Like the last reviewer, I left the mud for years. Now, on haitus from graphical mmorpgs, I have returned, quietly, just monkeying around solo mostly, killing time until W.A.R. or something posseses my soul. The playerbase seems to be picking back up.

I've played a lot of 'em -- Duris is an excellent mud. It has the best use of ANSI I have ever seen -- just the right amount. Well-written descriptions along with interesting mobs, classes and races. Cool random drops. Huge world. Alchemist - crafting class (I'm still working on that char). Potent, creative skills and spells.

Good vs. Evil or a variation thereof is the only way to go, IMO. And, evil is indeed tough as hell; best to have some buddies there before levelling in underworld and the like.

Good place to solo, exploring around too. You won't get jumped by opposing faction very often at low levels. Anyway, without impending death, life is just, well, blah.