Sundering Shadows FAQ

The following list are most of the frequently asked questions people new to Sundering Shadows have.

1. What is legal here?

Type <help rules> to see our primary list. It is also important to read the file under <help roleplaying>. Reading and agreeing to the rules, and understanding the file on roleplaying is a condition of playing here.

2. What is the first thing I should do here as a newbie?

Reading and understanding the rules is a great place to start. We also have many help files we suggest you read. And if you are comfortable doing so, use the newbie line <newbie [message]> to ask questions. We're here to help.

3. Why do I not see any names on the “who” listing?

People on the who listing are currently unknown to you. You will first have to <recognize> them, before you will be able to call them by name (including yourself). This allows for player's to provide nicknames, or even false names, rather than their real name. Please see <help recognize> for more information.

3b. What do the * * before and after a person's name on who list mean?

People who have the * * around their name means that their next command is being processed. In other words, they are either editing, posting on a bulletin board, or mailing (or something of that nature). It is considered polite not to bother someone who is in one of these situations, unless it is really important, or you know they won't mind.

3c. What does “Inactive” after a player's name on who list mean?

By typing <inactive>, a player can indicate they've gone afk and are not currently active participants in the world. Likewise, someone who has idled for too long will automatically be put into inactive mode.

4. Why can I not understand anything I say?

This would probably indicate that you are a non-human race, and are speaking a language other than the one that your parents raised you with. This makes it somewhat more challenging to play a non-human (common-speaking) race. <languages> will list the languages you do speak, and you can use the <speak> command to change your language to one that you can speak fluently.

4b. Okay, but doesn't this limit my RP?

It is the opinion of the wizzes here on Sundering Shadows that everyone not knowing how to speak the same language at the outset causes more opportunities to play your role rather than less. Perhaps you will meet someone not of your race who knows your language, or perhaps you may not bother, or be able to learn common for some reason. You can use the <teach> command to teach another player a language you know.

4c. How do I customize my says?

There is a command called <speech>, which you can use to change how your speech will look. Please note that the before the first space of your speech pattern, an 's' will be appended to that word, so that:

<speech says with a snarl> will result in it looking to others like: Relen sayss with a snarl

…which is probably not what you wanted.

5. How do I send and read mail on Sundering Shadows?

To enter into the mail server system of Sundering Shadows, simply type: <mail>. This will enter you into the mailer system. To mail a letter, it is best to rather than type : mail, to instead type : mail <player name>. Mail is considered an out-of-character tool, however. There is an in game mail system in the city of Shadow.

6. How many quests do I have to do?

Unlike many muds, within Sundering Shadows all quests are entirely optional. You do not have to do quests to advance in levels, with one major exception. There is a quest (Quest for the Swords) that is required to be completed by a level 19 player in order to advance to level 20. Other than that, quests will grant a reward of ability, xp, items, treasure, etc for being completed and generally are something worth solving if you can or so desire.

6.b. What is a class?

A class is considered your general way of life, akin to the modern expression of saying “I work in television”. It does not specify exactly what it is I do, but it does suggest that I have certain talents I have gained through training and such which will last me throughout my life that may be manifest in many different manners.

If you are a multiclassed character, you are learning more than one trade at a time. This is slightly harder, but does have it's own benefits. You will need to often abide by the most restrictive of all of your classes when arm and armoring yourself. You may often find that, for mages, the armor allowed you by your other classes will interfere with your spellcasting abilities. Clerics will only be able to use blunt weapons to fight. Rogues will find their abilities impaired or impossible when wearing armor other than leather.

You may also wish to read the individual help files for each class before making a decision. However, it should be noted that abandoning classes and beginning your training in a new one is permitted on Sundering Shadows.

7. Have you seen player X?

Type <finger NAME> and you will get all of the information you need. Make sure they are recognized!

8. Why can't I wield this weapon?

You may be trying to wield or wear something which is restricted to players of a higher level than your current level. For example, a level 1 player cannot wield a magical longsword +4. Third, you may be trying to wield a weapon that is designed for specific NPCs or monsters to use only. Lastly, You may be trying to wield a weapon that could only be used by the player who *first* discovered it at its proper location within the mud. Please note that just because you can wield something, doesn't mean you can use it proficiently. Your weapons proficiencies can be found under the GeneralCombat Feats Tree.

9. Is player killing allowed?

Playerkilling on Sundering Shadows is optional. All players are, by default, but to the exclusion of beast races, opted out of playerkilling. You can change this by typing <flag player kill . off>. It should be noted that there are certain circumstances which will temporarily flag you for non-pk again, such as a recent death or an extended absence. If you are not currently available to pk, you should avoid situations where the roleplay might turn aggressive. If pk happens, we would appreciate it if you could send a <pkmail> so we can better understand the circumstances that led to it, and if any consequences are warranted. Please see <help pkmail> for more information.

10. How do I know my stats?

The commands <score> and <stats> are available for your reference.

10.b. What do the stats mean?

Stats are numerical representations of your basic physical make-up, which is is determined when you first create your character. These stats are used in different relevant aspects of your mud life.

Constitution determines how sturdy you are, which in basic terms, means it determines how healthy you are. A higher constitution will mean you gain extra hit points when you advance levels.

Intelligence determines your capacity for using magic, namely, how successful the spell casting of certain classes will be. If you are not a spell caster then intelligence has less of a bearing on your mud life.

Dexterity factors into many different situations. It determines your ability to avoid blows, as well as affecting your athletic, stealth and thieving skills. Additionally, a high dexterity provides a bonus to your armour class (AC) rating.

Strength alone determines naturally how much you are able to carry. It also, if high enough, will provide you with a bonus “to hit” when in combat, and will cause your blows to deal extra damage on top of the regular amount you normally would do.

Wisdom determines your resistance to offensive magic, as well as affects your perception skill. It is also adds to certain magical ability and spell casting. Clerics, paladins, and druids all will find a high wisdom extremely helpful.

Charisma factors into your ability to get by normally aggressive monsters and in the buying and selling of goods. It also helps to define your character's looks and personality. The higher the charisma, the charismatic your character should be. This could be in the way of appearance, influence, or reputation. Sorcerers, Bards and Warlocks base their casting power on charisma.

You will find your experience on Sundering Shadows much better if you try to avoid dealing with the numbers and let the game handle most of these for you. This is not to say, however, that you will be able to get away with portraying yourself as a beauty queen with the sweetest personality with a Charisma score of 8.

10.c. How do I raise my stats?

Every few levels, you will receive a point that can be applied to any stat you choose. Each stat can be raised to a base number of 25. Certain spells and equipment can affect your stats as well, but no stat can reach beyond 30.

11. What's AC? Why does it matter?

Armour class or AC for short, is your armour defense rating. The better your AC rating, the harder you are to be hit. You can find your AC on your <score> card.

12. What is alignment?

Alignment is the basic attitude of your character towards morality and laws. To find out more about a specific alignment, type <help ALIGNMENT_NAME>. The characters alignment will often be useful in determining how you will roleplay your character.

13. How do I learn more about this mud?

The first people you should talk to is other players. They are most familiar with many of the questions you might have. You can do this by using the newbie line. To use the newbie line type <newbie message>. You may also wish to join the Discord channel.

14. I have an idea for something new here, who do I tell?

If it is a simple idea for an area, use the <idea> command. Please read <help game> for information on how to suggest an idea, report a typo, report a bug, or send some praise. You may also post in our forums, or bring up the topic for discussion on the OOC lines, as well as the Discord channel.

15. Huh? An overseer rank? Well what are the staff ranks here then?

It used to be quite complicated, but these days there are jsut two types of staff memebers: Avatars and Everyone Else. Avatars run plots and do your usual GM stuff, while Everyone Else does Everything Else.

16. Everyone is using strange abbreviations, what do they mean?

A list of abbreviations:

PK - Player kill

wiz - A term often used to refer to staff members

immortal - The same as above

afk - `away from keyboard'

brb - `be right back'

brt - `be right there'

ooc - Out of character

ic - In character

oog - Out of game

ig - In Game

17. How do I see in color?

Since not all terminals are capable of seeing in colour, Sundering Shadows will ask for your preference in creation. But if you have a color terminal supporting ansi escape codes (like a vt100 emulation), then you will want to experience Sundering Shadows in colour. <help set> will show you options for colors, amongst other things.

18. What are hp?

Hp refers to health points. Basically, if your health points go below zero you die. If you die you will lose some experience points, so dying will set you back a bit.

18.b. How do I know my current hps?

Type <score> or <hp>. There is also a way to set your prompt to show your hp after each command you enter, as well as other useful information, like your current language and your condition. A high con will give you more hps.

18.c. Wait? Condition? What's that?

Basically this is reflecting, the more you run around and the more you fight, the faster you get tired and worn out. You do get a boost to your condition when you enter combat, but you will lose your second wind shortly after you leave. A high endurance can help assure you do not tire out as quickly.

18.d. Well ok but now I went and attacked a farmer and have only 3 hp left from my max of 24. What can I do to solve this health problem?

First, you can type : heal <your name> and try to use a natural ability that all players have to heal a few of you lost hps back. You can do this as much as you like but it takes time. Second, many of the major cities in Sundering Shadows have healers who, for a fee in gold, will provide healing services and sell healing potions. Third, certain players due to their class, will have healing spells or abilities. The regeneration feat also allows players to gain back their hp over time.

Lastly, some items that you may find within the Sundering Shadows world have the ability to heal. The most common would be healing potions that most healers will sell, for varying prices.

19. Ummm…a lot of the stuff I have been picking up is junk. Should I just leave this stuff on the ground?

No! It creates lag having useless items laying about. You should get removed from the game environment as soon as possible if it is `junk'. Either take the stuff you do not want to local stores and sell it as money is important and your character likely needs it, or type : offer <item>, and this will remove the item, as well as it may heal you a slight bit for each item you offer.

There is also the command <bury all> which will get rid of all corpses on the ground, emptying their contents. The <offerall> command will clean the room and move contents of the corpses into it. It is safer to use <bury all> for looting.

20. Ok, I know the game terms and I got a good idea on what is going on, but Sundering Shadows seems really big and I am confused as to where to start adventuring, where to get equip, where not to go etc.

Yes it is a big place, and yes high up players generally won't take you by the hand and lead you around. But asking them simple questions about things often will result in answers. But if you are a die hard soloist, it is suggested you find or make a map (see <help mmap>). You might want to pick up a weapon or some armour in the stores and perhaps a torch or lantern in case it gets dark while you are exploring. As a newbie, you will have a strange mass in your inventory that will provide you with helpful information as well as guide you through a few quests to help you learn the game. You will be rewarded with experience and gear for accomplishing the tasks it asks of you.

21. Woo woo! I found some monsters and crushed a few skulls! Now though my experience needed to advance in the <score> command list is in the negatives?!? Am I bugged or do I have to do something to advance in levels?

No you are not bugged. Yes you must do something to advance. You go to any room with a posting board present, a church, or a dock, and type <advance>. If you have gained the proper experience, and met any other requirements, you will then receive your advancement of level.

22. I just got something that said “Error! Contact a WIZ?” How do I do that?

First thing is you probably should try the command again. If this works then it was probably a one-time error. Should you be trapped in a room with no exits, we suggest the commands <fixroom> and <fixmore> to try to fix the room, however, there are some areas that there will be no exits apparent, but the room still will not be broken. If the error continues, then you may need to seek higher assistance and aid.