When you enter the game the first time, you are asked to select a class. Each class have their own qualities, abilities, and handicaps. To find out more about your class, either read the help files, or ask for assistance from fellow guild members. Although getting help may be required, you are advised to explore on your own. Do not bother the Gods with trivial questions!

As a member of a guild, you will be able to gain access to the common guild area, a place to meet fellow members and where you can find important notes concerning the guild.

It is not unusual that people belonging to different classes, by joining their efforts and combining their skills, find their chances of survival and progress greatly improved. Indeed, a team consisting of members from all four classes can be an extremely powerful unit; capable of opening doors without

keys, creating food supplies out of nothing, and destroying an enemy in several different ways. It is not advisable for a new player to offend the members of such a group!

Equipment:
It is never wise to travel without the proper equipment. You may purchase this in the SHOPS found in any larger city, or you may be lucky and find some left around, dropped by someone who doesn't need it anymore, for one reason or
another.

About Staying Fit - Eating and Drinking:
At one time or another, you'll see the message "You are hungry". This means that it's time to find something edible before too long. People don't starve to death in this world, so have no fear. However, when you are hungry, you do
not build up lost energy, so eventually you'll be unable to do anything but sit around and feel sorry for yourself, until someone comes by. Then, you can only hope that it's a benevolent person, rather than a greedy thief or a warrior
lusting for blood.

After you have chosen your class you will want to set your preferences. Some preferences are COLOR, COMPACT, AUTOEXIT and PROMPT. See TOGGLE to get an overview of all your preference settings. If you have the capabilities to view color, then you should consider the optimal setting, COLOR complete.

After you have chosen the preferences you like, you will want to chose a RACE to be. The best way to do this is review the TABLE of races and then go see the doctor. Another helpful help file is the class help (i.e. WARRIOR, MAGE, CLERIC, THIEF, MONK) these will provide more information on a good race selection. The doctor is 5 x north, east, 2 x south from the Temple Yard. There you will be allowed to change your race. Make sure you choose wisely because you will not get a second chance. Again seek help on the capitalized words.

Although you do receive some equipment when you first start, you may want to seek and find the donation room (5x north, east and north from the Temple Yard). There you might find some more weapons and other equipment
to help you begin TRAINING your skills and spells. In this mud all classes have to train skills, even MAGES and CLERICS and NECROMANCERS. See your specific CLASS help to find out more about what skills you have and how to train. To become better acquainted with the mud see the DRAGONIA MAP. You should also check out the library. It is 5x north, 2x east and north from where you start. At the library, you can read the board to find out the latest information on changes to DarkLord.

Once you feel comfortable enough, you probably want to get yourself some equipment. You can always ask someone for items, check the donation room, or head to the newbie areas and get it yourself. The newbie area is located just north of town. HELP MAP for exact location. There you can get some basic equipment to get yourself started.

Once you have established yourself and gained a few levels of experience you may want to join a town. See the TOWN help to find out more information about them. However the best way to find out about towns is probably to talk to current members of the towns.

In summary,

Step 1: Choose the class that best suits you.
Help: MAGE, WARRIOR, CLERIC, THIEF, TEMPLAR

Step 2: Choose your preferences.
Help: TOGGLE, PROMPT, COLOR, AUTOEXIT, COMPACT

Step 3: Choose a race.
Help: RACE

Step 4: Begin your training. Check out the reading room.
Help: CASTING, WARRIOR, THIEF, CLERIC, MAGE, MONK.
See also: MAP DRAGONIA INFO

Step 5: Join a town?
Help: TOWNS