As noted in the Read Me file, GM Screen supports external expansion modules. These modules are intended to provide two things. First, they can be used to add new functions to the software (such as specialized dice or QuickTime movie recording capability). Second, adventures, cities, spaceports, bars, towns, monster lists and any other sort of game-related material can be incorporated for use in an expansion module. For example, an expansion module could consist of a complete fantasy adventure in an ancient tomb. The module would include maps, sound effects, the adventure text and perhaps even sounds, graphics and movies.
To be a bit technical, an expansion module is a SuperCard® project (MDOC that has been specially configured for use with GM Screen Pro. Because of the way SuperCard builds standalones GM Screen Pro cannot directly use SuperCard projects. When the Expansion Module opens it tells the software what steps to take to incorporate the components of the module. For example, it handles menu insertions and window openings among other things.
How Do I Get Expansion Modules?
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One way to get Expansion Modules is to create your own. Owners of SuperCard can easily create their own custom modules. People who do not own SuperCard can acquire Expansion Modules directly from me or they can acquire Expansion Modules from third parties.
In general, there are four very important limitations on custom Expansion Modules. First, legal permission must be provided for all the material to be used in the project. For example, I cannot legally convert one of GDW’s Dark Conspiracy folio adventures into a Expansion Module without the permission of GDW. Second, I retain the rights to the components that I create. For example, if I create special icons for a series of buttons then they remain my legal property. Naturally, the person who commissions the Expansion Module does have the right to use it. Third, no custom Expansion Module may be distributed via public means or sold for profit without my express consent. This means, for example, that you can give copies to your friends but you cannot post it on America Online or sell copies at a gaming convention. Fourth, Allegiant may possess the copyright on some material used in Expansion Modules so Allegiant retains its full right to such materials as per the SuperCard license agreement.
Those interested in commercial Expansion Modules should contact me directly for additional information.
Producing Expansion Modules
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Registered users are encouraged to create and distribute Expansion Modules for GM Screen Pro. However, such Expansion Modules should not include anything resembling “An official GM Screen Pro Expansion Module” without my permission. Feel free to include “For use with GM Screen Pro” or a similar statement. All comments, praise, law suits, payments and such relating to third party Expansion Modules should be directed to their authors. For example if somebody writes “Dungeon Lord Expansion Module 2000” and it corrupts your system, then go after them, not me.
For custom expansion module order sheet see the EM Contract document.
Technical Notes
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These brief notes assume familiarity with SuperCard and ResEdit (or some other resource utility).
1. In order for GM Screen Pro to open the Expansion Module it must have its creator changed to OPGS using ResEdit or some similar utility. This is the creator code for GM Screen Pro. It has been dutifully registered with Apple so it is fine to use. Do not change the type from MDOC or GM Screen will not be able to load it.
2. Be sure to set up the “on openproject” scripts properly. It is a good idea to refer to menus and windows by name, otherwise a conflict might arise with another Expansion Module.
3. Be sure to include reference to the project when writing scripts. A script that says “open window 1” might open the wrong window or return an error. If the project is called “Monkey Dice” the open window script section should read: ‘open window 1 of proj “Monkey Dice”.’
4. GM Screen Pro has been designed to be extremely “normal.” Hence you should not have to worry about any weirdness interfering with your project.
5. If you are interested in writing scripts that work directly with GM Screen Pro contact me for information about acquiring it in project form. The software itself is protected by a password so there is no point in trying to hack it open (unless you are really, really good at such things).
