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1989-01-08
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771 lines
*MAIN MENU
This is the MAIN MENU of WORLD GENERATOR. Press any of these keys
for more information:
[G] GENERATE new sector
[S] SAVE sector
[L] LOAD old sector
[V] VIEW a sector
[Z] ZOOM system details
[E] EDIT solar system
[D] Sector DATA
[T] TUTORIAL
[R] ROLLING demonstration
[O] Special OPTIONS
[I] INFORMATION
[Q] QUIT
or <SPACE> to exit help, # for copyright information.
+
*MAIN MENUG
This option produces a new sector with up to 100 stars, all with planets etc.
The process runs through two cycles; the first allocates locations for the
systems, the second generates the solar systems themselves.
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*MAIN MENUS
Save the sector to disk. This option is only available if there are systems
in memory, and may be locked off by the security procedure (part of OPTIONS
menu). Enter the file name as usual; [Drive:][\Path\]Name. DO NOT put any
extension on the file name!
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*MAIN MENUL
Load a previously saved sector. This procedure replaces any systems in
memory, and should only be used if you are SURE that you have saved, or don't
want, the current sector.
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*MAIN MENUV
View a sector. Allows you to look at all parts of a previously generated or
loaded sector. Only minimal system information is available by this method.
It can be used at all security levels. If you are using an Amstrad PC you can
probably use the mouse to move; this doesn't work with most other machines.
Press ENTER to exit (or one of the Amstrad mouse buttons)
+
*MAIN MENUZ
View a solar system. This choice gives access to several additional menus,
allowing you to look at all the systems in a sector, look at a single solar
system in great detail, or produce a detailed diagram of an entire solar
system. See the HELP option on the ZOOM menu for more information.
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*MAIN MENUE
This option lets you change the type of star, add or delete planets, etc.
There are numerous options; see the HELP option on the EDIT menu for more
information. Editing is blocked at most security levels above 0.
+
*MAIN MENUD
Data available includes a brief summary of all systems, detailed information
on one or all systems, a view of system records in ASCII form, etc. See the
HELP option on the DATA menu for more information.
+
*MAIN MENUT
The tutorial is reasonably self-explanatory. You can run it at any time, and
it is not necessary to save sectors in memory before using it.
+
*MAIN MENUR
The rolling demonstration is a blatant advertising ploy. If you happen to
like this program, why not put it on display! WARNING! DON'T run the demo
without saving data first; it loads the sector file SAMPLE.SEC which over-
writes anything in memory.
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*MAIN MENUO
The options are things that you may want to do occasionally, but probably
won't use every day; things like changing palatte, choosing a different type
of print-out, and so on. See the HELP file on the OPTIONS menu for more
information.
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*MAIN MENUQ
You can end the program whenever you like. However, the security option (see
OPTIONS menu) may require you to enter a password.
+
*MAIN MENUI
Use this option to find out more about the program, its astronomical basis,
science fiction role playing games, the people who have helped develop the
program, and other exciting topics. You may find this information
interesting or useful, then again you may not.....
+
*INFO
Information is available on the following topics
[U] User Supported Software - conditions of distribution
[P] Programming Notes - how it works
[V] Versions of this program - getting better and better?
[F] Future Plans - given enough encouragement..
[B] Beta Testers - with many thanks..
[R] Registration Form - USE IT!
[A] Astronomical glossary & sources - what does that mean, daddy?
[S] Star types - serious scientific stuff
[G] Science Fiction Role-Playing Games - what this program is for
[1-5] Notes - Add these yourself!
Or press <Space> to exit this option, # for copyright information
Press any key except <Space> to return to this menu from other screens
+
*INFOU
USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE
This program is copyright. However, you may give away or distribute copies
on the following conditions;
1: No charge is to be made, over and above reasonable media, postage, and
duplication charges.
2: The program and related files must be distributed TOGETHER.
3: I reserve the right to remove this program from any user group or
commercial library which I feel is making excessive charges, or
imposing unacceptable conditions. For this reason, libraries are
requested to ask permission before adding it to their stock.
4: Source code is only supplied to registered users; registered users are
requested NOT to distribute the source code, and asked not to copy
parts of the code into other programs without my written permission.
5: Registered users may modify this program for their own purposes, and
they are encouraged to customise it for their preferred game system.
However, modified forms of the program should not be distributed. You
are invited to suggest improvements and modifications.
6: No guarantee is made that this program is suitable for any application
whatsoever, and no responsibility is accepted for any damage that may
arise as a result of using it.
+
*INFOG
There are dozens of science fiction role playing games (SFRPGs), here are just
a few that are fairly popular, and some that are about to appear;
Game Maker Comments
Traveller GDW The first SFRPG. Set in a vast interstellar empire.
Mega-Traveller GDW Updated rules, set in same empire (now collapsing).
2300 AD GDW Near-future, not set in the Traveller universe.
Star Trek FASA Game of the popular TV/Film series.
Space Opera FGU Incredibly complex rules, out of print.
Star Frontiers TSR Relatively simple, from makers of Dungeons & Dragons.
Warhammer 40000 GW Squad-level military rules, not a true SFRPG.
Star Wars WEG Based on the popular films. Very easy rules.
Ringworld Cha. Game of Larry Niven's "Known Space", out of print.
GURPS Space SJG Book for GURPS (Generic Universal Role Playing System).
Space 1899 GDW Game in which Edison discovered space travel!
Judge Dredd GW Game of the comic, some space material should appear.
GDW = Game Designers Workshop (USA), FASA = FASA Inc. (USA),
FGU = Fantasy Games Unlimited (USA), TSR = TSR Inc. (USA),
GW = Games Workshop (UK), WEG = West End Games (USA),
Cha. = Chaosium Inc. (USA), SJG = Steve Jackson Games (USA).
There are many other SFRPGS; visit a good games shop to find one you like!
+
*INFOB
Several astronomers, role-players, and interested onlookers gave help
and advice while I was writing this program, and tested pre-release
versions and numerous modifications; they bear no responsibility for the
final product, apart from having made it a good deal better than it might
have been. In particular, I would like to thank:
> John Dallman discovered lots of bugs, suggested cursor movement in solar
system selection, gave invaluable help with the physics of ring worlds.
> Richard Pittfield-Perry pointed out incompatibilities between IBM and
Amstrad PC's, and made various suggestions on presentation of data.
> Richard Taylor gave great help with astrophysics and planetology, and
suggested the disclaimer that appears at the start of the program.
> Jonathan Cowie made lots of astronomical suggestions, but I'm not sure
that it's physically possible to do that sort of thing with a floppy
disk and a black hole...
> Terry Pratchett suggested many changes, and gave me a lot of advice and
encouragement. Sooner or later I'll get round to putting flat worlds in
here...
Also thanks to Dave Langford, Martin Hoare, and all registered users.
+
*INFOS
TABLE OF STARS USED IN WORLD GENERATOR
Type Luminosity Temperature Mass Radius Description
-----------------------------------------------------------
B0 56000 28000 18.0 10.0 Blue-white giant
B5 1400 15500 6.5 4.4 " " "
A0 90 9900 3.2 3.2 White stars
A5 16 8500 2.1 1.8 " "
F0 8.1 7400 1.7 1.7 Yellowish stars
F5 3.5 6700 1.3 1.4 " "
G0 1.21 6000 1.04 1.03 Yellow dwarf stars
G5 0.67 5500 0.94 0.91 " " "
K0 0.42 4900 0.825 0.908 Orange dwarf stars
K5 0.08 4100 0.57 0.566 " " "
M0 0.04 3500 0.489 0.549 Orange-red dwarfs
M5 0.007 2800 0.331 0.358 " " "
M9 0.001 2300 0.215 0.201 " " "
DG 0.00006 4500 0.63 0.012 White Dwarf
For all these stars luminosity, mass, and radius are compared to the sun,
temperature is in degrees Kelvin.
All these stars, apart from the white dwarf, are part of the main sequence.
+
*INFOA
ASTRONOMICAL GLOSSARY
Main Sequence: The main sequence is a sequence of star sizes, masses, and
temperatures which runs from blue-white giants down to red
dwarves. There are exceptions to the main sequence, but they
tend to be comparatively rare. The stars used in this
program are just some of many main-sequence possibilities;
for example, the Sun is a main sequence star, type G2. You
can easily modify the program to include other stars.
Luminosity: A measurement of the heat leaving a star, a function of its
temperature and surface area. A small hot star may have less
luminosity than a large cool one.
Proto-Stars: Gas clouds that are collapsing to form stars and solar
systems.
SOURCES
Patrick Moore The Guiness Book Of Astronomy Facts And Feats
Abell/Morrison/Wolff Exploration Of The Universe
Isaac Asimov The Universe: From Flat Earth to Quasar
Traveller Book 6 Game Designers Workshop (table of stars etc.)
+
*INFOP
PROGRAMMING NOTES
This program was originally written using Turbo Pascal 3.10, and has been
converted for Turbo Pascal 4.00 with the Turbo3 and Graph3 units. It
consists of a main program (WORLDGEN.PAS) plus six include files (WG1.INC
to WG6.INC) [source code is only supplied to registered users].
The development system is an IBM PC which was originally fitted with a
V20 chip, but has now been upgraded with an Orchid Turbo EGA card; an 80286
speedup board. I've tried to keep program speed as high as possible, but
this program needs a fast machine to work well! An Olivetti M15 portable is
used for 3½" disk conversions and monochrome tests.
Data files are text, derived from arrays [0..9,0..9] of String[40].
The first three bytes are coordinates.
Each planet or star is represented by two bytes of the string; for most
planets the second byte currently does nothing, but this will probably
change in future releases. The record has room for a primary (star, binary
pair, black hole, etc) and up to 17 orbiting bodies.
The final byte is used for the security option.
When detailed solar system information is wanted, Worldgen uses the
coordinates and other data to seed the random number generator before
running pseudo-random mapping and data generation procedures.
+
*INFOV
WORLD GENERATOR VERSIONS
Early versions were compiled using Turbo Pascal 3.10, and the distribution
disk included source code.
V 1.00 Beta test version; contained numerous astronomical errors and
several serious programming flaws. Saved systems as a file of
strings, with a fixed file size, rather than as text.
V 1.01 First distribution version. Used the same file structure as version
1.00, but greatly improved graphics and mapping procedures.
V 1.02 Used text files, with a considerable saving on file size, otherwise
identical to 1.01 - supplied with conversion utility WG_CONV.COM
and source code.
Versions 1.1 onwards were compiled using Turbo Pascal 4.00. They are not
supplied with source code - if more users had registered early versions, it
would still be included. Source code is supplied to registered users ONLY.
V 1.1 Adds Rolling Demonstration, some special options, mnemonic key
choices.
V 1.2 Adds Planetarium display, Grand Tour option, many other extra
features. Maps can be zoomed for extra details, and some special
map printing routines are added. Online help and information.
V 1.21 Minor bug fix of version 1.2; see READ.ME file
+
*INFOF
FUTURE PLANS
In later versions of this program I hope to add several additional
facilities. These are mainly aimed at role players, and include;
1* Multiple sector maps. An option to link several maps to form a larger
mapped volume. Probably 30 x 30 x 30 light years, but this isn't
certain.
2* Aliens. A HIGHLY speculative procedure to generate aliens tailored to
the worlds produced by the main program. This will probably be a
separate program included on the main Worldgen disk.
3* More types of stars and planets. Dyson spheres.
4* Hole-Busters. An arcade adventure game using Worldgen graphics etc.
This will probably be sold separately, but may be part of the main
program.
5* Better user friendliness (eg, more options at every stage, on-line
help during graphics operations, not just from menus.)
I can only produce these programs if Worldgen earns enough money to make
it worthwhile.
+
*INFOR
WORLDGEN 1.2 REGISTRATION FORM - PLEASE SEND TO MARCUS L. ROWLAND
C/O 22 WESTBOURNE PARK VILLAS, LONDON W2 5EA, ENGLAND
Name .......................... | I wish to register my copy of World
| Generator, and enclose a registration fee
Address ....................... | of Five pounds (Britain & EEC)
| Ten dollars (USA) *
............................... | (or other currencies to equivalent of
| five pounds)
............................... | * Dollar cheques please, not money orders
| or cash.
............................... | Registration entitles you to receive full
[please indicate country, state, | source code and version 2 of this program
postcode or zip code, etc.] | without charge.
Signature ...................................... Disk size ..............
DATA PROTECTION ACT: Please note that details on this form are for the
personal use of the author ONLY.
Press <Shift/Prt.Scr> to copy form to printer
+
*INFO1
Reserved for your notes - Page 1
add to file WG.HLP between markers
*INFO1 and the following + sign
For example: ABOUT THE AUTHOR
----------------
Marcus L. Rowland is a science fiction fan and author of numerous role
playing adventures and articles, published in most of the major British and
American role playing magazines. He has also written four game modules, all
published by Games Workshop (UK):
Queen Victoria And The Holy Grail - Superhero adventure for
Golden Heroes system.
Trail Of The Loathesome Slime - Call of Cthulhu adventure.
Nightmare In Norway - Call of Cthulhu adventure.
Judgement Day - Judge Dredd RPG adventure.
He is the author of High Justice, a space travel and combat supplement for
the Judge Dredd RPG, which has not yet been published.
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*INFO2
Reserved for your notes - Page 2
add to file WG.HLP between markers
*INFO2 and the following + sign
An example has been added on page 1
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*INFO3
Reserved for your notes - Page 3
add to file WG.HLP between markers
*INFO3 and the following + sign
An example has been added on page 1
+
*INFO4
Reserved for your notes - Page 4
add to file WG.HLP between markers
*INFO4 and the following + sign
An example has been added on page 1
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*INFO5
Reserved for your notes - Page 5
add to file WG.HLP between markers
*INFO5 and the following + sign
An example has been added on page 1
+
*OPTIONS MENU
The options are things that you may want to do occasionally, but probably
won't use every day; things like changing palatte, choosing a different type
of print-out, and so on. Several of the key choices include status
information, more information can be found by looking at the status line below
the copyright message. Press any of the following keys for more information;
[B] BEEP on or off
[T] Change beep TONE
[C] Change COLOUR palette
[M] Choose printer type for MAPS
[P] Set PRINTER page size
[D] DIRECTORY of all files
[U] Directory of USER files
[S] set SECURITY level
[X] Return to main menu
or <SPACE> to exit help, # for copyright information.
+
*OPTIONS MENUB
This does exactly what it says; switches the beep on if it is off, or off if
it is on. The default beep is ON. You can switch the beep OFF by putting the
parameter "S" (for SILENT) into the loading instruction, eg WORLDGEN S.
+
*OPTIONS MENUT
This selects the tone for the beep; the default selection is 400 cycles,
pressing T runs it through the sequence 800, 1600, 3200 cycles, then down to
50, 100, 200, and back to 400 cycles. This option isn't available as a
parameter.
+
*OPTIONS MENUC
This key lets you select one of three palettes;
Mono 1 - Cyan/Magenta/White; rather glaring on a colour screen, reasonably
clear with monochrome.
Mono 2 - Red/White/Blue; very clear with mono displays, but isn't supported
by many graphics cards. Cards that do support it include the
Hercules CGA/Printer card and IBM's CGA card. I don't know of any
EGA card with this mode available.
Colour - Red/Yellow/Green; the best palette for this program.
Mono 1 and colour are available from prompts as the program loads; these three
modes can also be pre-selected by parameters from the command line; C for
Colour, M1 for Mono 1, M2 for Mono 2; eg WORLDGEN M1
+
*OPTIONS MENUM
This key toggles between four printer types for detailed map dumps;
Epson graphics [small]; a relatively fast map, printed across the width of the
page.
Epson graphics [large]; a much slower map, about 14" long, printed down the
length of the paper.
Generic printer; The printer must be capable of 100+ characters per line; for
example, an 80-column printer in condensed mode. The program sends characters
to set an Epson compatible printer to condensed mode.
Tandy CGP-115 Plotter/Printer; this is an EXTREMELY SLOW option, press any key
to interrupt the print-out.
Other printers aren't supported in this release, but you can modify the
program if you are a registered user! Please note that the program has no
internal software for a full screen dump; you must load GRAPHICS or any other
screen-dump program to add this capability.
+
*OPTIONS MENUP
This option lets you set a printer for any page size from 1 to 99 lines. Below
9 lines (a fairly odd size!) please enter numbers as 0n, eg 05. This option
duplicates the printer setup suggested as the program opens. You can bypass
the initial setup option by entering "P" as a command line parameter, for
example WORLDGEN P
+
*OPTIONS MENUS
SECURITY OPTIONS; You will be asked to enter a password; this can be any
desired number of key presses, as indicated, to a maximum of 20 characters,
followed by return. If the security level is above 0, an incorrect password
will return you to the main menu. Easy passwords like FRED or IBM should be
avoided! See the HELP option on the security menu for more details; further
data is not available at this security level, citizen!
+
*OPTIONS MENUD
Directory of current disk [or directory]; file names only, not sizes.
+
*OPTIONS MENUU
Directory of user files, with .SEC and .DOC extensions.
+
*OPTIONS MENUX
Return to main menu
+
*SECURE MENU
All the choices on the security menu are fairly self explanatory;
[0] No security in use
[1] All options available but security menu inaccesible without password
[2] As 1, and system editing / saving prohibited, no ZOOM on restricted systems
[3] As 2, and system generation prohibited
[4] As 3, and all ZOOM and DATA options prohibited
At security levels 2 and above the password is needed to end the program
For more information press 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, or <Space> to exit help,
# for copyright information.
+
*SECURE MENU0
Level [0] is the default setting, with no security in use. Anyone is able to
enter the security menu by typing any password. It's STRONGLY suggested that
you DON'T stay at this level if more than one person is using the machine,
since it's possible for a practical joker to put the security level up to 4
and exit, leaving you with a program you can't interrupt without re-booting
the computer.
+
*SECURE MENU1
Level [1] stops anyone from changing the password and security level, but has
no other effects. Remember that this level allows users to drop in and out of
the program, and that security will be back on 0 if it is re-loaded.
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*SECURE MENU2
Level [2] prevents editing and saving of files. It also bars users from
systems that have been protected by the EDIT menu security option. The
password is used to exit from the program.
+
*SECURE MENU3
Level [3] prevents system generation, editing, and saving files. It also bars
users from systems that have been protected by the EDIT menu security option.
The password is needed to exit from the program.
+
*SECURE MENU4
Level [4] prevents all zoom and data options, system generation, editing, and
saving files. It also bars users from systems that have been protected by the
EDIT menu security option. The password is needed to exit from the program.
+
*ZOOM MENU
Use the options on this menu to take a close look at solar systems. Some
systems may be code-locked to stop you zooming in at security levels 2 and
above; if so, you will see a rude message! Press keys to get more information
on the options;
[Z] ZOOM into one solar system
[P] PLANETARIUM view of one solar system
[G] GRAND tour of sector
or <SPACE> to exit help, # for copyright information.
+
*ZOOM MENUZ
This option shows the following details about each planet, star, asteroid
belt, ringworld, etc.
- Location in the solar system
- Axial tilt if relevant, or map of orbit for asteroids etc.
- Map or picture
- Solar system map (builds up as each body is mapped)
- Data on atmosphere etc.
If life is present, cities or colonies are shown as square markers;
Green = Human colony Red = Alien colony Yellow = native colony or city.
> To exit from this part of the program, press "X" at any beep.
> To print data press "D" at any beep (not from the mapping procedures
described below.) Data is more detailed than the screen display.
> To print maps press "M" at any beep. Planets with a solid surface (not suns,
asteroid belts, or gas giants) allow some extra options:
Z: Zoom in for a closer look - use cursor keys to select an area, return to
zoom in, then P to print a map or Z to zoom out.
G: Superimpose a grid (corresponding to zoom areas). Press P to print or any
other key to remove the grid.
P: Print map. X: Exit from current procedure
> NOTE: If extra options aren't available, M starts the printout immediately.
+
*ZOOM MENUP
This option presents a planetarium-like view of your entire solar system. If
planets are above the plane of the ecliptic, they are shown with a line below
them; if they are below the plane, there will be a line above them. The map
uses orbital and gravitational data to work out the "current" position of each
planet, and they will vary with time. The view isn't to scale; distances in
the inner system are exaggerated, in the outer system they are reduced. See
the documentation for more information.
+
*ZOOM MENUG
This option looks at every system in your sector, and shows all the details
available from the ZOOM and PLANETARIUM options above. Press any key to stop
the tour and return to the main menu.
+
*EDIT MENU
Editing - The Magrathean Planetary Engineering Option
This is a powerful utility, but it can cause unexpected problems if you don't
know what you are doing. Remember the following points;
1: Systems are stored as strings with the first two bytes showing Y and X
coordinates, the following bytes determine the Z coordinate, then the
star(s) and planets, in the order innermost to outermost orbit (the
primary is orbit 0). Any changes you make can affect all subsequent
bodies.
2: There is nothing to stop you making absurd changes; for example, putting a
world with an oxygen atmosphere at an orbit equivalent to Mercury or
Pluto. Use your own judgement.
3: NO CHANGES ARE PERMANENT UNTIL YOU SAVE THE SECTOR.
For more information press keys as follows;
[P] Edit Primary star [O] Change Orbiting planet / star
[Z] Change Z-Coordinate [D] Delete System
[G] Generate a new system [M] Look at detailed maps
[S] Security toggle [C] Cancel all edits
[X] Exit with changes <SPACE> to exit help.
Or # for copyright information.
+
*EDIT MENUP
The stars available are typical main sequence stars (see the astronomical
section of the documentation), plus DG, a typical white dwarf, and some
unusual stars described below. Remember that you need to edit all the system
if you change the primary; for example, if you change a dwarf star into a
supergiant, you'll need to adjust the positions of many of the planets. If you
have time, and want a main sequence star, you may be better off generating
random solar systems until you get one that looks right.
Black holes, Protostars, and Binaries should have few or no planets, and
certainly no habitable planets. For added realism you may wish to edit out
oxygen worlds orbiting B, A, F, and M-type stars; they aren't very likely, but
are useful for role-playing adventures, and this program occasionally
generates them.
+
*EDIT MENUO
This option lets you delete or add any of nine types of planet, orbiting
stars, asteroid belts, gas clouds, and ring-worlds.
To select press the planet number, 1 to 9 (or A to H for planets 10 to 17)
eg;
Key 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F G H
Orbit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
The best way to position planets is to generate a solar system. For ringworlds
it's essential to put the ring at a distance that will support the type of
atmosphere you want. Do this by replacing an axygen world (or toxic world)
with the ring. There are good reasons to assume that there won't be any other
astronomical objects in a ringworld system, apart from a single well-behaved
star and possibly distant gas clouds, so edit them out.
+
*EDIT MENUZ
Changing the Z-Coordinate will also change all the fine details of the system,
so do this BEFORE any other edits.
+
*EDIT MENUD
Deletes the system, leaving an empty location. You will be asked to confirm
this!
+
*EDIT MENUG
Generate a random solar system which replaces everything that was previously
present. X and Y coordinates are unchanged, but all other details (including
Z-coordinate) will change.
+
*EDIT MENUS
This option restricts access to the system at security levels 2 and above, or
removes the restriction if it exists. Naturally the edit menu isn't available
at this security level!
+
*EDIT MENUM
Zoom in (as the main menu ZOOM option) to see your edited system. It isn't
necessary to find the system before the details are shown.
+
*EDIT MENUC
Canceling the edit restores the system to its condition before ALL changes
were made. If there wasn't a system before you started editing, this is
equivalent to the D (Delete System) option.
+
*EDIT MENUX
Exit to the main menu, retaining any changes made during editing. Remember
that the changes STILL aren't permanent until you save the file!
+
*MOVE MENU
This menu lets you move around a sector while looking for systems to examine
or edit. You can find systems by coordinates, or by moving around the sector
map. You can also have a very quick look at the sector before either of these
options. Press these keys for more information;
[S] Quick SCAN through sector before choosing
[M] MOVE around sector and choose system
[C] Select system by COORDINATES
[X] eXit to main menu
or <SPACE> to exit help, # for copyright information.
+
*MOVE MENUS
This option shows all of the systems in turn; if you watch the top window, you
may be able to spot the system you want, but you'll still need to use one of
the other options to reach it.
+
*MOVE MENUM
Probably the best way to find a system; move around using the cursor keys (or
Amstrad mouse), then press <ENTER> when you reach the location you want. If
there is no system at this location you will return to this menu.
+
*MOVE MENUC
Coordinates are a convenient way to find a sector if you know where you are
going. If there is no system at the coordinates, you will be asked to try
again.
WARNING; if you are using this option before editing, entering co-oordinates
for a location that doesn't already have a system will result in the program
generating a random system at that location then starting the edit menu.
+
*MOVE MENUX
Return to main menu
+
*DATA MENU
You can generate statistics for the sector in several forms; a brief analysis
of all data on the sector, or details of one or all the systems. You can also
look at the sector record, the data that is actually loaded or saved to disk.
Press these keys for more information;
[B] BRIEF analysis of sector data
[P] PRINT details of one system
[A] Print details of ALL systems
[V] VIEW sector record (ASCII)
[D] DISTANCE to systems
[X] eXit to main menu
or <SPACE> to exit help, # for copyright information.
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*DATA MENUB
This option does a brief analysis of all systems, counting the worlds and
drawing a map showing the location of oxygen worlds and other objects of
astronomical interest.
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*DATA MENUD
Use this option to find the distance from a selected system to all the other
systems in the sector. Distance is in light years, divide by 3.26 to get the
distance in parsecs (as used for Jump travel in Traveller)
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*DATA MENUP
Once you select a system, the program runs through each of the suns and worlds
in turn, printing out the data that would normally be produced by pressing "P"
after generating a planet map. It runs fairly quickly because it doesn't
display any graphics, apart from the simple solar system map. The main
limitation is the speed of your printer; if you have a buffer card in the
printer, or run a spooler program, it only takes a few seconds per system.
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*DATA MENUA
Option "A" gives you a full rundown of a sector; it takes some time, even if
you have plenty of buffer or spooler memory. You can stop the run by pressing
any key; it will stop at the end of the next system. Progress is shown by an
onscreen display of the sector map and small system map. This option uses a
LOT of paper; be sure that you want to use it, and remember that you can end
it by pressing any key.
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*DATA MENUV
This option shows the ASCII record of the sector. There's an explanation on
screen before the data is presented.
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*DATA MENUX
Exit to main menu
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*COPYRIGHT
╦ ╦ ╔═══╗ ╔═══╗ ╦ ╦═══╗ ╔═══╗ ╔════ ╔══╗ World Generator
║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╠══╦╝ ║ ║ ╔═╝ ║ ╥ ╠═══ ║ ╚╗ Version 1.21
╚═╩═╝ ╚═══╝ ╩ ╩ ╚═══ ╩═╝ ╚═══╝ ╚════ ╩ ║ January 1989
═══ The ═ World ═ Processor ═════════════════╝
This program is designed to produce solar systems for SF role playing games,
but is not directly based on the rules of any one game.
Copyright <c> Marcus L. Rowland 1987, 1988, 1989
User registration £5.00 or $10.00 from
Marcus L. Rowland, 22 Westbourne Park Villas, London W2 5EA, ENGLAND
Registered users get source code for the current version, and a free
upgrade to version 2 when available. Please specify 3½" or 5¼" disks
when registering; the price is the same for either!
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