These are MMOGs.

Yes, there can be a certain level of realism to them, but that's not fun. If you want to consider the node in different terms, simply consider it an abstract for a location which you can dig into the ground and pull up ore. When you "fail", it means you simply cleared out earth that was in the way, but not enough usable ore.

I am considering a complex trade skill system. Normally my ideas end up turning, what are 'side games' for most games into an alternative career path, with it's own quests (albeit relatively boring, but they would help a character build up skill) and skill tree.

However, I should mention that most fantasy worlds are based upon the belief that the 'society' has been around for centuries, if not several millenia. After a certain point, people will have to start mining for ore and the Dwarves would be the ones to do it.

The 'side games' of MMOGs are usually set up for a couple of different reasons:

1) People like to make their own stuff, regardless of the fact that most of the time it s*cks compared to relatively easy to get dropped gear.

2) It's a way to fill time when you want to be in game socializing, but don't feel like actually running around killing stuff or doing flat out nothing.

3) Because sometimes the player crafted stuff allows you to buff up your existing gear and/or stats.

They are not there to be realistic. I don't want to actually learn how to mine, tailor or even go fishing. I want to play a game and occasionally screw off doing stuff that doesn't take much thought, but I still get to work on my character and/or be available for stuff that I want to potentially do.