^Yeah, GemStone's a text-based. I think the proper terminology WOULD be MUD--I've never heard of MMO before.

This is an excerpt of something that just happened in the game. I played for the first time in like two days b/c I was lost to Tetris, and this is what happens. WHEN ASSHOLES AND TEXT-BASED GAMES MEET:

Lord Aidelias just arrived.
>
Aidelias gestures.
A wave of crimson ethereal ripples moves outward from Aidelias.

There are screams of terror as townspeople frantically try to scramble out of the way of the wave. A mother snatches up her young child just in time for both to be knocked to the ground by the onslaught. You hear other voices shouting, "Someone help us!"

Tanara is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 50 points of damage!
Head explodes, splattering sizzling bits of flesh and bone everywhere.

* Tanara drops dead at your feet!


A nearby goodwife screams, "Murder!"

Logaim is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 70 points of damage!
Back burnt to the bone. Smoke curls up from what's left of Logaim.

* Logaim drops dead at your feet!

Logaim seems a bit less imposing.
Logaim returns to normal color.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around Logaim.
The light blue glow leaves Logaim.
The silvery luminescence fades from around Logaim.
The bright luminescence fades from around Logaim.
The powerful look leaves Logaim.
The glowing specks of energy surrounding Logaim suddenly shoot off in all directions, then quickly fade away.

A nearby goodwife screams, "Murder!"

Klerus is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 70 points of damage!
Back burnt to the bone. Smoke curls up from what's left of Klerus.

* Klerus drops dead at your feet!

The air calms down around Klerus.
Klerus becomes solid again.
A white glow rushes away from Klerus.
The powerful look leaves Klerus.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around Klerus.
Klerus returns to normal color.
The dim aura fades from around Klerus.

A small human child cries out, "Murder!". His mother then sends him off for the night watchman.

You are buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and knocked to the ground.
You are pinned in place, unable to move.
Roundtime: 20 sec.
... 70 points of damage!
Back burnt to the bone. Smoke curls up from what's left of you.
The silvery luminescence fades from around you.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around you.
The buzz of thoughts in your mind subsides.
A faint silvery glow fades from around you.
You become solid again.

It seems you have died, my friend. Although you cannot do anything, you are keenly aware of what is going on around you...

You mentally give a sigh of relief as you remember that the Goddess Lorminstra owes you a favor.

...departing in 14 mins...
(If you wish to dismiss this murder charge, use ACCUSE DISMISS Aidelias.)

A nearby townsman hurries off screaming, "Aidelias has committed murder!"

Liaro is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 70 points of damage!
Flame burns through Liaro's abdomen. Greasy smoke billows forth.

* Liaro drops dead at your feet!

The silvery luminescence fades from around Liaro.
The powerful look leaves Liaro.
The air calms down around Liaro.
Liaro appears to lose some internal strength.
The deep blue glow leaves Liaro.
Liaro becomes solid again.
The brilliant luminescence fades from around Liaro.
The bright luminescence fades from around Liaro.
The light blue glow leaves Liaro.

A voice from the crowd echoes, "Murder! Murder! Someone call for the night watchman!"

Azuraa is forced out of hiding as she is knocked to the ground by the crimson ethereal waves.
... 40 points of damage!
Left arm burnt away at elbow. Ointment won't help.
She is stunned!
Matamoros is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 40 points of damage!
The lower half of Matamoros's right leg is almost completely burned away.
He is stunned!
Balzi is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 40 points of damage!
Left leg burned off at the knee. Ouch.
He is stunned!
Nanerel is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves, and is knocked to the ground.
... 40 points of damage!
Flame burns everything but the bones from Nanerel's left hand.
He is stunned!
Gemleshil is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves.
... 30 points of damage!
Extreme heat causes Gemleshil's right arm to expand and snap. That must hurt!
He is stunned!
Narci is buffeted by the crimson ethereal waves.
... 70 points of damage!
Back burnt to the bone. Smoke curls up from what's left of Narci.

* Narci drops dead at your feet!


A voice from the crowd echoes, "Murder! Murder! Someone call for the night watchman!"

>
* Narci just bit the dust!
>
* Liaro just bit the dust!
>
* Evanesti just bit the dust! (OMG NO NOT AMY LEE)
>
* Klerus just bit the dust!
>
* Logaim just bit the dust!
>
* Tanara just bit the dust!
>
Lord Aidelias just went south.