A number of the player's more important statistics are almost always displayed on the screen, with maximums (where applicable) in parentheses.
Most commands are selected with a single letter or digit. For example, one may move by hitting ‘W', ‘S', ‘N', or ‘E'. Lower case may also be used; the game is not case-sensitive. One may also use ‘H', ‘J', ‘K', and ‘L' for movement, as with
vi(1). To move to a specific (x, y) coordinate, use the
move (‘1') command. A character can move a maximum distance of 1 plus 1.5 per
level at once. Entering a compass direction will move the player the maximum allowed distance in that direction.
The
players (‘2') command shows who else is playing. The exact position is shown for those who are a similar distance or not as far from the origin.
Kings and
council of the wise can see and be seen by everyone. A
palantir removes these restrictions.
One can talk to other players with the
talk (‘3') option. This sends a line of text to everyone. To remove the current message, just type <return> when prompted for a message.
The
stats (‘4') option shows additional characteristics of a player.
The
quit (‘5') command exits the game.
One may rest by default. Resting lets one regain maximum
energy level, and also lets one find
mana. More mana is found at larger levels and further distances from the origin.
One may call a monster by hitting ‘9' or ‘C'.
Use ‘X' to examine other players.
One may quit or execute a sub-shell by hitting interrupt. Quitting during battle results in death, for obvious reasons.
Several further commands become available as the player progresses in
level and
magic, or to other stations in the game (
valar,
council of the wise,
king). These are described elsewhere. In general, a control-L will force the redrawing of the screen.
Other things which may happen are more or less self-explanatory.