Review Submitted By: Jhorr
Author Status: Player
Started on TorilMud, the Sojourner's Home: 1996
Submission Date: Oct 30, 2003
TMC Listing: TorilMud, the Sojourner's Home
The following review is the opinion of the review's author [Jhorr]
and in no way represents the opinions of this website or its staff.
Torilmud is the latest incarnation of a text-based MUD that has roots
going back to the early 1990s. The MUD tends to have a smaller, yet
growing, player base that has generally been very loyal over the
years.
The features of the MUD that originally drew me to it include a richly
detailed and authentic Forgotton Realms environment, dozens of
classes and races to choose from, and a combat engine that makes for
very exciting battles. The features that have kept me involved over
the years were hidden under the surface. Only after playing for
a while and meeting some of the more experienced players did I
realize that each time Torilmud boots, some features of the zones -
including the monsters one encounters - can load differently each
time. This subtle feature keeps me logging in again and again. Did
that spy load in Griffon's Nest this boot? Did Jotunheim get invaded
by fire giants wearing powerful magic gear? You don't know, unless
you go check.
Quests are both hardcoded into the MUD itself as well as run by the
Admins and many are quite elaborate and detailed, resulting in an
epic quality to them. There are quests for special items as well
as for special spells and skills. Player killers beware, however.
Because many quests require so-called 'rare' items, and because
acquiring such rarities becomes the players' pride, player killing
is not allowed on Torilmud.
Also, there are dozens of zones and literally thousands of rooms to
explore including many high level zones where only the most prepared
and experienced players would dare to tread. Some zones take a few
minutes to walk through, while other more complex and strategic zones
can be the focus of a whole days' campaign. In fact, after
7 years of playing there are many places I have not even seen.
What's more is that the always active Areas Staff is continually
adding and expanding the MUD, resulting in new challenges to look
forward to both for experts and novices.
The quality of the zones is generally exceptional and many of the
better descriptions read like a fine novel. To me, it's like being
part of a constantly evolving story. Getting started isn't hard,
but becoming proficient at leading groups through the harder battles
of the MUD takes long preparation. Whatever your level of commitment,
there is a place for you on this MUD. Highly recommended.
