[Discuss] Changing focus from Realm to Duchy

[Tom Vogt]

Timothy Collett schrieb:
> Kerry Seifert made an excellent point: the realm-centric attitude is  
> instilled in new players from *before they even join their realm*!
>
> Now, what's the obvious way to change this?
>
> Don't make new players choose a realm to start in.  Make them choose  
> a *Duchy* to start in.  Obviously, it should be indicated to them  
> what realm the duchy is in, and something about the atmosphere there,  
> but if they're choosing a Duchy, not only will they have more say in  
> where they begin, they'll be thinking in terms of Duchies rather than  
> Realms right from the start.
>   

Good idea.

The main problem I see is that the sheer number of duchies on a larger 
island will be way too much for the average player.

But the realm choosing dialog is something that can be massively 
improved anyways.


So a quick question: How _does_ a new player (i.e. one who doesn't 
already have his mind made up) choose where to start playing? What 
information do we need to give him so he can choose?

I envison something like a short decision tree. Give him maybe 2 
dimensions how to choose. Say, size and location, or whatever else is 
important:


Pick one each:

[ ] North
[ ] East
[ ] South
[ ] West
[ ] Center

[ ] small
[ ] medium
[ ] large



And then give him the selection of duchies that fit, will usually be 
2-4, and have him pick one?