Getting Started

Firstly, if you already know about MUDs and logging in, then you probably want to take a look at our Newbie Survival Guide instead

A MUD is a text based game, loosely akin to old style text adventures from the 70's and 80's. However, with the arrival of the Internet, these took a step forward. Short for Muti-User Domain, a MUD is a world (or, indeed, a domain) unto itself where several people from their Internet connections anywhere in the world can join the game and play.

The game is different from a standard text adventure in that it is largely non-linear. While there is a system that represents your power level, which in turn can limit where you can survive, you are pretty much free to roam. The plot is not set in stone line that of most computer roleplay games. The players themselves weave the story as they go along, under the watchful eyes of the immortals (the administrators of the game).

So, think of it a cross between a text adventure, and a tabletop roleplay game, except with a lot more freedom to do your own thing. New Horizons is a MUD set in a large fantasy world, though more details of our MUD specifically can be found elsewhere on the web site. Without a doubt though, it's a lot of fun, and can be very addictive.

Logging In

In order to connect, you will need what is known as a Telnet client. Most computers come with one for free, though it is often very limited.

If you are eager, you can get started immediately by clicking on the following link:

telnet://horizonz.co.uk:1234

You will most likely discover problems with the default Telnet client, especially if you are using certain versions of Windows. Fortunately, there are a number of tools available on the Internet known as MUD clients. These are specially crafted Telnet clients with a bundle of extra features for connecting to and playing MUDs. Most will allow you to save the connection details of your favourite MUDs, and many also support extra features like support for coloured text, world mapping, triggers and so on. Take careful note of the rules of the game (specifically regarding triggers and idling) before using any of these, however.

Using a search engine like Google is a good place to start when searching for MUD clients. Another good starting point is the MUD Connector web site, which also offers a number of other resources for MUD players and administrators alike. Here are a few links to MUD clients that we know about, or indeed may have used ourselves. Note we accept no responsibility for the use of these programs, as we not affiliated with any of them.

For Windows

Pueblo
ZMud
GMud (alternative site)

For Linux

TinyFugue

For Macs

hydraMUD

Once you've downloaded and started up the MUD client of your choice, you will need the following details to connect to the game:

Host / Server:	horizonz.co.uk
Port:	1234

Playing for the First Time

When you log into New Horizons for the first time, read everything. A lot of people pay little attention to the message of the day, or the text that's displayed for newbies, or the initial room descriptions. Even if you've played MUDs before, you should still take a look. If you haven't played MUD ever before, read every word that is displayed. It's there for your benefit, and you will struggle to get into the game if you don't take a few minutes out at this stage.

If you get stuck, there is a special global channel called NEWBIE, which can be accessed by typing NEWBIE followed by a message. Until you are level 25, you can communicate on this channel. It can be seen and used by everyone below level 25, along with any mortals in the Helper guild, and any immortals. Be aware that asking questions that could have been answered by simply reading the introductory texts will not go down well. Similarly, the channel is there for newbie assistance - it is not there for general chatter.

Note that for in character reasons, there are no global channels that are available to everyone. If you want to talk to someone over a long distance, use the THINK command.

If you have a problem, feel free to ask. Immortals can be contacted via NEWBIE, or by using notes in game (see HELP NOTE) if there is no one around. Take note of the etiquette page on this site, however, before you start making demands for assistance.

Once you have got into the game, take a look at the more details help texts and the rest of this web site. There is a lot of information around, and it can be both interesting and useful if you read it. Also take a look at the Newbie Survival Guide for information to ease the learning curve as you get into the game.