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Copperchopper

09-15-2007, 12:27 PM

Hi all. I'm just wracking my brains ton cotribute something different to the discussion. Let's try this...Kunark will be out soon. One of my favorite EQ1 zones was always the City of Mist. I loved the way it looked and while I always felt the zone could have been fleshed out more it seemed like a very unique place in as far as landmarks in EQ1 went. Fast forward to EQ2 and the Island of Mara. I can't helpo but notice similarities in the architecture and general feel of both areas.While better than the vast majority of EQ players I've talked to who wouldn't know the difference (or care about the difference sadly) between Chardok and Charassis, the folks here far surpass my knowledge about Norrath. My brain is a bit fuzzy on the original City of Mist lore. I htink it used to be some sort of Iksar capital but aside from that I don't remember much. What is the history of the City and is there any possible way its architacture could be related to Mara's?I know the connection would likely be indirect if at all, but this similarities are spooky. Both areas have an Eastern feel to then and while the Iksar are lizards and the denizens of Mara are human, both cultures are steeped in the ways of the monk.Could there possibly be a connection, however remote, between the too cultures? Also has anyone heard any mention of including CoM in RoK?

Nocturnal Aby

09-15-2007, 04:17 PM

I believe all of the iksar architecture was built with asian architecture in mind. Similarly, a lot of the iksar's weapons were a little unique, such as the kukris awarded to the Shadowknights. One of the loading screens in EQ2 looks like it was a concept sketch of Cabilis, so the architecture is deffinately intended to be iksarian, or Sebilisian, if you will.In EQ, most of the history we get about the City of Mist comes from the Shaman Epic Quest. You can read it in its entirety <a rel="nofollow" href="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/quest.html?quest=767" target="_blank">here.</a>The City of Mist part is almost the very end, so I'll post the more pertinant information below:Spirit Sentinel says 'It was known as Torsis. During its history it amassed great wealth and power yet it eventually crumbled. No one understands what happened. The men of the world ask themselves how a nation as successful as Torsis could ever fall. Some blame plague, internal unrest, the constant encroachment of the forest, and marauding bands of monsters but we alone know what happened. Just as Tabien and Glaron lost sight of their spiritual paths, so did Torsis. Without the awe and inspiration of that which was greater than themselves, they eventually withered away. The mantle was born long before the last days, though, and what we need to learn is [how it all began].' You say, 'I will learn how it all began.' Spirit Sentinel says 'Excellent! Go into the city and gather what evidence you can. The ghosts who still walk the streets may hoard precious memories that will aid us. Take this booklet and combine what you find in it. Then bring me the completed report. From there, we will know where to look next.' The six documents:<hr />Personal Diary Pageidentifies as 'Report Information 1 of 6'I heard last night that there was some kind of commontion at the castle. Guards were shouting, spells went off throughout the halls and many died. Some say there was an assassination, some say a band of frogloks attacked under the command of a dragon, some even say there was some divine intervention. I have no idea why any god would strike against Lord Rak`Ashirr. He is a paragon fro the cause of Cazic-Thule. I hope whatever it was sticks to attacking the castle and not my shop though.Crier's Scrollidentifies as 'Report Information 2 of 6'Hear of all Torsis! Our beloved Lord Rak`Ashiir will be appointing another High Priest into the Cazic-Thule clergy in two days. A festival will be held in honor of the event and the High Scale will be present to judge various contests of skill in arms. Booths will be set up selling various wares and food to all. Cazic guide us all.Merchant's Letteridentifies as 'Report Information 3 of 6'The list should all be in order except for the swatches of silk. I won't need such a large order in this quarter. Her Divinity Drian made it known to me that they would not need as many new robes this coming season as 'none were quite ready to don them.' My colleagues have all been confirming that the church is buying less and less these days. It seems Rak`Ashiir has decided the royal donation to be cut. However I'm sure we'll find new customers soon and our orders will be back to normal shortly.Written Annoucementidentifies as 'Report Information 4 of 6'Hear all Tosis! It is with great regret that we inform you of our Queen Neh`Ashiir's disappearance. Our best scouts have begun searching the surrounding countries for her trail. The Lord Rak`Ashiir also authorized the hire of mercenaries to venture into the Froglok Territories to search for traces of the Queen. All interested parties should report to the royal Quartermaster's office. Fear not citizens, our Queen will be found. Wisdom guide us.Priest's Diary Pageidentifies as 'Report Information 5 of 6'Well it appears our Lord Rak`Ashiir in his 'wisdom' has cut our church's donation yet again. He claims it is to bolster the ranks of our garrison as many were wipe out during the Froglok incursions. However, I see more and more soldiers everyday, more that I ever have. And they are all equipped in the best armors the city's smiths can craft. This along with the recent replacement of our Bishop Screks with that coin grubber Biliaz leads me to suspect our King is planning on all but destroying our church entirely. I don't understand it, perhaps his missing Queen has driven him mad.Student's Logidentifies as 'Report Information 6 of 6'Missed mass again today. This is the third time this week now. It is a worthy sacrifice however as I was able to attend the Master's National Coin exchange class. Perhaps the clergy will change the time of their masses, then I'll be able to attend regulary. Although with the appointment of the new Arch Priest it appears mass may be discontinued altogether. I honestly hope so. I could attend many more classes as well as spend more time rubbing elbows with merchants at the bazaars. I think I'll have to miss tomorrow's mass as well. I heard the Laughing Leech Guild is taking members again.<blockquote> </blockquote> Spirit Sentinel says 'Ahhh good, let us hope what you have found will point us in the right direction. Hmmm...this is interesting. It appears the disappearance of the first queen may have caused Rak'Ashiir's faith to decline. From there, the first King Rak laid down the groundwork for the city's eventual demise. We need to learn what happened to the queen. Perhaps bringing this knowledge to the King's now cursed form will lift the mantle. We've learned that the last lord of Torsis, Ghiosk, was a bit of a historian. Find him and see what you can learn about the queen. Take what you find to my brother here in the jungle beneath the murky waters of a pond.I can't find the text from the books anywhere, which is a shame. I found them interesting. But when you give the three books to the Sentinel, you get:After you hand in the booked to the spirit the it says 'Hmmm, it appears the queen's disappearance wasn't as random as we thought. It also looks as if this High Scale were having some sort of affair with Neh. We have little but speculation at this point, so making it known to Nak'Ashiir would do nothing. Perhaps finding the resting place of the High Scale will show us more of what really happened. We suspect the icon mentioned in this log could now be located in the city's old temple. Find the icon and bring it to Kirn, wherever he is. Tell us what you learn afterwards.High Scale Kirn looks down at the icon in his hands for a long moment before speaking. 'Why did you bring me this? Are you here to accuse me of the queen's death?' High Scale Kirn chuckles venomously and continues, 'I am High Scale and beyond your petty laws. However, I wish the truth to be known. On my hand is a ring. If you can take it from me, show it to the queen and she will remember. However, I will not give up the ring easily. Defend yourself!'Neh`Ashiir says 'Nothing is left to hide now. You shall have the truth. But truth is not won easily and if you cannot defeat me, you have not the ability to see that vengeance is served. Brace yourself!Spirit Sentinel says 'So, the truth is found! Rak mourned over the loss of his child instead of relishing the blessing of his god, Cazic-Thule. His wife and the High Scale then abandoned him in disgust, but even that was an aftereffect of what caused the king to turn his back on his faith. The child is the key! If we put the child to rest, Rak may repent of what he has done and the mantle may be lifted. The most difficult task is now at hand. Find the child, then take proof of her passing to Rak. I can feel the mantle's foundation crumbling! Now, go! You get the idea. That's pretty much what we have on the history of Torsis. There may be more in the Maps of Myrist, I'll take a look later.

Cusashorn

09-15-2007, 04:21 PM

as far as archetectural culture goes, the Iksar empire is equivalent to Roman. I really didn't see anything of eastern or oriental design in the City of Mist.

Dreyco

09-15-2007, 04:37 PM

I see a ton of asian architecture going on in the City of Mist <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> . It was a trade capital before it fell to greed and selfishnes, cursed to forever remain in the state that we found it while exploring the content of KunarkAs far as lore is concerned... here's as much info I could pull from the Archive.Enjoy!<div > <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-tower.jpg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-tower.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-temple.jpg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-temple.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-reaver.jpg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-reaver.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-goo.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-goo.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-lhranc.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-lhranc.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-gazebo.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-gazebo.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-entrance.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-entrance.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/citymist-catwalk.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/Dreyco/Archive%20of%20Ik/Atlas/City%20of%20Mist/Thumbnails/citymist-catwalk.jpg" border="0" alt="No alternate text supplied." /></a>(Pictures thanks to Allakhazam)Dangers A perpetual mist surrounds this city, giving it its name while at the same time diminishing visibility and providing cover for dangerous elements. It used to be the trade city of Torsis, a once wealthy place of merchants, smiths, and the home of the Army of Iksar. Now, the dead are said to walk its streets, seeking souls to devour and bodies to crush. Once composed of the finest limestone, marble, and other precious ores, this city has fallen into grave disrepair. The floors are often cracked and agape with massive holes where the unwary will fall into the murky waters below. Benefits Legends say that many a merchant of this now ruined city fell dead in the last days of the empire, gems in hand. Treasures and relics from an age that is eternally lost to Kunark have been recovered from the depths of these overgrown ruins. Arcane scrolls, gems, and weapons preserved throughout the passing centuries only by powerful enchantments and the unrivaled skill of artisan craftsman, are just a few of the treasures one might uncover here. Background The City of Mist is located in the Emerald Jungle, concealed deep beneath the wild overgrowth and trees. The jungle canopy shatters the daylight into pillars of green mist, leaving much of the city in cold damp shadow and darkness. Various vines and plants cover many of the buildings - or what is left of them - some are completely overgrown with vegetation. The sounds of birds and other jungle inhabitants echo throughout the abandoned streets of the city. Testaments of the city's once rich and thriving culture are everywhere, though often ruined or hidden by vegetation. The city is large and spread out, made up of various open-market squares, shops, homes, temples, and city buildings. At the height of its power, the city had a carnival-like atmosphere. Merchants and traders came from all over Kunark, peddling their trades. Now all that remains are crumbling structures devoured by the unforgiving jungle. Fountains, once overflowing with fresh water, now dry and broken, are the centerpieces at the intersections of the city's main streets. Once beautiful marble bath houses are now ruined pools of stagnant sludge. Merchant shops and homes lie in disrepair or complete ruin, abandoned many years ago by their owners during the city's decline. Temples and numerous official buildings are in worse condition than the others, as they were prime targets during the various wars that have occurred throughout the city's history. The undead lurk in shadows and basements, while ghosts are said to walk the streets and tend shops, stuck forever in the chores of their previous life. Though the Emerald Jungle is teeming with life, many animals instinctually avoid parts of the city, sensing its evils and dangers.================================================== ===================Several Segments of Documetnation were Retrieved from the City of Mist while it's ruins still layed above water. They give much insight to the fall of the city itself. From a Personal Diary Page I heard last night that there was some kind of commontion at the castle. Guards were shouting, spells went off throughout the halls and many died. Some say there was an assassination, some say a band of frogloks attacked under the command of a dragon, some even say there was some divine intervention. I have no idea why any god would strike against Lord Rak`Ashirr. He is a paragon for the cause of Cazic-Thule. I hope whatever it was sticks to attacking the castle and not my shop though. From a Crier's Scroll Hear of all Torsis! Our beloved Lord Rak`Ashiir will be appointing another High Priest into the Cazic-Thule clergy in two days. A festival will be held in honor of the event and the High Scale will be present to judge various contests of skill in arms. Booths will be set up selling various wares and food to all. Cazic guide us all. From a Merchant's Letter The list should all be in order except for the swatches of silk. I won't need such a large order in this quarter. Her Divinity Drian made it known to me that they would not need as many new robes this coming season as "none were quite ready to don them." My colleagues have all been confirming that the church is buying less and less these days. It seems Rak`Ashiir has decided the royal donation to be cut. However I'm sure we'll find new customers soon and our orders will be back to normal shortly. From a Written Announcement Hear all Torsis! It is with great regret that we inform you of our Queen Neh`Ashiir's disappearance. Our best scouts have begun searching the surrounding countries for her trail. The Lord Rak`Ashiir also authorized the hire of mercenaries to venture into the Froglok Territories to search for traces of the Queen. All interested parties should report to the royal Quartermaster's office. Fear not citizens, our Queen will be found. Wisdom guide us. From a Priest's Diary Page Well it appears our Lord Rak`Ashiir in his "wisdom" has cut our church's donation yet again. He claims it is to bolster the ranks of our garrison as many were wipe out during the Froglok incursions. However, I see more and more soldiers everyday, more that I ever have. And they are all equipped in the best armors the city's smiths can craft. This along with the recent replacement of our Bishop Screks with that coin grubber Biliaz leads me to suspect our King is planning on all but destroying our church entirely. I don't understand it, perhaps his missing Queen has driven him mad. From a Student's Log Missed mass again today. This is the third time this week now. It is a worthy sacrifice however as I was able to attend the Master's National Coin exchange class. Perhaps the clergy will change the time of their masses, then I'll be able to attend regulary. Although with the appointment of the new Arch Priest it appears mass may be discontinued altogether. I honestly hope so. I could attend many more classes as well as spend more time rubbing elbows with merchants at the bazaars. I think I'll have to miss tomorrow's mass as well. I heard the Laughing Leech Guild is taking members again. From a Head Housekeeper's Log 1. New wash basins must be acquired. Servent Hujin will see the Quartermaster and place the order tomorrow. 2. The chandelier in the main hall was finally repaired tonight. Payment must be sent to the contract holder tomorrow. 3. Advisor Snith ordered that I personally find and acquire 3 dozen finely made vials. What they are for he would not explain and was very firm that I do this as quickly as possible. Best to make haste to fulfill the order, rumours abound of the Advisor's mastery of the arcane. 4. We've been low on candles for the last week. There is no explanation for the shortage of wax. Perhaps I should send a Palace Reaver escort with the next pick up crew. The craftsman may have the intelligence to figure the symbolism. 5. It is imperative that we return the High Scale's Icon to the church as discretely as possible. If Rak Ashiir returns from his journey early and discovers it was found in the royal bedroom it may prove disastrous. I cannot decide whether to place it ourselves with the help of our Black Guard, or to approach one of our contacts in the church. The less people that know of this the better. It might be prudent to ..remove.. the servant who found it within the sheets. From a History Article Neh Ashiir's disappearance will always be cloaked in mystery. We of Torsis have a saying that goes "Neh's chances". We all know this is used to define an innumerable variable but not many know of its relation to the event in the early years of our fair city. For as many people as there were in Torsis there were that many theories regarding Neh Ashiir's disappearance. Others say there were political tensions between the queen and her lord, so much so that she had to leave to escape death. And for good measure a few pointed to the stars and said that people from beyond the sky took her. One thing all agreed upon however is that the relationship between the royal couple was decaying. Political scrutinizers noted small personal habits between the two that implied a separation of intimacy during their public appearances. Many even tie the highly publicized Crusade of Kirn into the disappearance of Neh as Kirn left the city only a few weeks before. It is recorded in many texts that the visage of Rak' Ashiir reflected his despair over his wife's vanishing although it is a well known fact that it was mostly an act played by the King to keep up his illusion of nobility. Perhaps one day we will find the truth but at this point it would mean little to the public.=========================================== ====<a href="http://archiveofik.guildportal.com/ContentControls/Support/InfoSectionViewer.aspx?GuildID=90741&GuildInfoSectionID=170475" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First Article Source</a><a href="http://archiveofik.guildportal.com/Guild.aspx?GuildID=90741&TabID=785899&Article=20656#Library" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Second Article Source</a></div>

Nocturnal Aby

09-15-2007, 06:22 PM

There was a third document from Ghiosk's library, Crusades of the High Scale, which no doubt indicate something of Kirn. Also, we can look at other architecture from the Sebilisian Empire as well..<img src="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/scenery/charasis-pit.jpg" alt="" width="972" height="729" border="0" /><img src="http://everquest.allakhazam.com/scenery/veksar-bloodgills.jpg" alt="" width="972" height="729" border="0" />I can see how you could think could mistake some for Romanesque because of their prolific use of columns, but in both culture (in some ways) and style, I think they were going more for an asiatic theme. Of couse, at the time Kunark was released, it was a little more difficult to get the that sort of feel. I also again ask that you look to what I can only imagine is concept art for Cabilis in the loading screens. The scene reminded me very much of bridge in the Haggle Baron's Estate, looking towards the Temple of Terror. I could be mistaken, but that's what it reminded me of. I look forward to seeing where the designers take Kunark, and see their vision of EQ's favorite expansion.

Copperchopper

09-16-2007, 03:52 AM

Wow guys! Great input! Thanks! Oh, any word on wether or not CoM will be in RoK?

Cusashorn

09-16-2007, 01:08 PM

Hmm. I still don't know how any of those building designs can be considered asian unless you're talking psuedo-Taiwanese or something. :/

IrishWonder

09-19-2007, 06:01 AM

City of Mist should be in Rise of Kunark. I say "should" because, at this point, nothing can be completely confirmed. But I have heard it mentioned in a few official interviews/videos, so unless something goes wrong and they have to pull the zone last-minute, you can expect to see it in RoK