As an experienced gamer and admin (including mudding, for a little under ten years), I have tried a plethora of muds, been active on more than a few, and I must say - there is nothing quite like Dreamscapes.

Having existed for over ten years and having finished their playtest, Dreamscapes has gone to great lengths to provide a unique mudding experience. The realms are ORIGINAL and absolutely gorgeous to inhabit. It is obvious that much time and effort has been placed in areas, quests, and objects - some of the most unique objects can only be obtained through quests that require both wit and skill. Standards are very high for builders, and it is most pleasantly obvious.

Dreamscapes is an ideal roleplay environment, as many of the players remain in their character persona, with strengths and flaws. There is also a completely automated item creation system in the form of tailors - you get to build the item from scratch and tailor it to your character's needs. One can even own shops and player houses customized to their own whims. Placement, descriptions, NPCs - it's up to you! And while the realms are RP encouraged, if it comes to it, players are not afraid to step out of character to offer a helping hand to those who may be in need.

A lot of care has gone into combat - it is not based on the usual 'round' system. The system takes into account lots of factors to work out combatant speed. 'Soft' magic casters are not required to take hits and melee types can be placed up front, as combat features a formation system which allows the placement of adventurers into a 'grid' at the party leader's discretion. Each class has its role and place in combat - and while much can be fought alone, there are special areas that can only be cracked by a very balanced team. Combat is much more deliberate - you have time to see what is going on and then to adapt to the developing situation.

Each player belongs to the guild of their specific class and can also join player-inspired clans - and while guild and clan systems are common on many muds, very few of them run them like DS does. The guild is wholly run by players, with all the necessary hardcode in place to allow for wars, advancements, and intrigue! Each guild has a guild artifact and guild-specific equipment. Many spells and skills are dependent upon your circle within your guild, thus requiring interaction and engagement.

Most importantly, the bulk of the playerbase is made up of gamers who are more than helpful in welcoming those new and old alike to the realms. The intimate setting of Dreamscapes certainly fosters a community atmosphere between both the players and their characters. People are most definitely willing to step out of their way to offer a friendly hand. And although Dreamscapes has emerged from the end of their playtest, the Administration takes player concerns into consideration and they are continuously trying to find ways to shine their gem of a game to perfection.

These realms have seen many a tale, and welcome the advent of new ones. Play a bungling magi, a blind priest, perhaps an artful diplomat. It’s up to you!

Take a moment to stop by, give it a look around. – Shazirah Dreamscapes Homepage: http://www.dreamscapes.dyn.dhs.org/ds2/ telnet://dreamscapes.dyn.dhs.org: 4500