Frequently Asked Questions about Tales of Ta'veren

The following questions are those most often asked of the Tales of Ta'veren implementors. Please check to see if your question is answered before sending questions to the address below:

saidar@ta-veren.org

Frequently-Asked Questions

Q. How do I connect? Do I need graphics or colour capability?
A. You dial into the MUSH using the telnet command, though your local telnet must permit the use of port numbers. The game is entirely text based, so no graphical capabilities are required. The game commands are fairly simple, but as with any software, it may take you a little while to familiarize yourself with everything.

Q. I don't know very much about MUSH, where can I learn more?
A. We've set up a few tutorials on beginning MUSH commands, how to use Tales of Ta'veren's unique commands, some elements you can set on your character, and basic building. You'll find these in the MUSH School off of room #25.

We've created a World Wide Web page with a guide for the beginning MUSHer.

Amberyl's MUSHManual covers MUSHing commands and coding from the most basic to the most complex, and can be an invaluble reference tool. You can FTP the MUSH Manual, or view the WWW version of the MUSH Manual.

Q. When will the MUSH open to players? What is the address?
A. The MUSH is still under-development, so we're often adding and changing building, policy and code. But those players who don't mind the smell of fresh paint are welcome to come join us, we currently have close to 1000 players role-playing and enjoying themselves.

You can connect to the MUSH via the telnet command. There are clients available to connect to MUSHes, if you're interested in learning more about one of those, read How to Set-Up TinyFugue. On a standard Unix system, you would use the following command to telnet in. The command may differ slightly depending on your system, or if you use VMS. Speak to your system administrator if you have questions.

telnet trouble.ccs.yorku.ca 4201

Try out Tales of Ta'veren right now!

Q. Does this MUSH have Robert Jordan's permission?
A. We originally mailed to Mr. Jordan in August of 1994, and then hand-delivered our request for his permission to him in November, during his signing tour. He said he would have to speak to his agent and another representative before deciding. We mailed him priority post in March of 1995. As AngrealMOO received his permission, we're confidently hoping that we will, but we don't want to officially open until we've heard from him.

Q. What time period is the MUSH set in?
A. The MUSH timeline will be starting around the time of the first novel, The Eye of the World, or a few years before, around 995 NE or so. As in the novels, there will be signs of the increasing influence of the dark forces and a coming confrontation between the Dark and the Light.

Up until the Aiel War, the MUSH history will be congruent with the novel history, though there may be some differences in traditions and such. For instance, the Keeper of the Chronicles is not traditionally from the same Ajah as the Amyrlin, as is the tradition in the novels.

The MUSH is considered a "shadow world" of the official novel world, one of the "Worlds That Might Have Been". This construct is set up within the novels themselves.

We have written up a State of the World that details what's going on in and between various nations and factions, which many people have found useful when designing their characters and trying to fit in to the world of the MUSH.

Q. Will characters from the novels be part of the game? Can I play a one?
A. Tales of Ta'veren will be a mirror world of Jordan's setting, a plot device he himself has established in the books. We strongly feel that the main characters and events of the novels are Jordan's creative property, and only he can truly do them justice. In addition, we think players will find the MUSH more enjoyable if every player has a chance to become a ta'veren, an important force in the world, based on his/her actions, interest and participation, rather than being lucky enough to play a feature character.

Q. What will the role of the Forsaken be? Will there be a Dragon Reborn?
A. The honest answer to this one is that we don't know yet. We've discussed a variety of methods of handling the Forsaken and significant figures like the Dragon Reborn, including having them played for specific episodes, like a guest star appearance, to having them wiz-controlled, to letting players play them continuously. If you have any opinions on what you'd prefer to see happen, let us know.

Q. Can I play an Aes Sedai/Wolf Brother/Warder/etc.?
A. These characters are available for play, but they are restricted. Those interested in playing one must fill in a restricted character application and have it approved before they can play the character. The complete list of which character types are restricted is available on the MUSH by typing 'news classes'.

Interested players should also read the sections of the Wheel of Time Concordance that pertain to the desired character type, as well as MUSH's role-playing guidelines.

Q. Have you considered a character generation system (character skills and statistics)?
A. At the moment, we're considering a system that will allow players to tailor their characters' skills and abilities through the expenditure of points. Through game play and MUSH contributions, players can earn more points to further develop their characters and grow.

There's a couple of things we'd be looking for in any system of chracter development:

• We want to ensure that we have a balanced representation of different character types, and that no one character is over-powerful. We hope that this will encourage people to work together and increase role-play.
• We want to ensure that people playing particularly powerful or influential roles (a Male Channeler, for example) are mature role-players.
• We want to reward and recognize players who contribute to the MUSH, as players are the most important part of any game like this.

Q. Do I have to read all the novels before I can play?
A. Not at all! Reading the first book of the series, The Eye of the World, will be helpful to most players, but even that is not required. We strongly recommend that players who have not read any of the books read as much of the news and other information provided on the MUSH itself, and spend some time observing the environment and role-play on the MUSH. Of course, we all think the books are wonderful and highly recommend them.

Q. I haven't read all of the books yet, will playing the MUSH ruin them for me?
A. Hopefully, no. As the plots and characters of the books will not be a part of the MUSH, none of the storyline or characterizations should be given away. However, information on cultures, countries and other organizations from later novels will be part of the news and other areas of the MUSH, should that concern you. Also, while all players are asked not to discuss the novels in a public forum, we can't guarantee that everyone will abide by this guideline.

Q. What can I do to help?
A. We've been very gratified by the enthusiastic response people have had to the MUSH, and by the sincere desire to help that most people have. Here are some ideas about what you can do to help, if you're interested:

• Read this letter, to save you and the wizards time asking and answering these common questions.
• If you're looking for ideas for something to work on, we've got a few ideas in 'news projects'. If there's something that you want to work on, please speak to a wizard and let us know.
• Take a look at the existing building, code, news and policy on the MUSH, and let us know what you think. We don't mind negative criticism, we can't fix it if we don't know it's broke. :-> You can also let us know what you think of our World Wide Web pages, the email list, even this document!
• Participate in the email discussions -- we consider the pre-opening players representatives of the type of player who will be attracted to this game, so we're always interested in what you think.
• Please be patient with us, we know the MUSH needs a lot of work in various areas, and we ask you to be patient while we develop it. We think that will result in a more professional and enjoyable atmosphere

Q. If you need help, I can build Tarabon/Cairhien/etc.
A.We'll only be opening up new areas as there is the character population to support them. Areas to open soon include the Ogier and the Aiel. Those selected as area leaders will be responsible for building the area, whether they choose to build it themselves or "contract" it out to interested parties.

Q. I'd like to build a house/room/shop for my character.
A. Personal building is allowed, and encouraged! You can link your building to the Building Nexus (#28) while you're working on it. Once it's completed, speak to the area leader of the area you wish to link it to for inspection and linking.

If you're not familiar with MUSH building, take a look at Tutorial 4 in the MUSH School. It also outlines the building parent method we use.

Q. The wizards seem to be busy, I'd be happy to help out as a wizard or staff member.
A. We think that four wizards are a suitable number for the MUSH's needs at the moment. The wizards each have different temperments, experiences and outlooks, so represent a variety of points-of-view. Also, we work as much as possible with players, so you don't need to be a wizard to have an opinion by any means!

We're working on hiring Staff for the MUSH, and openings will be advertised as they become available. Currently, we're looking for Code Staff, have a look at the Code Staff Application.

You don't need to have a title to help out, everyone is encouraged to help new people familiarize themselves with MUSH and the world of Tales of Ta'veren. You can let people know you're available to help in your @doing, your &POSITION or via the email list, there will likely be many who appreciate the help.

Q. What if my question wasn't covered in this FAQ?
A. Anyone who would like more information, has a question about anything involving Tales of Ta'veren MUSH, or would like to become one of our test players, should send mail to the following address: saidar@ta-veren.org

Please feel welcome to link to this page, or print a copy for your personal, individual use. Any other use, including, but not limited to: republication on another Web site, inclusion in a printed or televised publication, or inclusion in MU* online news or information files requires the permission of the author.