Death's Omen
the sand remembers
It began with the trembling of the earth, a low and distant groan rippling through stone and sand alike. From the tallest spires of Tuluk to the deepest shadows of Allanak's Labyrinth, all felt the unsettling shudder that whispered warnings of something ancient and dreadful rising from the forgotten depths.
Then came the darkness.
As if Zalanthas itself recoiled in fear, a vast, shadowy form eclipsed Suk-Krath's burning gaze, plunging the Known into an unnatural night. For eleven days, this oppressive gloom persisted, heavy as death, while unnatural rains - black, cold, and alien - fell from the heavens, staining the parched sands with corruption.
Across the Known World, chaos flourished. Riots consumed the streets of Allanak, flames and blood merging in the lawless void. In Tuluk, order dissolved under a tide of crime and panic. But the horrors deepened at Solvalor, where death itself took shape. Shadow elementals, silent and merciless, swept through the outpost, cutting down many in their path. Amidst the devastation, the courageous defenders of the Golden Flame fought fiercely against the encroaching darkness, their bravery and sacrifice turning back the shadow elementals and offering a glimmer of hope in the grim twilight.
When the darkness at last lifted, Echri - the black moon - was revealed. It now traced a slow, haunting path across the sky, no longer cloaking Zalanthas in total shadow, but instead heralding a grim new era. Beneath Echri’s baleful watch, the ancient evils foretold in dark prophecy began to stir - and so began Death's Omen.
Introduction
Death's Omen (DO) is a gritty, text-based fantasy experience set in the unforgiving wastelands of Zalanthas. In this harsh, post-apocalyptic world, survival is never guaranteed - players must navigate shifting alliances, deadly rivalries, and the relentless brutality of the desert. Life is fleeting, shaped by cunning, resilience, and the choices made in a land where mercy is a rare commodity. At the heart of power stand the sorcerer-kings, their will enforced by the feared and unyielding Templarate. The twin cities of Allanak and Tuluk hold sway over civilization, but beyond their walls lie vast, lawless expanses, teeming with bandits, rogue magickers, and nomadic clans who bow to no ruler. In Death's Omen, conflict isn't just fought with swords and spells - it's woven into the politics, trade, and social intrigue that drive the world forward. Every encounter has weight, every decision carries consequences. In a land where water is life and death, who will you become?
What is a RPI MUD?
RPI MUDs represent a distinctive subset within the broader category of text-based online role-playing games. These MUDs are characterized by an unwavering commitment to immersive role-playing experiences, often featuring intricate narratives, detailed world-building, and player-driven storylines. One hallmark of RPI MUDs is the minimal allowance for out-of-character (OOC) speech within the in-game environment. Players are encouraged to maintain a strict separation between their real-world personas and the characters they portray, fostering a deeper sense of immersion. The emphasis on in-character communication heightens the realism and authenticity of interactions, as players navigate social structures, political intrigue, and interpersonal relationships solely through the lens of their in-game avatars.
Another hallmark of RPI MUDs is the implementation of permadeath, a distinctive feature that significantly influences the gaming experience. Permadeath involves coding in the MUD that can lead to the permanent destruction of a character during the course of gameplay. Unlike conventional games where characters can respawn or be resurrected, permadeath in RPI MUDs means that when a character dies, their story concludes permanently, and players must create a new character to continue participating in the game. In essence, permadeath becomes a fundamental aspect of the risk-reward balance in RPI MUDs, making each encounter, decision, and interaction a pivotal moment that can shape the course of a character's existence within the persistent and immersive game world.
Death's Omen is more than a game; it's an evolving story where players contribute to the ongoing narrative, shaping the destiny of Zalanthas through their characters' choices and actions. The goal is to foster a community that thrives on creativity, respectful interaction, and a commitment to maintaining an engaging and welcoming environment. That being said, a big part of DO's design is to hope to create a world for which the players get to play a unique, fictional character, limited only to their RP achievements and what their imaginations can contemplate. Those new to online role-playing games and especially veteran role-players will all be welcome to DO.
Quickstart guide for new players.
Please note that the MUD is still in early development and is not currently open to players.
Thanks to all former Staff and Players for their contributions during Armageddon. Without them, DO would not be possible.
