Xref: utzoo rec.games.frp:1854 comp.sources.wanted:2830
Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!bloom-beacon!coplex!jim
From: jim@coplex.UUCP (Jim Sewell)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp,comp.sources.wanted
Subject: Re: programs for frp
Message-ID: <153@coplex.UUCP>
Date: 21 Dec 87 01:19:23 GMT
References: <4897@cit-vax.Caltech.Edu> <220@tsc3b21.UUCP>
Organization: Copper Electronics,  Louisville, Ky.
Lines: 37
Summary: Two more program ideas to add to the list.

In article <220@tsc3b21.UUCP>, Elric@tsc3b21.UUCP (Frank ) writes:
> 
> Does anyone see other good applications?  I agree with those few postings
> of people that have written some code in this area, since most of them will
> recognize the shortcomings.  Not enough data can be displayed at once with
> a standard 24x80 screen, which results in too many keystrokes to get where
> you want; clumsy handling of large inventories like those of a mage;
> difficulty tracking game time (unless this could be automated some how--
> so that combat inquiries log time, but what other time consuming ventures?).

1. Another application is to solve a problem I have found in games I've been in.
   Namely that of real time being VERY different from game time.  Many times
   before I have seen the DM spring a trap and the player waste several minutes
   deciding what to do and ask seemingly hundreds of questions.  This could be
   solved by the DM entering a time interval, announcing what happened, hitting
   a key, answering any questions the player has that are appropriate to answer,
   and asking for a response before a sound emits forth from the computer 
   indicating it is too late to play around.
	DM: (types 10 and says) You hear a click!"
    PLAYER: "Uhm, are there holes in the ceiling?"
	DM: "Yes, several spaced evenly across the hallway."
    PLAYER: "I uh, uhm, well, I..." 
  COMPUTER: "BEEP"
	DM: "Sorry, you were under the portcullis and didn't move fast enough.
	     You're dead, Jim."
2. Pop-up(?) calendar which has a dual function.  First, it serves as a marker
   of the game date (include ability to veer from the norm of 12 mths/yr, etc.).
   Second, it is a reminder/diary service allowing you to keep track of things
   that are going to happen a week from now (like a call lightning spell finally
   going off ;-)  and to keep track of that which has already happened.  Several
   gaming friends of mine keep diaries as player and DM to avoid "discussions"
   about what has happened in the past.

Any more?  Let those who want to write the programs know BEFORE they start so 
they can plan well!  Good luck guys!

Jim Sewell			"Make knowledge free!"