Living in an MMO

Paeroka pondered the question of, “If you could — or had to — live in an MMO world for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?” Rakuno came up with an answer of his own, as well.

I was curious, though, do we move into our new world as a civilian? Or as a hero of the world? And do we follow ‘real’ world rules, or do the game rules and the power they confer become the real rules? What about death and resurrection? So many questions!

Even so, I almost immediately came up with an answer. Dereth, the main continent of Asheron’s Call.

The people of Dereth have their problems, to be sure, but have also proven their ability to overcome them time and again. The Olthoi¹ are still present in the North but are well contained. Likewise with the Virindi² to the West.

In short, Dereth still has its issues to be sure. If we are the heroes of the piece with all the powers associated, then there is plenty of adventure to be found if we head out looking for it. But! If we are normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill civilians, then the towns are safe enough… Mostly.

Also! There is a super convenient network of portals linking the towns and certain other points of interest together. Travel would never be a problem!

However!

I don’t think this is my final answer. And in retrospect, it’s almost amusing how many fantasy-style MMOs I thought of before landing on my final answer. I think this is largely a function of how many more of them there are.

I haven’t played Star Trek Online essentially since it came out. I’m not sure how well it stands up today as a game even, although I am aware it does continually get updates in line with the TV content.

Despite little interest in it as a game — when it comes to a world to live in… This one. This one, for sure. Doesn’t matter whether a hero or civilian.

I don’t think I could be happy with a low-technology lifestyle. Although I suppose it is hard to say what one may adapt to when needs-must. Still, the chance to move into what is essentially a post-scarcity society? With the augmentations to life and technology that go along with it? Space travel???

Yep — that’s the world for me.

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This was posted during Blaugust 2022, the annual blogging event hosted by Belghast. Blaugust is an event aiming to welcome new blogger blood into the fold and revitalise those who’ve been at it a little longer.

The Blaugust Discord is still available to join in year-round!

1. A race of chitinous bug-like creatures with a Queen that once enslaved the people of the land.
2. Alien entities from the void, giving themselves physical form and once engaged in experimentation on the native creatures — and humans — of Dereth.