Hobbyist Text MUD

[Anesthia]

Before EQ I used to play text MUDs via telnet. I also used to maintain my own MUD as a hobby using C(++).

I'd like to combine modern tech with old-school and recreate this nostalgic experience. I bemoaned having to rewrite net code, etc., in C(++) (send() and recv() lolwut) then realized most people who aren't huge nerds don't use telnet to play games -- they use web browsers.

I'm wondering what the best platform for messing around with a MUD/EQish environment would be - with or without graphics. Java, Perl, ASP, even a prefab, building-block environment would be cool. Just wanna mess around.

Recommendations?