Difference between revisions of "Newbie Guide"

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!

The acronym MUD (or MUCK, MUSH, MMOG, etc) is most often expanded to the phrase "Multi-User Dungeon". In a MUD, a player interacts with other players alongside non-player characters - NPCs as they are called elsewhere, though we prefer the term [[denizen]]. That's nothing new on its own, but in a MUD, there are no graphics. Everything is represented by text (often coloured). But how can you play a computer game without graphics?

One oft-cited example is the comparison between reading a book versus watching a movie. Sure, there are no pretty pictures, but you might just find that the world woven with words is more vivid, more complex, and more immersive, and more compelling than any fancy CGI. It is much the same with MUDs. We don't need to worry about graphics or high-tech hardware, so we can focus on quality gameplay and a vast, immersive world.

Once you create a character and logged onto Achaea, you will find yourself in a world unlike any other. Achaea takes place in a fantasy environment that combines elements of classical Greece and Rome, medieval Europe, India, and ancient Persia with the elements of a wide variety of player imaginations.

Not all players seek to achieve the same things. Two popular ways of [[Newbie_Guide#Gaining_Experience|gaining experience]] are through [[Newbie_Guide#Hunting|hunting]] and [[Newbie_Guide#Questing|questing]]. With enough experience, you can ascend to the [[level]] of Greater Dragon, where you gain the ability to assume the form of a powerful [[dragon]].

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 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.

;The Nexus Client:The official client of Achaea, Nexus runs in a web browser (like Google Chrome) and will work on all internet-ready devices operating systems, including Windows, Macs, and Linux. Mobile users, however, may find it operates with limited functionality. Please read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/nexus-our-official-client HELP NEXUS] for more information.

;The Mudlet Client:This is a third-party downloadable client for PCs. You can find this client on the [http://www.mudlet.org MUDLET HOME PAGE]. Once you download it, have it connect to achaea.com and either port 23 or 2003. Both ports work.

;The Mobile Client:This client works for Android devices. You can [https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ironrealms.ireclient DOWNLOAD ANDROID] or read [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea?what=android&x=Help HELP ANDROID] to get started.

;VIP Mud:If you're visually-impaired and use a screenreader, then this free MUD client is fully-accessible including scripting capabilities. You can visit the [http://www.gmagames.com/vipmud.shtml VIP Mud website] for more information.

;Other Clients:You can visit the [http://www.achaea.com/info/clients Achaea website] to learn about other third-party clients which could either be free or require purchase.

Character creation in Achaea is easy. Your first step is to click the [http://www.achaea.com/ PLAY NOW] button on the Achaea home page. While you can login with an existing character, the steps for creating a new character are:

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.

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 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]].

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==

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.

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.

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. ''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.

After you complete these sections, click Finish and your first adventure will automatically begin.

==Achaea Policies==

Before diving in and starting your first adventure, it's worth taking a moment to read the help file (or scroll, as they are often called) [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=POLICYSUMMARY HELP POLICY SUMMARY]. This is a short summary of our Achaean Policies. You can find a full list in the scroll titled [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=15 HELP 15].

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.

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.

At this point you may notice some words are in all caps or underlined. For example:

*You can either click the answer, or type SAY YES / SAY NO to select one of the choices.

Words in caps are often an indication that this may be a command you can type. [[Romeo]] and [[Juliet]] often employ the same technique.

Before you know it, you will have learned how to check your [[inventory]], unlock doors, and fight [[:Category:Denizens|denizens]], like the [[pygmies|pygmy guard]]. Tips will help you learn about selecting a target and using newbie-friendly attacks known as [[brawling]], an ability in the Survival skill which works for anyone regardless of class or race.

This initial adventure is short but packed with opportunities to use [http://www.achaea.com/game/helpview/achaea/commandslist basic commands] to help get you used to navigating the realm. Escaping the pygmies teaches you how to:

*look at your surroundings and see items there,

*find directions to exit a room,

*drink [[Elixir of health|health elixir]] from a vial to recover [[Health_(statistic)|health]],

*follow another person to form a [[hunting]] group,

*see your current skills and [[abilities]],  

*and learn the basic fighting skills for your [[class]].

As you can see, you will have a lot of things to learn, but you can progress through the adventure as quickly or as slowly as is comfortable for you.

==The Cultists' Conspiracy==

After you escape the dungeon, you will find yourself at "Lakeside highway", just outside the newbie land of [[Minia]]. The next thing you'll want to do is look at your [[tasks]], which assist you in discovering the world around you. These tasks will lead you to confront Beku, a meeting which does not end well. You'll have better luck once you reach Level 10.

[[Hunting]] and [[quests|questing]] in the newbie areas are the best way to gain levels of experience. While you can do the tasks and follow The Cultists' Conspiracy quest line at your own pace, it is best to get your tasks and quests done sooner than later. Once you reach Level 21, ogres will prevent you from entering the newbie lands.

If you get stuck, then you can always use the PORTALS command to return to the [[Ring of Portals]]. The scroll titled [http://www.achaea.com/irex/helpview/help.php?q=WHATNOW HELP WHATNOW] and the [http://www.achaea.com/newbie-guides Newbie Quickstart Guide] both contain vast number of tips and pointers as well. You might also try and TELL ROMEO <message> or TELL JULIET <message> to speak with them privately, or use NEWBIE <message> to speak on the public Newbie channel.

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.

==Battlerage and the Black Warren==

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>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.

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.

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 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]]

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.

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.

: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.

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.

[[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.

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.

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.

*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.

*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.

*POINT - POINT <thing you are holding> AT <who or what>.

Adventurers who wear [[weapon holders]] or a backstrap to hold their shield, can use the following commands:

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.

There are a few commands dedicated to learning more about yourself. These commands include:

*DIAG ME - This ability allows you to [[diagnose]] your ailments.

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:

*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

*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

*CRAFTERWHO - Shows those with [[cooking]], [[jewellery]], [[tailoring]], and [[heraldry]] [[trade skills]]

*PWHO - Lists names visible to you of those in your party channel

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.

Sometimes you want to get information or accomplish something in the shortest amount of time. These shortcuts might help.

*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

=Newbie Areas=

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.

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.

[[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.

You can READ SIGN at the ivy-covered archway to Minia for directions to the four primary areas within Minia. These areas include:

: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]].

*'''Miba, the pygmy village'''

: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|Libra dungeon]] houses a race of dog-like beings called ''kobolds'', who are fairly bitter about the enslavement (and consumption) of their loved ones by the pygmies. The Libra dungeon may be found beneath the trail southeast from Vellis.

==Lodi==

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.

:[[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'''

*'''The Lodi mines'''

: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]].

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.

: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.

:[[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.

[[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.

: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 [[: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].

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==

'''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.

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=

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. 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])''

: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 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==

Shopping is a popular way to spend gold. You'll find a few different ways to shop for goods and services in Achaea.

:'''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.

:'''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>.

: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 extra details to how others see your character when they LOOK at you. You can add these details using a variety of ways.

: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.

: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.)

: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].

: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=

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

[[: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.

[[: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.

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:

|The [[Carnivalis Institute of Jestering]]

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).

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.

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.

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.

*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.

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]].

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]].

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]].

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.

==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]].

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 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.

*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.

|'''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/>

|'''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.

|'''The Eastern Portal Room''' <br/> North : the Valley of Lodi <br/> Northeast : the Land of Minia <br/> Southeast : Mount Gheladan

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.

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.