[FAQ/TLKMUCK] TLKMuck Info and FAQ
Josh Templin
Lion kinG
TLKMuck
FAQ and InfoSheet
v1.5
(Joshua C Templin)
Welcome to TLKMuck! TLKMuck is an exciting online service modeled around
Disney's THE LION KING! This professionally run online service allows you
to 'Live the Lion King' one step farther! Explore the Pride Lands and
surrounding areas, build new areas to add onto the Pride Lands, and most of
all, talk to other Lion King enthusiasts and ROLE PLAY a character right out
of the African Savannah! Come on and join us ....
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= Unchanged - Incomplete / Changed + NEW!
=1.0 What IS TLKMuck?
= 1.1 What are the 'Parent MUCKS' for TLKMuck?
= 1.2 What is the difference between a MUD and TLKMuck?
= 1.3 What is the difference between IRC and TLKMuck?
= 1.4 How active is TLKMuck?
/ 1.5 What software does TLKMuck run?
+ 1.6 Does TLKMuck have a WWW page?
/2.0 How do I connect to TLKMuck?
= 2.1 What is 'telnet'?
= 2.2 What is 'TinyFugue'?
= 2.3 Help! I'm on AOL!
/ 2.4 TLKMuck Lags! How do I fix that?
= 2.5 How do I tell if I'm lagging?
= 2.6 Hey! The sign-on screen says I have to be 18!
= 2.7 Help! The opening screen is all messed up!
=3.0 I've connected...now what?
= 3.1 What is a 'Guest'?
/ 3.2 What can a Guest do?
= 3.3 Hey! I want to become a character!
=4.0 What's a g.?
= 4.1 How do I get a g.Character?
= 4.2 What can a g. do?
=5.0 How to get a PERMANENT Character?
= 5.1 What are the necessary forms?
= 5.2 Why all these forms?
= 5.3 How do I get these forms?
= 5.4 How do I fill out these forms?
= 5.5 How do I return these forms?
= 5.6 Help! I'm under 18?!
= 5.7 How long does it take to get processed?
= 5.8 Why can't residents of Tennessee have characters?
=6.0 Users under the age of 18
= 6.1 Why the special rules?
= 6.2 What are the special rules?
= 6.3 Ok, fine, how do I apply?
= 6.4 I've sent in my waiver and forms ... now what?
=7.0 Other new PC(Permanent Character) Questions
= 7.1 I'm being processed online!
= 7.2 How do I keep my password safe?
= 7.3 What's IC and OOC?
= 7.4 How do I tell if a conversation is IC or OOC?
= 7.5 Shouldn't there just be IC conversations?
+ 7.6 What does it mean to be IC?
=8.0 WoW! There's politics here!
= 8.1 Who is who on TLKMuck?
= 8.2 Why only two groups?
= 8.3 How deep does the politics run?
= 8.4 Can't we all just be friends?
= 8.5 Choosing an affiliation/pride
=9.0 Who runs this place?
= 9.1 Different titles, Different jobs
= 9.2 Pumbaa
= 9.3 Timon
= 9.4 Lebo and Simba
+ 9.5 Ajali
/ 9.6 Kisasian
= 9.7 What governs the Administration?
= 9.8 How do I contact the Administration?
= 9.9 How do I tell is a Wizard is online?
=10.0 How do I set up my character?
= 10.1 The place to start
= 10.2 How do I look?
= 10.3 How do I smell?
= 10.4 Say WHAT?
= 10.5 What's pinfo?
= 10.6 Give 'em the finger...info.
= 10.7 I want a title!
= 10.8 Jump into it ...
+ 10.9 Strike a @pose!
=11.0 Etiquette!
= 11.1 Jumping
= 11.2 Idling
= 11.3 Something is wrong ...
-12.0 What is a TinyPlot?
-13.0 How do I build things?
+14.0 Building Style Guide
+ 14.1 Style Guidelines
+ 14.2 Your "home"
+ 14.3 Exits
+ 14.4 IC Guidelines and Objects
+ 14.5 OOC Rooms
-15.0 What is a Zombie?
-16.0 Credits
+Appendix A - Some common commands
+ B - Available text help files
+ C - Available text news files
+ D - Common attractions
+ E - Coming attractions
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[Complete] <Not Complete>
[1.0] What IS TLKMuck?
TLKMuck is a Multi-User 'World' based on Disney's The Lion King. It
allows you to actually 'role play' a character right out of the
African Savannah! You can explore, build, and role play with other
users .. live and in real time!
[1.1] What are the 'Parent MUCKS' for TLKMuck?
TLKMuck's Administration comes from the hallowed databases of
FDCMuck and FurryMuck! FDCMuck is the Future Disney Cabinet's very
own meeting place, and FurryMuck is the LARGEST antropormorphic MUCK
in the world!
[1.2] What is the difference between a MUD and TLKMuck?
TLKMuck is more of a friendly environment .. there isn't any
rigorously defined killing, major goals (outside of a TinyPlot)
except the ones you make. MUDS tend to be more of a game, whereas
TLKMuck is an 'environment'.
[1.3] What is the difference between IRC and TLKMuck?
TLKMuck adds much more dimension to Role Playing than IRC can EVER
allow. Besides doing the nominal activity of just talking to
people, you can also deal with objects and things! Wander around,
talk with select groups, and all being in a more realistic
environment than IRC! Plus, TLKMuck NEVER netsplits! Don't lose
your friends every few minutes!
[1.4] How active is TLKMuck?
TLKMuck has about eighty regular users. These people sign on at
varying times, but most activity occurs from 15:00 to 2:00 CDT ...
but most any time you sign on, you will find SOMEONE online (except
for some mornings :).
[1.5] What software does TLKMuck run?
(as of 941015) TLKMuck runs TLKfb v1.7.5 ADCAP. TLKfb is a custom
server based on FuzzBall (by Revar) based on TinyMUCK (by someone).
TLKfb has many new features that make TLKfb quite unique as far as
MUCKs go. Included in these features are some new additions to
building: Quadradesc and Sdesc, as well as the character based
'@pose'. Quadradesc allows for up to FOUR descriptions of a room,
based on the time of the day. Sdesc allows for a multi-line
description to be shown instead of an object's @name. Finally @pose
adds a pose to your information in each 'look'. These features, as
well as several less apparent ones, make 1.7.5 ADCAP truly the
ADvanced CAPability server. To see TLKfb's changelog, type 'help
changelog' online.
[1.6] Does TLKMuck have a WWW page?
Of course! Check out the extensive resources of:
http://www.pacific.net/~btman/tlkmuck
[2.0] How do I connect to TLKMuck?
TLKMuck resides temporarily at 'otterspace.com 7675'. To connect
there, you'll need to use Telnet, or a Front End (such as TinyFugue).
'otterspace.com 7675' is a temporary address until work on ub's
infrastructure is complete and allows TLKMuck to move to it's final
home. More information will be given when the move nears.
[2.1] What is 'telnet'?
Telnet is a very simple way to connect to TLKMuck. If you use a
UNIX based host, then you should already have 'telnet' capability.
At your UNIX prompt, just type 'telnet otterspace.com 7675' and you
should connect!
[2.2] What is 'TinyFugue'?
TinyFugue is an excellent Front End to TLKMuck (and other MUCKs of
it's class) with many features that make MUCKing easier. It runs on
many types of UNIX machines and is easy to compile and set up. The
source code is available at:
reedycreek.stanford.edu /pub/fdcmuck/clients/tf.34a16.tar.gz
You can use the line:
/addworld -T'tiny.muck' TLKMuck <name> <passwd> otterspace.com 7675
in your tiny.world file, replacing <name> and <paswd>, of course.
[2.3] Help! I'm on AOL!
Until recently, America Online (AOL) users have not been able to
connect to TLKMuck. However, a recent third party program, called
AOLTelnet allows AOL users to access TLKMuck! Please consult AOL's
online forums or other AOL users for more information!
[2.4] TLKMuck Lags! How do I fix that?
Lag is basically something that happens to ALL interactive services.
Communication lines between you and TLKMuck may be clogged, your
data lost temporarily, or possibly a short term network failure may
stop you from communicating with TLKMuck for periods of time,
usually a few seconds to several minutes. There are, unfortunately,
no ways to help this problem currently.
[2.5] How do I tell if I'm lagging?
Most of the time, it'll be when TLKMuck does not respond to your
commands right away. It make take a few seconds to several minutes
for your commands to be processed by TLKMuck, depending on the
severity of the lag. However, there is an easy way to tell if you
are lagging, or if TLKMuck is just silent. Typing the command
'score' brings up a small message similar to:
You have 301 pebbles.
By repeatedly doing this command, you can judge how bad your lag is,
without bothering those around you.
[2.6] Hey! The sign-on screen says I have to be 18!
That's right ... however, there ARE special rules allowing persons
under 18 to use TLKMuck, so don't be afraid of the opening screen.
[2.7] Help! The opening screen is all messed up!
TLKMuck is a UNIX based system. It's underlying program runs in
UNIX and it's datafiles are kept in UNIX formats. However, many
MSDOS based telnet programs do not recognize this format and can
make things look messed up or jumbled. Try to use a UNIX host to
telnet to TLKMuck, another telnet client, or a front end.
More technical:
MSDOS uses a CR and LF combination to detect a 'new line'. In the
UNIX world, however, just a LF is used to show a new line. So, when
a UNIX formatted file is displayed in MSDOS, the CRs are missing and
the file looks like kind of a long run-on sentence.
[3.0] I've connected...now what?
You'll actually want to sign on to TLKMuck. Type 'connect guest
guest' and you'll connect as a guest user!
[3.1] What is a 'Guest'?
A guest is just an account to allow to explore some of TLKMuck and
talk to a few people. It's just there to 'get the hang of things'
and check out TLKMuck. A guest is rather limited, solely because if
you want to do more, you should get a g.character and start making a
name for yourself!
[3.2] What can a Guest do?
When you first connect to TLKMuck as a guest, you are in what's
known as the 'Guest Room'. Before you can enter the wonderful world
of TLKMuck, we ask that you page a 'Wizard' to let you in. Our
Administrative staff, known as 'Wizards', are here to help you and
will be happy to answer any questions you may have. To find out
what Wizards are currently on, you may use the command 'wizzes'. To
contact a Wizard, use the 'page' function:
page <name>=<message>
As a guest you can wander around and talk to people. Basically,
that's it. Go ahead, take a look around and see if you like it! If
you do, it's time to move onto the next level!
[3.3] Hey! I want to become a character!
Good for you! You've decided to begin a fun-filled journey though
the Lion King! To start you off, we make it easy to get your first
character. All you have to do is contact a Wizard (One of TLKMuck's
Administration!)
[4.0] What's a g.?
A g.character is your FIRST character for TLKMuck. The g stands for
'guest' and denotes that you are just beginning to use TLKMuck. At
this point, you are still limited, but not as limited as a guest
(earlier). This is an intermediate stage to see if you like TLKMuck
and it's inhabitants. You can do anything a normal character can,
except build things. This is the time for you to meet new people
and make your name known! Go ahead, talk to people and define how
you are 'In Character' (more later)!
[4.1] How do I get a g.Character?
It takes just a few minutes and requires you to find a Wizard. To
find a Wizard, sign on the MUCK and do 'where'. Anyone listed with
the [Wizard] flag can get you a g.character. To contact them, do:
p <name of the Wizard>=<Message>
If you can't find a wizard, don't despair. One may come along soon,
or you can try later. They are on at all hours of the day ...
The Wizard will ask your four questions ... Your real name, your
character's name, sex, and species (and optionally your email
address). Then, a few minutes later, you'll be able to sign on with
your g.character! The Wizard will also be able to help you, if
necessary, with a name choice and species choice. There are some
limitations, so ask a Wizard first!
[4.2] What can a g. do?
Anything a normal character can, except for being able to build
things. However, keep in mind that g.characters only last for seven
days, after that you will have to renew your character, or go
permanent!
[5.0] How to get a PERMANENT Character?
Getting a permanent character requires a bit more work ... first of
all, you must have had a g.character to start off with. To get a
PC(Permanent character) you need to fill out and return by email a
pcapp, or Permanent Character Application form. If you are under 18
years of age, you have to do a bit more work ...
[5.1] What are the necessary forms?
For those of you over 18 years of age, only the 'pcapp' is required.
If you are under 18 years of age, the pcapp and the Parental Access
Waiver is required.
[5.2] Why all these forms?
TLKMuck needs accurate information concerning its users. In order
to keep the MUCK running smoothly, we need to know who you are. The
pcapp requires you to fill out you name and address, which will not
be released outside of the Administration. This allows up to
maintain contact with you, even if you do not connect to TLKMuck for
long lengths of time. The pcapp is an important document and is
required for all PCs
[5.3] How do I get these forms?
The pcapp is available by typing 'help pcapp' on the MUCK, or by
emailing jtem...@d.umn.edu and requesting it be sent to you.
The Parental Access Waiver is available by typing 'help under18' on
the MUCK, or by mailing the above address with the request.
If you decide to get the forms off the MUCK, you will need some way
of capturing the forms. To do so in TinyFugue, type /log on and then
look in tiny.log after you have done the above command(s).
[5.4] How do I fill out these forms?
Software is so different for so many machines, so we cannot really
help much here. However, as a suggestion, use a text editor, such
as 'vi' for UNIX or 'edit' in MSDOS. When returning the pcapp, you
will need to send in the ENITRE form, including the several
paragraphs of information above the area you fill out.
[5.5] How do I return these forms?
Send the pcapp to jtem...@d.umn.edu ... please send it as an
ASCII document, do not send it compressed, uuencoded, or in MIME
format.
[5.6] Help! I'm under 18?!
There are special rules for persons under 18. Please see the next
section.
[5.7] How long does it take to get processed?
Usually, two days. However, it may take anywhere from a few hours
to a few days. Be patient, it'll get done. However, if you are
feeling up to it, you may ask Kisasian on the MUCK to expedite your
application!
[5.8] Why can't residents of Tennessee have characters?
This rule is to protect the other users of TLKMuck. It seems that
recently a parent of a minor was not watching what their child was
doing on an online service ... while the child was running rampant
through a 'red light district' of the service. The parents, finally
noticing what was going on took legal action against the service
provider. They successfully sued the provider, and thus made
precedent in Tenessee that service providers are liable for their
content. Thus, TLKMuck does not allow personas, of any age, to
connect from Tennessee, fearing the same retribution.
[6.0] Users under the age of 18
For the safety of TLKMuck, its users, administration, and equipment
owners, special rules apply to persons under the age of 18. Besides
the initial permanent character application, there are very few
restrictions.
[6.1] Why the special rules?
There have been problems in the past where parents have sued online
service providers. Since no one here does work on TLKMuck for
profit, we can't afford to be sued. So, we must enforce legal
protections for the safety of everyone involved.
[6.2] What are the special rules?
There is an extra part the the application process. You (and your
parents) must complete another form and SEND it it to the MUCK
Administration. The only other rule is that persons under 18 MUST
play a 'cub character', such as a Lion Cub or otherwise.
[6.3] Ok, fine, how do I apply?
The online document 'help under18' provides all the information you
need to apply as a minor.
[6.4] I've sent in my waiver and forms ... now what?
Wait. When the administration has received your waiver and pcapp,
you will be notified via email. At that point, you will be able to
use TLKMuck with your new permanent character.
[7.0] Other new PC(Permanent Character Questions)
Some random questions ...
[7.1] I'm being processed online!
Sometimes the W-PCM will opt to process you 'while-you-wait' online.
During this process, please sit still and don't do anything until
the W-PCM tells you to. Since several stages of the processing are
critical, you may cause inadvertent errors if you do anything while
being processed.
[7.2] How do I keep my password safe?
Don't write your password down, nor tell it to anyone. This will
insure that your password is yours.
A hint about choosing passwords (for here and elsewhere!):
Make your password 8 characters long. Never less. However, it's
difficult to remember 8 letters of gibberish such as 'leja7fmn'.
Well, there's a solution. We recommend using a combination of two
four-letter words that:
1. Don't mean anything when put together.
2. Don't form a word.
3. Don't appear in a dictionary.
4. Mean something to you, so you can remember it.
For an example, imagine that as a kid you went fishing at a pond on
someone's farm. Keeping this cherished childhood memory in mind,
you could easily make a password that you can remember. A simple
one ... 'fishfarm'. Now, when you need to log on, you'll remember
that childhood memory and recollect that your password was
'fishfarm' ... now, no dictionary program is going to pick that up,
and you can remember it easily.
[7.3] What's IC and OOC?
IC - In Character
This means you are role-playing your character.
OOC- Out Of Character
This means that you are being YOURSELF in Real Life, not
your character.
[7.4] How do I tell if a conversation is IC or OOC?
Sometimes is it difficult to tell when a conversation is IC or OOC,
and sometimes a conversation drifts quickly between the two. In
time, you will begin to understand and react quickly to changes in
the status of a discussion.
[7.5] Shouldn't there just be IC conversations?
In theory, yes. However, it's no big deal to be OOC once in a great
while ... :)
[7.6] What does it mean to be IC?
This question is actually very complex ... and is up to much
individual interpretation. However, a consensus on TLKMuck was
reached in September of 1995. The results of this are in 'help
icooc' online, where you can see what is expected of users being IC.
[8.0] WoW! There's politics here!
Yes, as with most places where more than one person congregates,
there is politics!
[8.1] Who is who on TLKMuck?
There are ONLY two groups on TLKMuck, otherwise known as 'prides'.
These two prides encompass everyone in one way or another. The two
prides are ruled by opposed lions, Simba and Kisasian.
Usually a new character will remain neutral until they decide on a
pride to align with. Though the Kings themselves have a lot of
hostility between them, you yourself can have varying degrees of
like/dislike. However, be prepared to defend your pride when
trouble starts ... Since Simba's pride is very well known (having a
major motion picture helps!) his side is quite large and growing
fast. On the other hand, Kisasian's, who is only known by few from
'The Tales of Tanabi', is not growing very fast. It at this point
is an elite few.
[8.2] Why only two groups?
Several reasons, actually. It is an attempt to keep things simple,
and draw a good amount of role playing out of the characters. Two
opposed groups make it much better to role play than having many
groups. Also, more than two groups would upset the delicate balance
that is being created with Tiny Plots.
[8.3] How deep does the politics run?
Really, they should only run IC. OOC, we all love the Lion King,
right? But just who _is_ the Lion King....? :)
[8.4] Can't we all just be friends?
Hey, what kind of place is just happy-go-lucky? There's got to be
conflict for things to happen!
[8.5] Choosing an affiliation/pride
Take your time ... and decide. For a LOT more information, see
'help prides' on the MUCK. It'll go into the histories of the
prides and their backgrounds.
[9.0] Who runs this place?
TLKMuck's Administration is made up of five people, all doing
separate jobs and functions. Here's how it works:
[9.1] Different titles, Different jobs
The Administrators (Wizards by convention) are broken up into
separate functions. This allows each Wizard to specialize in his or
her area and be able to make decisions quickly and effectively
without other Wizzes causing problems in that domain. It is an
effective management tool that works well in TLKMuck.
A Wizard's title is seen as:
W-???
Or Wizard-Title, such as Building Manager.
[9.2] Pumbaa
Pumbaa is the W-PM (Programming Manager). He is in charge of the
MUCK's programming and special functions. Contact Pumbaa with any
big reports or special requests.
[9.3] Timon
Timon is the W-GCM (Guest Character Manager). He is in charge of
taking care of Guests and g.characters during their stay on the
MUCK. If you have any questions as a Guest or g.character, feel
free to ask Timon. He'd be glad to help!
[9.4] Lebo and Simba
Lebo and Simba are co-W-BMs (Building Manager). Since the duties of
managing all the building on TLKMuck is a large one, it has two
wizards. Before you can have your constructions attached to the
main MUCK areas, either of these two Wizards must approve of it.
See the Building section for more information.
[9.5] Ajali
Ajali is the W-PCM (Permanent Character Manager). His duties
include settling character disputes and much more. If you have
questions about other PCs, their behavior, or public PC sentiments,
contact Ajali.
[9.6] Kisasian
Kisasian is the W-PA (Primary Administrator). His duties include
processing new PCs, maintaining MUCk server system software, major
MUCK operations, and much more. Kisasian is the primary
administrator, and deals with problems that fall outside of the
range of the other Wizzes. Major problems can be brought to
Kisasian.
[9.6] What governs the Administration?
Wizzes actions are governed by a set of rules called 'Wizard Policy
and Procedures'. This document is an attempt to keep Wizards 'on
the line' and out of trouble. Wizards carry a lot of power ... and
therefore responsibility. So, to make sure that power is not abused,
a Policies and Procedures was created for them. Of course, we'd
like to note that there haven't been any problems with our
Administration to date, and we expect none. They are a great group
of people!
[9.7] How do I contact the Administration?
On the MUCK, feel free to MUCKmail any, or all, of the above
people. In regular internet email, you can contact the W-PCM at:
jtem...@ub.d.umn.edu
Also, any one of the Wizards should be available most hours of the
day. Look for them online ...
[9.8] How do I tell if a Wizard is online?
A simple command, 'wizzes' allows you to see information about all
the wizzes, including if they are online or not. Please note, if
they are marked 'Off Duty' that they are not available to answer
questions/fix problems/etc ... They do not do this often, but please
respect their privacy when they do.
[10.0] How do I set up my character?
There are many things you can (and should) do to customize your
character. These things allow other characters to see who you are
and find more about you quickly and easily. Most of these things
should be taken care of in the ritual you go though when you have
your PC processed. Even those notified by email go though this
time-honored ritual.
[10.1] The place to start!
Before you start, you should have a good idea of what 'look' you
want to achieve. Remember, everyone sees these things, so it's a
good idea to think this out first. Take into account your sex,
species, and how you want to roleplay your character when you think
up descriptions and such. Be creative ...
[10.2] How do I look?
The first step to getting yourself up and running is to make a
description for yourself. Since there are no pictures, per say, on
TLKMuck, you will need to give characters that 'look' at you a good
idea of what you look like! The first utility to lean is 'setup'.
'setup' provides an easy way to create and adjust features and
qualities of yourself. To use 'setup', just simply type 'setup'
while on the MUCK. Now you will be presented with a list of
options. To change one, just enter the number and press [ENTER].
However, the one we are interested in is #2, Your MPI description.
When you select 2, you will be in the 'list editor' where you can
type your description. Enter as many lines as you like, and when
you are done, type '.end' on a blank line. There! Now your
description is set, and this is what other characters will see when
they 'look' at you!
*'setup' is actually "Player Hammer" (by Triggur).
[10.3] How do I smell?
Not only can people 'look' at you, they can smell you as well! So,
in 'setup', select #9 to enter a 'smell' message. Now, when another
character smells you, they will see this message!
[10.4] Say WHAT?
As you've wandered around you may have seen other characters saying
things like:
Kisasin growls deeply, "Greetings."
Well, so far you've been stuck with:
You say, "Hello."
This, also, is easy to change. Using 'setup' change #11 to reflect
how YOU speak. Maybe you 'barks loudly', 'squaks brashly', or
'whimpers meekly' .. :)
[10.5] What's pinfo?
Besides the basic information given in your description, all players
also complete something called the pinfo data. This database has IC
and OOC info on characters and the players, respectively. To see
others pinfo, just enter 'pinfo <character name>'. And like them,
you need to have you own pinfo file! So, all you need to do is:
pinfo #all
and follow all the prompts and answer all the questions! When you
are done, your pinfo will be completed and will be on file for other
characters to look up.
[10.6] Give 'em the finger...info.
Even more information is provided by the 'finger' utility. This
command, dating back to UNIX network utilities, allows you to see if
and when a player has been on plus a few more bits of info. To use
'finger', just type 'finger <character name>'. To set your own
finger information, type 'chfn'.
[10.7] I want a title!
You will notice that when you do a 'where' on the system several of
the characters have a title next to their name, such as:
[Hunter] [Leopard] [Baboon] ...
You can, of course, set your own title! To do so, use this command:
find #title <title>
Your title can be up to seven characters in length.
[10.8] Jump into it ...
You can navigate the MUCK quickly using the 'jump' command. When
people 'jump' messages get displayed both when they leave and when
they arrive. Some examples:
Kintaro wanders off into the horizion ...
Kintaro startles you as he approaches stealthfully from
behind!
To set your own jump messages do:
jump #oleave <public leave msg>
jump #oarrive <public arrive message>
Please be aware that the arrive message DOES NOT automatically print
your character's name at the beginning. Please provide it yourself.
(unlike using pose or ':'). The leave message, on the other hand,
does automatically print your name at the beginning. (LIKE pose or
':')
[10.9] Strike a @pose!
TLKfb (TLKMuck's server) allows for a special @pose function. @pose
is a command for players and zombies. It allows you to attach a
string of text (up to 30 characters) to be added after your name when
others 'look' in a room you are in. For example:
Kisasian, glaring at you.
To set your own pose, or your zombie's pose, use @pose. @pose
requires two arguments, what you are setting the pose on, and what
the pose it. For example:
@pose Kisasian=, glaring at you.
Remember, when setting your pose, you cannot go over 30 characters.
[11.0] Etiquette!
As with most social places, etiquette is intrinsically involved in
the everyday workings of the MUCK. Here's some guidelines (and
warnings) on how to act on TLKMuck and not make people mad ... :)
[11.1] Jumping
Many times people will congregate in small groups to discuss private
issues. Before 'jump'ing into their conversation, ask. Go ahead
and 'page' someone int he room and see if it's OK to join them. If
you do jump unexpectdatly into a room where a private
conversation is being held, you may be greeted coldly and not much
conversation, since they would most likely turn to whispering. Just
remember, ask first ...
[11.2] Idling
Sometimes RL (Real Life) can take a player away from their
character. This is commonly called idling and can be for several
minutes to hours! You can check on someone and how long they have
been idle by doing 'where'. Add please, if you plan on idling, do
it somewhere private.
[11.3] Something is wrong ...
Have you noticed something wrong? A misspelled word in a
description, a malformed jump message, or other typographical error?
If you have a moment, send off mail to the owner, or tell them
directly. Many times, in the heat of MUCKing, people miss simple
errors. Letting them know will make everything look better! Of
course, be polite about it.. :)
<12.0> What is a TinyPlot? <NC>
<13.0> How do I build things? <NC>
[14.0] Building style guide
Building on TLKMuck is an important part of what adding to your
character. To make sure you stay within the current style of the
MUCK, remember these guidelines when building.
[14.1] Style Guidelines
Once you're familiar with the mechanics of building (i.e., the
commands like @dig and @open and @rec, and the list-editor
(lsedit)), you need to think about what exactly it is you want to
build. This portion of the FAQ should help with a few suggestions as
to how to make your rooms both reflect your character and add to the
atmosphere of the MUCK.
[14.2] Your "Home"
The first thing you should do is decide how to build yourself a
"home." Walk around the MUCK for a while until you know more or less
where you want the room to be located (in the Savannah, in the
jungle, near a river, etc.). This isn't immediately important, but
it will help in your description of the room and its surroundings.
Choose a location and surroundings that are compatible with your
species; wildebeests and zebras are at home in the Savannah, large
cats might prefer a jungle setting, birds might like rocky areas or
jungles. It doesn't hurt to do a little research about your
character's species so you know how best to act IC.
Next, plan the room's actual content and name. Keep this consistent
with your species. i.e., if you're a leopard or a bird, you might
love to live in a tree, but a gazelle certainly wouldn't. So even
though your 'room' is described as a 'room' when you create it, the
name and the description should reflect whether it's a tree, a pond,
a cave, a burrow, or whatever.
Now @dig your room. It doesn't matter where you do it; you'll be
linked up later once your room is inspected and approved. But the
room needs a name. Since this is your home room, use a name like
"Simba's Cavern" or "Timon & Pumbaa's Grotto," showing your name and
thus indicating two things: that it's your personal home room, and
what kind of creature you are (from its nature-- whether it's a tree
or a river or whatnot). Once it's @dug, jump to it and say '@link
me=here'. This sets the room to be your 'home.'
[NOTE NEW QUADRADESC SYSTEM]
Now set a description for the room, either using the lsedit program
or '@desc here=<description>'. The description should be long enough
to give a reasonable impression of the surroundings as you see them
in your mind's eye, as well as describing a few of the things in it
and perhaps what you can do with them.
[14.3] Exits
Once you've made one room, you might want to branch out. (Bear in
mind, however, that the quota for rooms is 5-- contact Simba or Lebo
if you have a need for more.) Create more rooms exactly the same
way-- just don't @link yourself to them. Keep the rooms IC; make
them consistent in nature. If your home is a tree, make your
adjacent rooms other trees or areas of the jungle floor. If your
home is a burrow which is part of a warren, make your other rooms
into links between the burrows and the outside world, or else other
burrows. Don't create a room that could only be found at the other
end of the MUCK; make the rooms similar enough in nature that they
could be as adjacent as having an exit between them would warrant.
Linking from one room to another is something you should do
conscientiously, with an eye toward consistency and clarity. Use the
@open command, thus: '@open <exitname>=<destination>'. The
destination must either belong to you, or be set LINK_OK. The format
of the exitname is as follows:
[N]ext room;n
The semicolon separates names which can be typed and used
equivalently with the exact exit name. This way, you can show the
command you need to use to see the exit ([N]) as well as a more
descriptive name for the exit.
Now comes the important part. You need to set the @messages on the
exit: @succ, @osucc, and @odrop. These commands to the following:
@succ: The message the player sees going through the exit
@osucc: The message others in the room the player is leaving
see.
@odrop: The message others in the destination room see.
The messages don't need to be long; a line or two, or less, is fine.
But it is good style to have at least something there, something
that's indicative of the type of room and its atmosphere.
Here is the syntax for the commands:
@succ <exit>=You go through the exit.
@osucc <exit>=goes through the exit.
@odrop <exit>=appears from the other room.
Exits should also be @described. That way you can look at an exit
and it will tell you more about where it leads.
Use the @check command to see what messages your exits are missing.
(Also, remember that exits are one-way; you need to create a second
exit from the new room back to the original room, adding all the
appropriate messages there as well.)
[14.4] IC Guidelines and Objects
[NOTE SDESC SYSTEM]
As long as your room is not specifically designated as an OOC room
(see below), it is VERY IMPORTANT to observe the IC guidelines for
building. These are:
Nothing man-made is allowed. No tables, no chairs, no TVs, no books,
no blankets, no beds. Often you can use a reasonable "natural"
substitute, such as a bed of leaves or a smooth rock that you like
to sit on or lean against.
Nothing that is unreasonable in a natural environment. Rivers can't
carve flutes out of pieces of wood, nor can a leopard make a lion
doll out of moss and leaves. Sure, the materials are natural, but
the concepts are human, and that is incompatible with the
environment of TLKMuck.
No "magic" items. Some characters might be "mystical" by nature,
such as Rafiki; however, this property does not extend to such
things as the ability to change form or size, or to make things
appear out of nowhere, or cast "weapon" spells against people. You
get the idea. Be reasonable. Your tools for survival are your teeth,
claws, hooves, beaks, and so on; creatures in the real world are
limited to those, and so should you be.
[14.5] OOC Rooms
You really shouldn't need to have an OOC room, but sometimes players
need a chance to sit back and escape from the harsh realities of
life in the Pride Lands, or else to discuss Real Life matters or
upcoming RP situations. So, you may have an OOC room if you want
one. Keep in mind that you do have a quota of 5 rooms, though.
There is really only one guideline for an OOC room. it MUST be
clearly designated as such. Keep exits to it @locked or hidden (or
don't make any at all), and make sure that the room's name has {OOC}
in it to keep IC players from entering by accident.
<14.0> What is a Zombie? <NC>
<15.0> To be done/updated!
TinyPlot Data
Building Guide
Zombie Data
Quadradesc Data
Sdesc data
rpstat data
[16.0] Credits
Main FAQ body maintained by:
Joshua 'Kisasian' Templin
Building Style Guide by:
Brian 'Simba' Tiemann
APPENDIX A - Some common commands
where
Shows where all the users are.
who
Shows the users online, plus a line of text about them.
(TextThatAppearsLikeThis is a quote from music lyrics)
pinfo <char>
Gives data on a character.
OOC
Brings you to the OOC complex.
jump <char>
Jump to that character (if possible).
page <char>=<message>
Send a message to a character.
look
Looks in the current room.
whospe
Lists the species of characters at your location.
wizzes
Shows wizzes online
say <message>
Says <message> in current location.
APPENDIX B - Available text help files
Use 'help <name>' to read any of the following:
icooc
IC/OOC Statement
lions
Data on IC lions on TLKMuck
memorial
Memorial for users who have gone 'above and beyond' for
TLKMuck
tprules
Rules for TinyPlot activity
changelog
Changes for TLKfb (server software)
mission
TLKMuck's MISSION STATEMENT (important)
under18
Info/application for users UNDER 18
quadradesc
Help on the QUADRADESC system
pcapp
Standard Permanent Character Application
row
Rules of Warfare - how to fight on TLKMuck
faq
This document!
prides
Information on the two prides on TLKMuck
APPENDIX C - Available text news files
use 'news <name>' to read any of the following:
KnM.fight
Early fight between Kisasian and Mufasa.
doing.song
Some fun late on the MUCK ... :)
go.log
Log from the Grand Opening
thepark
Short story from a user
APPENDIX D - Common attractions
Check out these places on TLKMuck! (To have something added, mail
Kisasian - this is FAR from complete)
Lesson on the Circle of Life
APPENDIX E - Coming attractions
New TinyPlot Staff!
Weather!
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The TLKMuck FAQ is maintained by Joshua C Templin(jtem...@d.umn.edu).
The Lion King is copyright 1994 by the Walt Disney Company. This MUCK in no
way constitutes a challenge to this copyright.
Access to TLKMuck is limited to the staff of Continuum Computational
Resources(c) and those individuals/organizations with an explicit agreement
with Continuum Computational Resources. Users without said agreement will
be prosecuted the the fullest extent of the law.
Have a nice day!
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
--
= jtemplin is Josh Templin (KB9ENE) FDC Kisasian jtem...@ub.d.umn.edu =
= "Microsoft is not a role model. They're not even human. Some of the =
= things they do would cause a person to get hurt, expelled, arrested, or =
= possibly deported. To put it another way: don't try DOS at home." -JT =
--
Moderator, rec.arts.disney.announce.
Submissions can be mailed to rad-an...@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au.