
     Star Traders  is a game of interstellar trading.  The object of the game
is to amass the greatest amount of wealth possible.  This is done by creating
interstellar  shipping  lanes,   expanding  them  and  buying  shares  in the
companies controlling them.  Shares appreciate in value as company operations
expand. In addition, the return on each share (as a percentage) also changes.
Players  may  also  borrow  from  the  Interstellar  Trading  Bank to finance
additional purchases on the stock exchange.

     The map of the  galaxy  is  represented  by a  ~x x ~y  grid.  A typical
section of it might be:

     . . * . . . * * .
     . . . . . . . . .       "." represents empty space,
     . * . . . . . . .       "*" represents a star.
     . . . . . . . * .
     . . . . * . . . .

         Figure 1.


     The computer selects ~m moves (labeled "a" to "~M") at random  and places
these on the map.   To select  any of the highlighted positions,  press  that
appropriate letter. As an example, some of the moves on the map might be:

     a . * . . . * * .
     . . . c . . . . .       Moves "a" to "e" shown.
     . * . . . . e . .
     . b . . d . . * .
     . . . . * . . . .

         Figure 2.

     Selecting a position that is not next to a star  (such as positions a, c
or e) will set up an outpost,  not belonging to any company.  Thus,  if c was
selected on the above map, a "+" would placed in that position.


     If,  on the other hand,  a position next to a star  (or another outpost)
was selected,  a company would be formed and its first letter would appear on
the map. As a reward for creating the company, you are granted the first five
shares. Up to ~c companies can be created in this way.

     If a position next to an existing company is selected, the company would
expand  its  operations by one square.  This increases the cost of its shares
and hence your return.  Thus,  if the map was as shown in Figure 3, selecting
f increases Company B's shipping lane:

     a . * . . . * * .
     . . . + . . f . .
     . * . . . . B B B         Figure 3.
     . b . . d . . * B
     . . . . * . . . h

     Selecting  positions  next  to stars increases the value of your stock by
by about 5 times as much as an extention not next to a star (such as h above).


     If two companies are seperated on the map by only one position, then they
can be merged into one company by selecting that position. For example, in the
map below,  companies A and B can be merged by selecting e.  When this occurs,
the company with the greater assets value takes over the other one.  Thus,  in
this  example,  company  A  might  take over company  B.  Company  B ceases to
exist, although it may reappear as an entirely new company.

     a . * . . . * * .
     . . . A A e B . .
     . * . . A . B B B
     . b . . . . . * B
     . . . . * . . + .

         Figure 4.

     When a company merges, players are granted shares in the dominant company
proportional to the amount owned in the old company.  As well, a cash bonus is
also paid, proportional to the percentage of the company owned.


     Once you select your move ("a" to "~M"),  you enter the Interstellar Stock
Exchange.  Here  you can purchase shares,  sell them,  borrow from the Trading
Bank  or  repay  some  (if you are in debt).  Note  that each company issues a
limited amount of shares - you cannot go on buying for ever! You can, however,
bid  for  more shares to be issued.  You have a better chance of succeeding if
you own a larger proportion of the company.

     The  game ends after ~t turns.  However,  you can end the game sooner by
pressing  <ESC> when asked to select a move.  As well,  individual players can
declare  themselves  bankrupt at any time.  If your debt is large enough,  the
bank  may  do  this  for  you!  If you do not complete your game in your time,
you  may  save the game and continue it later.  The  winner of the game is the
person with the greatest net worth (total value of cash, stock and debt).

