Revelation: Lands of Kaldana
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| Revelation: Lands of Kaldana | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Kaldana Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Kaldana Studios(US) |
| Version | 0.40.6 |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Release date | March, 2001 |
| Genre(s) | MUD |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | Game intended for Audiences 13 and older. |
| Media | Public Download |
Revelation: Lands of Kaldana is an interactive, real time, text-based multi user online fantasy role-playing game, sometimes referred to as a MUD. Though, primarily text-based, the game does include graphical elements to enhance the game's ease of use. The game was created and is maintained by Kaldana Studios, who classify the game as still in its' beta status.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
First developed as a simple peer-played MUD, Revelation has undergone many changes since its creation in 2000. While originally consisting of only three play areas, the development team has slowly added in maps, or zones, to expand the game world and is currently at over 45 separate and unique zones.[2] The character class system originally consisted of four base classes that users were able to role-play with during gameplay. In 2002, the development team restructured the character class system into four "philosophies" that grouped the classes by similar archetypes. The new class system also gave rise to more than 8 new classes, bringing the total available classes up to 12.[3] Though the game has always been a hybrid between text-based MUDs and graphical MUDs, the client has been steadily updated to allow users to view inventories, more easily interact with players, and give the user a more pleasant experience. Since its initial online publication in 2001, Revelation: Lands of Kaldana has remained a free to download and free to play MUD.
[edit] Game Information
[edit] Setting
Revelation: Lands of Kaldana is set in the fantasy world of Kaldana. Two millenia prior to the current time setting of the game, an event called "Rakalla" wracked the game world with magic energy causing a world wide cataclysm. Players take part in the game world on the continent of Majestia, a continent steeped, through churches and arcane academies, in magic use. An important concept in the game world of Kaldana is the constant and underlying animosities between the Church of Aran and the Empire of Majestia. The issues of wars between the Church and the Empire allow the player to feel immersed in a dynamic world.[4] Though several other continents exist, such as the frozen, northern Naraikos[5] and the southern Republic of Domica[6], Majestia is currently the only near fully developed continent.
[edit] Role-playing Aspects
The role-playing features of the game include methods for users to gain levels, raise player stats, raise skills, and raise spellcasting abilities. Players choose one of 12 classes grouped into 4 "philosophies" at character creation. In contrast to other MUDs, Revelation: Lands of Kaldana groups classes into "philosophies" based upon similar world views of the classes, instead of basing the class groupings upon similarities of play-styles or group roles.
The "philosophies" of the game and their respective classes are:[7]
Soldiers of the Empire:
- Defender - the primary tank of Majestia.
- Warrior - a damage oriented fighter class.
- Assassin - the stealth rogue of Majestia.
Defenders of Faith:
- Priest - the primary healer of Majestia.
- Paladin - hybrid class between a tank and a healer.
- Redeemer - a monk-like class using holy spells.
Scholars of the Academy:
- Wizard - the primary spell nuker of Majestia.
- Enchanter - hybrid class specializing in buffs.
- Summoner - the primary pet class of Majestia.
Watchers of Chaos:
- Ranger - the primary archer of Majestia.
- Necromancer - hybrid class specializing in death magic and summoning.
- Druid - hybrid class specializing in room healing, buffs and lightning, as well as the ability to shapeshift into a bear.
[edit] Client
The free downloadable client is a stand-alone program built in C++, instead of using the Telnet client which most MUDs currently use. The game client uses a color-coded grid to portray the character's location within the game world and to serve as a mini-map. Though much of the client uses graphical elements, such as the mini-map, inventory, and status bars, the primary functions of the game, including chat and fighting functions, take place through a scrolling text window. The client undergoes monthly to bi-monthly updates, adding new functions for ease of use.
