[falkun]

Originally Posted by Daldaen [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Evidence?

Because all post-sleeper evidence I've found is Luclin era on account of so few guilds waking him during Velious.

The closest I can find is Sept 2002 or Nov 2002, depending on which patch notes you believe (and how you interpret them):

http://everquest.allakhazam.com/hist...es-2002-2.html

** An Ancient Arises **

Deep within the recesses of a cave yet unknown to the world at large, a
dark, menacing figure parts with the slumber that has kept him silent
for ages. The eyes of a magnificently ominous beast pierce through the
darkness, his memories flowing freely once more. In the depths of this
beast's mind sparks the knowledge that his prophetic savior has been
released from the ancient magiks of time, let loose upon an
unsuspecting world where the kin shall once again reign supreme.

"My master's shackles have been trounced, and so it is written that in
this world that has been so deftly overrun by pitiful mortals, he shall
bring power back to those of the scale." The deep rumbling voice of the
beast lingers throughout the cavernous hideaway, the barely
distinguishable figure of a mighty lizard moves through the stone and
dirt and dust as if to leave the gloomy surroundings and find his place
once again upon Norrath proper.

"For far too long have I been a prisoner to the overwhelming might that
kept me in a state of secluded sleep; for far too long have I been
victim to the ancestral elemental forces keeping my master at bay. Now
I awaken and bring life back to the disciples; now shall the lifeblood
of the Four once again spread the word of prophecy!" The footsteps of
this great beast are slow but sure, moving through the depths of the
gaping mountain retreat towards the surface. Along the walls, pebbles
and stones that have remained dormant for years crumble and crack,
falling to the ground as the immense beast walks past.

A maze of dead ends and broken paths twists and turns in the expanse
beyond the figure's resting place. The skeletons of those who had tried
- and failed - to make their way to him in the years he spent in forced
slumber remain, tumbled landmarks of heroes long lost. Slowly he moves,
his reptilian eyes darting back and forth looking for any meager meals
that may still be available. As he proceeds, he steps atop a mighty
echelon, overlooking the bodies that could not defy the magical
properties of the cave; fools of mortal thought, incapable of fathoming
the power that lay beyond them. "Time has been good to you, my faithful
warren... let us both pray that I no longer need you. The time for the
revival is at hand."

http://www.tski.co.jp/baldio/patch/20021119.html

By Winged Messenger:

A lone messenger streaks across the rocky roads of the mighty Wakening Lands, an urgent message kept safely within his talons. Dire news he brings to his master, the Lord Yelinak; there is much turmoil in wake of the prismatic's release, and he must inform the ancient dragon of the weary times to come. As he rushes past the lumbering trees on all sides of him, he harks back to a more peaceful time. Certainly the brow of his mighty Lord showed less strain, less agitation, though not much. He had always thought that the prismatic's release would surely be more problematic than anything else he could imagine. He now knew that there was much more at stake than ever before, and that the Shrine would need to be on its guard.

As he came to the entrance of the Shrine, he tensed for a moment, hoping that this dire news wouldn't end the life that he and his kin had known for so long. Yet he feared that nothing could stop that change, for the might of the Kin would be tested in the coming times, and there would surely be dangers he had yet to see. He made his way through the corridors up to his master's chambers. As he came closer, he noticed new members of the Kin he had never before seen. As large as his Lord, they spoke quietly amongst themselves and with Yelinak himself. He was unnerved by this startling addition to the Shrine, but felt that it was likely necessary. Perhaps his Lord had already heard the news and had already begun making plans. Either way, it was his duty to inform Yelinak of the recent events; the Giants would know no struggle like that which the Shrine would give them.

He walked towards Lord Yelinak, majestic in his appearance yet with a certain calming aura about him. He cleared his throat and began, "M'lord Yelinak, I bring news from the East..."

The first comments for on Allah's for the "... the Ancient" mobs start in Dec 2002.