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                       The Official RTS FAQ ver 1.5
                      Written By: Charlie Wiederhold
                     Current as of: September 1st, 1997

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CONTENTS: A ~ denotes a new section, and ^ denotes an updated section

<1> Introduction
   ^<1.1> A word from the author
    <1.2> About this FAQ
         ^<1.2.1> Where to get this FAQ
         ^<1.2.2> Revision history
   ^<1.3> What is an RTS (Remote Ridicule Sound) file?
         ^<1.3.1> Apogee and 3D Realms, just a little info
          <1.3.2> Where RTS files come from
         ^<1.3.3> Where RTS files can be used

<2> How to make an RTS file
   ^<2.1> What you need to begin with
    <2.2> Parameters for the sounds used
    <2.3> How to make a script file
   ^<2.4> I have this great file I made! What now?
 
<3> Decompiling RTS files
    <3.1> What you need to begin with
    <3.2> What to do with the RTS file

<4> Hints and suggestions for good RTS files
    <4.1> What kinds of sounds should I use?
    <4.2> About how long should they be?
    <4.3> "I hate 8 bit sounds! I want 16 bit!"

<5> Trouble Shooting: RTS files that don't work
    <5.1> My RTS won't create?
    <5.2> RTS creates, but only some or none of the sounds work?
    <5.3> WAD file doesn't have IWAD id?

<6> What files are already out there?
   ^<6.1> Types and locations
   ^<6.2> Front Ends for RTSMAKER.EXE

<7> Contacting People About RTS Files
   ^<7.1> Charlie Wiederhold
    <7.2> Apogee
    <7.3> 3D Realms

<8> Credits

=============================================================================
The legal stuff that you probably won't read or even care about...

This FAQ is copyright (c) 1996 by Charlie Wiederhold. Nothing contained
within it may be distributed unless every single last ASCII character is
sent with it. I put them in there for a reason, so leave it. Thanks. All
credits shall be given to me, or to someone else by me. You may pirate this
copy as much as you want, cause if you paid for it, you really messed up.
All that I ask, is that you treat this with the proper respect in reverence
of the time I spent on it to help you. Thanks!
=============================================================================

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Section 1 - Introduction
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<1.1> A word from the author

I currently work for Sunstorm Interactive as a level designer, programmer,
and web designer. You can check out what we are doing at:
http://www.sunstorm.net

Anyways, I CANNOT guarantee that everything within this FAQ is true. But,
I will try to be as correct as I can possibly be. If you notice an error,
or think something else should be in here, just contact me. I can be
contacted from my page, or you can just e-mail me at 
wieder@earthlink.net

<1.2> About this FAQ

I wrote this thing to help people out who get a bit confused as to what an
RTS file is, and how to make them. Also, to attempt to bring to light, just
how cool these things are.

<1.2.1> Where to get this FAQ (and all subsequent updates)

WWW
http://www.3drealms.com
http://www.apogee1.com
http://www.dukeworld.com

Usenet
alt.games.apogee
alt.games.duke3d

FTP
ftp://apogee.best.com
ftp://3drealms.best.com

You can also get it via e-mail by simply sending a bit of mail to
wieder@earthlink.net and asking for it.

<1.2.2> Revision history

-Version 1.5
1) Updated all info related to currently employment at Sunstorm Interactive
2) Updated all info related to Shadow Warrior, and other current/future
   projects being developed by 3D Realms in regards to RTS files.
3) Mention Pinball Wizards in the info about Apogee.
4) Finally got rid of any misleading information that I still accept RTS
   files through the e-mail, or run the archive anymore.

-Version 1.3

1) Modified the contact information for Maximum Carnage information
2) Got rid of everything related to the old RTS Archive and related stuff

-Version 1.2

1) Updated new URL and email information for the author
2) Removed information talking about the WiederWeb RTS Archive

-Version 1.1

1) Updated info on what you need to create RTS files
2) Updated info on Front Ends for RTS files
3) Added the trouble shooting information

-Version 1.0

1) Initial creation, and verification from Apogee/3D Realms.

<1.3> What is an RTS (Remote Ridicule Sound) file?

RTS (Remote Ridicule) files are the files that contain the sounds made when
you push <ALT><F1> through <ALT><F10> in Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior;
and <F1> through <F10> in Rise of the Triad. These first premiered in Rise of
the Triad, and really took off in popularity with the release of Duke Nukem
3D. I assume they will continue to be used in many of Apogee's and 3D Realms'
games. They are used predominantly in multi-playing as ways to express
yourself about something that happened, or is about to happen. The majority
are humorous in nature, but a few have ventured into making a serious file
with a real purpose.

Please note: RTS files can be heard in both multiplay and single play in
Duke 3D/Shadow Warrior. They can only be heard during multiplay in ROTT.

<1.3.1> Apogee and 3D Realms, just a little info

Apogee is the company that revolutionized the method of marketing games. They
released games as shareware before actually sending it to the selling blocks.
Now, almost all the major companies will release a shareware version of their
games before the actual full version. With such classics as Commander Keen,
Duke Nukem 1 & 2, the Kroz series, and many others, Apogee was able to
establish themselves as a major game maker. Some of the newer hits are Wacky
Wheels, Rise of the Triad, and Xenophage.

3D Realms is the 3D gaming branch of Apogee, and is where all the in house
development is focused. Currently, 3D Realms has released Terminal Velocity,
Duke Nukem 3D, and Shadow Warrior. With two more titles coming, Duke Nukem
Forever, and Prey... they are sure to be a major force in the 3D gaming world
for some time to come. 3D Realms is also currently working with Remedy
Entertainment as Remedy develops Max Payne.

Pinball Wizards is another branch from Apogee focusing on the development of
top notch pinball games. Currently they have one title, Balls of Steel, soon
to be released.

<1.3.2> Where RTS files come from

RTS files originated with Rise of the Triad, and one came with the game. But,
Apogee gave out the program with which to create them, and now users have
taken over the spotlight. Over 170 new RTS files are now floating around the
internet, and I am sure that number will continue to grow as more users find
an interest in them.

<1.3.3> Where RTS files can be used

RTS Files can be used in currently every first person 3D game developed by
3D Realms/Apogee. (Rise of the Triad, Duke Nukem 3D, and Shadow Warrior).
More than likely, they will continue to be used in Duke Nukem Forever, and
possibly Prey. But until official word from 3D Realms emerges, we won't
know for sure.

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Section 2 - How to make an RTS file
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<2.1> What you need to begin with

Note: This gives a description of how to make an RTS _without_ the use of
any extra front ends, etc. The use of a front end is highly suggested, as it
speeds the process of making RTS files.

First of all, you need the program RTSMAKER.EXE. The most current is
RTSMaker v2.0. It allows you to not only assemble, but also take apart RTS
files. Very convenient when you have sounds from several RTS files that you
feel should be in one compact file. You can get this from almost any quality
Duke 3D or ROTT site (including the official 3D Realms and Apogee BBS web
pages). Plus, it is included with many titles released by 3D Realms/Apogee.
RTSMaker v1.0 is available from the ROTT CD, and the disk based ROTT Power
Pack. RTSMaker v2.0 is available on the Duke3D and Shadow Warrior CDs.

Before you do anything, you may want to check out one of the deepest secrets
of the RTSMAKER.EXE file. Just type it at the DOS prompt, and some wonderful
help information comes up. Believe me, very few people even know about it.

You will need 10 .WAV or .VOC sound files. Many cool sound files can be
found around the internet, or maybe you have some on your computer. If you
like a certain theme look for a web site about that theme, and you are almost
guaranteed to find some cool .WAV files there. You can use both .VOC and .WAV
files when creating an RTS file.

Also, there are many .WAV and .VOC file editors out there, one of which is
currently at my web site. You can visit several sound related web sites and
find some other good editors. These can be used to clean up a sound, or cut a
sound to make it shorter.

But, the basics are RTSMAKER.EXE and 10 .WAV or .VOC sound files.

<2.2> Parameters for the sounds used

I do not currently know the variations of sounds that can be used to create
an RTS file, but please keep in mind that you should keep them fairly simple.
Here are a few notes from Mark Dochtermann:

You can have 8 or 16 bit sounds.
You CANNOT have stereo.
You can have anywhere from 2Khz to 44Khz sounds.

The size of a sounds is not limited, but the game has to be able to load it.
You make it too big, and the game may crash trying to play it. Trust me, the
simpler they are... the more effective in game play they seem to be.

A neat trick that has never before been released until now (Thanks Jim Dose!),
is that you can make an infinite RTS sound. If you construct your .WAV or
.VOC in such a way that it loops, you can put THAT in the RTS file. Then, when
the person goes to select that sound, it will keep playing on forever. Not
a very FUN trick for everyone else playing the game, but hey... it is still
a trick! Don't go asking me for help on how to make a looping sound file...
I don't have a clue, and will not learn how just so I don't ever have to
tell anyone. ;^)

<2.3> How to make a script file

In order to make a script file, you need to know the format for what
RTSMAKER.EXE will look for. Just use any ASCII editor (ex. DOS Edit) just
as long as it saves the file in raw ASCII text.

Now, on the first line of this file, type the name of the RTS you want it to
make. This is so RTSMAKER.EXE will know what to call the file it is going to
create. Then, on each line after that, type the names of the sound files you
want included. Be sure to type the whole thing, including the extension.

When you are done, save the file. Then, make sure that RTSMAKER.EXE, your
script file, and the sound files are all in the same directory. Now, all you
have to do is type RTSMAKER <Name of your script file here> at the command
prompt, and it will compile it and save the new RTS as whatever you specified
in the script file.

So, here is an example of a script file named MAKERTS.TXT that I might use.

MyRTS.RTS
Sound1.WAV
Sound2.VOC
Sound3.WAV
Sound4.WAV
Sound5.WAV
Sound6.VOC
Sound7.WAV
Sound8.WAV
Sound9.VOC
Sound10.WAV

Then, after I saved this text file as MAKERTS.TXT, I would type this at the
command prompt:

rtsmaker makerts.txt

Note: It is often convenient to rename the sounds you want to something
simple to remember, like Sound<#>.(WAV/VOC). This is for your sake to help
prevent typos when trying to remember the names of all the sound files.

<2.4> I have this great file I made! What now?

Find a webpage that distributes them and upload it to them! One of the most
notable pages I know of is Dukeworld.com, which is a part of the ever growing
Elitegames.com website.

I used to post these, and accept them, when I ran the WiederWeb RTS Archive,
but due to a lack of time, I simply can't do this anymore. Joe Siegler of
3D Realms currently has what is left of the archive stored away somewhere...
to emerge another day... time will only tell. :)

The last incarnation of the archive is located at:
http://www.maximum-carnage.com
However I do not know how much longer these pages will be up, etc. One day,
should I ever have the drive space, and the time, I may start it up again.
But so far the chances don't look good. :( I would love for someone else to
pick up the torch and carry it on, so if you are interested, contact me
at wieder@earthlink.net

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Section 3 - Decompiling RTS files
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<3.1> What you need to begin with

You must have RTSMaker v2.0 in order to decompile an RTS file.

<3.2> What to do with the RTS file

Type RTSMAKER -u <Name of RTS>.RTS at the command prompt. 

For example: rtsmaker -u duke.rts

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Section 4 - Hints and suggestions for good RTS files
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<4.1> What kinds of sounds should I use?

You really should use sounds that fit into a theme. Of course, there are
many RTS files out there that are pretty random, and still funny or
effective, the best continue to be ones with a theme. As far as subject
matter, the sky is the limit... or should I say, the number of sounds in the
world is the limit?

<4.2> About how long should they be?

Long sounds tend to slow the game down while they are loading, and actually
get in the way. Also, they simply make the file pretty dang large, thus they
take a while to download and take up a lot of space. Short simple quotes that
quickly make their statement seem to have the most effect while multi-playing.

<4.3> "I hate 8 bit sounds! I want 16 bit!"

What quality of sound you pick is up to you. There are advantages either way.
8 bit sounds are naturally smaller, but do not have the clarity of a 16 bit
sound. You make the judgment yourself. Size or quality.

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Section 5 - Trouble Shooting: RTS files that don't work
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<5.1> My RTS won't create?

Be sure to double check your script file, and make sure that the spelling of
all .WAV/.VOC files are correct. Also, confirm that if you are using .WAV
files, that you are using RTSMaker Version 2.0. Also... make sure that your
.WAV/.VOC files are actually sound files. Not some other type of file.

<5.2> RTS creates, but only some or none of the sounds work?

Again, confirm that your sound files are valid sound files. Try them out in
other sound players. Secondly, if it is a .WAV file that is not working...
try converting it to a .VOC file. Most of the time this will solve your
problems. Some users have said that the program they used to create the .WAV
affected whether it worked or not. So, try to use multiple programs to s


From Joe Siegler:

My copy of this FAQ is corrupt, and ends here abruptly.  I have attempted to
locate a full copy of the v1.5 RTS FAQ, but unfortunately, no one has been
able to find one.  Even the author no longer has it.

If you happen to have a full copy of v1.5 of the RTS FAQ, please drop me a 
line at joes@3drealms.com about it.  Thanks!
