A New Neriak: The Returning Evil

by: Tony "RadarX" Jones

Ten Ton Hammer was recently treated to an SOE tour of the new starting city Neriak and beginning zone Darklight Woods, and while you've probably read quite a bit about them, there is still plenty to see and learn. If you've been living in an EverQuest 2 news free zone for the past few weeks, Game Update 35 will introduce a new race called the Arasai (Dark Fae).

If you didn't play EverQuest 1, Neriak was the home to the Dark Elves and one of the most confusing cities in the game. I played on the Progressive servers last year and it took me 20 minutes to find my way out. Known for its dark and dreary environment, it's numerous buildings filled the caverns making a suitable home for its gothic residents.

Not being secure enough in my sexuality to make an Arasai I logged in my Dark Elf Brigand and began wandering around. I was snatched up by Community Manager Craig "Grimwell" Dalrymple shortly afterwards and taken to the starting area (after he attempted to port me above the city). He began the tour by explaining SOE was moving to an annual expansion schedule and this was the first of numerous free content releases being planned. The idea he seemed to be converying was this was an example of what they could do and a demonstration of what kind of updates we could expect in the future.

The first question addressed was the origin of the Arasai. I have to be honest, I mean it's...a Fae. Yeah the wings are different, but how do you explain a race from an entirely different continent ending up in a Dark Elf city? Apparently they are from the same happy, poofy, pixiedust snorting stock as the regular Fae. In an ironic twist they also have been corrupted from their original form by Queen Christanos, ruler of Neriak. The more I thought about it, the more it makes sense. What is the difference between a High Elf and a Dark Elf really? Hairstyles and skin color?

We spent a few moments in Darklight Woods examining the new level 1-20 content. Grimwell ran us through a few areas pointing out the zone was built with a clear path of progression. No more wandering around looking for quests, a mender, or someone to sell your loot too. These small bases of operations will reduce trips to the city and give you more field time which most people would agree is a good thing.

It was also interesting to see how they've moved from the seclusive tutorial of the islands we saw with Freeport/Qeynos to an immediate start in the "real world" as they did with Echoes of Faydwer. You'll be able to move directly to Nektulos Forest, the Commonlands, or Neriak from this zone providing a manageable number of leveling options. We didn't spend long in the zone but from running around earlier I can tell you there are a sufficent number of quests to keep you busy and I expect most people will be satisfied.

We next made our way to the city and zoned in. If you remember the original city there is no doubt in your mind they've overlooked no detail and make this feel like Neriak. It's still stuck in a giant cavern with eerie lighting on the ceiling that would make any Drizzt fan proud. Lovingly referred to as Innoruk's Lung I found it difficult to surpress an "eww" but overall was impressed.

Where has Neriak been? Many thought Fallen Gate to be all remaining of the great city but in truth a cave-in have sealed of that portion of the city proper. I'll admit the geography might be a little hard to reconcile in relation to the Commonlands but being underground who can really say how far these tunnels extend?

Grimwell told us the city design was a collaborative effort of the San Diego EverQuest 2 team and the SOGA team who designed not only a set of new character models but much of the Fallen Dynasty. It's very easy to see a little touch of the Far East in many of the larger buildings and overall was well done.

One of the biggest features I noticed about Neriak was the entire city was placed in one zone. No more pizza pie sections to move between, you'll be able to locate everything without loading. Don't believe for a second this city is any smaller though as it has at least five major sections. One of these includes a crafting area where you'll find everything you could possibly need. It's also interesting to note that all the buildings are functional unlike much of the "window dressing" you see in Freeport and Qeynos. Even if it's just a wholesaler, you'll always find something of use in every room.

Travel times can be lengthy from one area to the next, but fortunately SOE has provided a system of teleporters to move you to the different sections. A quest is required to gain access to them but saving a 5+ minute run is well worth doing it. The tour ended shortly afterwards and we were left to our own devices which meant I went searching for buildings to jump off of. There is plenty more I could tell you, but I don't want to spoil everything.

Overall it appears a lot of work has gone into creating this content, and yes while it isn't the high end content so many people are salivating for, it seems to provide a viable alternative to re-experience the game. I can see the new city providing a different hub to those tired of wandering around Freeport and Qeynos not to mention a fresh starting point for new characters. Look for Neriak and Darklight Woods to hit Live servers towards the end of May.