What is iMAK Mud?

Founded Oct, 2006.

In short, iMAK Mud is a text game that supports multiple users. Mud stands for Multi-user dungeon. The students who are involved with this project each have a character. Once that character is logged in, they then have the ability to create rooms, objects, and monsters that other players will eventually interact with.

When iMAK mud was first brought online in mid-October 2006, it had 1 room, a room created by Mr. Beck. This room was very simple. In fact here is exactly what it looked like:

Welcome to iMAKMUD...
Shattered Ice Glen

You stand in this somewhat open area of what used to be a monumental ice castle not too long ago. There are craters in the earth where an unknown entity has long since smited the sturdy construction. The wind and the sunshine feels good on your face, but you can not help wondering why, and with what unknown power, this grand castle of ice was reduced to the rubble and chunks of broken ice all around you.
Exits:
None
A Bulletin Board for posting is here.


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One room existed. As things have progressed, several students have contributed further content. At this point in time, we have a swamp, a cave, and city all under development. Each one of these 'zones' will eventually have objects, creatures, and an ancillary webpage which will be linked here.

History

sample image These text games first made their appearance in Europe during the 1970's. Here is a link to an informative article about the history behind this type of game.

How are iMAK students using this technology?

Essentially, the source code which supports the network connections and all of the interactivity within the game is written in the 'C' programming language. The students involved with this project have two primary roles: C Programmer and/or World Builder.
 
   

C Programmer:


         -Students who have demonstrated their competence with the Linux
operating system that supports this game are bestowed with the rank of level 65. They have complete access to the source code, and are able to make changes as they see fit. This type of permission is not granted easily. However, students that wish to obtain this access along with supreme level 65 status all have an equal opportunity. They have but only to pass a few competency tests as given by Mr. Beck. (The good news is Mr. Beck diligently helps interested applicants both study for and take the tests!)
   

World Builder:


          -World Builders are writers. They have the primary responsibility of writing rooms, objects, and creatures, and are bestowed with the level 58. They are given the task, which is not an easy one by any means, of breathing life into the stories they create.
Any student interested in becoming a C Programmer must first master the basics of world building within the game.

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How is this game monitored, and is it safe?

Every keystroke is logged within the game and subject to review by Mr. Beck. Students who do not exercise good judgement will be removed from the MUD programming environment completely.
    The game is completely safe. Although the students registered to participate on this project have 24 hour access to it through their home internet connections, new accounts must be authorized in person through Mr. Beck. iMAK students are the only ones allowed access.