Muddled Times Issue 2

CONTENTS
Suzy's bit
For your diary
The charts
Meet the mobiles, by Lexley
Mystic Keg, by Blackrose
Xena's guide to mapping MUD
The good, the bad and the....sillies
A little bit of muddle, by Richard
Wdi's Linky bit

Hi,
Well since the last newsletter we have seen the arrival of 2 new wizzes. Droo the wizard and Keyser the wizard? WELL DONE!

There's a new MUD2 magazine that can be found on the internet. Lexley has been very busy and I must admit I'm well impressed with her new magazine called Witch?. It contains tons of information and articles not only for the more experienced players but for the newbies too. In particular, the newbies section has some wonderful advice and is well worth a read. The magazine is designed beautifully and is a pleasure to browse through with a nice cup of tea. I can't wait for the next issue <G>.

Mobile Bash......9pm
Work as a team, roaming the land slaying every mobile you can spot. Rid the land of all evil and earn yourself a massive 3000 points !

Prize Sorcerer War......9pm
Just turn up at 9pm with a new persona name (with no points) and you will be magically transformed into a Sorcerised Sorcerer. All players taking part will be set free into the land to attempt to kill as many players as possible. All Sorcerised persona will be resurrected should they die, so they can return to the land to do some more killing, however, the winner will be the player with the most persona kills on their obit at the end of the reset.

There will be a couple of rules that must be followed during the event and these will given to everyone just before kick off. This event is for fun and you can choose to cause as much injury to your opponent in whatever nasty ways you find appealing, however, you must do this on your own and teaming up with other players during the event will be severely frowned upon <G>.

1st Prize 30 pound voucher.
2nd Prize 20 pound voucher.
3rd Prize 10 pound voucher.
Vouchers can be redeemed at PC World, Curry's, Link, and Dixon's.

Mobile Bash......9pm
Work as a team, roaming the land slaying every mobile you can spot. Rid the land of all evil and earn yourself a massive 3000 points !

There's no way of getting an accurate, in-game report of how dangerous mobiles are, not that I know of any way, so any rating system has to be subjective. For this reason, I use a scale of stars, with 1 star being low and 5 stars being high:

*	Very low. Almost inconsequential.
**	Low. Not much of a challenge.
***	Average. Lots are like this.
****	High. Something of a challenge.
*****	Very high. Attention-grabbing.

There's one additional possibility: n/a The rating system is not applicable for this particular case.

I confess that I rarely ever see the crows, except for sometimes when a loose one has escaped and is fluttering around. This is because they are produced by the maiden using magic, and I don't often visit the top of the keep where she hangs out. Individually, crows aren't all that tough, but together (and with the maiden) they are a bit of a handful - she can whip up maybe ten or a dozen of them. She only does it when she's fighting somebody, though, so if you don't attack her (which is my current policy in those rare times I'm at a loose end near a reset and I find the keep unlooted) then there's no danger of getting pecked to bits.

The dove is a peaceful little bird, usually to be found in the gardens north of the keep. It flees a lot if attacked, and would be utterly inconsequential if it weren't for the fact that it lays a golden egg if you can get it to its home. I haven't managed to find a way to carry it or lure it there, but as pushing it a room at a time seems to work just fine I'm not specially worried! If you want to try this out, though, you may need to be quick, because the dove sometimes disappears quite early on in a reset (I suspect because the fox gets it, but I haven't actually seen it happen so I can't be sure).

I've given the dragon five stars because my rating system only goes up to five stars!! He really is the most deadly of all mobiles. If he attacks, you're pretty much dead because even if you flee he incinerates you with his fiery breath. The first time I saw the dragon I'd only been playing for a week or two and wandered over to the dragon's island through a fairy ring. The dragon wasn't dead, and he attacked me. Realising I was not going to win this one, I fled and quit, and upon re-entering was greeted in the
tearoom by Lopsy the arch-wizard telling me just how lucky I'd been. It didn't feel lucky at the time, I can tell you - I thought being attacked by a dragon was very unlucky! I now know that combat is not the way to kill the dragon. Even the way you are supposed to kill him is dangerous, though, because so many things can go wrong.

Having found the directions to the island, and with a brief respite in the weather so you can sail to the dragon's island (avoiding the sharks if you can, which you most probably can't), you have to kill the dragon using the item it tells you about on the signpost. This is not easy! The first time I did it, I walked around looking for the dragon using qn, but I kept tripping up over these root things and getting lost. The dragon found me eventually, but instead of attacking just gave me a hint that I was indeed carrying the correct item to kill him. He doesn't do this every time though (as I found to my cost on another occasion) so I suppose I was a bit fortunate. Anyway, I did the business, and ran away before he char-grilled me. About 10 minutes later he died. Now I tried to repeat this technique a few days later but the dragon moved away before I could do for him and then when he found me again he ate me. I figured there had to be an easier way, and tried waiting where the dragon couldn't get me at sea then nipping on and off of the island using short commands, but the sharks kept getting me or it started to rain.

That's all for this time. Next issue it's the turn of the dragonfly, eagle, Echo, Eros, Exceptionally large goblin and fireflies.

You scramble and tumble around the island trying to gather as much treasure as possible. Then from beneath the cold grey Ring of Stones you notice an eerie mist creep and swirl. Your heart stops as you check your obit. Phew! Draggy is dead. Your natural adventurers curiosity draws you closer still, finally in you go, unsure of what lies ahead.

As you try to get your bearings, a close but distant voice greets you. Peering throughout the mist you can just make out a ghostly form and something tugs at your memory. "Ah don't I know you for somewhere?" you enquire (secretly wondering if you have had too much fresh sea air). The spectre bows and whispers "I have returned with a message from beyond but must there return soon. Listen to what I have to say and remember it well, for time is too short in this realm". Slowly, a song of magic seeps through your being and you receive a trickle of verse which quickly becomes a raging torrent:

Aries
You seem afraid that financial incentives are colouring a special relationship and you might want to challenge the person concerned. However with a Venus-Pluto set-to means you are going through a sensitive phase and must review the facts before causing a scene.

So you have been playing MUD for a month now. Your partner has had enough and left you, the final straw was a BT letter recommending WP as your Best Friend, with a view to a long-term relationship and possible marriage. Now would be a good time to seek some advice. Pop along to the "MUD and Relationships - We've got the answer" sessions held by the Vampire and Wraith, every Monday at 9pm on the Small Island (weapons, wafers and Allium sativum strictly prohibited).

Taurus
It looks like you are close to obtaining your goal, but now is a good time to relax a little, recharge your batteries and consider your next step carefully.

Aspiring to be the best PK ever seemed glamorous at the time. However, clinging to the ladder with a score of fresh-faced Protectors and Warriors bearing farm implements and torches, baying for your blood above the clatter of the keyboards using control-l isn't so romantic now. One thought may console you though: at least now your name is well and truly MUD.

Gemini
A sneaking suspicion that you should be branching out in a slightly different direction career-wise is on your mind. And the New Moon occupying a critical position in your chart - now is the time to decide.

Mmmm...erm, well it looks like Keyser has already done it. Next time I will predict the winning lottery numbers - before they are drawn <g>

Cancer
Although you may not be one to put too much emphasis on worldly possessions, you seem tempted by a proposal that could bring a good return on your investments. The success of the venture depends purely on speed, judgement and your own ingenuity.

Having just made Mage you accept an invite to raid the Dwarven Citadel from a friendly new Warlock called Deathfromabove. A short while later, you now sip from the spring. Gazing at your reflection in the tranquil waters, you contemplate all your riches in the next world.

Leo
Maybe if you worked out want you really wanted from a close relationship then you should make your demands clear. If close friends are being slippery, then try sympathy rather than criticism.

After you have both bashed your way through a blood-thirsty Quest. Trusty
the Companion Necromancer returns looking very ill after "accidentally" trying to get the treasure horde and forgetting about the last guardian mobile. Take pity and be considerate. Give him the cape to keep him warm as you both sleep. When you are awoken by the toll of the bell. Gather up the treasure and the cape then head towards the swamp with a spring in your step and a small chuckle as you kiss the little gemstone you have kept.

Virgo
If you find you have an ardent admirer don't assume you have to be embarrassed about it. Of course you may be flattered by the attention you are getting. But do not take advantage of the situation. Your integrity is about to be put to the test.

Try to avoid the smelly areas of the Land or you may well lose your new found friend and you don't want its rather nasty cousin to find out.

Libra
A Pluto-Venus clash indicates that handled clumsily a minor issue could develop into a row, which would be a pity as there is much to celebrate. Good news should be shared with the person who means most.

You and Trusty the Companion Sorcerer decide to take a nap in the King's treasure room, before braving the daylight again. Using the last dwarf as a pillow you settle down to sleep. Fully refreshed you awaken feeling odd, in fact very much lighter. "All the treasure has gone!" you exclaim, waking Trusty. "Jeez mine too, mm.... must be an invisible playing" he sighs and returns to sleep. As he snores you eye Trusty the Companion Necromancer.

Scorpio
Loved ones seem critical of your approach to family affairs and perhaps its time to speak your mind and really give them something to talk about. You are known for being a shy and reclusive, which is why an out-burst would make a huge impact. Don't get a taste for it, as there will be now stopping you.

Father shouts " Have you seen this phone-bill !!, I'm gonna sell that ruddy computer to pay some of this off !"
Mother shouts "Your dinners cold again. That's the last time, you can make your own from now on!"
Sister shouts "Your friends called round wondering if you were still alive. I told them to e-mail you !"
Baby brother shouts something nasty and cutting about getting a life as baby brothers do.

Enough is enough. Downstairs you swanger, half-blinded by something people call daylight. You point your finger and say "FOD" to each in turn. Leaving them speechless and wide-eyed you return to your lair.

Hellfire the Addicted Arch-Wizz then logs on, drops the Dragon at the rapids and relaxes to the sweet sound of the terrified mortals stampeding for the one-person rooms.

Sagittarius
The moment has arrived to explain yourself and tell the full story regarding your latest exploits. Most of your audience will hang on to every word but some may think you are talking in riddles and you don't seem to be making absolute sense.

Perhaps it is wiser to swamp the incense sooner rather than later when conquering the Pegoda. Further advice still, be wary of Wizz's handing out drinks, us mortals are frail, weak and suffer greatly after a sup of Wizzbrew , hot filtered in Dragon's breath.

Capricorn
What is more important than anything else is to get yourself fit and healthy. A new activity or interest may send you in the right direction to what remedies might kick-start you into a more dynamic 1999.

Join HedgeHog's All-over Wild Workout Unlimited Membership Programme for Health. Activities include sailing, pot-holing, parachuting, cross-country running and self-defence. Prizes are regularly awarded to the fastest achievers. Subscription is free, all part of the MUD package. Contact HedgeHog for more details. Please note late arrivals are welcome to the prize ceremonies. Disclaimer: HHAWWUMPH accepts no liability for injury or loss of life.

Aquarius
Everybody has strong opinions on what you should do next, but its what you want that really counts. Of course, there may be those better equipped to make your decision for you. But isn't it time you proved you're ready to think and act for yourself.

Your 195k Mage arrives ten minutes into the reset and already the tearoom looks like a scene from MASH. First big question is, has Comet eaten six wafers or seven? The second question is, do you nurse those that are only just still living, over a cup of tea or go North ?

Pisces
Difficulties with close relationship might seem never ending but at least you've identified the cause, if not the cure. And as you well know, one display of temper can sometimes achieve more than a series of subtle hints. If the voice of reason gets you nowhere, try one almighty roar. You'll achieve more - and it could be fun.

In a choking plume of dust you bounce off the mattress and pick yourself up without injury. Before you sleeping snuggly but looking very pale and close to death, is Trusty the Companion Mage. His eyes move rapidly. "Probably dreaming of how easy it was to get so close to Wizz thanks to me," you think cynically. So with great grace and savouring every moment you swing your broadsword and relish in the fact that his next and final dream word will be "Not Updating Personna".

The song subsides and drifts away. The spectral form bows as she begins to shimmer and fade. The words "Remember Remember" are left echoing in your mind until they also dissipate. Dazed and confused you stumble and trip. Down you fall. To one side there is a click and a creak followed by a whoosh of air. An old memory rushes to warn but is abruptly cut-off in mid flow. In a distant part of the Land a Raven cries "Nevermore!

One of my earliest memories of MUD was hearing someone shout out "help at the mine", and I remember thinking 'well I don't even know where the mine is, so I couldn't help even if I wanted to'. It was at that moment that I decided I really had to map the land, so that I would know where everywhere is and how to get there. The result is now the wallpaper next to my computer.

So how have I gone about mapping the land ? Well, you have to start by realising what you are trying to achieve. There are two objectives:

1. To differentiate between the different places in the land.
2. To understand how the different places are linked together.

The most basic tool we have to help achieve these objectives is the EXITS command. The EXITS command lists all the links to other places from the place you are in. If you use AUTO EXITS, all links will automatically be shown whenever you enter a new place. For example, go to the Fuming Swamp and type EXITS. Notice that to the East is West Lush Pasture. We have now achieved both objectives. Clearly West Lush Pasture is not the Fuming Swamp, and we know that it is to the East of the Fuming Swamp. Now for a slightly more complex example. From the Fuming Swamp, type S,S to end up in the Bandstand. Type EXITS here. Notice that in all directions there is Pine Forest. Here the EXITS command alone does not achieve the objectives because it is not able to differentiate between two different places that have the same short description. In these cases, we can have a look at the place's long description to see if that can help us. The LOOK command is used to see the long description of the place you are in. If you use the VERBOSE command, the long description will automatically be shown whenever you enter a new place. For example, from the Bandstand go N, and type LOOK here. Notice that you are in a place called Pine Forest, where the long description ends in the words 'to get through'. Now go S to return to the Bandstand, and then go W, and type LOOK here. Now you are in a place which is also called Pine Forest, but this time the long description ends in the words 'resembling a bandstand'. We have now once again achieved both objectives.

The combination of AUTO EXITS and VERBOSE is not sufficient to map the whole of the land, but it will do most of it. There is however one more thing you will need before you start - a way of recording all the different places, in the land, and how they are linked. I use pieces of paper with 15 columns headed as follows:

| No. | Description | N | NE | E | SE | S | SW | W | NW | U | D | I | O | Comments |

Each row under the headings is a different place in the land, and shows links from that place. For example, the Bandstand example I gave earlier would be recorded as follows:

No.

Description

Comments

Bandstand

Pine Forest

to get through

Pine Forest

resembling a bandstand

This can be read like this: if you start in place 1, the Bandstand, and go N, you will end up in place 2, the Pine Forest where the long description ends in the words 'to get through'. This method has the added advantage that I can tell when I have completed each place. Any blanks in a row mean that I have not yet finished that place. The complete entry for Bandstand would be:

The X's mean that there is no link from that place in that direction. Having completed the entry for place 1, I move to place 2 and complete that entry, and so on for all places.

Using this method, I have been able to map most of the land. I know there are outstanding questions, like what to do if both the short and the long descriptions of two different places are the same. And it is certainly not easy to turn the record of places and links into an actual map either. Maybe I will give advice on these things in future articles, but in the meantime 'Happy Mapping'.

The articles in this section are written by you, the players. The size of this section will vary depending on what gets sent in. If you would like to submit a tale, then please MUD-MAIL it to AZZURI.

On a lighter note, isn't it funny that, for the vast majority of submissions for this section the authors wanted to remain anonymous. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that some of the articles are so embarrassing for the player concerned, that they would never live it down in the land.

An idea for when your bored !
I was playing the other day and did everything in the land that was worth doing!! I was bored, so I was snooping people and they were boring too, so I made them sleep, it was fun but lost its interest shortly afterwards so I decided to Fod something!! So I thought the ogre!! I typed in Fod ogre and left it there (did not press return) I needed to go to the toilet so I went, only to come back to my brother diving out of bed towards the return button!!! I tried to stop him but I failed, he pressed enter and poof!!!!! I opened my eyes and I was still alive!!! the ogre had died!!!!! Then I kicked my brothers head in of course but I was still alive!!!!

Temper Temper !
I was playing as Gertrude, and was trying to find the cottage!!! Umbrarg was teasing me cause he could get there and stuff, then he left, after 50 mins of searching I found it!! I remembered the directions and sited, then went out and fell of a cliff!!!!!!!!
I was very frustrated after spending all that time looking so I just fodded myself (Gertrude that is).

Topcat Speaks His Mind
Here comes Foddy on his cloud,
Standing tall and standing proud.

Theres Agrazag the pan galactic in his robe,
With one click of his fingers he could travel the globe.

Then there's Cat with his big wide grin,
Looks so innocent but maybe full of sin.

Finally theres Richard the man with the brain,
Thanks to him my phonebills gone insane.

#verb_ retaliate
command#

{ retaliate object }:

retaliate%(first, me)

{ retaliate string }:

!? "The saying, *"Sticks and stones may break my bones,
but words*

will never hurt me*" inexplicably pops into your
head.*N"

#action_ retaliate%#

{ retaliate% portable ?? }:

checknforced() &

second -| humanoid ->>

fighting(second) 'f' = [] ->>

second !! "What for? You're not in a fight..!*N",

first -| seaboat & outside(second) -| searm ->>

second !! ("You can't use your " + obj%(first, second)
+

" as a weapon when you're at sea!*N"),

wpnused(second)=first ->>

$( second !! ("You're using " + the%(first, second) +
" anyway...*N")

?3 |

$( missturn(second) + := 1

second !! "Your guard drops momentarily in your
confusion.*N"

$)

$),

$( checkusing(first, second)

second !! ("You are now using " + the%(first, second) +

" to fight!*N")

f >.< 'd',

sees(h_ (fighters(d) / second) 'hf',

((\blinded(hf) & litroom(second, hf)) 'cs' ->>

theu%(second, hf),

$^ some%(second, hf)) +

" has started to use " +

(cs ->> the%, some%)(first, hf) +

" to fight!*N"

)

331 !! (theu%(second, //) + " retaliates with " +

the%(first, //))

$),

!? "Only humanoids can use weapons.*N"

{ retaliate% ?? ?? }:

checknforced() &

!?^ "That's no good, you can't even pick it up.*N"

Thanks to everyone who has helped put this newsletter together. Muddled Times can also be found on Cat the wizards website, Crowley's website and Muddy. See the links above. If you have any articles you would like to have published in the next issue, or even a section all of your own please MUD-MAIL Suzy the witch or send an email to suzy@btguest.btinternet.com