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                                SECOND CONFLICT (tm)
                          the Galactic Conflict Continues
                               by Jerry W. Galloway
                                 and E.R. Markgraf
                                  (c) 1988,1989


    Background: 75 A.I. (Age of Imperium)

        When the first Galactic Conflict was over and the dead buried,  The
    Grand Admiral and his victorious fleet controlled the known Galaxy. All
    enemy  formations  of  effective military capacity  were  dispersed  or
    destroyed.  Unopposed,  The  Admiral  assumed governmental control  and
    established himself as Emperor.

        Under  the Pax Imperium,  trade exploded between the stars  of  the
    Galaxy.  Technological and cultural exchanges spread science, medicine,
    and  economic  riches widely.   By A.I.  33,  fifty solar systems  were
    classed   "highly   industrialized",    and   a   hundred   more   were
    "industrialized".   Healing the scars of war, planets were rebuilt into
    comfortable paradises where science and art could flourish.  "Hail  the
    Imperium" was the call of the day.

        Inevitably, social and political systems evolved to create circles
    and barriers around the throne.  As late as A.I. 35, common citizens
    could still petition the Emperor.  After the death of the First Emperor
    in A.I.  36 ,  however, all of this rapidly changed.  Emperor Yarbrous,
    crowned  in  A.I.  37 after the mysterious death of his elder  sibling,
    immediately decreed laws restricting the rights and voice of the common
    man.  Only  the wealthy and influential could run for Imperial  office.
    Bribery  became the official method of procuring assistance from  civil
    servants.  A brief public uprising was quelled by force. In response to
    public denunciation of his policies,  Yarbrous gave the Imperial Police
    direct  control of local law enforcement agencies.  Historians mark  39
    A.I. as the start of the Age of Repression.

        After the assassination of Yarbrous in A.I.  43, four Emperors held
    and  lost the throne before Selenius ascended  in  A.I.  51.   Selenius
    ruled  for  ten  years,  and  rescinded  many  of  Yarbrous'  (and  his
    "successors") laws. Relative stability marked the rule of Selenius. One
    change  fostered  by  Selenius was the creation of  individual  System-
    controlled  military  forces,  meant  to be  a  counterbalance  to  the
    Imperial  Navy  should a despotic Yarbrous ascend again in the  future.
    Overshadowing his enlightened rule,  these navies would prove the  most
    lasting legacy of the Emperor Selenius.

        Selenius died abruptly in 61 A.I. without an heir, spawning another
    chaotic battle for ascension.  In A.I. 63, with systems at the brink of
    civil  war,  compromise  between three major factions in the  House  of
    Peers placed Magnor on the throne.  Weakly held together,  the Imperium
    was  at a low boil during the following decade.  In A.I.  73,  Imperial
    Admiral  Galbraith  declared  himself Governal-General  in  the  Altair
    sector,   placing  his  fleet  along  the  Imperial  border  to  thwart
    reunification  attempts.   A combined Imperial fleet was sent to  smash
    Galbraith.  Galbraith himself was killed in the action,  but several of
    his  Admirals escaped with their fleets.   Systems that  had  supported
    Galbraith  declared  themselves neutral,  free of Imperial or  Altarian
    control.  The Combined Imperial fleet,  heavily battered, was forced to
    withdraw  to the Imperium.  The Altarian sector became an  independent,
    fractious federation of warlords with loose ties to the Imperium.

        The  coalition  supporting  the  Emperor  was  unable  to  reach  a
    compromise  on the Altairian situation.  Each faction saw a  chance  to
    sieze the area for itself,  and flooded the sector with agents,  money,
    and  arms.  The Emperor was almost powerless to raise the large  fleets
    needed to bring Altair back into the Imperium.   In A.I. 75, The Second
    Galactic Conflict began.



    Second Conflict: The Game

    Units:

          There are three types of military units in Second Conflict. These
    are  WarShips,  TroopShips,  and  Troops.   WarShips are naval  vessels
    designed to destroy other vessels,  and cost one point to  build.  Only
    WarShips  engage  in  fleet combat.  TroopShips are units  designed  to
    transport armed men into combat,  and cost three points to build.  They
    are  typically  escorted by WarShips.  Each TroopShip can  carry  fifty
    troops.  Troops  represent the men and machines needed to  wage  ground
    warfare. Only Troops can capture planets.

    Stars:

           Star systems are represented on the map by the first letter of
    their name.  There are 26 stars in the Altair Sector, each having up to
    ten planets. Star systems have a production value that is used to build
    WarShips or TroopShips. These facilities represent asteroid mines, low-
    gee  workshops and living quarters,  large orbiting construction docks,
    and  other  non-planet based industrial  capacity.  Fleet  combat  only
    occurs  in  systems,  and  does not automatically give control  of  any
    planets. Troops that are in systems must be on TroopShips.


    Planets:

         Each star system may have up to ten planets. Planets also have
    production values, which are used to produce Troops. Control of a
    system  does  not  give  control  of  the  planets  therein,  they  are
    completely  separate  entities.  Planets must be  invaded  with  troops
    before you control them.


    Morale:

         Every star and planet has a morale rating,  which is based on your
    current standing.  This game  factor is probably the most important  of
    all.  Morale  is added to the production value to determine an "actual"
    production.  It also affects the amount of garrison you need to keep on
    a  planet  or in a system.  Normal morale is 1,  maximum morale  is  5.
    Morale  changes  with your score,  or by random events.  Civil  war  or
    system revolt will occur at a morale level below -4.


    Garrisons:

          You  must keep a garrison in systems and on planets to keep  your
    subjects  orderly.   The required garrison is three  times  production,
    plus  three  times the inverse of your morale.  This means you  need  a
    larger  garrison  if morale is bad,  and a smaller one when  morale  is
    high.  For  planets,  the  Load  All command will  leave  a  sufficient
    garrison.  If  you  load manually,  you are on  your  own.  Garrisoning
    systems is up to you. When you have insufficient garrisons, morale will
    drop  until you reach the revolt level.  Note that if random events are
    enabled,  an event may strike a planet that has a minimum garrison  and
    cause serious problems.


    Production:

            Production  occurs  at  two levels;  in Systems  and  on
    Planets.  Production is expressed as a point value.  A star or planet's
    current   Morale  rating  is  added  to  it's  production  value   when
    calculating production points. Star systems can be instructed to either
    produce  TroopShips  or WarShips.  WarShips cost one  production  point
    each,  while TroopShips cost three.   If you have leftover points while
    building  TroopShips,  they will be held in that system until the next
    production phase.   Planets, on the other hand, can only build one type
    of unit: Troops.


    Score:

        Your  score is based on the number  of  stars,  planets,  WarShips,
    TroopShips,  and  Troops you own.  Ship production also plays a factor.
    Since uniting the Altair Sector is your goal,  the scoring is  weighted
    so  that territory accounts for approximately half of your  score.  The
    maximum  morale you can attain (barring random events,  if enabled)  is
    based on your score.  These are the weights:

       WarShips        1/5 of 1 point
       TroopShips      3 * WarShip value
       Troops          1/20 of 1 point

       Star            10 points
       Planet           2 points
       Ship Production  1 point per point of production


    Combat Ratings:

            Each  player  has  two combat effectiveness  ratings,  one  for
    naval (Fleet) combat,  and one for ground (Troop) combat. These ratings
    form  the basis for your combat effectiveness.  If you are sucessful in
    combat,  the applicable rating may increase. When you get defeated, the
    rating may decrease.


    Privateers:

            Privateers  are planet-based raiders and sabotuers that  appear
    in  systems  you  don't  fully control.   Any  time  there  are  enemy-
    controlled  planets in a star system you own,  privateers will  appear.
    Privateers destroy WarShips in an attempt to lower system  morale.  The
    only way to guard against Privateers is to secure all planets in a star
    system as soon as possible.   The damage that Privateers do is based on
    the  number  of  WarShips you have in the system,  and  the  number  of
    unsecured  planets there.  The more of either,  the more damage you can
    expect.


    Scouts:

           Scouts  are  WarShips  that have been stripped  of  armament  to
    increase  their  speed.   Whenever you request  a  Scout  mission,  one
    WarShip  will be adapted and dispatched to collect intelligence data on
    an enemy star system.  When the scout returns,  it is restored to  full
    WarShip capability.


    Second Conflict: Setup

           The file, SECCON.ARC, should contain the following files:

        SC.EXE       the main game program
        SCVIEW.EXE   the endgame module
        SCINIT.EXE   the initialization module
        SC.SCR       a support file
        SC.DOC       this document
        SCVERS.XXX   changes and notes about release X.XX

        To begin enjoying Second Conflict,  simply type SC and hit enter at
    the  DOS  prompt.   Optionally,  you  can  type  SC  <filename.ext>  to
    automatically load a saved game file. Everything else will take care of
    itself.  If you did not supply a filename on the command line, you will
    be asked if you wish to start a new game or restore a game in progress.
    If you wish to continue a saved game,  select "O" and enter the name of
    the savegame file. Pressing ENTER will use the default filename SC.SAV.

        If  you  start  a new game,  you will be placed in the  Game  Setup
    module. You must supply the number of stars (max:26), players (max:10),
    and  the name and type of each player.  Players can be either Human  or
    Computer.


       After  you  have  specified  the  player  mix,  you  will  have  the
    opportunity  to change several options.  For the first  few  games,  I
    recommend  that you use the default settings.  After you get a feel for
    the game, you may wish to adjust one of these:

    Neutral Build -- if set on,  neutral planets will produce more Warships
    and troops each turn. The default is NO.

    Computer Play Level -- this value,  which ranges from 1 to 3, will make
    the computer harder to beat.  3 is the hardest,  and 1 is the  easiest.
    The default is 1.

    Display  Enemy -- if set on,  this parameter will show enemy-held  star
    systems  on  the central map display.  You won't know much  about  them
    unless you send a scout,  but you will see where they are.  The default
    is YES.

    Game  Length  -- this value is the length of the game in turns.  At the
    end  of  the game,  the final scores are displayed and the  program  is
    placed in VIEW mode allowing you to inspect  enemy positions in detail.
    The default value is 100 turns.  The game may end sooner, of course, if
    there is only one active player or there are no active human players.

    Production  Level -- this sets the initial production maximums used  to
    generate the galaxy.   LOW production set a maximum of 5, MEDIUM limits
    the range to 10, and HIGH sets the ceiling at 15. The default is MEDIUM.

    Ship  Speed  -- this  is  used  to  adjust  how  quickly  WarShips  and
    TroopShips reach their destinations.  LOW is 3/turn,  MEDIUM is 4/turn,
    and HIGH is 5/turn. The default is MEDIUM.

    Random Events -- This selects the basic level of random events. Turn it
    on to find out what they are! The default value is NO.

    Advanced Events -- This selects a more volatile level of events. Events
    can be both good or bad, at either level. This level includes the basic
    level.The default is NO.

    After you have accepted the game setup options,  you will be shown maps
    of the Altair sector.  Pick one that you like. When you have accepted a
    map,  actual game play will begin.  For your first game,  try to  place
    yourself in a large cluster of stars that is widely separated from your
    computer opponents.



    Second Conflict: Displays

        The  main Second Conflict game display consist of four  parts.  The
    Field of Honor shows the Altair Sector map.   Your systems are shown in
    red,  and enemy systems (if this option is enabled) are shown in  light
    blue.  Neutral systems appear gray, and systems you have scouted appear
    bright  white.  On  monochrome  systems,  your stars will be  shown  in
    reverse highlight.

        The  Stars/Ships  window occupies the upper right portion  of  your
    screen.  Again,  stars that you control are shown in red, enemy systems
    in  blue,  and scouted systems in white.  Numbers next to  each  system
    indicate  the total number of ships in that system (I.E.,  WarShips and
    TroopShips).  Enemy systems that you have scouted appear white, and the
    number  will  show  the number of WarShips that were  there  when  your
    collected the information. Note that this is not necessarily the number
    of ships that are there now!

        The Player window shows the current player name,  the  turn,  and
    the  player's  current combat effectiveness ratings for both Naval  and
    Ground combat.

        The Menu area occupies the entire width of the bottom four lines of
    the  screen.  All game options are selected here.  To select an option,
    either type the mnemonic letter of the command or use the arrow keys to
    move the highlight over the option and press ENTER. The ESCAPE key will
    almost always abort the current command.  Be careful, it will also exit
    a  menu,  including  the Main menu.  Exiting the main  menu  ends  your
    portion of the turn, and allows the next player to begin.


    Second Conflict: Sequence of play

       Second  Conflict  is played in phases;  each player has  a  movement
    phase  before  the  program  processes the  results.  All  movement  is
    simultaneous.  Combat  occurs when movement places units  of  different
    players int the same locale.  This is the order in which the phases are
    processed:

       Player 1 inputs orders
       Player 2 inputs orders
       Player n inputs orders
       Movement is resolved
       Combat (if any)
       New Production
       Random Events (if enabled)
       Morale Checked



    Second Conflict: Commands

        Second  conflict has two main menus;  the Main menu and the  System
    menu.  The  main menu contains options that are global to your  empire,
    while the System menu is oriented toward a single star system.  Here is
    a list and brief description of each command:


    MAIN MENU COMMANDS

        B - Basic statistical information about you empire
        D - Exit to DOS temporarily
        G - Go To a star system you own (enables the System Menu)
        I - display your intelligence information
        N - go to Next system and give orders (duplicates System option)
        P - Display production data for all stars you own
        Q - Quit the game
        R - Restore a saved game
        S - Save the current game
        X (or ESC) - Exit your phase and let another player go
        Z - Ze Score for all players



    SYSTEM MENU COMMANDS

        A - set up an automatic movement path
        C - Change system production (toggle WarShips or TroopShips)
        D - Distance to another star system
        F - display Fleets and destinations
        G - Give a fleet away (presumably to an ally!)
        I - display intelligence reports
        L - Load troops from planets onto TroopShips
        M - Move a fleet to another system
        N - go to another system and give orders
        P - display Production data (this system only)
        R - Recall a fleet (from the fleet display) to this system
        S - Send a scout to an enemy system
        U - Unload troops onto planets (can initiate invasions)
        W - Wreck naval vessels for scrap
        X or (ESC) - Exit back to the Main Menu


    Second Conflict: Strategies

        The only way to really develop effective strategies is,  of course,
    to play the game.  We can,  however, provide you with a few tips to get
    you started.

        When you successfully take a system,  invade as many planets as you
    can.  Don't  go  for just the highest producers right  away.  The  more
    planets you control, the fewer Privateers will attack your fleet.

        Troops are scarce.  Don't waste them,  or leave them on  TroopShips
    where they will be lost if your system is sucessfully attacked.

        Be  careful  with  your  garrisons.  They are  both  for  defensive
    purposes and to prevent unrest and revolution.  Garrisons that are  too
    large  will rob you of offensive might,  whereas garrisons that are too
    small will encourage revolt and enemy attacks.  Remember,  there are no
    "front lines" in space. You are never safe from attack.

        Don't overproduce TroopShips unless you need them.  They cost three
    points each to build, and the Wreck command will only recover about 70%
    of your investment.  Each can carry 50 Troops,  and you will NEVER have
    as many WarShips as you would like.

        If  you are playing with multiple human  players,  consider  making
    alliances.  These can be short-term affairs, and a "gift" fleet from an
    ally can make a Galaxy of a difference at a critical time!

        In general,  it is wise to keep your fleets on the move.  The enemy
    can't destroy what he can't find.

        The  computer  player  can be TOUGH at level 3  and  fast  movement
    speed. Choose this setting with care!



    Second Conflict: Credits


           Second  Conflict  has been brought to you by the Sysops  of  The
    Battlefield PC BBS, Jerry Galloway (AKA Wargamer) and Eric R. Markgraf.
    The  Battlefield is a 24 hour system that can be reached at (718)  225-
    9083, at 3/12/2400 baud. An on-line version of Second Conflict will be
    available there soon,  not to mention discussion and the latest program
    versions.  The  online  version will be made  available  to  interested
    Sysops.  If  you have suggestions and/or comments,  please feel free to
    call The Battlefield or easyplex me on Compuserve  (72750,567).  You'll
    probably  have  better luck reaching me on The Battlefield,  I'm  there
    every day.

           Special  thanks must go to our playtesters,  Kenny  Grumer  (AKA
    Fishman) and Perry Markowitz (AKA Satyr). Their suggestions helped make
    Second Conflict what you see.  Eric and I also clocked many a long hour
    at  the  helm  trying to grind this program into  dust.  A  very,  very
    special thank you must go to Susan,  who put up with my long stints  in
    the computer room.

           Second Conflict is a Shareware program, which means that you can
    evaluate it free of charge. You are encouraged to distribute it as long
    as you do not modify it in any way,  and you must include this document
    in unmodified form.  Second Conflict is, however, a copyrighted work to
    which  the  authors  retain ALL rights.   If you play  Second  Conflict
    regularly, you must send for a registered copy. All income will be used
    to   support  future  upgrades  and  enhancements  (and  make  it   all
    worthwhile!).

    REGISTRATION:

    We've put a lot of work into this package!
    Send $15 dollars (check or money order, please) payable to

           Jerry W. Galloway
           61-15 218th St.
           Bayside, NY 11364

        Please include your return address and specify the disk format  you
    require (I.E., 5.25 or 3.5" MS-DOS format). For the registration fee of
    $15,  you will also recieve the Second Conflict GAME EDITOR, which will
    allow  you to change game parameters such as production levels,  morale
    factors,   etc.  on  games  in  progress.  Constructive  comments  from
    registered users will be taken VERY seriously. This game is growing and
    changing, but we need your support to continue.

        We hope you enjoy the game!
        JW Galloway
        3/6/89