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Character Generation Assistant
Standard Version
Version 1.00
Copyright (c) 1992 David Zvekic, John Jennings, Tim Wildeboer
DISCLAIMER
Although every attempt to be true to the original
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition rules have been made
it is possible that something was overlooked. This may be in
the form of a software error or an oversight. In any case we
take no liability to any possible damage caused by the use of
this software or the failure of this software to perform as
intended.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It must be noted that this program was produced without
TSR's knowledge. We have made every effort to observe all
copyright, and trade mark laws.
The intention of this program is not to displace the
Players Handbook or any supplement published by TSR Inc. It
is intended to be used WITH those supplements by speeding up
the character creation process.
The Players Handbook is a completely invaluable tool and
a copy of it must be available before this program can be of
any use.
Further more, use of this program is restricted to those
who own a copy of the Players Handbook published by TSR.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons is in our opinion the most
complete and enjoyable of all role-playing games on the
market. We take ABSOLUTELY NO CREDIT for it's creation or
publication. We take this opportunity to formally give
thanks to TSR for producing this fine game.
"AD&D" and "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" are trade marks owned by TSR inc.
-1-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Disclaimer and Acknowledgements................1
Table of Contents..............................2
Introduction...................................3
Using CGA......................................4
System Requirements............................4
Required Files.................................4
Getting Started................................5
Main Menu......................................6
Ability Generation Menu........................8
Race Selection.................................9
Class Selection...............................10
Trivialities..................................10
Academics.....................................11
Spells and Magic..............................12
Thieves' Guild................................12
Equipment.....................................12
Disk Operation................................13
View/Edit.....................................14
Dimension Door................................14
Registration Information......................15
-2-
INTRODUCTION
Well met! You now have in your possession the most
powerful character generation software ever created. With
only the public domain version you will be able to create all
standard type characters up to 20th level. All aspects of
character generation covered in the PLAYERS HANDBOOK, are
covered in this program.
Spells, proficiencies, equipment, it's all there. Now
you will be able to quickly and easily make characters in the
middle of a session. Never again, will players have to sit
out of the action creating new characters. Character
Generation Assistant makes it so easy!
All the tables and charts needed for character generation
are built right into the computers memory. You won't have to
look anything up, except the occasional spell description.
But even that is easier because Character Generation
Assistant will tell you the page number!
Creating characters for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd
edition has never been so easy, or so much fun! This manual
will take you step by step through the character generation
process. It is important to note, however, that it is not
our intention that this supplement replace the Players
Handbook. Rather we consider this program an AID in the
character generation process.
With this in mind, rule specifics will not be discussed
herein, but rather the processes involved. Where more
information can be found in the Players Hand Book, we will
include a page reference.
The names "AD&D" and "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" are
trademarks owned by TSR Inc.
-3-
USING CHARACTER GENERATION ASSISTANT
Character Generation Assistant (CGA) is a menu driven
program and is very easy to use. In addition to keyboard
entry CGA also supports the mouse in the menus. To select an
option with the mouse, move the pointer over the desired item
and double click. A single click will move the selection bar
to that item without selecting it. With the keyboard use the
arrow keys to move the selection bar and press ENTER to
select an option. The ESC key can be used at any time to
return to the previous menu or abort an operation.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
In order to fully utilize this program you must meet the
minimum system requirements. Specifically you must have:
IBM PC/XT/AT or Compatible
Any color graphics adapter.
256 KB of Memory.
PC-DOS (MS-DOS) 3.00 or higher.
1 disk drive.
The Players Handbook published by TSR inc.
CGA Standard version supports the following additional
hardware and will provide better performance when used with
them although they are not required:
Microsoft or compatible mouse.
Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory 3.2 or later.
Any sort of printer.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
CGA requires thirty different library files in addition
to the following files in order to function properly. CGA
will also be creating more files as you use it. It is
therefore suggested that you keep CGA in either it's own
directory or on a separate disk. If any of these files are
missing you will not be able to access that particular
section to which they pertain. You will either see a "File
not Found" error on the screen or the program will halt and
return - RUNTIME ERROR - #02.
DOS FILE NAME DESCRIPTION
CGA.EXE Main Program
CGA.OVR Overlay
CGA.TXT This file
READ.ME! Last minute changes
-4-
Library Files
PRSTLVL1.LIB PRSTLVL2.LIB PRSTLVL3.LIB
PRSTLVL4.LIB PRSTLVL5.LIB PRSTLVL6.LIB
PRSTLVL7.LIB WIZLVL1.LIB WIZLVL2.LIB
WIZLVL3.LIB WIZLVL4.LIB WIZLVL5.LIB
WIZLVL6.LIB WIZLVL7.LIB WIZLVL8.LIB
WIZLVL9.LIB SKILLS.LIB W_PROFS.LIB
SPECIFY.LIB WEAPONS.LIB ARMOUR.LIB
SHIELDS.LIB CLOTH.LIB PROV.LIB
TACK.LIB TRANS.LIB ANIMAL.LIB
SERV.LIB LODGE.LIB MISC.LIB
GETTING STARTED
To begin using Character Generation Assistant, first go
to the directory or disk drive, which contains the main
program and library files then type: "CGA". This will load
the program into memory and run it. If you do not have a
mouse and for some reason a mouse cursor appears at the top
left hand corner of your screen you can override the
automatic mouse detection routine by typing: "CGA -M" instead
of simply "CGA". From here on in, this manual will refer to
Character Generation Assistant as CGA.
Before starting make sure to read the READ.ME! file for
any last minute changes not discussed in the main manual.
-5-
MAIN MENU
After the title screen you will be brought to the main
menu. In the main menu there are two windows, one in the
centre of the screen, and one on the left. The window on the
left is a status box and when you begin will report "New
Character". This window will change as your character is
developed. The centre window contains the menu options.
From the main menu you have the following choices:
Ability Generation
Race Selection
Class Selection
Trivialities
Academics
Equipment Selection
Disk Operations
View/Edit Character
Dimension Door
Quit
Ability Generation:
This is the first step in character generation. It
is here that you may roll your characters' attributes.
Race Selection:
This is the second step in character generation. Here
you may select a race and gender.
Class Selection:
This option allows you to choose a class for your
character.
Trivialities:
This is the fourth option and provides for the selection
of Alignment, Experience Levels and printing operations. It
is important to note that currently CGA standard version will
not print out an entire character but only the first page.
CGA Enhanced Version will make complete print outs.
Academics:
This section is where you may select proficiencies,
spells and thief skills. CGA requires that the character is
saved before entering this section.
Equipment:
This is the where the character can go shopping for
supplies, weapons, armour, clothes, and anything else listed
in the Players Handbook. Complete descriptions of all items
can be found in that manual. CGA requires that the character
is saved before entering the equipment section.
-6-
One limitation of CGA standard version 1.00 is that it
automatically generates a characters starting income based on
rules given on page 66 of the PHB. CGA enhanced version
allows the entry of any desired amount of money.
Another feature of CGA enhanced version is that it allows
you to create custom unique items for your characters
inventory! This option provides for magic armour and items
of any design. In addition, included will be a new field,
entitled "Virtual Encumbrance". This provides for the rules
on page 79 of the Players Handbook, which govern the
encumbrance values of awkward items and magical armor.
Disk Operations:
This is where you can save your character, Summon a
character, delete a character and perform other Disk oriented
operations. Hence the name.
View/Edit Character:
This section allows you to look at the current character
and edit his or her information.
Dimension Door:
Selecting this options engages a DOS shell. If your
system does not have enough memory or if COMMAND.COM can not
be found, an error message will appear and you will be
returned to the main menu.
Quit:
This option ends, the current CGA session and returns you
to DOS.
-7-
ABILITY GENERATION MENU
When you enter this menu, two windows appear, one in the
centre and one toward the upper left corner of the screen.
The window to the left displays the current attributes. The
centre window is a menu with the following options:
Roll 3d6
Roll 3d6 twice - Use Highest
Roll 3d6 twelve times
Roll 4d6 - Use top three
Start with 8 - Add 7d6 to taste
Rearrange Attributes
Choose Attributes
Return to Main Menu
Roll 3d6:
This is the standard method of rolling attributes. Three
six sided dice are rolled and the sum of the three rolls is
used. This is done for each attribute.
Roll 3d6 twice - Use Highest:
This method is a modification of the previous method in
that 3d6 is rolled twice for each attribute and the highest
value of the two is used.
Roll 3d6 twelve times:
With this method is 3d6 are rolled twelve times in total
and the six highest rolls of the twelve are used. It is
recommended that the final ability scores are rearranged as
the final rolls are assigned in order or decreasing value.
Roll 4d6 - Use top three:
Roll 4 six sided dice for each attribute and use the
values of the three highest dice for each ability.
Start with 8 - Add 7d6 to taste:
With this method all 6 of a character's basic attributes
begin with a value of eight. Seven dice are rolled and
displayed in a buffer on the right hand side of the screen.
By selecting 1 die at a time, it is possible to selectively
place each die on any attribute you desire so long as no
attribute exceeds 18.
Rearrange Attributes:
This feature allows the character to be customized to
your own liking. Select a score to swap, by moving the
highlight bar over the ability. Then press ENTER or double
click the mouse. You will notice the score will change
colours. This indicates that the score is currently active.
It will be automatically swapped with the next ability you
select. Once selected you can abort rearranging an ability
by swapping it with itself.
-8-
Choose Attributes:
This feature is to allow users to enter a pre-existing
character into CGA for easier editing or future maintenance
(using the CGA enhanced version). To edit a score, move the
highlight bar over the desired ability and select it. The
entire line will change colours indicating it's status. You
may then use the keyboard to enter in any value up to 18.
Press ESC to abort editing a value. (It is possible to enter
a value as high as 25 in the VIEW/EDIT screen. This section
is limited to 18 as it is intended for creating new
characters. Players will note that any character with
starting attributes higher then 18 can not qualify for ANY
standard race.
Return to Main Menu:
As you may have already guessed, selecting this option
will bring you back to the main menu.
RACE SELECTION MENU
This menu allows for the selection of a race and, more
importantly sex, for your character. CGA speeds up this
process by automatically listing all the races (and genders)
that your character qualifies for. In most cases your
character will qualify for all 2 sexes, but usually 1 or more
of the 6 standard races will be unavailable.
If you select "Halfling" CGA will automatically determine
wether, or not, you have any Stout blood. If you do then your
special abilities (listed in the VIEW/EDIT section) will be
adjusted accordingly. As it stands it not possible to force
CGA to generate a Stout halfling but we intend to change this
in future versions.
To select a race use the up and down arrow keys or the
mouse. To select a gender use the left and right key or the
mouse. Once race and gender are selected, pressing ENTER
will record the change and return you to the main menu.
Pressing ESC will abort this option and return you to the
main menu.
If your attributes are too low (or too high!) to qualify
for any race you will be given an error message and prevented
from selecting this option. It is still possible to create
characters with extraordinarily low or high attributes by
selecting a race and then modifying the attributes afterwards
in the VIEW/EDIT section.
For more information on races, consult the Player
Handbook, pages 20 through 24.
-9-
CLASS SELECTION MENU
This menu allows you to select a class or occupation for
your character. CGA automatically determines what classes
your character qualifies for and generates a list
accordingly. To select a class simply use the up and down
arrow keys or your mouse to move the menu bar to the
selection desired and press ENTER or double click the left
mouse button. After that, you will be returned to the main
menu.
For more information on classes, see the Player Handbook
pages 25 through 45
TRIVIALITIES
This menu contains the options for completing minor
details relevant to the character, and creating print outs.
Don't let the title "Trivialities" frighten you. We must
all face our destinies at some time.
Alignments:
Selecting option #1 will allow you to choose an alignment
for the character. A complete list of all alignments the
current character may choose as restricted by class and or
race is presented. Use the mouse or the arrow keys to move
the highlight bar over the desired alignments then press
ENTER or double click the mouse button. Complete alignment
descriptions are available on pages 46 through 49 of the
Players Handbook.
Levels and Experience:
To choose an experience level, click on the this option,
type in the desired experience level and press ENTER. CGA
automatically makes all adjustments to Spell Casting
abilities, proficiency slots and hit points as required by
the rules. It is important to note that CGA standard version
is not intended to maintain old characters but to update new
ones. CGA will reroll hit points as if the character was
brand new. CGA enhanced version is designed to for character
maintenance and provides many more options.
Printing:
This option may not be particularly useful as it is not
fully implemented in the standard version. However it will
give you an idea of some of the benefits of registering.
You will be prompted for the location of your printer.
Most printers are located on LPT1. If you do not know where
your printer is located, you can not harm your system or CGA
by testing all the options until your character prints out.
If you desire to copy your character to a text file this
-10-
is also possible. You will be prompted for a file name. Do
not type in the name of your characters data file as this
will completely overwrite the file. If a file already
exists, you will be warned and given the option of aborting.
ACADEMICS MENU
This menu is for the training and schooling of your
characters. This menu is divided into four sections: "Non-
Weapon Proficiencies", "Weapon Proficiencies", "Spells and
Magic", and "Thieves' Skills".
Non-Weapon Proficiencies:
Two windows open when this option is selected, The one in
the bottom left indicates the number of free slots, or the
number of courses that can be taken. The central window
contains a list of proficiencies.
All proficiencies listed in red fall outside of the
character's proficiency groups. These proficiencies cost 1
extra slot above the listed price. Those is white are
available at normal cost.
A proficiency can be chosen more than once times for
advanced study. Each time a proficiency is chosen again the
base chance is incremented by 1.
To learn a proficiency use the up and down arrow keys or
mouse to select the proficiency, and use the left and right
arrows to highlight "L:Learn" and press enter or double
click.
To view the proficiencies that you have already learned,
select "TAB:Personal Listing" or press TAB. At this point a
similar window to the central window will appear and all the
proficiencies your character has learned already will be
displayed. In the unlikely event that your character has
more proficiencies then can be displayed at one time using
the up and down arrow keys will scroll the display.
It is possible to drop a proficiency your character
knows. Move the selection bar over the proficiency in your
personal listing then select "D:Drop". The proficiency will
be removed from your list and your slots refunded.
Weapon Proficiencies:
The weapon proficiency menu works in exactly the same way
as the non-weapon proficiency section. To Specialize in a
proficiency select it twice. Only single class Fighters may
specialize.
For specific information on weapon and non-weapon
proficiencies, see the Players Handbook published by TSR,
pages 51 through 65
-11-
SPELLS AND MAGIC
This section has the same operating structure as the
proficiency section, the menu has the same selections and
operates exactly the same. The character simply uses the
menu bar to select the spells he wants. The chart on the
bottom of the screen displays the number of spells the
character can cast per day per level.
Please note that the letters PHB in the source column of
the spell lists stand for the Players Handbook.
THIEVES' GUILD
This menu lets you enter in the special thieves' skills
from the Players Handbook. To enter a skill level use the up
and down arrows to select the skill and press enter to edit
the skill level. CGA has already inserted the base skill
levels and added the dexterity and race modifiers. When you
have picked your skill levels, following the rules in the
Players Handbook on pages 38 through 40, move the menu bar
over "Keep Skills" and press enter.
CGA standard version makes no attempt to book keep your
skill points and this is entirely up to you.
EQUIPMENT MENU
This section allows you to purchase equipment and
supplies for your character.
The primary equipment menu displays all the groups from
which you can buy, equipment. Similar to the Players
Handbook, this section is separated into subgroups such as
Clothing, Weapons etc. Select an equipment group and you
will be brought to a secondary equipment menu.
Similar in make up to the proficiency section this menu
lists all the items available to be purchased. At the bottom
of the screen is a list of the character's remaining money.
Currently CGA automatically converts all the characters
money to the highest denomination. This will be changed in
the next release of CGA. For more information on equipment
and currency see the Players Handbook, pages 66 through 79.
-12-
DISK OPERATIONS MENU
This section permits you to save characters for future
editing, to load pre-made characters, and to delete character
on disk. It also allows the user to change, make, and remove
directories. Disk operations options are as follows:
Summon A Character
Save A Character
Mind Wipe (Initialize)
Hire Assassin
Change Directory
Create Directory
Delete Directory
Return to Main Menu
Summon A Character:
This option loads a character into memory.
Save A Character:
This option saves the current character to disk.
Mind Wipe (Initialize):
This option clears the character from memory.
Hire Assassin:
This option hires Hank the master assassin to search the
current path for a character and terminate him (or her). Hank
is very systematic and when in doubt will eliminate any files
found on the disk with the same name as the character. So be
careful not to name characters' Data Files with the same name
as other files or else Hank will finish them ALL off.
Change Directory:
This option changes the current directory for Disk
Operations, but the current dos directory remains the same.
Create Directory:
This option Creates a directory off the current
directory.
Delete Directory:
This option removes a directory from the disk.
-13-
VIEW EDIT SCREEN
This section allow you to view the character and edit
some of the data fields. To edit a field use the Tab key or
the up and down arrow keys, or the mouse to move between
fields. Press enter or double click to edit the field. To
view alternate data pages, use the PgUp and PgDn keys, or
double-click on the appropriate menu items. Pressing the ESC
key at any time to will return you to the main menu.
PAGE 1
This is the first page of 4 pages available in CGA
standard version. It shows most of a character's basic
information. It is possible to edit a character's name,
alignment, age, sex, height, weight, attributes and hit
points on this page. The characters Class, level and
experience points are also shown but can not be edited in the
standard version.
PAGE 2
This page will show the character's special abilities if
he or she has any.
PAGE 3
This page will show all of a character modifiers
resulting from his attributes, such as bonuses to hit,
damage, bend bars lift gates etc.
PAGE 4
If the character has any thief abilities these will be
revealed on this page.
DIMENSION DOOR
Like the famous psionic ability of the same name this
option will instantaneously transport you through a
dimensional portal to a different location. However unlike
the famous psionic ability of the same name, you will have no
choice where you will arrive. You will usually arrive DOS
prompt. Type "exit" at a dos prompt to return to CGA. If
your system does not have enough memory to load COMMAND.COM
or another error occurs you will be informed of this and
returned to CGA Main Menu.
-14-
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Character Generation Assistant is public domain. However
we wouldn't mind actually receiving some reimbursement for
the hundreds of hours put into this project. So we have
taken a new approach to marketing. A little different from
the Share-Ware concept.
We will continue to produce CGA standard version and make
improvements upon it, but the concept will be to create NEW
characters from scratch. As a result many features will
never be implemented in CGA standard version. In addition
printing may never be fully implemented in CGA standard
version (at least until we think of something better not to
implement!). You are free to use CGA standard version and
make as many copies as you like provided the package remains
intact in it's original unmodified form.
CGA ENHANCED VERSION:
CGA Enhanced Version is intended to be a full Character
generation and maintenance program. Our intention is to
create an environment where ALL bookkeeping and maintenance
tasks necessary in the AD&D game can be accomplished quickly
and painlessly with computer.
Character generation should not be a loathsome pain in
the neck, but rather a joy akin to giving birth (Or something
to that effect!)
The following features are implemented in CGA Enhanced
Version 1.00:
Full Printing of characters
Selection of exact experience points for multiple classes.
Modifying a characters money supply
Creating new and unique inventory items
"Virtual Encumbrance"
Dual-Classed Human Characters
In addition, you will recieve a beautiful printed manual
and the option to upgrade to future versions of CGA for only
$5.00 plus shipping and handling (and tax if applicable).
Also in the works are optional upgrades similar to the
"Complete Fighter's Handbook" and other supplements published
by TSR.
-15-
To register print out the file REGISTER.DOC, fill it in and
send a check or money order for $35, payable to JOHN JENNINGS
to:
Technomancy
69 Liebeck Cres.
Unionville, Ont.
L3R 1Y4
Ontario orders please add 8% for PST.
USA orders please use Mail Order or a check drawable on a
Canadian Bank. Please Specify "US funds" on the check or
money order.
Overseas Orders please pay $40 US funds by International
Money Order or a check drawable on a Canadian Bank.
The above prices include shipping and handling and GST if
applicable (which currently isn't! 'cause we don't make
enough money!).
-16-
