I have to agree with Bodhi. I think this mud has become quite easy compared to how it was 6-7 years ago. In fact, dying is what made me 25 days old and only level 16. This mud used to be a huge challenge, which ironically makes the game a lot more fun. What is the fun in just leveling the shit out of yourself, dying, then being right back where you were? That would leave me no incentive. Hazies are also everywhere now, learn how to play the game smarter, and make better decisions.

I'm actually kind of curious as well to know what is different about this purge that has allowed players to achieve level 28 so easily, when 6 years ago, the highest level people were players like Greengiant and Fawn. Anyone have any ideas on what has made it so much easier besides resurrections and easy hazies?

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Anyone have any ideas on what has made it so much easier besides resurrections and easy hazies?

Knowledge, exploration, and most importantly time.

Derlith maintains a well thought-out economy, however, the majority of wealth and posessions lies with the majority of players. What this means, is that although it was well thought out and takes many tactical considerations into account, it does not take into account the strategical implications behind the many feeding the many over time.
This results in a rich cess pool of resources.

A few of the original players knew of this potential outcome, and secrets, resources, heck even quests would be horded and kept secret. (I know that I used to charge a fair arm and a leg to take people on the immolate quest, and only after getting paid $30k for many runs, did someone who was capable, learn it and be able to do the same themselves).

Over time, these secrets bled into public knowledge, and areas that used to be highly exclusive and "legendary" became another "run" (as in: Let's make a run through the firedrake mines and pick up some roth blades, kill the beholder, and mess up Kraa).

What this means, is that resources such as gold, equipment, spells, and also (in many ways) areas and quests, have fed into an almost socialist economy. aka. "Why can't we all be friends/level 22+/etc. I'll ressurect you off, don't worry about taking a risk."

Am I saying that I don't like encouraging others? Not at all! However, I am saying that there needs to be more "MUD capitalism" to create inspiration, motivation, and competition. Player shops, raise your prices! Lower leveling costs? Heck no! Raise them! Plus, make them slay three dragons solo!
I am being slightly facecious, but I think people get my point.

Bodhi was the first to level 7,8,10,11.
The first ever pledged.
The first to enter Sigil.
The first to get waterbolt, fireball, mend-wounds, stun, immolate, burstflame, bloodboil, invisibility, wolfblade, hire a fairy dragon, attempt Kraa (and fail), attempt the Beholder (and succeed)
...and many more, because I was balsy enough to attempt, and because I had to - to stay ahead of the curve.

It's not just that I felt like bragging (although that reminiscence was nice), but these were proud moments! The competition and hierarchy of being a "good player" was worth more then. To put Realms in the forefront of my mind all day, always wondering if someone else was logged on and pulling ahead, would nag at me and drive me nuts - but it would also drive me to find new things, risk my neck, and recruit others who wanted to do the same.

Anyway, I ramble too much. I think people get my point.

Peace (?)

Bodhi

This will not be a problem anymore as the playerbase expands, as it hopefully is. Even though a quest or "run" may be known to most of the players, when someone discovers it by themselves, and attempts it for the first time, there is a sense of excitement and accomplishment. I know this is true for myself - even though I have a medium level character, there is still plenty to explore. Oakspire and Darkhold Forest just opened, and I know that most players have not thoroughly explored there. New areas are being built, and those will be new challenges as well.

A text-game of several thousand rooms can only have so much depth. If you've seen it all, perhaps it's time to make a contribution to it!

[quote="Bodhi"]

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attempt Kraa (and fail)

Oh the days when RoH was RoH and men were men...

Quit whining, we got ressurrect. I can't remember the last time my Paladin died and you should see some of the stuff I solo.