This is a harsh world; you'll probably have to defend yourself. Unless you're very good at it, you'll most likely get hurt, and you'll almost certainly get tired. Getting hurt is represented by damage levels, and getting tired is represented by fatigue levels. Damage here is different than in most MUDs, and quite a bit more dangerous. While you won't get killed as easily as someone in the real world, a lucky shot to the head can do you in. Your body parts all take damage separately. If a part is broken or worse, it is unusable. If an arm is broken, you can't use that limb to fight or carry things. If a leg is broken, you can no longer walk. If you break your head or body, you hope deeply that the friend you remembered to bring along (you *DID* bring a friend, didn't you?) is kind enough to carry you off somewhere safe. If a body part progresses beyond broken, it will not heal by normal means. If a part is destroyed, you won't get it back. If your head or body is destroyed, your heirs start divvying up your fortune. The 'health' command will show you how damaged your various limbs are. Fatigue levels show up in different ways. First, the number of lines beside your prompt at the bottom of the screen will increase. Second, the 'fatigue' command will give you a description of how you are feeling. There are also incidental effects of fatigue. You won't be able to move as fast, first losing the ability to sprint, then to run, etc. You can't carry as much, and may have to drop your heavier items. Your attacks will be less effective. Finally, when you reach the highest levels, you may pass out from the strain. After combat, if at all possible, you should go somewhere safe and lie down while you rest. It's less glamorous than fighting monsters, but it's an integral part of life on Terrinor.
See Also: damage levels, fatigue