by Savanja on Apr 13, 2007
by: Tony "RadarX" Jones
Since launch EverQuest 2 has always had good versus evil placing every class and race into those designations. Unfortunately, this mechanic only works so many times before the immersion is lost. We all speak the same language, take the same boats, hunt in the same areas. It begs the question what really designates us as different? My Brigand is evil but if he is pricked, does he not bleed? If he loses a duel, is he not owned?
I recently read a thread on EQ2Flames regarding evil characters being "better" players than those of Qeynos. While I personally believe this is a total crock, it did reinforce a trend I've seen of life being a little more difficult on the evil side of the game. What possible proof could I have? I'm glad you asked.
Now let preface this with I have no issues with Freeport. It seems to have been built in the spirit of what was envisioned for evil races. It's neighborhoods are unique, and the central zones are populated with sufficent NPC's to feel like a true city. Now saying that, it also seems a little messed up.
When compared to the openess and beauty of Qeynos I can make no other comparison except that of Beirut. I swear I think I've seen snipers in Longshadow Alley. The design of many zones in Freeport might fit a theme they were trying to create, but I can't count how many times I've gotten lost. Nothing in that city is flat either. You go up stairs, you go down stairs then you take 26 left turns.
Yes, I'll admit this isn't a pivotal issue. I do have maps and should use them more.
It doesn't take hard numbers to see there are fewer people in Freeport than in Qeynos. Is it because people have a disposition to good? Are the races better looking? Perhaps people enjoy the solitude or don't like crowds. The imbalance actually causes a few unusual situations that make life more challenging.
First, the broker charges a higher commission for buying from the opposing side. This means people are more than likely going to pay a higher price for goods and in turn need to earn more money. An extra 10-20% may not seem like much, but it can really add up if you are buying a 20pp spell.
This also affects the PvP server I'm sure. If everyone is on the Qeynos side, you are more likely to find yourself up against overwhelming odds. Granted, many PvPers perfer the variety of targets but those focusing on cooperative play would probably like to see things even. I'll admit I'm speculating on this because my days of Nagafen are long over, but when I did play there was a heavy advantage to Qeynos.
Echoes of Faydwer was an expansion focusing on the good races. Now yes, all the rumors and data points to the next one having an evil race and new starting city (rumored to be Neriak). This has yet to become public and there is quite a bit of content that requires evil characters to face risk good characters don't.
Sword of Destiny, Raincaller, Dwarven Ringmail tunic, etc all require you to enter Kelethin and sneak around if you are under level 70. Even at 70 there are a few guards who will chase you to the end of the earth if you aggro them. Why such hate for those of us who would throw Fae from the platforms if we could? Another great example is in Lower Faydark where the Fae Court will kill any evil race that gets too close (as my friend who auto followed me in there found out).
So is there really a problem? There are people who believe the plight of Freeportians has gone on quite long enough and demand justice is brought forth. Others enjoy the challenge this provides and wear it like a badge of honor. Finally, many people just flat out don't care. They like where they are, what class they chose, and Freeport is just home to them.
Personally, I tend to waver between the categories. When the Koada'Dal language wasn't available easily, I was in the first category ranting about fairness and equality. Once this was corrected (thank you SOE) I moved back to the third category where I've spent most of my time since. Fellow Freeportians, where do you fit in? Are we treated fairly? Should we march to Lucan and demand our lives become easier? I would personally offer to help, but I'm lost in West Freeport right now.