Initial POC of in-game help

10 files changed, 703 insertions, 187 deletions

diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index e43624e..801b6a1 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -314,8 +314,11 @@ textdecomp.s: msg.inc
 msg.inc: messages.c
 
 # messages.c is a generated file
-messages.c: messages.pl textcomp
-	perl messages.pl > messages.c
+messages.c: messages.pl messages.msg textcomp
+	perl messages.pl < messages.msg > messages.c
+
+helpmsgs.c: messages.pl helpmsgs.msg textcomp
+	perl messages.pl -n < helpmsgs.msg > helpmsgs.c
 
 ### Cartridge-related targets. The way I'm doing this isn't 'proper': I should
 #   be using cc65's linker with a fancy config script to do the bank layout
@@ -335,8 +338,8 @@ cartbank2.cfg: cartbank2.cfg.old cartbank2.cfg.new cartbank2.sh
 # using a custom crt0 to get rid of the extra RTS cc65 puts there for
 # SpartaDOS compatibility (which has no effect on a cartridge image,
 # except to waste 1 byte).
-romable_taimain.raw: cartbank2.cfg $(TAIMAIN_C_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_ASM_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_HDRS) $(BIGNUM_SRC) $(BIGNUM_HDRS) $(TAIMAIN_LIBS) crt0_cart.s messages.c
-	$(CC) --config cartbank2.cfg -m taipan.map -t atari -T -I. -L. -DFONT_ADDR=0x9c00 --start-addr 0x400 -Wl -D__STACKSIZE__=0x200 -O -Wl -D__SYSTEM_CHECK__=1 -Wl -D__AUTOSTART__=1 -Wl -D__EXEHDR__=1  -DCART_TARGET=1 --asm-define CART_TARGET=1 -DBIGNUM=BIGFLOAT -o romable_taimain.raw $(TAIMAIN_C_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_ASM_SRC) $(BIGNUM_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_LIBS) crt0_cart.s
+romable_taimain.raw: cartbank2.cfg $(TAIMAIN_C_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_ASM_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_HDRS) $(BIGNUM_SRC) $(BIGNUM_HDRS) $(TAIMAIN_LIBS) crt0_cart.s messages.c helpmsgs.c
+	$(CC) --config cartbank2.cfg -m taipan.map -t atari -T -I. -L. -DFONT_ADDR=0x9c00 --start-addr 0x400 -Wl -D__STACKSIZE__=0x200 -O -Wl -D__SYSTEM_CHECK__=1 -Wl -D__AUTOSTART__=1 -Wl -D__EXEHDR__=1 --asm-define GAME_HELP=1 -DGAME_HELP -DCART_TARGET=1 --asm-define CART_TARGET=1 -DBIGNUM=BIGFLOAT -o romable_taimain.raw $(TAIMAIN_C_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_ASM_SRC) $(BIGNUM_SRC) $(TAIMAIN_LIBS) crt0_cart.s gamehelp.s
 
 # 8192 bytes of $ff filler, for unused banks. Possibly these will be
 # used for something like an interactive game manual/tutorial.
diff --git a/gamehelp.s b/gamehelp.s
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..092e256
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gamehelp.s
@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+ .include "atari.inc"
+
+ .import _print_msg, _clrtoeol
+
+ .import _M_help_avail_hk
+ .import _M_help_avail_hk_retire
+ .import _M_help_buy_sell
+ .import _M_help_change_orders
+ .import _M_help_doesnt_affect
+ .import _M_help_each_gun
+ .import _M_help_enter_firm
+ .import _M_help_fight
+ .import _M_help_for_fun
+ .import _M_help_ftr_any
+ .import _M_help_if_debt
+ .import _M_help_loan_shark
+ .import _M_help_may_loan
+ .import _M_help_million
+ .import _M_help_only_if_total
+ .import _M_help_press_a
+ .import _M_help_press_m
+ .import _M_help_press_k
+ .import _M_help_press_ret_done
+ .import _M_help_quit_trading
+ .import _M_help_press_ret_alone
+ .import _M_help_run
+ .import _M_help_throw
+ .import _M_help_to_sail_to
+ .import _M_help_transferred_to
+ .import _M_help_turbo
+ .import _M_help_type_amount
+ .import _M_help_type_letter
+ .import _M_help_type_number
+ .import _M_help_under_attack
+ .import _M_help_wh_bank_only
+ .import _M_help_y_or_n
+
+ .export _print_game_help, _game_help
+ .export _get_amount_help, _port_choices_help, _port_stat_help_nonhk
+ .export _port_stat_help_hk, _name_firm_help, _sea_battle_help
+ .export _wu_help, _new_gun_help, _new_ship_help
+
+ ;;; use temps that won't get stepped on by print_msg, cputs, cputc, etc.
+ tblptr = FR1+2 ; and +3
+ ystash = FR1+4
+
+ .ifdef CART_TARGET
+  .segment "HIGHCODE"
+ .else
+  .code
+ .endif
+
+;;; extern void __fastcall__ print_game_help(const char *entry);
+;
+; Print entire help screen. Caller must ensure the screen gets refreshed
+; afterwards (e.g. by calling port_stats()).
+
+ .import _cprintuint
+
+_print_game_help:
+ ldx _game_help+1
+ beq @ldone
+ lda _game_help
+ sta tblptr
+ stx tblptr+1
+ lda #0
+ sta ROWCRS
+ sta COLCRS
+ sta ystash
+@loop:
+ jsr _clrtoeol
+ ldy ystash
+ lda (tblptr),y ; high byte!
+ beq @ldone
+ tax
+ iny
+ lda (tblptr),y
+ iny
+ sty ystash
+ jsr _print_msg
+ jmp @loop
+@ldone:
+rts
+
+; extern char *game_help;
+; set to one of the _<whatever>_help addresses below, or NULL
+; if there's no help for the current screen.
+ .data
+_game_help: .res 2
+
+ .rodata
+
+_get_amount_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_type_amount
+ .dbyt _M_help_press_a
+ .dbyt _M_help_press_k
+ .dbyt _M_help_press_m
+ .dbyt _M_help_press_ret_alone
+ .byte $00
+
+_port_choices_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_type_number
+ .dbyt _M_help_to_sail_to
+ .byte $00
+
+_port_stat_help_nonhk:
+ .dbyt _M_help_type_letter
+ .dbyt _M_help_buy_sell
+ .dbyt _M_help_quit_trading
+ .dbyt _M_help_wh_bank_only
+ .dbyt _M_help_avail_hk
+ .byte $00
+
+_port_stat_help_hk:
+ .dbyt _M_help_type_letter
+ .dbyt _M_help_buy_sell
+ .dbyt _M_help_quit_trading
+ .dbyt _M_help_wh_bank_only
+ .dbyt _M_help_avail_hk_retire
+ .dbyt _M_help_only_if_total
+ .dbyt _M_help_million
+ .byte $00
+
+_name_firm_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_enter_firm
+ .dbyt _M_help_doesnt_affect
+ .dbyt _M_help_for_fun
+ .dbyt _M_help_press_ret_done
+ .byte $00
+
+_sea_battle_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_under_attack
+ .dbyt _M_help_fight
+ .dbyt _M_help_throw
+ .dbyt _M_help_run
+ .dbyt _M_help_turbo
+ .dbyt _M_help_ftr_any
+ .dbyt _M_help_change_orders
+ .byte $00
+
+_wu_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_loan_shark
+ .dbyt _M_help_if_debt
+ .dbyt _M_help_may_loan
+ .byte $00
+
+_new_gun_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_y_or_n
+ .dbyt _M_help_each_gun
+ .byte $00
+
+_new_ship_help:
+ .dbyt _M_help_y_or_n
+ .dbyt _M_help_transferred_to
+ .byte $00
+
diff --git a/gamehelp.txt b/gamehelp.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3842c2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/gamehelp.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+#######################################
+# buy()
+# sell()
+# transfer(), to whouse
+# transfer(), from whouse
+# visit_bank(), deposit
+# visit_bank(), withdraw
+# elder_brother_wu() repay
+# elder_brother_wu() borrow
+# mchenry() amount
+Type the amount, then press Return.
+Press A for 'All'.
+Press K to insert three zeroes, or
+M for six zeroes.
+Press Return alone to abort
+########################################
+# port_choices()
+Type the number of the port you wish
+to sail to, or press Return to abort.
+########################################
+# port status menu (non-hongkong)
+Type the letter of your choice:
+B: Buy cargo, S: Sell cargo.
+Q: Quit trading: End this turn and sail
+   to another port.
+The warehouse and bank are only
+available at Hong Kong.
+########################################
+# port status menu (hongkong)
+Type the letter of your choice:
+B: Buy cargo, S: Sell cargo.
+Q: Quit trading: End this turn and sail
+   to another port.
+V: Visit bank (deposit,withdraw).
+T: Transfer cargo to,from warehouse.
+R: Retire: End the game and receive
+   your final score and rank.
+The warehouse and bank are only
+available at Hong Kong. You may retire
+only if your cash and bank account total
+a million or more.
+########################################
+# name_firm()
+Enter the name of your trading firm.
+This doesn't affect gameplay: it's just
+for fun. Use backspace to correct typos.
+Press Return when you're done.
+########################################
+# sea_battle()
+You're under attack! Your choices:
+F: Fight. Requires at least one gun.
+T: Throw cargo. You must have cargo.
+R: Run. You can always try to run.
+Press Shift F or Shift R for 'turbo'.
+You can press F,T,R at any time, to
+change your orders.
+########################################
+# elder_brother_wu()
+Elder Brother Wu is the loan shark.
+If you have debt, you can pay it now. He
+may also loan you money.
+########################################
+# li_yuen_extortion(): not really needed
+########################################
+# cash_or_guns(): not really needed
+########################################
+# mchenry() y/n: not really needed
+########################################
+# new_gun()
+Press Y for yes or N for no.
+Each gun takes up ten cargo hold units.
+########################################
+# new_ship()
+Press Y for yes or N for no.
+All your cargo and guns will be
+transferred to the new ship.
diff --git a/helpmsgs.c b/helpmsgs.c
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..336b4c4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/helpmsgs.c
@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+// do not edit, contents are generated by messages.pl
+
+const char M_help_to_another_port[] = {
+	// "   to another port.\n"
+	0xd7, 0x5d, 0x10, 0x04, 0xe3, 0xf4, 0xa1, 0x2d, 0x50, 0x3d, 0x25, 0x39, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_your_final[] = {
+	// "   your final score and rank.\n"
+	0xd7, 0x5d, 0x74, 0xac, 0x62, 0x4e, 0x04, 0xcd, 0x53, 0x0c, 0xf4, 0x85, 0xd7, 0x45, 0x35, 0x48, 0x13, 0x8b, 0xe7, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_all_your[] = {
+	// "All your cargo and guns will be\n"
+	0x6c, 0xc3, 0x35, 0xd2, 0xb0, 0xf4, 0x27, 0x5d, 0x14, 0xd4, 0x75, 0x4e, 0x4f, 0x5d, 0x0e, 0xd4, 0x21, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_buy_sell[] = {
+	// "B: Buy cargo, S: Sell cargo.\n"
+	0x73, 0xbd, 0x5c, 0x55, 0x9d, 0x43, 0xd0, 0x9e, 0x35, 0xb7, 0xbd, 0x6d, 0x14, 0xc3, 0x35, 0x0f, 0x42, 0x79, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_each_gun[] = {
+	// "Each gun takes up ten cargo hold units.\n"
+	0x7c, 0x10, 0xc8, 0xd4, 0x75, 0x4e, 0xd5, 0x40, 0x4b, 0x15, 0x3d, 0x55, 0x43, 0x55, 0x05, 0x3b, 0x50, 0xf4, 0x27, 0x52, 0x0f, 0x30, 0x4d, 0x55, 0x38, 0x95, 0x13, 0xe7, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_loan_shark[] = {
+	// "Elder Brother Wu is the loan shark.\n"
+	0xd0, 0x2d, 0x71, 0x57, 0x52, 0x53, 0xd0, 0xcd, 0x4c, 0x3c, 0x13, 0xb5, 0x4c, 0x80, 0x52, 0x2f, 0x9f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_enter_firm[] = {
+	// "Enter the name of your trading firm.\n"
+	0x7c, 0xe5, 0x05, 0x4b, 0x43, 0x35, 0x38, 0x13, 0x45, 0xd0, 0xdd, 0x74, 0xad, 0x44, 0x81, 0x10, 0x93, 0x87, 0xd4, 0x62, 0x52, 0x37, 0x9f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_fight[] = {
+	// "F: Fight. Requires at least one gun.\n"
+	0x83, 0xbd, 0x60, 0x24, 0x72, 0x14, 0xe7, 0x5b, 0x05, 0x45, 0x52, 0x52, 0x15, 0x3d, 0x41, 0x53, 0x53, 0x05, 0x05, 0x35, 0x35, 0x3c, 0xe1, 0x75, 0x1d, 0x53, 0xb9, 0xfc, 0x00
+};
+
+const char M_help_if_debt[] = {
+	// "If you have debt, you can pay it now. He\n"
+	0x8c, 0x6d, 0x74, 0x0f, 0x41, 0xb5, 0xd2, 0x7e, 0x35, 0xd0, 0x3d, 0x43, 0x04, 0xed, 0x50, 0x05, 0x9d, 0x49, 0x53, 0x49, 0x57, 0xe7, 0x58, 0x85, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_press_m[] = {
+	// "Press M for six zeroes.\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x59, 0xf5, 0xd1, 0x24, 0xc9, 0x63, 0x56, 0x85, 0x48, 0xf1, 0x53, 0xe7, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_press_a[] = {
+	// "Press A for All.\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x56, 0xf5, 0xd1, 0x26, 0xcc, 0x33, 0x9f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_press_k[] = {
+	// "Press K to insert three zeroes\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x59, 0x74, 0x40, 0x93, 0x93, 0x15, 0x25, 0x35, 0x50, 0x84, 0x85, 0x17, 0x56, 0x85, 0x48, 0xf1, 0x53, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_press_ret_alone[] = {
+	// "Press Return alone to abort.\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x5b, 0x05, 0x51, 0x54, 0x8e, 0xd4, 0x13, 0x0f, 0x38, 0x5d, 0x10, 0x04, 0x23, 0xd2, 0x53, 0x9f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_press_ret_done[] = {
+	// "Press Return when you're done.\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x5b, 0x05, 0x51, 0x54, 0x8e, 0xd5, 0x72, 0x05, 0x3b, 0x5d, 0x03, 0xf1, 0x21, 0x75, 0x10, 0xf3, 0x85, 0xe7, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_turbo[] = {
+	// "Press Shift F or Shift R for 'turbo'.\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x5b, 0x48, 0x24, 0x65, 0x35, 0x83, 0x53, 0xd2, 0xd6, 0xd2, 0x09, 0x19, 0x4d, 0x6c, 0xd7, 0x44, 0xbc, 0x51, 0x54, 0x82, 0x3f, 0xce, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_y_or_n[] = {
+	// "Press Y for yes or N for no.\n"
+	0xa9, 0x21, 0x53, 0x4f, 0x5c, 0xf5, 0xd1, 0x26, 0x45, 0x4f, 0x53, 0xd2, 0xd6, 0x8d, 0x74, 0x48, 0xe3, 0xf9, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_quit_trading[] = {
+	// "Q: Quit trading: End this turn and sail\n"
+	0xaf, 0xbd, 0x6b, 0x54, 0x95, 0x35, 0x51, 0x20, 0x44, 0x24, 0xe1, 0xfb, 0xd5, 0xf3, 0x84, 0xd5, 0x42, 0x34, 0x4d, 0x45, 0x52, 0x3b, 0x5d, 0x14, 0xd5, 0x30, 0x49, 0x33, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_retire[] = {
+	// "R: Retire: End the game and receive\n"
+	0xb3, 0xbd, 0x6c, 0x15, 0x42, 0x52, 0x17, 0xbd, 0x5f, 0x38, 0x4d, 0x0c, 0xd4, 0x70, 0x4d, 0x17, 0x5d, 0x14, 0xd5, 0x21, 0x43, 0x14, 0x95, 0x85, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_run[] = {
+	// "R: Run. You can always try to run.\n"
+	0xb3, 0xbd, 0x6c, 0x54, 0xee, 0x75, 0xd0, 0x5d, 0x43, 0x04, 0xed, 0x41, 0x31, 0x70, 0x59, 0x4f, 0x55, 0x12, 0x67, 0x44, 0x12, 0x54, 0xee, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_throw[] = {
+	// "T: Throw cargo. You must have cargo.\n"
+	0xbb, 0xbd, 0x6e, 0x21, 0x23, 0xd7, 0xd4, 0x3d, 0x09, 0xe7, 0x5d, 0x05, 0xd4, 0xd5, 0x53, 0x53, 0x41, 0xb5, 0x0f, 0x42, 0x79, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_transfer[] = {
+	// "T: Transfer cargo to,from warehouse.\n"
+	0xbb, 0xbd, 0x6e, 0x48, 0x13, 0x93, 0x18, 0x54, 0xb5, 0x0f, 0x42, 0x75, 0x50, 0xfe, 0x06, 0x48, 0xf3, 0x74, 0x2f, 0x9f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_wh_bank_only[] = {
+	// "The warehouse and bank are only\n"
+	0xb8, 0x81, 0x74, 0x2f, 0x5d, 0x14, 0xd4, 0x20, 0x4e, 0x2f, 0x50, 0x52, 0x17, 0x53, 0xce, 0x31, 0x9f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_doesnt_affect[] = {
+	// "This doesn't affect gameplay: it's just\n"
+	0xb8, 0x8d, 0x13, 0x10, 0xf1, 0x53, 0x3b, 0xc5, 0x35, 0x04, 0x61, 0x85, 0x0d, 0x4d, 0x47, 0x04, 0xd1, 0x50, 0x30, 0x16, 0x7b, 0xd4, 0x95, 0x3c, 0x4f, 0x52, 0x95, 0x4d, 0x4f, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_type_amount[] = {
+	// "Type the amount, then press Return.\n"
+	0xb9, 0x94, 0x05, 0xd0, 0xcd, 0x41, 0x34, 0xf5, 0x4e, 0x53, 0x8d, 0x0c, 0x3b, 0x54, 0x12, 0x15, 0x34, 0xf5, 0xb0, 0x55, 0x15, 0x48, 0xee, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_type_letter[] = {
+	// "Type the letter of your choice:\n"
+	0xb9, 0x94, 0x05, 0xd0, 0xcd, 0x4c, 0x15, 0x45, 0x05, 0x4b, 0x43, 0x75, 0xd2, 0xb0, 0xc8, 0x3c, 0x90, 0xc5, 0xef, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_type_number[] = {
+	// "Type the number of the port you wish\n"
+	0xb9, 0x94, 0x05, 0xd0, 0xcd, 0x4e, 0x54, 0xd0, 0x85, 0x4b, 0x43, 0x74, 0x33, 0x54, 0x0f, 0x49, 0x4d, 0x74, 0x0f, 0x49, 0xbf, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_visit_bank[] = {
+	// "V: Visit bank (deposit,withdraw).\n"
+	0xc3, 0xbd, 0x70, 0x25, 0x32, 0x54, 0xd4, 0x20, 0x4e, 0x2f, 0x5f, 0x44, 0x15, 0x03, 0xd3, 0x25, 0x4e, 0x17, 0x25, 0x42, 0x04, 0x48, 0x15, 0xfe, 0xe7, 0xf0, 0x00
+};
+
+const char M_help_ftr_any[] = {
+	// "You can press F,T,R at any time, to\n"
+	0xd0, 0x5d, 0x43, 0x04, 0xed, 0x50, 0x48, 0x54, 0xd3, 0xd6, 0x0e, 0x2e, 0xe2, 0xcd, 0x41, 0x53, 0x50, 0x4e, 0x67, 0x55, 0x09, 0x34, 0x5e, 0x35, 0x50, 0xff, 0xc0
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_under_attack[] = {
+	// "You're under attack! Your choices:\n"
+	0xd0, 0x5f, 0x12, 0x17, 0x55, 0x4e, 0x10, 0x54, 0xb5, 0x05, 0x45, 0x01, 0x0c, 0xbd, 0xb5, 0xd0, 0x54, 0xb5, 0x0c, 0x83, 0xc9, 0x0c, 0x54, 0xfb, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_million[] = {
+	// "a million or more.\n"
+	0x07, 0x53, 0x49, 0x30, 0xc2, 0x4f, 0x3b, 0x53, 0xd2, 0xd4, 0xd3, 0xd2, 0x17, 0x9f, 0xc0
+};
+
+const char M_help_avail_hk[] = {
+	// "available at Hong Kong.\n"
+	0x05, 0x60, 0x49, 0x30, 0x10, 0x8c, 0x17, 0x50, 0x54, 0xd6, 0x23, 0xce, 0x1f, 0x59, 0x4f, 0x38, 0x7e, 0x7f, 0x00
+};
+
+const char M_help_avail_hk_retire[] = {
+	// "available at Hong Kong. You may retire\n"
+	0x05, 0x60, 0x49, 0x30, 0x10, 0x8c, 0x17, 0x50, 0x54, 0xd6, 0x23, 0xce, 0x1f, 0x59, 0x4f, 0x38, 0x7e, 0x75, 0xd0, 0x5d, 0x4d, 0x05, 0x9d, 0x52, 0x15, 0x42, 0x52, 0x17, 0xf0, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_change_orders[] = {
+	// "change your orders.\n"
+	0x0c, 0x80, 0x4e, 0x1c, 0x5d, 0x74, 0xac, 0xf4, 0x84, 0x15, 0x24, 0xf9, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_for_fun[] = {
+	// "for fun. Use backspace to correct typos.\n"
+	0xd1, 0x21, 0x95, 0x3b, 0x9d, 0x6f, 0x4c, 0x5d, 0x42, 0x04, 0x32, 0xd3, 0x40, 0x10, 0xc5, 0xd1, 0x00, 0xcf, 0x49, 0x21, 0x43, 0x53, 0x55, 0x19, 0x40, 0xf4, 0xf9, 0xfc, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_may_loan[] = {
+	// "may also loan you money.\n"
+	0x34, 0x16, 0x75, 0x04, 0xc4, 0xcf, 0xd4, 0xc3, 0xc1, 0x3b, 0x5d, 0x03, 0xd4, 0xd3, 0xce, 0x15, 0x9e, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_only_if_total[] = {
+	// "only if your cash and bank account total\n"
+	0x3c, 0xe3, 0x19, 0xd4, 0x91, 0xb5, 0xd0, 0x34, 0xb4, 0x57, 0x5d, 0x14, 0xd4, 0x20, 0x4e, 0x2f, 0x50, 0x43, 0x0c, 0xf5, 0x4e, 0x53, 0x55, 0x0f, 0x50, 0x13, 0x3f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_to_sail_to[] = {
+	// "to sail to, or press Return to abort.\n"
+	0x50, 0xfd, 0x53, 0x04, 0x93, 0x35, 0x50, 0xfe, 0x35, 0x3d, 0x2d, 0x50, 0x48, 0x54, 0xd3, 0xd6, 0xc1, 0x54, 0x55, 0x23, 0xb4, 0x40, 0x10, 0x8f, 0x49, 0x4e, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+const char M_help_transferred_to[] = {
+	// "transferred to the new ship.\n"
+	0x51, 0x20, 0x4e, 0x4c, 0x61, 0x52, 0x48, 0x51, 0x34, 0x43, 0x4a, 0x35, 0x38, 0x55, 0xf5, 0xd0, 0xae, 0x7f, 0x00
+}; // dictionary used
+
+// messages:          38
+// total input size:  1282
+// total output size: 869
+// compression:       413
+// ratio:             67.8%
diff --git a/helpmsgs.h b/helpmsgs.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0df1d6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/helpmsgs.h
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+extern void __fastcall__ print_game_help(void);
+
+extern const char *game_help;
+
+extern const char get_amount_help[];
+extern const char port_choices_help[];
+extern const char name_firm_help[];
+extern const char sea_battle_help[];
+extern const char wu_help[];
+extern const char new_gun_help[];
+extern const char new_ship_help[];
+
+#define SET_HELP(x) (game_help = x)
+#define CLEAR_HELP  (game_help = (void *)0)
diff --git a/helpmsgs.msg b/helpmsgs.msg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ab57e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/helpmsgs.msg
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+help_to_another_port "   to another port.\n"
+help_your_final "   your final score and rank.\n"
+help_all_your "All your cargo and guns will be\n"
+help_buy_sell "B: Buy cargo, S: Sell cargo.\n"
+help_each_gun "Each gun takes up ten cargo hold units.\n"
+help_loan_shark "Elder Brother Wu is the loan shark.\n"
+help_enter_firm "Enter the name of your trading firm.\n"
+help_fight "F: Fight. Requires at least one gun.\n"
+help_if_debt "If you have debt, you can pay it now. He\n"
+help_press_m "Press M for six zeroes.\n"
+help_press_a "Press A for All.\n"
+help_press_k "Press K to insert three zeroes\n"
+help_press_ret_alone "Press Return alone to abort.\n"
+help_press_ret_done "Press Return when you're done.\n"
+help_turbo "Press Shift F or Shift R for 'turbo'.\n"
+help_y_or_n "Press Y for yes or N for no.\n"
+help_quit_trading "Q: Quit trading: End this turn and sail\n"
+help_retire "R: Retire: End the game and receive\n"
+help_run "R: Run. You can always try to run.\n"
+help_throw "T: Throw cargo. You must have cargo.\n"
+help_transfer "T: Transfer cargo to,from warehouse.\n"
+help_wh_bank_only "The warehouse and bank are only\n"
+help_doesnt_affect "This doesn't affect gameplay: it's just\n"
+help_type_amount "Type the amount, then press Return.\n"
+help_type_letter "Type the letter of your choice:\n"
+help_type_number "Type the number of the port you wish\n"
+help_visit_bank "V: Visit bank (deposit,withdraw).\n"
+help_ftr_any "You can press F,T,R at any time, to\n"
+help_under_attack "You're under attack! Your choices:\n"
+help_million "a million or more.\n"
+help_avail_hk "available at Hong Kong.\n"
+help_avail_hk_retire "available at Hong Kong. You may retire\n"
+help_change_orders "change your orders.\n"
+help_for_fun "for fun. Use backspace to correct typos.\n"
+help_may_loan "may also loan you money.\n"
+help_only_if_total "only if your cash and bank account total\n"
+help_to_sail_to "to sail to, or press Return to abort.\n"
+help_transferred_to "transferred to the new ship.\n"
diff --git a/messages.msg b/messages.msg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..222cbc9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/messages.msg
@@ -0,0 +1,168 @@
+guns "guns"
+fight "Fight"
+throw "Throw Cargo"
+opium "Opium"
+silk "Silk"
+arms "Arms"
+gen_cargo "General Cargo"
+ellipsis "..."
+at_sea " At sea "
+hong_kong "Hong Kong"
+shanghai "Shanghai"
+nagasaki "Nagasaki"
+saigon "Saigon"
+manila "Manila"
+singapore "Singapore"
+batavia "Batavia"
+will_you "will you "
+bad_joss "Bad Joss!!\r\n"
+crlf "\n"
+taipan "Taipan"
+do_you_wish "do you wish "
+elder_brother_wu "Elder Brother Wu "
+li_yuen "Li Yuen"
+do_you_want "Do you want "
+firm_colon "Firm:"
+compradors_report "Comprador's Report\r\n\n"
+captains_report "  Captain's Report\r\n\n"
+overloaded "Your ship is overloaded"
+wish_to_trade "Do you wish to trade in your "
+ship_for_one "\r\nship for one with "
+more_capacity " more capacity by\r\npaying an additional "
+gun_offer "Do you wish to buy a ship's gun\r\nfor "
+space_ship " ship"
+space_attacking " attacking"
+your_orders_are "Your orders are: "
+we_have "   We have"
+cur_seaworth "Current seaworthiness: "
+what_shall_we_do "what shall we do??\r\n(Fight, Run, Throw cargo)"
+aye_fight "Aye, we'll fight 'em"
+were_firing "We're firing on 'em"
+sunk "Sunk "
+of_the_buggers " of the buggers"
+didnt_sink "Hit 'em, but didn't sink 'em"
+ran_away " ran away"
+we_have_no_guns "We have no guns"
+you_have_on_board "You have the following on board"
+what_shall_i_throw "What shall I throw overboard"
+how_much "How much"
+hope_we_lose_em "Let's hope we lose 'em"
+nothing_there "There's nothing there"
+aye_run "Aye, we'll run"
+we_got_away "We got away from 'em"
+couldnt_lose_em "Couldn't lose 'em."
+but_we_escaped "But we escaped from "
+of_em " of 'em!"
+theyre_firing "They're firing on us"
+weve_been_hit "We've been hit"
+buggers_hit_gun "The buggers hit a gun"
+we_got_em_all "We got 'em all"
+to_start "to start . . .\r\n\n"
+with_cash ") With cash (and a debt)\r\n\n"
+with_5_guns ") With five guns and no cash\r\n"
+but_no_debt "(But no debt!)"
+mchenry_has_arrived "Mc Henry from the Hong Kong\r\nShipyards has arrived!! He says, 'I see\r\nye've a wee bit of damage to yer ship.'\r\nWill ye be wanting repairs? "
+tis_a_pity "Och, 'tis a pity to be "
+percent_damaged "% damaged.\r\nWe can fix yer whole ship for "
+or_partial_repairs "\r\nor make partial repairs if you wish.\r\n"
+will_ye_spend "will ye spend? "
+illionaire " I L L I O N A I R E !"
+youre_a "    Y o u ' r e    a"
+your_final_status "Your final status:\r\n\nNet cash:  "
+ship_size "\r\nShip size: "
+units_with " units with "
+you_traded_for " guns\r\n\nYou traded for "
+spc_year " year"
+spc_and_spc " and "
+spc_month " month"
+your_score_is "Your score is "
+land_based_job "Have you considered a land based job?\r\n\n\n"
+stay_on_shore "The crew has requested that you stay on\r\nshore for their safety!!\r\n\n"
+3_nls "\n\n\n"
+your_rating "Your Rating:\r\n"
+ma_tsu "Ma Tsu"
+master_taipan "Master Taipan"
+compradore "Compradore"
+galley_hand "Galley Hand"
+play_again "Play again? "
+you_have_only "You have only "
+you_have_no_cargo "You have no cargo"
+move_to_whouse " shall I move\r\nto the warehouse"
+whouse_only_hold "Your warehouse will only hold an\r\nadditional "
+whouse_full "Your warehouse is full"
+move_aboard " shall I move\r\naboard ship"
+me_to_go_to "me to go to:\r\n"
+already_here "\r\n\nYou're already here"
+hostile_ship " hostile ship"
+approaching " approaching"
+fleet_drove_off "Li Yuen's fleet drove them off!"
+s_pirates "Li Yuen's pirates"
+they_let_us_be "Good joss!! They let us be!!\r\n"
+ships_of_fleet " ships of Li Yuen's pirate\r\nfleet"
+captured_some_booty "We captured some booty.\r\nIt's worth "
+we_made_it "We made it!"
+buggers_got_us "The buggers got us"
+all_over_now "!\r\nIt's all over, now!!!"
+storm "Storm"
+think_going_down "   I think we're going down!!\r\n\n"
+were_going_down "We're going down"
+storm_we_made_it "    We made it!!\r\n\n"
+blown_off_course "We've been blown off course\r\nto "
+arriving_at "Arriving at "
+asks "Li Yuen asks "
+in_donation " in donation\r\nto the temple of Tin Hau, the Sea\r\nGoddess. Will you pay? "
+not_enough_cash "you do not have enough cash!!\r\n\n"
+make_up_difference "to make up\r\nthe difference for you? "
+given_the_diff "has given Li Yuen the\r\ndifference between what he wanted and\r\nyour cash on hand and added the same\r\namount to your debt.\r\n"
+very_well "Very well. "
+will_not_pay "will not pay\r\nLi Yuen the difference.  I would be very\r\nwary of pirates if I were you."
+you_only_have "you only have "
+nl_in_spc "\nin "
+the_bank "the bank.\n"
+cash "cash.\n"
+do_you_have_biz_with_wu "Do you have business with Elder Brother\r\nWu, the moneylender? "
+aware_of_your_plight "Elder Brother is aware of your plight,\r\nTaipan. He is willing to loan you an\r\nadditional "
+if_you_will_pay_back " if you will pay back\r\n"
+are_you_willing ". Are you willing"
+game_is_over "Very well, Taipan, the game is over!\r\n"
+very_well_good_joss "Very well, Taipan. Good joss!!\r\n"
+to_repay_him "to repay\r\nhim? "
+to_borrow "to \r\nborrow? "
+wont_loan "\r\n\nHe won't loan you so much"
+bodyguards_killed " of your bodyguards have been killed\r\nby cutthroats and you have been robbed\r\nof all of your cash"
+the_price_of "Taipan!! The price of "
+nl_has_spc "\n has "
+risen "risen"
+dropped "dropped"
+spc_to_spc " to "
+bang_bang_nl "!!\n"
+prices_here_are "present prices per unit here are"
+general_shortname "General"
+shall_i_buy_sell "Shall I Buy, Sell, "
+bank_transfer "Visit bank, Transfer\r\ncargo, "
+quit_traging "Quit trading"
+or_retire ", or Retire"
+what_will_you_name_firm " What will you name your"
+what "What "
+me_to "me to "
+spc_you_can_spc " You can "
+spc_shall " shall"
+spc_afford "  afford "
+i_buy "I buy, "
+shall_i_sell " shall\r\nI sell, "
+too_much_cash "\r\nYou cannot carry so much cash"
+ship_would_sink "\r\nYour ship would sink under the weight\r\nof your riches.\r\n"
+deposit "deposit? "
+withdraw "withdraw? "
+assassinated_1 "you have been assassinated!"
+assassinated_2 "As the masked figure plunges the blade\r\ninto your heart, he says:\r\n"
+assassinated_3 "regrets to inform you\r\nthat your account has been terminated\r\nwith extreme prejudice."
+has_sent "has sent "
+braves_to_escort " braves\r\nto escort you to the Wu mansion"
+wu_warn_1 "reminds you of the\r\nConfucian ideal of personal worthiness,\r\nand how this applies to paying one's\r\ndebts.\r\n"
+wu_warn_2 "He is reminded of a fabled barbarian\r\nwho came to a bad end, after not caring\r\nfor his obligations.\r\n\nHe hopes no such fate awaits you, his\r\nfriend"
+siezed_opium "The local authorities have seized your\r\nOpium cargo and have also fined you\r\n"
+whouse_theft "Messenger reports large theft\r\nfrom warehouse"
+has_sent_lieutenant "Li Yuen has sent a Lieutenant,\r\nTaipan.  He says his admiral wishes\r\nto see you in Hong Kong, posthaste!\r\n"
+beaten_robbed "You've been beaten up and\r\nrobbed of "
+in_cash " in cash"
diff --git a/messages.pl b/messages.pl
index 574d439..d00d9d5 100644
--- a/messages.pl
+++ b/messages.pl
@@ -1,12 +1,23 @@
 #!/usr/bin/perl -w
 
 # compresses messages for taipan.c.
-# messages are listed at the end of this file after __END__ marker.
-# Run with no arguments to encode all messages, in which case the
-# output of this script should be redirected to messages.c.
-# With an argument, encoding is not done: instead, the strings
-# to be encoded are dumped to stdout, *after* dictionary
-# substitution is done.
+
+# Reads lines from stdin of the form:
+# label "message text"
+# writes C code to stdout.
+# by default, an asm include file "asm.inc" is created, containing
+# definitions of messages which exactly match a dictionary entry.
+# with -n, "asm.inc" is not created.
+# with -d, dumps messages to be encoded, after dictionary replacement.
+
+if(@ARGV) {
+	if($ARGV[0] eq '-n') {
+		$skip_msg_inc++;
+	} elsif($ARGV[0] eq '-d') {
+		$dump++;
+		$skip_msg_inc++;
+	}
+}
 
 # make dictionary from textdecomp.s comments
 open my $t, "<textdecomp.s" or die $!;
@@ -31,11 +42,14 @@ close $t;
 #}
 #exit 0;
 
-open ASMINC, ">msg.inc" or die $!;
-print ASMINC "; do not edit, contents are generated by messages.pl\n\n";
+if(!$skip_msg_inc) {
+	open ASMINC, ">msg.inc" or die $!;
+	print ASMINC "; do not edit, contents are generated by messages.pl\n\n";
+}
+
 print "// do not edit, contents are generated by messages.pl\n\n";
 
-while(<DATA>) {
+while(<STDIN>) {
 	chomp;
 	$msgcount++;
 	/^(\w+)\s/;
@@ -43,7 +57,7 @@ while(<DATA>) {
 	s/^\w+\s+//;
 
 	my $orig = $_;
-	print " input: $_\n" if @ARGV;
+	print " input: $_\n" if $dump;
 	s/"//g;
 	s/\\r//g;
 	s/\\n/\n/g;
@@ -59,13 +73,13 @@ while(<DATA>) {
 
 # if a string turns out to be exactly a dict entry, no need to include
 # the compressed version in messages.c.
-	if(/^Z.$/) {
+	if(!$skip_msg_inc && /^Z.$/) {
 		print "\nextern const char M_$label\[\]; // dictionary used, $dictlabels{$_}\n\n";
 		print ASMINC " _M_$label = $dictlabels{$_}\n .export _M_$label\n\n";
 		next;
 	}
 
-	if(@ARGV) {
+	if($dump) {
 		my $w = $_;
 		$w =~ s/\n/\\n/g;
 		print "output: \"$w\"\n\n";
@@ -84,11 +98,13 @@ while(<DATA>) {
 		print join(", ", @got);
 		$total_out += @got;
 	}
+	close $result;
 	die "failed to compress $orig\n" unless $readbytes;
 	print "\n};" . ($dict_used ? " // dictionary used" : "") . "\n\n";
 }
 
-exit 0 if @ARGV;
+close ASMINC unless $skip_msg_inc;
+exit 0 if $dump;
 
 print "// messages:          $msgcount\n";
 print "// total input size:  $total_in\n";
@@ -103,173 +119,3 @@ fine "fine"
 run "Run" # too short to be worth compression
 how_much_spc "How much "
 =cut
-
-__END__
-guns "guns"
-fight "Fight"
-throw "Throw Cargo"
-opium "Opium"
-silk "Silk"
-arms "Arms"
-gen_cargo "General Cargo"
-ellipsis "..."
-at_sea " At sea "
-hong_kong "Hong Kong"
-shanghai "Shanghai"
-nagasaki "Nagasaki"
-saigon "Saigon"
-manila "Manila"
-singapore "Singapore"
-batavia "Batavia"
-will_you "will you "
-bad_joss "Bad Joss!!\r\n"
-crlf "\n"
-taipan "Taipan"
-do_you_wish "do you wish "
-elder_brother_wu "Elder Brother Wu "
-li_yuen "Li Yuen"
-do_you_want "Do you want "
-firm_colon "Firm:"
-compradors_report "Comprador's Report\r\n\n"
-captains_report "  Captain's Report\r\n\n"
-overloaded "Your ship is overloaded"
-wish_to_trade "Do you wish to trade in your "
-ship_for_one "\r\nship for one with "
-more_capacity " more capacity by\r\npaying an additional "
-gun_offer "Do you wish to buy a ship's gun\r\nfor "
-space_ship " ship"
-space_attacking " attacking"
-your_orders_are "Your orders are: "
-we_have "   We have"
-cur_seaworth "Current seaworthiness: "
-what_shall_we_do "what shall we do??\r\n(Fight, Run, Throw cargo)"
-aye_fight "Aye, we'll fight 'em"
-were_firing "We're firing on 'em"
-sunk "Sunk "
-of_the_buggers " of the buggers"
-didnt_sink "Hit 'em, but didn't sink 'em"
-ran_away " ran away"
-we_have_no_guns "We have no guns"
-you_have_on_board "You have the following on board"
-what_shall_i_throw "What shall I throw overboard"
-how_much "How much"
-hope_we_lose_em "Let's hope we lose 'em"
-nothing_there "There's nothing there"
-aye_run "Aye, we'll run"
-we_got_away "We got away from 'em"
-couldnt_lose_em "Couldn't lose 'em."
-but_we_escaped "But we escaped from "
-of_em " of 'em!"
-theyre_firing "They're firing on us"
-weve_been_hit "We've been hit"
-buggers_hit_gun "The buggers hit a gun"
-we_got_em_all "We got 'em all"
-to_start "to start . . .\r\n\n"
-with_cash ") With cash (and a debt)\r\n\n"
-with_5_guns ") With five guns and no cash\r\n"
-but_no_debt "(But no debt!)"
-mchenry_has_arrived "Mc Henry from the Hong Kong\r\nShipyards has arrived!! He says, 'I see\r\nye've a wee bit of damage to yer ship.'\r\nWill ye be wanting repairs? "
-tis_a_pity "Och, 'tis a pity to be "
-percent_damaged "% damaged.\r\nWe can fix yer whole ship for "
-or_partial_repairs "\r\nor make partial repairs if you wish.\r\n"
-will_ye_spend "will ye spend? "
-illionaire " I L L I O N A I R E !"
-youre_a "    Y o u ' r e    a"
-your_final_status "Your final status:\r\n\nNet cash:  "
-ship_size "\r\nShip size: "
-units_with " units with "
-you_traded_for " guns\r\n\nYou traded for "
-spc_year " year"
-spc_and_spc " and "
-spc_month " month"
-your_score_is "Your score is "
-land_based_job "Have you considered a land based job?\r\n\n\n"
-stay_on_shore "The crew has requested that you stay on\r\nshore for their safety!!\r\n\n"
-3_nls "\n\n\n"
-your_rating "Your Rating:\r\n"
-ma_tsu "Ma Tsu"
-master_taipan "Master Taipan"
-compradore "Compradore"
-galley_hand "Galley Hand"
-play_again "Play again? "
-you_have_only "You have only "
-you_have_no_cargo "You have no cargo"
-move_to_whouse " shall I move\r\nto the warehouse"
-whouse_only_hold "Your warehouse will only hold an\r\nadditional "
-whouse_full "Your warehouse is full"
-move_aboard " shall I move\r\naboard ship"
-me_to_go_to "me to go to:\r\n"
-already_here "\r\n\nYou're already here"
-hostile_ship " hostile ship"
-approaching " approaching"
-fleet_drove_off "Li Yuen's fleet drove them off!"
-s_pirates "Li Yuen's pirates"
-they_let_us_be "Good joss!! They let us be!!\r\n"
-ships_of_fleet " ships of Li Yuen's pirate\r\nfleet"
-captured_some_booty "We captured some booty.\r\nIt's worth "
-we_made_it "We made it!"
-buggers_got_us "The buggers got us"
-all_over_now "!\r\nIt's all over, now!!!"
-storm "Storm"
-think_going_down "   I think we're going down!!\r\n\n"
-were_going_down "We're going down"
-storm_we_made_it "    We made it!!\r\n\n"
-blown_off_course "We've been blown off course\r\nto "
-arriving_at "Arriving at "
-asks "Li Yuen asks "
-in_donation " in donation\r\nto the temple of Tin Hau, the Sea\r\nGoddess. Will you pay? "
-not_enough_cash "you do not have enough cash!!\r\n\n"
-make_up_difference "to make up\r\nthe difference for you? "
-given_the_diff "has given Li Yuen the\r\ndifference between what he wanted and\r\nyour cash on hand and added the same\r\namount to your debt.\r\n"
-very_well "Very well. "
-will_not_pay "will not pay\r\nLi Yuen the difference.  I would be very\r\nwary of pirates if I were you."
-you_only_have "you only have "
-nl_in_spc "\nin "
-the_bank "the bank.\n"
-cash "cash.\n"
-do_you_have_biz_with_wu "Do you have business with Elder Brother\r\nWu, the moneylender? "
-aware_of_your_plight "Elder Brother is aware of your plight,\r\nTaipan. He is willing to loan you an\r\nadditional "
-if_you_will_pay_back " if you will pay back\r\n"
-are_you_willing ". Are you willing"
-game_is_over "Very well, Taipan, the game is over!\r\n"
-very_well_good_joss "Very well, Taipan. Good joss!!\r\n"
-to_repay_him "to repay\r\nhim? "
-to_borrow "to \r\nborrow? "
-wont_loan "\r\n\nHe won't loan you so much"
-bodyguards_killed " of your bodyguards have been killed\r\nby cutthroats and you have been robbed\r\nof all of your cash"
-the_price_of "Taipan!! The price of "
-nl_has_spc "\n has "
-risen "risen"
-dropped "dropped"
-spc_to_spc " to "
-bang_bang_nl "!!\n"
-prices_here_are "present prices per unit here are"
-general_shortname "General"
-shall_i_buy_sell "Shall I Buy, Sell, "
-bank_transfer "Visit bank, Transfer\r\ncargo, "
-quit_traging "Quit trading"
-or_retire ", or Retire"
-what_will_you_name_firm " What will you name your"
-what "What "
-me_to "me to "
-spc_you_can_spc " You can "
-spc_shall " shall"
-spc_afford "  afford "
-i_buy "I buy, "
-shall_i_sell " shall\r\nI sell, "
-too_much_cash "\r\nYou cannot carry so much cash"
-ship_would_sink "\r\nYour ship would sink under the weight\r\nof your riches.\r\n"
-deposit "deposit? "
-withdraw "withdraw? "
-assassinated_1 "you have been assassinated!"
-assassinated_2 "As the masked figure plunges the blade\r\ninto your heart, he says:\r\n"
-assassinated_3 "regrets to inform you\r\nthat your account has been terminated\r\nwith extreme prejudice."
-has_sent "has sent "
-braves_to_escort " braves\r\nto escort you to the Wu mansion"
-wu_warn_1 "reminds you of the\r\nConfucian ideal of personal worthiness,\r\nand how this applies to paying one's\r\ndebts.\r\n"
-wu_warn_2 "He is reminded of a fabled barbarian\r\nwho came to a bad end, after not caring\r\nfor his obligations.\r\n\nHe hopes no such fate awaits you, his\r\nfriend"
-siezed_opium "The local authorities have seized your\r\nOpium cargo and have also fined you\r\n"
-whouse_theft "Messenger reports large theft\r\nfrom warehouse"
-has_sent_lieutenant "Li Yuen has sent a Lieutenant,\r\nTaipan.  He says his admiral wishes\r\nto see you in Hong Kong, posthaste!\r\n"
-beaten_robbed "You've been beaten up and\r\nrobbed of "
-in_cash " in cash"
diff --git a/taipan.c b/taipan.c
index fbdf6ff..616a928 100644
--- a/taipan.c
+++ b/taipan.c
@@ -200,6 +200,14 @@ extern void redraw_port_stat(void);
 /* messages.c is generated by messages.pl */
 #include "messages.c"
 
+#ifdef GAME_HELP
+#  include "helpmsgs.h"
+#  include "helpmsgs.c"
+#else
+#  define SET_HELP(x)
+#  define CLEAR_HELP
+#endif
+
 extern void __fastcall__ print_msg(const char *msg);
 
 /* old version of this used to just 'return randl()%clamp'.
@@ -1549,6 +1557,7 @@ unsigned long get_num(void) {
 	unsigned char count = 0;
    char input;
 
+	SET_HELP(get_amount_help);
    while((input = numgetc()) != '\n') {
 		if(input == BKSP) {
 			if(!count) continue;
@@ -1575,6 +1584,7 @@ unsigned long get_num(void) {
 		}
 	}
 
+	CLEAR_HELP;
 	num_buf[count] = '\0';
 	return strtonum(num_buf);
 }
diff --git a/timed_getch.s b/timed_getch.s
index 6ea1bff..f4c8431 100644
--- a/timed_getch.s
+++ b/timed_getch.s
@@ -101,6 +101,14 @@ finish_agetc:
 @nr:
  pla
 
+ .ifdef GAME_HELP
+   .import _print_game_help
+ cmp #'?'
+ bne notquestion
+ jmp _print_game_help
+notquestion:
+ .endif
+
  ; special cases
  cmp #$9b   ; enter key, return as-is
  beq ok