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Time of Chaos
Version 3_0 Advanced
Copyright (c) 1989, 1992 Brian Cain
SysOp's Manual/Table of Contents
What is Toc? · Page 1_0
Files Included in TOC3_0A.ZIP · Page 2_0
Mandatory System Requirements · Page 4_0
First-Time Installation · Page 4_5
Updating from a previous Version · Page 5_5
The Configuration Editor · Page 6_5
Ways to run Toc/Chaos.Exe · Page 8_0
Online SysOp Commands · Page 10_0
Registration Information · Page 13_5
External Programs Information · Page 15_0
Running As A Door (Reference Guide) · Page 17_0
TroubleShooting Section · Page 21_0
3_0 to 3_0 Advanced Changes and Mods · Page 22_0
[What is Toc?] [Page 1_0]
Some people ask, "What is Toc?" Toc is an abbreviation for
the actual name, Time of Chaos. 'Chaos', on the other hand, is the
slang, and commonly-used name for this game. Time of Chaos is
basically a futuristic, demographical, role-playing type of game, or
simulation, which leans mainly towards scientific theory and fact,
wherein a group of individuals (which may be anywhere from 5 to 100)
are, over a long term, tested on how they interact with one another,
given certain items and abilities. Technological advantages and
advancements are made throughout the game's evolutionary cycle, based
on players' accomplishments of course, as people evolve from a state
of total barbarism, which includes the conquest of mere parts of
land, such as a continent, to an eventual form of modern, or
post-modern logic, reason, and management, and total, overall
control. A large-scale system of communication has been included,
such as public message areas, electronic (private) mail, and two
different forms of private, multiple-mail. The game's cycle, from
start to finish, which can be indefinate, may last anywhere from three
weeks to one year, being the kind of simulation it is.
I, being the creator, will say one thing, "There are many
a surprise lying inside here, just waiting to be discovered."
- Brian Cain, 5/20/92, 4:36 am
[Files Included in ZIP] [Page 2_0]
Here is a brief list of the files included in the TOC3_0A.ZIP
file:
∙ MISC.ZIP
· Manual.Doc - This SysOp Manual/Documentation File
· Install.Bat - Installation Batch file
· UpDate.Bat - Update/UpGrade Version Batch File
· SMode.Bat - Batch file for repetitive StandAlone Mode
· Player.Doc - Player Documentation File
· Mark.Com - Memory Manager/Memory Marking File
· Release.Exe - Memory Manager/Memory Flushing File
∙ EXES.ZIP
· Chaos.Exe - Main Executable File
· Chaos.Ovr - Main Overlay File
· Config.Exe - Configuration Editor
· ReRoll.Exe - Game Reset Utility File
· Setup.Exe - Raw Data File Creator
· TocScan.Exe - Diagnostic Utility/Missing-File Creator
· Front.Exe - StandAlone Mode WaitScreen File
· Enemies.Cfg - .CFG File containing enemies' stats
∙ MAPS.ZIP
· Map*. - 39 Map Files
∙ MENUS.ZIP
· Chaos*.Ans - 7 ANSI Menu Files
· Chaos*.Men - 7 ASCII Menu Files
∙ TEXT.ZIP
· *.Txt - 61 ASCII Text Files
· *.Ans - 8 ANSI Files
All of these files must be included for Toc to run at its
optimum conditions. If your zip does not contain every single file,
or if you think you are missing files, or if you think some files
may be corrupted, please contact the sender of this zip, or the
SysOp of the bbs you may have received this file from.
[Mandatory System Requirements] [Page 4_0]
Here is the list of items required to successfully run Toc:
· 640k Base RAM
· Two to Three Megs of drive space
· Config.Sys file modifications
- Files=30
- Buffers=25
- Device=Ansi.Sys (Or any Ansi driver)
· 1 Meg Disk Cache (Highly Recommended for Speed!)
[Page 4_5]
[First-Time Installation of Toc]
First-Time installation of Toc is a breeze. Here's the
simple and easy order to perform:
∙ Create your root Toc Directory (Ex: C:\TOC)
∙ Unzip your TOC3_0A.ZIP file into your new directory
∙ Run Install.Bat
Once Install has begun to run, a number of things will
happen. First, Install will unzip 2 more Zips (Exes and Misc.)
Second, the external program Setup.Exe will be run. A screen
will appear with system requirements, etc. Answer 'YES' at the
prompt, and wait. A few minutes will pass, as Setup creates all of
the raw data and message files required by Toc. After Setup has
been completed, a prompt will appear. Press Enter, or space bar,
and proceed. Next, TocScan.Exe will be run, to make sure Setup
hasn't missed any files. After TocScan, Config.Exe will be executed.
In this portion of Install, you may customize your own Toc's system
and game options. Once out of the configuration Editor, Install will
proceed to unzip 3 more Zips (Maps, Menus, and Text.) Once those
zips are unzipped and sorted into their subdirectories, Install will
finish off by deleting the 5 sub-zips and run Toc locally.
When Toc is run locally (last step of Install), proceed
on and create a player under your sysop name. SysOp Access is given
to the first user slot in the user file. This will insure that another
user will not attain SysOp Access. This newly-created user with
SysOp Access does not have to be an actual player. A second user
may be created with a handle, which would be your player.
[Updating from a Previous Version] [Page 5_5]
Updating from a previous version is very simple.
Here's the superbrief list of steps taken to upgrade to a newer
version:
∙ UnZip your new version of Toc into your current Toc root
directory.
∙ Run the batch file UpDate.Bat.
UpDate.Bat will perform a number of steps. First, update will
delete 7 files (Chaos.Exe, Chaos.Ovr, Enemies.Cfg, Config.Exe,
Setup.Exe, Manual.Doc, and Player.Doc.). Second, two zips will be
unzipped (Exes.Zip and Misc.Zip.) Next, every existing text, map, and
menu file will be deleted, and replaced with the new files included
in the zips Text.Zip, Maps.Zip, and Menus.Zip. Next, the 5 zips will
be deleted. Next, the configuration editor, Config.Exe, will be
executed. Lastly, and finally, TocScan.Exe, the missing-file creator,
will be ran, to make sure there aren't any missing data or message
files.
Once Update.Bat has completed its task, Toc should be
executed locally; one, to look for any new game updates; two, to
look for any new SysOp changes and such.
[The Configuration Editor [Config.Exe]] [Page 6_5]
The Configuration Editor is set up in 5 different sections.
The Main Menu
[A] Edit Opener Matrix Information
[B] Edit Directories/File Paths
[C] Edit Map and Map-Related Info
[D] Edit System Configuration Page [1]
[E] Edit System Configuration Page [2]
[A] Includes editing commands and prompts for a Matrix Opener.
NOTE : The commands placed in the Matrix MUST comply with those
in the Text and ANSI files included. The matrix is only useful
for highly secured games, and for Toc that runs in StandAlome Mode.
[B] This is the setup of the Directories that Toc will use throughout
the program. It is important NOT TO CHANGE any of these if the
game is already setup. You will be the main cause for thousands
of failures, and Run-Time Errors. If you change these, be SURE
the actual directories comply with that of the information
in the configuration!
[C] Contains all of the Map Information, the OutSide map you're
using for Earth, and the name of the Complex. Unless you're
adventurous, do not edit the X/Y Coordinate information.
It is acceptable to change those if you're creating a map
(Which is near impossible) or if you feel that a building
or object has been located in an unacceptable location.
[D],[E] These pages are very important. They contain a large portion
of the system's setup. Make sure you go through these pages
step-by-step. Page [D] consists of more game-type of options,
and Page [E] consists of the more system-type things, such as
if you're using the modem, and if you're running the system
as a Door (with a chain file) or in StandAlone Mode.
[Ways to Run Toc/Chaos.Exe] [Page 8_0]
In this section of the Manual/Reference Guide to TOC3_0A,
I shall discuss the many ways to run Toc, or more or less the
parameters available to Chaos.Exe. Here's the list of switches:
Chaos - (Exe File) - Run Chaos one time.
If Serial/Modem Routines is flagged on in
Config, this will activate them and try to
find a carrier. If the Serial/Modem Routines
are disabled, or if the Modem Routines are
activated and there isn't a carrier, this
command will run Toc locally.
Chaos /l - (Exe File) - Will run Chaos locally without
any modem options/Skip all modem routines.
This will act like a standard DOS Executable file.
Chaos /NoDoor - (Exe File) - If Time of Chaos is configured to use
a chain file, this skips it.
Chaos /d - (Exe File) - Will show existing Registration
Information.
Chaos /r - (Exe File) - This function allows you to plug in
your Actual Registration Number, and register your
Toc. For more info, check the section entitled
'Registration Information.'
[The Online SysOp Menu] [Page 10_0]
The Online SysOp Menu is the set of commands you, The SysOp,
can do while online. Next to the Online SysOp Func. and Inlock/
OutLock functions, these commands are completely invisible to
a remote user that may be on at the time. Here's a list of the
commands available:
Alt·H - Display the Menu of available commands
Alt·D - Hangup on the User/Quit Door Mode
StandAlone Mode - This will hangup the
user.
Door Mode - This will exit Toc abruptly
and return back to the bbs.
Alt·L - Toggle Pager On/Off.
Alt·P - View Player's Stats (Game)
This command allows you to view the user's actual
player status. This one is just like the [!] prompt
found throught the game.
Alt·M - View Player's Miscellaneous Items (Game)
This will view the user's miscellaneous items
he currently possesses.
Alt·V - View Player's Personal Stats (System)
This will allow you to view the personal info
of a user. Specifically, this shows their handle,
password, sysop access, time left, and calls left.
Alt·E - Online SysOp Functions
This is the Online SysOp Functions. This will
temporarily stop the player's actions with a
'Please Wait' prompt. This menu consists of
commands such as editing calls remaining
for the day, and a special function for the #1
User/SysOp to logoff inside of the Complex that
deters others from attacking a camped SysOp.
Alt·C - Engage in Chat Mode
This function allows you to talk, or better
yet, type to the user that is currently on. Chat
Mode can be entered in at any time during game
play.
Alt·I - Toggle Typing (Lock/UnLock)
This function allows the SysOp to literally
turn the remote user's keyboard on and off.
Alt·O - Toggle Text (Lock/UnLock)
This function allows the SysOp to turn off the
remote side's screen, and prevents then from
receiving any text that may be sent over.
Alt·S - Toggle SysOp Access (On/Off)
Allows the SysOp to toggle the current user's
SysOp Access (On/Off.)
Alt·A - Toggle UsingANSI (On/Off)
(This is for SysOps with ANSI configured)
This function allows the SysOp to turn ANSI on and
off while a player is on.
Alt·R - System Report
The System Report shows values such as
total calls to system, last caller (the current
caller), New calls, new feedbacks, and new posts
since last local logon, and the time and date.
Alt·+ - Add 5 Minutes to Time Limit
This function adds 5 minutes to a player's
current Time Limit.
NOTE : If the user's time left is greater than
120 minutes, the system will automatically hang
him up. Do not exceed this limit.
Alt·- - Subtract 5 Minutes from Time Limit
Subtracts 5 minutes from the current Time Limit
of a player.
[Registration Information] [Page 13_5]
Handling the Registration Information is quick and easy.
When first-time installation has been performed, Toc will interrupt
and ask a series of questions concerning registration. Fill these
out, with the correct, and exact information.
From then on, until you've sent in your $20 registration fee,
and while Toc runs unregistered, your Toc will come up with an ANSI
non-resistration screen, which includes bbs names and numbers, phone
numbers, and an address to send registration fees. This screen will
only pop-up whenever Toc is ran locally, or when there is no remote
caller or player loggin in. Also, a limit of only 8 users is allowed
in the game.
Once registered, one change will be made - The old, 8 user
limit will be incredibly boosted to 100 users.
Registration includes free updates. All version from version
1_0 (June, '91) and up are compatible, and each and every one may
be updated. Registration ignores these upgrades, or updates.
To register, send a $20 Check or Money Order, made out to
Brian Cain. In the memo section, you may include a note, such as
"Toc Registration." Personally, I prefer receiving money orders.
So, if you have a choice, purchase a money order and send it. Plus,
money orders are safer than checks. The registration fee is step one.
Step two includes a full copy of your registration information, which
may be accessed easily by executing 'Chaos /D'. Lastly, you MUST
include your First Registration Number. This FRN is very important!
Once I receive my registration fee, and the required info,
I will proceed to make your Actual Registration Number, which you will
plug into your Toc, by executing 'Chaos /R'. Enter your ARN, and,
theoretically, if the number is correct, your Toc will be registered,
with the full, 100 user capacity. If you enter in the wrong number,
your Register.Cfg file will be promptly deleted.
Here is the mailing address if you wish to register:
Brian Cain
#4 Heritage Court
Grand Prairie, Tx 75050
[External Programs Information] [Page 15_0]
There are a few external programs supplied in this Zip. Here
is the list:
· Config.Exe - Toc Configuration Editor
- This is the main Configuration Editor. Toc/system
modifications, along with various Toc/game
modifications can be made and changed, such as
SysOp Password, Enabling Comm Routines, Time
Online per Session, etc. This may be customized
to your full extent.
· ReRoll.Exe - Game Reset Utility File
- This small program only does one thing - Resets an
entire game. This program will clear all existing
user and message data, while yet retaining existing
system/game configuration. This program requires
the SysOp Password, for local-side security.
· Setup.Exe - Raw Data File Creator
- This is the raw data file and message file creator.
This program is loaded during first-time, main
installation, and should NEVER be executed again.
If executed while a game exists, a Run-Time Error
will pop-up, and the program will halt. If you're
wishing to reset your current game, run ReRoll.Exe.
· TocScan.Exe - Diagnostic Utility
Missing-File Creator
- This program searches for any missing data or message
files. If one is found missing, TocScan will create
and replace the missing file with a new, blank one.
This program is great for installation errors, disk
errors, such as out-of-disk-space, etc.
· Front.Exe - StandAlone Mode WaitScreen File
- Front.Exe is run when Toc is configured in its
StandAlone Mode, wherein Toc runs by itself, under
a repetitious batch file, SAlone.Bat. Front is the
actual waitscreen that initializes the modem, prints
system data, and waits for an incoming call. For this
to run correctly, StandAlone Mode must be set in
the configuration editor, Option [E] from Main menu.
· Mark.Com/Release.Exe - Memory Manager Programs
Not the work of Brian Cain
or Shawn McMahon
- These nifty little files prevent freezing from occuring
while running Toc. Toc execute properly, first run
Mark.Com. Then, run Chaos, however you have it setup
to run. Lastly, when Chaos is finished, run Release.
Mark.Com marks the current position in memory.
Release.Exe clears everything from that position marked
in memory forward.
[Running Toc as a Door/Quick Reference Guide] [Page 17_0]
This section of the manual is just a quick reference
guide for setting up Toc as a door program under another
BBS program. This section also includes support for the
two chain files included. Here is a list of things to do
for a few types of BBS Programs:
∙ WWIV BBS Program 4.2F and up
Create a batch file in your WWIV Directory:
Echo Off
cd\(Chaos Directory)
Mark
Chaos
Release
WWIV Chain Editor
· DOS Interrupt - NOT Used
· 300 Baud - NOT Allowed
· Shrink BBS - Yes
· Using Chain.Txt - Yes
· Disable Pause - No
» DoorMode/Using Chain.Txt is used in this batch file.
Be sure to set this setting in Option [E] in the
Configuration Editor.
∙ Telegard BBS 2.5i/2.5k/2.7
Create a batch file in your main TGard Directory:
Echo Off
cd\(Chaos Directory)
Mark
Chaos
Release
cd\(Telegard Directory)
Exit
Telegard Configuration/Menu Editor (From Wait Screen)
Menu Editor ('#' from Wait Screen)
Menu Editor - ONLINE.MNU file
1] Long Description ∙ [T] Time of Chaos (Example)
2] Short Description ∙ [T] Toc (Example)
3] Cmd Letters ∙ T (Menu Key to Execute Toc)
4] ACS Required ∙ (Access Required to Execute)
5] CmdKeys ∙ DD (for DorInfo1.Def)
∙ DC (for Chain.Txt)
6] MString ∙ CHAOS.BAT (Batch File Name)
» DoorMode/Using Chain.Txt and DoorMode/Using DorInfo1.Def
are both used as examples for this batch file. Be sure
to set this setting in Option [E] in the Configuration
Editor.
∙ RemoteAccess 1.00/1.10\QuickBBS 2.75 and up
Create a batch file in your RA/QBBS Directory:
Echo Off
cd\(Chaos Directory)
Mark
Chaos
Release
cd\(RA/QuickBBS Directory)
Menu Editor (Menu that calls Toc)
1] Optional Data ∙ *C /c (Chaos Directory/Batch File) *M
2] Action ∙ Execute Sub Program, Type 7
[TroubleShooting Section] [Page 21_0]
This section will (hopefully) fix any types of errors or
discrepencies you may encounter while running Toc. Here's the list
so far:
- Experiencing a "Freeze" Problem?
This problem would mainly occur after Time of Chaos has exited and
the batch file is attempting to return to the BBS. If you've got
this problem, use the memory managers (Mark.Com and Release.Exe)
that are included in the Time of Chaos ZIP (From Versions 2_5 and up).
Once exiting the bbs, first run Mark, then run Time of Chaos, then
run Release. This should clear any freeze problem you may encounter.
If this doesn't work, reset your computer and re-run your bbs
entirely.
[3_0 to 3_0 Advanced Changes/Modifications] [Page 22_0]
From Version 3_0 to 3_0 Advanced, here is the list of upgrades made:
∙ Remote-Side Buffer fix
(The Key Buffer was the main problem for the key-repeat incident.
I attempted several different ways of riding Toc of this problem,
and I've finally done it. There is no remote-side buffer anymore,
and there should never, ever be another key-repeating problem.)
∙ SysOp Manual Remodeling
As you can tell, I decided to improve the manual. I took out some
of the useless, non-explaining material, and replaced it with more
professional, useful information. Don't worry - It won't be
completely drab!
∙ Join Public Corporation Fix
(Anytime a player would join a public corp, the last member entry
in the list would be replaced with his/her name.)
∙ Small 'Sell-Fort' Fix in the Time Log ANSI Convertor
(No big deal - Just a small error in the hard code.)
∙ Small bug fix (Very small) with new option included in complex
lobby, Permanently Quit. The letter 'Q' was previously not accepted
as a key to hit at that menu.
∙ Change of Files and Buffers settings in Config.Sys file
(Lowered from 40 Files to 30 Files, and 40 Buffers to 25 Buffers.)
∙ Added Documentation Support for Telegard and Toc using chain files
∙ A few little, barely-noticable modifications, text modifications,
etc.
∙ Sorry about the abrupt upgrade. Version 3_0 should have remained
in its Beta stage for longer than 2 weeks. This will not happen
again. Again, sorry for any inconvenience.
Thank You,
Brian Cain and Shawn McMahon
For help, support, questions, comments, ideas, etc, please
give one of these two bbses a call:
∙ The iCE Dimension - Brian Cain
(The Home of Time of Chaos)
FIDO 1:124/6303
USTGNet/ITCNet ∙ Dallas/Fort Worth Hub 85:841/1
[214]\641-7805
USRobotics Dual Standard/V32/V42/V42bis
USRobotics Courier HST/V42/V42bis
Grand Prairie, Texas
∙ Void Where Prohibited - Shawn McMahon
(Main Support BBS)
FIDO 1:19/141
[405]\436-2142
Supra 14400/V32/V32bis/V42/V42bis
Ada, Oklahoma
Thanks a million Dustin. I owe you one.
[End of SysOp Manual]