The Bard's Tale has extremely simple game mechanics and rules. You are fighting in real-time and while doing so you receive experience points which allow you to level up. Each new level gives you two points to spend on your attributes (a maximum of 20 points per attribute can be reached). Every two levels you may choose a talent, a special action which can aid you during the many fights. When picking up loot everything changes into hard cash immediately. Only weapons are 'vast' but from the moment you find a stronger version of f.e. a two-handed sword then the sword you already had just disappears. So your 'inventory' only exists out of the strongest weapons and armor you have found/bought. There are special items, also known as tokens in the game, that improve your attributes. Temporary bonusses exist in the form of different ales you can drink in the local pubs. While solving a quest here and there you gain access to tunes (and the upgrades. These are actually companions you can summon with your lute. Like a charging Behemoth, a useful Light Fairy which can stun all surrounding foes or a Enchantress that can revive other summons.