I see no objections or proposals in relation to the concept of mining. I will now introduce an another concept which concerns a modification of User interface.

***

User Interface modification


In order to provide a more realistic experience and challenge, the following changes in User Interface are planned:

A. Removed functions
The following set of functions are planned to be removed entirely and therefore made unaccessible:
- Achievements,
- Dungeon Journal,
- Calendar,
- Guild Finder,
- Group Finder,
- Map,
- Titles (Character info tab),
- Quest Log.

B. Functions available only at exceptional situations
Functions falling into this category will be made accessible to the players only under certain conditions during gameplay, for instance: spiritualist will be able to sense nearby spirits - the minimap will be made available and locations of the spirits will be indicated on the minimap. Functions concerned are:
- Minimap.

C. Functions expecting reconceptualization
From current developers' perspective a following functions are, in some of their aspects, deemed as incompatible with the general idea of the project and therefore are still being under projection:
- Chat (Socials),
- Raid (Socials),
- Reputation (Character info tab),
- Who (Socials).

***

In addition to the presented ideas I would like to inform you about our progress.

The continent of Kalimdor will possibly in few days correspond its shape as it has been conceptualized in the previously published materials - ground has been added or removed at neccessary areas and coastline is being shaped while the terrain has been prepared for the changes in elevation as designed.

The work upon the eastern continents is currently being primarily focused on northern Lordaeron.

I am looking forward to your positive or constructive ideas and remain with kind regards.

I think the project is far too large for you to do. It looks okay and all I guess but, just far too large a project.

Simple as that.

I welcome everyone in joining the cause.

Greetings again,

I present a proposed terrain elevation in Kalimdor (please, see the attachment). New content also appears in the initial message of this thread.

I am looking forward to your kind reactions.

You have to ask...

I am aware of this conditions. I will work on compilation and a more detailed description of the changes to allow a more exact analysis of the concept.

I understand and also feel sorry for that. I have already reduced the concept onto Model 2 of the World (in one of the previous messages declared that on Model 3, but I will make a correction in the text), which still contains the concept of changing the character of numerous settlements (Goldshire, for example).

Initially I intended to find someone who already has an established server, as my computer will probably not be able to maintain the server. But now it seems to me that I will at least establish a offline server to perform some work. But the most I could ever do was to use in-game commands as a Game Master. I have also looked into a database but was not able to apply changes.

Speaking of which...

Indeed, many settlements can be improved. As I have mentioned higher, even Goldshire is concerned. The houses on the pictures you have provided looks good - is it able to use them even if they are from the old version of the game?

I do not see into this area...

... and I share your interest. And I believe it will be done.

Well, what can I say...

     Regarding the hunger and thirst system: the main reasons (which I believe correlate with each other) why I would like to implement this system, are following:
     a) Actual experience and association: Making eating and drinking working on more realistic basis enables game to induce an actual experience, through which a Player can trully associate such action with the nature of consumption - an action performed few times a day to keep us fit and ensure regeneration for certain (longer than 20 seconds) time.
     b) In-game role: As being an unique activity with a more extensive content (as it can be situated in different contexts: searching for food, hunting for food, trading food, buying food, begging for food or going to eat and drink together with companions), eating and drinking creates a new and profound possibilies for players to experience in game. In relation to the eating process, a state of being fed can be stacking, with a less saturating food  providing a beneficial effect for shorter duration (example: eating a mouse and eating a boar's leg). Also the time required to consume a bigger food might actually be longer (consumed by stacks [in parts {a mouse can be eaten at once, while boar's leg might require a repeated action}]), therefore providing a space for social events during such a procedure (sitting at campfire or in a tavern), creating an another possibilities for encounters, even a hostile in nature.
     c) Enhancement of gaming experience from combat: By not being able to recieve an immediate regeneration benefits from feeding and drinking as in original World of Warcraft, the frequency of players' engagement in combat might be reduced, thus not making combat a routine. This should increase an actual gaming experience from combat by making it more unique, valuable and respected - as an aspect of game-life which will be regarded, between players, as a true challenge, and does not require players to reduce this experience on raids or arenas to reach that level of experience. This is something, I believe, what actually players seek - going to raids and other locations (searching for situations) which are more demanding, risking and challenging in general. This new concept can be understood as an actual harassment and obstacle in the sense that it might limit players from combat, but it is percieved so only because the element of combat currently lacks significance and therefore requirements and expectations on it are low - as it has become a rutine, and not a serious aspect of a game. I believe this is the one of the lacking or under-estimated elements that might bring some of those desired end-game or other challenging situations to the every-day of gaming life. But it will not end there, as it will actually make the whole World more challenging and difficult to fight through. I do not believe that Player should kill 50 boars, 10 dragons, a whole cave of Ogres and in sum does so on two continents in one day in order to be satisfied. I believe that it is not a number but a quality of combat-related situations which make it interesting.

     In addition to the concept of eating and drinking: If the effect of eating and drinking lasts for 6 hours, the possible time- and resource-consuming requirements are low, for to find a water source or catch a snake or kill a boar in the hills might not be difficult. The effect of eating and drinking should be active (running out) even while being logged-out, while the Hunger and Thirst should be effective only while being logged-in.
     If being effective at the same time (the Character is both hungry and thirsty), it might require 24 hours for Hunger and Thirst to drain all of the Character's Energy, while eating and drinking can, if effective concurrently, regenerate Energy from zero-point to full in 10 minutes.
     Additionally, concerning the water sources, I would wish that all freshwater sources be a locations where a Character can use a drinking ability. And if Player would have a proper container, he can use it in such a locations to fill it with the water for storage.

     Concerning this important "macro perspective" of singleplayer and multiplayer aspects of the game, the World will be challenging and therefore commonly require a joint action. But this new game system is meant to be constructed (with the integration of different gaming mechanics [difficulty to learn a powerful spell incribed only on a stone tablet somewhere in distant land or teachable only after longer study]) to actually allow players to become unique and extremely potent. A sorcerer can become such powerful to destroy a dragon or group of Ogres alone, or overpower other sorcerers. So singleplayer experience is indeed present, but both it and the multiplayer aspect are emphasized, with the latter being more about the social aspect than of a necessity for individual progress and success in the World, though it might prove helpful even in this way. Any Character can, by the new creature strength system and world interaction, become a unique individual and possibly a hero and legend.
   
     Regarding the end-game concept: Original game's end-game concept is defined by actions related to the level cap - all activities are determined by the uniform concept of a level progression. As there will not be a leveling system in this World, the game will not have a common end-game points for all Players and therefore have similar during- and end-game activities for all Players, as the mechanics should provide a particularity.
     Some players, looking for a blacksmithing experience, might focus only on blacksmithing. And this skill (with a more dangerous and therefore challenging World), as each other, can be mastered only by those, who work on it deeply. Existing non-playable character blacksmiths can be replaced by Player charaters, who can petition a proper authority for permission to establish a blacksmith within a location of its influnce (or do so on own risk) or establish a blacksmith in a secluded area. Other Players can seek them for new armaments or reparation of the actual ones (during their absence a common blacksmith can be always present or respawned [called to service, or already serving at the Player's forge]). Others, wanting to became mages, will study books to learn how to cast spells (the book might contain reagents, locations and pre-requisites) or might learn it alone – but this might be a more difficult process. A hunter can become a lone person living in the wild or protecting borders and as the new Strength system permits, few arrows from a novice archer would be enought even for an "originally-considered 60 level" uncareful mage looking for mysteries in the dangerous far places of the World.
     In this sense, the end-game for mage will be the mastering of a mage-craft, by trying to learn the most powerful spells, or after reaching it, to protect his mysteries from the intrusion of others, therefore seeking a solitary place where to work alone, or teach others and establish a mage-guild. Even a mage can re-orient on combat skills or blacksmiting, but this, in process, might decrease his potency of his already attained skills. Or someone can become a good fisherman, knowing a proper season, period and location.

     I have seen your work and it looks indeed impressive. I did not know that the modding community is on such a level to be able to create its own original materials in such an extent, as from my humble perspective of a person not skilled in modding, your dungeon environment appears to me as an independent object and I do not know a lot of persons doing this kind of original work by creating a whole new environment. And yes, your contribution is welcome and valued.

     I share your idea of differetiation of the World by its eventual particulation. It is one of the ideas I consider vital for creation of a unique environment to enable a more extensive gaming experience. I would indeed like to see this aspect incorporated. I can relate this even to the concept of fishing mentioned above, as some fish might appear only in particular season and place or under certain conditions (special food/lure required). So should be even with the haunted areas you have mentioned, with skeletons and ghost appearing in the given location. And your pointing out of a required attention for the real world day cycles is well noted – this is a matter which might, in particular cases, require an individual approach.
     And as Razorfen Downs have been mentioned, I would like to use this opportunity in different context and to inform that those should be situated at the current location of Crossroads, as seen in Warcraft III, and will not be an instanced area, as any other location in the World.

     I thank you again, sshroud, for your constructive and vital contribution to the matter. I believe it is an another step forward towards the realisation of the whole idea.

"That's the project of my dreams..."

Greetings, spik96,

I thank also you for your contribution to the topic. I see that you align yourself with the general idea - you are more than welcome here.

I admit that the actual methodics with exact steps has not been chosen yet. It is why I have also intended to present it to you for opinions and reviews for potential additional ideas and means of realisation. As you have possibly noticed, I am upgrading my initial post (in its footing is a time and reason of the update) with the ongoing discussion and responding according to the queries, as many of my ideas may not come to my mind in the given moment and it may take a longer to time to present a whole concept, while some details may not be neccessary to present here and can be solved afterwards, thus saving time for efective discussion.

Also, I am considering playability of each idea from perspective of a player (as I was only a player), thus I am working only with the phenomenal side of gaming mechanics and am not familiar with their actual technical character and workings. This is why I also submit this matter here to a critique from those of you who are skilled and knowledgable in technical side of gaming mechanics, as it can be seen from the contribution of the respectable Amaroth, who has provided an insight exactly from this perspective.

Regarding the merit of your kind entry:

1. Playable races

1.1 The Night Elves
I would like to keep the Night Elves playable. The reasons are as following:
a) Their role is already well established in Warcraft III.
b) Their society and setting provides an unique, exclusive and important experience.
c) In relation the role and importance mentioned in the previous points, the whole situation of Northen Kalimdor creates a conditions for specific kind of gameplay.
d) They have, at least, my favor.
e) Also, if the "Monolith" (When Creeps Attack) idea will be incorporated, I would like to provide an experience which may be taken more personally from the position of a Night Elf. This will also be one of the major topics for Night Elves.

1.2 Undead
I express my identification with your proposition, however, with the following positions for consideration:
a) Undead Scourge, probably, shall not be a playable faction. However, I have also considered this point in the mentioned Death system, which may actually allow the player (as a Ghost)  to be risen by the powers of the Scourge and possibly join them (The Character Ghost will not have Life, only Energy. Its Energy diminishes if moving away from its corpse [Ghost starts at the corpse], and replenish while at the corpse. It can, also, increase or replenish its Energy by using unique abilities on other Ghosts [players or non-playable charactes, or even on living beings] and draining their Energy or relocating to the other sources which radiate Energy. With more Energy, the more abilities are accesible to the Ghost, some of which allow interaction with the Material world [dealing damage to the living Characters, appearing as a visible Ghost for a period of time and other]. In relation to the Undead Scourge, the player can be found to be dead by the Lich King [in that case a Game Master controlling the Lich King {and possibly the Scourge operations}], or other necromancers and offered Enegy or revival in exchange for servitude.).
b) The Forsaken can be a playable faction, but their role and position will be minor to the one they hold in original game. They will be alone and fighting a desperate and rebelant battle for survival in the ruins of the former Kingdom of Lordaeron.

2. Relations
Neutrality between the Horde and former Human Expedition forces should exist. The same applies in their relations with the Night Elves. The Undead Scourge and the Forsaken will be hostile to each other and any other faction. Inhabitants living in Lordaeron, Khaz'Modan and Azeroth will be unaware of the situation in Kalimdor (except of those who have had an encounter with the Night Elves on their hunt for Illidan). In relation to this there will be no Night Elves', new Horde's, or Theramore forces' presence on the eastern continents.

3. World Editing
I understand, but even that is not within my capacity to perform and yes - if there will be any work done, I would like it to be secure for the developement and use of others.

Well Martinus, I can only wish you to make as many dreams real as possible. In the end, you just need to love what you are working on and to not forget why are you doing that. Like I said, there are still plenty of both good and possible to be made ideas, you will see how succesful you will be. I'm looking forward for updates, once again, good luck.

I thank you again, Amaroth,

even if not all ideas will be incorporated - especially those complex ones - some vital for lore re-habilitation can be included. I can conceptually divide the idea into three models, if considering the possibilities for execution:

1. Model: the most demanding, with the World created larger and most systems incorporated.
2. Model: more demanding, with only World re-shaped and some systems incorporated.
3. Model: The World remains nearly untouched, with just minor terrain and object changes, only few story related quests will be changed and NPCs relocated, removed or added)

In that 3. Model of the World, those minor changes can touch, for instance, the following:
a) NPCs at Tidus Stair (The Barrens) will be removed and replaced by Samuro, the Orc Blademaster.
b) Raptors and Lions in the Barrens will be removed and replaced respectively by Wildkin (Moonkin/Owlkin/Owlbear creatures). Also the Raptor Grounds to the west from Northwatch Hold will represent a place, where Samuro fought with Bloodbeak, thus serving as a Wildkin nesting place.
c) Thunder Lizards will be green.
d) Valley of Trials may better serve as Thunder Ridge than the actual Thunder Ridge, wich can be a place where a Kobold, Nogrinn Onetooth was.
e) Skull Rock can be Orgrimmar Tunnels, with Kobolds and the Horde mining and dredging operations.
f) The place where Rexxar battled warlocks can be to the south from the Skull Rock, on the solitary and unpopulated mountain with cliffs and rocks.
g) Tiragarde Keep should be transformed to a more simple establishment, resmebling the one seen in the mission "To Tame a Land". The Humans there, however, will be only loading the remains and preparing to depart from Durotar to Theramore.
h) Dustwind Cave above Razor Hill can be The Beast Den, where Rexxar fought Quilboars and Satyrs. Now, it can serve as a place where the last surviving Satyr of the mentioned sect resides and reanimated the Quilboars. The Satyr can be Bazzalan and undead Quilboars can be used from Razorfen Downs.
h) Murlocs can live in Southfury River.
h) Echo Isles will have creatures like Bats, Hydras, Murlocs (enslaved by the evil Mur'gul Tyrant). Hydra, Sea Giant, Spider Crab Behemoth can be like a minor world bosses there. This part is meant to be a reference to the Echo Isles in Warcraft III. Aditionally, there will be no rebelious Trolls. The destroyed village on Echo Isles (pre-Pandaria) is the one destroyed by Admiral Proudmoore's fleet. The one, which originally contains Zalazane, will be a normal Troll settlement with Vol'jin.
i) Furbolgs will be better defined by color: White Furbolgs will be the Polar ones, living in Northrend in Warcraft III. Brown Furbolgs will live in most of Northern Kalimdor, while the Black Furbolgs will live in Darkshore.
j) Dark Trolls should be incorporated.
k) Nighthaven will be a Night Elf capital.
l) Black Dragonflight, which can be encountered through out the Central Kalimdor, will be based in Maraudon, and might be a source behind the Centaur aggresive nature.
m) And more.

Indeed, I will upload the content and also be looking forward to your opinions.

Well met

I see. I would suggest that you begin learning then. You can always start with Steff's Noggit Tutorial series http://modcraft.io/viewforum.php?f=78 and get familiar with world building. Modding involves many different aspects.

I suggest that you begin working on the project yourself and then others might be interested in perhaps joining it and contributing further to it, after seeing that work has been put into it already!

If you have questions about stuff just ask and someone will point you in the right direction. Good luck!

I thank you for your kind suggestion and wishes.

As I have mentioned, I do not have capacities to do such a thing. I have intended to present the idea to the interest of others and to see reactions on it and, if possible, to establish a team which will work on it.