Just to let every know that indeed the Darklands Group at Yahoo is very much alive and astoundingly
considering the game dates back from 1992. They are dreaming for the day when some nerd be able to reverse-engine the game since the source code was apparently lost forever. So please if you are extremely talented in this matter or want to experiment, share you results at this site:
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/darklands/
Regarding grades: I think people who don't understand why people can love Darklands so much don't understand that there is not much equivalent as far as an historically-bound game (no one does them nowadays as it costs money to pay the scholars to bring historical data, and most people into graphics and special effects have no clue at all about history).
But the intriguing aspect in Darklands is that it's not so much about history the way that we understand it (the Hussite War was sadly removed from latest version (found here) as it was too glitchy) than about how people perceived their world to be at the time. That aspect is truly fascinating, and it's what brings in all the fantasy part that is quite lovable. And if you hate a bunch of menus, there are actually plenty of places to explore once you start to understand how the maps work. There is indeed a lot of repetition in the game, you need to work around and figure the more distinctive spots.
By the way....About Intelligence:
Intelligence number is part of the calculation in your chances to create a potion (alchemy) and in the speed rates of your school or guild learning. Also, with poor intelligence you will likely be often refused any endeavour provided by city alchemists (unless you got the reputation to compensate? not sure). It is good in Darklands to switch leader every time you come in a situation when a certain character has more chance than another to succeed in interacting with an encounter.
Regarding getting Speak Latin: this provides access to University and understanding of written stuff on a couple rare occasions in the game. But this skill is better learned with Read And Write. They are the only skills that should be learn in duo, because you're much less successful when speaking latin but not able to read it.
Cheers,
Talkie