Casperjames 0 Light Poster

So here's the scenario guys. I am currently developing a php MUD. There is a specific section where I want the content to load one letter at a time much like someone on the other end of the interwebs is typing it out to the user. (I'm sure you've all seen this in other games.)

What is the best technology to use here? I wouldn't think javascript is the way to go but maybe someone has a clever way of accomplishing this. I can't do it in php as it is a server side language. Perhaps Ajax? or maybe JQuery? Just looking for someone here to point me in the right direction.

Thanks!