Materia Magica
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Materia Magica, originally entitled Moongate Online, is a MUD (Multi-User Dungeon, a type of computer role-playing game). It has been in operation since 1996 and is now one of the most widely played MUDs in existence. Its popularity during peak playing hours can reach over 500 simultaneously connected players.
The fantasy world of Materia Magica, known as "Alyria", consists of several continents, unique playable areas, and clanhalls. The overall theme can be compared to the likes of Middle Earth wherein different races live in strife and bloodlust is commonplace. The lead implementor, Vassago, administers the game along with several other "immortals" (so named because of their "godlike" status in the game).
Though hailed by players for its detailed, text-based environments, Materia Magica is based on the principle of endless killing and leveling up. MUDs of this type are often disparaged as "hack and slash". Nevertheless, Materia Magica remains strong in player loyalty and its world is constantly being expanded and improved upon.
The histories of Alyria are based upon several official stories, as well as player-contributed material, which adds to the interactive element of this game. Player and clan websites devoted to Materia Magica are encouraged and even rewarded through an annual competition.
The players move around the world of Alyria and strive to improve their status in the world. Despite the competitive element, it is a friendly game, where it is easy to get to know other players well. Each character is built around four classes, one of each of four types: thief, fighter, mage, and cleric. Arrival at the highest level of the four classes bestows the title of "hero" on the player, which is followed by a separate fifth class, "Archon", that each hero has the option of becoming.
The current classes available are listed below:
Thief:
Bard Rogue
Fighter:
Barbarian Cavalier Paladin Valkyrie
Mage:
Wizard Psionic Ranger Monk
Cleric:
Priest Shaman Druid Witch
Archon
External links
- Materiamagica.com (http://www.materiamagica.com) Official Website of Materia Magica.
- aodojo.com (http://www.aodojo.com) Largest player-run information depository with pertinence to Materia Magica.
- pkzone.org (http://www.pkzone.org) PK Zone, a player-killing oriented support site for Materia Magica.
- Clan Northstar (http://www.clannorthstar.com) Lots of maps, equipment lists, and guides.
- Knights Of Chaos (http://www.knightsofchaos.com) Large selection of mark information for Materia Magica.
- Wikilyria (http://www.wikilyria.com) Alyria's own Wiki.