The dev server is a special server for testing purposes, accessible to
wizards and player testers (HELP PLAYER TESTER). By its nature, tests on
the
dev server do not have long term consequences for the main (production)
server. As such, players can and should use the development server for
tests
where it is desirable to determine the consequences of actions without
having to actually deal with those consequences in the actual game. Note
that this only includes consequences unintended to be a part of normal
gameplay. If a test could result in severe repercussions for the MUD, such
as causing lag or crashes or just extensive errors, if testing it could be
considered bug exploitation, or if it has a high chance to result in losses
to players that would require reimbursement from the wizstaff to correct.
Performing tests on the dev server in order to save things such as time,
exp loss from a reinc, or exp loss from death to dangerous mobs do not fall
under this heading. Note however that player testers may also be requested
by the wizstaff to perform other tests that do not fall under these
headings, and such are always permissible.

Player testers also have access to special tools and powers within the dev 
environment, in order to help them more easily track and confirm bugs under

a variety of conditions, including the ability to freinc their characters 
and obtain many items and reach places which might not easily be available.

These powers may be used freely in support of the testing process, provided

the goal is goal is an acceptable bug test, as explained above and in the 
examples below.

Examples of acceptable tests include:

1. Checking a possible source of infinite exp.
2. Testing possible circumstances that are believed to result in eq loss.
3. Testing the effects of anything involve extreme behaviors, such as large
      numbers of items or monsters.
4. Testing anything specifically requested by the staff.

Examples of unacceptable tests* include:

1. Checking the loot from various areas to determine optimal farming
      locations.
2. Testing drop tables on mobs.
3. Testing alternate builds to determine their viability before reincing to
      them on prod.
4. Collecting unidentified items to discover their stats.

Being a player tester is a position of trust and testers are usually
trusted 
to use their own judgment on deciding what sorts of things to test on dev 
and what sort of things to test on the main production server.

Confidentiality note: During the course of testing, player testers will 
inevitably gain insights into game mechanics, tricks and secrets which they

might otherwise not have discovered via normal gameplay. While testers are 
encouraged to share findings from the dev server that would help other 
players to avoid potentially damaging or destructive bugs, they are
expected 
to maintain the level of confidentiality with other findings that is 
expected of former wizards and their discoveries made with code access. 
Discoveries about game mechanics, area secrets, etc, made during dev server

testing, should generally not be shared.

*Some tests similar to these may be requested by members of the staff and 
are acceptable under such conditions.