GETTING STARTED WITH BRIDGE CREW sw1.12e This file details a Quick Start to get up and running with one terminal. When configured with one terminal, Bridge Crew can be investigated by the curious with only a little cabling effort or used by a GM to customise a scenario by authoring and testing script files. If you want to run more than one terminal then read GETSTART.TXT We at Mithril Software hope you will, after some investigation, take the time to learn the commands and put the effort into cabling terminals and PCs. BRIDGE CREW is lots of fun and is best enjoyed with a group of friends. Attached is a simple list of things to do to get up and running with one terminal using the shareware version of Bridge Crew. You should read each step and do them in order. If you do this, you will be able to investigate all commands and hopefully get the desire to play with a full 4 player crew. Remember, Bridge Crew is designed to be played with a group of people - it is not as much fun on your own. 1. Read this file first. Read this file, read all the steps and ensure that you have all necessary hardware, people and knowledge. If you wish to run with four players then you should read GETSTART.TXT 2. You will need the following: One IBM compatible 386 computer with VGA graphics, 530K of available memory, about 6 megabytes of available disk space and MSDOS 5 or MSDOS 6. This computer must have two serial ports - standard COM1 and COM2. This computer will hereafter be refered to as the main machine (abreviated to MM). One Null modem cable. NOTE - It must have the right plugs and sockets on it (normally DB25 or DB9 male or female) This will depend on what type of serial ports your hardware has. One person (You yes YOU) to act as GM, Captain and Crew. You will need a terminal for this, you can use any of the three options below: OPTION 1, One IBM computer of almost any type with 512K of available memory. We have used 286s in testing, but in theory an XT would do. This machine must each have a serial port. This machine will be used to run the BCTERM terminal emulator and will hereafter be called BCTERM-A. OR OPTION 2, One dumb serial terminal capable of emulating a Vt100 or similar terminal. This terminal will be called DUMB-A, in practice almost any ansii or ascii serial terminal will do. Ensure it is set to 9600 Baud, No Parity and One Stop Bit. Note: BRIDGE CREW doesn't use any flow control at all. OR OPTION 3 A computer of almost any type running a simple VT100 terminal emulator (you will find several in the public domain) This computer will be called DUMB-A 2. Now we will physically arrange the hardware Place the hardware in such a way that the operators of BCTERM-A or DUMB-A can see the VGA Display of MM. This is normally acheived by placing them side by side on a table. 3. Now you will do the necessary cabling If you took OPTION 1 in step 2. Run the null modem cable from COM1 on MM to COM1 on BCTERM-A If you took OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 in step 2. Run the null modem cable from COM1 on MM to the serial port on DUMB-A. In theory you have now done the cabling. 4. Now you will unzip and install the software Run PKUNZIP in the C:\ directory of MM with the -d option. This will place the files in their proper subdirectories. eg >PKUNZIP -D BCFILES.ZIP This will unzip a heap of files into two directories C:\UNIVERSE and C:\BCREW. It will also create two subdirectories below c:\bcrew. These will be DOCUMENTS and TERMINAL, where the manuals and bcterm files will be stored, respectively. 5. Now we will install BCTERM onto BCTERM-A ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TOOK OPTION 1 in step 2 Create a C:\BCTERM directory on BCTERM-A eg >MD BCTERM Get a spare formatted floppy disk that cam be read BY MM and BCTERM-A. Copy onto it BCTERM.EXE, BCTERSET.EXE and BCTERSET.DAT from the directory C:\BCREW\TERMINAL eg >COPY BCTERM.EXE A: eg >COPY BCTERSET.EXE A: eg >COPY BCTERSET.DAT A: Copy these files to BCTERM-A in the \BCTERM directory that you created. eg >COPY A:BCTER*.* C\BCTERM\*.* You can test the success of this by executing the following commands on BCTERM-A which will run the BCTERM.EXE terminal emulator. >C: >cd \BCTERM >BCTERM If successful you will see a screen with three areas; one labelled REPORTS, one labeled MESSAGES and one labled INPUT. To exit this program use ALT/X (press ALT key and while it's depressed press the X key). In theory you have now loaded the software for BCTERM-A. NB: It is possible to run BCTERM from a floppy disk. 6. ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TOOK OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 in step 2 on MM goto your BCREW directory and run BCREWSET.BAT change the game details (option 1 on the menu) to reflect that you have a dumb terminal on COM1. You do this by placing a 1 against COM1 Then Exit and save the file (option 3). IMPORTANT NOTE - You will need to reverse this process and set COM1 back to a 2 if you wish to run 4 terminals 7. I know it's a lot of work but it's worth it! You are doing well to have got this far, now for the last few steps to fun. 8. Now we will configure DUMB-A ONLY DO THIS IF YOU TOOK OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 in step 2 If you are using Dumb serial terminals, Amiga, Atari or Macintosh PCs, configure them to emulate VT100s and ensure that they are set to 9600 Baud, No Parity and One Stop Bit. Note: BRIDGE CREW doesn't use any flow control at all. In theory you are now ready to run BRIDGE CREW. 9. You can safley ignore this step if you have done everything exactly as above. Now you may wish to vary the setup from the standard. This is realy for hackers and should be avoided by the novice. By Running BCREWSET (on MM) you can configure more terminals or run them on different ports. (or use a multi port card - see the other documentation for this). By Running BCTERSET (on BCTERM-A) you can change the BCTERM layout and function keys. (or com ports) To enable sound effects on BCTERM-A print and follow the documantation in SOUND.TXT 10. Running Bridge Crew Go to the keyboard of MM and type >C: >cd \BCREW >SW112 PUB1.SSW He or she will then see a copyright message. Press return to get past it. If all went well, a message starting with the phrase 'Macros have been loaded' should appear on DUMB-A or BCTERM-A. The main display of MM should go black and show a silhouette of a starship labled F0 in the center. At the left of the screen is a text status area. The terminal (BCTERM-A or DUMB-A) should now respond to a WHO command (type WHO and then press Enter). The Response to the WHO command will tell you the terminal number. This port should be identifiable as the GM by the message, 'You are the primary GM'. If it isn't, then you may need to run BCREWSET and set the GM's terminal. (probably to 0). The terminal can now can now run any command The GM can start play with the command UNFREEZE which will allow the starship K1 to attack the players SHIP (F0) Try the RECON command to list objects on the sensors (initialy nothing will show on sensors). Try the THINGS command to list all objects known in this universe (initially K1 and F0) Try REPORT FUNCTIONS command to list the status of the ship's functions (initially all functions are at 100%) Try the REPORT SHIP command to list the general status of the ship (should be ok initially) Try the CHARGE, BLOCK, REPORT BEAM and BFIRE commands to shoot at the hostile ship K1. Try the MLOAD, MLOCK, PROXIMITY, REPORT MISSILE and MFIRE commands to shoot at the hostile ship K1. You could move the ship using the COURSE and SPEED commands to control the ship. Also the MODE and SCALE commands can be used to change the main display. Oh yes, and the VIEW command will be needed to keep F0 in the center of the screen!, TRACK is usefull to. To really get a handle on these commands you should print a copy of the document PLAYER.TXT. All players could also use a copy of the ready reference sheets PLREF.TXT. The GM should read GM.TXT and print a copy of GMREF.TXT. The gm should be familiar with the comands LOCATE, KNOW, ACTIVATE XMIT, MISSION, SIDE, GIVE, SECUR, MOVE, RMOVE and DMOVE as a minimum NOTE for non ansi terminals the commands >TERM BS ON and >TERM BS OFF can be used by players on DUMB-A and DUMB-B to use an ascii backspace rather than an ansi backspace (unfortunately this has to be done each time bridge crew is re-run). NOTE the HELP (and XHELP for GMs) command is designed only to assist with Syntax, not to be an instruction on how to play the game. I strongly suggest printing and reading manuals. NOTE to stop the game press # on the MM's keyboard. NOTE & is used to clear pause and helm hit messages. ------------------------------------------------------------- SUPPORT While there is no official support for BRIDGE CREW version sw1.12e You can contact David Readman on the internet and if he has time he may answer your query his adress is JAGUAR@WERPLE.MIRA.NET.AU ------------------------------------------------------------- TO ORDER To order the registered version of BRIDGE CREW fill out the relevant order form for your country in the DOCUMENT directory, include a cheque or money order for the amount shown in the curency on the form and send to : Mithril Software Pty Ltd PO Box 225 Kippax ACT 2615 Australia We can take cheques in AUS$, NZ$, US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Canadian Dollars. We are sorry about the relativly high price but the market is so small that we need to charge this just to cover costs and continue development. For other countries, please fill out one of the above and include a cheque/money order in the given currency. If using the Australian or New Zealand order form, add $20 extra postage. All orders are sent via Air Mail and are despatched within 48 hours of notification of cheque clearance. Barring realy major currency fluctuations, prices should remain valid until 1 July 1996. For further pricing information contact Mithril Software: PO Box 225, Kippax, ACT 2615, Australia or fax us on: International Access code (61) (6) 254 6280 eg from USA 011 61 6 254 6280 from NZ 00 61 6 254 6280 or contact David Readman on the internet JAGUAR@WERPLE.MIRA.NET.AU LICENCE This licence applies to BRIDGE CREW version sw1.12e and all associated files and material distributed by Mithril Software. This software is is protected by copyright law and by international copyright treaty. You assume responsibility for the selection of the programs to achieve your intended results, and for the installation, use and results obtained from the program. Mithril Software is not responsible for any damages caused by the use of this software. Mithril Software provides these programs and scenarios and licenses their use as follows: You may: a. Copy and distribute this version (sw1.12e) of BRIDGE CREW to whoever will take it. b. Use this software for private use. This includes such use as may be made by a private gaming group. c. Display this program at a seminar, conference, or convention publicly, provided you are not receiving reward for doing so. (i.e. you are not getting paid or charging for the privilege). d. Use the supplied terminal emulators VT100.exe and BCTERM.EXE and associated programs and files on up to four PCs provided they are connected to a machine running BRIDGE CREW version sw1.12e. e. Change the medium on which it is distributed or distribute it electronically. You may not: a. Charge EXCESSIVE copying fees for the copying of this software. b. Package the software in a way that infers to consumers that they are purchasing a registered version of the software. c. Change the software or any associated files. d. Use or demonstrate this program at any convention, seminar,party, meeting or other public or private event if as a result of this demonstartion you receive any kind of reward or payment without the permission of Mithril Software. e. Accept or receive reward for the use of the software, without the permission of Mithril Software. f. Use the software in a manner for which it is not intended. g. Use the software if a corporation you represent or are employed by will receive payment or reward as a result, without the permission of Mithril Software. TERM The licence is effective until terminated. You may terminate it at any other time by destroying the program, data and scenario files and all copies as well as any printed material. There is no time limit on this licence provided you keep within the terms and conditions listed above you may use this software for as long as you like. WARRANTY This version sw1.12e comes without any warranty at all. While the authors have taken all reasonable care in the production of the software, they do not accept responsibility for any loss caused directly or indirectly by use of this software. SUPPORT This version sw1.12e comes without any official support at all. David Readman has offered to answer questions and provide some support for this version on the INTERNET but makes it clear that Registered Customers come first. his internet adress is : JAGUAR@WERPLE.MIRA.NET.AU REQUEST FROM THE AUTHORS If you use this version of BRIDGE CREW for an extended period of time then it would be polite to consider (and act upon) getting a registered version. The registered version is superior in many ways and comes with printed manuals. It is currently version 1.20 and has a batch of new live roleplay features (like self destruct) and a few new combat options (mainly for the GM) It also supports extra sound options for BCTERM and a Computer file contents editor. Also included with the registered version is a scenario designer to allow you to design your own ships, scenarios and universes (see NOTES.TXT for details). COPYRIGHT and TRADEMARKS BRIDGE CREW is a trademark of Mithril Software. This product is copyright Mithril Software 1994,1995. All rights reserved. For Licence Details Please read LICENCE.TXT