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I echo this post, as I had a similar day out of Halas (barring all the issues of navigation). I had never played a Shaman (my main toons were a Bard and a Wizard), so I thought I'd give that a shot to increase the new feel of the experience. I don't think I would have even needed to do that, I totally remembered nothing of the game (and I played from 1999 to 2004).

I was having fun hanging around the the entrance gulch, outside of Halas, killing all the skellies, gnoll pups, bears and wolves (all while avoiding the ever-present annoyance of the Vengeful Lyricist!). Worked my way up to level 3. I was then approached by Laledorm from Transcendence. He happened into Halas, and took my fledgling self under his wing, and helped me out. Suiting me up in full Banded armor, giving me some PP for spells, and then hitting me with some high end buffs, he sent me out into the world ahead of me. His only request was to progress quickly, and return the favor to another Barbarian sometime down the road. I will do just that someday, Brother. Thank you for the assistance.

With my new found (albeit temporary) power, I venture off towards Blackburrow. I find it hasn't changed a bit, but I have absolutely no clue where to run in there...talk about a maze. I happen along a group operating within, and get invited. Turns out one of the group members was an acquaintance who I remembered from back in the day on my old server. What are the chances of that? Haha. So throw some names back and forth to each other, and have a good time talking in the group about our previous times playing.

I ding Level 4, and decide I have to share and let my wife play her Druid for a while. So, I bid farewell to the group (who escort me out close to the Halas-side exit), run back to Halas and log off.

Totally refreshing experience. The new age of spoon-fed MMOs, and mindless linear gameplay has run it's course. It is nice to get back to the age when you actually have to "work" at finding things out, and exploring. I, too, wish to express thanks to the efforts of all involved keeping this server going. I look forward to continuing playing EQ once again.

Thank you.