Joining a guild would be a good idea to get more information from experienced players. With persistent state many guilds will start recruiting in Haven and the cities.
Size is difficult to understand. Better way toi present this information is like: Crossing the world from east to west by foot takes about three hours. Same time from north to south.
The package was great when I bought it in December 2019 with 1 1/2 years MO1 subscription! Of cause the package doesn't make any sense today with the release (persistent state, but that's like release for me) of MO2 in a few weeks.
You don't need butcher application, but you will get more materials per stack as by skinning. And some materials are coming from the butcher table only.
You will need 100 points in the material lores for crafting! The reduced amount of points are only for the weapon/armor/shield/bow crafting skills. But they are not yet working for bows.
The profession argument doesn't count for me because StartVault could increase the primary skills in the profession area or change some primary skills to secondary to allow players to work on three or four professions. Two professions are available in the current system anyway.
Yes, this is planned but not working yet. I just tested bow crafting last weeks with 99 points and the bow loses values. But with the planned 70 points for max values I could add bow crafting to the professions with about 250 points: 4x 70 minus attribute bonus from int and dex. My character...
With the changes in the last years of MO1 a house owner doesn't need to place crafting tables and other stuff outside in front of the house. Chests and crafting tables can be placed inside and used with closed doors. The only often used buildings outside would be e.g. the stable, auction and...
Some useful information about the factions are given in Henrik_s twitch stream from Friday: You will need a very good reputation with the Tindremics to be allowed to enter the cathedral in Tindrem. Probably we will get the same system for special vendors or trainers from other factions.