MUDs and MUDding
If you're not familiar with MUDs, an introduction is in order. MUD stands for Multi-User Domain. Most MUDs are something akin to "virtual reality environments" where people can meet and explore different "worlds". If you're interested in learning more about MUDs and MUDding, I'd recommend checking out The Mud Connector which is a great resource for everything you need, including introductory help, software sources, lists of MUDs, history, sociological studies, development tools, etc. etc. That being said, the purpose of this page is really to focus on MY character, Alianna Belise, and her explorations.
Alianna Belise
I created the character, Alianna Belise, in 1994. Over the course of the next four years, I spent ENTIRELY too much time exploring different MUDs and their areas. While Alianna and I are, of course, the same people - I have a great time role-playing with her and I enjoy the opportunity to "act out" differently in an environment that encourages experimentation. Thus, please excuse me as I refer to my character in the 3rd person -- she is effectively something that I have developed separate from my true self. Currently, I spend the majority of my mudding time in a world called Our Place which has over 100 areas available for exploration. Alianna is a sorcerer with both the magical fighting skills of an enchanter as well as the healing and protective powers of a cleric. Looking at her, you see the following: A strange sense of inner strength emanates from the woman standing here. Her appearance is striking, yet simple. Her deep blue eyes reflect years of experience though her long silver hair remains untamed -- flowing down her back in a mass of wild, twisting strands. Despite her tall thin build, you detect some slightly elven qualities. She studies your features, then offers her assistance. Alianna is a member of the Harpers guild at Our Place which helps other players adapt to the environment, find equipment for their adventures, and locate the training they need to survive the challenges of living in a world with dragons, wraiths and other nasty creatures. In addition to serving the call of the Harpers, Alianna is working on the restoration of The Gardens at the Cloisters and maintains a small retreat as well. There, you'll find that she keeps a library containing all sorts of books and guides on the land and people of Our Place. You are welcome to peruse them at your leisure. While they apply to Our Place, many of the areas are similar on other MUDs and you may find them helpful even if Our Place is not your first choice of realm.