Ragnarok (MUD)
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Ragnarok is a highly interactive text-based online computer game (played using the Telnet protocol), known as a MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) that was started in 1994 and housed on a server in Portland, Oregon. Ragnarok was intended to be themed in a world and time similar to Medieval Europe, but not actually intended to be set in any known land. As a result of development latitude given to younger creators of the game by the administration, many deviations from this intended theme have been produced, explained away by the lack of limitations of "magic" required to create areas.
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[edit] Basic gameplay
Gameplay is mostly achieved via basic and often intuitive commands. For example, typing "n" would cause a player to go north, "s" would cause the player to go south, and so on. Weapons, armor, and objects are also typically very easy to use, and when their use is not obvious, a player need only examine the object to gain insight into its use. The basic objective of the game is to kill monsters and complete quests to advance in levels, until level 20. Death carries a penalty of the loss of one life, unless a player is already at level 1, in which case, the player retains his or her current level.
At level 20, the player has technically won the game. It is at this point the player is known as an initiate, and must make a decision regarding his or her future. If the player decides to continue on the current path, he or she becomes a hero, and a new adventure begins (the player is automatically advanced to level 21 and achieves full hero status). If the player decides to become a wizard, he or she will participate in development of new areas, objects, etc. and will automatically advance to Apprentice Wizard (level 60). Apprentice wizards must develop an entire area which must be approved by a sponsor wizard (at least sage) to be promoted to full wizardship.
[edit] Quests
In addition to simply killing monsters, there are a number of quests that a player must complete in order to advance in level. The first quest, Newbie School, seeks to teach new players the fundamentals of play. Other quests are not designed to teach players about gameplay, but are instead designed to test players' critical thinking skills and gameplay acuity. Each level has its own quest point requirements.
[edit] Levels
On a broad scale, levels in Ragnarok are the quickest way to determine the role or status of a player or wizard.
| # | Title | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 19 | Player | All players start at level 1 |
| 20 | Initiate | The player must now decide to hero or become a wizard |
| 21 - 40 | Hero | |
| 41 - 59 | Superhero | A limitation in the initial game code required special condsiderations for heroes at this level |
| 50 | Honorary Wizard | Given rarely by the gods to retired wizards or wizards who do not wiz in the normal fashion |
| 60-69 | Apprentice Wizard | Period to learn LPC and "learn the ropes" of wizardry |
| 70-99 | Wizard | This occurs when the apprentice completes a full realm and has it approved by sponsor wizards |
| 100-199 | Senior Wizard | Middle management wizards, Deputies of Law Department |
| 200-399 | Sage | First level sponsors; Main role is to assist in coding for lower level wizards |
| 400-499 | Elder Wizard | Upper coding management for lower-level wizards. Officially considered administration at level 400. Usually the sheriff is of this rank. |
| 500-599 | Archwizard | Leaders of the council of the wizards. Allowed to mediate wizardly disputes. |
| 600-699 | Governor | Leader of administration. Responsible for the law of the land and disputes among players and wizards. |
| 700-899 | Lord Steward | Immortal responsible for the game in the absence of the gods. |
| 900-999 | Demigod | Responsible for major work on MUDlib. |
| 1000 | God | Owners of Ragnarok. |
[edit] Notable / Active Wizards
Throughout the history of the game, several people have made significant contributions to the geography and makeup of gameplay. Some notable and active wizards are detailed below:
| Rank | Name | Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Archwizard | Aedin | Guilds: Elementalist, bardagh; Long time governor (Retired) |
| Senior Wizard | Ayla | Deputy |
| Archwizard | Bilco | Ninja Guild |
| Elder Wizard | Derr | Sheriff |
| Demigod | Elwing | MASSIVE MUDlib improvements |
| God | Fizban | Owner of Ragnarok |
| God | Galadriel | Owner of Ragnarok |
| Archwizard | Pips | Former Deputy / MUDlib contributions |
| Senior Wizard | Sandradee | Deputy |
| Senior Wizard | Stalky | Deputy |
| Governor | X | Administrative leader |
| Lady Steward | Tasha | Administrative leader |
