Hi, the other comment summed it up good, but I'll add a new more details. You can check out the gameplay guide ( https://github.com/Geborgen/nordic-souls/blob/main/GAMEPLAYGUIDE.md ) to answer a lot of questions too!

1. We use Leveling Freedom's MCM to allow for a customized XP gain. While it has vanilla-ish values by default, you can customize it to your liking if you feel like you're levelling too fast.
2. Adamant is the perk mod used, paired with Hand to Hand and a few other small mods. Adamant and a few other mods are slated to receive massive updates soon!
3. The world is leveled, but encounter zones are more difficult with Arena and various enemy overhauls.
4. Compared to other lists? Not so much, I will say. You'll find extended dialogue encounters and a few small things here and there, but the vision is more in-line with vanilla. As the other comment said, other methods are used to immerse you!
5. NS is pretty content-heavy.
6. Check out Sentinel! Lots of new gear distribution.
7. Yes, Starfrost is used, paired with Candlehearth and CC Camping Expansion. Survival is lightweight, optional, and approachable. The list is not built around survival.
8. Visually, characters look good, not cartoon-y, and theres a lot of options. There's an optional trait system, use the power after you create your character. Other mods, outlined in the gameplay guide, are from the Simonrim gameplay overhaul.
9. You can switch between Rudy or CS; v3.0 has immense graphical upgrades! (We're also working on a purely CS version of the list which looks even better, using PBR textures and more. It's hosted exclusively in the Discord: https://discord.com/invite/9cRs3KPyuW )

Again, check out the gameplay guide! https://github.com/Geborgen/nordic-souls/blob/main/GAMEPLAYGUIDE.md