SmaugWizard Home Page

(Always under Construction)

What's New:

As of 10/28/2001 a new version of the server and source is available. Follow this link to SmaugWiz202 for details.

There is a minor revision of the SwConvert program available. Follow this link for details: SwConvert update.
A major new feature that was included with the version 2.01 release is colorization of room, object, and mob descriptions. Follow this link for full information: SmaugWiz Colorization. Also see the new builder's page on creating and editing races: SmaugWiz Races. See the Current version page for more details on changes and new features.

So what is SmaugWizard anyway?

SmaugWizard is a MUD server derived from the popular Smaug MUD code. It is designed to run under the Windows NT operating system, but will run under Windows 95/98 as well.

For those who are not familiar with the term, MUD stands for Multi User Dungeon, and a MUD server is a game program which allows multiple players to play a Dungeons and Dragons type game at the same time. Players create one or more characters which they then play the game with. They can select various attributes of the characters they create, such as name, sex, race, class, and descriptions. The characters can then interact with the game and with characters which are being operated by other players in the game.

This is a text-based game. Players move their characters through the various areas of the game (which often number in the thousands), and examine the features, objects, and creatures they encounter. They get text descriptions of what those things look like, and they enter their play commands texturally. Players connect to and play the game while online, using a MUD Client.

Mud Clients:

A MUD client is a sort of terminal program which is designed to make mudding easier. A simple way to connect and play the game is to use the Telenet program that is available to Windows and the various Unix operating systems. But using Telenet requires all commands to be typed manually. A good mud client (such as zMUD by Zuggsoft) will allow much more flexibility. Players can configure the client to allow single keystroke operation of often used commands (like arrow keys for movement). Complicated command sequences can be programmed to operate via function keys, or even automatically when certain game sequences are received as a trigger.

Object:

The object of the game is to have fun. Players start the game at a low level, and as they gain experience and equipment, and learn magic spells, etc., they advance in level. Players can get together with other players in small or large groups to take on difficult areas or adversaries. Beware! This game can become very addictive to some people.

Building:

SmaugWizard itself is the program that runs the game, and it is supplied with a small set of 'stock' areas, objects and creatures. But a person who wants to set up and administer his or her own MUD needs to customize or totally change the game to represent the theme that they have picked, and provide a unique playing experience for their players. Usually MUDS are run by a team of administrators who are already experienced in playing MUDS, and are ready to try to provide something new to the thousands of MUD players that frequent these games.

To facilitate customization of the games, SmaugWizard comes complete with various building features built in. The builders make up a select class of users who do not always play the game, but spend a lot of their on line time creating new challenges for the other players. It is also possible to build new game areas while off line, using one of several programs designed for that purpose.