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Uncertia: The Unknown Quest (TUQ) version 1.00 Copyright (C) 1991-1994 by Edward Stangler An Edhanced Software Product All rights reserved. Documentation written by Edward Stangler Operating Manual Edward G. Stangler Mr. Ed's Corner BBS P.O. Box 38553, Suite #247 1-713-447-6119 Houston, TX 77238-8553 14.4Kbps, 24 hours U.S.A. Fidonet: 1:106/1076 SGA-Net: 30:30/0 Compuserve: 74620,2333 C O N T E N T S Section Name Page # ________________________________________________________________ 1.0 What is Uncertia: The Unknown Quest (TUQ)? 1 ________________________________________________________________ 2.0 Running the Game 1 2.1 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2.2 Installation 1-2 2.3 Commandline Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 ________________________________________________________________ 3.0 Entering to the Game 3 3.1 Logging In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3.2 Choosing a Character 4 ________________________________________________________________ 4.0 The Main Map 4 4.1 Map Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4.2 Moving Around 6 ________________________________________________________________ 5.0 Battles 6 5.1 Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5.2 Combat Moves 7 5.3 Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ________________________________________________________________ 6.0 Towns 8 6.1 Exploring the Town Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 6.2 Shops 8 6.2.1 Weapon Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 6.2.2 Item Shop 9 6.2.3 Magic Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 6.2.4 Bar 9 6.2.5 Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ________________________________________________________________ 7.0 The OmniPad 10 ________________________________________________________________ 8.0 Leaving the Game 10 ________________________________________________________________ 9.0 Final Thoughts 10 ________________________________________________________________ 10.0 Legal Information 11 1.0 What is Uncertia: The Unknown Quest (TUQ)? Uncertia is a realm of uncertainty. Your goal is extremely unclear, and many obstacles stand in your path toward increased knowledge. The first activity you will probably participate in is the battle. Monsters run wild throughout the lands, and you have the ability to eliminate them. In the process, you will acquire money and score points. You can then compare your earned statistics against others who also dare to enter the realm. What to do with the money? Ah, behold: the town. Many towns and kingdoms dot the landscape. In each, you will find a unique culture. Businesses inhabit these areas as well. Weapons, armour, lottery tickets, OmniPad cartridges -- all can be purchased in the towns. But do not limit yourself to only goods! Bars, inns, and more await your arrival. Well, that's Uncertia in a nutshell. But do not let the simplicity of my description deceive you; Uncertia is so detailed that it will take you a long time to fully discover all that the game has to offer. The true goal of Uncertia is unbelievably elusive. Yes, there is a secret in Uncertia -- and it's up to you to find it! 2.0 Running the Game Uncertia has been programmed from the start to be as simple to install as possible. 2.1 Requirements - IBM compatible with an 8088 processor or higher - At least 400k RAM; extended or expanded memory will be used in the drop to DOS feature if detected; if neither is detected, a swap file on disk will be created - At least 500k of hard disk space 2.2 Installation Uncertia is EXTREMELY easy to set up. Just unarchive the package, and run the game (see below syntax.) It will automatically initialize the maintenance files and use default settings. Page 1 On the BBS side of the setup, use the TUQ.BAT enclosed as a guide to writing your own invoking batch file: @ECHO OFF CD \UNCERTIA UNCERTIA DOOR.SYS CD \BBS EXIT The basic syntax of Uncertia is: UNCERTIA [path and filename of interface file] Supported interface formats are DOOR.SYS, DORINFOx.DEF, and CHAIN.TXT. Note that in the DORINFOx.DEF filename, the 'x' is the number of the node running the door. So, you would probably use the filename DORINFO1.DEF if running a single-line BBS. 2.3 Commandline Options You can use multiple commandline options at once, separating them with spaces. The commandline options override any setting given in the door interface file. Here is a complete list of commandline options: /? - Show a help screen ---------------------------------------------------------------- This will give you a screen filled with information on how to run the game and what the valid commandline parameters are. LOCAL - Force local mode ---------------------------------------------------------------- If you don't use the /USERNAME parameter, you will be prompted for the name to use. This name is not a character name; it is equivilant to your name on the BBS. REGISTER - Enter registration key ---------------------------------------------------------------- You will be prompted for your name and the registration key you received from the author. Page 2 /MOUSE - Activate mouse on local side ---------------------------------------------------------------- A mouse is not required for Uncertia, nor is the game built around a mouse. This is really just a "fun" feature. Mouse routines are part of the windowing system used in Uncertia, so it seemed logical to make them available. /USERNAME:x - Use 'x' for name of user ---------------------------------------------------------------- The name entered here cannot contain spaces. If you do include spaces, only the first word will be taken as the user's name. This parameter, if used, must be the last parameter on the commandline. Other options ---------------------------------------------------------------- /P:x Use port #x /B:x Use setting of 'x' bps /TM:x Set minutes left to 'x' (calculates seconds left) /TS:x Set seconds left to 'x' (calculates minutes left) /S:xyz 'x' data bits, 'y' parity, 'z' stop bits (8N1 or 7E2) 3.0 Entering the Game Entering the realm of Uncertia is no easy task. You are no longer on Earth, and you must be prepared. 3.1 Logging In Uncertia performs a CRC check on itself when the game first loads. This calculation will take approximately three seconds. After that unbearable, long wait, the title screen will show up. Information such as the copyright and release date will be displayed. For those who have not registered the game (Unthinkable, isn't it?), a friendly "UNREGISTERED" message will also be shown. Then, you'll be given the strong "Press a key" prompt. Next, it's Ers time. Ers the Elder is your guide in Uncertia. His past, present, and future are a mystery to you, as well as why he is helping you. Just follow his instructions and respond to his inquiries. On the logon, he goes on and on... and on... about how you need to create a new character or continue with the one you previously configured. Page 3 3.2 Choosing a Character If you have never played Uncertia, you will first need to create a character. Ers, being the nice, omniscient elder that he is, automatically takes you to the creation zone. You have a variety of classes to choose from. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses: Wizard - very high intelligence but low strength Barbarian - high strength, low intelligencenessfulness. Ugh! Sage - has great healing power and medium stats Knight - very noble and proud, skilled and strong Thief - weak, but shrewd Cyborg - endurance off the scale, but machines are not perfect Time Traveler - weakest class, but most mysterious The class you choose determines many things. First, it limits the values of your rolled stats, such as strength, skill, and intelligence. These factors play an important role in battles. The chosen class also sets a weight limit on how many or which type of items you can carry. Barbarians and Cyborgs can carry the heaviest objects, while Wizards can carry only a minimal load. While on the class selection menu, hit '+' to see which items you automatically receive with the class. After you select a class, you will be prompted for a character name. You will also roll the statistics for your new dude. 4.0 The Main Map The heart of game play is the main side-view map. It is on this map that you explore the various landscapes of Uncertia, finding towns and plenty of monsters along the way. Page 4 4.1 Map Symbols The following are symbols shown on the main (side-view) and town (overhead) maps. NOTE: If you are viewing this on paper, the below symbols may be incorrect due to the font used on the printer. █ (brown) On side-view maps, solid rock. On overhead maps, paths to follow. ▓ (brown) On side-view maps, mountain surface. On overhead maps, solid rock of cliffs. ░▒▓█ (blue) Water. Stepping into water will decrease oxygen. ░▒▓█ (green) On side-view maps, grass. On overhead maps, grass or trees. The more dense (in terms of pixels) the character, the harder it is to move through. ▄█▄ (green) Tree. █ (brown) (white) Town. ⌡ (yellow) Rope or vine. ▒ (brown) Bridge. ╪ (red) Type-A gate. Requires a Type-A key to open. One key can only be used once; several must be obtained to pass through a gate several times. ╫ (red) Type-B gate. Requires a Type-B key to open. One key can only be used once; several must be obtained to pass through a gate several times. All other non-moving symbols are miscellaneous landscape features or buildings. All moving objects except your character are monsters. Page 5 4.2 Moving Around Especially if you are playing over the modem, BE SURE TO TURN ON YOUR NUMLOCK! To move on any map, simply hit an arrow key on the numeric pad. The following is a complete list of valid movement keys: Key Function ---------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Up, jump, climb rope, or climb a mountain 4 Left 2 Down, duck, or climb down a mountain 6 Right SPACE Jump up 7 Jump up and to the left or climb a mountain 9 Jump up and to the right or climb a mountain 1 Climb down a mountain 3 Climb down a mountain You can move on top of solid rock, and you can climb mountains. A major skill to be mastered is moving while jumping in the air; who says door games can't play like arcade machines? 5.0 Battles The battle is the highlight of Uncertia. It is through combat that adventurers earn points on their scores. They also receive money for their slayings. Money is essential for advancement in the game. To enter battle, simply bother a monster or hit 'B' while on top of the monster's character on the side-view map. Page 6 5.1 Landscape Once you and a pack of monsters decide to engage in battle, all of you will be transported to the battlefield, which you see from overhead. The battlefield is an etherless plain just out of phase with the rest of Uncertian reality. This area was created by Tergano, Overlord of Terrain and one of the five gods on the High Council of Uncertia. He also placed a force field barrier -- the gray double line, called The Curtain -- around the battlefield to keep other supernatural beings from interfering with YOUR battle. You will find green trees litter the landscape. The light green trees are impenetrable, while dark green trees allow passage through the barrier. This walkway is usefull when your enemies materializes outside The Curtain. The enemies you encounter will vary. Sometimes monsters travel in groups, other times they roam solo. In either case, they will leave you alone unless you disturb them. Go close to a monster, and it will chase you down. Hit a monster, and it will unleash its wrath upon you. 5.2 Combat Moves All the arrow keys are valid on the battle screen. Press ENTER to use your hand weapon. If you have a shooting weapon, along with the needed ammo, you can use '*' to target your enemy. Hit 'Q' to quit the battle and try to run away. 5.3 Strategy Since the monsters will try to enforce the action-reaction law of your home universe, you must strike quickly and move quickly. If you have a long weapon, such as a long whip, you can hide behind trees and attempt to damage the creature. Be careful! If there are several monsters in a small area and you attack one, they may all gang up on you! Page 7 6.0 Towns The towns in Uncertia provide locations of commerce, intrigue, information, and cultures. These places are what make the game interesting, past the arcade (well... over the modem?) qualities of Uncertia. 6.1 Exploring the Town Map All the arrows are valid on the town map, which is an overhead view of the land. What you see is actually just a small window of the much larger town. To see more of the town, simply walk "off" the map, and it will scroll automatically. Different terrains cover the area. Movement in these varied terrains make the barren lands and paths most desirable to travel on. In your explorations, you will discover larger gray, cyan, or red structures. These are buildings. The black slots inside of the buildings are doorways to shops. To knock on the door, simply move your character on top of one. Oh, and along the way, you'll meet many lifeforms wandering aimlessly around for no reason. It seems that each town in Uncertia is surrounded by a violence dampening field. While inside a town, no one can battle. Strange; the lifeforms have nothing better to do. 6.2 Shops There are a variety of shops inside the towns. Suttle changes can be found in the same shop in different towns. The bars, for example, offer different conversations in different towns. Buying prices are, for the most part, stable in Uncertia. When selling goods, however, you will most likely not receive the full value of the good since it is used. Storekeepers will try to con you into selling your good at a lower price. Some may offer you a fair price, however. In any case, you can try to haggle with them to achieve a better deal. Page 8 6.2.1 Weapon Shop In the Weapon Shop, you can buy or sell weapons, armour, shields, or projectiles. These shops are usually part of a larger weapon shop chain, such as Weapons Unlimited. 6.2.2 Item Shop The Item Shop is equivlent to the local convenience store on Earth. Groceries and more novel items can be bought or sold here. 6.2.3 Magic Shop The Magic Shop will be most visited by Wizards. It offers scrolls with spells written on them. NOTE: SPELL-CASTING IS NOT CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED IN UNCERTIA. 6.2.4 Bar The Bar is a very interesting place, indeed. Buy drinks to hear the latest rumors floating around the town. These conversations provide a glimpse into the history of the various areas of Uncerita. 6.2.5 Inn The Inn serves two purposes: a good night's sleep and a GOOD night's sleep. A good night's sleep will refresh your health by an amount varying with the type of room your pay for. A GOOD night's sleep is... er... time distorted. Page 9 7.0 The OmniPad The OmniPad is a pad given to you by Ers when you first entered Uncertia. By itself, it does nothing. However, when you buy cartridges for it, they link with the pad's electronics to create truely powerful telecommunication connections. Currently, the only cartridge available is Banking. It allows you to deposit and withdraw money in BankNet with variable interest rates. The starting interest rate is 5.0%. Your interest is compounded daily. Serious wealth can be accumulated with this option. *** THE OMNIPAD IS A REGISTERED-ONLY FEATURE! *** 8.0 Leaving the Game When you finally decide to quit your journeying for the day, you will be shown a scorelist. Players can use this scorelist to compare their scores and stats against other brave adventurers. Then, it's back to mundane reality! 9.0 Final Thoughts I sincerely hope you and your users enjoy Uncertia: TUQ. This version is simply one in a series, part of an always-developing game. I've spent many months working on this new version. If your users show interest in the game and it runs satisfactory on your BBS, please register it. The registration cost is extremely low for a game of such quality. Your registration guarantees you access to all registered-only features in upcoming releases. The new stuff planned is pretty amazing, too! If you decide to register, consult REGISTER.FRM for more information. Thank you for trying out Uncertia: TUQ! Page 10 10.0 Legal Information This software and documentation are protected under U.S. and international copyright laws and treaties. You are free to make copies of the software and documentation, however, all materials relating to this license statement, software, documentation, order information, copyright and trademark statement must remain intact as supplied in the original shareware package. You may not distribute, rent, sublicense, integrate or lease the software or the documentation. You may not alter, modify, or adapt the software or documentation, including but not limited to translating, decompiling, reverse assembling, or creating derivative works. The author disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to the software and any accompanying written materials. In no event shall the author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use and/or misuse of this product, even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you. All brand and product names referenced in this document are trademarks, registered trademarks, or copyrighted works of their respective holders. Page 11