Introducing Settlements (07/19/2011)

[Richard]

What about the settlements we already have like Aleport?

The empty areas like this just need quests so there's a purpose to venture there. Hopefully they add things in to make those areas come alive, even if it's just a bit more lore and a shop or two.

It seems weird that people would set up camps next to giant crystals in the middle of nowhere, when just up the road there are large settlements with housing and shelter.

Bit of realism would go a long way perhaps.

1) those areas are Hamlets - not settlements. They have a purpose, that purpose just isn't in the game yet.
2) There are camps at the crystals for a) local leves b) destination saving c) behest d) vendors and the "lore" behind the camps is so that monsters / beastmen don't over run the adventures that use said crystals.
3) Frontier Hubs are out in the wild to a) give players quests b) vendors c) possible chocobo rental d) a place to rest and the "lore" behind them is obvious in the description.