How do I connect to the Cleft of Dimensions?
To connect to the Cleft of Dimensions, it's recommended that you use a MUD client capable of displaying color, local echo, and a decent-sized scroll buffer. None of these are required, though, and most operating systems come with a Telnet client that can be used to play.
Our GMud downloads come pre-configured to connect to the Cleft of Dimensions by default. If you use a different client, you'll need to configure it to connect to cod.kyndig.com on port 4354
You can also connect via your default Telnet client simply by clicking on one of our Connect Now! links.
What does MUD stand for?
MUD is an acronym for multi-user dungeon (or dimension, or even domain, as many would argue), a role-playing computer game that runs on a bulletin board system or Internet server.
But really, what is a MUD?
They're very similar to old text-adventure games, where you type in commands in order to interact with the environment and play the game, except that many people can connect simultaneously to a MUD and interact with each other as well!
Once connected, players control a character/avatar/persona that they have created. They see textual descriptions of rooms, objects, other characters, and computer-controlled creatures or NPCs (non-player characters) in a virtual world.
Most MUDs implement a fantasy world populated by elves, goblins, and other mythical beings. Players pretend to be knights, sorcerers, and the like. The goal of the game is to slay monsters, complete quests, and find treasures. Some MUDs have a science fiction setting. Most MUDs are run as hobby and are free to players.
What is the Cleft of Dimensions, specifically?
The Cleft of Dimensions is a MUD using a modified form of the ROM 2.4 codebase, running on cod.kyndig.com on port 4354.
Some Features:
Whoa, what is all this that I'm looking at?
When you first connect to CoD, you'll see a large Mr. Saturn, and a prompt for your name. When it asks for your name, it means the name of your character. If the character already exists, it will ask for a password; otherwise, it will ask if you are a new player and to verify your name. Some names are not allowed because they are either reserved, or are used by an NPC (Non-player character). Next, you'll be asked to create a password.
What's it asking for now?
During character creation, you choose your race, sex, class, innate, and weapon type(s).
And what now?
After character creation, you are dumped at the End of Time.
Movement is accomplished by typing the direction you want to go, such as north, southeast, or down. They can be abbreviated, like most commands, to one or two letters (n, se, d, etc).
When you move, the MUD will send you a textual description of the room you've just moved in to. You can make it repeat this description with the 'look' command.
From the first room, you can head north and have a crash course in MUDding (highly recommended), or if you're familiar with the commands already, go east, right into the game.
Whoa, who are all these people talking?
In the Cleft, people are generally pretty friendly, and will probably say 'Hi!' as soon as you log on, over the OOC (out of character) channel. To chat back, use ooc followed by what you want to say, such as ooc I enjoy wassail!
To turn the channel off completely, type ooc, with nothing after it, and the same thing to turn it back on.
There are several other similar channels such as auction (for buying, selling, or trading goods with other players), gossip (considered in-character), music (generally used to tell people what music you're listening to), and clan (to chat to other people in your clan).
What's a good race/class combination to pick?
See the Race-Class Compatability page. Each class has a Primary Stat, and will benefit in the long run by choosing a race with a high value in that stat.
What does this 'Innate' thing determine?
Elemental weakness/resistance, in addition to a few other, minor things.
For the Wizard class, it also determines which set of spells you get. Innate-aligned wizards get five second-tier spells and one third-tier spell. Unaligned wizards get all six second-tier spells but no third-tier spell.
Which weapon type should I pick?
Damage among weapon types tends to be balanced. Some weapon types (EG projectile) are usually two-handed, while others (EG shortpiercing) may be lighter in weight but weaker in power. There are always exceptions, though!
OK, where do I go? What do I do?
Walk around, talk to people (other players and NPCs), and explore! Make sure to use the 'consider' command before jumping into combat, and use common sense when wandering far away from Truce; some things can kill you easily!
If you're completely stumped on where to begin, type recall, then head north, north, east, north and talk to Forde. He provides mini-quests to low-level players, giving you a goal to work towards!
When do I get to kill things?
As soon as you want! It's a good idea to practice your weapon skills and train your primary stat, but it's not necessary. All players start with a map which can help you get to a newbie area, such as Truce Canyon, Rabite Forest, or the Guardia Fields.
How do I get to ???
Maps of Truce and surrounding areas can be bought for a very low price, south and east of the fountain, but most other things you'll have to find yourself.
Where can I go to train my stats/practice my skills?
It's important to raise your stats and skills as you level up. A trainer can be found north, east, and north of the fountain. There may be other trainers elsewhere in the world, though.
I can't see anything! What's going on? Where can I get a light?
South of Magnus, there's a man who sells candles; they're cheap, efficient light sources. Fritz, elsewhere in Truce, sells flashlights, which last longer, but they're a bit more expensive. For Summoners, the Illuminate spell can create temporary light sources, and, for Priests, the Flash spell lights up an entire room.
Where can I get better equipment?
All over the world, in various towns. Much of it is limited by level, though, so you may have to go train yourself before you can buy it or use it.
I died! Where'd my stuff go?
If you're under level 16, your corpse, and all your stuff, has gone to the Truce Morgue. It's a ways south and west of the fountain. (south, south, west, west from the Truce fountain.) If you're over level 15, your corpse stays where you died. Dying has an experience point penalty, also; 2/3 of what you have accumulated to the next level!
I'm hungry/thirsty! Does this affect anything? Where can I get some food/drink?
Hunger and thirst decrease the rate at which you automatically regain your HP and MP. Food is sold in most towns, and occasionally an edible part of a creature can get hacked off during combat. However, some creatures are poisonous! You can drink from the Truce fountain, or any other fountain, as well as straight from some bodies of water. Other drink containers (EG canteens, water bottles, beer cans), can be purchased and also refilled from fountains.
How can I heal faster? It takes a long time!
Sleeping or resting increases the rate at which you regain HP and MP. Sleeping or resting in a bed or on a bench helps even more. Priest characters can cast a variety of healing spells, which can restore you to a degree, and some stores sell curative items, such as potions. In addition, NPC healers (like Selan) can restore you, for a price!
Matangui, Jumi, and Kirbys regenerate HP faster. Espers and Jumi regenerate MP faster. Characters that are hasted, such as Moogles, regenerate slower.
My alignment keeps getting higher/lower! Why is this?
Your alignment changes because of what you kill. When you kill something with low alignment, your alignment becomes higher, and vice-versa. The range is -1000 to 1000.
How do I know if one piece of equipment is better or worse than what I've already got?
You can get a rough comparison between one piece of equipment and another of the same type with the compare command. This only works when you already own both objects, though!
When in a shop, you can use the info command to get a detailed readout of the properties of an item sold in that shop. In addition, there are scrolls of Identify available for a low price which give the same sort of report on an item in your inventory.
I can't find something, I've looked all over!
Look carefully, and read the room descriptions! Few things, if any, are completely hidden, but some things are harder to find than others.