The player views Britannia from an overhead perspective and controls the Avatar with a party of companions. Exploration includes towns, wilderness, shrines, castles, and dungeons, with doors, containers, switches, signs, and other objects that can be examined or manipulated.

The main objective is to investigate the gargoyle conflict and prevent a larger war. Progress comes from questioning characters, collecting evidence, solving quests, learning mantras, and obtaining equipment. Combat switches to turn-based play on the same general map. Party members can move, attack, cast spells, use items, and interact with the environment. Food, equipment, reagents, health, and spell points must be managed during extended journeys.

Talk to inhabitants repeatedly and record clues before traveling widely. Many quests depend on names, locations, objects, or statements learned in earlier conversations, and the gargoyle viewpoint is essential to understanding the story.

Keep the party supplied with food, healing, ammunition, reagents, and suitable weapons. Save before entering unfamiliar dungeons or beginning important conversations, and examine containers and environmental objects rather than relying only on obvious exits.

In combat, use terrain and party positioning to protect vulnerable characters. Reserve powerful spells for dangerous encounters, and avoid carrying more equipment than the party can reasonably manage.