New Players (Newbies) checklist for MUDs

Connect to the MUD and run the 'color test' or '@colors' command to ensure terminal codes display correctly rather than raw escape sequences.

Set client width to 80 characters and verify that room descriptions wrap correctly without breaking words at the 79-character mark.

Test local echo settings to prevent double-typing when the MUD server already echoes input; verify password entry hides characters.

Configure minimum 1000-line scrollback buffer to capture combat spam and room descriptions for review.

Bind numeric keypad keys to cardinal directions (8=north, 2=south, 4=west, 6=east) and verify diagonal movement aliases if supported.

Check help files for 'stats' or 'reroll' to verify whether initial attribute allocation is permanent before finalizing character creation.

Run 'inventory' or 'i' command immediately after creation to verify starting equipment loaded correctly and torch/lamp is present if required.

Attempt to leave the starting room and confirm whether the newbie tutorial activates automatically or requires 'tutorial on' command.

Attempt to set a character description exceeding 10 lines to test truncation limits and formatting rules enforced by the MUD.

Disconnect immediately after creation and reconnect to verify the character saved to disk and appears in the login menu.

Verify that 'n', 's', 'e', 'w', 'u', 'd' move the character correctly and that 'look' or 'l' displays the room description without moving.

Attempt to 'get sword', 'drop sword', 'put sword in bag' to confirm parser handles direct objects and prepositional phrases correctly.

Test 'help', 'help commands', and 'help <topic>' to verify help file accessibility and search functionality.

Pick up multiple identical items and run 'inventory' to confirm whether the MUD stacks quantities or lists items individually.

Use 'emote' or ':' command followed by action text to verify third-person description appears correctly to other players in the room.

Test 'say', 'tell <player>', and 'chat' commands to verify message reach (room-only vs private vs global) using alternate character or tester.

Send a message prefixed with 'ooc' or wrapped in parentheses and confirm it displays with OOC tags distinct from IC speech.

Attempt to 'page' or 'tell' your own character while marked AFK or DND to verify auto-response and blocking mechanics.

Join 'newbie', 'help', or 'question' channel and verify you can post without level restrictions for the first 10-20 hours of playtime.

Test 'pose' or 'emote' commands versus 'say' to confirm punctuation and formatting differences between action and speech channels.

Run 'help policy', 'help rules', or 'help harassment' to verify accessibility of conduct guidelines and reporting procedures.

Use 'ignore <player>' or 'block tell' commands and verify blocked communication attempts generate appropriate feedback.

Remain idle for 15 minutes to test AFK auto-flagging and 30-minute disconnect threshold to confirm idle-boot mechanics.

Check 'help consent' or 'help pk' to verify opt-in status and PvP flagging requirements before engaging in player combat.

Test 'who admin', 'wizlist', or 'request help' commands to verify methods for contacting staff when game-breaking issues occur.

Successfully exit the academy/intro zone and verify receipt of completion reward (equipment, currency, or experience bonus).

Complete one non-tutorial quest (deliver item or kill mob) and verify quest log updates or completion message appears.

Gain sufficient experience to reach level 2 or equivalent rank to verify experience table loads and level-up messaging functions.

Use 'save', 'quit', or 'rent' command and reconnect to verify character position persistence and equipment retention.

Verify access to Discord, forums, or in-game mentor channel linked in 'help newbie' or MOTD (Message of the Day).