Having the dialog happen after they run to their positions seems like the best of both worlds- you can have scripted conversations without needing to see copies of each model. I think only needing to interact with a single NPC to start an encounter would keep up the game's pace.
The screenshot of the land-only area you posted does seem a little more dull than the others, but I think more decorations and NPCs would probably add some color variety and spice it up. I think the "diorama" effect could be neat! You probably wouldn't need to return to previous rooms very much in Frayth, right? The old example seems a little distracting when you're changing rooms multiple times back-to-back, but if you're almost always having an encounter before moving on to the next room, I think it would be a great fit for the game.
Best of luck with the counseling hunt! If the second service did move too far away, maybe you could Google "counseling near me" to find alternatives. There's also therapists you can speak with online or via phone, but you may prefer in-person meetings.
The screenshot of the land-only area you posted does seem a little more dull than the others, but I think more decorations and NPCs would probably add some color variety and spice it up. I think the "diorama" effect could be neat! You probably wouldn't need to return to previous rooms very much in Frayth, right? The old example seems a little distracting when you're changing rooms multiple times back-to-back, but if you're almost always having an encounter before moving on to the next room, I think it would be a great fit for the game.
Best of luck with the counseling hunt! If the second service did move too far away, maybe you could Google "counseling near me" to find alternatives. There's also therapists you can speak with online or via phone, but you may prefer in-person meetings.