Established in 1996, SK is one of the few top MUDs whose gameplay is completely free--no pay-to-play, no pay-for-perks. Shattered Kingdoms is known for high-quality building, its abundance of unique quests, and its well-written code, which is regularly improved and expanded.rnrnShattered Kingdoms boasts an exclusive tactical formation system. Players can march in 3x3 formation with other players and NPCs, letting warriors take the brunt of physical attacks while mages, archers, and pike-equipped fighters join the fray from the relative safety of the second and third ranks. Weapon variety, siegecraft, mounted combat, dueling, and auto-targeting combine to make Shattered Kingdoms' unique, tactics-based combat engine.rnrnPlayer killing must be roleplay justified, and peaceful characters can gain experience through quests, roleplay rewards, discovery, mentoring and spell casting. Characters with consistent roleplay become Paragons with the ability to reward others. The world of Pyrathia boasts more than 180 completely unique areas, each with its own story. New areas are continually added, while players influence changes to old ones.rnrnPyrathia has a wide variety of sentient races, each with unique armor, culture, strengths, weaknesses and abilities. There are six starting kingdoms with player-led tribunals whose actions influence local political and economic conditions. Prices of goods and services fluctuate with recessions, inflation, supply and demand.rnrnReligions are important in Pyrathia. Though the gods rarely reveal themselves, their powers are seen throughout the realm. Secret cabals brandish ancient magics granted by powerful relics, adding intrigue and motive to the battle ground. Whether your pleasure is roleplay, exploration, combat, achievement, or a mixture of all of the above, Shattered Kingdoms has the adventure you seek. By which name would you like to be known?