Not a bad shout, but half the reason im putting it up while its in this state is to judge if the pace is right :P.
Tho, it will need to be increased as cant expect people to sink 40 hours into getting level 30, on an Alpha server.
Was thinking of adding a NPC, that will set your level/give items ect and then letting everyone have a run about and explore (as there is loads to explore)
This will still achieve the same outcome as what i suggested lol.
You aren't going to gain a proper perspective of pace, no server can. People simply will not sink hours into an expected wipe. If you're going to do an NPC that levels you, then that will also negate the pace as you will just level above it, whilst also skipping a lot of the testing.
Players will simply go to the highest level everytime, which with the auto skills you have in place will have an easier time in the caves for that level as they will not have had to open up the skills properly, or gain the items.
As I always tell other people. There are some things quite simply untestable and are down to the server owner to get right or compensate for later on.
Leveling Exp/Quest Rewards/Drop rates....all of which are how you wish the server to progress. If you fk it up from your expectations, then you will need something to compensate. I would recommend low balling, as you can't "fairly" fix a rate too high for your liking as it will create an unfair advantage to those who have been playing from the start....and trust me, you will not be popular if you removed EXP they had earned lol, or items they had found fairly.
But...everyone can benefit from an all round exp/drop boost if you find it is too low.
Obviously listen to the feedback to a certain extent....but primarily this should be in your control, not the players.
On a side note.
Change the @town command to teleport you t your latest SZ...not create a TownTeleport lol....it's minor but very tedious :P