Creating Your Character

So you want to create a character, huh?

Easy enough…

Connect. The first thing you’ll want to do is establish your connection to the server. (Instructions for this can be found in Connecting to CoM.) Once you’ve connected, the first question asked of you is “Do you want ANSI color (y/n)?” This feature allows you to see all the pretty textual colors of the game… or not, depending on which option you choose. Typically, using color is the preferred choice, and it may be selected by typing ‘y’ or simply hitting the enter key.

Character Name. Next, we ask you for your character name. Names like Bob, Sal, or Tina aren’t acceptable here. It is a fantasy roleplaying game and you should choose something more suitable. Also, using the names of popular fantasy characters like Merlin, Faust, and Frodo will not pass. Be creative. If for any reason you’re having trouble, or just want ideas, head here for example. Once you’ve created your name, it’ll ask you if it is entered correctly. Type ‘y’ if you’re satisfied with it.

Now you’re being asked for a surname or a last name. You may or may not choose to have a surname, and if you don’t type one in now, you may do so at a later date. Simply ask a member of staff to assist you with this.

Password and Email. Password time. Enter and reenter your password just like any other form you fill out online. The password part has passed, and now you’re prompted to enter an e-mail address. Providing staff with your e-mail address is HIGHLY suggested. It will only be viewed by the implementors of CoM (the mega important staff members), and it is helpful in retrieving lost passwords and dealing with other issues that may surface in the future.

Class. This is where the fun begins. Once you’ve entered your e-mail address (or opted not to), you are given a total of 14 different classes to choose from. These range from the magically to the physically endowed. Some classes are a combination of both, while others focus more on skills that do not pertain to fighting whatsoever. It’s important that you read through the description of each class as you will not be allowed to change it in the future. Read more about the available classes in CoM here.

Alignment and Ethos. So you’ve picked your class, now what alignment are you? Are you a chivalrous knight that sets out on quests to save dames from dragons? Or are you a sly thief that has everyone fooled you’re a local do-good barber? Maybe you’re somewhere in the middle even. Choose the alignment that best suits your character, but be sure you play to the one you have chosen. Proper roleplaying of alignment is expected of players by the staff.

Not too different from alignment is the category of ethos. Ethos relates to how your character behaves in regards to the law. Note: Just because your character is good/evil aligned does not mean that they are inherently lawful/chaotic. There are evil characters that follow the harsh mandates of their ruthless emperor, as well as those who fight for justice but do not believe in the written laws of the land.

For a more in-depth general overview of ethos and alignment, take a look here.

Race. Next you’re given race options. Particular races are available depending on which class and alignment choices you made previously. Read each description carefully before choosing. You can find more information about the available races in CoM here.

Stats. Each player has five standard attributes. These attributes are strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, and constitution. They all affect a variety of things in the game, but it’s safe to say “the higher, the better.” Once you reach this point in character creation, you are able to roll to set your character’s initial attributes. Odds are you will not get a perfect roll your first try, so continue to roll until you feel satisfied with the attribute levels you’ve been given. By typing ‘n’ you will reroll, and ‘y’ will cause you to keep the stats you rolled.

Sex. Easy enough. Pick male or female.

Hometown. There are many different cities within M’Dhoria, and depending on the character you have created, you have access to particular ones as your starting hometown. NOTE: Some cities are designed to be more friendly to new players than others. Please read the city descriptions provided in the helpfiles by entering HELP CITYNAME.

Physical Attributes. In the following prompts, you’ll be asked to choose hair color, eye color, skin color, height, and weight. The first three will each provide you with a list of choices to choose from, while the last two give you a range from which to select. These choices and ranges vary depending on which race you’ve selected.

Short Description. Your short description is what other characters to whom you have not been introduced see in place of your name. It should be a briefly descriptive and expressively versatile noun phrase that can be placed in front of the words “is here” to form a grammatically correct sentence. It should not include your name or class, nor should it mention any action, expression or equipment. Remember that this is called a “short description” for a reason; it is intended to be what another character would see at a glance, and therefore should be neither too informative nor too vague. For this reason, your character’s gender and race should be apparent in your short description.

For example, say you chose to be a human, male, fair skin, red hair, blue eyes, 6 feet, and 210 pounds. A basic short description would be “a stocky human man with red hair and blue eyes.” If you have any questions regarding your short description, continue on with your character creation and speak to someone on staff once you’ve finished.

Weapon. Depending on your class, you are offered a variety of weapons at this point. Some classes only offer one, while others get to choose from many more.

New to CoM? You’re almost done! This is the stage where we like to know whether or not you are new to Cities of M’dhoria. If you are, and you type ‘y,’ it lets staff and the newbie helpers know “Hey! I’m the new guy/girl! Make sure I don’t crash the MUD, ok?” No, but seriously, our staff members are great and incredibly helpful to all new and returning players, but if you need that extra help please be sure to inform us if you have any previous CoM or mudding experience.

Yea or Nay? This is it. We now provide you with a the final chance to review everything and make sure it was entered correctly. Once you accept, there’s no turning back. If you’re ready to make your way into M’Dhoria (or the tutorial even), type ‘y’ now.

If you have any further questions, the help files are available during character creation. Simply type ‘help [insert subject here]‘ and the file should pop up for you. Don’t know what Seria is? Type ‘help Seria.’ What the heck’s an avian? Type ‘help avian.’ These should be able to provide you with any answer you need before you type that ‘y’ key. And remember, the staff is always here to help! Just type ‘who’ once you’ve created, look for a member of staff, and send them a tell.

Also note that staff will allow particular things to be changed after creation (such as alignment, hometown, short description, and even your name) but within reason. If you’re the most popular tea party member or the greatest warrior in history, we surely won’t let you change your name. Just be sure to keep this in mind.

Good luck to you all and happy playing!