On the topic of contests, I think it would be really neat to have a screenshot contest as well, screenshots that could be used on the login page after every contest! Along with art contests to decorate the forums maybe?
As well as that, I would honestly love to have an art contest for art for the splash screens. I really missed the art before the update on the splash screens, so maybe a few contests to get some new art for them?
Another idea that I have mentioned but will put here to get some more thought, a sign on the forums and login page that shows the server status, Online or Offline. This way, if the server goes down, the signs can be changed to prevent an influx of the same help posts over an issue that is already been heard of.
And now for my big ideas: Map ideas. I had the idea to spice up The Grounds and make it a bit more interesting for people. How about actually combining it with the old Bonfire? It wouldn't be Bonfire of course, but it would have an area that takes after old Bonfire and probably bring back its old charm. As well as that, I think it would be a great idea to combine old Florite with present day Kiwimbi, as that's more or less our Savannah map.
Just some ideas from me. All of Deuc's ideas are spectacular as well and I would love to see them implemented!
Going off of Deucaliorn's first suggestion, I agree, and personally have always wanted more biomes in the game. It would help promote different themed RPs, such as desert animal themed RPs, Jungle themed RPs, and so forth with other biomes. We've got our grassy planes, Icy and normal mountains, beaches and islands, so why not more? That is, if you staff aren't already brainstorming and creating more as we speak. | Edit: aanndd there you have it, from the mouth of Kiki. They have more comin'!
For the action chat, I want to believe that's something to do with the source code that wasn't finished and was still being worked on after the game's release. That's only an assumption however!
With the item list mod, I would agree with using it in the download if the creator agrees to it being put into the game download for future use, permanently. I say permanently due to the fact that there are going to be various updates in the future, thus having to redownload FH over and over through time. So, why would one version of the installer have the mod, but others don't posses the mod? Also keep in mind that the game comes with only a small amount of items to choose from at default as of right now, so there really wouldn't be much of a use for it at the time for those who don't know how to download items, or simply don't want to. I actually don't use it myself, haha. I just haven't had the drive to try it out, nor am I honestly really interested in using it. But if it means it will help other players and the game as a whole, then I say go right for putting it into the game, per the creator's permission!
Going for one of Az's suggestions now; the "adding a bit of the old Bonfire to The Grounds to give it it's old charm" and so forth with Fluorite and Kiwimbi. As much as I would like to see the old maps flourish again, those days are gone now. But they will always live on in our memories. FeralHeart is constantly moving forward, and so is it's players. Us oldies, me not particularly being one myself, but the ones before the update that changed it all, will sometime, eventually, move on from this place. We're all growing and moving. Even though very few might, by a slight chance, stay here for as long as they live, chances are, there aren't going to be any other old players around to remember the old days. New players are coming in almost every day, and with that, old timers taking their leave. I personally believe FeralHeart needs to keep looking forward, and thank the past for it's glorious start. However, if it means just giving it a little bit of the feel of the old maps, and not actually combining them, then go for it.
Since many other people are already making really good points, and are already feeding more ideas and things I just feel is pointless to repeat. But, I thought I'd slide in and say I couldn't agree more on the whole 'biome' idea. The idea of biomes is what sparked my idea for the map pack I've been trying to get round to making posted here. (https://feral-heart.com/smf/index.php?topic=64592.msg886849#msg886849) I feel like this kind of world would do FH wonders. It's more open, it's less boxed in, and I feel people prefer when maps aren't connected by walls but rather by water, like our beloved old loved maps. I feel like bringing nostalgia back from the old maps to the new ones while also being fresh would be great too, like implementing the stone bridge into a map where the majority of the social activity happens, which is currently The Grounds.
I agree, we definitely need more maps in Feralheart, it would add a lot more to the game and give players way more areas to role play in and explore. The more diverse the maps the better, Kibou ridge was a great addition to fh especially sense we no longer had a winter map in the game, not sense the south pole that is. + We have so many talented and creative map makers in this community that would be willing to make amazing maps for the game.
A monthly newspaper also sounds like a lovely idea, I would love to see something like that in the future. i really hope some of your ideas get discussed by the staff team~♥