Dungeons And Dragons Online: DDO News: Instances and Zoning

In a somewhat broad-topic post, Xundau drops a few tidbits. For instance, WASD was the primary key setup until recently, when they added a few more traditional systems, and:

As far as zones go, Kale is correct in that you will definitely be zoning when you leave for an adventure, since all adventures are instanced. Stormreach is also divided into separate zones/wards, each with its own distinct flavor or feel. Although there's no wide-open outdoor landmass, there are outdoor areas outside of the city -- these are instanced adventure zones, however, not public areas.

Does this mean the minute you take on an adventure, the city becomes "yours"? Could make for some interesting adventures, for sure. Post is here.

A second post, under a different thread, clarifies what instances are used for a bit more:

...our generic term for an instanced zone is "dungeon," but an instanced zone can in fact be a wilderness area, a city area, a graveyard, the interior or a building, on board a ship, or just about anything or anywhere else. Of course, many of our instanced areas are in fact good old-fashioned dungeons, but a lot of them represent other environments as well.

Mmm, sounds like a lot of potential there. Can't wait to see it in action. You better check the post before I break the giddy barrier.