MUD (Page 3)
Glossary terms related to Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs). MUDs come in a wide variety of forms. Traditionally, they are multiplayer games played via telnet.
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IRL
What is IRL? IRL stands for “in real life.” It’s a term used to differentiate between things that happen in the real, physical world from those that happen in a virtual world or game. IRL is often used in text-based gaming, online forums, and digital communications to draw a line between the digital persona and
Imm
What is an imm? Imm is short for “immortal.” It refers to a member of a game’s staff in a text-based roleplaying game (RPG). Compared to regular players, imms have elevated privileges and responsibilities. They can create content, enforce rules, and manage the game’s environment. In some games, they are also known as “wizards,” “gods,”
Idle
What is idle status in games? Idle in the context of online roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to a state where a player is logged into a game but is not actively participating or performing any actions. This can occur for various reasons, such as the player being away from their keyboard (AFK), attending to real-life
IAW
What does IAW mean? IAW stands for “in another window.” This term is used in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) and online gaming communities to indicate that a player is present but not currently focused on the game’s window. In this case, the player is not away from their keyboard (AFK); however, they are engaged in
Helpfile
What is a helpfile? A helpfile (also written “help file”) is a digital document designed to provide players with information and guidance on various aspects of a game, such as mechanics, systems, controls, and lore. Typically accessed from within the game, these files can cover a broad range of topics, from how to engage in
Head Builder
What is a Head Builder? Head Builder is a title given to a key staff member in a multi-user dungeon (MUD) responsible for designing and creating the game’s environments. They decide on the themes and layouts of various areas within the MUD. Beyond their own building tasks, they select and manage other builders, who contribute
H&S
What does H&S mean? H&S is short for hack and slash. It refers to a gameplay style in roleplaying games (RPGs) where the primary focus is on combat against numerous non-player character (NPC) enemies. The term emphasizes real-time, fast-paced battles, where players engage in melee combat, often slashing through groups of enemies to progress. In
Griefer
What is a griefer? A griefer is a player in a multiplayer roleplaying game (RPG) who deliberately irritates and harasses other players within the game, breaks the rules, or undermines the spirit of the game to ruin others’ enjoyment. Griefers often use aspects of the game in unintended ways to cause frustration or anger among
GM
What is a GM? GM stands for “Game Master.” It’s a term used in roleplaying games (RPGs) to describe an individual who acts as the administrator, storyteller, and referee. The GM is responsible for creating the game world, guiding the narrative, and interpreting the rules. They facilitate the game for the players, making decisions that
Character
What is a character in an RPG? A character in the context of roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to a fictional persona that exists within the game’s universe. Characters serve as players’ avatars, acquaintances, enemies, and friends within the story and may possess unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities. Characters can be broadly categorized into two types:
DM
What is a DM? DM stands for “Dungeon Master,” a person who organizes, runs, and referees a roleplaying game (RPG). The DM guides players through the story and determines the results of their characters’ actions. In text-based online gaming, such as in chatrooms and MUDs, the DM is responsible for creating the narrative, controlling non-player
Coder
What is a coder? A coder in the context of text-based gaming, particularly in Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs), MUSHes, and other online roleplaying platforms, is a programmer responsible for creating and modifying the software that operates the game. They write, debug, and maintain the code that enables the game world to function, allowing players to interact
Codebase
What is a codebase? A codebase in the context of multi-user dungeons (MUDs) refers to the underlying server software upon which a game is built. It encompasses the programming framework and set of instructions that govern the game’s mechanics, such as player commands, combat systems, turn management, skill usage, and event handling. Essentially, the codebase
CCC
What is a CCC? CCC, short for “computer-controlled character,” refers to characters in a roleplaying game (RPG) that are not operated by human players but are managed by the game’s programming. These characters can range from simple shopkeepers to complex monsters, depending on the game’s design and narrative needs. Unlike player characters (PCs), computer-controlled characters
Chargen
What is chargen? Chargen, short for “character generation,” is the process in roleplaying games, particularly text-based games like MUDs and MUSHes, where players create a new player character (PC). This process can vary widely among different games but typically involves determining the character’s statistics, background, abilities, and other personal attributes. In some games, chargen is
Camping
What is camping in games? Camping is the practice of staying in one spot within a game, usually a strategic location, to wait for certain non-player characters (NPCs), monsters, or loot to spawn. In player versus player (PvP) contexts, it can also refer to waiting in a specific area to ambush or engage other players
Builder
What is a builder in a MUD? A builder is an individual responsible for creating the rooms, areas, objects, and non-player characters (NPCs) that populate a text-based RPG. Builders use specialized scripting languages and tools provided by the game’s platform to craft intricate and immersive environments for players to explore. Their role is crucial in
Bartle Test
What is the Bartle Test? The Bartle Test of Gamer Psychology is a framework used to classify players of text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) based on their gaming preferences and habits. It identifies four primary types of players: Achievers, Explorers, Socializers, and Killers. This framework helps us understand player motivations and can guide game design to
Ban
What is a ban? A ban is an action taken by the administrators or moderators of a roleplaying game, MUD, MUSH, or play-by-post to suspend a player’s account. This prevents the player from participating further in the game or on the platform. Bans can be temporary, lasting for a set period, or permanent, effectively removing
ASCII Art
What is ASCII art? ASCII art is the practice of creating images, designs, or text layouts using the 128 characters of the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) set. These artworks are made using characters like letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols to form patterns that resemble a visual representation. In text-based gaming, ASCII
Alt
What is an alt? Alt is short for alternate character. An alt is a secondary or additional character. In many online rolpelaying games, players are allowed to have alts in addition to their main character. Unlike a player’s main character, an alt often explores different aspects of the game, such as storylines, skills, or perspectives.
AFK
What does AFK mean in games? AFK stands for “Away From Keyboard.” In text-based roleplaying games, it means a player is temporarily unavailable or not actively participating in the game. Players use this term to let others know they might not respond immediately. It’s a helpful way to manage expectations and ensure smooth gameplay. When