( History of Usurper )


----------------------------
Version 0.20c  (09/12/2004)
---------------------------- 
Fixed
-a problem with overflow in th Royal Treasury has been fixed (Lenny).
-a overflow problem with player purse and bank account has been fixed (Lenny). 
-gender confusion (Joseph)
-speeded up the beer drinking competition (Syjefroi)
-fixed a broken disease resistance check. the NPCS cheated.. (Collins)
-fixed a problem with kidnapped children being sent to the Royal Orphanage (Collins)
-fixed a problem with gang fights between active and wiped out teams (Lenny)

New
+changed hitpoints reward for supreme being (final fight)


----------------------------
Version 0.20b  (08/26/2004)
---------------------------- 
Fixed
-problem with sending unlimited numbers of Drinks to other Human players has been corrected.
 (if a player is sent a free drink he must have drink attempts left before he can accept and consume the bewerage).
-gnoll poison bite has been improved (it will occur more frequently).
-tried to fix online trading (and duels), by adding a delay.

New
+cost for creating drinks has increased slightly.
+NPC Kings (and Queens) are now ruling their Kingdom during maintenance. The goal is that they should
 be able to do everything a player can do. However, right now NPC rulers only modify taxes and initiate Quests.
+changed phrases/sentences on a few places.
+It is now possible to send children to the Royal Orphanage when you are married (you need custody though).
 NPC spouses may divorce players on the spot for this action (the risk/chance for divorce is high). 
+npc relation changes are published in the news-paper more often. Maybe this will be annoying, we will see. 
+new editor option #196. Name of Royal Quest-Master.

----------------------------
Version 0.20a  (08/22/2004)
---------------------------- 
Fixed
-various fixes.
-Pick-Pocket attempts can be controlled by the admin (see new stuff).
-changed the way Buy-Another-Player-A-Drink works. Now the drink purchased counts against the person having the drink. (Lenny)

New
+added a new editor option (#195). Set the number of pick pocket attempts a player have each day. (Lenny)



----------------------------
Version 0.19 *Public Test 6* (02/23/2003)
---------------------------- 
Fixed Stuff:
-getting a massage with "White Oil" could reduce the number of your healing potins. (jxl)
-a bug gave the npcs opportunity to fight the king even when losing to the royal guard. (rkl)
-increased NPC couples chances of producing babies.
-corrected a major bug which killed the opportunity for children to be born.
New Stuff:
+changed the maintenance routine so users will see maintenance progress. hopefully this will work since I can't test it myself.


----------------------------
Version 0.19 *Public Test 5* (02/21/2003)
---------------------------- 
Fixed Stuff:
-fixed a bug where the Gods daily deeds aren't updated on a daily basis. (several)
-fixed a bunch of spelling errors. (Daniel Z)

New Stuff:
+increased chances of pregnancy after intimacy acts.
+changed the way buying drinks at Orbs work. Buying drinks for others now counts as buying a drink for yourself.

----------------------------
Version 0.19 *Public Test 4* (02/16/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a bug which could make an offline player surrender to an inferior or dead opponent. (01, Josh and others)
-fixed a bug where you could sacrifice an unlimited number of items. (testoverride,tempest)
-fixed an exploit where you could send an unlimited amount of drinks to someone. (pillhead)
-the editor now displays 0.19. Changed a few help texts in the configuration options.
-results of sending flowers to npcs now goes into to the News.
-fixed a bunch of spelling errors. (JP, Daniel Z)

NEW STUFF:
+added a new editor option (#194). Here You can disallow/allow Adult Options.
+added some missing #editor options to 'Game Settings'.
+added a check for overdue players in ONLINERS.DAT when somebody press 'P'lay
+thanks to Daniel Z for providing an updated Sysop.doc and Usurper.doc where a lot of spelling errors have been corrected. I also updated the doc in regards to registration and download info.

----------------------------
Version 0.19 *Public Test 3* (01/27/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a bug when becoming GOD and both Mortals & Immortals are allowed. (tempest)

----------------------------
Version 0.19 *Public Test 2* (01/26/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a bug when becoming GOD. Username was not set correctly. (several)
-fixed a spelling error when stealing beer barrels. (JP)
-fixed a spelling error in the Castle (BiOHAZARD)
-fixed a lot of stuff when giving alms at the Beggars Wall. (reapern66)
-fixed heap overflow for Tug-Of-War. (reapern66)

NEW STUFF:
+giving alms at the beggars wall may improve the relation with the receiver.
+added news events for a bunch of good deeds.
+radically increased the NPC experience share / day. Let's see how this works out.


----------------------------
Version 0.19 *Public Test 1* (01/23/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a bug where gods couldn't enter the game properly. (Aric)
-fixed a bug where Intimacy Acts weren't updated when doing the act at home. (tempest)
-speeded up the npc relations maintenance run. (this was actually done in the previous releases)
-fixed a bug in the Magic Shoppe where lack of money to buy healing potions would result in a faulty message. (nat love)
-fixed a spelling error when taking equipment from a foe. (01)

----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Official Release* (01/21/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a bug where kidnapped children were not displayed when you tried to manage them. (JP)
-fixed spelling errors in the Gym. Lifting Beer Barrels. (BiOHAZARD)
-added pause to procedure when finishing a quest. (reapern66)
-changed the royal tax procedure. Citizens no longer gets taxed when the Royal Treasury is full. (lenny)
-added info for the players attempting the dumb-bell practice. (lot of complaints on why this wasn't working)

NEW STUFF:
+This is the official Release of Usurper 0.18. Prepare for more things to come in 0.19
+made it possible to see your ransom demanded for kidnapped children.
+added the names of a bunch people contributing to the beta-testing / suggestions for 0.18 to betateam.doc. If someone has been forgotten please let me know.

----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 8* (01/19/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-removed randomness for when babies are due. Instead I added option #193 where you can set labor days. (lenny)
-fixed bug which caused the game to crash in gang fights. (several)
-fixed bug in the gym when competing in Tug-Of-War
-changed logic for NPCs entering messages in the daily chat-file. (JP)
-removed the slowness introduced in the previous version.

----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 7* (01/15/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a problem with infiltrating Kings Castle. Messages no longer flashes by without chance to see what it reads. (Ratajczak).
-fixed a game exit problem in the gym. (aric)
-reduced size of usurper.exe and made some memory adjustments.
-fixed problem were user stats were not updated when player picks 'L'ist of Character from the main menu (lenny)
-fixed some cosmetic stuff. ugly colors etc. Added NPC/offline players comments to some situations.

NEW STUFF:
+added "Resurrections left" to the player status screen. (several)
+added option (#192). You can set if a player should be able to have both immortal and mortal characters
 or not. (aric)
+added default action to Dungeons. Pressing 'Enter' now equals pressing 'A'. Makes it easier to attack. (BiOHAZARD)
+added options to select gender when you approach somebody at the love corner. This can be useful if you 
for example only are interested in girls (BiOHAZARD).


----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 6* (01/09/2003)
---------------------------- 
(if you are upgrading from a 0.18 version then you MUST run the converter 'GIVME6.EXE' first!)
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed problem a when the Gym is Free to take over. Message no longer flashes by without chance to see
what it reads.(lenny *mighty*)
-found and removed 1 cause to the 'onliners.dat' problem. (a bunch of people)
-Added protection for 'onliners.dat' growing out of proportion. (a bunch of people)
-added a a pause to the haggling functions, to aoid "scroll of death" problem. (Nohr)
NEW STUFF:
+added option (#191). You can set how many resurrections a player can have each day. (BiOHAZARD)


----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 5* (01/06/2003)
---------------------------- 
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed bug in where you wouldn't be disconnected for inactivity. (phillip)
-fixed a bug where players would be paused at game entrance, without information. (phillip)
-made a first attempt to eliminate the 'onliners.dat' file becoming extremely large. (*-*)
-fixed a bug where the game would crash when Stealing Beer Barrels. (sect0r & aric)
NEW STUFF:
+added a child list option to the nursery. (jake)
+players may now go to sleep in their home. (lenny *mighty*)
+added a gender mark (F/M) when approacing somebody at the Love Corner. (aric & sect0r)
+added option to set number of Intimacy acts per day. Editor option #189. (aric)
+added option to allow/disallow homo/bi marriages. Editor option #190. (aric)


----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 4* (01/06/2003)
----------------------------
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed bug where a team which takes the Gym without opposition does not get to see information. Scrolled away.
-fixed bug in tug-of-war where usurper would crash when inviting other team. (aric)
-removed unnecessary (x) menu option in 'love history. (aric)
-fixed typos. (aric)
-fixed typos at the close-combat trainer. (biohazard)
-fixed bug where editor option #173 would display incorrectly in 'game settings'. (aric)
NEW STUFF:
+added option to toggle ghost players node activity ON/OFF. Editor option #188. (biohazard)



----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 3* (01/05/2003) - Stockholm
----------------------------
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed a problem with the default configuration options not being written when resetting the game
-renamed usurper.cfg in the distribution package to to prevent overwriting accidents.


----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 2* (01/05/2003) - Stockholm
----------------------------
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed problem with conversion/upgrade program
-fixed bug with fighting the last monster. In effect this made it impossible to become immortal.

----------------------------
Version 0.18 *Public Test 1* (01/04/2003) - Stockholm
----------------------------
FIXED STUFF:
-fixed problems with negative money.
-fixed a problem with slow game-play in the Dormitory.
-player list now tags players who are online.
-fixed problem with slow score writing.
-fixed two problems in the Uman Caves; Indian Wrestling and
 the "tame the bear" routine gave players endless opportunities. 
-fixed a bug where online trading could provide more than max
 healing potions (thanks Saint Heaven!)
-fixed a bug where teammates didn't follow their attack orders in the
 dungeons. 
-fixed a bug where offline teammates lost money when buying potions in the
 dungeons (sorry about this one! I know it caused people to commit suicide).
-fixed a bug in the ansi color routines.
-players stealing beer barrels using the wooden club weren't credited with
 experience points for knocking out dogs and sons. fixed.
-fixed bugs when casting spells in the dungeons. Duplicates and Demons
 now fight to the bitter end, as well as picking their targets correctly.
-when a player joined a team all nodes would get a "X joined your team!"
 message. fixed.
-maintenance semaphore file is automatically deleted should anything go wrong.
-fixed the inn chatfile. the .asc file was in fact displayed with ansi codes.
-computer characters who are victims of pick-pocketing are now updated
 correctly.
-thanks to Donato Sotero Navarro for straightening some misspelling.
-fixed a bug in the player sorting routines.
-mana is only displayed to spell users.
-npcs were untouchable when they stayed at Beggars Wall. not anymore.
-the editor and 'reset monsters' procedure had a bug which caused the
 data-file not to be initialized properly (WIN NT). fixed.
-alchemist poison wasn't displayed correctly on the status screen. fixed.
-the drink list at Orbs couldn't be (a)borted. fixed.
-old drinks were not removed at Orbs. fixed.
-quests display had a small cosmetic problem. fixed. 
-removed the annoying encounters with the monk. he is still there though.
-user dropping carried during maint caused the program to abort. fixed.
-when fighting in the dungeons, summoned creatures could regenerate
 themselves and thus causing certain death to players involved. changed
 this so magic generated monsters not can summon others.
-the king was unable to release imprisoned players who were online. fixed.
-royal guards can no longer infiltrate the castle.
-taking drugs and then leaving the drug palace would cause the player to
 be reported dead/drugged. fixed.
-usurper now processes more than one command line option.
-usurper will not break in the year 2000.

NEW STUFF:
+immortals can make statements to the mortal world.
+made it easier to upgrade usurper. the convert.exe program will update the
 usurper.cfg as well as the data files. you only have to answer a few
 questions to get going with the new version.
+sysops can set an inactivity limit, after which players are booted from
 the game (default is 15 minutes).
+if the sysop allows it, players may view game settings from the pre-entry
 usurper menu.
+computer players will (if allowed) attempt to usurp the Crown. The NPCs are
 restricted in the same way normal players are. In addition the NPCs will
 not attack Royals with whom the have a good relation.
+added escape attempts from prison. it is now possible to escape without help
 from the outside. see editor option 176.
 Immortals may help their disciples escape.
+changed the newsfiles settings. If you leave the path for any newsfile
 blank, then no file will be created.
+races and classes: the mutant are immune to evil acts from immortals.
 half-elves can hypnotize their opponents (special ability). 
+changed the team attack order option "attack strongest" in the Dungeons.
 your team mates will attack the most powerful monster. In 0.17 they
 attacked the monster with the most hitpoints (thanks Dark Wanderer)
+support for extended (screen) line modes (full screen at last!)
+the names of the shop-keepers at the steroid and drug places can be
 edited.
+added a bunch of ansi to the game! thanks to ALM­GHTy the artist!
+all documenation and textfiles are now located in the USURPER\DOCS directory.
+the usurper overlay file can now be placed onto a ramdrive to increase
 performance. see sysop.doc for details.
+see editor options #167, #168, #169, #170, #171 for changing name of
 Bobs Beer, Bob, Ted the Bartender and the Bishop.
+added more information generated to off-line players involved in fighting
 in the dungeons. They will now get reports on how they deal(t) with new
 equipment.
+sysops can now change the type of money the game will use. "Gold" is the
 default currency, but you can have "silver" instead, if you like.
+added team commands to the dungeons, when you not are fighting.
+reinstated the option to have fake players enter the game (see editor
 option #159).
+Sysops may change the name of the bartenders at Orbs (see editor option #165)
+taking defeated players gold is now optional.
+Editor option #53 has been made more flexible. Now you can specify if victors
 in player fights should be able to take both hand items, only one or if
 it should be randomized. (thanks to Stephen Warren for the suggestion!)
+backstabbing is more effective!
+you can now view drink ingredients in the drink editor.
+editor option #125 now sets the number of days a player-made drink will
 stay in the database based on when it was ordered the last time.
+added a new ranking list; top 50 child producers.
+new option at the team-corner; (a)pply for membership.
+added first-hand information to items being found and to those already in
 the inventory.
+added a search function when ordering/selecting drinks at Orbs.
+replaced the "Soft" option (#12). New editor options can set access for
 different shops instead.
+new place; The Gym. A team can own this place and make it a private club.
 If you want to take control of The Gym you must be in a team and
 prepare to fist-fight your way to ownership. You do this by calling out the
 team in control. In The Gym players can work out, have massage, compete in
 weight-lifting, lift beer barrels and flex their muscle. The crew in
 control can distribute free membership cards and also revoke the ones
 they feel are out of date.
+new editor option #166. Set minimum age to marry. Note that NPCs are also
 affected by this setting.
+made the moat creature "lake monster" a bit tougher.
+team members are now informed when their team-mates are sacked.
+when raising a level, a player can now go beyond 1k in mana and strength.
+players can marry and have children. They can set up relationships with
 other players/npcs in the game. Children grow up and become orphants.
 Children can *play* with other children or *beat* the heck out of them!
 Abandon children may even be adopted.
+new dark deed available; poison children. If you don't like a player then
 the act of poisoning his children may prove a way to get to him. Failure,
 however, will not make Satan happy.
+new dark deed available; kidnap children. Rob other players of their
 precious offspring. Fail and you will be jailed or worse.
+added a "most popular drinks" list to Orbs bar.
+made it easier(read:default) to buy potions from the Monk in the dungeons.
+sysops can now set the maxmimum # of quests a player can complete / day.
+new place; the Temple area. Here players do their praying, desecrating and
 other god-related actions. You can of course worship immortals/gods here.
+bribe attempts in the recruiting area are now reported to team members.
+the monarch has new Special Tax Options. 
+sysops may now decide if the King should be resurrected when the
 castle is infiltrated. Default is YES (editor option 149).
+the monarchs popularity can be checked in regular polls (optional).
+sysops can now set max wrestlings matchs a player may attempt / day in
 the Uman Cave (editor option 150).
+sysops can remove the Kings authority over the shops. (editor option 151)
+added possibility to view/edit the "phrases" from the player/npc editor.
+the gamer can now punish players who drop carrier in fights and when
 taking drugs (editor option 152)
+players are now prompted to to give their view on the ruler. this is done
 every 3rd week, or when a new ruler has been installed.
+the numeric input system now accepts hotkeys, like the system in BRE and
 SRE ('>' to maximize input, 'M' for million and 'K' for thousand).
 (new players are automatically introduced to this concept)
+npcs teammates become more loyal when you send money to them.
 (this is extremely important since relations now play a part in the game).
+players can now send drinks to each other from Orbs bar. You can also buy
 Npcs a drink if you want.
+spell users can use the wishing well to increase their capacity.
+imprisoned players may now enter/check mail.
+new royal option. castle->orders->proclamation. used by the King to inform
 his subjects of reforms or changes in the Realm.
+players can turn on/off the "auto_hate" flag. when ON you will auto-
 matically start to dislike persons who treat you badly (attack/steal).
+Players may become immortal after they have accomplished their final
 deed on earth. Immortals don't become gods at once. They have a career
 ladder to climb, with a lot of work needed to become the most worshipped
 one. See section on Immortals in Usurper.doc for more information.
+Relations. Some of the players actions will render automatic shift
 in attitude and behavior from the character subjected to them.
 NPCs remember all the wicked deeds they have been exposed to,
 and will act upon them. On the other hand, prosperous relations may
 result in marriage and babies. You can have fun and destroy others relations
 too. See section on Relations in Usurper.doc for more information.
+The King has the authority to dissolve or ban marriages
 (location: castle=>orders=>matrimonial decisions).
+The King has even greater power now with his control over the Royal
 Orphanage. This is the place where the poor children are placed, whos
 parents no longer can afford (or want) them. The more children in the
 orphanage the more gold the King has to cough up. An evil ruler may even
 decide to put the unwanted kids to the wolves.
 An ultimately wrong-doing Monarch may even force Your kids to the orphanage
 for no good reason.
+new dungeon events; "witch doctor", "glue"
+NPCS can usurp the throne (editor option 182). 
+children may be adopted (when both parents are dead)
+royal offspring get special treatment.
+added tug-of-war competition to the Gym. This could prove to be a fun event.
 Players invite players/npcs or make it a random bout. It's all about
 two teams pulling their end of a rope. The most tactical (strongest) team win.
+added a spinning cursor to various events where you have to wait for stuff.
+added a routine which removes players who are falsely reported online.
 (usurper will remove players when their time limit have been exceeded).
+added a new option to the player/npc editor: edit the "time left today"
 variable. you may set this to anything between 0 - 999 minutes.
 (remember that if you set this variable to "0" player will not
  be able to enter more this day)

--------------------------
Version 0.17 (1996-09-15) 
--------------------------
-fixed a problem with spell results not being displayed.
-a bug caused the Royal Purse to be emptied.
-a bug caused the Moat creatures to be added without having to pay for them.
-a bug caused the program to crash if there were more than 17 moat creatures.
-a bug prevented the King to use the Dark Avenger.
-fixed a bug causing the player to get booted out when donating too much
 money to the church or the poor.
-fixed a bug in the message editor.
-the "quaffing potions" options were not working as they should. now they do.
-made the file routines more secure.
-a problem in the gang war routine was fixed.
-fixed a problem with an "endless loop" when using items in the dungeons.
-npcs no longer participate in brawls at the dormitory, when editor option 39
 is set to NO.
-fixed a bug in the Haggle routines. Now it's possible to do some serious
 haggling. Also, when you cross the line in the terms of haggling you are
 banned from the store for the rest of the day.
-the king/queen never got the equipment from defeated infiltrators. fixed.
-removed the bug which enabled the King to hire the same npc guard more than
 once.
-the chatfile wasn't packed correctly. fixed.
-some adjustments made to the Inn environment.
-color fixes.
+would you like to be informed on every new release of Usurper by e-mail?
 (search the document sysop.doc for info on how to subscribe).
+new editor option #96: set this to YES and players attacked in the Dorm
 sometimes will be aided by their teammates. To save your partner from
 attacks you must stay at the Dorm yourself.
+players may now attempt to free their friends from Prison.
+the king can now issue missions for the players to undertake.
+the king may now imprison players for more than 1 day (this is set from
 the editor)
+made it a bit easier to murder people in the Dorm. Murdered people are also
 reported dead (this was not handled correctly before).
+added chat rooms to the Inn. Multi-node chats are activated here.
+added a "drink" editor to the EDITOR.EXE.
+added a "moat creatures" editor to the EDITOR.EXE
+it is now possible to choose one of two different units in Usurpers
 filehandling system. Choose either file-locking or Record-locking.
 File-locking is slower but safer. Record-locking is faster but wont work
 on all operating systems.
+new command line option : /DO_SENDMAIL, send mail to any player without
 having to enter the game.
+it is now possible to change the colors in Usurper. see editor options
 #140-147


--------------------------
Version 0.16 (1996-07-20) 
--------------------------
-news/mail color fixes all over the place.
-colors have been standardized throughout the game.
-fixed bug when attacking people att the Inn. Doorguards are now properly
 reduced when attacked and attacking player gets to meet the right opponent
 instead of Grimbold. Also fixed a bug where player didn't have to pay for
 his room if he also hired door guards. 
-improved file routines so semaphore files are updated correctly.
-fixed bug in online battle, where a player could hang up and thereafter
 log on and save his equipment.
-fixed bug at Level masters. Crystal Ball function would bug out when used
 on high level characters. Not anymore.
-fixed bug which caused usurper to lock when player entered beer drinking
 competition and no opponents were available.
-new option at Bobs Beer. A player may now challenge any player(s) to the
 beer competition. The reward for winning a beer contest has increased.
 Offline winners are now given their prize and also notified by mail.
-new option at the dormitory; pick-pocket sleeping guest.
-new option at the dormitory; make a noise, and intimidate the guests.
 (usually ends up in a BIG fistfight)
-new drink option at Orbs. Players can now add their own special cocktails
 to the standard drink-menu. Others may try them out and be happy or sad.
-fixed gender bug in the editor (caused females to become males in a hurry).
-fixed dark/good deeds slots in the editor. they were mixed up.
-fixed bugs relating to creating scores. The game would crash if the players
 and npcs were more than maxplayers allowed. This has been fixed. also
 increased the maximum number of players to 400.  
-fixed bug at the inn, where the number of player fights wasn't reduced after
 a fight. 
-the /X (XMS) and /E (EMS) switches are working (again).
-changed the statusbar, so both alias and username are displayed.
-changed fighting for Town Control, so when you challenge a team in which
 everybody is dead you get Town Control directly.
-added more information when checking listings in Bounty Room.
-made the monster spells a bit less powerful. (see also >monstereditor>global
 commands. also fixed the bug where the monster had all spells, even if
 you disabled them through the editor.
-made the npcs harder to bribe in the recruiting room.
-players can no longer run away from battles when on a mission.
-added a (very small) trouble shooting section to the Sysop.doc file.
-speeded up the "insulted" fights when visiting bobs beer.
-replaced the delay routine, so it wont slow down multinode systems.
 (hint hint Oscar!)
-misc dungeon bugs found and removed.
-new command line option : /DO_PACKMAIL (packs the mail file)(see sysop.doc).
-new command line option : /DO_PACKUSERS (packs the user file)(see sysop.doc).
-new command line option : /DO_PACKNPCS (pack the npc file)(see sysop.doc)
-new command line option : ? (displays all command line options)
-KING/QUEEN functions implemented, hereby making it possible for users and
 NPCs to attempt to usurp the throne. the king has a pretty good control over
 the Usurper world; he can make life miserable for the other players. The
 King (or Queen) may have his own Personal Guard Force and can also imprison
 citizens and even stage executions. But on the other hand the King might just
 be the good ruler who is loved by his people (not likely though, regarding the
 moral status of the general Usurper gamer) (see usurper.doc for more info).
-The comings and goings of the Royal People are logged in \SCORES\MONARCHS.ANS
 and \SCORES\MONARCHS.ASC. Assassinations, deaths, suicides, abdications and
 marriages are the standard news in this log.
-if config option #121 is set to 0 then nobody can attempt to usurp the
 throne (the royal title can be locked this way).
-new config option #122; decides whether throne pretenders must be good, bad
 or if any airhead may rule the land.
-new config option #123; decides whether NPCs should be marked with a '*' in
 the lists, thereby making them harder to distinguish from the users.
-new config option #125; sets how many days cocktails should be kept at Orbs.
-new config option #126; sets how many cocktails recipes should be kept at Orbs.
-new config option #127; how should pick-pockets at the dorm be treated.
-new config option #128; how should trouble-makers at the dorm be treated.
-fixed bug when intro-display was off and maintenance was running on other
 node.
-time limit option in config option #87 has been removed. To limit sessions
 use ddsetup and option 10 (time limit).
-added more inter-node sessions.
-fixed gender bug in the editor. also fixed a bug where deleted players
 weren't handled correctly.
-bounty list is now updated, so deleted players are removed here to.
-fixed bug in the editor; runtime error caused when searching for
 weapon/armor and choosing CANCEL (only in classic mode).
-fixed online fight bug.
-all inter-node files are now placed in \NODE directory, if nothing else is
 specified (including onliners.dat and maint.flg).
-optimized many routines for speed.

--------------------------
Version 0.15 (1996-03-17) 
--------------------------
-Removed unnecessary disc-access overhead when fighting in dungeons.
 (especially slow was the performance when fighting monsters with spells)
-Fixed nasty bug where config option #11 (no intro displayed) caused
 the program to hang.
-using /X and /E switches caused Usurper to exit with a runtime error when
 writing scores. fixed.
-fixed some small bugs in the editor. also improved the online help.
-the semaphore files are placed in the DATA\ directory, if no path is specified
 in the configuration. The docs were misleading about this. 
-new FTP and WW sites (see support.doc). =Thanx ¸Z™ BBS and Oscar Olsson!=
-removed usurper.cfg and usurper.ctl from the archive. they only served the
 purpose of making people angry when their old config files were overwritten.
-added support for replacement of BAD WORDS in strings. It is basically the
 same setup as in LORD. Usurper looks for DATA\BADWORDS.DAT file. See
 Sysop.doc for details. Sample file can be found in SAMPLES.ZIP
-improved file i/o error checking to all files used in the game.
-fixed as many spelling errors I could find. They are everywhere! 
-some cosmetic changes here and there (the armor/weaponshop display bug).


--------------------------
Version 0.14 (1996-03-01) 
--------------------------
*reduced memory requirements along with a lot of other internal changes.
*the editor has been rewritten, now with mouse support, buttons and a more
 user-friendly look.
*fixed a number spell related bugs. also added spell descriptions in
 the game. also replaced some with new ones. spell users may now view a
 complete list of the spells, included the ones they don't have learned
 yet.
*player can now choose if he wants to raise one or all levels, if
 this should be the case.
*healing potions can now be taken from the status screen.
*the status scrren now displays how far to got to next level.
*some spells are now affecting groups of monsters instead of just
 only one. 
*items can be made class restricted.
*messages to other teams can now be sent (did not work before).
*monsters can now use spells. they have access to their own spell-book.
 depending on their magic level, their spells grow stronger.
 monster spells can be added/removed/edited from the editor.
*updated the documentation with spell tables and more detailed info on
 races and classes.
*the converter proggie will move all datafiles to /DATA. And some files to
 the /SCORES directory. Why? Because the .DAT files are getting too many.
*NPCs can now be bribed more easily.
*Ugly Joe is now running the Player Market.
*new option in weapon store : buy the best weapon for the money you have.
*removed 'best overall character' rating.
*players can now end up in prison, after having commited vicious deeds.
 players may also choose to fight the guards instead of automatically
 go to prison (thanks to Gregory Powers for the suggestions!). 
*added more variation to the dungeons. Numerous of events now take
 place and force the player to make decisions (hopefully bad ones).
 moral-based decisions are common here.
 Examples:
 +Bandit gangs that will blackmail/ransom weak players.
 +Players will be asked to either help people with problems or take
  advantage of their situation (rape a girl or rescue her).

*Groggo can now cast spells on NPC characters to.
 Improved disease resistance. Players have a greater chance of
 escaping disease spells now.
*Bad drinking experiences at Orbs no longer result in ZERO dark deeds.
*npcs will no longer pick up cursed items.
*party leaders can now take their team members to the level master and
 raise their levels. 
*added a more realistic touch when entering the game. If you go to sleep
 in the dormitory, then you will wake up in the dormitory. The King can
 go to sleep and wake up in the Castle. Prisoners will wake up in the
 prison dungeon, where they may attempt an escape.  
 npcs now handle their equipment in a more intelligent manner.
 They compare new items with the ones already in use and the stuff in
 their inventory. If inventory is full they toss away the worthless stuff
 first.
*status screen was not updated correctly. fixed.
*Requested by many: NEW EDITOR OPTIONS 101-115.
 If playing in NEW mode these options let you tailor the availability
 of different armor/item groups. For example; leg,feet,arm and head
 armors can be toggled off. These items would no longer be available
 in the shops/dungeons or possible for players/npcs to use. 
 The settings can be altered anytime, and does not require
 a reset. 
*Editor option #116 is new. It sets the number of days to keep Wanted
 Posters (default is 30).
*Editor options #117 - #120 define news and yesterday newsfiles (ansi+ascii).
*Editor option #121 is new. It sets the minimum player level required to
 usurp the throne (Usurp=to grab the throne by force).
*Editor option #4 has changed. It now sets the number of days to keep
 player mail (default is 8).
*Editor option #3 has changed. It now sets the number of days to keep
 items in the Player Market (default is 20).
*the file \DATA\TNAMES.DATA contains a list of names used by the NPCs
 when creating their teams. The names can be edited with a text-editor.

--------------------------
Version 0.13c (1995-08-20)
--------------------------
*multi2.bat file included, to help PcBoard sysops getting Usurper running.
*NEWS.DAT has been replaced with NEWS.ANS and NEWS.ASC file. The same goes
 for YNEWS.DAT.
*ansi is now more widely used in both newsfiles and personal mail files.
*added some social stuff to the internode situations.  
*Usurper homepage available on the WWW. Address in sysop.doc

Version 0.13b (1995-07-29)
*Fixed the problems with people hanging up still being reported online.
*Fixed the problem with denied access on the Editor.
*Updated doordriver routines ; better support for OS/2.
 Sysops should check the SAMPLE.CTL file. There has been some changes
 in regards to supported dropfiles and digiboard support. You might have
 to edit your USURP.CTL file(s) ;
 PcBoard 12 and Callinfo dropfiles are no longer supported.
*Added auto-equip function in Armorshop. The shopowner can provide help
 for players who want to get the optimum equipment for they cash they hold.
*Added wordwrapping functions.
*Jump to Dos function is now called by pressing F5 (sysops only of course:).
*Changed the attack formula.
*Magician SLEEP spell lasts a bit longer (in fact, it can last very long).  
*Reduced harm effect on most of the spells. Also made them a bit more 
 randomized in effect.
*improved npcs ai, their use of items in the inventory etc. 
*fixed bug where bounty lists could display diseased, non existant players.
*fixed bug where most wanted list displayed wrong player levels.
*fixed bug which displayed wrong team in town holders hall of fame.
*fixed the bug where you could get extreme xp for robbing the bank.
*fixed bug which caused items in players market to be removed after 1 day.
*fixed the bug where the system would freeze after buying too many
 items in Alabats store.
*Config option #51 has changed. It now controls whether a player can login
 to more than 1 node simultaneously (default is YES).
*Config option #98 has changed. It now controls how often Usurper should
 check for internode activity (default is every 5 second).
*New config option (#100) : Allow teams with only one member to
 attack other teams? (Default is YES). 
*Changed the names and added a few armor items.
*Filelocking routines has changed (speeds up non DOS systems).
*added a few options to online battles. 
*added possibility to send stuff to online players (from main street)
*USTRUCT.PAS file included. Contains pascal structures for Usurper 0.13.
 Compile and run to see demo. 

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

Version 0.12 (1995-04-18)
*Recompiled Usurper with doordriver update ;
  [cut from DDplus 7.0a docs]
  supporting baud rate for highspeed bnu fossils. Now port speeds of
  57,600 and 115,200 for both X00 and BNU can be handled by either the
  FOSSIL or the XFOSSIL options. Once again FOSSIL will initialize the
  detected fossil to the port speed and XFOSSIL will accept the fossil
  as-is with no initialization.
*New editor option (#98). To reduce disc access when using Usurper. 
 Set this new CHECK OTHER NODES ACTIVITY flag to one of the following values :
        1 : check often (default). Used in previous versions of Usurper.
        2 : check sometimes, at certain places in the game.
        3 : never check (singel node systems may want to use this). 
*New editor option (#99). If you want Usurper to check other nodes
 activity and have a RAM drive you can set the drive and path here.
 Using a RAM drive reduces disk access and speeds up operations. It is
 warmly recommended.  
*Corrected serious bug where teamleader didn't recieve any xps for win.
*Fixed bugs related to the bounty menu. Wanted player levels are now updated.
 Setting rewards anonymously no longer dipslays any names in the mail.
*Fixed bug which caused NPCs being displayed both in INN and DORMITORY.
*Fixed bug when robbing bank.
*Fixed bug when finding items in dungeons. Gave OBJECT-LOAD ERROR.
*Added option for user to choose if he wants to quit or wait when maintenance
 is running on another node.
*Reduced alchemists poison effect.
*Teammates hired as bankguards will not attack teammates trying to rob the
 bank. Also, teammates with chivalry points will refuse to join robberies.
*Usurper has a NEW support/registration site! :
  Walter Cade


Version 0.11 (1995-03-28)
*Fixed money bug in bounty room.

Version 0.1 (1995-03-26)
*Fixed a lot of small errors since th 0.09 version.
*Usurper is running with a new Doordriver.
 JPdoor has been replaced with DDplus. Hopefully this will solve
 a lot of reported problems.
 IMPORTANT => see README! file for information on how to upgrade. 
*Corrected. Bug in MOST WANTED list top 15. The thugs involved should now
 be displayed correctly.
*Added. Longer messages than 1 line can be entered at the Inn.
*Fixed. NPC teams maintain their ranks better now. They either recruit
 new members or dissolve themselves.
*Fixed. Npcs could hire more than one doorguard, ignoring restrictions
 defined by Sysop. 
*Fixed a lot of misspellings.
*Fixed some cosmetics in the brawl situations. 

Version 0.082 (1995-03-08)
*you can now send a message to another node by pressing CTRL-Z, from
 anywhere within the game.
*added information about every file created by Usurper. See
 usurper.doc for this.
*corrected bug when finding items in dungeons.
*new editor option (#97). Set filelocking on/off.
*corrected 'staying alive' bonus. It is now only paid to survivers.

Version 0.081 (1995-03-03)
*corrected the bug which caused players immunity to reset. 
*made the npcs heal themselves quicker.
*improved the mail system.
*corrected a bug in the object editor. The program would bomb if no
 userfile was found.
*corrected bug which caused escape from dungeon fight.
*corrected bug at level master, causing too many level raises. 
*added a 'search' function to the player/npc editor.
*improved NPC 'equipment ai'. NPCs now scan their inventories and try
 to carry the best equipment.
*teammembers will now buy their own healing potions when they can.
*added information in the weapon/armor shop. warnings are give to players
 if they can't use the items they are buying.
*corrected negative money bug when finding treasure.
*cleared necessary items being evil & good.
*bank interest bug corrected.

Version 0.08 (1995-02-19)
*players han have the menus set to Auto-Display by toggle a switch in
 their personal configuration. 
*implemented some new memory routines. systems with expanded memory
 will notice a significant speed increase when the overlay buffer is placed
 in the upper memory area. This function is automatically used when
 there is enough memory available. To see if this option is activated
 see the 'G'ame environment display.
*bank bug, deposit on other account, has been corrected.
*bug in the mad mages place, where you couldn't do anything, has been
 corrected.
*added IMPORT and EXPORT fileoptions to the Object Editor. 
*corrected a bug which caused the program to bomb out in the team menu.
*changed (and hopefully) improved the file-locking routines.
*"usurper /scores" command is now working properly.
*Gang holding town is no longer dissolved.
*fixed bug which caused the computer to hang when attacking
 people at the Inn.
*improved inventory management.
*added option in the stores to sell everything in one go.
*changed some routines in online duels. also changed the filelocking
 routines.
*fixed the BREAD EATING bug. Where players could get fast hps.
*speeded up npc maintenance.
*gangfights now feature randomized matchplays. It's never sure who you
 gonna meet...
*Strong teams can be prevented from crushing small ones. Sysop can change
 this with editor option #95.
*Sysop can toggle fake players on/off with editor option #96.
*A bounty hunter & assassin menu has been added to the game.
 Players can set rewards on other players or NPCs. The NPCs will
 hunt for bounties (The King can utilize this board in a special way).
 Reward money can be collected after singel or team battle. Offline
 players can of course also collect bounties, if they were to kill a
 wanted player.
 NPC bounty hunters will not hunt for teammates. However, the
 better the pay the more chances they will take to get the rewards.
 This means that low ranked NPCs can go on suicidal missions against a much
 higher ranked player. Of course, even though a high ranked player can beat
 ten minor NPCs, he may get whipped by the eleventh...
 Don't forget that the NPCs will set their own bounties :) So its wise to
 stay tuned to the wanted list, it can be profitable.
*removed bug when stealing beer barrels. Teammate will now carry as many
 barrel he can, not only one as in earlier versions.
*classic mode now displays armor & weapon rankings.
*players can check their team status from the standard STATUS menu.
*changed score routine for BEST OVERALL CHARACTER.
* NEWS.TXT  is now called NEWS.DAT
  YNEWS.TXT is now called YNEWS.DAT
  FAME.TXT is now called FAME.DAT
* The player mail system has changed. All PLAYERxx.MIL files have
  been replaced with one MAIL.DAT file.
* The NPCs are a bit more intelligent when it comes to buying equipment.
  They don't sell away good equipment every time they get some.
  Also, they automatically starts to use equipment sent to them by a
  player (in the teams menu for example).
* The ascii file TRECORD.DAT contains a list of Record Holders for teams.
  It is based on how long a team has had city control.
  (this file is automatically created when a gang sets a new record)
* Corrected the bug where F1 didn't display the right Statusbar.
* Weapons and other items can now be made so they can be used by
  good/evil characters only.
* Corrected the bug where players got the wrong doorguards at the Inn.
* Players can now take equipment from beggars at the Beggars Wall.
* Removed the delay when entering the dungeons.
* Added some more drama to the final battle with the Supreme Being.
  The 'Golden, silver and bronze doors' can be extremely vital for
  the outcome of the battle.
* Added a Players Market (can be reached from the market place).
  Here players can put their found/conquered items for sale.
* Players can no longer manage the final monster by running away.
* Fixed the problem with creation of new STRONG NPCs or computer controlled
  players. You can now create a new character and give him/her high
  experience points. At the maintenance this player will be upgraded
  directly to the values that are corresponding to his experience.
* Gangwars are a bit faster now.
* Team leaders can control dungeon battles better now. Orders can be given
  to which monsters to attack.
* Computer controlled gangs can now be set to attack other gangs.
  (set editor option #94 to YES)
* Players can now improve their immunity towards diseases. They choose
  either to train close-combat moves or disease defence.
  (Hobbits always recieve +1 to the normal immunity increase)
* More detailed info on your teammebers now. Other teams can also be
  checked out.
* Added some new stuff to the Alchemist store. Alchemists can
  join a secret order that is rumoured to exist near town.
* Npcs are now included in the scorefiles (optional).
  Set (new) Editor option #92 to 'Yes' if you want the NPCs included
  in the external score files.
* Added two lists to the RATINGS menu :
   +Most popular Race+ and +Most popular Profession+
* Fixed the bug where the teammates wouldn't hit anything in the dungeons.
  This occured when the QUAFFING option (#22) was set to '2'.
* Players can now haggle in the weapon and armor store. Charisma is good
  to have in haggle situations. To be a troll is always good in the weapon
  store... Just one thing : don't push the shopkeepers around too much.
  If you mess with them the will mess with you!
* Fixed some bugs in the Brawl routines. Ted the Bartender is now
  removed from the fight correctly.
  Players can now ask for assistance in Brawlfights. This should
  only be done when you are in desperate need of help, since hired help
  in bars often tend to run away with your money or turn against you.
* Reworked some spells. Clerics DIVINATION spell is now more effective.
* Added a new store in the Marketplace. This one contains food and
  drinks (can there be surprises there?).
* Npc teams now try to keep their strength up.
  They either recruit new members or dissolve themselves.
* Sysops who want to limit the time a user can spend in Usurper every
  day can set this with the new Editor option #87.
* Sysops can now set the game so players lose experience points in
  player versus player battles (editor option #90).
* Usurper can now be run in either OLD or NEW mode.
  the 'OLD' mode is similar to the older versions of Usurper.
  the 'OLD' mode gives the player one weapon and one armor.
  the 'NEW' mode gives the player many different kinds of armors (leg,
  body, feet, shields...etc etc).
  The 'OLD' mode has the same weapon and armor as the older versions of
  Usurper. It is also faster and simpler to play.
  This switch can be toggled in the middle of a game. But it's not
  recommended.
* The bank can now be robbed. Players can try for themselves or bring
  their team with them. To get to the safe a player must first defeat
  all the regular guards and then he might encounter other players, who
  has signed up as bank guards (and get paid for it).
  To become a bank guard a player must free from sin. Criminal elements
  are not tolerated.
  Players bank accounts are not affected by a robbery.
    *** Available in registered versions only ****
* Weapons bought in the store can now be used directly after
  purchase (same as with armor). The same goes for equipment
  bought in the magic store and stuff won in battle.
* Most of the menus are now hotkey sensitive.
* Expert menus are now optional. Can be toggled off/on in
  the players configuration menu.
* Output buffering can now turned off with the new
  command line option /NOBUFFERS. Output buffering is otherwise
  used by default.
* The Statusbar at the bottom of the screen can be turned off with :
  USURPER /NOSTAT.
  This speeds up screen operations a bit. Inside the game the statusbar
  is toggled by the Sysop with ALT-S or any function key.
* Running Usurper on multinode systems.
  New command line option : /P:{path to dropfile}
  Overrides path in .CFG file. Can be useful in multinode environments.
  Example : Usurper /P:C:\RA\NODE2\
  Examples on batchfiles are given in the file SYSOP.DOC.
  See also included sample : MULTI.BAT
* Removed the "sacking teammate" bug. Sometimes the program would
  generate a runtime error. Not anymore.
* Corrected the bug where "ghost" players followed down the dungeons.
  Monsters now pick REAL targets.
* Sysop Keys
  ALT-J shells out to DOS
  Arrow Up   increases the users time with 1 minute
  Arrow Down decreases the users time with 1 minute
  F4  - displays the above options.
  F10 - turns the status bar off.
* Players can now utilize the following key combinations :
   CTRL-W  who is online?
   CTRL-E  toggle Expert menus ON/OFF.
   CTRL-S  toggle 'outside attention' mode (more on this later on in this text)
   CTRL-T  display time remaining.
 (these keys can be used anytime and anywhere in the game)
* Added a 'ONLY 2 MINUTES REMAINING' warning, so players won't get
  thrown out in the middle of something.
* Reduced the effect of the SoulStrike.
* Corrected a heap of misspellings.
* Improved the Editor a bit ; Player spells can be edited.
                              Gender can also be changed now.
* Usurper is now multinode aware.
  File-locking is autodetected by detecting the presence of DOS's
  SHARE.EXE program which allows sharing of files by different nodes.
  If SHARE is detected the door assumes you are running a multinode BBS
  and locks/unlocks its files as needed. There may be a brief delay if 2
  or more nodes are running the door.
  Don't forget to supply the correct nodenumber on the
  command line : 'Usurper 1', for node 1
                 'Usurper 2', for node 2 ...
* Players can now battle each other online.
  Challenges are made from the "Challenges" menu.
* Players who are challenged offline or taken down the dungeons by
  their teamleader are reported online (in the "who is online").
  Their names are in a different color than the "real" onliners, and
  their node number is replaced with the text "GHOST".
  Player logged in locally have their node number replaced with the
  text "LOCAL".
  A character is not allowed to log in on more than one node
  simultaneously.
  A player can also be refused login because another player has
  challenged/brought him down to the dungeons.
  If this should be the case and you as player wants to join the action,
  You can always send a message to the online player telling him/her
  to let go of your character. This can be done from the Usurper Intro
  menu.
* Players can set their 'outside attention' level.
  This option is set from the configuration menu (players status screen).

   *All*      - This mode will display everything that happen in the game.
                Public and private messages, online challenges and
                info about when a player exits/enters the game.
                (DEFAULT MODE).
   *Personal* - Only listen to personal mesages and challenges.
                No public messages from online players will be displayed.
                No info about when a player exits/enters the game.
   *Quiet*    - Refuse to accept any messages/challenges. The user
                will play the game in splendid isolation.


**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************

Version 0.07 (1994-08-26)

(+) indicates changes since the 0.06 BETA release

+After having bought armors players are given the option to
 immideately start to use the new equipment, without having
 to enter the status display.
+Maximum number of players that Usurper can accept has been raised to 300
+Fixed messy score files
+Alchemists can now check if their weapons are poisoned in the
 status screen.
+Recompiled Usurper with a new version of JpDoor
+Three rating lists have been added to the 'Score Corner' :
   Weapon Masters Hall of Fame (whos got the best weapon value)
   Armor Masters Hall of Fame (whos got the best armor value)
   Equipment Masters Hall of Fame (whos got the most powerful equipment)
+All rating and score lists are now produced in both ansi and ascii
 formats. With the Editor sysops can easily configure filenames and
 paths for every file.
+Producing all scorefiles upon every exit of Usurper can take some
 considerable time on slower systems and in games with alot of players.
 By setting config option #84 to "No" Usurper must be forced to produce
 any defined scorefiles. This can be done with the command line option :
 'Usurper /scores'. (To produce the extra scorefiles a registrated version
  of Usurper is required)
+Sysops can now decide whether the losers of Beer Drinking Competitions
 and Brawls should be locked out from further gaming that day.
 (can be changed in the configuration, #85 and 86)
+Changes have been made to improve performance on systems with highspeed
 modems and multitaskers.
+Usurper now shows the correct node number at the status bar (lower right
 corner).
+Running Usurper /M (forced maintenance) no longer requires a dropfile
 to be present.
+The first computer Team (Close Circle) will have a randomly created
 password at every reset. This to prevent players from joining the team
 and gain advantage.
+A new command line option has been added. By using '/DEBUG', sysops can
 more effectively track down their problems with Usurper. A logfile will
 be created under the name : DebugNNN.jpd, where NNN is the node active
 (DEBUG001.JPD for node 1, DEBUG002 for node 2...).
+Maximum number of players is now 300.
+The Statusline now shows both the players handle and real name.
+Another new command line option is '/SNOOPOFF'. This will prevent any
 output to the local console.
+Added more info to the user when maintenace is being performed. This to
 prevent users from believing that the game has bugged out.
+New option in Usurper.cfg (#67). Automatic Maintenance can be toggled
 On/off (default is ON). By disabling automatic maintenance Sysops can
 decide when they want to run their daily maintenance.
+New option in Usurper.cfg (#68). Resurrection of dead players at
 maintenance can now be toggled on/off (default is off). Turning this
 to ON can make some games more interesting, with many targets for players
 to attack after midnight.
+New option in Usurper.cfg (#69). A line is offered here for Sysops to
 give Credits to users for helping out with registering Usurper, or
 something else that has helped the game (only works in registered
 version).
+Fixed Bank bug, where players accidentally could overflow their
 accounts, or withdraw more than 2,000,000,000.
+'Grabbing items' logic has been changed. Objects are not placed auto-
 matically in left or right hand/fingers, as they were before. A bug in
 the 'stop using item' function has also been fixed.
+Monsters absorbation will no longer increase during long battles.
+Dungeon monsters have been made a bit tougher.
+Removed some nasty bugs that casused Usurper and Editor to bug out with
 a Error 162 message.
+Team members not allowed to join the dungeon fighting will now
 stay home (they insisted on tagging along in the 0.06 release)
+The 'drop all' command will not allow cursed items to be dumped.
+Magic Users will now continue to fight in the dungeons when their
 mana is low. In the 0.06 release they just stood and watched when
 they had used their mana. Now, they will also mix their magic with
 normal attacks, making the battles more realistic/interesteing/unpre-
 dictable
+Dead players will not appear any more in Beer Drinking competitions.
+Speeded up Beer Stealing procedure. Thieves can now carry more barrels
 depending on how strong they are. Real strong players can carry up to
 eight barrels in one go. The nasty bug where you got a negative amount
 of money when stealing ALL barrels has been removed.
+Armor Shop menu has been cleaned up to provide easier access.
+Players who commit suicide can write their own suicide notes.
+Characters now hold their personal "kill records". Monster kills/defeats
 and Player kills/defeats have been added to the statistics.
+Hitting 'R' from the main menu give players the option of viewing
 statistics of all kind, and comparing their own records with other
 players.

*Whole teams can now enter the dungeons to fight monsters!
 It's quite fun to bring down your mates for a little ride
 downstairs... Hear them scream and brag after every little pathetic
 effort they think they have accomplished. Or hear them scream for
 help when they are laying stunned on the ground, with twelve laughing
 monsters beating the hell out of them.
 However, the real winners can be (online) low level characters
 going down with their high level teammates. The other way around is
 not so favourable to the lower level characters. One hit from a mighty
 monster can put small timers to sleep quite quickly...
 (can be toggled OFF/ON with the Editor)
*All weapons and armors from earlier version have been discarded.
 Usurper now supports a "full equipment" system, which means that
 players can dress up their characters with different armors and
 weapons. They can buy gloves, boots, pants, helmets, belts and much
 more to give them better protection/equipment.
 (Don't worry about players old weapons/armors! They are cashed in when
  the conversion program is executed.)
*To increase the flexibility of Usurper, an Object Editor has been added to
 the Editor program. Approximately 500 objects are included as default.
 However, sysops are free to create their own, or edit existing,  objects
 with the Object Editor. Make your own weapons, armors, food, drinks,
 magic stones, poisoned potions, cursed instruments or any
 other strange items you can think of. You can of course write colorful
 descriptions to every Object. Hidden information can also be included.
 Objects can be configured to be monster weapons only, or only be available
 in the shops, or they may be set to be found in the dungeons at certain
 levels. It is also easy to create a "only one of its kind" type of object.
 If, for example, a very powerful weapon is created, the Sysop can give it
 to an NPC or a player and then toggle the Objects existance in the
 shops/dungeons to OFF. Now the rest of the players probably want to have
 a little "chat" with the lucky owner to this unique weapon. Players can
 also be given special items after acheieving specific goals.
 The above are only suggestions on how to make the game more challenging.
 The real possibilites are restricted by your imagination alone.
 Up to 65,000 different objects can be created and used.

 <> Programmers Personal <>
   Personally, I must admit that the making of new objects, especially
   articles of clothing, has been the most enjoyable part in the making
   of Usurper so far. And since the NPC:s do their own shopping, the
   joy can be extended when watching how THEY dress. I don't know if
   you must have special kind of humour to appreciate the occasion when
   Ugluk comes rushing at you, wearing a Sombrero, jeans and ray-bans.
   However, the default objects included in this package range from serious
   articles to a number of more bizarre items. I like both types.

*Don't forget to configure which items that shall be able to be taken
 from defeated players. You can configure everything individually.
 Personally, I don't recommend setting everything to YES, meaning that
 a victor can take ALL the defeated players equipment. It's quite GRIM
 to loose sixteen items in one go! However, being a real sadist, why not
 allow the victor to take the defeated players inventory as well. The game
 can be configured that way...if you like.
*Difficulty for teams in dungeons can be changed with the Editor.
*Sysops can now easily change the "xp needed to level" limits with the Editor.
*Dungeons events have been reworked. The "get the treasure or die"
 choices have been discarded.
*Sysops can now create their own doorguards with the Editor.
*Players can hire up to 10 heavy doorguards to protect themselves.
*Players can now start their own Beer drinking competitions;
 Challenge your friends/foes and see who can drink the most beer!
*Players can now create their own cocktails at Orbs Health Club.
*Sysops can now choose if they want to use Fossil Drivers or NOT.
*Sysops can now decide if Usurper should load itself into EMS memory
 or not. By default Usurper will not load itself into EMS. If you
 want to use EMS memory then use the commandline option : Usurper /EMS
*Sysops can now change maximum number of players allowed in the game.
*Maximum number of healing potions that can be carried, can be changed.
*Name of Dungeons can now be changed in Editor.exe / Edit Config file.
*Include NPC:s level raises in the daily news is now optional.
 Change this switch in Editor.exe / Edit Configuration file
*NPC:s can now buy new weapons/armors/equipment, when they have the money.
 This can be toggled ON/OFF in the Editor.
*Players now have some more configurable phrases which are used in battle.
*Monster Editor has been improved. It is now possible to edit monster
 weapons, strength, resistance to magic, iq and more...
*NPC:s can now be (e)xamined in the Dormitory.
*Players can now set their own standard battlecries. This is mostly shown
 during teamfights against monsters.
*Prices have gone down at Groggos.
*The documentation files have been updated.
*Many many bugs fixed.
*Recompiled Usurper with JpDoor 4.1

Version 0.05 BETA (1994-03-20)
*Added A Monster Editor to the Main Editor.
*Sysops having problems with their Usurper configuration file can now
 create it from the Editor (by answering simple questions).
 NOTE! In this version there are many new configuration possibilities,
       so I recommend that you use the editor configuration program to get
       it all right.
*Backstabbing in the dungeons now works.
*The Game can be configured to make all NPC:s available in the Dormitory,
 thus possible to challenge and defeat (switch in Usurper.cfg).
*Healing Center has been implemented.
*The armor basevalue can now be set freely ( 0-60 % ). A value of 10 means
 that all armors absorb 10% of their armorvalues as a base value. The higher
 you set this figure, the more effective the armors get  (default is 25%).
*Sysops can now decide how they want the Healing procedure to work
 in the dungeons : (what happens after a player quaffs healing potions)
  1 : Player quaffs potions and then autoattacks monster
  2 : Player quaffs potions, and then the monster gets a free attack round
  3 : Player quaffs potions and can then choose another option
*Starting money for new players can be changed in the Usurper.cfg file.
*Number of Teamfights a player can perform can now be changed in the
 Usurper.cfg file
*Names of shopkeepers and levelmasters can now be changed in the .CFG
*Removed the ugly bug where non-team players couldn't buy armors and
 weapons.
*Sysop can now decide how much Experience a player will loose when he dies
 in the dungeons. This can be set for different levels.
*The monsters in the dungeons now speak again (optional). Monster weapons
 are also displayed during battle (as in earlier versions).
*Monster weapons have been made more powerful (thus more attractive
 to swap)
*Local login now works as before, with /L as command-line switch.
*Usurper can now be run in a "soft" mode. SOFT mode replaces drugs,
 steroids, snuffing, whorehouse and gigolos with more decent social
 activities (like burgalry and such =). Change this option in
 Usurper.cfg. Running in Normal modes gives you these new options
 additionally (look at Dark Deeds Menu for example...)
*Beer stealing and kidnapping are new options in Dark Deeds menu.
*Every time maintenance is run a CHAMPION is selected by comparing
 every players statistics. Not only high level characters can
 win this title. The values are based on what level you are, so a
 low level character with extremely good base stats can take the title.
 (you can also see a top 50 list when pressing 'O' from main menu)
*Removed a bug which messed things up a bit when sending items to team-
 mates.

Version 0.04c : (1994-03-02)
*Game Settings can now be viewed by players from the Intro-menu.
*Sysops can now choose to skip the Intro-menu. (can be changed in
 the .CFG file)
*Removed the bugs which caused items to disappear/not be visible.
*Drug/steriods bug has been removed.
*Rings can now be purchased as before.
*Successful Thievery now gives the player money.
*Maintenance can now be forced by adding /M to the command line.
*Citycontrol bugs have been fixed.
*Players can now buy weapons/armors to their NPC teammembers.

Version 0.04 : (1994-02-17)
* Recompiled the game with a new doordriver ; JpDoor
* Minor modifications and bugfixes

Version 0.03 : (1994-02-02)
* International Character Set available. (Swedish letters, at last!)
* Added support for new dropfile ; CHAIN.TXT (for the WWIV BBS system)
* The Paladins soulstrike has been improved. Offline Paladins don't fight
  so stupid as before. They don't take so many risks with the soulstrike.
* Numbers of dungeonfights can now be changed in Usurper.cfg
* Days of inactivity before deletion can also be changed in Usurper.cfg
* Added support for nonstandard IRQ. This can be changed in Usurper.cfg
* Players can now encounter more than one monster at the same time in the
  dungeons. Difficulty level can be set in Usurper.cfg by the sysop.
* Removed bug which wouldn't give spellcasters new spells
* Name of town can be changed in Usurper.cfg
* NPC:s vicious tendencies can be configured in Usurper.cfg. This will
  control the way the NPC:s summon demons and cast disease spells against
  innocent and unknowing players.
* Assassins backstab-power reduced.
* Have tried to reduce the tedious man-to-man fights that could go on
  forever. (mainly by reducing armor effect and increasing attack effect)
* Added some info when fighting with teams and 'fast' option selected.
  (so users don't hang up just because they think the system has crashed)
* Removed the bug which kept spellcasters frozen after 1 casted spell.
* Found the nasty bug which swapped away players great weapon/armor
  for worthless ones.
* The Editor has been upgraded.
* Paladins and Assassins couldn't use their special attacks in some
  fights. This has been fixed.
* Removed bug where spellcasters would abort up a fight simply by aborting
  a spellsession.
* Removed a similar bug when aborting 'send items to player' option.
* Smoother display in Bar-Fights.
* 'Todays Truth' added. A little chatline, always displayed upon login.
* Female players can now enjoy physical satisfaction from Gigolos.
* Added some info to the status screen.
* Hp-regenerating objects now work in the dungeons.
* From this version and onwards, a 8086/88 version will always be shipped
  along with the standard Usurper archive.
* Recompiled Usurper with a new version of Tridoor.

Version 0.02 : (1994-01-10)
* (Sysops! Don't forget to follow instructions in README! file)
* The Paladin has become a Class instead of Race.
* The Hobbit replace the Paladin as race.
* Added 11 Classes that new players can choose between.
  (Old Usurper gamers are defaulted to the Warrior class)
  Classes are as follows:
  1. Alchemists   *Poison masters. Have their own shop!*
  2. Assassins    *Special attack : backstab. Hard to hit.*
  3. Barbarians   *Strongest*
  4. Bards        *Good overall capabilities*
  5. Clerics      *Weak in combat, but use spells*
  6. Jesters      *Extremely hard to hit due to their acrobatic skills*
  7. Magicians    *Offensive Spellcasters*
  8. Paladins     *Strong. Have a special attack : soulstrike*
  9. Rangers      *Strong and agile*
 10. Sages        *Mysterious spellcasters*
 11. Warriors     *Better defence against magic attacks than Barbarians*
  (Note that some Race/Class combinations are impossible. Ie Troll/Paladin)

* Spelltables for Clerics and Magicians (Sages have one too. But it is not
  shown here.)

-Clerics-
---------
Lvl 1 Cure Light
    5 Armor
   10 Baptize Monster
   15 Cure Critic
   20 Disease
   25 Holy Explosion
   30 Invisibility
   40 Angel
   50 Call Lightning
   60 Heal
   70 Divination
   80 Gods Finger

-Magicians-
-----------
Lvl 1 Magic Missile
    5 Shield
   10 Sleep
   15 Web
   20 Strength
   25 Fireball
   30 Fear
   40 Lightning Bolt
   50 Prismatic Cage
   60 Pillar of Fire
   70 Power Word KILL
   80 Summon Demon

* New abilities added : Stamina, Agility, Charisma, Dexterity, Wisdom and
  Mana.
* 14 different close-combat skills added.
* Increased abilities upon level raises now depends on which Class the player
  belong to.
* Some new offline behaviour can be configured.
* You can now write your personal description of your character.
  This will be shown every time another player look at you.
* Monster weapons can now be taken from successful battles.
* Added more dungeon events. Made them a bit more flexible than the old
  ones. As a result of this the dungeons have become more dangerous and
  challenging. You cannot go down and just expect to kill your daily number
  of monsters without getting into some serious trouble.
* Drug addiction and Mental Stability stabilizes when players perform
  a level raise.
* Drug addiction and Mental stability parameters affect battles more
  now. Lack of concentration and hallucinations are common problems.
  Worst case scenarios are players with VERY low mental stability.
  These nutcases can actually rise at midnight and do things they
  never would have done in a healthy mode. They can also experience
  hallucinations when they play.
* New ANSI intro screen. Thanks to Jerry Barham at Crimson Knight BBS.
* The configurable option where your character would buy healing
  potions after every successful battle now work as it should.
  When you log on, you will get a notice of each one of these
  auto-purchases.
* Attacking Akrappa, the levelmaster, is no longer possible.
* Added some new items that can be found. You might for example find
  Drug Darts. This can be thrown upon an enemy and cause his drug
  addiction to raise (Not a very nice thing to do!).
* New Shop added. The mad mage Groggo sell services to those who wish
  to get rid of an enemy, but don't dare/have the muscles to fight for
  themselves. Groggo can summon Demons against your foes, he can curse
  them and give them diseases. The prices are quite reasonable, but
  be careful! The old mage is very old, angry and vicious. He might do
  things to players just because he woke up in a worse mood than usual.
* As mentioned above, players are now affected by diseases. There are
  different types of diseases, with the Plague as the most horrible.
  Try to stay healthy! Diseases are not easily cured...
* New Pub added. Bobs Beer Hut is a shady place where you can go if you are
  looking for trouble. Brawls and thievery are common activities.
  (This is function is only available in Registered programs)
* The money receieved for City Control is now totally dependant upon
  the gangmembers abilities. That is : the higher level a player has,
  the more money for City Control. The money are summed up and thereafter
  equally divided among the teammembers. A level 2 character will therefore
  recieve the same amount as his teammate with a gamelevel of 50.
* There are now 10 Levelmasters (Akrappa included). Players choose a
  master to study for. They can change teacher whenever they want, but it
  will cost a pretty grim sum of money. Different masters are good at
  different things and will teach differently. It's a good idea to
  experiment. Some players prefer raw strength, and other need spellpower.
  It much depends on which class a player belong to.
* Loosing a fight, or just dying in general, reduces a players
  experience points by approximately 5%. This will only affect players
  online.
* Magical items, such as Rings, now works in Dungeons.
* Suicide option now works properly.
* Viped out a bunch of nasty bugs. Cleaned up the code a great deal.
  The size of Usurper.exe file has been reduced. However, the total size
  of Usurper continues to grow.
* The number of teamfights a player can perform have been reduced
  to three.
* Sysops can now edit/add/change the NPCs (requested by many).
* Many minor changes have slipped my mind (you will notice them
  sooner or later).

Version 0.01f : (1993-10-08)
(To all Sysops : follow the instructions in the 'README!' file!)
I recognized a couple of situations where the program
would bomb out. These have been corrected.
* All races can now REALLY resurrect teammates.
* NPC Wizards now cast spells in gang combat.
* 'Fight to death' option added.
* Magical items can be purchased, others can be found. Many of these can be
  very useful in battle, others are dangerous.
* Items can now be sent to NPC:s (useful to increase team strength).
* More computer characters have been added (big and tough guys).
* More detailed info on NPC:s.
* Gnoll poison effect is now stronger, depending on which level
  the Gnoll is on.
* New players can choose to be males/females. Gender support
  also added in text.
* Flee the dungeons now works properly.
* Beg for mercy in the dungeons now works.
* Players can configure some offline combat behaviour.
* Lockups due to repeated keypressing are now gone.
* Many small bugfixes and changes that i can't remember. And of course
  some cosmetic enhancements.

Version 0.01e : (1993-09-21)   *** FIRST PUBLIC RELEASE ***
All races can resurrect teammates. Players can quit in
'Begging mode'. This will place them on street disguised
as beggars. Money can be earned. But as beggars are unarmed
other players can easily have them murdered. However,
murdering beggars are not good for character and will not
yield much experience. 'The Castle' option has been replaced
with 'The marketplace', where various actions can be made.
Reworked the battle formulas in player-vs-player battles.
Troll players now have more problems when recruiting
good characters, as paladins and elves. Certain races
just can't stand each other...
Non-Player-Characters now form teams when they feel like
it. Players can have a maximum of 250 healing potions.
Rival gangmembers can now be bribed over to your team.
A way to avoid teammembers from being bribed is to send
them items/money making their loyalty increase.

Version 0.01d : (1993-09-10)
Computer controlled characters now uses Soulstrikes more
efficiently. The Paladin character has been made more
powerful. Send items to teammates now works. NPC:s increase
their abilities as their experience goes up.
A couple of more dungeon events added. Weapons and armors
can be taken from dead oppponents in player/team fights.
Add to that numerous of small changes and bugfixes.

Version 0.01c : (1993-09-01)
Added a Wishing Well in the dungeons. 'Good' characters
will recieve rewards from the King. Stay-Alive Bonus to
all characters who makes it through the day alive.
Made life a little bit easier and rewarding in the dungeons.
Added options to send items between teammates. Computer
players now a bit trickier to beat. Usurper now also includes
numerous of computer characters who can be sworn into your
team and do some of the fighting! And of course some bugfixes.

Version 0.01b : (1993-08-29)
Minor bugfixes. New options : Resurrection of teammates.
Teams can now also fight each other without city control
involved.

Version 0.01  : (1993-08-22)
First shaky release on my own BBS, Silent Service.
Some bugs noticed.

(The development of Usurper started a sunny spring morning
in April, 1993)

                 *************************************
                **** Best wishes to Sven and Muffi ****
                 *************************************
˙˙
