Eldaraenth Readme v1.7 11/30/96

Eldaraenth--A Game of Dark Wars and Perilous Adventure
Written and Compiled through the combined efforts of the Alternative 
Reality Organization.

Copyright (C)1996 The Alternative Reality Organization.

You should find the following files in this zip file (or directory):
1) Eldar1st.RTF- the Eldaraenth Rules system in Rich Text Format (apparently
                 the most widely used Word Processor Format known to man).
2) Oldengl.ttf- A true type font that I'm pretty sure will work on all 
	        PC/Windows based word processors. Go through all that 
	        Control Panel stuff to install it.


I. Disclaimer
	Okay, first the legal junk. Now, repeat after me: Players are 
encouraged to play this game in a reasonble and safe fashion. This game can
obviously be used in situations and circumstances far outside the author's
control. Therefore, we, the authors, assume absolutely no responsibility for
destruction, loss, or injury that one may suffer in using these rules. In
using these rules, the players agree to these terms. In case of disagreement
with this agreement/disclaimer, destroy the book and forget you ever owned 
it.

II. Introduction
	This game is (was?) the rule system for the Alternative Reality 
Organization. It is a game that is primarily meant for epic-scale (10 or
more) fantasy battles. The rules system is a good one, and functions well. 
It is also primarily designed to be played without GM's--instead giving
the players almost total independence to decide their fate. 

III. Registration (Well . . . sort of) and Terms of Use
	There are only a few requests that I have in allowing you to 
download this rulebook. Namely, that you do not transmit this file with any
alterations to the original material, that all transmitted/shared copies of
this file contain this readme (on disk or hardcopy), and that you never 
proclaim this work to be your own--as many hard hours, weeks, and months, 
were put into its production. Also, if you do have an interest in this 
system, and have a group of players who find it enjoyable, and wish to 
continue playing; please E-Mail me at vanderwm@esuvm1.emporia.edu and 
inform me of the number of players, location, and any other pertinent 
information you wish to include.
	This sounds a lot like "registration", and I understand. But, you 
are not required to pay myself, or anyone else related with the Alternative
Reality Organization, any sum of money whatsoever. I wish merely to track 
game usage, see what kind of an interest there is in the game, and possibly
make revisions to the rules, scenarios, and sourcebooks, based all on the 
amount of use--and general interest in the game.

IV. A few notes on the rulebook
	Okay, it's huge, I'll admit that. 58 pages isn't exactly a walk in 
the park compared to other rules you may find on the net. But, at the same
time, remember that this is an uncrippled work. These are the complete, up-
to-date rules. Also, the largest section of the book deals with character, 
as this is an extremely character-dependent rule system. 
	One other thing to keep in mind is that the last 15-20 pages deal 
with appendices and such that aren't really important to gameplay, but neat
to read (I hope . . . ). Appendix A gives a history of the first two years
of the game from a realistic, historical viewpoint--just to give new players
an idea of how a typical campaign is played. The other two are just sort of
miscellaneous information that seemed important at the time :P.

V. Game Future
	Well, like I said, this depends on whether or not there are actually
players interested in pursuing the game. It's fun, but getting players for
something this large is difficult, at best--and it's future in the area of
its origin, northeastern Kansas, is severely in doubt for this reason.
	If interest grows in this game, there might be sourcebooks, and even
a way for players in the same geographical area to get in touch with one 
another. However, once again, it all depends on interest. 

VI. Other Errors/Addendum
	Well, errors, mostly. Disregard any references to dues, paying 
someone money, etc.. Also, disregard any mention of committee meetings, 
character approval, and event marshals. All of these were incorporated into
 the book at a time when the Alternative Reality Organization was trying to
 run as a federal system--with overhanded say over all chapters and 
sub-chapters. This is no longer the case, as logistics would prove 
impossible for such an operation. Sooner or later I'll try to put out a 
clarification of this by omitting/adding when necessary (i.e. when I have 
the time). Any and all chapters/players of this game, are free to organize 
themselves in whatever manner they see fit, whether it be as kingdoms, units
, dues-paying organizations, or whatever. I don't want any money for this. 
It was meant as a labour of love (ooooh . . . how cheesy).
