[Verbannon]

Some of your requirements look to actually be a bit contradictory. But Shadowgate may be a good fit for you. Its Roleplay Intensive.

1. Yes its extremely open to Newbies. Not only is there a large and fully developed newbie only area . But Newbies tend to find themselves as the rope in a tug of war as playres compete for their affections.

2. It does not have 'ongoing challenges' beyond exploration. Though there are usually world events that last for a few months but players tend to be more divided between factions (Mostly the temples) and your basic good vs evil. As well as lawful vs chaotic.

3. There is a craft system. Alchemy, scrolls, equipment and it has recently gained a great importance.

4. It is not level-less however it only has about thirty relevant levels and most people hit max despite the RP requirements and level caps in a few months of play. So they don't tend to be a huge deal. They mostly are there to represent initial training and retraining. Which you are expected to RP out.

5. There is a special Line for ooc but it can be turned off and most people do. Other then that ooc conversation is forbidden unless necessary.

6. Not sure what that means. Events are designed to facilitate character development more then anything.

7. They don't.

8. Its D&D Forgotten Realms.

9. There isn't.