Lusewing wrote:It is more then possable to build great defences and provide yourself with as much security as a town, it just takes a lot of work.
Other benafits are gaining friends, sharing the work load, trading exess produce to others in the village and just having fun. This is after all an MMO and you can miss a whole side of the game simply by farmvilling (I would say Harvist moon or rune factory would be more aplicable but less people know of them). Traveling with a group of people is also much safer then on your own if you want to make a hunting venture into the darkness - or even just to forage.
To build great defenses indeed. The key word is defense. You can defend your claim efficiently even when alone but no matter what you do if there are 5-6 people outside your walls there is no way you can win. You may not lose but you'll never win because if you get outside your walls to take the fight to them you'll get ganked and killed. Having friends to play with allows to defend your town by bringing 5 more people with you when you really need to keep those pesky raiders at bay. IF one of you is killed you can follow the scents and bring sweet justice.
Even if you are a peaceful player, I know I am, and if you are a dedicated player who tries to make a name for yourself you'll eventually end up with enemies. Better have some allies then.
But what about negative point in joining a town?
It's risky. You might fall prey to some ill intended persons wishing only harm to you. Often people see the risk of welcoming new players in a town but I also see the risk for the people joining. It's all about trust and getting to know one another. But in the end it's worth it.
It's perhaps not as personally rewarding. Or so it seems. You might earn as much silver because you feel compel to give that rare item you just found to your neighbor who is looking for one. But it's all about giving and receiving. If you give you'll receive.
It's a commitment. If you join a town you are less likely to stop playing altogether because you'll feel the need to stay and help your comrades. If you are an addict like me it might play some tricks on your personal life

In the end, if you want to experience the true nature of Salem you need to live in a town. It's a political game, you need to live with other people and get to know them. But it's also your choice. If all you want to do is stay in your claim and farm, feel free to do so.
Hope that helps,
Tynendir Endeniel.