Elysium RPG is a Fantasy-themed MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) founded in 1997.

Do not waste your time with this game. The admins consist of the owner and one other god who was allowed to keep his original character unlike all of the previous gods. The owner refuses to handle administrative issues , rather favoring the approach of allowing unfettered abusive behavior and the other admin is now of a mind to use his original character to harass players while utilizing his admin powers offensively against anyone who criticizes even if they are defending them. Thanks to that sort of lack of administration, I have been harassed by the primary troll on the game for actions which had absolutely nothing to do with me, but instead of rebuking said troll whom has ran off the majority of our existing playerbase, they would rather nuke players who do not approve of using the ooc chat channel to spout politically divisive troll arguments. If you do bother to try, whatever you do do not become a spawn, a cyclops, a dwarf or an orc. You will be the only active person in your city, or continent, and if you make the mistake i did and create a spawn the prominent troll will throw you out, as a newbie, and permanently enemy you in the city you must regularly visit or be severely handicapped and the gods will not help or enforce any sort of rules breaches . It is not worth it.

– MudConnector.Com Review by Mlp on Oct 25, 2018

This game seemingly had potential in a past tense statement, because it has for a long time not been what it's advertisement portrays. While every mud owner and its small player base community ideally would like to advertise their game to attract new players, it seemingly doesn't accurately depict the problems with the mud making reviews rather biased and skewed . The game ideally suggests that you can be an emperor, however what it doesn't tell you is while being such it turns into a second job requiring countless hours to pick up the slack for a coded system that is designed for the aide of about 10 active players per city. There being 9 cities, at a minimum that requires 90 players, this game's never seen over 20 at a time, so you're picking up the slack for that. It indicates that you're able to join an order to serve a god. There are six gods to choose from, however four of them quit and the owner has refused to replace them for ten years now, so you're basically in an order by yourself. It indicates you can be a guild head and learn wonderful skills, of those skills you can only have up to six and are subjected to being thrown out the guild from the guild head at their calling. There are about 16 guilds and of them about 70% quit years ago or are alternate characters to players mains to allow only their friends inside. A lot of muds have an admin staff and then a player staff, here the admins are both, so therefore are biased on their decision making. If you're in the order of a certain 'role play god' they will not subject you to punishments as an admin, because they can't separate the difference of their admin duties from their character in game performances, so be beloved by their order. This becomes problematic when in game order wars are occurring, because gods abuse admin powers on mortals for the enemy order. The game owner himself is a coder, and doesn't provide role play with his order because he's too busy and finds his admins to be flawless in their privilege abuse. They all began as regular mortal character players and when turned into gods still had friends from before and simply couldn't separate the difference which ruined the game. A lot of things on the game require coins to get done, such as buying items, ships, warmongering, running a city, donating to poor citizens, treasuries. A fully functional city as previously mentioned requiring about 10 active people would split this cost up, however when on one person it's roughly 80,000-120,000 per day to keep afloat at max capacity for some cities and the most common way to get money is to bash crystals in the game which give about 250 coins per five minutes or so. Those cities that have been funds about 10 years ago used a bug duplicate... Read More

– MudConnector.Com Review by Anonymous on Aug 14, 2017

I have been playing Elysium for about 13 years.Never has this game disappointed. With multiple races to choose from, 3 continents to live on, 9 cities to live in and endless skill combinations to acquire, Elysium doesn’t seem to ever lose my interest. The administration is regularly working to improve the game by adding new features, quests, and areas to explore. We the players own most everything that exists within the realm. We run the cities, we own the land and industries, we run the guilds where one learns skills, amongst many other things. If you are looking for a new game and enjoy role-playing, come give Elysium a shot. You won’t be disappointed! If you come and give Elysium a try, please ask anyone online at the time for help with anything you may need.

– MudConnector.Com Review by Minotar on Aug 5, 2014

I have been around the world of Elysium for some 14 years. All the time I have spent playing Elysium it has been very rewarding. The MUD constantly changes for the better as the administration continue to put hours and hours a day into building a better world for it's players. In Elysium there is no limit. If you want to do something, do it, become whatever you wish to be, this MUD has no limits to what you can accomplish. The combat puts the action in your hands and you can tweak your character however you wish. There is nothing like it! I have enjoyed playing in Elysium so much and felt I should let everyone else know about the realm and tell everyone about the great experience you will have in the realm. I hope to see everyone who reads this review there! Thank you, Ace Luckstar

– MudConnector.Com Review by Ace Luckstar on Feb 10, 2011

I'd simply like to say that, if you haven't at least tried Elysium, you're honestly missing out on a lot. I'm not going to tell you about the game, because Doogan and Vardonyth's reviews are very adequate descriptions, but I will say that this is, indeed, a game like no other out there. -Honestly, if there is something similar to this, please comment this review and tell me what it is.- Like the other reviewers said, you're free to be who you want. If you're a Bard with kleptomaniac tendencies, then learn songs and thievery. There are no levels, no experience. It all boils down to lessons. But the most important thing that will keep you in Elysium is the roleplaying. City politics, guild politics, friends, and enemies are what has kept me coming around for 9 years. If you've never played a game where you actually had an opinion about which city is the strongest, which Emperor is the greatest, or which God is the right-est (*grin*), then it's never too late to try Elysium. As a tip for a new guy starting out, when you're done with the newbie academy, hit 'cwho' to see if there's anyone in your city online, and ask 'em some questions. I guarantee you, they're dying to answer.

– MudConnector.Com Review by Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007

I would like to start off saying anyone who has not played this MUD should give it a decent chance, the game is highly addictive, and quite entertaining. Elysium has the potential to become one of the greatest MUDs around. The character base is smaller than some muds, but that quite alright for any player who plays. Sure we would like to see our numbers go up, but if not we will be happy. The biggest problem in elysium is the lack of decent RP. You have Gods teaming up who really have nothing to do with each other. God of Pain, Goddess of Fate, Goddess of Peace. The fighting within Elysium is always one sided, one side over powers the other substantially every time. In most scenarios there is almost never a 'good guy'. There are however 3 sides. The ones idling in realms which cannot be access but through difficult ways, the ones idling and sucking up to the ones winning. And the ones who are playing but really, there isnt much activity going on so you get bored playing by yourself. Now I am not going to say I am not an idler, anyone who has played this game for a decent time knows that when you get the chance you idle. You want to become that top dog. However when most of the time you are online is idle time, then it gets a bit ridiculous. I would love to see more players who play more than they idle. Would be more interesting, and greatly interest those of you who have not tried it. Though even with its faults, I believe you should give this MUD a serious try. Do not join and act dumb, do so and you might get killed kinda quick. Act like you are seriously into learning about the game. Thank You.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Long Time Player on Sep 5, 2006

Elysium has excellent potential. Players can take directly interactive roles in running cities, orders, and guilds, including feeding the population, setting tax rates, running shops, declaring holidays, etc. The world is fairly large, and there are several continents and islands to sail to and from. Even the sailing is interactive, the captain being responsible for raising and lowering sails, steering, cannons, wind direction, crew payment, etc. This is an essentialy good MUD, but has one major flaw. One of the primary administrators has recently given or sold his half of the game to the remaining admin, Gralnak, who also portrays the Great Worm, the God of Evil and Chaos. Unfortunately, while Gralnak is a skilled coder, he is less skilled at considering the needs and desires of those who play the game. He regularly cheats, bends the rules, or changes things to tilt things in favor of his order. Normally, this might be what you expect from an evil god...however, this activity takes place on an administrative level. Protests fall upon deaf ears, and most of the coding that goes into improving the game is done with Gralnak's order considered first, others second, if at all. This may seem the bitter complaint of one who was on the losing side of a struggle. Fair enough. I do, indeed, portray the high priestess of an opposing order. It is this vantage, however, that precisely qualifies me to speak of this frustration. My order was directly involved in a deal that was changed unfairly. We were given a quest, and told the benefits of completing the quest. We were also told that though Gralnak's order would oppose us, there should be no bloodshed over the matter...that things were in place to combat our efforts without turning it into a power struggle. Naturally, we were attacked almost immediately. Fine, we fought back, and began winning. We organized...order members worked hard and well together to complete the quest, while opposing order members were apathetic. Accordingly, we completed the first part of the quest, though the results were a bit different than we were told originally. We began the second part of the quest with the same zeal, even drawing aid from sympathetic non-members, and were successful. At that point, the deal changed, and what we were promised at an administrative level was removed. Gralnak's members were given a shelter we were not allowed to penetrate, yet we were open to attack. Our goddess character was berated for protesting, and accused of starting rumors and fostering discontent. In short, our efforts were for nothing. I can understand, and even applaud, an evil god cheating, breaking vows, giving what advantage he can to his followers to spread his word across the world. However, there should be a clear separation of roleplaying the god character and running a MUD as an administrator. Gralnak makes no such distinction. If you have no problem dealing with such a disadvantage, or would prefer to be a part such,... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Vallerie on Jul 10, 2006

Awesome mud, been playin for roughly 7 years seems to keep gettin better those of you who are use to playin exp. based muds this a bit different but not for the worse. However would be much better if it wasnt down for the past 4 days!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Apothicus on Apr 11, 2006

Nine cities, three continents, seven islands. Hop on board a clipper or a manowar, galleon or frigate, and sail the seas of Elysium to discover this vast land of mystery and magic. Join one of sixteen guilds, learn six of thirty skills. Reign as Emperor of your own city, with your own Ministry, legions and naval force. Man the possibilities are endless, even after playing for eight years...the fun never stops. Visit Elysium @ www.elysium-rpg.com port 7777

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Lythran on Mar 16, 2006

Eight years...Eight years man! That's one third of my life...For eight years, me and a group of friends have been playing here at Elysium. I dont know about them...but I dont easily become addicted to anything. There's gotta be a reason why I've devoted so much time to this place though...I havent figured out why as yet, but maybe someone out there can tell me... Wont you come and visit, and help me find some answers?!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Lythran on Mar 14, 2006

Elysium has had it's ups and downs. Roughly, 4 years is a long time to be playing any game. I still do and am still addicted to it's gameplay. Do not confuse my addiction to gameplay for addiction to the game enviroment. You make a new character, you already are under suspect for being an alt. It is common, there are very many, looking to obtain information, make a character to have skills that will benefit the main character (forging, alchemy, runesmithing ect...) You do not get the benefit of the doubt, even if you keep all your information to what your character has run into. There really is no way to surely stop from being known as someone. Act stupid and newbie, and you will be known as Belfast. Act like you are slowly learning and "You are obviously an alt". I was reading the posts from quite a while back, sadly, over the years elysium has not changed. The roleplay is still just as lacking, and the Gods are just as inactive. And it seems to be growing worse. Do not get me wrong, everyone has there down falls. Aurora did show some bias to her friends/order members. Though she still very much punished us for breaking of the rules. I know, i was a friend and still got killed. Since some complained about Aurora, a new Goddess was brought around who has since ruined the Game far more than Aurora ever did. The goddess is Velarq who is an older player. Her character becoming a god first off was really undeserving, though, everyone will have there opinion, and before anyone makes a comment, no I do not believe I deserved it either. Velarq hurts the realm in many ways to many players, though there is her select group which I will get into in a bit. Velarq tries to control just about all opinions IC and OOC. Disagree with her IC and you die. Disagree with her on the OOC channel and you die. Dieing sucks when you are either paying money to studyoffline or spending 2.5 hours to get the 1 lesson you just lost. You have to see things her way or suffer for it. Gralnak (only active programmer) is a great guy. He is really fair and tries his best, though I must say, he does not seem to want to do anything about Velarq's actions. Now as I said before, she has her select group. They aid her in ruining this MUD. The Din'taals had there moments of newbie slaying, and just down right annoyment of others. But they never had a God backing them. They run amuck, you disagree with them, you die. They don't have provocation, that is fine, Velarq will make something up for them. She does get on them about language in shouts, but that is a rare occasion. Elysium has a great fighting system, great quest system, and it does have some great players. It a... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Kakorot (Supposed Cernix/Landru/Sonicsoul/Blackcrow/whoever else someone doesnt like) on Aug 23, 2005

can anyone please explain to me why elysium has been down 4 days running now? , is it my comp or has the whole server crashed? regnier

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by regnier on May 23, 2005

I've been playing Elysium for about 1.5 years now and it definetly is an entertaining and addicting game. There are many good roleplayers and a very good setup for the PKers- like me. As long as you read and follow all of the rules (no exceptions) you should have no problem if this is your intention. There are many guilds and skills to mix and match with- although people do look down upon those who create elf, thief necromancers...not that I'd do that... The only real complaint I have is definetly the lag (I know the game is based in England..but it's still just text). It's practically paralyzed me to one room. If the programmers would take the time to find and eliminate this problem this game would EASILY become 10 times what it is now. Regardless, I'll still play and be grumpy.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Trujo on May 12, 2005

Elysium has the potential to be a highly addictive mud. The mud has a large number of features that, when utilized, can help any new player gain a foothold, and basic understanding of the game. The areas are all completely original, as are the mobs. Many of the players are friendly, and you have a 'newbie' flag to keep you from getting butchered right out of the gate as well. The game over time has become, in my opinion, a great deal more forgiving, and you don't focus on basic survival as a new player anymore. The Gods are motivated and work to create subplots within the game, but try to stay out of the way to a certain degree. The game is, for the most part, player run. The industries are run by the players, the cities are as well, and you even have to chop your own wood for building ships with. The many unique features of Elysium are worth the time spent in-game. Speaking as someone that has floated from game to game over the years, I always find myself coming back to Elysium. It's hard to get away from a game so unique, and demanding.

– MudConnector.Com Review by Doogan on May 9, 2005

I wouldn't normally post a 'review' of my own mud, but I thought I should correct some 'facts' in the last review. Force Command: It is true that some gods have a force command. It is also true that any god who uses it will almost certainly be punished as a result, unless there was a very good administrative reason. I personally have only used the force command three or four times in the last 9 years. Whenever a god uses this command a warning is sent to me to alert me that it needs investigating. Watching/Tells/Commands: It is true that a god can 'watch' players. However, they cannot see tells, and they cannot see what commands are input. Anything a god can see when watching you would be nothing that a hidden player couldn't see while watching you. Myself and the co-owner Zharadan have access to command lists input by players, but at Zharadan's insistance from the start, tells have never been logged by the system. The only person who sees them is you and the person you send them to. I apologise for posting here, I do personally think that players should review muds rather than administrators, so I won't share my opinions on how good the game is, I just wanted to correct the misleading information posted by someone else.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Gralnak on May 6, 2005

RE: Vardonyth The immortals in this game DO have a force command. I have had it used on me, firsthand. They CAN see your tells and commands when "watching" you. I've seen logs which have been forwarded to me by immortals. That also raises another issue. Not only can the immortals see your tells/commands/etc. but they are very likely to forward those logs to their "friends". Now, if you are having fun there, then great. But, people should know the truth before they make a decision to give that place a try.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by An old player on May 5, 2005

Elysium is a great game. I like it alot. Seams there are some disgruntled people around at times, but most of them just want you to learn to do things for yourself. There are also very helpful people. Elysium is a game that takes alot of time. People do not want to help one another when they have to travel for long periods of time to bring someone an "apple" or some such thing. I apreciate all the kind hearted people who I have met here. One thing that I think could be improved on is the BB posts need to be moderated or removed at some point in time. There are over 5500 posts that you are expected to go through before you play the game "incase" they threw some extra "rules" in there that are not posted. I have read the BB from the begining and it took me 3 days before I could actually play. My eyes hurt! I think if you are going to make a new rule perhaps you should post it on a "new rules" section of the board instead of a part of the board where everyone has access to. I apreciate the workmanship and time that Gralnak and other Gods have coded into the game. The quests are easy enough to do and not confusing. Other muds have left me "guessing" for months. *hugs* ~Fawne~

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Fawne on Apr 22, 2005

Elysium was a very unique and fun game. It has lots of options, help, and guilds to choose from. It is one of the most fun and addicting I have tried, however there are two drawbacks to this MUD. Lack of active gods and goddeses and the server lag. The lag seems constant and at times extremely annoying. Other than that, it's very enjoyable.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Apr 22, 2005

Newbies Elysium is 100% custom and is 100% free (you may pay to studyoffline, which will allow you to gain some lessons while not connected but with a penalty). The 9 cities are completely player run (outside of some very minor Imm influence in the form of patroning), with one emperor and 8 positions (5 ministries and 3 helpers) for players. If a newbie knows their place, they will be helped openly when they ask questions. If they demand that people cart them around, or act improperly (like using IC globals for OOC chatting) they will irritate many of the veterans and probably not receive a whole lot of help, though I would assume this would be the case anywhere. For instance, it’s usually a bad idea to tell the Emperor of your city to ‘shut his hole’ when he offers you assistance. Skills The 15 guilds are completely player run. A large majority of them are auto-inguilding and most newbies will be able to join the guild of their choice right out of the gate. Each guild has 3 skills. You do not lose skills when you leave a guild (unless you purposely forget them). You can also learn skills out of guild (at +50% the lesson cost). There are 28 skills in the game which you can mix and match as you wish. There are a number of abilities within each skill, and you are fairly free to learn the skills in whatever order you wish (as in you don’t just ‘study swordplay’ and get the next skill in a list, you pick what you learn). Though many RP’ers will look down on folk that learn skills just because they are powerful or pick skills that have nothing to do with each other (for example, a thief-mage-warrior-bard-crafter) there are no restrictions on your set of 6 skills that you can learn. Learning Lessons are how you learn skills. You receive one lesson every 2.5 hours you are connected to the game. If you choose to study offline, you get one lesson every 6.66 hours while you are not connected. This may seem like a long time between lessons at first, but believe me—they come a lot faster than they seem. One day you’ll type ‘score’ and realize you have 50 lessons! Combat Combat is quite different here than most muds. Most muds have a ‘kill’ system in that you just ‘kill critter’ and do mid-rounders from time to time. Elysium does not go by an automated killing system. A few ‘innovative’ muds have lifted this idea from Elysium, but Elysium uses a balance system. Each attack takes you off balance and you must wait until you regain balance. Some skills take you off balance longer than others. Every balance ‘round’ gives you a chance to do something different. You parried the incoming slice this round? How about you break your opponent’s arm next round so he can’t slice you anymore? The World The world is into... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Vardonyth on Apr 15, 2005

Elysium is a fantastically complex simluation of many interesting aspects of life. You can be anything you want here whether that be a mage, a demonologist, a necromancer, an alchemist, an emperor, a thief, a pirate, or even a social butterfly... The skills in the game are very well balanced, and employs one of the more dynamic and strategic fighting systems I have seen. However, there is a very huge lack of good skills in the game, with a major emaphasis on evil aligned players. They tend to get the most rewards out of their time there, and since they stick together, anything resembling a 'good' side is pretty much a joke. It would help to have some 'good' skills that can't be considered to be neutral, and perhaps some locations and areas that are more geared towards good alignment characters. However, if evil is your thing, this mud is great, and boasts an incredibly detailed array of areas, skills, orders, and even characters to interact with.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Teluza on Apr 12, 2005

This is a good mud, i will be playing it for a long time. This is the first place where i have seen that you can buy the ability to improve your skills VIA real money, which i think is an interesting way to do things. The endless skillsets, and the mix and matching of these, makes this place great. Thanks!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Hudsonz on Apr 9, 2005

It's rather difficult to make an original, distinguished review. They all seem to blur into the same, rhetorical birth. Such is the case with muds in general. It is so difficult to find more than a speck amidst the myriad of muds that offers even so much as a glimpse of originality; moreover, of creativity. Such is not the case for Elysium. Elysium boasts an intricate--albeit relatively small--world that caters to the intelligent gamer. Those who are feeling bogged down by the over-crowded muds. Specifically, nearly any mud from number 1-10 and beyond that rank within TMS. While some skeptics would say there is a good reason for a lack of players, I would throw that logic into the abyss, because it holds no substance. Elysium is a breath of fresh air, with some of the most ingenious bit of coding I have ever laid eyes upon. Having played Elysium for close to 6 years now, I craved for a change. After attempting to play several other muds, I really didn't see the same flare of imaginativity that Elysium offers. Furthermore, there just isn't the same freedom either. Within Elysium, there are so many variables to the sort of character you can develop. The only limitations are those that you create. While other muds tout their generic hack-and-slash image--their grossly worn out brand of mudding--Elysium continues to offer options that just haven't been compared. I have yet to see a better sailing system. I have yet to see a better commerce system. I have yet to see a better combat system. I have yet to see another mud worth more than a minute of my time. Lastly, I have yet to see another mud that will entertain to the degree that Elysium does.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cresh on Apr 5, 2005

Elysium is a great game, The world is an average sized place, where you can go just about anywhere. The skill sets are almost endless. The detail is average, improvement needs to be made by adding examinable room descriptions. There are some areas in this world where the exits do not lead to the correct places, or just in giant circles. The Gods and Godesses of Elysium are not always arround to help someone who is new. Players are often mistaken as unfriendly, however, new people may need to understand that roleplay is enforced here. Enforced roleplay goes too far at times, where Gods and Goddesses will punish people because they do not agree with their style of roleplay, which is unfortunate. If i were to improve the playability of Elysium, firstly, the lag, it needs to go somewhere else. Secondly, There seems to be a lack of weaponry to use. Thirdly, If there are no guild members active, people cannot join the guild and become inguilded (which means obtain greater skills), this could be cured by some more NPC interaction. Where this place does score very well for me, as a mudder, there is always something to do, no matter where you are, the entire place is not one hack and slash arenea.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by tug boat willie on Apr 3, 2005

I really like the size of Elysium. I like the npc characters, the amount of quests, and the imagination that clearly was put into this game. However I think that the older players are unfriendly, unhelpful, and do not really try to help others unless it suits their own purposes. It would be nice if new people were treated nicer.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by anonymous on Apr 1, 2005

Hey all, just wanted to throw my two cents in on Elysium. In my opinion, it is a very good game, and quite addictive. There is a wide variety of npc's, both able to hand out quests or simply to serve as target practice. Skills are based on time spent in the game as opposed to who can kill the most stuff fastest. The administration isn't perfect, but it's good. People in some past reviews have been very hard on the admin, and at times they can be a pain, but everyone forgets that they're people too. Just follow the rules and be respectful, and they leave you alone. As for newbie help, some players can be busy or cranky, and might lash out when asked for help. For the most part though, as long as you aren't an immature whining jerk, people help. The MUD's worth a try for anyone looking for a good roleplaying environment that still lets you kill stuff. Ahh, the happy medium.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Aean on Mar 31, 2005

Well I went and played am laying on ground in elf town with broken leg complements of much greater player .with no cures or health available. Game is interesting to say the least,there's many ways to make gold, quests all over the place if your allowed to do them but this game is pk so when you play it you are at the mercy of the larger players. Very interesting mud wish I knew of one like it that one could play longer than 2 hours with out getting in trouble.by the way my email works !!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Oi-Tong on Mar 31, 2005

Re: Oi-Tong... The immortals are not spiteful pranksters. The immortals know how to act and will be helpful when they can (they are very busy). The best advice I can give you is to just give it a try. The person that wrote the review about the immortals spying and forcing you to do things and playing pranks on you was lying. Immortals do not have a force ability, and they are very serious about being professional when it comes to Elysium. If they are spying, they are merely looking in to make sure you are not breaking rules. They cannot read tells or see your commands, so they can mostly just see what other players see.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Vardonyth on Mar 30, 2005

I have read a lot of the posts on top muds site regarding Elysium. Has it been changed? or are we ruled at the whims of a few? I gather from the brief information i would like to play and have a shop but will we be played pranks on ? or otherwise be given grief from the imortals?

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Oi-Tong on Mar 30, 2005

This MUD has been one of the best gaming communities I have ever come across. The world is richly described, the NPCs are well thought up, and the locations are completely original. The other players are kind, especially to newbies, anyone who can, will help you learn the game! The freedom allowed in the game is positivly unbeleivable! Become whatever you can imagine, an emperor, a soldier, a war chief! Do as you wish, kill who and what you want. The best part of all, it is completely free!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Chainz on Mar 30, 2005

Elysium is an excellent mud. I urge any new players reading this to disregard all previous reviews, as a great deal has changed and the most recent posts are either downright incorrect, written by players that have not played seriously in quite some time, or that just have no idea what they are talking about. ---Starting Out--- Elysium is 100% custom and is 100% free (you may pay to study offline, which will allow you to gain some lessons while not connected [see skills for a lesson explanation] but with a penalty). The 9 cities are completely player run (outside of some very minor Imm influence in the form of patroning), with one emperor and 8 positions (5 ministries and 3 helpers) for players. The 15 guilds are completely player run. A large majority of them are auto-inguilding and most newbies will be able to join the guild of their choice right out of the gate. If a newbie knows their place, they will be helped openly when they ask questions. If they demand that people cart them around, or act improperly (like using IC globals for OOC chatting) they will irritate many of the veterans and probably not receive a whole lot of help. The main reason for this is not because we don?t want new players, but that there is a huge problem with alts and it seems that almost every newbie is just someone else?s alt. ---Skills--- There are numerous skills in the game (roughly 30, give or take a few) which you can mix and match as you wish. Many RP?ers will look down on folk that learn skills just because they are powerful or pick skills that have nothing to do with each other (for example, a thief-mage-warrior-bard-crafter) there are no restrictions on your set of 6 skills that you can learn. Each guild has 3 skills. You do not lose skills when you leave a guild (unless you purposely forget them). You can also learn skills out of guild (at +50% the lesson cost). Lessons are how you learn skills. You receive one lesson every 2.5 hours you are connected to the game. If you choose to study offline, you get one lesson every 6.66 hours while you are not connected. This may seem like a long time between lessons at first, but believe me?they come a lot faster than they seem, unless you are waiting for that last lesson to learn a skill?then it takes ages! ---The World--- The world is divided into 3 large continents housing the 9 cities. Occid, the northwestern continent, is home to the dwarves, goblins, and orcs. Orien, the northeastern continent, is home to the specter and the Cyclops. Polaris, the southern continent (and the largest) is home to humans, elves, hamakei, and spawn. Skilled mages can teleport between continents using magical artifacts, but most people will simply choose to sail, using a variety of ships. Sprinkled throughout the large ocean are several islands, some which... Read More

– MudConnector.Com Review by Vardonyth on Mar 14, 2005

Elysium is an excellent mud. I urge any new players reading this to disregard all previous reviews, as a great deal has changed and the most recent posts are either downright incorrect, written by players that have not played seriously in quite some time, or that just have no idea what they are talking about. ---Starting Out--- Elysium is 100% custom and is 100% free (you may pay to studyoffline, which will allow you to gain some lessons while not connected [see skills for a lesson explanation] but with a penalty). The 9 cities are completely player run (outside of some very minor Imm influence in the form of patroning), with one emperor and 8 positions (5 ministries and 3 helpers) for players. The 15 guilds are completely player run. A large majority of them are auto-inguilding and most newbies will be able to join the guild of their choice right out of the gate. If a newbie knows their place, they will be helped openly when they ask questions. If they demand that people cart them around, or act improperly (like using IC globals for OOC chatting) they will irritate many of the veterans and probably not receive a whole lot of help. The main reason for this is not because we don’t want new players, but that there is a huge problem with alts and it seems that almost every newbie is just someone else’s alt. ---Skills--- There are numerous skills in the game (roughly 30, give or take a few) which you can mix and match as you wish. Many RP’ers will look down on folk that learn skills just because they are powerful or pick skills that have nothing to do with each other (for example, a thief-mage-warrior-bard-crafter) there are no restrictions on your set of 6 skills that you can learn. Each guild has 3 skills. You do not lose skills when you leave a guild (unless you purposely forget them). You can also learn skills out of guild (at +50% the lesson cost). Lessons are how you learn skills. You receive one lesson every 2.5 hours you are connected to the game. If you choose to study offline, you get one lesson every 6.66 hours while you are not connected. This may seem like a long time between lessons at first, but believe me—they come a lot faster than they seem, unless you are waiting for that last lesson to learn a skill—then it takes ages! ---The World--- The world is divided into 3 large continents housing the 9 cities. Occid, the northwestern continent, is home to the dwarves, goblins, and orcs. Orien, the northeastern continent, is home to the specter and the Cyclops. Polaris, the southern continent (and the largest) is home to humans, elves, hamakei, and spawn. Skilled mages can teleport between continents using magical artifacts, but most people will simply choose to sail, using a variety of ships. Sprinkled throughout the large ocean are several islands, some of hold... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Vardonyth on Mar 12, 2005

To the last poster: There used to be players there besides the immortals and their mortal characters. But, we all learned the hard lesson that you seem to have just learned. Sounds like Aurora is still pretty busy.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Former Player on Feb 27, 2005

This could be one of the bets muds around, but there is one thing holding it back: the administration. When you first start playing here, everything is fine. Once you stick around for a while and get an established character, however, things start to change. You'll notice little things at first, like your character gets forced to do things by some invisible immortal. Then, maybe a monster will attack you and follow you through half the MUD for no reason. Then, other players know things about your character that only you (or an immortal) could possibly know. Eventually, you realize that you are the lone 'outside' player in a club of immortals who play on their own private little game. Ever feel like the entire world was set up like a fishbowl and you were the lone fish? That's what it is like playing here. I don't think there are any actual players here, just the immortals and their mortal characters. It wouldn't be so bad, except that they play tricks and practical jokes on you and who knows what else. I have one word to describe this mud: creepy ! Maybe in a month or two they'll attract another clueless player who they can torture for a while until he or she realizes what's going on.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Bartle on Jan 8, 2005

First of all I would like to comment that if you are going to make a post on here, at least be man (or woman) enough to post what character you are (and of course i'm not talking to all of those who have posted). I am going to be completely blunt and honest as I can about Elysium- as I have played here for over 5 years and been in every possible position and place you can think of. Pros: The world is absolutely unique, with many possibilities of future growth and interactive settings. Many choices of races, guilds, orders, and so forth from you to choose from. Guilds provide skills at cheaper cost but do not hinder you from learning them from other players. The system has been tweaked over and over to help provide a more fair system of skills as well as fair system for new members of the game to excel without being destroyed.... too much. Although some people complain about the tweaking of the skills, its mostly those who have used them severely to win their pk battles which appears to happen often. Its one of the few games that anything you see you can get to. That includes sailing on every bit of ocean and walking on every bit of land. Gralnak is an excellent roleplay God (when he has time to play instead of code) as well as Zharadan (although we see him less). There is an ooc channel to discuss ooc things instead of swamping the global channels with non-roleplay information which is generally enforced pretty well. Cons: Some of the administration abuse their priviledges in order to give others an advantage. However, as of late they are not seen as often or abuse as much. Roleplay is pretty shot in the realms. Minus a few key players, (and they know who they are for they are either ancients or planned it off from the beginning), you might as well consider them a bunch of teenagers playing with their friends and considering this mud just like all other video games: with the mindset that to be the strongest and win the most stuff is to be #1 and that cheating, unfair alliances, and so forth and so on is okay and expected. However, let us not forget we posted the mud to this site in order to bring in more roleplaying mudders and to filter out the bad. Currently the server that the mud is located on has a habit of crashing every once in awhile, however i believe this to be a more temporary situation than a permanent con. ________________________________________________ All in all I have a right to say all of this for everyone knows that i respect this game quite a bit and have always put a strong effort into promoting it as well as playing it correctly. Good day to you.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Nurmek Leptin on Jul 26, 2004

Elysium has been, is, and will be a great mud. New items being coded from time to time, credits which used to be a hassle to buy to keep up with other characters are now free. And to those who cannot play all the time, you can buy credits to studyoffline with. Gods of all background, and a pretty unique handful of players. Everyone has their opinion of each other. Some hate everyone, some love everyone. Its very strange, but fun every day. Everyone knows just about everyone, so noone feels like a stranger to long. I love Elysium, and would suggest it to anyone out there.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix/Landru on Jul 13, 2004

I have playd many many many MMORPG's, Muds and graphics, and out of all of them Elysium is my favorite... I like all of the Skills, and how there are so many different things to do...

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Nathan: AKA Maleki on Jul 11, 2004

Best Mudd ever.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Huynh on Jun 13, 2004

Allo all Being playing this place on and off for 4 years now. And it is surely the greatest game I have ever played. Everyone is their own master and there are hundreds of possibilities as how to spend you life here. And if there was one negative thing about the game, was that you had to pay for it really. NOW THE GAME IS FREE! It is surely worth to try out. It had a steady playerbase when players were charged. That proves the worth of this game. I am sure that everyone from the filthy spawns in their stinking city of Szagan or the mighty spectres in Thul'Mar to the jolly bards under the Great Oak in Tylrous, welcomes new active and interesting folk to our realms.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Chazlor on May 25, 2004

Elysium is a great place despite what people say, everyone has to admit that it used to be alot worse when Aurora(retarted crack whore) and Silathis(douche bag) were around a lot more. Basically if you pissed them off or did anything that offended them then you were dead, no questions asked. dont bother telling Gralnak, your dead. lessons and hard earned fame down the drain, but in recent times things have changed,dumb and dumber dont play much anymore so theyre is a somewhat good feeling among the realm. I personally dont mind the small amount of people, i think it lets you get to know the others in the game a bit better, you can form closer relationships and friendships with them that you might not be able to in places with 100+ people. furthermore, cernix seems to always have something to say. Cernix, your a pole smoking queen, shut the hell up and crawl back up Auroras ass.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Someone whos just read EVERY review. on Jan 29, 2004

It's time I spoke up about the subjects constantly in question. I've been playing Elysium for roughly five years now, and there's little I don't know about the game. I've been allied to most everyone at one point or another, and I know the inner workings of every social circle. Now that being said, I'll gladly talk to anyone that wants to know what's really going on, and I'll tell all. Aurora does cheat for her ic and ooc friends/allies, I can name well over a dozen times where she's cheated to help me. Elysium does have the potential to be a great game, but everyone really needs to roleplay more. And a select few, including myself need to back off on the pkilling.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Balbasaur on Jan 29, 2004

First of all, everyone would have to understand that the reason this Cernix person is one of the few people who argue with what is being posted here is because Cernix is in that protected Aurora-group. So, when Cernix suggests that homesickness is solved easily for elves by elves joining together and overtaking the elven city, he is saying it from the viewpoint of someone who has God protection. Within the game of Elysium, it is not possible for anyone to overtake the elven city. It is protected by Aurora. Yes, there are commands you can type. You could try to "rebell". Although there is a problem with that. Aurora only allows the people in her group (and this is both her ic and her ooc group) to be members of that city. Only a city memeber could use this command. So, first of all that command would not work for anyone. Then, you could try to take the city from the outside by force. However, this has been tried many times by players who should be quite capable of doing so, according to their stats. The problem is that Aurora (either with Gralnak's consent, or at times when he isn't online) can continually kill players over and over every time they return from the death sequence (and yes, she has done this many times before). This will keep players from being able to do anything to her city. She can remove their ability to be in certain places, which will keep them from getting on the ground near her city. She is able to take land into her own name and protect in this way by saying it is against the rules to take land from a god. So, yes, the elves could join together and try to take that city. But, it won't work. I don't care how advanced they become in the game. I don't care what kind of skills they gain in the game. I don't care how well they role play. I don't care what kind of alliances they make in the game. The only alliance that would help would be to make an alliance with aurora out of character. Except, that wouldn't work either, because she would definately not agree for them to take the city from her. None of these things will help. Apparently, this Cernix person has not noticed any of the other posts, or is speaking in true aurora-like form and is ignoring anything he/she doesn't want to hear. The problem is that aurora cheats, because she has the ability to do so. And, aurora cheats not only for herself but for the people who are her friends ooc (whether they are "on her side" ic or not). Two players have been ascended to god-status, it seems SOLELY to take care of her cheating. However, it still doesn't seem to make a difference. Oh, these two would help, if they could. But, they seemed to have been put those... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by A player on Jan 17, 2004

Hi everyone, Elysium is great, as I stated alot before. Everyone who doesnt get there way has complaints. I am not sure why those posting negatively wont leave there IC names, could be talked to in the game about it **shrug** anyways, Guilds are not required to have autoguilding if they can give a good reason. Such as I am the guildhead of the Artisan guild, a guild that has little to no active members. I turned off Autoguilding because I would rather talk to those who want to join and give them an idea of what there getting into. As an artisan you really arent that strong, cant fight much. This is a pretty big draw back to some. Also, you basically have to do the work others want for there prices or they get mad and throw a fit because they would have to actually go and work a bit for the money to buy the best weapon or the best armor. I would turn on Autoguilding in a case such as, a newbie mails me, and we cant seem to be on at the same time for me to invite them, I would turn on autoguilding and allow them into the guild. Guilds are not required to let everyone in, and skills are kept within guilds to make them unique, that is why out guilding should be done in rare cases, forcing some more RP. Homesickness isnt that bad, I rarely ever stop on Orien (the continent with the city of specters) and I am homesick quite often, but every now and then, it makes me wanna get a ride up there to get it off, making use of a continent that isnt always used. As for homesickness screwing you over because you get on Aurora's bad side, that only applies to elves. Maybe it will disperse the races a bit, since everyone seems to generally be an elf. Might see a hamakie, and a few specters, but few of the other races. If you are really that upset about not being able to visit your hometown, then you should rebel against it and try and take it over (wow, more RP that could be stirred up) All im trying to say is, there is a reason for everything, and those who view it negatively are only doing so because they cant handle the fact that it makes them do stuff rather than idle for lessons all day.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Jan 15, 2004

Hi everyone, Elysium is great, as I stated alot before. Everyone who doesnt get there way has complaints. I am not sure why those posting negatively wont leave there IC names, could be talked to in the game about it **shrug** anyways, Guilds are not required to have autoguilding if they can give a good reason. Such as I am the guildhead of the Artisan guild, a guild that has little to no active members. I turned off Autoguilding because I would rather talk to those who want to join and give them an idea of what there getting into. As an artisan you really arent that strong, cant fight much. This is a pretty big draw back to some. Also, you basically have to do the work others want for there prices or they get mad and throw a fit because they would have to actually go and work a bit for the money to buy the best weapon or the best armor. I would turn on Autoguilding in a case such as, a newbie mails me, and we cant seem to be on at the same time for me to invite them, I would turn on autoguilding and allow them into the guild. Guilds are not required to let everyone in, and skills are kept within guilds to make them unique, that is why out guilding should be done in rare cases, forcing some more RP. Homesickness isnt that bad, I rarely ever stop on Orien (the continent with the city of specters) and I am homesick quite often, but every now and then, it makes me wanna get a ride up there to get it off, making use of a continent that isnt always used. As for homesickness screwing you over because you get on Aurora's bad side, that only applies to elves. Maybe it will disperse the races a bit, since everyone seems to generally be an elf. Might see a hamakie, and a few specters, but few of the other races. If you are really that upset about not being able to visit your hometown, then you should rebel against it and try and take it over (wow, more RP that could be stirred up) All im trying to say is, there is a reason for everything, and those who view it negatively are only doing so because they cant handle the fact that it makes them do stuff rather than idle for lessons all day.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Jan 15, 2004

I played Elysium for a very long time, Elysium was fun when the administration actually cared, now they just want your money and they don't care about the players. Elysium would match Archea if the gods there would care and interact with the roleplayers but they would rather just get paid for doing nothing. I highly doubt many people read this and the gods there will just dismiss this but I thought the rest of the world should know how pathetic Elysium is now.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Who really cares.... on Jan 15, 2004

Well, first of all, the guilds should all be automatic inguilding, but that only works for newbies anyways and you should have to work your way into a guild rather than get free entry. Im not aware of many "place holding" positions, there just arent enough people around to fill them. There are actually 7 types of ships I know of, and 3 are commonly used. Doesnt really matter which are used though, thats their choice. 7 is still a fair variety. I dont see how Gralnaks order is unfair at all, and Aurora is barely around anymore, so that doesnt really matter. And if the most people you've seen on at peak times is 15-20, then Im sorry but you really shouldnt be commenting because that means you must not be on enough.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Hroth on Jan 7, 2004

This was posted earlier.... Elysium by Hroth Pros: -Up to 15 guilds to choose from, each with over 3 skillgroups, containing over 30 abilities. -9 cities, each with their own PC Emperor. Emperor's have 8 positions under him, all who help run the city, including Minister of Trade, Minister of War and Minister of Justice, among others. -6 orders that you can join. Ranging from Gralnak's, the Great Worm, to Velarq's, Spinner of Fate. -Can sail the oceans in a wide variety of ships. Cons: -Not too many people. At peak times there are 30-40. It all depends on the time a day. Usually around 15-20. Here's the reality... Pros --Up to 15 guilds to choose from--although only one or two of them have automatic inguilding, which means that the majority of the others do not allow new people to join. This is specifically forbidden by Gralnak, but not enforced, so it continues. If you cannot join a guild, then it costs many extra lessons to learn skills, IF you can even get someone to teach the skills to you, out of guild. --9 cities, with positions under each emperor, yes. However, most cities do not use these ministries, except for title only and either keep the ministries empty or fill them with "place holding names" (i.e. people who haven't played in months, or even years) --6 orders that you can join--However if you join any of them, other than Aurora or Gralnak's order, you can expect to get the "short end" of every deal. You can expect to have to sacrifice to allow members of those orders to prosper. So, yes, you can join 6, but you can only be successful, by joining one of those two, and sucking up to Aurora ooc. --can sail the ocean in a wide variety (about 5 that I can think of) of ships. Usually only one of two types of ships are built. One is cheaper, but faster. The other is more expensive, and slower, but does have cannons, so that if you are lucky you can blow up other ships or sea monsters. There is a limit on the number of ships allowed to be in the world. So, most of the time, people are unable to build ships, simply because the docks are alreay full of ships. People sit around hoping someone will crash their ship, so they can RUN to the docks and build one to take that slot, before that person returns from the death sequence to build one for themselves, in replacement. Cons --30 to 40 people would be a day so good that people would be constantly commenting on the number of people online. I think 15-20 at PEAK times would be a more fair number. This could easily be fixed. If the rules would be enforced. If Aurora did not get her way in every ooc and ic decision. If player killers were not allowed to make people leave, who really wanted utilize... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by a player on Jan 7, 2004

Pros: -Up to 15 guilds to choose from, each with over 3 skillgroups, containing over 30 abilities. -9 cities, each with their own PC Emperor. Emperor's have 8 positions under him, all who help run the city, including Minister of Trade, Minister of War and Minister of Justice, among others. -6 orders that you can join. Ranging from Gralnak's, the Great Worm, to Velarq's, Spinner of Fate. -Can sail the oceans in a wide variety of ships. Cons: -Not too many people. At peak times there are 30-40. It all depends on the time a day. Usually around 15-20.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Hroth on Jan 4, 2004

Okay, this is one of the best MUDs out there, under a few conditions. One: You have to be good at sucking up to accomplish anything, unless of course you want to buy tons of credits and studyoffline, so you can just kill people who annoy you. Two: Do not even consider angering one of these gods: Aurora, Gralnak, and Huynh. Yes, Huynh is not officially a god, but he might as well be, seeing as he runs the game. But, anyways... I had fun playing this game for a while, up until I came to realize that the leaders of the game aren't exactly bright. They don't seem to realize they made a /game/ for people to /play/, not some wierd world for people to roam around on for your amusement. Now then, by leaders of the game I mean anyone strong enough to kill every breathing thing in the realms. There are many people that fit this description, so I'm not pointing fingers at all *cough huynh cough* and his concubine *cough aurora cough* of course, i love all the gods and all the people who want to smash me like a bug, and i hope they all have a nice day in hades.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by You all should know... on Dec 31, 2003

Wow! Elysium now has something called "homesickness". This means that if you spend less than 5% of your online time in the home city of your race, you will have consequences. Now, at first glance, this sounds great for roleplay. And if roleplaying were enforced here, it would be great. However, it appears to be just another way for Aurora to force people to leave the game. Now, if she does not like you oocly, she can have you cityenemied in her city. Before, you could just avoid her and her "goons". However, now, if you avoid the city, you will face consequences to your skills and other things, if that is the city of your race. On the other hand, if you go into the city, you will be killed, which also causes severe consequences. Someone on a game board suggested that the "homesickness" apply to the city in which you currently reside, to avoid this problem. Gralank vehemently disagreed with that person, stating that would never happen, because good roleplay would mean that you would miss your HOME city--the city where your race was from. However, consider this....if you had been run out of your home city "on a rail" with no reason and had been placed on the cityenemy list of your home city with no reason....and..everytime you entered your home city..guards attacked you for no reason....do you think you would really miss that city? I don't know about the rest of you, but I definately would not. I would say, "They can HAVE that city." Some characters have roleplayed a love for cities where they have spent most of their life and actually have roleplayed a hatred for cities where their race is from. This is very logical, especially when things have happened to cause this. However, this "homesickness" addition will kill that role play. But, this is just one more way for Aurora to control this game, it has been that way ever since she came into power and I guess it will never change. People pay money to play this game, only to have to bow to her every whim. That's why my advice to you is "don't get addicted to this game". Yes, it is addiciting because of the complexity involved. And I guess people keep thinking that "If I just try harder....If I just ignore certain people...If I just try to roleplay better...things will eventually get better."...Well, the evidence shows that it has not gotten better for 5+ years, now. And now this "homesickness" addition is just one more control-factor. Now, if some other complex mud like Dartmud wants to implement this idea of "homesickness"..I'm sure it would go over well. (Not to mention it would be free, there.)

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by An Elysium Player on Dec 16, 2003

There is NO reason why anyone is bad for this game. There has to be a varity of people, attitudes, and ways of life in order for there to be any excitement at all. If you give someone reasons why they aren't good for the game, chances are, they won't want to come back, and wow, not like there is alot of people around at the same time anyways. *rolls her eyes* I don't see how someone could become upset about Elysium crashing. If you go to the website (www.elysium-rpg.com) and click on 'Introduction', the first thing that you read on the next screen is "Elysium is a Multi-User Game (MUG) which had just entered beta testing..." Now, come on. If you take the time to read about it, you'll know that the game has to crash sometimes. It's not perfect. (yet) You would get your money refunded back to you if something bad were to happen to the mud. And yes, sometimes the mud has to be down for a while to add new things, but no one should be mad about that, because everyone likes new things. And yea sometimes during crashes you lose things, some things lost could even be prized possesions, or even great sums of money. But oh well. What else can you do about it? Ask for it back, get an appology because they can't reimburse you and you live with it. It's just a game. I lost money too, I complained and got over it. Just as most everyone else did. One another thing. No you don't have to pay to play this mud. But you can. If you don't want to (or can't) you can learn lessons at the rate of 1 lesson per 10 hours of game play. But if you do buy credits, you get to learn 1 lesson every 2 and a half hours, and you also get the option of studying offline. Other than that, I love Elysium. It's a second home to me, and I like it just the way it is. Sithiana Elisheva

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Sithiana on Nov 9, 2003

Through the summary of my 5+ years within Elysium I have come to both love and hate elysium. I have also come to promote and tell otehrs to go away. There are things that bother me, and things that keep me there. The only problem is deciding at which time, which is worth more. I would validate that yes, there consisted of some forms of more roleplay during the times that there wasn't studying offline, and people were new and still explorative. I would also determine that I probabbly enjoyed those days more, but problems did come, as all things do. Everyone has made bad decisions; Gralnak, Zharadan, Alaric, Silathis, Aurora, Delvanea, and Astarot can verify this. I've had problems with both immortals and with the players. I know of every complaint anyone has because i've either debated against it or for it. Will I leave? probabbly not. Yes it costs money, yes the coding is sometimes shaky, yes some people overpower many others. I won't deny that these things occur. However, it doesnt stop that i enjoy logging in almost every day to spend time in this roleplaying world. True many dont even try, but it doesnt stop my attempts to. Yes, people lose 600k or 270k or whatever thousands of coins you can amount to- but I'm pretty sure that I've lost equal to the sum of those or more over an attempt in the bartender to double my money. I do not believe Elysium is meant to have you become the strongest or richest, its to enjoy the environment around you. If you wanted to become those, you just give as much money as you need to studyoffline and lookathere, you become an impossible warlord who can take as much money as he wants. Yes, there could be more people. Yes, it USED to be expensive (now 8 dollars for 250 credits instead of 33 dollars in american). But will i ever leave elysium? probabbly not. We all have improvements we'd like to happen, and we'd all love the chance to help code these things or replace certain immortals. Still, I don't believe i can find an equally attractive mud- its a middle class crack to me. I see it overtime growing and growing, and better rules and fairplay coming in. Maybe its just a hope but its still not fading from my view and i believe eventually it will come about. To all the complainers- you perfectly have that right to, but i challenge you to really try to change the mud instead of leaving it- even if it ruins some of the future of your character. Nothing more to say, Nurmek Leptin

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Nurmek on Nov 6, 2003

Perfect example of why Silathis is bad for the game: When the game crashed (as it is prone to do... keep in mind you have to pay to play this game), someone started up an AIM chat room. Silathis got invited to the room and came in. One of the players made fun of him (called him an idiot or a fag or something like that) and guess what Silathis did? He zapped him when the game was back up for it. Silathis is a twit who will never see this. Gralnak doesn't give a fat fuck about the game he supposedly administers. Aurora is a user and an internet slut. Alaric has a bug up his ass. Zharadan has washed his hands of the game and no longer logs in, unless it is to talk about money. What a great staff this mud has. Example for Gralnak: Game crashes (imagine that, good coding there, fartfuck). Characters that had deposited money in a bank in the last 2 weeks lose it. One person lost 270 grand, and another lost 650 grand. These people (quite naturally) discussed the issue with gralnak, asking for reimbursement. Gralnak responds with 'sorry.' Thats it. A 'sorry', and no reimbursement, no nothing. Something that was obviously his fault due to faulty coding he just ignores. Gralnak, if you ever read this, go fuck yourself.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by I dont feel like leaving my name on Oct 3, 2003

The fact remains that a LOT of people have become "addicted" to this MUD because of the great code. However, a related fact is that when you speak to those who were finally hurt enough to break that addiction and leave, the two reasons cited the most for why they left were: 1. Because of Aurora and 2. Because of Gralnak Aurora is cited most often because, contrary to what someone said earlier, Aurora DOES NOT normally have a reason for harrassing characters in the MUD. Unless you want to count ooc reasons. Someone mentioned that her rp is good. Well, I guess it is if roleplaying a "Goddess of Tranquility and Nature" as a warmonger, who more often than not sides with the orders of pain and chaos, as good role-play. But, even at that, we must still consider that, more often than not, her ic actions have no ic basis. They are done simply because someone she associates with ooc needs help or because someone that she doesn't like ooc is in a position where she could harrass them. So, you can be the judge as to whether that is good rp, or not. Gralnak is also cited as a reason for leaving, sometimes. He is unfair most of the time. Although, I think that most of his unfairness is for different reasons. Most of the time, he simply doesn't want to take the time to deal with a problem. So, sometimes he makes judgements without knowing the facts. However, sometimes he has also been known to make judgements because an ooc friend wanted a certain judgement. He has also been known to throw in "cheats" for his ooc friends. For example, one ooc friend of his needed/wanted to capture land and did not have enough troops to accomplish this. So, Gralnak "opened a portal to Hades" (this is the roleplay explanation) and allowed him to summon unlimited numbers of troops through the portal. I only know of this ever happening in the game one time. The one time was for the ooc friend of Gralnak. Everyone else has always had to do things "the old fashioned way", when it comes to gathering troops. So, yes, he can be unfair. He is also VERY rude. If you catch him in a polite mood, you know something is wrong. When people have a problem to be solved, he's just as likely to tell them to "shut up and leave him alone" as to listen to them. People complain about the other gods, at times. Even on this board, a few people have complained about Silathis. They didn't like what he did. However, it has been my experience that he always sticks to roleplay. His character is a god of pain, and yes, he is very good at causing it. However, his pain follows ic storylines, instead of being based on ooc biases. And as a final test....I have NEVER heard even ONE person cite "Silathis" as reason... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Angie on Sep 20, 2003

so sad to see that everyone stopped posting...i was just startin to have some fun...

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Brigham on Sep 13, 2003

You see Razel, this is the point we're trying to make. It's a game, I also like to play it to escape the harsh realities of life. Shouldn't that mean it should be fun for everyone? Not just those that are in AUrora's order or allied with them? This is a game, the Gods and some players shouldn't take it so seriously that they have to kill someone for every little thing. Why should my money be wasted because people kill me without provocation and a God doesn't even do anything? You think that's fun for me? No, but is it fun for the person doing the killing and getting away with it? Yes. Everyone in the game should be treated equally. If I do something wrong, I know I should be punished, so if someone else does something wrong, shouldn't they be punished also?

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 10, 2003

Yes i guess you're right this game is JUST LIKE real life... well i g2g im gettin my platemail fixed up so i can go run to the flesh citidel...by the way anyone gotta double-runned warhammer? i got 20000 coins and ill pay good for it Love Brigham

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Brigham on Sep 10, 2003

Listen everyone who reads these things. True Elysium does have some faults but what muds don't. But the only faults for Elysium are in the players. This mud is all about roleplay and revolves around it. The only thing ruining this game is the fact that most people cannot cope with the realism that it contains within the confines of the realm. The power struggle is run soley by players and that is it true they may be backed by an immortal but only because that player as shown such an interest in the game to rate that backing. I have been playing for about 3 to 4 years now and havent once paid for credits. I am considered weak in skills but I am learning more everyday. I havent let the time I take playing as a waist for this game has helped me to escape many bad things that have happened in my real life and has given me some very positive character traits that can be put to use in real life situations. If everyone were to take their rping seriuosly they would enjoy this game a lot more complaing about punishments from gods what a crock of bull, their gods if they choose to make your life miserable then so be it thats something they have earned the privledge to do. This game is like real life the ones who have experience will sometimes take advantage of those of lesser skill they always have and always will but thier are some that will take you under your wing. And should any within this game question why I posted this feel free to talk to me about it but dont complain seeing as I have put nothing but truth in this post. My character is Razel plain and simple let me know what you think about this. And stop complaining simply put the reason you should stop is that nothing in life is fair. That is all

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Daene on Sep 10, 2003

To Indeedy...well I still play, and if you still played you would obviously now that, so you must not be active or playing very much, which simply means you dont really know whats going on. The other day, someone told me Aurora use to like them because they followed their RP. Well, this person made a very good point that one of their followers, Im sure you all can guess, went from being in Alarics, to Gralnaks, to Auroras. Very stable RP there. And she thinks very very highly of this person. As to Aurora, she isnt a good RPer either. If she wanted peace, she WOULD sit down with Alaric and discuss this whole situation. There is no use having senseless killing that makes people have a bad time and quit the game. Aurora doesnt like ALaric ooc, that is why she is doing this. To have war just because someone wont say sorry? Very childish. If Aurora would RP the peace-loving Goddess that she is, this war would have never started and and everyone would just be fine and dandy.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 9, 2003

You left Alarics because he did not do as promised?? So does this mean Aurora does do as she promises, And what exactly does she promise...From what i am seeing it seems as if she promises the thrill of Slaughter, Murder, and then stealing things from the murdered!! Im sure the 4 people in Alarics order couldnt have taken on the Din'taals by themselves, as i am sure that the 400 in Aurora's could've. And i dont think that the member of Alarics order would have a reason to "bash" you if you guys hadnt have started the war in the first place. You yourself Cernix seemed to have killed someone just the other day! id like to congradulate you on this act of peace...Nice to know that you are supporting Aurora's cause. Adios Amigos shall you some day feel the Wrath of peace Love Brigham

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Brigham on Sep 9, 2003

Brigham, you aren't thinking straight my friend. The goddess wants peace, but peace cannot be gained by sitting around while Alaric and his order bash ours. Even during the Ceasefire they chose to bash ours. "Join our order, its much more peaceful and just than Aurora's" was what they told some newbies during that ceasefire. Now, if the war is started for bashing, and we offer a ceasefire, bashing us some more isnt going to hold it off. But you are led by people who can't comprehend that. Now, as for me getting out before i was getting slaughted. I left because Alaric did not do as he promised, he did not help the war against the Din'taals, and Aurora did, aurora took care of the whole thing. So I left Alaric to go with someone who could atleast keep promises to there order

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 9, 2003

You support her Actions do you?? Do you support the way that she removed Admetus from the peace sect for supporting peace? I found that a bit strange Im sure if you REALLY wanted peace you could assemble some type of Meeting and reach an agreement instead of having aurora demand what SHE wants to end this senceless killing, but i guess thats not peaceful enough for The Beloved. Thats ok though, she seems to be enjoying the constant murders or Alarics Ordermates. Peace seems to be prevailing though!!! I think i saw a Cease-fire...it only lasted a day and a half before the followers of peace started killing again but still, its a start Well as long as SOMEONE is havin fun, even if it goes against what they follow...thats ok though its all in good fun right? Love Brigham

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Brigham on Sep 9, 2003

In response to both Brigham and Cernix's posts, I would like to voice my opinion about this war. I believe that after what has been said at various meetings and other things, that this war cannot simply be ended. Not all of the members of Alaric's order would be willing to end the war so simply, so there is no choice but to continue the war. If we did try to stop it, our members would still be attacked by the few Alaric's that are still pro-war. I do not like the war one bit and I wish it would end sooner, but I will stand by my fellow order members and hope for a winner to come through. Aurora is a great god, and she is only doing what she feels is necessary, and I stand by her and support all her decisions.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Hezakija on Sep 9, 2003

Quit complaining and play the game, or dont. Have fun eiter way.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Jeera on Sep 9, 2003

I take it you didnt like my post Cernix...not all can be lovers i must say, but this is ok. I must admit Aurora does do a GREAT job Rping her role of the goddess of Tranquility and peace with this war. The way she lets her ordermember Slaughter Alarics is Very peaceful...lucky you pulled out before you would get slaughter eh Cernix...Forging wouldnt help ya there now would it? Aurora is doing a GREAT job Achieving Peace! Shes doing a great job of spreading her belief of peace by killing Alarics members too!! The only reason Alaric should do what Aurora asks is because Alaric's ordermembers are being killed so frequently, i suppose Aurora wouldnt be so brave as to start a war over her precious name if SHE only had 4 members, but seeing as the cards were in her favor she has no problem "spreading the words of peace." I wish her the best of luck, but it doesnt look like she'll need it... Well To The Beloved...Have fun killin off Alarics To Cernix...Go Forge Yourself Love Brigham

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Brigham on Sep 9, 2003

Having actually wasted the time to read every single one of the previous posts, I may as well waste the time in writing one. Firstly, Aurora isn't the tyrant she's made out to be. She's just the latest fad. Gralnak's order was full of newbies and twinks once, but they got bored and left. Aurora's will die out sooner or later. It is true that Aurora takes things OOC moreso than she should, but then it's also true that a lot of the players take things OOC when they shouldn't. Now before anyone starts saying that I don't know what I'm talking about. I do. I've played Elysium for 6 years and I've had followers of Aurora, Delvanea, Gralnak, Silathis, and Zharadan. I've played Emperors of 'good' cities and 'evil' cities, and led 'good' and 'evil' guilds too. I've played unskilled layabouts and I've played unkillable characters too. So, anyway. Elysium is a great game. It has a lot of faults, but that doesn't mean it's not good. Recently then things have slowed down a little. As Ash mentioned, there are a few pointless additions (sliced food, Alaric, cheese, Aurora, candle making, Silathis to name a handful). There are idiots that play that have no RP sense, but people like Huynh are just taking over from people like Ardal (back in Ardal's day you couldn't offline, so he at least earnt his skills, unlike today's twinks). Rules are not followed consistently. Gods appear to notice rules being broken less often when it benefits their followers - this is more true of Aurora, Silathis and Alaric simply because without actually zapping people, they're utterly useless to the game. They're instructed not to interfere with the game, and they don't have the ability to code, so they'll be forgotten if they don't keep things controversial. The problem with unskilled types being massacred by skilled players is that there aren't enough players to go around. Aurora vs Alaric is a joke - Aurora's picked up thugs and RPers, so in wars she has more thugs than Alaric has followers. Again, this is just a fad, it'll change later on and another order will sanctify every newbie that joins. There aren't enough players for the number of guilds, cities and orders that there are. Each order has between half a dozen and a dozen active followers (worthy of note at least), so people invariably get personal in fights because they always fight the same people. Hrothgar/Matt I really can't see his point because he started off playing a twink, got killed a lot, joined a group renowned for being pkers, got killed a lot, then quit - boo hoo. Cernix, I appreciate you're trying to view the game through rose tinted specs, but it's not as fair as you make out. Things aren't resolved by the players because they can't be most of the time - there's no way to teach someone a lesson without killing them, not unless the entire makes... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Indeedy on Sep 9, 2003

Ok, brigham, first of all don't lie by saying you don't play any more. You have an alt. Secondly, peace and tranquility is what Aurora is trying to achieve, but to achieve that action must be taken. Thirdly, the war would have been advoided had the other god was smart enough to think before acting. Gods are pretty much in a competition to spread there beliefs, if Alaric does what Aurora asks the war would be over. It is as simple as that. She is not asking for things that are degrating, or incomprehendable they are very easy to understand. Apologize. Wow, so very hard. You all jump on Aurora, but she Rp's the role of her god very well, and she handles most matters great. I think you should all think about what your doing to make her mad, she simply doesnt get mad for no reason.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 9, 2003

I Played Elysium for quite a bit, it was very nice at first, user friendly, easy for newbs to start, Over-all pretty good. When i turned 24 i decided i wanted to join an order and choose Alarics. Soon after (like a day or somethin) we went to war with the peace loving aurora, who decided we needed to be killed because our God said something about her Beautiful name. The self titled Beloved Godess of tranquility seemed to have no problem with having her ordermates slaughter us in this so called "war." Aurora's order had most of the strongest players in the game against the 3 or 4 in our order. I was Enemied from my city, and lost mostly everything, because this conceited freak decided that no one could say anything bad about her name...people may say i wrote this post to bash aurora...They're right i did! The so-called goddess of tranquility seems to have no problem at all starting and continuing this pointless "war" which is more or less just a bunch of people killin a small group of people over and over. They seem to like this alot, especially being the peace loving followers of traquility that they are. I myself have quit the mud due to this, and have yet to return. Though people i know still do play and i do ask them whats goin on, they tell me that the war will continue!!!!!! It seems like this war-loving god of Tranquility likes to brutally murder people, steal all their stuff and Cheat to help her order. Well shes a stupid hypocrite and probably always will be, its scary when the most active god doesnt know how to RP her own role. So Aurora Keep killin and have fun chasin more people from this Mud, i hope you have lots and lots of fun having your order members kill people much weaker then them. Love Brigham

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Brigham on Sep 8, 2003

Does it matter I joined the Din'Taals? So I joined the Din'Taals, that means its okay for me to be killed without provocation all the time, but not others? Okay....

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 8, 2003

To correct Cernix, Zharadan patrons Karinthia, and Aronsol. Also to Matt, if you have nothing better to do than complain about Balbasaur, and Huynh, you may want to get all your facts straight, and learn that there is two sides to every story. Whilst you were constantly on the recieving end of Balbasaur's, and Huynh's attack's, there is good reason for it. Your character decided to join the Din'taal's in hope of gaining some sort of power, but what you forget is that the Din'taal's while they are strong, they were considered to be one of the most evil groups of people, the started many wars in attempt to gain power, and got shut down each and every time by the people you complain about constantly, so while Balbasaur, and Huynh may look like villain's to you, they're considered to be heroes by many others.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Josh on Sep 8, 2003

Angie, that didn't prove anything. 4 of the 9 cities are run by aurora members, and only 3 are patroned by her (Tylorus, Karinthia, Aronsol). Gralnak has 4 patroned (Vagla, Olbaron, Ruk'tan and Szagan (i believe hes patron on szargan). Silathis has 1 (Thul'mar), and Zharadan has 1 (Gralthar), alaric has none. Silathis has an order member right now as emperor of Zharadan's city. Gralnaks cities are run by Me, Morgak, Zoryx, and Vilin. And aurora's are run by Darran (her High Priest, and Balbasaur an Elder, and then theres Rigby) she owns a large portion of the realm yes, but so does gralnak, its just a fight for power **shrug**

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 8, 2003

[quote] Aurora patrons or has a member as emperor (or both) in ALL the cities listed. So of course they are Cityenemied. Again, when you choose sides, you are making someone your enemy. [endquote] *chuckles* Thank you for agreeing with us. This type of behavior has continued until the entire world is Aurora-run. That's exactly the point we've been trying to make. And again, if that doesn't bother you, then go for it. The code of Elysium is pretty good. However, I'd say Dartmud is just a bit better and free.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Angie on Sep 8, 2003

Ok first of all. I did not leave alaric during the Alaric and Aurora war, i left before. Secondly, that quote is from an Alaric follower correct? Aurora patrons or has a member as emperor (or both) in ALL the cities listed. So of course they are Cityenemied. Again, when you choose sides, you are making someone your enemy. They are in his order, they support him, so Aurora's members hate him. Simple as that. That quote does not prove anything about being in aurora's protection to have fun. KK thats all :D

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 8, 2003

I find it interesting that several of us had stated that those who make claims that what we say is false are those who are in the order of Aurora and either don't realize they are being protected both ic and ooc....or perhaps they are TRYING to cover it up. Either way, the truth is that is what has happened. Cernix consistantly posts that the facts being stated are not true. Cernix attempts to persuade that it is possible to play a fair game, even if you are not on the same side with Aurora. Those of us who have tried know better. Cernix claims to be able to make that statement because of having a different character who is not in Aurora's order. However, part of the point is that, with Aurora, EVERYTHING is taken ooc. So, you don't HAVE to be in her order ic, as long as you are in her inner circle, ooc. The point was, is, and remains--> If you want to play elysium and have fun doing it, you'd better make sure that you are, most importantly, friends with Aurora ooc (i.e. messengerchats, phonechats, in person meetings, etc.). Then, yes, it wouldn't hurt to be openly on her side, ic, as well. That is the only way to make sure that you are able to play the game without being treated unfairly. Of course, it still depends on what you mean by unfairly, because in that case, all you have to do is ask and she'll "move Heaven and Earth" for you. So, in reality, it's still not a fair game, since you are treated better than the average player. Anyway, before you make a decision as to who to listen to in these posts, you might find it interesting to know that Cernix was once in a different order in Elysium. Cernix left that order during a war between that order and Aurora's order. But, yet, Cernix claims that it's possible to be treated fairly and not be in Aurora's order? One person in the other order posted something that illustrates this point better than anything the rest of us can say: [quote] Subject: tis a sad day. the fear of aruroa is so great within the realm no one will let me into there citys I am c.ed in tylorus vagla arosnal and ktown nor will anyone give me citzenship. the order is also suffering ,three have gone within the first days of the war trind,scong. and cernix [endquote] Note: c.ed in Elysium means "cityenemied". It means that no one will allow you to enter their cities. So, this person is saying that everyone in the entire mud is so afraid of Aurora that this person is not allowed to hold citizenship in any city because Aurora might retaliate against that city or the person that gave citizenship to them. But, even more than that, because everyone is so afraid of Aurora, no one will even allow this person walk... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Angie on Sep 8, 2003

Good post Josh. And as for debating, just trying to defend the mud while so many give it bad reviews once they get mad at something. Anyways, the debating should stop. Noone needs to read 50 posts going between two people. Unless it was about different aspects of the game, so ill stop for now.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 7, 2003

Hmm, who are you to tell us not to use this site for debate? I believe it is a free forum and we are allowed to post what we wish.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 7, 2003

just to start this off, I wanna say to Matt and Cernix to not use this review site as a means to debate with each other. that being said, here's my review. I've been playing elysium for a good 4 or 5 years, and as such, my character is one of the oldest active ones. during my time in Elysium, I've learned basically every aspect of the game, and find it to be a very enjoyable place most of the time, at other times it can be frustrating or boring, it all really depends on you. the best advice I could give for new players to the game is to go through the beginning tutorial, then start talking to people, learn more about them, learn your way around your city, and the continent you live on, join a guild that you think would suit you well, but don't badger people about the thieve's and rogues' guild, they mostly don't know anything, and it just annoys them. after you've started to establish your character, then you can start thinking about joining an order, but with the choice to join an order, you have to know what it's getting you into, joining an order is not like joining a guild, it's supposed to be for life. Also when you join an order, you may be making allies, but you're also making enemies. All and all, the game is truely a great place, and what you put into it is what you get out, it all depends on you.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Josh on Sep 7, 2003

I never run my mouth to Balbasaur, yet I get killed by him whenever he comes in contact with me. Am I suppose to ruin my time, sit alone in an area where he can never get to me for years after I paid money to PLAY the game, not sit around on my ass. Second of all, I have no friends that even two on one could kill him, except those who have already left. How could I run if he is invisible, comes in, kneecaps me, sand me, then concusses me? All of the lessons I've lost must've come to well over $30, and not even 1/5th of them have been provoked. Perhaps you don't whine because you wouldn't be buying him credits. Once you buy credits with your new character Cernix, get killed almost daily without provo, and you still don't complain, then you can run your mouth.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 7, 2003

Matt, who are you in the game? Aswell, i starting a character that is not going to be in Aurora's protection, and rather than whine and cry to a god if i take a beating, then i take a beating. You learn to deal with getting killed, get stronger to fight back, or my favorite RUN. The other day panthos chased me around in circles on Occid for a good hour atleast. He is far more skilled than me, and should have been able to kill me. But he didnt, he could barely keep up with me running. Yes, at one point he had me tied up, while I was trying to respond to a tell to him. But i got free before he could kill me, and i took off again. Yes, after a while I signed off of him and on to my other character, and talked in OOC. I enjoy being chased. I miss the good ole days when Balbasaur and Huynh would chase ya around. Now, If you RPed well. You know Balbasaur and Huynh are 2 of the strongest in the game. So of course if you talk crap to them they will kill you. You cannot expect to be able to run your mouth and get away with it. One of the best things is the provo they get from after they kill you and you start shouting bullcrap to them. So they do get provocation for that. Also, again, some characters join Orders/guilds/families/clans and do not want to accept the responsibility with them. The Istaars (Balbasaur, Beowolf, and such) hate the Din'taals (Lythran, Arkane, Lostsaint). Yet a Gauge, joins the Din'taals and then throws a fit that Balbasaur killed him 'for no reason'. Players need to be more careful about what sides they pick. Such as right now, if you join Alaric's order, and the ceasefire gets broken. You can bet you will be killed by Aurora's order. And it is not 'for no good reason' its because of the war. Yet some people think its unfair you would kill them because they are simply in an order. Now, alot of people argue, that them doing these things to your character eats up your time. Such as with Deziree, they had her coma'd and robbed her clean. Now, someone was trying to see if there was a rule that said you could only keep someone unconcious for so long. Why would there be? If you, in real life, are getting stomped on by a bully. Is he going to stop after so long because theres a rule against it? If he beats you up everyday, is he going to stop and wait a week to do it again, because of a rule? No, hes not, so what do you do? You complain to someone who can help you, a friend or a few to back you up. So, why not do that in the game? Now, you could run to god,... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 7, 2003

Of course you would enjoy it Cernix, you're in Aurora's order. If I were in her order, I doubt I'd be complaining either. You're protected by her all the time. As mentioned before, if you're in Aurora's order, of course you'll find it to be a great game. You're never being killed without provo pretty much every day. What are people who get killed all the time, can never gain lessons and have all their stuff stolen do? I'm sure if you weren't in her order and you were being killed like some other people, you would be complaining also. I don't enjoy spending money, then being killed and losing those lessons I've gained against the rules, and then nothing being done about it and so would you.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 7, 2003

I do not think it is the admins. If players took it upon themselves to do more then there would be no need for gods to get involved all the time. Also, the little disadvantages you mentioned of hungar and thirst have been removed. Also, you are now able to use 26's without credits, gralnak is slowly making it better. And I enjoy it greatly.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 7, 2003

Having played on Elysium for about 2-3 years myself, I am afraid I will have to agree with the vast majority of the numerous negative points that have been made about Elysium. In regards to coding and design, while there are always a few problems, it cannot be disputed that the game is excellent. However, many aspects of Elysium are far from excellent. I am quite surprised that more people have not mentioned such in previous reviews, but there is a very substantial price to be paid for the privilege of maintaining a character on Elysium (I believe Ash outlined the exact prices in his review). While it is possible to play without paying- as I attempted to do for some time- your character is put at such a disadvantage through both skill development and annoying little things such as getting hungry and thirsty at a much faster rate, that it is nigh on impossible to enjoy the game without spending money- I personally probably spent hundreds, and only now realise that this hard-earned cash could have easily been spent on far more enjoyable things. This in itself should be carefully considered before creating a character. Whether or not you agree with the concept of pay-per-play MUDs though, there are other drawbacks to the game that cannot be ignored. The foremost of these (probably the most mentioned criticism, although in a very immature manner in some reviews here) is without a doubt the attitude of the administration to their players. As long as you continue to pay, what happens on the MUD is no concern of theirs. "If you don't like it, then leave." has been what players with grievances, including myself are told (which is precisely what many of us have done). While taking this stance is fine and well when it is a free MUD being offered to the public and run for the enjoyment of the staff, it is certainly not acceptable when the relationship between staff and players is customer/consumer as opposed to host/guest. If you were dissatisfied with goods you spent a large sum of money on in a shop, you would expect polite and helpful treatment from the shop assistant even if nothing could be done- you certainly wouldn't expect to be ordered to leave the shop! In addition to this, on a supposed RP MUD, there is little separation between the IC and OOC lives of players and admin. There are indeed instances where players who are OOC friends with the admin will receive special treatment without IC justification. Suggestions for the improvement of the game are ignored, even ridiculed. Perhaps even more unsettling though is that there are admin who gather or log what OOC information they can that is transmitted over the MUD and share it readily with other players who are interested (the sketchy legal implications of this can be viewed on various threads about snooping on The Mud Connector messageboard). Would you feel comfortable giving your address... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Lucy Marshall on Sep 7, 2003

Ok. Rules are to give the gods an outline of what they can use to enforce them. I think in a realm, no rule should be final. That affects RP. Honestly, rules seem to do nothing but give people things to complain about. Yes, if you are killed over, and over, and over it sucks, so you learn to stay away from that person. The thing i think is most wrong is with the players, none of them want to solve things RPLY, so gods have to make desicions, and any desicions OOC or IC is always biased. No matter who makes it. (For example if your at your job, you and your boss are good friends, the boss has to fire someone, now even tho your a worst worker, he'll keep you cuz your a friend) If people would handle things IC then there would little to no reason for so much godly intervention. Most of the people who have played for a while refered to that as the golden age or something like that. I missed it but would like to see it come again. Players need to all take it upon themselves.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 6, 2003

I think the point is being missed here. I think a good many of us would agree that rp is needed for a good mud. We would also agree that things done based on true rp can be fun, even if it is detrimental to your character. But, the point is that in Elysium, a lot of things are done with no rp rhyme or reason. There are rules against this. However, Gralnak picks and chooses who he enforces those rules against. I've seen people who he liked do something that was against the rules and never get punished. On the other hand, people who he doesn't like can do the exact same thing and he'll punish them, or if there wasn't already a rule against it, he'll make a new rule, even after the person he likes (and I mean likes ooc) has been doing the same thing for a long time. And it also works the other way. I've seen him punish people who did bad things to someone he likes, when what they did might not even be against the rules. And then, at other times, he will not punish someone who breaks the rules against someone that he doesn't like. The previous poster said that people were complaining because the gods did not kill enough people. That's not the problem at all. The problem is that the gods are never consistant. Someone else mentioned that Alaric is consistant, more than the others, but also begged him to do more. Well, the problem with that in Elysium is that the gods are not all equal ooc. Gralnak is basically THE final authority. So, all of the gods (Zharadan is a wildcard, in this statement.) have to "obey" Gralnak. So, let's look at a hypothetical situation. Let's pretend that one of Aurora's followers kills one of Alaric's followers for no reason (that would be no surprise..sometimes her followers have ooc reasons, but hardly ever an ic reason). Then, let's pretend that Alaric takes the previous poster's advice and slays the follower of Aurora. Well, as long as Gralnak is not on, those two gods are equal. Aurora will get mad and keep bringing back to life. Alaric can take that advice and keep killing. She keeps bringing back to life. He keeps killing..etc..etc..etc. Eventually it stops somewhere. But, later, here's what happens. Gralnak logs on. Aurora goes to Gralnak and complains that Alaric killed one of her followers. That follower is restored and very possibly Alaric is reprimanded by Gralnak. And, yes, this is how it happens every time. Aurora gets her way in an ooc manner. Ok, now let's take the other side of the coin. Let's pretend that one of Alaric's followers kills one of Aurora's followers for no reason. So, Aurora kills that follower. Alaric brings back to life. She kills. He gives life...etc..etc..etc. Eventually, Gralnak logs on. Aurora goes to Gralnak and complains that one of Alaric's followers killed hers for reason,... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Angie on Sep 6, 2003

Yes, Gralnak does not program much. But you also have to think the ammount of coding that would take, AND he cannot just sit there all day and do it. Whats his motivation? Not that many buy credit, so its not like hes looking forward to money from it. Zharadan you can always reach with an email. But he is in college or something like that. So he too would have little time to program. Now on to Matt's recomendations. Alaric is just as biased as the rest. The only reason you like him is because he punishes those that kill you. But he is biased towards his handful of followers. God of Truth and Justice, yet he didn't do anything to Buzz when he robbed Szagan. I am not complaining that that was wrong of him. As all gods would be biased to his followers. Just pointing out that he is biased. This is what i have to say about the posts for this mud. A) The people who are complaining that the gods don't kill certain people enough Simply want those people killed because they are not strong enough to do it themselves. B) People do not want to accept the fact that when you choose sides, you are making enemies with the other. C) Aurora is not the only god that 'mingles' with the mortals. I just think she is the only one that doesnt mind doing it and that her RP would allow that. Silathis, God of Pain. If he was to mingle he would constantly stab people or something :D D) Gralnak and Zharadan can not just sit here and program all day. Many of us don't even sit here all day. E) RP is low in the realm and that would be the only reason I would recommend to not join, but Hopefully, if you do come, youll bring a nice set of RP with you. (Also, note, if your RP involves saying bad things to stronger people, expect to die for it.) F) Prices on credits are relatively fair. Most of the reason people cant buy credits is that they don't have a working credit card, or their parents wont let them. If prices were dropped it would just make the people who buy credits, stronger faster and would make the mud more boring for them sooner. G) If you do not have a family, being an emperor, guildhead, or some other reason to spice up things. The mud gets boring after an hour of play or so. Conflict is the most interesting thing in elysium. Also, would like to ask who ever is posting as people from elysium (Such as MIDNYTE, she is a character in the game but that is not her post)please stop. We do not need to bring that kind of crap into this forum. Aswell, I would like to see many people come and play this mud. Try to RP, rather than complain and it things... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 6, 2003

To Cernix, I can see it in an RP sense that the Gods would favour their own followers, but for that to be a reason to make other peoples time in the realms suck, which is by all means ooc, then that is bullshit. A place where you, if you aren't on the Gods good side because of IC reasons, get killed for almost nothing, and then get killed multiple times by people who have no rp sense whatsover (Huynh, Balbasaur, Beowolf)is not something I see as "good administration." I agree totally with Ash's review. People like Silathis and Aurora, who are only around when they feel like screwing one of their followers or eachothers followers with emotes, or when one of their bitchy members cry to them about someone attacking them and they get on and zap them, even if it was completely within the bounderies of the rules, are not good admins. Gralnak, who is barely even around, and when he is, its just to code the crappy things like Ash says, is not a good admin. I give some credit to Alaric, who actually tries to enforce the rules without biased opinions, but still has to take a ton of bullshit from the players like Balbasaur and all of Auroras tree-huggers. I'd just like to give a tip to a few people if they are reading this. To Alaric-Screw being nice, if they're being disrespectful, kill them no matter what. If Aurora is being a little whining bitch and resurrects them, kill them again. If she still does it, well frickin kill them again. It only takes pressing a few buttons a few times. To Gralnak-Get better admins, they ARE ruining the game for you too. So far Ive seen around 10 people quit because of them, all who actually paid for creds. Get another coder, get a computer that you can host your own MUD on and drop the prices. That's all I have to say.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Sep 4, 2003

How Elysium Works: "Lessons" are used to learn skills. You get lessons by logging time. If you pay for credits (1 credit = 1 hour, roughly $34 for 250 hours) you get a lesson every 2.5 hours. If you do not pay, you get a lesson every 10 hours. Skills cost lessons in a range from 2 lessons to 85 lessons. In theory, you do not have to pay to play this mud. If you want to ever learn skills (note, for the 85 abilities, that is 850 hours of play vs 212.5 hours) you'll have to pay. I'm not a cheapskate, but I wouldn't pay $10 a month for EverQuest, and the amount of time you'd have to spend on this mud to get good quickly you'd be dropping $30+ a month. I don't believe in paying for something that for damn sure should be free. There are hundreds of muds bigger than this one that are absolutely free, and boatloads that are smaller, but much better administered that are free. The only reason players have to pay for this mud is because Gralnak, the only active coder (RIP Zharadan- who washed his hands of the game due to the crappy people that play it-- and who only posts when it's about buying credits), is too lazy to host it himself. He claimed it was getting too expensive to host on a regular hosting site like mudservices. Gralnak then went to a professional hosting site that costs a couple hundred a month to run. He does not host it on a home machine because he claims that he would get hacked, heaven forbid he buy a firewall. Did I mention you can 'study offline'? Studying offline equates to free lessons. Buy the credits, spend them while you are offline. It costs 5 credits every lesson you study offline, and is supposed to take 5 hours of offline time to get a lesson. However, since Gralnak is a mediocre programmer, the math is screwed up and you actually get a lesson about every 2 hours when studying offline. If you are rich, have money you dont know what to do with, or like buying your way to the top (cough*Beowolf*Darkfly*cough) then I'm sure you'd get a kick out of this game. The programming (Zharadan's mostly) is great in concept, but since these guys coded the base when they were 18, its thrown together and the mud runs really slow, like a fat bitch after a buffet lunch. It eats commands, so no speedwalking, and for having to pay for it, it crashes an awful lot. Off the topic of lessons and skills, you gain health by killing things. It is called 'fame' here, and the more fame you have, the higher your health... until you get to a certain level. That's right, you can top out on health. So once you get to 2874 hp, you might as not even bother even trying. What this mud needs some... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Ash on Sep 4, 2003

I think elysium is great and always will. The different characters and close enviroment bring it a nice kick. I have only spent bout $100 on it and plan to spend plenty more. I have reached IC age of 22. If you are a hack and slash then it can be rather unintersting until you get strong. Until then you will get mauled by people such as Huynh (powerful character) As for Matt saying the gods are biased, look at it as an RP view. You dedicate your life to the god, you give everything you have to them. Now, you kill someone. IC the god is going to favour you because your a follower. Now, if it was against a rule then they should punish them as an admin. Too many people join clans/orders/familys/whatever and with that comes the responsibility of knowing that certain people are going to be your enemies, and that since you made that choice you should try and get your family in on kiling them if they kill you, but do not cry to the admins, cuz im sure they have more to there life than to sit and listen all the time... to many people do it without even attempting to RP thus, RP in elysium is pretty LOW... I would love to see better RP, but that is just me. Anyways, just what i have to say, see ya in the realm if you come!!!!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Cernix on Sep 3, 2003

I would say I agree completely with the previous writer. I've been playing for a year and a half now, and have seen the MUD at good times and at bad times. When I first started playing, the MUD was great and I couldn't stop. When I reached the ic age of 23, I began buying credits and everytime I was about to run out, I bought somemore. Im guessing all in all I spent around $250 on this MUD. Now, I really regret wasting all the money on it. The game is fun no more and I can't just take my money back. The Gods ARE biased. I wouldn't say so much as Gralnak is like the last person said, but he should get some blame too. He should be around more often and punish those people who do wrong instead of just letting it go. Now I know he doesnt just punish people who do wrong to his friends, because I am order member, but the thing is, he barely punishes anyone. I have seen Aurora and Silathis punish people for doing close to nothing, yet when one of their own order members does something, nothing is done about it. I have seen Aurora interfere with one of her order members being killed, even if that person rightly had provocation on them. The MUD has become a game of newbies and those in Auroras order. Most of the older players I know have quit the game because them. If only I wasnt so addicted, I would have quit also. But I will never spend another dime on this MUD. Unless you like a MUD with a player base of pretty much completely newbs that suck up to Gods, then I advise you not to come here. You may regret it in the future.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on Aug 30, 2003

I have not played hundreds of muds, as some people have boasted in this forum. I actually was not addicted to muds until I found Elysium. So, I have only played in the double digits of muds, instead of triple digits. And, yes, I was very much addicted to Elysium. The code of this game is awesome. It probably comes closer than any other mud does to being as good as Dartmud. The political system, as it seems when you read about it, is very good..very well planned. The ideas for player-based economy are VERY good. Players can own their own shops, industries, etc. One difference in Elysium and Dartmud is that in Elysium you have to own an "industry" to make a lot of the craft-type things (such as clothes, food, etc.) Yes, there are some that you can create without owning an industry. However, sometimes the raw commodities are hard to come by. There is a way coded in to sell these commodities. But, they cannot be sold in player-run shops and most cities never bother to place them for sell in the tradesman. The order/religious system seems to be very good "on paper". However, as you get older in this mud (which I played for over 5 years) you find that what some people have tried to state in these reviews is true. And in some respects, both sides of the arguments are true. Yes, as one person stated, at one time, no god/immortal intervention, whatsoever was allowed. And, yes, as another person stated, it now is allowed. HOWEVER, there is a catch...it is only allowed to one god...Aurora. The main gods do not get involved (unless it is a friend of theirs OOC, like Doogan). They also do not allow the "lesser" gods to get involved, except for Aurora. She is allowed to do anything she wants to mortals. She has been known to hold items in "god space"..sometimes these items may have been stolen from someone, and she is holding them to keep them from being able to get them back......sometimes these items were simply things that she didn't want her followers to get stolen from them. She has been known to put people in "the void" to keep them from being able to kill her followers. She has been known to kill players over and over and over every time they come back from the death sequence, sometimes as a "punishment" for doing something to her followers....sometimes, simply to distract them so that they can't do something new to her followers. Now, I love roleplay..and...I can see how intervention from the gods/immortals can be GREAT roleplay. HOWEVER, that is only true if it is allowed from ALL the gods..and not just one. Please who are ooc friends with Cheryl/Aurora call her on the phone and have her get online to "fix" things for them. People who talk to her on the phone ooc become her ic "pets" in the game. And bottom... Read More

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Angie on Aug 30, 2003

I would recommend everyone to come here and play. Join Aurora's order and be a suck-up like me! The game is ONLY fun if you join her order because she kills people in other orders for no reason! :) So come check it out, talk to me and I'll help you out getting into her order, etc. and then I'll teach you to be a kiss-ass so you can get on her good side too! ;)

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Midnyte on Aug 16, 2003

Heres a post written by an idiot: "The previous 'Anonymous' was written by Hrothgar. The reason he is upset is because he is a constant problem to the gods, and thus he is punished for it. According to him this isn't fair. All of the negative posts I've read here on topmudsites are from people that harass other players(to the point where it is against the rules) or harass gods. When these people are finally punished, they whine(like Hrothgar and Advocate). The gods take constant player abuse on a daily basis. There was a time when gods in Elysium weren't supposed to be involved with mortals, but that has changed. What Gralnak said about them staying out of mortal business was a long time ago, and frankly it makes it more interesting when gods RP(something the whiners of Elysium know nothing about) with you. I follow no god in Elysium, and therefore I can take an unbiased position in this arguement. I see what goes on, and I agree with the gods. If you tell them what they can and can't do or insult them in any way, they have the right to punish you." ......eww he thinks hes nice..first of all- you're posting as anonymous...you obviously dont feel so strongly about your points..(if you have any) And no- you dont see whats going on..you cant see everything, you dont know what went on between tells or anything...so anyway-im not going to waste much time-dont care for this game, but im posting because i dont want ppl to play this corny ass game. Its pointless,wont get you anywhere. Yeah some games are like that, but you wont have fun with this one. "people who harrass players" that just pisses me off too- you're only sayin that because the gods say that. the only reason you agree with them is because you know what they think- its all one bias group.... Oh and great- you "dont follow any god in elysium" What the hell is that supposed to mean? You're an idiot- dont care who you are, but your post is just a waste of room. -----A final note to MudSeekers.... ***********DO NOT JOIN THIS MUD*******

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Advocate on Aug 6, 2003

That lost post was meant to be by Silathis! Just writing because he used his mortal name by accident (oops :)) So, listen to what he says. Its all good and true. Now Im going back to my sex smelling bed. Goodbye!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Aurora on Jul 27, 2003

I would actually have to agree with the two latest postings. The MUD has potential but the administration (like myself) completely ruins the game. The player base (excluding everyone in Aurora's, my order, Minotar (who wrote that last anonymous) Huynh and some others) is very good and a lot of rp is shown by those who do not pk all the freakin time. Its a damn RP game people! You do not have to kill for no reason and the Gods do not have to zap for no reason like myself and Aurora do. Please listen to my words, thank you.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Sithius on Jul 27, 2003

Most things in Elysium are very realistic, but it's a two way street, the world isn't very pretty. The gods aren't too bad, though they also have their ups and downs. Yes, they're biased, and unfair to many people such as Hrothgar and who knows how many others. But in that way they're also kind of human (? though I was under the impression they were gods?) Well anyways, it's much fun for the first few months, after that the politics and some unmentionable players and bad possibly bad rp begins to ruin your playing time there if your on the wrong side. The worst of it is mostly attacking and stealing without provacation...sometimes it's ok if it's in your character, but why would worshippers of nature be so uncommonly violent even with a little provacation? I'm not really complaining, I don't really have a right because I've pretty much quit, but all and all, it's not worth your time and money unless you like being stressed out because you constantly loose lessons, fame, and items. Possibly the only plus side is the people you meet, some of which are really cool. Elysium certainly an interesting experience, although stressful.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Somebody on Jul 24, 2003

Well I'll have to agree with Hrothgar also, if that's who it is. I also left because of the administration. Hrothgar was a good friend and we talked a lot, neither of us harrassed anyone. I never have and I know for a fact Hrothgar didn't. The Gods are too harsh on us, and if I get killed for walking into a city by Silathis and Hrothgar gets killed for picking a sabre up, when people like Balbasaur and Huynh kill us and many others unprovoked don't even get a smack on the rist, then that's just bullsh*t. DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME. IT SUCKS.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Viagra on Jul 24, 2003

The previous 'Anonymous' was written by Hrothgar. The reason he is upset is because he is a constant problem to the gods, and thus he is punished for it. According to him this isn't fair. All of the negative posts I've read here on topmudsites are from people that harass other players(to the point where it is against the rules) or harass gods. When these people are finally punished, they whine(like Hrothgar and Advocate). The gods take constant player abuse on a daily basis. There was a time when gods in Elysium weren't supposed to be involved with mortals, but that has changed. What Gralnak said about them staying out of mortal business was a long time ago, and frankly it makes it more interesting when gods RP(something the whiners of Elysium know nothing about) with you. I follow no god in Elysium, and therefore I can take an unbiased position in this arguement. I see what goes on, and I agree with the gods. If you tell them what they can and can't do or insult them in any way, they have the right to punish you. I will admit that there are better things to spend your money on, but if you find the right group of people to RP with in Elysium, you may find that the time and money you spend on Elysium is worth it.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Anonymous on Jul 24, 2003

I agree completely with the latest reviews. The Gods are completely biased and unless you plan to be an Aurora/Silathis lovin' butt kisser, do not waste your time here. Sure, at first it seems like a barrel of fun, but once you get older and choose sides, if it's not them you choose, then you're sure going to have a heck of a bad time here. The Gods mingle in mortal affairs way too much, which Gralnak, the head God has said immortals are not suppose to. If they find you attacking one of their own, even if it is completely within the rules, they will interrupt you and make sure that they are not hurt, even if it means your own death, which in turn means wasted money and devoted time raising your health and fame. (God I wish they'd learn to be fair). Well the only reason I stick around anymore is to talk to people. Aurora and Silathis ruined this game for me. Regretably I'm addicted. Don't let it happen to you, you will smack yourself in the future.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Anonymous on Jul 2, 2003

I've played Elysium Mud for several years now..and I agree, the administration sucks. They totally ruin the game, and roleplay is not of existance in this, not so fantasy realm. The mud has potential, but until it reaches it, dont even bother wasting your time and money. Pissy.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Pissy on May 26, 2003

I agree with the review by Advocate. I was hesitant to do it, but I fully agree with him. Do not place your time into this MUD.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Anonymous on May 26, 2003

This mud, yeah I'll admit its very good. Yeah it get you happy and you can have so much fun with it. There has been some reviews about the rules.. The rules are good and you as the player can easily know them and follow them. The gods, on the other hand (specifically gods that go by the name Aurora and Silathis) tend to make up their own rules and take aggressive action towards your character (often killing them). Keep in mind that this game costs money and if you pay for a game where there are biased gods who dont give a damn about what you say or how much you know more than them about the rules, then it sucks. You dont want to get yourself into this game because just when things go good, these incompitent gods, who know nothing much about anything will come crashing down on you and do perminant damage to your character out of THEIR OPINIONS. You dont have to get into this game because gods like Aurora and Silathis will ruin it for you .......a lot. They will waste you real life time, money, and will even get you ticked off. Please dont waste your time and money a game like this.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Advocate on May 26, 2003

Little did I know what to expect, when I left the sanctity of my home, and journeyed past the great walls of the last remaining city of the Specter, decendents of the ancient Hakarren people, Thul'mar. Found had I, a vast land of mountains and jungle, filled with exotic, mystical creatures, monumental structures made from precious and rare stone and jewel, and a race I had never known to have existed, the Cyclops...A new world I discovered, only to learn that this new world, was but a mere continent in a realm as grand as the mind of the Creator. Finding passage aboard a small ship, I set sail from the Cyclopian city of Olbaron, to venture this world,.... and in the name of my Ancestors, conquer it!! ...Twenty years later, world domination is at the tip of my blade...though the battle for the supreme rule over all Elysium will be most difficult, and most bloody. I summon those of you who have the blackest of hearts, and tightest of fists, to aide me in the conquest of the realm, of the greatest of greats! Join me, and my kin, in the ultimate battle of Evil, verses Good! Join me, in Elysium!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Lythran on May 8, 2003

To both players and avid mudders: I have now played 5 straight years here on Elysium and must say that it has both developed my personality and abilities in life as well as entertain and lead me to so many great people in this world. Not only is Elysium THE greatest role playing game in existence, but also has THE greatest players. Sure some have problems, and will not accept "evil and chaotic" player's actions- because they associate real life to mud life- but the actual effort people put into this game is astounding. Some might even say that the current administration is a bit shaky, but that is mostly because one of the main owners is currently searching for a job and thus the others have to pick up the slack- which is easier said than done. As for the games originality and coding- A+++. Never have i seen such complexity yet such great useful ideas such as player run cities which include commodities; industries; troops to fight other cities; full ministry staffs; as well as the importance of taxing and feeding your citizens. Player run guilds and even player run religious orders give twists and turns so that every day, there are new possibilities for you to raise yourself, or make hell's hand fall upon you. Where you have to watch your back because conspiracy might lay in the way, or dream of the future, where you have treasuries that even the gods envy you of. Its all within possibilities- even Godhood. I used to play millions upon millions of Muds. Then I found Elysium. I have never again sought a different one. Thank you Elysium.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Austin Lazanowski on May 7, 2003

I've been playing Elysium for awhile now and I'm still learning new things day by day. There are many things this MUD can offer to you as a player. You can own your own shop or guild, become the leader of a city, or become the head ranking member of your order. You could be an average citizen within Elysium and still have plenty of things to do, or live the life of a sailor and who knows, maybe discover new land. You don't need money to have a good time, it helps but isn't necessary. I've played 100 or so other MUD's and those don't even compare. I've tried leaving several times but I can't help but come back for more. Try it out, I'm sure you'll like it.

– MudConnector.Com Review by Matt on May 5, 2003

Umm Hey i didnt know who posted the anonymous post last time so i made an accusation that i found out was very wrong... He's just mad cuz he gets robbed alot, but i say thats to be expected if your a good forger... Anyways I think its still a great realm. Even though yes the restrictions on a forger can be drastic but the skills that go together (Forging, Ensorcelling, and Runesmithing) are only 3 of the tottal 6 skills you can get, so if you want to you can figure a way to be a strong forger... Anyways, i try it cuz its really good once you get used to where the main things are, such as shops, EXITS of the towns (i had a problem with that at first)... Well thats about all the posting ima be doing for now

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Chris again on May 3, 2003

First off, Whoever posted that Anonymous post obviously did not play the game to its potential. Yes, at the begginning things seem a little unfair, but things change drastically as you move on. Once you start developing the rp of your character, you will make freinds imply on where your character fits in. Such as a religous order, guild, town, and race. You will also develope enemies in the same manner. Theivery is not fun when it happens to you, but is it ever?! I mean comeon, of course you'll wanna complain about it when you get robbed, but that doesnt mean the rest of the players in the realm are like that. I recommend this Realm to any and everyone, unless your going to get stupid (like a few ppl i know) and go in there acting like a gang banger or what not. I would like to see more players playing, but i would like them to be serious with the game to a point.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Chris on May 3, 2003

Well, Elysium does certainly have quite a bit of potential, but there are a few things that need to be noted here, and other places. Crafting in this game is a joke, you have to give up all ability to defend yourself or fight to become a decent craftsman or woman, and even then you are eternally dependent on others for materials. PK is not restricted, someone feels like killing you, they do, and the admins generally don't give a rip. As long as you're sending them money to play you can get away with whatever you want. Theft runs rampant, and even the "most powerful" defenses in the entire game are easily bypassed by any thief, trying to amass any amount of anything is an exercize in futility. Skills are very poorly balanced, and RP is not enforced at all in skill choices, want to be a thief/mage/assassin twinking min/maxer? It flies here. The average maturity level of 99% of the players is about 13 years old. Whether they are 12 or 22, they all act about 13 years old, and have ego problems. If you're looking for a world where you can buy your way into power with very little effort, and like getting screwed by the gods (who can't seem to keep their Real Life issues seperate from in character issues) and the other players, with no recourse but to leave, and like pushing your skills and power over other people to satisfy your own real life inadequicies (sp?) then this is the game for you. In general, I wouldn't recommend this mud to anyone, as the time and money I have spent on it was some of the greatest things I have wasted on the internet. --Anonymous, the poster.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Anonymous on May 1, 2003

I've been playing Elysium for a year and a half now, and Im still learning new things about it day by day. I am currently an emperor of a city and Im getting a whole new experiance out of it. There are many different things you can do. You can run your own shop, guild, become the leader of a city or a high ranking member of your order. You could become a healer and help those in need, or become a ruthless killer and be feared. Or if you like the life of a sailor, buy a ship and sail around the ocean, who knows, maybe you'll find new land. And the good thing is, you dont need to pay to play, it helps but you can still have a great time without it. Enjoy!

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Matt on May 1, 2003

Amazing isn't it? With most MUDs you can leave and come back at will...not with Elysium though. You are constantly compelled to return, even after you decree that you'll stay away as if your mortal existance depended on it. Most say that it's too much of this, too little of that, but in the end, you make it what it is...you influence everything around you, even if you don't realise it. Then of course, people say that you NEED to pay to play it...utter nonsense! You can have the time of your life without paying a cent if you so choose...Anyway, it's your decision, but keep in mind that you will be helped by some exceptional people, all you have to do is ask. Clayton (Myrkul's player)

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Clayton (Myrkul) on May 1, 2003

Starting off at 20, you'll find most characters help you along as and when you need it. When you feel you are ready to join a guild, there is plenty of choice ranging from unknown guilds to Forest Guardians. My character is 27 now and I found leaving the game for a while difficult, as there was always a sort of side of me wanting to go back. Eventually I did and I was really pleased to see that my friends hadn't given up on me. Now I'm back I don't know how I could ever have left it in the first place.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Imogen (Morairus) on May 1, 2003

wow i usually dont write reviews for MUDs bt lately ive been playing around trying to find some good ones. This game is really cool i really would like to see more people on it. It's a lot like achaea in some aspects but much more in-depth i love this. I really think all of you should try it

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Carl on Jan 20, 2003

Elysium is the only mud I play. I've tried to play dozens of others, but none can hold a candle. It's got just the right amount of people- its not overcrowded, and its not barren. The political system is extremely indepth, with player run organizations of all types. You can choose to follow a god and gain abilities by rank in the order. New code is constantly being added, making the world ever-evolving and always new. There is always something to do, whether it be increase your fame by hunting, collecting on a bounty, exploring the seas in search for new lands, waging war on those that oppose you, managing a guild or a city, creating armour and weapons, among scores of other things. The scope of this world is tremendous. The rooms are detailed and everything is unique. There are strict rules in place to make the lands very newbie friendly, and there is always someone available to lend a hand. The player base is quite diverse also, and there's never a dull day. There are skills to accomplish almost anything you want- thievery and subterfuge to create a thief; fisticuffs, bludgeons, and swordplay for warriors; mentalism and channeling to create a mage; or pick and mix to create your own class. You define your character with 6 skills- you could be a thief-mage-warrior, if you so desired. There are no classes or levels. Overall, the one mud I cannot leave for a long period of time- I've been playing it for over 5 years now. The BEST mud I've ever been a part of.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Jared (Ash) on Jan 2, 2003

Elysium is an enthralling MUD, which I have been playing for 3 years so far. It is filled with 9 outstanding cities, 15 guilds, 3 continents, and too many islands to count. I can't emphasize enough how amazing Elysium is. So give it a try. You won't regret it! Elysium-rpg.com port 7777

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Arkane on Jan 2, 2003

Elysium is a totally origional mud, with great roleplayers active and helpful gods, 3 continents, and many islands in the great sea. indepth detail on the surroundings, the creatures, and fabulously complex coding allowing player-governed cities, player-owned shops, player-lead guilds, and a large economy system with commodities and industries to produce items. Great detail, and a very good mud, probabbly my #1 out of the someodd 800 muds I have played.

– TopMUDSites.Com Review by Austin Lazanowski on Jul 29, 2001