| From: | "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | [FAQ] ShadowRN: Discussion List for the RPG ShadowRun |
| Date: | Fri, 1 Apr 1994 02:51:23 -0600 |
This document contains the list of Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] for
the BITNET mailing list ShadowRN, devoted to discussions of the role
playing game ShadowRun. Full instructions on how to subscribe as well as
related information is provided within.
You will note that this FAQ _does not_ contain information about the
ShadowRun game spcifically. This FAQ is dedicated to the list itself and
serves as an introduction to the community created by list-discussion.
Thanks for your interest,
Virtually,
The ShadowRun Listowner
Robert Hayden: <hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu> "Fearless
Leader"
____________________________________________________________________________
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Frequently Asked Questions for SHADOWRN@*****.BITNET
Version 1.10 (01-13-94)
Compiled by your fearless leader: Robert Hayden
hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. INTRODUCTION
A. What is ShadowRN?
B. How do I subscribe to ShadowRN?
C. How do I post to ShadowRN?
D. How do I unsubscribe to ShadowRN?
E. Other Important LISTSERV Commands.
F. Why am I getting deleted from the list for no reason?
G. HELP! Mail from the list has stopped coming, but I'm
still subscribed!
II. SHADOWRN LEXICON OF COMMON TERMS
III. HOW TO GET PAST LOGS AND OTHER NET-AVAILABLE INFORMATION
A. Using the LISTSERV 'GET' command
B. Getting past logs via FTP
C. FTP sites for Shadowrun materials
IV. SHADOWRUN RELATED MAILING LISTS, NEWSGROUPS ANT OTHER FORUMS
A. ShadowTK
B. PLOT-D
C. NERPS
D. EARTHDAWN
E. ALT.CYBERPUNK.*
F. REC.GAMES.FRP.CYBER
G. CapACCESS
V. MISCELLANEOUS (and sometimes unrelated) INFORMATION
A. Dealing with large amounts of ShadowRN mail
1. Digesting
2. Filtering
B. What is PGP?
C. What is the Geek Code?
______________________________________________________________________________
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PART I: INTRODUCTION
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A. What is ShadowRN?
ShadowRN is a discussion list for the role-playing game called
ShadowRun, which is published by FASA.
Shadowrun takes place in Seattle 61 years in the future.
Cybernetics, Virtual Reality, and biotechnology are available to
the public. Furthermore, Magic exists and is controlled by mages
and shamans, and mythical beings once again roam the land.
Megacorporations, with the power of small nations, rule the
politics and hold the ultimate stranglehold on the underclass.
Surviving in the world of Shadowrun takes as much courage as it
does skill.
And perhaps just a little luck.
**********
B. How do I subscribe to ShadowRN?
To subscribe, you must send a control message to the listserv at
HEARN.bitnet. To do this, send email with the following parameters:
TO: listserv@*****.bitnet
SUB: <leave blank>
1st line: subscribe shadowrn your-real-name
In a little while you should get email instructing you how to
confirm your subscription request. Simply follow the instructions
and you will soon start getting regular postings.
If you have difficulty with bitnet addresses, you can also use the
internet address, which is LISTSERV@*****.nic.SURFnet.nl
**********
C. How do I post to ShadowRN?
To post to ShadowRN, you send your posting via email to
SHADOWRN@*****.BITNET (or SHADOWRN@*****.nic.SURFnet.nl for
internet).
**********
D. How do I unsubscribe to ShadowRN?
To unsubscribe, you must send a control message to the listserv at
HEARN.bitnet. To do this, send email with the following
parameters:
TO: listserv@*****.bitnet (or LISTSERV@*****.nic.SURFnet.nl)
SUB: <leave blank>
1st line: signoff shadowrn
In a little while you should get email confirming your unsubscription
request.
**********
E. Other Important LISTSERV Commands.
There are many commands you can give to the listserv in order to change
how your subscription works.
SET listname REPRO:
This command will have the listserv include you in the
distribution of any posting you make (ie, you get your own
things back, too).
SET listname ACK:
This is simply an confirmation of the posting you just made.
It is returned to you in email.
SET listname NOMAIL:
If you are going on vacation or something, sending a NOMAIL
command will halt your receiving any postings. This is
helpful if you know that your quota will be exceeded during
Christmas break, for example.
WARNING: If you forget to do this and your quota is exceeded,
this will cause all of the postings to be bounced back to the
list, possibly leading to a loop. The only way to quickly
alleviate this problem is to delete your subscription, so
PLEASE use the NOMAIL command if you are going to be gone
for a while.
SET listname DIGEST:
When this option is set, instead of all of the postings
being delivered separately, they will be delivered in
one mailing at the close of the day (in HEARN's timezone).
This is helpful if the number of mailings become a burden.
SET listname MAIL:
This option is invoked to restore active status after sending
a NOMAIL request, and is also used to change from DIGEST
back to getting all postings separately.
HELP:
Sending this command will give you a listing and brief
descriptions of all available commands.
**********
F. Why am I getting deleted from the list for no reason?
99% of the time, the reason you are deleted from the list (by the
listowner) is because for some reason mail is bouncing off of your
account.
Usually this is caused by one of two reasons. Either A) your
account is filled and can't hold any more or B) for some reason your
account is not available (either the machine or your account is down).
When this happens, it causes an error message to be sent back to the
list. The list software attempts to detect error messages and route
them to the listowner. Sometimes, though, the error is not detected by
the listserv software and the error gets reported to the list. This
causes the error message to get sent our to all subscribers, including
the person who is bouncing mail. This leads to a loop that really
messes things up.
Thus, standard procedure when an error message is reported it to delete
the subscription of the person causing the error.
Once the problem has been fixed (you are back on the net or have room),
you are, of course, free to join the list again.
*********
G. HELP! Mail from the list has stopped coming, but I'm still subscribed!
Mail has an annoying characteristic in that, while most of the time
it is instantaneous, there are times when it can take up to two
weeks to go from one computer to another that is located ten feet
away (much like snail mail, eh?).
If mail suddenly suddenly stops coming, wait at least 48 hours before
you contact the listowner. Very likely a link is down between you and
the list, and as soon as that link comes back up, you will get
all of the old mailings.
Also note that the listowner won't be able to help at all in terms
of mail not arriving. All he can do is to verify that you are indeed
subscribed, anything beyond that is under the control of someone else.
******************************************************************************
II. SHADOWRUN LEXICON OF COMMONPLACE TERMINOLOGY
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Compiled by: Doctor Doom
What follows is jargon frequently seen on the ShadowRun List, along with
definitions and histories, in order that one may be assisted in familiarizing
one's self with this discussion mailserver.
Common Term Definitions
-----------------------
The Dark Lord on High
A reference to Tom Dowd, who participated in the conception,
design, and development of the background and rules of the game
ShadowRun. His title, originally thought of and used by Doctor
Doom (on 31 Oct 92, 01:11:46), derives from his position at the
FASA offices, who have designated him as the individual to which
all questions regarding rules for the ShadowRun Game System are
forwarded, logically owing to his involvement in the project from
its beginnings.
Several members of this list contact him periodically, seeking his
wisdom in instances where the rules are either seemingly
contradictory, too vague for singular interpretation, or simply do
not exist for a particular situation. He is considered by many to
be the a sort of Final Arbiter, an Ultimate Adjudicator for such
matters, although there are those who do not subscribe to this
sentiment.
And, yes, he is aware that we refer to him as such.
FASA
The Freedonian Aeronautic and Space Administration. The company
which produces our own beloved ShadowRun, as well as Earthdawn,
another game with important ties with the ShadowRun world.
Discussion and reviews of recent FASA products are fairly common
upon the mailserver, as are commentary regarding various rulings
from The Dark Lord.
The name Freedonia comes from the European country depicted in
"Duck Soup", a Marx Brothers film, in which Groucho Marx portrays
Rufus T. Firefly, President of Freedonia.
Fearless Leader
Term for Robert A. Hayden, listowner of all four mailing lists
connected with ShadowRun: ShadowRn, ShadowTk, Plot-D, and NERPS.
Coined in homage to the Rocky and Bullwinkle television show;
Fearless Leader was the man that Boris and Natasha reported to.
Munchkin
Either noun or verb. Munchkinism is exhibited in two primary
forms of expression, that of rules interpretation/implementation
and power.
Munchkins tend to interpret rules in either the broadest possible
sense or such that benefits shall be disproportionately bestowed,
especially in exclusive favor to their character. They
consistently push the envelope of the letter and spirit of the law
in an effort to gain the greatest (sometimes individual) latitude.
Usually, areas targeted for such pressure are instances where the
published rules are particularly vague or may not specifically
apply, i.e., loopholes.
Besides this, Munchkins are quite willing to take leave of the
game system to achieve their desires and demonstrate a great
willingness to alter, augment, or eliminate the rules without
paying due consideration to alternatives to or the ramifications
of their actions.
As has already been implied, the end product of all Munchkins
efforts lead to one thing: Power. Munchkins are driven by the
desire to become the most potent player in the group/setting/world
in which they are playing. Further, any questions as to the
believability (within the genre) or feasibility of such
exceedingly potent characters or are not salient to the Munchkin.
Also, Munchkins are generally very reticent to create serious
obstacles or problems for his character, and typically they
exhibit most grievous vexation should the Game Master or other
players frustrate his plans. In line with this, they
energetically seek to avoid any disadvantages or costs in an
effort to achieve their goals. A Munchkin EXPECTS to win all the
time.
True, it may be argued that the above behaviours are merely
natural tendencies, but they attain a certain fanaticism in
Munchkins.
NERPS
"Inside Joke" at the offices of FASA. According to them, it
originally stood for "Nothing Ever Really Pleases Steve/Scott",
although no particulars as to the identity as to Steve or Scott
were given. Appeared in FASA products as early as Virtual
Realities (p. 81) possibly earlier. Has now taken on a life of
its own.
NOTE: Despite the natural tendency to interpret NERPS as a jibe
to Steve Jackson Game's product, GURPS, such speculation is
without foundation.
NERPS are the ultimate placebo. They may serve as a cure (almost)
for anything one might care to name: From the common cold to
nuclear war. NERPS are commonly used to contend with Munchkins and
just about anything else that springs to mind.
THWAP
The sound a wet carp makes when someone is struck with it; also
the act of striking someone with a wet carp.
The term was first used in the latter part of the year the list
became operational, when our Fearless Leader, Robert Hayden, was
experiencing considerable problems with his mailer, such that all
were receiving several copies of EVERY posting he dispatched.
Howls of discontent were heard across the node. Tempers were
raised. Flames were exchanged.
On Thursday, 22 October 1992 (21:03:17 CET), Hayden, in an attempt
to soothe the raising ire of the other members as well as offer an
apology, infused a bit of levity in his requesting pardon for the
inconvenience, to wit:
"You can thwap me with a wet carp if it will make you feel better."
And thus the concept was born. Immediately many list members
latched upon this rather novel idea. The first actual THWAP was
invoked by Doctor Doom on 22 October 1992, 15:31:00 CST, rapidly
followed by Harlequin and Flare. A legend was begun...
Since then, its has been used so frequently that the idea took on
a life of its own, and it is now a legitimate term, even if only
jargon. Thwaps are generally brought to bear upon especially
bizarre, silly, or Munchkinous ideas, although their invocation
usually indicates a degree of levity and good-spiritedness.
Thwaps are not meant for spite--that purpose is served by flames.
TOLM WAPPERs
Generic term for the denizens of the ShadowRun list. Initially
stood for Those Other List Members Which Are Presently Perplexed
at this Esoteric Rambling.
Other users are also collectively referred to as simply "the list"
on occasion.
Commonly Utilized Abbreviations:
--------------------------------
DLoH : The Dark Lord on High
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions
GM : Game Master, also called DM, Referee, or Administrator
Grim : The Grimoire (1 & 2), also simply G
NAGNA : Neo-Anarchist's Guide to North America
NAGRL : Neo-Anarchist's Guide to Real Life
NAGEE : Neo-Anarchist's Guide to Everything Else (independent
publication, composed of non-official information)
NPC : Non-Player Character
PC : Player Character
RBB : Rigger Black Book
SSC : Street Samurai Catalogue (1 & 2)
SR : ShadowRun, also known as the Blue Book
SR2 : ShadowRun Second Edition, also the Black Book
S-Beat : ShadowBeat
S-Tech : ShadowTech
(the) Tir : Tir Tairngire, or the sourcebook of the same name
VR : Virtual Realities
Common Slang for Various Character Types
----------------------------------------
With considerable input and assistance provided by: J Roberson
Street Samurai...................Cyberknight, Techwarrior, Street Sam, Sammie,
Street Pizza, Street Op, Combat Gumby, Muscle,
Razorboy/Razorgirl, Slasher, Strongarm, Killer
Decker.................................Technomancer, Matrix Runner, Net Runner,
Net Junkie, ICskater, ICbreaker, Hacker,
Jacker, Data Thief, Console Cowboy
Rigger..................................Driver, Flyboy/Flygirl, Jockey, Wireman
Magic-Users (General)............Magician, Magiker, Spell-Chucker, Spellcaster,
ManaMan, Witch/Warlock, Wiz, Wu Jen
Mage...........................Thaumaturge, Magician, Magiker, Sorcerer, Wizard
Physical Adepts................................Ninja, Warrior, Numbskull, Blade
Shamans..........................................Priest, Nature Boy, Chosen One
Druids............................................Blood Mage, Lineman, Leyseers
******************************************************************************
III. HOW TO GET PAST LOGS AND OTHER NET-AVAILABLE INFORMATION
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A. Using the LISTSERV 'GET' command.
Logs of activity on SHADOWRN will be kept online and be available via
the listserv at HEARN. In order to get a directory listing of the
SHADOWRN related files, send the command INDEX SHADOWRN to
LISTSERV@*****.BITNET. You should get a response in a little while
that lists all of the files available.
The log files will be named 'SHADOWRN LOGyymm{A-E}', where 'yy' is the
year of the file, 'mm' is the month and the final letter indicates the
week, with the first week being 'A', and the start of the 5th week
being 'E'.
To get one of them, send the command GET filename, where filename is
the name of the file you wish to receive (example: GET SHADOWRN
LOG9303D). After a bit, you should receive that file in the mail.
**********
B. Getting past logs via FTP.
SHADOWRN logs are also available via FTP at:
site: hearn.nic.surfnet.nl
directory: /archive
The archives for the ShadowRN list are named
'SHADOWRN.LOGyymm{A-E}' using the same naming format
used when ordering the files via mail as desribed in
part A.
**********
C. FTP sites for Shadowrun materials
The following FTP sites contain Shadowrun related information. This list is
mostly taken from the REC.GAMES.FRP FAQ.
================
Name: The Jayhawk series archive sites
Address: ftp.white.toronto.edu
potemkin.cs.pdx.edu [ftp.cs.pdx.edu]
Info Updated: 1-May-1991
Notes: Mary Kuhner's <mkkuhner@********.washington.edu> Jayhawk series
of stories (high quality shadowrun writeups) are available in
several archive sites. Mary has offered to mail the stories if
you can't get to one of the servers.
site1: ftp.white.toronto.edu
file: /pub/frp/shadowrun/jayhawk
site2: potemkin.cs.pdx.edu [ftp.cs.pdx.edu]
directory: /pub/frp/stories/jayhawk
================
Name: University of San Diego anonymous FTP service
Address: teetot.acusd.edu
Contact: Jerry Stratton <jerry@******.acusd.edu>
Info Updated: January 22, 1993
Notes: Currently includes space for AD&D, Shadowrun, and Brand X
(an original superhero roleplaying game). This is the
distribution point for the Neo-Anarchists Guide to
Everything Else, the net.book for shadowrun players.
Also contains archives of ShadowTalk in .ZIP format.
================
Name: Australian FRP Archive
Address: yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au in /pub/frp/shadowrun
Contact: Aaron Wigley <wigs@****.cc.monash.edu.au>
Info Updated: 09-Dec-1992
Notes: This site contains mirrors of Shadowrun sites, as well as
unique information. Submissions should follow guidelines
shown when connecting to the site about uploading
material. Please limit your accesses to between 0800 GMT
and 2300 GMT (1800 - 0900 AEST).
================
Address: catalina.opt-sci.arizona.edu
Contact: Hubert Bartels <hgb@********.opt-sci.arizona.edu>
Notes: This site contains information and archives from the
usenet newsgroup alt.cyberpunk.chatsubo. It also archives
materials from ShadowTalk, in ascii format.
*****************************************************************************
IV. SHADOWRUN RELATED MAILING LISTS AND NEWSGROUPS
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A. ShadowTK
Shadowtalk is an interactive fiction mailing list based on
Shadowrun. Members of the list post as characters in genre, and
by responding to each other's posts "in character", stories are
developed. These stories may then be used by players and GMs
alike as a basis for contacts, NPCs, and adventure plots in their
own campaigns.
There is a companion ShadowTK FAQ that is posted to ShadowRN once
a month. A copy of this can also be requested from Robert Hayden
<hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu>. It contains full information on
how to subscribe as well as information on posting formats and
periodic supplemental distributions of information.
****************
B. PLOT-D
PLOT-D is a supplemental discussion list for ShadowTalk. The
purpose of PLOT-D is to discuss (as the name obviously implies)
plotlines. It also handles discussion of administrative issues in
order to not clog SHADOWTK or SHADOWRN with only remotely related
issues.
As a caution, though, PLOT-D is not an open list. There are
certain stipulations that must be met before you can be admitted.
Full details on these requirements can be found in the ShadowTK
FAQ.
****************
C. NERPS (formerly TOME)
NERPS (Net Enhancements for Role Playing ShadowRun) is a mailing
list that serves as a committee base for a group of individuals
spending time organizing and writing up a series of net.shadowrun
manuals. These manuals contain everything from new races and
spells to new technology and alternate magic systems.
The specific project the list is currently working on varies and
full details can be found in the monthly TOME FAQ, or a copy of
the FAQ can be requested from Robert Hayden
<hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu>.
****************
D. EARTHDAWN
FASA's new fantasy RPG, Earthdawn, has its own mailing list. This
list covers all aspects of Earthdawn (rules, setting, campaigns,
etc) plus the crossovers to ShadowRun.
To subscribe to the list, send the following message to
listserver@****.concept.com.au
subscribe earthdawn <Your Name>
List Owner: Chris Ryan <chrisr@****.fit.qut.edu.au>
****************
E. ALT.CYBERPUNK.*
On Usenet, there are a series of cyberpunk-related newsgroups.
These groups have little to do with ShadowRun, per se, but they do
have discussions of the cyberpunk genre of fiction and its
implications on current and future society.
alt.cyberpunk
This is a general group for discussion cyberpunkish topics.
May range from cinema to politics to tends in philosophical
thinkings,
alt.cyberpunk.chatsubo
This group is devoted to the writing of cyberpunk fiction.
Several stories are posted periodic in installment fashion and
critiques are welcome.
alt.cyberpunk.movement
This newsgroup discusses the societal impact of the cyberpunk
movement.
alt.cyberpunk.tech
This group is devoted to discussions of new technologies
that the birth of a cyber age will bring about.
****************
F. REC.GAMES.FRP.CYBER
This is a Usenet newsgroup set aside for discussion of the
cyberpunk genre of role-playing games. Discussions in this group
include not only ShadowRun, but also CyberSpace, CyberPunk 2020,
GURPS Cyberpunk, and many others.
****************
G. CapACCESS
J.D. Falk <jdfalk@***.gwu.edu> writes:
CapAccess <cap.gwu.edu>, which is the closest thing the D.C. area
has to a freenet, has a Role-Playing Games Information Area.
Among other things, there is a Shadowrun menu, run by our very own
Eric Trager.
At present, its mostly empty, but should be growing once I get off
my lazy ass and sit down on my lazy ass and check out some of the
FTP sites in your FAQ.
Login procedures: telnet to cap.gwu.edu and login as 'guest',
password 'visitor' -- typing GO RPG is a shortcut to the RPG
area.
For more info, EMail can be sent to <RPGmgr@***.gwu.edu>
****************************************************************************
V. MISCELLANEOUS (and sometimes unrelated) INFORMATION
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A. Dealing with large amounts of ShadowRN mail
It is not uncommon for ShadowRN to generate up to 75 messages a
day. This can be quite a load to deal with, especially if you do
not get on daily. There exist a couple of ways to possibly deal
with the large quantities of mail. These are by no means perfect,
but might be helpful.
1. Digesting
By using the 'set mail digest' command, you are able to
reduce the number of mailings you receive to only on message
per day. It also reduces the overall size of the days mail
by about 1k per message, as you only get one set of headers.
[See part I-E for instructions]. This can be a substantial
savings for a busy day.
2. Filtering
Some computer systems allow you to have your incoming mail
pass through a filter. This filter will allow you to sort
or delete mail based on subject or sender or many other
parameters. The exact requirements vary by system, but for
UNIX systems, check out the program called 'filter', which
is provided as part of the ELM mail package, or use archie
to locate the the program 'procmail', which serves a similiar
function, as well as providing more abilities.
To sort your ShadowRN mail, you want to sort by who the mail
is addressed TO, as the listserv maintains the from line as
being the person that wrote the posting.
The following entries can be used to use the ELM filter
program to sort your mail. 'folderpath' is the exact path
of the folder that mail is eventually sorted into:
-- begin --
# entries for filtering all four mailing lists
if (to "Multiple recipients of list NERPS") ? save folderpath
if (to "Multiple recipients of list SHADOWRN") ? save folderpath
if (to "Multiple recipients of list SHADOWTK") ? save folderpath
if (to "Multiple recipients of list PLOT-D") ? save folderpath
-- end --
****************
B. What is PGP?
From time to time, you will see persons who post to shadowRN with
messages containing references to PGP, or containing PGP signatures.
PGP is a program available for Mac, DOS, VMS and UNIX that will
provide two important functions.
1) It provides the ability to encrypt a message so that
only the recipient can decode the document.
2) It provides the ability to attach a digital signature
that can be used to verify that the mailing originated
with that person, and isn't forged (mail is
notoriously easy to forge).
PGP can be FTPed from:
soda.berkeley.edu:/pub/cypherpunks/pgp
Make sure you read the documentation carefully before you begin
using as it is a feature-filled program and can be quite daunting.
Also check out the alt.security.pgp newsgroup for discussion on
the program.
****************
C. What is the Geek Code?
You will see several signatures on ShadowRN that contain a goofy
looking line labeled as 'The Geek Code'. The geek code, written by
our Fearless Leader Robert Hayden, began as a parody of the other
famous internet 'codes' and allows one to codify their various
geekish attributes.
The geek code is online and you can finger Robert Hayden
<hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu> for the current location, or
contact him direct if you don't have access to a finger daemon.
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