No there apparently IS a physical manual. I have seen copies of it on ebay and other sell sites that still have copies. As well as images from various sites that show pages (not the page I am looking for unfortunately) of the book. Again, its amazing that no one who might have a copy, NOT post...
Trying to find a copy of the users manual for the Core Rules 2 and expansion. Tried finding a copy in pdf form for download but for whatever reason, no one seems to have ever done it. However, for whatever reason, neither of the copies I have owned over the years ever came with one, no idea why...