Alter Aeon FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQ Section 13 - [advanced] Starting your own mud

Question 13.1  - What does it take to start and run a mud?

At the very least, you should have no life.  However, here are some other
things you should have or be familiar with before you start to make your
own mud:

1) You should know a programming language, preferrably C, C++, or Java.
   Visual basic will probably not be sufficient.

2) You should understand the concept of memory management.

3) You should know basic unix commands, and be able to function in a
   unix environment.

4) You should know how to run gcc, and how to use a makefile.

5) You should not be using windows to run or program your mud.  Get a
   Linux machine.

6) If you intend to make your mud open to the public, you should have
   a dedicated connection for it.  A cable modem would work for small
   numbers of users, and for larger muds you can buy server space from
   one of the many mud hosting companies.

If you lack these things, your life will be difficult, and it is quite
likely that you will fail.  It is likely that you will fail anyway -
running a mud is a very large, time consuming project.

Good luck!

Question 13.2  - How do I start my own mud?

Look.  Listen.  Learn.

Go to Google and do a search for mud codebases.  Download one, play with
it, try it out, see what you can do - but do it yourself.  Do not ask the
Alter Aeon staff or builders for help.  Our builders already have their
hands full with Alter Aeon.

But above all, read, play, and experiment.  It is the only way to learn.
Expect to take six months before you become competent.  Do not expect
others to do it for you.

Question 13.3  - Can anyone here help me with my own mud?

Alter Aeon staff or builders cannot - they do not usually have enough
time to work on more than one mud.  See the previous FAQ question,
'How do I start my own mud?'

You might, however, find other players willing to help you and start up
a mud with you.  If so, wonderful!  All we ask is that you don't recruit
builders or players on public channels.  We wouldn't do it to you, so
don't do it to us.

Question 13.4  - Can I get a copy of Alter Aeon to make my own mud?

Sorry, no.  The DentinMud source is not publicly available.  There are
many other code bases out there though, perhaps one of them fits your
needs.