The Stratics Exclusive: Echoes of Faydwer Preview

Since the beginning of EverQuest II, many people have entered the world of Norrath seeking to experience great adventure and stories. Now the time has come to enhance that experience! Introducing Sony Online Entertainment's next great expansion to the EverQuest II world, Echoes of Faydwer!

Set in the beautiful continent of Faydwer, the Echoes of Faydwer expansion focuses on the deities of the land and the emerging of the new fairy race called the Fae. Along with these introductions, other features are also being added for enjoyment; new mounts, new heritage quests, and even cloaks are being brought to this expansion. The introduction to new achievement lines is added for each player to fully customize their gaming experience. Finally, the entire Faydwer expansion supports levels 1 – 70. Everyone will be able to benefit from this expansion.

Recently the EverQuest II Stratics Staff had a hands-on tour of this great expansion. The tour was one of the most informative tours set to date. The overall quality of graphics and sound has improved from the former expansions that have been released. From the details of architecture in New Tunaria to the sounds of Kelethin, SOE has surpassed the expectations that the playerbase has looked forward to. The unique layout of the zones really captured the attention of the Stratics staff. Wide open wooded terrain to darkened dungeons will make this expansion one of the best released by SOE.

What about those who are fairy slayers? Now, the tables turn and you are able to create a Fae as a character. The beautiful graphics of the Fae model are phenomenal. The sleek design and movements of this race truly shows that SOE put a lot of hard work and thought into the design. Everyone on the tour noticed the special feel of the Fae...they can fall from high places and float down without taking damage. This should be a useful ability, as many are likely to fall off the edges of the platforms of Kelethin. Will you be a Fae?

Who will you worship? Will it be the drunkard Brell Serilis? How about the infamous god of war, Rallos Zek? Whichever way you choose will give your character certain traits. Each player will have a chance to pick one of eight gods to worship. Once the god is chosen, then a shrine will be given to the player for worshipping. The stronger the worshipping and faith goes... the better shrines that become available for the player to craft or loot from monsters. Each god will give certain spells/abilities as faction is gained. Be sure to do these quests, as each item holds a certain power!

When each expansion is in development, the question always arises concerning new mounts and new heritage quests. While in the Echoes of Faydwer tour, we asked about the new mounts. Raijinn happily showed us a preview of a mount to be in the expansion...the new horse! With its beauty and detail of armor, it is a major improvement from the previous models of the horse mounts. The topic of heritage quests was also brought up, and we were told that five new heritage quests would be in the expansion...but no detail of what they will be. Another major improvement in the expansion is the introduction of cloaks to the players. Initially, these cloaks will be a solid color, but with the progression of guild levels players will gain the ability to add custom designs such as borders and/or symbols to their cloaks. The Achievement system has been split into an archetype tree and a class tree -- the Fury, for example, has access to the Druid archetype tree (which is much like the existing achievement trees in EverQuest II) and the Fury class tree (which is very different). Now, starting at level 10, you can use Achievement points to improve various spells and abilities you frequently use, with enhancements ranging from simple improved effectiveness to new functionality for the spell -- or even all new spells and combat abilities.

Many familiar places and NPCs from the original EverQuest are being brought to this expansion. Butcherblock Mountains, Castle Mistmoore, Crushbone, and yes...even the Estate of Unrest are places you may travel to. Popular areas of these zones will take you back in time as you check out the new chessboard in Butcherblock, the dwarven statue of Kaladim sitting in place atop of the entrance, and the beauty of the city of New Tunaria as it rests upon waterfalls. Take a chance of exploring these areas and meet up with new monsters. Or, if you lean towards the adventurous side and feel that you and your guild have what it takes to take over Castle Mistmoore...then take on Mayong Mistmoore, as he is now back in power after taking a vacation from Norrath. If you feel that you need to take on still another challenge, try taking down the Clockwork Menace in hopes of reclaiming Klak'anon for the gnomes.

It's hard to make a truly perfect expansion, and not even Echoes of Faydwer may solve that problem. But if the gameplay manages to maintain or exceed the high standards set by EverQuest II to date..and it certainly appears that it will -- then Echoes of Faydwer may well give The Burning Crusade a run for its gold pieces.

The expansion, due for release on November 14, needs to be viewed, tasted, touched, inhaled, sensed, experienced in its totality. We are truly in their world now!