Copyright: Mush V3.0 - StoneAge Software (Mar. 1994)


  Mush -  Version 3.0

Background

The Inspiration

The Story Begins...

Playing The Game	Legalities

Object Of The Game	Disclaimer

Windows	Register This Software

Menus

Commands


Background; Inspiration
 Background:  The Inspiration

This game, as well as several other role playing adventure games, were originally designed and written for a Commodore B-128 PET OS in about 1987.  With the advent of Windows, it became apparent that the old days of playing 'adventure' on the IBM mainframe (or VAX) were going away forever.  I have always enjoyed playing these role playing adventure games, and think that this Windows format is easy to understand and to play.   This game is intended to let the adventurer use a small amount of logic and imagination to solve the obstacles within this game.  This game is presented to the people who have played these role playing games long before Windows was ever imagined.

This game is dedicated to John Schultheiss, for the adventure mentor he has been to me for many years.   Yeah...  Fang in '94!

I hope you enjoy the adventure!

StoneAge Software

P.O. Box 621881

Littleton, Colorado 80162-1881

Timothy W. Stone, President


Background; Beginning
       Background: The Story Begins...

You wake with a start.  You get out of the strange bed you were lying in, and walk over to the window to see what the day has brought.  It's still dark, but you can see that it is cold outside.  Extremely cold!

The cold hasn't stopped all the people outside your window in the street below from getting about their hurried and excited tasks.  Its race day, and you're not the only one with a dog team here in town to claim to be the best musher.

You shake your head to wake up, and run your hands through your hair as if that will help you think straight, and get all the things done before you register for today's race.   Its daylight outside in the high arctic  - just like all day yesterday and all day tomorrow.  It's not completely bright outside, but the sun is low against the horizon as winter quickly approaches.  You sure won't need any flashlights on this trip, and none of those heavy batteries, either!  That makes you smile.

"Lets see... dogs... food... ammunition (to keep the bears away and for something to hunt with)... uhhh...", you say to yourself making a mental note of all the things that really must be done this morning and failing miserably.

"Cold and bad weather is what makes this dog race through the white expanses of mountains and tundra the challenge its put up to be.".   At least that's what the local papers have been saying all week.

Peering through the curtains in your room, you survey the small town, which has swelled many times in size overnight.  You were very fortunate to get a room it seems, and your dogs were lucky to get a warm stall.  The General Store is directly across the street, and next to that to the north is the County Clerk's Office where race registration takes place.  The livery stable is right next door to your hotel.

You open the door to your room, and head down the hall to the stairs.  Going down the stairs, you meet another large man with a broad smile on his face.  "Great day for a mush!", he says to you, as he bounds up the stairs.

"I agree.", you add, but he's already gone.  At the bottom of the stairs is where your day begins.

Good Luck, and enjoy the scenery - its the best in the world.


object of the game
 Playing The Game:  Object Of The Game

This game is a race against the clock.

This game is fashioned after the Iditarod dog race that is run in Alaska, USA every year in early March.

The player starts inside the the Yukon Hotel, and is tasked with collecting the supplies it takes to get to the finish line.  The finish line is marked on the map below in the lower right hand corner.

You'll need food for yourself and for your dogs.  You'll need to pick some supplies up for yourself - at $20 per item.  You should have brought these things along with you, but it's too late to do anything about that now.

You'll need to rest along the way, because you cannot complete the course in less than two days.  If you do - there's something wrong with my algorithm (but I regress).

The lowest time accumulated after all the players have crossed the finish line is the winner.  Generally the more rugged the terrain the more time it takes to cross that stretch of race course.  Of course the principal is fairly simple, but that's just the way things go.

There are variety of obstacles which lie in wait for you to encounter.  The types of encounters you experience will be similar to those you would expect on such an adventure.  Remember - ignoring the problem does not make it go away.


windows
 Playing The Game:  Game Windows

There are 9 major windows which are involved in this game.  Each window serves a different purpose.  The 'controlling' window is a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window, with the other 5 game windows being MDI Children, and 3 being shown modally.  These windows are where the commands are issued to play the game, or the game progress is monitored.  Each window is automatically displayed when the game is started, and is present throughout the game.  Each window may be minimized at any time.  Click on the window type for more information.

These are the Windows

Top Level MDI Window

Status	Player Status

Visible Objects	Race Status

Inventory	Player Name Entry

Location

Command Bank


MDI Window
Mush's Top Level Multiple Document Interface (MDI) Window

This is the initial screen that the player sees, after you've made it through the Shareware/Registered license file check.  Although this view is 1/2 scale, it is not intended to show detail, but to identify the difference between the top level MDI Window, and it's Child Windows (the Status Window, the Location Description Window, The Visible Objects Window, The Player Inventory Window, and the Command Window) are visible.  The menues visible in the upper left of the form are part of the MDI form, and so is all the white background space visible behind the MDI Children Windows.  Enough lessons on Windows semantics... enjoy the game.     Click on the graphic where you see the hand for identification of the basic game Window components.


    The Game Status Window

Both the Race Status Window and the Player Status Window may be displayed from this Window.  Specific information about the race or the current player may be observed using these Windows.


    The Visible Objects Window

The Visible Objects Window displays objects that the player is observing while they are at a location.  This is the window from which objects will be picked up from, and deposited when objects are dropped by the player.

To pick up and object just double click on the object within the Visible Objects Window.

To drop an object just double-click on the object within the Personal Inventory Window.


   The Personal Inventory Window

This window lists all of the objects that a player is currently holding.  There is a limit to the number of objects which may be held at one time.

To drop an object just double-click on the object within the Personal Inventory Window.

To pick up and object just double click on the object within the Visible Objects Window


    The Location Description Window

This window displays what the player currently sees regarding their surroundings.  Objects displayed in this window are not available to be retrieved by the player, but are merely observations made at the current game location.  No further information on a location is available beyond what is displayed in this window.


   The Command Bank Window

This window contains the command buttons for movement or other actions.  Most commands are only available at differing times throughout the game.  If a command is not available, it will be displayed as any other disabled command button within Windows.

There are no 'get' or 'drop' key as in previous StoneAge Adventures.  To pick something up just double-click on the object in the Visible Objects Window


menus
    Playing The Game: Menus

There are only three menus available to the user.

These menus are on the top level MDI Window.

Click on the menu type for more information.

File

Player

Help


file;menu
The following File Menu options are available:

New	-	Start a new game an initialize all game variables

Open	-	Start from a game already saved to disk

Save	-	Save the current game to a file which already exists

Fast Exit	-	Exit the game immediately - do not stop go - do not collect $200.

Exit	-	Exit the Game and check your game status


player; menu
 Player Scenarios and Naming

The following Player Menu options are available:

1 Player	-  Set the number of players to 1, and shows as being checked

2 Players	-  Set the number of players to 2, and shows as being checked

Set Player Names	-  Display the Player Name Entry Form for make a Player Name Change


help;menu
The following Help options are available:

Contents	-	Calls this Help program.

About...	-	A dab of  ---  StoneAge Software  --- self promotion is in order.


commands
 Playing The Game: Available Game Commands

The following commands are available for this game:

north

south

east

west

eat

drink

shoot

register

sleep

feed


player status
  Player Status Window

This window is displayed if the Player Status command button is clicked in the Status Window.     Detailed Information about the player, and their dogs is displayed in this Window.      Click on any control on the graphic for more specifics.


race status
  Race Status Window

This window is displayed if the Race Status command button is clicked in the Status Window.     Detailed Information about the race times for the current player, is displayed in this Window.

Click on any control on the graphic for more specifics


player name form
  Player Name Entry Window

This window is displayed if the Set Player Name Menu item is  selected from the main MDI Window.    Places to enter the player name(s) reside in this Window as well as a check box which allows the user to bypass seeing this Window on game startup.

This Window will always be displayed at startup unless the 'Don't Display on Startup' box is checked.

Click on any control on the graphic for more specifics.


This button displays a screen which outlines the game and race time used by the current player.


This button displays a screen which provides a detailed outline of the player statistics up to the current point in the game.


This label displays the current player.


This command moves the player to the north one move.


This command moves the player to the south one move.


This command moves the player to the east one move.


This command moves the player to the west one move.


This command allows the player to acquire nutrition.


This command permits the player to take a cool drink of water.


This command is available when the player has the required

gun and bullets.


This command registers the player for the race, and starts the race clock.


This command allows the player to get some shut-eye, which

is required for this race.  Be aware - you should never leave

yourself unprotected when sleeping.


This command allows the player to feed their dogs - who have

really done all the work in this race.


This form displays detailed information about the player, statistics, and counter information.


 This label displays the name of the current player.  If no name is assigned via the Name Entry Window, 'Player 1' and 'Player 2' will assigned.  To change or view the current Player Name settings, just select 'Set Player Names...' from the Players Menu on the top level MDI Form.


This label indicates whether or not the current player is armed.  A player is only allowed to possess either the rifle or the pistol, and is limited to 6 bullets.  If both of these criteria are met, the player is deemed to be 'armed'.


 This label indicates how many dollars the current player has in their possession.  Each player starts with $100.  Each article purchased in the General Store costs $20 cash.  If the player finds that they have overspent and cannot register because of lack of funds - items may be redeemed (no questions asked at any time) back at the General Store.


 This label indicates what your current inventory count is. The current revision of Mush does not account for mass; merely the number of items possessed.


This label displays the maximum number of objects the current player may possess.  The current limit is 13 items.  The current revision of Mush does not account for mass; merely the number of items possessed.


This label indicates the number of turns used during the course of the game.


This label displays the number of beers that a player has left.  If the player is a purist, and doesn't believe that beer should have any place within this game, there is no penalty for letting sleeping beers lie.


 This label indicates how many drinks of water the player has left in their water gourds.


 This label displays the number of dogs alive and working as your team.


This label indicates the percentage of efficiency.  The formula is 10% for each dog you're using, and up to 10% each for the shape of you and your dogs relative to sleep, nutrition and hydration.  Fully efficient play is indicated by an efficiency rating of 100%.  Any deficit below the 100% is proportioned as an increased time being accumulated to each turn.  An 80% efficiency translates to a 120% time usage for a given turn... a 60% efficiency translates to a 140% time usage, and so on...


  This command button returns the player to the game.


This message says, "Sorry You're Quitting", but it could just as easily say, "You've completed the Race!!".  Here's where game exit condition messages are displayed to the player.


 This label displays how many days, hours and minutes of game time has elapsed.


 This label displays how many days, hours and minutes of race time has elapsed.


 This command button unloads the Player Status form, and returns the player to the game.


 This command button unloads the Player Status form, and returns the player to the game.


 This label indicates how many bullets the player has.


 This Window allows the player to update the player name(s).


  This label indicates the name of Player #1.


This label indicates the name of Player #2.


 This check box should be checked to bypass the display of the Player Name Entry Form on game startup.


  This command button archives the player(s) names into the mush.ini file, and uses the names when playing when playing single or multiple player.


 This command button resets both names in both the game, and the mush.ini file..


 This is the application name, and designates that you have an official StoneAge Software product..


 These are the standard Windows 3.1 (TM)  Minimizer/Maximizer command buttons..


 These are the Mush Game Menus..


 This the Game Status Window...


 This is the Location Description Window..


 This is the Mush Visible Objects Window..


 This is the Mush Player Inventory Window..


 This is the Mush Command Bank..


 This is the MDI form  itself.  If a player wants to miniumize the Mush Game to an Icon, this is the Window to minimize.  This is the Window with the menu selections.


     Formalities - The Disclaimer

Although you are encouraged to make a backup copy of this software for your own use, you are not allowed to make unlimited copies.  This software is protected by the copyright laws that pertain to computer software.  It is illegal to make copies this software except for backups.  It is illegal to give this software to another person, or to duplicate the Software by other means, including electronic transmission.  This software contains trade secrets and in order to protect them you may not decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble or otherwise reduce the software to human-perceivable form.  You may not modify, adapt, translate, rent, lease or create derivative works based upon this software or any part thereof without the express written consent of StoneAge Software.

StoneAge Software warrants the original diskettes are free from defects in materials and workmanship, assuming normal use, for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.  If a defect occurs during this period, you may return your faulty disk to StoneAge Software, along with a dated proof of purchase; StoneAge Software will replace it free of charge.  After 30 days, you may obtain a replacement be sending your defective disk and a check for $10 to StoneAge Software.

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY OF THE ORIGINAL DISKETTES SET FORTH ABOVE, StoneAge Software GRANTS NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, REGARDING THE DISKS AND RELATED MATERIALS, THEIR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE, THEIR QUALITY, THEIR MERCHANTABILITY, OR OTHERWISE.

THE LIABILITY OF STONEAGE SOFTWARE UNDER THE WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE CUSTOMER FOR THE PRODUCT.  IN NO EVENT SHALL StoneAge Software BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY.

Information in this Help program is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of StoneAge Software.  The software described in this Help Program is furnished under license agreement or nondisclosure agreement.  The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license or nondisclosure agreement.  No part of the Help Program may be reporduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without express written permission of StoneAge Software.

(C) Copyright  StoneAge Software, 1994.  All rights reserved.


   Registration Reminder

This software is a 'Works-A-While' piece of Shareware.  You get 20 plays... after that the software does not run.  You can type in the correct passkey, and the game will authenticate itself permanently, and enable the Open and Save Menu options.  Enjoy the game, but remember you need to register your game because this game is produced by a very hard working engineer who puts all of his heart into these games, and really needs to make a living.  Although Shareware is generally confused with Freeware - this is not the case with Mush.  Please keep my small business going so we can provide an inexpensive alternative to the large, impersonal game companies.  Thank you.

Browse to the next page for ordering information.


StoneAge Software

P.O. Box 621881

Littleton, CO 80162-1881

(303)979-5198

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Timothy W. Stone, President

Print this form and mail the address above to register your software today!  All shipping, handling and applicable taxes are included in the listed price.

Personal Information:

Name:	(MR.   MRS.   MISS   MS.)______________________________________________

Address:	_______________________________________________

City:	_______________________________________________

State/Zip:	_______________________________________________

Country (if not USA):	_______________________________

 Disk Information:

 _____	3.5" HD disk(s)  	 _____	5.25" HD disk(s)

Order Information:

 _______	Send me the Goldrush, USA Adventure, Version 3.2 @ $15 per game

 _______	Send me the Dragon Quest Adventure, Version 3.3 @ $15 per game

_______	Send me the Mush Race Game, Version 3.0 @ $15 per game

 _______	Send me the StoneAge Adventure Series, Version 3.3 @ $25 per set

 _______	Send me the Goldrush Adventure, Version 3.2 source code @ $100 per copy

 _______	Send me the Dragon Quest Adventure, Version 3.3 source code @ $100 per copy

_______	Send me the Mush Race Game, Version 3.0 source code @ $100 per copy

 _______	Send me the StoneAge Adventure Series, Version 33 source code @ $150 per set

$_________.00 	Amount Enclosed.   (INTERNATIONAL ORDERS PLEASE ADD $5 US)

Thank You for supporting us.  "Who needs wheels and fire when you've got StoneAge Software?"