I've been playing Armageddon off and on for quite some time, and I think it is important to warn people that it isn't for everyone.

Many muds attract those whose primary interest is in mudsex, and while 'Arm' is no exception to that, its harsh environment also attracts a certain sadistic element. I have readily detected a certain 'obsession' with protracted torture scenes. The issue is substantial. In December 2013 an announcement was made:

'After much staff discussion we have decided to ban rape and sexual torture plotlines from the game.'

However, this seems to be interpreted as narrowly as possible. Compelling characters to grovel, be spit upon or kicked hit while helpless and for the flimsiest of excuses Indicates a MUD that is still struggling with how to understand 'sexual torture.' Sadists need not focus on the genitals to achieve sexual gratification. The problem with these scenes is that the 'role-playing' quickly devolves into something different than telling a story, rather it becomes an 'Out of Character' desire to impose one's will on an unwilling player, not a character in the story. Power emoting is a strong indication of OOC crossover: 'I kick you in the face' is an example of a power emote; it gives the victim of the kick no opportunity to duck, block, or retreat. They can only submit. It disempowers the other player not just the other character, and is a crutch that abusive and sadistic players readily resort to, and a tell-tale sign of the sadistic player. I've seen this kind of power emoting in torture scenes, reported it to the staff, and was informed it was acceptable play in Arm-- merely a part of the harsh environment they wished to foster.

In short, those who try out Armageddon MUD should not take the prohibition against 'sexual torture' at face value. I suspect what they are trying to prohibit is genital torture. But sadistic torture more generally is actually encouraged in the game, as are players whose desires are more about humiliating and bullying other players, even when their behavior makes little or no sense within the game world or current story line, or if the players being victimized are unwilling participants.