Oh the memories, I also learned C (using Power C http://mixsoftware.com/product/powerc.htm) to hack on DikuMUD in the mid 90s.

I briefly ran a PK-focused MUD (hosted on Wolfpaw) and remember being amazed at having 15 players online simultaneously. I was ultimately forced to shut down the MUD by my parents, because working on it started negatively impacting my preparations for final exams.