In Nomine: R&D is a small MUSH where everybody knows each other. That's not saying much, because the playerbase is pretty small at the moment. The theme is In Nomine, an RPG by Steve Jackson Games, where angels and demons secretly walk among humans and seek to manipulate them to gain an edge in the war. Demons, angels and ethereal spirits use 'vessels,' mortal bodies, to move around on Earth. These can be injured or killed, but it just means that the spirit spends some time in coma, and then has to bargain for a new vessel. The game is thus less about survival and more about successfully manipulating mortals, other celestials, and gaining the favor of your demon prince or arch angel. Unfortunately their manipulations aren't always subtle, but there are also humans, humans imbued with infernal or divine energy, undead, and other beings, that can interact with the physical world in a less noticeable way. Despite the darkish undertones, there's a persistent tongue-in-cheek humor in the game. The theme is more The Prophecy than The Omen (although the mortal aspect could be compared to, say, The Boondock Saints). Let's go over the good and bad parts of the MUSH. Bad: * The playerbase is small. * A small playerbase means less RP and conflict. * Growth is currently slow. Good: * The players are pretty good. * The staff is laid back and helpful. * Everyone seems to be willing to work together, rather than against each other. * The setting allows for most modern concepts, and the admin seem to be willing to work with applicants with somewhat unconventional concepts. * The application process is very simple and quick. * The rules are extremely easy. The MUSH is not perfect, but I like the place, and I wish it'd grow. I've had some great RP there, and I have no plans of leaving it anytime soon. I don't think enough is done to distinguish the setting from that of WoD, as that's something I've seen many guests worry about. While WoD MUSHes have (in my 6-7 years of experience) been focused on 'OOC masquerades' and IC hopelessness (it might have changed in the last few years), In Nomine is a different animal altogether. R&D is no exception. Any player would love to meet a potential enemy, as well as an ally, and death is often a temporary (if very inconvenient) setback. Without having to worry about losing your character, most people take IC defeat with good humor, resulting in significantly less OOC drama.