--- deliantra/Deliantra-Client/resources/pod/intro.pod	2006/05/25 01:26:54	1.2
+++ deliantra/Deliantra-Client/resources/pod/intro.pod	2006/05/25 23:22:22	1.3
@@ -1,14 +1,106 @@
-=head1 Pclient - a Crossfire+ and Crossfire game client.
+=head1 CFPlus - a Crossfire+ and Crossfire game client.
 
 =head2 What's Crossfire+ - Basic Game Concepts
 
-# blurb
+In the words of Frank Tore Johansen, the author of the original Crossfire
+game:
+
+"Crossfire is a multi-player graphical arcade and adventure game made for
+the X Windows systems environment. It has certain flavours from other
+games, especially gauntletand the rogue-like games. Any number of players
+can move around in their own window, finding and using items and battling
+monsters. They can choose to cooperate or compete in the same world."
+
+In the years of development that have followed, Crossfire has grown to
+encompass hundreds of monsters, thousands of maps to explore, an elaborate
+magic system, over 15 character types, a system of skills, and many, many
+artifacts and treasures.
+
+Crossfire+ is freely distributed under the GNU license and the code may be
+obtained from L<http://crossfire.schmorp.de/>.
+
+=head2 Getting Started
+
+First of all, don't be daunted by the apparent complexity of Crossfire -
+in reality, Crossfire is quite easy to play and character generation is
+simple. Later on, when you have some experience playing the game, you may
+wish to read the full manual.
 
 =head2 User Interface Basics
 
 # very short description of all ui elements
 
-=head2 How To Get Started
+=head2 How to create a new Character
+
+When you start up Crossfire, you will be asked for a character name and a
+password (you may need to open the B<Server Setup> dialog for this using
+the button at the top of the screen). If you are playing for the first
+time, type any name you like; this will be your character name for the
+rest of the life of that character. Next, type in any password. Remember:
+you will need to remember the same password again to play that character
+again! You can use B<Save Config> to save your settings, including name
+and password, but if it gets lost recovery is difficult, so remember your
+password or write it down at a safe place.
+
+One more note: it's not a good idea to use "real" passwords to your
+computer accounts! Doing so may make your system vulnerable to
+unscrupulous Crossfire server administrators.
+
+Your next step will be to generate random (primary) stats for your
+character (to see the stats, you might have to open the B<Stats Window>
+using the button at the top of the screen). You aren't limited to the
+number of times you can roll your stats - so have fun. Notice that the
+stats are always arranged that the B<Str> stat has the highest value, the
+B<Cha> stat has the lowest. You may rearrange the order of these values
+when you decide that you have rolled some decent stats. Two points: you
+can never roll a character with better stats than an average of straight
+15's, and you can't roll higher than 18 in a stat.
+
+When you roll your character, the stats displayed are the stats you will
+get as a human (which are unmodified). When satisfied, you can step
+through a number of races, each with special bonuses in stats.
+
+The manual shows how your basic stats will be changed by choosing a
+different race. The difference between the natural stat limit and 20
+indicates the bonus/penalty assigned to rolled primary stats. For example,
+a troll has a maximum strength which is 5 higher than 20-that means he
+will begin with an additional 5 points added to his strength roll. On the
+other hand, a troll can never get above 15 in intelligence. This means
+that your rolled character will have 5 less in intelligence if you choose
+that race. You should also note that any bonus to an ability can't raise
+the final number above your racial maximum, and no penalty can give you an
+ability score less then one; the lowest it can ever get is one.
+
+=head3 Selecting a class
+
+While each class has its particular strengths and weaknesses, in summary
+its just a fact that some classes are easier to play than others.
+
+For beginning players, the "simple fighter" characters are the easiest
+to play successfully. The B<Dwarf>, B<Human>, and B<Warrior> are among
+good earlier choices. As you gain experience with using Crossfire+ you
+may wish to branch out into other "fighter" characters such as the
+B<Thief> or B<Elf>, or try your hand at playing "spellcaster" characters
+like the B<Wizard>, B<Mage>, B<Cleric> or B<Priest>. The "exotic" races
+(e.g. B<Fireborn>, B<Quetzalcoatl> and B<Wraith>) and the B<Monk> class
+are the hardest classes to master.
+
+One more note: You will probably find any character class that has a low
+natural B<Int> (for example, the B<Barbarian> class) will have a fairly
+difficult time at higher levels. Skills, and most importantly, spells,
+will be more difficult learn. Plan to spend a lot of loot on grimores,
+prayer books and skill scrolls.
+
+=head2 Playing the game
+
+#TODO biggers house, binding keys etc.
+
+=head1 Authors
+
+Parts of this document were originally compiled, edited, and written by
+Brian Thomas, Klaus Elsbernd, and John W. Klar. Additional information
+compiled by Maciej Kalisiak, Gorlin, Anton Oussik and Gene Alexander.
 
-# TODO: on first login, create character etc.
+Adapted for use by I<cfplus>, enhanced and corrected by Pippijn van
+Steenhoven and Marc A. Lehmann.