DD FAQ: Section 2

History of the Dragons Domain

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[2.1]  What sort of MUD is DD?

DD uses a heavily modified EnvyMUD 1.0 server; Envy is a DikuMUD variant. Envy MUDs are centred on characters gaining experience and power through successful combat. DD is also a pkilling MUD [see FAQ 6.10], although pkilling is optional.

DD contains numerous significant changes to the Envy code-base, including a rewritten skill system, sub-classing, new races, many new skills and spells, a clan system, new areas (mostly original), a quest system, and new currency. Envy MUDs have level-based equipment, and there is no rent for saved characters.

There are 100 mortal levels; level 100 characters are 'heroes' with a few Immortal skills. Heroes may not 'remort' (begin again as new characters with their existing stats or skills).

DD is not a strict role-playing MUD, although role-playing is happily tolerated. Many players chat about their real-lives and the goings-on in the MUD.


[2.2]  Where is the DD server, and when was it set up?

The original DD server, dopey, is based in Hamilton, New Zealand. That's not part of Australia for those that think it is! DD1 was setup by a guy called Brutus after he finished university and was bumming around. It was the second MUD in New Zealand, but was better than the existing one and the players and Imms from there moved over to really kick the 'Domain into life. This was back in early 1995. DDII was released in March 1996 and contained the sub-classes and most of the other major changes from the original Envy MUD. Most of the DDII coding was done by Brutus, Jihad and Shade with Brutus adding Brawlers, Jihad doing Shifters and Shade the pre-req system.

DDIII was released in September 1999 and included the Ranger class (belatedly), extra tables for players, and changes to the equipment system, and numerous other modifications. Most of the coding work on DDIII was done by Tavolir, Gezhp and Shade with design and area work done by Danath, Thorne, Owl and Hestia.

In October 2000 the MUD was moved to a server in Auckland, New Zealand, with better network access. The server, dd3, was organised by Brutus: Thanks B!


[2.3]  Who runs the MUD? Who used to run it?

The MUD was originally run by Brutus, and was passed to Shade when he went into retirment during 1998 due to work commitments (i.e. he got a life!). The current Imm staff share the workload around and try to make decisions by consensus, including more experienced players. A list of major contributors follows:

Implementors
Brutus
Jihad
Shade
Umgook
Danath
Tavolir
Istari
Gezhp
Builders

Brutus
Cyclops Caves, Zyklor's Tower and numerous others traded

Gezhp
TenTusks, Argentium, Kahsis, Goblin Foundry

Jammer
The Pit, Draagdim, Mrinthas Complex

Madboy
Draagdim, Mrinthas Complex

Shade
Smuggler's Ship

Owl
Vampyre Catacombs, Vampyre Vale, Vampyre Hive

Thorne
Magic Garden, Swamp of Dispair, Bastion of Shadows,
Eerie Woods, Frozen Lands

Hestia
Prince's Fortress

Solias
Lemming Caves

Samxin
Gremlin Lair, Tabernacle of Coggery, Arcanum Castle,
Hinterland of Dole , The Plane Inn

For an up-to-date list of the Immortals running the Domain, type WIZLIST within the game.


[2.4]  How do players contribute towards the running of the Dragons Domain MUD?

Players are central to the running of the game. There is a strong oral tradition in the Domain: new players are guided by more experienced players, to someday assist newbies themselves. The secrets and features of the Domain have been passed down from one generation of players to the next. All players in the Domain are encouraged to follow this tradition. This does not mean that other players must reveal these secrets to you if they don't feel that you earned them.

The MUD is a constantly evolving and changing world, and the players in the game drive its evolution. The opinions and desires of successful players are highly valued by the game's Implementors.


[2.5]  Shouldn't there be an apostrophe in 'Dragons'?

Yes'.


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