Cartoforge: DungeonsTM User Guide

Overview Getting Started Adventures Scenes Maps Cast Notes Preferences Desktop How To Register About Us Legal Screenshots  
 

Cartoforge: DungeonsTM
Forging Worlds of Adventure In The Palm Of Your Hand!


Cartoforge brings powerful Roleplaying Game (RPG) Adventure creation and management functions to your palm powered PDA, going far beyond often clunky desktop solutions to put the power of creation where it belongs... literally in the hands of the gamemaster.
Adventures
An Adventure is the first thing you will create with Cartoforge. Each Aventure includes a title, descriptive text, and provides a natural way to organize your adventure. Cartoforge Adventures are created as a series of scenes, each a location where something takes place, complete with a map, notes, and cast members associated with the scene.
Scenes
A scene represents a point of interest where something happens within your adventure, be it a roadside encounter with brigands, the siege of a fortified keep, or delving into a long forgotten tomb. Each scene includes a title, descriptive text, and a map allowing the specifics of the scene to be detailed. Additionally, each scene may include any number of attached notes and cast members.
Maps
Each Scene of a Cartoforge Adventure includes a map which may be edited using the built-in full featured map editor. Maps may be created and navigated quickly and easily, providing the Gamemaster with a powerful tool for mapping the action, be it a small cellar or vast underground catacombs.

Features
  • Simple Tile based system so anyone can create great looking maps no matter their artistic skill level.
  • Scrolling palette of 120+ dungeon mapping symbols.
  • Smart tools for placing water, cavern walls, lava flows, and more.
  • Zoom out to view the entire map, and tap an area to instantly view it in greater detail.
  • Place an unlimited number of notes & cast members at any location on the map.
  • Multi-Layered Maps may contain overlapping symbols, with optional automatic layer selection.
  • 5-Way Navigation support on all PalmOne handhelds including the Treo 600.
  • And much more!
Cast
Cast are used for tracking any creature or non-player character that may be faced. Each cast member includes a name, user definable statistics, possessions, life, mana, and information for tracking gold/experience associated with defeating the cast member. Cast members may be added to Adventures, Individual Scenes, or to specific map locations within a specific scene.
Notes
Notes have a variety of uses in cartoforge. Each note contains a title, descriptive text, and information for tracking gold/experience associated with resolving any situation it may present. Notes may be added to Adventures, Individual Scenes, or to specific map locations within a specific scene.
Preferences
Preferences and Cast Preferences allow the user to tailor Cartoforge according to their needs and the needs of their game system of choice.
Desktop
Cartoforge Desktop is a Windows companion program for use with Cartoforge for Palm Powered Devices, providing functions more suitable for a desktop application. The 'lite' version of the desktop software is included free with cartoforge. A full featured version is available as a separate product from Digital Alchemy.











Getting Started

This section details initial installation of Cartoforge on your handheld, and provides a quickstart to creating your first adventure.
Installation
Cartoforge consists of a single distribution file named CFD.PRC. Simply install this PRC file to your Palm Powered device using the Palm Desktop Installation Utility. See the documentation for your handheld for details on installing applications.
Starting Cartoforge for the First Time
The first time Cartoforge is started it will automatically create all files necessary to operate on your handheld device. The installation will be of the evaluation version, which details '## uses remaing' and shows that its an unregistered copy. You may use Cartoforge until the remaining uses reach zero, then if you wish to continue using the product you must register. See 'How To Register' for details on where to purchase Cartoforge and obtain a registration code.
If you have not registered yet, simply tap the [Continue] button to continue, otherwise tap the [Register] button to enter your registration code.
Creating Your First Adventure
Once at the Cartoforge top page, a list of Adventures will be displayed, although it will be empty if this is the first time you have used the product.

  • Tap [New] to create a new adventure.
  • Give your adventure a name by entering it into the Name Field.
  • Write a description of what your adventure will be about.
  • Tap the icon to add scenes to your adventure.
  • Tap to add/edit cast members for the adventure.
  • Add all the little details to your Adventure by adding notes using the icon.
  • Review this User Guide to make the most of your adventures.
  • Get Started, and have fun!







Adventures

An Adventure is the first thing you will create with Cartoforge. Each Aventure includes a title, descriptive text, and provides a natural way to organize your adventure. Cartoforge Adventures are created as a series of scenes, each a location where something takes place, complete with a map, notes, and cast members associated with the scene.
Managing Adventures
The Adventures list is used to select any existing Adventure for use, or to create new adventures. Simply tapping an adventures name, or tapping [New] for a new adventure will present you with the Adventure Edit Form for that adventure.
Menu
Selecting the Adventure List menu provides the following functions.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.
Editing Adventures
The adventure Edit Form is used to edit an adventures Name, and descriptive text, as well as provide tools for managing an adventures Scenes, Cast, and Notes. Tap [Done] when finished editing the adventure.
Name
The Name of the Adventure
Description
Descriptive text of the adventure... whats the plot, where will it take the adventurers? whos the bad guy, background material, etc. Remember you can always flesh out individual elements with Notes and Cast.

Tap the Scenes Icon to view/edit scenes for the current Adventure.

Tap the Cast Icon to view/edit cast members for the current Adventure. Cast members created at this level are typically the major Non-Player Character for the adventure, and are not tied to any particular scene or location on a map.

Tap the Notes Icon to view/edit notes for the current Adventure. Notes created at this level are often used to organize ideas, plot points, etc. for the adventure, and are not tied to any particular scene or location on a map.
Menu
Selecting the Adventure Edit Menu provides the following functions.
Summary
Select this option to display a summary of the current adventure.



The Top section of the summary includes information on the number of Cast and Note entries associated with the adventure, and how many of them have been completed by the players.

The Middle section of the summary includes information on the amount of Money available in the adventure, as well as what the players have claimed thus far.

Finally, the Bottom Section of the summary includes information on the amount of Experience available in the adventure, and how much has been completed by the players.

The summary has many uses, from quickly tracking money and experience to giving the gamemaster an idea of just 'how much is left' in an adventure, helping them to plan their next game sessions.
Splitting Gold & Experience
Tap the [Split] button within a summary to automatically split the amount of experience points and money between the players.

Delete
Selecting this option, will delete the current Adventure and all scenes, cast, and notes associated with it from your handheld after prompting for confirmation.
Undo
Select this option to undo the last change made to the current edit field.
Cut
Selecting this option will cut/remove any selected text from the current field and place it in the clipboard.
Copy
Selecting this option will place a copy of any selected text from the current field in the clipboard.
Paste
Selecting this option will paste/insert the current contents of the clipboard into the current field at the cursor location.
Select All
Selecting this option will select/highlight the contents of the current field.
Keyboard
Selecting this option displays a pop-up keyboard allowing easy editing of the current field.
Graffiti Help
Select this option to display help on entering text using Graffiti.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.









Scenes

A scene represents a point of interest where something happens within your adventure, be it a roadside encounter with brigands, the siege of a fortified keep, or delving into a long forgotten tomb. Each scene includes a title, descriptive text, and a map allowing the specifics of the scene to be detailed. Additionally, each scene may include any number of attached notes and cast members.
Managing Scenes
The Scene list is used to select an existing Scene for use, or to create a new scene in the current adventure. Simply tapping a Scenes Name, or tapping [New] for a new Scene will present you with the scene edit form.
Act
Each scene is assigned to an act I, II, III, IV, V within the current adventure. Scenes are sorted first by act then alphabetically by scene within the scene list. This allows organization of scenes as to when they occur within the adventure.
Scene
The scene name.
Menu
Selecting the Scene List menu provides the following functions.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.
Editing Scenes
The Scene Edit Form is used to edit the details of a scene including its Name, and descriptive text, as well as provide tools for managing a Scenes Map, Cast Members, and Notes. Tap [Done] when editing is complete.
Name
The Name of the Scene.
Act
The Act in which this scene takes place within the adventure. For example, introducing the players to the adventure will typically occur at the beginning or Act I, while the climax will typically occur later in Act III or IV.
Description
Descriptive text, setting the stage for what occurs in the scene. Remember you can always flesh out individual elements of the scene with additional Notes and Cast.

Tap the Map Icon to view/edit the scenes Map. Each scene includes a full featured map editor perfect for detailing anything from a simple cellar to a sprawling dungeon. See Maps For Details.

Tap the Cast Icon to view/edit cast members for the current Scene. Cast members created at this level are typically of lesser importance, but either wander from place to place, or are otherwise not appropriate for attaching directly to a location on the map.

Tap the Notes Icon to view/edit notes for the current Scene. Notes created at this level are often used to describe details of the scene, rewards for completing certain tasks, etc. for the scene, and are not tied to any particular location on the map.
Menu
Selecting the Scene Edit Menu provides the following functions.
Summary
Select this option to display a summary of the current scene.



The Top section of the summary includes information on the number of Cast and Note entries associated with the scene, and how many of them have been completed by the players.

The Middle section of the summary includes information on the amount of Money available in the scene, as well as what the players have claimed thus far.

Finally, the Bottom Section of the summary includes information on the amount of Experience available in the scene, and how much has been completed by the players.

The summary has many uses, from quickly tracking money and experience to giving the gamemaster an idea of just 'how much is left' in an scene, helping them to plan their next game sessions.
Splitting Gold & Experience
Tap the [Split] button within a summary to automatically split the amount of experience points and money between the players.

Delete
Selecting this option, will delete the current Scene along with all cast, and notes associated with it from your handheld after prompting for confirmation.
Undo
Select this option to undo the last change made to the current edit field.
Cut
Selecting this option will cut/remove any selected text from the current field and place it in the clipboard.
Copy
Selecting this option will place a copy of any selected text from the current field in the clipboard.
Paste
Selecting this option will paste/insert the current contents of the clipboard into the current field at the cursor location.
Select All
Selecting this option will select/highlight the contents of the current field.
Keyboard
Selecting this option displays a pop-up keyboard allowing easy editing of the current field.
Graffiti Help
Select this option to display help on entering text using Graffiti.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.









Maps

Each Scene of a Cartoforge Adventure includes a map which may be edited using the built-in full featured map editor. Maps may be created and navigated quickly and easily, providing the Gamemaster with a powerful tool for mapping the action, be it a small cellar or vast underground catacombs.
Map Editor
The map editor dominates the forms interface, covering about 90% of the screen, and provides a 12x12 symbol editable view of the map. Drawing with the pen in this area will draw on the map using the current tool and symbol settings.
Symbol Palette
The symbol palette along the left edge of the screen provides a scrolling view of all symbols available for use in Cartoforge Maps. Simply scroll to the desired symbol using the buttons at the top/bottom of the palette, then tap on a symbol to select it for use.

The Undo Tool performs an undo/redo on the last change made to the map. A change is described as from the point the pen is pressed, until it is released.

Taping the Icon to the Right of the Undo tool displays the toolbar. The toolbar provides a collection of drawing tools, and effects what results are recieved when drawing on the map.
Pencil
The pencil is the default drawing tool. When the pencil is selected drawing to the map uses the current symbol selected in the symbol palette, and draws it to the layer appropriate for the current layer setting.
Eraser
The Eraser removes the symbols from the current layer, in a 3x3 symbol area around where drawing takes place. If auto-layering is enabled then both layers are cleared.
Eye Dropper
They eye dropper is used to 'pickup' a symbol from the current map view and select is as the current symbol in the symbol palette. Tapping the same map location repeatedly will toggle between selecting the foreground and background symbol at that location.
Smart tools - Earth, Water, Fire, Hole, Slime
Smart tools draw more realistic/organic looking Earth, water, etc. to the map using smart placement of multiple symbols. All symbols placed by a smart tool are placed on a single layer, either the selected layer, or on the top layer if auto-layering is enabled.
Cast
Tapping a map location with the Cast tool selected takes the user to the Cast List for all cast attached to that specific map location. Use the Cast function as normal to add/edit cast members. It is recommended that the Cast tool be used at map locations where 'X', '?', door, etc. symbols have been placed so its easy to find your cast members during the game.
Note
Tapping a map location while the Notes tool is selected takes the user to the Notes list for all notes attached to the selected map location. Use the Notes function as normal to add/edit Notes. It is recommended that the Notes tool be used at map locations where 'X', '?', door, etc. symbols have been placed so its easy to find your notes during the game.

The Layer Tool allows selection of the current drawing layer. The image is of two stacked diamonds each representing a drawing layer on the map. If only the bottom diamond is filled any drawing will take place on the background layer, and if only the top diamond is filled then drawing will take place on the foreground layer. If both diamonds are filled then auto-layering is enabled, which is the default. When auto-layering is active all symbols which have transparent areas (typically white) will be drawing on the foreground layer, while images without transparent areas will be automatically drawn to the background layer.

The Zoom Tool toggles the map editor view between the 12x12 symbol editable view, and a full map (72x72) navigation view. When the map is zoomed out, a red square will be displayed indicating the currently edited portion. Tapping anywhere on the map in zoomed view will toggle the zoom off and move to that location on the map. Pressing the D-Pad down on supported devices will toggle the zoom setting.
Directional Arrows
The Directional arrow tools scroll the map view Up, Down, Left, or Right. The page up / page down hard buttons and the d-pad on supported devices will also scroll the map view. Scrolling the map view when the map is zoomed will cause the red highlight to move on the zoomed map display.
Menu
The menu is selected by pressing the Menu silk button, or tapping the Title bar.
Done
Select done to complete map editing, and return to the current Scene.
Toggle Grid
Selecting this option toggles the display of a dot grid on top of the map.
Set Background
Select this option to assign the current symbol as the background symbol for the map. Background symbols are displayed at every map location behind the background layer.
Toggle Hidden
Select this option to toggle the display of hidden symbols on the map. There are a number of symbols in the palette which are all red in color and are classified as hidden symbols. Hidden symbols are only drawn to the map if this option is enabled. Hidden symbols are useful for placing cast/note links, etc. as they are visible on the map, but can be made invisible in the event you need/want to show the map to the players.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.







Cast

Cast are used for tracking any creature or non-player character that may be faced. Each cast member includes a name, user definable statistics, possessions, life, mana, and information for tracking money/experience associated with defeating the cast member. Cast members may be added to Adventures, Individual Scenes, or to specific map locations within a specific scene.
Managing Cast
The Cast list is used to select any existing cast member for use, or to create new cast members. Simply tapping a Cast Members Name, or tapping [New] for a new cast member will present you with the Cast edit form.
Complete Indicator
Each cast member has a red or green dot next to its Name, indicating if the Cast Member in question has been overcome by the players. Completed Cast Members have their Exp and $ values included in the done column of the Scene/Adventure Summary display.
Name
The cast members name.
Life
Life, or HP is a representation of how healthy/damaged a cast member may be. Life may be displayed in a number of formats including percentage, Max/Current, and Current values. See Preferences for details on selecting the display format for this field.
Mana
Mana, magical energy, etc. is a representation of how much energy a cast member has for casting spells. Mana may be displayed in a number of formats including percentage, Max/Current, and Current values. See Preferences for details on selecting the display format for this field. Mana may also be used for any Max/Current value in games which do not use magic, or mana.
Src
Each cast member has a source listed for it, showing at what level it was created within the adventure. Adv cast members are created at the Adventure Level, Scn cast members are created within a specific scene, and Map cast members are attached to a specific location on a map within a scene.
All - Checkbox
Normally only cast members specific to a certain level are displayed in the cast list. In other words 'Scn' cast are only visible within a particular scene, and 'Map' cast are only visible by viewing cast for a particular map location. Checking this box allows scenes to show all their cast, and all cast attached to specific map locations, as well as allowing adventures to show all their cast, and cast attached to all scenes and map locations within the adventure as well.
Menu
Selecting the Cast List menu provides the following functions.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.
Editing Cast
The Cast Edit form is used to edit details of specific Cast Members include Name, Statistics, Equipment, Life, Mana, and information for tracking Experience and monetary rewards. Tap [Done] when editing is complete.
Exp
Exp or Experience is used to assign any numerical reward the players will receive for overcoming any obstacle presented by the cast member be it combat or otherwise. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
$
$, money, or gold is used to assign a monetary reward the players will receive for overcoming any obstacle combat or otherwise presented by the cast member. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
Complete Indicator - Checkbox
The checkbox in the Upper lefthand corner of the Cast Edit Form is used to indicate if the current cast member has been overcome, completed, resolved, etc. Checking this indicator confirms that Exp & $ values associated with this cast member should be included in the Adventure/Scene Summary 'Done' column.
Name
The Cast Members Name
Statistics
Directly beneath a cast members name is a series of 8 numeric fields... these may each contain values in between -99 and 999 and are used to record various statistics for the cast member in your game system of choice. The headings for these fields are user editable, see preferences for details. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within any of these fields will cause this value to increase/decrease.
Life
This field is used to record the cast members FULL life/HP value. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
-Hits
This field is used to record the amount of damage a cast member has sustained. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
Mana
This field is used to record the cast members FULL mana value. Note, that this field may have other uses in non-magic worlds, or in games where magic doesnt use mana or magical power. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
-Used
This field is used to record the amount of mana used by a cast member. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
Equipment
This field is used to record the cast members equipment, and any other information necessary to playing the cast member in the adventure. If something needs to be added, and no other field is appropriate it may be entered here. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause the text to scroll.

Tap the Sword Icon to apply 1 point of damage. In other words the -Hits field value will be increased by one.

Tap the Red Cross Icon to heal one click of damage. The -Hits field value will be reduced by one.

Tap the Magic Wand Icon to increase the Mana - Used by one.

Tap the Rest Icon to decrease the Mana - Used by one.
Menu
Selecting the Cast Edit Menu provides the following functions.
Delete
Selecting this option, will delete the current cast member from your handheld after prompting for confirmation.
Undo
Select this option to undo the last change made to the current edit field.
Cut
Selecting this option will cut/remove any selected text from the current field and place it in the clipboard.
Copy
Selecting this option will place a copy of any selected text from the current field in the clipboard.
Paste
Selecting this option will paste/insert the current contents of the clipboard into the current field at the cursor location.
Select All
Selecting this option will select/highlight the contents of the current field.
Keyboard
Selecting this option displays a pop-up keyboard allowing easy editing of the current field.
Graffiti Help
Select this option to display help on entering text using Graffiti.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.





Notes

Notes have a variety of uses in cartoforge. Each note contains a title, descriptive text, and information for tracking gold/experience associated with resolving any situation it may present. Notes may be added to Adventures, Individual Scenes, or to specific map locations within a specific scene.
Managing Notes
The Notes list is used to select any existing note for use, or to create new notes. Simply tapping a Notes title, or tapping [New] for a new note will present you with the Note edit form.
Complete Indicator
Each note has a red or green dot next to it indicating if the Note in question has been completed. Completed notes have their Exp and $ values included in the done column of the Scene/Adventure Summary display.
Title
The notes Title.
Src
Each note has a source listed for it, showing at what level it was created within the adventure. Adv notes are created at the Adventure Level, Scn notes are created within a specific scene, and Map notes are attached to a specific location on a map within a scene.
All - Checkbox
Normally only notes specific to a certain level are displayed in the notes list. In other words 'Scn' notes are only visible within a particular scene, and 'Map' notes are only visible by viewing notes for a particular map location. Checking this box allows scenes to show all their notes, and all notes attached to specific map locations, as well as allowing adventures to show all their notes, and notes attached to all scenes and map locations within the adventure as well.
Menu
Selecting the Notes List menu provides the following functions.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.
Editing Notes
The Note Edit Form is used to edit details of a specifc note including a Title, Comments, and information for tracking Experience and monetary rewards. Tap [Done] when editing is complete.
Exp
Exp or Experience is used to assign any numerical reward the players will receive for resolving the issue described by the note. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
$
$, money, or gold is used to assign a monetary reward the players will receive for resolving the issue described by this note. Pressing the Page Up / Page Down hard buttons while within this field will cause this value to increase/decrease.
Complete Indicator - Checkbox
The checkbox in the Upper lefthand corner of the Note Edit Form is used to indicate if the current note has been completed, resolved, etc. Checking this indicator confirms that Exp & $ values associated with this note should be included in the Adventure/Scene Summary 'Done' column.
Title
A notes Title is used to identify it in the Notes List.
Comments
Text note.
Menu
Selecting the Note Edit Menu provides the following functions.
Delete
Selecting this option, will delete the current Note from your handheld after prompting for confirmation.
Undo
Select this option to undo the last change made to the current edit field.
Cut
Selecting this option will cut/remove any selected text from the current field and place it in the clipboard.
Copy
Selecting this option will place a copy of any selected text from the current field in the clipboard.
Paste
Selecting this option will paste/insert the current contents of the clipboard into the current field at the cursor location.
Select All
Selecting this option will select/highlight the contents of the current field.
Keyboard
Selecting this option displays a pop-up keyboard allowing easy editing of the current field.
Graffiti Help
Select this option to display help on entering text using Graffiti.
Preferences
Select this option to edit general application wide preferences.
Cast Preferences
Select this option to edit preferences related to the Cast list, and Cast Edit functionality.
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.





Preferences

Preferences and Cast Preferences allow the user to tailor Cartoforge according to their needs and the needs of their game system of choice.
Preferences
Preferences allow editing of general settings related to the overall operation of Cartoforge.
Auto Sort
Use this setting to enable/disable the automatic sorting of Adventures, Scenes, Cast, or Notes. Adventures, Cast, and Notes are sorted by Name/Title while Scenes are sorted by Act then by Name. Typically these options should be enabled, unless you have an older device or have a VERY large amount of data entered.
Auto Name
Use this setting to enable/disable the automatic naming of new Adventures, Scenes, Cast Members, or Notes.
Database Summary
This section provides reference information about how many Adventures, Scenes, Cast Members, and Notes are currently present in cartoforge.
Cast Preferences
Cast preferences allow editing of settings related to Cast List and Cast Edit Functionality.
Life
Use this setting to specify how cast member life should be represented in the Cast List. Select 'hide' if you do not wish to display Life at all.
Allow Negative Life
Checking this box will allow the the number of hits for a cast member to exceed their Life, otherwise it cannot.
Mana
Use this setting to specify how cast member mana should be represented in the Cast List. Select 'hide' if you do not wish to display mana at all.
Allow Negative Mana
Checking this box will allow the Mana-Used for a cast member to exeed their Mana, otherwise the maximum value for Mana-Used is equal to the Mana value.
Source
Use this setting to enable/disable the display of the Src column in the Cast List.
Statistic Headings
Use these 8 entry fields to enter 2-3 character abbreviations to be used for statistic headings within the Cast Edit Form.





Desktop

Cartoforge Desktop is a Windows companion program for use with Cartoforge for Palm Powered Devices, providing functions more suitable for a desktop application. The 'lite' version of the desktop software is included free with cartoforge. A full featured version is available as a separate product from Digital Alchemy.
Installation
Cartoforge desktop is included in the distribution files as CFDD.EXE, and may be run directly without the need of an installation program. In some distributions of cartoforge a SETUP.EXE file is included to ease setup on windows computers, in these cases simply run SETUP.EXE to install Cartoforge Desktop on your system.
User/Path Selection
Cartoforge Desktop asks the user to specify a Palm User from a dropdown list when the application is started. Select the user which has Cartoforge installed and press OK. Please note that you must have previously installed cartoforge on your Palm Powered Device, launched it at least once, and performed a HotSync with your desktop prior to using this program.
General Usage
The main Desktop interface provides easy reference to all your adventure information via a collapsible tree. Simply expand tree items to locate what information you are looking for, select it with the mouse, and the content will be displayed in the righthand panel.
Menu
The following functions are provided by the Desktop menu.
File
Preferences
Select this option to edit Cast Statistical headings and related information.
Printer Setup
Select this option to choose a default printer, and/or set its properties.
Exit
Close the Cartoforge Desktop application and return to Windows.
Help
About
Selecting this option displays the application about box.
Working With Adventures
Choose an Adventure to work with by selecting the tree item with the adventures name. The adventure's name and descriptive text will appear in the righthand panel. The following tools are provided in this panels toolbar for working with Adventures.

Tap the Save tool to save the Adventure to a TXT or HTM file. Selecting a filename with a TXT extension will automatically result in a Text file being created while selecting an HTM extension will result in an HTML file. Saving an adventure as HTML automatically generates a JPG image of the map of each scene, and JPG thumbnails of the 9x9 area surrounding notes and cast members placed at specific map locations. All additional JPG files generated will be saved to the same directly where the HTM file is to be saved. (Not Available In Lite Version)

Tap the Copy tool to save the Adventures name and Descriptive text to the clipboard for use in other applications.

Tap the Print tool to print the Adventures Name and Descriptive text to the default printer.
Working With Scenes
Choose a Scene to work with by selecting the tree item with the Scenes name. The Scenes name and descriptive text will appear in the righthand panel. The following tools are provided in this panels toolbar for working with Scenes.

Tap the Copy tool to save the Scenes name and Descriptive text to the clipboard for use in other applications.

Tap the Print tool to print the Scenes Name and Descriptive text to the default printer.
Working With Maps
Choose a Map to work with by selecting the 'Map' tree item under the desired scene. The map in question will be displayed in the righthand panel. The following tools are provided in this panels toolbar for working with Maps.

Click the Zoom-In tool to display less map area on the screen at a higher level of detail.

Tap the Zoom-Out tool to display more map area on the screen at a lower level of detail.

Tap the Save tool to save the map (or a map region if one is selected) to a BMP or JPG file at the current quality setting. Selecting a filename with a JPG or JPEG extension will automatically result in a JPG file being created while selecting a BMP extension will result in a BMP file.

Tap the Copy tool to save the map (or a map region if one is selected) to the clipboard as an image at the current quality setting.

Tap the Print tool to print the map (or a map region if one is selected) to the default printer using options specified in the print options dialog. (Not Available In Lite Version)


Scale
Select the scale at which you wish to print the map. 'Fit To Page' prints the entire map on a single page, while scales 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 print the map with each symbol at the specified size, automatically tiling the output over multiple pages if necessary.
Print Area
Choose 'Selection' if you only want to print a selected region of the map, or select 'Map' to print the entire map.
Print Title
Checking the option will cause the Scene Name for the current map to be printed at the top of each page, including placement information for easily determining the position of multipage maps.
Print Hidden Symbols
Checking this option will cause hidden symbols (Secret Doors, etc) to be printed, otherwise they will remain hidden.
Setting Margins
Use the Left, Top, Right, and Bottom Margin dropdown boxes to specify the print margin settings.
Grid Style
Use this option to choose between available movement grid overlays which may optionally be printed on the map.
Working With Cast Members
Choose a Cast Member to work with by selecting the tree item with the Cast members name. The Cast Members name, stats, and descriptive text will appear in the righthand panel. The following tools are provided in this panels toolbar for working with Cast Members.

Tap the Copy tool to save the Cast Members name,stats and Descriptive text to the clipboard for use in other applications.

Tap the Print tool to print the Cast Members name,stats and Descriptive text to the default printer.
Working With Notes
Choose a Note to work with by selecting the tree item with the Notes name. The Note's name and descriptive text will appear in the righthand panel. The following tools are provided in this panels toolbar for working with Notes.

Tap the Copy tool to save the Notes Name and Descriptive text to the clipboard for use in other applications.

Tap the Print tool to print the Notes Name and Descriptive text to the default printer.









How To Register

Thanks for your support of Cartoforge! By Registering the product you are helping to assure that it keeps being updated with exciting new features, and to support whatever features the latest devices have to offer.
Purchasing the Product
Products in the Cartoforge product line may be purchased directly from Digital Alchemy at www.cartoforge.com, from online retailers including RPGNow and PalmGear, and coming soon to a Retailer near you. Simply purchase the product, and a registration code will be sent to you via email within 24 hours. Please note, you will be required to provide the 'Hotsync ID' for your handheld during the purchase process.
Entering The Registration Key
Perform the following steps to register Cartoforge by entering the registration key:

  • Purchase Cartoforge and obtain a Registration Key.
  • Start Cartoforge
  • Tap 'Register' on the cartoforge splash page.
  • Enter the Registration Key provided into the Registration Key field of the Registration Form.
  • Tap [Ok] to Register Cartoforge.


Note: Tap [Cancel] If you do not have a registration key and wish to continue using the evaluation version of Cartoforge.





About Us

Company Profile
Digital Alchemy was founded in 1993 by Dan Ridenhour to develop innovative software for the gaming enthusiast, beginning with the launch of our successful Adventure Writer family of Windows compatible products for pen & paper gamemasters and quickly following with Gamecard Wizard, Dungeon Adept, and other innovative software for gamers.

In 1998 we expanded our focus to include Web-Hosting and Design Services, and providing freeware handheld applications such as our popular FUDGE DICE! die roller, but it wasnt until 2003 that our most recent foray into handhelds was undertaken with the Cartoforge Product line.

We have years of experience with Windows, PalmOS, Pascal, C++, Java, SQL Databases, and other technologies to create custom Desktop, PDA, and internet solutions.
Digital Alchemy
PO BOX 1248
Granite City, IL 62040
USA

Sales
sales@digital-alchemy.net

Support
support@digital-alchemy.net

Web
www.digital-alchemy.net
www.cartoforge.com





Legal

Disclaimer
Users of Cartoforge: Dungeons must accept this disclaimer of warranty:

"Cartoforge: Dungeons is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of Cartoforge: Dungeons."
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2004 Digital Alchemy, and Dan Ridenhour
All Rights Reserved.

This manual and the software it describes may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form whatsoever, without the express written permission of Digital Alchemy, except for making a backup copy for archive purposes.
Trademark Information
Cartoforge, Cartoforge: Dungeons, Cartoforge: Worlds, and Cartoforge: Studio are trademarks of Digital Alchemy. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.


Screenshots

     

     

     

     

   

Copyright © 2004 by Digital Alchemy. All Rights Reserved.