March 2002

Sony Increases Subscription Rates for EverQuest

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) announced today that subscription rates for an EverQuest account would be increasing from $9.89 per month to $12.95 per month, beginning April 25, 2002. This represents a 30% increase in the fees charged to players.

Citing increases in the cost of operating the popular online game, company officials posted a notice on the EverQuest Live web site, and added a news item describing the price hike to the game's Update Patcher.

Several term discounts were also announced, including new one-year (US$109) and two-year (US$190) plans. These represent discounts of 30% and 39%, respectively, from the new monthly price.

Player reactions to the news were mixed, with most opinions voicing grudging acceptance of the new pricing. "I was paying $12.95 for DAoC and AO, so I guess it's not too bad in EQ. EQ is a lot better game than both of those combined," wrote one player in a discussion thread at IGN's EQVault web site.

More information is available at the EverQuest price increase page.

Comments? Post them here.

Planes Of Power Announced

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) today announced the newest expansion for EverQuest.

“The launch of EverQuest® in March 1999 changed the world of massively multiplayer online gaming forever,” according to the press release. “Since then we have brought you a new playable race of lizard men called the Iksar in EverQuest: The Ruins of Kunark™, ancient enemies and new adventures on the frozen continent of Velious in EverQuest: The Scars of Velious™, and a completely graphically overhauled world, the enchanting moonscape of Luclin, mounts, and a new playable race of noble cat people, the Vah Shir, in EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin™. Now players will soon be able to face the most powerful deities in all of Norrath. We are excited to announce the next installment in the best-selling, critically acclaimed EverQuest series, EverQuest: The Planes of Power™.

“An arcing [sic] storyline takes players on an epic adventure through the Planes of Power, home of the Gods of Norrath. Veteran players will face new challenges in each of up to 20 newly discovered planes. Players of all levels will benefit from the Plane of Knowledge that hosts scores of new quests and opens portals to Norrath making travel easier than ever. Hundreds of new items, quests and encounters will keep even the most veteran of players challenged and enthralled.

“Battle the minions of Rallos Zek in the Plane of War; help Karana regain control of the Plane of Storms; overcome vile pestilence in the Plane of Disease!”

More information is available at the new Planes of Power web site.

Ancient Guardians Invited to Plane of Hate

This Saturday, March 23rd, our friends in Ethereal Realms will be leading a raid on the Plane of Hate. All of our Family who are of sufficient age for Planes raiding are invited to attend!

As of today, the need is strong for Clerics, Shamen, Enchanters and Druids. If you are interested in joining for this event, please sign up here!

Dragons Slain in Western Wastes

On March 10th, adventurers from Ancient Guardians and Ethereal Realms converged on Western Wastes. It soon became quite clear that our force was one to be reckoned with, as many dragons dropped, including the mighty Yeldema and Uliak (photo, right).

It is well known that dragons are notorious hoarders of treasure, and these beasts proved to be no exception. Congratulations to the Guardians who were among the lucky recipients of this bountiful booty!

Despite a few unfortunate deaths, this excursion was considered a resounding success, and future forays into Western Wastes and beyond into Temple of Veeshan are to be expected.

Alliance Formed with Ethereal Realms

This year, April Fools will be no joke. Instead, the joke will be on the foes of Norrath as the Ancient Guardians and Ethereal Realms begin a relationship of Alliance! The treaty has been signed and was negotiated by our own Harpar Battlesong.

Shupansea Bloodsong, leader of ER, and I met last night to seal the pact with Farielle, Hapar, Radyn and Runeman as witnesses. And, although it is signed, the official date of Alliance is April 1. You may visit their site (see the new "Allies" section on the Shield Bar to the left) and leave your greetings and see what they have planned for activities and raids. Terms and conditions of the Alliance will be posted in the Keep.

Let us welcome our new friends in a style befitting the Family!

Family Members Get Keys to Sebilis

Over the past week, several Family members have braved the dangerous creatures of the jungle in Trakanon's Teeth, seeking to obtain entry to the hidden city of Sebilis.

Blakmaggie, Brenar, Monto, Radyn, Tryssia, Tyrius, and at least one other Ancient Guardian each found and slew the Froglok Forager and the Froglok Hunter, relieving them of the Medallions they carried. They carried these medallions to a cave in the mountains of Trakanon's Teeth, where the ghost of the former Iskar Emperor Ganak still lingered.

The ghost of Ganak told a sad tale of defeat of the Iksar forces, and told of the hidden city of Sebilis. The adventurers each presented Ganak's shade with the medallions of Kunzar and Nathsar, and Ganak rewarded each of them with a small figurine. Ganak named the figurines to be "an idol of Trakanon," and indicated that the holder of Trakanon's Idol would be permitted to enter Sebilis!

Ancient Guardians, Allies Break Plane of Fear

Last night, a group of 35 converged on the Plane known as Fear and put all expectations behind them. For many, it was the first time on a Plane. For the Family...it was just that...a FIRST!

From the moment the first break groups entered the Plane, it was known that the Ancient Guardians and their friends were there to prove to themselves and Cazic-Thule that they would be staying for a while, and more than likely living to come back another day! The message relayed by those first put to rest, the Faceless One fled to parts unknown and left us to deal with those he left behind.

Baroness Jhales Daljune, our Minister to the Elders, lead us through the Plane of Fear with the assistance of Viejo, Gudamor (main tank) and Vedir (puller) tirelessly following her wishes. Wonderful prizes were left at our feet, and many of the party seemed to go home with treasures, whether Paladin or Druid, Monk or Ranger, there was joy among all as those called claimed their items.

Few met their demise, to the chagrin of the corrupt who were waiting in the shadows with drooling lips, but all walked out alive in the end! And...they now know...we will be back!

NewsPro Installed

Today, we installed the NewsPro scripts, which will allow us to bring you news of the Family much more often and on a more timely basis. NewsPro allows us to have many reporters, and each reporter can file stories for our main page just by using a browser.

Look for an open call for news reporters soon! If you ever wanted to write a story about your adventures in Norrath, and have it appear on the front page of the Family's web site, your chance is coming soon!