I'm really enjoying the new setting, and would like to thank the DM team for the massive infusion of time and energy into the project.
Yesterday I realized what I really like the best about it. Wandering around (during the day) and exploring the setting on my own without having to fight, 17 beetles, 3 Cave Prowlers, 2 Umber Hulks, an ogre Bandit, 3 phase spiders, 2 kobold healers and a partridge in a pear tree.
I really like not having to deal with silly spawns, so that I can enjoy and appreciate the experience of exploring. In the Underdark, almost any exploring meant risking expensive and possibly fatal fights that almost never give you any significant gains in XP or rewards. I know that some enjoyed that feeling of danger and excitement, but from a practical (maybe OOC) perspective, exploring the Underdark with a non-stealther wasn't that enjoyable.
And maybe its the outdoors/daytime setting is just more cheerful. Last night, my lowbie fighter was walking around the docks area, and was able to go down into a little cove, and out on an unusual jetty of eroded rocks with what would be an awesome view.
For me, it's just more enjoyable to walk around and explore the creation of the DMs in this setting - and I want to thank them for the experience.
Thanks DM team.
Gwydion
PS - I'm not sucking up, but if a suit of plate mail falls from the sky when my character is walking around and whistling, I'll know the message is received. :D
[Plasters a "Mug me" sign to Gwydion's back]
Why you gotta piss on my parade?
:(
I do have to disagree with your "Exploring gave no XP" comment. In the UD almost every area gave a substantial amount of XP ranging from 25 - 500? That is a pretty big incentive to explore. Efu: A only a few areas give XP and it isn't that large.
That's true Relinquish. I forgot about those nice XP awards in the Underdark.
I still like the spawn free areas. Personal thing I guess. Even getting mugged would entail some RP, which is highly preferable to having an ogre bandit spawn and kick your tail.
That made the Underdark seem more dangerous, but I like it this way better.
I do also enjoy the more handleable spawns, though there are some rather nasty things out there as well!
A mix is key. Some areas are for vacations, others are for adventure. I will say though, the server is beautyful. Kudos to the DM's once again, for breathing life into ones and zeros.
Yeah... about that "Vacation areas..." thinger... don't go out alone with eight hp. BAD idea. *shakes his head* You will be eated.
Am I the only one who actually preferred how depressing and dangerous the Underdark was? =O I wish that outside of quests, the island was MORE of a threat to its occupants.
From what I've seen, the monsters of the Isle are just as dangerous as the dangers of the Underdark, minus Traensyr, Ysinode, or Chabzash.
And perhaps there are still some places where you can encounter the Drow. ;)
I love the new setting and the beautiful places. Like from a very good movie.
That said I don't think it's that much less dangerous. There's the terrible tigers and the devastating deep lizard's cousin and so on... savage spiders, horrible halflings, overwhelming oozes, terrifying trolls - I think it's just as dangerous as it used to be, and maybe even more so at night in the Nightriser places.
I love it.
I do enjoy the new setting...but it is lacking a certain fleshed out feel when you wander about the server (from my experience only). In that I mean, there doesn't (again, only from my perspective, I could be wrong and simply am going to the wrong places) seem to be a lot of cool places to go, with interesting and intriguing people/things to talk about/visit.
I also get the same feeling when looking around for areas PC's might congregate and 'hang out', or simply socialize. These kind of locations seem to be a little lacking....I'm thinking/hoping that these small issues will solve themselves as the setting matures, and DM/PC factions flesh out much of the perceived 'empty space'.
Kudos to the world builders, it does look beautiful.