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					*GVI Abydos*
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				Yippee!  A Vasudan Installation!

This zip contains:  this readme, install03.POF, install03-01a.pcx, install03-01b.pcx, install03-01c.pcx, install03-02a.pcx, install03-02b.pcx, install03-03a.pcx, install03-03b.pcx, install03-04a.pcx, install03-04b.pcx, install03-05a.pcx, install03-05b.pcx, install03-06a.pcx, install03-06b.pcx, install03-07a.pcx

To use this MOD:
Place this readme where ever you want.
Place the install03.POF file in the FreeSpace 2/data/models directory.
Place the ships.tbl file in FreeSpace 2/data/tables directory.
Place all the graphic files (files ending with extension '.pcx') in the FreeSpace 2/data/maps directory.

I created this installation using several programs.  VPVIEW enabled me to extract the skins, the model (POF), and the ships.tbl.  AXE, a freeware HEX edit program enabled me to change the POF to refer to the new skins so the old Arcadia is still usable in FreeSpace 2.  Paint Shop Pro 6.01 was used for the editting of the skins (the skin of the Abydos is basically copied from the skins of the Typhon-class destroyer and Mentu and Aten-class cruisers).
A special thanks to Zarathud at Descent Chronicles for creating the MODing guide that helped me to create this mod.  Without that guide and its recommendations, this installation would not be possible.
Also special thank you to Volition for creating the best space sim in the known universe, FREESPACE 2! :)

The GVI Abydos is the closest thing to a Vasudan installation that I can create.  I just extracted the model and map files for the Arcadia installation and redid the maps using Vasudan skins borrowed from other Vasudan ships such as the Typhon, Mentu, and Aten.  I also added some viewports to the Mentu and Aten sections to give the installation a better feel.  In FRED2 and in the FreeSpace 2 Tech Room the GVI Abydos can be found just underneath the Typhon-class destroyer.  Originally, I had positioned it below the Hatshepsut but for some reason the Abydos would not show up in the tech room.  Since I wanted the briefing I had written for it that provides some explanation as to why it is so similar to the Arcadia to be easily visible, I moved it above the Typhon.  The Abydos now shows up.  I don't know why FS2 seems to not want to display some of the ships from the game like this.

Be warned that the Abydos is not as helpless as the Arcadia.  The Abydos mounts one large beam cannon (BVas), two smaller Vasudan beam cannons (SVas), six anti-fighter beams (AAAf), and three Long Range Flak turrets.  Though it will still need help when faced with a strong force, it is by no means as useless against capships as a default configured Arcadia.  You can configure an Arcadia similar to the loadout I used, but I felt that it would make matters simpler when a player wanted to make the installation a more difficult target and it would provide another difference between the Abydos and the Arcadia for me to point out in my tech room briefing.

You can use this mod in conjunction with any other mods if you wish.  Simply cut and paste this mod's ships.tbl entry into another mod's ships.tbl or vice versa.  Just remember to give yours truly credit for creating the GVI Abydos:).  
In adding it to another ships.tbl, it may be neccessary to free up some room in the ships.tbl to combine them like that.  That should be easily done.  Delete ships that you never use in your missions (such as the Terran version of the Mara, for example) and you will have more room for other ships you intend to use.

Thats about it.  If you have questions/comments/complaints/etc. you can contact me via e-mail at:
  vasuda_prime@hotmail.com

-Ice Heart

