GM Screen Pro 1.0 Copyright1995 by Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere
An Opifex Phoenix Production
Description
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Designed by the author of over thirty professionally published adventures and game-related products, GM Screen Pro is intended to be the best general role-playing game aid software available.
GM Screen Pro is a shareware SuperCard® Standalone application that provides a role-playing game (RPG) referee with a variety of useful tools. It also serves as the front end for a variety of expansion modules (including adventures and enhancements). All of the functions of the software are described in an online help, but the main features are listed here.
The software has the following features:
-Modular Expandability: GM Screen Pro can load Expansion Modules that add additional functions to the software. These modules can also include RPG adventures, maps, settings (cities, spaceports, bars, etc.), NPC lists, monster books, equipment books, and almost anything else that can be used with a RPG.
-Dice Pads: The software includes a dice pad containing a set of standard RPG dice (four sided, eight sided, 20 sided, etc.) as well as pads for rolling up to fourteen ten or six sided dice at once. Both the dice pads and strips can play the sound of rolling dice to strike terror into the hearts of the players.
-Dice Strips: These strips provide compact access to the standard dice as well as strips for rolling multiple six and ten sided dice. A great tool for those fireball attacks.
-Graphic Tools: GM Screen Pro includes a full set of both drawing and paint tools. The program supports a palette of 256 colors and 64 patterns and has six distinct pages for graphic work. Ideal for importing maps and images or creating them on the spot. Any or all of the pages can be printed.
-MultiMedia: The software supports full PICS and QuickTime movie playback. It can play and record sounds (at three different quality levels) and provides direct control over the Mac's sound volume.
-Time Functions: GM Screen Pro has a built in clock and a stop watch for timing those critical situations.
-Text Loader: The software can load text files onto a series of navigable cards allowing adventure text to be easily imported and handled. This feature can handle texts files of almost any size and card creation and deletion is fully automated.
-Text Import: The software can easily import text files into scrolling fields for ease of use. Text may also be exported from these fields to text files.
-NotePad: The software includes three distinct electronic notepads including a player notepad.
-Online Help: The software features a complete online help system that covers all the functions and includes tips and advice.
Bonus: GM Screen Pro includes the sample, ready to play FRPG adventure "Ghost Ship."
Requirements
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GM Screen Pro is optimized to run on just about any Mac, from 680x0 based Macs to the PowerMacs. It requires System 6.0.4 or newer as well as at least 1600K of RAM (although 2400K is preferred by the program). The program looks best on a Mac with 8-Bit or better video. It will run fine on PowerBooks with grayscale monitors but will look rather awful on B&W Macs. The program supports the playback of QuickTime movies but it does not require the QuickTime extension to run (it does require it to play QuickTime Movies).
Contact
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The best way to reach me is via email on America Online.
AOL: ontologist
Internet and other services: ontologist@aol.com
Legal Information
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GM Screen Pro is copyrighted shareware. It may be freely distributed provided: 1) it is distributed in an unmodified manner, 2) all documentation is included with all distributions and 3) it is not distributed (directly or indirectly) for profit without the express consent of the author. This includes distribution via CD-ROMs, shareware collections, and so forth. Portions of the software are the intellectual property of Allegiant and are duly protected by the relevant laws.
Warning
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While every effort has been made to make a safe, stable application in no event shall I be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the use or inability to use this application. Those who chose to use this software do so at their own risk and accept full legal and moral responsibility for chosing to use said software.
Shareware and Distribution
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GM Screen Pro is copyrighted shareware. This means that it is not free and that it may not be modified, distributed for profit, or sold without the express consent of Michael C. LaBossiere (the author). This software may be freely distributed via BBSs and online services (or by hand) for the standard distribution fees. For example, a BBS or online service can charge its usual connect time for downloading the software but a BBS or service cannot sell the software. GM Screen Pro may be distributed via CD-ROM or shareware disk collections provided that 1) permission is requested and given by the author and 2) the author is offered an author’s copy of the CD-ROM(s) or shareware disk collection.
The Trial Period
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In the tradition of shareware, you get 10 days to try out GM Screen Pro, free of charge. If you like the software and decide to keep it, you are morally obligated to register.
Levels of Registration
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As an easy way to categorize the levels of registration I have decided to name them after two valuable metals, namely silver and gold.
A registered user may:
1) Have copies installed on up to two Macs, provided the user owns or is authorized to use both Macs.
2) Have one copy of GM Screen Pro in use at a time.
3) Have an unlimited number of backup copies on storage media.
4) Request, for an additional fee, the creation of individualized expansion modules. For information about custom expansion modules contact me at ontologist@aol.com.
Version Notes:
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Version 1.0: Initial release.
Level Details
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Level: Silver Cost: $10 Additional Benefits:Yes
The Silver level costs $10 and confers the following additional benefits:
1. Free upgrades.
2. Email technical support for questions about the operation of the program.
3. Email support for questions about the content of the program.
Level: Gold Cost: $15 Additional Benefits:Yes
The Gold level costs $15 and confers the following additional benefits:
1. Free upgrades.
2. Email technical support for questions about the operation of the program.
3. Upgrade notification via email for every new version.
4. Copy of the latest version on disk, via the mail, upon registration.
5. Email announcements of new expansion modules.
How To Register
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Since files can be archived for years and my profession involves a fair amount of moving around I cannot provided a permanent mailing address that will be valid for years to come. However my email address is permanent. Simply contact me at ontologist@aol.com for the current registration address.
A Note on GM Screen
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There is a freeware program that is similar to GM Screen Pro. This software is named “GM Screen.” It does not have all of the features of GM Screen Pro and will not be supported in any manner, but it is free. Users who are too poor to afford the fee for GM Screen Pro may help themselves to GM Screen.
Upgrades
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Registered users are entitled to upgrades (see the registration information for details).
Users can download the latest verion. Optionally, registered users can mail a HD disk, $1, and a stamped, self-addressed, suitable disk mailer to the author. Please contact the author via email for information on such upgrades.
Users registered at the Silver level will not receive upgrade notices.
Users registered at the Gold level will receive upgrade notifications via email.
GM Screen Pro Custom Options
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GM Screen Pro is distributed as a 68K program in order to save disk space and download time. Registered users who wish to have a Native PowerMac or a Fat-Binary (native mode on 68K and PowerMacs) can acquire such versions. Contact me at ontologist@aol.com. I will send you my current mailing address (I’m a junior professor, so I move around fairly often). To get the version(s) you want, you will need to:
1. Send a new Macintosh HD disk (or 2 for both Fat Binary and PowerMac versions).
2. Send a suitable, self-addressed mailer with postage stamps already affixed.
3. Send $2 in US currency.
4. Specify the version(s) you wish: Fat Binary, PowerMac, or one of each (no extra charge for both versions).
Once I have the disk, mailer and $2, I will prepare the disk and mail it to you the next business day. I will send the most recent version. If the mailer does not have adequate postage, I will not mail the disk. Instead I will recycle the disk and give the money to The March of Dimes charity.
