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- │ VGA Planets Door │
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- ┌ ┐
- │ by │
- │ Weird Al Walker │
- │ │
- │ Documentation │
- │ Weird Al │
- │ and │
- │ Dragonlord Valheru │
- ─────────────────────────────┴────────────────────┴────────────────────────────
-
-
-
-
- 1.0 Disclaimer
- 1.1 -=( Why S.T.U.P.I.D.? )=-
- 2.0 Introduction to VGA Planets
- 3.0 Features of this Door
- 4.0 System Requirements
- 5.0 Archive Contents
- 6.0 "Quick and Dirty" door installation
- 7.0 Configuring the Door
- 7.1 RIP compatibility
- 7.2 Language File
- 7.3 Custom Game List Files
- 8.0 Using Custom Maps with VP-DOOR
- 8.1 Using Custom Ships with VP-DOOR
- 8.2 Using WORMHOLE.EXE with VP-DOOR
- 9.0 Hosting a Game
- 10.0 How to "Do" Remote Games with this Door
- 11.0 Switching from Other Planets Doors
- 12.0 Door Maintenance
- 13.0 The Menus
- 13.1 -=( Main Menu )=-
- 13.2 -=( Help Menu )=-
- 13.3 -=( Host Menu )=-
- 13.4 -=( Host.Configure Menu )=-
- 13.5 -=( Remote Menu )=-
- 13.6 -=( Stars! Menu )=-
- 14.0 Support Files
- 15.0 Multi-Node Operation
- 16.0 Stars! Support
- 17.0 StupidFix Internet Interface
-
- Table A : Color Codes
- Table B : Definitions
- Table C : Command Line Options
- Table D : Registration & "Adopting the Door" NOW ACCEPTING VISA!
- Table E : Reporting Bugs
- Table F : Extra Utilities for S.T.U.P.I.D.
-
- 1.0 Disclaimer
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Hmmm.... Legal stuff... Bah humbug.
-
- Properly configured, this door should do nothing bad to your system. It
- won't format your harddrive, it won't delete your root directory, or anything
- like that, even if you *do* decide to use it past the 30 day trial time...
-
- But if it does (and it hasn't on my system), I take no responsibility...
- Works fine on my system. It's only guaranteed to take up space on whatever
- form of media it's on.
-
-
- 1.1 -=( Why S.T.U.P.I.D.? )=-
-
- Well, one of the big reasons I haven't released my door until now is that,
- simply put, with all the VGA Planets doors out there, all the names are taken!
-
- When I started working on it, there was no "VP-DOOR" (at least, not that I
- knew of). And there were very few other doors out there.
-
- Also, my BBS was put up for the express reason of testing my own BBS doors.
- I have written many of them, and I only allow Doors written in my area to be
- put online.... No BRE, SRE, L.O.R.D, TW2002, etc etc etc... So I couldn't
- put anyone elses online...
-
- S.T.U.P.I.D. stands for: Simply The Ultimate Planets Interface Door.
-
-
-
- And that's what I think of it.
-
-
-
-
- 2.0 Introduction to VGA Planets
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- VGA Planets is a game of interstellar conquest, generally managed by a bbs
- but played offline. You are playing one (or more) of eleven races, each with
- it's own combination of strengths and weaknesses, ships and racial abilities.
- You must gather your resources together and push out among the 500 stars in
- your cluster and, through either conquest or trade, be the strongest race.
-
- On the hosts side, the bbs, turns are collected and processed to be down-
- loaded by the players when maintenance is done. The player downloads their
- result file, plays the game, and then uploads the turn file for the cycle
- to repeat itself until the game ends.
-
- VGA planets requires a minimum 286 IBM compatible computer,approximatly
- 1 MB of hard drive space free, and 16 colour hi resolution VGA capability.
- Oh yeah, having at least 2 thirds of your lifespan on earth to spend on
- this addictive game helps too.
-
-
-
- 3.0 Features of this Door
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- * Full RIP graphics support! Customizable ASC, ANS & Rip screens
-
- * Full protection for .TRN & .RST files from unauthorized users
-
- * "Offline Mail Door"-like interface that allows user to get their files
- in less than a minute!
-
- * Automatic stale turn detection (local & remote games)
-
- * SHARE & Multinode safe (plus -RA switch to force DORINFO1.DEF usage)
-
- * 100 games maximum (but who'd want more?) (per game list!)
-
- * Completely separate lists of games using the same copy of the door
-
- * Built in ZModem routines, or allows use of External routines
-
- * Customizable "Language" file (edit ANY text for the "custom look")
-
- * StupidFix - built in Internet/UUCP mail interface to allow Internet players
- to join, quit, request Score & Turns In logs, resend packet, etc
-
- * STARS! Support menu, including StarsFix Internet access
-
- * Full featured remote-hosting, including:
- - Remote MASTER2.EXE, RCONFIG.EXE, KILLRACE.EXE, BLANK.EXE, CRACK.EXE
- SPLITVH.EXE, CPLAYER.EXE, WORM.EXE, VPC.EXE (VPMovie recorder), HOSTFIX.EXE
- (These utilities must be in the Planets Directory, to use them)
- - Direct support for RAGNAROK "armageddon" program
- - Complete control of days played, and configurable .BATs
- - Automatically makes daily or full week's backup of game files
- - How many races a player can play
- - If new players can join in ("Game Locking")
- - Viewing .VCR files of all players (through SPLITVH.EXE)
- - Ability to upload custom universes (VPCEW or others)
- - Difficulty Level of the CPlayer
- - Complete, built-in Wormhole editor
- - Specific users can be given Sysop/Host access to door
-
- * Single or Multiple HOST runs per day (configurable by game host)
-
- * "Fuzzy Logic" - runs host only when all .TRNs are in (Host can set maximum
- number of skipped turns)
- - Game starts automatically after X players join
- - Automatically removes players who drop out
-
- * Built-in Message writing capability to Players or Host
-
- * Complete Custom Map & AltShip support
-
- * User can have CPU play for missed turns, after preset number of missed turns
-
- * "Other BBS" lister, with area-code search
-
- * Specific user hosting access or "no join" access
-
- * Custom race names, editable by player or host
-
- * In-door access to download Planets utilities & files
-
- * Full logging of Users (and Hosts) activities
-
- * Logging of TRNs turned in on time/missed turns/cplayed turns/dead players...
- in ASCII & ANSI versions...
-
- * ASCII & ANSI Score files, plus High Score list & Who's playing
-
- * Archived .RST packets, containing RACE.NM, .RSTs for that player, and if
- that game is using a custom Starmap, a copy of the map. If custom
- ships are being used, *SPEC.DAT and TRUEHULL.DAT
- will be included as well, automatically,
- unless "Include Data Files" off...
-
- * User can view his in-game password (in case he forgets it, or someone
- quits & leaves an unknown password on it...)
-
- * Users can view the configuration (HCONFIG.HST) online! Upgradable for
- future Host releases!
-
- * Full "remote" game support, in whatever format you use...
- - File attach/request utility (VP-MAIL.EXE) included...
-
- * "Team Password" - Allows everyone in Team to download & upload packets
-
-
-
- 4.0 System Requirements
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- This door does not require much in the way of a host sytem. It uses the
- text version of MASTER.EXE to setup a VGAP game within the door, so the host
- does not need a VGA card.
-
- This (and all of my doors) uses a FOSSIL for output to the modem. BNU is
- the one that I use, and have had little problem with it.
-
- In the default setup, I use PKZIP as an archiver; I have the program swap
- to EMS (or Disk if EMS not available), so I am not sure how much memory the
- door needs. If the program is unable to create the game packets, increase
- the memory available...
-
-
-
- 5.0 Archive Contents
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- The VP-DOOR archive contains the following files. If any are added, or
- missing, a proper archive can be obtained from Crazy Train ][ at
- (604) 383-2201... All files will have the date of 10-14-96, 12:00 pm.
-
- !READ.ME
- ARCHIVE
- DESC.SDI
- FILE_ID.DIZ
- INSTALL.EXE
- OFFER.TXT
- Q&A.TXT
- REG-FORM.TXT
- UPDATE.TXT
-
-
- These files are explained further on in this file...
-
-
-
- 6.0 "Quick and Dirty" door installation
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- All you need to do to set up the door "default" is to create a separate
- directory for the door, dearchive the STUPID archive in it, run INSTALL.EXE,
- change a few things in VP-DOOR.CFG & PID.BAT and make your BBS run PID.BAT
- when someone wants to use the door, and VP-MAINT.EXE /B when it's time to run
- HOST. You will also want to edit "FILES", which is the list of files available
- in the "Files" menu... (be sure to have a blank line at the end of the list)
-
- Do *NOT* put this door in the same directory as HOST.EXE or any other
- planets files. This door was designed to be in a completely separate area
- from the planets files!
-
- You may also want to edit *.VP to give the door your own look.
-
- Your "midnight" batch file must also execute RUNGAMES.BAT, that VP-MAINT
- creates.
-
- You can then, if you wish, start your own game in the door, and then
- delete the one that comes with the door.
-
-
-
- 7.0 Configuring the Door
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Edit VP-DOOR.CFG... Just about everything you need to change is in there.
-
- Edit FILES... Change the files available for downloading from the door, or
- at least change the paths to point to your Planets file area.
- (Be sure to leave a blank line at the end of the list)
-
- Edit PID.BAT... to conform to your path setup...
-
- You can also edit VP-DOOR.LNG, which contains all of the text in the door.
- See 7.2 "Language File" below for more details...
-
- You can basically edit any of the files in the Door Directory, but if you
- screw something up, re-install it...
-
- If you want to use the Team Password option, the team must choose a password
- for their .RSTs. Any team member with a Team Password matching the rest of
- the Team's passwords will get those team member's .RSTs in addition to his
- own in his Game Packet.
-
- If you want the game to start after a certain number of people join, set it
- in the Host/Configure/Play Days menu. The next day that the game is due to
- run, it will check to make sure the required number have joined. Once the game
- has started this option will do nothing.
-
- 7.1 Rip Compatibility
-
- In this version, I've added .RIP support. You can configure whether it
- will be available to users with the AllowRip keyword in VP-DOOR.CFG. If it
- is allowed, the door will auto-detect Rip and enable it if available.
- The door will look for .VPR files for the Welcome screen and the Exit screen,
- and also put up "quick pick" menu bars for 99.9% of the options in the door.
-
- If you use the -R command line option, the door won't bother detecting
- Rip and assume it's available. (You've been warned... <g>)
-
- When the door is done and returns to the BBS, it will TURN OFF RIP. Be
- sure, if you want the BBS to stay in Rip mode, that you turn it back on with
- the {esc}[2! sequence (or that the BBS does this automatically)...
-
- 7.2 Language File
-
- New in version 1.7 is COMPLETE text configurability, in the form of a
- "language file". This allows you to go through and configure the door to
- look exactly like you want it to. If you don't like the way I explain that
- "Forced HOST is Unavailable... Contact the Sysop", change it!
-
- In the language file is a couple of tags:
-
- [#] : The index number of the text being replaced
- [key] : Used to denote that the door is going to wait for input of the keys
- following [key] and before the first [opt]
- [opt] : First letter after [opt] is the key that the option will display for,
- followed by the text displayed when the user presses that key
- [end] : at the end of each definition
- [comment ...] : Everything after "comment" and before the next ] is ignored
-
- (I would not recommend that you use the character "[" anywhere in your changes.)
-
- Basically, this replaces (completely) VP-DOOR.DAT. If you don't understand
- what you are doing when modifying this file (VP-DOOR.LNG), *DON'T*...
-
- Even if you DO understand how this language file works, DO NOT make
- "fundamental" changes to this file, such as:
-
- Deleting whole index numbers
- Adding [key]...[opt]... 's when they aren't already there
- Changing [key] statements (the door will be looking for them)
- Adding new index numbers (the door won't look for them)
-
- Any changes you make will then need to be compiled with the VP-MAINT /L
- command.
-
-
- 7.3 Custom Game List Files
-
- Say you were to want to have a list of games for new players, and a list
- for "old pros"... You would want to have the Pro games separate from the new
- players, so they wouldn't "accidently" join. Until now this meant having a
- separate copy of the door for each "batch" of games you wanted to run. Not
- any more.
-
- You can now use the -G{gamelist} command line option to have different lists
- of games... For example:
-
- Say you had an option from your BBS, that says "Novice Planets Games", and one
- that's called "Advanced Planets Games". The "Novice" option would run
- "NOVICE.BAT", which would be:
-
- c:
- cd \DOORS\STUPID
- VP-DOOR -L38400 -GNOVICE
- cd \BBS
-
- ... then the "Advanced" option would run, say, "ADVANCED.BAT":
-
- c:
- cd \DOORS\STUPID
- VP-DOOR -L38400 -GADVANCED
- cd \BBS
-
- The list of games for the Novice players would be COMPLETELY separate from
- the advanced players... (But you must remember to run VP-MAINT -B -G{gamename}
- as well, because without the -G, "GAMES" is the file it looks for...)
-
-
-
- 8.0 Using Custom Maps with VP-DOOR
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Simply add a valid Map file to the MAPS directory, and a description of
- it in the file MAPNAMES.
-
- You can create maps with whatever program you like, but I recommend
- MAKEMAPS, written by myself and William Barath...
-
- 8.1 Using Custom Ships with VP-DOOR
-
- If you are using one of the ALTSHIPS editors or something similar, just
- add the *SPEC.DAT and TRUEHULL.DAT files to the Game directory. If the
- door detects ALL of these files, they will be included in the HOST run, and
- given to all players in their .RST packets.
-
- 8.2 Using WORMHOLE.EXE with VP-DOOR
-
- WORMHOLE.EXE is a program that allows you to create "holes" between one
- spot in the universe and another, any distance away... You can even make the
- wormhole 1-way (which would be a nasty way to warp some guy to 1000 LY OUT-
- SIDE the known universe.... you could then engineer a planet way out there
- [with MAKEMAPS, and the scenario editor...] ... maybe one that has the
- Tantilus device on it?) The possibilities are endless.
-
- To use WORMHOLE.EXE, you must have a formatted text file containing the
- coordinates of the wormholes called WORMHOLE.TXT. Read the docs with WORM-
- HOLE.EXE for more details on this format.
-
- Fortunately, you don't have to understand wormholes to use them, now that
- I have an integrated WORMHOLE.TXT editor built in to the Host menu. All you
- have to do is create holes where you want them, and make sure WORMHOLE.EXE
- is available in the Planets Directory.
-
-
- 9.0 Hosting a Game
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Once in the door, press (S) to start a new game. If you follow the prompts,
- you should have the framework of a new VGAP game ready to go. Utilities
- currently supported by the door include missions, custom starmaps, custom
- scenarios, and any others that can be run in maintenance.
-
- Races can be configured as being "CPU Only", in which they are unavailable
- to players, and the "CPlayer" flag has already been set on them. Be sure the
- sysop has set VP-DOOR.CFG to allow CPlayers...
-
- If you wish to create a custom .BATch file to be run when it's time to
- run your game, simply include "GAME.BAT" in the game directory. When it is
- called, it will be called with the current gamename & CPlayer players (in
- standard 123456789ab format) as parameters...
-
- But, if you simply want to use the pre-built RUNGAMES.BAT, but you want
- to add something like VPHOST.EXE to the run, you can create "BEFORE.BAT"
- and/or "AFTER.BAT", which will run immediately before & after HOST.EXE,
- within RUNGAMES.BAT. BEFORE & AFTER.BAT will also be called with the 2
- parameters mentioned above...
-
- If you would like to customize the CPlayer being used, you can make it a
- batch file. For example:
-
- CPLAYER.BAT:
-
- DOMINATE %1
-
- ... would use DOMINATE with the /123456789ab (or whatever races were
- configured to run) instead of the CPLAYER program (but be sure that there is
- a CPLAYER.BAT, but *not* a CPLAYER.EXE file on the path, as DOS would use
- CPLAYER.EXE before .BAT...)
-
- Before starting a game, it would be a good idea to set up the host options
- on your side, with the latest version of HCONFIG.EXE, modifying HCONFIG.HST
- to your satisfaction. This file can be uploaded to the door once the new
- game is setup. To upload them, access the host menu (press "X"), then press
- "C"onfigure game.
-
- Another option the door allows is for you to download a copy of the Universe
- files and modify them with VPCEW.EXE, which is a universe/starbase editor.
- You can then upload your new copy of the Universe (.ZIPped up).
-
- This will allow you to create custom scenarios such as:
-
- 1. Each race owning 20 Planets, 3 Starbases, and 5 of each ship.
-
- 2. Each homeworld having a 10,000,000 Bovinoid Unity on it. (!)
-
- 3. Colonies of Man owns 12 BattleStars, 12 Planets, and lots of
- little ships; The Robots own no planets, few support ships,
- and at least 10 Instrumentality Class. Recreate
- "Battlestar: Galactica"!
-
- 4. Create a planet waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off in the distance, set it
- up as having the Tantilus Device, and a wormhole (or a maze of
- them) the only way to get to it...
-
- 5. ANY of the already pre-made scenarios.
-
- 6. A custom starmap not available within the door (if there are any!)
-
-
- * REMEMBER * the universe is sent to you ZIPped. You *MUST* send
- it back the same way!
-
-
- Once the first turn is processed, the game files (other than HCONFIG.HST)
- cannot be downloaded or uploaded, to prevent Host cheating.
-
- Now you should go into the appropriate message areas on the bbs to make
- the new game known and attract some players. Be helpful to everyone, even
- new players. After all, it isn't much of a VGAP game with only the host
- playing against 10 Cplayers (unless the difficulty is set high :) ).
-
- If you want to use the Team Password option, the team must choose a password
- for their .RSTs. Any team member with a Team Password matching the rest of
- the Team's passwords will get those team member's .RSTs in addition to his
- own in his Game Packet.
-
- When you have enough players that you think it's worth starting the game,
- go into the (X) or hosts' menu again and configure the game to run the
- maintanence on the appropriate days. For example, if you set it to Sunday,
- Monday, Thursday, then the turn files should be in by Saturday, Sunday, and
- Wednesday nights so that the players may download their result files the
- next day.
-
- If you want the game to start after a certain number of people join, set it
- in the Host/Configure/Play Days menu. The next day that the game is due to
- run, it will check to make sure the required number have joined. Once the game
- has started this option will do nothing.
-
- Or, if you want to have the game run only if the player's .TRNs are in,
- set the day(s) to "T" (fuzzy logic). You can also set the turns to run
- multiple times per day (assuming the Sysop runs VP-MAINT /B more than once
- per day). This way, with both "T" days and multiple runs per day, you
- could have "Turbo" games where 2 or more people play as many turns in a day
- as you can get your .TRNs in for! You will also be asked how many turns
- to skip, maximum.
-
- For example, you set the game to only run when the players have their turns
- in, and one player drops out without telling anyone. If you've set the game
- to skip 7 turns maximum, then the game will force a run after 7 skipped turns.
- This allows you sort of a "dead man's switch" that will continue a game even if
- people drop out.
-
- If you find that you are short of players, or want to run Cplayer on
- an empire, you may also configure this under the (C)onfigure game option in
- the host menu, and set the difficulty level (1-3). (This gives the CPlayer
- extra "turns", which increases the difficulty, but also the level at which
- he "cheats"... You've been warned... 8) )
-
- If you want to "force" HOST.EXE to run, you must make sure that there is
- enough memory available, or one or more of the programs within RUNGAMES.BAT
- will not run. Check with the Sysop.
-
- If, for some reason, you don't want to have the game run for 1 turn, just
- create a file (any file) in the game directory called "SKIPTURN". Processing
- will be skipped for that game for *1* turn. "SKIPTURN" is then deleted, so
- that the game will run the NEXT turn.
-
- If you want to suspend the game indefinately, you just create a file
- called "SUSPEND" in the game directory. The game will be suspended until that
- file is deleted.
-
- If there is someone (or lots of someones) who you don't want to give
- access to the "Join Game" option, simply add his name to a file in the
- door directory called "NOJOIN", in ALL UPPER CASE.
-
-
-
- 10.0 How to "Do" Remote Games with this Door
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- The methods I am about to explain have already been tested on ShareNet,
- and has worked flawlessly. It provides protection for both the .TRNs and
- .RSTs from unauthorized access...
-
- VP-MAINT /M{user_name} will create a Game Packet for "User Name",
- including custom maps and AltShips, if neccessary.
-
-
- Hosting Locally:
-
- It's mostly done with .BATch files... For this example, we will
- assume that you are hosting a game, and, say, "HammerTime BBS" has 2 people
- who want to play in it, as the Fascists & the Borg.
-
- 1. Set up your "ALIAS" file (where you put your "Magic" filenames) with
- a "password" that points to an archive containing all of the
- .RSTs that must go to "HammerTime BBS".
- (In FDSetup, "MAILER/FILE REQUESTS/ALIAS FILE"). Alternately, you
- could make a separate directory (if you have lots of BBSs grabbing
- .RSTs) that is only available through FREQ, and put all the .RST
- archives in there ("MAILER/FILE REQUESTS/LIST FILE"). These examples
- are for Front Door; if you are using a different mailer, you can do
- something similar...
-
- Now lets say for our example you've made it so that "HammerTime" can
- FREQ "HT1234" and get "HT_RST.ZIP".
-
- 2. Set up your nightly batch file to make an archive called "HT_RST.ZIP"
- containing "PLAYER4.RST" (Fascist) and "PLAYER6.RST" (Borg) from
- the game, and put it where the Alias (or List) file expects it.
-
- 3. Set up your Front Door "Mail Recieved" .BAT to check for "HT_TRN.ZIP"
- (Or whatever you tell the remote system to upload his .TRNs in).
- If it finds it, de-archive it into a temporary directory, and copy
- ONLY "PLAYER4.TRN" and "PLAYER6.TRN" into the game directory (you
- can also check the .TRNs' staleness at this time, if you wish).
-
- The .RSTs are now available for the Host when it normally runs.
-
-
- Hosting Remotely:
-
- ...is even easier. Simply set up "REMOTE.DAT" (in the Door Directory)
- as follows (reverse the previous example; you are sending to "Hammertime"):
-
- NAME OF PLAYER (Uppercase)
- Short, one line description of this game ("HammerTime BBS Game 6, The Borg")
- FILENAME OF BULLETIN
- FILENAME OF .RST
- FILENAME OF .TRN
- {blank line}
- NEXT PLAYER....
-
- So, for our example:
-
- JOE BLOW
- Hammertime BBS Game 6, The Fascists
- CRASH.BUL
- PLAYER4.RST
- PLAYER4.TRN
-
- JOHN SMITH
- Hammertime BBS Game 6, The Borg
- CRASH.BUL
- PLAYER6.RST
- PLAYER6.TRN
-
- (I don't recommend that you use these .RST & .TRN names; with lots of remote
- games, you are very likely to get conflicts between game filenames. For our
- example, "HTG6P4.RST", "HTG6P4.TRN", "HTG6P6.RST" and "HTG6P6.TRN" would work.
- Be sure that the player renames *HIS* "PLAYER4.TRN" to "HTG6P4.TRN" or the
- door will reject his upload...)
-
- BULLETIN can be any text file, usually included with the .RST "packet"
- sent from the host system. It can contain anything that would apply to
- players in that game, or even just a BBS ad...
-
- You then set up your .BAT files to pack up the files in the REMOTE
- directory, and your events to send them to the remote host ("Hammertime")
- before he runs "HOST.EXE" for the turn. You also want to have an event that
- will grab the .RST archive after "HammerTime" makes it, and toss the .RSTs
- in it to the REMOTE directory.
-
- If the "RemoteStale" keyword is enabled in VP-DOOR.CFG, the door will
- use the .RST to find the "time stamp" of the game, and detect the Staleness
- of the .TRN. If you are using "game packets", where the .RST file named
- is NOT an actual .RST file but actually a .ZIP (etc), as long as the "RST"
- file (in REMOTE.DAT) does not end in .RST, the door will skip that stale
- check. For example: The user downloads "SHARENET.ZIP" as his "RST" file
- (somewhere in the archive would be his .RST), and then uploads "SHARENET.TRN"
- as his .TRN... The door, seeing that the .RST is actually a .ZIP, will skip
- the stale check on "SHARENET.TRN"...
-
-
-
- 11.0 Switching from Other Planets Doors
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- There are many different VGA Planets doors out there.
-
- Duh. No kidding.
-
- What they basically all have in common is that they usually have a
- directory containing the door, with sub-directories for each game. This is
- how VP-DOOR is layed out:
-
- VPDOOR
- ├───BACKUPS
- ├───MAPS
- ├───REMOTE
- ├───GAME1
- ├───GAME2
- ├───GAME3
- └───etc etc etc...
-
- (Of course, they don't have to be called "GAME1" etc... They can be given
- a descriptive name like "MAIMGAME", "BORGDOOM", etc)
- Each "Game" directory contains all the files VGA Planets uses for a game,
- plus a few extra files:
- GAME.REC - List of players, and other data.
- TIY, TIYDAT - Created by VP-MAINT to keep track of turns
- turned in on time, as well as CPU Players.
- MISSION - Description of the Mission, if any
- DESCLINE - One line (60 chars max) briefly describing game
- OPTIONS - Description of Setup, created by Start Game
-
- So all you need to do is install the door, create "Game" subdirectories
- for each of your established games, move all the files from each game into
- it's new directory, and create GAME.DAT, MISSION (if the game has one),
- DESCLINE, and OPTIONS (a short description will do). You also need to add
- the name of the subdirectory to the list "GAMES".
-
- To create GAME.DAT, type VP-MAINT -E{gamename} where {gamename} is the
- directory you moved that game's files into. It will prompt you to see if
- you actually want to create the file. You then can edit the names of the
- players in the game. (You can find out who is playing which race in the
- "old" door by whatever means necessary.) If a race is not available to be
- played, perhaps because it was never created by the original "MASTER", put
- "*" (an asterisk) as the name of the player.
- If you want someone else to host this game, you can edit this too. The game
- will now be added to the list of games available, and whoever is configured
- to be playing the races in that game can download their .RSTs...
-
- If "REFDATA.HST" exists with the game files, you must create MISSION,
- which is the description of the mission in this game. Use whatever text
- editor you want to.
-
- Then create DESCLINE and OPTIONS. Again, use whatever text editor you
- want. They are both in plain ascii.
-
- Once GAME.REC has been created, plus these other files, for each game,
- you are done with the translation. Theoretically you could use other
- doors at the same time as this one (since I doubt other doors would use
- the same filenames as I do), but why?
-
-
-
- 12.0 Door Maintenance
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- The door is pretty much self-maintaining, as long as the Host of the game
- does his job... Contacting players that don't play for a while to see if they
- want to pass the race off to someone else...
-
- You may want to delete the VP-DOOR.LOG file once in a while... Especially
- if it's set to "Trace", which will fill up your HD pretty quickly...
-
- Every time you want to run the HOST in the games (ie Midnight), you must
- run VP-MAINT -B... This will create RUNGAMES.BAT and clear the flags for
- each player for the day. You can then call RUNGAMES.BAT in your regular
- nightly batch(s)...
-
-
-
- 13.0 The Menus
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- 13.1 -=( Main Menu )=-
- ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
- ║ (A)bout this door (G)ood-Bye! (L)ist all games (T)urns in Log ║
- ║ (C)onfiguration (H)elp! (N]ext Game (U)pload .TRN ║
- ║ (D)ownload .RST (I)mmortals [P)rior Game (V)iew Scores ║
- ║ (E)dit race names (J)oin game (Q)uit to Main (X)tra Options ║
- ║ (F)iles for VGAP (K)ill race (S)tart a game (R)emote Games ║
- ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
-
- (1-9) - Switch to game 1 - 9 (if they exist)
- (A)bout this door - Display version and support info for this door
- (C)onfiguration - Display configuration of game, including HCONFIG.HST
- (D)ownload .RST - Download result packets for this or all games User is in
- (E)dit - Allows User/Host to edit Long/Med/Short Race names,
- Team Password for that user, or whether the CPU plays
- "missed" turns
- (F)iles for VGAP - Menu for files available through the door for downloading
- - Delete "FILES" to remove this feature
- (R)emote Games - Remote Games menu, if any
- (G)ood-Bye! - Return to BBS, with "GOODBYE" in root directory
- NOTE: if you want this to hang up on the user, you must
- have the BBS check for "GOODBYE" yourself!
- (H)elp! - Help menu
- (I)mmortals - "High Scores" list
- (J)oin game - Join in this game, if not locked and races available.
- (K)ill race - Quit game, with Killrace if user wishes.
- (L)ist all games - List games and brief description
- (M)essage Menu - Allows user to send messages to other players & the Host
- (N]ext Game - Switch to Next Game ( "." and "]" works too)
- [P)rior Game - Switch to Last game ( "," and "[" works too)
- (Q)uit to Main - Quit to the BBS
- (S)tart a game - Start a new Game, if you have access to this feature
- (T)urns in Log - Log of TRNs in on time, dead players, CPlayer races, etc
- (U)pload .TRN - Upload .TRN for any game you are in (auto-detect)
- NOTE: You do NOT have to switch to the game you want to
- upload to! It is all automatic!
- (V)iew Scores - View scores in this game, if not BLANKed; also +- of each
- (X)tra Options - Host menu, if User is Host of this game
-
-
- 13.2 -=( Help Menu )=- ┌────────┐
- │ Help │
- ┌───────────────────────────────┴────────┴───────────────────────────────────┐
- │ 1) Introduction to VGA Planets 3.00 │
- │ 2) How to Play a Turn │
- │ 3) Racial Advantages │
- │ 4) Hints & Tips │
- │ 5) Registering the Game - Only $15 for Tech 10 stuff, Maps, "Cheats" etc │
- │ 6) About the VGAPlanets Player Interface Door │
- │ 7) How to "Host" your OWN game │
- │ 8) All about "Missions" │
- └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- Help Topic (CR to Quit):
-
- This menu is completely configurable. Change HELPLIST.VP* to let the users
- know which "help options" are available (in this case, 1-8). You then make a
- HELP-?.VP* to correspond with them. The program looks for HELP-{keypress}.VP
- and displays it... So if the user presses "K", HELP-K.VP* will be displayed.
-
-
- 13.3 -=( Host Menu )=-
- ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
- ║ (T)urns in Log (M)emory Available (F)orce HOST run (*)Snoop VCRs ║
- ║ (C)onfigure Game (V)iew Logs (W)ho's Playing (P)revious Menu ║
- ║ (R)emove Game (Z)Crack Passwords (D)el OLDFIG.HST (E)dit Player ║
- ║ (@)Wormhole Editor (G)oodbye! (Q)uit to BBS ║
- ╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
- (C)onfigure Game - Switch to Host.Configure menu
- (T)urns in Log - Same as main menu
- (V)iew LOGs - Display HOST.LOG, REG.LOG, or VP-DOOR.LOG
- (W)ho's Playing - Display who is playing which race in this game
- (R)emove Game - Kills the game, and asks if you want to add to Hall of Fame
- - Also asks if you want to download the .VPM movie
- file (if it exists)
- (*)Snoop VCRs - In local mode, run SHOWVCR.EXE; remotely, send archive of
- all .SVRs for remote to run SHOWVCR on.
- (Z)Crack Passwords- Uses CRACK.EXE to show all passwords in this game
- (D)elete OLDFIG.HST - If OLDFIG.HST is not the same as HCONFIG.HST, or does not
- exist, the 4-5 page configuration messages are sent
- to the players by HOST.EXE automatically
- (M)emory Available- For "Forcing HOST run", check available memory first
- (F)orce HOST run - Create a "RUNGAMES.BAT" for that game and execute it
- - be sure you have enough memory!
- (E)dit Player - Game/Player editor
- (@)Wormhole Editor- Invoke Wormhole Editor
- (P)revious Menu - Return to main menu
- (G)ood-Bye! - Same as main menu
- (Q)uit to BBS - Same as main menu
-
-
- 13.4 -=( Host.Configure Menu )=-
- A. Locked Game : No
- B. Max Races per User : 1
- C. Days Played : |SMTWTFS| (ONCE per day)
- D. Blank (Invisible) Scores: No
- E. Run CPLAYER on : 247 (Level 2)
- F. Change game description
- G. Download HCONFIG.HST
- H. Upload HCONFIG.HST
- I. Create/Modify Mission (Current mission: ---<<<<NO MISSION>>>>--- )
- J. Download Universe Files
- K. Upload Universe Files
-
- Most of these options are pretty much self-explanitory... Blank Scores
- must have BLANK.EXE available to use. CPLAYER must have CPLAYER.EXE avail-
- able. Upload HCONFIG.HST will only allow host to upload HCONFIG.HST.
- Download/Upload Universe files is only available BEFORE the game runs it's
- first HOST.EXE... Days Played applies to when RUNGAMES.BAT is created...
-
- In "Days Played", if you want the game to only play when all the .TRNs
- are in for all "joined" players. You can also set the door to run more
- than once per day (assuming the Sysop sets the BBS up to run VP-MAINT /B
- more than once per day, and is willing to run RUNGAMES.BAT...). It can also
- be set up to start once X players have joined in...
-
-
-
- I was thinking of having an Upload/Download GAME.BAT, but since this has
- such possibilities for security leaks, I suggest the Sysop should control
- this feature...
-
-
-
-
- 13.5 -=( Remote Menu )=-
- ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
- ║ (L)ist Remote Games (D)ownload .RST (U)pload .TRN (H)elp! ║
- ║ (B)ulletins (P)rev. Menu (G)oodbye (Q)uit to BBS ║
- ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
- (L)ist Remote Games - List all games user is in, with date of current file
- (D)ownload .RST - Download .RST (or packet) configured in REMOTE.DAT
- (U)pload .TRN - Upload .TRN (or packet) configured in REMOTE.DAT
- (B)ulletins - View bulletin defined in REMOTE.DAT, if available
- (H)elp! - Display HELP-R.VP
- (P)rev. Menu - Return to main menu
- (G)oodbye - Same as main menu
- (Q)uit to BBS - Same as main menu
-
-
- 13.6 -=( Stars! Menu )=-
- ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
- ║ (A)bout this door (H)elp! (L)ist all games ║
- ║ (U)pload Turn (J)oin Game (Q)uit to BBS (G)ood-Bye! ║
- ║ (D)ownload Turn (M)ap (Z)Novice On/Off ║
- ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
- (A)bout this door - Same as main menu
- (H)elp! - Display HELP-S.VP
- (L)ist all games - Displays S_GAMES.TXT
- (U)pload Turn - Upload your {game}.Xn file(s)
- (D)ownload Turn - Download your {game}.Mn file(s)
- (J)oin Game - Join in game
- (M)ap - Download {game}.XY file
- (G)oodbye - Same as main menu
- (Q)uit to BBS - Same as main menu
-
-
-
- 14.0 Support Files
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Files marked with "*" are included with the distribution archive.
-
- * VP-DOOR.EXE - Main executable for door
- * VP-DOOR.OVR
-
- * VP-MAINT.EXE - Maintenance program for VP-DOOR. See "Maintenance".
- * VP-MAINT.OVR
-
- * VP-MAIL.EXE - Little utility for creating netmail FREQ/File Attach messages
-
- * STUPDFIX.EXE - UUCP Internet "EMail" to S.T.U.P.I.D. interface program
- * STUPDFIX.HLP - Sent by STUPIDFIX in response to empty or "help" messages
-
- * HELPLIST.VP- Menu for Help files
-
- * HELP-?.VP - Text files for the "Help" command (? is the menu option)
- - *PAGE* to force a "Continue Y/N"
- - *END* or end of file to end
- * HELP-R.VP - Help file for Remote games.
-
- * FILES - List of files available from the door, in the following format:
- Full_Path_and_Filename(Wildcards_allowed)
- Name/description/etc... Anything else you want; Blank line between entries.
-
- Full_Path_and_Filename(Wildcards_allowed)
- Name/description/etc... Anything else you want; Blank line between entries.
-
- etc...
- (BE SURE TO HAVE A BLANK LINE AT THE END OF THE LIST! IT USES THIS TO FIND THE
- END OF A FILE DESCRIPTION!)
-
-
- * GAMES - Made by door to hold list of games being played.
-
- * MAPNAMES - Name and brief description of each map available.
- - You *MUST* have this file, at least to use the Original
- map! See example...
- - First 13 characters of each line is the map filename.
-
- * MAKEGAME - List of names, uppercase, who will have access to the
- "Start a new Game" option. If this file is blank
- or missing, only "SYSOP" has access.
-
- COSYSOP - List of names, uppercase, who will have the same access in
- the door as the Sysop of the BBS
-
- * HALL - Created by the Door when running games are deleted.
- Contains stats for the game (the "high score" list)
-
- * VP-DOOR.CFG - See "Configuring the Door".
-
- VP-DOOR.LOG - Created by door to log what happens in the door, and when.
-
- * VP-DOOR.LNG - "Language" file for door. See Sections 7.0 & 7.2.
-
- * VP-DOOR.LD & .LX - Compiled version of VP-DOOR.LNG
-
- RUNGAMES.BAT- Created by VP-MAINT.EXE, to run all the games that are
- due to be played that day.
-
- GAME.BAT - If this file exists in the game directory, it will be run
- INSTEAD of the "created" batch in RUNGAMES.BAT.
-
- BEFORE.BAT, AFTER.BAT - If either of these exist in the Game directory,
- it is run either before & after HOST.EXE, within RUNGAMES.BAT
-
- * WELCOME.VP? - Shown to callers when they first enter the door.
- "A" is Ansii version. "R" is Rip version.
-
- * GOODBYE.VP? - Shown to callers after they press "G"oodbye, but before it
- hangs up on them...
-
- * BBSLIST.DAT - Renamed copy of BBS1995.DOC; any BBS list will work, as long
- as the file is in the format:
- (xxx) yyy-zzzz name...and...description...
- (the area code must be wrapped in ()'s, and have a space after & before the
- rest of the number for the search to work... also European numbers
- must have the "+" before the country code)
-
- * M-*.VP - Menu files (.VPA = Ansii version)
-
- * BULLETIN.VP - "Bulletin" in door; shown between WELCOME.VP? and main menu.
-
- * RETURN.VP? - Shown to callers when they exit the door.
- "A" is Ansii version. "R" is Rip version.
-
- * HCONFIG.LST - Taken from the HOST docs, it is the "Details of HCONFIG.HST".
- Parsed to show users the setup of the current game.
-
- * PKT_READ.ME - Included in the game packet sent to users for each game.
-
- * SVR_READ.ME - Included in !*.zip file for "snooping" VCRs for game.
-
- * LOCAL.BAT - Batch file to run door locally.
-
- * PID.BAT - Sample batch to run VP-DOOR from the BBS.
-
- * PLAY.BAT - Batch file users can use to play from packets made by door.
-
- ZIP.LOG - Created whenever the archiver is run, for debugging lack
- of memory or path problems
-
- DEBUG.LOG - Created when the /DEBUG command line switch is used
-
- * MAPS/*.MAP - Map files for "alternate" universes
-
- BACKUPS directory - Directory where "backups" of games are kept before
- HOST is run...
-
- UPLOAD directory - Temporary directory where uploads are kept
-
- REMOTE directory - Used for holding .TRNs and .RSTs for remote games.
- See "Playing Remote Games".
-
- The following files are used only if you want to run the Stars! Support part
- of the door:
-
- WELCOME.ST? - Shown to callers when they enter the door, in Stars! mode.
- (Note: WELCOME.VP? shown if .ST? doesn't exist)
- "A" is Ansii version. "R" is Rip version.
-
- S_GAMES - List of games being played, one per line, uppercase
-
- S_GAMES.TXT - List of games with their descriptions (in any format you
- want to use)
-
- {gamename}\WHO - List of all 16 players for this game, upper-case, one
- per line. Even if there is not 16 players, all 16 lines *MUST* exist.
- Fill non-human races with a ".", so nobody can join it
-
- {gamename}\RACES - List describing races available. It should list all
- races in the game, 1 to 16, with a "." for races not in game
-
- Humanoid
- Humanoid
- Insectoid
- Antetheral (Computer Player)
- Rabbitoid (Computer Player)
- .
- .
- .
- .
- [etc]
-
- (in this case, the 4th through 16th line of RACES will have "." on them, so
- someone doesn't join as them...)
-
-
-
-
-
- 15.0 Multi-Node Operation
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- I have a single node BBS, and have no way (before I release this) to test
- multi-node operation. But, unlike my other doors to date, I have attempted
- to make this door as multi-node aware as possible.
-
- If you specify the -N{node} option, all temporary files & directories
- created by the door have the node number tagged on to the end of the name.
- It will also be used to decide which DORINFO?.DEF to use (Default is
- DORINFO1.DEF, if -N is <2 or >9...)
-
- You can also use the /C{configfilename} switch to have the door use a
- different .CFG file than VP-DOOR.CFG.
-
-
- 16.0 Stars! Support
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- Stars! is a relatively new, Windows-based game similar to VGA Planets. Like
- Planets, you start with a world & ships, and you have to take over the galaxy.
- It has a number of features that Planets doesn't have, however.
-
- Unfortunately, this is not an ad for Stars!, just a door that supports the
- transfer of it's turn files. If you would like to try Stars!, it can be FREQ'd
- or downloaded from my BBS as well as other Planets support BBSs.
-
- If you don't know what Stars! is, you don't need this part of the docs. <g>
-
- In order to play Stars! through this door, you must put the game files for
- Stars! in their own directory (ie all of the player files, but NOT the .EXEs).
- You need to create the game in a directory of the same name as the directory
- (ie if you make a sub-directory of the door called "NUKE_EM" you need to have
- the game files called NUKE_EM.XY, NUKE_EM.Mn, NUKE_EM.HST, etc, there...)
- You also need a list in each game directory of WHO is playing (16 lines, each
- with the name of who is playing it, upper case). This is in the file "WHO",
- and even if a race is not being played, there *must* be 16 lines in this file.
-
- To join in a game, there must be a list of the races available (one per
- line, 16 lines, "." for races not in the game). This should be in a des-
- cription file called "RACES", in the stars Game directory (the sub-directory
- you put the *.XY, *.Mn etc files in). See the end of section 14.0 for an
- example. If a race is NOT being played, put a "." as it's description so
- nobody can join it.
-
- Running the "host" is up to you. All this program does is send out the .XY
- file, the *.Mn files and recieves the *.Xn files.
-
- You can now use StarsFix, a sub-set of StupidFix, by simply sending message
- to StarsFix instead of StupidFix...
-
-
- 17.0 StupidFix Internet Interface
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- As of v1.8, I have created an interface to allow persons with a UUCP netmail
- gateway to allow people to join, quit and play games via .UUEd files through
- the internet.
-
- Players access StupidFix by sending an Internet message to "StupidFix" with
- commands in the message body. If they join in a game, they are assigned a
- password (which can be changed at any time), which must then be included in
- the Subject line of the message. This password is listed in STUPDFIX.PW (in
- case they forget it and you need to tell them).
-
- For example:
-
- ──────────────────────
- To: StupidFix@f88.n340.z1.fidonet.org
- Subj: password
-
- Join killgame 6
- ──────────────────────
-
- ... would have the player join "killgame" as the Borg (if they are available,
- and if the player isn't already playing too many races).
-
- You must configure the keywords in VP-DOOR.CFG (NetmailID, MyAddress &
- UUCPTo) correctly in order to use StupidFix.
-
- Unfortunately (and I have thought *long* and *hard* on this one) STUPIDFIX
- is unavailable to non-registered users of S.T.U.P.I.D... I am sorry, but
- that is how it will have to be. I am saying this right now, in the docs, so
- there will be no misunderstanding. If it is called, it will simply exit
- without processing anything...
-
- The following commands are available to players through the Internet:
-
- JOIN gamename race#
- Joins in Game "gamename" as race number "race#" (1-11), if it is
- available. You will be told in a return message whether you got
- the race or not.
-
- QUIT gamename [race#]
- Quits game "gamename" (if you are in it). If you run more than
- one race and only want to quit ONE race, put the number of the
- race after the name of the game. If "race#" is left off, all
- races played in that game are dropped.
-
- STATUS
- Returns message describing your current status in the door.
-
- TIY gamename
- Returns a log of the .TRN files sent in on time, for all races. Also
- logs CPU players and Dead players.
-
- SCORE gamename
- Returns the current Score for this game (if it hasn't been blanked by
- the Host).
-
- ABOUT gamename
- Describes the setup of "gamename"; what days it plays, who the host
- is, maximum number of races per player, whether it's locked or not,
- how it is set up, and what the "mission" is, if any.
-
- LIST
- Sends list of all games available on this system, and what races
- are available.
-
- HELP
- This list of commands.
-
- RESEND gamename
- Resends .UUE file(s) of your most recent .RST file packet(s).
- You would also use this to get your first game packet from a game
- that you have just joined but that has already started...
-
- PASSWORD oldpassword newpassword
- Changes your password for .UUE packets & STUPIDFIX commands. If
- "oldpassword" does not match current password, this is ignored.
-
- After you join in a game, you will be told when it starts (if it hasn't
- already), and you will be sent a .UUE containing your .RST packet(s), a
- copy of the packet's "read.me" file, a copy of the XYPLAN.DAT file (if the
- game is using a custom map), a copy of RACE.NM, and if the game is using
- custom *SPEC.DATs, they will be in the packet as well. Read the READ.ME
- in the packet for more details.
-
- When you have unpacked and played your turn, you then take the .TRN file(s)
- and UUEncode them (one .TRN per message) and send them to StupidFix at the
- address of the BBS you are playing on. (Be sure to include your password
- in the Subject line of the message). The .TRN will be checked for staleness
- when it arrives, and tossed into the appropriate game directory. (Don't
- worry about if the Door will know which game you are playing in, it will
- put the .TRN into the correct directory as long as it isn't stale...)
-
- Note: For now, this program uses a very simple .UUE decoder, that does
- NOT understand anything special in .UUEs (like extended checksums, compression
- or anything "non-standard"). The best UUEncoder/Decoder that I have found
- that works with StupidFix is "UU-DECODE 5.02 FOR PC. by Richard Marks". This
- is available on Crazy Train ][ with the filename of "UU-ENDEC.ZIP".
-
-
- Table A: Color Codes
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- The following codes are supported wherever they are mentioned in the
- documentation, such as in the "Files" menu, or in customizing the Menu options.
- They are added so that people can "fancy up" their .VP files, without having
- to go to the trouble of making an ANSI .VPA file.
-
- Each letter must be preceded by the "~" symbol.
-
- 1 : {ANSI cleol} A : {ANSI foreground Black}
- 2 : {ANSI cls} B : {ANSI foreground Red}
- 3 : {ANSI Save Cursor Position} C : {ANSI foreground Green}
- 4 : {ANSI Restore Cursor Position} D : {ANSI foreground Brown}
- 5 : {ANSI ID String} E : {ANSI foreground Blue}
- 6 : {ANSI blink attribute} F : {ANSI foreground Magenta}
- 7 : {Clear all ANSI attributes} G : {ANSI foreground Cyan}
- H : {ANSI foreground LightGray}
- a : {ANSI background black} I : {ANSI foreground DarkGray}
- b : {ANSI background red} J : {ANSI foreground LightRed}
- c : {ANSI background green} K : {ANSI foreground LightGreen}
- d : {ANSI background brown} L : {ANSI foreground Yellow}
- e : {ANSI Background Blue} M : {ANSI foreground LightBlue}
- f : {ANSI background Magenta} N : {ANSI foreground LightMagenta}
- g : {ANSI background Cyan} O : {ANSI foreground LightCyan}
- h : {ANSI background Gray} P : {ANSI foreground White}
- ! : "Press Any Key to Continue"
- ? : User's Name
- $ : BBS Name
-
-
- Color commands can be stacked, but remember to have the "~" symbol before ALL
- color commands. (EG ~h~B~6 will change the color to Blinking Red on Grey.)
-
-
-
- Table B: Definitions
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Throughout this file, you will be confronted by some terms that have nothing
- to do with VGA Planets, and may be a bit confusing. Here is a list of some
- of the terms I use:
-
-
- "Game Directory" : The DOS directory containing GAME.REC, and all the files
- for the game, created by the Start New Game procedure.
-
- "Planets Directory" : The DOS directory containing MASTER2.EXE, HCONFIG.EXE,
- HOST.EXE, and any other PLANETS programs & files needed
- by this door. *MUST BE SEPARATE FROM DOOR DIRECTORY*
-
- "Door Directory" : The DOS directory containing VP-DOOR.EXE, VP-MAINT.EXE and
- all the other files contained in the Distribution Archive
- that this door came in. (Other than the Maps)
-
- "Game Host" or "Host" : The person who sets up and keeps track of game
-
-
- Table C: Command Line Options
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- VP-DOOR.EXE can be run with the following options, in any order:
-
- -N{nodenumber} : Specify a nodenumber (0-99)
- (If you use 2-9, the door will look for DORINFO2.DEF
- to DORINFO9.DEF in current directory)
- -RA : Forces door to use DORINFO1.DEF regardless of -N setting
- -L{baudrate} : Lock baudrate
- -D{path2dropfile} : Search for "Drop File" in {path2dropfile} directory
- -DEBUG : Log everything to DEBUG.LOG (for finding bugs)
- -R : Force the door to look for & display .VPR Rip files
- -STARS! : Puts door into Stars! Menu (see section 15.0)
- -C{filename} : Use {filename} instead of VP-DOOR.CFG
- -G{filename} : Use {filename} instead of GAMES for list of games
-
- VP-MAINT.EXE can be run with the following options, *1* at a time *ONLY*:
-
- -B : Create "RUNGAMES.BAT" for today. (Also Clears
- "Downloaded" flags.)
- -T : Creates/Updates "Turns In Yet" bulletin. Runs
- automatically in "RUNGAMES.BAT".
- -S : Creates TIY.ASC, TIY.ANS, SCORE.ASC & SCORE.ANS. Runs
- automatically in "RUNGAMES.BAT"
- -E{gamename} : Create/Edit GAME.REC for "gamename"
- -M{user_name} : Create Game Packets for "User name" (use _ for spaces)
- -L : Compiles VP-DOOR.LNG into VP-DOOR.LX & VP-DOOR.LD
- -FORCE : Forces game with "?"s to run regardless if all .TRNs
- are in or not...
- -DEBUG : Log everything to DEBUG.LOG (for finding bugs)
- -C{filename} : Use {filename} instead of VP-DOOR.CFG
- -G{filename} : Use {filename} instead of GAMES for list of games
- -W : Create bulletin "WHOIS.ASC" in each game directory
- of who is playing
-
- ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
- ║ Please note: -C, -G and -DEBUG must be the LAST parameter on the line, ║
- ║ but can be combined with other options... ║
- ║ -FORCE is only valid when used with the -B switch. ║
- ╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
-
- VP-MAIL.EXE is called in the following manner (exactly as shown):
-
- VP-MAIL file_to_send_or_request from_node to_node msgareaid [-C]
-
- Where node is in the format X:YYY/ZZZ.P (if X is not given, 1 is
- default; if P is left off, 0 is assumed). See VP-DOOR.CFG for
- a description of MSGAreaID. -C is optional and sets the CRASH bit on
- the message.
-
- For example:
-
- VP-MAIL MYRSTS.ZIP 1:340/88.0 119/99 FC:\FD\MAIL\
-
- will put a file request message in a *.MSG base at c:\fd\mail\
- to 1:119/99.0, from 1:340/88.0, for the file MYRSTS.ZIP...
-
- VP-MAIL C:\PLANETS\MYTURNS.ZIP 340/88 119/99 FC:\FD\MAIL\ -C
-
- will send c:\planets\myturns.zip (if it exists) to 1:119/99.0,
- with the CRASH bit set on the message.
-
- Basically, if the file exists, it will be a file attach. If it doesn't,
- it will be a file request message.
-
- STUPDFIX.EXE is run as following:
-
- STUPDFIX [-OUT gamename]
-
- StupidFix should be run in your inbound mail event, to scan for mail to the
- program. If you use the -OUT switch, StupidFix will send out all the
- packets for all the Internet players in "gamename".
-
-
-
- Table D: Registration
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- I have spent over a year working on this door. If you use it, I would like
- some kind of payment for my work.
-
- If you use this door for more than 30 days, please register it.
-
- If you register, you will recieve the following extras:
-
- - Use of StupidFix (the Internet <-> Stupid interface)
- - My everlasting gratitude
- - Full technical support, including new features by request
- - Notice of new major releases, when they come out
- - A stop to the annoying "register me" messages...
- - The return of some features that may tend to "disappear"
-
- "Other Door Offer":
-
- It has come to my attention that I have "competition" in creating the
- Ultimate Planets Interface Door...
-
- It has also been suggested that the $20 that I want for my door might be
- too much for those people who are already satisfied with their registered
- "other" planets door...
-
-
- For these people, I wish to make an offer:
-
- I will let you register my door for $10 (1/2 off the regular price), on
- recieving proof of registering any similar Planets door with a registration
- cost of $10 or more.
-
- If you wish to make use of this deal, I must have an account on your system,
- just long enough to see the registration of your door.
-
- Create an account for me, under the name "Allen Walker", and let me know what
- the password is. I will call to verify the registration.
-
-
-
-
- Adopting the Door:
-
- If a Sysop were to register all the software they use, including doors,
- nobody would be able to afford to run a BBS. So I suggest an alternative:
- Adoption.
-
- The idea of adopting a door is that someone, usually a user of the BBS,
- can pay for registering a door as a donation to the BBS... Simply contact
- the Sysop of the BBS you want to adopt this door in. He can then give you
- a copy of REG-FORM.TXT, which is the registration form for this door. Fill
- it out and send it to me with payment for the door. Your name will appear
- in the "Adopted By" slot...
-
- Adoption of a door is also eligible for the "Other Door" discount.
-
- You can send a check or MO, for $20 US (or $10), to (NOTE NEW ADDRESS!):
-
- Allen Walker
- P.O. Box 5874
- Victoria, BC
- Canada
- V8R 6S8
-
- Also, due to overwelming response from my fellow Canadians, Canadian
- users may now pay $20 Canadian, instead of US.
-
- ┌┬┬┬┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┬┬┬┬┐
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- │││││ Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa Visa │││││
- └┴┴┴┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┴┴┴┴┘
-
- * * * * * * * * Registration is now available by Visa! * * * * * * * * *
-
- In order to register by Visa, I must have the following information:
-
- Your VISA number
- Expiration Date
- Your name (EXACTLY as it appears on the card)
-
- Note: Since the Visa will be in Canadian dollars, I must alter the charges
- for the door as follows (this only applies to Visa payment, and is to
- cover U.S. exchange rate):
-
- Canadian Full Registration: $20.00
- 1/2 Price Registration: $10.00
-
- U.S. Full Registration: $26.00
- 1/2 Price Registration: $13.00
-
- Postage & Handling: $ 5.00
- (for mail orders only, both countries)
-
- VISA orders will be processed within 24 hours
-
-
-
- Table E : Reporting Bugs
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- In order to fix a bug, I have to be able to reproduce it. If I can
- reproduce it, I can squash it in minutes... Use the -DEBUG command line
- option to create a DEBUG.LOG...
-
- I will need the following:
-
- 1. A copy of your VP-DOOR.CFG
- 2. A copy of your VP-DOOR.LOG
- 3. A copy of your DEBUG.LOG
- 4. If the error # and address isn't in the log, I will need that too.
- 5. A copy of your drop file (DOOR.SYS, DORINFOx.DEF, etc)
- 6. If it's a logic bug (something weird, but the program doesn't
- crash), I need to know what the last thing you saw displayed,
- and the circumstances. A screen capture would be ideal.
-
- Bugs can be reported to the address above, or to:
-
- Crazy Train ][ BBS (604)383-2201
- 1:340/88 - Fidonet
- 57:604/125 - VGAPNet
- Allen_Walker@crazytrain.spydernet.com
- http://vvv.com/~weirdal
-
-
- Table F : Extra Utilities for S.T.U.P.I.D.
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-
- Program (Current FREQ Filename) : Description
-
- MASTER2.EXE (MASTER2.ARJ) : Allows you to create universes without having to
- use Graphics. Essential for STUPID to have remote game creation
-
- RCONFIG.EXE (EXP303.ARJ) : The Expansion Modules, written by Tim Wisseman.
- "Missions" under Planets.
-
- KILLRACE.EXE (KILLRACE.ARJ) : Removes a race's SHIPS, PLANETS and STARBASES.
- Effectively deletes the player from the game.
-
- BLANK.EXE (BLANK.EXE) : Removes scores from .RST files to make game more
- interesting.
-
- CRACK.EXE (CRACK02.ARJ) : Allows host of game to view passwords of players
- (in game, that is...)
-
- SPLITVH.EXE (VCRSHOW.ARJ) : Makes separate files of all the VCR ship battles
- so host can "watch the fun"
-
- CPLAYER.EXE (CP302.ARJ) : The Computer Player. Loved by some, hated by others
- but fully supported by this door (including "difficulty level")
-
- WORM.EXE (WRM034.ARJ) : Wormhole utility. Creates "wormholes" from one end of
- the galaxy to the other, set up by the Host of the game.
-
- VPMC.EXE (VPM2*.ARJ) : VGA Planets Movie Recorder. Records the whole game so
- people can sit back and laugh at the antics of all the races at the end.
-
- RAGNAROK.EXE (RAGNA200.ARJ) : Moves all capital ships to the center of the map
- to have a huge "battle royal" to see who wins. Usually used at the
- end of a big game, or when the ship queue gets clogged.
-
- All of these utilities are available for File Request 24 hours a day from
- Train ][, downloadable from my BBS, and on my Web Page at:
- http://vvv.com/~weirdal
-
-
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- VP-Door (c) 1995 by Weird Al Walker
-
- Documentation by Weird Al Walker, with help from Dragonlord Valheru
-
- Special thanks to all the Planets players on my BBS, who were very patient
- while I worked on this door:
-
- William Barath - Thanks for the Fixmaps code!
- Jason George - Thanks for getting me started on the docs!
- Rob Gillingham & The Trolls - for all the help with V1.x
- Sean Ross
- Brian Pinkerton
- Graeme Newall
- Allan Coats - My first Long Distance regular player!
- Adam Noyce
- Gordon Webster
- Noel Mercer
- Allen Cary - My first STUPIDFIX user!
-
- And of course, Gerald Albion... the other half of Whirlwind... for
- all the Comm routines...
-
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀███▀▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀█▄ ▀██▄ ▀█▄ ▀██▀▀█▄
- ██ ▄██ ▄██ ▐██▄▄▐██ ▐██ ▐██ ▄██ ▐██ ██ ▄██ ▄██ ▐██ ▐████▄▐██ ▐██ ▐██
- ████████▀ ██▌▀▀██▌ ██▌ ██▀███▀ ██▌ ████████▀ ██▌ ██▌ ▀███▌ ██▌ ██
- ▄██▀ ██▀ ▐██ ▐██ ▐██ ▐█▌ ▀██▄ ▐██▄▄▄▄ ▄██▀ ██▀ ▐██ ▐██ ▐██ ▐██▄▄▄██▀
-
- This is another fine software product of Whirlwind Software, Victoria, B.C.
- ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
- MZ└gÜiSô8∞/ÿ: ⌡"