Help System

VI. Basic Commands

When you have created your character and entered the game, you will be
approached by a black cat. The black cat can lead you through a short
tutorial on interacting with the game. Read what he says and follow the
instructions to activate the tutorial.

Interacting With the Game

These are the basic commands you will need to get started in the world of
Alyria. Most commands have a lot more functionality than is shown in this
brief list - clicking on the command name will display the full scope.
Common abbreviations for the commands are specified in parentheses to the
right of the command itself.

To see an entire list of available commands at your character level, type
'commands' within the game.

Informational Commands

These commands will tell you more about your character, other characters,
and the world around you.

help:               Materia Magica has an extensive help database and many
questions may be answered by typing HELP <topic>. Help train will give the
max statistics for each race, HELP <race name> and HELP <class> will give an
overview of each race and class. Help entries are also available in the
Reference section of this website.


look (l):           Tells you about the room or area that you are currently
in. You can also look at other characters, look at objects, look inside
objects, and look in a specific direction to see what's in the adjoining
area.

skills:             The SKILLS command is used to display your character's
list of available proficiencies or spells.

who:                The WHO command is used to display a list of players
that are currently active and online.

where:              This command will report a list of nearby players and
their specific locations, based on their proximity to you.

score:              This command displays a complete list of information
regarding your character, such as attributes, spell comprehension, number of
kills, experience points, etc.

affect (aff):       The AFFECT command will display a list of spells or
conditions with which you are currently affected, as well as applicable
durations.

set:                SET lets you turn in-game environment settings ON or
OFF. These settings can be used to customize what you see in the game, among
other things.

socials:            The SOCIALS command displays a list of the several-
hundred "actions" or "emotions" that you can use to show how you feel to
other players.

commands:           Displays a list of commands that are available at your
character's current level of experience.

levels:             Command that lists how many experience points your
character needs in order to advance through the levels in his class.

time:               Displays the current Alyrian time, game time, phases of
the twin moons Trigael and Marabah, as well as other information. If you do
not have a clock or watch in your possession you will see an approximation
of the current Alyrian time.

weather:            Displays the weather conditions for your current
location, if you are outdoors.

gold ($):           Lets you view the amount of gold you have on hand, and
in any bank accounts.

description (desc): This command allows you to change the descriptive text
shown when other people see your character in the game. When they view you
using the 'LOOK' command, they will see the description you enter.

title:              Title sets the phrase that immediately follows your name
when people LOOK in the same room as you. You can check your title by typing
SCORE.

channels:           Materia Magica has several global and semi-global
communication methods that you can activate or deactivate based on your
current desires. Using the CHANNELS command, you can set the channels that
you wish to see displayed in the game.

survey:             With the SURVEY command, you will examine the area for
familiar landmarks to determine your current location.

scan:               Closely examine what lies beyond all exits from a
location. You must have the SCAN proficiency to use this command
effectively.

notify:             Notify is a feature that allows you to track the comings
and goings of your friends - when they log in to the game, when they log
out, etc.

Movement-Related Commands

These commands will let you move around in the world of Alyria, as well as
other movement-related actions. For general information on moving in the
world of Alyria, see HELP MOVEMENT.

north     (n)  Moves your character north, if an exit exists in that
direction.

south     (s)  Moves your character south, if an exit exists in that
direction.

east      (e)  Moves your character east, if an exit exists in that
direction.

west      (w)  Moves your character west, if an exit exists in that
direction.

northwest (nw) Moves your character northwest, if an exit exists in that
direction.

northeast (ne) Moves your character northeast, if an exit exists in that
direction.

southwest (sw) Moves your character southwest, if an exit exists in that
direction.

southeast (se) Moves your character southeast, if an exit exists in that
direction.

up        (u)  Moves your character up, if an exit exists in that direction.

down      (d)  Moves your character down, if an exit exists in that
direction.

enter          Lets your character enter a special exit item, such as a
portal.

recall         RECALL lets your character return instantly to your home, or
nearest recall point (usually a SAFE location). This command should be used
if you ever become lost. Typing RECALL LIST will show you the nearest recall
point.

sleep          Lets you sleep on the ground, or on an item, such as a travel
cot.

wake           If you are asleep, WAKE will cause you to awaken. You can
also use WAKE to wake another sleeping player.

stand          Causes you to stand up if you are resting or sitting. You can
also stand on an item, such as a platform or carpet.

sit            Lets you sit on the ground, or on an item, such as a chair.

rest           Lets you rest on the ground, or on an item, such as a chair
or bed.

search         Searches the room for hidden items. You may have to search
multiple times to find hidden items, depending on how well they are
obscured.

hide           Hide in the shadows so that you cannot be detected, or hide
an item at your current location.

dig            Dig up ground at a location to look for a buried item or
door. You will need a spade to dig, and if the ground is hard enough, a
pick-axe as well.

bury           Bury an item in the ground using a spade. If the ground is
hard, the job may require a pick-axe as well.

Communication Commands

These commands enable you to communicate with other characters (both NPC and
PCs) around you.

pray           If you are stuck and need help, pray will send a message to
any Guides or Immortals who may be online.

tell           Sends a message to a specific character, privately.

reply          Sends a message to the last character to send you a tell.

say            Sends a message to your current room, and everyone within
that room.

sayto          Sends a message to your current room, but directs it to a
specific character within the room.

whisper        Sends a private message to a character in your current room.

yell           Sends a message to everyone in your area / general vicinity.

shout          Sends a message to everyone in your area / general vicinity.
SHOUT has a greater range than YELL.

dream          If you are sleeping, you can use the DREAM channel. Dream
sends a message to other sleeping PCs.

clantalk / ct  As a novice you will be automatically enrolled in the Novice
Clan, which is a group of novice adventurers (some more novice than others)
who can use CLANTALK to communicate and assist each other in learning the
game.

auction        Auctioning is a way to sell items to other players globally,
regardless of their location in the world. Anyone may bid on any item being
auctioned if they have enough money. Auction is available to players level
20 and higher.

General Commands

These are general commands with which every Adventurer should be familiar.

alias          Using the alias command, you may create a synonym for a
longer legitimate command, and then use the shortened version instead of the
full version.

chat           Materia Magica has a special chat room feature. These rooms
allow people who want a break from playing the game, or who just want to
chat in a fantasy role-playing setting, a place to do so without fear of
evil sorcerers, insane shopkeepers, and the like.

train          Through use of the TRAIN command, you can increase the
attributes (strength, intelligence, etc.) or vital statistics (hit points,
spell points, stamina) on your character, thus increasing his effectiveness.

practice       The PRACTICE command allows you to train a skill (proficiency
or spell) and increase your knowledge of it. It is different from the TRAIN
command in that you are not learning about a general attribute or a vital
statistic, but about something more specific.

shop           Through your travels in Alyria you will come across many
merchants seeking to sell you goods and services, or buy goods from you. You
can buy many different types of goods and services from shopkeepers, such as
weapons, magical spells, horses, pets, etc. - all using the SHOP command in
the presence of a shopkeeper.

quest          The QUEST command allows you to undertake and manage quests.
The members of the Council of Seven - the Lords and Ladies of Alyria - will
allow you to undertake quests in order to gain special points called 'quest
points', as well as other rewards, such as practices, gold, experience, and
special items. Quest points can additionally be saved up and used at any
quest master to purchase specially-enchanted items.

class          Once a player reaches level 60 in his or her current class,
the option to change classes is available. Classes are changed by collecting
and providing desired gemstones - black tourmalines - to a local Lord (such
as Lord Agrippa). The CLASS command, when used in the presence of a local
Lord, allows you to deposit gemstones with them, view your multiclass
gemstone account, as well as change classes when you are ready.

shift          Faerie characters - those of the Fey and Sidhe races - have
the ability to shift shape due to their magical natures. The SHIFT command
allows the faerie to change shapes for a limited amount of time.

quit           This command allows you to exit the game safely and saves
your character for later return. While you do not have to use this command
to have your items saved, it is recommended as if there are items that will
not persist or that you cannot take with you (items that are greatly out of
your level range, and some special items) you will be informed. You do not
have to be in a special location to quit and save in Materia Magica. If

Combat Commands

These commands are used to start, navigate, and end combat situations.

combat         The COMBAT command allows you to toggle combat settings, such
as defenses, combat display modes, etc.

consider       This command gives a rough estimate on what your chances are
of defeating a character in combat, based on a limited set of criteria,
including hit points, level, and race.

kill / attack  When you wish to attack a creature or person, simply use the
ATTACK or KILL command to begin melee combat. If you are in area where
combat is permitted, you will begin exchanging blows with your opponent.

flee           Allows you to flee from your current combat situation, if
possible.

bash           Bashing a victim is a special combat move that requires one
(in most cases) to be wielding a shield of some kind and allows one to smash
his or her opponent over the head with it. Bashing requires a great deal of
stamina and strength on the part of the user. Minotaurs can bash without
holding a shield. You must have the 'bash' proficiency to use the BASH
command properly.

feed           Feed is a vicious command that lets the faerie Fey race drink
the blood of a designated victim from its neck. You must have the 'feeding'
proficiency to use the FEED command properly.

kick           Kicking allows the attacker to cause a karate-chop type of
attack to the target. However, a failed kick may throw an unwary fighter off
balance, causing him or her to miss the next round of combat. You must have
the 'kick' proficiency to use the KICK command properly.

backstab       Backstab is the favored attack of thieves, murderers, and
other rogues. It can be used with any small-sized piercing weapon, such as a
dagger or stilletto. You must have the 'backstab' proficiency to use the
BACKSTAB command properly.

breathe        BREATHE allows those of the Dracon race to use a special
breath attack on their victim. Breath attacks include frost, fire, gas
(poison), acid, and lightning. Depending on the level of the Dracon, one or
more breath attacks will be available.

Item Commands

These commands are used to interact with items in the game. For more
information on item attributes, see HELP ITEM ATTRIBUTES.

inventory (inv)         The INVENTORY command lists the items you are
currently carrying. It does not show the items that you are wearing on your
body - for that you need to use the EQUIPMENT command.

equipment (eq)          This command lists the items in your inventory that
you are currently wearing, and their locations on your body. You will also
see a list of body locations and the Armor Resistance (AR) values for each.

wear / equip / hold     EQUIP lets you wear an item or wield as a weapon.

remove / unequip        UNEQUIP lets you remove an item (in most cases) that
you have previously EQUIPped.

examine                 EXAMINE is a synonym for LOOK. It lets you inspect
an item's visible attributes. If you have the LORE proficiency, it will
reveal even more information about the item.

get / take              GET allows you to pick an object up from the ground
or from inside a container, such as a chest or a bag.

put                     PUT transfers an item from your inventory to a
container.

drop                    DROP drops an object that you are carrying,
including gold coins, on the ground.

open                    OPEN allows you to open a door or container.

close                   CLOSE allows you to close an open door or container.

eat                     EAT allows you to ingest an item of food, a potion,
or a pill. You may need to EAT multiple times (eating a few loaves of bread,
for example) in order to fill yourself up.

drink                   DRINK allows you to drink from a container of liquid
or ingest a magical potion.

use                     USE lets you make use of an item such as a magical
wand, orb, or scroll.

sacrifice (sac)         SACRIFICE lets you destroy an item in honor of the
Power(s) that your character serves. Using this command usually results in a
gold reward.

steal                   STEAL attempts to pilfer money or items from an
unsuspecting target. This command requires the 'stealing' proficiency in
order to use properly.

give                    GIVE allows you to hand an item or gold to an NPC or
PC.

lock                    LOCK allows you to lock a door or container (if you
have its key).

unlock                  UNLOCK allows you to unlock a locked door or
container (if you have its key).

fill                    FILL allows you to fill an empty container or lamp
with a liquid, such as water or oil.

empty                   EMPTY allows you to empty a container filled with a
liquid, so that you may refill the container with something else.

light                   LIGHT ignites a light source (such as a torch or
lantern). Light sources, unless magical, can only remain lit for a certain
period of time before burning out. If the light source can be refilled -
such as in the case of most lanterns - you can replenish the light source
with lamp oil (available at most General Stores) by using the FILL command.

extinguish              EXTINGUISH puts out a burning light source (such as
a torch). Lit items usually have limited amounts of time they can be used,
so it is a good idea to extinguish lights when you do not need them.

push                    Allows you to PUSH an item, such as a button. Not
all items can be PUSHed.

pull                    PULL allows you to PULL an item, such as a lever.
Not all items can be PULLed.

turn                    TURN allows you to TURN an item, such as a dial or
knob. Not all items can be TURNed.

Magic-Related Commands

These commands are used by classes with magical abilities. Most
spellcasting classes will make use of scrolls and spellbooks in order to
gather the magical knowledge needed. Some have the abilities through other
methods, such as Druids who can invoke and evoke energies.

memorize       MEMORIZE is used by wizards, rangers, and other spellcasters
to commit a spell to memory so that it can be casted later. Spells remain in
memory for a limited time, after which they must be re-memorized. Spells
must be in spellbooks, and the spellbook with the spell in it must be held
by the spellcaster, in order to be MEMORIZEd.

cast           CAST allows you to cast a spell on a target, such as a
creature or item.

invoke         INVOKE works very much like CAST, and is used by Druids to
invoke elemental powers to protect them during battle and empower other
miscellaneous magical effects. INVOKE requires individual Druid-only
element-based spells in order to use.

evoke          EVOKE works very much like CAST, and is used by Druids to
invoke elemental powers to summon elemental powers outside of themselves,
whether to inflict harm on a target or for another purpose. EVOKE requires
individual Druid-only element-based spells in order to use.

play           PLAY allows the Bard to produce magical effects through
music. You must have the MUSIC proficiency, and be holding a musical
instrument, in order to use the PLAY command.

NEXT: Movement and Transportation (help guide_7)

SEE ALSO
Guide_1, Guide_2, Guide_3, Guide_4, Guide_5, Guide_7, Guide_8, Guide_9, Guide_10, Guide_11, Guide_12, Guide_13