05-29-2009, 10:38 AM
I think the best approach is "sand box with toys." (and possibly really smart sand fleas). In other words, you can't throw players into an empty box of sand and expect them to start making awesome castles. I like the idea that if the players don't go start building interesting things, then the NPCS will. I like the idea that if you lock all players out of the game for a week, and then come back and log in, you'll see that the NPCs have done something more then just stand around.
"Hamilton is really a Colossus to the anti republican party. Without numbers he is an host within himself. They have got themselves into a defile where they might be finished but too much security on the republican part will give time to his talents and indefatigableness to extricate them. We have had only middling performances to oppose to him. In truth when he comes forward there is nobody but yourself who can meet him. His adversaries having begun the attack he has the advantage of answering them and remains unanswered himself. For God's sake take up your pen and give a fundamental reply to Curtius and Camillas" - Thomas Jefferson to James Madison