BBS Toolkit/BBS Toolkit.iso/doors_1/intrig20.zip/INTTRM20.ZIP/USER.DOC

Text File | 1991-04-06 | 22KB | 476 lines

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                                       By
                           ╔═══════════════════════╗
                           ║ Half Past Productions ║
                           ╚═══════════════════════╝

                  USER DOCUMENTATION FOR INTRIGUE Version 2.0
                  ════ ═════════════ ═══ ════════ ═══════ ═══

Contents
════════
 1. Introduction
 2. Disclaimer
 3. What You Need To Play
 4. IMPORTANT NOTE TO VERSION 1.0 TERM USERS
 5. Registration
 6. Contents of INTTRM20.ZIP
 7. Installation
 8. Getting Started with INTRIGUE
 9. Playing INTRIGUE on a BBS
10. Playing Multiple Games
11. Crashes
12. Registration Benefits
13. Support and Questions
14. NEW Support BBS!!!
15. Common Questions and Answers


1. Introduction:
══ ════════════

Welcome to a new concept in BBS gaming!  INTRIGUE is a BBS door game
that runs entirely from a terminal program.  INTRIGUE is a strategy
game played by 7 players who represent rulers of different nations.
If your sysop has a registered copy of INTRIGUE, he may have one of
many scenarios set up for you to play, but all copies of INTRIGUE
include the World War I (WWI) scenario.  Since INTRIGUE is a strategy
game, you will need time to think about your moves and to conspire
with other players about strategies, etc.  INTRIGUE is unique in that
you may do almost all of your planning on your own time, thus saving
valuable time on your local BBS'.  In this game, the BBS acts literally
as a bulletin board just keeping updates and necessary information for
players to obtain when they log in.  All documentation is included in
the terminal program included in this ZIP package.  The purpose of this
file is to explain to you how to set up and use your terminal program of
INTRIGUE and also provide a few details about game play.

2. Disclaimer
══ ══════════

The authors make no warranties expressed or implied as to the quality
or performance of this program.  The authors will not be held liable
for any damages resulting from the use of this program.   Your use of
this program constitutes your agreement to this disclaimer and your
releasing the author from any form of liability or litigation.  No part(s)
of the package INTTRM20.ZIP may be altered and redistributed.


3. What You Need To Play
══ ════ ═══ ════ ══ ════

To play INTRIGUE, it is highly recommended that you have an EGA or
VGA color monitor.  A CGA color monitor will work, although the
maps will be "snowy".  Tandy monitors will work fine, except that
the special characters we have designed for the game will revert
back to their original ANSI assignments.  Monochrome monitors are
not recommended due to the game's heavy reliance on color.

4. IMPORTANT NOTE TO VERSION 1.0 TERM USERS:
══ ═════════ ════ ══ ═══════ ═══ ════ ══════

Due to unavoidable circumstances, we have been forced to make Version 2.0
INCOMPATIBLE with Version 1.0.  That is, if your sysop is NOT using Version
2.0 and you are, then he must switch in order for you to be able to play.
Installation is very easy (see section below) and your status in games on
his BBS will be unaffected by this problem.


5. Registration
══ ════════════

Registration for the terminal program of INTRIGUE is optional.  The
game may be played unobstructed or uncrippled using the contents of
this ZIP package.  Registration of the term gives the user some added
features that are useful and convenient for dedicated game players.  For
more information about registration, consult the registration section of
the online documentation.

6. Contents of INTTRM20.ZIP
══ ════════ ══ ════════════

The following files should be included in this package:

   INTRIGUE.EXE  - The executable program for the game.
   UNHIDE.EXE    - Utility to unhide the file CONFIG.DAT.
   WHATSNEW.DOC  - Text file containing changes from Version 1.0
                   to Version 2.0.
   USER.DOC      - This manual.
   INTHINTS.DOC  - Hints/sample game for INTRIGUE.
   INTRIGUE.BAT  - A sample batch file for running INTRIGUE.
   MAP0.DAT      - Map file for WWI scenario of INTRIGUE.
   REGIONS0.DAT  ─────────────┐
   PLAYERS0.ORG               │
   NAMES0.DAT                 │
   SMOVES0.DAT                │
   LMOVES0.DAT                │
   PLAYERS.DAT
   OLDORDER.DAT   Data files for WWI scenario.
   HELP.DAT
   TITLE.DAT                  │
   CURSIVE2.COM               │
   MESH2.COM                  │
   SELECT.COM                 │
   NEWINTRO.COM  ─────────────┘
   GFORMAT.INT   ─────────────┐
   MOVEMENT.INT               │
   EXAMPMOV.INT               │
   ORDERS1.INT                │
   ORDERS2.INT                │
   EXORD1.INT                 │
   EXORD2.INT                 │
   COMBAT1.INT                │
   COMBAT2.INT                │
   COMBAT3.INT                │
   COMBEX11.INT
   COMBEX12.INT    Online documentation for INTRIGUE
   COMBEX13.INT
   COMBEX14.INT               │
   COMBEX15.INT               │
   COMBEX16.INT               │
   COMBEX21.INT               │
   COMBEX22.INT               │
   COMBEX23.INT               │
   COMBEX24.INT               │
   HINTS1.INT                 │
   HINTS2.INT                 │
   ELEMENT1.INT               │
   ELEMENT2.INT               │
   OVERVW01.INT               │
   OVERVW02.INT               │
   SCEN0.INT                  │
   HELP1.INT                  │
   HELP2.INT                  │
   HELP3.INT                  │
   REGIST1.INT                │
   REGIST2.INT                │
   REGIST3.INT   ─────────────┘

7. Installation
══ ════════════

NOTE TO VERSION 1.0 TERM USERS:
════ ══ ═══════ ═══ ════ ═════

You DO NOT need to follow the instructions below if you have successfully
installed INTRIGUE version 1.0.  Just unzip the contents of INTTRM20.ZIP
into your game directory/disk, and you're all set.  However, we do suggest
that you read the sections following the Installation section.  These sections
detail how one moves about in an INTRIGUE door game, and will no doubt increase
your enjoyment of the game.  Also, we have provided a routine called UNHIDE.EXE.
You may use this utility to unhide the file CONFIG.DAT.  Just enter the
command UNHIDE CONFIG.DAT from your game directory.


INTRIGUE is different from most other door games in that the game MUST
be played from a protocol installed by the user.  You cannot open the
door and play without following the easy steps below and installing
INTRIGUE as an external protocol. To play INTRIGUE online as a door
on a BBS, you must have the ability to shell to DOS from your communications
program and run the program INTRIGUE.EXE.  If your communications program
allows you to install external protocols, you may wish to set up INTRIGUE
in this fashion.

   1) First of all, on your hard drive, make a directory to store all the
   contents of INTTRM20.ZIP.  Let's say you call the directory
   C:\TELIX\INTRIGUE.

   2) Unzip INTTRM20.ZIP into this directory.

(Step 3 is a detailed description for installing INTRIGUE as an external
protocol in TELIX.  Users of other communication software should consult
their documentation for setting up external protocols.)

   3) Go into TELIX and set up an external protocol called INTRIGUE.  This is
      done by hitting alt-o and choosing protocol options.  Pick a protocol
      and then answer the questions by entering "I" for the first choice, and
      "intrigue" for the next 3 choices.  Choose "batch" and "N" for the last
      2 choices.  Exit and then write settings to disk.

   4) Copy INTRIGUE.BAT from your newly created directory into the directory
      your communications software is running from and change the path name
      we have to your path name.

8. Getting Started with INTRIGUE
══ ═══════ ═══════ ════ ════════

To prepare INTRIGUE for play, switch to the directory/disk that holds your
game, and issue the command:

INTRIGUE /L

You will be prompted for a communications port number that your modem uses.
This information along with a unique identification sequence is stored
throughout the data files present on the directory/disk.

You will now be sent into the WWI scenario and given Italy as your nation.
You may experiment with the menus (use Esc, arrow keys, and ENTER) and
scroll the map with the arrow keys.  At this time and any other time you are
not connected with a BBS running INTRIGUE, all changes are temporary and do
not affect any game you are currently playing.  For example, all orders and
messages sent will just be copied to your hard drive/floppy disk and not be
received by the BBS.

The best use for LOCAL MODE is to look over previous moves made by others,
plan strategy, and prepare for your next turn.  Before attempting to play a
game, you should read the help/rules files online in the UTILITIES menu.  You
can also practice writing/sending messages in the MESSAGE menu and  writing/
sending orders in the ORDERS menu.  You may also want to try the EDIT MAP
function in the MAP menu.  This function allows you to speculate future turns.

9. Playing INTRIGUE on a BBS
══ ═══════ ════════ ══ ═ ═══

To play INTRIGUE on a BBS, make sure you have properly installed the game
as described above, and call a BBS running version 2.0 of the game.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 ARE NOT COMPATIBLE!!! Make sure
your term version and the BBS version are the same.

Open the door, and run INTRIGUE on your end either by dropping to DOS or
running the external protocol if you have it set up (consult the documentation
of your communications software for instructions on both these procedures).

Example of running INTRIGUE by dropping to DOS from TELIX

1) Open the door.

2) Read the message that appears.

3) Type Alt-J to drop to DOS in TELIX.

4) Run INTRIGUE by running a BATCH file or changing to the proper directory
   and typing INTRIGUE.


Example of running INTRIGUE using an external protocol from TELIX

1) Open the door.

2) Read the message that appears.

3) Type PgDn and choose the INTRIGUE protocol.

After the two opening screens, you will be presented with a menu of the
games available and their current status.  You are allowed to participate
in a maximum of 3 games per BBS.  Of course, if your sysop has not registered
the game, only one game on that BBS is available.  If you wish to participate
in a game, type the number of a game needing players.  You will be sent data
files and be randomly assigned a country.

At this point, you may leave messages for other players.  You may also pick
up mail that has been left for you.  A game will start when 7 players have
signed up.  Once the game has started, the program will resolve all combat
every 2 days.  You will need to submit new orders for your units each turn.
(A turn consists of 2 days).  Consult your sysop to find out exactly what time
he is resolving combat for your game.

You will not normally know who the other players in your game are, nor will
they know who you are.  You may wish to leave them mail revealing your identity
(of course you can lie too!).  You will quickly find that no one player has
enough resources to conquer the world on his own, and the player with the most
flexible diplomacy often wins. (moral: Make as many friends as you can!).

When you are finished looking around, sending messages, etc., you can
go back to the BBS by choosing the "Quit" option in the Utilities menu.
You are allowed 15 min. in the door, and the time remaining is continually
updated in the upper right corner of the screen.

10. Playing Multiple Games
═══ ═══════ ════════ ═════

You may play in up to three games per BBS.  However, you may view the map
for any game in progress by choosing that game on the selection menu.  If
you choose a game running a scenario other than scenario 0 (the World War I
scenario), make sure you have the correct data files for that scenario in
your game directory.  These can be downloaded from the BBS.

When you run INTRIGUE locally (not connected to a BBS), the map that appears
will be for the last game you selected while connected to a BBS, whether or
not you are in that game.

11. Crashes
═══ ═══════

INTRIGUE must send files back and forth across the modem to the BBS, so there
will be periods where it appears that the program is doing nothing.  Be patient
--these delays are usually only for a few seconds.  If, however, you think that
the program has malfunctioned (possibly due running incompatible versions of
INTRIGUE), you may take the following action:
1)  hit control-x (this should exit you from the term)
2)  type a lower-case 'q' a few times (3-4). This should cause the door
    program running on the BBS to exit, sending you back to the BBS.
3)  If this doesn't work, you will have to hang up, possibly alienating your
    sysop.

12. Registration Benefits
═══ ════════════ ════════

The INTRIGUE term program is completely uncrippled and will run fine on any
BBS containing either a registered or unregistered door version of the game.
However, for those of you who are serious players, you may register a copy
of the term for $7.00 (see the Registration section in the Utilities menu)
and have the ability to:

1) Print the Map - You must make sure the dip switches on your printer are set
   to print the IBM Mode All Character Set.  This utility will allow you to
   print the map with the current position of units, with numbers of regions
   on/off, or after editing the map and moving pieces around.  For people who
   really want to plan strategy or produce an easy reference of units and
   regions (useful in message writing), this is a must option!

2) Review Orders - This utility allows you to see all orders submitted by
   ALL players on the previous turn.  While you may see the result of all
   combat, you may not know exactly what each player ordered their units to
   do.  Review Orders allows you to check to see which players are working
   together, and more importantly, if YOUR allies did what they promised!!

13. Support and Questions
═══ ═══════ ═══ ═════════

If you find you have any questions about INTRIGUE, or have any suggestions
about how to improve the game, please call Cedar Lake BBS, hours 10:30pm to
7:00am (CST) and leave mail to the any of the authors.  The phone number at
that BBS is (618)-529-1839.  If you are a registered EXECUTIVE HOST sysop, you
may also leave mail for Pat Van Fleet on John Wright's ESP BBS at
(618)-993-5091, 24 hours a day.  Mail may also be addressed to Mark Jones on
Compuserve at 76066,1521 or Dave Eubanks at 70034,557.  The authors of INTRIGUE
are Dave Eubanks, Mark Jones, and Pat Van Fleet.  We welcome questions from
both registered and non-registered users!

14. NEW Support BBS!!!
═══ ═══ ═══════ ══════

  With the release of INTRIGUE 2.0, we have added Ethereal Realms
(618)-536-7950 24 hours a day and soon to be running a USR HST, as an
official Support BBS for INTRIGUE. Ethereal Realms is a member of the
International WWIVlink network with a node number of @16850.  You can post on
the INTRIGUE Support Sub and grab the latest copy on first login by using the
Sysop Autovalidation.  If you have access to another WWIVlink BBS, you can
reach the INTRIGUE Support Staff by E-mailing 15@16850.

15. Common Questions and Answers
═══ ══════ ═════════ ═══ ═══════

Q) I tried to install INTRIGUE with the modem online and it didn't work.
   What did I do wrong?
A) You probably forgot to include the command line parameter /L.  If you're
   trying to install INTRIGUE while the modem is online, this parameter tells
   INTRIGUE to ignore communications and run in local mode.

Q) Can I play games on different BBSs simultaneously?
A) Sure, you need to do nothing special to play different games, whether
   on the same BBS, or on several.  Remember, however, that when you run
   INTRIGUE locally (not connected to a BBS), you will see the map from
   the last game you logged onto.

Q) Can my friend play INTRIGUE from my computer?
A) Yes, but only if you are not both in the same game(s).  This is because
   INTRIGUE generates a unique ID number for you when you install it.

Q) Can I play my INTRIGUE turns from a friend's computer?
A) No, for the same reason as above--your ID number resides only on your
   machine.

NOTE: We are working on various utilities that will allow more flexibility
in allowing multiple players from one machine.  If you feel that the present
restrictions severely handicap your game playing, more technical information
than is provided here can be found in the SYSOP.DOC file.

Q) My sysop has registered INTRIGUE, and has scenario 1 (MidEast) available
   but when I selected that game, the map looked like garbage.
A) You need to download the file INTSCEN1.ZIP and unzip it into your game
   directory.

Q) Can I remove myself from a game I have joined?
A) We are currently working on a feature that allows the sysop to manage games.
   The feature will allow sysops to remove players from games if they so
   desire.  The SYSOP.DOC file contains information that will allow your sysop
   to remove you from a game.  Leave mail for your sysop.

Q) When I choose Help or Rules or Registration while running INTRIGUE, I get
   garbage.  How can I fix this?
A) You do not have an ANSI driver loaded.  You may add the line
   DEVICE=ANSI.SYS to your CONFIG.SYS file, or you may use one of many ANSI
   drivers available as shareware.  To use the example above, ANSI.SYS must
   reside on your root directory.

Q) I got an "INCOMPATIBLE VERSION" error message when I ran INTRIGUE online.
   Why?
A) Two reasons: 1) The BBS may not have the same version of INTRIGUE as you do,
   or 2) you are running the term program too fast for the BBS to
   establish proper communications.  To remedy, simply wait a few seconds at
   the initial title screen.

Q) After the initial title screens, the game seems to crash. Why?
A) This may happen if you are running a different version of INTRIGUE than
   the BBS.  Note: you may or may not get the INCOMPATIBLE VERSION message.

Q) The game hangs after getting the message from the BBS telling me to run
   the term program.
A) If you are not using an incompatible version of INTRIGUE, and you have
   waited a couple of seconds at the initial title screen, chances are the
   problem lies with either the software or hardware on the BBS end.  Notify
   your sysop of this problem.  Solutions are discussed in the Q&A section
   of the SYSOP.DOC file.

Q) I select the "Edit" selection on the "Orders" menu, but then I don't know
   what to do?
A) The procedure for issuing orders is simple and straitforward.  It is
   documented in detail on the "Utility" menu under "Help".  You can get
   a summary of the options by hitting F1 while in the Edit Orders routine.

Q) I successfully submitted my orders to the BBS, but when I called the next
   day, my units were in the same place. Are my commanders deaf?
A) All orders are resolved every other day at a time specified by your sysop
   (ask him when).

Q) Can I submit orders and messages while in local mode, and then simply
   upload those files to the BBS?
A) No, you must be online for your orders and messages to be sent to the BBS.

Q) I sent my orders to the BBS.  Upon talking to an ally, I decided to change
   my orders.  What do I do?
A) No problem.  You may submit orders as many times as you like.  Only the last
   set received prior to the resolution of orders will have effect.

Q) After combat was resolved, my army occupied an enemy's major city.  However,
   it was still in his country's color.  Don't I control it now?
A) No.  The turn just resolved was an odd-numbered turn.  If you hold the city
   for one more turn it will be yours.

Q) After writing a scathing message to an enemy, I discover that I need his
   help.  Can I retract the message before he sees it?
A) Nope. Tough luck.

Q) My sysop is playing in my game.  I suspect he may be reading my mail.  Is
   this possible?
A) Yes and no.  He has access to the message files, of course, but they are
   encrypted to make the job of reading them non-trivial.  Note that the
   sysop cannot see what you are doing when you are playing online.

Q) Can I find out who is playing the other countries in my game?
A) Not directly, since the game is designed to be anonymous.  You can leave
   messages to other players revealing your identity, and hope they respond
   in kind.  We may provide utilities that allow "public" games in future
   releases.

Q) How do I get the pop-up menus to pop-up?
A) The Escape key toggles the menus on and off.

Q) Can I use my mouse with this game?
A) Not at the present time.

Q) Why doesn't the map scroll when I type the arrow keys on the numeric
   keypad?
A) You probably have the NumLock on.

Q) How many times has Mark Jones crashed his hard drive?
A) Two.