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			   20 Pyramids
			By Mecha-Godzilla

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* INSTALLATION *

  Place the "20 Pyramids.ufo" file into your root Total Annhila-
  tion directory, which is c:\cavedog\totala\ in a default inst-
  allation.

  Requires Core Contingency to play.

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* GAME PLAY *

1) General

   Energy resources are very low.  This may make things difficult
   at first.  However, metal is readily available, it will extract
   from regular ground in good quantities.

   The large chrystalene pyramids are impassible (voided).  Due
   to their slick surfaces Kbots can not traverse them.

   The liquid mercury canals are impassible.

   Several steam vents are near the center of the map.  Near each
   player start is also a single steam vent.

   The layout of the map seems to play best for Porcupines and 
   Rushers.  Rushers have a slight disadvantage (due to the
   canals), this can become more serious as the game progresses
   (dragons teeth or debris on or near the bridges).  Air power
   will be important to rushers - think Arm.

   The map plays as a kind-of metal-lava world combination.  At
   least, that is the closest equivalent.

   Yet another "four corners" map <sigh>.  ;)

   Map size is 15x15 tiles.

2) Multiplayer

   This is a mid sized map.  Up to 8 can play.  

   Teams are best organized as even start positions -vs- odd start
   positions, or in the following 4 groups: 1 & 5, 2 & 6, 3 & 7,
   4 & 8.

   Free-for-alls are best with 2 to 4 players.

   Keep in mind that the four groupings of players described above
   have no separating canals.  Thus if it is a 5+ free for all,
   some players may find themselfs drawn into combat sooner than
   others.

3) Single Player (Skirmish Only)

   The standard Metal AI provided by Cavedog is utilized by this
   map.  So expect to be able to soundly pound the computer into
   the ground with only a little effort.

4) Resource Accumulation

   Metal Extractor	Regular Ground		1.0/tick
   Wind Generator	(low winds)		0/tick - 5/tick  
   Solar Collector	(normal/default)	20/tick
   Moho Metal Extractor	Regular Ground		8.3/tick
   Steam Generator      Steam Vent              500/tick

5) Reclaimable Features

   No reclaimable feautures are in this version of 20 Pyarmids.
   Sorry.  8P

   I am hoping to figure out how to make some custom reclaimable
   features.  As none of the already made ones seem to fit well
   with this tile set.

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* BACKGROUND/STORY *

  This map is set on a strange alien world.

  The reminants of a high-tech civilization can still be found
  here.  However, there is no indication that any life has
  actually ever existed on this planet.

  The structures that remain appear to be fabricated from solid
  crystal and metal.  Yet resonate with stange patterns of energy.
  The exact function and purpose of these structures remains a
  mystery.  Even more mysterious are the constructed canals of
  liquid mercury that race accross the surface of this world.

  Recently discovered, on the opposite side of an ancient alien
  stargate, the presence of high metal concentrations has attrac-
  ted both Arm and Core warlords.  Seeking to control this
  world's resources, their timeless conflict rages on.

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* KNOWN BUGS - fix fix fix !!! *

1) Tileset - Parched Patch on Plain.  Lighting is too intense.
   Compared with completely parched tiles, noticeably.
2) Tileset - Plain Land Tile.  Faint seams inside the tile.
   Looks like a broken yellowish line.

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* CONSTRUCTION DETAILS *

1) Summary

   Title                : 20 Pyramids
   Game			: TA - Core Contingency
   Creation Date	: 2/12/99
   Map Version		: 1.0
   Filename             : 20 Pyramids.ufo
   Author               : Mecha-Godzilla "MechaGdzla"
   Description          :
      Skirmish on a high resource world.  Low winds and high
      metal extraction from regular ground (1.0/tick).          
   Where to get new maps: http://www.tamec.org/

2) Game Play

   Map Size		: 15x15
   World Type		: Custom
                          (Metal/Lava - Closest Equivalent)
   Single Player Support: Yes, (skirmish mode only)
   Computer AI		: Standard Metal World provided by
                          Cavedog
   Multi Player Support	: Yes, up to 8 players
     No teams : Recommend no more than 4 players. 8 are supported.
     Teams    : Even player starts -vs- odd player starts.
		Otherwise 1&5 -vs- 2&6 -vs- 3&7 -vs- 4&8.
   New Graphics         : Yes, utilizes a custom tile set.

3) Construction 

   Base                 : None, original map.
   Editor(s) used       : Annihilator v 1.0
			  Paint Shop Pro v 5.0
			  Blade Pro V2.12 - Beveling Tool
   Tile Set		: Custom Tile Set - Chrysala.hpi		
   Build Time           : About 40 hours to make.
                          Includes time spent on the tileset.
   Uncompressed		: 4.9 M
   Compressed           : 849 K

4) Editing 

   This map was generated from an original tileset.  The tile
   set was developed in Paintshop for Windows V5.0, using the
   BladePro V2.12 beveling and visual effects tool.  The height
   maps were generated by hand using Paintship V5.0.  Annihilator
   V1.0 was then used to generate the tileset, and then to
   create the overall map.

   Paintshop V5.0, http://www.jasc.com/
   BladePro V2.12, http://www.flamingpear.com/
   Annihilator V1.00, http://www.annihilated.com/

   This is my first published map, don't expect much.  8)

5) Permissions

   You may not utilize this map, as the basis for generating
   other maps.  You may not copy the graphics to use them to 
   generate your own tilesets.

   You may not use the 20 Pyramids.ufo map or Chrysala.hpi 
   tileset in a CD-ROM compilation with out the expressed written
   permission of it's author.

   When I complete (and debug) the chrysala tile set, I will
   make it available to all who wish to use it, for the purpose
   of making original maps.

   You may distribute this map freely, via e-mail or internet
   download.  Provided you include this readme file with it.

6) Disclaimer

   I am not responsible for any damages direct or indirect that
   result from the use of this map, or any derived map, on your
   computer system and its files.  Use this (and all other third
   party maps) at your own risk.

   Loading and installation of this map, indicates your accept-
   ance of this disclaimer, and all risk.

   Really though, there should be none.  I have never had any
   real problems with this sort of stuff myself.  8)

7) Thanks

   Multiplayer testers  :  John Kinerim

8) Improvements from previous maps...

   The tileset is greatly expanded, to including transitions
   between ground types...

   The tileset is fixed.  All tiles are multiples of 32 pixels
   on each side (actually they are all 512 x 512).  This seems
   to have been the source of my prior problems.

   Larger, better suited for 8 players, than Chrysala.

   Improved readme file organization (this one here).

   Fewer bugs.  Dosen't crash!  8)

   Added a single steam vent near each player start.  Helps
   with initial buildup.  Also helps prevent any player
   or team controlling the middle from completely dominating
   the game (fighting chance for the rest of them).

9) Miscellaneous 

   This world (tile set) orriginated as the background for
   a new race I was thinking about making.  That project has
   been scrapped in light of the excessive time it would take
   me to do the work.  So instead I decided to simply produce
   the unique world the race originated from (A much easier
   task, overall).

   I may release a detailed description of the race later on,
   to see if anyone wants to tackle the task of making it.
   Doubtful.

A) Brief Author Bio.

   I am a 31 year old man with nothing better to do in his free
   time than make some TA maps.  I work for BSQUARE corporation
   as a Windows CE software tester for the Embedded Systems Group.
   I have been a Christian and recluse since 19 years of age.
   <8O

   Besides TA I actually do have other interests...
      Kaiju - Godzilla type movies
      Anime - Japanese Animation
      PBS\Discovery Science & History Shows
      Radio Controlled Toys (cars, boats, planes)
      Hiking
      LAN/Internet Multiplayer Gaming
      First Person Shooters w/ Adventuring Undertones
         Half-Life, Shogo, Unreal
      Reading The Bible
      Group Bible Study

   Ref. Romans 8:31-39
        Romans 10:5-13

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