New World Map Questionaire, was Re: [CF-Devel] Suggestion.

[Mark Wedel]

 Since there seems to be no clear opinion just from mail what approach should be
taken, here is a questionaire.  Note that some questions are applicable no
matter what main approach is taken.  To prevent to much unneccessary traffic
that is not likely meaningful, please respond directly to me.  I'll tally the
results probably sometime Wednesday evening (which is -8 GMT for me).  Note that
some questions are more relevant than others - I just figured that if I'm
putting this out, might as well get some additional input.

 Please try to keep the response short (eg, don't write 'well, if it was done
this way, and if that was done, and ... I'd go for X, but if .. and .., I'd go
for Y'). 

1) How should the world map be generated.  Choices:
a) completely by hand.  Except for the editor, no computer aids really used.
b) computer base design, but extensive hand additions/customizations.
c) completely computerized, allow each server to have a unique map.

2) How large should the world map be (please just specify size in spaces). 
Current world map is roughly 110 x 100:

3) How dynamic should the outdoor map be, eg, effects from both players and
weather.  Choices:
a) very dynamic - depending on weather patterns and spells players cast, forests
show grow/die, grass turn to desert, etc.
b) slightly dynamic - the terrain itself will not change, but special plants may
grow given the right conditions/spells, and there may be effects on creature
production in the wilderness.  Trails may form and decompose based on where
players travels.
c) not at all - player dropping equipment would really be the only way for any
change to happen on the world.

4) How cohesive should the world be:
a) Very.  Everything should be on the main world map and be relative to each
other, but boats/dragon transports would still be shortcuts to reach some of
them.
b) somewhat - maps that work much better seperated out (due to npc's or style of
the map) can remain so, but an effort should be made to bring most of the maps
onto the main continent.
c) not really - people can toss stuff wherever, including making their own mini
continents.

5) Thoughts on more than one continent (note that the main continent will like
have islands around it).  Second continent here would be another big body of
roughly the same size of the first (eg, answer to #2)
a) Why bother - everything should fit on the main one with space to spare.
b) Given a good reason (eg, different culture/style/terrain, or current
continent starting to get filled up), sure. 
c) never - we should really try to make sure this one continent will cover
everything we need.