Discworld MUD
Introduction
The Discworld MUD is a Roundworld multi-user virtual game-work that is described entirely in text. It can be accessed at http://discworld.atuin.net/lpc/. It was first opened to the public in 1992, and has been under constant development since then by a team of creators. Player numbers typically vary between 100 at off-peak times and 170 or more during peak operating hours.
Discworld MUD is regularly represented in the top three MUDs on topmudsites, and has been rated as the #2 MUD (#1 non-commercial) in the world by Total PC Gaming Magazine. Discworld MUD is completely free to play.
Game World
The game world constitutes tens of thousands of hand-written rooms, and over a million algorithmically generated terrain rooms. Five major cities are represented in the game - Ankh-Morpork, Genua, Bes Pelargic, Djelibeybi, and Sto Lat. Dozens of other smaller villages are also represented, such as Lancre Town, Bad Ass, Mad Stoat, Holy Wood and Ohulan Cutash. Players may choose to join one of six guilds (Assassins, Thieves, Wizards, Warriors, Witches or Priests), and each of these guilds except for witches have several substantial specialisations available to them.
Game Mechanics
The game is based on skill-based progression, driven by an engine known as the taskmaster which awards skill increases based on activity. Advancement can be accelerated through the use of experience points (gained from most activities), solving quests, and qualifying for achievements.
Guilds are non restrictive in the main - they permit easy access to certain skills and commands, but with the exception of certain core abilities, any character can grow to fill any role by advancing their skills to the neccessary levels.
Player Interactions
Several subsystems in the game exist to permit nuanced player interaction. Most guilds have player-run administrations, and substantial geographical regions may also have player-run councils that can lay down laws and provide entitlements to citizens. Two player-run newspapers exist to serve the playerbase with news about the game.
The game offers a comprehensive player housing system with a wide range of furniture and configuration choices. Likewise, players may choose to bid upon commercial locations, and if successful may run their own shops, banks, or more niche services.
Additionally, several crafting systems permit players to create and distribute their own items.