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The quick start guide provides MSN Game Zone members step-by-step guidance on how to get started playing DragonRealms. Before playing the game for the first time, we suggest that you review and print out a copy of this guide.
This guide provides information on the following first steps:
- Choosing a Gender
- Creating a Name
- Selecting Expertise Level
- Picking a Race
- Customizing your Features
- Seeking Advice
- Interacting with Non-playing characters
- Finding a Mentor
- Protege Program
- Next Steps
Choosing a Gender
Upon entering DragonRealms for the first time, you will be asked whether your character is male or female. Type either "M" for male or "F" for Female.
Creating a Name
Next, you will be asked to create a first name of your character. Type in a name and hit RETURN on your keyboard. We suggest that you chose medieval fantasy sounding name.
Since DragonRealms is inhabited by thousands of players, there is a possibility that your requested name has been chosen by another. If your name is already taken, the game will ask you to pick another name and offer you a list of suggested names. After you pick a first name, you must pick a last name for your character. This works exactly like picking your first name.
Selecting an Experience Level
Next, you will be asked how much experience you have playing online role-playing games. Based on your answer, the game will provide you with an appropriate amount of assistance. If you have never played an online role-playing game, we suggest you choose "1."
Picking a Race
Depending on your expertise level, you will be provided with basic information on to play the game. At this end of this tutorial, you should be in a room where you will be asked to pick a race.
To learn about each race, type LOOK [name of race]. For example, type LOOK DWARF for a detailed explanation on the attributes of the dwarf race.
To pick a race, type TOUCH [name of race] and NORTH to go to choosing your features. For example, to be a dwarf, type TOUCH DWARF.
To view all the races, type LOOK ON DAIS for a list of all race figurines.
After successfully choosing a race, you will be given stats (numbers that represent how good you are in Strength, Agility, etc.). These values go up later as you play the game. Type NORTH to choose features.
Choosing your Features
Next, you will be asked if you want to pick your own features or not. This is your skin, eye, hair color, etc. If you type NO, then the system will pick it for you as you exit through the ARCH. If you type YES, you will be given a series of menus to pick from until all your features are chosen. Once you are finished, type GO ARCH to enter the live portion of the game.
Seeking Advice
There are numerous ways to get help within the game. Type ADVICE repeatedly and do what it says each time. You can also type HELP for other in-game options.
Interacting with Non-Playing Characters
You will enter the game within the Tenderfoot Inn. Pause, look around and get oriented. When you are ready, type INVENTORY. This will show what you are carrying or wearing. Next go west by typing WEST.
You should now be in the lobby of the Tenderfoot Inn. You should also see an aged woman. If you stick around, she will start talking to you. She is an NPC (Non-Playing Character). She's got limited intelligence but you can ask her some questions.
To ask the woman questions, try these:
ASK WOMAN ABOUT GUILD
ASK WOMAN ABOUT PALADIN GUILD
Try asking her about other things like training or hunting. If she asks you to speak up, that means she doesn't have an answer for your question and it's just her IC (In Character) way of telling that to you. Other NPCs in the game also have different IC responses when they don't have an answer for you.
Once you are finished asking the woman questions, type OUT to leave the INN.
Finding a Mentor
Mentors stay at the Jadewater Mansion next to the Tenderfoot INN. Mentors are players like you who volunteer their time to help new players get accustomed to DragonRealms. They are always IC (in character) so their responses to you will be as if you are speaking to their character and not the player behind the character.
At this point you should be on the East Lawn. There should be an old man who, like the old woman, starts to talk to you. You can pause to ask him some more questions and to listen to what he has to say. When you are done, move west (type WEST).
You should be on the cobbled path. There is a sign here. READ it (type READ SIGN). You will also notice that there is a hammock here. Type GO HAMMOCK for a bit of fun. You will sit on the hammock. To stand back up, type STAND.
There is also a door bell here. You can ring the door bell by typing PUSH BELL or RING BELL. This calls for a MENTOR (a player who helps other players). If a mentor is available, you'll get an answer shortly. Otherwise, you may have to come back later to obtain help.
From time to time, mentors in the game send out messages to new players saying they are available. Whenever you see the message:
[Mentor's Name] is now available to answer new adventurers' questions
Type AGREE and you will be transported to the Mentor.
For more information on mentor-led events, type NEWS 7 in the game.
Remember, type ADVICE over and over again until you've done all it suggests. You also have the HELP command for more detailed information in the game.
Protege Program
DragonRealms' unique Protege Program provides new players with personal mentors. Upon first entering the game, a mentor will personally greet you and offer a "bond of friendship." Type ACCEPT and you enter into a period of personal training where you'll learn everything you need to know before "graduating" into the lands of DragonRealms. By becoming a protege, you and your mentor are notified of each other's presence within the game and you can communicate with each other through a private back channel. Your bond lasts for 2 weeks or up to the 4th level of training - so you'll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and maybe even some tricks, before venturing out into the lands on your own.
Next Steps
We suggest that you find and join a Guild. Then, find weapons shop, armory and general store and outfit yourself with an inexpensive weapon, some inexpensive armor and an inexpensive backpack (or other container). To help you through any of these steps, type ADVICE. To find the location of all these places, type the DIRECTION command.
You can also ask other players for help. To speak with other players, type use quotation marks (""). For example, to ask where the armory is, type "WHERE IS THE ARMORY?"
Though some players may be too busy to assist you, you are likely to find players who will be glad to offer you help.
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