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1994-01-19
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Seth Able Presents
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(L)egend (O)f The (R)ed (D)ragon 3.02
(c) Copyright 1992,93,94: Robinson Technologies
All rights reserved.
This file may be shared with all, in it's unmodified shareware format.
**THIS ZIP/ARJ MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED IF CHANGED IN ANY WAY**
-=-=-=DISCLAIMER=-=-=-
Use this software at your own risk. Many hours of BETA testing was spent
testing this software, and as far as we know it's safe and stable. Even
so, we cannot be responcible for any weird thing it does!
Hello Sysop!
This these docs are tiny, so you can get up and running really quick,
following a step by step list. READ IT! You'll avoid hassle later.
Docs with the game, and what they are:
LORD.DOC : This is what you're reading.
REGISTER.DOC : The registration form. Print from LORDCFG.EXE, it's ok to
fill it out before or after the print out.
SUPPORT.DOC : A list of Seth Able Games support BBS's. Call one near you!
OS2.DOC : Some hints on using LORD under an OS2 system.
-=-=-=CONTENTS=-=-=-
Part One...................................... LORD Introduction
Part Two...................................... LORD Quick Setup
Part Three.................................... Information On Registration
Part Four..................................... Seth's Trouble Shooting Tips
Part Five..................................... How To Reach Seth Able
Part Six...................................... What is RIP? Why? How?
Part Seven.................................... Hints & Tips on running LORD
Part Eight.................................... Credits
-=-=-=-=Part One: LORD INTRODUCTION=-=-=-=-
LORD is a multi-player battle game created for Bulletin Board Systems.
(It can also be played without a BBS by typing "LORD /L" the from dos prompt)
Here are some thing this door supports:
** DesqView, Windows and OS2 Support.
** Support for most drop file types.
** IRQs 0-15 support & Selectable Port Addresses
** CTS/RTS flow checking, Lock baud and Comm Baud rates up to 115,200
** Own com routines support.
** /E option to use EMS Memory
** Fossil driver support.
** Locked fossil driver support.
** True multi-node support. (Send online messages, battles and such!)
** Rip Support Detect, and found on WC3.9+ or PCB15 dropfiles.
As well as ANSI and even ASCII.
** Option to generate ANSI & ASCII score files with any path and name
in LORDCFG.EXE!
** In game downloading of RIPLORD.ZIP, the optional file RIP users can
unzip to their ICONS directory for super speed. (LORD will auto
detect if they are using RIP, what version of RIP, and if they do not
have the LORD icons, will give them the option to download it)
** Auto Maintenance as the first person of the day plays. Entire
process takes less then 2 seconds on most systems.
** Auto deletion of inactive players. (You can set how long if needed)
Smart Delete also knows when your system is down, if no one plays,
it will not count that day against the user.
** Ultra easy to run. You don't have to do anything, ever. On the other
hand, LORDCFG.EXE will allow the sysop to become as involved as he
wants to be! Define many rules, and enable/disable certain options.
(Not all options avaible to an unregistered game)
** Powerfull player editor!
** Safety features. Checksums on the data files will let LORD know if
one becomes corrupted, and will automatically return to the BBS, NOT
saving the bad data.
Every time when the FIRST person of the day plays, LORD will create
a backup of your PLAYER.DAT file. (PLAYER.BAK) If you catch an error
later in the day in that file, you can copy the .bak file to the .dat
file.
** Inactivity timeout at 3 minutes, regardless of caller security.
** Sysop chat option, use Alt-C to chat, Escape to finish.
** Sysop can change users time with up and down arrows.
** Players play an average of 10 minutes a day (at standard settings)
The perfect came to complement an active message base. In fact,
thats why it was written. Keeps 'em coming back for more EACH DAY!
Stuff Especially new:
** Special Skills! Players can take their pick of being a 'Death Knight',
'Mystical Skills User' or a student of the 'Thieving Skills'! Or,
become the ultimate warrior, and LEARN THEM ALL!
** "Never Reset" gameplay. New approach to gaming! When a player wins
the game, only *HE* is reset. He does keep special 'skills' he has
learned, as well his charm, kids and status in The Old Man Rankings.
** Much more text. Log 'lementings' can be easily edited for a
personalized game!
** Smart Node. Users are automatically informed when another player
enters the realm at the same time. Or leaves. Or sends a message.
(Via messenger on horseback!)
(Single line systems, if you can multi-task, you CAN use the LOCAL /l
option from DOS to play along with someone on your BBS. It's the
same as having two nodes from LORDs point of view)
** More interactive forest events. Many 'secrets' to discover.
** Hundreds of ways for players to interact.
** Marrage and kids are all options in LORD 3.02.
** BlackCloak Tavern. Hard to find, but VERY interesting when you do.
** Powerfull mail writing routines. Unlimited length.
** Always tastefully lewd, and sort of tastefully gory.
** A *FREE* upgrade to previously registered users. (As all upgrades
are FREE for Seth Able Games products)
** Reach new hights of conversation with 'Characters' from the
game.
** Still only $15 to register, the best value in doors today.
1. Copy all the files into an empty directory. If you are upgrading from
2.0 or 2.1, it's ok to copy right over them. You won't have to reset.
2. Run LORDCFG.EXE from the DOS prompt.
You will be prompted for info on setting up LORD1.BAT, if one configuration
is not enough, you can create more inside LORDCFG.EXE. (For instance, if you
have one node using a fossil and one not, or they are locked at different
speeds)
Everything is very automated and instuctions are in it.
When complete, merely have your BBS execute LORD1.BAT, or LORD2.BAT and
so on, whichever config you want to use for that node on your system.
When you run LORD2.BAT, and you are using the DORINFO?.DEF drop file for
instance, it will automatically look for DORINFO2.DEF and so on.
If your system does not create drop files with different names, it's ok to
use the same node configuration for all nodes.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Information On Registration=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
** Is this product crippled or what?
Yes. This is shareware. This allows you, the consumer to try out this
product, and see if it's really worth buying before you do.
(In fact, nearly HALF of the registrations we have recieved have
been paid for by USERS!)
BUT, this program is fully functional to the users until they hit level
6. They will not be able to continue until the game is registered.
** If I send the $15, what do I get?
A unique registration code with your name on it, printed JUST for you.
This code can be easily inputted with LORDCFG.EXE, Just use the (E)nter
Registration Code option. Once entered, the entire game will be
functional. This means:
** Twice as many levels and enemys.
** The game can be finished.
** The (V)isit The Hall Of Honor option in (T)urgons Warrior Training will
actually be good for something. (This ranks heros, depending on how
many heroic deeds they have done)
** By supporting quality shareware such as this, you are making LORD a
bigger and better game.
** Free upgrades. (Getting the files will be up to you tho!)
** You will be on the Seth Able Games mailing list, first in line to hear
about new games and releases!
** Wow! I love this game! How do I register?
Use the (*) Print Registration Form option in LORDCFG.EXE. It will print
the REGISTER.DOC file. It's ok to edit REGISTER.DOC and fill it out with
your info first if thats faster for you, or just fill it out in pen afer
it's printed. (You can print REGISTER.DOC with ANY program if you want)
If you DON'T own a printer, try to basically send us the same information,
and if we can find a return address we will send you a code.
If you are registering two or more games with us *IN THIS THE SAME ORDER*
you are eligible for a BIG discount!
EACH REGISTRATION DROPS DOWN TO $10 INSTEAD OF $15!
Many people use this option to register Planets: TEOS and LORD togther,
both for $20.
Or, if you know someone who also wants LORD, go ahead and register with
him, and get the two LORD registrations for $20!
Any combination works. 8 registrations would still be $80.
If you have any questions about this, contact Seth Able, (check the
bottom of these docs for info on how to do this)
** How can I get my code the absolute quickest?
Well, average mail time for us to recieve your check is a week. We
usually mail within 48 hours of recieving it.
If you are in a HURRY, I would advise you send it 2-day mail, and request
IN your letter that you want to pick up your registration code on my
BBS. We do allow picking up registration codes at the BBS, as of yet
there is not Registration door, it is simple E-mailed to your account.
(please be pre-logged in) (At 503-838-6171, 14.4k all lines)
We cannot accept credit cards at this time, a credit card door will
probably be installed this year though.
-=-=-Seths Trouble Shooting Tips=-=-=-
Q.* The game is saying someone else is playing the game, even though that
user isn't on!
The fix:
This is caused by the game turning off unexpectedly, for instance, a
lock up or power failure. (A dropped carrier will not do this, LORD
knows how to handle that, and will save all the players data before
it returns to the BBS)
The game will automatically fix it at maintenance the next morning,
OR you can do it yourself. Just make sure no one is in the door, then
type this from DOS, when you are in LORD's directory:
DEL MULT*
And that should do it. The MULTX (x is their LORD account number) files
are created when a user is online, and deleted when he leaves.
Q.* When a user enters the door, nothing happens, and he is returned back to
the BBS!
The fix: Check your BBS's execution string. It's probably not finding
the file. It should read something like this:
C:\BBS\DOORS\LORD\LORD1.BAT
** OR **
The problem could be LORD isn't getting enough memory. LORD requires
400K. You may need to tell your BBS to swap to disk instead of memory
to get enough. WWIV Users, use the Shrink BBS option.
Try adding the /E (Use EMS) option to your execution string running
lord, just edit the LORDX.BAT config files.
Example:
LORD /pC:\BBS /E
Q.* I am a multi-node system, but I can't figure out how to get my BBS to
run different bat files for the door!!
The fix: Check your BBS manuals/docs. Most multi-node systems have
symbols you enter in the bat file which let the BBS substitute the node
number. Like C:\BBS\DOORS\LORD\LORD%n.BAT or something!
Q.* Man, I'm multi-node, and I'm using the DORINFO1.DEF drop file. But when
I have my second node run LORD2.bat, (I set that up earlier from LORDCFG)
it says 'DORINFO2.DEF' not found! My BBS creates DORINFO1.DEF for ALL
nodes!
The Fix: Well, you should consult your docs for help, or ask a sysop
using the same system. If all else fails, edit the LORD2.BAT file, (and
all other nodes besides 1) and add this in the beginning:
(Editting node 2)
CD \BBS (Change this path to where your drop file is)
COPY DORINFO1.DEF DORINFO2.DEF
<REST OF BAT FILE IS UNTOUCHED>
This will allow LORD to find the drop file.
Q.* I'm using Desqview and getting screen bleeding!
The fix: This may happen to older versions of DV, to fix this, edit
the BTYPE1.CFG files in your LORD dir. Change the word NODIRECT to
;NODIRECT (Enabling direct BIOS writes)
Q.* The door just locks up on the intro ansi!
The Fix. Lock ups are NOT part of this game. Most likely you can fix the
problem by changing your your setup. Choose the (S)etup a node option
to try a different setup. (It will re-write the BTYPEX.CFG and LORDX.BAT
for that node)
Try using a fossil driver. Some High Speed Modem systems will not
function correctly with LORD's internal com routines, and using a fossil
driver is the only way to run the game. DON'T GET SCARED! This does
not have to interfere with your BBS in any way. How?
**(If your BBS ALREADY runs a fossil, skip the fossil instalation stuff)**
**Installing a fossil driver:
By loading a FOSSIL driver in the LORDX.BAT file. Then UNLOADING it
before user returns to your BBS in the batch file AFTER LORD.EXE is run.
There is a special option, upon batch file creation, that if chosen, will
automatically load BNU or X00 (Fossil drivers) and unload them upon
exitting. I recommend trying BNU. You merely have to download BNU, (my
BBS if you can't find it anywhere else) unzip it into your DOS directory,
and LORD will do the rest.
It will ask you some questions if you say 'Y'es to this option, and write
the bat file accordingly.
**ALL DONE!
**NOTE** If you use this option, be SURE that have the node setup for a
FOSSIL driver. Use the Internal Com Routines (Saying NO to a fossil
driver) will cause havok. (Lock ups)
Q.*I am Multi-node, and I am running LORD with no problems - But everytime
is see a <MORE> prompt is stops the game for a second or more!
Why?: This is file access. This is how players in LORD can list
other players, and see other players scores going up WHILE they play.
The game communicates entirely by your hard drive. This way, as long as
two games or more are running from the same DIRECTORY, it will work with
the multi-node functions. (Online battles, sending mail and such)
The fix: You could try a disk cashe program. I personally use Lightning
CD, by Lucid Corporation. I run it like this from my AUTOEXEC.BAT:
LCD 2000
This allocates almost 2 megs of ram for cashing. You could use more or
less. I highly recommend a disk cashe! The <MORE> prompts on my system
are near-instantanous.
Be carefull about 'Delayed Writes'. If you are having trouble, you may
want to set the delay time to 0.
Q.*I've tried everything and nothing works!
If you know your way around computers pretty well, you might try
manually editting the LORD1.BAT and BTYPE1.CFG files, (BTYPE.CFG is not
used by the game) and see if you can get it going.
These are the options LORD can be run with in LORDX.BAT :
/E - Use EMS for extra memory
/L - Local mode
/Bxxx - Specify locked baud rate (i.e. /B38400)
/Nx - Specify node number
/R - Force RIP graphics
/Pyyy - Specify path to drop file (i.e. /Pc:\bbs
The fix: Call my system for tech support. We have a LORD/PLANETS:TEOS
message base that is devoted to comments/suggestions and help for systems
having trouble setting up. Virtually ALL BBS types are discussed.
Or, send me private mail if you don't see a fix for your problem.
Check the bulletins also for common problems.
You can reach me via the following ways:
-=-=-=-=Part Five: How To Reach Seth Able=-=-=-=-
You can send me U.S. mail: (same address as registrations)
Seth A. Robinson
761 E St
Independence, OR 97351
MY BBS:
The Darkside BBS (Multi-node with call turnover from one number)
(503) 838-6171 (All lines support 14.4k)
FIDO NET MAIL on Field Of Dreams BBS (Not MY BBS!)
Mail Seth Able at 1:3406/13.
Compuserve: 73502,2755
For a list of Seth Able Games Distribution Sites, view the enclosed file
SUPPORT.DOC to find a distribution site near you.
-=-=-=-=Part Six: Whats is RIP?=-=-=-=-
by Seth Able (not an expert)
What is RIP? Well, it's a terminal emulation sort of like ANSI, except it
uses a VGA mode with 16 colors. (Word is, a 256 color is on the way)
To view ANSI, you need an ANSI capable terminal program, right? Well, same
with RIP - LORD 3.02 was tested with RIPterm V1.54.00. Other terminal
programs that supported RIP that we tested did *NOT* work well with 3.02.
Anyway, it allows users to use a mouse with the game, and view some nice
graphics in spots. The non-graphic menus are about the same length as
the ANSI ones, so speed isn't a problem - EXCEPT for the larger ones that
hold a lot of information - The graphics.
LORD lets users DOWNLOAD a file, (RIPLORD.ZIP) which contains the larger
RIP screens. They then put it in their ICONS directory, (if they are using
RIP, they have one!) and RIP then recalls screens when LORD asks it to.
So the large graphic screens don't slow the game down any - Even your 300
baud users will see the INTRO.RIP file at full speed.
When a user calls using RIPterm, the game will automatically notice that.
It will also check to see if the user has the correct files on his HD.
If he DOESN'T, it will let him download the RIPLORD.ZIP file IN THE GAME,
providing you have DSZ.EXE, and told LORD where it was in LORDCFG.EXE.
If the user does NOT download the files, the game will still work. It will
send all the screens the long way, over your screen. (much slower, but
still works - 14.4k users will not even notice the slowdown, except the
large RIPS like INTRO.RIP)
It doesn't matter if your BBS supports RIP or not, LORD will. You will see
strange symbols on your screen, instead of menus. These are the RIP codes,
do not re-boot your computer! This is normal, as of yet, there is no RIP.SYS
like ANSI.SYS that will automatically display the VGA RIP, but then again, it
would surely slow down your system - and no one wants that.
Is RIP going to become a new standard? I don't know. I just implement
what people ask for most.
If a user complains it's not working, it's probably because they don't
have the latest version of RIPterm, (it will actually tell them that tho
when they play) or they have not UNZIPPED the RIPLORD.ZIP file into the
ICONS directory on their HD.
If the download RIPLORD.ZIP option IN LORD does not work on your system, you
may have to put up RIPLORD.ZIP in your file bases, so they can download it
there.
Well, if you didn't know anything about RIP before, hopefully you do now.
-Seth Able
-=-=-=Part Seven: Hints & Tips on running LORD=-=-=-
This door will be a HIT on your system, and probably increase activity
in your message and file bases. *IF* it's given the chance.
I used to run an Amiga BBS that had virtually no doors. I knew I needed
a hook, something to get people to call EVERY day to catch up on the
message bases and such, and keep the place busy and fun.
Thats when I created LORD, for that purpose alone. Here are some tips
on getting a lot of people playing it, which makes it MORE fun.
** Don't run too many doors. I know it sounds good to say "I have over
100 doors online!" but you could actually have a MORE popular system
if you only ran 5 or 6, so people would be literally FORCED to play
with eachother. 1 person playing each of your 100 doors a day is no
fun.
I know lots of popular systems that run LORD alone, (like mine...Well,
I run Planets: TEOS too of course!) and my system rings off the hook,
not just LD callers looking for the files, but local PLAYERS that come
here because they KNOW thats all I have, so of course they find a lot
of competition. (We have 3 full LORD games going all the time! I only
allow each person to play in ONE game)
** Make it easy to get to. I have my "Play LORD 3.02" option on my main
menu, so it's very visable. It's better than say, having to type
"DOORS" then 1 for "RPG Type Doors" and finally ANOTHER key to actually
play.
** Announce that you have it. Especially if you are just installing it.
** Don't get too wacky with turns. When you are a registered user, you
have the option to set "Fights per day" and such to higher and lower
numbers. But don't over do it, remember that you want people to play
only like 5 to 20 minutes a day, not an hour. Too much time gets people
burned out, and the fun of fighting with real people is calling DAILY
to send messages back and forth and such.
** Announce that this game has RIP support, and put the newest version
of RIPterm up for download on your system.
** Don't play. Sysops that play their own games are hard to beat, and
players know this. If they find out YOU are the one they are competing
with, chances are they will quit.
If you are WINNING, (Even playing fair) all hell will break loose!
** Encourage Teams. Although LORD has no special team menus, it does
have something much more powerful. The ability for any player to
send mail. With this, player make friends and enemies...I have a
group on my system that call themselves "Black Knights" and they
all have the letters BK in front of their LORD handle! Good idea!
-=-=-=-=Part Eight: Credits=-=-=-=-
This game would not have been possible without the following help:
(BETA Testing)
Ed Williams
Michael Vierra
Michael Vignola
Joseph Masters
Adam Grups
Dan Voils
Jim Ford
Lonnie Johnson
Ryan Smith
Scott M. Baker (Door Driver)
Steve Lorenz (Door driver modifications)
Jack Ridgway (Mulaware)
Borys Smolaga (Lead RIP artist from The Dead RIPpers' Society)
Neilscott Tozier (ANSI Artist: INTRO2.ANS)
David Nicholson (ANSI Artist: INTRO1.ANS)
Sam Breyer (ANSI Artist: END.ANS)
RIP screens for LORD 3.02 were made by members of
Dead RIPpers' Society (dRs).
If you are looking for custom RIPs for your board,
or would like to get your door game RIPped call
PAULAND BBS -- the Grave of Dead RIPpers' Society
(504)383-2864
FIDO -- 1:3800/34
--------------------------------------------------
Special thanks for helping us to put everything together
are going to:
Randall Lassable & Ken Arbour
Acknowledgments:
Mulaware; Copyright 1992, ABSoft - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Turbo Pascal is a registered trademark of Borland International
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
OS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
RIPterm, RIPscrip, RIPaint, the RIPterm logo, TeleGrafix
Communications, and the TeleGrafix Communications logo are all
trademarks of TeleGrafix Communications, Inc.
All other programs are copyright and/or trademarked by their
respective author unless otherwise noted.
-=-=-=-=END OF LORD.DOC=-=-=-=-