Onward MUD runs on the Onward Engine, a custom-built game engine with roots in the classic Diku framework. Originally based on the publicly released C++ codebase of Shadows of Isildur (SOI), Onward’s code has since been entirely reworked to improve efficiency and stability. Through extensive updates and rehauls, it has evolved into its own engine, bringing a unique set of features to the game. Onward Engine has been in development since March 2023.
Onward MUD offers distinctive mechanics like a detailed magic system, realistic sickness progression, sailing, and even mechanics for broken bones. At Onward, we view code as being a roleplay tool, existing to encourage and provide roleplay opportunities. With these and many other features present and planned, Onward aims to create an immersive and challenging mud to encourage strategic thinking, roleplay and character growth.
Onward Mud will launch for Pre-alpha testing in February 2025.
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Onward Engine & Pre-Alpha
Re: Onward Engine & Pre-Alpha
Onward and Ardellis
Engine: Custom Onward Engine, derived from Diku and Shadows of Isildur (SOI) C++ codebase, heavily reworked.
Setting: Kingdom of Ardellis, a politically neutral and diverse trade hub. Pre-Alpha focuses on Brightfell, a village with a vibrant trade economy and unique cultural features.
World Features:
No single faith dominates in Ardellis; belief systems vary widely.
Cultural diversity between cities like Aerith and villages like Brightfell.
Roleplay points required for complex races and cultures to ensure accurate portrayal.
Game Mechanics:
Weather Systems: Dynamic weather impacts gameplay—slippery surfaces can cause falls, frostbite risks require warm clothing, and storms can hinder travel.
Healers have a true purpose with injury and sickness. Characters can suffer from broken bones, poisoning, or illnesses, requiring treatment for recovery.
Gathering and Resources: Flora, rocks and minerals can be harvested for crafting and trade.
Aquatic: A sailing system, swimming is vital skill, players can dive to gather rare resources or explore under water.
Potions and perfumes.
Combat Mechanics
Special Maneuvers: Combat maneuvers with descriptive, randomized echoes and varied stances.
Environmental Factors: Combat outcomes can be influenced by weather, terrain, and environmental conditions like wet surfaces or frost.
Varied combat skills which allows characters to hone their fighting style in a way that fits their character concept.
Specialized Crafting Skills (Additional skills can be learned in game)
Specialized crafting skills to enhance character uniqueness and maintain a balanced in-game economy. These skills allow characters to focus on specific fields, ensuring that crafting remains a meaningful and valued pursuit while avoiding both market and skill oversaturation.
Exploration
Pathfinding Mechanic: Characters can get lost in dense wilderness without proper pathfinding skills, encouraging strategic group travel.
Survive the Wilderness: The deep wilderness can be treacherous and journeys into the wild are influenced by the Wilderness Survival skill.
Immersive Roleplay:
The game’s mechanics and world design actively support storytelling, character growth, and player-driven narratives.
Knowledge Crafting: Players can acquire unique lore-driven skills and knowledge to enhance roleplay, which can be passed down ICly.
Roleplay enhancing tools are offered to the players to help build character depth, such as the imagine and memories commands.
Code Features are too many to list, and most updates and features are under:
viewtopic.php?t=2
Code related questions can be asked under the Coding Forum section at
viewforum.php?f=4
Feature suggestions can be made at
https://www.onwardmud.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7
Engine: Custom Onward Engine, derived from Diku and Shadows of Isildur (SOI) C++ codebase, heavily reworked.
Setting: Kingdom of Ardellis, a politically neutral and diverse trade hub. Pre-Alpha focuses on Brightfell, a village with a vibrant trade economy and unique cultural features.
World Features:
No single faith dominates in Ardellis; belief systems vary widely.
Cultural diversity between cities like Aerith and villages like Brightfell.
Roleplay points required for complex races and cultures to ensure accurate portrayal.
Game Mechanics:
Weather Systems: Dynamic weather impacts gameplay—slippery surfaces can cause falls, frostbite risks require warm clothing, and storms can hinder travel.
Healers have a true purpose with injury and sickness. Characters can suffer from broken bones, poisoning, or illnesses, requiring treatment for recovery.
Gathering and Resources: Flora, rocks and minerals can be harvested for crafting and trade.
Aquatic: A sailing system, swimming is vital skill, players can dive to gather rare resources or explore under water.
Potions and perfumes.
Combat Mechanics
Special Maneuvers: Combat maneuvers with descriptive, randomized echoes and varied stances.
Environmental Factors: Combat outcomes can be influenced by weather, terrain, and environmental conditions like wet surfaces or frost.
Varied combat skills which allows characters to hone their fighting style in a way that fits their character concept.
Specialized Crafting Skills (Additional skills can be learned in game)
Specialized crafting skills to enhance character uniqueness and maintain a balanced in-game economy. These skills allow characters to focus on specific fields, ensuring that crafting remains a meaningful and valued pursuit while avoiding both market and skill oversaturation.
Exploration
Pathfinding Mechanic: Characters can get lost in dense wilderness without proper pathfinding skills, encouraging strategic group travel.
Survive the Wilderness: The deep wilderness can be treacherous and journeys into the wild are influenced by the Wilderness Survival skill.
Immersive Roleplay:
The game’s mechanics and world design actively support storytelling, character growth, and player-driven narratives.
Knowledge Crafting: Players can acquire unique lore-driven skills and knowledge to enhance roleplay, which can be passed down ICly.
Roleplay enhancing tools are offered to the players to help build character depth, such as the imagine and memories commands.
Code Features are too many to list, and most updates and features are under:
viewtopic.php?t=2
Code related questions can be asked under the Coding Forum section at
viewforum.php?f=4
Feature suggestions can be made at
https://www.onwardmud.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=7