[13th_Disciple]

the generic shell, i believe is just that.. a basic template of the forumhome, i think.. it isn't used.. it is there as a replacement if you need a basic, unmodified template to redo a hack or replace the entire template.. to use includes, look at the phpinclude_start template.. look at the example within that template.. you will then see how to use the vB includes system..

the css system is pretty solid within vB.. and I think you will have decent luck when you start the heavy modifying you are looking at doing.. to get to the css info, go to stlye manager, then check out All Style Options to see replacement info in header, footer, phpinclude_start, phpinclude_end, and headinclude.. below that, you will see all of the available css options..

btw, nice first post..