New Player FAQ
Common questions before you step into Athera
What is Death's Omen?
Death's Omen is a roleplay-intensive fantasy MUD set upon the continent of Athera in the world of Kai'lar. The game focuses on immersive storytelling, player-driven conflict, danger, politics, mystery, and exploration in a living world inspired by classic epic fantasy, with danger, mystery, ancient ruins, and darker forces lingering beyond the borders of civilisation.
Do I need to know the lore before I start?
No. New players are not expected to know everything about the world. You only need a basic idea of your character and where they come from. Much of the setting can be learned naturally through roleplay, conversation, exploration, and the in-game helpfiles.
Is Death's Omen roleplay required?
Yes. Death's Omen is a roleplay-enforced game. Players are expected to remain in character at all times while playing. Your character should act, speak, and react as though they truly live within the world of Athera.
What kind of character should I make first?
For your first character, we recommend something simple. A farmer, labourer, hunter, soldier, guard, servant, or traveller. Someone from Solamir. A character with a clear goal, trade, or reason to adventure. You do not need to play a noble, legendary warrior, secret mage, or ancient bloodline to have an interesting story.
Can I play an elf, dwarf, or other non-human race?
Yes, though some races may be rarer or require RPPs (Roleplay Points) to play. Humans are the most common race in Athera, but elves, dwarves, and other peoples also exist. Some races may come from distant lands, have different cultures, or require a little more knowledge of the setting.
What happens when my character dies?
Death is permanent. When your character dies, they are gone. There are no respawns or loading a previous save. Because of this, Death's Omen is a world where danger matters, choices have consequences, and even small victories can feel important.
Will my character become important?
Perhaps. Characters are generally not born important, but they may become important through their actions. A humble soldier may become a knight. A merchant may gain influence. A ranger may uncover an ancient secret. The story of your character is shaped by what happens in play.
Is there magic?
Yes, though not all forms of magic are viewed the same way. Clerical magic is common throughout Athera. Priests, shrines, temples, and the blessings of the Eternals are a familiar part of everyday life, and most people look upon such miracles with reverence rather than fear. Other forms of magic are far rarer. Mystics, ancient relics, forgotten ruins, and darker powers exist within the world, but most ordinary people know little of them, and rumours are often more common than truth.
Where should I start in the world?
All new players will begin in Solamir, the greatest kingdom of the Age of Kings. It is the easiest place to find other characters, work, roleplay, and adventure.
How dangerous is the world?
Very. Bandits, monsters, rival kingdoms, wild lands, hunger, disease, war, and darker things all threaten the people of Athera. Travelling alone can be dangerous, especially far from towns and roads.
Do I need to know commands before I play?
No. You do not need to know the commands before you begin. Death's Omen is a text-based game, so you will learn commands as you play. The game includes helpfiles, prompts, and staff and player assistance to help new players get started, such as petition and assist request.
Useful commands for beginners
Try these once you are in the game:
- HELP
- LOOK
- SAY
- EMOTE
- SCORE
- INVENTORY
Quick tips for new players
- Start simple
- Stay in character
- Ask questions
- Travel with others
- Do not fear failure
- The best stories often begin with ordinary people
- You do not need to know every secret of the world to enjoy it
