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-Welcome to the Achaean '''newbie guide'''. Upon this page you will discover a comprehensive introduction to Achaea and its basics. While not every topic is explored in excruciating detail, we will frequently point you to other sources of information if you wish to learn more beyond the basics we explain here. If you are new to the lands and/or MUDs in general, read on!
+Welcome to the Achaean '''Newbie Guide'''. Upon this page you will discover a comprehensive introduction to Achaea and its basics. While not every topic is explored in excruciating detail, we will frequently point you to other sources of information if you wish to learn more beyond the basics we explain here. If you are new to the lands and/or MUDs in general, read on!
 =What is a MUD?=
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 Some [[quests]] of the lands - many which contain intricate plots and detailed storylines - will earn [[honours|honourable]] and permanent recognition for your efforts. You may also choose to climb the political ladder and become a feared dictator or benevolent ruler of a [[city-state]] or [[:Category:Houses|House]].
-There is any number of other paths you might take - master [[bardics|bard]], [[Ivory Mark|Champion]] or [[Quisalis Mark|Assassin]], trend-setting [[Category:Trade_skills|tradesman]] - and it is up to you to follow that path. Though the actions of others may influence your character, only your decisions will set your true path.
+There are any number of other paths you might take - master [[bardics|bard]], [[Ivory Mark|Champion]] or [[Quisalis Mark|Assassin]], trend-setting [[:Category:Trade_skills|tradesman]] - and it is up to you to follow that path. Though the actions of others may influence your character, only your decisions will set your true path.
 ==Connecting to Achaea==
@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 ===Selecting a Race===
-There are a dozen [[Category:Adventurer_races|races]] from which to choose starting out. Clicking on any name on the intro screen gives a brief overview and lists any racial bonuses.
+There are a dozen [[:Category:Adventurer_races|races]] from which to choose starting out. Clicking on any name on the intro screen gives a brief overview and lists any racial bonuses.
 The races available to newbies starting out include [[Atavian]], [[Dwarf]], [[Grook]], [[Horkval]], [[Human]], [[Mhun]], [[Rajamala]], [[Satyr]], [[Siren]], [[Troll]], [[Tsol'aa]], and [[Xoran]].
 ===Selecting a Class===
-A [[Category:classesclass]] distinguishes you from others, offering a set of three [[Category:Skills|skills]] which allow you to take on any number of identities, including a brave knight, a magical elementalist, or a cunning thief.
+A [[:Category:classes|class]] distinguishes you from others, offering a set of three [[:Category:Skills|skills]] which allow you to take on any number of identities, including a brave knight, a magical elementalist, or a cunning thief.
-The 17 classes are available to adventurers are [[Alchemist]], [[Apostate]], [[Bard]], [[Blademaster]], [[Druid]], [[Infernal]], [[Jester]], [[Magi]], [[Monk]], [[Occultist]], [[Paladin]], [[Priest]], [[Runewarden]], [[Sentinel]], [[Serpent]], [[Shaman]], and [[Sylvan]].
+The 21 classes are available to adventurers are [[Alchemist]], [[Apostate]], [[Bard]], [[Blademaster]], [[Depthswalker]], [[Druid]], [[Infernal]], [[Jester]], [[Magi]], [[Monk]], [[Occultist]], [[Paladin]], [[Pariah]], [[Priest]], [[Psion]], [[Runewarden]], [[Sentinel]], [[Serpent]], [[Shaman]], [[Sylvan]], and [[Unnameable]].
 ===Selecting a City===
-Click on the [[Category:City-states|city]] name for a one-sentence summary. NOTE: Your choices may be limited based on the class you picked in the previous step. Forest-based classes may only reside with other nature preservationists in [[Eleusis]], and devotion-users can only join other zealous beacons of righteousness in [[Targossas]]
+Click on the [[:Category:City-states|city]] name for a one-sentence summary. NOTE: Your choices may be limited based on the class you picked in the previous step. Forest-based classes may only reside with other nature preservationists in [[Eleusis]], and devotion-users can only join other zealous beacons of righteousness in [[Targossas]]
+==Registration==
+It is highly recommended that you '''Register''' your character. This is in addition to the email address you gave when creating your character for the first time.
+Registration helps you keep your account safe, manage multiple characters on the same account, or reset your password. While registered characters may still be purged, they are not purged nearly as quickly as otherwise.
+Registration will ask for your:
+*real name
+*e-mail address
+*date of birth
+*country of residence
+In addition to that, we ask you how you heard about Achaea. This tells us where to keep advertising so we can get more awesome players like you.
 ===Character Information===
 This section is where you choose information specific to your character including:
 ; Name:A good name feels fantasy, but isn't from a book or movie. If your name is overly silly, offensive, or sensitive for some other reason, then after your adventures begin you might receive a notice directing you to read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea?what=names&x=Help HELP NAMES], which offers more information and instructions for changing your name.
-;Gender:You may choose to be male or female. The exceptions to this are that all satyrs are male and all sirens are female.
+;Gender:You may choose to be male or female. The exceptions to this are that all satyrs are male and all sirens are female. ''The gender you choose now stays with you for the life of your character. It cannot be changed.''
 ;Password:Never share your password with anyone. Your password should be difficult for others to guess but something you will remember. You can read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea?what=password&x=Help HELP PASSWORD] for more information.
 ;Email Address: Registering your character helps give Achaea an idea of the demographics of the player base, and gives players ways to keep their account safe. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea?what=registration&x=Help HELP REGISTRATION] explains more about these benefits.
@@ Line 64: / Line 76: @@
 Adventurers who break the rules may be subject to loss of [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=ROLEPOINTS rolepoints] or some other form of [[divine punishment]] up to and including permanent [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=DIVINEPUNISHMENTS shrubbing]. Ignorance of these rules is no excuse for breaking them.
-The references are provided by the [[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/administrators-and-special-administrators administrators]] for your own benefit. The vast majority of Achaean adventurers have no difficulty abiding by these policies.
+The references are provided by the [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/administrators-and-special-administrators administrators] for your own benefit. The vast majority of Achaean adventurers have no difficulty abiding by these policies.
-=Initial Quests and Registration=
+=Initial Quests=
 ==Escape from Miba==
 After choosing a name and race, you will begin your first adventure called '''Escape from [[Miba]]''', an introductory tour of Achaea's basic mechanics. You find yourself in a dark, dank cell which you share with an old man. He explains you've been captured by [[pygmies]] and offers you a way to escape. You can use the SPEEDUP command up to nine times to increase the pace of your adventure.
@@ Line 99: / Line 111: @@
 After you defeat the cultists of [[Great Rock]], one of your helpful companions will congratulate you over the [[Channels|city channel]] of your city. If you have completed the required tasks up to this point, defeating the cultists will unlock your city tasks.
-==Registration==
+==Battlerage and the Black Warren==
-It is highly recommended that you '''Register''' your character. This is in addition to the email address you gave when creating your character for the first time.
+When you've completed enough tasks and earned the required amount of experience, you will unlock Task 224, "[[Battlerage]] Basics". As soon as you read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/battlerage HELP BATTLERAGE] to complete Task 224, you'll receive the following notice:
+<center><nowiki>*** Congratulations, you've just completed the Battlerage Basics task! ***</nowiki></center>
+<center><nowiki>You feel your experience grow as a result of your accomplishment.</nowiki></center>
+<center><nowiki>The quest "Finding Rhilas" has been added to your log. QUEST LOG will display your active quests.</nowiki></center>
+:'''NOTE:''' Depending on what room you're standing in and how many channels of communication you have access to at this point in your adventures, it could be very easy to miss this message. You can use your QUEST LOG at any time in the game to remind yourself of quests you've started. Some remain in the log even after you complete them.
+If you are under Level 11, then you still have unlimited PORTALS. Even if you do not have portals remaining, if you are a newbie you can WALK TO RHILAS in the Valley of Lodi. If you GREET RHILAS, then he offers to teach you about battlerage and the "All about Batttlerage" quest is added to your Quest Log.
-Registration helps you keep your account safe, manage multiple characters on the same account, or reset your password. While registered characters may still be purged, they are not purged nearly as quickly as otherwise.
+From here you will be tasked to find and open "The Black Warren". This quest brings to life rumours from the pixies and [[:Category:Ratmen|ratmen]] which tell of a sprawling rat warren stretching beneath all three newbie areas. Rat buyers are very busy denizens. If you do not get an answer the first time you ask about the Black Warren and how you can bait the rats within it to reveal entrances, then you might need to wait a minute and ask them again.
-Registration will ask for your:
+The entrances to this rat-infested retreat are disguised as holes or burrows within the natural environment. Once inside the warren, you will fight your way to the lair of [[Pieranotzu]], the Ravenous and return to Rhilas with his corpse. Because he is protected by a great mischief of brown rats, it's best to not go alone.
-*real name
-*e-mail address
-*date of birth
-*country of residence
-In addition to that, we ask you how you heard about Achaea. This tells us where to keep advertising so we can get more awesome players like you.
 =Basic Commands=
-The following sections explain some basic information on the mechanics of Achaea. These commands are highly important, and you will likely use them many times over your time in the realms. As a general rule of thumb, commands follow similarly to written English (i.e. to tell Sarapis something, you would TELL SARAPIS SOMETHING).
+The following sections explain basic information on the mechanics of Achaea. The commands are your key to accomplishing everything from killing a [[rats|rat]] (KILL RAT) in a city to completing a complicated series of quest resulting in a special line being added to your [[honours]].
+==The SHOW Command==
+The most basic of all commands is SHOW. Using this command, you can see things about your character that fall into one of three categories:
+*Things available elsewhere in the same form, like your [[bank|bank accounts]], honours, or [[rift]]
+*Changed or combined versions of some things available elsewhere, like a list of [[:Category:Organisations|orgs]], [[gold]], or your [[status|stats]]
+*Information you won't find anywhere else, such as the amount of [[lessons]] left in a [[:Category:Skills|skill]]
-==Item Manipulation==
+==Communication==
-Item manipulation is more than just simple pushing and pulling, though oftentimes you can and should do so. You can also turn, touch, tap, and do any number of emotes toward objects. (A list of emotes can be found within [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=EMOTELIST HELP EMOTELIST]) Often, you may also DROP/PUT an item on the ground or another object, or TAKE/GET an item from the ground or another object. Containers can hold items within themselves, such as backpacks and satchels. For example, to put a journal within your pack - assuming you have both in your possession - simply PUT JOURNAL IN PACK. To remove it, you can GET JOURNAL FROM PACK. You cannot PUT an item on the ground, but you can DROP it there. Contrariwise, you cannot DROP an item into another item, but you can PUT it there.
+Communicating with other adventurers is one of the most important aspects of Achaea. As such, you have many options for communicating and forming communities within the lands. Most of the commands are self-explanatory and include:
+*The '''SAY''' command allows you to say something to others in your current location. Verbs like SING, WHINE, MUTTER, SNARL, and SCREAM work in place of SAY, allowing you to enhance your words.
+*Use the '''[[Tells|TELL]]''' command to communicate with others who are not in the same room with you. Using the CONFIG NAMETELLS ON command allows you to send tells using someone's name without TELL at the start. The TELLS command shows the last 50 tells you received, regardless of when you received them.
+*The '''CT''' command announces what you say to other members of your city. You can also do this using the name of your city as a command, i.e. <city> Hello! would result in (City): You say, "Hello!"
+*You can '''[[Yell|YELL]]''' something to everyone in your immediate area.
+*When you '''[[Shout|SHOUT]]''', your voice carries across the lands. Shouting for newbies requires travelling to a [[Giant ram's horn]] or using the [[Ram's horn (artefact)|artefact]] of similar name. Except for some powerful adventurers, only the Divine know who is shouting. Spamming, insulting, and gloating are frowned upon via this method of communication.
+*The '''[[newbies|NEWBIE]]''' channel exists for you to ask questions and request basic assistance during your time as a newbie. Due to its nature, some topics might be considered [[insanity|insane]] by other adventurers. It is important to note that the newbie channel is not available for idle chatting.
+*[[Messages]] are another form of communication between players. Use '''MSG''' as a standalone command to see all the available ways to use this feature.
-Journals, such as the one we just took back out of our pack, can be READ, as can many other objects in the realms, such as books, signs, and plaques. If the object has multiple pages, you can READ <object> PAGE <number> You may be able to WRITE within an object, using the same syntax as READ, if you are the author of the item. (See [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=JOURNALS HELP JOURNALS] for more information)
+The rules for using language in Achaea are simple. Do not inflict overly obscene language on people who you do not ''know'' are willing to hear it, and do not use discriminatory language (racist, homophobic, sexist, etc) AT ALL, in any circumstance. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/language-rules HELP LANGUAGE RULES] explains more.
-The most common action performed on an object is to PROBE it. Probing details more information on the item than you might notice at a glance, such as its weight, physical description, et cetera. You can also WIELD an object that is in your possession, and THROW it if you are so inclined.
+==Getting Around==
+===Basic Movement===
+You have several options for moving around in Achaea. The most basic is to use the exits listed when you type LOOK or QL. The directions are at the end of the room description. You can GLANCE <direction> or GL <direction> to see what lies beyond an exit. The possible exits are N/NORTH, NE/NORTHEAST, E/EAST, SE/SOUTHEAST, S/SOUTH, SW/SOUTHWEST, W/WEST, NW/NORTHWEST, U/UP, D/DOWN, IN, and OUT.
-==Communication==
+===Landmarks===
-There are many ways to communicate with other players in Achaea. Most, if not all, are used widely throughout the realms. A few of the most common are SAYs and TELLs, among others.
+If you are within 100 steps from a one of the places in your list of [[landmarks]] then you can WALK TO <landmark> directly. Landmarks are especially useful if you are lost and unsure of where to go next. In addition to the landmarks in the list, you can also WALK TO the following:
+;Members of Your City
+:This is anyone on CWHO, which shows who from your city is around right now. QWC is a QuickWho that shows the CWHO is a condensed list, without titles or class affiliation.
+;Denizens
+:This will let you try to walk to any denizen that isn't owned by another player.
+:If there's only one denizen named that in the game, it will try to walk to it if you're in range.
+:If there are multiple and you specify a number for the denizen, it will try to walk to that specific denizen.
+:If there are multiple and you just say, for instance, WALK TO CULTIST, the results will tend to not be very useful as which cultist you'll walk to will be unpredictable.
+;Personal Landmarks
+:You may add up to 15 personal landmarks using the command LANDMARK ADD <alias>. The alias can be anything you choose. For example, LANDMARK ADD WARREN to add a way to WALK TO the entrance to the Black Warren.
-Using SAY, you can speak to everyone in your room. For example:
+===Doors===
-:Say Boy, says sure are fun!
+Sometimes you may encounter doors which may be open, closed, or locked. The commands for doors include:
-translates to
+*OPEN - To open an unlocked door. OPEN DOOR NORTH (etc).
-:(to you) You say, "Boy, says sure are fun!"
+*CLOSE - CLOSE DOOR DOWN (etc). Doors may lock upon closing in some cases.
-:(to everyone else) Superduperlovechildofdeath says, "Boy, says sure are fun!"
+*LOCK - Have the proper key, then LOCK DOOR <direction>.
-You can also use a single or double quotation mark - ' or " - preceeding any text to SAY it.
+*UNLOCK - Have the proper key, then UNLOCK DOOR <direction>.
-Using TELL, you can speak to one specific person in private, whether they are in the room with you or not. This person must be logged into Achaea and be on the same [[plane]] as you are, as well as within telepathic range on that plane (i.e. a tell from Shallam to the icy northern Tundra will probably not work). For example:
+For example, to go through a locked door to the north for which you have a key you would UNLOCK DOOR NORTH and OPEN DOOR NORTH before you could go NORTH into the room to the north.
-:Tell Sarapis I like to send tells!
-translates to
-:(to you) You tell Sarapis, "I like to send tells!"
-:(to Sarapis) Superduperlovechildofdeath tells you, "I like to send tells!"
-In addition to tells and says, there are dozens of other ways to communicate, including HNT (housenewcomertell), CT (citytell), CLT (clantell), NEWBIE (the newbie channel), [[Shouting|SHOUT]] (heard by nearly everyone in the realms), and YELL (a softer shout to everyone in the general area). There are also a variety of SAY-alikes such as CHANT and SING (see http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=SAY HELP SAY]), and many other unique ways of communicating with others. (See [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CHANNELS HELP CHANNELS] for more information)
+===Flying===
+[[Flying]] is possible if you are a member of the [[atavian]] race, have some type of flying [[mounts|mount]] or [[pets|pet]], or have some other special item or ability which gives you that power. FLY takes you into the skies, and LAND puts you back on the ground. If you are flying over a garden or forest environment, then you can LAND TREES to land in the treetops. It is possible to DIVE to the ground, which causes plummet head first to the surface of the ground with a sickening crunch.
-If the person you wish to speak with is not in the realms, you can leave them a message for them to read when they return. Simply use MESSAGE <name> <message> (or MSG instead) to send one, and the recipient will be notified of this message upon their next login. In fact, they'll be notified immediately if they're online, as well, so it may be used for many purposes. To read a message, you can MSG READ # for a specific message, or just use RM to read the next unread message. The message system is very complex, and you can see all the things you can do with them by using MSG on its own. (See [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MESSAGES HELP MESSAGES] for more details)
+===Maps===
+There are two types of [[maps]] in Achaea, layout and illustrated. You can use the MAP command in the game at any time to see what lies around you, and MAP RADIUS 5 to expand it to its largest portion. The scroll titled [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/the-dynamic-achaean-map HELP MAPS] explains more.
-''Our section on [[#Advanced Communication|Advanced Communication]] should be an interesting read as well, if you wish to learn more!''
+==Item Manipulation==
+There are many commands for interacting with items in Achaea, some of which are required to make an escape from the pygmies in your very first adventure. These commands work for both items you can hold in your [[inventory]] or wield in your hands, like a vial or a sword, and permanent fixtures, such as a fountain or a locked chest, which are too heavy to pick up.
-==Getting around==
+The item manipulation commands include:
-There are many ways to get around, such as using the Ring of Portals or using a class ability, but the most basic of movement is simply to walk. First, one must know where one is. To look around, simply LOOK. You will see the room's visual description, a list of any objects and denizens within the room, and a list of any other adventurers in the realm. Arguably the most important part of LOOK, however, are the exits listed at the bottom. To view these without the rest of the information, you can simply use EXITS (or just X). A variant of LOOK is QUICKLOOK or QL, which discards the room description for brevity.
+*GET - Gets something from the ground or a container.
+*DROP - Drops an item. DROP 50 ASH vs. DROP ASH.
+*GIVE - Give an item to another being, like GIVE 5 CHOCOLATE TO DAVID. For gold, always use the amount: GIVE 1000 GOLD TO JANE.
+*PUT - Put an item in something. PUT GOLD IN PACK or PUT 5 JOURNAL IN PACK.
+*EX, EXAMINE - See what a creature looks like, or how tough it is.
+*P, PROBE - Information about something and what's inside it.
+*BREAK - Destroys certain fragile items.
+*KNOCK - Indicates your presence on one side of a door.
+*LIGHT - Firecrackers, Pipes, and LOTS of other things!
+*SMELL, TASTE - Food, drinks, elixirs, and sometimes other things.
+*READ - Letters, books, signs, posters, plaques, inscriptions, etc.
+*WEAR - Wear an item that you hold.
+*REMOVE - Remove an item that you are wearing.
+*WIELD - Wield an item. WIELD LEFT or WIELD RIGHT for handedness.
+*UNWIELD - Cease wielding an item.
+*POINT - POINT <thing you are holding> AT <who or what>.
-To move in a particular direction, type that direction! To go north, type NORTH (or N). To go southeast, type SOUTHEAST (or SE, which is noticeably shorter). There may be other non-standard ways to leave a room, such as ENTERing something, but in such cases it is easiest to simply try it yourself. If you want to see what's coming up next without actually moving, you can GLANCE (or GL) in a direction. Lastly, SURVEY will tell you what general area you're in; the environment upon which you stand; and the plane you are on (often the [[Prime Material Plane]]).
+Six basic commands which could be useful almost anywhere depending on the object are: PULL, PUSH, RING, SHAKE, TURN, and TOUCH.
-As a newbie, if you get lost you can use the PORTALS command to return to the Ring of Portals. As explained earlier in this guide, it is a hub of portals leading to many useful locations across the lands. Whether you are a newbie or not, however, you can also use landmarks. Simply WALK TO <a nearby landmark>, and you will move one room in the direction of that landmark (assuming no other obstruction). [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=LANDMARKS HELP LANDMARKS] lists all of the available landmarks. To discern how far away from a landmark you are, you can use DISTANCE TO <landmark>.
+Adventurers who wear [[weapon holders]] or a backstrap to hold their shield, can use the following commands:
+*SHEATHE- Sheathe a weapon.
+*DRAW - Draw a weapon from its respective holder.
+*DRAW STRONG - Draw a weapon from its respective holder with a flashy slash.
+*DRAW SALUTE - Draw a weapon from its respective holder in a salute.
+*LASH - Lash a shield to a backstrap.
-Lastly, there is a plethora of useful maps one can use. For one, the MAP command is a wonderful tool to view the lay of the land immediately around you, though not all locations may be covered. (See [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MAP HELP MAP]) As well, the [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=12 HELP 12] index of scrolls lists many, many layout maps of various areas. Though these maps do not follow your every move quite like the MAP does, they can be useful for viewing an area you are not currently in, as well as viewing more of the lay of the land than the MAP permits. Finally, there are illustrated maps linked to from the Achaean [http://www.achaea.com/maps/index.php maps index] page, which are similar in style to the HELP 12 maps, and possibly more pleasing to the eye. Our [[Maps]] page explains more about maps in general.
+It is possible to THROW a wielded object. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/throwing HELP THROWING] explains more about this method for interacting with items.
-==Examining yourself==
+==Examining Yourself and Others==
-There are a handful of commands to let you view information about yourself, such as the SCORE command. SCORE allows you to view your current score information. Your score contains information such as what experience level you are and how much more experience you need for the next level; what your name, title, and race are (much like HONOURS); how much health, mana, endurance, and willpower you currently have (and their maximums); your clans; and many, many other useful details. For an example, see our page on [[Score]].
+There are a few commands dedicated to learning more about yourself. These commands include:
-Another self-examination command is the STATUS or STAT command. STAT lists information much like SCORE does, though of a different nature: Your [[Status]] tells you the current status or state of your character. Are you are dressed? Drunk perhaps? Tired or hungry, after a long day perhaps? and a few other useful bits. Along the same vein is the STAT STATS command, which lists your adventurer and denizen kill statistics. Examples of both STAT versions can be found at our page on [[Status]].
+*SCORE/SC - This is the first way to get information about your character. Based on the status of your character, it will show you a plethora of facts. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/score HELP SCORE] explains them in greater detail.
+*QSC - This command shows a quick score which only displays information relative to the status of your well-being.
+*HONOURS <person> - This shows information about another adventure or a Divine. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/honours HELP HONOURS] suggests other ways to use this command.
+*LOOK <person> - LOOK <person> to see their physical [[description]].
+*DEFENCES or DEF - The [[defences]] command brings up a list of beneficial things currently affecting you. DEFENCES BRIEF shows a less verbose list.
+*DIAG ME - This ability allows you to [[diagnose]] your ailments.
-You can view your personal [[description]] with the LOOK SELF command, or a number of variants such as LOOK ME, LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT SELF, LOOK MYSELF, and LOOK AT MYSELF. This returns the physical description you may have written, as well as your race, clothing, and any Divine favours you might have. You can set your description by using DESCRIBE SELF <description>, but remember that the first few words cannot be removed (i.e. "He is a frog-like Grook and is "). See [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=DESCRIPTION HELP DESCRIPTION] for more information.
+==The WHO Lists==
+There is a plethora of commands which allow you to see who is in the realm with you at any time. The WHO command shows everyone on the same plane and visible to you. Other ways to use the command include, but are not limited to:
-In order to assess your defences, simply use the DEFENCES command. This returns a list of each defense currently upon you. These differs from afflictions, which are generally unwanted and detrimental. Defenses may be gained or lost depending on your actions and your particular defences. For example, the defence line for myrrh is "Your mind is racing with enhanced speed", and it is obtained by eating myrrh.
+*WHO - Shows everyone on the same plane and visible to you. If you have ANSI on then:
+:[[Guides]] will show in yellow,
+:[[Celani]] names are light blue,
+:[[Newbie_Guide#Customer_Service|Admins]] show up as bold white, and
+:[[Gods]]' names show up in green.
+*BW/QW - An abbreviated version of the WHO list
+*QWC - An abbreviated version of the WHO list colour coded by city affiliation.
+*QW <match> - Shows only names that match, for example QW TE would show Tecton and Telendrieth but not Titonus or Trey.
+*QW <city> - Shows members of a city. Using ROGUE will show cityless adventures.
+*WHO HERE - Lists those in your current location
+*NWHO - Shows all the newbies below level 30 in the realm right now
+*CWHO - A who list showing members of your city, or CW f
+*CLASSWHO - Shows members of your class
+*HWHO - A who list showing members of your house
+*RWHO - Shows members of your race
+*CRAFTERWHO - Shows those with [[cooking]], [[jewellery]], [[tailoring]], and [[heraldry]] [[trade skills]]
+*PWHO - Lists names visible to you of those in your party channel
+*RPWHO - Names of other adventurers looking for roleplay opportunities
-==Examining other people==
+These lists only show adventurers who are online and visible. Some adventurers, although present in the realm, may be hidden from the lists for any number of reasons. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/who HELP WHO] explains more about the various who lists and commands for using them.
-Similarly to personal examination commands, there are some useful commands for learning more about those around you. The most prominent is HONOURS, which displays a page of publicly-available information on the target, such as their title, gender, and race, among other things. You can HONOURS SARAPIS, for example, to find out that he is the Logos, a male Immortal, and was born before time was counted. If you check the honours of a mortal adventurer, you will receive a much more detailed page, including which city they are in, what their title, sex, and race are, their birthday and age, most of their current rankings, their marital status, and more. This command can be used on one's self to view what other people see about them, so in that manner it is also a self-examination command. There are two variations on HONOURS - HONOURS F and HONOURS D - which give more details than the vanilla HONOURS page. See our page on [[Honours]] for more information.
-Another highly useful command - or rather, command group - WHO and WHO-alike commands tell you who is visible in the realms. It will not tell you those who have used powerful abilities to conceal their identities and presence. For example, WHO gives a full list of every visible adventurer in the realms. Two similar commands are QW and WHO B, which list the information from WHO in different ways. CITYWHO, or CWHO, lists those adventurers in your city. There are also HOUSEWHO or HWHO, O(rder)WHO, N(ewbie)WHO, R(ace)WHO, CL(an)WHO, and others. Another useful WHO-like command is WHO HERE, which lists those adventurers visible in the same room as you.
+== Shortcuts ==
+Sometimes you want to get information or accomplish something in the shortest amount of time. These shortcuts might help.
-=The Newbie Channel=
+*! - Repeats the last command you sent
-The Newbie channel is available to adventurers under level 21 - also known as "newbies" - to ask general newbie questions on, and (hopefully!) receive answers on as well. You can speak on the Newbie channel by using the NEWBIE command: NEWBIE <message>. For example, to ask "How do I make gold?" on the Newbie channel, you can type ''NEWBIE How do I make gold?'' Two very special beings often watch the Newbie channel: Romeo and Juliet, the [[Guides]]. The Guides exist only to help young adventurers get their start in the realms, so don't be shy about sending them a TELL, or asking publicly on the Newbie channel.
+*' or " - Alternative for SAY
+*COLOURS - See all possible colours for CONFIG COLOUR, when controlling how different things appear to you.
+*RM - Read the next message after the most recent one that you read
+*RN - Reads the next news post after the most recent one that you read
+*X - Shows obvious exits leading from your current location
 =Newbie Areas=
-Among the vast lands of Achaea, there are three areas specially Created for newbies: [[Minia]], [[Lodi]], and [[Mount Gheladan]]. Older adventurers cannot enter these areas, so you will not be crowded out by more experienced hunters or knowledgeable questers. You can reach these lands most easily by using PORTALS to reach the Ring of Portals, then taking one of the three designated exits (READ the SIGN for directions). Another way to reach the newbie lands is to walk there (both normally and the [[Landmarks]] kind). Possibly most usefully, you can ask the guardian dragon of a land to take you to one of the other two free of charge. These guardian dragons are named [[Auma]], [[Poraeus]], and [[Lasuna]], and they guard the respective lands listed above. Simply go up to one and say "Please take me to <newbie land>", and you will be whisked away. This is helpful if you wish to save your remaining uses of the PORTALS command for when you really need them.
+New adventurers have exclusive access to three areas reserved for newbie access only: [[Minia]], [[Lodi]], and [[Mount Gheladan]]. After an adventurer reaches Level 21 these lands become off limits, so while in the newbie areas you are never crowded out by more experienced hunters or questing explorers.
+One of the easiest way to reach the newbie lands is via PORTALS. Once there, you can READ SIGN to see where the portals lead or use Landmarks and WALK TO <area>. Additionally each of the three areas has its own special dragon that will transport you between the newbie lands.
+:IN MINIA: Find the dragon Auma (NE from the archway to Minia) and say, "Take me to Lodi please." or "Take me to Gheladan please."
+:IN LODI: Find the dragon Poraeus at the entrance to Lodi and say, "Take me to Minia please." or "Take me to Gheladan please."
+:IN GHELADAN: Find the dragon Lasuna at the entrance to Gheladan and say, "Take me to Minia please." or "Take me to Lodi please."
 ==Minia==
-The land of Minia is a fanciful place located off the [[Prelatorian Highway]] near the [[Aureliana]] forest. Within Minia, a young adventurer might find such beings as [[pixies]], [[kobolds]], [[imps]], [[hellcats]], and [[pygmies]]. There are plenty of quests for a newbie to complete, such as curing the sick kobold and claiming the Imp Lord's bounty on the heads of the pixies. [[Vellis]], the butterfly collector, resides at the ''Ivy-covered archway to Minia'', where he hands out nets to those who wish to catch butterflies. In fact, Vellis hands out nets to anyone, not just newbies, and as such his location is the only one in Minia to be open to all. However, one should not linger long, lest the ogre guards come and take you away.
+The land of Minia lies just off the [[Prelatorian Highway]] near the [[Aureliana]] forest. There are plenty of quests to keep you busy, like curing a sick [[kobolds|kobold]] or returning textbooks to the [[Pixie Schoolteacher]], and things to kill such as [[hellcats]] or [[Beku]], the pygmy chieftain.
-===Points of Interest===
+[[Vellis]], the butterfly collector, resides at the ''Ivy-covered archway to Minia'', where he hands out nets to anyone, regardless of age or level, who wishes to catch butterflies. If you linger too long, then you may incur the wrath of this otherwise kindly old man.
-*'''The pixie village'''
-:Within the pixie village reside a number of playful pixies, as well as their leader, the [[Pixie Queen]]. These pixies are engaged in a long-time war with the imps of the Ember Tower, ever since the Pixie Queen scorned the Imp Lord for some unknown reason. It seems he did not take it very well, and each leader has bounties on the other species' heads. You can find the pixie village by heading northeast from Vellis.
+You can READ SIGN at the ivy-covered archway to Minia for directions to the four primary areas within Minia. These areas include:
+*'''The Pixie Village'''
+:Along the northern reaches of Minia, the inhabitants of the [[Pixie Village]] are ruled by the [[Pixie Queen]], a diminutive yet imposing woman whose sworn enemy is the [[Imp Lord]].
 *'''The Ember Tower'''
-:At the southeastern edge of Minia, the [[Ember Tower]] crawls with mischievous imps at war with the pixies of the pixie village. Under the command of the [[Imp Lord]], an imp by the name of [[Ord]] trains dangerous hellcats for their defense of the tower. The Ember Tower may be found by following the road southeast from Vellis, and following the signs.
+:At the southeastern edge of Minia, the [[Ember Tower]] teems with mischievous imps who do the bidding of the Imp Lord, a gnarled who carries a jewelled spear and whose only goal is to make the Pixie Queen suffer. [[Ord]], the hellcat trainer controls fierce felines who guard the tower.
 *'''Miba, the pygmy village'''
-:In the northwestern corner of Minia lies the settlement of [[Miba]], the pygmy village. The pygmy people of Miba love the taste of kobolds from the Libra dungeon, and they maintain a collection of kobold slaves. [[Asheara]], the pygmy seamstress, utilizes hellcat pelts in her weavings, so she is in constant need of fresh corpses to harvest. Miba may be found northwards from the Ember Tower.
+:A group of pygmies led by the nefarious [[Beku]], the pygmy chieftain, maintain a collection of [[kobolds|kobold]] slaves, putting them at perpetual odds with the dog-faced creatures of the nearby dungeons.
 *'''The Libra dungeon'''
@@ Line 189: / Line 282: @@
 ==Lodi==
-The valley of Lodi is located within the [[Putoran Hills]], west off of the [[Raphaelan Highway]]. The valley is home to a village of gnomes and a colony of sentient wildcats, a mining excavation, and others various beings. Like Minia, there are various quests one can complete, such as the bounty Constable [[Beck]] has placed on the [[wildcat]] menace, and the [[bat]] problem in the mines.
+The valley of Lodi lies within the [[Putoran Hills]], west off of the [[Raphaelan Highway]]. You can earn gold and experience by helping various denizens, such as killing wildcats for Constable [[Beck]] or exterminating [[bats]] from the mines.
-===Points of Interest===
 *'''The village of Gorshire'''
-:[[Gorshire]], a village of [[gnomes]], is situated in the southern portion of the [[Putoran Hills]], though generally still considered part of the land of Lodi. It is home to a small community of gnomes, enemies of the evolved wildcats in the fields to the north.
+:[[Gorshire]] is a quaint village situated in the southern portion of the [[Putoran Hills]] within Lodi. It is home to a community of [[gnomes]], the sworn enemies of the evolved wildcats who prey on livestock to the north.
 *'''The lair of the wildcats'''
-:Once upon a time, the inhabitants of this cave were simply wildcats. Due to evolution over the years, however, the wildcats have become sentient and sly, lead by their leader, [[Scylina]]. The Wildcat Queen and her kin are in a constant state of hostility with the rest of the valley Lodi, and Scylina herself will pay for the bodies of the gnomes. You may find wildcat lair in the northwestern part of Lodi.
+:Deep within the northwestern area of Lodi, [[Scylina]] rules over her fellow [[wildcats]]. The Wildcat Queen and her kin hold such deep hatred for the gnomes that she will pay for their corpses.
 *'''The Lodi mines'''
-:Run by the miner foreman, [[Dorven]], this mine is noticeably undermanned. Two absent-minded miners, [[Sleff]] and [[Kortine]], work within the bat-infested caverns, seeking help with their problems. Dorven will pay kindly for bat corpses for proof of a dwindling infestation. You can find the mines in central Lodi, northeast off the main intersection.
+:The miner foreman, [[Dorven]], oversees this undermanned mine and is always looking for adventures to help pick up the slack, whether it is eliminating pests from the mines or running shipments to his partner in [[Delos]].
 ==Mount Gheladan==
-The most recently discovered of the newbie lands, Mount Gheladan is nestled in the central [[Vashnar Mountains]], to the west of the Dakhota Hills. Upon its slopes live the [[Nilari]] and [[Murinae]], two warring tribes of humanoids who have place bounties on the other's heads. Beneath its surface also lurk the warring hornets and [[bees]].
+The most recently discovered of the newbie lands, Mount Gheladan is nestled in the central [[Vashnar Mountains]], west of the Dakhota Hills. Hostilities between the Nilari and the Murinae on the mountainside or between the bees and hornets living in caverns inside the cliffs both offer plenty of opportunity to collect a bit of gold or experience.
-===Points of Interest===
 *'''The Nilari village'''
-:
+:The peaceful, ratlike Nilari could enjoy their thriving village if not for the constant threat of the nefarious Murinae living nearby. [[Ealeo]], the village hunter will reward adventurers who agree to help rid him of the problem. This village is one of two in the newbie areas that offers a chance for [[shops|shopping]].
 *'''The Murinae caves'''
-:
+:Located in the northwestern corner of the mountain, [[Raktai]], the Murinae Chieftain pays a handsome reward for prey, especially if it is a member of the Nilari.
-*'''The beehive and hornets' nest'''
+*'''The beehive'''
-:
+:[[Bixise]], the Queen Bee is indifferent to most of the activity within her hive atop Mount Gheladan except two-she loves gemstones and hates hornets. Her personal guard, [[Intieme]], is always in need of adventurers to help battle the nearby [[hornets]].
+*'''The hornets' nest'''
+:[[Iesta]], Queen of the Hornets, is a regal female with a healthy appreciation of shiny gems. She relies adventurers to assist her guardian, [[Niluint]], with keeping the nest safe from their sworn enemies, the [[honeybees]] who live nearby.
 =Gaining Experience=
-Your experience determines your experience level, which in turn determines your health, mana, and other characteristics of your character. With each level you gain, you earn five more lessons to spend, and at certain milestones, you gain bound credits that may be traded in for many different things (including more lessons). (See [[Level]] and [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=LEVELS HELP LEVELS]) One of the easiest ways to gain experience is to hunt denizens (also called "bashing"). Successfully slaying a denizen will earn you experience relative to that denizen's strength and level. Another way to earn experience is to complete various [[quests]].
+[[Level|Levels]] are a measure of experience. The more experience you gain, the higher your level. You can see your current level at any time on your SCORE, or by using SHOW LEVEL. Some of the benefits of gaining a level include:
+:Complimentary [[lessons]] - Every time you gain a level, you receive 5 lessons. If you die and fall below that level, then you lose 5 lessons. If you go below 0 lessons then, you won't be able to use or spend lessons on learning (or other things, such as adding another personal landmark to your list) until your lessons come above 0 again.
+:Bound [[credits]] - When you obtain certain levels for the first time, you also gain bound credits. The breakdown is:
+:*Level 7 - 5 bound credits
+:*Level 10 - 6 bound credits
+:*Level 15 - 7 bound credits
+:*Level 20 - 8 bound credits
+:And so forth, continuing on up every 5 levels to level 95 for 23 bound credits, then jumping by two at level 100 for 25 bound credits.
+:New [[Shout|Shouting]] Voice - Your shouting voice becomes stronger as you gain new levels.
+:[[Achaean_Lingo#L|Logosian]] - At Level 80, you no longer need to [[:Category:Restaurants|eat]] or [[sleep]].
+:Dragon - Upon reaching level 99, you will gain the ability to change into a [[:Category:Adventurer_races|Dragon]], granting you new powers and extra health.
 ==Hunting==
-'''Hunting''', or '''bashing''', refers to the slaying of denizens. Every denizen has an experience value, depending on its level and strength, and you can estimate this level by using CONSIDER (i.e. ''CONSIDER IMP''). A full list of denizen strengths may be found in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CONSIDER HELP CONSIDER].
+'''Hunting''', or '''bashing''', refers to the slaying of [[:Category:Denizens|denizens]] and [[:Category:Creatures|creatures]]. Every denizen has an experience value, depending on its level and strength. You can estimate this level by using PROBE or CONSIDER (i.e. ''PROBE WILDCAT'' or ''CONSIDER IMP''). A full list of denizen strengths may be found in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CONSIDER HELP CONSIDER].
-There is a very useful guide to hunting in Achaea located on the Achaean Forums, at [http://forums.achaea.com/index.php?showtopic=14196 this topic], which lists locations from newbiehood to level 60+. As a newbie, however, you will likely want to stay within Minia, Lodi, and Mount Gheladan.
+As a newbie, you will likely want to stay within Minia, Lodi, and Mount Gheladan. Once you reach Level 21 you can try areas like the [[Actar Valley]], [[Great Rock]], and [[rats]] of all types in the cities (except [[Eleusis]] which has no rats).
 ==Questing==
-There is a multitude of quests throughout the lands of Achaea. As a newbie, you may want to whet your teeth on the newbie quests in the newbie lands, many of which are listed in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=NEWBIE_QUESTS HELP NEWBIE QUESTS]. Within this scroll, you will find tips and pointers on many (but not all!) of the available quests in the areas. There some quests not detailed that you will need to discover on your own: try greeting denizens around you, and examining the world around you more closely. Outside the newbie lands, quests may not be discussed by mandate of Divine law, and they become increasingly difficult to complete. Sometimes greeting the denizens is not enough; you may need to ask them about specific things or people you have noticed.
+'''Questing''' in Achaea almost always involves some type of denizen. Quests can be as simple as locating an item and delivering it to the proper denizen, or so complex that it takes many real-time days or weeks to puzzle out. You can find quests in just about every area in Achaea.
+The quests in Minia, Lodi, and Mount Gheladan are relatively easy to complete. This is to help get you acclimated to the realm while teaching valuable lessons on how things work.
+In many cases, starting a quest is as simple as using GREET <denizen> or saying something about quests, like "Do you have any quests for me?" Sometimes you may need to ask denizens about specific things or people you have noticed. This often results in the denizen offering you a quest. When you answer in the affirmative (either spoken or with an emote), the quest will be added to your quest log. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/questlog HELP QUEST LOG] tells more about this handy feature.
-In addition to these localized quests, honours quests may stretch across large areas of the land. Honours quests are often extremely difficult to solve and are far beyond the scope of this guide. When you complete an honours quest, an appropriate line is added to your HONOURS page (thus the name ''honours quests'') so others may view your impressive deeds.
+Some Achaean quests are far more difficult and complex than others. They may involve many steps, travel across great distances, careful timing, very dangerous situations, and so forth. These are sometimes referred to as [[honours]] quests, because those who successfully complete them will receive lasting recognition in the form of an honours line.
-=Making gold=
+=Making Gold=
-Gold sovereigns are the global currency of Achaea. With gold, you can buy most anything essential to life, such as food, clothing, weapons, and other trinkets. Making gold is never as easy as spending it is, however. Some easy methods of making gold are [[ratting]], catching [[butterflies]], [[fishing]], and completing [[quests]] (as explained in detail above).
+Gold sovereigns are the global currency of Achaea and is almost universally accepted as payment for food, clothing, weapons, and other goods and services. The three easiest ways to make gold, regardless of age or experience level, are [[ratting]], catching [[butterflies]], [[fishing]], although [[hunting]] and [[quests|questing]] (as explained in detail above) can generate coin as well.
 *'''Ratting''' ''(see also: [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=RATTING HELP RATS])''
-:The cities of Achaea (excepting Eleusis) are infested with rats. Should you slay these rats you can sell their corpses to any of the [[ratmen]]. As a reward for keeping the city clean you will be rewarded with some gold for each rat you return.
+:The cities of Achaea (excepting Eleusis) are infested with rats. Use RATS to toggle your vision to see the movement of these vermin, then kill them and sell their corpses to any of the [[ratmen]] who will reward you with gold. There are five different types of rats, each one worth a predetermined value based on its strength.
+::NOTE - Rat corpses in your inventory will fall to the ground when you die or leave the realm, making them fair game for anyone to pick up and sell to a rat buyer.
 *'''Butterfly catching''' ''(see also: [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=BUTTERFLIES HELP BUTTERFLIES])''
-:Perhaps the most well-known method of making gold is that of butterfly catching. Simply obtain a net from [[Vellis]] in [[Minia]], and start hunting for butterflies. Instead of killing them, however, you must WIELD your NET, and attempt to CATCH the BUTTERFLY. Two locations where butterflies are well known to reside are Minia and the [[Savannah]]. Once you are finished, bring your net back to Vellis and GIVE it to him. He will reward you with gold for each butterfly you have caught. Some butterflies are harder to catch than others, and are worth more gold.
+:Butterflies are most commonly found in Minia, the [[Savannah]], and the [[Pash Valley]], although they could potentially flit into any location. Once you obtain a net from [[Vellis]] at the ivy-covered archway to Minia or [[Aine]], the Sheriff in [[Eleusis]], WIELD NET and then attempt to CATCH BUTTERFLY. When you are finished return to the archway and GIVE NET TO VELLIS (or AINE), who will review its contents and reward you with gold. Each of the six different species of butterflies able to be caught in a net is worth a different value.
+::NOTE - Once you give your net to Vellis or Aine, they won't give you a new one for at least one Achaean [[days|day]], which is about an hour in real time. While there is no limit to the number of butterflies a net holds, leaving the realm, dying, and releasing the butterflies allows them to escape the net. An empty net is worthless to a butterfly collector.
 *'''Fishing''' ''(see also: [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=FISHING HELP FISHING])''
-:Fishing, while potentially lucrative, requires practice and a great deal of patience. Your skill at fishing depends greatly on your experience in the [[Survival]] skill: the more Survival you know, the more successful you may be at the various fishing actions. It may not seem appealing at first, but as you progress it will become more interesting as you learn to fish properly and efficiently.
+:Fishing, while potentially lucrative, requires a great deal of practice and even more patience. Your level of success is directly proportional to your [[skill ranks|rank]] in the [[Survival]] skill; the more survival you know, the better your chances of catching bigger and more valuable fish. Fishing requires you to have a fishing pole, bait, and a source of water that contains fish, like a river or lake. When you tire of fishing or run out of bait, take your catches to a bait shop and SELL BAIT TO <bait shop denizen>.
+::NOTE - Like most everything else in Achaea, fish will decay over time so it's better to sell them as soon as possible when you finish fishing rather than waiting to do it later.
 ==Shopping==
-Once you have some gold, you can start spending it! There are a few ways to buy things with your gold. First, you can seek out a [[shop]] and spend your gold there. Shops may be found all across the land, though they are mainly concentrated in the major [[city|cities]] and some villages. They may be owned by denizen (such as the ubiquitous [[Rurin]]), adventurer, or even organization. You can tell if you are in a store by LOOKing: if there is a line stating to use the WARES command, odds are that you are in a shop. Use the aforementioned WARES command to see what is on sale, and for how much. If you want to look more closely at an object, you can PROBE the item listed, though you should use the item's full name (plus number) to avoid conflicting with something you may be holding (or even another item in the shop). To purchase an item, make sure your gold is in your hands, then BUY <item>.
+Shopping is a popular way to spend gold. You'll find a few different ways to shop for goods and services in Achaea.
-[[Denizens]] may hawk their private wares, too! In such cases, they may not be located in a dedicated shop; they carry their wares with them. In such a case, you will need to ASK <denizen> WARES to view their wares, if any. To look more closely at a ware, you can simply ASK <denizen> <item> and they will show off that particular item. Finally, once you've chosen something to purchase you can BUY <item> FROM <denizen>.
+:'''Shops''' exist far and wide, from your home city to faraway islands. A [[shop]] may be owned by an adventurer or a denizen, like [[Rurin]]. If you LOOK and see a line suggesting you use WARES to see what is for sale, odds are that you are in a shop. You can PROBE <thing from the WARES> to see it more closely. With your gold in your [[inventory]], BUY <item> to purchase it.
-Finally, you can trade directly with a willing adventurer. Such trade is reliant on the simple GIVE [#} <item> TO <adventurer> (where the number is optional), and is based on trust between both parties for the goods to be properly transferred. You can make arrangements for such trade in person, in private, or over the dedicated MARKET channel (see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MARKET HELP MARKET]), and of course you can be either the buyer or the seller in such a scenario.
+:'''Denizens''' sometimes hawk private wares. You can see what they have to sell using ASK <denizen> WARES. With your gold in your inventory, BUY <item> FROM <denizen>.
-=Customising Your Character=
+:The '''Market channel''' is where adventurers buy and sell goods and services. If an adventurer offers something for sale that you wish to buy, then use TELL <adventurer> to negotiate the purchase. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/market HELP MARKET] tells more about using this channel.
-As you begin your adventures, you may wish to add a little spice to your character and his or her appearance. There are a few ways to do this, the easiest being your [[description]]. Anyone who LOOKs at you will see what you have written yourself to appear as. To describe yourself, you simply use DESCRIBE ME <description>. It will always start with "(He|She) is a(n) <adjective> <race> and is ...", where the ellipses denote where your custom description goes. The best way to see how it works is to try it, so ''DESCRIBE ME tall'' and ''LOOK ME'' to see the result. Of course, a good description is somewhat longer than that, but it's up to you to write it. More tips and guidelines are detailed in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=DESCRIPTION HELP DESCRIPTION].
-You can also robe yourself in any number of different kinds of clothing: you must be tired of those dull robes from the Trial of Rebirth by now. All around the realms are [[shops]], some of which stock a variety of clothing. Do some window shopping! If you find something you like, PROBE it. (For more information on shops for the informed newbie, please see our section on spending your gold above) Some adventurers are also tailors or jewellers by profession, and many can craft pre-designed items for you, or even design custom clothing for you (though often at a higher price). You can wear nearly anything you like, and it can show a lot about your character's personality. Your clothing will be listed at the end of your description, so it's a great idea to have both a proper description and clothing. (For more information, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CLOTHING HELP CLOTHING])
+NOTE: You'll notice that items for sale have a name with a number, for example PACK1234. Use the full name with number, i.e. BUY PACK1234, to make sure you're buying the right thing.
-Thirdly, you may set a warcry or motto (only one or the other), which are simply phrases which are displayed on your [[honours|HONOURS]] page. They can be used similarly to emotes, simply by using the MOTTO or WARCRY commands (depending on which you have set). To set such a phrase, you can SET WARCRY <message> or SET MOTTO <message>; to clear, simply use "CLEAR" as your message. Remember, warcries and mottoes are to be kept strictly in-character. (For more information on mottos and warcries, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MOTTO HELP MOTTO] and [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=WARCRY HELP WARCRY])
+=Customising Your Character=
+As you begin your adventures, you may wish to add a extra details to how others see your character when they LOOK at you. You can add these details using a variety of ways.
-Finally, you may create a background for your character. Such backgrounds are meant to detail one's history before the Trial of Rebirth, and separate "chapters" may be added on as one's life goes on. You may only ever create '''ONE''' background and it can '''NEVER''' be edited (except in the form of subsequent chapters), so be sure that the one you enter in is free of typos, errors, and you're happy with it! If you decide to write a background, perhaps you should write it into an external editor such as Notepad and read through it several times, sit on it for a few days, then decide whether you're happy with it. Remember, '''your background can never be changed once you submit it'''. For more information on the background system, including syntax and use, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=BACKGROUND HELP BACKGROUND].
+;Personal Description
+:This is a '''description''' of your physical features. Use DESCRIBE SELF <description> to give yourself a description and DESCRIBE SELF OFF to use a generic one. Your race, gender, clothing, and anything you wield are automatically shown when someone looks at you. Otherwise it will be placed like this: (S)he is a <your race>. <Everything else.> More tips and guidelines are detailed in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=DESCRIPTION HELP DESCRIPTION].
+:For example, when you LOOK JULIET you will see: She is a mhun and is simultaneously ageless and youthful. Her face is marked with a careworn expression, and radiates warmth and welcome. Her eyes twinkle with the slightest hint of mirth, and a jovial smile comes easily to her lips.
+;Clothing
+:Your initial '''clothing''' is a bit utilitarian but you can outfit yourself in any number of fashions. You'll find clothing [[shops]] in every city, and perhaps some [[:Category:Villages|Villages]] as well. (For more information on shops for the informed newbie, please see our section on spending your gold above.)
+:Some adventurers take up [[tailoring]] or [[jewellery]] by profession. Use CRAFTERWHO T to find tailors and CRAFTERWHO J to find jewellers who can, in addition to their personal designs, make anything from a public list of designs found via the NEWDESIGN LIST T (or J) command. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/clothing HELP CLOTHING] gives more information about clothing, including how much you can wear and how it could protect you from the [[weather]].
+;Motto and Warcry
+:A '''motto''' is a personal saying while a '''warcry''' is something you scream just before or in the heat of battle. You can use either a motto or a warcry, but you cannot have both set at the same time. Adventurers see your motto or warcry when they HONOURS <you> or when you use the appropriate command. SET MOTTO/WARCRY <your motto or warcry> to set a new one, or SET MOTTO/WARCRY CLEAR to clear it altogether. For more information on mottos and warcries, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MOTTO HELP MOTTO] and [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=WARCRY HELP WARCRY].
+::Motto Example: If Aeyr types ''SET MOTTO Magic is fun! BE THE MAGIC'' then when he types MOTTO people will see ''Aeyr is filled with proud joy as he declaims, "Magic is fun! BE THE MAGIC!"''
+::Warcry Example: If Aeyr types: ''SET WARCRY For the Power of Magic!'' then when he types WARCRY people will see ''Aeyr's eyes fill with battle rage as he screams out, "For the Power of Magic!"''
+;Background
+:Every character in Achaea has the capability to write a publicly viewable '''background'''. This information should be written in character, as once you write your background it cannot be altered. For example, you could use your background to explain what your life was like as a child or what led you to becoming trapped in a pygmy dungeon. You do not have to write your background right away, so you have plenty of time to think about it. It is a good idea to have someone read over your background to make sure it is free of errors. You can do this by writing it on a [[letters|letter]] or [[journals|journal page]] first. For more information on the background system, including syntax and use, please see [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/background HELP BACKGROUND].
 =Your Class and Skills=
-If you do not yet have a [[class]], [[Certimene]], the Class and House Administrator, can allow you to become one. Simply visit him in [[Delos]] (or go directly to him via his exit at the Ring of Portals), READ his SIGN, and ask him to make you a particular class.
+Your [[class]] is a kind of profession that gives you three unique [[skills]]. These skills differentiate your class from the others. Upon starting out, using the SKILLS (or AB) command shows two types of skills: Class Skills and General Skills.
-As an Achaean, your class is highly important! Each class has its own three class [[skills]], differentiating each class from the others. For example, the [[Sylvan]] class obtains the [[Elementalism]], [[Groves]], and (later on) [[Concoctions]] skills, giving them abilities far beyond those few without class. To view your skills, simply use the SKILLS command (or ''AB''). Your class skills will be the two (or three, if you have obtained it) listed  at the very end of the "Skills" section, but before the "Miniskills" section. If you wish to look at the [[abilities]] encompassed by a skill, you can use the AB <skill name> command. Further, to view details on a particular ability in a particular skill, you can use AB <skill> <ability>. While these terms may be confusing, [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=SKILLSETS HELP SKILLSETS] should clear things right up. [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=SKILLS HELP SKILLS] also has much more information on skills, and HELP CLASSES is a veritable gold mine of information on the class system.
+After you reach Level 10, you will also have access to [[:Category:Miniskills|miniskills]], which are just what the name implies - skills with fewer abilities that take less lessons to transcend. You can read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/skills HELP SKILLS] to learn more about skills, including ones that are not available until after you complete your newbie adventures.
-You may have noticed that your AB <skill> list of abilities seems rather... short. To remedy this, you will need things called [[lessons]]. You gain five lessons for every [[level]] you progress through, and you can convert [[credits]] into lessons as well. To see how many lessons you have, you can check your STATUS, or just SHOW LESSONS. If you have just left the [[Trial of Rebirth]], you should have just under two hundred lessons to spend! But how do you use them? That's easy enough: find a denizen [[tutor]] - or an adventurer who knows more than you do in your target skill - and LEARN <#> <skill> FROM <teacher>. The number can be anywhere from 1 to 15 lessons at a time (or 20 if the teacher is your [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MENTORS mentor]).
+Each skill has a range of [[abilities]] you gain access to by spending [[lessons]] at a [[tutors|tutor]], which is either a denizen or an adventurer who knows more than you do in your target skill. Once you find someone to help, LEARN <#> <skill> FROM <teacher>. Eating [[myrrh]] or [[bisemutum]] help speed the learning process, and increase the maximum number of lessons you can spend at a time from 15 to 20.
-Where do you find a tutor, you ask? Every [[city]] has its own personal tutor who can teach you up to, at maximum, the skillrank of Skilled. A skillrank is a measure of knowledge in a skill: a full list can be found in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=SKILL_RANKS HELP SKILL RANKS]. That's fine for a newbie: as long as you are under level 21, you can't learn higher than that anyways (see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CLASS_RANKS HELP CLASS RANKS]). If you wish to reach one of these tutors, most of them can be easily reached via the Ring of Portals. Of course, there are tutors who can teach as high as Transcendant, the highest skillrank there is. Most of these tutors live within the property of the [[:Category:Houses|Houses]], so if you are Housed, you may be able to learn from him or her. There are a few special tutors who are available to all, however. One such is [[Tyrandiel]], the Wise, who may be found in the Lucretian Athenaeum in [[New Thera]]. She also has a Ring of Portals exit devoted to her: simply go DOWN from the central portal room. There are certainly other such tutors, though it is up to you to discover them. (For more information, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=TUTORS HELP TUTORS])
+SHOW LESSONS LEFT IN <skill> shows how many lessons you need to reach Transcendent, which is the highest of the [[skill ranks]]. As stated above, every time you gain a level, you receive 5 lessons. You might choose to convert [[credits|bound credits]] as another way to get lessons. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/lessons HELP LESSONS] explains other ways.
-You may wish to ingest some [[myrrh]] before an extended learning session, as it reduces the time it takes for a set of lessons to complete. Once upon a time, this herb boosted the knowledge learned per lesson, but it is no longer so powerful. You may also wish to learn from an adventurer, as they gain a minute lesson bonus in the skill they teach; this benefits everyone involved.
+;Changing Class
+If you decide to change [[class]], visit [[Certimene]], the Class and House Administrator in [[Delos]]. You can use [[landmarks]] to reach him directly. Once there, READ SIGN to learn how he can help.
+==Traits==
+Traits allow you to further customise your character by selecting a wide range of perks and advantages. You can further immerse yourself into daily Achaean life by choosing traits to enhance your roleplay by doubling up on your [[:Category:Fashion|fashion]] accessories, give you an edge in [[:Category:Combat|Combat]], or help you save money with discounts in [[Rurin|Rurin's]] shops.
+*Level 20 - Unlocks your first Major Trait slot.
+*Level 30 - Unlocks your second Minor Trait slot.
+Additionally, you will find special traits tide to your race. These are granted automatically and do not take up a trait slot.
 ==Weapon Proficiencies==
-Weapon proficiencies are a different animal from normal skills. These allow you to become a master of a particular kind of weapon, increasing your potential accuracy and damage when using them. Some classes are proficient with certain arms to begin with, which you can view in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=PROFICIENCIES HELP PROFICIENCIES]. Everyone else must spend 100 lessons at a proficiency teacher, and then practice with such weapons until mastery is reached. Simply LEARN PROFICIENCY IN <weapon name> FROM <teacher> to begin. The [[:Category:Proficiency Teachers|proficiency teachers]] are scattered across the lands.
+[[:Category:Weapons|Weapon]] proficiencies allow you to specialise in certain classes of weapons, like longswords or flails, even if your class does not permit you to use them at the cost of 100 lessons. If your class requires a weapon, then you will automatically have the proficiency required to use it upon becoming a member of that class.
+If you choose to learn a new proficiency, then find the appropriate [[:Category:Proficiency Teachers|proficiency teacher]] and LEARN PROFICIENCY IN <weapon name> FROM <teacher> to begin your training. Then practice with the weapon until you reach mastery.
 =Houses=
-[[:Category:Houses|Houses]] are collections of like-minded individuals who share a common purpose. They can be of immense help to a newbie by explaining skills, optimum placement of lessons in said skills, and of course goals to work toward. They frequently teach basic anti-[http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=THEFT theft], and are great places to make friends and learn more about [[Achaea]] in general. If you did not join a House during the [[Trial of Rebirth]], you may join one by speaking with [[Certimene]] in [[Delos]]. Before you commit to a certain House, however, you should decide what your character's interests and goals are. There are many Houses, so take your time. To view a list of houses, look at the HOUSE LIST. Each house will be listed similar to the following:
+[[:Category:Houses|Houses]] are adventurer-run organisations dedicated to a common purpose. They serve as cornerstones of conflict, discovery, and camaraderie for the realm of Achaea. They can be of immense help by explaining skills, helping complete tasks, and more, especially after you pass Level 30 and no longer have access to the Newbie channel.
+==Joining a House==
+After you complete the Cultists' Conspiracy and the necessary tasks, you'll find a new category of requirements. These city tasks will introduce you to various denizens in your city while learning more about it. Joining a house has many benefits including:
+*interacting within a community of like-minded adventurers with a wealth of knowledge and resources
+*using any [[:Category:House expansions|house expansions]], such as a [[Master Crystal]] or a private [[forge]]
+*sharing in the political clout of your house, such as voting in elections or referendums
+*holding or aiding a leadership position listed in HOUSE STRUCTURE
- Short Name      A  In Which City  Long Name                         Patron
+After you complete the city tasks, then you will need to find the denizen in your city who can induct you into a house. HOUSE LIST <city> show the houses stationed in your city while HOUSE LIST <class> shows all the houses that accept a certain class. Here's a quick example using the two houses based in Delos:
- --------------  -  -------------  --------------------------------- ------------
- Crownmerchants  Y  Hashan         The Merchants of the Crown        Ourania
-The ''short name'' is often used in place of the ''long name'' in casual speech and the usage of certain commands. The value under the '''A''' column details the House's policy on auto-induction via [[Certimene]]. - a 'Y' means it's allowed, and a 'N' means it is not. The next row shows which [[City]] the House is based in. Some Houses require that their members be citizens of their city, while the rare few are not based in any particular city. The ''long name'' is the official name of the house. Finally, the [[Patron]] is the [[Divine]] Who lends His or Her support and guidance to the House. To view detailed information on a particular house, look at HELP HOUSE <short name>.
+{|
+! scope="col" | Short Name
+! scope="col" | In Which City
+! scope="col" | Long Name
+|-
+|Merchants
+|(no city)
+|[[The Grand Merchant Collective]]
+|-
+|Cij
+|(no city)
+|The [[Carnivalis Institute of Jestering]]
+|}
-Houses may place restrictions on what classes may be members. If you have a [[class]] (highly recommended!), use HOUSE LIST <class> to view all Houses who accept members of that class. Once you've decided on a House, and you know that it accepts your class, you can speak with Certimene to join. Given a 'Y' value for your House's '''A''' column, visit Certimene in Delos and ASK CERTIMENE JOIN <short name>. Assuming all went well, welcome to the House! You can speak on your new House's newcomer channel by using HNT <message> (the HNT stands for House Newcomer Tell).
+Once you join a house, you can speak on your new House's newcomer channel by using HNT <message> (the HNT stands for House Newcomer Tell). See who from your house is in the realm right now using HOUSEWHO (or HWHO for short).
-Of course, there's always the odd occasion that you cannot join via Certimene, whether the House not allow induction via Certimene or a matter of your higher level or age. In such a case, you should use HELP HOUSE <short name> to view their information. There should be a section entitled ''[CURRENTLY IN THE REALM]''. Any names listed there, next to "Able to induct:" can induct you if you speak to them privately.
+If you wish to join one of the two houses in [[Delos]], which are not affiliated with a city, then you must speak with [[Certimene]] in [[Delos]] and ASK CERTIMENE JOIN <short name>.
+;Changing Houses
+You can change your house at any time. If you decide to change houses, then it pays to learn more by talking to someone from that house. Use HELP HOUSE <short name> to view their information. There should be a section entitled ''[CURRENTLY IN THE REALM]''. Any names listed there, next to "Able to induct:" can induct you if you speak to them privately. It is worth noting that joining a house in a different city will require you to be a citizen of that city.
 =Cities=
-'''[[City|Cities]]''', or more properly '''city-states''', are large settlements with some degree of control over their surrounding land. There are six city-states you may join: [[Ashtan]], [[Shallam]], [[Hashan]], [[Cyrene]], [[Mhaldor]], and [[Eleusis]]. Every city has its own socio-political structure, including various ministers (which are the same across Cities) and aides. If you wish to join a City, there are a few things to know. First, each city-state has a unique culture. You should read up on each city and decide which is best for you. Second, some Houses require membership in their base City. If you are seeking to join a House as well, or are already a member of one, you should take that into consideration.
+Adventurers choose their '''[[cities]]''' when creating a character for the first time. Cities, also called city-states, are large settlements with some degree of control over their surrounding lands. There are six city-states you may join: [[Ashtan]], [[Targossas]], [[Hashan]], [[Cyrene]], [[Mhaldor]], and [[Eleusis]]. Every city has its own socio-political structure, including various ministers (which are the same primary positions across Cities) and aides.
+==Changing Cities==
+Sometimes after escaping the pygmy dungeon an adventurer learns the city they chose when creating their character is not what they expected. Before joining a new city consider that cities are free to restrict their citizens in many ways.
+Citizens may also be required to perform city services, serve other citizens in various manners, or join only certain Houses, listed in HOUSE LIST <city>. Be absolutely certain that you discuss these things with leaders of your intended city listed in that city's [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/city help scroll] before you make a commitment to citizenship.
-In order to become a citizen, simply look at the [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CITIES help scroll] of the city you wish to join, and look at the ''[CURRENTLY IN THE REALM]'' section. Any names listed next to "Able to induct new citizens" can induct you, though there may be different processes per city after that point. If you wish to leave your city, you can simply QUIT <city name> at any time.
+Once you have QUIT <city> to leave your old city and are ready to join a new one, read HELP <city> to find the denizen that can make you a citizen or the adventurers currently in the realm who are able to induct new citizens.
 =Healing=
-Whether a hunter or a politician, every adventurer should know the basics of health and healing. The most obvious gauge of your state of health is your [[health (statistic)|health]]. Your health may always be viewed via your SCORE or QSC, though a simpler way is to set your prompt to list such information (for example, ''CONFIG PROMPT ALL''). The Nexus client has several handy gauge bars to represent your status visually, as well. Health is most often lost due to combat damage. The most basic way of regaining one's health is to [[Sleep|SLEEP]] (which also slowly rebuilds your [[endurance]] and reduces your level of exhaustion). Sleeping, however, makes you more vulnerable due to your understandably relaxed state of mind, and you may have trouble WAKE-ing up quickly. Another, often more effective way is an [[elixir of health]], a common [[concoctions|concoction]] that returns a fair amount of health per sip. You bought one such elixir with [[Gruul]] in the [[Trial of Rebirth]], so why not take a sip and see what happens?
+Regardless of your class or hobbies, every adventurer should know the basics of physical well-being and [[Combat:Overview#Curing|healing]]. There are several ways to see your basic statistics.
+*SCORE shows your stats at any time.
+*QUICKSCORE or QSC shows a more condensed version of your score.
+*[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/prompt CONFIG PROMPT] displays these settings every time you enter a command.
+*The Nexus Client displays gauges above the command box. If you don't see them, right-click anywhere on the page and choose Gauges, making sure the green check mark appears to the left of the word.
+*CURING ON turns on Achaea's server-side [[curing]] system. [[:Category:Combat|Combat]] in Achaea can add an unprecedented level of immersion, which can make it difficult for newcomers to get started. The curing system allows adventures who are Level 10 and higher to take part in combat. The scroll [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/curingsystem HELP CURING SYSTEM] explains more.
+==Health==
+There are three common ways to lose [[health]]: hunting denizens and creatures, [[:Category:Combat|combat]] with other adventures, and misadventure, a kind of adventure gone wrong. Misadventure includes things like drowning while [[:Category:Survival|swimming]] or succumbing to injuries from catching on fire during a walk through a burning forest. Failing to restore your health will lead to certain, albeit temporary, [[death]].
+Two popular ways to restore your health include sipping an [[elixir of health]] and [[Sleep|sleeping]], the latter of which also rebuilds [[endurance]].
+==Mana==
+Certain class skills use more [[mana]] than others. The easiest ways to regain mental strength is to sip an [[elixir of mana]] and [[meditate]], the latter also being a way to regain [[willpower]].
+==Afflictions==
+Sometimes your adventures might lead you to become afflicted with something, like [[blindness]] or [[stupidity]]. Helpful commands offering information about these afflictions include:
+*AFFLICTION LIST - See a list of known afflictions
+*AFFLICTION SHOW <affliction> - See information about a current affliction
+*WHATCURES <affliction> - See what cures a specific affliction, for example:
+::WHATCURES STUPIDITY shows: The affliction 'stupidity' is cured by: [[Goldenseal|Eat Goldenseal]] / Eat [[Plumbum|Plumbum]] and [[focusing|Focus Mind]].
+==Refilling Vials==
+When you sip the last of your curative elixir then it's time to refill that [[vials|vial]]. The easiest way to get a refill is from [[Seasone|Seasone, the Industrious]] just outside of [[North of New Thera]]. Her services are some of the most costly in the land, so it is highly suggested that you find another way, such as an adventurer who can refill your vial or a shop with a [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/refill-tuns tun] where you can REFILL <vial|fluid|empty> WITH <tun|fluid>.
-[[Mana (statistic)|Mana]] is another important statistic which wears down as it is used. Certain classes, such as [[Magi]], utilize it more than others, so it is vital that one knows how to regain it. The most basic way is to MEDITATE (or simply MED), which renders you unaware of the world immediately around you, but is easier to break out of than SLEEP: you simply make any movement to break your meditation. Meditation also slowly recovers your [[willpower]]. Much like the elixir of health, there is also an [[elixir of mana]] which has the same effect on your mana reserves. You likely did not get one during the Trial, so if you wish to obtain one you can buy them in many of the shops of the lands, have a [[Concoctions|concoctionist]] brew some for you, or speak with [[Seasone]], the Industrious, for refilling of an empty vial.
+==Death and Resurrection==
+In the event of your '''[[death]]''', you will find you can still walk around as a soul. This movement may be stopped by [[sigils|eye sigils]] lying upon the ground and the steps you take will not count in increasing your rank in the [[Fellowship of Explorers]].
-There is a variety of common and esoteric [[afflictions]] in the realms of Achaea, including but certainly not limited to: [[darkshade]], [[epilepsy]], [[asthma]], and [[anorexia]]. In general, you must use [[herbs]] to heal these illnesses, though some classes have their own healing abilities. Cures for the ailments listed above might be the ingestion of [[ginseng]] (for darkshade), [[goldenseal]] (for epilepsy), and [[kelp]] (for asthma), and an application of [[epidermal]] salve (for anorexia). A list of most afflictions and their cures can be found in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CURELIST HELP CURELIST], or you can browse our category of [[afflictions]].
+There are a few ways in which adventurers can be resurrected from death. They are:
+*EMBRACE DEATH to take a brisk walk through the [[Thoth|Halls of Thoth]].
+*Use the [[starburst]] [[:Category:Tattoos|tattoo]] which instantly restores your life at half the experience loss but leaves you without [[defences]].
+*Immolation, which takes place when another adventurer immolates your corpse in the [[Flame of Yggdrasil]].
+*Abilities related to classes such as [[druid]] and [[paladin]] allow adventurers to resurrect their fallen peers.
+It should be noted that almost every method of resurrection incurs some amount of experience loss.
 =Geography & Movement=
-As [[Severian]] explains during the [[#The Trial of Rebirth|Trial of Rebirth]], the world of Achaea is a vast place. The main continent of the realms is called [[Sapience]], upon which lie the six major [[city|cities]], bountiful [[forests]], pristine [[:Category:lakes|lakes]], and crisscrossing roads and [[highways]]. With so much land to explore, newcomers to the realms might be fairly overwhelmed! The easiest way to get around as a newbie is by way of the [[Ring of Portals]], which is coincidentally the exact spot you find yourself after completion of the Trial of Rebirth.
+During your [[Newbie_Guide#Escape_from_Miba|escape from the pygmy dungeon]] you learn the basics of moving from place to place. The world is so much bigger, however, than what you are exposed to during your first couple of adventures.
-The Ring of Portals is a special location on a remote location called [[Loom Island]], which cannot be accessed by normal means. However, the [[Gods]] of Achaea have granted all newbies - those adventurers under [[level]] 21 - access to the Ring by way of the PORTALS command. Those between level one and level eleven will have unlimited access to the Ring of Portals. After reaching level eleven, however, you are limited to 20 more uses of PORTALS, and you cannot gain any more. Only those adventurers under level 21 may reach the Ring at all.
+==Basic Geography==
+The main continent of Achaea is called [[Sapience]], which is home to six major [[:Category:City-states|cities]], bountiful [[forests]], pristine [[:Category:lakes|lakes]], and roads and [[highways]] that cross back and forth across the map linking everything together.  With so much to explore, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately newbies have the PORTALS command, a kind of [[:Category:Gods|godly]] rescue which delivers you to the [[Ring of Portals]].
-Within the Ring of Portals are three separate rooms, each with exits to many of the most useful locations in the realms.
+==The MAP Command==
+The MAP command shows your current location and some neighbouring rooms with hints of how they connect and what might lie in adjacent directions. MAP RADIUS 5 shows the largest portion of the map at any one time. Most of the symbols on the map are self-explanatory, such as "$" for the location of a Bank or "S" to designate Shop. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/map HELP MAPS] offers a full explanation of the key.
+==The Ring of Portals==
+The Ring of Portals is a special location on a remote location called [[Loom Island]], which cannot be accessed by any normal means of [[:Category:Travel|travel]]. All newbies - those adventurers under [[level]] 21 - may access to the Ring with some stipulations.
+*PORTALS use is unlimited until reaching Level 11.
+*Starting at Level 11, you are allowed 20 more uses of the command.
+::NOTE: Going past Level 11 and dropping back below it does not restore unlimited portals.
+*Starting at Level 21, you lose access to the command, even if you did not use up your previous allotment.
+::NOTE: Going past Level 21 and dropping back below it does not restore use of portals.
+Within the Ring of Portals are five separate rooms, each with exits to many of the most useful locations in the realms.
 {| class="houseleaders"
-!colspan=3|The Ring of Portals
 |-
-! The Northern Portals <br/> ([[Ashtan]] and [[Hashan]] portals]])
-! The Central Portals <br/> (City-unspecific portals)
-! The Southern Portals <br/>([[Cyrene]], [[Eleusis]], [[Mhaldor]], and [[Shallam]] portals)
-|- align="center"
 |
-North: Central Market of Ashtan<br/>
+|'''The Northern Portal Room''' <br/> Northeast : General Cazin (Targossas) <br/> East : Epicurus (Ashtan) <br/> Southeast : Damaris, the Learned (Hashan) <br/> Southwest : Liirup the Placid (Hashan) <br/> West : Crazy Hakhim (Targossas) <br/> Northwest : The Ratman (Ashtan) <br/>
-East: The Garden of Epicurus in Ashtan<br/>
+|-
-Southeast: Hall of Learning in the Academy of Hashan<br/>
+|'''The Western Portal Room''' <br/> North : Certimene, the Class and House Administrator <br/> South : Seasone, the Seller of Potions and Elixirs <br/> Southwest : Tyrandiel, the Wise <br/> Northwest : Vinci's Tattoo Emporium <br/>
-Southwest: Liirup of Hashan<br/>
+|'''The Ring of Portals''' <br/> North : Portals to Ashtan, Hashan, and Targossas. <br/> South : Portals to Cyrene, Eleusis, and Mhaldor. <br/> East : Portals to newbie adventuring areas. <br/> West : Portals to other useful services.
-West: The Bazaar of Hashan<br/>
+|'''The Eastern Portal Room''' <br/> North : the Valley of Lodi <br/> Northeast : the Land of Minia <br/> Southeast : Mount Gheladan
-Northwest: The Ratman of Ashtan
+|-
 |
-North: The Northern Portals<br/>
+|'''The Southern Portal Room'''Northeast : Maric, the ratman (Mhaldor) <br/> East : Aine, the Sheriff (Eleusis) <br/> Southeast : Elias, the Gatekeeper (Eleusis) <br/> Southwest : Jorj, the city caretaker (Cyrene) <br/> West : Indalecio, the Academician (Cyrene) <br/> Northwest : Gack, the slaver (Mhaldor)
-South: The Southern Portals<br/>
-<br/>
-Northeast: Certimene, the Class and House Administrator<br/>
-East: Vinci's Tattoo Emporium<br/>
-Southeast: The Land of Minia (and Vellis, butterfly man)<br/>
-Southwest: The Isle of Delos<br/>
-West: Seasone, the Seller of Potions and Elixirs<br/>
-Northwest: The Valley of Lodi<br/>
-In: Mount Gheladan<br/>
-Down: Tyrandiel, the wise
-|
-East: The House of Averroes in Shallam<br/>
-South: Indalecio, the Academician of Cyrene<br/>
-Southeast: The base of the Eleusian Gatehouse<br/>
-Southwest: Jorj, the city caretaker in Cyrene<br/>
-West: The Artisan Plaza in Cyrene<br/>
-Northwest: Crazy Hakhim in Shallam<br/>
-Northeast: Zanzibaar Street in Shallam<br/>
-In: Maric, the Ratman of Mhaldor
 |}
-In addition to the Portals, you may also use the [[landmarks]] system. By way of landmarks, one can WALK TO any listed <landmark> and move one room towards your destination. You must be within fifty steps of your goal to move in its direction; otherwise it's too distant to be certain which way it is. You must also be outside of the [[wilderness]] and [[subdivisions]]. You can easily tell how far away you are from a landmark with DISTANCE TO <landmark>. (For a full list of landmarks, as well as other useful details, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=LANDMARKS HELP LANDMARKS])
+==Landmarks==
+Another way of getting around is using the [[landmarks]] system to WALK TO any landmark in the list that's within 100 steps of your current location. It is also possible to WALK TO <someone> in your city or house. You can use the [[:Category:Survival|distance ability]] DISTANCE TO <landmark> command to see the distance to landmarks and adventurers, but not denizens. You'll find other useful details in [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/landmarks HELP LANDMARKS].
+==Class Abilities Allowing Travel==
+In addition to these methods of travel, there are plenty of miscellaneous tools and abilities to help you get around the realm. For example, members of the [[Magi]] class can learn the ability to create sonic portals between locations, and [[Serpent]] class members can splice [[wormholes]] to travel between two otherwise non-adjacent locations.
+==Artefacts for Travelling==
+[[Artefact|Artefacts]] such as the [[Eagle's wings]] and [[Atavian wings]] allow adventurers to travel high above the clouds to a location similar to the Ring of Portals, while the [[wand of portals]] creates portals between its wielder and another adventurer.
+=History and Mythology=
+You'll find much of the history of Achaea, from [[Creation]] to the [[Modern Age]], explained on the scroll titled [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/history HELP HISTORY]. A shorter period of history, from Creation to the aftermath of the [[War of Humanity]], exists within the [http://www.achaea.com/info/mythos Histories and Mythos] page.
+All adventurers have access to the Public and Announce sections of the [[news]], as well as the worldwide Events board. You may discover lesser known histories, however, within the boards reserved for the Houses, Cities, and other organizations. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/news HELP NEWS] explains precisely how to take advantage of these newsboards.
-In addition to these methods of travel, there are plenty of miscellaneous tools and abilities. For example, those of the [[Magi]] class can create temporary portals between locations, and [[Serpent]]s can splice [[wormholes]]. If you obtain a pair of [[artefact]] [[Atavian wings|wings]], you can use them to travel high above the clouds, to a location not unlike the Ring of Portals!
+=Advanced Communication=
+The methods for [[Newbie_Guide#Communication|commication]] extend beyond the ones previously discussed in this guide. This section both explains a few of them in more detail and lists other methods not mentioned before.
-=Combat and Death=
+==The News==
-<!-- I know very, very little about combat, so I can't do much here. -->
+The '''[[news|news system]]''' is a valuable way for adventurers to communicate with each other. It allows you to write a news post others can read on their own time. Newbies don't need to worry about the news too much at first, but you should certainly learn how to at least read the
+news.
-[[Death]] is usually considered an unpleasant occurance. It is caused by the loss of one's health in its entirety, thus severing the soul from the body. As long as you are dead, you will walk the lands as a soul, potentially affected by the influences of such objects as eye [[sigils]]. You will also slowly lose [[experience]]. There are a number of ways to return to the living, but few may be undertaken on one's own. The only foolproof way to return from death is to PRAY FOR SALVATION. This will transport you to the [[Halls of Maya]], which you will walk for a short time before meeting with the Lady Herself to be returned to life.
+*Check your News Status using the '''NSTAT'''command.
+*From there you can '''READNEWS <section> <post #>''' to read a specific post in a designated news board. The '''READNEXT''' command (or RN) will cycle through all posts going forward from your "last read" markers.
+*If you type '''NSTAT CATCHUP''', it will automatically set your "last read" marker for ALL the sections to the very last post in each section. Use NSTAT CATCHUP <section> to set your "last read" marker for one section of the news.
+*Writing to the news, however, requires that you go to a news room (You can WALK TO NEWS in any city, and Delos.) Once there you can choose a section, address your post to a specific person, organisation, or everyone, and write out the news you wish to share.
+*Reading [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/news HELP NEWS] offers more details and other commands for using the news.
-There are other, less reliable methods of resurrection. A friend may locate your corpse and immolate you in the [[Flame of Yggdrasil]] to resurrect you, or perhaps use your corpse in a [[Devotion (skill)|Devotion]] resurrection. However, should your body be lost or defiled, your only alternative is to find a [[Groves]] user and their grove, who may resurrect you using only your soul.
+==The Post Office==
+Each city has a '''[[post office]]''', often located near the city [[bank]], which is accessible via [[landmarks]]. There is also a general post office located in [[Delos]]. You can use LETTERLIST or LLIST to see [[letters]] in your [[inventory]] and then READ LETTER#####.
-It should be noted that almost every method of resurrection incurs some amount of experience loss, aside from that lost by the act of dying. Immolation is known to be one of the most costly in experience, alongside praying, and skill-based resurrections are rather less expensive.
+The steps for mailing a letter are:
+*Go to the post office and have 100 gold (the price of a generic blank letter) in your inventory.
+*REQUEST LETTER to request a blank letter.
+*REQUEST < SMALL or LARGE > PARCEL to request a parcel for sending items to others. A small parcel costs 200 gold and holds 10 items, while a large parcel costs 400 gold and holds 20 items. If you do not specify a size, then you will purchase a small parcel by default.
+*WRITE LETTER to write out what you want your letter to say.
+*MAIL LETTER/PARCEL TO <someone> to have it delivered via the postal system.
-=History and Mythology=
+Letters decay ten months after their purchase. If the recipient does not enter the realms before that time is up, then the letter will be returned to you, along with any items you may have shipped along with it (provided they did not decay during that time period).
-Much of the history of Achaea, from [[Creation]] to the [[Modern Age]], may be found [http://achaea.com/history.php here]. A shorter period of history, from Creation to the aftermath of the [[War of Humanity]], is written within [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=MYTHOS HELP MYTHOS] - though by no means is the scroll a short read! Apart from the Mythos, there is a vast amount of history contained within the [[news]] boards of Achaea. All adventurers have access to the Public and Announce boards, as well as the veritable Events board, but you may discover lesser known history within the private boards of the Houses, Cities, and other organizations. [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=NEWS HELP NEWS] explains precisely how to take advantage of these newsboards.
+The postal system only works to mail letters to other adventurers or the [[Divine]]. A messenger on the [[Delosian Bridge]] stands at the ready, waiting to deliver letters from adventurers to other [[denizens]].
+==The Achaean Forums==
+You may find further opportunities to connect with the community of players and administrators at the [http://forums.achaea.com/ Achaea Forums]. Note that the Forums are not in-character, and your character has no knowledge of information you learn there if they have no prior in-character knowledge of it. The administration is very clear about the [http://www.achaea.com/forum-rules forum rules] and frown on adventurers who disrespect them.
+==Language Rules==
+Regardless of where or how you communicate, the rules for using language in Achaea are simple. Do not inflict overly obscene language on people who you do not ''know'' are willing to hear it, and do not use discriminatory language (racist, homophobic, sexist, etc) AT ALL, in any circumstance. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/language-rules HELP LANGUAGE RULES] explains more.
+=Credits and Crowns=
+This section explains about two types of currency more valuable than gold, called [[credits]] and [[Mayan crowns]]. A word of caution: if you obtain credits and Mayan crowns through in-game means (i.e. bought from or traded with another adventurer), then you cannot trade them to your alternate characters as it would constitute [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/mayan-crowns seconds abuse].
+==Credits==
+Credits are a valuable form of [[:Category:Currency|currency]] used to buy [[:Category:Artefacts|artefacts]], trade with other adventures on the open credit market, or bind to  yourself for some other purpose. Adventurers get credits in a wide variety of methods including from other players, work as a [[mentors|mentor]], organisational credit sales, and as prizes in events or [[Fellowship of Scarlatti|art and bardic contests]]. Some adventurers supplement their in-game credits with [http://www.achaea.com/Credits credit purchases] made with real-life currency.
+Unlike credits, which can be used as currency between adventurers, bound credits are just as their name applies - bound to your character and for your use only. Once you have bound credits, you can never transfer, buy, sell, or get a refund for them. Adventurers receive bound credits when they achieve certain levels of experience, trading in artefacts they no longer wish to own, organisational credit sales, or prizes in contests.
+Many new adventurers used bound credits as a way to get lessons via the CREDITS CONVERT # TO LESSONS. Every adventurer will also receive a bonus of 2.5 lessons per credit on the first 1000 credits converted to bound credits, giving them a potential 2500 lessons. Other methods of obtaining bound credits, i.e. trading in artefacts, do not yield any bonus at all.
+More resources about credits includes:
+:[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/credits HELP CREDITS]
+:[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/creditmarket HELP CREDIT MARKET]
+:[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/artefacts HELP ARTEFACTS]
+==Mayan Crowns==
+Adventurers receive Mayan crowns in a myriad of ways which include monthly promotions, trading with other adventures, and [[ship trades]]. Crowns are used to purchase items from the [[Shop of Wonders]]. A shop filled with artefacts commonly found among the upper echelon of Achaean society, all items purchased in the shop are both resetting and non-decay (unless otherwise stated) and may be purchased as gifts for other adventures.
+More resources about credits includes:
+:[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/mayan-crowns HELP MAYAN CROWNS]
+:[http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/shopofwonders HELP SHOP OF WONDERS]
-=Advanced Communication=
+=Customer Service=
-There are a few ways to communicate which are slightly different from your typical [[channels]]. These each have their own time and place, though they are used less often for various reasons. One of the most well known alternative means of communication is the [[news]]. There are a few newsboards that all adventurers have access to, including the Public and Poetry boards, and others which may not be written to by normal mortals, such as the Announce and Events board. Every organization has its own newsboard, as well. News posts are most often used to speak to a large group of people at once, no matter what date and time they may come across the post. In this way, they are similar to messages sent to a large group of people.
+There are many ways to contact '''Customer Support''' in Achaea depending on what you need at the time. The most frequently used are listed below.
-To view the newsboards you have access to, which post you last read on each, and how many posts each has, you may use the NSTAT command. To read the news, you can use READNEWS <section> <#>, or RN (to read the next unread newspost). You can also go to a [[newsroom]] and peruse the news in silence, using the newsroom tools listed by using HELP in a newsroom. To write to a newsboard, you ''must'' be in a newsroom. (For more useful information on the news, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=NEWS HELP NEWS])
+==Issues==
+One way to obtain customer support in Achaea is to file an issue. Issues are, first and foremost, [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=INSANE insane], so avoid discussing them on public [[channels]].
-Another way to get a message out to nearly everyone in shouting distance is to, yes, [[shout]]. To shout, one must first find one of the [[giant ram's horn]]s located all over Sapience, usually in high altitudes such as the [[Vashnars]]. The horns require a payment of ''exactly'' 100 gold: simply PUT 100 GOLD INto the HORN, then SHOUT <what you want>. However, some may not hear shouts due to being deaf to shouts, or indeed afflicted with [[deafness]]. Shouting is generally anonymous unless the shouter identifies themselves, is a Dragon, or a recipient has the ability of Recognition in [[Vision]]. Depending on the shouter's level, their shouting voice will be different. You may look at your STATUS to view what your own shouting voice would sound like. It should be noted that shouts may only be of a certain length: too long, and you will pass out. Worse, the entire world will know you passed out, instead of hearing your wonderfully worded masterpiece.
+Think of an issue as a please for help from an administrator who serves as a magistrate, or a judge. Instead of discussing your issue or replying to an issue against you with the other party, give all information to the administrator. Keep in mind that issues are for serious situations.
-A third unique method of communication is by Achaea's postal system. Letters may be sent to anyone, no matter where they stand on the continent. They may be bought from a post office for a fee of 100 gold; simply REQUEST a LETTER to buy one. You may then WRITE in the LETTER to enter Achaea's editor, and PUT an <item> IN the <letter> to deliver an item if you like! When you are finished, MAIL LETTER TO <person>. Remember, you must sign your name in the letter's contents if you wish the recipient to know who sent them that lovely ring. On the other hand, perhaps you didn't want them to know after all!
+;Examples of Bad Issues
+*A wall of ice blocked my path when I tried to WALK TO MINIA.
+*Bob killed me.
-Letters decay ten months after their purchase, so if the recipient does not enter the realms before that time is up, the letter will decay in transit, along with any items you may have shipped along with it. As such, you may not wish to send expensive or important items through the post, unless you know for sure that the recipient will be around to receive it.
+Issues are often addressed in the order received. If you do not hear back about your issue right away, it is likely that the administration is dealing with other issues that were filed before yours.
-Finally, as an [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=INSANITY insane] method of communication, one may utilize the official [http://forums.achaea.com/index.php Achaean Forums] to chat and discuss Achaea. The forums are completely OOC (read:Out Of Character), so posting sensitive information on the forums, or using information gleaned from the forums to your benefit in-realms is highly frowned upon, and may get you in trouble with the administration. There are also rules that '''must''' be followed when writing to the forums, located [http://forums.achaea.com/index.php?act=boardrules here].
+Before you file an issue, '''''be sure it's really an issue'''''. Read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/issues HELP ISSUES] to be sure, so you don't end up wasting the admins' time. If there is a way to resolve the reason for the issue via in character, then that typically works best for all involved.
-=Credits=
+Sometimes, you may need to contact customer support for some reason, though, such as clarification on what ''exactly'' this [[artefact]] does - "Is it chewing [[tabac]] or smoking tabac that the tabac pouch generates?" - or arranging a special wedding with the aid of an administrator. <!-- actual example given by HELP 1.9 --> Such requests should be handled via the '''''ISSUE ME <message>''''' command - yes, that's a literal ''ME''.
-[[Credits]] are a special form of currency, used to buy many things that are not priced in [[gold sovereigns]]. One might buy [[artefacts]] or [[housing|room credits]] (used to create rooms in your private home), or convert them into [[lessons]]. They may even be sold on the credit market for gold, which fluctuates in price based on adventurer supply and demand. How do you gain these wonderous tokens? One of the easiest methods, at least at first, is to reach certain [[level]] milestones, listed in [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=LEVELS HELP LEVELS], such as levels 10 and 15. At each milestone, a certain number of bonus credits are obtained (though these are bound [[credits]] which you may not transfer to other adventurers), which you can use towards nearly whatever end you desire. Another method is to buy credit packs at [http://achaea.com/credits.php this page], using real-world money. There are many differently-sized packages, from the basic fifteen credits to the whopping two thousand credits, to suit both casual and hardcore Achaeans.
-For more information, please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CREDITS HELP CREDITS], [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CREDITMARKET HELP CREDIT MARKET], and [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=ARTEFACTS HELP ARTEFACTS].
+Other times, you might be the victim of another person's griefing, which comes in many forms. In such cases, '''''you should thoroughly read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/icresolution HELP IC RESOLUTION] before filing an issue'''''.
-=Issues and Customer Service=
+After all this, if you are sure you want to file an issue against this person, then you can use ISSUE <adventurer> <message>. The other adventurer will be notified of this and will be able to respond, aiding the administrators in making a ruling.
-Issues are, first and foremost, <b>[http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=INSANE insane]</b>, so they should never be discussed on public [[channels]]. Before you file an issue, ''be sure it's really an issue''. Read [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=ISSUES HELP ISSUES] to be sure, so you don't end up wasting the admins' time.
-Sometimes, you may need to contact customer support for some reason, though, such as clarification on what ''exactly'' this [[artefact]] does - "Is it chewing [[tabac]] or smoking tabac that the tabac pouch generates?" - or arranging a special wedding with the aid of an administrator. <!-- actual example given by HELP 1.9 --> Such requests should be handled via the ISSUE ME <message> command - yes, that's a literal '''ME''.
+Please see [http://http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/customerservice HELP CUSTOMER SERVICE] for additional important information regarding issues.
-At other times, however, you may have a genuine issue with another person, for possible griefing, or perhaps the breaking of the rules of player killing or theft. In such cases, ''you should thoroughly read [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=ICRESOLUTION HELP IC RESOLUTION] before filing an issue''. If you are sure you want to file an issue against this person, you can use ISSUE <adventurer> <message>. The other adventurer will be notified of this and will be able to respond, aiding the administrators in making a ruling.
+==Bugs, Ideas, and Typos==
+There may be times when you want to report an error or typo, or give an idea for something in the game. There is a command for each one of these things, giving you a direct line to the appropriate administrator, as listed here:
+;BUG <description of the bug>
+:Describe your bug in as much detail as possible listing ''when (in GMT)'', ''where (the room location)'', and ''how'' it happened. What did you do just before it happened? The more detail you give, the better the chance of it being repaired.
+:Stick to the facts, and avoid describing your feelings.
+:If possible, submit the bug in the room where it took place.
+:If you've found a way to generate a wealth of gold or experience with very little effort, then it's probably too good to be true and should be reported with the BUG command.
+;TYPO <description of the typo>
+:A typo can be anything from a misspelled word to a misused word or phrase.
+:Report the typo ''where (the room location)'' you saw it, if possible.
+:If the typo is regarding the item or a denizen, please give the THING##### if you can, to help make it faster for the administration to find and correct it.
+:Achaea is a textual realm, which means the administration really does care about fixing what might seem like a minor problem.
+;IDEA <your idea here>
+:Use as many details as possible.
+:The administrators frequently implement player-submitted ideas. They'd love to hear yours!
+:If your idea is for a specific location or denizen, then try to stand at that place when submitting your idea.
-Please see [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=CUSTOMERSERVICE HELP CUSTOMER SERVICE] for additional important information regarding issues.
+Finally, only report one bug, typo, or idea per use of the commands. [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/bugs HELP BUGS] gives more information to help you report bugs, typos, and ideas via the in-realm commands and stay up-to-date on their status.
-[[Category:Newbies]][[Category:Edit needed]]
+[[Category:Newbies]]

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