When a new area debuts in Aardwolf, it's nothing short of a major event. This week, adventurers can brave the dangers of Skeletal Remains, a brand-new zone now open for exploration! Last week, The Gaardian secured an exclusive, first-look interview with Radrat, the builder responsible for bringing this area to life. Discover now what the renowned Dark Elf Shaman - a Champion of Loyalty within The Order of Light - has to say about designing Aardwolf's newest challenge and what awaits players in its ancient ruins.

 

The Gaardian - Welcome Radrat! Thank you very much for accepting our invitation to discuss Skeletal Remains.

 

Radrat - My pleasure. Thanks for having me.

 

The Gaardian - If I'm not mistaken, Skeletal Remains is the first area you built for Aardwolf. Is that correct? How long did it take you to create it? Did you dedicate it to anyone special? 

 

Radrat - Skeletal Remains is originally the brainchild of Riot. He began the project over a decade ago, but like many of us, real life got in the way and he had to step back from Aard for a while. When Riot heard I was building an area, he reached out and asked if I'd be willing to help him finish Skeletal Remains. He had been my mentor when I joined Light. He taught me a lot and was always generous with his time and knowledge, so of course I said yes. Eventually, real life caught up with Riot again, and I took over the project fully. I finished the build and created the goal with the hope of keeping true to his original vision. Riot is one of the greats on Aard, respected, helpful, and passionate about the game, so I put my own area on hold to help ensure his area could finally make it onto Aardwolf. I really hope he likes it!  

 And yes, you're absolutely right, this is the first area I've helped build that is now complete.

 

The Gaardian - What an amazing story! How long did your work on the area take?

 

Radrat - It took about one year.

 

The Gaardian - What inspired you to design this area? What elements couldn't be missing?

 

Radrat - One of the biggest motivations for me was that Skeletal Remains ties directly into the storyline of the new area Zhalut and I are currently working on. Helping bring more depth to that shared lore made this project especially exciting. As for what couldn't be missing, I tried to build around atmosphere and narrative as much as mechanics. I would've loved to include something that encourages players to revisit the area beyond just campaigns or quests. But who knows? The story may continue to unfold. 

 

The Gaardian - Did you design this area with a specific type of player, race or class in mind? 

 

Radrat - Riot's original concept was story first, rather than building around a specific player type, race, or class. I stuck with that approach. There are no class-specific tricks or puzzles, just a world with a bit of flavor and one very memorable mob that's probably going to stick with you long after you leave the area. 

 

The Gaardian - When I saw the name "Skeletal Remains," I thought, "Phew! Finally, an area where mobs are all bones - no flesh or blood!" I don't know about you, but I'm When Riot heard I was building an area, he reached out and asked if I'd be willing to help him finish Skeletal Remains. He had been my mentor when I joined Light. He taught me a lot and was always generous with his time and knowledge, so of course I said yes.tired of trying to scrub bloodstains off my clothes and weapons. Was this something you considered while building the area? 

 

Radrat - Absolutely! That clean, dry bone aesthetic is a perfect fit for the tone of the story. Most of the mobs have long since lost their flesh, some willingly, others not. The only blood being spilled now belongs to the poor adventurers who dare to enter. If your gear comes out stained, it's probably yours.

 

The Gaardian - So, Skeletal Remains has a goal. What can you share about it without spoilers?

 

Radrat - Yes, there is a goal, and according to testers, it's relatively straightforward, but worth doing. If you plan to visit the area often (and I hope you do), completing the goal will definitely help. Just a heads-up: don't expect to blast through it as a Superhero. You'll have to engage with the story and the area a bit.

 

The Gaardian - How are you feeling now that the area is complete and players are about to experience it? 

 

Radrat - It's equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. On one hand, I'm proud of finishing it. On the other, I wonder: will players enjoy it? Or will I face the wrath of the armchair builders?  This experience has given me a massive respect for everyone who contributes to area building. The amount of time, testing, and learning involved is huge. And hats off to the Head Builders - they have been amazing. Their attention to detail is on another level, and the time they spend tearing your area apart (and helping you put it back together better than before) is incredible.

 

The Gaardian - What else would you like to share about Skeletal Remains?

 

Radrat - I just want to thank Riot for trusting me with his original vision. I hope I didn't stray too far from what he imagined when he started this over a decade ago. It was a privilege to help finish something that meant a lot to him. I also want to say that there is a help file for the area: type help skeletal to access it.

 

The Gaardian - So, we can expect more areas built by you in the near future...

 

Radrat - Definitely! As I said before, I'm currently working on another area with Zhalut, and I'm really excited about how the story is shaping up. This time, it's my brainchild from the ground up, and I can't wait to share it with everyone.

 

As our conversation with Radrat comes to a close, one thing is clear: Skeletal Remains is more than just a new battleground for Aardwolf's adventurers - it is a testament to the collaborative spirit that keeps the MUD thriving. From honoring Riot's decade-old vision to embracing the meticulous guidance of Head Builders, Radrat's journey underscores the passion and perseverance behind every corner of this world. With hints of lore linking to future projects and a goal that rewards curiosity over brute force, Skeletal Remains invites players to tread carefully, soak in its bone-chilling atmosphere, and perhaps even ponder the stories left untold. As Radrat turns his focus to his next original creation, one thing is certain: whether you are here for the skeletons, the secrets, or the sheer thrill of exploration, Aardwolf's newest chapter is ready to leave its mark - bloodstains optional.