Leaving from a bad experience after several years RPing on another mud, I was unsure where else I could get a decent RP fix. A friend from NWN mentioned I should see if I could find a text-based RP system, and, to be honest, I was a bit skeptical. I tried out a few, and none had ANY appeal. But, from my first day on Shadow Siege, I've been hooked. Back on the other mud, I (and I don't mean to brag: he says arrogantly) was viewed as one of the better roleplayers, and I was proud of that. First few days at Shadow siege, and I just felt like an amateur. The quality of players this place attracts is AMAZING. They hit that perfect point between lack of detail and waffle. Anyone can write seven lines on the smell of the oak, but it takes a good RPer to write detailed, but RELEVANT emotes. I've not met a proper SS player who struggles with that, yet.

When I logged on, I found the character creation process a bit daunting (though it had changed since I initially created my character), but they have an OOC channel specifically dedicated to helping out new players with the mud system. Even better then that, they had players WILLING to help! Not only willing, but EAGER! (Since starting, I've had to have a chuckle at the race people seem to have to greet the new players on the newbie channel).

At first I found a bit of difficulty picturing everything, but I ascribe that to the fact all my previous RP had relied on graphics, rather than any shortcoming of the MUDs.

However, something I've found most important, is the willingness of staff and assistants to talk with the players. I've had a couple of times when I've, one on one, spoken with the staff about an issue I've felt important and there's the real feeling that they're listening to and considering EVERYTHING I say. I have little experience with MUDs, so I can't compare. What I can say, though, is that Shadow Siege is one of the most entertaining Roleplay experiences I've ever had.