I've been playing in the Realm of Magic for a nearly 4 years now, and it is still as fun as the first day. Starting up is easy, as there are plenty of players willing to help, and since the MUD has been active for 10 years, many players really know the realm in and out.

The playerbase is pretty big, an average of 10-15 players on at any given time. The atmosphere is very welcoming, as most of the older players know eachother, and the realm is quite a social place. There are a bundle of orders, each with it's own unique purpose. Some offer scripts to support RP, others help write and run online quests. The Realm of Magic also supports a Random Quest Engine, which will reward players for completing 1 of 7 different tasks (randomly selected) to nearly any room in the realm. (There are exceptions, and how far the room can possibly be is dependent on level.)

There is no cap to the level which one can reach, but levelling is not nessecary after a few levels. Once a character has mastered his class, he can sit and interact with other players, instead of fighting mobiles.

There is in place a powerful Mortal Law, complete with both Mortal and Immortal Judges, a Realm Lord, and 2 systems which change the character's standing in the law. The Book of Blood will allow players to PK other characters who have signed it freely, and even get their hands on special equipment only available to that type of character. There is also a book for those who do not wish to take part in any PK whatsoever.

The Realm of Magic is constantly evolving and skills and spells are always being added or changed. New and unique items appear with mortal-made zones, and zones are reconstructed all the time. Even as a mortal, one can participate in (limited) building of the world, for training if they want to become immortal.

There is always something to do, or someone to meet, or an old friend to hang out with in the Realm, which is perhaps what keeps me coming back.