Now Neutral Class Lore?

[Enever]

<p>Since The game has suddenly made Coercers, Inquistadors, Illusionists, Templars, Assassins, Rangers, Monks and Bruisers into neutral classes....</p><p>There has to be some in-game explination for this. I have yet to see it so I am curious. Unless it's a case of :"Oh Lets now just allow these kind of people into our cities now."</p><p>Is there any lore behind this or was it just there the next day?</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Enever wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Since The game has suddenly made Coercers, Inquistadors, Illusionists, Templars, Assassins, Rangers, Monks and Bruisers into neutral classes....</p><p>There has to be some in-game explination for this. I have yet to see it so I am curious. Unless it's a case of :"Oh Lets now just allow these kind of people into our cities now."</p><p>Is there any lore behind this or was it just there the next day?</p></blockquote><p>Heh the RL lore of Cusa having his character accidently swapped from one class to another and then the GM's giving his account a WARNING on it because he actually reported it... was pretty good...lol</p>

[Barx]

<p><cite>Enever wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Since The game has suddenly made Coercers, Inquistadors, Illusionists, Templars, Assassins, Rangers, Monks and Bruisers into neutral classes....</p><p>There has to be some in-game explination for this. I have yet to see it so I am curious. Unless it's a case of :"Oh Lets now just allow these kind of people into our cities now."</p><p>Is there any lore behind this or was it just there the next day?</p></blockquote><p>There's going to be lore behind it, but IIRC it won't be going in till later, probably GU58.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Cronyn told me that he wrote up lore for all the class changes, but told me it wouldn't go live with GU57. He said it is coming soon though, but I don't think we'll have to wait for GU58 for it.</p><p>Writing up the bruiser lore was his favorite btw.</p>

[Eritius]

<p>Retconned of course. =P</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Not necissarily.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>For a few of the remaining classes, there's not much reason why they aren't neutral.</p><p>Conjuror, Swashbuckler, Mystic, Defiler. The ones that might have trouble are Brigand, Paladin, Shadowknight, and Necromancer.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Since the Qeynos Bruiser Trainer has been graciously allowed by the Silent Fist to sell his wares in their Dojo Hopefully the lore would come with increased politeness?</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Still think Wu behind the Dojo should be drafted to be the new head of the Silent Fists...maybe have her offer Monk/Bruiser-centric Quests?</span></p>

[Jaremai]

<p>Wait.. Cusa got a warning on his account for reporting a bug?</p>

[Barx]

<p><cite>Jaremai@Guk wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Wait.. Cusa got a warning on his account for reporting a bug?</p></blockquote><p>How is that germane to this thread?</p>

[Jaremai]

<p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>How is that germane to this thread?</p></blockquote><p>Since it was mentioned in this thread, probably.  Thank you for asking.</p>

[Alvane]

<p>My theory on the neutrality of classes:</p><p>1. Lucan D'Lere has returned to Freeport and his knights have taken over again.</p><p>2. Queen Antonia was very concerned about the absence of Lucan and the effect it would have on Norrath. She ordered her people to search for Lucan and Roehn Theer was defeated. Lucan was found.</p><p>Both FP and Q rejoiced in the defeat of RT and the return of Lucan. Lucan, ever so grateful to have his dominion returned to him, personally met secretly with Queen Antonia upon learning how she encourage her people to help find him.</p><p>Amoung their future plans for a tentative alliance, both concurred many professions except the most highest and loyal ones as representative of each archtype would be declared neutral in their alliance to both FP & Q.</p><p>Due to their new tenacious alliance, a new friendship formed between the Queen and Sir Lucan. What new adventures will they and their citizens face in the future? Will their relationship grow into something more? After all heirs are a bit lacking..... heh</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>My theory on the neutrality of classes:</p><p>1. Lucan D'Lere has returned to Freeport and his knights have taken over again.</p><p>2. Queen Antonia was very concerned about the absence of Lucan and the effect it would have on Norrath. She ordered her people to search for Lucan and Roehn Theer was defeated. Lucan was found.</p><p>Both FP and Q rejoiced in the defeat of RT and the return of Lucan. Lucan, ever so grateful to have his dominion returned to him, personally met secretly with Queen Antonia upon learning how she encourage her people to help find him.</p><p>Amoung their future plans for a tentative alliance, both concurred many professions except the most highest and loyal ones as representative of each archtype would be declared neutral in their alliance to both FP & Q.</p><p>Due to their new tenacious alliance, a new friendship formed between the Queen and Sir Lucan. What new adventures will they and their citizens face in the future? Will their relationship grow into something more? After all heirs are a bit lacking..... heh</p></blockquote><p>Ya know they need to do a story-write up for EQ2 players so we have a better idea of whats going on then hoping we'll have any of it at all revealed in-game. The Halas or the Rime write ups at least set us up for the story to come.</p>

[Barx]

<p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Ya know they need to do a story-write up for EQ2 players so we have a better idea of whats going on then hoping we'll have any of it at all revealed in-game. The Halas or the Rime write ups at least set us up for the story to come.</p></blockquote><p>Mmm, we do need some more forum lore stuff. Those events Cronyn and Kiara did last year were pretty fun, that'd be a perfect opportunity to let a bit of lore on this out early while keeping the forum-goers involved.</p>

[Valdaglerion]

<p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Those events Cronyn and Kiara did last year were pretty fun</span></span></strong>, that'd be a perfect opportunity to let a bit of lore on this out early while keeping the forum-goers involved.</p></blockquote><p>QFE</p>

[BleemTeam]

<p>I understand that every city has Assassins. Let's face it, whether good or not, Assassin's exist. Here's my thing however.</p><p>With the way the cities are all changing, and the its obvious they are trying to make the game accessable by all. Why not just make Swashbucklers and Brigands into "Rogues". Every city can have Rogues. Especially considering every city can have Assassins. Which ultimately leads me to my next point... Why do we need/have the specific classes in EQ2 anymore? Lets phase some out. Lets face it, its to much hassle and strain trying to balance 24 classes.</p><p>I would propose this, since I can...</p><p>Fighters: Warrior, Paladin, Shadowknight, Brawler</p><p>Scouts: Rogue, Ranger, Assassin</p><p>Priests: Cleric, Shaman, Druid</p><p>Bards: Dirge, Troubador</p><p>Mages: Wizard, Enchanter, Necromancer, Conjuror</p><p>Make it so! (For the record I do play Berserker and Templar, so don't say I'm somehow biased or being one sided)</p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Those events Cronyn and Kiara did last year were pretty fun</span></span></strong>, that'd be a perfect opportunity to let a bit of lore on this out early while keeping the forum-goers involved.</p></blockquote><p>QFE</p></blockquote><p>Jeez, I'm just sitting here eating my Craisins, and people are quoting at me in <span style="color: #ff0000;">RED</span>.  <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">RED BOLD</span></strong>, even. <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> RED, BOLD, and ENLARGED</span></strong></span>.</p><p>FINE.  I'll do another.  Got a few things on my plate at the moment, but I'll get to it when I can.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Vortexelemental]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Those events Cronyn and Kiara did last year were pretty fun</span></span></strong>, that'd be a perfect opportunity to let a bit of lore on this out early while keeping the forum-goers involved.</p></blockquote><p>QFE</p></blockquote><p>Jeez, I'm just sitting here eating my Craisins, and people are quoting at me in <span style="color: #ff0000;">RED</span>.  <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">RED BOLD</span></strong>, even. <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> RED, BOLD, and ENLARGED</span></strong></span>.</p><p>FINE.  I'll do another.  Got a few things on my plate at the moment, but I'll get to it when I can.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Huzzah ! I spent like 20 minutes on one last time... I think I'm crosseyed now though.</p>

[RoninSenshi]

<p>Just confirming that the Dwarf did say that he had lore comming about the class changes.</p><p>Something about Swifttails.</p>

[Meirril]

<p><cite>Rivald@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Just confirming that the Dwarf did say that he had lore comming about the class changes.</p><p>Something about Swifttails.</p></blockquote><p>Mom always warned me not to chase swifttails.</p>

[Eritius]

<p>I would actually be fine if they just up and said it was Retconned in. Like those classes were always neutral from the start. That really wouldn't bother me.</p><p>What would bother me is saying the cities are working together. Now if they want to up and say that Qeynos and Freeport are now neutral, that would be ok I supposed. But Neriak and Kelethin will never get along.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I would actually be fine if they just up and said it was Retconned in. Like those classes were always neutral from the start. That really wouldn't bother me.</p><p>What would bother me is saying the cities are working together. Now if they want to up and say that Qeynos and Freeport are now neutral, that would be ok I supposed. But Neriak and Kelethin will never get along.</p></blockquote><p>Retcons in a story = Bad, unless it was such a trivial detail that it doesn't matter.</p><p>A good retcon would be changing "The valiant knight slew the evil dragon 1000 years ago by himself" to "The valiant knight slew the evil dragon, with the assistance of his loyal squire, 1000 years ago." It doesn't matter if he has a squire or not, since it doesn't mean anything in the long run as long as the story doesn't impact anything going on in the present day.</p><p>A bad retcon would be saying that all these classes have always existed, and that there was ALWAYS a sect of monks who seek inner tranquility through worshipping Innoruuk as part of the Disciples of Hate, and that us players are suppose to believe that they've just gone without notice for the past 1500 years.</p><p>No, the proper way to explain this would be to say that the Disciples of Hate decided to explore martial arts as a viable practice of displaying Innoruuk's power, and formed a clan together only recently when the Shard of Hate appeared in Nektulos Forest.</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All of these class changes NEED TO HAVE ORIGINS to be believable. You can't just say that they've always been neutral and that both cities have always employed them for all of time. It doesn't that way. You have to explain why these classes came to be in these cities.</span></p><p>.... Especially considering that Monk lore states- quite prominantly, I might add -that the Ashen Order left Freeport so they did not have to bow down to Lucan's will. If monks are going to be in Freeport again, then that means that a new sect has been formed inside Freeport who does not mind how Lucan controls the city, or that Lucan had a change of heart and BEGGED the Ashen Order to come back. Not asked, begged. There would be no other way for them to come back unless he was the humble one asking.</p>

[Enever]

<p>Should have waited for the class changes then untill gu 58 if they failed to come through Gu 57...</p>

[Eritius]

<p>I dunno, those tier'dal in Neriak always looked like monks to me. I always figured they were called 'Bruisers' because that was the name for the class in mechanics. Last I understood mechanics doesn't always equal lore. Like in WoW you can't play a Blood Elf Warrior (not yet anyway), but in the lore they exist and always have.</p><p>And in this cause it pretty much is a minor detail. Especially in the case of Brawlers. The only difference between a Monk and Bruiser is style. One's a striker, the other is a grappler. That doesn't make either good or evil.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Brailyn@Befallen wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I understand that every city has Assassins. Let's face it, whether good or not, Assassin's exist. Here's my thing however.</p><p>With the way the cities are all changing, and the its obvious they are trying to make the game accessable by all. Why not just make Swashbucklers and Brigands into "Rogues". Every city can have Rogues. Especially considering every city can have Assassins. Which ultimately leads me to my next point... Why do we need/have the specific classes in EQ2 anymore? Lets phase some out. Lets face it, its to much hassle and strain trying to balance 24 classes.</p><p>I would propose this, since I can...</p><p>Fighters: Warrior, Paladin, Shadowknight, Brawler</p><p>Scouts: Rogue, Ranger, Assassin</p><p>Priests: Cleric, Shaman, Druid</p><p>Bards: Dirge, Troubador</p><p>Mages: Wizard, Enchanter, Necromancer, Conjuror</p><p>Make it so! (For the record I do play Berserker and Templar, so don't say I'm somehow biased or being one sided)</p></blockquote><p>Hey - where's the Warlock! And you might as well change the Pally and SK to Crusader so the there are three fighter types like the 3 priest types.  Better to have Scouts: Rogue, Bard, Predator if you are gonna have 3 priests; Then make the mages enchanger, sorcerer and summoner so there are three mages.</p>

[Barx]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Those events Cronyn and Kiara did last year were pretty fun</span></span></strong>, that'd be a perfect opportunity to let a bit of lore on this out early while keeping the forum-goers involved.</p></blockquote><p>QFE</p></blockquote><p>Jeez, I'm just sitting here eating my Craisins, and people are quoting at me in <span style="color: #ff0000;">RED</span>.  <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">RED BOLD</span></strong>, even. <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> RED, BOLD, and ENLARGED</span></strong></span>.</p><p>FINE.  I'll do another.  Got a few things on my plate at the moment, but I'll get to it when I can.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Good boy, have some ale and back in your cage until it's ready =D</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I would actually be fine if they just up and said it was Retconned in. Like those classes were always neutral from the start. That really wouldn't bother me.</p><p>What would bother me is saying the cities are working together. Now if they want to up and say that Qeynos and Freeport are now neutral, that would be ok I supposed. But Neriak and Kelethin will never get along.</p></blockquote><p>LOL - classes always neutral from the start... interesting - kinda like Bobby of the old "Dallas" series - and the shower scene where his wife walks into the bedroom, and Bobby wakes up from his dream that was all season long. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>I agree about the two major cities being buddies - but I could live with - an uneasy alliance to defeat the common enemy. After all Lucan is greatful that Queen Antonia had her peeps working to rescue him from Robin Theer. Otherwise, he still might be in his prison in the Palace.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I dunno, those tier'dal in Neriak always looked like monks to me. I always figured they were called 'Bruisers' because that was the name for the class in mechanics. Last I understood mechanics doesn't always equal lore. Like in WoW you can't play a Blood Elf Warrior (not yet anyway), but in the lore they exist and always have.</p><p>And in this cause it pretty much is a minor detail. Especially in the case of Brawlers. The only difference between a Monk and Bruiser is style. One's a striker, the other is a grappler. That doesn't make either good or evil.</p></blockquote><p>One actually focuses on discipline and achieving inner tranquility, the other just wrecks stuff without any regard for how it gets done or who gets hurt in the process. Huge difference.</p><p>Besides, this new lore is not only going to explain the bruisers in Neriak, but the newly founded Monks as well. Those brawlers in Neriak are all wearing bruiser helmets too. Monks don't have anything like those hair-hiding-headbands.</p>

[shadowedwolf]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I dunno, those tier'dal in Neriak always looked like monks to me. I always figured they were called 'Bruisers' because that was the name for the class in mechanics. Last I understood mechanics doesn't always equal lore. Like in WoW you can't play a Blood Elf Warrior (not yet anyway), but in the lore they exist and always have.</p></blockquote><p>I have to agree there... though monk might not be the correct term either. While inner peace might not be what they thrive for, they are definatly more disiplined than I'd imagine any true bruiser would be. Personally, I've always seen monks to be more of a graceful, precise style of fighting while a bruiser would be more akin to a UFC (or whatever the heck it's called) fighter.</p><p>At any rate, I hope the lore actually goes in with one of the hot patches instead of the next GU... My Ranger is curious about some of his breathern that may have gone astry... lol</p><p>And on another random note... I do actually hope they just 'neatralize' all the classes one day... at least letting them start in any city. A Shadowknight may never be good, and a Paladin would never be evil... but it could open up some interesting lore... heck... in the 30m I've been home from work I've thought of a back story for the 8 classes that aren't neatral and why they'd be in opposing city... Eh, oh well... a man can dream anyways... :p</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>shadowedwolf wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And on another random note... I do actually hope they just 'neatralize' all the classes one day... at least letting them start in any city. A Shadowknight may never be good, and a Paladin would never be evil... but it could open up some interesting lore... heck... in the 30m I've been home from work I've thought of a back story for the 8 classes that aren't neatral and why they'd be in opposing city... Eh, oh well... a man can dream anyways... :p</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, that's never going to happen. There is no possible way that Qeynos, New Halas, or Kelethin will ever justify the practice of necromancy and defiling the dead and the spirits as a viable reason to exist in their cities.</p>

[Sedenten]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>shadowedwolf wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And on another random note... I do actually hope they just 'neatralize' all the classes one day... at least letting them start in any city. A Shadowknight may never be good, and a Paladin would never be evil... but it could open up some interesting lore... heck... in the 30m I've been home from work I've thought of a back story for the 8 classes that aren't neatral and why they'd be in opposing city... Eh, oh well... a man can dream anyways... :p</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, that's never going to happen. There is no possible way that Qeynos, New Halas, or Kelethin will ever justify the practice of necromancy and defiling the dead and the spirits as a viable reason to exist in their cities.</p></blockquote><p>Well, all of the good aligned cities are cool with a class that spreads disease as a form of destruction (i.e. Warlocks).  </p><p>I'd like to know how the cities can tell that a defiler is a defiler (unless they actually use and have their dog pet with them).  I could see them being prejudiced towards a race, but class doesn't necessarily paint a person as good or evil to city guards.  </p>

[Eritius]

<p><cite>Koinoo@Crushbone wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>shadowedwolf wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And on another random note... I do actually hope they just 'neatralize' all the classes one day... at least letting them start in any city. A Shadowknight may never be good, and a Paladin would never be evil... but it could open up some interesting lore... heck... in the 30m I've been home from work I've thought of a back story for the 8 classes that aren't neatral and why they'd be in opposing city... Eh, oh well... a man can dream anyways... :p</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, that's never going to happen. There is no possible way that Qeynos, New Halas, or Kelethin will ever justify the practice of necromancy and defiling the dead and the spirits as a viable reason to exist in their cities.</p></blockquote><p>Well, all of the good aligned cities are cool with a class that spreads disease as a form of destruction (i.e. Warlocks).  </p><p>I'd like to know how the cities can tell that a defiler is a defiler (unless they actually use and have their dog pet with them).  I could see them being prejudiced towards a race, but class doesn't necessarily paint a person as good or evil to city guards.  </p></blockquote><p>Thats reflected by your faction. In EQ2 its a little harder to change then EQ1 but the explaination is mostly the same. Word travels fast in Norrath. The defiler in your example has had their reputation proceede them.</p><p>But as someone pointed out in reference to my monks in Neriak example. Yes they are obviously disciplined. The point is what defined these classes in mechanics has changed. I don't see a reason to go back and have a lore explaination for it. Or if they do, it should be something minor. Evil Brawlers using discipline to hone skills and be monks, where a good hearted tavern brawler decides to turn an adventuring life as a good bruiser. Rangers adapting to urban enviroments and becoming assassins (and vice versa). As for Enchanters, I can't see why that cannot be retconned, I really really could never understand the reason to split the classes by alignment in the first place. Templars and Inquisitors, just two different functions of the same church, not too hard there.</p><p>We don't need the big old parades and chivalric announcements of why these people are in these cities. They're here and thats all we need. Maybe its because I come from a RP server that I like to make up my own stories and use the lore as a backdrop on the canvas instead of the brush and lines itself.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>My Dark Elf Conjuror had to move to Qeynos because that pansy Academy of Arcane Sciences didn't see it fit to teach the art of Conjuration. Which is ironic because when I became a Freeport Summoner, I had to summon an elemental. Go figure.</p><p>Neither does The Spurned in Neriak. Which is also ironic because there was a powerful Magician trainer within the halls of the Spurned way back when. Not to mention Najena herself is a Tier'Dal.</p>

[shadowedwolf]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>shadowedwolf wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And on another random note... I do actually hope they just 'neatralize' all the classes one day... at least letting them start in any city. A Shadowknight may never be good, and a Paladin would never be evil... but it could open up some interesting lore... heck... in the 30m I've been home from work I've thought of a back story for the 8 classes that aren't neatral and why they'd be in opposing city... Eh, oh well... a man can dream anyways... :p</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, that's never going to happen. There is no possible way that Qeynos, New Halas, or Kelethin will ever justify the practice of necromancy and defiling the dead and the spirits as a viable reason to exist in their cities.</p></blockquote><p>The 'good' citizens of the cities you mentioned wouldn't justify necromancy... Then again... the cities underbelly is crawling with Bloodsabres... There are even a in-game book mentioning how Bloodsabres blend into the everyday wood work of Qeynos... though SoE hasn't chosen to really expand on thier role in Norrath, it's not impossible to believe they spread to the further reaches of Norrath? (Necromancers and Shadowknights could start in the Qeynos sewers in EQ1 iirc)</p><p>Even so... the Eurdites in Paineel except Necromancy... And with that high and might attitude, I wouldn't be surprised if they sent a represenative to each city trying to justify the practice. Sure he'd probably be shunned and austrocized but in the end the 'good' citizens practice tolerance and probably wouldn't take up arms unless he really ticked them off.</p><p>As for the whole Shaman thing... Kerrans trying to recruit, for lack of a better word, to thier cause... either peace with the Eurdites or going to war...</p><p>Shadowknight would be trickier... but put her in common clothes, stick her in the tavern and let her recruit people to her cause there... Bloodsabre? Ashanti Sul? "Ah, hello friend... I sense a strong power in you... perhaps you'd like to know how..." /shrug</p><p>It may never happen, but *I* don't think it impossible to as long as there is a good writer behind it.</p><p>@Xalmat... It is funny that the evil cities aren't teaching the art of summoning elementals. In Neriak there is actually a guy outside The Spurned building telling his students about summoning elementals... and as I recall, the L&L book for elementals talks about the writer trying to sucessfully summon an elemental to get a promotion/accepted within The Academy of Arcane Sciences...</p><p>/Shurg</p><p>I don't know... I still just think it strange the classes they chose to be good and evil and I hope one day they just get rid of the whole notion. Probably would break the way dieties work but... I can live with that. :p</p><p>Still though, I AM anxious to see how they explain the various classes now being able to live in various cities... and I hope they open it up so you don't have to be that class to find out why there are evil rangers and good coercers running around.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>That's the thing though. Each of these classes exist in these cities because the ruling party ACKNOWLEDGES their existence. You can't have necromancers and shadowknights in Qeynos because that would mean that Queen Antonia fully recognizes them as a legitimate profession. There wouldn't be any sneaking around because this game's core mechanics are about playing a class in service of a specific city. Yes, Necs and SKs could start in the Qeynos sewers in EQlive as members of the Bloodsabers. That didn't make them any less KOS to the guards.</p><p>How would a shadowknight who started as a member of the bloodsabers, unknown to Queen Antonia, start any of the major storylines like the Claymore? Which city would they be a member of?</p><p>Yes, Paineel uses necromancy as a legitimate form of scientific research, but Qeynos, Kelethin, and New Halas have moral issues about raising the dead. They're dead, let them rest in peace. I know sure wouldn't want my best friend raising my grandmother's corpse and ordering her to do manual labor as a mindless drone. It's just wrong.</p>

[RoninSenshi]

<p>One of these things is not like the other...</p><p><img src="http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/74/humanmonkinneriak.jpg" width="1366" height="768" /></p>

[Eritius]

<p>And that is what happens when SOE tries to give a 'lore explaination'. You get non-dark elf trainers in Neriak that just don't make any sense.</p><p>But you all asked for it, so you got it. Thank god I can just RP as if they don't exist. There is an evil aligned guild that I know of that has an Illusionist joining that is a citizen of Neriak. Was she trained by some human? Nope. Sorry, call it wrong but it ain't going to be happening in that storyline.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>All of the new class trainers are Human. All of them. Just goes to show that we're the best race. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Seriously though, Humans can now live in EVERY CITY,  so there's nothing wrong with the new monk master in Neriak being a Human.</p>

[Morghus]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>All of the new class trainers are Human. All of them. Just goes to show that we're the best race. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Seriously though, Humans can now live in EVERY CITY,  so there's nothing wrong with the new monk master in Neriak being a Human.</p></blockquote><p>Hehe, I would never be fooled into considering Humans to be the best, so much as the most versatile. You have to admit though, that the various new trainers are rather jarring to look at in Neriak and Gorowyn.</p>

[Alvane]

<p>This is the mysterious case of the tail wagging the dog. Wonder what stories that dwarf will tell to keep that dog happy.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Morghus wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>All of the new class trainers are Human. All of them. Just goes to show that we're the best race. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Seriously though, Humans can now live in EVERY CITY,  so there's nothing wrong with the new monk master in Neriak being a Human.</p></blockquote><p>Hehe, I would never be fooled into considering Humans to be the best, so much as the most versatile. You have to admit though, that the various new trainers are rather jarring to look at in Neriak and Gorowyn.</p></blockquote><p>But being the most versatile means we're the best. We're so mediocre that we have no weaknesses. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Humans in Neriak might be a little jarring, but Humans have always been able to start in Gorowyn, so it's nothing new.</p>

[Hamervelder]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>shadowedwolf wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And on another random note... I do actually hope they just 'neatralize' all the classes one day... at least letting them start in any city. A Shadowknight may never be good, and a Paladin would never be evil... but it could open up some interesting lore... heck... in the 30m I've been home from work I've thought of a back story for the 8 classes that aren't neatral and why they'd be in opposing city... Eh, oh well... a man can dream anyways... :p</p></blockquote><p>Yeah, that's never going to happen. There is no possible way that Qeynos, New Halas, or Kelethin will ever justify the practice of necromancy and defiling the dead and the spirits as a viable reason to exist in their cities.</p></blockquote><p>I predict that SOE will do just that: allow those classes to be neutral.  Perhaps, in fact, they'd do it just to irritate you.</p>

[Cronyn]

<p>Just a heads up!</p><p>We're putting in the in-game content for the class changes now.  Each class has an explaination and content in the cities to support the changes, so you should see it all here in a near-future update.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p><p>And just as an aside... Rile might be my favorite character in EQ2.  That guy is conniving.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Edit: I used the word "changes" like 40 times.</p>

[Corydonn]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And just as an aside... Rile might be my favorite character in EQ2.  That guy is conniving.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>There has been a lack of Iksar lore recently! I'd love to see more of the scavenger hunts that had people worldwide looking for the clues like the Erudin books awhile back.</p>

[Garnaf]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And just as an aside... Rile might be my favorite character in EQ2.  That guy is conniving.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Heh, Mine too.  Though for me that's just one part of it.  I'm an Iksar Shadowknight, I'm required by law to adore Rile.  Also you forgot, ambitious, powerful, intelligent, cruel, basically the archtypical Iksar.</p><p>*Wonders if the plot thread about Rile declaring a rebelion against Venril will ever be followed up on.  Rile's got a serious powerbase now with allies, a secret base of operations, an honor guard, and a deity that would rather see him on the throne than his father.  Oh, and he thinks he has his phylactery too (though in reality we have it, not him)*</p><p>Lots of potential for a world event there involving Rile.</p>

[Uncaged]

<p><cite>Dranikos@Butcherblock wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And just as an aside... Rile might be my favorite character in EQ2.  That guy is conniving.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Heh, Mine too.  Though for me that's just one part of it.  I'm an Iksar Shadowknight, I'm required by law to adore Rile.  Also you forgot, ambitious, powerful, intelligent, cruel, basically the archtypical Iksar.</p><p>*Wonders if the plot thread about Rile declaring a rebelion against Venril will ever be followed up on.  Rile's got a serious powerbase now with allies, a secret base of operations, an honor guard, and a deity that would rather see him on the throne than his father.  Oh, and he thinks he has his phylactery too (though in reality we have it, not him)*</p><p>Lots of potential for a world event there involving Rile.</p></blockquote><p>Not to mention, smart enough to use us weaker races to his ends until we are no longer useful. Kinda sounds like Kerafrym now that I think about it. But yes, a world event would be great but I doubt it will ever happen while the Rime pose the bigger threat to Rillis. Once Killingfrost retreats to Velious though, It could be on.</p>

[BleemTeam]

<p>The answer to Cusa's questions and concerns you ask?</p><p>Maj'Dul. Make that city actually DO something! =) Any class. Any race. Hook, Line, Sinker, Done.</p>

[Alvane]

<p>I started playing EQ2 with DoF expansion. It is still one of my fav areas to play around, especially Living Tombs, Silent City, Citadel and the Clefts.</p><p>Although there is a connection with the ancient elves and orcs, I always felt it was EQ2's bad boy - there, but nothing was really done to include it in the family other than a link to Isle of Mara.</p><p>It would be fantastic to see Maj'dul be an important part of the series. As of now, the entire expansion is a very distant unimportant cousin.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I started playing EQ2 with DoF expansion. It is still one of my fav areas to play around, especially Living Tombs, Silent City, Citadel and the Clefts.</p><p>Although there is a connection with the ancient elves and orcs, I always felt it was EQ2's bad boy - there, but nothing was really done to include it in the family other than a link to Isle of Mara.</p><p>It would be fantastic to see Maj'dul be an important part of the series. As of now, the entire expansion is a very distant unimportant cousin.</p></blockquote><p>What about the entire Ashen Order of monks building a fortress called T'Narev (Verant backwards). What about introducing Anashti Sul and the eventual fact that she would become a major storyarc for this game? What about the Ewer of Sul'Dae that we destroyed, but Neriak somehow found a way to rebuild, and populated the city with their own race of vampires?</p><p>This post and the one it's responding to are straying off the topic of discussion, but you get the point that DoF still had quite a signficant impact on the lore.</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I started playing EQ2 with DoF expansion. It is still one of my fav areas to play around, especially Living Tombs, Silent City, Citadel and the Clefts.</p><p>Although there is a connection with the ancient elves and orcs, I always felt it was EQ2's bad boy - there, but nothing was really done to include it in the family other than a link to Isle of Mara.</p><p>It would be fantastic to see Maj'dul be an important part of the series. As of now, the entire expansion is a very distant unimportant cousin.</p></blockquote><p>What about the entire Ashen Order of monks building a fortress called T'Narev (Verant backwards). What about introducing Anashti Sul and the eventual fact that she would become a major storyarc for this game? What about the Ewer of Sul'Dae that we destroyed, but Neriak somehow found a way to rebuild, and populated the city with their own race of vampires?</p><p>This post and the one it's responding to are straying off the topic of discussion, but you get the point that DoF still had quite a signficant impact on the lore.</p></blockquote><p>Heh the Peacock line actually tied in the Brethren of the Night from the Bloodlines chronicles in the series. As well as someone from the Ebon Mask iirc.. .though my mind is hazy i know the Dark Elf survivor down there was working with one of either of them, though its said that the Brethren team is wiped out by Malkonis down there to iirc.</p><p>Glad to see Cronyn back on the boards, as for the neutrality lore... meh.. some of it is ok some of it is slighty off-base, as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p>

[Meirril]

<p><cite>Grimknight@Kithicor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Dranikos@Butcherblock wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And just as an aside... Rile might be my favorite character in EQ2.  That guy is conniving.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Heh, Mine too.  Though for me that's just one part of it.  I'm an Iksar Shadowknight, I'm required by law to adore Rile.  Also you forgot, ambitious, powerful, intelligent, cruel, basically the archtypical Iksar.</p><p>*Wonders if the plot thread about Rile declaring a rebelion against Venril will ever be followed up on.  Rile's got a serious powerbase now with allies, a secret base of operations, an honor guard, and a deity that would rather see him on the throne than his father.  Oh, and he thinks he has his phylactery too (though in reality we have it, not him)*</p><p>Lots of potential for a world event there involving Rile.</p></blockquote><p>Not to mention, smart enough to use us weaker races to his ends until we are no longer useful. Kinda sounds like Kerafrym now that I think about it. But yes, a world event would be great but I doubt it will ever happen while the Rime pose the bigger threat to Rillis. Once Killingfrost retreats to Velious though, It could be on.</p></blockquote><p>Hmm...but wouldn't it be a bit anti-climatic for Rile to take the satherian throne, conquer all of Kunark and be poised to invade the rest of Norrath when suddenly Joe adventurer says "wait...hold on." rummages around his bank and with a brief tinkling noise Rile lifeless corpse drops to the floor starting a whole new Satherian civil war to see who succeeds him?</p><p>Seriously, who doesn't have Rile's phylaserie somewhere?</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists.<em><strong> I can't justify</strong></em> either of those as being good in any possible way.  </p></blockquote><p>Thugs, and vandals are more the image of brigands. As for rapists and murderers = Assassins which are getting to become neutral.</p><p>As justifying brigands/swash? do we not remember the Terrible Twin rulers Bayle?  Anton and Antea? Incestual relationship producing an heir, as well as ruling over Qeynos like power maniacs and emo twins. Qeynos' so called "good" is often just as brutal and hatefull not bringing it into the light is the only seperation.</p><p>[Removed for Content] and pillaging is something that happens in these rougher times. While it may be a bit more personal with humans i suppose, though whos to say the humans dont do the same to many of the others races I know the gnolls have quite a bit to add to that argument.</p><p>Had brigands been unholy wielders of decay or death like SK's Necro's (and oddly enough warlocks yet they are neutral) I could kind of see the argument. But the gap between viscous thug brigand and hired cold blooded killer assassin shouldnt be so blured or in this case turned the wrong way.</p><p>Qeynos' white walls of purity are becoming stained with the blood of the truth.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists.<em><strong> I can't justify</strong></em> either of those as being good in any possible way.  </p></blockquote><p>Thugs, and vandals are more the image of brigands. As for rapists and murderers = Assassins which are getting to become neutral.</p><p>As justifying brigands/swash? do we not remember the Terrible Twin rulers Bayle?  Anton and Antea? Incestual relationship producing an heir, as well as ruling over Qeynos like power maniacs and emo twins. Qeynos' so called "good" is often just as brutal and hatefull not bringing it into the light is the only seperation.</p><p>[Removed for Content] and pillaging is something that happens in these rougher times. While it may be a bit more personal with humans i suppose, though whos to say the humans dont do the same to many of the others races I know the gnolls have quite a bit to add to that argument.</p><p>Had brigands been unholy wielders of decay or death like SK's Necro's (and oddly enough warlocks yet they are neutral) I could kind of see the argument. But the gap between viscous thug brigand and hired cold blooded killer assassin shouldnt be so blured or in this case turned the wrong way.</p><p>Qeynos' white walls of purity are becoming stained with the blood of the truth.</p></blockquote><p>Or there is the possibility of the rapists & murderers, thugs & vandals have seen a bit of faith and wish to put their skills for the betterment of society of Q. Yet, the ranger has been exposed to so much blood, they are now tained with the hate of FP.</p>

[Meirril]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands are thieves, highwaymen and bandits. Swashbucklers are...just like brigands. Sure, they say they turn on the charm but honestly they are the exact same backstabbing types that brigands are. They use poisons just as much as brigands. They are known as pirates. The only pirate organizations in the game so far are based in Freeport and Brokenskull Rock. If anything Freeport should of had the land bandit problems and Qeynos should of had the pirates hanging out everywhere.</p><p>Sorry, Swashbucklers fit in Freeport way more than Rangers do. Brigands in Qeynos? Where do you think the highwaymen that populate Antonica launder their stolen goods? Windstalker Village?</p><p>Something else to think about. Necromancers and Shadowknights in Qeynos arn't unherd of. Both guilds were driven out of Qeynos over the last 500 years. It is certainly possible for some members of these guilds to have hidden themselves and secretly train new members of their orders. While I can't see them being openly embraced for what they really are they could disguise their true abilities and serve their home city.</p><p>The same holds true for Freeport. Lucan may even use it as a ploy to secretely start recruting priests and paladins who worship him before all other dieties in a further attempt to legitimize his claim on being a diety. Also this could sew seeds of dissention amongst his enemies in Freeport who might reveil themselves to "fellow paladins" or other good-aligned priests that are still loyal to Lucan.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Meirril wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands are thieves, highwaymen and bandits. Swashbucklers are...just like brigands. Sure, they say they turn on the charm but honestly they are the exact same backstabbing types that brigands are. They use poisons just as much as brigands. They are known as pirates. The only pirate organizations in the game so far are based in Freeport and Brokenskull Rock. If anything Freeport should of had the land bandit problems and Qeynos should of had the pirates hanging out everywhere.</p><p>Sorry, Swashbucklers fit in Freeport way more than Rangers do. Brigands in Qeynos? Where do you think the highwaymen that populate Antonica launder their stolen goods? Windstalker Village?</p></blockquote><p>Certainly not in Qeynos either. Swashbucklers are suppose to be like Robin Hood, a <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LoveableRogue" target="_blank">loveable rogue</a> who robs from the rich and gives to the poor, and if they don't give to the poor, they at least make the public know that they did a great service by hampering a clearly disliked faction. Even if they do rob others, they are still employed by the cities they work for, and are happy to scout out areas and find information for the benefit of others around them. They are <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ChaoticGood" target="_blank">Chaotic Good</a>. Even if they don't care too much about the laws of the land, they still respect those who live there.</p><p>Brigands are evil. They will jump out and mug you, regardless of who you are. Even if you give them all your money, that doesn't mean they will let you walk away with your life. They're malicious and don't care about helping others unless there's money involved for them and them alone.</p><p>That's how these classes were envisioned when this game started. I cannot see how even 6 years later, that could possibly change to justify total scum who are selfish and only care about themselves to be working for Qeynos. (Please don't try to twist my words to justify any other class with this explanation either.)</p><p>This has nothing to do with a player's personality either. All the roleplayers out there want to justify that they are a good necromancer because they are a good person in real life. The game still defines that they are evil, and all the good deeds a player does is not reflected by the environment, since the game has no way to alter how NPC's react to you just because you're an easy going person who can make good friendships with guildmembers.</p>

[Gungo]

<p>How do I get the lore for these classes on test. I hail the new class trainers in freeport and I get nothing.</p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>How do I get the lore for these classes on test. I hail the new class trainers in freeport and I get nothing.</p></blockquote><p>Well, it's not in yet, so I doubt you'll find it.  If you DO manage to, however, please send it to me so we can umm... put it in the game.</p><p>*is confused by his own paradox*</p>

[Barx]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>How do I get the lore for these classes on test. I hail the new class trainers in freeport and I get nothing.</p></blockquote><p>Well, it's not in yet, so I doubt you'll find it.  If you DO manage to, however, please send it to me so we can umm... put it in the game.</p><p>*is confused by his own paradox*</p></blockquote><p>You remind me of that Dr. Who epsiode I saw last night, where he collides with a distant past version of himself <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>How do I get the lore for these classes on test. I hail the new class trainers in freeport and I get nothing.</p></blockquote><p>Well, it's not in yet, so I doubt you'll find it.  If you DO manage to, however, please send it to me so we can umm... put it in the game.</p><p>*is confused by his own paradox*</p></blockquote><p>You remind me of that Dr. Who epsiode I saw last night, where he collides with a distant past version of himself <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Oh, if I ran into my distant past self, I'd immediately challenge myself to a Street Fighter match.  I've got way more moves than Distant Past Cronyn has... such a scrub.  I love this scenario.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>How do I get the lore for these classes on test. I hail the new class trainers in freeport and I get nothing.</p></blockquote><p>Well, it's not in yet, so I doubt you'll find it.  If you DO manage to, however, please send it to me so we can umm... put it in the game.</p><p>*is confused by his own paradox*</p></blockquote><p>You remind me of that Dr. Who epsiode I saw last night, where he collides with a distant past version of himself <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Which ep? the timey-whimey one where "that sentence' just got away from him?</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>OMG, no making pre-destination paradoxes with the space-time continuum, please!</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Oh, if I ran into my distant past self, I'd immediately challenge myself to a Street Fighter match.  I've got way more moves than Distant Past Cronyn has... such a scrub.  I love this scenario.</p></blockquote><p>Next time you see him, tell him how Dan is no longer a joke character. He'll never believe you, and then it'll blow his mind.</p>

[denmom]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p></blockquote><p>Legend of Robin Hood: he was technically a brigand in stealing from the rich to give to the poor.</p><p>This was romanticized by story telling.  For all we know, he did kill his rich victims.  My point is that he was a brigand who is considered a good guy.</p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>Pheep@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p></blockquote><p>Legend of Robin Hood: he was technically a brigand in stealing from the rich to give to the poor.</p><p>This was romanticized by story telling.  For all we know, he did kill his rich victims.  My point is that he was a brigand who is considered a good guy.</p></blockquote><p>I hought robin hood was more a ranger.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Pheep@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p></blockquote><p>Legend of Robin Hood: he was technically a brigand in stealing from the rich to give to the poor.</p><p>This was romanticized by story telling.  For all we know, he did kill his rich victims.  My point is that he was a brigand who is considered a good guy.</p></blockquote><p>How is he a brigand when he's clearly caring about earning money for people other than himself?</p>

[TheSpin]

While Robin Hood was known for his skill with a bow, he was not known for being a nature lover. I agree that the brigand class in EQ2 fits him better than the others. Ranger - Death from afar and in a forest, Assassin - Death from behind, usually in a city. Swashbuckler - full of swagger and showmanship Brigand - efficient bandit, gets the job done.

[Triasa]

<p>I just wish the Robin Hood movies were a little more realistic.  I've never seen one yet that correctly depicted him yelling "DISPATCHED!!!" during a fight. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Barx]

<p><cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>How do I get the lore for these classes on test. I hail the new class trainers in freeport and I get nothing.</p></blockquote><p>Well, it's not in yet, so I doubt you'll find it.  If you DO manage to, however, please send it to me so we can umm... put it in the game.</p><p>*is confused by his own paradox*</p></blockquote><p>You remind me of that Dr. Who epsiode I saw last night, where he collides with a distant past version of himself <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Which ep? the timey-whimey one where "that sentence' just got away from him?</p></blockquote><p>Mmm it was a David Tennant one where he crashes into the Titanic IIRC. Ship of the Damned or something like that.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Pheep@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> as rogues not predators should have been the neutral scout besides bards since its been that way in all other EQ lore and the previous 2 EQ MMO's to this point. But we havent seen all the explaning yet so I'll reserve judgment.</p><p>Lets hope we get a few more lore bits on eq2players and write ups and more nudges for hints and such.</p></blockquote><p>"Rogue" is just ambiguous enough to make neutral since you can't tell if a rogue is intially good or evil, and can define them better based on the society they come from.</p><p>Brigands are muggers and rapists. I can't justify either of those as being good in any possible way.</p></blockquote><p>Legend of Robin Hood: he was technically a brigand in stealing from the rich to give to the poor.</p><p>This was romanticized by story telling.  For all we know, he did kill his rich victims.  My point is that he was a brigand who is considered a good guy.</p></blockquote><p>Dang, and here I thought RH was a ranger!</p>

[Jrral]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Brigands are evil. They will jump out and mug you, regardless of who you are. Even if you give them all your money, that doesn't mean they will let you walk away with your life. They're malicious and don't care about helping others unless there's money involved for them and them alone.</p></blockquote><p>Counter-point: Skif from the Valdemar books. He's very definitely a street thug, an assassin, a master thief. He's got no qualms about killing if it's necessary, and if he's going to do it he's going to put the knife in their back when they're not expecting it, ideally in a dark corridor or alley where they won't even know there's someone behind them until they're already dead. It's quicker, safer and attracts less attention than a big showy stand-up fight. And as a Herald he's by definition one of the Good Guys. I think it's safe to say in fantasy there's a long-standing trope of characters who aren't necessarily nice but're on the side of the angels nonetheless. And of course the honorable and decent villain's also a long-standing trope. Take Tremaine from Lackey's Storm series, for example, or take a look at a number of Havenite officers in the Honor Harrington series.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Jrral@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Brigands are evil. They will jump out and mug you, regardless of who you are. Even if you give them all your money, that doesn't mean they will let you walk away with your life. They're malicious and don't care about helping others unless there's money involved for them and them alone.</p></blockquote><p>Counter-point: Skif from the Valdemar books.</p></blockquote><p>Who from the what?</p>

[Jrral]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Who from the what?</p></blockquote><p>*sigh* Mercedes Lackey. Heralds of Valdemar. Started with the Arrows trilogy: Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, Arrow's Fall. <a href="http://www.mercedeslackey.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.mercedeslackey.com/</a> for more. 1987 wasn't <em>that</em> long ago.</p>

[Hikinami]

<p><cite>Triasa@Kithicor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I just wish the Robin Hood movies were a little more realistic.  I've never seen one yet that correctly depicted him yelling "DISPATCHED!!!" during a fight. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>That was hilarious, Triasa. I can't stop laughing.</p>

[Gungo]

<p>He lived in the trees in the forest with his band of MERRY men and was best known as being an expert with a bow.</p><p>How does that evenly remotely seem roguish? Because he stole from the rich?</p><p>Maybe I will give you Robin Hood was multiclass, but he was most defintely part Ranger =P.</p><p>The only real ranger i can think of in story telling is Aragorn in lord of the rings because the author called him a ranger. But while he used a bow, He seemed more of an expert at duel wielding swords then his using bow, which was Legolas specialty.  </p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>He lived in the trees in the forest with his band of MERRY men and was best known as being an expert with a bow.</p><p>How does that evenly remotely seem roguish? Because he stole from the rich?</p></blockquote><p>Clearly he was a politician!</p>

[Nebbeny]

I'm sure cusa will correct me if i'm wrong, but as far as arragon being "un-rangerish" for duel weilding, I remember eq1 rangers being experts of being road bumps, oh and duel weilding. One of their high level abilities (well, above 40? i dunno never played one) was 10 seconds of deflecting all blows with their swords. And Legolas? He duel weilded elven shortswords in close combat, and was a master of that. One other thing to consider is that rangers aren't upholders of good, they are preservers of nature and in extreme cases, balance. I don't remember people being against druids being a neutral class. I liked the archtype subclass class structure, i would still like it, but maybe it's time to relate classes to evil good neutral based on their lore and background, rather than balance. Balance is good, but this entire expansion we were dedicated to eradicating the sentinal of balance so you know, maybe SoE are too? <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Trevalon]

<p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Trevalon wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p></blockquote><p>"Good Brigand" is an oxymoron. I still can't find any justification to mugging someone *IF* you intend to keep it all for yourself as being good for the benefit of society.</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Trevalon wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p></blockquote><p>"Good Brigand" is an oxymoron. I still can't find any justification to mugging someone *IF* you intend to keep it all for yourself as being good for the benefit of society.</p></blockquote><p>Meh I see the same about assination or an inquisition, but yet they get to to be neutral. Rogues were neutral and are seen in the light they are presented in, much like the winners of war re-write history. IF the brigand mugs someone and keeps it for himself b/c he doesnt want the loot to fuel an Over oppressive Qeynos political machine then more power to him.</p><p>Trying to keep it black and white with the Rogue class isnt going to ever work b/c of the lore of not only the in-game class but the RL experience and tales people know. As before you "could" say the same with Assassins or Inquisitors .. hell even Shadowed Knights. So what it comes down to is the opinion of the games lore. This instance of the rogue staying completely good/evil seems... off.  Had they always been this way in Everquests Lore I'd give more breathing room on it, but as it is it wasnt. </p><p>The Circle of the Unseen Hand.  Was a rogue guild in Qeynos and kicked out. Were they the viscous killers and thugs we make brigands to be?... eh maybe.  But they were on the "lighter side". Let us not forget the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lafitte" target="_blank">Jean Laffite's</a> or hell <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Solo" target="_blank">Scruffy Nerf herders</a> of Norrath.</p><p>I really hope this change wasn't done b/c devs have opposite alligned toons and dont want to take the time to betray to live in Halas..lol</p><p>-Nightblade</p>

[Valdaglerion]

<p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Trevalon wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p></blockquote><p>"Good Brigand" is an oxymoron. I still can't find any justification to mugging someone *IF* you intend to keep it all for yourself as being good for the benefit of society.</p></blockquote><p>Meh I see the same about assination or an inquisition, but yet they get to to be neutral. Rogues were neutral and are seen in the light they are presented in, much like the winners of war re-write history. IF the brigand mugs someone and keeps it for himself b/c he doesnt want the loot to fuel an Over oppressive Qeynos political machine then more power to him.</p><p>Trying to keep it black and white with the Rogue class isnt going to ever work b/c of the lore of not only the in-game class but the RL experience and tales people know. As before you "could" say the same with Assassins or Inquisitors .. hell even Shadowed Knights. So what it comes down to is the opinion of the games lore. This instance of the rogue staying completely good/evil seems... off.  Had they always been this way in Everquests Lore I'd give more breathing room on it, but as it is it wasnt. </p><p>The Circle of the Unseen Hand.  Was a rogue guild in Qeynos and kicked out. Were they the viscous killers and thugs we make brigands to be?... eh maybe.  But they were on the "lighter side". Let us not forget the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lafitte" target="_blank">Jean Laffite's</a> or hell <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Solo" target="_blank">Scruffy Nerf herders</a> of Norrath.</p><p>I really hope this change wasn't done b/c devs have opposite alligned toons and dont want to take the time to betray to live in Halas..lol</p><p>-Nightblade</p></blockquote><p>I am still looking for the rationale used to determine why the remaining handful of classes werent made nuetral as well.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The Circle of the Unseen Hand.  Was a rogue guild in Qeynos and kicked out. Were they the viscous killers and thugs we make brigands to be?... eh maybe.  But they were on the "lighter side".</p></blockquote><p>Are you kidding me? The Circle of Unseen Hands in EQlive were Chaotic Neutral rogues who DOMINATED all black market smuggling trades across the entire world. They put the Coalition of Tradesfolk in Freeport to shame. They never helped out Qeynos in any way unless you count providing the payroll for the corrupt guards who were in league with the Bloodsabers. I don't think they were kicked out (at least haven't seen anything indicating they were), but rather decided to move out when they expanded their ranks. Crow's Resting Place is proof enough that they still have a presence in Qeynos.</p><p>In EQ2, they are STILL the dominant force behind all forms of smuggling *AND* they're full of murderous assassins who will kill anyone who threatens their way of business... or even threatens to prove they exist.</p>

[Meirril]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Trevalon wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p></blockquote><p>"Good Brigand" is an oxymoron. I still can't find any justification to mugging someone *IF* you intend to keep it all for yourself as being good for the benefit of society.</p></blockquote><p>During the "wild west" Jessie James was herald as a hero of the people because he robbed trains. Trains were considered to be run by evil people. So stealing from them was a sign of regular folk standing up against an oppressive omnipotent organization.</p><p>Honestly though, Jessie James was just a murderer, mugger and theif with good press. If he had decided to steal cattle, horses or rob banks he would of been equally despised.</p><p>Also there was privateering. Legalized piracy, which was very similar to how armies of the same time period operated. As an officer you paid to raise your own troops and equipped them at your own expense. Your reward for doing so was you got to keep any booty that you came across during the fighting. Looting was a hanging offense in these armies mostly because you were stealing from the officer that formed your unit. Also the booty was distributed to the men who were exected to use it to pay for their next meal. Armies in those times were slightly better than legalized gangs of bandits.</p>

[BleemTeam]

<p>I'm tellin ya. Add class trainers (24) to Maj'Dul and at character select, if they select that city, then they can be any class and any race. Just make the negatives substantial. Sure, you can be a dark elf paladin right out of the bat, BUT, you can never betray. Ever. Something different, witty and quite fantastic can come of this plan.</p><p>Maj'Dul for starting city in '11. Any class, any race! Do it. Do it.</p>

[kelvmor]

<p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Trevalon wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p></blockquote><p>"Good Brigand" is an oxymoron. I still can't find any justification to mugging someone *IF* you intend to keep it all for yourself as being good for the benefit of society.</p></blockquote><p>Meh I see the same about assination or an inquisition, but yet they get to to be neutral. Rogues were neutral and are seen in the light they are presented in, much like the winners of war re-write history. IF the brigand mugs someone and keeps it for himself b/c he doesnt want the loot to fuel an Over oppressive Qeynos political machine then more power to him.</p><p>Trying to keep it black and white with the Rogue class isnt going to ever work b/c of the lore of not only the in-game class but the RL experience and tales people know. As before you "could" say the same with Assassins or Inquisitors .. hell even Shadowed Knights. So what it comes down to is the opinion of the games lore. This instance of the rogue staying completely good/evil seems... off.  Had they always been this way in Everquests Lore I'd give more breathing room on it, but as it is it wasnt. </p><p>The Circle of the Unseen Hand.  Was a rogue guild in Qeynos and kicked out. Were they the viscous killers and thugs we make brigands to be?... eh maybe.  But they were on the "lighter side". Let us not forget the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lafitte" target="_blank">Jean Laffite's</a> or hell <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Solo" target="_blank">Scruffy Nerf herders</a> of Norrath.</p><p>I really hope this change wasn't done b/c devs have opposite alligned toons and dont want to take the time to betray to live in Halas..lol</p><p>-Nightblade</p></blockquote><p>I am still looking for the rationale used to determine why the remaining handful of classes werent made nuetral as well.</p></blockquote><p>Shadowknights, Necromancers, and Defilers are horrible, evil, evil people that enslave souls, raise the rotting corpses of the dead as minions, and spread plague and fear in the name of their dark gods or for their own self interests.</p><p>A Brigand will call up a group of thugs to mug you, then kill you and sell your stuff on the black market. Or, they'll mug you, then sell -you- on the black market.</p><p>A Paladin is a patron of honor and valor that, if he were allowed to roam free in Freeport, for instance, would go on a suicide mission to destroy the Necromancers and undead of the Academy of Arcane Sciences. Mystics are sort of so-so, as are conjurors.</p><p>A swashbuckler is also sort of so-so.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>kelvmor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite></cite>Shadowknights, Necromancers, and Defilers are horrible, evil, evil people that enslave souls, raise the rotting corpses of the dead as minions, and spread plague and fear in the name of their dark gods or for their own self interests.</p></blockquote><p>Not really all that different from a Warlock to be honest. Conjurors and Wizards have always been neutrally aligned lore-wise, but Conjuror was only made Good aligned because their counterpart is Necromancer, who is evil. Wizard and Warlock could have been made good and evil under the same logic.</p>

[Meirril]

<p><cite>kelvmor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Artemiz@The Bazaar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rezikai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Trevalon wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There was a show on the History channel recently talking about the possibilities of who the real Robin Hood was in real life that the stories were about. </p><p>It seems the general consensus was that it started with one dude and then over the years numerous guys kind of took the name of Robin Hood.</p><p>That being said, the Robin Hood in RL was definitely a Brigand and had little to do with stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and more to do with just preying on anyone he could.</p><p>So yes, Robin Hood would indeed be a Brigand that legend turned into a kind of "Good Brigand"</p></blockquote><p>"Good Brigand" is an oxymoron. I still can't find any justification to mugging someone *IF* you intend to keep it all for yourself as being good for the benefit of society.</p></blockquote><p>Meh I see the same about assination or an inquisition, but yet they get to to be neutral. Rogues were neutral and are seen in the light they are presented in, much like the winners of war re-write history. IF the brigand mugs someone and keeps it for himself b/c he doesnt want the loot to fuel an Over oppressive Qeynos political machine then more power to him.</p><p>Trying to keep it black and white with the Rogue class isnt going to ever work b/c of the lore of not only the in-game class but the RL experience and tales people know. As before you "could" say the same with Assassins or Inquisitors .. hell even Shadowed Knights. So what it comes down to is the opinion of the games lore. This instance of the rogue staying completely good/evil seems... off.  Had they always been this way in Everquests Lore I'd give more breathing room on it, but as it is it wasnt. </p><p>The Circle of the Unseen Hand.  Was a rogue guild in Qeynos and kicked out. Were they the viscous killers and thugs we make brigands to be?... eh maybe.  But they were on the "lighter side". Let us not forget the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Lafitte" target="_blank">Jean Laffite's</a> or hell <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Solo" target="_blank">Scruffy Nerf herders</a> of Norrath.</p><p>I really hope this change wasn't done b/c devs have opposite alligned toons and dont want to take the time to betray to live in Halas..lol</p><p>-Nightblade</p></blockquote><p>I am still looking for the rationale used to determine why the remaining handful of classes werent made nuetral as well.</p></blockquote><p>Shadowknights, Necromancers, and Defilers are horrible, evil, evil people that enslave souls, raise the rotting corpses of the dead as minions, and spread plague and fear in the name of their dark gods or for their own self interests.</p><p>A Brigand will call up a group of thugs to mug you, then kill you and sell your stuff on the black market. Or, they'll mug you, then sell -you- on the black market.</p><p>A Paladin is a patron of honor and valor that, if he were allowed to roam free in Freeport, for instance, would go on a suicide mission to destroy the Necromancers and undead of the Academy of Arcane Sciences. Mystics are sort of so-so, as are conjurors.</p><p>A swashbuckler is also sort of so-so.</p></blockquote><p>So, you'd say brigands are more evil than Assassins? Your saying that Swashbucklers are more good than Brigands because they have more style and panache while they cut your throat and take all your stuff?</p><p>For that matter, we're adventurers. Specializing in home invasion robbery as a job. Ask the monsters, they live there. That is their home we're breaking into to steal their stuff. It isn't even like the gnolls in blackburrow or the thexians in fallen gate ever leave the place and yet we're telling our young aspiring people to go in there and wreck the place and murder everybody for the glory of the motherland. Even paladins do this. So really, who's good here? Not I. I'm a monster.</p>

[kelvmor]

<p>Perhaps.</p><p>Either way, there has to be some stark black and white among the shades of gray. I don't want a game where a Shadowknight or Necromancer can walk around Qeynos or Kelethin freely without a small army of Paladins and clerics coming to destroy them, personally. I don't want a game where a Paladin can walk around Neriak openly flaunting his Paladin ways without getting a dagger to the throat.</p>

[BleemTeam]

<p><cite>kelvmor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Perhaps.</p><p>Either way, there has to be some stark black and white among the shades of gray. I don't want a game where a Shadowknight or Necromancer can <strong>walk around Qeynos or Kelethin</strong> freely without a small army of Paladins and clerics coming to destroy them, personally. I don't want a game where a Paladin can<strong> walk around Neriak openly</strong> flaunting his Paladin ways without getting a dagger to the throat.</p></blockquote><p>I agree. But I would like a game, that is more realistic in the fact, that there can be a place where people can openly be whatever they want to be. What other place, than Maj'dul? The city already has many factions at work working either with or against eachother. I don't find it abnormal or even peculiar that this could indeed happen.</p>

[iceriven2]

<p>how does a city know your class and alignment???  I never got that.  Even in a magical world you shouldnt be killed on sight for asperations and motivations.</p><p>I want to see a game where any class can be in any city and the only time qeynos knows your a necro is when you cast some undead spells in front of guards.  Then you should be kill on sight but otherwise how would a guard really know your a necro from freeport?   unless there was a sing placed on my back i am unaware of i should be able to do as i please.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>iceriven2 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>how does a city know your class and alignment???  I never got that.  Even in a magical world you shouldnt be killed on sight for asperations and motivations.</p><p>I want to see a game where any class can be in any city and the only time qeynos knows your a necro is when you cast some undead spells in front of guards.  Then you should be kill on sight but otherwise how would a guard really know your a necro from freeport?   unless there was a sing placed on my back i am unaware of i should be able to do as i please.</p></blockquote><p>There is a sign on your back - you just don't see it. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>I don't know the particulars, but it deals with code - just like when you open your inventory bags, all your items appear magically in the places where you put them. It's the same computer program code that makes a mob become aggro to you if you get too close; yet doesn't aggro another character if it becomes too close. Difference? Mob is level 35. One character is level 20, the other is level 90.</p>

[Sean_Eisman]

<p><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>iceriven2 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>how does a city know your class and alignment???  I never got that.  Even in a magical world you shouldnt be killed on sight for asperations and motivations.</p><p>I want to see a game where any class can be in any city and the only time qeynos knows your a necro is when you cast some undead spells in front of guards.  Then you should be kill on sight but otherwise how would a guard really know your a necro from freeport?   unless there was a sing placed on my back i am unaware of i should be able to do as i please.</p></blockquote><p>There is a sign on your back - you just don't see it. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p><p>I don't know the particulars, but it deals with code - just like when you open your inventory bags, all your items appear magically in the places where you put them. It's the same computer program code that makes a mob become aggro to you if you get too close; yet doesn't aggro another character if it becomes too close. Difference? Mob is level 35. One character is level 20, the other is level 90.</p></blockquote><p>I don't believe the question is from a game mechanics perspective, but from a lore perspective.</p><p>If I was an evil human from Freeport and I cleaned up, put on some decent clothes and went into Qeynos, how would a guard be able to look at me, in a line of other Antonicans walking in the front gates, and say "You're an enemy!"</p><p>Until you did something illegal that was witnessed by someone, you wouldn't be singled out (IRL).</p>

[Quicksilver74]

<p>Unless you were famous, well-known, high level, or othewise recognizeable, perhaps carrying a necro epic weapon.  </p><p>  But if the lore aspect is just that you are Ugly, and might have flies buzzing around you... then I would present an argument that Qeynos is not a "good" city at all, but rather a city that conducts profiling, and will murder anyone that appears to need a shower.  </p><p>  Guard Jonathin: Hey Guard Peter!</p><p>Guard Peter: Yup?</p><p>Guard Jonathin: See that guy right there, the dirty one?</p><p>Guard Peter: looks around - "Yeah I see him"</p><p>Guard Jonathin: I got 50 gold that says he's a filthy necromancer!</p><p>Guard Peter: Let's kill him and find out!</p><p>Guards in unision: DIE YOU DIRTY NECRO!</p>

[BleemTeam]

<p>Get your hands off me, you damned dirty Necro.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>There are new NPCs sprinkled around Qeynos and Freeport that provide some backstory to some classes being neutral, now. At least on Test server.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There are new NPCs sprinkled around Qeynos and Freeport that provide some backstory to some classes being neutral, now. At least on Test server.</p></blockquote><p>Nice to see the tail wagging the dog. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e78feac27fa924c4d0ad6cf5819f3554.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There are new NPCs sprinkled around Qeynos and Freeport that provide some backstory to some classes being neutral, now. At least on Test server.</p></blockquote><p>Nice to see the tail wagging the dog. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e78feac27fa924c4d0ad6cf5819f3554.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Yeah. But what can you do?</p><p>Anywho, I did a pretty large survey of all six major cities. Here's all that I discovered (it seems the work is incomplete on these new NPCs; I saw several new ones but only a couple actually had something to say).</p><ul><li>A gnome Illusionist is paranoid of the new Coercer class trainer in the Qeynos Mage Tower. He provides some backstory as to how the Coercer class trainer came to be.</li><li>A group of Coercers are enthralling an Ogre test subject just outside the Qeynos Mage Tower, making him perform tricks.</li><li>A Templar in South Freeport is captivating an audience in front of the Guild Hall.</li><li>A group of Swifttail Monks (iksar and everything) are training new recruits in West Freeport, mentioning that it's been too long since the Swifttail have had influence.</li></ul><p>Um, that's it unfortunately. A little bit for Qeynos Coercers, a little bit for Freeport Monks. Nothing for Bruisers, Rangers, Assassins, Templars, Inquisitors, or Illusionists that I can see. I think the NPCs are there, they just don't have dialog attached to them when you hail them.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><ul><li>A group of Swifttail Monks (iksar and everything) are training new recruits in West Freeport, mentioning that it's been too long since the Swifttail have had influence.</li></ul></blockquote><p>Ok.... I'm actually cool with this.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>There are new NPCs sprinkled around Qeynos and Freeport that provide some backstory to some classes being neutral, now. At least on Test server.</p></blockquote><p>Nice to see the tail wagging the dog. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e78feac27fa924c4d0ad6cf5819f3554.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Yeah. But what can you do?</p><p>Anywho, I did a pretty large survey of all six major cities. Here's all that I discovered (it seems the work is incomplete on these new NPCs; I saw several new ones but only a couple actually had something to say).</p><ul><li>A group of Coercers are enthralling an Ogre test subject just outside the Qeynos Mage Tower, making him perform tricks.</li></ul></blockquote><p>LOL and what if the Coercer is also an Ogre? This is gonna be funny! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p><p>I use to read those books after I completed the quests. I use to read all the comments by NPCs and follow the lore. I even felt part of the Norrath world - for a time being. For the past couple years, I have read less and less lore. Why? It purdy much stopped making sense, not only with the history vs what I was experiencing in Norrath, but also the timelines.</p><p>Now, I occasionally read the stories, laugh a lot, and go on my merry way to work on another goal I had set for one of my characters. Such is life in Norrath.</p>

[Laenai]

<p>Thexian rangers before the class shift to neutral > all</p><p>Because you can't tell me that Dragoon K'Naae didn't have archers scouring Nektulos Forest for the same owlbear meat to feed his clan that he sends you after <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> The biggest difference between assassins and rangers have always been their prey, which also determines their environment. Assassins are hunter of people and therefore city-dwellers. Rangers are hunters of animals and therefore wilderness-dwellers.</p><p>And what makes a brigand neutral is that he doesn't care where you come from, what you're doing, or who you are. Your money spends in any and every city and he doesn't care if he guts you to get it or if you toss it to him and run.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Karimonster wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And what makes a brigand neutral is that he doesn't care where you come from, what you're doing, or who you are. Your money spends in any and every city and he doesn't care if he guts you to get it or if you toss it to him and run.</p></blockquote><p>You mind explaining to me how choosing to not give him money, and thus leaving him no option but to gut you and take it, makes a Brigand neutral?</p>

[Meirril]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Karimonster wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And what makes a brigand neutral is that he doesn't care where you come from, what you're doing, or who you are. Your money spends in any and every city and he doesn't care if he guts you to get it or if you toss it to him and run.</p></blockquote><p>You mind explaining to me how choosing to not give him money, and thus leaving him no option but to gut you and take it, makes a Brigand neutral?</p></blockquote><p>You want to explain to me how a little witty banner makes it a good act when its done by swashbucklers?</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Swashbucklers wouldn't threaten his own city's citizens</p>

[Eritius]

<p>Difference is like a Privateer and a Pirate when it comes to Swashbucklers and Brigands.</p><p>Then again a Swashbuckler by nature would help an innocent (Good). And a Brigand by nature would hurt an innocent. (Evil)</p><p>"Well my Brigand never hurt no one!"</p><p>Thats called an oddity, just like a Shadowknight that claims the same thing. In this universe, Swashbucklers are Good, Brigands are evil. There's not any shade of grey there. Besides, there's like 4 other scout classes you can play if you want to ride that fence.</p><p>IMO they should build the fence on both sides of the highway so the neutrals can't figure out which one to sit on and get ran over by a truck.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><ul><li>A group of Swifttail Monks (iksar and everything) are training new recruits in West Freeport, mentioning that it's been too long since the Swifttail have had influence.</li></ul></blockquote><p>Ok.... I'm actually cool with this.</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Ditto, but I'm <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>still</strong></span> not betraying my Test Iksar back to the dark side, besides the Swiftails you meet in Kunark are neutral so they need to send people to Qeynos too. </span></p>

[Dreyco]

<p>I really wish people would use "pirate" as a catchall for "Swashbuckler".</p><div><h2>swash·buck·ler<span> <span style="display: none;"><span>/</span><span>ˈswɒʃˌbʌk<img src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" border="0" />lər</span><span>,</span> <span>ˈswɔʃ-</span><span>/</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" border="0" /></a> <span style="display: inline;"><a class="pronlink" title="Click to show spelled">Show Spe</a></span></span><span style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span style="display: inline;"><a class="pronlink" title="Click to show IPA"></a></span></span></span></h2></div> <div><div><span><span><span>–noun</span></span></span></div><div></div><div><div><span><span>a</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">swaggering</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">swordsman,</span> <span>soldier,</span> <span>or</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">adventurer;</span> <span>daredevil.</span></span></div></div><div></div></div><div></div><div></div><div>------</div><div></div><div>This does not imply being evil, neutral, good, etcetera.</div>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I really wish people would use "pirate" as a catchall for "Swashbuckler".</p><div><h2>swash·buck·ler<span> <span style="display: none;"><span>/</span><span>ˈswɒʃˌbʌk<img src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" border="0" />lər</span><span>,</span> <span>ˈswɔʃ-</span><span>/</span> <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif" border="0" /></a> <span style="display: inline;"><a class="pronlink" title="Click to show spelled">Show Spe</a></span></span><span style="display: block; margin-top: 8px;"><span style="display: inline;"><a class="pronlink" title="Click to show IPA"></a></span></span></span></h2></div> <div><div><span><span><span>–noun</span></span></span></div><div></div><div><div><span><span>a</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">swaggering</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">swordsman,</span> <span>soldier,</span> <span>or</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">adventurer;</span> <span>daredevil.</span></span></div></div><div></div></div><div>------</div><div></div><div>This does not imply being evil, neutral, good, etcetera.</div></blockquote><p>Better yet: <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>PIRATE</strong></span></p><p>- noun</p><p>one who commits piracy</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>PIRACY</strong></span></p><p>- noun</p><p>robbery on the high seas</p><p>the unauthorized use of another's production or invention</p><p>I'll go with the first definition.</p><p>And yeah.... EQ2 is full of pirates robbing others on the high seas! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Alvane]

<p>And I forgot: <span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>PRIVATEER</strong></span></p><p>-noun</p><p>an armed private ship licensed to attack enemy shipping: <em>also</em>: a sailor on such a ship</p><p>And yeah.... EQ2 is full of privateers and sailors on the high seas! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Today's Test Update adds more backstory explaining some class alignments.</p><ul><li>Coldain Battle Clerics (Inquisitors) have come to teach Qeynosians Clerics how to fight using their more "hands on" approach. Although the Inquisitor method of worship is different than Templars, in the end they still worship the same gods as their bretheren, and that's the most important part.</li><li>A congregation of Illusionists outside the Academy of Arcane Science are practicing, and always seem to draw attention to themselves. However the reason for being in Freeport isn't fully explained.</li><li>The Templars of Freeport are evangelical in nature. Rather than force their viewpoint on the populace like the Inquisitors have, they act in more passive ways to rally support for the Overlord; essentially they are preachers. They are also highly devoted to their Overlord almost as if he were a god.</li><li>Freeport Rangers belong to a group of ruthless thugs called the Red Hoods. They struck some sort of agreement with the Overlord to teach the Freeport Militia the ways of archery, and in exchange they get free access to Freeport.</li><li>The Swifttail Monk teacher further elaborates why he is in Freeport: primarily to spread the teachings of the Swifttail Order to Iksar who were not born on (and thus are isolated from) Kunark. Also, the Swifttail Master was sent to Freeport by Dominus Rile himself.</li></ul><p>It's worth noting that, for the most part, the appearance of these classes in Qeynos and Freeport have something to do with Lucan's disappearance and reappearance, or are somehow tied to other story developments since the game's release.</p><p>Still missing backstory on the following:</p><ul><li>Qeynos Assassins and Bruisers</li><li>Kelethin Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>New Halas Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>Neriak Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li><li>Gorowyn Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li></ul>

[Alvane]

<p>That's a lot of sudden changes. So, there is also a backstory of Overlord Lucan's relationship with Dominus Rile?</p><p>And the Rangers have an "unkown" agreement? How convincing!</p><p>Templars allowed in Freeport 'cause they are preaching about the Overlord? Somehow, that sounds more like closet Lucan worshippers who have come out to all of a sudden announce they were really devoted to the , cruelty, pain & suffering administration of Lucan and hated the goodness of Antonia's rule. OK - I'll buy that one......</p><p>And Inquisitors were invited to teach Q Clerics by whom? Antonia? And all because they worship the same gods? Sorta? Maybe?</p><p>Gosh, can hardly wait to hear stories about the rest of the "all of a sudden" now neutral professions.</p><p>Well, how 'bout...... Lucan was so greatful he escaped death due to the teaming of both his followers and Antonia's followers, that he secretly met with Antonia. Although both were a bit guarded at first and both had their own reasons, sparks began to fly between the two.</p><p>They decided it would be unwise to announce their new found relationship to their constituants. Instead, they decided to open their doors to just about all of the professions and perhaps, all of the races in the future.</p><p>Their plan - Lucan & Antonia will be King & Queen of the new Norrath and produce heirs to the throne of power.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>I'm just paraphrasing and summarizing the new lore. For a more complete explanation, be sure to check out the NPCs yourself in Qeynos and Freeport:</p><ul><li>Qeynos Coercer lore in the SQ Mage Tower</li><li>Qeynos Inquisitor lore in the NQ Priest Guild</li><li>Freeport Ranger lore at the SFP Scout Guild boat</li><li>Swifttail Monk lore at the WFP Milita house</li><li>Freeport Illusionist lore at the NFP Academy of Arcane Science building</li><li>Freeport Templar lore at the NFP Dismal Rage building</li></ul>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Ok seriously, will you stop shipping Antonia and Lucan together please? >_< It's not gonna happen and I don't want to have to think about the squickiness you insist on creating.</p>

[Dareena]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Ok seriously, will you stop shipping Antonia and Lucan together please? >_< It's not gonna happen and I don't want to have to think about the squickiness you insist on creating.</p></blockquote><p>So if they get married for some reason in the future, will you have a mental melt down?  I'm honestly kind of serious.  Based on the direction that this game is going, we aren't in the original set up of Good vs Evil.  These days we're looking at the forces of Light and Dark vs Mega Threat (who wants to end or severely mess up existence).</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>And you think that some chaotic force threatening the world is going to lead to Antonia and Lucan falling in love, marrying each other, and getting it on? Seriously?</p>

[Dareena]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>And you think that some chaotic force threatening the world is going to lead to Antonia and Lucan falling in love, marrying each other, and getting it on? Seriously?</p></blockquote><p>Old world political alliances are often cemented by marriage.  Love rarely has anything to do with that equation.  Right or wrong, that is the basis for much of our world history.  I can't see how Norath is supposed to be so different.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Dareena@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So if they get married for some reason in the future, will you have a mental melt down?</p></blockquote><p>...yeah, that's not gonna happen. That kind of stuff belongs in the confines of fan fiction, not the History and Lore forum.</p>

[Dareena]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Dareena@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>So if they get married for some reason in the future, will you have a mental melt down?</p></blockquote><p>...yeah, that's not gonna happen. That kind of stuff belongs in the confines of fan fiction, not the History and Lore forum.</p></blockquote><p>I couldn't personally care much about the subject either way.  However from a real world historical context, I don't see the potential situation as that strange.  Alliance by marriage is a time honored tradition.  And while Norath is a fantasy world, my observations note that many of its social structures are patterned off of real world history.  So with all of that together, it's really not as strange as it sounds.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>What your proposing is the United States and Russia ending the cold war by having Reagan and Gorbechev kiss and make up in order to unify two countries together. That didn't happen, and it won't here.</p>

[Dareena]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>What your proposing is the United States and Russia ending the cold war by having Reagan and Gorbechev kiss and make up in order to unify two countries together. That didn't happen, and it won't here.</p></blockquote><p>You are correct that alliances by marriage aren't respected any more in our modern day world.  But that analogy really doesn't apply to this situation.  You'd be better off looking at old world Europe and Asia.  It was remarkably common back in those days.  Sometimes those marriage alliances were even facilitated by the church.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>But it does. Qeynos and Freeport are in a Cold War with each other. It's going nowhere, but it's not going to stop.</p>

[Dareena]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>But it does. Qeynos and Freeport are in a Cold War with each other. It's going nowhere, but it's not going to stop.</p></blockquote><p>That's a very subjective assessment of the situation.  There have been versions of Cold Wars all throughout history.  Does a modern definition of Cold War neccessarily have to take precedence over an old world meaning of Cold War?  Considering that Norath is supposed to be quasi-medieval, I'd argue that the old meanings would be more valid.</p><p>However EQ2 really isn't in that much of a Cold War anymore.  The days of KoS and EoF are past.  TSO changed a lot from the perspective of "Us vs Them".  Then SF took that concept even further.  Now with Vellious on the horizon and the expectations of having to save the Northian pantheon from a power mad dragon, I wouldn't be surprised if Freeport and Qeynos wanted to deal with this problem on a unified front.  Combine that goal with the expected mistrust between both sides and we're looking at a situation which is ripe for an alliance by marriage to cement the deal.</p><p>Now that may not happen.  Who knows?  But between SOE changing the general theme of EQ2 and now spread out most of the classes between all of the player cities, a permanent alliance between Qeynos and Freeport would follow the sense of progression which has already been started.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Anyways, back on topic, I think that only Qeynos and Freeport will get proper explanations for the new classes. I wouldn't be surprised if they're don't touch any of the other 4 cities. Even though they want players to start in those cities, they've never really made much effort to define the classes who start from them.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I agree with Cusa on Antonia and Lucan, but for Mechanical reasons.</span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000196/">Austin</a></strong>: [<em>referring to Felicity sleeping with Fat [I cannot control my vocabulary<span style="color: #00cc00;">-<strong>or more precise the people who name people in films can't, either that or the quoters I copy-pasted, never saw the movie just heard the quote</strong></span>]</em>] Well how could you do it? <strong><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001287/">Felicity Shagwell</a></strong>: I was just doing my job. <strong><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000196/">Austin</a></strong>: No, I mean, literally, HOW could you do it? The man's so fat, the sheer mechanics of it are mind-boggling.</p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I mean isn't Lucan Undead/Lich/etc?</span></p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Today's Test Update adds more backstory explaining some class alignments.</p><ul><li>Coldain Battle Clerics (Inquisitors) have come to teach Qeynosians Clerics how to fight using their more "hands on" approach. Although the Inquisitor method of worship is different than Templars, in the end they still worship the same gods as their bretheren, and that's the most important part.</li><li>A congregation of Illusionists outside the Academy of Arcane Science are practicing, and always seem to draw attention to themselves. However the reason for being in Freeport isn't fully explained.</li><li>The Templars of Freeport are evangelical in nature. Rather than force their viewpoint on the populace like the Inquisitors have, they act in more passive ways to rally support for the Overlord; essentially they are preachers. They are also highly devoted to their Overlord almost as if he were a god.</li><li>Freeport Rangers belong to a group of ruthless thugs called the Red Hoods. They struck some sort of agreement with the Overlord to teach the Freeport Militia the ways of archery, and in exchange they get free access to Freeport.</li><li>The Swifttail Monk teacher further elaborates why he is in Freeport: primarily to spread the teachings of the Swifttail Order to Iksar who were not born on (and thus are isolated from) Kunark. Also, the Swifttail Master was sent to Freeport by Dominus Rile himself.</li></ul><p>It's worth noting that, for the most part, the appearance of these classes in Qeynos and Freeport have something to do with Lucan's disappearance and reappearance, or are somehow tied to other story developments since the game's release.</p><p>Still missing backstory on the following:</p><ul><li>Qeynos Assassins and Bruisers</li><li>Kelethin Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>New Halas Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>Neriak Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li><li>Gorowyn Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li></ul></blockquote><p>Hmm... assassin and bruiser lore is in - it had better be, or I'm going to cry in my Cherrios this morning.</p><p>Look around a bit more - let me know if you still can't find it.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Cyliena]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Today's Test Update adds more backstory explaining some class alignments.</p><ul><li>Coldain Battle Clerics (Inquisitors) have come to teach Qeynosians Clerics how to fight using their more "hands on" approach. Although the Inquisitor method of worship is different than Templars, in the end they still worship the same gods as their bretheren, and that's the most important part.</li><li>A congregation of Illusionists outside the Academy of Arcane Science are practicing, and always seem to draw attention to themselves. However the reason for being in Freeport isn't fully explained.</li><li>The Templars of Freeport are evangelical in nature. Rather than force their viewpoint on the populace like the Inquisitors have, they act in more passive ways to rally support for the Overlord; essentially they are preachers. They are also highly devoted to their Overlord almost as if he were a god.</li><li>Freeport Rangers belong to a group of ruthless thugs called the Red Hoods. They struck some sort of agreement with the Overlord to teach the Freeport Militia the ways of archery, and in exchange they get free access to Freeport.</li><li>The Swifttail Monk teacher further elaborates why he is in Freeport: primarily to spread the teachings of the Swifttail Order to Iksar who were not born on (and thus are isolated from) Kunark. Also, the Swifttail Master was sent to Freeport by Dominus Rile himself.</li></ul><p>It's worth noting that, for the most part, the appearance of these classes in Qeynos and Freeport have something to do with Lucan's disappearance and reappearance, or are somehow tied to other story developments since the game's release.</p><p>Still missing backstory on the following:</p><ul><li>Qeynos Assassins and Bruisers</li><li>Kelethin Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>New Halas Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>Neriak Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li><li>Gorowyn Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li></ul></blockquote><p>Hmm... assassin and bruiser lore is in - it had better be, or I'm going to cry in my Cherrios this morning.</p><p>Look around a bit more - let me know if you still can't find it.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I tried to speak with one of the Coercers in SQ on Test today and he gave me a dialogue option of "BUG: [etc etc forgot the rest]". I /bugged it in game but apparently they were teaching an Ogre to dance from watching them. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Larkverdin]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Today's Test Update adds more backstory explaining some class alignments.</p><ul><li>Coldain Battle Clerics (Inquisitors) have come to teach Qeynosians Clerics how to fight using their more "hands on" approach. Although the Inquisitor method of worship is different than Templars, in the end they still worship the same gods as their bretheren, and that's the most important part.</li><li>A congregation of Illusionists outside the Academy of Arcane Science are practicing, and always seem to draw attention to themselves. However the reason for being in Freeport isn't fully explained.</li><li>The Templars of Freeport are evangelical in nature. Rather than force their viewpoint on the populace like the Inquisitors have, they act in more passive ways to rally support for the Overlord; essentially they are preachers. They are also highly devoted to their Overlord almost as if he were a god.</li><li>Freeport Rangers belong to a group of ruthless thugs called the Red Hoods. They struck some sort of agreement with the Overlord to teach the Freeport Militia the ways of archery, and in exchange they get free access to Freeport.</li><li><strong>The Swifttail Monk teacher further elaborates why he is in Freeport: primarily to spread the teachings of the Swifttail Order to Iksar who were not born on (and thus are isolated from) Kunark. Also, the Swifttail Master was sent to Freeport by Dominus Rile himself.</strong></li></ul><p>It's worth noting that, for the most part, the appearance of these classes in Qeynos and Freeport have something to do with Lucan's disappearance and reappearance, or are somehow tied to other story developments since the game's release.</p><p>Still missing backstory on the following:</p><ul><li>Qeynos Assassins and Bruisers</li><li>Kelethin Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>New Halas Assassins, Inquisitors, Coercers, Bruisers</li><li>Neriak Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li><li>Gorowyn Rangers, Illusionists, Templars, Monks</li></ul></blockquote><p>I find this bit very interesting. I like it, don't get me wrong, but my iksar monk is very interested in a few details of this. Firstly, this lets us know that the Swifttails are allied with Rile, not Venril as they appear to be on the surface (they weren't given much of a choice if you remember the Tabernacle of Pain questline). Secondly, since they are mostly seeking iksar, is there a chance that they are trying to persuade them to come to Riliss or a similar city in Kunark to rebuild the iksar empire under Rile? This might all just be fanciful thoughts on my part in the hopes of an iksar only starting city in Kunark, but hey, it's fun to think about it <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote>Hmm... assassin and bruiser lore is in - it had better be, or I'm going to cry in my Cherrios this morning.<p>Look around a bit more - let me know if you still can't find it.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I'll look again. I looked in the logical locations you'd originally consider (Eldaar Grove, near the scout guild tree and the monk dojo) and I didn't see anything.</p><p><cite>Larkverdin@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I find this bit very interesting. I like it, don't get me wrong, but my iksar monk is very interested in a few details of this. Firstly, this lets us know that the Swifttails are allied with Rile, not Venril as they appear to be on the surface (they weren't given much of a choice if you remember the Tabernacle of Pain questline). Secondly, since they are mostly seeking iksar, is there a chance that they are trying to persuade them to come to Riliss or a similar city in Kunark to rebuild the iksar empire under Rile? This might all just be fanciful thoughts on my part in the hopes of an iksar only starting city in Kunark, but hey, it's fun to think about it <img src="../images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>The Swifttail Master in West Freeport has the answers you seek. I didn't fully explain <em>everything</em>, only the most important detail.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Found details on Qeynos Assassins, the Eyes of Bayle, in North Qeynos in front of the castle (not the place I originally expected). The Assassin guild was founded with the sudden death of Antonius Bayle the First many centuries ago, in order to protect the Bayle line and protect the city as a whole. However, since the general public does not like assassins, it's existence was kept secret for centuries to all but select members of the Qeynos Council...until Antonia Bayle was kidnapped.</p><p>Now to find details on Bruisers; I'll update this post when I find something.</p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote>Hmm... assassin and bruiser lore is in - it had better be, or I'm going to cry in my Cherrios this morning.<p>Look around a bit more - let me know if you still can't find it.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I'll look again. I looked in the logical locations you'd originally consider (Eldaar Grove, near the scout guild tree and the monk dojo) and I didn't see anything.</p></blockquote><p>HAHAHA!</p><p>Okay, so, I went to check to make sure they were indeed there, because I didnt want to be a big fat liar, and they ARE, but apparently the bruisers don't know how to close the door to the building that they are in.  <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>So, I think I'll fix that now.  But yeah, they are there.  <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Something I would like to see, now that I'm thinking about it, is some more lore behind each class. Almost all of the original lore was lost when the class structure was redesigned (much of the lore was only learned during your class Hallmark quests).</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Something I would like to see, now that I'm thinking about it, is some more lore behind each class. Almost all of the original lore was lost when the class structure was redesigned (much of the lore was only learned during your class Hallmark quests).</p></blockquote><p>I was just thinking this myself. Give all the classes in each city a questline again. Back in EQlive, every class had a questline to give them them form of armor and weapon. The Monks had the Headband questline in Qeynos and the Sash questline in Freeport.</p><p>I remember eventually being able to get a black headband and blue sash because someone decided to kill the guildmasters and let me loot them when I walked in to train some new skills.</p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Something I would like to see, now that I'm thinking about it, is some more lore behind each class. Almost all of the original lore was lost when the class structure was redesigned (much of the lore was only learned during your class Hallmark quests).</p></blockquote><p>I was just thinking this myself. Give all the classes in each city a questline again. Back in EQlive, every class had a questline to give them them form of armor and weapon. The Monks had the Headband questline in Qeynos and the Sash questline in Freeport.</p><p>I remember eventually being able to get a black headband and blue sash because someone decided to kill the guildmasters and let me loot them when I walked in to train some new skills.</p></blockquote><p>This is something I would like to do, eventually.  I have some ideas on how I'd like to handle this, but the question right now is time and resources.  I'm on the same page as you guys, though, so here's to hoping.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Ah ha, found the Qeynos Bruisers training in Greystone Yard, under the name of the "Greystone Guild". Again not where I expected to find them. Their story is quite elaborate and long winded, but quite fitting for a guild located in the heart of the Barbarian and Dwarf district.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Let me guess: They're a bunch of usually drunken miners and builders who love to pound rocks with thier fists and keep a healthy but roudy spirit going among the lot of them?</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Let me guess: They're a bunch of usually drunken miners and builders who love to pound rocks with thier fists and keep a healthy but roudy spirit going among the lot of them?</p></blockquote><p>Not that far off . But actually, it involves the Greystone Guild basically being a bunch of rowdy and drunk brawlers who get in a bit of trouble with the Qeynos Guard, and eventually challenge the Monks to a sparring match to prove their worth. It's a lot more intricate than I'm describing, but that's the general jist.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Ah ha, found the Qeynos Bruisers training in Greystone Yard, under the name of the "Greystone Guild". Again not where I expected to find them. Their story is quite elaborate and long winded, but quite fitting for a guild located in the heart of the Barbarian and Dwarf district.</p></blockquote><p>Right where an erudite bruiser would feel at home! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Struggling to find any information on Freeport Illusionists.</p><p>I did find more information regarding the Red Hoods. Their leader, Jackal, is a former Green Hood turned renegade after the Green Hoods failed him in a deeply personal way.</p>

[Zaphax]

<p>Good things come to those who wait for Game Updates.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Zaphax wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Good things come to those who wait for Game Updates.</p></blockquote><p>Quiet, you!</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Freeport Illusionist lore is now up. Apparently the reason there were no Illusionists in Freeport is because the former Illusionist and Coercer guild leaders had a duel to the death many years ago. The Coercer won because of simple mind control. As a result, Illusionists were kicked out of the Academy of Arcane Science.</p><p>It was also explained that many years ago (before this duel) that Illusionary and Coercive magic was seen as the same school of magic.</p><p>I had a request to post the Swifttail Monk's dialog from West Freeport. Here it is.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Master Vlox"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I have come to teach the way of the Swifttail Monks.  To bring the mastery of our discipline to those in Freeport, and to show the people of this land the strength of our art."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "The Swifttails?  I thought that style was only taught in Kunark.  Something that was only taught to the iksar living there."</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "That is true, and has always been true.  Since it was originally taught by Grandmaster Tynn, the Swifttail Caste has taught the iksar to master their inner strength and the harmony of their body and spirit.  It is an honored tradition among the iksar, and is an order all iksar should be able to follow."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "So what brought you to Freeport?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Since Kunark was once again discovered by the people of these lands, we began to not only hear stories of iksar who no longer lived in their ancestral homeland, but we actually met many of these few iksar who were not born there.  When they saw the ranks of the Swifttails in practice, we could see a longing in some of them.  A realization that they had found something they lost."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "And you came here to teach them?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I have.  I was sent here to bring the Swifttail order back to those who have lost it.  I have come to teach the disciplines of inner harmony to the iksar here."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Some of your students here are not iksar, though.  Are you expanding your teachings, then?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "For generations, we have believed that no one who was not iksar could ever be a Swifttail.  That, of course, is and will always be true.  To teach our art to those who could never fully master it would be nothing short of foolish, since they could never truly be one of us."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Then what are you doing here?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Because experience can change wisdom.  You see, since the discovery of our homeland, many monks from this part of the world have come to our training grounds, looking to complete the trails we laid before them.  We never expected any of them to pass, yet, occasionally, one would."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "And this changed your minds?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "We found that these monks did possess a strength, much to our surprise.  While it might be true that a given student cannot be Swifttail, perhaps others could learn enough of our art to become a weapon in their own right.  We could show the people of this land the strength and superiority of our own order."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Does Lucan know you are here?  Is it something he has approved of?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I have not spoken to the Overlord myself.  I had members of his Knights approach me, and threaten to toss me from the city, or straight into the dungeons."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "What did you do?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I did not have to do anything.  When I came here, I brought with me a letter from the one who sent me.  He had predicted that there might be conflict with my being here, and teaching our discipline within Freeport's walls.  Thus, he composed a message for the Overlord, and ordered that I present it if needed."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Wait… who sent you?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I was sent here by Dominus Rile.  When we told him of our discoveries regarding the iksar of Freeport, it was he that devised the plan to bring the Swifttail teachings to them.  He personally asked me to make the journey here, and provided me with the means to make my way."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Dominus Rile?  Why would he care about the iksar living here?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Dominus Rile believes strongly in the strength of all iksar, and our traditions.  He seeks to expand our strength, and to help the people of Freeport who sheltered the lost members of the iksar race when the world shattered."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "I see.  Well, I will take my leave, and let you get back to your teachings."</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Remember, once your body and spirit are one, you cannot be broken.  Focus on your inner harmony, and your enemies will fall before you."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Indeed.  Well, I'll check in another time."</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>*Lucan takes a walk through the streets of Freeport and sees something writen on a sign*</p><p>"Rile was here. Lucan is a loser."</p><p>"P.S. I R00L J00!"</p>

[Thrizz]

<p>Why do I smell an inevitable Dominus Rile vs. Lucan D'lere showdown in the future?</p><p>First the Greenmist quest now this <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Alvane]

<p>It's a showdown between the lizzies and and the Lucan's henchmen!</p><p>The new Overlord will be a lizzie monk! The new henchmen will be monks of the erudite, half elf, gnome and kerra heritage.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Thrizzik@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Why do I smell an inevitable Dominus Rile vs. Lucan D'lere showdown in the future?</p><p>First the Greenmist quest now this <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Because Iksar are awesome? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Though to be fair, they are an inferior race to us Tier'Dal.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I Do wonder how the Iksar <strong>who had previously joined the Silent Fist</strong> will feel?</span></p>

[Larkverdin]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Freeport Illusionist lore is now up. Apparently the reason there were no Illusionists in Freeport is because the former Illusionist and Coercer guild leaders had a duel to the death many years ago. The Coercer won because of simple mind control. As a result, Illusionists were kicked out of the Academy of Arcane Science.</p><p>It was also explained that many years ago (before this duel) that Illusionary and Coercive magic was seen as the same school of magic.</p><p>I had a request to post the Swifttail Monk's dialog from West Freeport. Here it is.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Master Vlox"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I have come to teach the way of the Swifttail Monks.  To bring the mastery of our discipline to those in Freeport, and to show the people of this land the strength of our art."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "The Swifttails?  I thought that style was only taught in Kunark.  Something that was only taught to the iksar living there."</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "That is true, and has always been true.  Since it was originally taught by Grandmaster Tynn, the Swifttail Caste has taught the iksar to master their inner strength and the harmony of their body and spirit.  It is an honored tradition among the iksar, and is an order all iksar should be able to follow."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "So what brought you to Freeport?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Since Kunark was once again discovered by the people of these lands, we began to not only hear stories of iksar who no longer lived in their ancestral homeland, but we actually met many of these few iksar who were not born there.  When they saw the ranks of the Swifttails in practice, we could see a longing in some of them.  A realization that they had found something they lost."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "And you came here to teach them?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I have.  I was sent here to bring the Swifttail order back to those who have lost it.  I have come to teach the disciplines of inner harmony to the iksar here."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Some of your students here are not iksar, though.  Are you expanding your teachings, then?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "For generations, we have believed that no one who was not iksar could ever be a Swifttail.  That, of course, is and will always be true.  To teach our art to those who could never fully master it would be nothing short of foolish, since they could never truly be one of us."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Then what are you doing here?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Because experience can change wisdom.  You see, since the discovery of our homeland, many monks from this part of the world have come to our training grounds, looking to complete the trails we laid before them.  We never expected any of them to pass, yet, occasionally, one would."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "And this changed your minds?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "We found that these monks did possess a strength, much to our surprise.  While it might be true that a given student cannot be Swifttail, perhaps others could learn enough of our art to become a weapon in their own right.  We could show the people of this land the strength and superiority of our own order."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Does Lucan know you are here?  Is it something he has approved of?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I have not spoken to the Overlord myself.  I had members of his Knights approach me, and threaten to toss me from the city, or straight into the dungeons."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "What did you do?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I did not have to do anything.  When I came here, I brought with me a letter from the one who sent me.  He had predicted that there might be conflict with my being here, and teaching our discipline within Freeport's walls.  Thus, he composed a message for the Overlord, and ordered that I present it if needed."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Wait… who sent you?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "I was sent here by Dominus Rile.  When we told him of our discoveries regarding the iksar of Freeport, it was he that devised the plan to bring the Swifttail teachings to them.  He personally asked me to make the journey here, and provided me with the means to make my way."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Dominus Rile?  Why would he care about the iksar living here?"</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Dominus Rile believes strongly in the strength of all iksar, and our traditions.  <strong>He seeks to expand our strength, and to help the people of Freeport who sheltered the lost members of the iksar race when the world shattered</strong>."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "I see.  Well, I will take my leave, and let you get back to your teachings."</p><p>Master Vlox says to you in Sathirian, "Remember, once your body and spirit are one, you cannot be broken.  Focus on your inner harmony, and your enemies will fall before you."</p><p>You say to Master Vlox, "Indeed.  Well, I'll check in another time."</p></blockquote><p>Thank you for posting that Xal. This part here interests me. I'm not sure if Rile wants to take Freeport per say, as much as he wants to lure the iksar that live there to the Swifttails, and then have the Swifttails lead them home? Does the Dominus really care about the people of Freeport? I doubt that part, it sounds like a ploy to be allowed within the city IMO</p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I Do wonder how the Iksar <strong>who had previously joined the Silent Fist</strong> will feel?</span></p></blockquote><p>I imagine there was the leathery sound of a few *facepalm*s.</p><p>Edit: Eh, on second thought, he was ambiguous enough up there, I think.  NVM.  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p>I'll go ahead and post the other dialog for each of the other NPCs as well (at least the ones that I can find).</p><p>Starting with <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Freeport Illusionists</span> who are practicing right outside the Academy of Arcane Sciences.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Dawood Haidaar"Dawood Haidaar says to you, "Move along, citizen. There's nothing to see here."You say to Dawood Haidaar, "Are you kidding? What's going on here?"Dawood Haidaar says to you, "What is it about the common rabble that always attracts them to our studies?"You say to Dawood Haidaar, "What is that class studying?"Dawood Haidaar says to you, "Sigh, I keep telling Glimmadge that this is why we do not conduct classes outside the walls of the academy! You seem persistent in your inquiries so I'll answer your question in hopes you run along."You say to Dawood Haidaar, "..."Dawood Haidaar says to you, "Very well then. Where to begin? Many years ago, the arts of magical enchantments were taught freely at the Academy of Arcane Science. Illusionary and coercive magic at that time was viewed simply as different chapters of within the same book of spellcraft."You say to Dawood Haidaar, "What happened."Dawood Haidaar says to you, "Two mages of equal renown, there names long since forgotten, began quarreling with one another over the validity of each other's chosen specialty. The Illusionist accused his peer's work of being nothing more than underhanded mind control while the Coercer dismissed the other's as colorful sparklecraft and firework summoning."You say to Dawood Haidaar, "Sounds like quite the disagreement."Dawood Haidaar says to you, "Indeed. This spat continued for some years until the two finally agreed to duel one another for the deanship of the Academy's School of Enchantments. When the time for the battle was at hand, the two squared off again each other high atop roof of Academy."You say to Dawood Haidaar, "So, who won?"Dawood Haidaar says to you, "The Coercer, of course. Apparently he planted the suggestion that the Illusionist take a few steps backwards before the duel commenced. The Illusionist complied, fell to his death and the duel was over before it began. Freeport has been free of Illusionists ever since."You say to Dawood Haidaar, "How dastardly!"Dawood Haidaar says to you, "That was then. Now the Overlord has come to see the wisdom in once again welcoming our kind within his great city with open arms! New apprentices are joining our ranks every day and the Academy of Arcane Science once again has a fully staffed School of Enchantments. Isn't that wonderful?"You say to Dawood Haidaar, "Illusionist. Coercer. I don't trust either!"</p><p>And now the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Templars of Freeport</span>, as told by the High Speaker of Freeport in the Dismal Rage temple.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Archbishop Haleim Felmease"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "Allow me to greet you in the name of our mighty Overlord, Lucan.  It is through his leadership and wisdom that the walls of Freeport are kept standing, and that our enemies are kept at bay."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "Lucan is indeed powerful, but you speak of him as if he is a deity."Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "And why shouldn't I?  Is it not clear that powers beyond this world flow through him?  Remember that in the absence of the gods, Lucan D'Lere rebuilt this city and made it into a beacon of salvation for those who would otherwise had been lost during the Age of Cataclysms."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "That is true, but what about his abduction?  Why could he not prevent that?  The city fell into chaos when he was taken."Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "You border on treasonous statements, and you are lucky none of his Lucanic Knights are nearby.  Of COURSE the city fell into chaos.  The Overlord is the one who maintains the order of Freeport.  None can replace him here – we have all seen what happens when Lucan is no longer here to watch over the city."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "Agreed.  And the infighting nearly tore the city apart.  I have always been surprised that the Overlord was able to regain order so quickly."Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "Ah, and that is a story of his unparalleled wisdom."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "How do you mean?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "When Lucan D'Lere returned to Freeport after his absence, one of the first things he recognized is that his city was comprised of a people whose will was close to broken.  Their faith was strained, and they had no guidance.  Their resentment was growing."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "Wouldn’t he just be able to force the populace to submit?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "Of course he could – Freeport belongs to Lucan D'Lere alone.  But further oppression of an already breaking people could lead to revolt.  Freeport did not need back-to-back incursions, especially not one in the middle of rebuilding from the last one.  No, the answer was not brute force."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "What was his plan, then?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "He reasoned that the people needed to have their faith renewed.  That by showing them that he and he alone would care for and look after him, showing them that his strength was their strength, and that he was the one true leader of Freeport, he might quell any insurrection that could be brewing."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "And how would you go about doing that?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "Lost sheep need a shepherd.  They crave the direction, the security that comes with having someone show them the path they need to take.  Guidance is what they need for comfort.  Appeal to the part of them that is broken – their faith.  Repair that, and they will follow you anywhere, even unto death."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "So what… you had the inquisitors preach his name?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "Not the inquisitors.  They are practitioners of divine power, and see to it that the will of those powers is carried out.  While the inquisitors are certainly examples of faith to be followed here in Freeport, in this case, their methodology of enforcement was not appropriate for what needed to be done.  It was possible that the populace would view it as another form of oppression."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "I see.  So what was the choice, then?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "It was necessary to preach to the people in a way that brought them to believe the word for themselves.  Rather than force them to see the power and strength of Lucan, evangelize his accomplishments, and allow them to see them for themselves.  Once they have their own belief, they become easier to herd into the flock."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "And you did this?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "We did.  We moved among the people, offering food and aid in Lucan's name.  We have stood on the corners of the streets, preaching of his deeds, and conducting sermons for all to see.  Almost immediately, we could see the dissension fading, and saw the people respond favorably.  Thus, our order was born."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "Your order?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "We are the Templars of Freeport.  We are his evangelists, his martyrs, the ones who preach his word to all that will listen. While the inquisitors enforce his will, we cultivate it, and bring the flock in under his name.  Sometimes the best method of enforcement, is to convince others that there is no enforcement."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "I see.  And you are accepting others into your order?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "We are.  Many have approached us to dedicate themselves to Lucan, to spread his word, and to represent Freeport and the gods we follow.  Through our faith and conviction, we will help ensure that Freeport remains strong from the inside out."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "And may it never fall.  Farewell to you."</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Two parts to the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Red Hoods</span> story. First part as told by one of the Freeport Emissaries in South Freeport.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Preceptor Rhaskos"Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "Bloody rangers! Their kind 'ave no business 'ere."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "You're speaking of the Red Hoods, I assume?"Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "Bloody right I am! I 'ear they 'ave eyes 'an ears everywhere! Gods 'elp ya should they 'ear ya speak an ill word 'bout the Overlord."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "They work for the Overlord?"Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "Aye, though not directly. Rumor 'as it that their leader, some bloke named Jackal, came 'ere lookin' to settle a score wit one o' dem nasty Bloodskull orcs. Seems he an 'is mates were causin' a bit of a ruckus out there in the Commonlands, attackin' travelers, orcish or otherwise."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "Continue."Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "Well, with all the madness 'appening 'round 'ere after the Overlord's disappearance, the Militia and the Lucanic Knights 'ad their hands full. The Commonland quickly became a very dangerous place.  Once ole' one-eye returned, however, he wasted little time before sendin' out 'is Knights to apprehend the criminals."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "What happened to Jackal?"Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "The Lucanic Knights did eventually track down Jackal and 'is merry band o' thieves. I don' know what 'appened when they met, but it's obvious the Overlord 'as come to some sorta agreement wit these Red Hoods. Now the same bloody lot who once robbed us is walkin' about plain as day through our city."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "Continue."Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "I even seen some 'o them train' Militia members to become archers. Bloody wonderful that 'is! Only in Freeport can you be shot in the bloody 'ead by some greenhorn ranger as you walk to the bloody farmer's market."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "Thanks for the information."Perceptor Rhaskos says to you, "Aye. Life in Freeport is a fickle existence. Wear a bloody 'elmet."You say to Preceptor Rhaskos, "Right."</p><p>Second part of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Red Hoods</span> story as told by a member of the Red Hoods.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Shrew"Shrew says to you, "Careful where you tread, adventurer. You're stepping on official Red Hood training grounds. It'd be shame if a stray arrow from one of the recruit's arrows were to embed itself in that shiny forehead of yours."You say to Shrew, "Red Hoods? Don't you mean Green Hood?"Shrew says to you, "Mind your tongue, fool! The Green Hoods are nothing more than a bunch of butterfly chasin' nature-lovers. The mere sight of a broken twig causes 'em to break down in tears. The Red Hoods suffer no such weakness."You say to Shrew, "But, you are rangers, are you not?"Shrew says to you, "Such a word has many meanings, does it not? It is true that we track our prey with little effort. Bird and beast tell us where our enemies maneuver. No weapon exists which we cannot wield with deadly efficiency. We are the crimson serpent that lay waiting in the grass for our next victim. Consider yourself lucky that the Jackal has no use for your hide."You say to Shrew, "Who is the Jackal?"Shrew says to you, "Why doesn't it surprise me that you've never heard of our revered leader? Hmm, where to begin? The Jackal was once a member of the Green Hoods before he became fed up with their weak-handed approach in dealing with orcs of Deathfist Citadel. Others viewed his methods as unsound or too brutal. Hmph!  Brutally efficient if you ask me."You say to Shrew, "Tell me more."Shrew says to you, "Why? Are you a spy? Who hired you? Did Ralem send you?"You say to Shrew, "No one sent me, I'm just curious about learning more about your order."Shrew says to you, "Very well, if you really do wish to learn more about our kind, keep you lips sealed and I will tell you the real story of Jackal."You say to Shrew, "..."Shrew says to you, "Good. Now, listen up. I don't have time to repeat myself. The real reason Jackal left the Green Hoods was because they failed him when he needed them most."You say to Shrew, "What happened?"Shrew says to you, "A few years ago, while Jackal was away reconnoitering troop movement outside Deathfist Citadel, a band of orcs stumbled upon one of the Green Hood villages.  While the guards easily slew most of the intruders, one orc managed to evade detection by ducking into one of the village cabins."You say to Shrew, "Continue."Shrew says to you, "Inside the orc discovered a sleeping Feir'Dal who went by the alias, Thistle. As the orc approach her bed, she awoke and screamed in horror. Just as the wanton beast was about to bear down upon her, several Green Hoods burst into the room and found the orc holding a blade to the frightened wood elf's throat."You say to Shrew, "Continue."Shrew says to you, "In haste, the rangers fired their arrows into the fiend's back. The orc howled in pain and rose swiftly, placing Thistle between himself and the rangers. In a crude form of Common he barked for them to stand down lest he slit the elf's neck."You say to Shrew, "What happened next?"Shrew says to you, "The men reluctantly lowered their bows, allowing the attacker to exit the cabin and escape into the night with the girl thrown over his shoulder. Later, when Jackal returned from his mission, he learned of the attack on the village and the abduction of Thistle. "You say to Shrew, "Go on."Shrew says to you, "You see, Thistle was not only a member of the Green Hoods, but also Jackal's betrothed. When he insisted on going after the kidnapper he was met with protest from his commanding officers. There was no hope in finding her alive, they insisted. If anything, Thistle would be used as bait to lure the Green Hoods out of the forest and into a trap set by the Deathfist orcs."You say to Shrew, "What did he do?"Shrew says to you, "Jackal grew furious with his peers and accused them of cowardice. When his friends failed to take his side Jackal quit the Green Hoods on the spot and went off looking for the orc who had taken his lover."You say to Shrew, "Did he find her?"Shrew says to you, "Not before she was killed, unfortunately. Jackal found Thistle's frail body, beaten and smashed, in a clearing not far from the village. Though he would never admit it to us, I'm certain the pain he felt after losing her was immeasurable."You say to Shrew, "That's tragic. Did he ever find the orc responsible for her death?"Shrew says to you, "Jackal made finding the murderer his singular focus. For months he stalked the orcs of Deathfist, slaying scores of their kind before he finally tracked down one who knew the identity of the village attacker."You say to Shrew, "Continue."Shrew says to you, "He learned that the orc, named Kogrish Nailripper, had a reputation for unpredictable cruelty and had recently killed one of Emperor Fyst's advisors. Rather than sentencing him to his death, the emperor decided to instead banish Kogrish to the Commonlands of D'Lere."You say to Shrew, "Why the Commonlands?"Shrew says to you, "The Deathfist Empire often exile their criminals and deserters to a newly organized horde known as the Bloodskulls. These orcs wage war against Freeport in hopes of performing some great act which gain them favor with those who cast them out."You say to Shrew, "So, Jackal traveled to D'Lere to hunt down Kogrish?"Shrew says to you, "Correct. Along his travels, however, he met several who had heard of his tale and wished to join him on his quest for revenge. He named his followers the Red Hoods and taught us the skills he had once learned from his former order."You say to Shrew, "Go on."Shrew says to you, "Now we defend the innocent travelers who make the arduous journey across D'Lere, ever vigilant for signs of Kogrish Nailripper."You say to Shrew, "What brings you to Freeport then?"Shrew says to you, "Our business here is our own. Suffice to say, the Overlord is sympathetic to our cause and has offered to assist us in our quest. In exchange for his knowledge, Jackal has agreed to garrison several of us here to help defend Freeport's battlements with out bows. Additionally, we've agreed to teach those who we deem worthy the arts of a ranger."You say to Shrew, "Can I become a Red Hood?"Shrew says to you, "You have already forged your destiny, adventurer. The Red Hoods have little need of your profession. We will, however, watch over you during your time here. Go now, know that the deadliest of bowmen watch your back."You say to Shrew, "I'm not sure whether to take that as a compliment or a threat."</p>

[RoninSenshi]

<p>So <span>Archbishop Haleim Felmease freely admits the citizens of Freeport are being Oppressed, and what he's doing is only to continue the oppression of freeport?</span></p><p>--</p><p><span >Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "We are the Templars of Freeport.  We are his evangelists, his martyrs, the ones who preach his word to all that will listen. While the inquisitors enforce his will, we cultivate it, and bring the flock in under his name.  <strong>Sometimes the best method of enforcement, is to convince others that there is no enforcement."</strong></span></p><p>---</p><p>Maybe he shouldn't say the bold portion. Dunno.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Now the story of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qeynos Coercers</span>, as told first by a Coercer Proficient.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Chizoba"Chizoba says to you, "What do we have here?  Another citizen concerned that I'm twisting the minds of young, impressionable magi?"You say to Chizoba, "Is that what you're doing here?"Chizoba says to you, "That is what some would have you believe.  Obviously just because I have learned the art of coercion I am incapable of being trusted and can be of no value to our city."You say to Chizoba, "Who says you can't be trusted?"Chizoba says to you, "Oh, I'm certain if you ask around you'll hear voices that speak out against the skills Mistress Darlyner has been happy to teach.  Too many people prefer to focus on the fact she came here from Freeport."You say to Chizoba, "Wait.  Did you say a Freeportian coercer is walking around freely in Qeynos?"Chizoba says to you, "There's the reaction I'm used to!  Yes.  Mistress Darlyner came here from Freeport.  Yes, she's a coercer. Yes, she announced who and what she was when she first arrived at the gates seeking asylum.  Yes, she's offered to teach others the magic of coercion.  How many spies have you ever heard of walk up to the guards and say "Here I am!"?"You say to Chizoba, "Well...none."Chizoba says to you, "See?  So either a brilliant coercer who could have just magically charmed her way past the guards forgot she had access to such a spell, or she's been sent by Lucan D'Lere to openly teach the magi of his greatest rival the secrets to stopping him from using such power against them.  So which makes more sense to you?"You say to Chizoba, "When you put it that way, neither makes much sense."Chizoba says to you, "So we agree.  Mistress Darlyner is not a spy, or at least not a very good one.  She's just freely exchanging knowledge of her trade for asylum. One can hardly fault her for that."You say to Chizoba, "I guess I can agree with that."Chizoba says to you, "And she is definitely not training a cabal of magi to usurp control of the Council at the behest of Lucan D'Lere in a grand plot to deliver the city to his waiting hands."You say to Chizoba, "What did you just say?"Chizoba says to you, "Sorry, that was too easy to not have fun with.  You really shouldn't believe everything you hear.  Here's some free advice for fighting mind control from someone who knows: Think for yourself, when you do it's harder for others to think for you."You say to Chizoba, "Um, ok.  Thank you for that.  Good luck with your students."</p><p>And second, the story of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qeynos Coercers</span> as told by an Illusionist Savant, who also happens to be a hyperactive gnome. Do note that at a couple points in the dialog there are multiple dialog paths you can take. The only choice that changes the NPC's dialog is the very last choice, however.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Wimbell Tozer"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Would you look at that! It's reprehensible. Opprobrious! Downright despicable! Such an ignobility is an affront to the very precepts the Concordium expounds!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Whoa there, what's got your feathers all ruffled, little one?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Look there, see her? No, wait! Don't look at her! Oh no, she just looked over here! It's all over! Now she's going to scramble my brains and make me think I'm a chicken. Or worse, a clockwork chicken!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Who are you talking about?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Yori Boswick! She's one of Malevini Darlyner's new apprentices. Oh sure, she may look sweet and all, but behind that facade she calls a face, there's nothing there but calculating deceit formulating in that noggin of hers."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Do you have any proof of this?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Proof? You mean like physical, tangible, irrefutable truth? I.. I... Well, no, I don't have anything indisputable just yet. However, I have heard several rumors which I aim to prove as being the indisputable truth!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "What have you heard?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "They say Malevini hails from Freeport. Apparently she angered the wrong people there when Lucan D'Lere went missing. It's been said that she blamed members of the Lucanic Knights for not adequately protecting their leader."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "What else have you heard about Malevini Darlyner?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "All kinds of things! Some say she actually welcomed Lucan's disappearance! Others say she took delight in the violence and anarchy left in the ensuing fallout. I even heard that there's a hefty price on her head! Whatever the case, it's clear she is no longer welcome in Freeport."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "What else have you heard?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Keep your voice down! You don't want Yori to report what we're discussing to that mind-melting witch, do you? Alright, don't tell ANYONE this, but I heard, from a very reputable source, that Malevini used her dark craft to warp the minds of the Council in order to convince them to allow her to stay in Qeynos."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "You don't say?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Oh, I do say! I do! What's worse is that a few people, and I'm not naming names, but a few people say she's actually a double-agent for Freeport! They say her "exile" was actually concocted by the Overlord himself! Who knows what sort of clandestine schemes Malevini has planned!?"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Interesting."Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Can you fathom such diabolism!? A spy, pretending to be an exile from Freeport, arriving at our gates, asking for amnesty! Hmph! I don't buy it! No, siree, not one bit!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Someone must disagree with you if she has been given permission to stay."Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Oh, sure. There are several who disagree with me. "Her willingness to teach the art of coercion to members of the Concordium is a noble offering!" I hear them cry. Nevermind the fact that it was her ONLY bargaining chip when she pleaded for the Council to allow her to remain in the city! Bunch of malleable bleeding-hearts they are."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Hmm, this is a lot think about. Thank you for sharing your findings."Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Watch your back, friend. Better yet, watch your mind. It may not be your own much longer!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Good-bye, Wimbell."</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>The story of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Eye of Bayle</span>, the Qeynos Assassin guild, as told by a high ranking member.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Daylia the Vigil"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "I was wondering when you might come to speak to me.  I welcome you."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "Wait, you knew I was coming here?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "I did. Nothing escapes my notice in this city.  I have had my eye on you since you got here."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "But why?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "It is our duty to watch the shadows, to ensure that Qeynos remains safe even from that which lurks where it can't be seen.  When those threats are found, it is our duty to see that it is dealt with."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "Who are you?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "I am Daylia.  I am the Vigil of the Eye of Bayle, and it is I who directs the actions of our guild.  We have emerged from the shadows to take a more active role in the defense of Qeynos and of the Bayle bloodline."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "What do you mean?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "To give that answer is to give you background on the Eye of Bayle themselves.  You see, the Eye was formed after the sudden death of Antonius Bayle the first.  His passing was unexpected, and there were whispers of an assassination.  Although there was no evidence to prove this to be the case, enough of the court believed it, even if in secret."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "So what happened?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "They surmised that if indeed there was an assassination, it was unlikely the assassin would ever be caught, and even if they were, the assassination was already done.  They felt that it was best to attempt to head these threats off before they happened.  To wage a war with the shadows in the shadows, to fight them on their ground."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "They formed an assassin guild?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "Correct.  We were created to meet these dark threats head on, out of sight from the rest of the world.  We conducted our work in secret, keeping all knowledge of our existence only to ourselves and to select members of the Council.  It was imperative that the populace at large was unaware of our existence, for many would find our methods less than palatable."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "So why have you come out now?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "We were caught off guard during the attempted kidnapping of Antonia Bayle.  Our order was powerless to stop the attempt, and had it not been for the intervention of others, it's likely that she would have been taken from us.  Our contacts in the Council were not pleased, and we wore the blame for the kidnapping attempt for not having stopped it."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "What happened then?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "They threatened to disband us, and have us arrested as assassins.  They said that we were no longer a necessary part of the protection of the Bayle line, as others had proven themselves more capable.  We argued that there was no way to prevent what happened, given the nature of the attempt, but there was no give.  They were going to do what they were going to do."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "I see.  What did you do?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "Little did we know, Antonia herself had overheard part of the conversation, and she entered the room.  She demanded an explanation, which we were bound to give.  She was shocked to learn of our existence, and asked question after question trying to learn all that she could.  When we were finished, she dismissed everyone save me."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "What did she say?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "She told me that she not protect the order.  As long as we remained hidden, the Councilors could have us dismantled from the inside, and no one would ever miss us – we never existed.  She felt that the Eye of Bayle was a necessary functioning part of Qeynos's security, and did not want to see us disbanded.  Thus, she made a bold decision."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "To come forth from the shadows?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "That is correct.  She recognized that there may be some political backlash from the assassins coming forth – the word "assassin" itself conjures up thoughts of villainy and shadowy deeds.  However, nothing could be further from the truth.  We operate under a strict code of behavior, which all of our number are required to adhere to.  We work to protect not only the Queen, but the citizens as well.  We are the first and last line of defense against the shadows."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "So why are you telling everyone your whole story?"Daylia the Vigil says to you, "So that they might know the truth.  We are not hidden any more.  Whether we are honored or hated, we now want it to be for honest reasons.  We will continue to operate in the shadows, but the citizens will know, for good or ill, that we walk among them, ever vigilant in the unseen war."You say to Daylia the Vigil, "Thank you for your time.  I'll leave you to your duties."</p><p>The first part of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Battle Clerics of Brell</span>, as told by a Coldain battle cleric in the Temple of Life.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Inquisitor Loffren"Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "So ye want to learn o' the battle clerics o‘ Brell, do ye?  Ye've come to tha right coldain."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "Battle clerics?"Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "Aye.  Tha coldain have been fightin' them blasted Ry'Gorr orcs since before me granpa's first whisker!  Now we coldain have always had the numbers against us.  Blasted orcs breed like tha vermin they be."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "What's this have to do with battle clerics?"Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "I'ma gittin' to that!  When yer always outnumbered, everyone needs ta be fightin'.  Ye won't be findin' any self-respectin' coldain hidin' behind his friends' beards when orcs come a'callin'."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "Continue."Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "So the coldain battle clerics are on the front lines!  We be helpin' enemies of our clans meet their gods in person, and remindin' our own clanmates tha' Brell be fightin' wit' us."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "So what brings you to Qeynos?"Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "Some o' tha new arrivals ta New Halas have been expressin' some concerns ‘bout the more "hands on" approach we have, in comparison to the more "traditional" roles of the templars."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "Continue."Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "Well, thar be none tha' would say the gods want their children to just lay down ‘n die when faced wit' danger.  Even the monks of Quellious know when it be time to show an enemy tha floor!"You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "I guess that's true..."Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "We coldain have endured much worse for a lot longer than most, is all. Tha style be different, but tha praises to tha gods be the same. If a fellow coldain needs ta hear tha stories o' Brell, but they be always on the field o' battle, then that's wheres I need ta do my preaching, if they're to hear me."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "So now you're teaching others to be battle clerics?"Inquisitor Loffren says to you, "Aye.  Those that be wantin' ta learn, that is. Yer High Council saw tha wisdom in havin' others learn tha skills we battle clerics bring. Times ain't gettin' any easier, and the front line o' battle be the place where the faithful need the most guidance."You say to Inquisitor Loffren, "Thank you for teaching others what you and your brethren have learned. "</p><p>And the second part of the story of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qeynos Inquisitors</span>, as told by a Templar (who obviously does not welcome Inquisitors into the Temple of Life)</p><p>You say, "Hail, Templar Calmarath"Templar Calmarath says to you, "Preposterous!  Ale-soaked barbarians...."You say to Templar Calmarath, "Excuse me?  Who are you talking about?"Templar Calmarath says to you, "Inquisitor Loffren, or "Battle Cleric" Loffren as he and his ilk refer to themselves!  The gall of him, claiming to spread the word of the gods all the while soaked in blood and other remnants of war!"You say to Templar Calmarath, "You don't think there's room for clerics on a battlefield?"Templar Calmarath says to you, "Bah! Of course there is! By tending to the wounded, not making more wounded! Or by bringing comfort to friends and comrades in their last moments, not raining death down on others. Clerics bring the word and lessons of the gods to the faithful, not go running around reveling in combat. We should be guides and guardians of the soul, not weapons of war."You say to Templar Calmarath, "You don't think priests can be warriors as well?"Templar Calmarath says to you, "The blasphemous altars of Rallos Zek, Cazic-Thule, or foul Innoruuk should be all the warning one needs of glorifying battle in the name of one's god.  This is a dangerous road the Council has started to walk down, and if we're not careful the price could be great.  "You say to Templar Calmarath, "You really think..."Templar Calmarath says to you, "Mark my words: this compromise of our discipline is an error. The greatest of oaks can be felled by rotting the core of its being, and the Council is inviting this corruption in."You say to Templar Calmarath, "Let's hope the Council knows what it's doing, then. Good-bye."</p>

[Xalmat]

<p>Finally the story of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Greystone Guild</span> as told by the guild leader and a member of the guild.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Dalluk Granitehand"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Ah, hello, there!  Come to see the workout regimen of our stalwart bruiser trainees?  Look at them have a go!  THAT'S RIGHT LADS!  Dodge and counter!  Take a hit to give a bigger hit!"You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "What is going on here?  It looks like you're just beating the tar out of one another."Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Haha!  You're not far off!  As you can see, we're deep in training here.  Being a bruiser requires us to put our bodies through rigorous toughening practices."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "And you do that by punching each other?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "What better way to train yourself than to get right into it?  Trust me, once you've taken a few square to the jaw, you learn how to take it and stand, or don't take it and fall.  There aren't a lot of other choices there!"You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "I guess not.  It looks like you’re just trying to inflict pain on one another though."Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Not at all!  We aren't in this simply to break bones and bruise flesh.  This is about using the strength we have to help look out for and protect others.  We don't need spears and swords to combat our enemies – we train our fists and bodies as weapons, ready to defend our allies at any moment."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "I had always been told that bruisers were about brutality and intimidation.  It seems like that would be counterintuitive in a protector role."Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "I wouldn't call what we do, "brutality".  We use our strength effectively.  It's important to cripple or crush an enemy as effectively as possible in any mortal struggle.  Along with that is the ability to demoralize an enemy by any means possible.  Yes, this is intimidation, but we use it as a tool to protect those who need it."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "I see.  How did this group get started?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Hahaha!  You can say that it was a bit of an umm... underground operation, if you will."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "I’m sorry, I’m not following…"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "It's simple!  You see, there's a couple of things here in Greystone Yard that most everyone likes to do; drink, and fight.  And many of us like to do both quite a bit.  It's part of the reason you might have a hard time finding an intact, standing table here anywhere in the Yard."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "So I’ve noticed."Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Of course!  Well, it seemed that not everyone appreciated the noise that might be generated when these to pastimes are intermingled.  In fact, we apparently racked ourselves up a fair amount of complaints from the harbor and from the Elddar Grove."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "Of… course.  So what happened?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "The city guard began to break up the events, making it so that it was nearly impossible for us to enjoy our favorite pastimes.  We were constantly under their watch."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "That sounds frustrating.  What did you end up doing?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "It was!  It all stopped for a while, but we got restless.  Those of us who found the brawls we had therapeutic began to meet in secret.  We decided to try and find a place where we could drink and brawl all we wanted, without the possibility of disturbing our uppity neighbors."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "Of course.  Did you find a place?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "We did.  It so happened that the wine cellar under the inn was well insulated, and proved to dampen out the sound sufficiently.  The innkeeper was more than happy to have us meet down there, as long as we were careful with the wine barrels, and paid for what we busted."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "And how did that work out?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Well, as I'm sure you could imagine, we ended up spending quite a bit on broken barrels of wine.  It was worth it to us, though.  After a time, we found that we were getting quite good at our brawling.  We began to hold contests, and share technique ideas with one another, which benefited the group as a whole."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "But now you are out of the basement.  What happened?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Well, as I said, we have always wanted to use our skills to help protect those around us.  It was a tough sell, however.  The monks in Elddar were not impressed with our capabilities, and the guard considered us a nuisance.  However, once we were able to gain their respect through our actions, they allowed us to purchase this old building, and set up the Greystone Guild as an official guild within Qeynos."You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "That’s quite a story there.  So do you have any rules, then?"Dalluk Granitehand says to you, "Just one – tell everyone about the Greystone Guild!  We want everyone to know we're here, and were ready to help when we're needed!"You say to Dalluk Granitehand, "Huh, I thought that might have been different for some reason.  Very well, then.  Thank you for your time."You say, "Hail, Hagric Skolvein"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "Welcome to the Greystone Guild.  Have you come here to train with us?"You say to Hagric Skolvein, "Actually, I was going to ask you about just that.  This is your training ground?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "That it is!  It's here we spend time teaching others the techniques we developed and honed, both from fighting each other, and from observation of others who were trained as brawlers.  We've all worked together to help perfect our art, and now the Guild, under the direction of Dalluk, is looking to teach others what we've learned."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "Is that so?  So is Dalluk the head of the Guild, then?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "He is.  He is the best of us, without question.  It was his idea to start the guild as well, and ultimately through him that we were able to overcome the apathy we were greeted with from those around us."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "How’s that?  What happened?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "So, as I'm sure you can imagine, we didn't all always just come here to fight.  We had trades and duties, and Dalluk was no exception.  He is a merchant by trade, selling and buying items from his contacts in Kelethin.  The nightly brawls were his way, as with all of us, of a manner of relaxation.  It might sound strange that fighting might be relaxing, but we found that you really get to know others and yourself in a brawl."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "Interesting concept.  Please go on."Hagric Skolvein says to you, "Dalluk was far and away the best of us.  He seemed to have a sixth sense about fighting, and even when outnumbered three-to-one, he nearly always came out on top, and when he didn't, he would just laugh and say that he clearly hadn't had enough ale.  He was able to watch any of us in a fight, and immediately know our weaknesses and how to counter our moves."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "I see.  What happened, then?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "It happened that on one of those trips to Faydwer, he came across a young elf mage under attack from aviaks in Butcherblock Mountain.  Without hesitation, he jumped into the fray, and began fighting them as he might fight one of us.  He claims he remembers little of it, except that once it was over, he was standing, and the aviaks were not.  Using the skills we developed here, he was able to defeat armed, deadly creatures."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "That seems rather incredible!"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "It was!  When he returned, he excitedly relayed the story, and insisted that we could use these skills to help others, just as he had helped the mage back in Faydwer.  We were dubious – the residents here were none too pleased with our activities, and the word of a drunken dwarf and a single elven mage wasn't going to change anyone's minds."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "What did you do?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "Dalluk had an idea.  He reckoned that if we were to receive backing from the monks here in Qeynos, our operation could be legitimized and we could become officially recognized within the city.  So, with almost the same vigor that he used to confront the aviaks, he made his way to Elddar to speak with the monks."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "And they accepted you?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "Not hardly.  We were nearly laughed out.  They believed us undisciplined and unfocused, saying that we would be more of a harm than a help to anyone.  The worst of the bunch was Sensei Shoda's right hand, Karuda.  He berated our art, and Dalluk in particular.  Finally, Dalluk had enough, and challenged him."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "He did?  What happened?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "Karuda didn't believe it at first, and waved us off.  But Dalluk didn't move, and said he wasn't leaving without the fight.  Karuda refused, and turned to walk away, but Sensei Shoda was there behind him.  She ordered Karuda to honor Dalluk's request, and fight him."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "How did it go?"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "Karuda was furious.  He immediately turned and squared off with Dalluk, and both waited for Sensei Shoda to call the start of the fight.  After a few tense seconds, the call came to begin, and Karuda immediately attacked Dalluk.  I wish I could have slowed time at that moment.  Dalluk simply pulled back his fist, waited for the monk to come close, and then, caught Karuda square in the jaw with his fist.  It was over in one punch."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "One hit??  I’ll bet Sensei Shoda was furious!"Hagric Skolvein says to you, "She was, but not with us.  She said that it was clear that Karuda let his emotions cloud his view, and that he should always take an opponent seriously.  The whole exercise was a lesson for Karuda.  Sensei Shoda said she saw strength within us, and told Dalluk that he would offer her backing for our guild.  With her support, we received our recognition."You say to Hagric Skolvein, "That is quite the story.  Well, thank you for your time.  I'll take my leave now."</p>

[Gungo]

<p>Lol, I get a sense of Fight Club from the bruiser story.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Now the story of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qeynos Coercers</span>, as told first by a Coercer Proficient.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Chizoba"Chizoba says to you, "What do we have here?  Another citizen concerned that I'm twisting the minds of young, impressionable magi?"You say to Chizoba, "Is that what you're doing here?"Chizoba says to you, "That is what some would have you believe.  Obviously just because I have learned the art of coercion I am incapable of being trusted and can be of no value to our city."You say to Chizoba, "Who says you can't be trusted?"Chizoba says to you, "Oh, I'm certain if you ask around you'll hear voices that speak out against the skills Mistress Darlyner has been happy to teach.  Too many people prefer to focus on the fact she came here from Freeport."You say to Chizoba, "Wait.  Did you say a Freeportian coercer is walking around freely in Qeynos?"Chizoba says to you, "There's the reaction I'm used to!  Yes.  Mistress Darlyner came here from Freeport.  Yes, she's a coercer. Yes, she announced who and what she was when she first arrived at the gates seeking asylum.  Yes, she's offered to teach others the magic of coercion.  How many spies have you ever heard of walk up to the guards and say "Here I am!"?"You say to Chizoba, "Well...none."Chizoba says to you, "See?  So either a brilliant coercer who could have just magically charmed her way past the guards forgot she had access to such a spell, or she's been sent by Lucan D'Lere to openly teach the magi of his greatest rival the secrets to stopping him from using such power against them.  So which makes more sense to you?"You say to Chizoba, "When you put it that way, neither makes much sense."Chizoba says to you, "So we agree.  Mistress Darlyner is not a spy, or at least not a very good one.  She's just freely exchanging knowledge of her trade for asylum. One can hardly fault her for that."You say to Chizoba, "I guess I can agree with that."Chizoba says to you, "And she is definitely not training a cabal of magi to usurp control of the Council at the behest of Lucan D'Lere in a grand plot to deliver the city to his waiting hands."You say to Chizoba, "What did you just say?"Chizoba says to you, "Sorry, that was too easy to not have fun with.  You really shouldn't believe everything you hear.  Here's some free advice for fighting mind control from someone who knows: Think for yourself, when you do it's harder for others to think for you."You say to Chizoba, "Um, ok.  Thank you for that.  Good luck with your students."</p><p>And second, the story of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Qeynos Coercers</span> as told by an Illusionist Savant, who also happens to be a hyperactive gnome. Do note that at a couple points in the dialog there are multiple dialog paths you can take. The only choice that changes the NPC's dialog is the very last choice, however.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Wimbell Tozer"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Would you look at that! It's reprehensible. Opprobrious! Downright despicable! Such an ignobility is an affront to the very precepts the Concordium expounds!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Whoa there, what's got your feathers all ruffled, little one?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Look there, see her? No, wait! Don't look at her! Oh no, she just looked over here! It's all over! Now she's going to scramble my brains and make me think I'm a chicken. Or worse, a clockwork chicken!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Who are you talking about?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Yori Boswick! She's one of Malevini Darlyner's new apprentices. Oh sure, she may look sweet and all, but behind that facade she calls a face, there's nothing there but calculating deceit formulating in that noggin of hers."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Do you have any proof of this?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Proof? You mean like physical, tangible, irrefutable truth? I.. I... Well, no, I don't have anything indisputable just yet. However, I have heard several rumors which I aim to prove as being the indisputable truth!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "What have you heard?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "They say Malevini hails from Freeport. Apparently she angered the wrong people there when Lucan D'Lere went missing. It's been said that she blamed members of the Lucanic Knights for not adequately protecting their leader."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "What else have you heard about Malevini Darlyner?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "All kinds of things! Some say she actually welcomed Lucan's disappearance! Others say she took delight in the violence and anarchy left in the ensuing fallout. I even heard that there's a hefty price on her head! Whatever the case, it's clear she is no longer welcome in Freeport."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "What else have you heard?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Keep your voice down! You don't want Yori to report what we're discussing to that mind-melting witch, do you? Alright, don't tell ANYONE this, but I heard, from a very reputable source, that Malevini used her dark craft to warp the minds of the Council in order to convince them to allow her to stay in Qeynos."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "You don't say?"Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Oh, I do say! I do! What's worse is that a few people, and I'm not naming names, but a few people say she's actually a double-agent for Freeport! They say her "exile" was actually concocted by the Overlord himself! Who knows what sort of clandestine schemes Malevini has planned!?"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Interesting."Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Can you fathom such diabolism!? A spy, pretending to be an exile from Freeport, arriving at our gates, asking for amnesty! Hmph! I don't buy it! No, siree, not one bit!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Someone must disagree with you if she has been given permission to stay."Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Oh, sure. There are several who disagree with me. "Her willingness to teach the art of coercion to members of the Concordium is a noble offering!" I hear them cry. Nevermind the fact that it was her ONLY bargaining chip when she pleaded for the Council to allow her to remain in the city! Bunch of malleable bleeding-hearts they are."You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Hmm, this is a lot think about. Thank you for sharing your findings."Wimbell Tozer says to you, "Watch your back, friend. Better yet, watch your mind. It may not be your own much longer!"You say to Wimbell Tozer, "Good-bye, Wimbell."</p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Hmm does this mean we will see "Eye of Bayle - Creed Armor" soon? (White tunic, hood/mask, and boots/Gloves black arms and legs?)</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">BTW with all of these new Class Trainers The <strong>MONKS OF THE SILENT FIST </strong>need a New Leader!!! Probably that Wu Girl on the rocks by the waterfall.</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"><em><strong>Just read some of the Greystone stuff, is there a new Sensei Sonada??? Or did Matoko Sanada accidently quaff a sex Change potion?</strong></em></span></p>

[Larkverdin]

<p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Lol, I get a sense of Fight Club from the bruiser story.</p></blockquote><p>I love the last line you say to him after hearing his story. How you think the one rule would have been a different one (aka Fight Club's #1 rule).</p><p>I have to admit, while they arn't the greatest lore stories I've read about the classes, they certainly are interesting. I'm not disappointed in these, they're believeable and don't seem to retcon anything, which is a plus.</p>

[Rijacki]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Dawood Haidaar says to you, "The Coercer, of course. Apparently he planted the suggestion that the Illusionist take a few steps backwards before the duel commenced. The Illusionist complied, fell to his death and the duel was over before it began.</p></blockquote><p>Love it! *impish grin*</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><cite>Larkverdin@Unrest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Lol, I get a sense of Fight Club from the bruiser story.</p></blockquote><p>I love the last line you say to him after hearing his story. How you think the one rule would have been a different one (aka Fight Club's #1 rule).</p><p>I have to admit, while they arn't the greatest lore stories I've read about the classes, they certainly are interesting. I'm not disappointed in these, they're believeable and don't seem to retcon anything, which is a plus.</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Also I remember there was a Bruiser-type in Greystone (he was in that pit they dig around in) that Fighters talked with when starting on the path of the Brawler before they where accepted as a Monk later on. </span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">So the Lore adtually fits, although still trying to figure out the sex change of Sonada...not agaist it, just wondering on the why of it. Was it to become closer to Qellious?</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">May have to log in as Zethrah my Ikasr Monk to find out...BTW andy chanse of the Swiftailes sending any reps to Qeynos to help those Iksar monks who realized that Monk Path and had only the Silent fist to train with?</span></p>

[Writer Cal]

<p>See...now I don't think I can call FP Rangers anything but Little Red Riding Hoods.</p><p>/points</p><p>/laughs</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I'll go ahead and post the other dialog for each of the other NPCs as well (at least the ones that I can find).</p><p>Starting with <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Freeport Illusionists</span> who are practicing right outside the Academy of Arcane Sciences.</p><p>.......Dawood Haidaar says to you, "Sigh, I keep telling Glimmadge that this is why we do not conduct classes outside the walls of the academy! You seem persistent in your inquiries so I'll answer your question in hopes you run along."..........Dawood Haidaar says to you, "The Coercer, of course. Apparently he planted the suggestion that the Illusionist take a few steps backwards before the duel commenced. The Illusionist complied, fell to his death and the duel was over before it began. Freeport has been free of Illusionists ever since."........Dawood Haidaar says to you, "That was then. Now the Overlord has come to see the wisdom in once again welcoming our kind within his great city with open arms! ..........</p><p>And now the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Templars of Freeport</span>, as told by the High Speaker of Freeport in the Dismal Rage temple.</p><p>.........Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "When Lucan D'Lere returned to Freeport after his absence, one of the first things he recognized is that his city was comprised of a people whose will was close to broken.  Their faith was strained, and they had no guidance.  Their resentment was growing."You say to Archbishop Haleim Felmease, "Wouldn’t he just be able to force the populace to submit?"Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "Of course he could – Freeport belongs to Lucan D'Lere alone.  But further oppression of an already breaking people could lead to revolt.  Freeport did not need back-to-back incursions, especially not one in the middle of rebuilding from the last one.  No, the answer was not brute force."................Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "We did.  We moved among the people, offering food and aid in Lucan's name.  We have stood on the corners of the streets, preaching of his deeds, and conducting sermons for all to see.  Almost immediately, we could see the dissension fading, and saw the people respond favorably.  Thus, our order was born.".....Archbishop Haleim Felmease says to you, "We are the Templars of Freeport.  We are his evangelists, his martyrs, the ones who preach his word to all that will listen. While the inquisitors enforce his will, we cultivate it, and bring the flock in under his name.  Sometimes the best method of enforcement, is to convince others that there is no enforcement.</p></blockquote><p>I can just imagine a nice Freeportian telling a stranger all about it in the  "hopes" the stranger will "move along!" Such a softer kinder Freeport these days.... Yup, Lucan has the hots for the Queen.</p><p>Dumb illy - should have used the personae..... So, basically, Lucan said - bygones be bygones - I'm hot for your Queen, so come on down to the fun side of life - Freeport!</p><p>As for the Templar story - forcing peeps to bend to the will of Lucan is Lucan's thing. So, all of a sudden he's a changed man! And since Lucan can't guide his flock, he allowed templars to do his bidding?  Alms for the poor? And the cutthroats of Lucan just fall in line like sheep. Yup, Lucan is titched - must be that love of that Queen. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">May have to log in as Zethrah my Ikasr Monk to find out...BTW andy chanse of the Swiftailes sending any reps to Qeynos to help those Iksar monks who realized that Monk Path and had only the Silent fist to train with?</span></p></blockquote><p>Speaking from a gameplay point of view, Iksar Monks will be able to betray back to Freeport and train with the Swifttails if they wish. And because of Betrayal mechanics changes, they won't be punished nearly as hard (from a gameplay point of view) to do so.</p>

[Cronyn]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">So the Lore adtually fits, although still trying to figure out the sex change of Sonada...not agaist it, just wondering on the why of it. Was it to become closer to Qellious?</span></p></blockquote><p>So, I'm chuckling to myself, because this is my mistake.  But I'll come right out and admit it - the reason that Makoto Shoda is a female is because of... Street Fighter, where the character "Makoto" is a girl.  I saw the name, my brain made an association, and I went with it without bothering to check the gender on the character file.</p><p>I will umm... go through and fix that now.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">So the Lore adtually fits, although still trying to figure out the sex change of Sonada...not agaist it, just wondering on the why of it. Was it to become closer to Qellious?</span></p></blockquote><p>So, I'm chuckling to myself, because this is my mistake.  But I'll come right out and admit it - the reason that Makoto Shoda is a female is because of... Street Fighter, where the character "Makoto" is a girl.  I saw the name, my brain made an association, and I went with it without bothering to check the gender on the character file.</p><p>I will umm... go through and fix that now.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>I say leave it in and do a short story how makoto went through an extensive operation to reach his feminine side. Does transgender change esrb ratings, lol?</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">So the Lore adtually fits, although still trying to figure out the sex change of Sonada...not agaist it, just wondering on the why of it. Was it to become closer to Qellious?</span></p></blockquote><p>So, I'm chuckling to myself, because this is my mistake.  But I'll come right out and admit it - the reason that Makoto Shoda is a female is because of... Street Fighter, where the character "Makoto" is a girl.  I saw the name, my brain made an association, and I went with it without bothering to check the gender on the character file.</p><p>I will umm... go through and fix that now.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>The irony of course, being that Makoto is VERY OFTEN mistaken for a boy in Street Fighter. Her name alone is more often associated as a male name than female.</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I say leave it in and do a short story how makoto went through an extensive operation to reach his feminine side.</p></blockquote><p>In other words, (s)he found a secret stash of these:</p><p><img src="http://eq2players.station.sony.com/images/en/features/articles/stationcash/09apr/disgenderment_potion.jpg" /></p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The story of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Eye of Bayle</span>, the Qeynos Assassin guild, as told by a high ranking member.</p><p>You say, "Hail, Daylia the Vigil"-snip-Daylia the Vigil says to you, "<span style="color: #99cc00;"><em><strong>To give that answer is to give you background on the Eye of Bayle themselves.  You see, the Eye was formed after the sudden death of Antonius Bayle the first.  His passing was unexpected, and there were whispers of an assassination.</strong></em></span>  Although there was no evidence to prove this to be the case, enough of the court believed it, even if in secret."-snip-</p></blockquote><p>This part confuses me, I assume the passage above was meant to talk about Antonius Bayle the 4th (ruler in EQ1) As he was assassinated while living in seclusion and secret in the isle of Erolisi with his lover and youngest children.</p><p>King Antonius Bayle the 1sts death I had never really heard much about except the occasional mention by NPC's and quest text around Qeynos in EQoA when Antonius Bayle the 2nd (the 1st's son) rules. From the info I remember he was a great and kind ruler whos death at an old age wasnt assassination (though they may be retconning). He was so loved that his son Ant the 2nd and the western humans renamed Tunaria into Antonica in memory of their beloved fallen king.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><cite>Cronyn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">So the Lore adtually fits, although still trying to figure out the sex change of Sonada...not agaist it, just wondering on the why of it. Was it to become closer to Qellious?</span></p></blockquote><p>So, I'm chuckling to myself, because this is my mistake.  But I'll come right out and admit it - the reason that Makoto Shoda is a female is because of... Street Fighter, where the character "Makoto" is a girl.  I saw the name, my brain made an association, and I went with it without bothering to check the gender on the character file.</p><p>I will umm... go through and fix that now.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">The Funny part is that Motoko is still wandering arounds the Fen's! I just got off Test_Copy.<strong> Since Matoko is wandering around the Fens, and is more concerned with his duties as Quellious's Representitive</strong> has he passed the Leadership to anyone in the Silent Fist Dojo?</span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">BTW has <em>No intention of Betraying my Iksar back to Freeport</em>, Besides she just got her House in Halas set in order!</span></p>

[RoninSenshi]

<p>Well, you know I'm glad they are actually putting in the lore for the Neutral class switch. Alot of it does have a bit of logic and sense to it, their are minor thing but overall it's better then just dropping the change in without any good rhyme or reason.</p><p>However, how will they do the Neutral class lore with Neriak and Kelethin?</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Rivald@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Well, you know I'm glad they are actually putting in the lore for the Neutral class switch. Alot of it does have a bit of logic and sense to it, their are minor thing but overall it's better then just dropping the change in without any good rhyme or reason.</p><p>However, how will they do the Neutral class lore with Neriak and Kelethin?</p></blockquote><p>As I mentioned in an earlier post, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they dont. In terms of Class trainers in the other 4 cities, they just happen to be there for convenience sake, and may not start paying any detail towards them.</p>

[iceriven2]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rivald@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Well, you know I'm glad they are actually putting in the lore for the Neutral class switch. Alot of it does have a bit of logic and sense to it, their are minor thing but overall it's better then just dropping the change in without any good rhyme or reason.</p><p>However, how will they do the Neutral class lore with Neriak and Kelethin?</p></blockquote><p>As I mentioned in an earlier post, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they dont. In terms of Class trainers in the other 4 cities, they just happen to be there for convenience sake, and may not start paying any detail towards them.</p></blockquote><p>I can see that too.  Which i Find funny.  Their spending all this time to create proper lore to the class changes in 2 cities most new player wont ever bother going to(b/c you can start there)  But the 4 starting cities will more than likely just have them pop up.</p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>iceriven2 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Rivald@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Well, you know I'm glad they are actually putting in the lore for the Neutral class switch. Alot of it does have a bit of logic and sense to it, their are minor thing but overall it's better then just dropping the change in without any good rhyme or reason.</p><p>However, how will they do the Neutral class lore with Neriak and Kelethin?</p></blockquote><p>As I mentioned in an earlier post, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if they dont. In terms of Class trainers in the other 4 cities, they just happen to be there for convenience sake, and may not start paying any detail towards them.</p></blockquote><p>I can see that too.  Which i Find funny.  Their spending all this time to create proper lore to the class changes in 2 cities most new player wont ever bother going to(b/c you can start there)  But the 4 starting cities will more than likely just have them pop up.</p></blockquote><p>Somehow I think Qeynos and Freeport will become these massive lore hubs for the game. </p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>As they rightfully should be.</p>

[Eritius]

<p>What is wrong with Kelethin and Neriak? The lore behind these two cities is a heck of a lot more rich then Freeport. The only thing Freeport had going for it was the conflict between the Knights of Truth and the Militia. The only quest in EQ1 that was lore enriched based in Freeport was the Paladin epic weapon to get Soulfire. And that was retconned out.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>What is wrong with Kelethin and Neriak? The lore behind these two cities is a heck of a lot more rich then Freeport. The only thing Freeport had going for it was the conflict between the Knights of Truth and the Militia. The only quest in EQ1 that was lore enriched based in Freeport was the Paladin epic weapon to get Soulfire. And that was retconned out.</p></blockquote><p>That quest wasn't retconned out. It just wasn't *YOU* who completed it. Cronyn is going to great lengths to write out proper lore for these class changes, and he's only doing them for Qeynos and Freeport to represent the Good and Evil aspects both cities represent. If he doesn't want to spend the time on the other 4 cities, then that gives him more time to work on other stuff, like getting subclass-specific questlines added into each city and such.</p>

[Gungo]

<p>Since freeport is aligned with all the evil cities and qeynos is aligned with all the good cities. Then people receive the class selections in those cities by association.</p><p>If you read the lore classes like Inquisitors were ALWAYS in New Halas, but the trainers are now just training new recruits.</p><p>And freeport was a HUGE focal point for eq2 lore, its hard to argue that kelethin/neriak have richer lore.</p><p>Kelethin for all intents and purposes was completely destroyed and rebuilt by the fae. Neriak was reclusive for about 500+ years. Niether of those 2 options lends itself well to discovery of new ideas. Freeport was the focal point of a major war in eq2 and pretty much most of the current history of the rending. Qeynos and freeport are really the only cities in modern norrath that has been rediscovering norrath. Neriak, gorowyn, new halas, and kelethin have largely been reclusive up until the last couple of years.</p>

[Lethe5683]

<p><cite>Enever wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Since The game has suddenly made Coercers, Inquistadors, Illusionists, Templars, Assassins, Rangers, Monks and Bruisers into neutral classes....</p><p>There has to be some in-game explination for this. I have yet to see it so I am curious. Unless it's a case of :"Oh Lets now just allow these kind of people into our cities now."</p><p>Is there any lore behind this or was it just there the next day?</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #993366;">The lore is common sense; none of those classes are really intrinsically evil or good.</span></p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>Lethe5683 wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Enever wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Since The game has suddenly made Coercers, Inquistadors, Illusionists, Templars, Assassins, Rangers, Monks and Bruisers into neutral classes....</p><p>There has to be some in-game explination for this. I have yet to see it so I am curious. Unless it's a case of :"Oh Lets now just allow these kind of people into our cities now."</p><p>Is there any lore behind this or was it just there the next day?</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #993366;">The lore is common sense; none of those classes are really intrinsically evil or good.</span></p></blockquote><p>The red hoods AKA evil rangers guild leader seemed more revenge based and not directly evil.Which of course puts the whole evil vs good debate into a grey area.</p><p>The Good coercers guild leader seemed more based on self preservation then good or evil.Which again puts the whole evil vs good debate into a grey area.</p><p>Personally i approve of moving freeport and qeynos into a grey zone. While story line it may seem nice to place freeport, neriak, gorowyn into the AXIS OF EVIL category. In reality there is ALOT of grey area when we talk about good vs evil.</p><p>Freeport and qeynos have never been GOOD vs BAD. It was always some cold war style mentality of we dont like you and you dont like us and we dont agree with the way you do things kind of mentality. They could of very well called freeport communist and qeynos a republic and we could of had this same debate.</p><p>The world including norrath was never BLACK and WHITE. Not everyone in qeynos is good and not everyone in freeport is bad.</p>

[Eritius]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>What is wrong with Kelethin and Neriak? The lore behind these two cities is a heck of a lot more rich then Freeport. The only thing Freeport had going for it was the conflict between the Knights of Truth and the Militia. The only quest in EQ1 that was lore enriched based in Freeport was the Paladin epic weapon to get Soulfire. And that was retconned out.</p></blockquote><p>That quest wasn't retconned out. It just wasn't *YOU* who completed it. Cronyn is going to great lengths to write out proper lore for these class changes, and he's only doing them for Qeynos and Freeport to represent the Good and Evil aspects both cities represent. If he doesn't want to spend the time on the other 4 cities, then that gives him more time to work on other stuff, like getting subclass-specific questlines added into each city and such.</p></blockquote><p>The quest to kill Lucan DLere has been retconned. I do believe he is still in control in Freeport, not decomposing under the ground in the commonlands.</p><p>Either way, the lore there has nothing compared to the lore in Neriak if you want to compare Evil Cities.</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>What is wrong with Kelethin and Neriak? The lore behind these two cities is a heck of a lot more rich then Freeport. The only thing Freeport had going for it was the conflict between the Knights of Truth and the Militia. The only quest in EQ1 that was lore enriched based in Freeport was the Paladin epic weapon to get Soulfire. And that was retconned out.</p></blockquote><p>That quest wasn't retconned out. It just wasn't *YOU* who completed it. Cronyn is going to great lengths to write out proper lore for these class changes, and he's only doing them for Qeynos and Freeport to represent the Good and Evil aspects both cities represent. If he doesn't want to spend the time on the other 4 cities, then that gives him more time to work on other stuff, like getting subclass-specific questlines added into each city and such.</p></blockquote><p>The quest to kill Lucan DLere has been retconned. I do believe he is still in control in Freeport, not decomposing under the ground in the commonlands.</p><p>Either way, the lore there has nothing compared to the lore in Neriak if you want to compare Evil Cities.</p></blockquote><p>To be honest as an above poster said alot of these classes were more "neutral" in lore depending on their profession, the <em>only</em> gripe i have with it all is there should have been more of a lead up story to allowing us as players to convert. While yes.. there is some of it in Halas.. seeing Red-hoods hold down part of chaotic Freeport or seeing a small group of new enchanters show up in Qeynos may have helped us "ease into" the story,like how they had the group of NPC's lead by Freeport Militia out into the commonlands and start work on Razor Rock Ridge.. or the leadup of supplies in building the guild halls.</p><p>Ah  D'lere... remember you kill his human form and he attacks again as a skeleton...</p><p>remember what the skeles in this game say.. "You inflict damage not pain..." </p><p>He rose as a skeleton ... its a sure bet he's able to pull his bones back together.</p>

[Eritius]

<p>Eitherway, thats pretty much all Freeport is based on. A leader that lost his sword by getting his butt handed to him (assuming he did ressurrect or what not).</p><p>My point still remains. Neriak is a much more lore enriched then Freeport. Its deserves more attention lorewise. Heck you cannot even start in Freeport, and with the current rate of things, I'd be surprised if we could start there anytime during Velious, if at all.</p><p>From a mechanics point of view, it will need a revamp to streamline it to be comparable to Neriak or Halas.</p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Eitherway, thats pretty much all Freeport is based on. A leader that lost his sword by getting his butt handed to him (assuming he did ressurrect or what not).</p><p>My point still remains. Neriak is a much more lore enriched then Freeport. Its deserves more attention lorewise. Heck you cannot even start in Freeport, and with the current rate of things, I'd be surprised if we could start there anytime during Velious, if at all.</p><p>From a mechanics point of view, it will need a revamp to streamline it to be comparable to Neriak or Halas.</p></blockquote><p>Neriak has isolated itself for over 500 years.Freeport is the center of CURRENT lore.</p><p>Also no one knows what Lucan did to become a lich. There is alot more going on in freeport then we know.  </p>

[Eritius]

<p>The Shard of Hate opened up as well as the Arasai making an appearance happened a few years back.</p><p>Besides if you want to go with Current Lore. Freeport may very well end up neutral, as in we'll be seeing paladins, mystics, swashies, and conjurors starting there (along with their counterparts) if they ever do open it back up. Or at the very least, there's going to be understanding between them and Qeynos.</p><p>That will leave Neriak and Gorowyn as the last two evil places. As we'll NEVER have Neriak and Kelethin getting along unless they off Cristanos and put Drizzt-type character in charge.</p><p>If they want to have Qeynos and Freeport be buddy buddy, thats cool, leave them off as starting cities. Then the focus should be on perhaps a Second War of the Fay. This banding together to fight the greater evil that SOE started in Planes of Power is really beginning to get old.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>You keep saying that Neriak has a much richer lore than Freeport, yet you bring nothing to back it up. Just what is so rich about it?</p>

[kelvmor]

<p>Fact: Everyone likes dark elves because they want to be Drizzt, or some other drow. But most of them want to be Drizzt.</p><p>Which is why, instead of looking up the actual lore, people substitute EqII dark elf lore with Forgotten Realms drow lore. Like using drow translators/dictionaries to use whole sentences of drow in RP, or RPing that females are of a higher status than males in Neriak, when the King held most of the power until his death at the hands of the Queen.</p><p>EDIT: Gorowyn is not evil. They are neutral-evil.</p>

[Larkverdin]

<p><cite>Taemien@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The Shard of Hate opened up as well as the Arasai making an appearance happened a few years back.</p><p>Besides if you want to go with Current Lore. Freeport may very well end up neutral, as in we'll be seeing paladins, mystics, swashies, and conjurors starting there (along with their counterparts) if they ever do open it back up. Or at the very least, there's going to be understanding between them and Qeynos.</p><p>That will leave Neriak and Gorowyn as the last two evil places. As we'll NEVER have Neriak and Kelethin getting along unless they off Cristanos and put Drizzt-type character in charge.</p><p>If they want to have Qeynos and Freeport be buddy buddy, thats cool, leave them off as starting cities. Then the focus should be on perhaps a Second War of the Fay. <strong>This banding together to fight the greater evil that SOE started in Planes of Power is really beginning to get old.</strong></p></blockquote><p>Sorry to bust your bubble Tae, but that's kinda the reason alot of people play games like this. Everybody wants to be a hero. Wether it's an "evil" hero, or the typical shining model of the word, either way everybody wants to save the world they live on.</p><p>Also, they took away the Freeport & Qeynos starting areas only <em>temporarily. </em>They've stated on other forums that they have plans to bring them back and that they have "big plans" for them. What that entails, we have no idea, but they didn't take them out forever</p>

[Lethe5683]

<p><cite>kelvmor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Fact: Everyone likes dark elves because they want to be Drizzt, or some other drow. But most of them want to be Drizzt.</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #993366;">That's not a fact; I hate dark elves.</span></p>

[Xalmat]

<p>I could care less about Drizzt. I just like dark elves because they're awesome.</p>

[Iskandar]

<p>The Arasii control the Dark Elves just as their kin the Fae control the Wood Elves. Kelethin and Neriak have fallen to the winged ones and soon, so very soon, all of Norrath will tremble as fluttering cuteness conquors all! Muahahaha... haha... ha... heh! um... I mean... weeeeeeeeee! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Ahlana]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I could care less about Drizzt. I just like dark elves because they're awesome.</p></blockquote><p>+1 I have not read any books about "Drow".. or anything else of Dark Elf type nature. In fact I am not a big fan of High Fantasy books and such.</p><p>I picked DE in EQ1 because they were evil as evil came... lol their father was teh God of Hate.. and I wanted to play the bad guy. That is why I played (and play DE).</p>

[Lethe5683]

<p><cite>Ahlana wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I could care less about Drizzt. I just like dark elves because they're awesome.</p></blockquote><p>+1 I have not read any books about "Drow".. or anything else of Dark Elf type nature. In fact I am not a big fan of High Fantasy books and such.</p><p>I picked DE in EQ1 because they were evil as evil came... lol their father was teh <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">God of Hate</span> <span style="color: #993366;"><span style="visibility: visible;">Gollum</span></span>.. and I wanted to play the bad guy. That is why I played (and play DE).</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #993366;">Have you seen the picture of it? I laughed for quite awile after seeing that, made dark elfs seem even more of a joke.</span></p>

[Xalmat]

<p><img src="http://www.mattcrews.com/images/eq2/innoruuk-prince-of-hate.jpg" /></p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>It should be noted that Innoruuk was a character model in Everquest before any concept images or previews of LOTR came out.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">I've heard of Driz and remember at one time RA had a EQ1 DE possibly back on the Brell server. </span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;"></span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">But my good DE is a Monk because Monks are just that awsome <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </span></p><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">my Evil DE is an SK living in Gorowyn (She likes outdoor windows and Neriak is just too serious for this ancient Dark Elf)</span></p>

[Writer Cal]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>It should be noted that Innoruuk was a character model in Everquest before any concept images or previews of LOTR came out.</p></blockquote><p>Actually that pic of Inny looks more like Gollum from the 1978 animated LotR than the latest depiction.</p>

[Irgun]

<p>If there are more neutral classes now - how about allowing good players getting CTs and Quests from evil cities as well?</p><p>As an act of saying "thank you" - since we saved Lucan from RTs clutches. (although he`d never admit that...)</p>

[Xalmat]

<p><cite>Irgin@Valor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If there are more neutral classes now - how about allowing good players getting CTs and Quests from evil cities as well?</p><p>As an act of saying "thank you" - since we saved Lucan from RTs clutches. (although he`d never admit that...)</p></blockquote><p>Not gonna happen. If you want to do evil aligned quests, you need to be evil aligned yourself.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Xalmat wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Irgin@Valor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>If there are more neutral classes now - how about allowing good players getting CTs and Quests from evil cities as well?</p><p>As an act of saying "thank you" - since we saved Lucan from RTs clutches. (although he`d never admit that...)</p></blockquote><p>Not gonna happen. If you want to do evil aligned quests, you need to be evil aligned yourself.</p></blockquote><p>Agreed. Just because some classes are turning neutral doesn't mean that Evil is going to let Good walk all over them or vice versa.</p>

[Nakaru-Nitepaw]

<p>The thing i wonder about is how does a assassin fit into the "good" theme. Personally i think it should have been the rogue classes that went neutral instead of the preditors. Think about it. ROGUE! The word screams of nuetrality. It means to be alone or different. It also means to be a scoundral but thats the fun of it. Brigand may be a type of thug, but they aren't necisarily evil. Swashbucklers are a type of pirate and pirates aren't always good. Back in EQ1 i had a barbarian rogue that could taunt and tank (Sneak/Hide, Backstab, Rob, taunt, bash). He lived in Halas. When i recreated him in EQ2 i had to pick something else because he definitely is not a swashy lol.</p>

[Lethe5683]

<p><cite>Eschia@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The thing i wonder about is how does a assassin fit into the "good" theme. Personally i think it should have been the rogue classes that went neutral instead of the preditors. Think about it. ROGUE! The word screams of nuetrality. It means to be alone or different. It also means to be a scoundral but thats the fun of it. Brigand may be a type of thug, but they aren't necisarily evil. Swashbucklers are a type of pirate and pirates aren't always good. Back in EQ1 i had a barbarian rogue that could taunt and tank (Sneak/Hide, Backstab, Rob, taunt, bash). He lived in Halas. When i recreated him in EQ2 i had to pick something else because he definitely is not a swashy lol.</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #993366;">An assassin is just a person who kills people by stealth, what is any more evil about that than a thug or pirate?</span></p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>We've already been over this. There's no way to justify selfishly threatening, mugging, shanking, or possibly [Removed for Content] someone for the greater good of society. It's just not possible for Brigands to be good by any concievable way by society's or this game's standards. You can try to justify someone on an individual basis, but that's as much roleplaying as any necro who thinks that using diseased, rotting corpses could benefit society by being used as cheap labor. Just because you think you're helping out doesn't mean everyone else thinks how you went about it is acceptable.</p>

[Iskandar]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p> that's as much roleplaying as any necro who thinks that using diseased, rotting corpses could benefit society by being used as cheap labor.</p></blockquote><p>It could work! Really! Just imagine... a small office building on the outskirts of North Qeynos.......</p><p>*<em>ring ring</em>*Necro:  Hello, Ned's Necrotic's! How can we help you today?<em>Caller</em>:  Hi, Ned, I'm having some problems with this worker you sent over to the castle today.Necro:  Let me see *<em>flip flip flip</em>* Ah, yes, the moat cleaning. What might the problem be?<em>Caller</em>:  Well... the worker is my Uncle.Necro:  Ah! So there's a family dispute then?<em>Caller</em>:  Not exactly. He's.... dead.Necro:  That's generally how folks get to be part of Ned's Necrotics!<em>Caller</em>:  Yes. Well... it's a bit upsetting to his sister to see his desicated remains shambling around out in our moat.Necro:  Moat cleaning is definately not a job for the weak of heart -- or stomach!<em>Caller</em>:  Uh, yeah. And... well... he's got an eye on my wife, Millie, too.Necro:  Ahhh, love *<em>sigh</em>* -- not even death can stop it!<em>Caller</em>:  No, no... I mean... his eye... it fell out... it's <em>on</em> her. She's been screaming for an hour now.Necro:  Whoops! Well, no worries -- he's still covered by warranty!<em>Caller</em>:  Um... would it be possible to have a new worker come out? I just don't think this one is... right.Necro:  Let's see... well, there's a raid headed for Roehn Theer at six -- I'm sure we'll have some fresh bodies by eight!<em>Caller</em>:  That would be wonderful!Necro:  Always a pleasure! Thank you for shopping at Ned's Necrotics!</p><p>Ned's Necrotics! Bringing quality undead labor to <strong><em>you</em></strong>! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Nakaru-Nitepaw]

<p>My statement is only on the basis that the word rogue means to be a type of outlaw. Not aligned to anything but themselves. Which naturally makes them neutral. Sure they do terrible things. But so do pirates. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Thrizz]

<p>Black and White can be very boring.</p><p>Whether or not they can be called "good or evil" aligned, Qeynos IMO would not be so squeaky clean that there aren't brigands living within. Yes this is fantasy, but even in fantasy certain realism should be expected. Good would possibly live in an evil city, and evil would possibly live in the good city.</p>

[Narino]

<p>Iskander...that post is just fantastic!! Wish we had npcs like that <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /> Hire him please, even if by force</p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>We've already been over this. There's no way to justify selfishly threatening, mugging, shanking, or possibly [Removed for Content] someone for the greater good of society. It's just not possible for Brigands to be good by any concievable way by society's or this game's standards. You can try to justify someone on an individual basis, but that's as much roleplaying as any necro who thinks that using diseased, rotting corpses could benefit society by being used as cheap labor. Just because you think you're helping out doesn't mean everyone else thinks how you went about it is acceptable.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands= thievesThieves are not inherently evil. Aladdin was a thief and was a good character.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>We've already been over this. There's no way to justify selfishly threatening, mugging, shanking, or possibly [Removed for Content] someone for the greater good of society. It's just not possible for Brigands to be good by any concievable way by society's or this game's standards. You can try to justify someone on an individual basis, but that's as much roleplaying as any necro who thinks that using diseased, rotting corpses could benefit society by being used as cheap labor. Just because you think you're helping out doesn't mean everyone else thinks how you went about it is acceptable.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands= thievesThieves are not inherently evil. Aladdin was a thief and was a good character.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands = Thieves who will kill you if you don't give them your money at knifepoint, and sometimes will kill you even if you do.</p>

[Gungo]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>We've already been over this. There's no way to justify selfishly threatening, mugging, shanking, or possibly [Removed for Content] someone for the greater good of society. It's just not possible for Brigands to be good by any concievable way by society's or this game's standards. You can try to justify someone on an individual basis, but that's as much roleplaying as any necro who thinks that using diseased, rotting corpses could benefit society by being used as cheap labor. Just because you think you're helping out doesn't mean everyone else thinks how you went about it is acceptable.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands= thievesThieves are not inherently evil. Aladdin was a thief and was a good character.</p></blockquote><p>Brigands = Thieves who will kill you if you don't give them your money at knifepoint, and sometimes will kill you even if you do.</p></blockquote><p>Care to show me the lore for that or you just making stuff up like normal?</p><p>Also necros are considered good in painel.</p>

[Eritius]

<p>Necros, Defilers, Shadowknights, and Brigands are considered Evil in Qeynos, Kelethin, and Halas.</p><p>Think of it as political more then alignment based these days.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>The class speaks for itself.</p><p>Here's a list of their spells and some of what those spells used to be called before the revamp.</p><p>Backstab - Hidden Shiv, Craven Delight, Spineripper, Disembowel, Entrail</p><p>Battery and Assault - Aggravated Assault, Vicious Assault, Malicious Assault</p><p>Bumrush - <span >Distracting Blade, Sideswipe, Sidestab</span></p><p>Mug - Bruise, Wrangle, Ruckus, Roughen</p><p>Barroom Negotiation - <span >Forceful Negotiation, Thuggish Negotiation</span></p><p>Gouge - <span >Vicious Stab, Waylay, Ambuscade</span></p><p>Blackguard - <span >Knave, Ruffian, Mercenary Stance</span></p><p>Cuss - <span >Upbraid, Chasten, Vaunt, Snicker</span></p><p>Murderous Rake - <span >Vicious Rake, Ruinous Rake, Blood Rake</span></p><p>Stunning Blow - <span >Low Blow, Dirty Blow, Deceitful Blow</span></p><p>Shank - <span >Shiv, Stab, Spew</span></p><p>Band of Thugs - Hood of Thugs</p><p><strong>Blackguard - Noun - A low, contemptible person; scoundrel</strong></p><p><strong>Synonyms - <span ><span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">scamp,</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">rascal,</span> <span >rapscallion,</span> <span >rogue,</span> <span >devil,</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">villain.</span> </span><span ><span><span ><span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">3.</span> </span></span></span><span > <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">berate,</span> <span style="cursor: default; background-color: transparent;">vilify</span></span></strong></p><p>Do I need to keep going? The class defines itself through it's spell names, most of which use words that indicate malicious harm or intimidation towards others. You still want to try and justify that they could be neutral? The developers are the ones defining this class as evil. Even at the character creation screen, there's a quote about how much better it feels to just stab someone in the back and being an outlaw.</p>

[Iskandar]

<p>Spell names don't really give the full picture though. Keep in mind that you can do the same thing with Assassins -- described as "the master of sinister strikes and opportunistic attacks"... decked out in class armor with set names like "Insidious" (Kunark) or "Nemesis" (Faydwer)... using combat arts with names like "Villainy," "Massacre," "Torture," "Murderous Design," "Eviscerate," etc.</p><p>But Assassins are neutral now. Still, the names of their spells don't exactly imbue me with a warm feeling of "I should invite the assassin next door over for a cup of tea." <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Likewise, an evil "Red Hood" Ranger in Freeport casting "Jeth's Cuddly Companion" wouldn't exactly fill me with a sense of overwhelming fear and dread... more of an "awwww, lookit da little bear! He's sooo cuuute!" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/49869fe8223507d7223db3451e5321aa.gif" border="0" /></p>

[kelvmor]

<p><cite>Iskandar wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Spell names don't really give the full picture though. Keep in mind that you can do the same thing with Assassins -- described as "the master of sinister strikes and opportunistic attacks"... decked out in class armor with set names like "Insidious" (Kunark) or "Nemesis" (Faydwer)... using combat arts with names like "Villainy," "Massacre," "Torture," "Murderous Design," "Eviscerate," etc.</p><p>But Assassins are neutral now. Still, the names of their spells don't exactly imbue me with a warm feeling of "I should invite the assassin next door over for a cup of tea." <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Likewise, an evil "Red Hood" Ranger in Freeport casting "Jeth's Cuddly Companion" wouldn't exactly fill me with a sense of overwhelming fear and dread... more of an "awwww, lookit da little bear! He's sooo cuuute!" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/49869fe8223507d7223db3451e5321aa.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>Until that gigantic frickin' grizzly mauls your face off and devours your corpse at the Red Hood's command.</p>

[Iskandar]

<p><cite>kelvmor wrote:</cite></p><blockquote>Until that gigantic frickin' grizzly mauls your face off and devours your corpse at the Red Hood's command.</blockquote><p>In the words of <a href="http://eq2.wikia.com/wiki/Trophy:_A_Sharp_Wooden_Stake" target="_blank">Mayong Mistmore</a>, "<strong>AAAAAUUUUGGGGHHHHH!</strong>" <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Rainmare]

<p>okay difference between Brig and Swash simple.</p><p>Swash = Con Artist</p><p>Brig = Armed gunman.</p><p>sure the swash is a 'criminal' same as the brig. but the swash would sooner charm your money out of you with fancy words tricks and slight of hand..and if you catch him, he'll put up a fight and probably try painting you as the bad guy...then hold you at knifepoint and demand your coinpurse.</p><p>Brig will hold you at knifepoint, demand all your coin, and then if you even think something he doesn't approve of he'll still kill you anyway just to be on the safe side..or more likely for his own amusement at the look on your face.</p>

[DeBasilisk]

<p>Some of the neutral class lore works out, others doesn't. I think the Devs did a pretty good job at the change, overall, so I'll just shrug and suspend disbelief for the rest. Although, I REALLY have to suspend disbelief with the Qeynos assassins. hehe. FP Rangers work though, I like the Red Hood concept.</p>

[Lodrelhai]

<p>As far as the Swash/Brig argument (who I do think would have been a better option as neutrals), I'll note that the historically, the difference between a pirate and a privateer was a letter of marque/lettre de course - and whether yours was issued by the same country as the ship pulling up alongside you.</p>

[Enever]

<p>I never expected this post to be explosive XD. So, the lore is in now right? I took a break for a few months. I'll need to take a look.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Yes, go look through Freeport and Qeynos and you will find them all.</p>

[Rainmare]

<p>Actually I find the Eye of Bayle to be more believable then the Red Hoods, myself. mostly due to the fact that a bunch of rangers got a back shot on a orc and not ONE managed to hit him in a fatal place? he wasn't even LOOKING. that shoulda been Ranger 1 shot in the kidney, ranger two shot in the back of the neck, ranger 3 headshot. orc shoulda been dead before he knew there were people there aiming at him <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>The Eye of Bayle assassins were more of a know your enemy, fight fire with fire kind of deal. what better way to prevent assassinations or other unwanted covert types then be trained in the same arts. Thier outing is entirely political more then anything, they make that pretty clear. the Council wanted someone to pin the blame for antonia's abduction on and thier naturally sneak, unknown way of doing things made them the perfect scape goats.</p>

[Rezikai]

<p><cite>Rainmare@Oasis wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Actually I find the Eye of Bayle to be more believable then the Red Hoods, myself. mostly due to the fact that a bunch of rangers got a back shot on a orc and not ONE managed to hit him in a fatal place? he wasn't even LOOKING. that shoulda been Ranger 1 shot in the kidney, ranger two shot in the back of the neck, ranger 3 headshot. orc shoulda been dead before he knew there were people there aiming at him <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" /></p><p>The Eye of Bayle assassins were more of a know your enemy, fight fire with fire kind of deal. what better way to prevent assassinations or other unwanted covert types then be trained in the same arts. Thier outing is entirely political more then anything, they make that pretty clear. the Council wanted someone to pin the blame for antonia's abduction on and thier naturally sneak, unknown way of doing things made them the perfect scape goats.</p></blockquote><p>/agee,... though the only thing i dont get is they claim to have formed after the assasination of King Antoinias I. Which to my best knowledge wasnt assassinated..... however in eq1 King Antonias IV was <a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?start=15&topic_id=187198" target="_blank">assassinated</a> after he had faked his own death and went to spend the last years of his life in retirement in the Isles of Erolisi with Lady Shae.</p><p>An unknown assassin that was never known or caught, killed him in his sleep.</p>

[DeBasilisk]

<p>Here's the thing though, the Eye of Bayle stinks of innocence lost and subtle corruption. Those are two very serious and realistic themes and will be found in any real life city. That being said, EQ2 is a game, and Qeynos is supposed to be the bastion of hope. It's supposed to be the most "Good," city in the present world, and having secret "do what it takes," hit squads sounds like something you'd expect to find in FP.</p><p>Personally I can't stand Qeynos, so I don't really care from my character's perspective. But from an outside perspective...</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>DeBasilisk wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Here's the thing though, the Eye of Bayle stinks of innocence lost and subtle corruption. Those are two very serious and realistic themes and will be found in any real life city. That being said, EQ2 is a game, and Qeynos is supposed to be the bastion of hope. It's supposed to be the most "Good," city in the present world, and having secret "do what it takes," hit squads sounds like something you'd expect to find in FP.</p><p>Personally I can't stand Qeynos, so I don't really care from my character's perspective. But from an outside perspective...</p></blockquote><p>This perspective reminds me of the Federation from Star Trek. Over the course of ToS, TNG, DS9, Voyager, and even Enterprise which is suppose to take place before ToS, a very slow but sure change happened to the Federation. At first they started off with the best intentions of keeping peace among many races and planets, but because of rising tensions with other races such as the Klingons, Romulans, Jem'Hadar, and many other militant races has forced the Federation to take a more militant stance themselves. In Star Trek Online, the Federation is now at war with the Klingons (again!), the entire Romulan race has had thier homeworld destroyed and are looking to take out thier frustration on anyone they find, the Cardassians are having a militaristic relapse during their attempts at democratic reform, and Species 8472 (the ones who kicked the Borg's butts in Voyager) have successfully infiltrated every major government in the galaxy and are pulling some strings to influence certain actions from all sides.</p><p>It's not that the Federation has given up on diplomacy, but the current circumstances force them to take up more defensive precautions.</p><p>The same can be said of the Assassins in Qeynos. They don't like having to kill people, but they have to in order to prevent a worst case scenario from making things any worse. Times change. Qeynos is still the shining beacon of light that they've become known as in Norrath, but that doesn't mean they're defenseless.</p>

[Rainmare]

<p><cite>DeBasilisk wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Here's the thing though, the Eye of Bayle stinks of innocence lost and subtle corruption. Those are two very serious and realistic themes and will be found in any real life city. That being said, EQ2 is a game, and Qeynos is supposed to be the bastion of hope. It's supposed to be the most "Good," city in the present world, and having secret "do what it takes," hit squads sounds like something you'd expect to find in FP.</p><p>Personally I can't stand Qeynos, so I don't really care from my character's perspective. But from an outside perspective...</p></blockquote><p>True, it does have that chance at an internal corruption. an Eye of Bayle going rogue would be a bad thing. But I don't see them as a secret 'do what it takes' set. they are more like an 'anti-terrorist' team. trained to locate/counter/dispose of other assassins that are not members of the Eye.</p><p>If a Neriak/FP/whatever assassin group get into Qeynos, which means bypassing the guard....and start learning how to take out thier intended targets/target, which means bypassing pretty much every other guild/faction....the Eye of Bayle is supposed to stop them.</p><p>Actually the foiling the assassin quest at the 5th years anniversary event woudl be the kinda thing I'd see the Eye doing.</p>

[DeBasilisk]

<p>The Federation comparison is perfect. During DS9 the fed really began to take on negative angles. Section 31, the Maquis-Cardassian diplomatic manuevering and so on...In that crappy movieInsurrection that Fed even wanted to kidnap innocent people and relocate them to a holodeck reservation!</p><p>But in Trek I liked the gritty angle of the fed because that sort of thing appeals to me. In EQ I like to play evil characters, so there has to be some goody-goody force out there to scheme against <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />. If Qeynos is suddenly pragmatic, then I'd have to consider *shudder* respecting them. TO A DEGREE.</p><p>Ah well. I can still funnel my hatred towards Sarnak, Giants, Goblins, Frogloks, Fae, Elves, All Softskins Everywhere...</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>DeBasilisk wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The Federation comparison is perfect. During DS9 the fed really began to take on negative angles. Section 31, the Maquis-Cardassian diplomatic manuevering and so on...In that crappy movieInsurrection that Fed even wanted to kidnap innocent people and relocate them to a holodeck reservation!</p><p>But in Trek I liked the gritty angle of the fed because that sort of thing appeals to me. In EQ I like to play evil characters, so there has to be some goody-goody force out there to scheme against <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" />. If Qeynos is suddenly pragmatic, then I'd have to consider *shudder* respecting them. TO A DEGREE.</p><p>Ah well. I can still funnel my hatred towards Sarnak, Giants, Goblins, Frogloks, Fae, Elves, All Softskins Everywhere...</p></blockquote><p>You go right on ahead and do that. I won't judge you for it. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p>

[Enever]

<p>Still having difficulty finding the Brusierfor Qeynos and Monk for Freeport. Any ideas where tehse would be? I've looked everywhere.</p>

[Alvane]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The same can be said of the Assassins in Qeynos. They don't like having to kill people, but they have to in order to prevent a worst case scenario from making things any worse. Times change. Qeynos is still the shining beacon of light that they've become known as in Norrath, but that doesn't mean they're defenseless.</p></blockquote><p>Assassins kill cause they are good at it and are paid handsomely or because of political or religious reasons. Some assassins do like to kill, others do not, but do it anyway.</p>

[Zabjade]

<p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Eyes of Bayle version might be I know I'm going to be judged horribly bu the Tribunal, but at least the citizens will be able to sleep at night safely.</span></p>

[Cusashorn]

<p><cite>Zabjade wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #00cc00;">Eyes of Bayle version might be I know I'm going to be judged horribly bu the Tribunal, but at least the citizens will be able to sleep at night safely.</span></p></blockquote><p>A "Necissary Evil" like Batman at the end of The Dark Knight.</p>

[Lodrelhai]

<p><cite>Enever wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Still having difficulty finding the Brusierfor Qeynos and Monk for Freeport. Any ideas where tehse would be? I've looked everywhere.</p></blockquote><p>Haven't found bruiser for qeynos yet, but the monks for Freeport are right outside the fighter HQ in WFP.  Probably the easiest explanation around - iksar monks from Kunark (I forget their name, but the iksar in EQLive were the only non-human monks available).  They've heard that their martial art was lost to their bretheren not on Kunark, and so have come to Freeport to teach them what they lost.  If non-iksar want to try it too, well, they're the ones who'll suffer if they can't keep up.</p><p>Something I only recently remembered, and wanted to see if anyone else had a similar memory.  Back at game launch, when we started out as our archetype and had to take quests at 9 and 19 to pick our classes, I seem to remember the Ranger class quest requiring the would-be Ranger sneak into the HQ of some insurrectionist group and take out their leader.  If I am remembering right, it seems that assignment might've come through the Eyes of Bayle.</p>

[Cusashorn]

<p>Protip: The bruisers aren't found in the inner city.</p>

[DrkVsr]

<p><cite>Lodrelhai wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>Enever wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Still having difficulty finding the Brusierfor Qeynos and Monk for Freeport. Any ideas where tehse would be? I've looked everywhere.</p></blockquote><p>Haven't found bruiser for qeynos yet, but the monks for Freeport are right outside the fighter HQ in WFP.  Probably the easiest explanation around - iksar monks from Kunark (I forget their name, but the iksar in EQLive were the only non-human monks available).  They've heard that their martial art was lost to their bretheren not on Kunark, and so have come to Freeport to teach them what they lost.  If non-iksar want to try it too, well, they're the ones who'll suffer if they can't keep up.</p><p>Something I only recently remembered, and wanted to see if anyone else had a similar memory.  Back at game launch, when we started out as our archetype and had to take quests at 9 and 19 to pick our classes, I seem to remember the Ranger class quest requiring the would-be Ranger sneak into the HQ of some insurrectionist group and take out their leader.  If I am remembering right, it seems that assignment might've come through the Eyes of Bayle.</p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #993300; font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Pretty sure that was for Assassins as well (had to sneak past all the guards and slay the leader in the little outdoor room at the top of the building, fortunately he could be kiled with a single blow as by that time one of the dog guards had sniffed you out causing your stealth to drop and you had to rush to the final room with half the guards chasing after you, you only had enough time after going through the last door to turn around, target the sleeping leader and kill him before the guards used you like a pincushion)</span></p>

[Chulanowa]

<p><cite>Cusashorn wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>The same can be said of the Assassins in Qeynos. They don't like having to kill people, but they have to in order to prevent a worst case scenario from making things any worse. Times change. Qeynos is still the shining beacon of light that they've become known as in Norrath, but that doesn't mean they're defenseless.</p></blockquote><p>So... the Qeynos assassins are Jack Bauer?</p>