SILVERN CASTLE: The Lost Crystal Orb Program Author - Jeff Fink Version 1.0 - July, 1999 Copyright 1999 Shareware fees: $15 Jeff Fink 432 Eureka St., Apt. 210 Ripon, WI 54971 Shareware Stuff This program is shareware. You may distribute it far and wide. You may legally use this program for up to 2 weeks; thereafter to continue using this program you must send payment of $15. Everyone who sends in their shareware dues will be sent instructions to unlock the Maze Maker program to create unlimited random-generated mazes, as well as directions to unlock the door to Ragon's Lab where the talisman is located (you cannot win without it). Please respect the shareware system. This game, entailing years of programming and comprising over 3200 lines of BASIC code, totaling nearly 12,500 statements (including the utilities needed to create all the data files), represents a vast undertaking on my part. Depending on how many honest users support my effects will determine IF any more programs will be released via shareware (and since this is practically the ONLY way to distribute Apple II programs nowadays, this may be my LAST). What is it? Silvern Castle is a fantasy role-playing game. Complete instructions are included. Requirements So you may ask, what does Silvern Castle require to run? Nothing more than any Apple II that can boot ProDOS. However, to optimize disk access times, 128K memory is recommended (especially with 5.25" only systems). The program is written in AppleSoft BASIC. Because of this, Silvern Castle may run sluggishly on a 1mhz Apple II-see the docs for one way around this; search for text mode). An accelerator or Apple IIgs will make Silvern Castle run more than fast enough. PRODOS version 1.8 or later is required. BASIC.SYSTEM version 1.5 is also required. PRODOS versions before 1.8 have a number of bugs which can destroy disks among other things. BASIC.SYSTEM version 1.5 is the latest version and Silvern Castle uses undocumented entry points in BASIC.SYSTEM 1.5 to overcome a problem involving the CHAIN command not respecting the LOMEM: value. Error Reporting Should an unexpected bug pop up, Silvern Castle provides error recovery in most cases. Just note the two-line error message and contact me at the address listed above. If any errors should arise, they are reported in the format: Module Name Error #X-Y Where X is the error and Y the line number. In almost all cases, the program provides automatic error recovery to a known state. Shrinkit Archives As shipped, Silvern Castle comes in two flavors: SC.HD.SHK Shrinkit file archive for Hard Drives or 3.5" disks /SC.525.S1.SHK Shrinkit disk archive for 5.25" disks, side 1 \SC.525.S2.SHK Shrinkit disk archive for 5.25" disks, side 2 The only difference between them is that SC.HD.SHK combines all the files found on SC.525.S1.SHK and SC.525.S2.SHK into one folder. However, because of disk space, the maze on the 5.25" disk archive is smaller than the one on SC.HD.SHK. File Setup If you unpacked SC.HD.SHK you should have all the files listed below in ONE folder called SC. You may rename SC to anything you like. If you have only 5.25" drives, the Shrinkit 5.25" disk archives create a disk with the volume name of SILVERN.CASTLE and a folder called SC on BOTH sides. You may rename the volume or folder to anything you like, BUT the volumne must have the SAME volume name on BOTH sides AND the folder must have the SAME folder name on BOTH sides. The following files are found inside the SC folder (side 1 on 5.25" disks): SILVERN.CASTLE >Startup File QND.HRCG >Hi-Res Character Generator FNT.BOLDJW >Hi-Res Font CASTLE >Title Page Graphic CODE >ML Code CODEQ >ML Code QLIST >Binary Datafile STATUS >Preferences * STUFF >Item/Spell Datafile ROP >Hall of Fame * READ.ME.FIRST -This File- VAP/SC.DOC >Docs VAP/DOGPAW >Doc Viewer VAP/DOGPAW.DOCS >Doc Viewer Docs; Optional-may be deleted VAP/RESIZE.ROSTER >Code VAP/MAZE.MAKER >Code GAME >If Exists=Saved Game * The following files are found inside the SC folder (side 2 on 5.25" disks): MARKET >Code SC.CAMP >Code SC.MAZE >Code SC.COMBAT >Code SC.ACTION >Code SC.LOOT >Code GUILD >Code WIN >Code STORE >Quillon's Inventory * ROSTER >Character List * GOODIES >Datafile MONS >Datafile MAZEB >Maze Datafile; 21x21 (5.25") or 27x27 (HD, 3.5") MAZEB5.25 >Exists only on SC.HD.SHK; contains the smaller 5.25" maze; Optional-may be deleted You should backup the SC folder (both sides on 5.25" disks) to guard against computer and disk crashes. * Files marked with an asterisk contain character data or important stuff that changes during play; these files should be backed-up often to prevent any possible file corruption from affecting your party's hard-fought gains. Version 1.0 First release. Known Problems >Maze Maker module sometimes crashes. Solution-rerun until it works.