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README.NNC
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1993-03-22
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NETNAMES CREATOR V2.x DOCUMENT
0. Index (this index)
1. Overview
2. How the program works
3. License
4. The databank files
5. What's new?
6. Request for submissions
1. OVERVIEW
NetNames Creator V2.x is an enhanced version of NetNames Creator V1.0+ (which
was posted to rec.games.frp.archives) and NetNames Creator V1.1 (not in
public distribution). It has all the data from those programs in the file
MASTER.PRT.
The program generates fantasy-stylish names by combining partials in a
totally random manner. What is new to V1.0+ and V1.1, which had simply one
"universal" partial bank, is that V2.x has different partial banks for
creating names for different cultures, moods, etc. If you are not satisfied
with the databanks you received with the program, you may create your own
databanks (refer to "3. License" and "4. The databank files").
This is version 2.3 with some slight enhancements.
2. HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Type nnc to start. The program should have the databanks in the directory
you are currently in, otherwise you will have to type in the full path when
the program asks for the file name. (Adding the extension .prt is not
necessary, the program will automatically do this if you don't).
The program will ask you how many partials to use (the maximum is always the
number of partials in the memory). A big number allows greater variety in
names. Also, using many databanks together should produce interesting
combinations.
You may have more than one databank in memory as long as the
total number of partials does not exceed 8000. If you want the partials of
a specific databank occur more often than those of some other databank,
you can try loading the bank more than once - especially if it is a small
one.
You can use colors if you wish (and your monitor is EGA compatible). That
might please some people, though I personally think it makes finding good
names more difficult. Real loonies can opt to use blinking (in addition to
colors).
The output file will be where the names are saved (if you choose to save a
name while running the program). There is not default value for this, so
you should give some file name even if you are not going to save any names.
You never know what a great name the program will pop up in the next screen-
ful - you might want to use the save option anyway. The output file name
_may_ include drive/directory speficiations, so you could give for example
the following: d:\MISC\TRASH\BLAH\BLAH\TEST.DOC
The program will produce a screenful of names at a time. Press enter for a
new screenful or enter a string (with 0 numeric value) to exit the program.
To save a name to the output file you defined, simply enter its number. Using
this option will keep you on the same page.
To change the number of partials in use, give the number you want followed
by "+","-","." or "<" and press enter. Or, if you want to use more than 20
partials, you can also simply enter the new value.
Pick the names you like, capitalize and add hyphens etc if you like. Or combine
names in any manner that pleases you.
Parentheses () mean that the letter is optional: use it, if the name sounds
better with it, or omit it if would make the name sound worse. Sometimes more
than just one letter may be in parentheses.
3. LICENSE
This program is Freeware - sort of. You may freely distribute this program
and the accessories. You may not collect any other fee save your own expenses
for spreading this program or any associated stuff.
You may modify this program. In that case, send me a copy of the modified
version before you start spreading it. The modified version must specify
me as the originator.
You may create new databanks, but you should allow other people to have access
to them as well. You may not spread them for a price. You must send me a copy
of each databank you create (via email). This is the "fee" I ask you
to pay for using this program. I will not give your databank to anyone else,
however, if you don't want me to.
If you find the names created by this program useful, I would appreciate
receiving an email with some details - like, what name you used and where
(e.g. "I named my magic-user Kirokrilleus...")
If you want to use a name generated by this program in a commercial product,
that's ok, but in that case you should definitely send me an email with
details. (Don't worry, I will not want any price other than that :)
4. THE DATABANK FILES
You should have a couple of files with the extension .prt in the same directory
as the program. The most important of them is MASTER.PRT which has all the data
from the previous versions of this program. Other are variants which will
produce different names, if you choose to use them. You may find a file called
PARTIALS.DOC which carries a short description of each databank accompanying
the program.
Creating a databank is simple. Just make a file with partials, 1 per line
and a number above them all, indicating the amount of partials in the file.
Note: a partial may be no longer than 8 characters.
You may look at one databank to see how it is done - and to see, how to split
your favorite words into partials. (You may find other ways, of course...)
5. WHAT'S NEW?
NNC2.0 introduced multiple partials banks and the option to change the amount
of partials currently in use.
In NNC2.1, the program will automatically list the partials files in the
current directory (one more good reason to keep them in the same directory
with the program). It will also allow you to load more than one bank into
memory for the program to use at a time.
In NNC2.2, the optional use of colors was introduced.
In NNC2.3, you can save names into a predetermined file.
6. REQUEST FOR SUBMISSIONS
As I said earlier, I will gladly receive any new databanks (and, if you want
me to, spread them publicly with this program).
Well, even if you don't feel like creating new databanks, you can still help
me develop NNC2.x further. What I really need is lists of new names
on different topics. For example, if you have a lot of Lovecraftian stories
you could send me a list of the names of all those "elder blasphemies"
whatever (I used to own a complete Lovecraft library, but I have sold almost
all of it). Also, word lists from different mythologies, fantasy authors,
exotic languages, FRP campaign/adventure series would be greatly appreciated.
Just write an ASCII list of words with the title "LOVECRAFTIAN NAMES" (or
whatever) and send it to me via email. Much appreciated. Also, Robert E.
Howard's books should contain an admirable lot of great names.
All contributors (both databank and name list contributors) will have their
names mentioned in the future versions of this program (unless they don't
want it).
Any comments, ideas, bugs, contributions etc. to:
Topi Ylinen (the Originator) - f1toyl@kielo.uta.fi