The Immortals don't care if you're happy or not.

Once upon a time, there was a PK/RP mud, where a set of immortals decided (wisely) that open crunching of numbers was counteractive to a roleplaying atmosphere.

The mechanics were still simple enough, that a player could intuit what factors affected his skills, and could have some idea of how a character would fare before rolling it.

Once upon a time, Immortals were Players.

Perhaps the staff that has inherited this mud has forgotten why they do not discuss code or numbers, regardless - you are not the first to be frustrated by it, and by the looks of things you will not be the last!

Testing things for yourself is futile. As the staff is quick to point out, they spend their time improving the mud, continuously updating code and implementing new features.

Thera is now a subtle beast, full of so many complexities and calculations, that you will perhaps never know why a thing works the way it does.

Those who know the code will be quick to point out when you are wrong, and their loyal army of yes-men will be quick to flame. Rest your fingers, preserve your reputation, and quietly play the game. Enjoy the sense of wonder that comes from winning a fight.

Long for the skill/spell just out of reach! Despair when it does not improve your character!

But do not complain, friend.