What is a MUCK?
A MUCK is a type of user-extendable online text-based role-playing game, designed for role playing and social interaction. MUCK stands for "multi-user character kingdom" and is a text-based role play environment in which you can move about and inspect your world and fellow players.

Where can I find a MUCK client?
A list of MU* clients can be found here

How do I connect to the MUCK?
Individual MU* clients vary in how to set up a connection. There is generally a walkthrough to help you get started. The connect info for After...MUCK is - muck.aftermuck.net port:1994

What is the theme of After...?
Please see the Theme page.

What species can I play?
Lists of species can be located on the forum, here, here and here

Can I be a species not listed there?
It's possible I left out some species on the lists, as I am not infallible. If there is something you would like to play that is not listed, please contact the headwiz to discuss it. This doesn't mean it will be allowed, but there is no harm in asking.

Can I be an odd-colored animal?
Characters may only be colors found naturally in that species.  If you would like to be a strange fur color mutation, speak to a wizard or fill out the application found on the Character page

What groups can I join?
To see what groups currently exist on the MUCK, type '@groups' once you are connected. You may speak to the leader of the group you are interested in about joining, those most groups form up via RP.

Do I have to join a group?
This varies depending on what species you choose to play. If you are a social animal, such as a wolf or a lion, while you are not required to join a group, you will be highly encouraged to do so, both ICly and OOCly. Lone wolves and lone lions do not last terribly long without company.

Can I start/lead a group?
If you can muster the interest and players to form a group, please speak with a wizard and we'll see what we can arrange. As a general rule, official groups must consist of four or more, or we'll have dozens of groups of two and a lot of frustrated group leaders.

Why can't I play a Varg?
See the page on Varg.

Can I play an animal who is friends with the Varg?
If you can manage it via roleplay, then you are free to do so. Finding them and befriending them will be the hard part.

Why can't I play a purebred dog/horse/cat?
Specific breeds of domestic animals no longer exist. They are merged into a general 'mutt'. Purebreds exist only due to human intervention, and without said intervention, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and other domestic animals would breed freely until an 'average' is achieved. While your char may lean slightly toward characteristics found in existing breeds, you will find no purebreds in the world of After...

How do I request a character?
Once you're ready to make a character, log in as a guest ('connect guest guest') and request via the '@request' command.  If you wish to create an alternate character, please log in as your pre-existing character and @request from there. This links your alts together and makes life much easier for the staff.

How much detail do I need to put into my @request?
While it isn't necessary to write a novel, your @request shows us that you're dedicated to your character, so the more you can put in the better. We do understand that not every character has lofty goals or a terribly interesting background, so you aren't expected to wow us in that department. If you need help, staffers are happy to assist.

How many characters can I have?
You may have as many characters as you believe you can dedicate time and roleplay to. Don't spread yourself too thin or you'll end up neglecting some.  If you plan to request alternates, please do so from your pre-existing character, rather than logging into a guest account.

How do I request an alternate character?
Simply @request from your pre-existing character.

Can I play a baby character?
If you have arranged to play someone's offspring, then yes. This is generally arranged with a wizard's assistance, and  will have our stamp of approval.  However, if you simply wish to play an unattached or orphan infant, this will not be allowed.  Babies do not survive on their own in the wild, and such stretches as one species being 'adopted' by another will not occur on After... except perhaps in special, admin-monitored, plot-related situations. If you are simply dying to play a baby, try posting on the forum or speaking to a staff-member, often-times there are players seeking people to play their characters' offspring.

Can my character have babies?
If this occurs via RP rather than your character spontaneously becoming pregnant, then yes. However, all pregnancies and potential offspring must be approved by the headwiz, lest we have a MUCK overflowing with infants. Due to the desire for realism on After..., IC breeding will be restricted to accurate real life breeding seasons for that species. For example, wolves breed in early winter and have their litters in late winter and early spring.  There will be no mid-summer wolf pups.

Can my character have strange markings or wear jewelry?
No. There is no logical reason any wild animal would wear jewelry or have bizarre 'tattoo' markings. The animals on After..., with the exception of the Varg, are just normal, ordinary animals.

Can my character use magic?
There is no magic on After... Your character may have visions or think he can talk to spirits, but beyond that, there is nothing in the way of the supernatural.

Can I play a hybrid character?
This really depends on what it is you wish to play. Some hybrids would be common, such as coydogs and zorses. Most jackals would likely have coyote or feral dog blood in their lineage. If you have a hybrid in mind, please speak to the headwiz or fill out and email the application found on the Character page.

If there is a question you have which I failed to answer on this page, please feel free to pose it on the forum or on the MUCK itself.