[Greg]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply Newworlds!

The thing is, there isn't anything in particular that I'm looking for (apart from PvE) - I just want something substantially different from the D&D-ish default.

HellMoo was actually a good suggestion, even though it turns out to be not for me. It would provide a different sort of PvE experience.

So modern and space settings are certainly promising. So are post-apocalyptic settings (although "post-apocalyptic" can be code for "D&D with a different backstory that seems to make no actual difference")

Non-standard magic that players can use is rarely different enough to make much of a difference to me. I like magic and a game that claims to have a radical new magic system is liable to get me to visit the webpage to read up about it, but it has never made a significant difference to my choice of MUDs. I would much rather, say, use an old magic system in a modern setting than a radical new magic system in a medievalish fantasy world with Elves and Dwarves.

I'm not interested in player killing. I can tolerate it going on as long as it doesn't happen so much that it gets in the way of my PvE.

The ability to work solo is a plus, although I don't mind if I have to avoid the "big fights" as long as I don't have to have those fights.

I don't care much about guilds either way, as long as I'm not forced to roleplay in order to have fun with PvE.

An environment that is well thought out is a huge advantage over stock or random areas. Even so, a well-thought out medievalish fantasy world with Elves and Dwarves, while it may have my admiration, won't get me to play.

Thanks again for your helpful thoughts.

Greg