The Death Realm Could use Some Improvement.
I think the Death Realm would be less off-putting to players if one could be more productive while there. Having things to do there might help to encourage longer stays and would at least give people a reason to park their characters there. More role playing props and space to move around would be an improvement.
My point of view is from both a role playing perspective and a gaming perspective. It is my opinion that the death realm as it currently is, does little to promote either area of interest. Rather than just complaining about it, I would like to point out the problems that I see and provide what I think are possible constructive solutions.
What is good about it.
I like the dark and gritty feel that it has. It is a terrific place for dark, nasty RP that might not look right against a bright, sunny backdrop. Also, from a training/grinding perspective, you can die and come back immediately without penalty. Settings wise, there is a good bit of mystery to the death realm if you read the books. Visually, there are things that leave you wondering - like the huge skeleton and the citadel. This is great, visually.
What it lacks.
It feels barren and desolate. I get the death and loneliness angle, but I think the emptiness is off putting rather than haunting. Also, it does not look like there is room for habitation. Where do the people who live there stay? Why is there no evidence of this?
From a gaming perspective, it lacks things to do. You can train down there to a very limited degree, but once you run out of resources ( mana, potions, whatever ), you need to return to the upper level to get these things.
Also as far as space and mobility goes, it feels like you are on a long, winding track rather than on a plane. In many areas, you can only got forward and backward. It lacks width if that makes any sense. If feels like you are on a track or a roller coaster for the most part.
Things that I think would make it better:
To make permanent or long term stays in the DR plausible:
* A way to quickly replenish mana and hit points.
* More mobs to train against. ( diverse mobs with a full spectrum of difficulty)
* A place to craft and a source of resources
To make role play more interesting:
* Places to hide
* Jails and cages
* Usable devices for torture and restraint.
* Devices or places designed for rituals, sacrifices, and so on
* Kitchens with meat grinders and other morbid devices.
* Perhaps some way of communicating with those above - some sort of magical device for contacting the living and dead ( perhaps at the cost of one's health or something )
Just food for thought.
