What separates Accursed Lands (AL) from other RPI MUDs? Full code support to almost every action, if you enjoy RP but are frustrated at continually having to compensate for weak code, then this is the place for you. AL has been built using the incredibly versatile LPC code-base, new additions and possibilities are simply endless. It allows for unmatchable realism; each room has a size, and each object has a position within that room, in order to get that sword on the other side of the mountain you’re going to have to walk.

The quality of writing that is displayed throughout the MUD is simply unparalleled. Every nook and cranny has been evocatively described, even ‘mundane’ areas become unique and fascinating. A unique feature of the code-base allows players to look at virtual objects, instead of having room descriptions that are over a page long AL has concise descriptions and an array of virtual objects that can be examined by the interested.

Another point of difference I notice in the writing standards is the high degree of objectivity. Rooms are not simply described as ‘messy’ or ‘cluttered’, which imposes a feeling onto the player and forces them to react in a certain way. The ‘mess’ is described in intricate detail, in a completely objective manner and the player is allowed to respond, as their character feels appropriate.

One of AL’s best features, the wilderness, leaves other MUDs in the dust. Firstly, each area in the wilderness, be it a forest or grasslands, has a set of ‘gettable’ items; this means that you can pull sticks from the forest, pick grass from the hills or grab a quick stone to fend off a snarling beast. The sheer SIZE of the wilderness offers countless adventures, there are deep oceans and vast skies, could you be the one to finally settle the debate about whether the world is round or not? Another great feature the wilderness offers is the ability to ‘see’ your terrain. When you’re on the open plains, or in a vast desert you can see for miles, but as you cross into the forest your map suddenly shrinks, giving rise to a stifling feeling of claustrophobia, which simply doesn’t exist in other MUDs, the feeling of being completely lost in an unfriendly forest is both horrible and great at the same time.

AL’s cities and towns are populated by intelligent NPCs also, unlike the statues that you can see in other MUDs and their NPCs, AL’s NPCs can hold a meaningful conversation, perhaps revealing necessary clues in your quest for power. Each one has their own opinions, and each one is treated with the same respect you would treat a player.

There is a vast hoard of secluded locations to be found in the wilderness (and a good few in towns as well ; )), but not every area is put on the map to serve a purpose. Some are put there ‘just because’ the creators felt they could create a more interesting and enigmatic world by putting a small stream on a mountain, or an abandoned town in the desert.

The parser is another of this MUD’s unique strong points. It allows for plain English verbs to be used for every IC command and verb. One can input ‘get nearest stick’ so that their character will grab the closest stick, rather than using complex (or simply non-existant) syntax to accomplish what should be easy.

One final aspect that I enjoy immensely is the OOC community, a long shot from the RP police who demand that you must emote each breath, they are welcome to embrace all players regardless of individual RP skill, so long as you’re willing to stay in character at all times you should find the community very refreshing. There are also two global OOC channels, one for helping newbies with syntax and the other a lounge for newbies and oldbies alike to kick back and discuss anything OOC. These channels foster a sense of community which is unknown in other RPIs, they allow you to catch a glimpse of the person behind the character.

In conclusion, play AL, it may not be your cup of tea, but it is unlike ANY other MUD on the internet, unrivalled in complexity.