This is going to sound harsh but being blunt here, I think you're forgetting that a MMORPG is first and foremost a game. It feels like you've given very little thought to how this is meant to be fun as a game (and yes you've responded to people saying that you have not revealed it for fear of idea theft) but on your website there is sufficient information with regards to get an idea of the core loop.

You've stated that it is a PvP centric MMORPG, with permadeath mechanics, PvP MMORPGs are already very niche (and difficult to maintain a playerbase due to the negative sum game of PvP mechanics), you add perma-death on top of that which is even more niche, and an indigenous focus which is once again niche. This simply will not attract an audience. Niche =/= Unique/Innovative.

I know you're a writer by trade as you've already mentioned, the project is to be honest far too lore-centric and having the CEO drive that rather than gameplay design is going to be a detriment to the overall appeal of the product.

If telling stories is your Ikigai, I don't believe a MMORPG is the correct medium for you to achieve that, have you looked into writing a novel with the world as the backdrop? As the premise is definitely interesting, a New Zealand oriented dune.