DartMud is an advanced MUD in a fantasy-rp setting. The uniqueness of this mud is defined by its limitless potential. While not an rp intensive mud, it is still considered advanced or difficult by seasoned mudders.
One of the most positive aspects of DartMud is its detail and creativity. This is shown quite clearly in the crafting system. The DartMud crafting system requires its players to gather specific ingredients and hone skills in order to craft an item. For example, to craft a Black Linen Cloak would require the player to gather all the raw ingredients for cloth and dye THEN craft the actual cloth and dye plus have the neccessary skills and tools to craft the cloak and ingredients. The process is incredibly detailed. This differs considerably from most Diku muds where items are crafted from a couple of NPC store bought ingredients and a skill.
The fighting and magic systems on DartMud are fairly well done. Specific Limb targeting is possible, which is an advantage over most Diku/Merc muds. It is also possible to destroy body parts and cripple your opponent. The magical spells list is similar to other muds, however, the potential for additions and improvements is much higher then other muds. DartMud has a flexible system due to its code, it is very obvious it is not pre-generated (stock) or an altered pre-generated mud.
The Thievery/Stealth system is also quite interesting. Having played a thief/assassin type character, I am well versed in the DartMud stealth system. Becomming a thief in DartMud requires A LOT more patience then in MERC or Diku muds. The system is detailed requiring players to experiment quite a bit before finding out how to be an effective thief. In addition, the player society frowns upon thief/assassins, they're usually killed on sight. Don't let that discourage you if you're thinking of role-playing a thief. A good thief knows how to conceal the fact that they are a thief.
One of the quirks that I've discovered is that the DartMud coders/immortals/creators are quite adverse to numbers. There is no experience number, hit point number, or magic points number in their interface. All of the above mentioned is measured in words. For example, in a MERC mud someone may have "LV 1 - sword" or "Sword - 20%", whereas in DarTmud the person would be "Sword: a Tyro". This adds to the difficulty level of the mud.
PK is a large factor in how the DartMud character society runs. Characters are killed. Sometimes for political reasons, sometimes for vengence, and sometimes out of irrationality. But, there are a few big rules with PK on DartMud. First, Have a legitimate In-Character reason if you do it. Also, if you are PK'ed you're expected to keep it to yourself, that means no outside discussion about your characters death. That also means any new characters you make should not take vengence for your old character. DartMud can be seen as not "newbie" friendly. New players have NO protection from PK. Most muds have a certain grace period for new players, DartMud allows its new players to face the reality of the PK system. As stated earlier, this is a difficult mud.
Roleplaying is not as intensive as a Diku/Merc mud. There aren't multi-line emotes and players sometimes break character. The storyline is defined by the players, quite frankly, the players shape the DartMud world. There isn't a total absense of RP, its just not as intensive as some muds.
Lastly, a word about the gods/immortals/creators of DartMud. Like all people, they have their flaws. They can be unreasonable or irritable, even downright cranks. However, it is important to note that they are NOT power-mad immortals who do nothing. I have played many muds, and the DartMud staff is the most committed staff I have encountered. They take suggestions from players, and respond quickly to bugs. They also work diligently to add new features for the players. Examples include, Flandor's custom naming/descriptions and Ogma's archery/brewing/herding and countless other systems. A good immortal is hard to find, DartMud has them.
In closing, if you're looking for a mud to spend some time on - give DartMud a try. Be warned, a few minutes will not give you a proper impression of DartMud. Try it for a few days, if you die - recreate, ask questions. Its a learning process. You won't regret it.
