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The Arsenal Files 8
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The Arsenal Files Collection #8 (Arsenal Computer) (1996).ISO
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usurp017.zip
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WHATS.NEW
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1996-09-15
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( History of Usurper )
--------------------------
Version 0.17 (1996-09-15)
--------------------------
-fixed a problem with spell results not being displayed.
-a bug caused the Royal Purse to be emptied.
-a bug caused the Moat creatures to be added without having to pay for them.
-a bug caused the program to crash if there were more than 17 moat creatures.
-a bug prevented the King to use the Dark Avenger.
-fixed a bug causing the player to get booted out when donating too much
money to the church or the poor.
-fixed a bug in the message editor.
-the "quaffing potions" options were not working as they should. now they do.
-made the file routines more secure.
-a problem in the gang war routine was fixed.
-fixed a problem with an "endless loop" when using items in the dungeons.
-npcs no longer participate in brawls at the dormitory, when editor option 39
is set to NO.
-fixed a bug in the Haggle routines. Now it's possible to do some serious
haggling. Also, when you cross the line in the terms of haggling you are
banned from the store for the rest of the day.
-the king/queen never got the equipment from defeated infiltrators. fixed.
-removed the bug which enabled the King to hire the same npc guard more than
once.
-the chatfile wasn't packed correctly. fixed.
-some adjustments made to the Inn environment.
-color fixes.
+would you like to be informed on every new release of Usurper by e-mail?
(search the document sysop.doc for info on how to subscribe).
+new editor option #96: set this to YES and players attacked in the Dorm
sometimes will be aided by their teammates. To save your partner from
attacks you must stay at the Dorm yourself.
+players may now attempt to free their friends from Prison.
+the king can now issue missions for the players to undertake.
+the king may now imprison players for more than 1 day (this is set from
the editor)
+made it a bit easier to murder people in the Dorm. Murdered people are also
reported dead (this was not handled correctly before).
+added chat rooms to the Inn. Multi-node chats are activated here.
+added a "drink" editor to the EDITOR.EXE.
+added a "moat creatures" editor to the EDITOR.EXE
+it is now possible to choose one of two different units in Usurpers
filehandling system. Choose either file-locking or Record-locking.
File-locking is slower but safer. Record-locking is faster but wont work
on all operating systems.
+new command line option : /DO_SENDMAIL, send mail to any player without
having to enter the game.
+it is now possible to change the colors in Usurper. see editor options
#140-147
--------------------------
Version 0.16 (1996-07-20)
--------------------------
-news/mail color fixes all over the place.
-colors have been standardized throughout the game.
-fixed bug when attacking people att the Inn. Doorguards are now properly
reduced when attacked and attacking player gets to meet the right opponent
instead of Grimbold. Also fixed a bug where player didn't have to pay for
his room if he also hired door guards.
-improved file routines so semaphore files are updated correctly.
-fixed bug in online battle, where a player could hang up and thereafter
log on and save his equipment.
-fixed bug at Level masters. Crystal Ball function would bug out when used
on high level characters. Not anymore.
-fixed bug which caused usurper to lock when player entered beer drinking
competition and no opponents were available.
-new option at Bobs Beer. A player may now challenge any player(s) to the
beer competition. The reward for winning a beer contest has increased.
Offline winners are now given their prize and also notified by mail.
-new option at the dormitory; pick-pocket sleeping guest.
-new option at the dormitory; make a noise, and intimidate the guests.
(usually ends up in a BIG fistfight)
-new drink option at Orbs. Players can now add their own special cocktails
to the standard drink-menu. Others may try them out and be happy or sad.
-fixed gender bug in the editor (caused females to become males in a hurry).
-fixed dark/good deeds slots in the editor. they were mixed up.
-fixed bugs relating to creating scores. The game would crash if the players
and npcs were more than maxplayers allowed. This has been fixed. also
increased the maximum number of players to 400.
-fixed bug at the inn, where the number of player fights wasn't reduced after
a fight.
-the /X (XMS) and /E (EMS) switches are working (again).
-changed the statusbar, so both alias and username are displayed.
-changed fighting for Town Control, so when you challenge a team in which
everybody is dead you get Town Control directly.
-added more information when checking listings in Bounty Room.
-made the monster spells a bit less powerful. (see also >monstereditor>global
commands. also fixed the bug where the monster had all spells, even if
you disabled them through the editor.
-made the npcs harder to bribe in the recruiting room.
-players can no longer run away from battles when on a mission.
-added a (very small) trouble shooting section to the Sysop.doc file.
-speeded up the "insulted" fights when visiting bobs beer.
-replaced the delay routine, so it wont slow down multinode systems.
(hint hint Oscar!)
-misc dungeon bugs found and removed.
-new command line option : /DO_PACKMAIL (packs the mail file)(see sysop.doc).
-new command line option : /DO_PACKUSERS (packs the user file)(see sysop.doc).
-new command line option : /DO_PACKNPCS (pack the npc file)(see sysop.doc)
-new command line option : ? (displays all command line options)
-KING/QUEEN functions implemented, hereby making it possible for users and
NPCs to attempt to usurp the throne. the king has a pretty good control over
the Usurper world; he can make life miserable for the other players. The
King (or Queen) may have his own Personal Guard Force and can also imprison
citizens and even stage executions. But on the other hand the King might just
be the good ruler who is loved by his people (not likely though, regarding the
moral status of the general Usurper gamer) (see usurper.doc for more info).
-The comings and goings of the Royal People are logged in \SCORES\MONARCHS.ANS
and \SCORES\MONARCHS.ASC. Assassinations, deaths, suicides, abdications and
marriages are the standard news in this log.
-if config option #121 is set to 0 then nobody can attempt to usurp the
throne (the royal title can be locked this way).
-new config option #122; decides whether throne pretenders must be good, bad
or if any airhead may rule the land.
-new config option #123; decides whether NPCs should be marked with a '*' in
the lists, thereby making them harder to distinguish from the users.
-new config option #125; sets how many days cocktails should be kept at Orbs.
-new config option #126; sets how many cocktails recipes should be kept at Orbs.
-new config option #127; how should pick-pockets at the dorm be treated.
-new config option #128; how should trouble-makers at the dorm be treated.
-fixed bug when intro-display was off and maintenance was running on other
node.
-time limit option in config option #87 has been removed. To limit sessions
use ddsetup and option 10 (time limit).
-added more inter-node sessions.
-fixed gender bug in the editor. also fixed a bug where deleted players
weren't handled correctly.
-bounty list is now updated, so deleted players are removed here to.
-fixed bug in the editor; runtime error caused when searching for
weapon/armor and choosing CANCEL (only in classic mode).
-fixed online fight bug.
-all inter-node files are now placed in \NODE directory, if nothing else is
specified (including onliners.dat and maint.flg).
-optimized many routines for speed.
--------------------------
Version 0.15 (1996-03-17)
--------------------------
-Removed unnecessary disc-access overhead when fighting in dungeons.
(especially slow was the performance when fighting monsters with spells)
-Fixed nasty bug where config option #11 (no intro displayed) caused
the program to hang.
-using /X and /E switches caused Usurper to exit with a runtime error when
writing scores. fixed.
-fixed some small bugs in the editor. also improved the online help.
-the semaphore files are placed in the DATA\ directory, if no path is specified
in the configuration. The docs were misleading about this.
-new FTP and WW sites (see support.doc). =Thanx ÅZÖ BBS and Oscar Olsson!=
-removed usurper.cfg and usurper.ctl from the archive. they only served the
purpose of making people angry when their old config files were overwritten.
-added support for replacement of BAD WORDS in strings. It is basically the
same setup as in LORD. Usurper looks for DATA\BADWORDS.DAT file. See
Sysop.doc for details. Sample file can be found in SAMPLES.ZIP
-improved file i/o error checking to all files used in the game.
-fixed as many spelling errors I could find. They are everywhere!
-some cosmetic changes here and there (the armor/weaponshop display bug).
--------------------------
Version 0.14 (1996-03-01)
--------------------------
*reduced memory requirements along with a lot of other internal changes.
*the editor has been rewritten, now with mouse support, buttons and a more
user-friendly look.
*fixed a number spell related bugs. also added spell descriptions in
the game. also replaced some with new ones. spell users may now view a
complete list of the spells, included the ones they don't have learned
yet.
*player can now choose if he wants to raise one or all levels, if
this should be the case.
*healing potions can now be taken from the status screen.
*the status scrren now displays how far to got to next level.
*some spells are now affecting groups of monsters instead of just
only one.
*items can be made class restricted.
*messages to other teams can now be sent (did not work before).
*monsters can now use spells. they have access to their own spell-book.
depending on their magic level, their spells grow stronger.
monster spells can be added/removed/edited from the editor.
*updated the documentation with spell tables and more detailed info on
races and classes.
*the converter proggie will move all datafiles to /DATA. And some files to
the /SCORES directory. Why? Because the .DAT files are getting too many.
*NPCs can now be bribed more easily.
*Ugly Joe is now running the Player Market.
*new option in weapon store : buy the best weapon for the money you have.
*removed 'best overall character' rating.
*players can now end up in prison, after having commited vicious deeds.
players may also choose to fight the guards instead of automatically
go to prison (thanks to Gregory Powers for the suggestions!).
*added more variation to the dungeons. Numerous of events now take
place and force the player to make decisions (hopefully bad ones).
moral-based decisions are common here.
Examples:
+Bandit gangs that will blackmail/ransom weak players.
+Players will be asked to either help people with problems or take
advantage of their situation (rape a girl or rescue her).
*Groggo can now cast spells on NPC characters to.
Improved disease resistance. Players have a greater chance of
escaping disease spells now.
*Bad drinking experiences at Orbs no longer result in ZERO dark deeds.
*npcs will no longer pick up cursed items.
*party leaders can now take their team members to the level master and
raise their levels.
*added a more realistic touch when entering the game. If you go to sleep
in the dormitory, then you will wake up in the dormitory. The King can
go to sleep and wake up in the Castle. Prisoners will wake up in the
prison dungeon, where they may attempt an escape.
npcs now handle their equipment in a more intelligent manner.
They compare new items with the ones already in use and the stuff in
their inventory. If inventory is full they toss away the worthless stuff
first.
*status screen was not updated correctly. fixed.
*Requested by many: NEW EDITOR OPTIONS 101-115.
If playing in NEW mode these options let you tailor the availability
of different armor/item groups. For example; leg,feet,arm and head
armors can be toggled off. These items would no longer be available
in the shops/dungeons or possible for players/npcs to use.
The settings can be altered anytime, and does not require
a reset.
*Editor option #116 is new. It sets the number of days to keep Wanted
Posters (default is 30).
*Editor options #117 - #120 define news and yesterday newsfiles (ansi+ascii).
*Editor option #121 is new. It sets the minimum player level required to
usurp the throne (Usurp=to grab the throne by force).
*Editor option #4 has changed. It now sets the number of days to keep
player mail (default is 8).
*Editor option #3 has changed. It now sets the number of days to keep
items in the Player Market (default is 20).
*the file \DATA\TNAMES.DATA contains a list of names used by the NPCs
when creating their teams. The names can be edited with a text-editor.
--------------------------
Version 0.13c (1995-08-20)
--------------------------
*multi2.bat file included, to help PcBoard sysops getting Usurper running.
*NEWS.DAT has been replaced with NEWS.ANS and NEWS.ASC file. The same goes
for YNEWS.DAT.
*ansi is now more widely used in both newsfiles and personal mail files.
*added some social stuff to the internode situations.
*Usurper homepage available on the WWW. Address in sysop.doc
Version 0.13b (1995-07-29)
*Fixed the problems with people hanging up still being reported online.
*Fixed the problem with denied access on the Editor.
*Updated doordriver routines ; better support for OS/2.
Sysops should check the SAMPLE.CTL file. There has been some changes
in regards to supported dropfiles and digiboard support. You might have
to edit your USURP.CTL file(s) ;
PcBoard 12 and Callinfo dropfiles are no longer supported.
*Added auto-equip function in Armorshop. The shopowner can provide help
for players who want to get the optimum equipment for they cash they hold.
*Added wordwrapping functions.
*Jump to Dos function is now called by pressing F5 (sysops only of course:).
*Changed the attack formula.
*Magician SLEEP spell lasts a bit longer (in fact, it can last very long).
*Reduced harm effect on most of the spells. Also made them a bit more
randomized in effect.
*improved npcs ai, their use of items in the inventory etc.
*fixed bug where bounty lists could display diseased, non existant players.
*fixed bug where most wanted list displayed wrong player levels.
*fixed bug which displayed wrong team in town holders hall of fame.
*fixed the bug where you could get extreme xp for robbing the bank.
*fixed bug which caused items in players market to be removed after 1 day.
*fixed the bug where the system would freeze after buying too many
items in Alabats store.
*Config option #51 has changed. It now controls whether a player can login
to more than 1 node simultaneously (default is YES).
*Config option #98 has changed. It now controls how often Usurper should
check for internode activity (default is every 5 second).
*New config option (#100) : Allow teams with only one member to
attack other teams? (Default is YES).
*Changed the names and added a few armor items.
*Filelocking routines has changed (speeds up non DOS systems).
*added a few options to online battles.
*added possibility to send stuff to online players (from main street)
*USTRUCT.PAS file included. Contains pascal structures for Usurper 0.13.
Compile and run to see demo.
-----------------------------------
Version 0.12 (1995-04-18)
*Recompiled Usurper with doordriver update ;
[cut from DDplus 7.0a docs]
supporting baud rate for highspeed bnu fossils. Now port speeds of
57,600 and 115,200 for both X00 and BNU can be handled by either the
FOSSIL or the XFOSSIL options. Once again FOSSIL will initialize the
detected fossil to the port speed and XFOSSIL will accept the fossil
as-is with no initialization.
*New editor option (#98). To reduce disc access when using Usurper.
Set this new CHECK OTHER NODES ACTIVITY flag to one of the following values :
1 : check often (default). Used in previous versions of Usurper.
2 : check sometimes, at certain places in the game.
3 : never check (singel node systems may want to use this).
*New editor option (#99). If you want Usurper to check other nodes
activity and have a RAM drive you can set the drive and path here.
Using a RAM drive reduces disk access and speeds up operations. It is
warmly recommended.
*Corrected serious bug where teamleader didn't recieve any xps for win.
*Fixed bugs related to the bounty menu. Wanted player levels are now updated.
Setting rewards anonymously no longer dipslays any names in the mail.
*Fixed bug which caused NPCs being displayed both in INN and DORMITORY.
*Fixed bug when robbing bank.
*Fixed bug when finding items in dungeons. Gave OBJECT-LOAD ERROR.
*Added option for user to choose if he wants to quit or wait when maintenance
is running on another node.
*Reduced alchemists poison effect.
*Teammates hired as bankguards will not attack teammates trying to rob the
bank. Also, teammates with chivalry points will refuse to join robberies.
*Usurper has a NEW support/registration site! :
Walter Cade
Version 0.11 (1995-03-28)
*Fixed money bug in bounty room.
Version 0.1 (1995-03-26)
*Fixed a lot of small errors since th 0.09 version.
*Usurper is running with a new Doordriver.
JPdoor has been replaced with DDplus. Hopefully this will solve
a lot of reported problems.
IMPORTANT => see README! file for information on how to upgrade.
*Corrected. Bug in MOST WANTED list top 15. The thugs involved should now
be displayed correctly.
*Added. Longer messages than 1 line can be entered at the Inn.
*Fixed. NPC teams maintain their ranks better now. They either recruit
new members or dissolve themselves.
*Fixed. Npcs could hire more than one doorguard, ignoring restrictions
defined by Sysop.
*Fixed a lot of misspellings.
*Fixed some cosmetics in the brawl situations.
Version 0.082 (1995-03-08)
*you can now send a message to another node by pressing CTRL-Z, from
anywhere within the game.
*added information about every file created by Usurper. See
usurper.doc for this.
*corrected bug when finding items in dungeons.
*new editor option (#97). Set filelocking on/off.
*corrected 'staying alive' bonus. It is now only paid to survivers.
Version 0.081 (1995-03-03)
*corrected the bug which caused players immunity to reset.
*made the npcs heal themselves quicker.
*improved the mail system.
*corrected a bug in the object editor. The program would bomb if no
userfile was found.
*corrected bug which caused escape from dungeon fight.
*corrected bug at level master, causing too many level raises.
*added a 'search' function to the player/npc editor.
*improved NPC 'equipment ai'. NPCs now scan their inventories and try
to carry the best equipment.
*teammembers will now buy their own healing potions when they can.
*added information in the weapon/armor shop. warnings are give to players
if they can't use the items they are buying.
*corrected negative money bug when finding treasure.
*cleared necessary items being evil & good.
*bank interest bug corrected.
Version 0.08 (1995-02-19)
*players han have the menus set to Auto-Display by toggle a switch in
their personal configuration.
*implemented some new memory routines. systems with expanded memory
will notice a significant speed increase when the overlay buffer is placed
in the upper memory area. This function is automatically used when
there is enough memory available. To see if this option is activated
see the 'G'ame environment display.
*bank bug, deposit on other account, has been corrected.
*bug in the mad mages place, where you couldn't do anything, has been
corrected.
*added IMPORT and EXPORT fileoptions to the Object Editor.
*corrected a bug which caused the program to bomb out in the team menu.
*changed (and hopefully) improved the file-locking routines.
*"usurper /scores" command is now working properly.
*Gang holding town is no longer dissolved.
*fixed bug which caused the computer to hang when attacking
people at the Inn.
*improved inventory management.
*added option in the stores to sell everything in one go.
*changed some routines in online duels. also changed the filelocking
routines.
*fixed the BREAD EATING bug. Where players could get fast hps.
*speeded up npc maintenance.
*gangfights now feature randomized matchplays. It's never sure who you
gonna meet...
*Strong teams can be prevented from crushing small ones. Sysop can change
this with editor option #95.
*Sysop can toggle fake players on/off with editor option #96.
*A bounty hunter & assassin menu has been added to the game.
Players can set rewards on other players or NPCs. The NPCs will
hunt for bounties (The King can utilize this board in a special way).
Reward money can be collected after singel or team battle. Offline
players can of course also collect bounties, if they were to kill a
wanted player.
NPC bounty hunters will not hunt for teammates. However, the
better the pay the more chances they will take to get the rewards.
This means that low ranked NPCs can go on suicidal missions against a much
higher ranked player. Of course, even though a high ranked player can beat
ten minor NPCs, he may get whipped by the eleventh...
Don't forget that the NPCs will set their own bounties :) So its wise to
stay tuned to the wanted list, it can be profitable.
*removed bug when stealing beer barrels. Teammate will now carry as many
barrel he can, not only one as in earlier versions.
*classic mode now displays armor & weapon rankings.
*players can check their team status from the standard STATUS menu.
*changed score routine for BEST OVERALL CHARACTER.
* NEWS.TXT is now called NEWS.DAT
YNEWS.TXT is now called YNEWS.DAT
FAME.TXT is now called FAME.DAT
* The player mail system has changed. All PLAYERxx.MIL files have
been replaced with one MAIL.DAT file.
* The NPCs are a bit more intelligent when it comes to buying equipment.
They don't sell away good equipment every time they get some.
Also, they automatically starts to use equipment sent to them by a
player (in the teams menu for example).
* The ascii file TRECORD.DAT contains a list of Record Holders for teams.
It is based on how long a team has had city control.
(this file is automatically created when a gang sets a new record)
* Corrected the bug where F1 didn't display the right Statusbar.
* Weapons and other items can now be made so they can be used by
good/evil characters only.
* Corrected the bug where players got the wrong doorguards at the Inn.
* Players can now take equipment from beggars at the Beggars Wall.
* Removed the delay when entering the dungeons.
* Added some more drama to the final battle with the Supreme Being.
The 'Golden, silver and bronze doors' can be extremely vital for
the outcome of the battle.
* Added a Players Market (can be reached from the market place).
Here players can put their found/conquered items for sale.
* Players can no longer manage the final monster by running away.
* Fixed the problem with creation of new STRONG NPCs or computer controlled
players. You can now create a new character and give him/her high
experience points. At the maintenance this player will be upgraded
directly to the values that are corresponding to his experience.
* Gangwars are a bit faster now.
* Team leaders can control dungeon battles better now. Orders can be given
to which monsters to attack.
* Computer controlled gangs can now be set to attack other gangs.
(set editor option #94 to YES)
* Players can now improve their immunity towards diseases. They choose
either to train close-combat moves or disease defence.
(Hobbits always recieve +1 to the normal immunity increase)
* More detailed info on your teammebers now. Other teams can also be
checked out.
* Added some new stuff to the Alchemist store. Alchemists can
join a secret order that is rumoured to exist near town.
* Npcs are now included in the scorefiles (optional).
Set (new) Editor option #92 to 'Yes' if you want the NPCs included
in the external score files.
* Added two lists to the RATINGS menu :
+Most popular Race+ and +Most popular Profession+
* Fixed the bug where the teammates wouldn't hit anything in the dungeons.
This occured when the QUAFFING option (#22) was set to '2'.
* Players can now haggle in the weapon and armor store. Charisma is good
to have in haggle situations. To be a troll is always good in the weapon
store... Just one thing : don't push the shopkeepers around too much.
If you mess with them the will mess with you!
* Fixed some bugs in the Brawl routines. Ted the Bartender is now
removed from the fight correctly.
Players can now ask for assistance in Brawlfights. This should
only be done when you are in desperate need of help, since hired help
in bars often tend to run away with your money or turn against you.
* Reworked some spells. Clerics DIVINATION spell is now more effective.
* Added a new store in the Marketplace. This one contains food and
drinks (can there be surprises there?).
* Npc teams now try to keep their strength up.
They either recruit new members or dissolve themselves.
* Sysops who want to limit the time a user can spend in Usurper every
day can set this with the new Editor option #87.
* Sysops can now set the game so players lose experience points in
player versus player battles (editor option #90).
* Usurper can now be run in either OLD or NEW mode.
the 'OLD' mode is similar to the older versions of Usurper.
the 'OLD' mode gives the player one weapon and one armor.
the 'NEW' mode gives the player many different kinds of armors (leg,
body, feet, shields...etc etc).
The 'OLD' mode has the same weapon and armor as the older versions of
Usurper. It is also faster and simpler to play.
This switch can be toggled in the middle of a game. But it's not
recommended.
* The bank can now be robbed. Players can try for themselves or bring
their team with them. To get to the safe a player must first defeat
all the regular guards and then he might encounter other players, who
has signed up as bank guards (and get paid for it).
To become a bank guard a player must free from sin. Criminal elements
are not tolerated.
Players bank accounts are not affected by a robbery.
*** Available in registered versions only ****
* Weapons bought in the store can now be used directly after
purchase (same as with armor). The same goes for equipment
bought in the magic store and stuff won in battle.
* Most of the menus are now hotkey sensitive.
* Expert menus are now optional. Can be toggled off/on in
the players configuration menu.
* Output buffering can now turned off with the new
command line option /NOBUFFERS. Output buffering is otherwise
used by default.
* The Statusbar at the bottom of the screen can be turned off with :
USURPER /NOSTAT.
This speeds up screen operations a bit. Inside the game the statusbar
is toggled by the Sysop with ALT-S or any function key.
* Running Usurper on multinode systems.
New command line option : /P:{path to dropfile}
Overrides path in .CFG file. Can be useful in multinode environments.
Example : Usurper /P:C:\RA\NODE2\
Examples on batchfiles are given in the file SYSOP.DOC.
See also included sample : MULTI.BAT
* Removed the "sacking teammate" bug. Sometimes the program would
generate a runtime error. Not anymore.
* Corrected the bug where "ghost" players followed down the dungeons.
Monsters now pick REAL targets.
* Sysop Keys
ALT-J shells out to DOS
Arrow Up increases the users time with 1 minute
Arrow Down decreases the users time with 1 minute
F4 - displays the above options.
F10 - turns the status bar off.
* Players can now utilize the following key combinations :
CTRL-W who is online?
CTRL-E toggle Expert menus ON/OFF.
CTRL-S toggle 'outside attention' mode (more on this later on in this text)
CTRL-T display time remaining.
(these keys can be used anytime and anywhere in the game)
* Added a 'ONLY 2 MINUTES REMAINING' warning, so players won't get
thrown out in the middle of something.
* Reduced the effect of the SoulStrike.
* Corrected a heap of misspellings.
* Improved the Editor a bit ; Player spells can be edited.
Gender can also be changed now.
* Usurper is now multinode aware.
File-locking is autodetected by detecting the presence of DOS's
SHARE.EXE program which allows sharing of files by different nodes.
If SHARE is detected the door assumes you are running a multinode BBS
and locks/unlocks its files as needed. There may be a brief delay if 2
or more nodes are running the door.
Don't forget to supply the correct nodenumber on the
command line : 'Usurper 1', for node 1
'Usurper 2', for node 2 ...
* Players can now battle each other online.
Challenges are made from the "Challenges" menu.
* Players who are challenged offline or taken down the dungeons by
their teamleader are reported online (in the "who is online").
Their names are in a different color than the "real" onliners, and
their node number is replaced with the text "GHOST".
Player logged in locally have their node number replaced with the
text "LOCAL".
A character is not allowed to log in on more than one node
simultaneously.
A player can also be refused login because another player has
challenged/brought him down to the dungeons.
If this should be the case and you as player wants to join the action,
You can always send a message to the online player telling him/her
to let go of your character. This can be done from the Usurper Intro
menu.
* Players can set their 'outside attention' level.
This option is set from the configuration menu (players status screen).
*All* - This mode will display everything that happen in the game.
Public and private messages, online challenges and
info about when a player exits/enters the game.
(DEFAULT MODE).
*Personal* - Only listen to personal mesages and challenges.
No public messages from online players will be displayed.
No info about when a player exits/enters the game.
*Quiet* - Refuse to accept any messages/challenges. The user
will play the game in splendid isolation.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Version 0.07 (1994-08-26)
(+) indicates changes since the 0.06 BETA release
+After having bought armors players are given the option to
immideately start to use the new equipment, without having
to enter the status display.
+Maximum number of players that Usurper can accept has been raised to 300
+Fixed messy score files
+Alchemists can now check if their weapons are poisoned in the
status screen.
+Recompiled Usurper with a new version of JpDoor
+Three rating lists have been added to the 'Score Corner' :
Weapon Masters Hall of Fame (whos got the best weapon value)
Armor Masters Hall of Fame (whos got the best armor value)
Equipment Masters Hall of Fame (whos got the most powerful equipment)
+All rating and score lists are now produced in both ansi and ascii
formats. With the Editor sysops can easily configure filenames and
paths for every file.
+Producing all scorefiles upon every exit of Usurper can take some
considerable time on slower systems and in games with alot of players.
By setting config option #84 to "No" Usurper must be forced to produce
any defined scorefiles. This can be done with the command line option :
'Usurper /scores'. (To produce the extra scorefiles a registrated version
of Usurper is required)
+Sysops can now decide whether the losers of Beer Drinking Competitions
and Brawls should be locked out from further gaming that day.
(can be changed in the configuration, #85 and 86)
+Changes have been made to improve performance on systems with highspeed
modems and multitaskers.
+Usurper now shows the correct node number at the status bar (lower right
corner).
+Running Usurper /M (forced maintenance) no longer requires a dropfile
to be present.
+The first computer Team (Close Circle) will have a randomly created
password at every reset. This to prevent players from joining the team
and gain advantage.
+A new command line option has been added. By using '/DEBUG', sysops can
more effectively track down their problems with Usurper. A logfile will
be created under the name : DebugNNN.jpd, where NNN is the node active
(DEBUG001.JPD for node 1, DEBUG002 for node 2...).
+Maximum number of players is now 300.
+The Statusline now shows both the players handle and real name.
+Another new command line option is '/SNOOPOFF'. This will prevent any
output to the local console.
+Added more info to the user when maintenace is being performed. This to
prevent users from believing that the game has bugged out.
+New option in Usurper.cfg (#67). Automatic Maintenance can be toggled
On/off (default is ON). By disabling automatic maintenance Sysops can
decide when they want to run their daily maintenance.
+New option in Usurper.cfg (#68). Resurrection of dead players at
maintenance can now be toggled on/off (default is off). Turning this
to ON can make some games more interesting, with many targets for players
to attack after midnight.
+New option in Usurper.cfg (#69). A line is offered here for Sysops to
give Credits to users for helping out with registering Usurper, or
something else that has helped the game (only works in registered
version).
+Fixed Bank bug, where players accidentally could overflow their
accounts, or withdraw more than 2,000,000,000.
+'Grabbing items' logic has been changed. Objects are not placed auto-
matically in left or right hand/fingers, as they were before. A bug in
the 'stop using item' function has also been fixed.
+Monsters absorbation will no longer increase during long battles.
+Dungeon monsters have been made a bit tougher.
+Removed some nasty bugs that casused Usurper and Editor to bug out with
a Error 162 message.
+Team members not allowed to join the dungeon fighting will now
stay home (they insisted on tagging along in the 0.06 release)
+The 'drop all' command will not allow cursed items to be dumped.
+Magic Users will now continue to fight in the dungeons when their
mana is low. In the 0.06 release they just stood and watched when
they had used their mana. Now, they will also mix their magic with
normal attacks, making the battles more realistic/interesteing/unpre-
dictable
+Dead players will not appear any more in Beer Drinking competitions.
+Speeded up Beer Stealing procedure. Thieves can now carry more barrels
depending on how strong they are. Real strong players can carry up to
eight barrels in one go. The nasty bug where you got a negative amount
of money when stealing ALL barrels has been removed.
+Armor Shop menu has been cleaned up to provide easier access.
+Players who commit suicide can write their own suicide notes.
+Characters now hold their personal "kill records". Monster kills/defeats
and Player kills/defeats have been added to the statistics.
+Hitting 'R' from the main menu give players the option of viewing
statistics of all kind, and comparing their own records with other
players.
*Whole teams can now enter the dungeons to fight monsters!
It's quite fun to bring down your mates for a little ride
downstairs... Hear them scream and brag after every little pathetic
effort they think they have accomplished. Or hear them scream for
help when they are laying stunned on the ground, with twelve laughing
monsters beating the hell out of them.
However, the real winners can be (online) low level characters
going down with their high level teammates. The other way around is
not so favourable to the lower level characters. One hit from a mighty
monster can put small timers to sleep quite quickly...
(can be toggled OFF/ON with the Editor)
*All weapons and armors from earlier version have been discarded.
Usurper now supports a "full equipment" system, which means that
players can dress up their characters with different armors and
weapons. They can buy gloves, boots, pants, helmets, belts and much
more to give them better protection/equipment.
(Don't worry about players old weapons/armors! They are cashed in when
the conversion program is executed.)
*To increase the flexibility of Usurper, an Object Editor has been added to
the Editor program. Approximately 500 objects are included as default.
However, sysops are free to create their own, or edit existing, objects
with the Object Editor. Make your own weapons, armors, food, drinks,
magic stones, poisoned potions, cursed instruments or any
other strange items you can think of. You can of course write colorful
descriptions to every Object. Hidden information can also be included.
Objects can be configured to be monster weapons only, or only be available
in the shops, or they may be set to be found in the dungeons at certain
levels. It is also easy to create a "only one of its kind" type of object.
If, for example, a very powerful weapon is created, the Sysop can give it
to an NPC or a player and then toggle the Objects existance in the
shops/dungeons to OFF. Now the rest of the players probably want to have
a little "chat" with the lucky owner to this unique weapon. Players can
also be given special items after acheieving specific goals.
The above are only suggestions on how to make the game more challenging.
The real possibilites are restricted by your imagination alone.
Up to 65,000 different objects can be created and used.
<> Programmers Personal <>
Personally, I must admit that the making of new objects, especially
articles of clothing, has been the most enjoyable part in the making
of Usurper so far. And since the NPC:s do their own shopping, the
joy can be extended when watching how THEY dress. I don't know if
you must have special kind of humour to appreciate the occasion when
Ugluk comes rushing at you, wearing a Sombrero, jeans and ray-bans.
However, the default objects included in this package range from serious
articles to a number of more bizarre items. I like both types.
*Don't forget to configure which items that shall be able to be taken
from defeated players. You can configure everything individually.
Personally, I don't recommend setting everything to YES, meaning that
a victor can take ALL the defeated players equipment. It's quite GRIM
to loose sixteen items in one go! However, being a real sadist, why not
allow the victor to take the defeated players inventory as well. The game
can be configured that way...if you like.
*Difficulty for teams in dungeons can be changed with the Editor.
*Sysops can now easily change the "xp needed to level" limits with the Editor.
*Dungeons events have been reworked. The "get the treasure or die"
choices have been discarded.
*Sysops can now create their own doorguards with the Editor.
*Players can hire up to 10 heavy doorguards to protect themselves.
*Players can now start their own Beer drinking competitions;
Challenge your friends/foes and see who can drink the most beer!
*Players can now create their own cocktails at Orbs Health Club.
*Sysops can now choose if they want to use Fossil Drivers or NOT.
*Sysops can now decide if Usurper should load itself into EMS memory
or not. By default Usurper will not load itself into EMS. If you
want to use EMS memory then use the commandline option : Usurper /EMS
*Sysops can now change maximum number of players allowed in the game.
*Maximum number of healing potions that can be carried, can be changed.
*Name of Dungeons can now be changed in Editor.exe / Edit Config file.
*Include NPC:s level raises in the daily news is now optional.
Change this switch in Editor.exe / Edit Configuration file
*NPC:s can now buy new weapons/armors/equipment, when they have the money.
This can be toggled ON/OFF in the Editor.
*Players now have some more configurable phrases which are used in battle.
*Monster Editor has been improved. It is now possible to edit monster
weapons, strength, resistance to magic, iq and more...
*NPC:s can now be (e)xamined in the Dormitory.
*Players can now set their own standard battlecries. This is mostly shown
during teamfights against monsters.
*Prices have gone down at Groggos.
*The documentation files have been updated.
*Many many bugs fixed.
*Recompiled Usurper with JpDoor 4.1
Version 0.05 BETA (1994-03-20)
*Added A Monster Editor to the Main Editor.
*Sysops having problems with their Usurper configuration file can now
create it from the Editor (by answering simple questions).
NOTE! In this version there are many new configuration possibilities,
so I recommend that you use the editor configuration program to get
it all right.
*Backstabbing in the dungeons now works.
*The Game can be configured to make all NPC:s available in the Dormitory,
thus possible to challenge and defeat (switch in Usurper.cfg).
*Healing Center has been implemented.
*The armor basevalue can now be set freely ( 0-60 % ). A value of 10 means
that all armors absorb 10% of their armorvalues as a base value. The higher
you set this figure, the more effective the armors get (default is 25%).
*Sysops can now decide how they want the Healing procedure to work
in the dungeons : (what happens after a player quaffs healing potions)
1 : Player quaffs potions and then autoattacks monster
2 : Player quaffs potions, and then the monster gets a free attack round
3 : Player quaffs potions and can then choose another option
*Starting money for new players can be changed in the Usurper.cfg file.
*Number of Teamfights a player can perform can now be changed in the
Usurper.cfg file
*Names of shopkeepers and levelmasters can now be changed in the .CFG
*Removed the ugly bug where non-team players couldn't buy armors and
weapons.
*Sysop can now decide how much Experience a player will loose when he dies
in the dungeons. This can be set for different levels.
*The monsters in the dungeons now speak again (optional). Monster weapons
are also displayed during battle (as in earlier versions).
*Monster weapons have been made more powerful (thus more attractive
to swap)
*Local login now works as before, with /L as command-line switch.
*Usurper can now be run in a "soft" mode. SOFT mode replaces drugs,
steroids, snuffing, whorehouse and gigolos with more decent social
activities (like burgalry and such =). Change this option in
Usurper.cfg. Running in Normal modes gives you these new options
additionally (look at Dark Deeds Menu for example...)
*Beer stealing and kidnapping are new options in Dark Deeds menu.
*Every time maintenance is run a CHAMPION is selected by comparing
every players statistics. Not only high level characters can
win this title. The values are based on what level you are, so a
low level character with extremely good base stats can take the title.
(you can also see a top 50 list when pressing 'O' from main menu)
*Removed a bug which messed things up a bit when sending items to team-
mates.
Version 0.04c : (1994-03-02)
*Game Settings can now be viewed by players from the Intro-menu.
*Sysops can now choose to skip the Intro-menu. (can be changed in
the .CFG file)
*Removed the bugs which caused items to disappear/not be visible.
*Drug/steriods bug has been removed.
*Rings can now be purchased as before.
*Successful Thievery now gives the player money.
*Maintenance can now be forced by adding /M to the command line.
*Citycontrol bugs have been fixed.
*Players can now buy weapons/armors to their NPC teammembers.
Version 0.04 : (1994-02-17)
* Recompiled the game with a new doordriver ; JpDoor
* Minor modifications and bugfixes
Version 0.03 : (1994-02-02)
* International Character Set available. (Swedish letters, at last!)
* Added support for new dropfile ; CHAIN.TXT (for the WWIV BBS system)
* The Paladins soulstrike has been improved. Offline Paladins don't fight
so stupid as before. They don't take so many risks with the soulstrike.
* Numbers of dungeonfights can now be changed in Usurper.cfg
* Days of inactivity before deletion can also be changed in Usurper.cfg
* Added support for nonstandard IRQ. This can be changed in Usurper.cfg
* Players can now encounter more than one monster at the same time in the
dungeons. Difficulty level can be set in Usurper.cfg by the sysop.
* Removed bug which wouldn't give spellcasters new spells
* Name of town can be changed in Usurper.cfg
* NPC:s vicious tendencies can be configured in Usurper.cfg. This will
control the way the NPC:s summon demons and cast disease spells against
innocent and unknowing players.
* Assassins backstab-power reduced.
* Have tried to reduce the tedious man-to-man fights that could go on
forever. (mainly by reducing armor effect and increasing attack effect)
* Added some info when fighting with teams and 'fast' option selected.
(so users don't hang up just because they think the system has crashed)
* Removed the bug which kept spellcasters frozen after 1 casted spell.
* Found the nasty bug which swapped away players great weapon/armor
for worthless ones.
* The Editor has been upgraded.
* Paladins and Assassins couldn't use their special attacks in some
fights. This has been fixed.
* Removed bug where spellcasters would abort up a fight simply by aborting
a spellsession.
* Removed a similar bug when aborting 'send items to player' option.
* Smoother display in Bar-Fights.
* 'Todays Truth' added. A little chatline, always displayed upon login.
* Female players can now enjoy physical satisfaction from Gigolos.
* Added some info to the status screen.
* Hp-regenerating objects now work in the dungeons.
* From this version and onwards, a 8086/88 version will always be shipped
along with the standard Usurper archive.
* Recompiled Usurper with a new version of Tridoor.
Version 0.02 : (1994-01-10)
* (Sysops! Don't forget to follow instructions in README! file)
* The Paladin has become a Class instead of Race.
* The Hobbit replace the Paladin as race.
* Added 11 Classes that new players can choose between.
(Old Usurper gamers are defaulted to the Warrior class)
Classes are as follows:
1. Alchemists *Poison masters. Have their own shop!*
2. Assassins *Special attack : backstab. Hard to hit.*
3. Barbarians *Strongest*
4. Bards *Good overall capabilities*
5. Clerics *Weak in combat, but use spells*
6. Jesters *Extremely hard to hit due to their acrobatic skills*
7. Magicians *Offensive Spellcasters*
8. Paladins *Strong. Have a special attack : soulstrike*
9. Rangers *Strong and agile*
10. Sages *Mysterious spellcasters*
11. Warriors *Better defence against magic attacks than Barbarians*
(Note that some Race/Class combinations are impossible. Ie Troll/Paladin)
* Spelltables for Clerics and Magicians (Sages have one too. But it is not
shown here.)
-Clerics-
---------
Lvl 1 Cure Light
5 Armor
10 Baptize Monster
15 Cure Critic
20 Disease
25 Holy Explosion
30 Invisibility
40 Angel
50 Call Lightning
60 Heal
70 Divination
80 Gods Finger
-Magicians-
-----------
Lvl 1 Magic Missile
5 Shield
10 Sleep
15 Web
20 Strength
25 Fireball
30 Fear
40 Lightning Bolt
50 Prismatic Cage
60 Pillar of Fire
70 Power Word KILL
80 Summon Demon
* New abilities added : Stamina, Agility, Charisma, Dexterity, Wisdom and
Mana.
* 14 different close-combat skills added.
* Increased abilities upon level raises now depends on which Class the player
belong to.
* Some new offline behaviour can be configured.
* You can now write your personal description of your character.
This will be shown every time another player look at you.
* Monster weapons can now be taken from successful battles.
* Added more dungeon events. Made them a bit more flexible than the old
ones. As a result of this the dungeons have become more dangerous and
challenging. You cannot go down and just expect to kill your daily number
of monsters without getting into some serious trouble.
* Drug addiction and Mental Stability stabilizes when players perform
a level raise.
* Drug addiction and Mental stability parameters affect battles more
now. Lack of concentration and hallucinations are common problems.
Worst case scenarios are players with VERY low mental stability.
These nutcases can actually rise at midnight and do things they
never would have done in a healthy mode. They can also experience
hallucinations when they play.
* New ANSI intro screen. Thanks to Jerry Barham at Crimson Knight BBS.
* The configurable option where your character would buy healing
potions after every successful battle now work as it should.
When you log on, you will get a notice of each one of these
auto-purchases.
* Attacking Akrappa, the levelmaster, is no longer possible.
* Added some new items that can be found. You might for example find
Drug Darts. This can be thrown upon an enemy and cause his drug
addiction to raise (Not a very nice thing to do!).
* New Shop added. The mad mage Groggo sell services to those who wish
to get rid of an enemy, but don't dare/have the muscles to fight for
themselves. Groggo can summon Demons against your foes, he can curse
them and give them diseases. The prices are quite reasonable, but
be careful! The old mage is very old, angry and vicious. He might do
things to players just because he woke up in a worse mood than usual.
* As mentioned above, players are now affected by diseases. There are
different types of diseases, with the Plague as the most horrible.
Try to stay healthy! Diseases are not easily cured...
* New Pub added. Bobs Beer Hut is a shady place where you can go if you are
looking for trouble. Brawls and thievery are common activities.
(This is function is only available in Registered programs)
* The money receieved for City Control is now totally dependant upon
the gangmembers abilities. That is : the higher level a player has,
the more money for City Control. The money are summed up and thereafter
equally divided among the teammembers. A level 2 character will therefore
recieve the same amount as his teammate with a gamelevel of 50.
* There are now 10 Levelmasters (Akrappa included). Players choose a
master to study for. They can change teacher whenever they want, but it
will cost a pretty grim sum of money. Different masters are good at
different things and will teach differently. It's a good idea to
experiment. Some players prefer raw strength, and other need spellpower.
It much depends on which class a player belong to.
* Loosing a fight, or just dying in general, reduces a players
experience points by approximately 5%. This will only affect players
online.
* Magical items, such as Rings, now works in Dungeons.
* Suicide option now works properly.
* Viped out a bunch of nasty bugs. Cleaned up the code a great deal.
The size of Usurper.exe file has been reduced. However, the total size
of Usurper continues to grow.
* The number of teamfights a player can perform have been reduced
to three.
* Sysops can now edit/add/change the NPCs (requested by many).
* Many minor changes have slipped my mind (you will notice them
sooner or later).
Version 0.01f : (1993-10-08)
(To all Sysops : follow the instructions in the 'README!' file!)
I recognized a couple of situations where the program
would bomb out. These have been corrected.
* All races can now REALLY resurrect teammates.
* NPC Wizards now cast spells in gang combat.
* 'Fight to death' option added.
* Magical items can be purchased, others can be found. Many of these can be
very useful in battle, others are dangerous.
* Items can now be sent to NPC:s (useful to increase team strength).
* More computer characters have been added (big and tough guys).
* More detailed info on NPC:s.
* Gnoll poison effect is now stronger, depending on which level
the Gnoll is on.
* New players can choose to be males/females. Gender support
also added in text.
* Flee the dungeons now works properly.
* Beg for mercy in the dungeons now works.
* Players can configure some offline combat behaviour.
* Lockups due to repeated keypressing are now gone.
* Many small bugfixes and changes that i can't remember. And of course
some cosmetic enhancements.
Version 0.01e : (1993-09-21) *** FIRST PUBLIC RELEASE ***
All races can resurrect teammates. Players can quit in
'Begging mode'. This will place them on street disguised
as beggars. Money can be earned. But as beggars are unarmed
other players can easily have them murdered. However,
murdering beggars are not good for character and will not
yield much experience. 'The Castle' option has been replaced
with 'The marketplace', where various actions can be made.
Reworked the battle formulas in player-vs-player battles.
Troll players now have more problems when recruiting
good characters, as paladins and elves. Certain races
just can't stand each other...
Non-Player-Characters now form teams when they feel like
it. Players can have a maximum of 250 healing potions.
Rival gangmembers can now be bribed over to your team.
A way to avoid teammembers from being bribed is to send
them items/money making their loyalty increase.
Version 0.01d : (1993-09-10)
Computer controlled characters now uses Soulstrikes more
efficiently. The Paladin character has been made more
powerful. Send items to teammates now works. NPC:s increase
their abilities as their experience goes up.
A couple of more dungeon events added. Weapons and armors
can be taken from dead oppponents in player/team fights.
Add to that numerous of small changes and bugfixes.
Version 0.01c : (1993-09-01)
Added a Wishing Well in the dungeons. 'Good' characters
will recieve rewards from the King. Stay-Alive Bonus to
all characters who makes it through the day alive.
Made life a little bit easier and rewarding in the dungeons.
Added options to send items between teammates. Computer
players now a bit trickier to beat. Usurper now also includes
numerous of computer characters who can be sworn into your
team and do some of the fighting! And of course some bugfixes.
Version 0.01b : (1993-08-29)
Minor bugfixes. New options : Resurrection of teammates.
Teams can now also fight each other without city control
involved.
Version 0.01 : (1993-08-22)
First shaky release on my own BBS, Silent Service.
Some bugs noticed.
(The development of Usurper started a sunny spring morning
in April, 1993)
*************************************
**** Best wishes to Sven and Muffi ****
*************************************