Which race has the most fanatical followers and why ?

[Sarkoris]

I was just curious as to which race you think has the most loyal/fanatical following of the present EQ 2 races.

I put it under this forum as I think those that feel the closest to their character and their race are those that follow the lore and history (culture if you will) of that chosen race.

I'll start off saying Iksar get my vote. The main reason I think this is the case is the design of their original home city. Cabilis was home to Iksar and noone else. Virtually the whole continent was Iksar centric. As this was the case Iksar got used to seeing other Iksar almost exclusively all the time. Only very few players in the early days had the patience to do the bone chip hand in quest several 1000 times to gain acceptance. What this allowed was a sense of cummunity. You saw the same players daily, their names became familiar. Although journeying to that other continent was possible it was not necessary. You could level quite happily without ever needing to leave your home.

Now a fair chunk of that pertains to EQ 1 and not 2 but I think many of that Iksar community has moved from one game to the other. We got used to being hated by all others, hating all others and having to rely on our Iksar bretheren. And our lore was just badass.

So come on, prove me wrong. And no "my race is better because yours is stinky" please. Reasonable arguments only.

Oh and if you ask nicely we "may" let you visit (for a short time) our soon to be rediscovered shiny new continent.

Sark.

[Cusashorn]

Statistical evidence says otherwise. Elves are generally the most popular race in the game. That doesn't mean the players think they're great from a lore perspective.

[Thrizz]

Are you talking about playerwise? Cause unfortunately the elves win that race... dark elves I think the most.Now if you talk about religious fervor...I have to agree. If you compare the Dark Elves of Innoruuk and the Iksar of Cazic Thule..... well. I think fearing a god can make you more of a fanatic then actively worshipping - you do it to avoid wrath - not out of "love" for the deity.

[Dreyco]

That would depend on how you define "Fanatacism"In some ways the Iksar are.In some ways, they are not.

[Mary the Prophetess]

I would define religious fanatacism as intolerance (to the point of active hostility) toward other religions and dieties. 

Under that definition, then I think perhaps the followers of Innoruuk may have a slight edge over those of Cazic Thule.

However xenophobia would be a hostile distrust of any racial outsiders, and I think in that respect that the Iksar or the Renda 'Dal would be the leading candidates.

[Sarkoris]

Maybe I wasn't as clear as I could of been. What I am talking about here are which players are the most passionate about their chosen character race. Not who has the most numbers etc. Some players play a race for how it looks, some play ot from the min/max perspective in that they have certain stats which favour a certain class. What I am talking about here is which race inspires the most loyalty etc. Iksars from my example might not have the highest numbers - for a long time in EQ 1 they had an experience penalty to compsenate for their racial advantages. Halflings for example had an experience bonus making them a good choice for those players that didnt care about race only about leveling as quickly as possible.

So my question remains- which race has the most fanatical players (not numbers per se).

Sark. 

[Cusashorn]

Sarkoris wrote:

Maybe I wasn't as clear as I could of been. What I am talking about here are which players are the most passionate about their chosen character race. Not who has the most numbers etc. Some players play a race for how it looks, some play ot from the min/max perspective in that they have certain stats which favour a certain class. What I am talking about here is which race inspires the most loyalty etc. Iksars from my example might not have the highest numbers - for a long time in EQ 1 they had an experience penalty to compsenate for their racial advantages. Halflings for example had an experience bonus making them a good choice for those players that didnt care about race only about leveling as quickly as possible.

So my question remains- which race has the most fanatical players (not numbers per se).

Sark. 

And yet the majority of players didn't know about the XP factors, and Halflings are ugly anyway. :p As to your question: I'm not sure if it actually can be answered. Everyone's opinion differs.

[Mary the Prophetess]

I have seen some *excellent* roleplay from a wide variety of races and classes  from both EQ Live and EQ2.   Haughty, condecending Teir 'Dal, grumpy irascible Dwarves, carefree hungry Halflings, stoggy self-rightious Paladins, bumbling absent-minded Wizards, and ale-guzzling, rough and tumble Barbarians.  As well as lisping, scheming Iksars.

I would find it very difficult to say which race or class has the most dedicated followers, because I have seen too many played too well. 

However if you *forced* me to choose, I would probably say Dark Elves, in all their EQ (and non-EQ) permutations.  A number of sites go into extensive geneologies, and attempts at Teir 'Dal languages have been made, as well as the convoluted, (and painful to an EQ purist), efforts to somehow equate the Teir 'Dal to the Drow of AD&D.  All-in-all the Dark Elves seem to be more dedicated than most.

[Josgar]

High elves.... DUH They have me! AND EVERYONE FOLLOWS ME!

[Cusashorn]

Josgar wrote:

High elves.... DUH They have me! AND EVERYONE FOLLOWS ME!

*Slaps Josgar with a grizzled old, disgruntled fish who just lost everything he had when he blew the last of his fortunes on the lottery*

[Sarkoris]

Alright I'll make this easier - which race are "you" passionate about and why. Which race annoys the hell out of you if any.

Opinions are welcome - does looks come into it, you just like the races back story or its suits your playstyle ie dont like large races as you find them awkward to play etc.

Sark.

[Nocturnal Aby]

Heh, from a lore standpoint, I'd say that the most fanatic playable races would be:

Ogres Iksar

Teir'Dal 

Sorry goodies, you're not even on the map..

I have not met many ogres who don't follow Rallos Zek, and during the absence of the gods, you would not be able to convince me that the Iksar were more faithful to Cazic-Thule than the Rallosions were to Rallos Zek.

That said, I'd also argue that the Rallosians were not more zealous than the iksar.

The Teir'Dal have always lifted their hatred, and considered themselves the blessed of their god, but they also seem to allow a lot more lenience in their societies than the first two.  The fact that worship of Bristlebane, Rallos Zek, Solusek Ro, and the Twins of Torment was even permitted in the city says something about the weakness of the Spire's hold on the Teir'Dal people.  In my opinion, I think the Teir'Dal think too much of themselves (or, to look at it from what might be one of their priest's perspectives, they don't hate themselves thoroughly enough).

As for player base, I'm afraid it would have to be dark elves hands down.  The majority of the RP playerbase is made up of people playing Dark Elves.  Whether they play them true to the EQ form can be (and often is) debatable, however the numbers and loyalty is mind-numbly extensive.

For me personally, I like a lot of them   A different character for every one that pops into my mind.  For lore purposes, I usually will play as an Erudite descended from the Heretics.  A practiced sage and scholar, as well as talented Coercer.  He has a fascination with the past, for, as anyone who is truly wise can tell you, those who do not learn from the past are bound to repeat it.  Like most Erudites, he suffers from an inflated ego.  It is unfortunate that he is right often enough to maintain such arrogance.

I get a real kick out of playing my half elf rogue.  He grew up on the streets of Freeport, a [Removed for Content] child, never knew his father, and his mother died when he was young.  He is a talented rogue, but not phenomonally so.  He's good enough to survive well in Freeport, since his survival has depended on the skills he developed.  He's a flirt, and like to argue for the sake of arguing.  Has problem with authority.  I like playing him because there are many things about him that are so NOT me, heh.

Nothing beats playing my gnome.  His descendants were followers of Bertoxxulous, he has some loyalties to both Bertox and Brell.  Very fond of the drink.  A skilled chemist and inventor, in fact, he simply LOVES to tinker.  He's very anti-social.  People tend to get on his nerves, and are way too noisy for him.  He lives in Qeynos, so he won't have to worry about the Overlord's goons looking over his shoulder.  He's a skilled warlock, partially by talent, and partially because he simply enjoys the craft.  The only reason he goes adventuring is so he can try out his latest creations.

Heh.  For me, it's not about one story...it's about all of them

[Cusashorn]

Sarkoris wrote:

Alright I'll make this easier - which race are "you" passionate about and why. Which race annoys the hell out of you if any.

Opinions are welcome - does looks come into it, you just like the races back story or its suits your playstyle ie dont like large races as you find them awkward to play etc.

Sark.

Humans. I've always played a human monk, and I always will. We've been through so much over the last 500 years, yet we adapt to change faster than anyone else. The Combine Empire, greatest empire to ever exist on Norrath, was created by Humans. Sadly, it disappeared just as quickly as it came, and it's one of the cooler mysteries to learn about on Norrath.

[Daine]

    I've always felt a particular appeal for half-elves.  My first character in every game tends to be a half elf naturey type.  D&D was a half elf druid, EQ is a half elf ranger, and EQ2 is a half elf fury.  I guess it's probably b/c it's the race that most fits me IRL...shortish, body frames and looks range, and they try their best to prove themselves both to society and themselves.  They have no society of people like them, and they play a part in almost all lore but have no lore of their own.  They can range from noble to rogue, evil to good.      I think it would be really cool if in ANY game or system something big would happen with the half elves...a rebellion, a commune, one becomes queen due to royal blood from both elves and humans, etc.  Also it would be cool if we saw some that weren't ONLY half elf half human, but like kerran-elf (would be really uber hot lol) or dwarf-elf (interesting roleplay going on with the parents there hehe).  Alas such things most likely will not come to pass...b/c as usual, we simply fade into the background

[Thrizz]

Of all the races, none have grabbed me like the Iksar.

 I can't stand humans - not because of their looks but because I am one. I am not fond of elves... particularly because I'm not great at rping an "elegant" race. I tend to rp characters that are hardened and tough. Halflings and gnomes are out. Kerra I tried but it was boring.

 Iksar stood out though, for a number of reasons. First and foremost... I've always been fond of non human looking characters. Back when I played NWN I had plans to make a lizard man on the server I was on that was producing a sequel, but when it turned out the race was unplayable I was disappointed. My character there was "Thrizzik" - a hunter that wielded a spear and killed without mercy yet held an honor about things. That was the beginning of EQ2 Thrizzik really.

I love the fact the Iksar are evil in the sense of doing whatever it takes to survive, yet good in the sense of wanting to rebuild, reunite, and get away from the Overlord. They are called evil, and maybe their actions are, but in a way I see them as the ultimate anti heroes of Everquest 2. They are evil, do evil things, yet ultimately a true Thule fearing Iksar is not about to get in line and join Lucan's conquest - they'll hate Lucan as much as they hate Bayle.... perhaps more.

Thats why I like Iksar.

[teddyboy4]

Since he's talking about what race has the most fanatical player following is the Lore forum really the place for this?At first I thought the thread was about which race were the most fanatical followers of their deity, but that seems to not be the case, maybe this should be moved?

[Fellindar]

My standard character (i.e. forgotten realms) is a Half Elf Paladin of Torm (in the case of NWN paladin 4, fighter 6, champion of torm 10). I generally dont like playing humans as they are, well, too normal i guess for my liking - unless I come up with some RP difference like being a werewolf I have always been a fan of tolkiens Elves, particuarly those of Rivendel and I suppose initialy when I joined EQ1 the High Elves reminded me most of them. Once I started getting into Everquest's lore I enjoyed the High Elves all the more. I like the dark elf creation story and High Elven heroes like 'The Three' as well as the ongoing warring between the races. They have a keen desire for order and working for the greater good, so are generally benevolant and can appear arrogant but only because their Tunare's first and they know it =PAs for a race I cant stand, the rats - do not appeal to me at all, mainly because they are rats.

[Amphibia]

Sarkoris wrote:

Alright I'll make this easier - which race are "you" passionate about and why. Which race annoys the hell out of you if any.

Opinions are welcome - does looks come into it, you just like the races back story or its suits your playstyle ie dont like large races as you find them awkward to play etc.

Sark.

Frogloks is my favourite. I'm no lore expert, so it was mostly about the looks for me. I like them because I think they're funny, different and cute with those big eyes and a friendly looking faces. And they don't run like other races do, they hop! Ratonga is also a cool race, but alas... wrong side. If there were no frogloks though, I would probably have made one of these instead and betrayed to Qeynos. I don't like playing on the "evil" side. Another favourite would be the high elves. I guess I'm another Tolkien-fan who prefer elves to be tall and elegant, not like the super-shortie dwarf-version of wood elves and dark elves in this game. Annoying races... hmm, none really. But I'm not a huge fan of erudites. They look a little out of place I think, as if they'd fit better in a sci-fi mmo as some alien race. Remind me the most of something called "techno-mages" in a sci-fi television show I saw many years ago....

[Rainmare]

the High Elves. I have always played one in any and every game that I can, and usually a Paladin. I enjoy them not only because of thier looks, but thier story. the high elves are elegant, graceful, and arrogant, but not without reason. I like that if you call out an elf on that, they can literally list off reasons why they are better than you. the high elves are nature lovers but work around nature, not so much with it. they use stone and marble in thier cities, and New Tunaria is a breathtaking example of elven craft. (depsite the horrible, horrible butchery of lore they used to turn it into a 'dungeon&#39 but they are still wise and generous. a elf will help anyone that asks for it, if they can stomach how much we'll let them know thier inferiority. after all, your asking me for help, aren't you?a high elf to me in the incarnation of King Arthur's court. they have the wisdom and nobility of arthur, as affluent in magic as merlin, they have guineverre's love and grace, they can match the entire round table in swordplay, and still have the pride of Lancelot.the race I can't stand however, are trolls. they just seem so...redundant to me. thier basically Ogres with a different skin. thier big and stinky, just like ogres. thier not very bright, just like ogres. They'll eat anything, just like ogres, the love to fight with everyone, just like ogres. about the only difference is ogres use armor and weapons, and trolls prefer leather and their bare hands and teeth. i mean if there were no trolls, I doubt anyone would miss them.

[Nocturnal Aby]

Except the ogres of EQ2 are not the stupid oafs they were in EQ.  The ogres of EQ2 have a very military mindset.  They eat, drink, and breathe battle.  Their minds are calculating, analytical, strategic, and pragmatic.  Imagine the Erudite gift for magic, only now it's a gift for warfare.

Trolls are beasts.  That's honestly a reason I like them.  Where high elves and erudites are ruled by logic and reason, trolls are ruled by pure instinct.  Trolls have no higher reason for being cruel, it's simply built into them.  They are adept at torture not because they have artists who have studied the practice for ages, but because Cazic-Thule likes his creations to strike fear into the hearts of others.  I don't know about you, but I would never want to see a troll in a dark alley.  Hell, I'd never want to see one in a bright parkway!  A troll would give anyone around it the heebie-jeebies.  It's a shame most people play like their some dumb oafs.  They may be dumb oafs, but you never know when one might snap, and eat whatever is closest to it...

Sort of ironic that the two races I like the most are erudites and trolls, heh.

[Illmarr]

I've always had an affinity for Barbarians, and further for Tribunal worshipping Barbarians. Before I knew anything about anything in EQ1 I was a Barbarian Shaman of the Tribunal and everything was in Justice's name. In EQ2 the character I feel most comfortable and natural r/ping is a Barbarian monk that just has never felt comfortable with the teachings of Quellious no matter how hard they tried to.

After that I like Trolls. Had a Troll Beastlord guilty pleasure twink in EQ1, and have a Troll Defiler in EQ2. Very simple in purpose and fanatical of Cazic, though not the sharpest tools in the shed. They might try and make a meal out of a kill before thinking to loot it.

Last I like is surprisingly the Fae. It's totally different from anything else I ever played, and actually worshipping Tunare after spending years mocking her followers that could not wipe themselves without her blessing has made me definately stretch my thinking.

I have a Guildie that plays his Ogre as a simple dunce. Makes me want to reach through the screen and strangle him at times, but I guess that even with the curse lifted there has to be room for all ranges of behavior. I mean, not everyone is up to their races standards, right?

[Jindrack]

From what I've seen, Dark Elves and Iksar have the most fanatical players championing their race. 

Second tier would be Ratonga, Halflings, Gnomes, and Dwarves.  Hmmm... all shorties...

[tashanin]

Jindrack wrote:

From what I've seen, Dark Elves and Iksar have the most fanatical players championing their race. 

Second tier would be Ratonga, Halflings, Gnomes, and Dwarves.  Hmmm... all shorties...

FROGLOK!!!!!We are the master race, or should be if it wasn't other non-froglok races keeping the frog down!

[Araxes]

I can't believe no one has said Ratonga yet!  Wow.You haven't lived until you've been in a guild that is nearly all rats.  THAT is fanaticism. 

[Felipe]

GNOMES!Gnomercy!Go Gnome Or Go Home!GNOMEPOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We just rule, have since '99!

[troodon]

He's right, the correct answer is Iksar

[ratdeath]

Yous all be wrongs!!It be the bests Ratonga ofcourses!!SQUEEK!!!I bought EQ2 because of ratonga, I have only ratonga on my account The best race in any MMO so far...I salute EQ2 design team for putting them into the game

[Mary the Prophetess]

The Ratonga, (I feel), were a plus from an roleplay point-of-view.  Even in game their personality is portrayed as similar to the Kender with a slightly 'darker' twist.

[KBern]

Jindrack wrote:

From what I've seen, Dark Elves and Iksar have the most fanatical players championing their race. 

Second tier would be Ratonga, Halflings, Gnomes, and Dwarves.  Hmmm... all shorties...

Thats what I was going to say were my top two.

Looking at it from a perspective of once you make one in a game, you will usually make another.

[XStatik]

I was a huge Iksar fan from EQ1, but I just don't care for them as much in EQ2. I understand that the art team of EQ2 took a different approach to the iksar, but I just can't play one now. Something just looks too far off from my expectation for me to view it as the same race. I can't nail it down, but it drives me nuts. I think I just looked at the pre-Luclin EQ1 Iksar for too long, lol.I originally played EQ2 with a few friends who wanted to be goody-goodies, and I never really felt a fanatical attachment towards any of those races... but I've recently rediscovered the game after a long hiatus. Free to once more be evil, and needing a new race to slip into, I've discovered the Ratonga...  They're shorties, they're crafty, sneaky, deceptive, and they love them some shinies. Although, I'm starting to like the Arasai a lot. Talky-meat has become one of my new favorite labels. I was hoping if I did enough Arasai quests I would get it as a prefix title, but no luck yet.The Othmir were badass too... they need to be playable. Someone get on that.