I'd like to start off by saying Shadow Siege is a unique MUD. In fact, this game is much more like a MUSH than a MUD. On a MUD, you expect hack and slash, experience points, easy gains in spells, skills and 'levels'. This game has none of those, so if you are looking for a game with that, don't come here. However, unlike a MUSH, this game has skills and the ability to grow and learn as a character. Because your character growth relies on both roleplay and skills, this game is indeed a unique hybrid and a joy to play.

On the other hand, this game is realistic. Learning new skills and spells takes time and patience just as it would in real life. Your character doesn't have to be a warrior or a mage or some other easily defined class. In fact, if you want, you could be something as simple as a farmer or a cobbler. The skills system is indeed openended to support such a choice. Stats have real meaning as does the actual time you spend interacting with people.

From what I gather thus far, the point of the MUD is simply to live as your character would. Yes, there is the occasional intrigue, nasty murder, and battle (which is tedious and time consuming as real battles are), but if you wish, you can keep your nose out of it. Character development and interaction are the most important things here. This is a MUD that you must play your role to gain knowledge and ability. That's right, the only way to advance is to roleplay. It's not easy, but it is rewarding.

As a whole, I have never found a MUD where you could actually play/be anything you wanted. I've never found a game with such rewarding roleplay. If you want to develop a character, this is the place for you. If you want to roleplay and grow, this is the place for you as well.