The Two Towers (MUD)

The Two Towers mud is a fantasy multiplayer text based online role-playing game set in Tolkien’s universe at the time of events in the second book in Tolkien’s trilogy The Lord of the Rings. The game is a MUD (multi user dungeon) established 1994 and can be played either via a direct telnet or java connection, or through a mud client.

History
The Two Towers mud began as a project between a few students and has from the start been free from charge, and is run with help from player donations and the administrator’s private funds. Under constant development from the very start, the game is now a complete virtual world almost completely identical to the geographical properties of Arda, with game areas including west and east Middle-earth, Harondor, Harad and Mordor. After 2000, the game has evolved into a more balanced version (according to many older players this has ruined much of the ability to perform solo deeds from a playerkill perspective) and in 2005 the ability to play as a minion of Sauron (evil race) was reintroduced.

Playing
In the game, players explore the fantasy world of Tolkien, fighting monsters and enemies for treasures and experience points. As they progress, players advance in level, gaining power, reputation and different skills and abilities. Whilst many players choose to interact with one another in PvP (player versus player) combat, some pay great attention to their characters, writing custom descriptions and tales for their adventures. Others may choose to at great extent use the world as a chatting device to interact and socialize with other players.

Legends
One of the most unique aspects of the Two Towers MUD is the close-knit community that is shared and enjoyed by everyone. From 1997 to present day, there are particularly famous players who have earned themselves a "place on the mantlepiece" of the community, so to say, in the form of a legend. Lorfyre Mythil is the greatest among the legends, and he will be remembered by the community forever and evermore.