      MUD v4.0
      Multi-User Dungeon System

      Emulator.ca Systems

Introduction

Welcome to the Multi-User Dungeon system from Emulator.ca Systems.

You are about to experience something that would have seemed like science fiction just ten years ago.

In the early 1980s, university students across the world discovered something remarkable: by connecting their terminals to shared mainframes, they could inhabit the same imaginary world together. These "Multi-User Dungeons" — or MUDs — represented a new frontier in computing. For the first time in human history, people separated by vast distances could explore dungeons, battle monsters, and share adventures in real time. No airplane tickets. No long-distance phone bills. Just you, your modem, and adventurers from around the world.

MUD brings this pioneering tradition to your EC-TTY terminal. Whether you are connecting from across the room or across the continent, you will share a persistent fantasy world with other real human beings. Watch as fellow travelers appear in the tavern doorway — that is not a computer character, that is someone like you, sitting at their own keyboard, perhaps thousands of miles away. Exchange tales of dragon encounters. Form parties to explore the dungeon depths together. Make friends you have never met in person.

This is the future of social computing — a world that exists only when you and your fellow adventurers bring it to life. When you disconnect, the realm continues without you. When you return, your companions may have discovered new passages, slain fearsome beasts, or left messages waiting for your return.

What is a Multi-User Dungeon?

A MUD is a real-time, text-based adventure environment shared by multiple users simultaneously. Unlike single-player adventures where you battle scripted enemies and solve pre-written puzzles, the world continues to exist when you disconnect — and the characters you meet are controlled by other real people sitting at their own terminals, perhaps in another city, another country, another continent.

Every conversation is genuine. Every encounter is unique. Every friendship is real.

Think about that for a moment. Right now, someone you have never met might be exploring the same dungeon, wondering if they will encounter another adventurer. That person could become your companion on a quest, your rival for treasure, or simply a friendly face in the tavern. The stories you create together exist nowhere else — they happen once, between real people, and live only in your shared memory.

MUD supports multiple simultaneous connections. Other users you encounter are real people connected at the same time. Actions and messages are visible to all users present in the same location.

System Features

The MUD system provides a complete social adventure environment:

14 Distinct Locations — From cozy taverns to dragon lairs, each with unique atmosphere and secrets
Real-Time Communication — Speak with everyone in your current room using SAY — they see your words the instant you press RETURN
Private Messaging — Send secret messages across any distance with WHISPER — plan strategies, share discoveries, or just chat privately
Expressive Actions — Describe your character's actions with EMOTE — wave hello, draw your sword, or dance a jig
Presence Awareness — Know when adventurers arrive, depart, or join the realm — the world feels alive because it is alive

Getting Started

Establishing Connection

From your EC-TTY terminal, dial the MUD server:

ATDT 555-0700

CONNECT 2400

      MUD v4.0                               
      Multi-User Dungeon System                 

Enter your character name: _

Character Name Selection

Upon connection, the system prompts for a character name. This identifier is displayed to other users during all interactions.

NAME REQUIREMENTS

Maximum 20 characters
Cannot be empty
Alphanumeric characters recommended

EXAMPLE

CODE_FENCE_0

Movement Commands

Navigation is accomplished via directional commands. Each location has exits leading to adjacent areas. The LOOK command displays available exits for the current location.

Directional Commands

Command	Direction	Description
`GO NORTH` or `GO N`	North	Move northward
`GO SOUTH` or `GO S`	South	Move southward
`GO EAST` or `GO E`	East	Move eastward
`GO WEST` or `GO W`	West	Move westward
`GO UP` or `GO U`	Up	Ascend (stairs, ladders)
`GO DOWN` or `GO D`	Down	Descend (stairs, caves)

The LOOK Command

Use LOOK (or L) to examine the current location. This displays the room name, description, available exits, and any other users present.

EXAMPLE

CODE_FENCE_0

NOTE

When you move to a new room, other users in both your previous and current locations receive notification of your departure and arrival.

Communication

MUD provides several methods for inter-user communication.

SAY -- Room Communication

The SAY command broadcasts a message to all users in your current room.

EXAMPLE

CODE_FENCE_0

Other users in the room will see:

Gandalf says: Hail, fellow travelers! Has anyone seen the dragon?

WHISPER -- Private Messages

The WHISPER command sends a message visible only to the specified user, regardless of their current location.

Syntax:

WHISPER

EXAMPLE

CODE_FENCE_0

The target user will see:

Gandalf whispers: I found the secret entrance!

ALIASES

WHISPER can also be typed as W, TELL, or T.

EMOTE -- Action Descriptions

The EMOTE command (also ME) displays a custom action message to all users in the current room.

EXAMPLE

CODE_FENCE_0

All users in the room see the same emote message.

WHO / PLAYERS -- User List

The PLAYERS command (or WHO, or P) displays all connected users, grouped by current location.

EXAMPLE

CODE_FENCE_0

World Map

The system contains fourteen distinct locations. Below is a map of the environment, followed by descriptions of each location.

World Overview

The MUD world consists of three main areas connected by the Town Square:

The Town (North) - Civilization: Temple, Guild Hall, Market District The Wilds (West) - Nature: Forest, Clearing, Ruins, Cave The Depths (Below) - Danger: Cellar, Dungeon, Dragon's Lair

ASCII Map

                GUILD MASTER'S OFFICE
                        |
                       (up)
                        |
    TEMPLE -------- GUILD HALL
       |                |
       |                |
    TOWN SQUARE --- MARKET --- (leads to Armory)
       |                |
       |               (south)
       |                |
    TAVERN --------- ARMORY
    (START)             |
       |                |
      (down)            |
       |                |
    CELLAR          DUNGEON -------- DRAGON'S LAIR
       |                |
       |               (up)
       |                |
    RUINS           CAVE
       |                |
       |                |
    CLEARING ------ FOREST -------- TOWN SQUARE

Path to Adventure: From the Tavern, you can go north to Town Square, then west through the Forest to reach the Cave. Descend from the Cave to the Dungeon, then venture east to find the Dragon's Lair.

Alternative Route: The Cellar beneath the Tavern connects to the Ruins, which lead through the Clearing to the Forest.

Location Descriptions

The Rusty Dragon Tavern (Starting Point)

A cozy tavern filled with the smell of ale and roasted meat. Adventurers gather around wooden tables, sharing tales of their exploits. A crackling fireplace warms the room. The bartender polishes mugs behind the bar.

Exits: north -> Town Square, east -> Armory, down -> Cellar

Town Square

The bustling heart of the town. Merchants hawk their wares from colourful stalls. A grand fountain bubbles in the center, its water sparkling in the sunlight. Children run between the crowds, laughing and playing.

Exits: south -> Tavern, north -> Temple, east -> Market, west -> Forest

Blacksmith's Armory

The rhythmic clanging of hammer on anvil echoes through this hot workshop. Weapons and armor line the walls in neat rows. The blacksmith, a burly dwarf, works tirelessly at the forge, sweat gleaming on his brow.

Exits: west -> Tavern, north -> Market

Market District

A maze of merchant stalls and shops selling everything from fresh bread to exotic spices. The air is filled with a cacophony of haggling voices and the aroma of street food. Colourful awnings provide shade from the sun.

Exits: west -> Town Square, south -> Armory, north -> Guild

Temple of Light

A serene temple with high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows that cast colourful patterns on the marble floor. The air is thick with incense. Priests in white robes move quietly, tending to the faithful.

Exits: south -> Town Square, east -> Guild

Adventurer's Guild

The headquarters of the local adventuring guild. Notice boards are covered with quest postings and bounty notices. Veteran adventurers compare scars and equipment. A spiral staircase leads up to the guild master's office.

Exits: south -> Market, west -> Temple, up -> Guild Master's Office

Guild Master's Office

A spacious office filled with maps, scrolls, and trophies from legendary quests. Behind an oak desk sits the guild master, studying reports. Shelves line the walls, filled with ancient tomes and artifacts.

Exits: down -> Adventurer's Guild

Dark Forest

Ancient trees tower overhead, their branches forming a dense canopy that blocks out much of the sunlight. The forest floor is covered in moss and fallen leaves. Strange sounds echo from deeper in the woods.

Exits: east -> Town Square, west -> Clearing, north -> Cave

Forest Clearing

A peaceful clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. Wildflowers grow in abundance, attracting butterflies and bees. A small stream babbles nearby. This seems like a good place to rest.

Exits: east -> Forest, north -> Ruins

Mysterious Cave

The entrance to a dark cave. Water drips from stalactites above, echoing in the darkness. The air is cool and damp. Faint growling sounds emanate from deeper within. Only the brave dare venture further.

Exits: south -> Forest, down -> Dungeon

The Dungeon

A dank, dangerous dungeon carved from solid rock. Torches flicker on the walls, casting dancing shadows. The sound of dripping water and distant roars echo through the corridors. Danger lurks around every corner.

Exits: up -> Cave, east -> Dragon's Lair

Dragon's Lair

An enormous cavern, the ceiling lost in darkness far above. Piles of gold coins, jewels, and artifacts are scattered across the floor. At the center, on a mountain of treasure, sleeps an ancient red dragon. Its breathing creates waves of heat. One wrong move could awaken the beast...

Exits: west -> Dungeon

WARNING

The Dragon's Lair contains significant hazards. Exercise caution.

Tavern Cellar

A cool, dimly lit cellar beneath the tavern. Barrels of ale and wine line the walls, stacked from floor to ceiling. Cobwebs drape the corners. A few storage crates are piled in one corner. Something scurries in the shadows.

Exits: up -> Tavern, south -> Ruins

Ancient Ruins

Crumbling stone walls and fallen pillars mark what was once a grand structure. Vines and moss have reclaimed much of the stonework. Strange runes are carved into the remaining walls, glowing faintly with arcane energy. An air of mystery and danger permeates this place.

Exits: north -> Cellar, south -> Clearing

Multi-User Interaction

MUD provides real-time notification of other user activity.

Arrival and Departure Notifications

When another user enters your current room:

Merlin arrives from the south.

When they leave:

Merlin leaves north.

New User Connection

When a new user connects and joins your room:

*** Thorin has entered the realm ***

User Disconnection

When a user disconnects or uses QUIT:

*** Thorin has left the realm ***

Room Occupancy Display

When using LOOK or entering a new room, other users present are listed under "Also here:":

Also here:
  * Merlin
  * Thorin
  * Elrond

NOTE

Use the WHO command to display all connected users and their locations.

Complete Command Reference

[Command table - see online manual for interactive version]

Direction Shortcuts

Full Command	Shortcut
GO NORTH	GO N
GO SOUTH	GO S
GO EAST	GO E
GO WEST	GO W
GO UP	GO U
GO DOWN	GO D

Tips for Users

Exploring the World

Use LOOK constantly. Every time you enter a new room, LOOK reveals the exits, other characters present, and atmospheric details that make the world come alive. Veteran adventurers make it a habit.
Map as you go. The world is interconnected in non-obvious ways. Consider keeping notes on your desk - sketch the rooms and connections. Many adventurers have found hidden paths by reviewing their notes.
Everyone starts at the Tavern. When you connect, you appear in The Rusty Dragon Tavern. This is the social hub of the MUD - the most likely place to find other adventurers.

Communicating with Others

SAY is your voice. When you spot another character, SAY is your introduction. "SAY Hail, fellow traveler!" breaks the ice. Remember: you are talking to real people.
EMOTE adds personality. While SAY handles dialogue, EMOTE lets you act. "EMOTE draws his cloak tighter and eyes the shadows" tells other players about your character without speaking.
WHISPER transcends distance. Need to coordinate secretly with a friend across the map? WHISPER reaches them wherever they are. Perfect for planning dungeon expeditions or sharing discoveries.

Finding Your Way

Lost? Ask for help. Unlike a single-player game, you can simply SAY "Does anyone know the way to the Guild?" Other players are often happy to share directions.
Watch the notifications. When you see "Merlin arrives from the north," you know there is a path north from Merlin's previous location. Notifications help you build a mental map.
The path to adventure: From the Tavern, head north to Town Square, then west to the Forest. Continue north to the Cave, descend to the Dungeon, and venture east to find the Dragon's Lair. But be cautious - the deeper you go, the more dangerous it becomes.

PATH TO DRAGON'S LAIR

Tavern → Town Square → Forest → Cave (down) → Dungeon → Dragon's Lair

A Typical Session

To help you understand how MUD works in practice, here is what a typical session might look like:

ATDT 555-0700
CONNECT 2400

      MUD v4.0
      Multi-User Dungeon System

Enter your character name: Aldric

Welcome to the realm, Aldric!
[...]

> LOOK

The Rusty Dragon Tavern

A cozy tavern filled with the smell of ale and roasted meat. [...]

Exits: north, east, down

Also here:
  * Seraphina

> SAY Well met! I just arrived.

You say: Well met! I just arrived.

Seraphina says: Welcome, Aldric! Headed anywhere in particular?

> SAY I seek the dragon. Is it true one dwells below?

You say: I seek the dragon. Is it true one dwells below?

Seraphina says: Aye, deep in the dungeon to the west. I can show you
the way if you like.

> SAY Lead on, friend!

You say: Lead on, friend!

Seraphina leaves north.

> GO NORTH

Town Square
[...]

Also here:
  * Seraphina

Seraphina says: This way - through the forest.

Seraphina leaves west.

> GO WEST

Dark Forest
[...]

*** Thorin has entered the realm ***

And so the adventure begins. Notice how the arrival notification tells you another player has connected - perhaps another companion for your quest.

Usage Guidelines

MUD is a shared environment — a community. The following guidelines ensure an enjoyable experience for all users, from first-time adventurers to seasoned dungeon masters.

Community Standards

Be welcoming. Everyone was new once. When you see an unfamiliar name appear in the realm, consider offering a friendly greeting or assistance. You might be the reason someone falls in love with MUDs.
Stay in character... or don't. Some players enjoy speaking as their characters ("Hail, fellow traveler! What news from the eastern kingdoms?"); others prefer casual conversation ("Hey, anyone know where the dragon is?"). Both approaches are welcome — find what feels natural.
Respect others' time. Avoid flooding the room with rapid-fire messages. Give others space to respond. Remember that some players may be on slower connections.
Keep it appropriate. This is a shared, public environment. Content should be suitable for all ages. Your words are broadcast to real people.
Report problems. If you encounter technical issues or inappropriate behavior, inform the system administrators. We want this to be a place everyone can enjoy.

MUDs were born in university computer labs in the early 1980s, where students discovered the joy of shared adventure. Essex University's MUD1, created by Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle, showed the world what was possible. That spirit of collaborative exploration, friendly competition, and genuine human connection remains at the heart of MUD.

The world is more interesting with more people in it. Every new adventurer makes the realm richer.

Quick Reference Card

+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                  MUD v4.0 QUICK REFERENCE                     |
|                    Emulator.ca Systems                           |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                  |
|  MOVEMENT                       COMMUNICATION                    |
|  LOOK (L)   - See room          SAY <msg>     - Talk to room     |
|  GO N/S/E/W - Move direction    WHISPER <u>   - Private message  |
|  GO UP/DOWN - Ascend/descend    EMOTE <act>   - Describe action  |
|                                 WHO (P)       - List all users   |
|                                                                  |
|  GENERAL                        DIAL: 555-0700                   |
|  HELP (H,?) - Show commands                                      |
|  QUIT (Q)   - Disconnect        Emulator.ca Systems              |
|                                                                  |
+------------------------------------------------------------------+

Troubleshooting

Connection Problems

Problem	Solution
No carrier	Verify phone number: 555-0700
Garbled text	Set terminal to 8N1, match baud rate
No echo	Enable local echo in terminal settings
Dropped connection	Dial again and re-enter character name

Command Problems

"Unknown command"

Check spelling of the command
Ensure proper syntax (e.g., WHISPER name message, not WHISPER message name)
Use HELP to see available commands

Cannot move in a direction

Use LOOK to see available exits
The direction you specified may not be available from this room
Spell out direction fully or use abbreviations: N, S, E, W, U, D

WHISPER not working

Verify the target user name is spelled correctly
Use WHO to see connected users and their exact names
Names are case-insensitive

Cannot see other users

Other users must be in the same room to appear in LOOK output
Use WHO to see all connected users and their locations
Users may have disconnected since you last checked

Display Issues

Text appearing garbled

Ensure your terminal is set to the correct baud rate (2400)
Verify terminal settings: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (8N1)

Lines wrapping incorrectly

Set terminal width to 80 columns
Some terminal emulators require explicit width configuration

Missing line breaks

Enable "newline mode" in your terminal if available
The system sends CR+LF line endings

Glossary

Emote : A command that displays a custom action message to all users in the current room. For example, EMOTE waves hello displays "* YourName waves hello".

Exit : A connection between two rooms. Exits have directions (north, south, east, west, up, down) and lead to adjacent locations.

Location : A room or area in the MUD world. Each location has a name, description, exits to other locations, and may contain other users.

MUD : Multi-User Dungeon. A text-based multiplayer virtual world where users can explore, communicate, and interact in real time.

Private Message : A message sent using WHISPER that only the sender and recipient can see, regardless of their locations.

Room : Another term for location. A discrete area within the MUD world.

Say : A command that broadcasts a message to all users in your current room.

Session : The period from when you connect to MUD until you disconnect. Your character exists only during your session.

User : A person connected to MUD, represented by their chosen character name.

Whisper : A private message command that sends text only to a specific user, who may be in any location.

The Adventure Awaits

MUD represents something genuinely revolutionary in computing: a world that exists only because people choose to inhabit it together. Unlike a book or a film, the stories here are not scripted. Unlike a single-player game, the other characters have their own goals, desires, and personalities — because they are real people.

Every time you connect, you step into a living world where anything might happen.

Some sessions will be quiet explorations of empty dungeons — just you, the flickering torchlight, and the distant drip of water. Others will be raucous gatherings in the Tavern, full of tall tales and friendly rivalry. You might form a party to challenge the Dragon, pooling your courage with strangers who become friends. Or you might spend an evening simply chatting with fellow adventurers about life on both sides of the terminal.

The people you meet here are real. The friendships you form are real. The stories you create together exist nowhere else in the world.

This is not just a game. This is a glimpse of what computing will become — a medium for human connection that transcends geography. Someday, millions will inhabit virtual worlds together. Right now, today, you can be among the pioneers.

The realm awaits. Who will you meet? What stories will you create together?

Dial 555-0700 and find out.

MUD v4.0 Multi-User Dungeon System Emulator.ca Systems - DIAL: 555-0700