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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NPC
What is an NPC? NPC stands for “non-player character.” It is a character in a roleplaying game that is not controlled by a player but by the game’s codebase, an administrator, or is written as part of the background or environment to enhance storytelling. NPCs are used to fulfill various roles such as quest givers,
Linkdead
What is linkdead? Linkdead refers to a situation in text-based online games, especially in multi-user dungeons (MUDs) and similar roleplaying games (RPGs), where a character remains present in the game world but the player controlling the character has been disconnected. A linkdead state can happen for various reasons, such as an internet outage, a computer
Limbo
What is Limbo? Limbo refers to an out-of-character (OOC) area in multiplayer text-based roleplaying games, particularly in MUDs, MOOs, and other MU* environments, where players are placed during a temporary ban or while waiting for a policy decision about their character or account. It’s a virtual space separate from the game’s main narrative and locations,
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,”
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
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
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
