The Distributed Network of Adventurers

2003-11-14

TheDNA is a fully distributed network of equal clients. Also known as a distributed MUD (Multi-User Dungeon).

There exists a center in the network, called the minder, that sends connection information about a subset of the participating clients to new clients wanting to join the network. All communication is somewhat encrypted, making the network fairly secure. Time will tell.

Objects (such as rooms, items, mobs etc) are distributed and stored among the nodes. Whenever a new node connects to the network, objects are sent to that node on demand.

Developments
2004-01-02
updated help with the new wilderness commands 2003-12-05
a network map
2003-12-03
it's now possible to create and edit mobs

Builders Wanted!!! By default, a TheDNA world is open for everyone to create stuff in. Actually, there is no code written to prevent building, there is only code to enable building and creativity. To further enrich creative players, a small reward (in game gold) is given for each completed object.

Each player can create a home room, and from that room build an unlimited amount of rooms. The rooms can only be edited by the one that has created them.

Live World: .Wonders.db

A minder is (hopefully) running at alhem.net port 9696, hosting the world database ".Wonders.db"

Recommended way of joining the network.

Download the minion software, an executable named systray.exe (windows version - see below for linux binary).
Save systray.exe in a new folder. In this folder other files will be created when you are connected to the network, ie one configuration file and one database file.
Start systray.exe. A small icon will indicate that the program is running. Doubleclicking this icon will show a dialog with info and an autoupdate button.
Now telnet to your own computer, localhost, port 4040. Use windows telnet, putty.exe, zmud, or some other mud client to connect.
Login and play :)

Technical description

The minder is the center with knowledge of all active nodes.

Every client (minion) consists of one part minder communication, one part minion communication, and one part telnet server.

To actually play the game, some flavor of telnet program is used to connect to the minion. A minion supports unlimited telnet connections, so in theory one minion is enough to support a large population of users.

The Tank relays room relevant information between the minions.

Download and Setup

Download the win32 minion client software here.

It is not an installation program, it's just an .exe file with all you need.

When started, a configuration file ("minion.cfg") and database file is created in the working directory. Make sure these files are moved with the executable file, or you'll lose your local database.

Linux binaries

They might work, they may not. Compiled on a slackware 8.1 system.

Download mimi.tgz here.

Current Commands in telnet server

Names / talk can all be color controlled by simple ANSI shortcuts.

Commands
General
  help
  who
  bug - report a bug
  say / " / ' - talk
  channel name [on | off]
  channel - list channels
  emote smiles
  name [colored name] - change colors in your name
  status - communications status
  quit

Property
  inventory (i)
  get item
  examine item
  eat item - destroy it
  equip item
  unequip - select item to unequip

Moving around
  look (l)
  exits
  home - go to home room
  start - go to start room
  n/s/e/w/u/d - move around
  summon [player]
  go [player] - to another players home room
  go outside - enter wilderness
  enter - return to the inside

Creating & changing stuff
  create home - create your home room
  create n/s/e/w/u/d - create a room
  create item | set | mob
  set open | closed - change status of a room
  friend [player] - allow creating from your rooms for someone
  edit title | description - of a room
  edit item | set | mob

Wilderness
  create exit - create your one and only exit to the wilderness
  set terrain (t) - design your wilderness
  design - toggle design mode
  terrain - modify/add terrain types
  save - save current wilderness area
  t1 - set autofill terrain (center)
  t2 - set autofill terrain (surrounding)
  fill - toggle autofill (design mode must be enabled)

ANSI controls