Realm or not as a new hermit?

[TerraSleet]

I recently got back into the game again and I'm learning all the new mechanics, including realms. I'm aware of all the pros and cons of realms, however one caveat has me stuck on the decision to settle within a realm or not: "crimes committed in a Realm leave no scent."

Is this a big enough issue for me to avoid settling down within a realm? I don't know how much this caveat opens me up to attack by raiders/trolls.

[Headchef]

Crimes committed in realm do leave scent, so there ya go

You either live somewhere with buffs that has people around or you don't have any.

I don't think it's ever worth to not have buffs since growth on animals, trees and things like that is incredibly overpowered.

[TerraSleet]

The dev post and wiki say otherwise, so I'm not sure who to believe.

EDIT: I think I understand the logic here. Realm crimes don't leave scents but claim crimes do regardless of whether or not they're in a realm, correct? What about assault/murder outside a claim but within a realm?

[Thedrah]

afaik realm only gives a bonus, it has nothing to do with scents or what belongs to who. realm doesnt claim ownership over anything but realms can fight other realms for territory

[NOOBY93]

The dev post and wiki say otherwise, so I'm not sure who to believe.

EDIT: I think I understand the logic here. Realm crimes don't leave scents but claim crimes do regardless of whether or not they're in a realm, correct? What about assault/murder outside a claim but within a realm?

As far as scents are concerned, it doesn't matter whether or not there's a realm. Does this explain it? This includes all scents.

It's stupid not to live in a realm as a hermit, as some realms give incredible bonuses that will make your life easier.

[DamJNeT]

I started again like a week ago, I settled down in the northern kingdom realm, the stats and skill bonuses make it really easier to start. +10 in survival and int goes a loooong way early game.

[Audiosmurf]

All it means is that a realm claim alone doesn't offer any of the protective benefits that personal or village claims do. Crimes on village & personal claims will still leave scents. Definitely settle in a realm.

[Potjeh]

The only reason not to settle in a realm is if you want to start your own realm. Do choose realm carefully, though, you don't want to be supporting newbie masacring assholes like Dis.