What is a MUD?
A MUD (Multi-User Dimension, Multi-User Dungeon, or Multi-User Dialogue)
is a computer program which a user logs into and explores an imaginary
"world". Each user creates and controls a computerized persona/avatar/incarnation/character.
You can walk around, chat with other characters, explore dangerous monster-infested
areas and solve puzzles. It is easy to get lost or confused if you jump
right in, so read this info before starting, and always read each
individual MUDs' rules before playing.
If you are new to MUDding, it can sometimes be very daunting. There
are many choices for character creation, newbies aren't always treated
very kindly (depending on the MUD(s) you frequent), every MUD is different
and you have to choose how to connect :-). Part of the purpose of this
page is to provide basic information to get you off to a positive start
right off.
Character
Creation:
- Logging In (for help on connecting see MUDClients?)
- Upon connection you will find some kind of greeting asking you for a
name (imaginary usually), then to confirm the name - you will then be asked
for a password (usually 5 characters, sometimes as long as 10) and confirmation
of the password.
- Race(s) - Most MUDs have a standard set of races to choose from
(Human, Elf, Dwarf, and Giant). Some do offer exotic races that may come
with exhorbitant (very expensive) creation point costs. The higher the
creation points, the more experience you will need to level. For help on
exotic races, for instance a Dragon, you would type 'help
Dragon' (don't type the quotes) and it would list what classes Dragons
excel at, specfic advantages they have over other races (higher strength,
or intelligence, etc.), and any other information helpful to choosing/avoiding
a Dragon race.
- Sex - To our knowlege MUDs offer only male/female/neutral, but
as MUDs are as individual as the people who play them you might find one
who offers hermaphroditic as the sex. We don't know of any personally ;-).
- Class(es) - Standard classes (Warrior, Cleric, Mage, Thief)
are also common to many MUDs, but again there are exotic ones that come
with the same advantages/disadvantages as exotic races. There will be a
help section for each of the classes just like those provided for races.
- Alignment - Usually Good, Nuetral, or Evil. Some MUDs subclassify
alignment as to whether you obey laws or tend toward chaos. There should
be help sections if these subchoices are offered. Note: Levelling with
an evil character is sometimes more difficult that with a good or neutral
character.
- Character customization - You might want to choose Default if
you are new to MUDding, it gives you the skills basic to your class and
keeps creation points to a minimum so levelling is easy. You can also customize
your character choosing the spells, skills and groups for your character.
This can differ again in different types of MUDs (there are specific links
to different types of MUDs listed below, take a look at all the different
kinds). Note: If you choose to customize your character don't choose the
default or your creation points and experience will be VERY high.
The
Basics of Being a NEWBIE:
- What is a Newbie? - A Newbie is a person new to
MUDding, or a particular MUD. The best thing you can do as a newbie is
to read the rules. If you still have questions, choose what you believe
to be a nice character, ask them if they have a moment and ask your questions.
Some MUDs don't allow the GOSSIP channel to be used until you are level
2 or 3. This can be EXTREMELY frustrating if you are a seasoned MUDder
and have never run into this before. It is usually done to deter SPAMMING
(the repeat and annoying use of the same saying, social or string of abusive
language) most of these types will not take the time to create a character
and level it, just to be abusive or obnoxious.
- Basic course of action? - The basic idea of most MUDs is to
create a character, then pursue and destroy the enemy in order to level.
Levelling allows the character to gain more skills, higher proficiency
and more power. MUDding has a very social aspect as well. You can find
some interesting and wonderful MUD friends, and that can carry over into
RL (real life) friendships. You can Group and travel together making it
that much more fun. A new character usually goes through MUD school (or
something similar) until about level 5, then you have enough hitpoints
to take on tougher Mobs (Mobiles aka the enemy), as well as money to buy
higher level equipment and food. Again this may differ from MUD to MUD
and rules should help you out, if not try to find a nice character to answer
your questions.
- So when am I not a Newbie? - When you have reached about
level 10, and are proficient at finding your way around. When you can help
a newbie, you can be pretty sure you have gotten rid of the label yourself.
:-)
- Your conduct toward Newbies after you're through that stress
- Be nice to those who ask you for advice and questions. Ask them if they
have read the rules, if they have and still have a question try to answer
it. If you can't you will probably know someone, by this time, that can.
It's ok to tease them lightly and in good humor, just don't take it overboard.
It is ok to tell an obnoxious newbie to get lost, sometimes they are hopeless
and it is not your duty to help them. Use your own good judgement.
Dealing
with the myriads of MUDs: Listed below are different types
and links that list more about each type. Our aim with this page is to
offer a basic introduction on how to get started. Different ones appeal
to different types of people, and you are not limited to MUDding on one
type. Try them all! You will find astounding variety!
- TinyMUD - The first, and archetypical, socially-orientated MUD.
It is called 'Tiny' because it is - compared to the combat-orientated MUDs.
Players can explore and build, with the basic @dig, @create, @open, @link,
@unlink, @lock commands.
- TinyMUCK - The first derivative from TinyMUD and is to it, except
that it added the concept of moveable exits, called @actions. The JUMP_OK
flag, was also introduced. This allows players to use @teleport and @recycle.
This was later added to Tiny MUD.
- LpMUD - The name derives from its primary author, Lars Pensj.
LpMUDs usually involve the least amount of role-playing. People fight,
often in large groups, seldom with any death penalties. At the end of a
play period, everything gets reset. NannyMUD is an example of this type
of MUD. FAQ
- DikuMUD - Newer than LpMUD, and gaining in popularity. Wizards
can add on to the database, but there is no programming language as in
Lp. Dikus (pronounced Dee-Koos or sometimes Die-queues) are most often
rooted in fantasy. Characters or groups hunt down monsters, or sometimes
other players. Stats and hit points play a big role. FAQ
- ROM and MERC MUDs are similar to DIKU MUDs - you should be able
to find a link below that will provide you with information on those particular
types of MUDs.
- MOO - MUD object Orientated. It uses a C - like internal programming
language. Players create objects and programs within the game. There is
a strong bias towards in-depth role-playing, and less dependence on a quick
reaction time. FAQ
- Other MUDs in this category include: UberMUD; UnterMUD and SMUG.
Beyond
the Basics: After basics comes the advanced, which includes
becoming an IMM, the possibility of creating your very own rooms, descriptions
and items, and wanting to run your own mud.
- What are IMMing and IMM duties? - An IMM (IMMortal) is a character
who has reached a level on a MUD where they cannot be killed. In some MUDs
this is level 51, in others maybe higher (it depends on the number of levels
in a given MUD). IMMs don't get experience or levels like moral characters.
In order to gain higher levels, they must be promoted. They earn promotion
by doing specific tasks like Quests and the like. There are specific help
sections on MUDs describing the duties of each level of IMM. Some MUDs
have superclasses which you may re-mort to once you have reached IMM status;
they are usually unique and offer strong incentive to re-mort.
- Area writing, descriptions and items - Please see Writing
Areas.
- So you want to run your own MUD? - Please see How
to start your own MUD.
Additional
sources of information - Since this page is not intended
(and may not be capable) of answering every question a wouldbe MUDder might
have, we offer a select list of information sources designed to do just
that! ;-)
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water design