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Shadows of Isildur — a roleplay-intensive Tolkien MUD.
Connect at play.shadowsofisildur.com, port 4500.
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“If you’re looking for a game with good RP, great world, excellent building
and over the top coding, Shadows of Isildur could be for you.”
Evilone
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What Are Roleplay Points?
Over time, players here at Shadows of Isildur may amass units of confidence
from the staff we call "roleplay points". They are given out by staff members
for various facets of exemplary roleplay, and are used by players in character
generation to create new PCs in various restricted roles and races or cultures.
The points are stored on your account, so they may transfer from one of your
lifetimes into the next; thus, over time you may accumulate more.
As mentioned above, roleplay points are strictly representative of how much
trust the staff places in you as a player. They are not indicative of how
much we like you as a person, they are not indicative of how long you have played
here, nor are they indicative, strictly speaking, of
the overall quality of your roleplay. As outlined below, an absolutely stellar roleplayer prone to
bouts of retiring numerous PCs or not logging in for months at a time will likely
find himself with less roleplay points in the end than a strong roleplayer with a track
record of consistent dedication to the game and her characters' roles.
Finally, to re-iterate, roleplay points are strictly used in character generation,
to allow players designing new PCs access to restricted races and roles. Once you are
finished with your application, they have absolutely no bearing on the game whatsoever -
once out of the gate, they are completely irrelevant to your character's fate.
Do I Need Them?
Absolutely not. In fact, it's a not-uncommon occurrence to hear players with them remark
that they very rarely use them; most people prefer to "build" a character from the
ground up in-game, providing them with a rich history shared with many other PCs. Also,
it is well-known that as you reach the upper echelons of the system, you encounter roles
that are more and more restricted in their social interactions with other players; as the
saying goes, it gets lonely at the top. These roles also tend to come with a great deal of
responsibility that restricts your freedom as a player due to the amount of work involved
in performing the required duties.
Almost anything that can be accomplished by using roleplay points on an application in character
generation can be achieved through hard work in-game - and for the reasons outlined above,
many of our veteran players even prefer to do it that way. There are exceptions,
such as playing a Wise or a restricted race, but they are quite rare.
How Do I Know If I Have Them?
In addition to having additional options available to you in the character generation sequence,
once there are roleplay points attached to your login account you will see an additional line
in the SCORE command, right below your attributes, informing you how many you have.
The ability to see this information is set OFF by default; if you wish the score command
to show you this total, you must first use the SET RPP command. You may enter the command
a second time to once more remove that line from the output.
How Do I Get Them?
As mentioned above, awarding roleplay points is solely the province of the administrative
staff. Before examining the criteria set forth below, however, there are a few things you
need to keep in mind. First and foremost: roleplay points are a privilege, not a right.
Many players have gone for months or even a year or more before acquiring their first point;
those without the patience for such a process would quite likely not prove adequate for many
of the roles these points unlock. So - be patient, and you'll quite likely find yourself rewarded!
As a corollary to this rule, emailing the admin staff to
inquire whether or not you've simply been overlooked for a point award is quite fine.
Contacting us, however, to demand that we give you the points you deserve, or to
tell us why we were wrong in choosing to abstain from awarding you those points, will
certainly not get you anywhere - unless, of course, you're looking to get on our bad side. This
sort of behavior is simply not tolerated; at best you will be ignored, and at worst we
may impose sanctions on you for wasting our time.
That said, the general criteria the staff are bound by in awarding points, as well as
the number of players currently at each point-level, are as follows:
Point 1 (2.17%, or 159 players): Demonstration of a solid grasp of the game, the concept, and the gameworld;
exhibits thoughtful, articulate and polished roleplay interaction. Has clearly learned to
delineate IC from OOC information, and has not committed any serious policy infractions (those
warranting loss of access to the game) within the previous 120 days.
Point 2 (1.46%, or 107 players): Consistent demonstration of the requirements for the first point; no less than
30 days have passed since the date of the previous award.
Point 3 (0.9%, or 66 players): Demonstration of low- to mid-level leadership ability; exhibits the ability to involve
other PCs in roleplay plots, and to log in and play with regularity.
Point 4 (0.7%, or 51 players): Consistent demonstration of the requirements for the third point; no less than
60 days have passed since the date of the previous award.
Point 5 (0.21%, or 15 players): Demonstration of strong leadership and organizational ability, as well as the
ability to create and maintain plots while keeping other PCs interested.
Point 6 (0.18%, or 13 players): Consistent demonstration of the requirements for the fifth point; no less
than 90 days have passed since the date of the previous award.
Point 7+ (0.22%, or 16 players): Awarded for individual instances and scenes of highly exemplary roleplay, in no greater a frequency
than one point per any 120 day-period.
Can I Lose Them?
Yes, primarily in two ways. First: as explained below, submitting an application for
a character of a restricted race will dock a part of the application's point cost from
your account, in order to encourage our players to keep those races rare sights in-game.
Secondly, as these points are a measure of the staff's trust in you, if you do anything
to abuse that trust you may find yourself missing points. Although the most obvious way to accomplish
this is to exhibit poor roleplay on a level unbecoming your point total, there are other ways
as well. For example, things such as consistent flaming or harassment of the staff or other
players over email or on the web forum, using information
gleaned OOCly to your character's benefit, or, in general, violating any of our policies, would all suffice.
Generally, if a staff member needs to go so far as to penalize you in such a way, you will
receive an email detailing what you did to prompt such a response. For a variety of reasons,
this is not always the case, however;
therefore, if you find yourself missing points and are genuinely unsure as to what you may have done to
deserve this, you are certainly welcome to inquire via email, provided you do so in a respectful and civil manner.
What Can I Do With Them?
As mentioned briefly above, roleplay points allow you to unlock certain restricted roles and races during
the character generation process. In the case of roles, you are allowed to step right into the game in
one of various elevated positions, rather than having to work your way into the role in-game as players without
the requisite points must do. In the case of races, only those players with the required amount of
points are permitted to play them in-game.
Unlike other RPIs you may have played, we do not allow special applications. If there is a role listed below that
you wish to play, you must achieve the point requirement to do so; we do not and will not make exceptions
for anyone, regardless of their past history here or their roleplay abilities. That said, however, if there is
a specific role you wish to play that you do not see listed, and if you have enough roleplay points for any comparable
roles that are listed, you should feel free to email the staff and inquire if an application for a character
in the desired role would be feasible in terms of the game's structure. We will almost always try our best to accomodate
reasonable requests of that nature, if you're willing to work with us.
We also differ from other RPIs using a point-based system for access to restricted characters in that,
depending on the circumstance, submitting such an application will dock a certain number of points from
your account. The rule is as follows: races will subtract half of their point requirement from your
account total after a certain 'grace period' of playtime, whereas roles will not. This is done to keep restricted
non-starting races a rare occurrence in the gameworld and preserve thematic continuity. Furthermore, costs do
not stack; so, if you want to play a Dwarvish armorsmith, you will only need to meet the point
requirements for whichever of the two elements is more expensive, and not both combined.
Finally, the lists below are generated from the game's database, and show every race and role character generation currently offers.
Currently Available Races
| Race Name: | Point Requirement: |
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| Gondorian Human | 0 points |
| Northman | 1 point |
| Gondorian Dunadan | 4 points |
| Harfoot Hobbit | 4 points |
| Arnorian Dunadan | 5 points |
| Dwarf | 5 points |
| Fallohide Hobbit | 5 points |
| Stoor Hobbit | 5 points |
| Avar Elf | 6 points |
| Silvan Elf | 7 points |
| Sinda Elf | 8 points |
| Noldo Elf | 9 points |
| Vanya Elf | 10 points |
Currently Available Roles
| Role Title: | Craftsperson |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:16:55 |
| Point Requirement: | 0 points |
This character begins a new professional crafting career in Osgiliath. They can hail from
anywhere, but are likely from Gondor, and most likely to be from Osgiliath, Minas Tirith,
Pelennor, Lossarnach, or An�rien. This character either learned a trade from family, hands
on practical experience, or is an apprentice. They will be provided with enough starting
capital to purchase materials and will be able to gain access to their needed tools
through Osgiliath's public workshops.
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| Role Title: | Gondorian Commoner |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Wed Oct 14 2026 00:43:08 |
| Point Requirement: | 0 points |
This character has lived in Osgiliath for only a short time, but calls the city home.
They have not established any significant connections within the city and are without
oath, bond, or contract to any occupation. This character begins the game with limited
funds and will need to be clever, creative or convincing in order to make their way.
At this time, characters with this role cannot be criminals. PLEASE NOTE: this is
viewed as a challenging role which is not recommended for beginners.
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| Role Title: | Osgiliath Watch Recruit |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:11:27 |
| Point Requirement: | 0 points |
This character is a fresh Recruit in the Osgiliath Watch, Gondor’s host in Osgiliath.
They can hail from anywhere in Gondor, but are most likely to be from Osgiliath, Minas Tirith,
Pelennor, Lossarnach, or An�rien. This character will be provided with a basic set of arms
and armor for their rank, room and board, training, as well as a small salary for their
service. A Gondorian soldier can be promoted based on ability and is expected to serve
full-time for 4 years, with the option to re-enlist at the end of service.
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| Role Title: | Apprenticed Crafter |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:21:07 |
| Point Requirement: | 1 point |
This character begins a professional career in Osgiliath as an apprentice in his or her
respective craft. An apprentice is provided with a modest boost to relevant skills, tools and
materials, access to crafting facilities, room and board, and a modest stipend for working
at a shop. A successful apprentice will work up to Journeyman and, eventually, become a
Master with their own shop.
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| Role Title: | Osgiliath Watchman |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:21:27 |
| Point Requirement: | 1 point |
This character is a private within Watch of Osgiliath. They may hail from Osgiliath or
elsewhere in Gondor, but they call Osgiliath home and swear an oath to protect it. This
character can either be freshly promoted from recruit or a transfer from elsewhere in
Gondor. Either way, they will begin the game as a successful Private in the Osgiliath Watch.
They will be provided with arms and armor fitting their rank, a solid bump to starting combat
skill levels, room and board, access to training facilities, relevant clanning, as well as
a modest salary for their service. A Gondorian soldier can be promoted based on ability and
is expected to serve full-time for 4 years, with the option to re-enlist at the end of service.
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| Role Title: | Skilled Laborer |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:17:22 |
| Point Requirement: | 1 point |
This character is skilled in a craft or industry that is not typically guilded such as forestry,
construction, transportation, cooking, or entertainment. Hailing from Gondor or
elsewhere, this character makes a living in Osgiliath. They will receive a solid boost to
relevant skills and all necessary items for their chosen profession. However, the character
will not receive any special clanning. This role is for more independent crafters.
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| Role Title: | Skilled Woodsman |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:24:03 |
| Point Requirement: | 1 point |
This character, no matter what their background, has spent a great deal of time outside of
Gondor’s cities and towns. They have embraced the wilds and have learned every path,
stream and hill of Ithilien. They will receive a modest bump to their relevant skills, a tent,
arms and armor fit for their skills as well as additional starting funds.
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| Role Title: | Established Citizen |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:25:05 |
| Point Requirement: | 2 points |
This character has lived in Osgiliath for some time and calls the city home. They made a
living outside of a crafting workshop, a labor job, or military service. This plucky character
has a comfortable life in Osgiliath, perhaps a successful socialite or adventurer. Either
way, he or she is someone who made a career outside of normal work. This character
begins the game with simple private housing, modest funds to furnish their home, and a
small monthly stipend to represent their business. At this time, characters with this role
cannot be criminals and players are expected to explain the source of their character’s
income.
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| Role Title: | Practiced Warrior |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:24:18 |
| Point Requirement: | 2 points |
This character is no bumbling novice; they know their weapons and know them well. And
so, with a few weapons and a set of armor, they find themselves in Osgiliath in search
of work as a mercenary. Unbound to any oath, this character can find work bolstering the
Osgiliath Watch for coin, protecting homesteaders or being a hired blade. They may hail
from anywhere, but must be from a land friendly to Gondor. This character will start with
bonuses to three weapons of the player’s choosing, basic armor, boosts to defensive skills,
and be provided with either 2 free weapons or a weapon and shield of above-average quality.
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| Role Title: | Cityworker Foreman |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:27:03 |
| Point Requirement: | 3 points |
This character was recently appointed as the head of Osgiliath’s Cityworkers. He or she
knows the city well and is trusted by local officials by virtue of the appointment. Foremen
are integral to the day-to-day operations of the Cityworkers clan and, as such, are
responsible for recruiting workers, keeping the city clean, and maintaining its public
works. They will receive modest private housing and a modest salary. This role is excellent
for welcoming new players, but requires dedication from the player who helps run the
clan. Failure will result in employment termination; this character serves at the pleasure of
the city.
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| Role Title: | Ithilien Homesteader |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:26:27 |
| Point Requirement: | 3 points |
This character has successfully claimed a parcel of land in Ithilien east of
Osgiliath. Regardless of their background, they have developed a modest holding
with enough space to farm, ranch, or simply claim as their own. As this land is
not without dangers, this character will have developed the martial
capabilities to defend what is theirs. This character will receive a small,
private plot of land in Ithilien and sufficient funds to that effect.
Homesteaders are likely to work alongside the Gondorian military without being
part of it, but this is not a requirement. This role involves significant risk,
including the possible loss of principal.
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| Role Title: | Skilled Crafter |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:26:07 |
| Point Requirement: | 3 points |
This character may hail from anywhere, but has begun a professional career in Osgiliath
and planted its roots in the city. They will be provided with a full set of tools for their craft,
materials, a bump in their relevant skillset, room and board, access to crafting facilities,
and a modest salary for their work in a shop. A skilled crafter will run their shop day-to-day and
may gain the opportunity to purchase their own shop in time.
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| Role Title: | Watch Corporal |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:24:41 |
| Point Requirement: | 3 points |
This character is a veteran in the Watch of Osgiliath who shows leadership promise. They can
hail from Osgiliath or be a recent transfer to the Osgiliath Watch with their rank. They will
be provided arms and armor fitting their rank, a modest bump to starting combat skill
levels, room and board, access to training facilities, relevant clanning, as well as a modest
salary for their service. Corporals can be promoted based on ability. All Gondorian
soldiers are expected to serve full-time for 4 years, with the option to re-enlist at the end of
service. This is a lower-level role with modest leadership expectations from the player;
failure can result in demotion.
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| Role Title: | High Society Citizen |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:27:22 |
| Point Requirement: | 4 points |
This character has flourished in Osgiliath, be it from family connections, non-standard
enterprises, or a charming personality. They may be from a minor noble household or even
have non-blood ties to a Greathouse in Minas Tirith or elsewhere in Gondor. No matter the
background, they are well-off and comfortable. This character starts with modest private
housing, a respectable amount of starting money, and a modest stipend to reflect their
funding. At this time, characters with this role cannot be criminals and players are
expected to explain the source of their character’s income.
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| Role Title: | Master Crafter |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:29:31 |
| Point Requirement: | 5 points |
This character may hail from elsewhere but has dedicated his or her life to a specific craft
in Osgiliath. After tireless years as a journeyman and earning enough money, this character
has completed their masterpiece and purchased their own shop. This character will be
provided with a complete set of tools for their craft, full access to necessary materials, a
substantial bump to their skillset, a substantial salary reflecting their business, and their
own private shop with private housing. A Master is expected to take on apprentices; failure
to do so may result in fines and hounding from relevant authorities.
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| Role Title: | Watch Sergeant |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:26:48 |
| Point Requirement: | 5 points |
This character is a long-time veteran in the army of Gondor, sworn to protect the
kingdom. They may be a transfer from elsewhere in Gondor or already a member of the
Osgiliath Watch. Either way, they begin the game as a Sergeant in the Osgiliath
Watch. They will be provided with arms and armor fitting their rank, a respectable bump to
starting combat skill levels, room and board, access to training facilities, relevant clanning,
as well as a respectable salary for their service. Exceptional Gondorian Sergeants can be
promoted to officer ranks. All Gondorian soldiers are expected to serve full-time for 4
years, with the option to re-enlist at the end of service. This is an advanced role with the
expectation that the player will act as a leader; failure can result in demotion.
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| Role Title: | Gondorian Lieutenant |
| Point of Contact: | Syn |
| Date Posted: | Thu Oct 01 2026 16:29:00 |
| Point Requirement: | 7 points |
Either through family connections, dedicated service, extraordinary ability, or a
combination of all three, this character has received a commission from the Kingdom of
Gondor and serves as a lieutenant in the Osgiliath Watch. They can be native to Osgiliath
or a transfer from elsewhere in the kingdom. This character can be from a minor noble
background with ties to a martial family or a regular citizen who rose through the
ranks. Either way, their loyalty to Gondor is unquestionable. They will be provided arms
and armor fitting their high rank, a substantial bump to starting combat skill levels, modest
private housing, necessary clanning, and a substantial salary for their service. All
Gondorian soldiers are expected to serve full-time for 4 years, with the option to re-enlist at
the end of service. Exemplary Lieutenants may, conditions permitting, may rise higher in
the officer ranks. This is a clan leadership role with heavy expectations and
requirements.
***Do not take this role if you are unable to dedicate significant time to
managing the Osgiliath Watch clan.***
Failure to manage these expectations will result in a
character’s forced transfer or retirement from military service.
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