ArcticMud by Keith G.
Since being introduced to this MUD by a friend in 1998, I haven't been able to quit since. Arctic at times has been less of a hobby and more of a way of life. The relentless search for shinier and shinier gear, the constant warring among the clans, the thrill of slaying tough monsters, and the genuine friendship of the people you enjoy the game with all make Arctic a MUD above all other MUDs.
I admit: it seems tough at first, almost impossible; however, even starting out is something to be enjoyed. I remember quite clearly wandering the streets of the fabled Palanthas from Dragonlance for the first time and wowing at all the rooms. I also remember some nice fellow MUDder giving me 200 coins and taking me to the place I should begin to level.
This is not to say that Arctic is the EASIEST of MUDs. Arctic is quite challenging, and so not for the faint of heart. If you log on and truly want to learn to play the game, expect to die innumerable times. RIP. However, each minute piece of information you learn by dying makes it that much easier for you to learn know how to live.
Playerkilling is allowed, and I, for one, am glad it is so. Even after all these years, I still get "the shakes" when I know a playerkill is about to happen. If you have no clue what I mean by "the shakes", you really should try this MUD. The sometimes glorious logs of major playerkills may be found at, among others,
http://www.normstorm.com/arctic/http://mudlogs.foghaven.net/http://arctic.elay.org/Playerkilling at lower levels is not encouraged; however, it is allowed. Still, take heart, my low level characters, as one finds that people who randomly kill others or kill low level characters have extremely short life spans. Generally the best way to learn the game and have fun is by being friendly with others, as it is in a lot of things. The completely solo character can level up and garner some pieces of fun equipment, but their experience is not nearly as enjoyable as one who has grouped with others and made friends from all over the world along the way.
ArcticMUD has provided much amusement over the course of the last 5+ years, and promises to provide much more. The bad days on Arctic, "OOPS, I DIED, STUPID GAME!" are far outweighted by the hours spent happily immersed in Arctic's Krynn. Newbies needing help should ask their nearest immortal (type who immortal to find out who is on), and they will gladly provide some of their expertise to help you get started. However, they are not a resource to be abused; players are expected to learn the game themselves. That is, of course, half the fun of it.
Sincerely,
Keith G.
Player of Winston, current playerwipe
