Assassin

help age
AGE
AGE
Age on DSL is for roleplaying purposes only and has no visable game
affect.  Different Races have different life spans so ages vary.  To
increase your age, go to the trainer and type "Practice age".  You can
increase your age but you can NEVER decrease it.  Practicing your age
DOES NOT cost ANY practices.
TABLE OF AGES:
Race      Teen      Young Adult   Adult     Middle Aged   Old
Human     17-19     20-29         30-45     46-60         61-85
Goblin    17-19     20-29         30-45     46-60         61-85
Dwarf     40-60     61-120        121-250   251-350       350+
Elf       40-90     91-175        176-300   301-500       501+
Ogre      30-80     81-110        111-180   181-210       211-250
Minotaur  30-60     61-80         81-115    116-145       146-175
Gnome     35-85     86-110        111-190   191-220       221-240
Dragon    107-300   300-700       700-1.5k  1.5k-3k       3k-5k
Kender    20-29     30-55         56-88     89-131        131-160
Yinn      20-30     31-50         51-70     71-90         91-110

Retraining and reclassing resets age

help backstab
BACKSTAB
Backstab is the favored attack of  thieves, murderers, and other rogues.  It
can be used with any weapon type, but is most effective with piercing weapons.
The damage inflicted by a backstab is determined by the attacker's level, his
weapon skill, his backstab skill, and the power of his opponent.
Only thieves may learn the backstab.

help dagger
EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

help dig
DIG BURY
Syntax: Dig
Syntax: Dig <direction>
Syntax: Bury <object name>
Dig is a skill which allows you to dig up
items that are buried OR dig out exits
which may exist. Please note that a shovel
will GREATLY improve your chances of finding
buried items.
Bury is a command which allows you to bury an
object.  Be careful, You might not be able to
dig up the object later on.

help dodge
DODGE
In the words of one wise warrior, 'the best way to block a blow is to not
be where it lands'.  The dodge skill honors this tradition, by improving the
character's natural agility to the point where many blows will miss the 
target. The chance of dodging is also affected by the dexterity of the
attacker and the target.  Any class may learn dodging.

help flail
EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

help Haggle
HAGGLE HAGGLING
Haggling is an indispensable skill to the trader.  It allows a character to
match wits with a merchant, seeking to get a better price for merchandise,
or to buy at the lowest possible cost.  Unfortunately, most merchants are
already very skilled at haggling, so the untrained adventurer had best 
guard his treasure closely.  Thieves are natural masters at haggling,
although other classes may learn it as well.

help Hide
HIDE SNEAK
Hide and sneak are similar skills, both related to remaining undetected.
Hide has a very high chance of success, but only works for as long as the
character remains stationary.  Hide will not show up in your affects (which
only shows spell affects, not skills), and if you were successfully hidden
the act of checking your affects will reveal your presence to others.
Sneak may be used when moving (including to sneak by monsters), but has a
lower chance of success.  Warriors, thieves, druids, paladins, assassins,
barbarians may learn these skills.

help Mace
EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

help Peek
PEEK
Syntax: peek <mob/player>
The peek skill is useful for seeing what a player or monster is carrying,
the better to use the steal command with.  More intelligent characters are
harder to peek at.  All characters may learn peek, but thieves are the most
common practitioners.

help Polearm
EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

help recall
RECALL /
RECALL /
Syntax: RECALL
RECALL prays to the Gods for miraculous transportation from where you are
back to the Temple of your home kingdom.  '/' is a synonym for RECALL.
If you RECALL during combat, you will lose experience (more than for fleeing),
and you will have a chance of failing (again, more than for fleeing).  This
chance is based on your recall skill, although a 100% recall does not 
insure success.
RECALL costs half of your movement points.
RECALL doesn't work in certain god-forsaken rooms.  Characters afflicted by a
curse may not recall at all.

help scroll
BRANDISH QUAFF RECITE ZAP WAND STAFF SCROLL POTION
BRANDISH QUAFF RECITE ZAP WAND STAFF SCROLL POTION
Syntax: brandish <target>
Syntax: quaff    <potion>
Syntax: recite   <scroll> <target>
Syntax: zap      <target>
Syntax: zap
BRANDISH brandishes a magical staff.  QUAFF quaffs a magical potion (as opposed
to DRINK, which drinks mundane liquids).  RECITE recites a magical scroll; the
<target> is optional, depending on the nature of the scroll.  ZAP zaps a
magical wand at a target.  If the target is not specified, and you are fighting
someone, then that character is used for a target.
You must HOLD a wand or a staff before using BRANDISH or ZAP.
All of these commands use up their objects.  Potions and scrolls have a single
charge.  Wands and staves have multiple charges.  When a magical object has no
more charges, it will be consumed.
These commands may require an item skill to be successful, see the help entries
on the skills scrolls, staves, and wands for more information.

SCROLL 'SCROLL COMMAND'
SCROLL 'SCROLL COMMAND'
Syntax: scroll
Syntax: scroll <number>
This command changes the number of lines the mud sends you in a page (the 
default is 24 lines).  Change this to a higher number for larger screen
sizes, or to 0 to disabling paging.

Allows you to recite scrolls to cast the spell inscribed on them.

help 'Shield Block'
'SHIELD BLOCK'
Shield block is a rather fancy name for the art of parrying with a shield.
Characters with no shield block skill will not be able to defend themselves
well with a shield.  All classes may learn shield block, but only warriors and
clerics are good at it.  Beware, flails ignore shield blocking attempts, and
whips have an easier time getting around them.  Axes may split shields in two.
Shield block now works against charges from other rooms.

help spear
EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

Allows you to brandish staffs and invoke the spells contained within.

help swim
swim
SWIM

The swim skill determines your ability to swim underwater or in the ocean. 
Being unable to swim will result in you attempting to breathe water, which
will hurt you.  Everyone can swim, though some have more trouble with it
than others.  This skill is passive, and does not need to be invoked in
order to function.

EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

help trip
TRIP
Back by popular demand.  Trip is a somewhat dastardly attack, and involves
using any one of a number of methods to bring your opponent down to the ground.
Tripping large monsters is generally not a good idea, and agile ones will
find the attack easy to avoid.  Thieves and warriors may learn trip.

Trip does not work on flying opponents.

help wand
BRANDISH QUAFF RECITE ZAP WAND STAFF SCROLL POTION
BRANDISH QUAFF RECITE ZAP WAND STAFF SCROLL POTION
Syntax: brandish <target>
Syntax: quaff    <potion>
Syntax: recite   <scroll> <target>
Syntax: zap      <target>
Syntax: zap
BRANDISH brandishes a magical staff.  QUAFF quaffs a magical potion (as opposed
to DRINK, which drinks mundane liquids).  RECITE recites a magical scroll; the
<target> is optional, depending on the nature of the scroll.  ZAP zaps a
magical wand at a target.  If the target is not specified, and you are fighting
someone, then that character is used for a target.
You must HOLD a wand or a staff before using BRANDISH or ZAP.
All of these commands use up their objects.  Potions and scrolls have a single
charge.  Wands and staves have multiple charges.  When a magical object has no
more charges, it will be consumed.
These commands may require an item skill to be successful, see the help entries
on the skills scrolls, staves, and wands for more information.

help whip
EXOTIC WEAPONS WEAPON WEAPONSMASTER AXE DAGGER FLAIL MACE POLEARM SPEAR STAFF SWORD WHIP
Each weapon skill applies to a specific group of armaments, and determines how
well a character fights with a particular weapon.  The weaponsmaster group
provides talent in all weapons (save exotics), from chair legs to halberds.
The weapon skills consist of the following:
weaponsmaster   skill group of all weapons listed below (save exotic weaponry)
axe             the use of axes, ranging from hand to great (but not halberds)
dagger          the use of knives and daggers, and other stabbing weapons
flail           skill in ball-and-chain type weapons
mace            this skill includes clubs and hammers as well as maces
polearm         the use of pole weapons (except spears), including halberds
spear           this skill covers long pointed weapons, but not polearms
staff           the staff skill covers long blunt weapons
sword           the warrior's standby, from rapier to claymore
whip            the use of whips, chains, and bullwhips
exotic          the use of strange magical weapons
The exotic skill cannot be purchased, and is dependent solely upon level.

help 'Magic Missile'
'MAGIC MISSILE'
'MAGIC MISSILE'

Syntax: cast 'magic missile' <target>

One newly trained in the arts of magical combat learns this spell quickly in
their studies.  The casting of magic missile provides the barest of
offensive abilities in magical combat.  

When cast, this spell appears before the target as a series of projectiles
of energy, flashing forth from the hands of the caster.  

See also - COMBAT

As this spell levels, it will cast additional projectiles. At level 15 you will be able to range this spell.

help Ventriloquate
VENTRILOQUATE
VENTRILOQUATE

Syntax: cast ventriloquate <speaker> <message>

This spell throws your voice, making it appear that some other object or
character in the room is saying your message.  

Victims who make their saving throw will know that someone is using
ventriloquism, but not who.  Victims who fail their saving throw will think
that the object or character really did say your message.  

See also - ILLUSION

help 'dirt kicking'
'DIRT KICKING'
Considered by some to be a cowardly skill, dirt kicking gives the clever 
combatant a chance to blind his opponent by casting dirt into his eyes.  The
blindness does not last long, but can provide an edge in combat.  Dexterity
helps in hitting or avoiding a dirt kick.  Only warriors and thieves may
learn this skill.

HIDE SNEAK
Hide and sneak are similar skills, both related to remaining undetected.
Hide has a very high chance of success, but only works for as long as the
character remains stationary.  Hide will not show up in your affects (which
only shows spell affects, not skills), and if you were successfully hidden
the act of checking your affects will reveal your presence to others.
Sneak may be used when moving (including to sneak by monsters), but has a
lower chance of success.  Warriors, thieves, druids, paladins, assassins,
barbarians may learn these skills.

help 'Detect Magic'
'DETECT MAGIC'
Syntax: cast 'detect magic'
 
This spell enables the caster to detect magical objects.  Additional, if cast
in a room where magic resides it will allow the caster to know what that magic
is and whom it originated from.

help 'Chill Touch'
'CHILL TOUCH'
'CHILL TOUCH'

Syntax: cast 'chill touch' <target>

Those training in combat magics move forward to the casting of the touch of
cold after they have been provided the knowledge of magic missiles.  This
spell offers a slightly more damaging offensive ability.  

An added bonus, at least for the caster, is that the chilling touch may also
adversely affect the target, causing them to shiver enough in combat to
worsen their abilities.  

See also - COMBAT

This spell can cause a minor strength debuff.

help Continual Light
'CONTINUAL LIGHT'
CONTINUAL LIGHT

Syntax: cast 'continual light'
        cast 'continual light' <object>

This spell creates a ball of light, which you can hold as a light source. 
The ball of light will last indefinitely.  It may also be used on an object
to give it an enchanted glow.  

See also - CREATION

help 'Detect Invis'
'DETECT INVIS'
'DETECT INVIS'
Syntax: cast 'detect invis'
This spell enables the caster to detect invisible objects and characters.

'FLOATING DISC'

Syntax: cast 'floating disc'

This useful spell creates a floating field of force which follows the caster
around, allowing him or her to pile treasure high with no fear of weight
penalties.  

It lasts no more than twice the casters level in hours, and usually less. 
It can hold 10 pounds per level of the caster, with a maximum of five pounds
per item.  

The spell requires an open float location on the character, and the only way
to remove the disc is to die or allow it to run out of energy.  

See also - CREATION

PICK 'PICK LOCK'
Syntax: pick <object>
Syntax: pick <door>
Lock picking is one of the prime skills of thieves, allowing them to gain
access to many secured areas.  Lock picking chances are improved by
intelligence, and hindered by the difficulty of the lock. Other classes may
learn to pick locks, but they will never find it easy.

help 'Detect Poison'
'DETECT POISON'
'DETECT POISON'
Syntax: cast 'detect poison' <object>
This spell detects the presence of poison in food or drink.

help invis
INVIS 'MASS INVIS' INVISIBILITY
INVIS 'MASS INVIS' INVISIBILITY

Syntax: cast 'invisibility' <character>
        cast 'invisibility' <object>
        cast 'mass invis'

The invisibility spell makes the target character invisible.  Invisible
characters will become visible when they attack.  It may also be cast on an
object to render the object invisible.  

The mass invisibility spell makes all characters in the caster's group
invisible, including the caster.  

See also - ILLUSION

ARMOR
ARMOR
Syntax: cast armor <character>
This spell decreases (improves) the armor class of the target character
by 20 points.

help 'Burning Hands'
'BURNING HANDS'
'BURNING HANDS'

Syntax: cast 'burning hands' <target>

Adding to the growing list of spells which one learning the combat arts
shall receive, burning hands helps to broaden the knowledge offered by the
lesser spell of chill touch.  This spell as well, offers a slightly
increased potential for damage than that of chill touch.  

See also - COMBAT

help 'Create Rose'
'CREATE ROSE'
'CREATE ROSE'

Syntax: cast 'create rose'

A romantic spell that creates a fragrant red rose, with utterly no game use
whatsoever.  

See also - CREATION

'ENVENOM'

Syntax: Envenom <item>

The envenom skill is a cowardly skill practiced only by thieves, designed to
win a battle through alchemy and treachery rather than skill or strength. 
Or, put another way, it's a skill used by the smart to kill the foolish.  

Food, drink, and weapons may be envenomed through alchemy with varying
effects.  Poisoned food or drink puts a mild poison spell on the consumer,
and is unlikely to be more than a minor inconvience (after all, the typical
adventurer could drink sewer water with only a trace of the runs).

 A poisoned weapon, on the other hand, can inflict damage on an opponent as
the poison burns through his bloodstream.  But be careful, blade venom
evaporates quickly and is rendered almost powerless by repeated blows in
combat.  Weapons that already possess a flag cannot be envenomed.  
could

help 'Infravision'
INFRAVISION
INFRAVISION

Syntax: cast infravision <character>

This spell enables the target character to see warm-blooded creatures even
while in the dark, and exits of a room as well.  

See also - ENHANCEMENT

help 'Create Food'
CREATE FOOD
Syntax: cast 'create food'

This spell creates a Magic Mushroom, which you or anyone else can eat.  

See also - CREATION

help 'Locate Object'
'LOCATE OBJECT'
'LOCATE OBJECT'
Syntax: cast 'locate object' <name>
This spell reveals the location of all objects with the given name.

Creates a tree

help 'Create Water'
'CREATE WATER'
'CREATE WATER'

Syntax: cast 'create water' <drink-container>

This spell replenishes a drink container with water.  

See also - CREATION

help 'Detect Evil'
'DETECT EVIL'
'DETECT EVIL'
Syntax: cast 'detect evil'
This spell enables the caster to detect evil characters, which will
reveal a characteristic red aura.

help 'Detect Good'
'DETECT GOOD'
Syntax: cast 'detect good'
This spell enables the caster to detect good characters, which will
reveal a characteristic golden aura.

help 'Detect Hidden'
'DETECT HIDDEN'
'DETECT HIDDEN'
Syntax: cast 'detect hidden'
This spell enables the caster to detect hidden creatures.

help disarm
DISARM
Disarm is a somewhat showy and unreliable skill, designed to relieve your
opponent of his weapon.  The best possible chance of disarming occurs when you
are skilled with both your own and your opponent's weapon. Only talented thieves 
and warriors may learn this skill.

help Kick
KICK
Kicking allows the adventurer to receive an extra attack in combat, a powerful
kick. However, a failed kick may throw an unwary fighter off balance.  Fighters
and clerics are the most skilled at kicking, although thieves may also learn
it.

help 'Refresh'
REFRESH
REFRESH

Syntax: cast refresh <character>

This spell refreshes the movement points of a character who is out of
movement points.  

See also - ENHANCEMENT

help 'Second Attack'
'SECOND ATTACK'
Training in second attack allows the character a chance at additional
strikes in combat -- although a 100% second attack does NOT guarantee 2
attacks every round.  Any class may learn this skill, although clerics and
mages have a very hard time with it.

help Parry
PARRY
If at first you fail to dodge, block it.  Parry is useful for deflecting 
attacks, and is successful more often than dodge.  Parry requires a weapon for
full success, the hand-to-hand skill may also be used, but results in reduced
damage instead of no damage.  The best chance of parrying occurs when the
defender is skilled in both his and his opponent's weapon type.

help Riding
RIDING RIDE MOUNT DISMOUNT
Syntax:  ride <mob>
         ride <player>
         dismount
         mount
RIDE is the command used to ride a mob or player (dragon) who are able and
willing to transport you.  DISMOUNT will allow you to stop riding.  When you dismount, you resume a standing position.  You must have the riding skill to 
be able to ride.
MOUNT is a dragon/beastformed shaman only command and toggles between allowing
other players to ride you or not. At the moment there is no way to remove someone
who is riding you.

help 'Shocking Grasp'
'SHOCKING GRASP'
'SHOCKING GRASP'

Syntax: cast 'shocking grasp' <target>

Adding that final element, literally, to the book of combat spells, the
shocking grasp offers the caster an even greater potential for offensive
damage than its siblings.  

Once this spell is learned, the caster begins training in greater, more
damagaing, and in most cases, more specialized spells of combat.  

See also - COMBAT

CALTRAPS
CALTRAPS
Caltraps is a specialized skill learned only by assassins.  The skill
consists of throwing sharp spikes to the ground at an opponent's feet. 
Although the skill is not particularly damaging to the opponent, the
surprise of stepping on sharp spikes where there was only clear space
moments before does tend to make your opponent move a little more carefully,
thus making him easier to hit.  Caltraps may be used during combat or as a
means of initiating combat.

help 'Hand to Hand'
'HAND TO HAND'
Hand to hand combat is a rare skill in the lands of Algoron.  Learning
this style of fighting gives the player a weapon even when disarmed --
bare hands. Trained hand to hand experts are far more effective than many
swordsmen. Clerics and warriors are the best at this skill, although
thieves and mages may also learn it.

help lore
LORE
Lore is a general skill, consisting of knowledge of myths and legends. Use
of the lore skill gives a chance of obtaining information on an object,
concerning its power and uses.  It also may occasionally increase the value
of an object, because more will be known about its worth.  All classes may
learn lore, although thieves are best at it, and warriors find it very hard
to use.
Lore works automatically, each time you look at or examine an object.

help Meditation
MEDITATION
This skill is similar to fast healing, but relies on the concentration and
mantras to increase mana recovery when the character is sleeping or resting.
Thieves and warriors, with their troubled minds and violent attitudes, have
much trouble learning to meditate.

help poison
POISON
POISON
Syntax: cast poison <victim>
Syntax: cast poison <object>
This spell reduces the strength of the victim by two, as well as reducing the
victim's regeneration rate. It may also be used to poison food, drink, or
a weapon in a fashion similar to envenom ('help envenom'), but with 
drastically reduced effectiveness.

help 'Farsight'
FARSIGHT Syntax: cast 'farsight'

Farsight allows a caster to see the presence of other mortals within the
surrounding area's of the one that individual is in.

help 'fast healing'
'FAST HEALING'
The fast healing skill improves wound healing rates, whether walking, resting,
or sleeping. It represents knowledge of healing herbs or just general
toughness and stamina.  Fast healing is checked every tick, and it is
possible for it to fail.  All class may learn this skill, but mages find it
very difficult to master, due to their bookish lifestyle.  The skill occurs 
automatically, so there is no command syntax.

VANISH
Syntax: vanish
Vanish is an advanced assassin skill that lets the assassin disappear from a
room, with the assistance of a smoke bomb.  The assassin has no control over
which room he runs to under the smoke cover.

help Weaken
WEAKEN
WEAKEN
Syntax: cast weaken <victim>
The weaken spell reduces the physical power of the caster's target by
reducing his strength.  The amount of the strength reduced by a caster
depends on the level of the caster.

help 'Word of Recall'
'WORD OF RECALL'
'WORD OF RECALL'
Syntax: cast 'word of recall'
This spell duplicates the built-in RECALL ability.  It is provided solely for
Merc-based muds which wish to eliminate the built-in ability while still
providing the spell. This spell circumvents the pkill no-recall lag.

help Blindness
BLINDNESS
BLINDNESS
Syntax: cast blindness <victim>
This spell renders the target character blind.

help 'Protection Evil'
'PROTECTION GOOD' 'PROTECTION EVIL' 'PROTECTION NEUTRAL'
'PROTECTION GOOD' 'PROTECTION EVIL' 'PROTECTION NEUTRAL'
Syntax: cast 'protection evil'
        cast 'protection good'
          cast 'protection neutral'     
The protection spells reduce damage taken from attackers of the appropriate
ethos, and improve saving throws against all forms of magic. They may not
be cast on others, and one person cannot carry both defenses at the same
time.

help 'Protection Good'
'PROTECTION GOOD' 'PROTECTION EVIL' 'PROTECTION NEUTRAL'
'PROTECTION GOOD' 'PROTECTION EVIL' 'PROTECTION NEUTRAL'
Syntax: cast 'protection evil'
        cast 'protection good'
          cast 'protection neutral'     
The protection spells reduce damage taken from attackers of the appropriate
ethos, and improve saving throws against all forms of magic. They may not
be cast on others, and one person cannot carry both defenses at the same
time.

help 'Protection Neutral'
'PROTECTION GOOD' 'PROTECTION EVIL' 'PROTECTION NEUTRAL'
'PROTECTION GOOD' 'PROTECTION EVIL' 'PROTECTION NEUTRAL'
Syntax: cast 'protection evil'
        cast 'protection good'
          cast 'protection neutral'     
The protection spells reduce damage taken from attackers of the appropriate
ethos, and improve saving throws against all forms of magic. They may not
be cast on others, and one person cannot carry both defenses at the same
time.

'FLASH BOMB'
Syntax:  flash bomb <target>
This is the knowledge of making and using bombs.  The bombs are thrown at
the feet of your opponent, enraging them and doing a little damage.  There
is a chance that the bomb will not go off.

help 'Identify'
IDENTIFY
IDENTIFY
Syntax: cast identify <object>
This spell reveals information about the object.

help 'Fireproof'
FIREPROOF
Syntax: cast 'fireproof' <object>
The fireproof spell creates a short-lived protective aura around an object,
to protect it from the harmful effects of acid and flame.  Items protected
by this spell are not harmed by acid, fire, or the heat metal spell.
Although inexpensive to use, the spell's short duration makes it impractical
for protecting large numbers of objects.

help bow
BOWS ARROWS SHOOT CRITICAL1 CRITICAL2 CRITICAL3 CRITICAL4

Syntax: shoot direction target
        critical1 direction target
        critical2 direction target
        critical3 direction target
        critical4 direction target

Those deciding to practice with the bow require lessons in a number of
skills, as well as various pieces of equipment to make such practice useful.
Obviously, a bow is needed.  As well though, one needs arrows that can be
fired, and a quiver to hold the arrows in when not in use.  

An arrow can be fired from a bow directly at a target, or from a distance,
ranged against an enemy farther away.  Also, there are varying degrees of
critical damage that can be attempted when shooting an arrow toward an
enemy.  Skill in these more damaging critical hits does not improve unless
lesser shooting skills have already been learned.  

To shoot an arrow, have your bow, and arrow ready, and type shoot target. 
Should you desire to range your shot, simply add the direction you wish to
aim, and fire away (shoot <direction> <target>).  Obviously, should you wish
to attempt the more damaging critical hits, you may exchange the command
shoot with any of the critical commands.

help fly
FLY
FLY
Syntax: cast 'fly' <character>
This spell enables the target character to fly.  There are some areas where
passage may not be enabled simply by flying, for example - an underwater
cave might require the use of swimming to get through.  You cannot rest
sleep or ride a mount while flying.  
 
See also 'LAND'

help 'Know Alignment'
'KNOW ALIGNMENT'
'KNOW ALIGNMENT'
Syntax: cast 'know alignment' <character>
This spell reveals the alignment of the target character.

NERVE
Syntax: nerve <target>
This is a quick accupressure jab to the neck of your opponent.  The
resulting damage to your opponent's nerves temporarily weakens them.

'POISON SMOKE' 'POISONSMOKE'
This skill is similar to flash bomb.  The skilled assassin can mix the
proper ingredients to release a cloud of poisonous gas when their bomb
explodes.

STRANGLE
Syntax:  strangle <target>
Strangle is a skill which can only be learned by assassins.  An assassin
must be sneaking in order to strangle successfully.  When successful, 
the target is rendered unconscious for the remainder of the tick in which
they were strangled plus one additional tick.  If a strangle attempt is 
unsuccessful, it initiates combat with the victim.

help 'Color Spray'
COLOR SPRAY 'COLOR SPRAY'
'COLOR SPRAY'

Syntax: cast 'color spray' <target>

An odd spell, in its own way, though useful for the caster at times, the
color spray offers an advanced level of offensive damage against opponents
in battle.  

Additionally, it is possible that the effects of the myriad of color spread
forth from the spell may blind an opponent.  

See also - COMBAT

help 'Giant Strength'
'GIANT STRENGTH'
'GIANT STRENGTH'

Syntax: cast 'giant strength' <character>

The caster can enhance the physical strength of a target, either himself or
another, with this spell, giving the recipient the strength of a mighty
giant.  

See also - ENHANCEMENT

help 'blind fighting'
blind fighting
BLIND FIGHTING
Under the tutelage of a master weaponsmaster, the dedicated combatant can
learn how to utilize his weapons so effectively in combat that he is
proficient with them even while blinded.  The blind fighting skill negates
the disadvantages of losing vision in a fight by magic or smoke.  A wide
variety of classes and reclasses may learn this fighting technique.

help 'Create Spring'
'CREATE SPRING'
'CREATE SPRING'

Syntax: cast 'create spring'

This spell brings forth a magical spring from the ground, which has the same
properties as a fountain.  

See also - CREATION

help 'Third Attack'
'THIRD ATTACK'
'THIRD ATTACK'
Training in third attack allows the character a chance at an additional strike
in a combat, and increases the chance of a second attack as well.  Perfect
third attack does NOT assure three attacks per round.  Only warriors and highly
skilled thieves may learn this skill.

help critical1
BOWS ARROWS SHOOT CRITICAL1 CRITICAL2 CRITICAL3 CRITICAL4

Syntax: shoot direction target
        critical1 direction target
        critical2 direction target
        critical3 direction target
        critical4 direction target

Those deciding to practice with the bow require lessons in a number of
skills, as well as various pieces of equipment to make such practice useful.
Obviously, a bow is needed.  As well though, one needs arrows that can be
fired, and a quiver to hold the arrows in when not in use.  

An arrow can be fired from a bow directly at a target, or from a distance,
ranged against an enemy farther away.  Also, there are varying degrees of
critical damage that can be attempted when shooting an arrow toward an
enemy.  Skill in these more damaging critical hits does not improve unless
lesser shooting skills have already been learned.  

To shoot an arrow, have your bow, and arrow ready, and type shoot target. 
Should you desire to range your shot, simply add the direction you wish to
aim, and fire away (shoot <direction> <target>).  Obviously, should you wish
to attempt the more damaging critical hits, you may exchange the command
shoot with any of the critical commands.

help 'enhanced damage'
'ENHANCED DAMAGE'
Warriors and skilled thieves can become skilled enough in combat that they are
able to inflict more damage than other classes.  Enhanced damage is checked
for with each hit, although with a low skill, the chance of receiving a bonus
is very low indeed.

help 'Pass Door'
'PASS DOOR'
'PASS DOOR'
Syntax: cast 'pass door'
This spell enables the caster to pass through closed doors.

'POISON DAGGER' 'POISONDAGGER'
POISON DAGGER, POISONDAGGER
Syntax:  poisondagger <target>
This is a skill of assassins which enables them to permanently poison any
dagger type weapon that doesn't already have certain permanent effects
flags. The drawback is that the poison damages the weapon and will 
eventually corrode it completely.

help teleport
TELEPORT
TELEPORT
Syntax: cast <teleport>
This spell takes you from your current location to a random location somewhere
in the world.

help curse
CURSE
CURSE
Syntax: cast 'curse' <character>
This spell reduces the character's to-hit roll and save versus spells.
It also renders the character unclean in the eyes of the Gods and
unable to RECALL. Curse may be used to fill equipment with evil power,
allowing (for example) weapons to do more damage to particularly holy
opponents.

help energy drain
'ENERGY DRAIN'
ENERGY DRAIN

Syntax: cast 'energy drain' <target>

This spell saps the mana and movement points of its target.  

Necromancers get a special bonus when casting this spell and it is more
difficult to save against when cast by necromancers.

help Haste
HASTE
HASTE

Syntax: cast 'haste' <target>

The haste spell increases the speed and agility of the recipient, allowing
an extra attack (or even a backstab) in combat, and improving evasive
abilities in combat.  

However, it produces a great strain on the system, such that recuperative
abilities are halved.  Haste is capable of negating the slow spell.  

See also - ENHANCEMENT SLOW

help 'dual wield'
dual wield
DUAL WIELD
syntax: hold <primary weapon>
        secondary <secondary weapon>
Under the tutelage of a weapons expert, a combatant may learn how to wield a
weapon in each hand during combat to increase the overall amount of attacks
each round of attack.  Obviously, with a weapon in each hand, there is no
possibility of holding a shield.  Since most people favor one hand more than
the other, the combatant typically finds that he can hold a heavy weapon
with his proficient hand and a lighter weapon with the other.  Rangers,
however, have the single ability to dual wield weapons of the same weight.
Note:  If the primary weapon is somehow removed, the secondary weapon
automatically switches to the the primary hand.
 
To dual wield, one must type second <weapon>. The only restriction is
that the secondary weapon must weigh less than the primary weapon. However,
there are some known classes out there that might be able to wield two
weapons of the same weight as well as be able to dual wield two handed
weapons.

help Summon
SUMMON
SUMMON
Syntax: cast summon <character>
This spell summons a character from anywhere else in the world into your room.
Characters who are fighting may not be summoned.

help Blizzra
'BLIZZRA'
'BLIZZRA'

Syntax: cast 'blizzra' <direction> <target>
        cast 'blizzra' <target>

Provided as a counterpart to the fireball, the blizzra spell offers much the
same potential for massive damage to an opponent.  And, just as the fireball
finds particular effectiveness against those vulnerable to flame, so too
does the blizzra to those vulnerable to cold.  

As well, it is possible to cast across distances, also allowing the caster
to direct the damage over ranges against opponents.  

See also - COMBAT

At level 15 you will be able to range this spell.

help critical2
BOWS ARROWS SHOOT CRITICAL1 CRITICAL2 CRITICAL3 CRITICAL4

Syntax: shoot direction target
        critical1 direction target
        critical2 direction target
        critical3 direction target
        critical4 direction target

Those deciding to practice with the bow require lessons in a number of
skills, as well as various pieces of equipment to make such practice useful.
Obviously, a bow is needed.  As well though, one needs arrows that can be
fired, and a quiver to hold the arrows in when not in use.  

An arrow can be fired from a bow directly at a target, or from a distance,
ranged against an enemy farther away.  Also, there are varying degrees of
critical damage that can be attempted when shooting an arrow toward an
enemy.  Skill in these more damaging critical hits does not improve unless
lesser shooting skills have already been learned.  

To shoot an arrow, have your bow, and arrow ready, and type shoot target. 
Should you desire to range your shot, simply add the direction you wish to
aim, and fire away (shoot <direction> <target>).  Obviously, should you wish
to attempt the more damaging critical hits, you may exchange the command
shoot with any of the critical commands.

help 'Dispel Magic'
'DISPEL MAGIC' CANCELLATION
'DISPEL MAGIC' CANCELLATION
Syntax: cast 'dispel magic' <character>
        cast 'cancellation' <character>
Both of these spells remove magical effects from the target.  Dispel magic
has a reduced chance of working, and is considering an attack spell.
Cancellation can only be used on allies, but is much more effective and does
not provoke attack.  Unfortunately, the spells do not discriminate between
harmful and benign spells.
The chance of dispelling is based on the level of the spell. Permanent spells
(such as mobile sanctuary) are much harder to remove.  Not all spells may
be dispelled, notable examples are poison and plague.

help 'Fireball'
'FIREBALL'
'FIREBALL'

Syntax: cast 'fireball' <direction> <target>
        cast 'fireball' <target>

The first of the truly offensive combat spells, the fireball can deal
massive damage against an opponent, and is particularly effective against
those that are vulnerable to flame.  

Additionally, it is the first of the combat spells that a caster may cast
across a distance, allowing foes at farther ranges to be affected.  

See also - COMBAT

At level 15 you will be able to range this spell.

help mass invis
INVIS 'MASS INVIS' INVISIBILITY
INVIS 'MASS INVIS' INVISIBILITY

Syntax: cast 'invisibility' <character>
        cast 'invisibility' <object>
        cast 'mass invis'

The invisibility spell makes the target character invisible.  Invisible
characters will become visible when they attack.  It may also be cast on an
object to render the object invisible.  

The mass invisibility spell makes all characters in the caster's group
invisible, including the caster.  

See also - ILLUSION

help Gate
GATE
GATE
syntax:  cast gate <target>
The gate spell is a powerful transportation magic that opens up a portal 
between your character and another person or creature somewhere else in the
world.  This portal will transport you and any pet you might have, but not
other members of your group.  Monsters receive a save against gate, and
monster or players more than 3 levels higher than you can not be gated to at 
all.  God rooms, private rooms, and no recall rooms cannot be gated to, and
no recall rooms cannot be gated out of.  Finally, any god or hero is also 
immune to gate, as well as any player who has no summon set.  Clan members 
may not be gated to except by their fellow Clan members. Gate is not powerful
enough to cross the vast oceans to another continent.

help Cancellation
'DISPEL MAGIC' CANCELLATION
'DISPEL MAGIC' CANCELLATION
Syntax: cast 'dispel magic' <character>
        cast 'cancellation' <character>
Both of these spells remove magical effects from the target.  Dispel magic
has a reduced chance of working, and is considering an attack spell.
Cancellation can only be used on allies, but is much more effective and does
not provoke attack.  Unfortunately, the spells do not discriminate between
harmful and benign spells.
The chance of dispelling is based on the level of the spell. Permanent spells
(such as mobile sanctuary) are much harder to remove.  Not all spells may
be dispelled, notable examples are poison and plague.

help 'Acid Blast'
'ACID BLAST'
ACID BLAST

Syntax: cast 'acid blast' <target>

Taking an ability from the draconian arts, the combat spellbooks offer the
growing caster the spell of acid blast.  This spell, when cast, spews forth
from the caster's hands literally as a gout of acid.  

Opponents learn quickly to be wary, as the spell is quite damaging, and can
have potential side effects upon the equipment it lands on.  

Groups containing this spell: Combat


SEE ALSO:  COMBAT SPELLS

ASSASSINATE
Syntax:  assassinate <name>
This skill can be used by assassins to initiate combat.  For the attempt
to be successful, the assassin must be hiding when the attack is made.  
This type of attack may only be made on reasonably healthy targets and 
does damage similar to the thieves backstab skill but with a small chance
of killing the victim with a single blow.  There is a stiff time delay 
penalty if the attempt is unsuccessful.

help 'Shield'

SHIELD 'STONE SKIN'
SHIELD 'STONE SKIN'
Syntax: cast shield
Syntax: cast 'stone skin'
These spells protect the caster by decreasing (improving) the caster's armor
class.  SHIELD provides 20 points off armor.  STONE SKIN provides 40 points off
armor.

help 'Plague'
PLAGUE
PLAGUE
Syntax: cast 'plague' <target>
The plague spell infests the target with a magical disease of great virulence,
sapping its strength and causing horrific suffering, possibly leading to
death.  It is a risky spell to use, as the contagion can spread like
wildfire if the victim makes it to a populated area.

help 'Chain Lightning'
'CHAIN LIGHTNING'
'CHAIN LIGHTNING'

Syntax: cast 'chain lightning' <target>

Chain lightning is a deadly spell, producing a powerful bolt of lightning
that arcs from target to target in the room, until its force is fully
expended.  Allies of the caster may be hit by this spell if they are members
of a clan, while the caster himself will not be struck unless no other
viable target remains.  

Chain lightning is most effective when used on groups of creatures.  

See also - COMBAT

'GROUND CONTROL'
Syntax: gcon <target>
Ground control is the act of throwing your opponent to the ground,
temporarily stunning them.  Beware, it is possible to have your throw used
against you.

help critical1
BOWS ARROWS SHOOT CRITICAL1 CRITICAL2 CRITICAL3 CRITICAL4

Syntax: shoot direction target
        critical1 direction target
        critical2 direction target
        critical3 direction target
        critical4 direction target

Those deciding to practice with the bow require lessons in a number of
skills, as well as various pieces of equipment to make such practice useful.
Obviously, a bow is needed.  As well though, one needs arrows that can be
fired, and a quiver to hold the arrows in when not in use.  

An arrow can be fired from a bow directly at a target, or from a distance,
ranged against an enemy farther away.  Also, there are varying degrees of
critical damage that can be attempted when shooting an arrow toward an
enemy.  Skill in these more damaging critical hits does not improve unless
lesser shooting skills have already been learned.  

To shoot an arrow, have your bow, and arrow ready, and type shoot target. 
Should you desire to range your shot, simply add the direction you wish to
aim, and fire away (shoot <direction> <target>).  Obviously, should you wish
to attempt the more damaging critical hits, you may exchange the command
shoot with any of the critical commands.

help Kurijitsu
KURIJITSU
Kurijitsu is the intensive study of the nerves in the body.  This allows the
assassin to do more damage when attacking without a weapon.

help 'Stone Skin'
SHIELD 'STONE SKIN'
SHIELD 'STONE SKIN'
Syntax: cast shield
Syntax: cast 'stone skin'
These spells protect the caster by decreasing (improving) the caster's armor
class.  SHIELD provides 20 points off armor.  STONE SKIN provides 40 points off
armor.

help 'Sanctuary'
SANCTUARY
SANCTUARY
Syntax: cast sanctuary  <character>
The SANCTUARY spell reduces the damage taken by the character from any attack
by one half.

help 'Cure Critical'
'CURE LIGHT' 'CURE SERIOUS' 'CURE CRITICAL' HEAL
'CURE LIGHT' 'CURE SERIOUS' 'CURE CRITICAL' HEAL
Syntax: cast 'cure light'    <character>
Syntax: cast 'cure serious'  <character>
Syntax: cast 'cure critical' <character>
Syntax: cast 'heal'          <character>
These spells cure damage on the target character.  The higher-level spells
heal more damage.
(see 'help healer' for details on the heal command)

help 'Portal'
Syntax: cast 'portal' <target>
The portal spell is similar to gate, but creates a lasting one-way portal to
the target creature, instead of transporting the caster.  Portals are
entered using 'enter' command, as in 'enter portal'.  Portals cannot be made
to certain destinations, nor used to escape from gate-proof rooms.  Portal
requires a special source of power to be used, unfortunately the secret of
this material component has been lost...  Portals can traverse the boundries
of the continents.  Use look in <portal> to see destination.

help slow
SLOW
SLOW
Syntax: cast 'slow' <target>
Despite popular mythology, slow is not the opposite of haste, but is a spell
with its own unique set of effects.  When cast on an unfortunate victim,
it slows its movements, making it easier to hit and reducing its rate
of attack.  The effect of slow also double movement costs and halve healing
rates, due to reduced metabolism.

help critical4
BOWS ARROWS SHOOT CRITICAL1 CRITICAL2 CRITICAL3 CRITICAL4

Syntax: shoot direction target
        critical1 direction target
        critical2 direction target
        critical3 direction target
        critical4 direction target

Those deciding to practice with the bow require lessons in a number of
skills, as well as various pieces of equipment to make such practice useful.
Obviously, a bow is needed.  As well though, one needs arrows that can be
fired, and a quiver to hold the arrows in when not in use.  

An arrow can be fired from a bow directly at a target, or from a distance,
ranged against an enemy farther away.  Also, there are varying degrees of
critical damage that can be attempted when shooting an arrow toward an
enemy.  Skill in these more damaging critical hits does not improve unless
lesser shooting skills have already been learned.  

To shoot an arrow, have your bow, and arrow ready, and type shoot target. 
Should you desire to range your shot, simply add the direction you wish to
aim, and fire away (shoot <direction> <target>).  Obviously, should you wish
to attempt the more damaging critical hits, you may exchange the command
shoot with any of the critical commands.

help 'Nexus'
'NEXUS'
NEXUS
Syntax: cast 'nexus' <target>
This spell is virtually identical to portal (see 'help portal'), with the
only difference being that while portal creates a one-way gate, a nexus 
spell makes a two-sided gate.  It also lasts longer than the lower-powered
portal spell.  Both spells require an additional power source, the secret
of which has been lost... This spell can traverse the boundries of continents.