--------------------------------------------
This archive contains a customized dataset
for LAND OF DESTRUCTION (LOD) VERSION 3.80
Archive name: BGD3801A.ZIP
LOD Version 3.80 required for use.
Created 10/1993
--------------------------------------------
DIFFICULTY RATING: Medium

The actual map layout is similar to the standard LOD games, but some areas
have been moved, some are now a little harder to access and several cities
have been added.  New characters in the taverns have also been added.
Level 4+ monsters have, in general, been beefed up a bit in hitpoints and
attributes.

I've picked up on Scott's "fabric of reality" idea and have tried to give
the game an entire theme based on this.  The idea is that RADSTORMS are
gradually tearing down the fabric of reality in areas and allowing all
sorts of creatures to enter from alternate dimensions.  If the Puritron is
not activated, who knows what could happen?

The Alien creature (based on the creature in the movies) has been beefed up
with special armor and a weapon.  (The weaker version appeared in my
Dragon's Lair scenario for Version 3.70). He is not a wimp!  Beware!  On
the other hand, by the time you encounter the Alien, you should be almost
ready for Xeboc hisself.  Don't be surprised if you run into Ripley in the
game - after all, where there's Aliens, there's gotta be Ripley.

I've also adjusted the experience needed to advance levels.  This starts at
750 for level 2 and increments until level 11 at which point the experience
required is simply doubled from the last level (192,000 experience points
required for each additional level).  This should help keep the players
"down on the farm" so to speak...and not allow the game to get out of
hand quickly.

I've noticed a lot of players start the game, but tend quit quickly.  As
a way of helping these people (aside from needing less experience to advance),
I've adjusted the game so all new players start with $2000, a MEDKIT/25,
Ration/5 and Sword.

New items include MedKit 100, the SKS carbine (4-12 damage), and
Vortex Grenades (up to 55 points damage).  Many of these new items are
available only in the more remote cities (with healthy price tags to boot).

Several additional weapon and armor types have been added - but only for use
by monsters.  These items will disappear when the monster is killed.  (These
are the ACID ATTACK, EXOSKELETON, FANGS and SCALES).

Many of the monsters will not accept surrender terms now either - mainly
the higher level baddies.  By the time the player gets to this stage, they
shouldn't be wimping out.  I've also increased the RADSTORM and RADTORNADO
hitpoints.

I've also added one new Fortress shield and weapon - this should help keep
the crazies out in the wasteland where they belong.  Taking Scott's
example, I have increased the cost of the TRANSPORTER beyond the figure he
put in as default.  This won't keep it out of the player's hands - but
it'll cost dearly.

I've also adjusted the rate of interest for loans to 18%, but the return on
the game account is now 16%.  (It makes sense that you have to pay more on
a loan than you'd make in a bank account...right?)

I've left most of the user-specific parameters (combat, deaths_per_day,
janitorial fees, et cetera) default.  Fortress attacks are limited to 10
per day.

All six huts are populated by characters for the player to speak with.
(Obiwan in Hut #1 is a game default). These follow the theme of the game.

Eight new Tavern characters have been added - some may be old
friends...some may even be YOU!.  Find out what Bill Gates REALLY thinks
about Windows. Will there be a RAMBO XXII - The Wasteland?  Find out what
happened to Steve Jobs! Is Scott Baker doomed to a life of Eternity in the
Wastelands?  Is Hunter S. Thompson back in true Gonzo form?  Will Arnold
make it as a barkeeper or will he Terminate the clientele?  What does
Ray Bacon REALLY have to say about his datasets?

INSTALLATION
------------

You MUST have LOD version 3.80 to utilize this dataset.  If you do not have
this door, you may wish to call THE NOT YET NAMED BBS @ (602)544-4655.  This
board is run by Scott Baker, the author, and has all the files on-line for
easy downloading.  A LOD conference is available on FidoNet as well.

To use, simply copy the files GAME.DEF and USERDOC.TXT into your LOD sub-
directory.  That's it.  The USERDOC.TXT file is not mandatory - but it does
contain dataset-specific weapon descriptions and the correct advancement
table.

I'd be leery of doing so on a game in-progress - fortresses can end up in
inaccessable areas (such as mountains).

SYSOPS ONLY
------------

To help you get situated, here are the locations of some of the cities
and pylons:

CLONE CENTER 19,11  (Take the highway east to the first fork.  Go South.
                     Take the next fork north.)
FREEDOM CITY  5,52  (Due south of Sacre Base)
DRAKU HQ    102,56  (The site is an old airport)
HORTICULTURE Station 50,3 (up where the Standard Set Freedom City was)


OTHER STUFF
------------
This dataset is released as freeware - use it and enjoy it.
If you *DO* use this scenario, I'd be interested in hearing what you and
your users think of it.  Even if it sucks :).  I've spent about a month (in
total) working on this.  I just about had it done and LOD 3.80 came
out...so I invested several more days of frantic activity to make it
compatible with the new version.

This has been pretty extensively play-tested in-house , but I make no
guarantees as to being "bug-free".  If you find any glaring errors - PLEASE
let me know!  I like to get things right the first time...but...well, it
doesn't always work that way.

There has been much discussion on the LOD echo about SYSOPs needing to see
the source before running the game.  If you are THAT paranoid, fine.  You
can contact me (see below).  (You might also speak to the Deranged SYSOP in
the game...) I assure you I have a certain amount of moral fiber and would
not release anything not acceptable in general moralistic bounds (ie. No
sex, swearing, Conservative Republican-speak or ANYTHING that might
reflect views held by Rush Limbaugh.)  Heck, I even toned the Hunter S.
Thompson character Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down.  He'd be unpalatable in real
life.

Frankly I didn't spend a month working on this to simply "screw over" some
poor unsuspecting SYSOP.

Should you have problems or want the source, I can be reached on Compuserve
71636,1075 or via the Salem Library BBS (503)588-6086 (19.2K 24 hrs)
(503)588-6092 (19.2K 24 hours).  Leave mail to Bob Dodson.  This is an open
board - no validation required.  I run the IBM section of the board, but am
NOT the SYSOP!  We do not have LOD on-line at this BBS either.

I also call The Not Yet Named BBS on a sporadic basis.  You can also address
a message on the LOD FIDOnet echo to Bob Dodson (at the Not Yet Named BBS)
and I will, sooner or later, pick it up.  I call about once a week.

Note: owing to one "geek" caller to the Salem Public Library BBS - I will
spell this out very clearly:  THIS IS NOT A SUPPORT BBS FOR LOD!!!!!!!!!!
This is a board where I can be contacted.  Clear enough?

I can also be reached at 3295 Brenna Ave NE, Salem OR  97303.

