Note: This is the old getting started page, a new page is being written. Current version is available here. It is a work in progress however.

If you are new to Dead of Night or to MUDs in general, this page can give some information to help you begin your game.  If you have questions that are not addressed here, the best way to find the answers is to play the game and ask the other players or the immortals.


There are several programs you can use to connect to Dead of Night.  Simple Telnet programs like CRT or Windows Telnet are good enough for some people, while others prefer some of the more specialized MUD clients like Elf or ZMud.  Several of these programs are free, and most of them you can find on the web. Some information on a few MUD clients can be found here.  If you click on any of the connect links on the website, you will be connected using your default telnet program, which is probably Windows Telnet.  With whatever program you choose, connect to deadofnight.org, port 5000 to join the game.


The first thing you need to do is choose a name for your character, and then type a password.  If the name is allowed and not already in use, you will be asked to retype your password.  If the name is in use by a player, the password will be rejected, and you will be asked to enter another name.  Character names cannot contain numbers or spaces, and shouldn't include titles or descriptions.  You will have the chance to choose a title eventually when your character has advanced enough.  Choose names carefully, because you can't change them without creating a whole new character.  Obscene or rude names will only get you deleted or banned, so don't use them. For more information about choosing a character name, have a look at The Quick Name Guide.

Choose a password no one will be able to guess, be sure you don't forget it, and don't share it with anyone.  Immortals are not responsible for lost or cracked passwords.

Follow the directions to choose a race, class, and sex for your character. Like the name, you can't change any of these things without creating a new character, so choose carefully. Don't worry if you can't decide. There's no limit on the number of characters you can create, but be sure you are familiar with the rules regarding multiple characters.


Once you enter the game, there are a few basic commands that can help you get started.  The most important command for a new player is 'help'.  You can use 'help' to find out about other useful commands like 'inv', 'score', 'practice', 'time', 'look', 'say', 'shout', 'kill', and 'consider'.

Depending on the available exits in the room you are in, you can move in any of 6 directions (north, east, west, south, up, and down), by typing the first letter of the direction (n, e, w, s, u, or d).  When you start the game, you might want to examine the map in your inventory.  It can be helpful for finding places in the city like hunting areas, shops, and guilds. If you would like a picture of the map, you can also download one here.


Along with making friends and enemies, another measure of progress is your experience level.  Killing creatures grants experience points, which accumulate over time.  When you acquire enough points, you can visit the guild for one of your chosen classes and use your experience to gain a level.  While at your guild, you can practice some of the new spells, skills, or songs that become available at your new level.  The amount of experience you can get from creatures you kill depends on their levels, your level, and how you fight.  Killing player characters never grants experience, and will not make you very popular.

An unavoidable fact is that everyone makes a mistake eventually.  Dying is one of the more popular mistakes.  When you die on Dead of Night, your corpse is left behind in the room, containing all items that you wore or carried.  You will find yourself in the Portal of Creation (right where you began the game), less one level and some or all of your unused experience points.  After taking enough time to recover from your beating, you will want to return to the place of your death to collect your belongings. Looting someone else's corpse is very unfriendly and is generally a bad idea.

Just when the world seems too safe, the sun sets.  The bodies of slain creatures all over the world rise from the earth to seek revenge.  Only within city walls or in holy places can everyone wait safely for sunrise.  But those with holy protection, a friendship with the undead, or the courage to fight the zombies will venture into the darkness without fear.  Until you you feel brave enough to be one of those people though, you should probably stay in town during the night hours.