Discworld MUD: Tips For Newbies Last update: Monday the 16th of April 2001

So, you've decided to try out the Discworld MUD and want a few tips to get you going? Well, you've come to the right place. Below are a few things to bear in mind when starting out.

• First-off, be polite. If you're asking for help, people are much more likely to help you if you ask nicely. And use real English, not 133+ 5p34|> - this is really annoy people.
• You'll only be able to use the Newbie chat channel for the first 18 hours of your character's life, so make the most of it, but remember it's only for questions, not general chat (for general chat, get yourself to the novelty shop two spaces east and one south of the Mended Drum, then type 'exchange voucher for talker'. This will give you the 'chat' command, as long as you keep the stick you're given).
• Before you leave the newbie area, be sure to get yourself some equipment (unless you're an assassin - see the Tips for Assassins to see why). Don't bother with huge weapons such as longswords, bastard swords, or big axes - you're a new character and these need a high level in fighting.combat.melee.sharp to wield effectively. Get something small and light, such as a short sword, stiletto (a type of knife with a thin blade - very, very nice weapons). Shields are only necessary if you're going to be a warrior (and even then you may find you specialise as a warrior who doesn't fight with one) - they'll get in the way for anyone else. You definitely need armour, though. Even assassins are known to wear a mail shirt.
• Once you've got yourself equipped, spend some time in the combat rooms of the newbie area - combat is a major way of getting yourself some experience, so take the time to get a few levels of fighting skills before you get onto the Disc propper. You'll be told about setting-up your tactics by the NPC in the combat rooms, so it's a good idea to read the information presented when you type 'help tactics', too.
• And last but not least - explore. Join a group if you're not sure about going into dangerous areas, but do explore - there's a huge world full of things to kill for equipment, special items and experience, so make sure you get out there and get your share of it.