PhoenixMUD is even better in 2009!  One of the longest 
lasting MUDs around, it has very few traces of its stock circlemud 
origins from 1995.  Feel free to role play, explore, or just hack 
and slash.  The dedicated staff of immortals understands that games 
are meant to be fun.  They understand that games should be newbie-
friendly at low levels yet still challenging at high levels.  And 
they understand the difference between "challenging" and "tedious". 
With these principles in mind, they have made PhoenixMUD better than
ever.

 * Interactive real time combat.
 * 404 levels.
 * Realistic magic system with over a hundred spells.
 * 15 races and dozens of classes provide for hundreds of race/class 
   combinations.
 * More intelligent zones, with built in quests and mobs that can  
   surprise even experienced players. 
 * PK battle zones and PK flags that players can purchase to attack 
   only other flagged players of similar level.
 * Lots of NEW CODE in the last year, including:
     - Player-owned shops!
     - Newbie enhancements that gradually decrease as you level.  
       Now new players don't have to worry about finding their way 
       in the dark, struggling to find the perfect leveling 
       equipment immediately, etc.
     - Automated hero tests for remorting.  Now with triple remorts!
     - An "explored" stat keeps track of what % of the world 
       each player has yet to find.
     - And much more!
  *New for 2009:  A triple-zone dedicated to role playing, where 
     emotes have real power and actions have lasting impact.  Tired
     of hacking and slashing through the other zones?  Get together
     with an imm and a fellow player or two for a D&D style 
     campaign, heavy on mystery.