[random]

Alright, I don't know if I should post this in the newbie or general section, but here goes. I'm very much new to mudding (began last sunday), and I've just discovered how addictive they can be. I tried several MUDs already, but I have trouble finding the one I want to invest time in, so I thought I could as a few vets . What I'd like is:

-Fantasy themed, with a reasonably big world, and an overhead map for at least the overworld and big cities.

-multiclassing, if possible no level-cap, or at least you can get uberpowerful (I had this urge after playing some video games...)

-Something that's trully free, not those called free but where you "donate" 1000 bucks for xxx taskpoints/unobtainable eq or stat boost.

-Friendly to newbies but not overly friendly...

-Interesting to party and solo alike, in case I can't spend 4 hours non-stop partying.

-Restricted PK.

-Not a dying MUD, I'm not asking for 500 people but at least 20-30 would be nice.

I know I'm asking for much, but if someone could point me in the right direction I'd be grateful .

[gth]

SK has a high level cap and unrestricted PK (although attacking newbies requires a setting be toggled). Other than those two, it meets your needs, including the 'completely free' requirement; there's not even have ads on the website

Just curious, but do you prefer restricted PK out of a preferance to participate in PK "only when you wish to", or is it more about not being smacked down when you're a lower level character and still learning the ropes?

[Amaranthe]

Here's an honest set of answers for you relating to Carrion Fields!

Originally Posted by -Fantasy themed, with a reasonably big world, and an overhead map for at least the overworld and big cities.

We are definately fantasy-themed, and have one of the largest all-original worlds out there. We have a large map of the world available in the game (you still start with maps) as well as a graphical map on our web site (www.carrionfields.com - under help), though the graphical map is outdated.

Originally Posted by -multiclassing, if possible no level-cap, or at least you can get uberpowerful (I had this urge after playing some video games...)

No multiclassing, and we have a level cap. This is the one sticking point that makes me think you may not like CF.

Can you get uberpowerful? If you're damned good, yes. But you won't get uberpowerful just as a matter of course. You'll get uberpowerful because you earned it, and because you've mastered the game a head above the rest. It is possible, for example, to become a powerful Lich that virtually all other players are terrified of. Very few people have done it though.

Being uberpowerful is meaningless on a multiplayer game if just any ol' jackass can do it.

Originally Posted by -Something that's trully free, not those called free but where you "donate" 1000 bucks for xxx taskpoints/unobtainable eq or stat boost.

We are 100% Free. We have never and will not accept money for in-game content of any sort. We sell fan merchandise (such as mugs and t-shirts) and publish commented character sheets of deleted characters in order to raise a modest amount of money to offset our costs.

Originally Posted by -Friendly to newbies but not overly friendly...

I'd say this describes Carrion Fields precisely. We have a lot of accomodations for newbies levels 1-10, including a newbie channel in which to ask questions, some newbie quests, etc. After level 10, you are on your own. No global channels, no hand-holding, and if you meet an orc in your pk-range, you better watch your back. We're roleplaying-enforced, only way you can assure some allies is to play a good-aligned character.

Originally Posted by -Interesting to party and solo alike, in case I can't spend 4 hours non-stop partying.

In addition to grouping we have lots of solo content, and we've been especially focused on adding quests for fun and profit recently, perfect for the solo adventurer.

If you try CF though, I do recommend a fairly strong melee-oriented class. Spellcasters struggle a bit more on their lonesome.

Originally Posted by -Restricted PK.

Our PK is restricted to a "pk-range" that is calculated based on experience.

Originally Posted by -Not a dying MUD, I'm not asking for 500 people but at least 20-30 would be nice.

We're still going strong. 30 would be a slow time of day for us, 70-80 or more during peak times.

Originally Posted by I know I'm asking for much, but if someone could point me in the right direction I'd be grateful .

We're all always eager to jump in an promote our favorite MUD! If you think you can have fun in a game that doesn't make you an Uber-character just for spitting at enough rats, give us a try!

[Chayesh]

Originally Posted by (random @ Jan. 26 2006,12:28) Alright, I don't know if I should post this in the newbie or general section, but here goes. I'm very much new to mudding (began last sunday), and I've just discovered how addictive they can be. I tried several MUDs already, but I have trouble finding the one I want to invest time in, so I thought I could as a few vets . What I'd like is: -Fantasy themed, with a reasonably big world, and an overhead map for at least the overworld and big cities. -multiclassing, if possible no level-cap, or at least you can get uberpowerful (I had this urge after playing some video games...) -Something that's trully free, not those called free but where you "donate" 1000 bucks for xxx taskpoints/unobtainable eq or stat boost. -Friendly to newbies but not overly friendly... -Interesting to party and solo alike, in case I can't spend 4 hours non-stop partying. -Restricted PK. -Not a dying MUD, I'm not asking for 500 people but at least 20-30 would be nice. I know I'm asking for much, but if someone could point me in the right direction I'd be grateful .

Hey Random,

Welcome to MUDding. You'll find TMS a pretty good resource and with all the games they have, I'm sure you'll find one you like. That said, I'd be complete goof if I didn't recommend Aabahran and Carrion Fields. They have some similarities as they are derived from the same source, however, they have gone in some completely different directions development and customization-wise.

Here's a bit about us:

-Fantasy themed, with a reasonably big world, and an overhead map for at least the overworld and big cities.

Similar to CF, extremely large world over 20000+ rooms and you start with maps of parts of the world and a couple of major cities. Other maps can be bought in shops. We are medieval fantasy/ADnD based, and we are an enforced RP MUD. The only OOC channel is the newbie channel used for questions up to rank 10.


-multiclassing, if possible no level-cap, or at least you can get uberpowerful

Again, similar to CF, no true multi-classing is available in Aabahran. We do, however, have quest races and quest classes that certain character combinations can become (Vampire, Undead, Lich, Crusader, Druid, Avatar, Demon, Psionicist). Some of them remort to rank 1, others proceed from when they are approved. Also, with an application and some solid RP, you can have your race restrung to something less cookie-cutter. Our ranks go from 1-50 for mortals, 51 for mortal heroes (can't be PK'd by 1-50 mortals, only other 51's), and 52-60 for Immortal Staff. We also have classes with selectable skills making customization a lot of fun. Additionally, we have a great IMM managed, player-run clan/cabal system (each cabal having unique powers) to add some spice to your experience.


-Something that's trully free, not those called free but where you "donate" 1000 bucks for xxx taskpoints/unobtainable eq or stat boost.

I absolutely agree with you. I am proud to say the Aabahran is completely and totally 100% free. We do accept voluntary donations from our players who wish to contribute toward advertising and maintenance fees, but no in-game or OOC benefits are derived by donating, and again, it's completely voluntary. Your advancement in Aabahran is limited only by your imagination.


-Friendly to newbies but not overly friendly...

AND

-Restricted PK.



We like to see our newbies grow into solid vets. We have IMMs from all over the world on staff, so you'd be hard pressed not to find one online who could answer questions. We have a newbie channel that IMMs and select players can here to ask questions up to rank 10. We also have extensive help files and newbie quests to get you the lay of the land. We have a non-PK adventurer class that you can play up to rank 30 before being forced to choose a class so that you can learn what you want to be and where to go to do it. And, again like CF, our PK is restricted by experience level and no person in your PK range will ever be more than 8 ranks above or below you. Also, we have just released our newest cabal, Tribunal, which is a combination of our old Royals and Justice cabals and they enforce the Law in towns, making them a bit more of a safe haven for you at low ranks. Now, don't get me wrong. There is definitely a learning curve as many of our players have been around in game for several years (some since beta! and they have played a lot of the various class/race combinations. Once you get your feet under you, however, you'll find the challenge highly rewarding as I believe that we have some of the strongest RPers and PKers out there!

-Interesting to party and solo alike, in case I can't spend 4 hours non-stop partying.

You rank solo or alone, though bonuses are given for groups up to three (they earn the most experience per mobkill). This is to encourage the interpersonal interaction and get you talking to other players and maybe start some great RP. Even if you aren't feeling talkative, however, that's fine. We just ask that you always stay in character.

-Not a dying MUD, I'm not asking for 500 people but at least 20-30 would be nice.

Well, certainly not a dying MUD as we've been around since 2000. As far as playerbase size, we're a bit more intimate than CF, averaging 25-40 online at a given time. We are currently using the third generation of our codebase (FL 3.0) and this is our third IMM adminstration with a staff of 12 currently.

I hope you find what you are looking for, random. Good luck wherever you end up!

(And nice post, Amaranthe! Nice to see CF represent! )

[Shadowmaster]

I hate to 'slam' Forsaken Lands, but I've played both of these MUD's, and the truth is FL is on life support, if not dying. CF is a far superior MUD in almost every aspect, and in fact FL is a derivative of the CF codebase.

CF has more players, more skills, more races, more customization, more and better areas (and I built some of FL's best, so I am not blowing smoke up your ass here), more and better players, more involved and restrained immstaff, better all around RP, and better forums as well. Frankly the only thing better about FL that I can tell to a prospective player is that there is less bull****/mindless lowbie/mid-rank pk. Of course, having not played on FL in some time, this may have changed.

I know this sounds like an ad for CF but the truth is CF is a far superior MUD on almost every level. Just to drive the knife in a little deeper, the irony of Chayesh being an IMP on FL should be a sign enough for prospective players to leave this MUD alone. I'd avoid FL and come check out CF. Oh and by the way, I am in no way affiliated with CF's staff, and in fact am probably not very well thought of by them.

Good gaming!

[Chayesh]

Originally Posted by (Shadowmaster @ Jan. 27 2006,12:10) I hate to 'slam' Forsaken Lands, but I've played both of these MUD's, and the truth is FL is on life support, if not dying. CF is a far superior MUD in almost every aspect, and in fact FL is a derivative of the CF codebase. CF has more players, more skills, more races, more customization, more and better areas (and I built some of FL's best, so I am not blowing smoke up your ass here), more and better players, more involved and restrained immstaff, better all around RP, and better forums as well. Frankly the only thing better about FL that I can tell to a prospective player is that there is less bull****/mindless lowbie/mid-rank pk. Of course, having not played on FL in some time, this may have changed. I know this sounds like an ad for CF but the truth is CF is a far superior MUD on almost every level. Just to drive the knife in a little deeper, the irony of Chayesh being an IMP on FL should be a sign enough for prospective players to leave this MUD alone. I'd avoid FL and come check out CF. Oh and by the way, I am in no way affiliated with CF's staff, and in fact am probably not very well thought of by them. Good gaming!

Okay...wow. Guess I must have missed the "irony". I couldn't see past the flame.

If someone feels CF is a better MUD, great. I want people to play someplace they enjoy. If people prefer FL, great. We welcome them. But I don't see how comments such as yours, Shadowmaster, help random choose a MUD since you've gone to the trouble to muddy the waters with claims of a personal nature and insult someone who doesn't even know who you are.

Bottom line, random, find a place that you enjoy playing. Carrion Fields IS a good MUD, and from what I hear of late, very well run. Aabahran (FL) is also a great MUD and very well run, and yes, as I mentioned, smaller playerbase-wise. I'm sure if you go on either MUD's forum, you find players who say they came there from the other for XYZ reasons. And you'll find some that play them both because they offer different things.

Find where you feel comfortable playing is my advice and make it your home.

[Valg]

I'd like to re-emphasize that Shadowmaster is not affiliated with Carrion Fields in any fashion, and certainly doesn't speak for our staff. I'd appreciate if he wouldn't plug our game if that's the only way he can conduct himself.

Amaranthe (above) already commented on this thread on behalf of our staff.

You keep on keepin' on, Aabahran.

P.S. There's really no such thing as "the CF codebase". We were ROM 2.3 in 1994 or so, and while we've obviously done a ton with it, we're still a derivative of it, and we've never released our code for public distribution. We're our own special snowflake!

[Shadowmaster]

"Okay...wow. Guess I must have missed the "irony". I couldn't see past the flame. "

There was no flame except about you as an IMP. The MUD characteristics I posted as a comparison between the two MUD's.

"But I don't see how comments such as yours, Shadowmaster, help random choose a MUD since you've gone to the trouble to muddy the waters with claims of a personal nature and insult someone who doesn't even know who you are."

Comments comparing two MUDs to someone considering both are not allowed here? I've played both MUD's, therefore I am qualified to offer advice comparing the two. In retrospect, the personal attack might muddy the waters, but it still is my opinion. I don't think Forsaken Lands is a particularly well-run MUD and I felt obligated to let the original poster know this.

"Find where you feel comfortable playing is my advice and make it your home."

This is very true. I hope the original poster can see past my comparison and make the choice for themselves, but if they just wanted to hear someone elses opinions, I gave them.

[Shadowmaster]

Originally Posted by (Valg @ Jan. 27 2006,18:12) I'd like to re-emphasize that Shadowmaster is not affiliated with Carrion Fields in any fashion, and certainly doesn't speak for our staff.  I'd appreciate if he wouldn't plug our game if that's the only way he can conduct himself. Amaranthe (above) already commented on this thread on behalf of our staff. You keep on keepin' on, Aabahran. P.S. There's really no such thing as "the CF codebase".   We were ROM 2.3 in 1994 or so, and while we've obviously done a ton with it, we're still a derivative of it, and we've never released our code for public distribution.  We're our own special snowflake!

Originally Posted by I'd appreciate if he wouldn't plug our game if that's the only way he can conduct himself.

Comparing two nearly identical game-mechanics-wise MUD's is not allowed? ::BOGGLE::

Originally Posted by P.S. There's really no such thing as "the CF codebase".   We were ROM 2.3 in 1994 or so, and while we've obviously done a ton with it, we're still a derivative of it, and we've never released our code for public distribution.  We're our own special snowflake!

So the CF code was not taken by Virgil and the crew at Abandoned Realms, and then stolen from them by Wulfgar/Crypticant to become FL? Am I missing some huge aspect of this story? The answer, I believe, is no.

Again, FL does have some good things. But if you are comparing the two in_my_opinion is easy. One is superior, one is inferior. Thats just my two cents, though.  I could have sworn opinions were still allowed when recommending a MUD.

Best of luck to all parties involved, and Chayesh you know exactly who I am, but it does seem you conduct yourself better these days then I do, at least from a forum persona perspective!

[bassy]

Yeyo Random. Come and check out http://www.gatewaymud.com/ . We've been around for quite a while and will around for quite a while again!

bassy

[Fishy]

Welcome to the mud community random, where there is always someone who will turn a post into a flame.

There are quite a lot of muds that fit your description but unfortunately non of them have replied to your post. (I generally don't look for this kind of mud so I can't at the moment think of one I'd recommend.)

But to recap this was one of your wishes:
-multiclassing, if possible no level-cap, or at least you can get uberpowerful (I had this urge after playing some video games...)

Could someone please help him out, a mud that features ALL of his requirements?


ps. I'm not slamming your posts about FL and CF. In fact you might be among the closest there is... but surely there must be ONE multi-classing no level-cap/leveless mud with atleast 20-30 players online during peak times?

[Anitra]

Fishy @ Jan. 29 2006,08:23

Originally Posted by ... but surely there must be ONE multi-classing no level-cap/leveless mud with atleast 20-30 players online during peak times?

Sure there is, probably more than one too.

I didn't want to plug it, since I am not Staff there, but one of the Muds I play, 4Dimensions, should fit all the requirements. It's not levelless, but it's got a neat remort and multiclass system, and as far as I know even the oldtime players still keep getting stronger each time they remort.

It's also 100% free, and both RP and PK is optional, something that I particularly cherish myself.
And it has the biggest original and most interesting world I've seen in any mud so far. And the best introductory zone too. Plus a rather handy MAP command and some good maps both on line and on their website.
The adress is 4Dimensions.org  Port 6000

[Davairus]

Here's some reasons to play AR instead of other MUDs.

Originally Posted by Karnerin says 'sorry, I wasnt aware of the "new rules". Sogathe says 'my brother game me the characters on this game cause he quit' Mylon says 'i have cable my bro just goy of' Khalas says 'Level 50 knights talk about bs on the channel' Khalas says 'and i get a slay for saying fag...' Carlin says deeply 'I can assure you we are not the same person.' Zvezga says 'No need really, laziness and lack of time.' Chacotua says 'besides you can't multi as you have a 10 min log in restriction' Rag says ''I'm a newbie.' Dancorian says 'I never said I wanted it back. I wanted him to keep it. I won't keep the eq! Take it! Sheay says 'I have been told this is fine..' Belnak says 'I thought it was ok cause they were fells' Kalist says 'It wasnt so much shared as given' Urgla says 'I'm not a lowbee pker, I just wanted to get the training out of the way' Sissuris_bed> thats not sharing, thats giving away, thats A ****ING LOT DIFFERENT Rittik says 'Yes, it is. But I had not origional intintions(sp) on breaking rules.' Lieu says 'I thought they would not apply with fell and abyssal.' Tristen says '#### I forgot that was even mine' Molinterin says 'well that is the mere truth of it...this is the first time i have been brought here and i had no idea that it was multying Kiusttai> You say 'I believe that the number of scenarios cannot be counted, thus the exceptions are astronomical.' Anihbahnz says 'was a very small cheat' Menion says 'Forgot about the rules.' Ormopiter says 'Mine is not even a big issue.' Ormopiter says 'Your making it one.' Ormopiter says 'Why are the imms telling us to break the rules?' Ormopiter says 'Well tell that to the imm that told me to help everyone' Ormopiter says 'I cant disobey' Ormopiter says 'Its rp' Grysan says 'Because their is no clear rule.' Hyndan says 'well i get banned because my english sucks?' Jilklim says 'but situational things must be taken into consideration..' Fraqull prays 'That was just wrong. I've seen worse from others and nothing. Yeah, bad call on bodyslam.' Dasers says 'I was pretty sure this wasnt character trading...' Judarex says 'I wanted to id the cloaks but i was not to use them' Zodeya says 'My reason I didnt think it would multi if I didnt do it on purpose and I had a reason for going.' Bobolobo says 'Our plan was announced well before it was executed.' Myrelana says 'I'll consider any channel I want OOC as long as it enhances my RP experience.'

Got a good one? I'd love to hear it and add it to my file. *grins evilly* Yeah, this was a joke post I guess. Good luck finding yourself a home.

[random]

Thanks everyone, I'll try those. I've tried Discword MUD for a few days, and it looked interesting, but the server is so laggy and crash-prone :/

[Rathik]

I don't whether you have tried Aardwolf yet, but it does meet most of your criteria. It does have a level cap, but it's definitely an uber powerful level cap if you reach it. And it has closer to 500 players than 20.

[Drealoth]

Aardwolf can be fun - really great community. My one complaint about it is that, as far as I can tell, not a ton of grouping goes on, although I haven't superheroed on it yet (my char's around level 100 - level cap is 201, but you can remort like 15 times or so, each time getting more powerful and picking up a new character class (in addition to your old ones)). So far though the game is a lot of grind, and I can't say I'm a fan of the whole inconsistant world thing - there are Star Wars zones, there are Wild West zones, there are Medieval zones and everything in between. http://www.aardmud.org/

AVATAR mud is in a similar vein to Aardwolf, although set in an entirely medieval (albeit not so serious at times) setting. 50 mortal levels, 999 hero levels, 999 lord levels and 999 legend levels. When you reach lord, you're given the choice to remort into races and classes not available on creation. Lots of grind, but what makes it fun is that groups can get absolutely massive - at lord, groups of 20 people are common (and the only way to do a lot of areas). In the hero levels, most groups consist of 5 - 10 people. Lots of fun, very friendly people, about 100 people on usually. Another great thing is that they have these events called HOGathons (HOG meaning Hand of God) during which you type 'hog' and your hit and damage roll are increased by huge amounts, allowing you to solo even the most difficult mobiles. Now, the fun part is that it doesn't do anything about your armour... http://www.outland.org/

I'd also recommend checking out Shattered Kingdoms. They have the best use of colour that I've ever seen on a mud, and the game is a ton of fun. The game uses as few numbers as possible, although the actual numbers are pretty easy to figure out for the most part. Unrestricted playerkilling sounds cool, and for the most part it's fine because it's a roleplaying MUD, however every so often you end up with some jerk who decides that it'd be fun to kill a level 10 character with his level 40 guy (level cap in the game is 50) for no reason. The other problem is that there are six starting kingdoms, which tends to spread out the player base. 30 people online, divided by six kingdoms becomes 5 people per kingdom, and chances are they aren't near enough your level to group with you, so it can get pretty lonely sometimes. That said, the mechanics are great and it's definitely worth checking out for a few hours at least. http://www.shatteredkingdoms.org/