Perhaps one of the things that got me most excited about this game was the possibility for this idea to be implemented. It would take some work, but if the option is given, I think it will help E:WoM take off to a whole new level. I understand that the changes needed for this likely exceed what your team is likely willing to do, but I truly believe it would pay off because if it is not done for this game that is already on the front step of the concept, it will be done by another. Feel free to PM or reply with any questions or good/bad comments. It'll be much more likely to succeed if fleshed out better.
1. Allow a multiplayer option for a persistent server of some sort. This will allow a group of players to come and go into the world/server when they can and interact with each other while there. Think of it as similar to the NWN persistent worlds that still exist today.
2. Enable the player to select which of the 5 areas of research to focus in for their character at creation. The idea behind this is to perhaps have characters that are best suited for certain things. Hopefully this will almost inspire classes or occupations such as city administrators, adventurers, armorers, etc.
3. Provide a way for characters/players to be apart of the same faction as others as well as an avenue to change factions in game. This is fairly self-explanatory. Ideally, this would allow players to start out allied together with the option to change sides if desired.
Summary/Example:
Under these options, a persistent server can be built and run by player(s) with perhaps some cities/factions already in place. As players create their characters and join in to play, they can actually play the role of some citizen within the world. An adventurer could offer services of protection and exploration, an administrator could assist in seeing to the production/distribution of supplies and food, a channeler could provide arcane research, merchants could barter back and forth between cities, and diplomats could work on relations between cities/factions. The mixture and inovations could almost be endless, just like PW's from NWN, but on a much greater and more flexible platform. Word will spread of a game in which the stories can be told by the players and thus the game that can be played for years. Epic sounding, I know, but some of the best selling ones have been ones in which there is some way to make the game interesting year after year.
