Newsgroups: rec.games.roguelike.announce rec.games.roguelike.angband Followup-To: rec.games.roguelike.angband Subject: Angband Variant FAQ From: Julian Lighton Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2001 05:00:08 GMT Organization: BestWeb (bestweb.net) Frequently Asked Questions About Angband Variants Last modified 2000-12-28. Questions, comments, and additional information related to this document should be emailed to Julian Lighton (jl8e@fragment.com). The most recent version of this document can be found at http://www.fragment.com/~jl8e/angband/faq.txt, and will be posted regularly to the newsgroups rec.games.roguelike.angband and rec.games.roguelike.announce. Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Where to obtain Angband Variants 2.1 By FTP 2.2 On the World Wide Web 2.3 From the source code 2.4 In languages other than English 3.0 Individual Variants 3.1 Angband/64 3.2 Bangband 3.3 CathAngband 3.4 CthAngband 3.5 Drangband 3.6 DvEband 3.7 EyAngband 3.8 Fangband 3.9 Goingband 3.10 GSN2band 3.11 GSNband 3.12 Gumband 3.13 GW-Angband 3.14 Hengband 3.15 Ingband 3.16 Jangband 3.17 Kamband 3.18 Kangband 3.19 Langband 3.20 Mangband 3.21 MJBand 3.22 Oangband 3.23 Pangband 3.24 PernAngband 3.25 PernMangband 3.26 PsiAngband 3.27 PziAngband 3.28 Quangband 3.29 Rangband 3.30 Sangband 3.31 SBFband 3.32 Tangband 3.33 UnAngband 3.34 Utumno 3.35 Vanilla Angband 3.36 Ying-Yangband 3.37 Zangband 3.38 Zceband 4.0 General Questions 5.0 Miscellaneous -------------------- 1.0 Introduction The roguelike game Angband has inspired many programmers to tinker with it, keeping the basic engine while adding new features, or changing the gameplay in various manners. In recent years, due to the work on code cleanup and portability performed by Ben Harrison, the number of variants has exploded. Some of these variants have become quite popular in their own right. This FAQ attempts to answer some of the more common questions about Angband variants in general. Questions specific to one variant are beyond the scope of this document, and should be asked in the newsgroup rec.games.roguelike.angband. This FAQ assumes at least a passing familiarity with the game of Angband itself. More information about Angband is available at http://thangorodrim.angband.org/, and the Angband FAQ (which is somewhat out of date, but still available from http://www.phial.com/angband/files.html). 2.0 Where to obtain Angband variants 2.1 By FTP Most Angband variants are available (in both source code and binaries for most popular operating systems) by anonymous FTP to the Angband FTP site, currently located at clockwork.dementia.org, in the directory angband/Variant. For those of you using a web browser, the URL is ftp://clockwork.dementia.org/angband/Variant/. The latest versions of many variants are uploaded to the directory angband/Incoming, and can not be downloaded from there until the site maintainer moves them to their final home. 2.2 On the World Wide Web 2.2.1 General sites Thangorodrim (http://thangorodrim.angband.org) is one of the largest and most complete sites devoted to Angband and its variants. Much of the basic information on the variants in this FAQ comes from there. Bablos' Angband Page (http://www.angband.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk) is another good source of information on the variants of Angband. Tim Baker has added a friendlier interface and improved graphics and sound support to Angband and some of its variants, currently Zangband, Oangband and Kangband. Windows and Unix are supported, and binaries and source are available from the AngbandTk home page at http://persweb.direct.ca/dbaker/angbandtk.html. A good source of current events in the Angband variant world is the Roguelike News page (http://www.skoardy.demon.co.uk/rlnews/). At this site you can also find the latest news about the many other excellent Roguelike games available. 2.2.2 Machine-specific sites Bablos' page (http://www.angband.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk) despite its general utility, is focussed on providing information about Angband and variants for the Amiga. Alexey Guzeev (aga@russia.crosswinds.net) has a web page at http://www2.crosswinds.net/russia/~aga/angband/ containing a number of variants compiled for OS/2. These binaries are not generally available from the main FTP site. Musus Umbra (musus@argonet.co.uk) and Thomas Harris (t.harris@iname.com) both compile variants for Acorn RISC OS machines, and make them available at http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/musus/angband/ and http://www.harris.ukgateway.net/angband/, respectively. These binaries are not generally available from main FTP site. 2.2.3 Variant-specific sites Many variants have their own web pages. The URLs of these sites are listed in the variant's entry in section 4. 2.3 From the source code If no pre-compiled binary exists for your system, you may be able to make one yourself, even if you know little about programming. The Angband source code has been ported to many different operating systems, and compiling it can be very simple. 2.3.1 Linux and other Unix systems This is only the most basic information on compiling Angband for UNIX. If it fails to work, or you need more help, visit http://thangorodrim.angband.org/compiling.html. The source code of most Angband variants is made available in either a tar archive compressed with gzip (.tar.gz or .tgz), or in a zip archive (.zip). Some archives do not contain a top-level directory, so you may wish to create a new directory, and move the archive into that before you open it. To expand a tar archive, type: gzip -dc filename.tar.gz | tar xvf - To extract a zip archive, type: unzip -aL filename.zip (If you simply unzip the archive, you may encounter problems with upper-case file names, or with text files that are still in MS-DOS format.) Once you have extracted the source code, you need to find the Makefile for UNIX. It will usually be named either Makefile, makefile, or makefile.org. The first few lines will look something like this: -------- # File: Makefile # This is not a very "nice" Makefile, but it usually works. # # Note that you may have to make modifications below according # to your machine, available libraries, compilation options, ------- If it isn't already, rename the makefile to "Makefile". If you want a binary that runs in both X and a terminal, then simply typing "make" may work. If make produces errors, open the makefile in your favorite editor. Comment out (add a # to the beginning of) all lines beginning with CFLAGS, LIBS, or LDFLAGS. Find the entry that belongs to your UNIX version, and uncomment all the lines below it. If you do not want support for X, edit the uncommented CFLAGS and LIBS, deleting -D"USE_X11" and -lX11. To remove terminal support, delete -D"USE_GCU", -lcurses, -lncurses, and -ltermcap. Once you're done tinkering with the makefile, type "make clean", and "make". If it still doesn't work, you may be able to find some assistance at http://thangorodrim.angband.org/compiling.html or http://www.fragment.com/~jl8e/angband/compiling/index.html. 2.3.2 Other operating systems For instructions on compiling for non-UNIX operating systems, visit http://thangorodrim.angband.org/compiling.html. Recent versions of Angband (2.9.0 and onward) include a text file containing basic instructions on compiling Angband for a number of systems. These instructions may prove useful even for variants based on older Angband versions. 2.4 In languages other than English 2.4.1 Japanese Angband 2.8.3 and several variants have been translated into Japanese. More information is available at the following web pages: Angband 2.8.3: http://plaza16.mbn.or.jp/~irisroom/jangband/jangband.html Oangband 0.4.1: http://www.kmc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~habu/oangband/ PernAngband: http://www.hcn.zaq.ne.jp/kusunose/pernangband/index.html Zangband 2.4.0: http://www.geocities.co.jp/SiliconValley-SanJose/9606/zg/index.html 3.0 Individual Angband Variants This section provides only a rough overview of the many variants. For further information, it is suggested that you consult the documentation that came with the variant, and its own web page, if any. The "Systems:" entry below refers to what operating systems the variant can be made to run on with minimal effort. Precompiled binaries may or may not be available for any specific OS, and this may change from version to version. For up-to-date information on the availability of binaries for specific systems, try the variant's web page, or one of the general pages listed above, in section 2.2. "Systems: any" means that the variant in question should run on any computer Angband has been ported to. This includes DOS (a 386 or better is needed), 32-bit Windows, Macintosh (68k and PPC), Amiga, Acorn, OS/2, and most versions of UNIX. DOS-286 binaries are rarely compiled, but may still be possible with enough work. "Systems: Python" means that the variant in question uses the Python scripting language, and should run on any platform that both Python and Angband have been ported to. This includes DOS (386+), Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, Amiga, OS/2, and possibly Acorn. 3.1 Angband/64 Author: Jurriaan Kalkman (thunder7@xs4all.nl) Description: Angband/64 has a new magic system, larger and more varied dungeons, truly two-handed weapons, improved monster AI, a greater variety of traps than Angband, an extensible terrain system, optional saving of all levels, improved monster movement, an ammunition slot, multi-level vaults, and some extra options when generating characters. It also attempts to increase the Tolkienian atmosphere of the game. Web page: http://www.xs4all.nl/~thunder7/angband/ang64.html Download from: web page Newest version: beta 7 release 0 Newest stable version: beta 7 release 0 Graphics: No Systems: Windows, DOS, Unix, OS/2. Can probably be compiled with any compiler that supports 64-bit integers, such as gcc, DJGPP, and EMX. Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.7.9v6 -------- 3.2 Bangband Author: Chris Petit Description: Bangband adds two new classes (Monk and Dragon), enhances several existing ones, and replaces Mages with the Wizard class, who cannot use weapons, but gain spells rapidly. The spell lists have been re-worked, and some new abilities have been added, including dodging and fighting with two weapons. Web page: None Download from: ftp.funet.fi, in the directory /pub/unix/games/angband/Angband-2.4.x/unofficial_source/bangband.tar.Z Newest version: 2.4.Frog-knows Newest stable version: 2.4.Frog-knows Graphics: No Systems: DOS Development status: Abandoned Base version: PC Angband 1.4.1 -------- 3.3 CathAngband (Cat and the hack Angband) Author: Neko (neko@inet.att.co.kr) Description: CathAngband attempts to improve the balance of the various classes. It contains new races, a new critical hit system, makes multiple attacks more reliant on Dexterity, allows slays and brands to be gained from items other than weapons, removes magic mushroom patches, and lets you go much deeper after killing Morgoth. Web page: http://cath-angband.sourceforge.net Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 2.9.1.3 Newest stable version: 2.9.1.3 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.9.1 -------- 3.4 CthAngband (Cthulhu Angband) Author: David Thornley (thornley@visi.com) Original Author: Dean Anderson Description: CthAngband is centered around battling unspeakable horrors from the Cthulhu Mythos of H. P. Lovecraft and others. It features a wilderness containing multiple cities and dungeons. Many of the sillier or out-of-theme elements of Zangband have been removed or revised, both the magic and speed systems have been revised, the class and level system has been replaced with a skill-based one, and the speed system has been changed significantly. Web page: http://www.visi.com/~thornley/david/cthangband/ Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 4.1.0 Newest stable version: 4.1.0 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Zangband 2.1.0 -------- 3.5 Drangband (Dragon Angband) Author: Andrew White (apwhite@itctel.com) Original Authors: Tom Morton, Aaron Mandelbaum Description: The major feature of Drangband is the new character races available, including Yeeks, Pixies and a variety of Dragons. Dragons have powerful abilities, and can wear more magical rings than other races. However, they cannot use weapons, nor can they wear any armor but cloaks and crowns. Other new features include invisibility, skills for different weapon types, improved mage spells, wand and rod stacking, cumulative resistances, improved throwing weapons, and a larger inventory. Web page: http://itctel.com/~apwhite/drang296.html Download from: FTP site Newest version: 2.9.7 Newest stable version: 2.9.7 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Semi-Active Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.6 DvEband Author: Dennis van Es (dpvanes@plex.nl) Description: DvEband allows characters to specialize in specific weapon skills, with their combat effectiveness improving with practice. It also adds Oangband-style wands and rods, improved chests, and persistent fire effects. Web page: none Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.0.1 Newest stable version: 1.0.1 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Semi-active Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.7 EyAngband Author: Eytan Zweig (eytanzw@yahoo.com) Description: EyAngband adds alterations to the magic system, artifact spellbooks, class-specific spellbooks, player invisibility, ego lanterns, alchemy, quests, rod stacking, and monster lights. It also removes the rogue class, adds new classes and races, rebalances some others, and changes angels to something more appropriate. Web page: http://eyangband.sourceforge.net Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 0.2.0 Newest stable version: 0.2.0 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.9.1 -------- 3.8 Fangband Author: David G. Kahane Description: Fangband is an old variant, in which many features that were later incorporated into Angband were introduced. It adds an inventory slot for ammunition, and delayed level feelings. Web page: No Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.0 Newest stable version: 1.0 Graphics: No Systems: DOS Development status: Abandoned Base version: PC Angband 1.3.1 -------- 3.9 Goingband Author: Prfnoff (prfnoff@aol.com) Description: Goingband attempts to reduce the dependance of high-level mages on Globe of Invulnerability. It also removes the penalty for not using the auto-pickup option, and adds monster speech. Web page: No Download from: FTP site Newest version: 2.8.3 v4 Newest stable version: 2.8.3 v4 Graphics: Unknown Systems: Any Development status: Ended Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.10 GSN2band Author: Gwidon S. Naskrent (naskrent@artemida.amu.edu.pl) Description: GSN2band adds invisibility, monster vulnerabilities, two-handed weapons, improved critical hits, and new monsters, spells, and item types. Web page: http://artemida.amu.edu.pl/~naskrent/ Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 1.0 Newest stable version: 1.0 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.9.1 -------- 3.11 GSNband Author: Gwidon S. Naskrent (naskrent@artemida.amu.edu.pl) Description: GSNband adds a new elemental magic system, gods, luck, player alignments, sanity, persistent dungeon levels, monster vulnerabilities, item hitpoints, monster corpses, polymorphing into monsters, revised weapon brands, revised mindcrafters, equipment with separate bonuses for each stat, variation in character skill for different weapon types, and many other things. It also removes the Zelazny material of Zangband, attempts to be more Tolkienian, and attempts to scale back the power levels of Zangband. Web page: http://artemida.amu.edu.pl/~naskrent/ Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 2.11 Newest stable version: 2.11 Graphics: No (Older versions did) Systems: Any Development status: Ended Base version: Zangband 2.3.1 -------- 3.12 Gumband Author: Joseph William Dixon (aa343@chebucto.ns.ca) Description: Gumband replaces many of the Amber elements of Zangband with those of Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion books. It also increases damage from magical effects, tinkers with the dungeon generation, adds monster vulnerabilities, and rebalances the classes, races, and various other game elements. Web page: none Download from: FTP site Newest version: 2.1.2a Newest stable version: 2.1.2a Graphics: No Systems: Any, except DOS-286 Development status: Active Base version: ZAngband 2.1.1c -------- 3.13 GW-Angband Author: Greg Wooledge (greg@wooledge.org) Description: GW-Angband attempts to re-balance the classes, especially mages, who lose Globe of Invulnerability and recieve better combat spells, while becoming weaker in physical combat. Combat has been revised heavily, mana restoration has been weakened, the random number generator has been replaced, and the player may choose to have the artifact list randomized at character creation. Web page: http://wooledge.org/~greg/angband.html Download from: FTP site Newest version: 2.8.3v3 Newest stable version: 2.8.3v1 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.14 Hengband Author: Mr. Hoge Description: Hengband is a variant of the Japanese translation of Zangband, adding new artifacts, monsters, classes, and magical realms, as well as a weapon proficiency system, dual-weapon fighting, riding, and a number of other features. There is no English version. More complete information is available from the web page. Web page: http://www.geocities.co.jp/SiliconValley-SanJose/8904/heng/ Download from: web page Base version: Zangband 2.2.8 -------- 3.15 Ingband (Ironman Angband) Author: Robert Shiells (element@sucs.swan.ac.uk) Description: Ingband is aimed at experienced Angband players, and attempts to make life as difficult for the character as possible. The character is unable to climb stairs or return to town by any other means. (Not that you'd want to. There are no shops.) The only way to go is down. Needless to say, this tends to lead to very short games. Not for the faint of heart. Web page: http://www.sucs.swan.ac.uk/~element/ingband/ Download from: FTP site Newest version: 0.2 Newest stable version: 0.1.1 Graphics: Probably Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.16 Jangband (Jurriaan's Angband) This was the name Angband/64 was originally released under. See the Angband/64 entry for further information. -------- 3.17 Kamband Author: Ivan Tkatchev (tkatchev@angel.cs.msu.su) Description: Kamband is a somewhat eclectic variant. Among the many features it adds are a new inventory management system, terrain levels in the dungeon, sanity (mental hit points), alchemy, pets, gods, many new races (including Ghosts, who start deep in the dungeon), many new classes (including the Corrupted, who are hopeless in combat, but have powerful randomly-generated spells), vaults with fixed inhabitants, item hitpoints and material, and a vastly expanded monster list Web page: None Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.8c Newest stable version: 1.8c Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Kangband -------- 3.18 Kangband Author: John I'anson-Holton (jianson@milbank.com) Original Authors: Ken Wigle, Mark Howson Description: One of Kangband's most noticeable features is the new town level, which includes many new buildings, including the arena, casino, castle, and a guild for each class. Kangband also adds terrain features, a wilderness to go with them, and quests. Web page: http://kangband.seul.org Download from: FTP site, AngbandTk page Newest version: 2.9.1r1 Newest stable version: 2.9.1r1 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.9.1 -------- 3.19 Langband Author: Stig Erik Sandoe (stig@ii.uib.no) Description: Langband rewrites Angband from scratch in the Lisp programming language, providing for easier customization and eliminating the need for a separate scripting language. However, it is still in a very preliminary state. Web page: http://langband.sourceforge.net/ Download from: web page Newest version: can be downloaded from the public CVS tree, but none, really Newest stable version: none Graphics: No Systems: Unix (X11, Curses, and Gtk+) Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.9.0 -------- 3.20 Mangband (Multiplayer Angband) Author: Alex Dingle (adingle@crud.net) Original Author: Keldon Jones (keldon@umr.edu) Description: Mangband takes Angband and turns it into a multiplayer game. Players connect to one of the Mangband servers on the Internet, and can form parties to explore the dungeon together, or fight over the loot. Even if the player does nothing, turns continue to pass, though there is an "auto-fight" feature that helps to save the player from lag or inattentiveness. Web page: http://mangband.org/ Download from: web page Newest version: 0.7 Graphics: Yes Systems: Unix, Windows 95+, OS/2, Amiga. Server runs on Unix and Windows Development status: Active Base version: Angband -------- 3.21 MJBand Author: Michael Barnes (litening@litening.dircon.co.uk) Description: MJBand alters weapon enchantments and brands to make large weapons more useful. It adds the Elementalist spellcasting class, and other spellcasters can gain benefits from the powers of their weapon. Web page: http://www.litening.dircon.co.uk/Angbands.html Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 0.0.6 Newest stable version: 0.0.6 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband 2.8.3h -------- 3.22 Oangband (Opinion-Angband) Maintainer: Bahman Rabii (bahman@physics.berkeley.edu) Original Author: Leon Marrick Description: Oangband is based around a radical reform of non-magical combat. It also adds many new types of rooms in the dungeon, themed random artifacts, themed levels, new realms of magic, improved stacking of wands and rods, on-line object and spell help, and greater differentiation among the races and classes. Web page: http://www.consume.org/Oangband Download from: FTP site, web page, AngbandTk page Newest version: 0.5.0b Newest stable version: 0.5.0b Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.9.1 -------- 3.23 Pangband (Programmable Angband) Author: Keldon Jones (keldon@umr.edu) Description: Pangband allows the behavior of most parts of Angband to be customized by writing scripts in the programming language Python. Web page: http://www.umr.edu/~keldon/pangband/ Download from: web page Newest version: 0.1.1 Newest stable version: 0.1.1 Graphics: Yes Systems: Python Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband -------- 3.24 PernAngband Author: Dark God (darkgod@ifrance.com) Description: One of the wider-ranging variants, PernAngband adds a number of new classes, such as Runecrafters and Alchemists, and races, including Dragonriders and Ents. There are also monster eggs, musical instruments, gods to worship, new artifacts, multiple dungeons, true two-handed weapons, explosive ammunition, a new magic system, and maze levels. Web page: http://www.pernangband.org Download from: FTP site Newest version: 4.1.2 Newest stable version: 4.1.2 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Active, rapid Base version: Zangband 2.2.0, with a strong Kamband influence -------- 3.25 PernMangband (Multiplayer PernAngband) Author: Dark God (darkgod@ifrance.com) Description: PernMangband is a multiplayer, real-time variant of Angband. (See the entry on Mangband for details.) It adds unlimited random artifacts, new races and classes, casting defensive spells on other players, revisions to the magic system, and more. Web page: http://pernmangband.pernangband.org Download from: web page Newest version: 3.0.4 Graphics: Yes Systems: Unix, Windows 95+, OS/2, Amiga. Server runs on Unix and Windows Development status: Active Base version: Mangband 0.7, PernAngband -------- 3.26 PsiAngband (Psionic Angband) Authors: Matthias Kurzke () Jonathan Ellis (jonathan@franz-liszt.freeserve.co.uk) Original Author: Aram Harrow (aram@mit.edu) Description: PsiAngband centers around the new class of the Psionicist. Psionicists do not use spells. Instead, they wield special items known as foci that allow them to use incredible mental powers. There are also psionic monsters to battle them. Web page: No Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.0.7b Newest stable version: 1.0.7b Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.27 PziAngband (Psionic Zangband) Author: Aram Harrow (aram@mit.edu) Description: PziAngband centers around the new class of the Psionicist. Psionicists do not use spells. Instead, they wield special items known as foci that allow them to use incredible mental powers. There are also psionic monsters to battle them. Web page: No Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.1.0 Newest stable version: 1.1.0 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Semi-active Base version: PsiAngband 1.0.6, Zangband 2.1.0e -------- 3.28 Quangband (Quest Angband) Author: Heino Vander Sanden (heino.vandersanden@advalvas.be) Description: Quangband adds random quests to Angband. In a quest, a number of monsters of a specific type are generated on a level, and you must hunt hem down and kill them. If you succeed, you are given a reward. Spellcasters have been weakened in combat, and have had their spells improved. Web page: none Download from: FTP site Newest version: 2.8.2b Newest stable version: 2.8.2b Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband 2.8.2 -------- 3.29 Rangband (Realistic Angband) Author: Eric Bock Description: Rangband attempts to make Angband more realistic. Monsters carry items appropriate to their type, and leave corpses (which can be eaten, sometimes for magical effects). The monster AI has been improved, and player ghosts and random artifacts have been added. Many other changes have been made to improve realism, balance, and ease of use. Web page: No Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.05 Newest stable version: 1.05 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband 2.8.2 -------- 3.30 Sangband (Skills Angband) Author: Julian Lighton (jl8e@fragment.com) Original Authors: Chris Petit, Michael Gorse Description: Sangband replaces Angband's class and level character development system with a set of skills that can be increased as the player chooses. Skilled characters can create their own magic items, and merge items into one, more powerful item. Characters who choose to learn magic have four varieties to choose from. Web page: http://www.fragment.com/~jl8e/sangband/ Download from: FTP site Newest version: 0.9.5b Newest stable version: 0.9.5b Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Semi-active Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.31 SBFband Author: Steve Fisher (Sperlock74@yahoo.com) Description: SBFband replaces the Zelazny-themed material of Zangband with material drawn from the works of David Eddings, (the Belgariad, the Malloreon, etc.) and from the anime Record of the Lodoss War. It also has some classes improve in stealth with experience, makes the character buy their house(s), and adds new races, artifacts, and ego-items. Web page: http://www.cs.unr.edu/~fisher_s/sbfband.html Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 0.2.2 Newest stable version: 0.2.2 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Inctive Base version: Zangband 2.2.3d -------- 3.32 Tangband (Team Angband) Author: Karl Peters (u1006057@warwick.net) Description: Tangband allows the player to control more than one character at a time. It is still in early development, and is probably not yet ready for casual play. Web page: None Download from: FTP site Newest version: 0.5.0 Newest stable version: none Graphics: none Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband 2.8.3 -------- 3.33 UnAngband (Unnamed Angband Variant) Author: Andrew Doull (andrewdoull@hotmail.com) Description: UnAngband adds a wealth of new terrain features, along with monsters that make use of them. It also has rebalanced combat and improvements to monster behavior. Web page: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/Games/ Download from: FTP site, web page Newest version: 0.1.1 Newest stable version: 0.1.1 Graphics: Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: -------- 3.34 Utumno Author: Matt Craighead (craighea@mit.edu) Description: Utumno is an attempt to adapt Angband to realtime play and isometric graphics. The game is far from being complete, though it can be played, and is no longer being developed. Web page: http://www.mit.edu/~craighea/utumno/ Download from: ftp://ftp.citilink.com/users/craighea/utumno/ Newest version: 1.0a5 Graphics: Yes Systems: DOS, Win32 with DirectX Development status: Abandoned Base version: Angband 2.7.9v3 -------- 3.35 Vanilla Angband Vanilla Angband is not a variant, but a name occasionally used by people referring to the real thing. See the Introduction for where to obtain more information about Angband itself. -------- 3.36 Ying-Yangband (Ying-Yang Angband) Author: Dag Arneson (langrish@clarityconnect.com) Description: Ying-Yangband features the Mutant race, which has random bonuses and penalties determined at character creation. It also has improved monster AI, new room types in the dungeon, and unified magic item activation commands. Web page: No Download from: FTP site Newest version: 1.0 Newest stable version: 1.0 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Inactive Base version: Angband -------- 3.37 Zangband (Zelazny Angband) Author: Robert Ruehlmann (rr9@angband.org) and the Zangband DevTeam Original Author: Topi Ylinen (f1toyl@uta.fi) Description: The world of Zangband is (loosely) based on the Amber novels of Roger Zelazny. It includes a wilderness, rebalanced combat, multiple towns, fixed and random quests, pets and aligned monsters, a magic system that greatly increases the options available to spellcasters, improved wand/rod stacking, various "Ironman" options, including Nightmare Mode, and extensive additions and rebalancing to nearly every other aspect of the game. Web page: http://www.zangband.org Download from: FTP site, AngbandTk page Newest development version: 2.5.2b Newest stable version: 2.4.0 Graphics: Yes Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: Angband 2.8.1 -------- 3.38 Zceband Author: Eric Bock (ebock@uswest.net) Description: Web page: http://www.users.qwest.net/~ebock/angband/zceband.html Download from: web page Newest version: 2.1.3 Newest stable version: 2.1.3 Graphics: No Systems: Any Development status: Active Base version: ZAngband 2.1.1c -------- 4.0 General Questions Q: I can't compile this variant for myself. How can I play it? A: If it's a new variant, or a recent version of one, have patience. Binaries for the most common OSs will probably become available in time. If it's older, or a less common system, your best approach is to ask on the newsgroup. Whatever you do, please don't badger the people who do the compiling. They do this in their spare time, out of the goodness of their hearts. They may not have the time or ability to compile everything. Q: Why can't I get the new files from the Incoming directory? A: World-writable FTP sites are often used as dumping grounds for pirated software and similar unsavory items. If the files can't be accessed until they've been looked over, it makes this impossible. Q: How do I write my own Angband variant? A: This is really beyond the scope of this document. If you can already program in C, you can probably just jump right in. (Tinkering with the magic system is probably a good place to start.) A guide to the source code by Leon Marrick is available at http://www.consume.org/Oangband/changes/a_guide.txt. If you wish to learn C, I suggest consulting the comp.lang.c FAQ at http://www.eskimo.com/~scs/C-faq/top.html for suggestions on introductory books. Some information on the format of the text files Angband uses to define many of the elements of the game is available at http://www.fragment.com/~jl8e/angband/info_ref.html. 5.0 Miscellaneous 5.1 Acknowledgements Contributors to this FAQ include Eric Bock, Mitsuhiro Itakura, Jurriaan Kalkman, Leon Marrick, Gwidon Naskrent, Robert Ruehlmann, Ethan Sicotte, Greg Wooledge, Topi Ylinen, bablos@cableinet.co.uk, dark.god@infmail.infonie.fr, and Prfnoff@aol.com, as well as many of the variant authors. Special thanks to Ben Harrison for making all of this necessary. 5.2 Legalese Copyright 1998-2000 Julian Lighton and others. Redistribution of unaltered copies of this document is permitted without restriction. Distribution of altered copies is permitted without restriction as long as the alteration does not significantly alter the content. (For instance, translations and conversions to another format are permitted.) Distribution of all other altered copies is permitted as long as credit for previous authors is maintained, the contact information is replaced with that of the alterer, and redistribution is not further restricted.