text compression. 7017 bytes free.

6 files changed, 720 insertions, 171 deletions

diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index b9899d1..eaca205 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+msg.out
+msg.tmp
+textcomp
 memdump.dat
 rodata.8000
 romable_taimain.raw
diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 2a1e84b..27ffb7e 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ XEX=taipan.xex
 # All the C and asm sources for taimain.xex:
 TAIMAIN_HDRS=sounds.h
 TAIMAIN_C_SRC=taipan.c strtonum.c
-TAIMAIN_ASM_SRC=rand.s draw_lorcha.s timed_getch.s portstat.s console.s ultostr.s soundasm.s explosion.s
+TAIMAIN_ASM_SRC=rand.s draw_lorcha.s timed_getch.s portstat.s console.s ultostr.s soundasm.s explosion.s textdecomp.s
 TAIMAIN_LIBS=conio/conio.lib
 
 # Comment these lines out to build without big number support.
@@ -292,6 +292,13 @@ PORTSTAT.DAT: mkportstats.xex
 convfont: convfont.c
 	$(HOSTCC) $(HOSTCFLAGS) -DFONT_ADDR=$(FONT_ADDR) -o convfont convfont.c
 
+# text compressor
+textcomp: textcomp.c
+	$(HOSTCC) $(HOSTCFLAGS) -o textcomp textcomp.c
+
+# messages.c is a generated file
+messages.c: messages.pl textcomp
+	perl messages.pl > messages.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
diff --git a/messages.pl b/messages.pl
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0fd871f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/messages.pl
@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+#!/usr/bin/perl -w
+
+# compresses messages for taipan.c.
+# messages are listed at the end of this file after __END__ marker.
+# output of this script should be redirected to messages.c.
+
+print "// do not edit, contents are generated by messages.pl\n\n";
+
+while(<DATA>) {
+	chomp;
+	$msgcount++;
+	/^(\w+)\s/;
+	my $label = $1;
+	s/^\w+\s+//;
+
+	my $orig = $_;
+	s/"//g;
+	s/\\r//g;
+	s/\\n/\n/g;
+	# warn "msg: $_\n";
+
+	$total_in += (1 + length);
+	open my $out, ">msg.out" or die $!;
+	print $out $_;
+	close $out;
+	system("./textcomp < msg.out > msg.tmp 2>/dev/null");
+	open my $result, "<msg.tmp" or die $!;
+	print "const char M_$label\[\] = {\n\t// $orig\n\t";
+	my $readbytes;
+	while(<$result>) {
+		my @got = split " ", $_;
+		$readbytes = @got;
+		print join(", ", @got);
+		$total_out += @got;
+	}
+	die "failed to compress $orig\n" unless $readbytes;
+	print "\n};\n\n";
+}
+
+print "// messages:          $msgcount\n";
+print "// total input size:  $total_in\n";
+print "// total output size: $total_out\n";
+print "// compression:       " . ($total_in - $total_out) . "\n";
+print "// ratio:             " . sprintf("%.1f", $total_out * 100 / $total_in) . "%\n";
+
+# commented-out messages can go in the pod section below:
+=pod
+=cut
+
+__END__
+how_much_spc "How much "
+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"
+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 "
+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"
+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 "'s fleet drove them off!"
+s_pirates "'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 " 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 "
+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 "!! The price of "
+risen "risen"
+dropped "dropped"
+spc_to_spc " to "
+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"
+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 " 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 ce9d5c1..03ba095 100644
--- a/taipan.c
+++ b/taipan.c
@@ -162,6 +162,10 @@ void atari_text_setup() {
 
 /**** End of atari-specific stuff. Supposed to be, anyway. */
 
+#include "messages.c"
+
+extern void __fastcall__ print_msg(const char *msg);
+
 /* old version of this used to just 'return randl()%clamp'.
 	If clamp were 0, the return value would be the unclamped
 	result from randl() (x % 0 == x, in cc65). If it were 1,
@@ -404,24 +408,29 @@ long damage = 0, capacity = 60, newdamage;
 	might or might not be worth turning into a function. */
 
 void how_much(void) {
-	cputs("How much ");
+	// cputs("How much ");
+	print_msg(M_how_much_spc);
 }
 
 void how_much_will_you(void) {
 	how_much();
-	cputs("will you ");
+	// cputs("will you ");
+	print_msg(M_will_you);
 }
 
 void cprint_bad_joss() {
-	cputs("Bad Joss!!\r\n");
+	// cputs("Bad Joss!!\r\n");
+	print_msg(M_bad_joss);
 }
 
 void crlf(void) {
-	cputs("\r\n");
+	// cputs("\r\n");
+	print_msg(M_crlf);
 }
 
 void cprint_taipan(void) {
-	cputs("Taipan");
+	// cputs("Taipan");
+	print_msg(M_taipan);
 }
 
 void comma_space(void) {
@@ -474,25 +483,30 @@ void cprint_taipan_prompt(void) {
 }
 
 void do_you_wish(void) {
-	cputs("do you wish ");
+	// cputs("do you wish ");
+	print_msg(M_do_you_wish);
 }
 
 void cprint_elder_brother_wu(void) {
-	cputs("Elder Brother Wu ");
+	// cputs("Elder Brother Wu ");
+	print_msg(M_elder_brother_wu);
 }
 
 /* This one only saves space when Li Yuen occurs at the start
 	of a string, not in the middle */
 void cprint_li_yuen(void) {
-	cputs("Li Yuen");
+	// cputs("Li Yuen");
+	print_msg(M_li_yuen);
 }
 
 void cprint_Do_you_want(void) {
-	cputs("Do you want ");
+	// cputs("Do you want ");
+	print_msg(M_do_you_want);
 }
 
 void cprint_firm_colon(void) {
-	cputs("Firm:");
+	// cputs("Firm:");
+	print_msg(M_firm_colon);
 }
 
 /* making this a function saved 52 bytes */
@@ -604,12 +618,14 @@ void prepare_report(void) {
 
 void compradores_report(void) {
 	prepare_report();
-	cputs("Comprador's Report\r\n\n");
+	// cputs("Comprador's Report\r\n\n");
+	print_msg(M_compradors_report);
 }
 
 void captains_report(void) {
 	prepare_report();
-   cputs("  Captain's Report\r\n\n");
+   // cputs("  Captain's Report\r\n\n");
+	print_msg(M_captains_report);
 }
 
 void clear_msg_window(void) {
@@ -619,7 +635,8 @@ void clear_msg_window(void) {
 
 void overload(void) {
 	compradores_report();
-   cputs("Your ship is overloaded");
+   // cputs("Your ship is overloaded");
+	print_msg(M_overloaded);
 	cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 	good_joss_sound();
    timed_getch();
@@ -640,13 +657,17 @@ void new_ship(void) {
    }
 
 	compradores_report();
-	cputs("Do you wish to trade in your ");
+	// cputs("Do you wish to trade in your ");
+	print_msg(M_wish_to_trade);
    if(damage > 0) {
 		cputs("\xe4\xe1\xed\xe1\xe7\xe5\xe4"); // inverse "damaged"
    } else {
       cputs("fine");
    }
-   cputs("\r\nship for one with 50 more capacity by\r\npaying an additional ");
+   // cputs("\r\nship for one with 50 more capacity by\r\npaying an additional ");
+	print_msg(M_ship_for_one);
+	cprintulong(50);
+	print_msg(M_more_capacity);
 	cprintfancy(amount);
 	cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
@@ -676,7 +697,8 @@ void new_gun(void) {
    }
 
 	compradores_report();
-   cputs("Do you wish to buy a ship's gun\r\nfor ");
+   // cputs("Do you wish to buy a ship's gun\r\nfor ");
+	print_msg(M_gun_offer);
 	cprintfancy(amount);
 	cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
@@ -807,14 +829,17 @@ void fight_stats(int ships, int orders) {
    gotoxy(0, 0);
 
 	justify_int(ships);
-	cputs(" ship");
+	// cputs(" ship");
+	print_msg(M_space_ship);
 	if(ships != 1) cputc_s();
-	cputs(" attacking");
+	// cputs(" attacking");
+	print_msg(M_space_attacking);
 	cprint_taipan_bang();
 	cspace();
 	crlf();
 
-	cputs("Your orders are: ");
+	// cputs("Your orders are: ");
+	print_msg(M_your_orders_are);
 	cblank(11);
 	switch(orders) {
 		case 1: cputs("Fight"); break;
@@ -895,7 +920,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 		updates are smoother-looking. Maybe. */
 	rvs_on();
 	gotoxy(30, 0);
-	cputs("   We have");
+	// cputs("   We have");
+	print_msg(M_we_have);
 	gotoxy(30, 1);
 	cspaces(6);
 	cputs("guns");
@@ -919,7 +945,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 		gotoxy(0, 3);
 		clrtoeol();
 
-		cputs("Current seaworthiness: ");
+		// cputs("Current seaworthiness: ");
+		print_msg(M_cur_seaworth);
 		cputs(st[status / 20]);
 		cputs(" (");
 		cprintulong(status);
@@ -972,13 +999,15 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			ik = 1;
 			gotoxy(0, 3);
 			clrtoeol();
-			cputs("Aye, we'll fight 'em");
+			// cputs("Aye, we'll fight 'em");
+			print_msg(M_aye_fight);
 			cprint_taipan_period();
 			set_orders();
 
 			gotoxy(0, 3);
 			clrtoeol();
-			cputs("We're firing on 'em");
+			// cputs("We're firing on 'em");
+			print_msg(M_were_firing);
 			cprint_taipan_bang();
 			set_orders();
 
@@ -1047,11 +1076,13 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			if(sk > 0) {
 				cputs("Sunk ");
 				cprintulong(sk);
-				cputs(" of the buggers");
+				// cputs(" of the buggers");
+				print_msg(M_of_the_buggers);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 				bad_joss_sound();
 			} else {
-				cputs("Hit 'em, but didn't sink 'em");
+				// cputs("Hit 'em, but didn't sink 'em");
+				print_msg(M_didnt_sink);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 			}
 			set_orders();
@@ -1067,7 +1098,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
 				cprintulong(ran);
-				cputs(" ran away");
+				// cputs(" ran away");
+				print_msg(M_ran_away);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 				bad_joss_sound();
 
@@ -1093,7 +1125,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 		} else if ((orders == 1) && (guns == 0)) {
 			gotoxy(0, 3);
 			clrtoeol();
-			cputs("We have no guns");
+			// cputs("We have no guns");
+			print_msg(M_we_have_no_guns);
 			cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 			set_orders();
 		} else if (orders == 3) {
@@ -1102,7 +1135,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			total = 0;
 
 			gotoxy(0, 3);
-			cputs("You have the following on board");
+			// cputs("You have the following on board");
+			print_msg(M_you_have_on_board);
 			cprint_taipan_colon();
 			gotoxy(4, 4);
 			cputs(item[0]);
@@ -1123,7 +1157,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 
 			gotoxy(0, 6);
 			clrtoeol();
-			cputs("What shall I throw overboard");
+			// cputs("What shall I throw overboard");
+			print_msg(M_what_shall_i_throw);
 			cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
 			choice = get_item(1);
@@ -1131,7 +1166,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			if(choice < 4) {
 				gotoxy(0, 6);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("How much");
+				// cputs("How much");
+				print_msg(M_how_much);
 				cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
 				amount = get_num();
@@ -1154,7 +1190,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			if(total > 0) {
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("Let's hope we lose 'em");
+				// cputs("Let's hope we lose 'em");
+				print_msg(M_hope_we_lose_em);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 				bad_joss_sound();
 				if (choice < 4) {
@@ -1174,7 +1211,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			} else {
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("There's nothing there");
+				// cputs("There's nothing there");
+				print_msg(M_nothing_there);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 				good_joss_sound();
 
@@ -1186,7 +1224,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			if(orders == 2) {
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("Aye, we'll run");
+				// cputs("Aye, we'll run");
+				print_msg(M_aye_run);
 				cprint_taipan_period();
 				set_orders();
 			}
@@ -1195,7 +1234,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			if(randi()%ok > randi()%num_ships) {
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("We got away from 'em");
+				// cputs("We got away from 'em");
+				print_msg(M_we_got_away);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 				good_joss_sound();
 				set_orders();
@@ -1203,7 +1243,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 			} else {
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("Couldn't lose 'em.");
+				// cputs("Couldn't lose 'em.");
+				print_msg(M_couldnt_lose_em);
 				set_orders();
 
 				if((num_ships > 2) && (one_chance_in(5))) {
@@ -1214,9 +1255,11 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 					fight_stats(num_ships, orders);
 					gotoxy(0, 3);
 					clrtoeol();
-					cputs("But we escaped from ");
+					// cputs("But we escaped from ");
+					print_msg(M_but_we_escaped);
 					cprintulong(lost);
-					cputs(" of 'em!");
+					// cputs(" of 'em!");
+					print_msg(M_of_em);
 
 					if(num_ships <= 10) {
 						for(i = 9; i >= 0; i--) {
@@ -1241,11 +1284,11 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 		if(num_ships > 0) {
 			gotoxy(0, 3);
 			clrtoeol();
-			cputs("They're firing on us");
+			// cputs("They're firing on us");
+			print_msg(M_theyre_firing);
 			cprint_taipan_bang();
 
 			set_orders();
-			// hide_cursor();
 			explosion();
 
 			fight_stats(num_ships, orders);
@@ -1253,7 +1296,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 
 			gotoxy(0, 3);
 			clrtoeol();
-			cputs("We've been hit");
+			// cputs("We've been hit");
+			print_msg(M_weve_been_hit);
 			cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 			under_attack_sound();
 
@@ -1274,7 +1318,8 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 				fight_stats(num_ships, orders);
 				gotoxy(0, 3);
 				clrtoeol();
-				cputs("The buggers hit a gun");
+				// cputs("The buggers hit a gun");
+				print_msg(M_buggers_hit_gun);
 				cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 				under_attack_sound();
 				fight_stats(num_ships, orders);
@@ -1335,11 +1380,11 @@ char sea_battle(char id, int num_ships) {
 	}
 
 	if(orders == 1) {
-		// clr_screen();
 		fight_stats(num_ships, orders);
 		gotoxy(0, 3);
 		clrtoeol();
-		cputs("We got 'em all");
+		// cputs("We got 'em all");
+		print_msg(M_we_got_em_all);
 		cprint_taipan_bang();
 		bad_joss_sound();
 		timed_getch();
@@ -1394,13 +1439,18 @@ void cash_or_guns(void) {
 
    clr_screen();
 	cprint_Do_you_want();
-   cputs("to start . . .\r\n\n");
-   cputs("  1) With cash (and a debt)\r\n\n");
+   // cputs("to start . . .\r\n\n");
+	print_msg(M_to_start);
+   // cputs("  1) With cash (and a debt)\r\n\n");
+   cputs("  1");
+	print_msg(M_with_cash);
 	cspaces(16);
-   cputs("-- or --\r\n\n");
-   cputs("  2) With five guns and no cash\r\n");
+   cputs("-- or --\r\n\n  2");
+   // cputs("  2) With five guns and no cash\r\n");
+	print_msg(M_with_5_guns);
 	cspaces(16);
-   cputs("(But no debt!)");
+   // cputs("(But no debt!)");
+	print_msg(M_but_no_debt);
 	gotoxy(10, 10);
 	cputc('?');
 
@@ -1639,10 +1689,13 @@ void port_stats(void)
 void mchenry(void) {
 	compradores_report();
 	cprint_taipan_comma();
+	/*
 	cputs("Mc Henry from the Hong Kong\r\n"
 			"Shipyards has arrived!! He says, 'I see\r\n"
 			"ye've a wee bit of damage to yer ship.'\r\n"
 			"Will ye be wanting repairs? ");
+			*/
+	print_msg(M_mchenry_has_arrived);
 
 	if(yngetc('y') == 'y') {
 		static int percent, time;
@@ -1661,13 +1714,17 @@ void mchenry(void) {
 		repair_price = (br * damage) + 1;
 
 		clear_msg_window();
-		cputs("Och, 'tis a pity to be ");
+		// cputs("Och, 'tis a pity to be ");
+		print_msg(M_tis_a_pity);
 		cprintulong(percent);
-		cputs("% damaged.\r\nWe can fix yer whole ship for ");
+		// cputs("% damaged.\r\nWe can fix yer whole ship for ");
+		print_msg(M_percent_damaged);
 		cprintulong(repair_price);
-		cputs(",\r\nor make partial repairs if you wish.\r\n");
+		// cputs(",\r\nor make partial repairs if you wish.\r\n");
+		print_msg(M_or_partial_repairs);
 		how_much();
-		cputs("will ye spend? ");
+		// cputs("will ye spend? ");
+		print_msg(M_will_ye_spend);
 
 		for (;;) {
 			gotoxy(24, 21);
@@ -1727,7 +1784,8 @@ void aire(void) {
 		cputs("T R");
 		endspace = 0;
 	}
-	cputs(" I L L I O N A I R E !");
+	// cputs(" I L L I O N A I R E !");
+	print_msg(M_illionaire);
 	if(endspace) cspaces(2);
 	crlf();
 }
@@ -1740,8 +1798,8 @@ void retire(void) {
 	// crlf();
 	retire_blanks();
 
-   // cputs("    Y o u ' r e    a         \r\n");
-   cputs("    Y o u ' r e    a");
+   // cputs("    Y o u ' r e    a");
+	print_msg(M_youre_a);
 	cspaces(9);
 	crlf();
 
@@ -1802,19 +1860,23 @@ void final_stats(void)
 	port_stat_dirty = 1;
 
    clr_screen();
-   cputs("Your final status:\r\n\n"
-			"Net cash:  ");
+   // cputs("Your final status:\r\n\n"
+			// "Net cash:  ");
+	print_msg(M_your_final_status);
 #ifdef BIGNUM
 	cprintfancy_big(finalcash);
 #else
 	cprintfancy(finalcash);
 #endif
-	cputs("\r\nShip size: ");
+	// cputs("\r\nShip size: ");
+	print_msg(M_ship_size);
 	cprintulong(capacity);
-	cputs(" units with ");
+	// cputs(" units with ");
+	print_msg(M_units_with);
 	cprintulong(guns);
-	cputs(" guns\r\n\n"
-			"You traded for ");
+	// cputs(" guns\r\n\n"
+			// "You traded for ");
+	print_msg(M_you_traded_for);
 	cprintulong(years);
 	cputs(" year");
    if (years != 1)
@@ -1830,7 +1892,8 @@ void final_stats(void)
    }
    cputs("\r\n\n");
 	rvs_on();
-	cputs("Your score is ");
+	// cputs("Your score is ");
+	print_msg(M_your_score_is);
 #ifdef BIGNUM
 	cprintfancy_big(bigscore);
 #else
@@ -1840,38 +1903,40 @@ void final_stats(void)
 	rvs_off();
    if ((score < 100) && (score >= 0))
    {
-      cputs("Have you considered a land based job?\r\n\n\n");
+      // cputs("Have you considered a land based job?\r\n\n\n");
+		print_msg(M_land_based_job);
    } else if (score < 0) {
-      cputs("The crew has requested that you stay on\r\n"
-				"shore for their safety!!\r\n\n");
+      // cputs("The crew has requested that you stay on\r\n"
+				// "shore for their safety!!\r\n\n");
+		print_msg(M_stay_on_shore);
    } else {
       cputs("\r\n\n\n");
    }
-   cputs("Your Rating:\r\n");
+   // cputs("Your Rating:\r\n");
+	print_msg(M_your_rating);
 	cputc(17); // upper left corner
 	chline(31);
 	cputc(5); // upper right corner
-	// cputs("\r\n");
 	crlf();
 	cprint_pipe();
-   // cputc('|');
 
    if (score > 49999L)
    {
 		rvs_on();
    }
-   cputs("Ma Tsu");
+   // cputs("Ma Tsu");
+	print_msg(M_ma_tsu);
 	rvs_off();
 	cspaces(9);
    cputs("50,000 and over |\r\n");
 	cprint_pipe();
-   // cputc('|');
 
    if ((score < 50000L) && (score > 7999L))
    {
 		rvs_on();
    }
-   cputs("Master Taipan");
+   // cputs("Master Taipan");
+	print_msg(M_master_taipan);
 	rvs_off();
    cputs("   8,000 to 49,999|\r\n");
 	cprint_pipe();
@@ -1881,30 +1946,29 @@ void final_stats(void)
    {
 		rvs_on();
    }
-   // cputs("Taipan");
 	cprint_taipan();
 	rvs_off();
 	cspaces(10);
    cputs("1,000 to  7,999|\r\n");
 	cprint_pipe();
-   // cputc('|');
 
    if ((score < 1000) && (score > 499))
    {
 		rvs_on();
    }
-   cputs("Compradore");
+   // cputs("Compradore");
+	print_msg(M_compradore);
 	rvs_off();
 	cspaces(8);
    cputs("500 to    999|\r\n");
 	cprint_pipe();
-   // cputc('|');
 
    if (score < 500)
    {
 		rvs_on();
    }
-   cputs("Galley Hand");
+   // cputs("Galley Hand");
+	print_msg(M_galley_hand);
 	rvs_off();
 	cspaces(7);
    cputs("less than 500|\r\n");
@@ -1914,7 +1978,8 @@ void final_stats(void)
 	cputc(3); // lower right corner
 
 	gotoxy(0, 22);
-	cputs("Play again? ");
+	// cputs("Play again? ");
+	print_msg(M_play_again);
 	choice = yngetc(0);
 
    if(choice == 'y') {
@@ -1976,7 +2041,8 @@ char have_no_cargo(void) {
 }
 
 void you_have_only(void) {
-	cputs("You have only ");
+	// cputs("You have only ");
+	print_msg(M_you_have_only);
 }
 
 void transfer(void)
@@ -1987,7 +2053,8 @@ void transfer(void)
 	if(have_no_cargo()) {
       gotoxy(0, 22);
       clrtobot();
-      cputs("You have no cargo");
+      // cputs("You have no cargo");
+		print_msg(M_you_have_no_cargo);
 		cprint_taipan_period();
 		crlf();
 		good_joss_sound();
@@ -2005,7 +2072,8 @@ void transfer(void)
 				compradores_report();
 				how_much();
 				cputs(item[i]);
-				cputs(" shall I move\r\nto the warehouse");
+				// cputs(" shall I move\r\nto the warehouse");
+				print_msg(M_move_to_whouse);
 				cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
             amount = get_num();
@@ -2025,12 +2093,14 @@ void transfer(void)
                   break;
                } else if (in_use == 10000) {
                   gotoxy(0, 21);
-                  cputs("Your warehouse is full");
+                  // cputs("Your warehouse is full");
+						print_msg(M_whouse_full);
 						cprint_taipan_bang();
 						good_joss_sound();
                } else {
                   gotoxy(0, 21);
-                  cputs("Your warehouse will only hold an\r\nadditional ");
+                  // cputs("Your warehouse will only hold an\r\nadditional ");
+						print_msg(M_whouse_only_hold);
 						cprintulong(10000 - in_use);
 						cprint_taipan_bang();
 						good_joss_sound();
@@ -2060,7 +2130,8 @@ void transfer(void)
 				compradores_report();
 				how_much();
 				cputs(item[i]);
-				cputs(" shall I move\r\naboard ship");
+				// cputs(" shall I move\r\naboard ship");
+				print_msg(M_move_aboard);
 				cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
             amount = get_num();
@@ -2105,7 +2176,8 @@ void quit(void)
 	compradores_report();
 	cprint_taipan_comma();
 	do_you_wish();
-   cputs("me to go to:\r\n");
+   // cputs("me to go to:\r\n");
+	print_msg(M_me_to_go_to);
 
 	for(choice = 1; choice < 8; ++choice) {
 		if(choice == 7) crlf();
@@ -2131,7 +2203,8 @@ void quit(void)
 
       if (choice == port)
       {
-         cputs("\r\n\nYou're already here");
+         // cputs("\r\n\nYou're already here");
+			print_msg(M_already_here);
 			cprint_taipan_period();
 			good_joss_sound();
          timed_getch();
@@ -2157,10 +2230,11 @@ void quit(void)
          num_ships = 9999;
       }
 		cprintulong(num_ships);
-      cputs(" hostile ship");
+      // cputs(" hostile ship");
+		print_msg(M_hostile_ship);
 		if(num_ships != 1) cputc_s();
-      // cputs(" approaching, Taipan!\r\n");
-      cputs(" approaching");
+      // cputs(" approaching");
+		print_msg(M_approaching);
 		cprint_taipan_bang();
 		crlf();
 		under_attack_sound();
@@ -2178,7 +2252,8 @@ void quit(void)
 
 		captains_report();
 		cprint_li_yuen();
-      cputs("'s fleet drove them off!");
+      // cputs("'s fleet drove them off!");
+		print_msg(M_fleet_drove_off);
 
       timed_getch();
    }
@@ -2187,9 +2262,9 @@ void quit(void)
    {
 		clear_msg_window();
 		cprint_li_yuen();
-      cputs("'s pirates");
+      // cputs("'s pirates");
+		print_msg(M_s_pirates);
 		cprint_taipan_bangbang();
-		// cputs("\r\n");
 		crlf();
 		crlf();
 		bad_joss_sound();
@@ -2198,7 +2273,8 @@ void quit(void)
 
       if (li > 0)
       {
-         cputs("Good joss!! They let us be!!\r\n");
+         // cputs("Good joss!! They let us be!!\r\n");
+			print_msg(M_they_let_us_be);
 			bad_joss_sound();
 
          timed_getch();
@@ -2211,7 +2287,8 @@ void quit(void)
 
 			cprintulong(num_ships);
 			/* "ships" will always be plural (at least 5 of them) */
-         cputs(" ships of Li Yuen's pirate\r\nfleet");
+         // cputs(" ships of Li Yuen's pirate\r\nfleet");
+			print_msg(M_ships_of_fleet);
 			cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 			under_attack_sound();
          timed_getch();
@@ -2234,21 +2311,23 @@ void quit(void)
 		captains_report();
       if (result == 1)
       {
-         // fancy_numbers(booty, fancy_num);
-         cputs("We captured some booty.\r\n"
-					"It's worth ");
-         // cputs(fancy_num);
+         // cputs("We captured some booty.\r\n"
+					// "It's worth ");
+			print_msg(M_captured_some_booty);
 			cprintfancy(booty);
 			cprint_bang();
          cash += booty;
 			good_joss_sound();
       } else if (result == 3) {
-         cputs("We made it!");
+         // cputs("We made it!");
+			print_msg(M_we_made_it);
 			good_joss_sound();
       } else {
-         cputs("The buggers got us");
+         // cputs("The buggers got us");
+			print_msg(M_buggers_got_us);
 			cprint_taipan_bangbang();
-         cputs("!\r\nIt's all over, now!!!");
+         // cputs("!\r\nIt's all over, now!!!");
+			print_msg(M_all_over_now);
 
          timed_getch();
 
@@ -2261,18 +2340,17 @@ void quit(void)
 
    if(one_chance_in(10)) {
 		clear_msg_window();
-      // gotoxy(0, 18);
-      // clrtobot();
-      cputs("Storm");
+      // cputs("Storm");
+		print_msg(M_storm);
 		cprint_taipan_bangbang();
-      // cputs("\r\n");
 		crlf();
 		crlf();
 		bad_joss_sound();
       timed_getch();
 
       if(one_chance_in(30)) {
-         cputs("   I think we're going down!!\r\n\n");
+         // cputs("   I think we're going down!!\r\n\n");
+			print_msg(M_think_going_down);
          timed_getch();
 
          // if (((damage / capacity * 3) * ((float) randi() / RAND_MAX)) >= 1)
@@ -2290,9 +2368,9 @@ void quit(void)
 				sunk = randclamp(3) != 0;
 
          if(sunk) {
-            cputs("We're going down");
+            // cputs("We're going down");
+				print_msg(M_were_going_down);
 				cprint_taipan_bangbang();
-				// cputs("\r\n");
 				crlf();
 				under_attack_sound();
             timed_getch();
@@ -2301,7 +2379,8 @@ void quit(void)
          }
       }
 
-      cputs("    We made it!!\r\n\n");
+      // cputs("    We made it!!\r\n\n");
+		print_msg(M_storm_we_made_it);
 		bad_joss_sound();
       timed_getch();
 
@@ -2312,7 +2391,8 @@ void quit(void)
 				port = randi()%7 + 1;
 
 			clear_msg_window();
-         cputs("We've been blown off course\r\nto ");
+         // cputs("We've been blown off course\r\nto ");
+			print_msg(M_blown_off_course);
          cputs(location[port]);
          timed_getch();
       }
@@ -2375,9 +2455,8 @@ void quit(void)
    set_prices();
 
 	clear_msg_window();
-   // gotoxy(0, 18);
-   // clrtobot();
-   cputs("Arriving at ");
+   // cputs("Arriving at ");
+	print_msg(M_arriving_at);
    cputs(location[port]);
    cputs("...");
    timed_getch();
@@ -2409,9 +2488,11 @@ void li_yuen_extortion(void) {
 
 	compradores_report();
 	cprint_li_yuen();
-	cputs(" asks ");
+	// cputs(" asks ");
+	print_msg(M_asks);
 	cprintfancy(amount);
-	cputs(" in donation\r\nto the temple of Tin Hau, the Sea\r\nGoddess. Will you pay? ");
+	// cputs(" in donation\r\nto the temple of Tin Hau, the Sea\r\nGoddess. Will you pay? ");
+	print_msg(M_in_donation);
 
    if(yngetc(0) == 'y') {
       if(amount <= cash) {
@@ -2419,20 +2500,17 @@ void li_yuen_extortion(void) {
          li = 1;
       } else {
 			clear_msg_window();
-         // gotoxy(0, 18);
-         // clrtobot();
 			cprint_taipan_comma();
-         cputs("you do not have enough cash!!\r\n\n");
+         // cputs("you do not have enough cash!!\r\n\n");
+			print_msg(M_not_enough_cash);
 
          timed_getch();
 
 			cprint_Do_you_want();
 			cprint_elder_brother_wu();
-			cputs("to make up\r\nthe difference for you? ");
+			// cputs("to make up\r\nthe difference for you? ");
+			print_msg(M_make_up_difference);
 
-			// clear_msg_window();
-			// gotoxy(0, 18);
-			// clrtobot();
          if(yngetc(0) == 'y') {
 				clear_msg_window();
             amount -= cash;
@@ -2441,18 +2519,25 @@ void li_yuen_extortion(void) {
             li = 1;
 
 				cprint_elder_brother_wu();
+				/*
 				cputs("has given Li Yuen the\r\n"
 						"difference between what he wanted and\r\n"
 						"your cash on hand and added the same\r\n"
 						"amount to your debt.\r\n");
+						*/
+				print_msg(M_given_the_diff);
          } else {
 				clear_msg_window();
             cash = 0;
-				cputs("Very well. ");
+				// cputs("Very well. ");
+				print_msg(M_very_well);
 				cprint_elder_brother_wu();
+				/*
 				cputs("will not pay\r\n"
 						"Li Yuen the difference.  I would be very\r\n"
 						"wary of pirates if I were you.");
+						*/
+				print_msg(M_will_not_pay);
 				cprint_taipan_period();
 				crlf();
          }
@@ -2466,11 +2551,10 @@ void li_yuen_extortion(void) {
 #ifdef BIGNUM
 void you_only_have(unsigned char in_bank) {
 	clear_msg_window();
-	// gotoxy(0, 18);
-	// clrtobot();
 
 	cprint_taipan_comma();
-	cputs("you only have ");
+	// cputs("you only have ");
+	print_msg(M_you_only_have);
 	if(in_bank)
 		cprintfancy_big(bank);
 	else
@@ -2507,7 +2591,8 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
    unsigned long wu = 0;
 
 	compradores_report();
-   cputs("Do you have business with Elder Brother\r\nWu, the moneylender? ");
+   // cputs("Do you have business with Elder Brother\r\nWu, the moneylender? ");
+	print_msg(M_do_you_have_biz_with_wu);
 
    for (;;)
    {
@@ -2536,19 +2621,25 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
 			for (;;)
 			{
 				compradores_report();
+				/*
 				cputs("Elder Brother is aware of your plight,\r\n"
 						"Taipan. He is willing to loan you an\r\n"
 						"additional ");
+						*/
+				print_msg(M_aware_of_your_plight);
 				cprintulong(i);
-				cputs(" if you will pay back\r\n");
+				// cputs(" if you will pay back\r\n");
+				print_msg(M_if_you_will_pay_back);
 				cprintulong(j);
-				cputs(". Are you willing");
+				// cputs(". Are you willing");
+				print_msg(M_are_you_willing);
 				cprint_taipan_prompt();
 
 				choice = agetc();
 				if(choice != 'y') {
 					compradores_report();
-					cputs("Very well, Taipan, the game is over!\r\n");
+					// cputs("Very well, Taipan, the game is over!\r\n");
+					print_msg(M_game_is_over);
 					under_attack_sound();
 
 					timed_getch();
@@ -2560,7 +2651,8 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
 					port_stats();
 
 					compradores_report();
-					cputs("Very well, Taipan. Good joss!!\r\n");
+					// cputs("Very well, Taipan. Good joss!!\r\n");
+					print_msg(M_very_well_good_joss);
 					bad_joss_sound();
 
 					timed_getch();
@@ -2574,7 +2666,8 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
 				compradores_report();
 				how_much();
 				do_you_wish();
-				cputs("to repay\r\nhim? ");
+				// cputs("to repay\r\nhim? ");
+				print_msg(M_to_repay_him);
 
 				wu = get_num();
 				if(wu == UINT32_MAX)
@@ -2607,7 +2700,8 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
 			compradores_report();
 			how_much();
 			do_you_wish();
-			cputs("to \r\nborrow? ");
+			// cputs("to \r\nborrow? ");
+			print_msg(M_to_borrow);
 
 			wu = get_num();
 
@@ -2622,7 +2716,8 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
 				debt += wu;
 				break;
 			} else {
-				cputs("\r\n\nHe won't loan you so much");
+				// cputs("\r\n\nHe won't loan you so much");
+				print_msg(M_wont_loan);
 				cprint_taipan_bang();
 				good_joss_sound();
 				timed_getch();
@@ -2646,9 +2741,12 @@ void elder_brother_wu(void)
 		compradores_report();
 		cprint_bad_joss();
 		cprintulong(num);
+		/*
 		cputs(" of your bodyguards have been killed\r\n"
 				"by cutthroats and you have been robbed\r\n"
 				"of all of your cash");
+				*/
+		print_msg(M_bodyguards_killed);
 		cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 		crlf();
 		under_attack_sound();
@@ -2663,21 +2761,25 @@ void good_prices(void) {
 	unsigned char i = randi()%4;
 
 	compradores_report();
-	cprint_taipan_bangbang();
-   cputs(" The price of ");
+	cprint_taipan();
+   // cputs("!! The price of ");
+	print_msg(M_the_price_of);
 	cputs(item[i]);
 	cputs("\r\n has ");
 
 	if(randi()&1) {
       price[i] *= (randi()%5 + 5);
-      cputs("risen");
+      // cputs("risen");
+		print_msg(M_risen);
 	} else {
       price[i] /= 5;
 		/* somehow general cargo dropped to 0 once. stop it. */
 		if(price[i] < 1) price[i] = 1;
-      cputs("dropped");
+      // cputs("dropped");
+		print_msg(M_dropped);
 	}
-	cputs(" to ");
+	// cputs(" to ");
+	print_msg(M_spc_to_spc);
 
 	cprintulong(price[i]);
 	cputs("!!\r\n");
@@ -2693,7 +2795,8 @@ int port_choices(void) {
 	compradores_report();
 
 	cprint_taipan_comma();
-   cputs("present prices per unit here are"); /* NB: exactly 40 cols */
+   // cputs("present prices per unit here are"); /* NB: exactly 40 cols */
+	print_msg(M_prices_here_are);
 
 	// ===> free code space $0f7b (3936, 3.9K)
 	// saves 46 bytes:
@@ -2754,16 +2857,19 @@ int port_choices(void) {
 	retire_ok = (port == 1 && ((cash + bank) >= 1000000L));
 #endif
 
-	cputs("Shall I Buy, Sell, ");
+	// cputs("Shall I Buy, Sell, ");
+	print_msg(M_shall_i_buy_sell);
 
 	if(port == 1)
-		cputs("Visit bank, Transfer\r\ncargo, ");
+		// cputs("Visit bank, Transfer\r\ncargo, ");
+		print_msg(M_bank_transfer);
 
 	if(!retire_ok) cputs("or ");
 
 	cputs("Quit trading");
 
-	if(retire_ok) cputs(", or Retire");
+	// if(retire_ok) cputs(", or Retire");
+	if(retire_ok) print_msg(M_or_retire);
 	cprint_question_space();
 
 	for(;;) {
@@ -2825,7 +2931,8 @@ void name_firm(void) {
 	cprint_pipe();
 	print_bar_line();
 	cprint_pipe();
-	cputs(" What will you name your");
+	// cputs(" What will you name your");
+	print_msg(M_what_will_you_name_firm);
 	cspaces(14);
 	cprint_pipe();
 	print_bar_line();
@@ -2908,15 +3015,18 @@ void buy(void) {
 
       afford = cash / price[choice];
 		rvs_on();
-      cputs(" You can ");
+      // cputs(" You can ");
+		print_msg(M_spc_you_can_spc);
 		rvs_off();
       gotoxy(0, 22);
 		how_much();
       cputs(item[choice]);
-      cputs(" shall");
+      // cputs(" shall");
+		print_msg(M_spc_shall);
       gotoxy(31, 22);
 		rvs_on();
-      cputs("  afford ");
+      // cputs("  afford ");
+		print_msg(M_spc_afford);
       gotoxy(31, 23);
 		// cspaces(9);
       // gotoxy(31, 23);
@@ -2931,7 +3041,8 @@ void buy(void) {
 		rvs_off();
 
       gotoxy(0, 23);
-      cputs("I buy, ");
+      // cputs("I buy, ");
+		print_msg(M_i_buy);
 		cprint_taipan_colon();
 
       amount = get_num();
@@ -2962,7 +3073,8 @@ void sell(void) {
 
 		how_much();
       cputs(item[choice]);
-      cputs(" shall\r\nI sell, ");
+      // cputs(" shall\r\nI sell, ");
+		print_msg(M_shall_i_sell);
 		cprint_taipan_colon();
 
       amount = get_num();
@@ -2994,9 +3106,11 @@ char would_overflow(unsigned long a, unsigned long b) {
 
 void too_much_cash(void) {
 	clear_msg_window();
-	cputs("\r\nYou cannot carry so much cash");
+	// cputs("\r\nYou cannot carry so much cash");
+	print_msg(M_too_much_cash);
 	cprint_taipan_bang();
-	cputs("\r\nYour ship would sink under the weight\r\nof your riches.\r\n");
+	// cputs("\r\nYour ship would sink under the weight\r\nof your riches.\r\n");
+	print_msg(M_ship_would_sink);
 	bad_joss_sound();
 	timed_getch();
 }
@@ -3014,7 +3128,8 @@ void visit_bank(void)
    {
 		compradores_report();
 		how_much_will_you();
-      cputs("deposit? ");
+      // cputs("deposit? ");
+		print_msg(M_deposit);
 
       amount = get_num();
       if (amount == UINT32_MAX)
@@ -3041,7 +3156,8 @@ void visit_bank(void)
    {
 		compradores_report();
 		how_much_will_you();
-      cputs("withdraw? ");
+      // cputs("withdraw? ");
+		print_msg(M_withdraw);
 
       amount = get_num();
 #ifdef BIGNUM
@@ -3160,18 +3276,21 @@ int main(void) {
 			wu_assassin = 0;
 			compradores_report();
 			cprint_taipan_comma();
-			cputs("you have been assassinated!");
+			// cputs("you have been assassinated!");
+			print_msg(M_assassinated_1);
 			under_attack_sound();
 			timed_getch();
 			compradores_report();
-			cputs("As the masked figure plunges the blade\r\n"
-					"into your heart, he says:\r\n");
+			// cputs("As the masked figure plunges the blade\r\n"
+					// "into your heart, he says:\r\n");
+			print_msg(M_assassinated_2);
 			timed_getch();
 			compradores_report();
 			cprint_elder_brother_wu();
-			cputs("regrets to inform you\r\n"
-					"that your account has been terminated\r\n"
-					"with extreme prejudice.");
+			// cputs("regrets to inform you\r\n"
+					// "that your account has been terminated\r\n"
+					// "with extreme prejudice.");
+			print_msg(M_assassinated_3);
 			timed_getch();
 			final_stats();
 		}
@@ -3188,9 +3307,11 @@ int main(void) {
 
 				compradores_report();
 				cprint_elder_brother_wu();
-				cputs("has sent ");
+				// cputs("has sent ");
+				print_msg(M_has_sent);
 				cprintulong(braves);
-				cputs(" braves\r\nto escort you to the Wu mansion");
+				// cputs(" braves\r\nto escort you to the Wu mansion");
+				print_msg(M_braves_to_escort);
 				cprint_taipan_period();
 				crlf();
 
@@ -3198,17 +3319,23 @@ int main(void) {
 
 				clear_msg_window();
 				cprint_elder_brother_wu();
+				/*
 				cputs("reminds you of the\r\n"
 						"Confucian ideal of personal worthiness,\r\n"
 						"and how this applies to paying one's\r\ndebts.\r\n");
+						*/
+				print_msg(M_wu_warn_1);
 
 				timed_getch();
 
 				clear_msg_window();
+				/*
 				cputs("He is reminded of a fabled barbarian\r\n"
 						"who came to a bad end, after not caring\r\n"
 						"for his obligations.\r\n\n"
 						"He hopes no such fate awaits you, his\r\nfriend");
+						*/
+				print_msg(M_wu_warn_2);
 				cprint_taipan_period();
 				crlf();
 
@@ -3240,16 +3367,13 @@ int main(void) {
 
          port_stats();
 
-         // fancy_numbers(fine, fancy_num);
 			compradores_report();
-         // cputs("Bad Joss!!\r\n");
 			cprint_bad_joss();
-         cputs("The local authorities have seized your\r\n"
-					"Opium cargo and have also fined you\r\n");
-			// cputs(fancy_num);
+         // cputs("The local authorities have seized your\r\n"
+					// "Opium cargo and have also fined you\r\n");
+			print_msg(M_siezed_opium);
 			cprintfancy(fine);
 			cprint_taipan_bang();
-			// cputs("\r\n");
 			crlf();
 
          timed_getch();
@@ -3270,9 +3394,9 @@ int main(void) {
          port_stats();
 
 			compradores_report();
-         cputs("Messenger reports large theft\r\nfrom warehouse");
+         // cputs("Messenger reports large theft\r\nfrom warehouse");
+			print_msg(M_whouse_theft);
 			cprint_taipan_period();
-			// cputs("\r\n");
 			crlf();
 
          timed_getch();
@@ -3286,9 +3410,12 @@ int main(void) {
       if((port != 1) && (li == 0) && (!one_chance_in(4))) {
 			compradores_report();
 			cprint_li_yuen();
+			/*
          cputs(" has sent a Lieutenant,\r\n"
 					"Taipan.  He says his admiral wishes\r\n"
 					"to see you in Hong Kong, posthaste!\r\n");
+					*/
+			print_msg(M_has_sent_lieutenant);
 			bad_joss_sound();
          timed_getch();
       }
@@ -3306,9 +3433,11 @@ int main(void) {
 
 			compradores_report();
 			cprint_bad_joss();
-         cputs("You've been beaten up and\r\nrobbed of ");
+         // cputs("You've been beaten up and\r\nrobbed of ");
+			print_msg(M_beaten_robbed);
 			cprintfancy(robbed);
-         cputs(" in cash");
+         // cputs(" in cash");
+			print_msg(M_in_cash);
 			cprint_taipan_bangbang();
 			crlf();
 			under_attack_sound();
diff --git a/textcomp.c b/textcomp.c
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f82a91c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/textcomp.c
@@ -0,0 +1,126 @@
+/* textcomp.c - compress strings of text to 6 bits per byte.
+	loosely based on the z-machine's ZSCII compression.
+
+	Example: "Taipan" (7 bytes, including null terminator) encodes as
+	0xb8 0x12 0x50 0x04 0xe0 0x00 (6 bytes).
+
+	Longer strings approach 75% compression ratio.
+
+	No encoded string can be over 256 bytes long, as the decompressor
+	can't currently handle it.
+
+	The alphabet contains only upper/lowercase letters, space, newline,
+	and some punctuation. In particular, numbers are not supported.
+
+	alphabet:
+	0 = end
+	1-26 = a-z
+	27-52 = A-Z
+	53 = space
+	54 = !
+	55 = %
+	56 = ,
+	57 = .
+	58 = ?
+	59 = :
+	60 = '
+	61 = (
+	62 = )
+	63 = newline
+
+	All the strings used by taipan.c are listed in the __END__ section
+	of messages.pl. The perl script calls this program (textcomp) once
+	per string, and outputs C source consisting of the encoded versions.
+	Each string in the __END__ section is preceded by a name, and the
+	generated C source uses these names with M_ prefixed.
+
+	taipan.c calls the function print_msg(const char *) to decode and
+	print an encoded message. The decoding step slows down printing a bit,
+	but it's not really noticeable. cputc() is used for printing, so it
+	respects the reverse video setting (set by rvs_on() and rvs_off()).
+
+	When a newline is printed, the decoder always prints a carriage
+	return first. Any \r sequences listed in messages.pl are discarded
+	before encoding is done.
+
+	Actually, no prompts ever use capital X or Z. These should be used for
+	dictionary lookups. Maybe X is followed by a 3-bit dict ID, for the 8
+	most commonly repeated phrases (one of which will of course be "Taipan"),
+	and Z is a 5- or 6-bit ID for 32 or 64 less common phrases. So far this
+	isn't implemented because the decompressor isn't reentrant (yet).
+*/
+
+#include <stdio.h>
+#include <stdlib.h>
+
+unsigned char out[1024];
+int bitcount = 0;
+
+int getcode(int c) {
+	if(c >= 'a' && c <= 'z')
+		return c - 'a' + 1;
+	if(c >= 'A' && c <= 'Z')
+		return c - 'A' + 27;
+
+	switch(c) {
+		case ' ': return 53;
+		case '!': return 54;
+		case '%': return 55;
+		case ',': return 56;
+		case '.': return 57;
+		case '?': return 58;
+		case ':': return 59;
+		case '\'': return 60;
+		case '(': return 61;
+		case ')': return 62;
+		case '\n': return 63;
+		case '\r': break;
+		default:
+			fprintf(stderr, "unhandled ASCII code %d\n", c);
+			exit(1);
+			break;
+	}
+}
+
+void appendbit(unsigned char b) {
+	int pos = bitcount / 8;
+	int bitpos = 7 - (bitcount % 8);
+	unsigned char val = b << bitpos;
+	out[pos] |= val;
+	fprintf(stderr, "%d: appending bit %d at pos %d, bitpos %d, value $%02x\n", bitcount, b, pos, bitpos, val);
+	bitcount++;
+}
+
+void appendcode(int code) {
+	int bit;
+	for(bit = 0x20; bit > 0; bit >>= 1) {
+		appendbit((code & bit) != 0);
+	}
+}
+
+int main(int argc, char **argv) {
+	int c, code, count = 1; /* 1 to account for null terminator */
+
+	while((c = getchar()) != EOF) {
+		code = getcode(c);
+		fprintf(stderr, "c == %d, code == %d\n", c, code);
+		appendcode(code);
+		count++;
+	}
+	appendcode(0);
+
+	code = 0;
+	for(c = 0; c < ((bitcount + 7) / 8); c++) {
+		printf("0x%02x ", out[c]);
+		code++;
+	}
+
+	if(code > 256) {
+		fprintf(stderr, "input too long\n");
+		exit(1);
+	}
+
+	fprintf(stderr, "%d bytes in (added null), %d bytes out, ratio %.2f\n",
+			count, code, (float)(code)/(float)count);
+	return 0;
+}
diff --git a/textdecomp.s b/textdecomp.s
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5d629ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/textdecomp.s
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+
+; text decompressor for taipan.
+; text is packed 6 bits per character. see textcomp.c
+; for details.
+
+ .include "atari.inc"
+ .export _print_msg
+ .import _cputc
+
+ srcptr = FR1
+ outbyte = FR0 ; decoded 6-bit byte
+ bitcount = FR0+1 ; counts 8..1, current bit in inbyte
+ inbyte = FR0+2
+ ysave = FR0+3
+
+ .rodata
+table: ; outbyte values 53..63
+ .byte ' ', '!', '%', ',', '.', '?', ':', 39, 40, 41, $9b
+ tablesize = * - table
+
+ .ifdef CART_TARGET
+  .segment "HIGHCODE"
+ .else
+  .code
+ .endif
+
+; extern void __fastcall__ print_msg(char *msg);
+_print_msg:
+ sta srcptr
+ stx srcptr+1
+ lda #0
+ sta outbyte
+ ldy #$ff ; since we increment it first thing...
+
+ ldx #6 ; counts 6..1, current bit in outbyte
+@nextbyte:
+ iny
+ lda #8
+ sta bitcount
+ lda (srcptr),y
+ sta inbyte
+@bitloop:
+ asl inbyte
+ rol outbyte
+ dex
+ beq @decode ; got 6 bits
+ dec bitcount
+ bne @bitloop
+ beq @nextbyte
+
+@decode:
+ lda outbyte
+ bne @notend
+ rts ; 0 = end of message
+
+@notend:
+ cmp #27
+ bcs @notlower
+ adc #'a'-1 ; 1-26 are a-z
+ bne @printit
+
+@notlower:
+ cmp #52
+ bcs @notupper
+ adc #38 ; 27-52 are A-Z
+ bne @printit
+
+@notupper:
+ sbc #53 ; 53-63 are table lookups
+ tax
+ lda table,x
+
+@printit:
+ sty ysave ; _cputc trashes Y
+
+ cmp #$9b ; always print a \r after a \n
+ bne @nocr
+ lda #$0d ; \r
+ jsr _cputc
+ lda #$9b
+@nocr:
+ jsr _cputc
+ ldy ysave
+ lda #0
+ sta outbyte
+ ldx #6
+ dec bitcount
+ beq @nextbyte
+ bne @bitloop
+
+ decodersize = * - _print_msg
+
+ .out .sprintf("print_msg() is %d bytes", decodersize + tablesize)