-You are not obligated, it's no requirement at all, to do the side stuff. In fact, I play test the game with just the runes you find along the way. All grinding is optional and completely skippable.
-I like grinding. When I play games like dragon age origins, I love to feel overpowered after doing all side stuff. Which will happen here in SC too. Since I balance the game with just the runes and none of the other bonuses.
-I have a vision for this game. And adapting gameplay to the way of life is an awesome way to develop a game imo. Aeolos is a hunter, so he gains health by eating better. He hunts and fishes and sleep well to keep max performance.
-The old system was one hell to balance. Now, it does make sense that you are collecting more power towards runes, even to a lore view. You are a trained hunter, you are at the apex of your body, you trained your entire life. You won't get much better than that. What you can improve is your heath and your magical weapons/armor.
-The pickaxe at 50 is fair, imo. Because it gives you access to a lot of good stuff, such as stones you can sell and Flint Rocks. The game will become too easy at first if the pickaxe was cheaper. I love when, like Elder Scrolls for example, you start with nothing and by sheer will, you make something out of yourself in that world. People who are just looking for hentai will be disappointed, ofc
