To start, I'd like to say that I haven't MUDed in a few years before this time. However, finals were over, and I was bored. A friend of mine suggested I try UOSS(The Unofficial Squaresoft MUD)(waits to see if they change their name to Square-Enix), since he knew I really enjoyed the various Squaresoft RPGs out there.

Oddly, I was warned that UOSS was not overly newbie friendly, and that I should be careful of what I said over public communication. Heck, even the MUD's profile here mentions Adult orientation. After venturing forth with some trepidation, I quickly encountered quite the opposite of the above. Players and staff alike quickly answered questions on their 'newbie' channel. Without even asking, higher leveled players assisted me with various things. And as far as saying things across public lines, responses were fairly mature and sometimes adult oriented, but nothing was responded to hostilely or rudely.

A little more on the populace: The playerbase is very active, with a good range of low level players to ones at the top end of the spectrum. The staff seems to be fairly active, with frequent updates on new areas, quests, and general interaction with the players.

Playing experience: Upon entering the MUD, you have the chance to learn the basics on most aspects of adventuring through a neat little newbie school. There is only one race you can start as (though a few others open up after reaching much higher levels), and you play by using various jobs/classes based on Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy 3/5. This system allows you to set a Primary and Secondary job, as well as a counter and special inherent ability from any job you've learned. You gain points to spend on the skills/spells in each job through combat. It all works rather well, one might argue that the syntax to using abilities is a little tedius, but you get used to it very quickly. Stats: When gaining a normal level you are given a random set of stat combinations you can choose from (Strength, Agility, Vitality, Wisdom, and Willpower). Also, there is no level limit in place, so stat expansion goes as far as you take it.

Misc: Various things I found to be fun/interesting/cool, the quests, there are quite a number of them, whem completing one you receive quest points that give you special powers and a reduction in experience to the next level(%) after each level, some also grant you a new job or some kind of item(weapon, armor, etc). They do not require you to eat, drink, or sleep, which was a huge plus to me! There is also a PK system, but it is completely voluntary, so you won't be affected if you don't choose to be PK 'on'. Something very creative is the Militia, a army composed of players, run by players and some of the staff, with the goal to defend the main town (Elsendor) against the evil Lucavi armies. Clans do also exist, however, they seem to be limited in activity at the moment.

All in all, this has been one of the most pleasant experiences I've had with a MUD. If you can appreciate a varied array of conversation, like Squaresoft games, and of course enjoy a mostly hack-n-slash-n-(spell of your choice) with a variety of quests and side events experience, then you should most definitely give UOSS a try!