Bigpoint describes Emporia as a "unique gaming experience" thanks in part to the overall game design. While the game carries traditional fantasy role-playing elements, it offers some pretty good customization and variety -- especially in the context of a browser-based game. You'll be able to interact with other players through diplomacy or force as you choose your path during the game: would you prefer to win them over via trading or alliances, or are you more of a conquering-nation type? The choice is up to you.
Emporia offers strategic items such as buildings and military units along with the traditional spells and skills, further widening the opportunity for individual play styles. The Emporea site shows the game as being in open beta rather than a full-fledged launch, so we assume things are subject to further change and polishing. In the meantime, it's definitely worth a look.
