Star Wars MUSH

Last updated
Star Wars MUSH
Star Wars MUSH logo.jpg
Developer(s) Project community
Engine PennMUSH
Platform(s) Platform independent
Release 1992
Genre(s) Science fiction MUD
Mode(s) Multiplayer

Star Wars MUSH (commonly referred to as SW1) is a text-based online role-playing game. Star Wars MUSH was created in May 1991 and was released to the public in January 1992. [1] The game predates the majority of Star Wars expanded universe and as such largely deviates from the established Star Wars universe set after Return of the Jedi . The game scenario system is based on the discontinued West End Games' Star Wars role-playing game. The game persisted throughout the '90s as one of the net's more successful Star Wars-themed MUSHes, earning a feature in The Incredible Internet Guide to Star Wars. [2]

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Contents

In-Game History

A screenshot of the login sequence from Star Wars MUSH Star Wars MUSH login screenshot.png
A screenshot of the login sequence from Star Wars MUSH

The game's story began two years after the end of Return of the Jedi. [3]

Due to the death of Emperor Palpatine, the Empire fragmented and fell apart in a bitter struggle that pit Imperial against Imperial. The New Republic thus emerged as the driving force in the galaxy. However, the Empire managed to reunite under Bacharan Valak and set out to crush the Republic.

Palpatine

Sheev Palpatine is a fictional character and the primary antagonist of the Star Wars franchise, mainly portrayed by Ian McDiarmid. In the original trilogy, he is depicted as Emperor of the Galactic Empire and the Sith master of Darth Vader. In the prequel trilogy, he is portrayed as a charismatic Senator from Naboo who uses Machiavellian deception and political manipulation to rise to the position of Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic before transforming the Republic into the Empire.

Galactic Empire (<i>Star Wars</i>) fictional state in the "Star Wars" universe

The Galactic Empire is a fictional autocracy featured in the Star Wars franchise. It was first introduced in the 1977 film Star Wars and also appears in its two sequels: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) and is the main antagonist faction of the original trilogy. By the time of the sequel trilogy, which starts three decades following the events of the original trilogy, the government has since collapsed and has been succeeded by the First Order.

New Republic (<i>Star Wars</i>) fictional government in Star Wars

The New Republic is a fictional government in the Star Wars universe. The government is a restoration of the Galactic Republic, a democratic state that governed the galaxy for more than twenty-five thousand years until being reorganized into the Galactic Empire. It is first portrayed onscreen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) where it is depicted as the ruling government of the galaxy and primary target of the First Order, a military power that seeks to restore the Old Empire.

The game's current year is set at 17 ABY, during a stalemate between the Empire and New Republic.

Reception

SW1 has received critical praise for the complexity and power of its roleplaying environment. [3]

Technical infrastructure

SW1 is based on the TinyMUSH server software, running PennMUSH v1.8.0p13 as of December 10, 2007.

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References

  1. ↑ "Mud Connector: Star Wars MUSH". The Mud Connector . Retrieved 2008-08-31. Mud Created: January, 1992
  2. ↑ Weber, Peter J. (September 1999). The Incredible Internet Guide to Star Wars. illustrated by Erin Cristall, contributions by Robin Fox. Facts on Demand Press. ISBN   978-1-889150-12-3.
  3. 1 2 Benedikt, Claire Lisette; Ciskowski, Dave (1995). MUDs: Exploring Virtual Worlds on the Internet. BradyGames. pp. 62–64. ISBN   1-56686-246-9. STAR WARS [...] On the other end of the technology spectrum from PernMUSH, Star Wars provides an environment for roleplaying in the world of the popular movies and books of the same name. In many ways, Star Wars is similar to Conspiracy, particularly in terms of combat systems, population, and attention to detail. This MUSH is still undergoing development, so more features will be added as time passes. ¶ Star Wars is set two years after the end of Return of the Jedi. As the New Republic grows, the Empire no longer dominates the galaxy, but it still exists. With the end of the all-encompassing Empire, however, independent traders and small collectives have begun to spring up. It is a universe with scores of political factions, and these factions provide the basis for much of the roleplaying on the MUSH. ¶ Players have choices when creating characters. Over twenty races are available, including well-known Star Wars races (Humans and ), and more obscure races (Sullustans and Rodians). Details on these races are available (see swinfo races) to help players create backgrounds for their characters. ¶ Probably the biggest factor in character roleplaying, however, is the faction system. Two of the largest factions are the New Republic (which grew from the Rebel Alliance of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia) and the Empire. Other factions exist, however, ranging from the Corporate Sector Authority and the Trade Federation to covert groups like the Shadow Bandits. Moreover, characters don't have to join any faction; they can operate as independents. [...] Star Wars offers a unique method for creating characters. New characters are created online and in real time, by players who are specifically given the power. As a newbie, you are expected to log on as a guest (in the MUSH, they're called "observers") and explore the world, including the extensive information system. Observers automatically connect to a dedicated communications channel, called the registration channel. [...] When you're ready for a character, you send a message through the channel [...] The player who answers your message will help you with the creation process. He or she may ask questions about what you plan to do after you have your character; remember, you are supposed to investigate before asking for a character so that you will have some ideas ready. [...] If you're interested in joining a faction, you probably should connect to the recruit communications channel, where characters send messages to recruit others for their factions, so it's a good thing to do if you want to hear the sales pitches or to learn more about a particular faction. Don't overlook the smaller factions if you log on at the wrong time. You'll probably always find someone who wants you to join the Empire and follow the Dark Side, but the smaller factions may not always have players online. ¶ Of course, one of the most popular choices for a new character is to become a Jedi Knight. However, you can't just decide to do this. Actually, it's somewhat reminiscent of becoming a Dragonrider on PernMUSH: a Jedi (or Dark Jedi) master must recruit your character. Unlike PernMUSH, however, players cannot seek out status as a Jedi; they must wait for the results of the search. [...] This MUSH offers another excellent choice for roleplaying, in a world that's proven durable and popular. Not all the promised features are available yet, so you have to be patient at times. But Star Wars is a complex, powerful system for roleplaying.
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