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1996-11-25
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DogWorld 1.54
Online RPG created for bulletin board systems
(c) Copyright 1996: Cothran Computing
All rights reserved.
Written By: Kenneth Cothran
Kenneth Cothran
1711 Nashville Highway
Columbia, TN 38401
The latest version can always be found at:
Online USA BBS (615) 380-1909
FIDO: 1:116/165 Magic Name: DOGWORLD
Internet: kcothran@edge.net
This archive may be freely distributed in its unmodified
shareware format.
SUPPORT FOR:
CHAIN.TXT WWIV
DORINFO1.DEF RBBS-PC
DORINFO1.DEF QuickBBS
& Remote Access (versions 0.01-0.04)
EXITINFO.BBS (Std. Ver.)
DOOR.SYS (DoorWay Style) Remote Access
DOOR.SYS (PCB/GAP Style) PC-Board, GAP
DOOR.SYS (WildCat Style) Wildcat 3.00+, Telegard
SFDOORS.DAT Spitfire, TriBBS
CALLINFO.BBS WildCat 2.xx
DORINFO1.DEF Remote Access (versions 1.00 and later)
EXITINFO.BBS (Ext. Ver.)
And any other BBS that uses any of these drop files!
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Table of Contents ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Legal Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Contents of the DogWorld archive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
DogWorld Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Fast Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hints & Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Credits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
HOW TO CONTACT THE AUTHOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Legal Notice ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
----------------
DOGWORLD IS THE COPYRIGHTED PROPERTY OF KEN COTHRAN. YOU ARE NOT
AUTHORIZED TO MODIFY, MERGE, REVERSE ASSEMBLE OR REVERSE COMPILE THE
PROGRAM, IT'S DOCUMENTATION, OR THE DISTRIBUTED ZIP FILE.
You may use DogWorld in it's unregistered form until you are satisfied
with it's usefullness. At that time, you should register your copy of
DogWorld.
DISTRIBUTION
------------
As a shareware program, DogWorld may be freely distributed through a
BBS or other online services in it's original, unmodified form. Shareware
distributors may distribute copies of DogWorld on disk or CD as long as
the archive is in it's original, unmodified form.
WARRANTY
--------
DogWorld is distributed "as is" without warranty. The only thing that
I will guarantee is that the program will take up space on your hard
drive and that it works on my system. In no event shall Ken Cothran
be liable to you for damages, including any loss of profits, lost
savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of
your use of or inability to use this program, even if Ken Cothran or an
authorized representative has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. Ken Cothran will not be liable for any such claim by any other
party.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Contents of the DogWorld archive ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
The following files should be present in your DogWorld archive. If any
are missing, it is possible that the archive has been tampered with. In
that case, you should call Online USA BBS and download a fresh copy.
CUSTOM.DOC : Guidelines for customizing DogWorld. (Good info!)
DGWRL152.RES : The main dogworld archive.
DOGIGM4.ZIP : Programmers info on creating IGM's for DogWorld.
DOGWORLD.DOC : You're reading it now!
FILE_ID.DIZ : Description in Zip file.
HISTORY.DOC : Release Information.
NETWORK.DOC : Hints for running DogWorld on a LAN.
README.1ST : Unpacking instructions.
REGISTER.DOC : The registration form. You can print this out with DOGEDIT.
UNPACK.BAT : Used to unpack the archive. PKUNZIP is required.
DogWorld 1.54 Page 1
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Registration Information ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Since DogWorld is shareware, you are allowed to try out the game before
deciding whether or not to purchase it. Many games on bulletin board systems
are in fact registered by the users and not the sysop. We believe that when
you see the quality and stablility of DogWorld, you will be proud to offer
this product to your family of users.
DogWorld is fully functional to your users until they hit level 6. They
will not be able to continue past level 6 until the game is registered.
After you register DogWorld, you will recieve unique registration
codes printed just for your copy of the game!
The codes are entered using DOGEDIT.EXE. Just use:
"(C) - Enter Registration Codes". After entering the codes, the entire game
will be operational. Registration will get you:
* Twice as many levels and enemies.
* The game can be finished. (Players can go beyond level 6).
* Dream Sequences will be displayed to users after every Dog Catcher
kill. Several dream sequences are included and more can be added by
the sysop.
* (D)og Awards in the (O)bedience School will actually be useful. This ranks
heroic dogs, depending on how many times they defeat the evil Dog Catcher.
* The Player Editor in DOGEDIT will allow you to save changes.
* The Enemy Editor in DOGEDIT will allow you to save changes.
* The Weapon Editor in DOGEDIT will allow you to save changes.
* The Armor Editor in DOGEDIT will allow you to save changes.
* You can change the number of Alley Fights, Dog Fights and starting
bones a player is allowed to have.
By supporting this quality product, you are insuring future development.
All future versions of DogWorld will work with your registration codes.
NO CHARGE FOR DOGWORLD UPGRADES, EVER! Downloading new versions will be
left up to you. The latest version will always be made avaliable here at
Online USA (615) 380-1909 or by FIDO Freq at 1:116/165 using the magic name
of DOGWORLD.
HOW TO REGISTER
---------------
Use the (I) - Print Registration Form" option in DOGEDIT. It will print the
REGISTER.DOC file. You can fill out REGISTER.DOC with your information before
you print it, or fill it out after it's printed.
If you do not have a printer, just send the same information, written on
paper along with your registration fee and we will send you your registration
codes for DogWorld.
Average mailing time for us to receive your registration is about 6 days.
When it is received, we usually mail within 48 hours.
Every time we register a user, we put them into our custom registration code
management system. You can call Online USA and pick up your codes on your first
call IF we have received your check or money order. Use "$" from the Main Menu.
DogWorld 1.54 Page 2
If you have a Fidonet address, we can "crash mail" your codes to you. The
codes are mailed via US mail to everyone, even if one of the other methods
is marked on the order form.
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Introduction to DogWorld ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
DogWorld is a multi-player role-playing adventure game created for
Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's). DogWorld can also be played locally by
running DOG.EXE (with no parameters) from the DOS prompt.
DogWorld has support for:
* DesqView, Windows, and OS/2.
* Support for most dropfile types: DORINFOx.DEF, PCBOARD.SYS, CHAIN.TXT,
EXITINFO.BBS, CALLINFO.BBS, DOOR.SYS, SFDOORS.DAT.
* IRQ 0-15 and selectable COM port address supported for nonstandard COM
ports.
* CTS/RTS flow control, locked baud rates, and support up to 115,200 baud
rates.
* Direct internal communications routines supported.
* FOSSIL driver support.
* Real multi-node support.
* Optionally will create ANSI/ASCII score files with any path and name in
DOGEDIT. Great for displaying the DogWorld scores as a bulletin.
* Automatic RIP detection and support.
* In-game downloading of DOGICONS.ZIP, which is the file RIP users need to
play DogWorld. It contains all the icons needed to use RipGraphics.
DogWorld quickly auto detects the presence of RIP, and if the user has
the DogWorld icons. If they do not have the icons, DogWorld gives them the
option of downloading them. You will need a copy of DSZ.EXE or GSZ.EXE if
you want in-game downloading to work. You must set this up inside of
DOGEDIT.
* Auto Maintenance. Runs when the first user of the day logs on. The
maintenance only takes a few seconds on most systems.
* Auto deletion of inactive players set via DOGEDIT. If your BBS has been
down for an extended period of time, DogWorld will not delete those users.
* Super easy to run. Hands-free operation! Or, you can customize DogWorld
with DOGEDIT. You can change enemy/weapon/armor names, weapon and armor
prices, and many other things. (Not all options are available in the
unregistered version.)
DogWorld 1.54 Page 3
* Disable intro-ansi's option. You can use DOGEDIT to turn off the display
of the logon intro ansi screens.
* Powerful Player/Weapon/Armor/Enemy editor. This only saves changes to disk
IF the game is registered.
* Selectable Inactivity timeout using DOGEDIT. If a player does not touch
the keyboard in the amount of time you specify, he will be removed from
the game.
* Selectable status line style. You can easily choose between four different
styles from withing DOGEDIT's "Node Setup" menu. Each node can have a
different style.
* SysOp to user chat - built in. Use ALT-C to chat, and ESCape to finish.
* Players play an average of 10 minutes per day. The perfect game to
compliment any BBS!
* Professional RIP graphics throughout the game! You'll get a kick out of
this! Don't miss taking a look at it!
* Sixteen different breeds of dogs! Players can choose to be anything
from a Bulldog to a Scottish Terrier. They can also change their breed
by visiting Ol' 3-Legs 'Under the Bridge'!
* "Never Reset" option. The game can be set for infinite play or for a
certain number of "Dog Catcher Wins" to win the whole game. When a player
beats the Dog Catcher, only that player is reset. The players flea total,
pups and ranking in "Dog Awards" is not changed.
* Plenty of text "dialog". Daily News Items can be easily edited for a
more customized game!
* Support for up to 999 "Dream Sequences". When a player defeats the
Evil Dog Catcher, afterwards, they run into FeeFee/Lucky. S/he then
reveals to them dreams they have been having about them. Several
dreams are included and the sysop can add more! This will help to keep
your users interested in completing 12 levels again and again!
* Users are instantly informed when another dog enters the game or leaves.
Messages from other dogs are displayed instantly from most menu prompts.
* Many "hidden secrets" to discover. Special events in the Alley, Park,
and Grooming Parlor!
* Hundreds of ways for players to interact. Three built-in one-liners,
user-to-user mail, etc.
* Female dogs can go into heat and have puppies! (clean mode turns this off)
* "Puppy Love" notes! Dogs can send each other flirt notes. If the other
dog has a lot of fleas, some of them may jump on you! (clean mode turns
off a portion of this).
* "Under the Bridge" - hard to find, but a cool place when you do! Where
Ol' 3-Legs hangs out. Play the color game and get more special abilities.
DogWorld 1.54 Page 4
* Powerful mail writing routines with quoting option. Unlimited message
length!
* Support of In-Game-Modules (IGM's). IGM's are add-in programs written
by other programmers that run from within DogWorld. DogWorld supports
up to 999 IGM's, does a two colomn per page IGM display, and generates
an on-the-fly IGM page index, so that any IGM can be executed from any
page of IGM's.
* *FREE* upgrades to previously registered users when avaliable!
* Only $20 dollars to register! An outstanding value for a game of this
caliber.
* Single node systems that can multi-task can play right along with someone
on the BBS. Just run DogWorld by typing "DOG" at the DOS prompt to start
DogWorld in local mode. (node 0 is automatically assigned when DogWorld
is started in this fashion).
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Fast Installation ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
To Setup DogWorld Fast do the following:
STEP ONE:
Uncompress the DW0RLD10.ZIP archive into an empty directory.
STEP TWO:
Edit DOG.BAT with your favorite text editor. Do the following:
CD C:\DOGWORLD <--- Change the directory to match yours.
DOG /N:1 <--- Change the 1 to match your node number.
CD C:\BBS <--- Change the directory to match your BBS's.
BOARD <--- Command to reload your BBS.
STEP THREE:
Run DOGEDIT.EXE.
Inside DOGEDIT go to "(B) - Setup Nodes". Change the settings for your
node as needed.
If you run a multi-node BBS, set up EACH node. Every time you set up a
node that does not exist, DOGEDIT copies the settings from the first
node. This will make setting up new nodes go a little faster on systems
with a lot of nodes.
STEP FOUR:
Have your BBS execute DOG.BAT.
If you have a multi-node BBS, make a copy of DOG.BAT for each node with the
appropriate node number behind the /N:x switch. (or use an environmental
varaible or node specifier to accomplish the same thing)
DogWorld 1.54 Page 5
TO PLAY LOCALLY:
If you want to just play DogWorld locally, just start it by typing in "DOG".
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Troubleshooting ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Q: The game is saying someone else is playing the game, even though that user
isn't playing. How do I fix this?
A: This is caused by the game terminating unexpectedly. This is usually caused
by a lock up, or a power failure. DogWorld will handle normal exits and
dropped carriers and will save all the players data and perform all normal
cleanup duties before it returns to the BBS.
You can use the "Turn off "On Now" for all Dogs" option in
DOGEDIT to turn this off.
Q: When a user enters the door, nothing happens, and he is returned back to the
BBS! How can I get around this?
A: Most problems of this nature are caused by incorrect paths. Double check
your DOG.BAT file and make sure the paths are correct. Also, run DOGEDIT
and double check the paths for the node setup. Try using a different
drop file type.
** OR **
The problem could be that DogWorld isn't getting enough memory. DogWorld
needs about 384k of CONVENTIONAL memory.
If you're not sure how much memory is avaliable for DogWorld run MEM
to see how much CONVENTIONAL memory it shows.
Q: The in-game Rip icon thing isn't working. How come?
A: Use DOGEDIT and check the path to DSZ/GSZ. The option for this is under
"Game Options" on the main menu. If you still have problems, you might
have to make DOGICONS.ZIP available for download from within your BBS
and have your users get them that way.
Q: A user downloaded the icons successfully, but they still can't see the
cool graphics. Why?
A: Sounds like they didn't unzip them. Make sure the user has a copy of
PKUNZIP and explain to them how to unzip the icons. When DogWorld
downloads them from inside DogWorld, DOGICONS.ZIP usually lands in the
icons directory. It just needs to be unzipped there.
*** IF ALL ELSE FAILS ***
Call my BBS for technical support. We have a DogWorld message base just
for comments/suggestions and help for systems setting up DogWorld.
Or, send me private mail if you don't see a fix for your problem.
DogWorld 1.54 Page 6
Or, send me e-mail at kcothran@edge.net. (preferred method)
Or, send me Fido netmail at 1:116/165. Your reply will be put on hold -
you'll need to poll me back for the answer.
Or, send snail mail to: Ken Cothran
117 Nashville Hwy.
Columbia, TN 38401
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Hints & Tips ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
This door was very popular on my system and I'm sure it will be a
big success on yours too! I wanted something on my system that was
different from all the space/medival type doorgames. I tried to
think up something a little different.
That's when I got the idea for DogWorld...how about a game where all the
players are Dogs? Hmmmm. Good idea? I thought so! Here are a few things
you can do to encougage people to play. The more people playing, the more
fun it will be!
** Limit the number of doors you run.
** Make it easy to find. Running it from your Main Menu is an excellent idea.
** Announce that it's installed. Especially if it's new on your system.
** Place the sample ANS file DWORLD.ANS on your system as a logon screen!
** Don't go too far away from the default settings. When you register, you
can change the "Fights per day" to a higher value. Remember though, that
you want people to spend about 15 minutes a day in the game. Too much time
may burn people out. Try to encourage users to use the mail functions as
much as possible.
** Tell your users about DogWorld's Rip support. The custom made icons are
real cool! They were custom made by yours truely! Check them out. The
one for the Pet Store really cracks me up!
** If you play the game, make sure that you aren't winning. If your users find
out that you (the sysop) are playing and winning, many of them could get
discouraged and quit the game.
** Add more "Dog Dreams" to the file DOGDREAM.DAT. Everytime a user beats
the Dog Catcher, they will be shown a new dream! This will help to
keep your users interested in completing another 12 levels. Just
follow the examples in DOGDREAM.DAT. Be creative!
** Try messing with your players heads by editing the text in some of the
different one-liners. The files are KENTXT.DAT (kennel), PARKTXT.DAT
(park) and BRIDGTXT.DAT (under bridge).
Just CUT the FIRST 2 lines, and PASTE them to the bottom of the file.
Edit the name and text so that it looks like one of the NPC's is talking
to your player!
DogWorld 1.54 Page 7
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Credits ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
This game was made possible with help from the following people:
Cothran Computing: Ken Cothran - that's me! <G>
Programming: Ken Cothran
Rip Graphics: Ken Cothran
Ansi Graphics: Ken Cothran
(BETA Testing)
Judy Tuttle <-- Great job! And a big fan of the game!
Jenny Haynes <-- You never missed anything! Even saw a ')' that was
the wrong color!
Jim Hawkins <-- Good job! Thanks for the feedback on those creatures
in the alley!
Bill Huntwork <-- Another great beta tester! Thanks dude!
Phil Cothran <-- Hey bro! Thanks for helping out!
Carl Goad <-- Special thanks to Carl! A big supporter of the game.
Helped to keep me motivated!
Special thanks to Roadie the dog - smartest dog I've ever owned.
(may he rest in peace)
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Contacting Ken Cothran ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
You can send me U. S. Mail: (Same address as registrations)
Kenneth Cothran
1711 Nashville Highway
Columbia, TN. 38401
or you can:
BBS: Online USA
(615) 380-1909
Multi-node with rollover lines from one number. All lines are 14.4k
Fidonet: 1:116/165 24 hours a day except ZMH. Latest version always
available with magic name of DOGWORLD.
Internet: kcothran@edge.net
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Acknowledgements ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Turbo C++ is a registered trademark of Borland International
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
OS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
RIPterm, RIPscrip, RIPaint, the RIPterm logo, TeleGrafix Communications.
All others all copywrited by their respected authors.
DogWorld 1.54 Page 8