Front end

A front end is the program you use on your computer to play DragonRealms. While any Telnet client can get you into the game, many users prefer a front end that is specifically designed for DragonRealms and that automatically and seamlessly connects them to the game.

Features range from nothing at all to very robust development/player tools:

Feature	Description
Highlights, gags/ignores/squelches, and substitutes	Allow the user to color, hide, or alter specific game messaging strings so that significant game text stands out from less important messaging
Scripts, macros, triggers, and aliases	Allow the user to automate various game tasks
Chats/IMs	Allow users to communicate directly with other users without leaving the FE environment
Mapper	Allows users to keep track of where they are or where they have been
Data management	Allows users to keep notes and record various pieces of information for later use
Plugins	Allow users to add features that the developers didn't (more complex than scripts)

Simutronics-supported clients (Simutronics provides updates)

• StormFront: the most robust of Simutronics's clients
• Wizard: a less robust client that is compatible with both Windows and Mac
• eScape: Java-based
• Avalon: Macintosh OS X

Third-party clients with Simutronics support (players or unaffiliated developers provide updates)

• Genie
• Warlock
• ZMud/CMud

Third-party clients without Simutronics support (manual connection by user)

• Telnet (what came/used to come installed with Windows or other OS platforms)
• Rapscallion
• GMud

definition