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SysOp DOCUMENTATION for Tradewars Release 10_00_TW Released 12/17 1989
Tradewars by Chris Sherrick (c) 1986
Release 4.0(and greater) Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 by:
Co-Author, John Morris
All Rights Reserved
*
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* ***** *** ***
***** ***** *****
***** ***** *****
***** ***** *****
***** ***** * *****
***** ***** *** *****
***** ***** ***** *****
*** *****************
** ****** ******
* RADE **** ****
** **
* * ARS
Copyright & License Info
------------------------
TradeWars is Copyrighted by Chris Sherrick and I (John Morris). This
means that we are the -owners- of TradeWars. This means that our rights
to the program are protected under National Law, and International
Treaty!
Most people shouldn't be concerned with all of that. But there are a
few who insist on tweaking our old code aorund and putting their own
name on it. That practice is Unlawful, Unethical, and just plain theft.
All users of TradeWars are granted a limited license to use, copy and
distribute TradeWars any way they see fit as long as a few rules are
obeyed:
1. You may use the program for any commercial, or non-commercial purpose.
Use it on your company, private or school BBS, or just about anything
else, I leave it up to your imagination.
2. You may copy and distribute as many copies of this program as you like,
as long as you don't charge money for the program itself. A small fee
is allowed (for copying, handling, mailing, and the diskette carrying
the copy) is allowed, BUT this amount is not to exceed the real costs.
(in other words, you may NOT make a profit!)
3. The program is used, and/or distributed unmodified, wih complete
documentation.
Warranty
--------
Warranty?? Are you nuts? There is no warranty of ANY kind given on
the operation of TradeWars! This program is provided AS IS!
** READ THESE DOCS .. who knows there may be something important in here!
** ALSO check appendix A for some current TW2 gossip!
** SEE appendix B for info on how to interface to TradeWars 10.0
Welcome to the world of Tradewars ][! And thank you for using an Authorized
release of Tradewars! Speaking of Tradewars, There are a bunch of
Tradewars clones which go by various names, and some which are distributed
under the name of Tradewars! . There is only ONE Tradewars Version 2.
There is NO such thing as Tradewars 500, or Tradewars 1000, or TW1K or
whatever. There is only Tradewars Version 2.
Because of the size of the files needed for Tradewars to run, they are
distributed in three ZIP files:
TW100EXE.ZIP - contains Tradewars Executable files & documentation.
TW100EXE.ZIP contains the following files:
------------------------------------------
SYSOP .DOC - This file
TW2 .EXE - TW main executable file
TWINSTR .DOC - Tradewars player instructions
TWOPENC .DAT - ANSI graphics opening screen
TWOPENA .DAT - TEXT opening screen
TWEDIT .EXE - TWEDIT executable file
TWEDITOR.DOC - Tradewars Editor SysOp documentation.
TWRI .EXE - Pseudo random init program
PORTINIT.TW2 - Port info used by TWRI
TEMPLATE.TW2 - Template of map used by TW2
*******************************************************************
**The following is a list of files used by TW2 at run-time:
-----------------------------------------------------------
(These files MUST exist on the same drive/path as TW2)
Program files:
TW2 .EXE - Plays Trade Wars.
TWEDIT .EXE - The Trade Wars Editor.
TWMAINT .EXE - TW2 Maintenance program
TWRI .EXE - TradeWars Random Initialization program for Trade Wars Ver. 2.
Sets up the following data files.
Data files:
TWMAIN .DAT - Main game options for Trade Wars Ver. 2.
TWPLAYER.DAT - Contains current player info.
TWSCTR01.DAT - Contains sector warp info.
TWSCTR02.DAT - Contains info on what each sector contains.
TWPORT .DAT - Contains info for each port.
TWPLANET.DAT - Contains info on each planet.
TWTEAM .DAT - Contains Team Info.
TWNEWS .DAT - Contains Galactic Newspaper and Sysop messages.
TWPMESS .DAT - Contains info on messages to players.
TWRMESS .IDX - Contains radio message index info.
TWRMESS .DAT - Radio message data file.
Text files:
SYSOP .DOC - This file.
TWEDITOR.DOC - Documentation for TWEDIT.EXE (the editor.)
TWINSTR .DOC - The instructions for TW2.EXE (the game.) This file is
used by TW2. I also recommend putting this up for download
by the players.
TWOPENA .DAT - The opening message. You can change this to what ever
you want, but make sure it exists.
TWOPENC .DAT - ANSI graphics opening message.
TWCLOSEA.DAT - Tradewars closing message.
TWCLOSEC.DAT - ANSI graphics closing message.
[*END of file listing*]
********************************************************************
Features of this release of TW2
(or.. if you will, Features of the DoorMerge Include files)
-----------------------------------------------------------
[SysOp Functions]
Function keys are active in TW2:
F1 -- Exit TW2 immediately
F2 -- This key will cause TW2 to load a copy of COMMAND.COM over itself
type EXIT to return to TW2. NOTE: COMMAND.COM must be present in
the same path as TW2
F7 -- Toggle Music on/off
F8 -- By pressing F8 you can adjust a users time allotment in that game.
It will not adjust the users time as far as the monitor is
concerned. You can force the user off-line in this manner by
adjusting his time down to a small amount.
A prompt will come up asking you the amount of time you wish the
user to have. This prompt tells you the current amount of time
left. If you change the time, the user will get a warning
notice, whether the time limit is less, or more.
F9 -- By pressing F9 you will change the current state of 'SNOOP' (local
display). This operates in the same manner as SNOOP in RBBS-PC, but
will not change the status of SNOOP of the BBS (if any).
F10 - By pressing F10 you will engage CHAT mode with the user. Just hit
ESC to get back to the game.
/B - This tells TWMaint.EXE to run in 'Maintenance Only Mode'.. TWMaint
will run in two modes. If you choose not to do external maintenance,
TW2.EXE will do maintenance by RUNning TWMaint, and TWMaint will
in turn run TW2 when it is done. If you do maintenance externally
put the /B after TWMAINT to let it know your are running it during
and event period.
/C - Tells TW which com port to use. Example: /C1 for COM1. Normally
this is NOT USED!
/D - Use DOS only for input and output. This will hopefully facilitate
redirection (if nothing else works).
/F - Force Fossil driver to be used. Tradewars normally searches to see
whether or not there is a Fossil driver. If it finds one it tries
to use it. If it can't init the Fossil driver, then it will switch
to its normal comm routines.
/G - command line switch. This will force Ansi color on.
(For OPUS sysops only)
/L - This release includes a special command line switch
/L This will put the programs in 'local only' mode, and NO
BBS files of ANY kind need to be present.
/P: - Use this one to specify the special info file TW2 will be looking
for. (See your special BBS docs below)
/S - This one will tell TW that you have a special speed for the modem
to operate at. and example: /S19200 or /S38400 This is normally
NOT USED!
/Txx - This command line switch is also for OPUS sysops. This will tell
exactly how long the user is allowed on the BBS for this call.
Example: /T45 for 45 minutes allowed from the time user logs on to
the BBS
/Z - Use DOS for all screen writes. TW normally uses DOS for all local
Screen writes except for 'Line 25'. This will force line 25 to be
printed using DOS. (NOTE: This does cause some wierd things to appear
locally, but the remote user won't notice.)
[Other Features]
1. Commands can be stacked. They work in a slightly different manner
than RBBS-PC stacked commands, and are extemely useful.
For instance in Tradewars 2, Instead of typing:
M [enter] (move)
wait for prompt....
174 [enter] (move to sector 174)
wait for prompt....
M [enter] (move)
wait for prompt....
176 [enter] (move to sector 176)
A user just needs to type:
M;174;M;176 or....
M 174 M 176 or...
M,174:M 176 etc.
stack chars are: ' ' ',' ';' & ':'
at the first prompt, and the game will take care of the rest.
3. Another Feature in Tradewars for the SysOp is the 'E' function.
Only the SysOp (either remote/local) has access to this function,
No one else has access to it. The 'E' function allows the SysOp to
run the Tradewars 2 Editor from Tradewars. From the Editor enter
'T' to return to Tradewars 2, or if in Local Mode, you can enter 'X'
to eXit to dos, Also the 'Q' command will return you to the monitor.
[*END of Other Features*]
VERSION INFO -- (All version below 10.0 have condensed history info)
********************************************************************
Features of TW2 release 5.x (5.0 released on 5/01 to 5.24 rel. on 06/19/88)
Several parts of the game have been completely (and I mean completely)
rewritten to run more logically, and reduce the risks of bugs. Cabal
maintenance was one of the areas that went through this. The Cabal are now
more ruthless that ever before, and to keep things interesting all 20
Cabal groups are active at least as long as the maintenance program is
running. Some groups won't survive the maintenance program, but they are
active while it is running.
Cabal Regeneration now means what it says, so be careful how high you
set the regeneration per day. Before, there was 'sort of' a limit on
how many total Cabal were wandering around in the galaxy.. This is no
longer so.
Features of TW2 Release 6.1 (10/23/88)
---------------------------
The Cabal are now totally configurable. you can set the amount of groups
(up to 50). The Cabal are still VERY ruthless in the game, and it really
takes a good player, or good team to make it up high in the rankings.
You can set the Cabal difficulty ratio, which you'll find in the
[G]eneral edit area of TWEDIT. This level can be from 1 to 10, and
a good setting is 3 or 4..
You can also set the sectors the Cabal can reside in! no more 83-85
restriction! This really makes the game interesting. There are 8 Cabal
sectors in all.
Release 6.2 (01/08/89)
-----------------------
Most important feature added in 6.2 is true record & file locking using
DOS's SHARE. If you specify Network in the TW2.DAT file, SHARE must be
loaded in every partition you plan to run TW in! Along with the file
locking a couple real time mods were added. When you are playing the game
and run into another 'actively playing user' you will see a '*' in front
of their name! The game also checks to see if the user has been attacked
by an active player, and will kick 'em out if they were killed!
Release 6.3 (04/09/89)
------------------------
Added more ANSI graphics with the addition of a third 'graphics mode'. The
first mode is plain text, second mode is ANSI colored text, and third is
ANSI color/graphics. Only the higher speed modem users will want to use
this mode (unless they are suckers for punishment). Also cleared up are a
few ambiguities and/or irregularities. Added is an appendix explaining
how you can interface to TW from your BBS system (if it does not already
have an interface built in.)
Release 6.31 (05/30/89)
------------------------
Some minor bug fixes to 6.30.. but still, as it turns out, on the buggy
side.
Releases 7.x 8.x 9.x (4/01/89 to 7/01/89)
-----------------------------------------
Internal ONLY releases of the new TW in C.. These versions led to:
Release 10.0 (12/17/89) (First used by my TW players 7/10/89 or so)
-----------------------
First release of TradeWars in the C language. Some former 'features' were
nuked in favor of new techniques to be used in the future. For instance,
graphics are gone until a suitable method (in other words: a FAST method)
is completed. Added is support for more BBS types, Dynamic Cabal (they can
move *while* the user is on-line), and internal support for a wide variety
of future options. The game is much faster in many areas.. and about the
same in others. The EXE file is currently 60K smaller than the last BASIC
version (and 40K in the current EXE file is support for a wide variety of
communication options including FOSSIL, Non/FOSSIL support w/ BPS rates of
up to 57600). (so, I'm thinking ahead..) Also, The C version is uncrashable
when you think in terms of 'Hit any key to return to system' seen when a
BASIC program encounters something it doesn't like. Any possible error
should result in a graceful exit.
Getting started with TW2
------------------------
Notes TW2 by Chris Sherrick:
----------------------------
I recommend using this game with a cache program. Since this game
was designed to survive if people hung up on it, it makes frequent use of
the disks. You will save your disk some usage if you're using a cache.
You should make changes in the program, I ask that you don't change
any of the program files when you distribute them. Make it into another
file and distribute it along with the program, but I ask that you keep
the original programs intact. This program is copyrighted.
The reason I wrote this program is because I always wanted to play
a good multi-player strategy game. I'm too poor to afford a subscription
to something on a national level (like Compuserve) so I never got to play
those games. One day I decided that since no one had a good multi-player,
I'd write one. Unfortunately I don't get to play the game (since I run
it and I usually get accused of cheating - I'm a good player! - Someone
please write another multi-player game so I can play it!)
Now for the begging. This game is distributed as "Shareware." My
attitude is that I'd rather have people having a good time playing the
game than for me to get rich; but if you could, please send $35.00 to the
address below:
TW2
c/o Chris Sherrick
1515 Ridgeland Dr.
Sparks, NV 89431
If I get something, I'll try to write back, but I can't guarantee anything;
I'm a busy college student.
That's all I have to say in this letter. I hope you fully enjoy
Trade Wars to you fullest. The only problem with it is people tend to
spend their time playing TW2 and not posting, but oh well, you can't have
it all.
P.S. Call The Reno RBBS - Sysop John Morris / 702-746-1364 DATA
702-746-1365 DATA
702-746-1358 VOICE
This BBS and sysop has been very helpful to me in play testing and
modifying this version. If it wasn't for John Morris, this game wouldn't
be available for any BBS. Also, he has the latest and newest releases of
this program.
[Getting started]
-----------------
First unpack the TW2 .ZIP files using PKZIP 1.01(or greater). Copy these
files to your drive/path where you wish to put the game. For first time
users, run TWRI.EXE to initialize the game. This will create a sector galaxy,
and several other files.
If you are using a monitor pgm, add TW2 to your GAMES.DOR file, along with
a desription (anything you like). Then just run the game from the monitor,
like any other Door game.
If you aren't using the door monitor, add the name TWARS2 to your MENU5
file, and create a batch file called TWARS2.BAT. The contents of the
batch file are as follows (assuming you are using the pgm WATCHDOG):
WATCHDGx OFF (or whatever WATCHDG program you are using)
TW2.EXE %1 (%1 signifies the node in use, it is passed on by RBBS
NOTE:* if you run a single node, do not add the %1 after TW2.EXE)
and thats it.
** NOTE! ** WATCHDOG (or any carrier monitor program MUST NOT be loaded or
active when running TW2! TW2 does its own carrier monitoring.)
Now a user just needs to enter TWARS2 when asked for the door, and they
are beamed over to the Tradewars galaxy.
Getting started with the Multi-BBS Interface in TW2
---------------------------------------------------
There has been several problems with writing Tradewars over the past
couple of years. The most prominent is the fact that a different
interface had to be written for each separate BBS type. This led to
some BBS types to have a -newer- version of Tradewars than another.
This usually upsets the users, and eventually the SysOps as well.
It was decided that Tradewars will now be released as a SINGLE program
to be compatible with many different BBS types. This should solve
any problems with obsolesence.
As you will see below, 4 out of the supported BBS types use the
DORINFOx.DEF file to pass info onto Tradewars (or any door program)
So far this is the most supported standard, and though that really
isn't saying much at the moment, I hope some more BBS program authors
choose this means eventually. I don't really expect that to happen
but it would be nice.
NOTE: There is an official version of Tradewars Ver. 2 for TBBS users.
TBBS operates much differently so a different program must be used.
Contact Gary Funk at 1-501-442-8777 for the TBBS version.
You must first begin by setting the BBS type when you are asked about it
by the init program. The BBS types are as follows:
0 - RBBS (17.x default) (DORINFOx.DEF & MESSAGES)
1 - PCBoard (14) & Searchlight (PCBOARD.SYS)
2 - OPUS (LASTUSER.BBS)
3 - QBBS & FoReM & TPB & T.A.G. (DORINFOx.DEF)
4 - Wildcat (CALLINFO.BBS)
5 - GTPowercomm (GTUSER.BBS)
6 - Phoenix (INFO.BBS)
7 - GAP (DOOR.SYS)
8 - Spitfire BBS (SFDOORS.DAT)
RBBS mode:
----------
TW2 now uses RBBS' DORINFOx.DEF file to get info from the BBS, and uses
the messages file only for getting the current status of snoop. The MESSAGES
file can also be specified. The messages file can be located anywhere you
want it. The DORINFOx.DEF file MUST be in the same directory as TW2.
If you are using GMon, you can tell TW to return to it (bypassing the
MONITOR1.EXE program). You can tell TW to look for it when you initialize
the program, OR you can always change it using the TradeWars Editor.
RBBS SysOps, TW does not file and record lock like RBBS! DOS 3.1 (or greater)
must be used, and DOS SHARE must also be loaded in each node.
PCBoard/SearchLight Mode:
-------------------------
*NOTE* Tradewars 2 release 6.1(and above) will interface only to PCBoard 14!
/P: - PCBoard SysOps, use this command line switch to specify the
PCBOARD.SYS file which this copy of TW is supposed to use.
Example: /P:C:\PCB2\PCBOARD.SYS
Also allowable is: /P C:\PCB2\PCBOARD.SYS
Tradewars will get all the info it needs from the PCBOARD.SYS file. Such
as Graphics mode, Bps rate, Com port, etc. You do not need to use any
extra command line options, just /P.
SearchLight SysOps
------------------
First, you will need a program I have written called: 12TO14.EXE This
will be used in a batch file we'll create below. You should have 12TO14.EXE
in your SearchLight BBS directory. (You can find 12TO14.ZIP on my system)
In your DOORS.DEF file you will need a line similar to the line below:
0;0;0;?;TradeWars 2 Rel. 10.0;C:\SLBBS;TW2 /P:PCBOARD.SYS
Where 'SLBBS' is your SearchLight BBS directory and The '?' is the security
level needed to run TW. These will vary from system to system. The last
parameter must run TW and point to the correct PCBOARD.SYS file to use.
You must then specify a filename in General Configuration option number
19. This is the filename used for the PCBOARD.SYS file. For example, to use
the above example you'd enter C:\SLBBS\PCBOARD.SYS in parm # 19.
Next create a batch file called TW2.BAT It should look like this:
12TO14 C:\DOORS\TW2\
CD\DOORS\TW2
TW2 %1
CD\SLBBS
EXIT
C:\DOORS\TW2 is your TradeWars directory
C:\SLBBS is your SearchLight directory
12TO14 will convert your C:\SLBBS\PCBOARD.SYS into a proper format and
write it as C:\DOORS\TW2\PCBOARD.SYS.
Opus mode:
----------
To run TW2 under Opus you will need to use several command line para-
meters. The first is the '/P:' parameter. Use this to specify the
LASTUSER.BBS file like so: /P:C:\BBS\LASTUSER.BBS
Also, you need to specify the com port in a similar manner, for COM1
use a line like this: /C1
COM2 would be: /C2 etc.etc.
If you have a high speed modem, and you have it 'locked' at a certain
rate (usually 19200, or 38400) specify that speed like so:
/S19200
/G will turns ANSI color/graphics on (default is off)
/Txx will set the time limit allowed to this user this call.
/T45 would set the total time limit for this call to 45 mins.
For instance, Say a user logs on and receives 45 total time.
They spend 30 minutes in the BBS then decide to play TW.
They will receive 15 minutes to play the game.
QBBS & FoReM & TPB mode: (05/01/88)
------------------------
In the QBBS mode, TW2 will read the DORINFOx.DEF (same as RBBS) file.
(it must be in the same directory as TW2.EXE.)
Make sure you tell TWRI that you are running BBS type 3. (You can use
TWEdit to do the same thing.
** NOTE: The TPB people apparently don't want to have anything to do with
doors. They won't support their own door interface, so, call me if you
have problems, and I will TRY to help. I know nothing of TPB other than
that it creates an 'almost' correct DORINFOx.DEF file.
WildCat mode:
-------------
/P: - Wildcat SysOps, use this command line switch to specify the
CALLINFO.BBS file which this copy of TW2 is supposed to use.
Example: /P:C:\WCAT\CALLINFO.BBS
Also allowable is: /P C:\WCAT\CALLINFO.BBS
Tradewars will get all the info it needs from the CALLINFO.BBS file. Such
as Graphics mode, Bps rate, Com port, etc. You do not need to use any
extra command line options, just /P.
TW2 will read in the name of the CALLINFO.BBS file then read it to get the
current users parameters. Make sure you tell TWRI that you are using
Wildcat. (you can use TWEDIT to do the same thing.)
GT Powercomm mode:
------------------
To run TW2 under GT you will need to use several command line para-
meters. The first is the '/P:' parameter. Use this to specify the
LASTUSER.BBS file like so: /P:C:\GT\GTUSER.BBS
Also, you need to specify the com port in a similar manner, for COM1
use a line like this: /C1
COM2 would be: /C2 etc.etc.
If you have a high speed modem, and you have it 'locked' at a certain
rate (usually 19200, or 38400) specify that speed like so:
/S19200
Phoenix BBS mode:
-----------------
To run TW under Phoenix you simply need to have one command line parameter:
the /P: parameter. Use it to specify which INFO.BBS file to use like so:
C>TW2 /P:C:\BBS\INFO.BBS
GAP (Door.Sys mode):
--------------------
To run TW under GAP you need to specify which DOOR.SYS file to use like so:
C>TW2 /P:C:\GAP\DOOR.SYS
Spitfire mode:
--------------
To run TW under Spitfire you need to specify which SFDOORS.DAT file to use
like so:
C>TW2 /P:C:\SP\SFDOORS.DAT
Switching over to the new version of TW2.
-----------------------------------------
When switching over to version 10, you will need to completely re-init the
game. The data files have been totally overhauled. They contain more room
for more info, but take up about 2/3 the disk space. Use TWRI to do
the initing process. It will create the files needed by TW version 10.
Having problems?
----------------
I have added in new code to prevent most any error so you won't have a
'hung' system. If any files are missing, TW2 will recover from the error
gracefully. If you see what looks like an error message, right down exactly
what it says, if you can fix the problem (for instance an opening screen file
is missing) by all means do so. Otherwise, let me know the EXACT message
it prints.
Other problems that creep up also are usually files missing. Make sure
That all files listed above in the 'run-time list' are on the same
drive/path as TW2.EXE. Along with MESSAGES, DORINFOx.DEF. (If you are
using RBBS-PC) or the files associated with the other BBS types.
NOTICE: TW2.DAT has been eliminated in release 10.0 (or greater)
More problems you say?
----------------------
If you seem to have found a bug, I highly recommend sending me capture
file of the problem. Usually just a note with an explaination just
can't help me fix a thing. A note AND a capture file is best. The capture
file should be of the complete session, and should have the Tradewars
version number in the file, ie: Tradewars Version 2 Release 5.24 06/19
(that is usually the first line that Tradewars prints out when it is run)
If that isn't in there, or if its an older version, I won't be able to do
a thing about fixing your problem. I find I can fix bugs that are explained
with a capture file in about 1/100 the time!, no kidding!.
Of Course, I can only support the version I release. Any other version I
will refuse to support. The reason for this is simple, I know how my code
works, and I know it pretty darn good. Some other version is probably
written in a completely different programming language, and modified besides.
Contact me here at The Reno RBBS:
I'm very willing to help SysOps with Door problems. (any problems.. not
just with my Door games.) So give me a ring! If you wish to check for
the latest in Tradewars releases, Please J)oin the DOORS conference after
you log onto The Reno RBBS. Everyone has full access on the first call.
Special Thanks to :
Chris Sherrick
Jim Leenan Andrew Hoag Rick Hines
Roger Reesor Paul Waldinger (and everyone else who had a hand in
Gary Funk David Friedman this thing!)
Eric Carr John Zimmerman
Alan Davenport (well sorta..)
Some For their help in added mods to make TW2 the best door game known to
modern man, and others for their help testing and reporting bugs.
John Morris
The Reno RBBS
2620 Emily St.
Reno, NV 89503
702-746-1364 DATA
702-746-1365 DATA
702-746-1358 VOICE
Appendix A:
-----------
TW Philosophy (or why the official version 'is the way it is')
I get complaints, and ideas sent to me all the time concerning TW2. Most
SysOps wishing me to add this or that to the program 'because another
version of TW has it'.
Though most people won't believe it, there is a method behind my madness.
Compare the way you have your game set-up to mine:
My players start with 25 fighters, 500 credits and 25 holds. They are
allowed 65(!) turns per day, max! Their maximum amount of holds is 50.
Believe it or not this is THE best way to set the game up.. The business
where a user gets 150-200 turns a day turns TW into a 'playable' game, but
it is only playable for a couple of weeks. Lets face it folks, when you
allow a user to rape ports and trade for 150 + turns, your ports will dry
up in no time at all. Of course the pirate copies of TW try to deal with
this with bells and whistles. With my game set up as above, the game ends
up being not only more enjoyable in the long run, but it will end up
being far and above a more competitive game. I don't believe in allowing
ANY player to attack 'ANONYMOUSly' from several sectors away with a battle
group.. That is NOT Tradewars. That is wimp wars.
The key word which has made TW popular (and will continue to do so) is
BALANCE! This balance is achieved by keeping the game from getting out of
hand. 150+ turns is out of hand. More than 50 cargo holds is out of hand.
I could go on and on. The SysOp should have to set up ZERO planets. (yes,
0!) The users should have this responsibility. Tradewars was designed
to be able to run without ANY SysOp intervention. (after setting it up)
I think SysOps would be suprised just how well the game does work without
any intervention.
Of course this all just my opinion. Most SysOps will look at this little
message and start hooting and jeering, or just plain laugh.. But don't
knock it till ya try it.
A little added stuffs (7/89)
----------------------------
I just heard a few days ago that good ol' Alan D. is planning on putting
out another version of 'his TW'.. One of the neatest features (I hear) is
that there will be computer function which will allow the game to take
your turns for you. I don't mean to laugh, but lets face it, that is a joke!
As the days go by, the pirate version he puts out becomes more of a
mockery than anything else. I don't believe in legal action (it'll hurt
TW more than help it) and the guy doesn't listen when I ask him politely
to stop putting his own version out. The only way to get the guy to stop
is for YOU the SysOp to stop using his version! It's a case of ethics,
and Alan Davenport has none. Besides, the game is copyrighted, and he is
in constant violation of that copyright.
The official release will continue on its current course of keeping the
game a challenge. The players will actually have to THINK! (wow! what a
concept, huh?) Of course new features will be added. Some will help the
player play the game, but most will be invisible to the player, and make
the game ever more interesting.
For the last three years, TW2 has been a one man operation (ME), and
I have a rough time finding time to spread the word on pirate versions
versus the official version. I could not tell you how much it would mean
to me if you could help me do that.
-- John Morris -- Co-Author
Appendix B:
-----------
How to interface your BBS to TW2
--------------------------------
Your program will need to create a small, simple text file known as the
Door Info file.
For Single node BBS's this file will be named:
DORINFO1.DEF
For multi-node BBS's this will be named like so:
DORINFO1.DEF for node 1, DORINFO2.DEF for node 2, etc.
TW accepts a command line parameter which tells it which node (if any) it
is running on. If there is no command line parameter then TW looks for
DORINFO1.DEF. If TW sees this:
TW2.EXE 2
it will look for DORINFO2.DEF, if it was a '1' then it would look for
DORINFO1.DEF.. etc. etc.
The format of the file is as follows:
BBS Name
SysOps First Name
SysOps Last Name
Com Port
Baud and Parity
Network Type
Current Users First Name
Current Users Last Name
Current Users City
Graphics
Security Level
Minutes left in session
Fossil driver present
This file typically looks like this:
Example 1: Example 2:
---------- ----------
(remote user at 2400, even parity, (local user, in this case the SysOp
7 data bits, no graphics, and RBBS graphics are on, and a fossil driver
is NOT using fossil driver) is present)
THE RENO RBBS THE RENO RBBS
JOHN JOHN
MORRIS MORRIS
COM2 COM0
2400 BAUD,E,7,1 9600 BAUD,N,8,1
0 3
JOE SYSOP
USER
RENO, NV RENO, NV
0 2
5 20
57 119
0 -1
Typical quirks with the DORINFOx.DEF file and TW2
-------------------------------------------------
To get TW to look for a DORINFOx.DEF file, set the BBS type in the TW2.DAT
file to 3.
1. A local user is determined when the Com Port is set to: COM0
Also a 'last resort method' is to set the bps rate to 0 (NOTE: this last
method is not used in the standard DORINFOx.DEF file).
2. When the sysop is using the game, the current users first name is 'SYSOP'
and the current users last name is '' (a null string, the only chars
found on the line are a carriage return/line feed combo)
Also acceptable is the users first name is the same as the SysOps first
name, AND the users last name is the same as the SysOps last name, but
this is acceptable only as a last resort.
3. Graphics are off when a '0' is found in the graphics field. Any number
above 0 (typically 1 or 2) is considered 'graphics/color ON' by TW.
4. Note the baud and parity field. Whatever the baud and parity it MUST be
in the above format. Some more examples:
300 BAUD,N,8,1
1200 BAUD,E,7,1
19200 BAUD,N,8,1
TW parses out the ' BAUD' part of the string.. so it MUST be there.
5. The Fossil driver field is one of two settings: 0 (not present) or,
-1 (present)
6. Though TW2 10.0 doesn't use the BBS Name, SysOps first OR last name
Network Type, Users City, and Security Level fields, these lines still
must be present in one form or another.
7. Everything in this file should be in CAPS, otherwise no telling
what will happen.
8. The space in front of the integers doesn't actually need to be present
it is just a by product of the way BASIC prints numbers into a file.
I personally like this file because of its small size and simplicity. And
I wish more BBS programs would adopt it. If this appendix doesn't contain
enough info, just call and scream at me, or drop me a line in the mail or
on my BBS telling me what I missed.. I'll fix it.. I promise!