I'm a fairly jaded person. Between job, life, and social engagements, I don't have a lot of time, anymore, to play online. When a friend of mine pointed me to SerenityMUSH, I was...less than eager.

However, they were quite enthusiastic about the place, so I logged in as a Guest, to poke my nose around and see what was up. Now, I am used to the internet being a less than welcoming place (See: Jaded). So, it was to my pleasant surprise that I was immediately greeted with a few welcome messages, by staff and players.

The information on the mush is somewhat...erratic. While there is a wiki and a PDF New Player's Guide, it is somewhat out of date. The staff is aware of this, and they're working on updating it. This is where my amazement truly hit record levels. Normally when I ask a question, I'll get an answer...and 17 sarcastic replies of 'RTFM' or 'Use the search function', or some variation therein.

On SerenityMUSH, you get answers, and no sarcasm. People are truly willing to help you solve your problems there. Staffers and Players seek to create a warm, welcoming environment for new players, and I truly appreciate it. Even if I'm still in a bit of shock.

Chargen is complex, with feats, attributes, and well over a hundred skills available to choose from. But a staffer dropped in to help me /in person/, and there's a walkthrough service available to assist you through each step of the process.

Once I submitted my application, there were some minor tweaks to be made, and I was approved in under a day. Once I got onto the game grid, I was roleplaying in under an hour. And you can't beat that with a stick.

SerenityMUSH is an anomaly in the world, a place where a diverse slice of people of all ages and from all around the world come to be a part of Joss Whedon's 'Verse, even if only for a short while. The players and staff have created a friendly, engaging environment, and I encourage everyone with an interest in wild west/Sci Fi character-driven adventure to come pay a visit.

Or, as they say on the MUSH, 'Welcome Home'.