whenever I try to connect to one it says by what name do you wish to be known? and then after that it has a black mark that flashes if I click somewhere, but I can't type in my name.

Aaaaaalright! My territory

step by step: first off, download simpleMU, it's the best current client you can find around. Second, download the mudconnector database so you can see all muds. It'll take a while, it's normal. Then choose a mud from the list, I suggest a rom-based one cause I know rom better and can help you off if you need anything. Then connect and disconnect and say yes when the client prompts you to store the mud in your adress list. Then go to your adress list and right click on the mud to get the properties up and change the mud type to mud all types, so you won't have that problem of not seeing 1/3 of the screen. Then connect again, give name, pass, chosse race class sex, and don't customise at first if it has customisation. typing help brings about all helpfiles. If you want to use numpad as directional go to actions on the top bar and click it, it's helpful. Anything else ask away, I'll help if I know.

addendum: btw if you want a really good mud to start off got to afterlife. It's not my mud, but it's my favourite. The people there are extra helpful, it's one of the oldest ones in existence, but it's not role play. Given that you'll have some of the immortals in there to help you though, and you're dead new to mudding, i really sugest it. If you go there, start in the village of Taheria, not New Thalos.

Where can you find simpleMU and how do you download mudconnector?
Sorry to be a pest.

that's okay. with your avatar you cna post as much as you want =)

simpleMU: Have a look at http://www.mudconnect.com/ and see under Resources->Mud Clients. There you have the list of the Mud clients, and simpleMU is there, too.

I'm leery around online roleplaying. Not only am I a horrible roleplayer due to being accustomed to the role of storyteller, I find that most RP forums are infested with God-Moders, also known as Mary Sues. Especially free-form RP. You know the type--

Name: Aphrodite Hera Goddessa
Age: Immortal, so age is irrelevant
Background: Parents killed, dark mysterious past, blah, blah. In short, my character is an angst princess.
Race: Quarter-angel, quarter-vampire, quarter-human, quarter-elf, with some mongrel fairy, werewolf, Sith, draconic, dryad, nymph, unicorn blood somewhere in the mix.
Abilities: is connected to (insert the main source of magic/power in the RP here, like the Force), and so is indestructible and can use all kinds of magic/psychic powers/etc. under the moon and the sun.

(Note: The name "Aphrodite Hera Goddessa" isn't made up. It's a name of a girl in a horrifyingly bad fanfic. I still can't get over the "Goddessa" part. Can we say pathetically uncreative?)

that is pretty lame...

I couldn't agree more. Where's the fun in starting life with all the power, all the answers, and absolute invulnerability? How can you have an adventure if nothing is beyond your reach?

For my part, I prefer to play new low-level characters and earn them an heroic future, than to start out "above average" and rest on the laurels of an heroic past.

In a nutshell, I yearn for the journey, not the destination.

hey BG !!!

yeah hi BG