+=---------------------------------------------------------=+ | Welcome to the Lords of Irongate Adventure! | | Copyright (c) 1994 by Rick Rojas, All Rights Reserved | | Docs for the Amiga AND PC version 1.00 | +=---------------------------------------------------------=+ ============================== ======= INTRODUCTION ========= ============================== Lords of Irongate is a full featured semi-random adventure game with hundreds of monsters, items, and dungeon levels. When I say hundreds, I do mean HUNDREDS! Well that is with the exception of levels there are thousands of levels unfortunately the monsters get tougher with each level so don't even think that you'd ever survive to see a monster on level 1000, besides, to complete the quest you'll never have to see any levels higher than 100 or so (don't worry - each of the levels is tiny he-he). Fellow coders may be interested to know this program has been developed in 'C' with lots of bitwise operations, and algorithmicly coded formulas in place of tables for both speed and to conserve on memory usage, not to mention in order that we may easily expand it in the near future. You see, already, the program will expand and handle over 32,000 monsters, items, character classes, races, magical effects, etc... without any other modification than the data entry of those items, or monsters, etc... Version 1.00 of this adventure can be run from DOS (PC DOS or Amigados) for local use AND since it was specifically developed to use only TEXT characters (well ANSI characters) with the standard input and output devices (stdin, stdout) it can also be run on most BBS systems for competition amongst users. Due to limited resources, we've only tested the game as a DOOR to one BBS system which is C-NET for the Amigas, but there should be no reason why it won't work on other BBS systems that don't require special hooks (FINAL NOTE: we did have EXCELLENT results in our BBS tests and were even able to play the game through INTERNET access to the BBS system). For anyone who's ever played an adventure game before this game is self explanatory. It does have some on-line docs and a reference list of available keypresses while being played. To get additional tips, hints, or some special tricks on how to complete this lengthy adventure read the text file called HINTS.TXT included in this package. =========================================== == IRONGATE WAS BROUGHT TO YOU THANKS TO == =========================================== - Adventure fans everywhere!!! - Rick Rojas, the programmer... - Nick Fiorello, Master adventurist and PC beta tester - Simeon Layne, AMIGA, BBS, and INTERNET beta tester - Retro Casey, I gotta give this guy credits for both being a beta tester and for his creative entry of monsters and items (so if you see any really disgusting items it is his fault, ok?) ============================== ====== GETTING STARTED ======= ============================== RUNNING IRONGATE LOCALLY, FOR PC USERS: 1) Verify your config.sys has a line that looks like: device=ansi.sys OR device=c:\dos\ansi.sys if it doesn't have it (or a close similarity) then you should add the line to the config.sys and reboot the machine. 2) If you are in windows, enter DOS or open up a DOS window 3) Type 'IRONGATE' to run the program RUNNING IRONGATE LOCALLY, FOR AMIGA USERS: 1) Open up a CLI or SHELL console window 2) Set your font to a PC FONT by issuing a 'SETFONT IBM 8' command. 3) Adjust your screen colors to something similar to an IBM or just skip this and see how the program works with your current colors. Keep in mind, this program will look a heck of a lot better if you were running it from a PC or through a BBS interface - it really was not designed for the AMIGA console. 4) Type 'IRONGATE' to run the program RUNNING IRONGATE, FOR PC or AMIGA SYSOPS: Install IRONGATE as a door according to the instructions with your BBS system (for installing DOS type doors) and add command line arguments to specify a SYSOP PASSWORD and the MAX MOVES a player can make each day, ie.. IRONGATE SYSPW=xxx MAXMOVES=5000 This will set the sysop password to xxx and limit players moves per day to 5000 or until they die (of course you can vary this but I wouldn't go below 1000). By the way, the password is only used for KILLING players from the PLAYERS file to free up space (It has nothing to do with your BBS password). ================================== === COMMENTS REGARDING BBS USE === ================================== As an ex-sysop I understand there are many different formats of doors. Some of which require special hooks or system variables which this program does not yet support. However, if you have run this program locally and are interested in adapting it for your BBS which has unique requirements send me some specs (of what hooks or variables I need to set - keep in mind this program is coded in 'C') for your BBS system and I'll see about adapting it. But for now it is strickly for local use (on either Amigas or PCs) or for BBS's that can run DOS type programs using ANSI codes without special modifications or restrictions (like C-Net BBS, etc...) ================================================= == COPYRIGHT, DISTRIBUTION & REGISTRATION INFO == ================================================= This program is copyrighted and the registered version is NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION without prior consent in writing by me (the Author). However, there is one exception - I've created a DEMO version that has almost all of the same features as the final release version (well up to the 20th dungeon level) that version may be distributed as a DEMO! If you are playing the demo you must send in the registration fee to receive the registered version. For those who are curious about the difference between the demo and the registered version - the difference is that I substitued Wizdak the wizard who's got the Orb (in the real adventure) for two unnamed creatures and I put ALOT of those two unnamed creatures ALL OVER the 20 level and down. Finally, I warn you - those two creatures on the 20th level of the demo are especially hideous! and vial! and disgusting! and all the other things evil that I care not to describe... I'm not kiddin' it is your worst nightmare come to life! So register NOW and avoid that ugly scene... I warned you... Anyways, to register and avoid those hideous creatures on the 20th level, send me cash, check or money order for $20.00 and a note indicating your address and what type of computer you need it for (or print out the REGISTER.TXT form and fill in the blanks). I'd send you a Mac version too if you send me a MAC and a MAC C compiler to code it on (he-he). I'm not jokin' I really would like to compile it for MAC users too! What do you get for $20 bucks? Well, I'll send you the latest fully registered version of Irongate for your use, and I will put you on the mailing list for information about any and/or all updates to Irongate and any update or upgrade fees (if any). If, however, you already got a registered version from a friend who knows a guy who is a pirate (and gets stuff for everyone you know) then all I can say is - shame on you! but its not too late - you can still send me the registration fee and become a legitemate registered user (and regain my faith in the shareware distribution concept) and I'll put you on the list for a copy of the NEXT full version I release so you'll get it before your friend who knows a pirate (Just check off the appropriate block on the registration form). My name and address is: (Please make out checks to me directly) Rick Rojas 2530 White Oak Drive Titusville, Fl 32780 U.S.A.