As I recall, the planting in specialy areas was to encourage trade between the cities, and as a side to encourage more RP. Has anyone seen this work, or is it just not working from the American/Canadian side. I never had any problem finding RP while planting/harvesting in Greenbriar, though I haven't tried in awhile but when there have always found someone to RP with. All I know is it is a lonely place to plant at the Grey during regular play times for Americans, and a long walk to Nordmark.
Opinions? Is the "specialty" areas working?
((also would this be related.. the specialty areas, to the seed bug?...just lost everything in bag ))
I find it interesting that the Grey Rose or Nordmark actually lets people farm their land free of fee or punishment. This makes market monopolies a minor travel inconvenience rather than a forced interaction, and doesn't really encourage anything. Down with monopolies, and up with pure seasonal planting!
I like the idea of specialty areas but the reality is that farming has become more tedious as a result. I never see clusters of characters planting in Greenbriar anymore. The only field requiring a wait is at the Grey Rose because it's the only convenient spot for onions and it's tiny.
Since the decline of activity in Greenbriar, farming is pure drudgery. I try to do it all at once and get it out of the way, usually when no one is online, because it's an obstacle to rp. Onions are especially difficult and time consuming because the field has to be planted repeatedly to yield any sort of crop.
Also, with the food system the way it is currently, onions are a vital crop. Every dish requires them. Could we have a larger field for planting them at least? Maybe if the Grey Rose had more fields, there would be more of a roleplay possibility there.