Cream of the Crop 22/Cream of the Crop 22.iso/games/bcrew12e.zip/ONESTART.TXT

Text File | 1995-07-23 | 16KB | 446 lines

GETTING STARTED WITH BRIDGE CREW sw1.12e

This file details a Quick Start to get up and running with one terminal.
When configured with one terminal, Bridge Crew can be investigated
by the curious with only a little cabling effort or used by a GM
to customise a scenario by authoring and testing script files.
If you want to run more than one terminal then read GETSTART.TXT

We at Mithril Software hope you will, after some investigation, take the
time to learn the commands and put the effort into cabling terminals
and PCs. BRIDGE CREW is lots of fun and is best enjoyed with a group
of friends.

Attached is a simple list of things to do to get up and
running with one terminal using the shareware version of Bridge Crew.
You should read each step and do them in order.  If you do this,
you will be able to investigate all commands and hopefully get the
desire to play with a full 4 player crew. Remember, Bridge Crew is
designed to be played with a group of people - it is not as much fun on
your own.

1.   Read this file first.
     Read this file, read all the steps and ensure that you
     have all necessary hardware, people and knowledge.

     If you wish to run with four players then you should read
     GETSTART.TXT

2. You will need the following:

     One IBM compatible 386 computer with VGA graphics, 530K
     of available memory, about 6 megabytes of available
     disk space and MSDOS 5 or MSDOS 6. This computer must
     have two serial ports - standard COM1 and COM2. This
     computer will hereafter be refered to as the main
     machine (abreviated to MM).

     One Null modem cable.  NOTE - It must have the right
     plugs and sockets on it (normally DB25 or DB9 male or
     female) This will depend on what type of serial ports
     your hardware has.

     One person (You yes YOU) to act as GM, Captain and Crew.

     You will need a terminal for this, you can use any of the
     three options below:

     OPTION 1,
     One IBM computer of almost any type with 512K of
     available memory.  We have used 286s in testing, but in
     theory an XT would do.  This machine must each have a serial
     port.  This machine will be used to run the BCTERM terminal
     emulator and will hereafter be called BCTERM-A.

     OR

     OPTION 2,
     One dumb serial terminal capable of emulating a Vt100 or
     similar terminal. This terminal will be called DUMB-A,
     in practice almost any ansii or ascii serial terminal will do.
     Ensure it is set to 9600 Baud, No Parity and
     One Stop Bit. Note: BRIDGE CREW doesn't use any flow
     control at all.



     OR

     OPTION 3
     A computer of almost any type running a simple VT100
     terminal emulator (you will find several in the public domain)
     This computer will be called DUMB-A


2.   Now we will physically arrange the hardware

     Place the hardware in such a way that the operators of
     BCTERM-A or DUMB-A can see the VGA Display of MM.

     This is normally acheived by placing them side by side on a table.


3.   Now you will do the necessary cabling

     If you took OPTION 1 in step 2.
     Run the null modem cable from COM1 on MM to COM1 on
     BCTERM-A

     If you took OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 in step 2.
     Run the null modem cable from COM1 on MM to the
     serial port on DUMB-A.

     In theory you have now done the cabling.

4.   Now you will unzip and install the software

     Run PKUNZIP in the C:\ directory of MM with the
     -d option. This will place the files in their
     proper subdirectories.

     eg   >PKUNZIP -D BCFILES.ZIP

     This will unzip a heap of files into two directories
     C:\UNIVERSE and C:\BCREW. It will also create two
     subdirectories below c:\bcrew. These will be
     DOCUMENTS and TERMINAL, where the manuals and bcterm
     files will be stored, respectively.

5.   Now we will install BCTERM onto BCTERM-A

     ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TOOK OPTION 1 in step 2

     Create a C:\BCTERM directory on BCTERM-A
     eg >MD BCTERM

     Get a spare formatted floppy disk that cam be read BY
     MM and BCTERM-A. Copy onto it BCTERM.EXE,
     BCTERSET.EXE and BCTERSET.DAT from the directory
     C:\BCREW\TERMINAL

     eg >COPY BCTERM.EXE A:
     eg >COPY BCTERSET.EXE A:
     eg >COPY BCTERSET.DAT A:

     Copy these files to BCTERM-A in the \BCTERM directory
     that you created.
          eg >COPY A:BCTER*.* C\BCTERM\*.*

     You can test the success of this by executing the
     following commands on BCTERM-A which will run the
     BCTERM.EXE terminal emulator.

     >C:
     >cd \BCTERM
     >BCTERM

     If successful you will see a screen with three areas;
     one labelled REPORTS, one labeled MESSAGES and one
     labled INPUT.

     To exit this program use ALT/X (press ALT key and while
     it's depressed press the X key).

     In theory you have now loaded the software for BCTERM-A.

     NB:  It is possible to run BCTERM from a floppy disk.

6.   ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TOOK OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 in step 2

     on MM goto your BCREW directory and run BCREWSET.BAT
     change the game details (option 1 on the menu) to reflect
     that you have a dumb terminal on COM1.

     You do this by placing a 1 against COM1

     Then Exit and save the file (option 3).

     IMPORTANT NOTE - You will need to reverse this process
                      and set COM1 back to a 2 if you wish to
                      run 4 terminals


7.   I know it's a lot of work but it's worth it!

     You are doing well to have got this far, now for the
     last few steps to fun.


8.   Now we will configure DUMB-A

     ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TOOK OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 in step 2

     If you are using Dumb serial terminals, Amiga, Atari or
     Macintosh PCs, configure them to emulate VT100s and
     ensure that they are set to 9600 Baud, No Parity and
     One Stop Bit. Note: BRIDGE CREW doesn't use any flow
     control at all.

     In theory you are now ready to run BRIDGE CREW.

9.   You can safley ignore this step if you have done everything
     exactly as above.

     Now you may wish to vary the setup from the standard.
     This is realy for hackers and should be avoided by the novice.

     By Running BCREWSET (on MM) you can configure more terminals or
        run them on different ports. (or use a multi port card - see the
    other documentation for this).

     By Running BCTERSET (on BCTERM-A) you can change the BCTERM
        layout and function keys. (or com ports)

     To enable sound effects on BCTERM-A print and follow the
     documantation in SOUND.TXT


10.  Running Bridge Crew

     Go to the keyboard of MM and type
     >C:
     >cd \BCREW
     >SW112 PUB1.SSW

     He or she will then see a copyright message.  Press
     return to get past it.

     If all went well, a message starting with the phrase
     'Macros have been loaded' should appear on DUMB-A or
     BCTERM-A.
     The main display of MM should go black and show a silhouette
     of a starship labled F0 in the center. At the left of the
     screen is a text status area.

     The terminal (BCTERM-A or DUMB-A) should now respond to
     a WHO command (type WHO and then press Enter).  The Response
     to the WHO command will tell you the terminal number.

     This port should be identifiable as the GM by the message,
     'You are the primary GM'.  If it isn't, then you may need to run
     BCREWSET and set the GM's terminal. (probably to 0).

     The terminal can now can now run any command

     The GM can start play with the command UNFREEZE which
     will allow the starship K1 to attack the players SHIP (F0)

     Try the RECON command to list objects on
     the sensors (initialy nothing will show on sensors).

     Try the THINGS command to list all objects known in this
     universe (initially K1 and F0)

     Try REPORT FUNCTIONS command to list
     the status of the ship's functions (initially all
     functions are at 100%)

     Try the REPORT SHIP command to list the
     general status of the ship (should be ok initially)

     Try the CHARGE, BLOCK, REPORT BEAM
     and BFIRE commands to shoot at the hostile ship K1.

     Try the MLOAD, MLOCK, PROXIMITY, REPORT MISSILE and MFIRE
     commands to shoot at the hostile ship K1.

     You could move the ship using the COURSE and SPEED commands
     to control the ship.  Also the MODE and SCALE commands
     can be used to change the main display.  Oh yes, and
     the VIEW command will be needed to keep F0 in the
     center of the screen!, TRACK is usefull to.

     To really get a handle on these commands you should
     print a copy of the document PLAYER.TXT. All players
     could also use a copy of the ready reference sheets
     PLREF.TXT.

     The GM should read GM.TXT and print a copy of
     GMREF.TXT.
     The gm should be familiar with the comands LOCATE, KNOW, ACTIVATE
     XMIT, MISSION, SIDE, GIVE, SECUR, MOVE, RMOVE and DMOVE as a minimum

     NOTE for non ansi terminals the commands
     >TERM BS ON
        and
     >TERM BS OFF
     can be used by players on DUMB-A and DUMB-B to use an ascii
     backspace rather than an ansi backspace (unfortunately this
     has to be done each time bridge crew is re-run).

     NOTE the HELP (and XHELP for GMs) command is designed only to
     assist with Syntax, not to be an instruction on how to play the
     game. I strongly suggest printing and reading manuals.

     NOTE to stop the game press # on the MM's keyboard.
     NOTE & is used to clear pause and helm hit messages.

-------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT

While there is no official support for BRIDGE CREW version sw1.12e
You can contact David Readman on the internet and if he has time he
may answer your query his adress is [e-mail]

-------------------------------------------------------------

TO ORDER

To order the registered version of BRIDGE CREW fill out the
relevant order form for your country in the DOCUMENT directory,
include a cheque or money order for the amount shown in the curency
on the form and send to :
     Mithril Software Pty Ltd
     PO Box 225
     Kippax
     ACT 2615
     Australia

We can take cheques in AUS$, NZ$, US Dollars,
Pounds Sterling and Canadian Dollars.

We are sorry about the relativly high price but the market is
so small that we need to charge this just to cover costs and
continue development.

For other countries, please fill out one of the above and
include a cheque/money order in the given currency.  If
using the Australian or New Zealand order form, add $20
extra postage.  All orders are sent via Air Mail and are
despatched within 48 hours of notification of cheque
clearance.  Barring realy major currency fluctuations, prices
should remain valid until  1 July 1996.

For further pricing information contact Mithril Software:
          PO Box 225, Kippax, ACT 2615, Australia

or fax us on:
     International Access code (61) (6) 254 6280
eg from USA    011 61 6 254 6280
from NZ   00 61 6 254 6280

          or contact David Readman on the internet
          [e-mail]


LICENCE

This licence applies to BRIDGE CREW version sw1.12e and all
associated files and material distributed by Mithril
Software.

This software is is protected by copyright law and by
international copyright treaty.

You assume responsibility for the selection of the programs
to achieve your intended results, and for the installation, use
and results obtained from the program. Mithril Software is not
responsible for any damages caused by the use of this
software.

Mithril Software provides these programs and scenarios and
licenses their use as follows:

You may:

a.   Copy and distribute this version (sw1.12e) of BRIDGE
CREW to whoever will take it.

b.   Use this software for private use. This includes such
use as may be made by a private gaming group.

c.   Display this program at a seminar, conference, or
convention publicly, provided you are not receiving reward
for doing so. (i.e. you are not getting paid or charging for
the privilege).

d.   Use the supplied terminal emulators VT100.exe and
BCTERM.EXE and associated programs and files on up to four
PCs provided they are connected to a machine running BRIDGE
CREW version sw1.12e.

e.   Change the medium on which it is distributed or
distribute it electronically.


You may not:

a.   Charge EXCESSIVE copying fees for the copying of this
software.

b.   Package the software in a way that infers to consumers
that they are purchasing a registered version of the
software.

c.   Change the software or any associated files.

d.   Use or demonstrate this program at any convention,
seminar,party, meeting or other public or private event if
as a result of this demonstartion you receive any kind of
reward or payment without the permission of Mithril
Software.

e.   Accept or receive reward for the use of the software,
without the permission of Mithril Software.

f.   Use the software in a manner for which it is not
intended.

g.   Use the software if a corporation you represent or are
employed by will receive payment or reward as a result,
without the permission of Mithril Software.

TERM

The licence is effective until terminated.  You may
terminate it at any other time by destroying the program,
data and scenario files and all copies as well as any
printed material.

There is no time limit on this licence provided you keep
within the terms and conditions listed above you may use
this software for as long as you like.

WARRANTY

This version sw1.12e comes without any warranty at all.

While the authors have taken all reasonable care in the
production of the software, they do not accept
responsibility for any loss caused directly or indirectly by
use of this software.

SUPPORT

This version sw1.12e comes without any official support at
all.

David Readman has offered to answer questions and provide
some support for this version on the INTERNET but makes
it clear that Registered Customers come first. his internet
adress is :
[e-mail]

REQUEST FROM THE AUTHORS

If you use this version of BRIDGE CREW for an extended
period of time then it would be polite to consider (and act
upon) getting a registered version. The registered version
is superior in many ways and comes with printed manuals. It
is currently version 1.20 and has a batch of new live roleplay
features (like self destruct) and a few new combat options
(mainly for the GM) It also supports extra sound options for
BCTERM and a Computer file contents editor. Also included with
the registered version is a scenario designer to allow you to
design your own ships, scenarios and universes
(see NOTES.TXT for details).

COPYRIGHT and TRADEMARKS

BRIDGE CREW is a trademark of Mithril Software.

This product is copyright Mithril Software 1994,1995. All rights
reserved.

For Licence Details Please read LICENCE.TXT