Monster Media 1994 #1/monster.zip/monster/BBS_GAME/TLLV17U.ZIP/DOCS.ZIP/README.DOC

Text File | 1994-03-18 | 20KB | 429 lines

                                The Lost Lands

                            Fantasy Adventure Game




                                SYSOP DOCUMENT
                                --------------

    This document offers general information about The Lost Lands.
    The Lost Lands is the most sophisticated single-player fantasy adventure
    door program written to date.  Unlike other door games, The Lost Lands
    creates an ever-expanding universe of fantasy adventure play.  The Lost
    Lands provides its players with many hours of addictive fantasy gaming.

    Disclaimer and Shareware Notice
    ===============================
    This UNREGISTERED copy of The Lost Lands is distributed as shareware.
    You are given a 30 day evaluation period.  If you plan to continue using
    The Lost Lands after the 30 day evaluation period, you must become a
    registered user or be in violation of the copyright.  Please see the
    accompanying documentation file, README.DOC for more information on
    the registration process.

    You may freely redistribute unmodified copies of these files to other users,
    but you must make certain that ALL accompanying support and documentation
    files are included and that none of these files are modified in any manner.
    This software may not be distributed as a part of, or in conjunction with,
    another product without permission of the author.

    This software is NOT warranted to be error free.  David A. Cooke will not
    be liable for any damages or loss of property arising from the use or
    inability to use this software.

    Use of these programs implies acceptance of these terms.

    Minimum System Requirements
    ===========================
    MS-DOS 3.3 or later
    512k of RAM
    2 MB of hard disk space (minimum)

    Features of The Lost Lands
    ==========================
    PERFORMANCE & SUPPORT:
    The Lost Lands has been optimized for good performance under
    multi-tasking systems such as OS/2 2.x, DesqView or Windows.
    The Lost Lands also offers file locking and sharing to facilitate
    use of the game in a multi-node environment (See Note Below).
    FOSSIL support has also been incorporated into The Lost Lands.
    Use of a FOSSIL driver is recommended for better performance at high
    speeds.

    The Lost Lands will automatically detect whether it is running under
    any of the environments listed above and/or if a FOSSIL driver has
    been installed.

    DOOR SUPPORT:
    Support for DOOR.SYS        (/D)
    Support for DORINFOx.DEF    (/x) where x is a number between 1 and 9.
    Support for CALLINFO.BBS    (/W)

    REAL-TIME PLAY:
    The Lost Lands is a real-time system.  The player will adventure in areas
    that are inhabited by constantly acting creatures.  All actions are done
    in real time, which further gives the player the feeling of "being there."

    QUESTS & VARIETY:
    In order to add flavor and purpose to the game, the player is able to
    undertake quests.  Quests provide players with great adventures and
    great rewards.  A huge variety of items, spells and rooms allow a
    player to always encounter something new.

    EXPANDABILITY:
    As in real Role-Playing Games, there are always more adventures for
    the players to set out on.  In the Lost Lands, adventuring areas are
    expanded by adding ModulePaks.  Each ModulePak contains several maps,
    new quests, items, spells and monsters.

    In addition to the base game, the TLL contains the ModulePak #1
    adventure:

    ModulePak #1: "The Town of NewMar"
        This ModulePak spans 7 maps, containing 3 dungeon maps, 2 town
        maps and 2 guild maps.  There are a multitude of shops, temples,
        guilds, taverns and inns.  There are 3 starting quests.  Over
        200 items, 150 spells and 140 creatures are included.

    Installation Guide
    ==================
    To install the Lost Lands, run the file TLLV1.EXE in a directory
    of your choice.  The file should expand into the following files:

       INSTALL.EXE      - Installation program
       TLL.EXE          - The Lost Lands Door Program.
       CHARGEN.EXE      - The Character Generation Program.
       TLLPURGE.EXE     - The Lost Lands Map Maintenance Utility Program.
       TOPCHARS.EXE     - The Top Characters in the Land generation program.
       TLLLOCAL.EXE     - A utility to run The Lost Lands locally.
       DOCS.LZH         - Documentation and Help files.
       DATA.LZH         - Miscellaneous data files
       DESC.LZH         - Description files
       MAPS.LZH         - Map files

    To install the game, type: INSTALL.  Follow the on-screen directions
    and the install program will take care of uncompressing all the files
    into the TLL game directory and setting up the configuration file.

    After this, it is your job to install the entry in your BBS system
    to allow the running of TLL.EXE.  A file, TLL.BAT will be created by
    the INSTALL.EXE program.  In order to run the program, you should
    configure your BBS to call the TLL.BAT file;  Consult your BBS
    documentation on how to set up a door program.

    Note To Networked-System SysOps:
    If your multi-node system is run in a networked environment (instead of
    DesqView, OS/2 2.x or Windows), The Lost Lands may not run without first
    modifying both the TLL.BAT and the CONFIG.TLL files.  If different nodes
    of your system map different drive letters to the same physical drive, you
    will encounter a problem.  Specific drive letters are referenced in both
    TLL.BAT and CONFIG.TLL created by INSTALL.  Here's how you can fix it:

    1.  Modify CONFIG.TLL: Remove all drive references from CONFIG.TLL.
        For example, change:

        MAPS=C:\TLL\MAPS\    -to-   MAPS=\TLL\MAPS\
        DESC=C:\TLL\DESC\    -to-   DESC=\TLL\DESC\

    2.  Modify TLL.BAT: Remove all drive references from CONFIG.TLL.
        (This fix will work if the TLL directory is on the same drive
         as your BBS program.)
        For example, a file that looked like:

        C:
        CD C:\TLL
        TLL /DC:\DOORS
        C:
        CD C:\BBS

        Should be changed to:

        CD \TLL
        TLL /D\DOORS
        CD \BBS

    Also, if your system is reporting a "sharing violation" when TLL
    is run on more than one node, this is due to a problem with the
    overlay manager.  To correct the problem, you must set the ReadOnly
    flag on TLL.EXE.  To do this, type:

    ATTRIB +R TLL.EXE

    Afterwards, if you ever upgrade your version of TLL, you must clear
    the ReadOnly flag, or you will not be able to overwrite TLL.EXE.  To
    clear the flag, type:

    ATTRIB -R TLL.EXE

    Calling the Batch Files Generated by the Installation Program
    =============================================================

    For DOOR.SYS and CALLINFO.BBS, you call the TLL.BAT file directly:

    C:\>TLL.BAT

    For DORINFOx.DEF (such as DORINFO1.DEF), call the batch file with an
    extra parameter indicating what x should be.  To run TLL using the
    DORINFO1.DEF file, you would type:

    C:\>TLL.BAT 1

    The SysOp Utilites: TLLPURGE.EXE, TOPCHARS.EXE & INSTALL.EXE
    ============================================================

    TLLPURGE.EXE
    ------------
    TLLPURGE is the program that will maintain the installed maps and clear
    off excess data that has been stored by TLL.  It is suggested you run
    this program ONCE A WEEK.  It is not necessary or recommended that you
    run it every day, as the TLLPURGE program refreshes permanent monsters
    and other features that will decrease the "realistic" feel of the game.
    You should call TLLPURGE.EXE as a BBS event procedure;  Consult your BBS
    documentation on how to set up an system event.

    TOPCHARS.EXE
    ------------
    TOPCHARS is the program that displays a list of all current players and
    the best characters.  Although players can see their score in the game
    at certain rooms, it is usefull to have a system bulletin on your BBS
    which tells the users how everyone else is doing (in case they can't find
    the scoreboard in the game).  To do this, simply run TOPCHARS.EXE every
    night.  TOPCHARS produces output in many ways: ASCII, ANSI and WildCat!

    To generate a file named BULL1.TXT, you would enter one of the following:

    C:\>TOPCHARS BULL1.TXT         <- This will generate ANSI format
    C:\>TOPCHARS A BULL1.TXT       <- This will generate ASCII format
    C:\>TOPCHARS @ BULL1.TXT       <- This will generate WildCat! format

    INSTALL.EXE
    -----------
    INSTALL.EXE is the program that you use to initially install The Lost
    Lands.  Originally, this was its only function.  Since Version 1.4, the
    Install program is copied into the working TLL directory on installation
    and may be used by the SysOp to update CONFIG.TLL without editing it
    manually (as described below).

    The INSTALL.EXE program is able to change every SysOp configurable
    option in the CONFIG.TLL.  To update your CONFIG.TLL, run the program,
    make all necessary changes, and press the Configure button instead of
    the Install button.  Please Note, if you change the type of DOOR
    information file your BBS generates, you must manually change the TLL.BAT
    file or reinstall the whole game.

    The Online Sysop Functions: Time Manipulation & Screen Blanking
    ===============================================================

    Time Manipulation
    -----------------
    The SysOp may add or subtract 5 minutes to the time of the current
    usre by pressing the F3 and F4 keys respectively.  A small status window
    appears at the bottom of the screen during play, which displays some
    information such as Function Keys, User Name and Time Left.

    The SysOp may also Kick-Out a player at any time by pressing F10.  This
    acts exactly as the same as a QUIT command; It saves the character
    directly on the map where he or she was when you pressed the F10 key.

    Screen Blanking
    ---------------
    Screen Blanking turns the screen ON or OFF. This is most usefull for
    systems run under DesqView.  Since The Lost Lands writes directly to the
    screen, any output from The Lost Lands to the console will "bleed-through"
    to other windows.  To avoid this, TLL allows the user to block all
    console output.  To change Screen Blanking ON or OFF during a session of
    The Lost Lands, you simply press the F1 key.  To change this permanently,
    see the section about CONFIG.TLL just below.

    Chat Mode
    ---------
    The SysOp may chat with the user by pressing the F5 key.  The real-time
    action in the game is halted until you press F5 again and hit enter.

    Other Sysop Information
    =======================

    Understanding CONFIG.TLL
    ========================
    The CONFIG.TLL file maintains all system-specific information that The
    Lost Lands and its utility programs need.  The installation program
    will set up the file for you and it should never need maintenence, unless
    your system changes.  Changes made in CONFIG.TLL are valid for EVERY
    session of TLL that runs.  Some functions the SysOp may wish to change are:

    Screen Blanking
    ---------------
    To change screen blanking from ON to OFF permenantly, you must change the
    line in CONFIG.TLL that holds the SCRN variable.  Locate the line which
    will say either SCRN=1 or SCRN=0.  (For information on the purpose of
    Screen Blanking, see the section above).

    -  To enable Screen Blanking (turn the console output OFF), set
       the variable to 0 (i.e. SCRN=0).
    -  To disable Screen Blanking (so you can watch the screen), set
       the variable to 1 (i.e. SCRN=1).

    DesqView (3+ Nodes) Support
    ---------------------------
    If you run a system using DesqView with 3 or more nodes, The Lost
    Lands built in DesqView support can hamper the speed at which
    activities are performed.  Disabling the internal DesqView support
    can remedy this problem will bring game speed near normal.  If you
    notice large time lags between player actions, try disabling support.

    -  To disable DesqView Support, set the variable to 1 (i.e. DESQ=1).
    -  To enable DesqView Support (default), set the variable to 0
       (i.e. DESQ=0).

    Bugs Reporting
    --------------
    Bugs Reporting is a feature that allows users to write messages to a
    file called BUGS.TLL.  These messages are used for reporting bugs to
    either the SysOp or the Author.  The file BUGS.TLL can be sent to
    David Cooke (see below) in order to help fix some bugs that have been
    spotted.  Since the BUGS.TLL file is able to become arbitrarily large,
    BBS's with limited disk space may opt to turn this feature off, not
    allowing users to report bugs.

    To change Bugs Reporting ON or OFF, you must change the line in
    CONFIG.TLL that holds the BUGS variable.  Locate the line which will
    say BUGS=1 or BUGS=0.

    -  To enable Bugs Reporting, set the variable to 1 (i.e. BUGS=1).
    -  To disable Bugs Reporting, set the variable to 0 (i.e. BUGS=0).

    Days Inactive
    -------------
    The TLLPURGE looks in CONFIG.TLL to find out how long it should let users
    play who have been inactive.  The value may be between 1 and 60 days,
    which is the point at which TLLPURGE will delete the users character
    record.

    To change the value for Days Inactive, you must change the line in
    CONFIG.TLL that holds the DAYS variable.  Locate the line which says
    DAYS=x, where x is a value between 0 and 60.  Enter the number of days
    inactive you feel qualifies a users character to be deleted.

    Idle Players
    ------------
    This feature allows you to set a minimum time that the player may be
    away from the keyboard with no keyboard activity.  If the player does
    not perform any activity within the time set, the board will warn them
    and then kick them back to your BBS.

    To change the time value for Idle Time, you must change the line in
    CONFIG.TLL that holds the IDLE variable.  Locate the line which says
    IDLE=x, where x is a value above 2 (minutes).  Enter the amount of
    minutes of non-activity you feel qualifies a player to be kicked back
    to the BBS.

    Game Speed
    ----------
    The game speed parameter gauges how quickly the real-time events are
    processed.  The default time between standard events is about four
    seconds.  It has been noted that on some slower machines or on networked
    systems, this delay effectively allows the monsters to move a little
    faster than players (by giving players less reaction time).  This
    parameter can also be modified for the sole reason of making the game a
    little easier to play.

    To change the time value for the Game Speed, you must change the line in
    CONFIG.TLL that holds the PACE variable.  Locate the line which says
    PACE=x, where x is a value between 4 and 8 (seconds).  Enter the amount
    of seconds between the standard system event that you feels gives the
    players enough time to react to the game.

    Tameness
    --------
    The Tameness parameter is a setting to tell The Lost Lands whether or
    not it should allow a chance for players to "cheat" death.  This feature
    allows players (up to level 10) to have a chance of just being knocked
    unconscious.  Unconscious characters only lose gold and/or items, not
    levels or experience!

    This feature detracts from the "realism" of the game, but if you have
    many inexperienced players, this makes the game much easier.  If you are
    running a "tournament," it is suggested this feature be set to 0.

    The Tameness level can be set between 0 and 10.  A setting of 0 means
    players will have no chance of just being 'knocked out' and will truly
    die every time they are killed.  A setting of 10 is the easiest setting,
    allowing players of up to level 10 a chance of being 'knocked out.'
    The default setting is 3, which only allows players level 1-3 to
    be 'knocked out.'

    To change the Tameness setting, you must change the line in CONFIG.TLL
    that holds the UNCO variable.  Locate the line which will say UNCO=x
    (where x is a number between 0 and 10).

    -  To allow unconsciousness, set the variable to a number between
       1 and 10.  (e.g. UNCO=3).
    -  To disable unconsciousness, set the variable to 0 (i.e. UNCO=0).

    The Bulletin File
    =================
    The file BULLETIN.TLL, in the directory with TLL.EXE, will be displayed
    each time The Lost Lands is started.  You may customize this bulletin
    any way you wish.  It can contain important information to your players
    at the time of log-in.

    Registration
    ============
    The Lost Lands is not a free game.  You are given a trial period
    of 30 days.  By the end of the trial period, you should either
    register the product or delete it in its entirety.

    The unregistered product of The Lost Lands has many restrictions that
    hamper play.  These restrictions are built into the software.  By
    registering this product, these restrictions are lifted.  Therefore,
    the registered version of The Lost Lands contains several other
    "enhancements" over the unregistered game.  They include:

    LEVEL ADVANCEMENT:
    In the unregistered product, no character may PROGRESS PAST 3RD LEVEL
    (or gain more than 6001 experience points).  This is certainly the most
    important restriction applied to the unregistered version of the product.

    GUILDS:
    Each class guild is stocked with a Guild Master and guards.  Through a
    trial by combat, players may become the leaders of the Guild.
    The guild masters are omitted in the unregistered version.

    SPELL CASTERS:
    Enemy monsters spell-casting ability is disabled in the unregistered
    version of TLL.  The registered version includes spell casting creatures
    and treasures such as spell books, scrolls, etc.

    BANKS:
    In the unregistered version, the banking system is closed.  The banking
    commands are fully implemented in the registered version.

    VERSION UPGRADES:
    We feel that by supporting this product, you should get the best in
    Fantasy Adventure Games.  Because of this, we are distributing minor
    version upgrades free of charge.  These may be obtained through Alterd
    Egos BBS (see below) with a password that must be entered on the form.

    An order form is supplied in REGISTER.DOC.  If you need further
    information, you may contact David A. Cooke through any of the
    following channels:

    David A. Cooke                         The Lost Lands Support Board:
    DAC Enterprises                        Alterd Egos BBS
    CompuServe:  73140,3503                Node 1: [phone]
    Internet:    [e-mail]     Node 2: [phone]
    Alterd Egos: DAVE COOKE                SysOp : Ken Gates

    THE LOST LANDS MESSAGE CONFERENCE:
    If you would like to carry The Lost Lands message conference,
    call Alterd Egos BBS and leave a message to Ken Gates about
    becoming part of -=VA Net=-.  The Lost Lands conference contains
    information regarding new releases, future development plans and
    general player-to-player chatter.