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Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Return to Everquest 2 - Jikaril day 2: The Commonlands

Navigating the Conflict Between the Freeport Militia and the Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs

The commonlands

The Commonlands serves as a battleground where the Freeport Militia, loyal to the oppressive city of Freeport, seeks to maintain control and eliminate threats to their rule. Opposing them is an Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs, two factions united in their mutual hatred of Freeport and its dominance over the region.

This conflict is central to many of the quests in the Commonlands zone, and players will experience the escalation of hostilities as they progress through these quests.

When players first enter the Commonlands zone, they encounter orc marauders and bandit groups who frequently clash with the Freeport Militia’s forces. The Freeport Militia, acting on orders from Lucan D'Lere, is tasked with securing the region and protecting Freeport's interests. They view the orcs as a significant threat to their rule, as the orcs have established several strongholds in the zone.

The orcs in the Commonlands are led by General Gwal and are part of a larger orc faction that seeks to destabilize Freeport’s control over the region. Early quests introduce players to the conflict by asking them to clear out orc camps and disrupt their activities, such as destroying orc supplies or eliminating key orc leaders.

As players progress, they learn about the Dervishes, a nomadic group of desert warriors that have joined forces with the orcs in an unlikely alliance. The Dervishes are initially seen as a mysterious force, but it soon becomes clear that they are united with the orcs by a shared disdain for Freeport and its militaristic expansion. The Dervishes, led by their charismatic leader Al’Tarri, are skilled in desert warfare and guerrilla tactics. They have traditionally lived in the desert regions surrounding Freeport, and while they aren’t directly aligned with Freeport’s enemies, their dislike of the city has grown due to Freeport’s encroachment on their lands and resources.

Together, the Dervishes and Orcs form a dangerous alliance that poses a serious threat to Freeport’s military presence in the Commonlands. This coalition is based on mutual benefit, with both factions sharing a desire to drive out Freeport’s forces. As the conflict intensifies, the Freeport Militia begins to see the Dervish-Orc alliance as an escalating threat, leading to increased military actions.

As players advance through the quests, they are increasingly drawn into the conflict. The Freeport Militia tasks adventurers with eliminating both the orc strongholds and the Dervish war camps, as both factions coordinate attacks against Freeport’s forces. Players are sent to disrupt the orc and Dervish alliance by attacking their camps, assassinating key leaders, and destroying their resources. These quests paint the Dervishes and Orcs as a growing and organized force, determined to challenge Freeport's authority in the region.

Conversely, quests that support the Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs show the growing strength and unity of the two factions. The Dervishes and Orcs, led by Al'Tarri and General Gwal, plan to rally more forces from the wilderness and desert. They aim to strike Freeport’s supply lines, weaken its control of the Commonlands, and drive its military out of the region. During these quests, players also begin to uncover that the alliance is not purely driven by political motives but is further complicated by personal vendettas, including ancient grudges between the orc tribes and the Freeport leadership, and the Dervishes' desire for freedom from Freeport’s oppressive control.

By the time players reach the latter stages of their time in the Commonlands, the conflict has reached a boiling point. Freeport’s military, led by the Freeport Militia, is engaged in a full-scale push to crush the Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs. Players are caught in the middle of large battles between the two sides, and quests become more focused on strategic military operations, espionage, and sabotage.

The Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs begins to launch counterattacks on Freeport’s outposts, aiming to weaken the city’s hold on the zone. Players might be tasked with defending key Freeport positions or participating in skirmishes that decide the fate of certain strongholds. In response, the Freeport Militia escalates its efforts, attempting to wipe out the last remnants of the Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs. Players will be sent on missions to eliminate key members of the alliance, dismantle their forces, and prevent any further attacks on Freeport’s supply routes.

As players conclude the quests in the Commonlands, they witness the results of this conflict. The Freeport Militia may temporarily secure the region, but the Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs will likely retreat, regrouping for future conflict. This sets the stage for the ongoing tension in the zone and hints at further battles to come.

The Freeport Militia vs. The Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs conflict in the Commonlands unfolds through a series of quests where players are tasked with either supporting Freeport’s control over the region or aiding the Dervish-Orc alliance in their rebellion against Freeport. The Freeport Militia seeks to maintain dominance in the zone, fighting against orc and Dervish forces that threaten their authority. The Alliance of Dervishes and Orcs seeks to undermine Freeport's rule, with a shared goal of freeing the region from Freeport’s oppressive rule. Players participate in a variety of quests that highlight skirmishes, ambushes, and larger battles, leading to an eventual escalation of hostilities between the two factions.

The storyline is a classic tale of power, rebellion, and territorial control, with each faction vying for dominance in the harsh environment of the Commonlands.

Return to Everquest 2 - Jikaril day 1: The City of Freeport

The Path to Power: Levels 1–10 in Freeport

The City of Freeport

Freeport, the oppressive and vibrant heart of Lucan D'Lere’s rule, welcomes adventurers with an aura of danger and intrigue. While many start their journey on the Isle of Refuge, this windswept training ground feels like an isolated bubble compared to the raw grit of Freeport itself. True initiates of the Overlord often bypass the island entirely, choosing instead to plunge headfirst into the city’s murky politics and challenges.

Those who begin in Freeport find themselves in one of its grimy outlying districts, known as the suburbs. Each area reflects the fractured tapestry of Freeport’s underbelly. Beggar’s Court, with its crumbling buildings and huddled masses, teems with tension as refugees and criminals jostle for survival. Here, the city’s newest arrivals are conscripted into enforcing the Overlord’s will. You might find yourself rooting out dissidents spreading whispers of rebellion, chasing them through back alleys or confronting them in dark corners of the sewers. Every task reinforces your role in maintaining Lucan’s iron grip over the weak.

Beyond Beggar’s Court lies the chaos of the Sprawl, where rival gangs clash for dominance and lawlessness reigns. Freeport’s leadership often views this district as a crucible where loyalty is tested and forged. Under the watchful gaze of Lucan’s enforcers, you might find yourself eliminating troublemakers, retrieving stolen goods, or subduing unruly factions. Each success strengthens your standing in the eyes of the city’s powerbrokers, even as it stains your hands with the blood of Freeport’s enemies.

The other suburban districts offer their own unique challenges. Longshadow Alley, shrouded in shadows and secrets, is a haven for the dark elves. Intrigue thrives here, where you navigate the murky waters of betrayal and ambition. You might uncover plots to smuggle forbidden artifacts or even spy on rival houses suspected of treachery against Lucan. It is a place where survival demands cunning, and trust is a fleeting commodity.

As you carve your path through these districts, the greater city of Freeport looms large. It is a place of labyrinthine streets, towering spires, and harsh contrasts. North Freeport and East Freeport bristle with the wealth of merchants and military power, while West Freeport and South Freeport pulse with the chaos of docks and industry. From the moment you step into the city proper, you are swept into a dance of power and survival, as even the simplest tasks serve as stepping stones in the grand hierarchy of Lucan’s empire.

Below the surface of these districts lies a darker realm: the instanced pockets of Freeport’s underbelly. The sewers and hidden passageways harbor dangers far more insidious than surface skirmishes. Here, adventurers uncover forgotten relics, face monstrous foes, and unearth secrets that would shatter lesser souls. These instances test the mettle of those who dare venture into their depths, rewarding the bold with treasures and knowledge.

By the time you rise to level 10, you will have forged your reputation in the city’s eyes, proven your loyalty—or ruthlessness—and prepared yourself for greater challenges ahead. The journey through Freeport’s shadowed streets and perilous secrets is not for the faint of heart, but for those with ambition, it is the perfect proving ground.

Return to Everquest 2: The shattered world of Norrath awaits

The Deep Lore of EverQuest 2: Exploring the Shattered World of Norrath

EverQuest 2 is a game that captivates players not only with its engaging gameplay but also with its rich, immersive lore. Set in a world forever changed by catastrophe, the game offers a unique experience for anyone who enjoys discovering the mysteries of ancient civilizations, uncovering lost artifacts, and navigating the lingering effects of past events. At the heart of this expansive story is The Shattering, a cataclysmic event that reshaped Norrath and set the stage for everything that follows.

A shattered land
Shattered Lands

The Shattering: A World in Ruins

Norrath, once a thriving world of powerful civilizations, now lies in ruins after the catastrophic event known as The Shattering. This disaster brought devastating earthquakes, storms, and the collapse of entire cities, leaving much of the landscape broken and scarred. The Shattering was not only a physical upheaval—it marked the downfall of many gods and the collapse of once-great empires. The effects of this event still echo throughout the game, influencing the factions, races, and locations players encounter.

As you explore the vast lands of EverQuest 2, you'll come across remnants of these lost civilizations—ruins, temples, and forgotten cities. These areas are steeped in the lore of the past, with ancient artifacts hidden within them, waiting to be uncovered by those daring enough to venture into the unknown. The game encourages players to explore these crumbling ruins, as each one holds clues to the history of Norrath, its previous inhabitants, and the events that led to its current state.

The Ongoing Struggle for Dominance

The Shattering didn’t just break the world; it fractured the power structures that had held Norrath together. In the wake of this destruction, two cities, Freeport and Qeynos, stand as the primary bastions of power. Freeport, ruled by the tyrannical Lucan D'Lere, embraces chaos and militarism, while Qeynos remains a beacon of hope for those seeking peace and justice.

As a player, you’ll find yourself at the center of this struggle for control over the future of Norrath. Will you align with the forces of tyranny and might, or fight to preserve the fragile hope of rebuilding a world torn apart by centuries of conflict? The decisions you make as you progress through the game will impact not just the cities but the fate of the entire world.

A World of Exploration and Discovery

What makes EverQuest 2 truly special is its deep connection to the past. Many areas you’ll explore are filled with ancient, long-forgotten civilizations that have left their mark on the world. The game's questlines often involve unearthing these lost pieces of history, whether it's a forgotten temple, a ruined castle, or a once-prosperous city now overtaken by monsters and the remnants of ancient magic.

Each zone offers a window into Norrath's history, allowing you to learn about the gods, the empires, and the civilizations that came before. Some ruins are home to powerful creatures, traps, and puzzles that protect the secrets buried within. As you uncover these mysteries, you not only gain insight into the world’s past but also reap valuable rewards, such as powerful artifacts and lore that deepen your understanding of the game’s expansive world.

Lingering Effects of the Shattering

Even though the Shattering occurred long ago, its effects are still felt throughout Norrath. The land is unstable, with rifts in the earth, magical storms, and the return of dark, otherworldly forces. These dangers present themselves in the form of monsters, deadly environments, and ancient curses that players must face in their journey. The game’s quests often center around dealing with these lingering effects—whether it’s sealing rifts, battling creatures from other planes, or confronting the rise of dark cults that seek to exploit the chaos left behind by the Shattering.

The past, with all its glory and destruction, has a profound impact on the present. The remnants of past empires, the broken temples, and the ancient artifacts scattered across Norrath all serve as a reminder that history is never truly gone—it continues to shape the world, even if its true meaning has been forgotten by most.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Time

EverQuest 2 offers a world brimming with history, mystery, and adventure. As you journey through this shattered world, you’ll uncover the secrets of the past and witness the ongoing struggles for survival and dominance in a world forever changed. Whether you're exploring the ruins of fallen civilizations, confronting the forces that seek to control the world, or simply learning about the ancient gods that once shaped Norrath, there’s always something new to discover.

The devastation of the past is not just a backdrop—it's the very fabric of the world you’ll be exploring. With every step you take in EverQuest 2, you're not just adventuring through a living, breathing world; you're uncovering the echoes of a shattered world, and in doing so, you’re helping shape its future.

Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of Norrath and become a part of its history? The journey awaits!

Monday, 25 November 2024

Archmage: Reincarnation from Hell - Reincarnated

Recently I was trawling through everything old on my computer systems and the nostalgia of it all forced me to ask what has happened to...

Archmage: Reincarnation from Hell

Launched in 1998, Archmage was created by Korean telecommunications company MARI, which has since gone bankrupt. They ceased supporting and hosting it.

Archmage logo

The background story to the game was that,

"After the Great Mage War, sages believe the gods used their powers to prevent man from accessing magic in order to stop further bloodshed. However, Lucifer eventually revealed the secrets once again and war began anew, the surviving souls of the arch-mages returning from Hell to once again battle for power and supremacy, even if their struggle may ultimately result in the destruction of all life on Terra."

Archmage: Reincarnation from Hell was a free-to-play massively multiplayer turn-based browser game where each player was a resurrected arch-mage attempting to lead their kingdom to supremacy, juggling economy, development, exploration, research, diplomacy and, perhaps most of all, sorcery and warfare. Various servers were available, each with different rules determining whether guilds or even allies were allowed, the speed at which turns were gained, ranging from five to 20 minutes for each, and the maximum number which could be saved until any new ones were lost. Yet other servers offered localized versions of the game.

While exploring for new lands was an option in the early game, even the most peaceful quickly found themselves engaged in bitter warfare against other arch-mages, summoning or hiring creatures and heroes, casting spells, obtaining and using items and even striving to gain, or at least to avoid losing, the favor of the gods, whether in order to expand or merely to survive until the seven seals of Armageddon were broken and an age ended. At that point, the arch-mages which had successfully cast the Armageddon spell without being stopped by others, along with the top ranked ones, had their names enshrined in the Hall of Immortality and the server reset, all players starting anew.

Unbelievably, I am obviously not the only one with fond memories as the game has been moved to a different server, may I present...