okay first off, just to put it out there, the forum has a search function.
We also have a FAQ *specifically* for people to ask questions
HereI'll give you a brief answer based on information available though:
1:All animations are being improved over time, but that in particular is not currently a priority that I'm aware of.
2: Yes, the world will be expanded (the continent will grow larger) if enough players are on it to warrant expanding. Extra continents may be an option, but since there is currently no boats in the game (nor planned for release or even the near future) this is not something you should expect soon.
3: There have been some PvE ideas floating around, but they won't be in for release. One major diversifier is "events" that can happen, like floods and earthquakes, volcanic eruptions maybe? That players have to react to to protect their stuff/take advantage of.
I'm a little worried about this myself, but the Devs have a few more things in mind I'm sure.
4: Well we have the "faith" system where there's *some* sorta-kinda magic going on. And alchemy potions with sorta-kinda magical effects. Other than that though no, no magic, no elves or orcs, no enchanted weapons/meadows that I'm aware of.
5: There will be global-auction house Ala EvE online, as in you can buy/sell globally, but goods have to be transported manually to/from location. Don't know about Mail, actually.
6: The devs listen to feedback so far, but the game isn't even in alpha yet, so let's see what they come up with first.
I'm also weary about devs with a "vision" game such as this listening to feedback too much. Alot of the time people just don't like the vision and decide the game should change, rather than realizing it's not the game for them. Just putting that out there.
7: There will be a one-time fee (ala guildwars) to get off of "beginner island" which is basically an online demo of the game. Other than that there will be a "cosmetics only" item shop with items that have stats the exact same as other in-game items, but different looks.
8: At the moment there is actually a kinda-sorta teleport, if you've played WoW, like, a hearthstone, which is within the "faith" system. But yes, guild-claims can encroach on your personal-claimed land.
For this to happen though they must build a building costing considerable resources, and costing money to maintain.
Unless you really really pissed them off somehow, or are sitting on a pile of precious resources with your personal claim, it will not be worth the cost to remove you.
It's more meant to stop solo-players from hogging "good" spots that really should be fought over by guilds, than to be a tool for harassing solo-players.
9: yep, there will be cosmetic items, though, once more, not currently a priority in development.
10: not a clue, but considering it's an MMO, it wouldnt surprise me if there was some sort of xmas event.
11: There is currently no additional "thirst" bar. Only a hunger bar, which is tied in heavily with the cooking system.
12: Trees can be replanted after they are cut down, and will not respawn by themselves. Animal population is based on the amount of players in the area, with more animals in less densely populated areas. I am not aware of any natural "decay" on animals, unless you don't feed them, but how often this is required is unknown.
13: There have been discussions on this a ton, the basic answer is: You won't run out of ore, there is a metric crapton of it. I agree that "sweet" spots with ore near the surface may run out fast, but the resource in and of itself won't run out any time soon.
There is also a mechanism for tunnels collapsing, but it isn't currently planned to have them then re-fill with ore, I believe.
14: There are 2 kinds of claims: Personal claims, and Guild Claims. Personal claims just require 1 person and can be encroached upon by guild claims.
As for houses and such: Bigger houses will have multiple "bind-points" for people to use, so guilds will have the option to make bigger, more space-efficient houses for the purpose of binding. There will be upkeep requirements for claims (less for personal, more for guild) and all objects on or off claim will decay (much more slowly on claim) and need upkeep.
The exact functioning and amount of taxes is currently unknown.
15: IIRC there will be day/night cycles, but I think seasons are not a thing (maybe later, but once more, not a priority for the devs)
16: I don't know how boats in Wurm work, but boats are not in for release and may well take a while.
If any of the answers were unsatisfactory or raise new questions, please refer to the FAQ linked above and post your questions there
Yours truly -The Pope