trilogy (OT timeline) as opposed to any changes or retcons made by later manuals or articles (Game realities) leaves it somewhat unique place as far as timelines go.

Three-headed Dragon’s master

According to Companion, Alexander wrote that the dragon was most likely under some ensorcellement. If it had been marauding on its own, it would have cindered Rosella quickly and moved on to new victims. It is still a mystery to all as to who set that particular dragon of fire to ravage Daventry, as it could neither have been Manannan or Mordack.

However, the KQ4 manual may imply that Manannan was behind the dragon, or at least took joy from watching the dragon's destruction from afar. Whoever was involved was also likely the same bearer of black magic who darkened the mirror as well. Also implied to be Manannan in order to hide the fact he kidnapped Alexander.

Graham’s father

In Companion Graham’s father was Edward’s best friend and died during the Border Wars near the end of the king’s reign, leaving Graham fatherless but remembering his father fondly.

In Hoyle universe his father a knight of daventry, was apparently still alive at the time Graham became king. And he is still alive at the time of KQ4, though apparently retired from knighthood. On the other some lines depending on the character Graham’s perspective might suggest he is dead.

While there is no easy way to fully reconcile this disparity one possible interpretation is that Hereward knew of Edward’s plan to make Graham his heir but died shortly before events of KQ1 and Grahams final quest to prove himself.

Graham’s age and childhood

The King's Quest Companion doesn’t specify Graham’s age but there are clues that may suggest general age span that he would fit into.

All of which suggest a longer timespan and an older age for Graham by the time or KQ1 of likely older than 20 years old at the time of KQ1.

The supporting evidence describes Graham's period from his entered into Palace School as years, his time in the university as years, his time in the army training as a soldier as 'years', and has been a knight fighting in the wars/hard times for 'years'. However he is described as a young man, young knight, or young fool as well. While these described periods are not necessarily mutually exclusive (and some may even overlap) they do seem to suggest a much longer period of time from his childhood to when he became a seasoned veteran knight he was at the time of King's Quest 1. Assuming the Palace School/High school is a 12 year institution, university is a 4 year institution, the army training/knight school at least 2 years, and several years fighting in the wars on top of that, it would seem to suggest a period of roughly 23-25 years total (since he is still young he is unlikely to be as old as 30). It's also worth noting that it describes Graham's childhood largely peaceful and uneventful, perhaps suggesting Graham was young child before the troubles even began, before the magic mirror was even stolen (and it was stolen twenty years before according to the Companion, the rest of the treasures stolen not long after)... There is nothing to indicate if he was born before or after the stolen mirror. There is also no indication that he hadn't met the late queen or not. There is a reference to hard years after the loss of the treasures, which suggests Graham has probably lived through most of them. However, there is indication that he may have spent a relatively peaceful childhood, in which he could explore the kingdom largely unmolested, swimming, playing, etc. If the kingdom was at war, and plagued by invaders it is highly unlikely he would have been allowed to play alone on his own, which may indicate that he did spend at least part of his life before the treasures were stolen, the wars and invasions began (which would seem to indicate he is probably older than nineteen in those sources).

In artwork and material related to KQ1 he is shown to have grey hair, wrinkled lines in his face, and crowsfeet suggesting he maybe have been older than twenty-five at the time of KQ1 in some artists minds (but probably not older than thirty) but has lived a stressed life. In reality a squire would have only become a knight at twenty-one, and nineteen would have been too young become an experienced 'knight', and the person would still only be a squire (a page became a squire at about 14, or 15 age 14 coincides with age of adulthood for boys in medieval times). So if Graham was a knight for several years he would have had to have been at least 23-25 by real world standards.

Lorelei Shannon gave his age as nineteen in the KQ6 and KQ7 hintbooks for the start of King's Quest. In the manual story he is described as 'young princely figure' or in his 'youth' (but his age is never specified, with the term youth generally referring to someone between 15-24). He is described as “young” by Fairy Godmother in King's Quest Classic versions, or implied to be young by the Witch in KQ1SCI. However the narrator says it’s been a long time since he went to Daventry High School.

Keep in mind that box artwork is not indicative of the developer's original intent, but rather marketing department's interpretation. Manuals were also produced by marketing department.

As discussed her in Companion Graham grew up in Daventry, in the BB universe he implied to have grown up elsewhere.

Graham’s height

In King's Quest Companion he is said to be six feet. The novels suggest he is not 'particularly tall'.

In the KQ1SCI remake universe, Graham is five foot tall.

In King's Quest II he at least contrasts against '10-feet' long snake. He appears to be one foot shorter than Dracula in the game. Graham often looks 'taller' when he's flat on the ground or dead (or for example when Hagatha grabs him).

Alexander’s combat skill

The Companion states that Alexander is not well disciplined in the blade and never had the time to study or improve his sword skills.

The Floating Castle on the other hand which is set before KQ6 suggests Alexander is a good sword fighter and even good enough to train other soldiers.

During the events of KQ6 at first glance he doesn't actually seem to be that great of a sword fighter. However, he might actually be doing exceptionally well considering he is able to keep up with experienced Abdul while using an heavy and unbalanced decorative sword (a major handicap). On side note Alexander’s apparent natural skill in the sword fight in KQ6, was inspiration for the combat in KQ8.

Alexander does show some knowledge of defensive form in how he holds the shield to protect himself from the archer statue, and his general skill with the scythe against the magic rose bush.

The only way to reconcile this is that Alexander is simply competent, and has a certain level of natural talent. That he is able to help however he can to help train other soldiers but just not up to the skill of the experts.

Royal Education

In the companion Graham and Rosella are both well educated either through Royal University/Palace School or in case of Rosella her parents teaching her everything they know of geography, history, folklore, common sense, rules of thumb, swimming, running, riding, shooting and fighting, and stories of honor, courage, valor, valor, humor, and humility, tales of love, death, and hard choices. She was also taught how to climb trees, clean house, sing, play the flute, the lute, and all the keyboards, speak politely, listen quietly, and survive alone in the wilderness.. Graham (and Rosella) are treated as being a proper scholars and learned in pretty much all, topics including, language, philosophy, literature., and several others. However at the same time technology and lesser extent science is treated as something to be frowned upon, and closer to the unnatural dark magics, and lead to the destruction of the world. Because of this science and technology not readily taught apparently. Thus certain sciences are treated as if they are evil magic. At the same time something that might be considered basic science, is thought to be more of magical and natural properties instead. Clarke's third law is evoked quite a bit.

In the BB universe, novel trilogy Rosella is also portrayed as receiving a proper education, including philosophy, Mathematics, Science, Technology, geology, Geography, History, etc. It is a bit different in novels where science doesn't seem to have a stigma or taboo.

In Hoyle I both Graham and Rosella admit to being scientifically and mathematically deficient, and need to learn more. Graham mentions largely only being educated in knighthood, history and how to rule the kingdom, and perhaps somewhat conceitedly, claims to be an excellent ruler because of it. Rosella states she mostly taught history. The game also states that her father spends much time also reading books to her and her brother as well.

In KQ1SCI we are told Graham learned Meteorogical style sciences at the Daventry High School, weather, temperatures, and clouds.

Herbert and Alicia

There is a slight difference in account between the game and the King's Quest Companion.

In the game Herbert is said to have been banished to a far away land, and had to find his way back to Serenia (this could imply that he was originally intended to be a prince of Serenia, or at least she might have been princess of Serenia), and looking for her everywhere. In the novel he was left in the woods, while Alicia was taken away, leaving him searching for months for her.

It would seem that Herbert was visiting Alicia in Serenia when the witch encountered them. Alicia's homeland is never exactly specified but this may suggest she is the princess of Serenia, and this would in fact make her the daughter of Priscilla and Kenneth the Huge. Another possibility is that both of them were visiting Serenia from nearby kingdoms.

Depending on the version of the game both either leave to the east towards Serenia towne or the mountains (pc versions), or to the west towards the desert (NES version).

Only Witch in Daventry

In the Companion its said ther Dahlia was the only cone-crowned cackler reported in the realm for decades.

While according to The Royal Family: A Celebration, states that Graham may have met multiple witches on his journey.

Dahlia’s Death

Two or three variant accounts are mentioned between various characters/sources in the Companion concerning Dahlia and her cooking and eventual death.

The unnamed court chronicler mentions she was shoved into a cooking fire..

And An Encyclopedia of Daventry mentions she was pushed into her oven.

Gerwain mentions she was stirring a cooking pot.

In the sci remake she was pushed into a cauldron/pot.

Abdul Alhazred

In Companion he has been arrested/imprisoned.

in KQ6 its said he was banished in short path. It’s unclear what happens to him in long path.

Baker brothers and wagon man

In the Companion there are at least two brothers (in An Encyclopedia of Daventry) this includes the main brother who works at bakehouse and sells pies and the other baker who delivers pies (using the bakers wagon broken down in town). They are known as Jym Baker and Tam Baker. Technically it’s not directly specified who is who but generally considered to be Jym in the shop and Tam in working on the wagon by order of their names and the order of the jobs mentioned.

In the games there are only two confirmed brothers this includes the man at the counter William, and his brother in back room making the pies. The man fixing the wagon is not named.

Also in the Companion the KQ5 novel itself and the walkthrough chapter technically only mentions one baker in the guide (or “they” plural” in the novel) in the shop and doesn’t link the man fixing the cart/wagon to bakery at all (just calling him wagon owner).

Technically William (of game realities) could be same character as Jym or Tam (given an alternate name) in the Companion reality and whoever is who the other is the wagon keeper leaving the third guy non-existent in Companion universe. The reference to “they” in the novel could be a reference to the two people we see in the game (despite the changed names in An Encyclopedia of Daventry) making the wagon man separate in the same story.

But there being three names and three people could explain all three brothers.

Or there are simply only two brothers in both universes and third doesn’t exist in the Companion universe, and wagon man isn’t related in the game universe and/or the novel/guide sections in the Companion.

Or they hired someone else to try to repair their wagon/or sold the wagon at some poiint to that man….

Milvia’s Nightingale

The account in the chronicles claims Hagatha was not inside the cave when he entered and rescued the nightingale, but was waiting outside when he exited with the covered nightingale. He was nearly caught by the hag, but only the magic spell from a fairy protected him.

A second account in the An Encyclopedia of Daventry is slightly more vague mentioning that he rescued the nightingale by covering the cage to muffle any sounds as they were leaving.

In some of the other summaries in other sources he managed to enter into Hagatha's very lair, to rescue the magical nightingale from under Hagatha's wicked nose. Noting the alternative solution in the game.

History of KQ1

The Companion novelization is based on the original version of KQ1 (technically the later non-booter 1987 version with the Enchanter sprite). The remake is treated as being an alternate game universe, and not the real history of events. Though it follows the second manual (not PCjr manual)

Sometimes the novels (see BB universe) blend elements between original KQ1 and the remake. The Companion however chose to stick to the original game.

Graham uses the ring, which later wears off, and he loses it, which means that the story would end with incomplete point list (as in the original AGI KQ1 versions).

Thus the book references Greensleaves, and a number of other changes, including using the Enchanter from KQ2 in place of the Sorcerer's orignal graphics). The novelization of KQ1 thus contains details based on the 1987 version and the extended King's Quest by Roberta Williams prologue.

Note: The orignal King's Quest, had a different backstory The King's Appeal which suggests the three treasures weren't previously in the hands of Daventry, but instead was something Edward had heard about, and was hoping Graham could discover as they might save his kingdom.

KQ4 adaptation

While sticking mostly close to the game's details, there is a few differences.

Peter Dan'els in the games is known as Peter Daniels in Companion.

The lord of the manor is named Coninsby and Coningsby in the Companion rather than just Coningsby.in the games.

The description of the lost lover/husband (see Mr. Cowden) in the locket is a bit different than the description/photo seen in the game.The locket in KQ4 is said to be engraved on the outside with a black-bearded sea captain - her husband. In the game, however, only shows the picture on the inside, which is a man who is shown without a beard, and his trade is unknown (though implied he was a sailor as he was lost at sea). The description by narrator on the other hand technically just says someone with a handsome face, on a dashing young man (which is very little with regards to a description could apply to men with or without beards).

That he is just described as a lover in the games may suggest they were not married, though in Companion they are married. As married his last name would be Cowden by normal naming conventions (passing his name to his wife), though to be related to Coningsby he would either have to be a bastard child through elder Coninsby's son or through Coninsby's daughter.

KQ5 adaptation

Cedric and Graham's conversations tend to be a bit longer than in the game, including alot of snarky commentary between them, but becomes more friendly as they continue on their journey and gain respect for each other.

Graham is described as tied to a chair in the inn, rather than sitting on the ground.

In KQ5 there is no indication that Graham has heard of Icebella before. In the novelization he has heard of her and her wolf armies, but gave the stories no credence. He has never met her, however.

KQ6 adaptation

Interestingly the novelization was based on an earlier draft of the KQ6 game so there are some differences in some of the puzzle items and some of the scenes than what occurs in the final released game these include such things as Valanice on the copper coin, the black feather remains black after being stirred in the magic paint, the old coins are made out of gold, among other little things. Despite these minor descriptive differences, the novelization purpose as a hintbook is unaffected (all the items are still used in the correct places).

The novelization is based on an earlier concepts for the game. So a number of details do not match up with the final game. These include 'drink me bottle' being empty in the novelization and Alexander only acting, to who is on Daventry's coins (Valanice vs Graham), how the black feather reacts to the spell, and a few other details. Lamp Seller is described as sitting on a bench, rather than straight on the ground.

There are some minor differences in the descriptions relating to Underworld scenes compared to the game, in particular the color of River Styx described as being 'red' rather than black. Some of the poems (such as those said by the Sense Gnomes) or the love poems are a bit different than what appears in the game.

Alexander visits Abdul Alhazred in his office when he meets with the Vizier, rather than in the hall. This allows him a chance to see Shamir's bottle early in the game, whereas in the game he never actually see's the bottle, but the player does in an event scenes that Alexander is not there to experience.

Some of the dates for when KQ6 takes place differ a bit from what is stated in the game itself. See Companion timelines.

KQ7 adaptation

The novelization includes an extra scene that didn't make it into the original game (though its included in the files). This was Rosella having a chance to speak with Attis during one of her chapters.