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Revision: 1.12
Committed: Sun Jul 23 16:08:52 2006 UTC (17 years, 11 months ago) by elmex
Branch: MAIN
Changes since 1.11: +5 -7 lines
Log Message:
minor typos

File Contents

# User Rev Content
1 root 1.10 =for image banner.png
2    
3 root 1.3 =head1 CFPlus - a Crossfire+ and Crossfire game client.
4 root 1.1
5 root 1.2 =head2 What's Crossfire+ - Basic Game Concepts
6 root 1.1
7 root 1.3 In the words of Frank Tore Johansen, the author of the original Crossfire
8     game:
9    
10     "Crossfire is a multi-player graphical arcade and adventure game made for
11     the X Windows systems environment. It has certain flavours from other
12     games, especially gauntletand the rogue-like games. Any number of players
13     can move around in their own window, finding and using items and battling
14     monsters. They can choose to cooperate or compete in the same world."
15    
16     In the years of development that have followed, Crossfire has grown to
17     encompass hundreds of monsters, thousands of maps to explore, an elaborate
18     magic system, over 15 character types, a system of skills, and many, many
19     artifacts and treasures.
20    
21 root 1.8 Crossfire+ is freely distributed under the General Public License (GPL)
22     and the code may be obtained from L<http://crossfire.schmorp.de/>.
23 root 1.3
24 root 1.4 =head1 Getting Started
25 root 1.3
26     First of all, don't be daunted by the apparent complexity of Crossfire -
27     in reality, Crossfire is quite easy to play and character generation is
28     simple. Later on, when you have some experience playing the game, you may
29     wish to read the full manual.
30 root 1.1
31 root 1.2 =head2 User Interface Basics
32 root 1.1
33 root 1.2 # very short description of all ui elements
34 root 1.1
35 elmex 1.9 =head2 Start Playing
36    
37     When starting the client you will see a window in the middle of the screen:
38    
39     =for image sc_login.png
40    
41     There are several settings there:
42    
43     =over 4
44    
45     =item B<Host:Port>
46    
47     In the I<Host:Port> entry you can enter the server hostname followed by
48     a colon with the port. The port is per default 13326 if you just enter
49     the hostname.
50    
51     Below the entry there is a button I<Server List>. If you click on it you
52     will get a server list:
53    
54     =for image sc_login_srvlist.png
55    
56     You can choose from the aviable servers there.
57     (B<Note:> At the time of this writing (2006-07-23) only I<cf.schmorp.de> supports
58 elmex 1.12 all features that are offered by CFPlus).
59 elmex 1.9
60     =item B<Username>
61    
62     Here you have to enter the character name you would like to play
63     with.
64     If you are playing for the first time, type any name you like; this will
65     be your character name for the rest of the life of that character.
66     As you don't have a character yet you have to create a new
67 elmex 1.12 character. It will be explained below at the L<intro/Character Creation>.
68 elmex 1.9
69     =item B<Password>
70    
71     Next, type in any password. Remember:
72     you will need to remember the same password again to play that character
73     again! You can use B<Save Config> (see the buttons on the top of the window) to save your settings,
74     including name and password, but if it gets lost recovery is difficult, so remember your
75     password or write it down at a safe place.
76    
77     One more note: it's not a good idea to use "real" passwords to your
78     computer accounts! Doing so may make your system vulnerable to
79     unscrupulous Crossfire server administrators.
80    
81     =back
82    
83     Enter the desired I<Username> and I<Password> and click on I<Login> now.
84    
85     =head2 Character Creation
86    
87     =for item sc_char_create.png
88    
89     Your next step will be to generate random (primary) stats for your
90     character (to see the stats, you might have to open the B<Stats Window>
91     using the button at the top of the screen).
92    
93     Hover with the mouse cursor over the stats (Str, Dex, Con, Int, Wis, Pow and Cha)
94     to see what they mean or what they do.
95    
96     Or look at L<intro/Character Stats>.
97    
98     You can let the dices reroll your stats with the I<Roll Again> button, you can
99     I<Swap Stats>.
100     You aren't limited to the number of times you can roll your stats - so have fun.
101     Notice that the stats are always arranged that the B<Str> stat has the highest value, the
102     B<Cha> stat has the lowest. You may rearrange the order of these values
103     when you decide that you have rolled some decent stats. Two points: you
104     can never roll a character with better stats than an average of straight
105     15's, and you can't roll higher than 18 in a stat.
106    
107     Finally click on I<Accept> stats when you think they are fine.
108    
109     The next you will see after accepting the stats will be the race selection:
110    
111     =for image sc_char_create_race.png
112    
113     On the top right a text is displayed that explains the current selected race.
114     If you rearrange the windows like this:
115    
116     =for image sc_char_create_race2.png
117    
118     You will also see the face of the selected race. Click on I<Next Race> and read all
119     the descriptions until you find the right race for your new character.
120     Keep in mind that the races also affect the L<intro/Character Stats>.
121    
122     After you clicked I<Accept> you will see this:
123    
124 elmex 1.12 (I chose a Halfling for now)
125 elmex 1.9
126     =for image sc_new_char.png
127    
128     The dragon on the right is another player that is currently logging in or creating his character.
129    
130     Now go to the south (you can move your character by with the keypad or the cursor keys).
131     You will enter a hall similar to this:
132    
133     =for image sc_new_char_hall.png
134    
135     Step onto the first cell before the teleporter and the description of the character class
136     will be displayed in the message window:
137    
138     =for image sc_new_char_class.png
139    
140     While each class has its particular strengths and weaknesses, in summary
141     its just a fact that some classes are easier to play than others.
142    
143     For beginning players, the "simple fighter" characters are the easiest
144     to play successfully. The B<Dwarf>, B<Human>, and B<Warrior> are among
145     good earlier choices. As you gain experience with using Crossfire+ you
146     may wish to branch out into other "fighter" characters such as the
147     B<Thief> or B<Elf>, or try your hand at playing "spellcaster" characters
148     like the B<Wizard>, B<Mage>, B<Cleric> or B<Priest>. The "exotic" races
149     (e.g. B<Fireborn>, B<Quetzalcoatl> and B<Wraith>) and the B<Monk> class
150     are the hardest classes to master.
151    
152     One more note: You will probably find any character class that has a low
153     natural B<Int> (for example, the B<Barbarian> class) will have a fairly
154     difficult time at higher levels. Skills, and most importantly, spells,
155     will be more difficult learn. Plan to spend a lot of loot on grimores,
156     prayer books and skill scrolls.
157    
158     If you found a class that you like step on the teleporter.
159    
160     =head2 The first dungeons
161    
162     Next you will land in the nexus:
163    
164     =for image sc_new_char_nexus.png
165    
166     Read the signs by stepping on them and read what they say.
167     These signs automatically display what they have to say in the message window.
168     Other signs you have to read by applying them. You apply something by middle-click
169     it in the floorbox:
170    
171     =for image sc_new_char_floorbox_apply.png
172    
173     Or you can use the I<spacebar> to apply the topmost thing you see in the floorbox.
174    
175     For now go to the north into the newbies house. Read all signs there and follow their
176     instructions.
177    
178     If you see NPC's there, click on them and you will enter the NPC dialouge:
179    
180     =for image sc_newbiew_npc_dialog.png
181    
182     The buttons on the right are options of what you can say to the NPC. You can also
183     click on the links in the text to ask the NPC about that.
184    
185     Another note about entering commands:
186    
187 elmex 1.12 In crossfire most things are command driven. You can enter commands in two ways:
188 elmex 1.9
189     =over 4
190    
191     =item B<Chat Box>
192    
193     =for image sc_chatbox.png
194    
195     If you plan longer chat sessions you maybe prefer this.
196    
197     =item B<Command Completer>
198    
199     Read the tooltip that occurs when you hover the mouse above the entry.
200     This completer can speed up commands a lot.
201    
202     =back
203    
204 elmex 1.12 Ok, I assume now that you finished the newbies house and you are back in the nexus.
205 elmex 1.9 Now walk to the left, to the exit to I<Scorn>, the main town in the world.
206     It's the main meeting place for most people on the server and it offers newbie
207     dungeons for the beginners.
208    
209     If you walk into the exit you will be teleported to scorn:
210    
211     To the west you see the two beginner houses. Step onto the first one:
212    
213     =for image sc_scorn_beginners_house.png
214    
215     Press spacebar to apply it to enter the house. Like the newbies house
216     in the nexus read all signs and follow their orders:
217    
218     =for image sc_inthe_beginners_house.png
219    
220     After you finished that house, enter the second house and finish it.
221    
222     After finishing those two houses there are multiple dungeons for newbies.
223     The best for you to start is the I<Newbie Tower>:
224    
225     =for image sc_scorn_newbie_tower.png
226    
227     To the north there is the I<Drinking Fountain> a well that you can enter.
228     The first parts of the dungeon there are also very nice.
229    
230     =for image sc_scorn_drinking_fountain.png
231    
232     Explore Scorn, there are many dungeons in the houses. Be careful when meeting
233     new monsters, ask questions on the server via the I<chat> command and read the
234     documentation here for further information about some topics.
235    
236 elmex 1.11 Before doing further exploration you maybe want to know how to see your progress
237     and where to see what level you are and what your current stats are.
238    
239     =head2 Displayed information
240    
241     Here is a quick explanation what all main information elements in the client gui mean:
242    
243     =over 4
244    
245     =item B<Gauges and Floorbox>
246    
247     =for image sc_gauges_and_floorbox.png
248    
249     These are the gauges that display your Health, Spellpoints/Mana,
250     Grace and Food. Please hover the mouse cursor above them and read the tooltips.
251     On the bottom of the gauges the maximum value is displayed and on the top
252     the current value.
253    
254     Below the gauges there is the experience and level displayed. The level is increased
255     once you reached a certain amount of experience points.
256    
257     Below that there is the range slot. It displays the currently selected range weapon
258     that you can fire with ctrl+<direction>. This could be a bow or a spell.
259    
260     The most important dialog is the I<Playerbook>, it can be opened by clicking
261     on the I<Playerbook> button on the top of the window or by pressing I<Tab>.
262     There are also shortcuts to them on the keys I<F2> to I<F5>. (I<F1> brings up this help).
263    
264     =item B<Statusbox>
265    
266     =for image sc_statusbox.png
267    
268     It displays all the current status messages that occur while playing.
269     For example what you hit, if you gained experience, if someone entered
270     the game or if someone said something. The status messages will disappear over time.
271     B<Note:> Most status messages are also displayed in the message window, for example
272     chatters and if someone entered/left the game.
273    
274     =item B<Skill list>
275    
276     If you press I<F3> or open the playerbook via the I<Playerbook> button on the top
277     of the window and select the I<Skills> tab, you will see this:
278    
279     =for image sc_skill_list.png
280    
281     It displays all the skills you have and displays the experience points and level you gained in each.
282    
283     =item B<Statistics>
284    
285     If you want to see what stats and resistancies you currently have, go to the I<Statistics> tab in the
286     I<Playerbook> (for example by pressing I<F2>).
287    
288     =for image sc_statistics.png
289    
290     Resistancies protect you from a certain type of attack.
291    
292     =item B<Spellbook>
293    
294     If you want to see what spells you have learned yet, go to the I<Spellbook> tab in the
295     I<Playerbook> (for example by pressing I<F4>).
296    
297     You wont see there any spell if you just started, but if you learn a spell, it will show up there.
298    
299     If you have learned some spells it should look like this:
300    
301     =for image sc_spellbook.png
302    
303     =back
304    
305     =head2 After playing
306    
307     If you are tired or want to take a break from playing, you have to find a I<Bed to Reality>.
308     The I<Wanderers Inn> is the best place to find such a bed for a newbie:
309    
310     =for image sc_wanderers_inn.png
311    
312     Go into it and find a I<Bed to Reality>:
313    
314     =for image sc_bed_to_reality.png
315    
316     If you apply it your character will be saved. Your score will also be displayed and your rank
317     on the hiscore list.
318    
319 elmex 1.9 =head1 Getting Started (old)
320    
321 root 1.3 =head2 How to create a new Character
322    
323     When you start up Crossfire, you will be asked for a character name and a
324     password (you may need to open the B<Server Setup> dialog for this using
325     the button at the top of the screen). If you are playing for the first
326     time, type any name you like; this will be your character name for the
327     rest of the life of that character. Next, type in any password. Remember:
328     you will need to remember the same password again to play that character
329     again! You can use B<Save Config> to save your settings, including name
330     and password, but if it gets lost recovery is difficult, so remember your
331     password or write it down at a safe place.
332    
333     One more note: it's not a good idea to use "real" passwords to your
334     computer accounts! Doing so may make your system vulnerable to
335     unscrupulous Crossfire server administrators.
336    
337     Your next step will be to generate random (primary) stats for your
338     character (to see the stats, you might have to open the B<Stats Window>
339     using the button at the top of the screen). You aren't limited to the
340     number of times you can roll your stats - so have fun. Notice that the
341     stats are always arranged that the B<Str> stat has the highest value, the
342     B<Cha> stat has the lowest. You may rearrange the order of these values
343     when you decide that you have rolled some decent stats. Two points: you
344     can never roll a character with better stats than an average of straight
345     15's, and you can't roll higher than 18 in a stat.
346    
347     When you roll your character, the stats displayed are the stats you will
348     get as a human (which are unmodified). When satisfied, you can step
349     through a number of races, each with special bonuses in stats.
350    
351     The manual shows how your basic stats will be changed by choosing a
352     different race. The difference between the natural stat limit and 20
353     indicates the bonus/penalty assigned to rolled primary stats. For example,
354     a troll has a maximum strength which is 5 higher than 20-that means he
355     will begin with an additional 5 points added to his strength roll. On the
356     other hand, a troll can never get above 15 in intelligence. This means
357     that your rolled character will have 5 less in intelligence if you choose
358     that race. You should also note that any bonus to an ability can't raise
359     the final number above your racial maximum, and no penalty can give you an
360     ability score less then one; the lowest it can ever get is one.
361    
362     =head3 Selecting a class
363    
364     While each class has its particular strengths and weaknesses, in summary
365     its just a fact that some classes are easier to play than others.
366    
367     For beginning players, the "simple fighter" characters are the easiest
368     to play successfully. The B<Dwarf>, B<Human>, and B<Warrior> are among
369     good earlier choices. As you gain experience with using Crossfire+ you
370     may wish to branch out into other "fighter" characters such as the
371     B<Thief> or B<Elf>, or try your hand at playing "spellcaster" characters
372     like the B<Wizard>, B<Mage>, B<Cleric> or B<Priest>. The "exotic" races
373     (e.g. B<Fireborn>, B<Quetzalcoatl> and B<Wraith>) and the B<Monk> class
374     are the hardest classes to master.
375    
376     One more note: You will probably find any character class that has a low
377     natural B<Int> (for example, the B<Barbarian> class) will have a fairly
378     difficult time at higher levels. Skills, and most importantly, spells,
379     will be more difficult learn. Plan to spend a lot of loot on grimores,
380     prayer books and skill scrolls.
381    
382     =head2 Playing the game
383    
384     #TODO biggers house, binding keys etc.
385    
386 root 1.4 =head1 Hints for Beginning Players
387    
388 pippijn 1.6 I'm done with class selection, now there are three ways to go, where
389     should I go? It is a good idea to take the northern path into the
390     teleporter leading you to the beginners house. You can learn some basic
391     skills there before journeying onward. Once you are there, you will get
392     many things explained to you. Make sure you investigate every place in
393     that house.
394    
395 root 1.4 I'm on the starting map, what do I do now? You should be in a city square
396     with a few sign posts in the middle. Move over the signs and apply them
397 elmex 1.9 B<spacebar> to read what they say.
398 root 1.4
399     For beginners, there are several maps designed for them. Find these areas
400     and clear them out. All throughout these levels, a player can find signs
401     and books which they can read by stepping onto them and hitting B<space
402     bar> to apply the book/sign. These messages will help the player to learn
403     the system. Probably the first, best area for a beginning player to start
404     out in is "Beginners." This area is a small house located southwest of
405     your starting location.
406    
407     =head2 Flailing about with spells
408    
409     Some items are perishable. If you shoot a fireball into a room full of
410     scrolls, you will notice them going up in smoke! So be careful not to
411     destroy valuable items.
412    
413     =head2 Tips on surviving
414    
415     Crossfire+ is populated with a wealth of different monsters. These monsters
416     can have varying immunities and attacktypes. In addition, some of them can
417     be quite a bit smarter than others. It will be important for new players
418     to learn the abilities of different monsters and learn just how much it
419     will take to kill them.
420    
421     Most monsters in the game are out to mindlessly kill and destroy the
422     players. Killing monsters will help boost a player's score. When fighting
423     a large amount of monsters in a single room, attempt to find a narrower
424     hallway so that you are not being attacked from all sides. Charging into a
425     room full of Beholders would not be wise, instead, open the door and fight
426     them one at a time.
427    
428     More advice can be found in the Survival Guide
429     L<http://crossfire.real-time.com/guides/survival_guide/index.html>.
430    
431     =head2 Priorities for low-level characters
432    
433     The priority for characters below about 5th level is to gain some basic
434     items. In this regard, better armour and better spells are best. Look for
435     a quest among the various islands that will allow you to obtain mithril
436     mail. Whenever you scrape together ~100-200 platinum pieces go shopping
437     for armour and weapons (or spells). If you are a fighter type, try to have
438     at least a +2 weapon, +2 helmet, +2 suit of armour, and +2 shield before
439     you reach 5th level. For wizards, attempt to recover enough treasure to
440     be able to buy up good attack spells. For priests, first thing to do is
441     worship a god! Try to get the holy word prayer as soon as possible. Make
442     sure your current god allows good potential use of this spell.
443    
444     For all classes, get access to the detect magic incantation as soon as
445     possible. This will allow you to sort through the treasure you find while
446     you're in the dungeon, and will save you time and money at the shops.
447    
448     =head2 Diseases
449    
450     Diseases are, well, diseases. They can be contageous or not, and can be
451     contracted in a number of ways, and they vary greatly in their symptoms
452     and dangerousness.
453    
454     Diseases have "levels". If you contract a disease and recover naturally,
455     you're immune to that disease forever, provided the instance of the
456     disease is of equal or lower level than your immunity.
457    
458     For example, you get a case of the flu cast by yourself at level 15. When
459     you get over it, you're immune to any flu of level less than 16. When you
460 root 1.5 become level 16 and cast the flu again, you are I<not> immune.
461 root 1.4
462     Spells such as B<cure disease> or B<restoration> will remove a disease, but
463     will not grant immunity.
464    
465     When cast as a spell, diseases's severity is level dependent. A 30th level
466     cold is a I<lot> more severe than a level 2 cold.
467    
468     Undead are I<never> affected by any disease.
469    
470     Any priest player who isn't denied the path of wounding may learn and B<cast
471     cause> B<cold>, B<flu>, B<typhoid>, B<anthrax> and B<leprosy> spells.
472    
473     Any priest with a high enough B<Wis> and with a religion that is attuned
474     to wounding may learn to B<cast cause> B<smallpox>, B<white death> and
475     B<red death> by praying at his altar.
476    
477     The I<damage> caused each round varies between 0 and the maximum listed
478     for a disease. So you can inflict a I<mild> case of ebola, which would
479     I<not> kill a monster, or a severe one capable of killing it.
480    
481 pippijn 1.7 # TODO: disease table needs heavy reformatting
482     anthrax, anthrax, Godpower
483     arthritis, arthritis, Godpower
484     disease_cold, cold, Godpower
485     creeping_frost, creeping frost, Cold
486     diarrhea, the runs, Physical
487     ebola, Red Death, Godpower
488     egg_disease, egg disease, Physical
489     flaming_fart, flaming farts, Physical
490     flu, flu, Godpower
491     immolation, immolation, Fire
492     incontinence, lack of bladder control, Physical
493     insanity, insanity, Confusion
494     leprosy, leprosy, Godpower
495     bubonic_plague, Black Death, Godpower
496     pneumonic_plague, pneumonic plague, Godpower
497     rabies, rabies, Godpower + Confusion
498     scurvy, scurvy, Physical
499     smallpox, smallpox, Godpower
500     tapeworms, tapeworms, Physical
501     tooth_decay, tooth decay, Physical
502     typhoid, typhoid, Godpower
503     warts, warts, Physical
504 root 1.4
505 root 1.3 =head1 Authors
506    
507     Parts of this document were originally compiled, edited, and written by
508     Brian Thomas, Klaus Elsbernd, and John W. Klar. Additional information
509     compiled by Maciej Kalisiak, Gorlin, Anton Oussik and Gene Alexander.
510 root 1.1
511 root 1.3 Adapted for use by I<cfplus>, enhanced and corrected by Pippijn van
512 elmex 1.9 Steenhoven, Marc A. Lehmann and Robin Redeker.
513 root 1.1