diff --git a/mud.tin b/mud.tin
index 2bf5fa6..b0fa21d 100644
--- a/mud.tin
+++ b/mud.tin
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@
 
 #NOP protocol negotiation: tintin++ does NOT auto-negotiate MSDP or
 #NOP GMCP. CATCH intercepts before the default DONT response, and
-#NOP #line raw bypasses IAC escaping so the DO bytes arrive intact.
-#EVENT {CATCH IAC WILL GMCP} {#line raw #send {\xFF\xFD\xC9}}
-#EVENT {CATCH IAC WILL MSDP} {#line raw #send {\xFF\xFD\x45}}
+#NOP #send handles hex escapes natively (no raw option needed).
+#EVENT {CATCH IAC WILL GMCP} {#send {\xFF\xFD\xC9\}}
+#EVENT {CATCH IAC WILL MSDP} {#send {\xFF\xFD\x45\}}
 
 #NOP store incoming MSDP variables and refresh status bar
 #EVENT {IAC SB MSDP} {
diff --git a/src/mudlib/server.py b/src/mudlib/server.py
index 16ed9d9..a4bad4e 100644
--- a/src/mudlib/server.py
+++ b/src/mudlib/server.py
@@ -256,10 +256,14 @@ async def shell(
     _writer.write("What is your name? ")
     await _writer.drain()
 
-    name_input = await readline2(_reader, _writer)
-    if name_input is None or not name_input.strip():
-        _writer.close()
-        return
+    # Skip empty lines from client negotiation bytes, only close on actual disconnect
+    while True:
+        name_input = await readline2(_reader, _writer)
+        if name_input is None:
+            _writer.close()
+            return
+        if name_input.strip():
+            break
 
     player_name = name_input.strip()