DESCRIPTION
My first article in over eighteen years about a text game called a MUD that was popular from BBS circuits in the 1990s. Which still is active after 20 years of operations. [819 words]
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
I am a long time Information Technology Major, and a former Navy Protected Veteran but I have a strong love and passion for writing, also an avid reader with a very large collection of books. I have many influences through the years (Pro Authors) and those influences have kept me writing and strong in literature for over 20 years. I have completed over fifty short stories, three novellas, two serials to my credit and dozens of articles. Most of my writing began for the High School and College Newspapers. It was a hobby at first but the fun and passion started in college where I found a small following of fans who believed in me... [June 2021]
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Dark Castle Mud Game: An Article Nathaniel A Miller
There is a place that old time gamers hang out, a long time now over fifteen years this place has existed. It is a MUD, a Multi-User Dimension. It is first of many of this called a DIKU mud and its derivatives that were invented back in the 80’s and 90’s from the Mainframe Computing days. A place for home for so many who have served on its text bound screens and descriptions. Alas so much like a writer who puts to words on paper this puts the words to screen in a series of rooms, making up a vast array of a mystical land. A land that can be utilized like a story-book and played like the old-fashioned Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Game, but with only one difference, there is no dice. It is located on a port and a server all its own, placed there according to programming, and is the first of a series of many MUDS and its derivatives, known as MUCKS, MUSHES, and Moo, starting on the Bulletin Board Craze in the 1990’s . One could be whisked mystically away from one land into the next with a series of moves (or steps) using their character in an adventure solo or with others.
It offers a fully detailed and highly developed play run system, a Metaphysician where attributes and upgrades can be purchased. It also offers an array of many items, mobs, areas and storylines. The Mud has a variety of well developed, races and classes (including Monk, Bard, Druid, Paladin, Barbarian, Warrior, Cleric, Mage, and Anti–Paladin). There are professions and character specializations, an all-original Casino with odds and rules. Also it offers an automated Quest system for the adventurous types. Dark Castle offers a leader board to compare to the other players online. It has a flexible unique combat system, (full of gore and mayhem) with real killing possibilities for the clever and organized. Free Player Vaulting for storage for saving and sharing the loot. Comprehensive help files for veteran and new players. It has interactive and constantly evolving world that is ever changing.
It is also not without politics in the implementers and Clan system. In which there is a lot of disorganization and singling out of people and clans who log to have fun. Atypical that is found when you are dealt with long term operation and lack of leadership to show the way. It is also problematic as rules that are fully defined are “Bent” to give advantage to certain clans and personnel. Unfortunately Dark Castle in the last fifteen years of its existence has survived 3 player-wipes, and evolved beyond its programming. It has had however more than a half dozen turnovers of leadership as well making it very corrupted with greed among the leadership that give advantages instead of the un-biased environment that was its original conception.
It is worth while to play, but there are two implementations of it currently. If one is willing to learn the game, I recommend the 23 or 6666 port (telnet dcastle.org) where multi-playing is allowed where you can run up to six connections concurrently. You have a better chance to learn the game, and understand the mechanics of Dark Castle from which it is designed. You have an ability to reach the maximum level of 60 on this port and have assistance by a few remaining clans who currently still connect, in addition to the help files. Keep in mind that there IS full player combat however that is found on both ports that is legal according to the rules of Dark Castle Mud.
The other port 6969 is no multi-playing and is at this moment subject to the corruption and bias currently found on this game. All good fair play is reduced and it is very hard to get anywhere while playing on this port. There is bullying, hazing and other problems that are outside the rules and parameters of the game. It is not recommended for new users to play this port. It is a very difficult port to play on and start out with no learning curve involved for understanding the game. It is mostly for advanced players who have been around the mud systems for a very long time.
Also available are telnet clients CMUD, Wintin 95, Tintin which offer scripting and automation of game (such as looters and corpse removal also spells and grouping capabilities) It is highly recommended you use a client for this mud in order to benefit from the full enjoyment of the game with no restrictions.
Operational data:
Address
dcastle.org
Port 23 or 6666 for newbie port
6969 for advanced port.
Website is www.Dcastle.org
We currently are seeking new players for 23 6666 port for people who are interested in 0ld school text adventuring and gaming. Assistance is available for those who wish to give it a try .
Hope to see you there.
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