Northern Lights (online game)


Northern Lights, abbreviated NL, is a MUD, a text-based online role-playing game, founded in 1992 by Anna "Vitastjern" Eklund. It has at times been noted as a particularly large and popular example of its type, and has received critical praise.
NLs tagline is "The AberMUD at Ludd", reflecting its long-time hosting with the Luleå Academic Computer Society at the Luleå University of Technology in Sweden.

Game characteristics

Northern Lights is an "adventure-based" MUD, with combat and questing the primary game activities. Socialization is minimal, though the process of becoming a wizard is rumored to be politically complex.
The MUD includes a tour to familiarize new users with gameplay.

Reception

NL has been praised for its "original zones" and "well-thought-out world".
Interactive Internet: The Insider's Guide to MUDs, MOOs, and IRC featured a wedding conducted between two player characters on Northern Lights, performed personally by Anna Eklund in her capacity as Goddess of the MUD.

Technical infrastructure

Northern Lights is an AberMUD based on the Dirt codebase.