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Zone Guide

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Everquest 2 takes place on the world of Norrath. The regions of Norrath have been introduced gradually over the course of several expansion packs, but they all complement each other for the most part. The boundaries between expansion packs are not sharply defined, so we will present all of them integrated together in this User Guide.

[edit] Overview

Each major region of Norrath is a zone. When you enter a zone, the game pauses and the new section of the world is loaded from disk. Zones are connected with each other, either through checkpoints that you walk through, or through devices that you click on (such as a door or mariner bell). The word "zone" can refer to outdoor regions, dungeons and cities.

Outdoor zones usually have one or more major "hubs" where players will find relative safety and certain services such as merchants, menders, bankers, and a place to respawn after death. Larger outdoor zones may have travel services within the zone, such as a domesticated griffon, that help reduce the time it takes to cross the region. Passage to other zones are frequently found near these "hubs" as well.

[edit] Regions

The world of Norrath

The world of Norrath can be understood in terms of five distinct regions. These regions don't exactly correspond to specific expansion packs, but each region is fairly cohesive in terms of lore and geography. Each region gives a continuous experience across many adventure levels.

  • Shattered Lands (West - Karan): The regions surrounding the city of Qeynos have been sundered into islands and scarred with craters. Follow the rebuilding efforts of Queen Antonia as you rediscover lost lands on the continent of Karan. These zones cover adventuring levels 1 through 50.
  • Shattered Lands (East - D'Lere): A tense standoff between the evil cities of Freeport and Neriak are evident in these wild lands. Choose your master and make a name for yourself as you reclaim and plunder these ancient places on the continent of D'Lere. These zones cover levels 1 through 55.
  • Faydwer: The traditional home of the sylvan races has been overrun by forces of evil. The treetop city of Kelethin has survived and renewed contact with the outside world. Now is the time to fight back. Take on the evil races and vampires that have overrun the continent. These zones cover levels 1 through 70.
  • The Rediscovered Lands: These lands are the remnants of southern Norrath and the mysterious Overrealm. Discover fame and fortune in the city of Maj'Dul. Learn the fate of ancient civilizations and mighty dragons. Find the ancestral home of the frogloks, and fight the Void invasion. These zones cover levels 45 through 80.
  • Kunark: The wild southern continent was lost for centuries, but has been found again. The dangers here are even greater than before. The Iksar empire and the dragons both lay claim to this land and jealously guard its riches. The liberated Sarnaks cling to their refuge city in the ocean nearby. These zones cover levels 1-20 and 65-80.

[edit] Tiers

The EQ2 community has divided much of the game's elements into Tiers for easy reference. Each tier covers a ten-level range. Tier 1 refers to levels 1-9, Tier 2 refers to levels 10-19, and so on. When new expansion packs raise the maximum level of the game, we refer to the new levels as being a new Tier. Many aspects of Everquest 2 are neatly classified into 10-level tiers: equipment, spells, crafting recipes, and so on. Zones of the world are also referred to in terms of tiers.


[edit] Western Shattered Lands (Karan)

Zone Levels Description
Antonica
10-20 In this land besieged by gnolls and scarred by past wars, the city of Qeynos is a beacon of light and hope. The good races fight to reclaim the region in the name of the gods and Queen Antonia. Bandits and Blackburrow gnolls challenge the rule of law and bring danger to the roads.
The Thundering Steppes
20-30 Here in the Plains of Karana, the scars of cataclysmic events run deep. The forces of Qeynos hold a beachhead here, but much of the region is lawless. Centaurs, gnolls, and mountain giants claim large areas of the land. The restless undead from past battles haunt the dry riverbeds and fallow fields.
Zek, the Orcish Wastes
30-40 This land was once the verdant Jaggedpine Forest. No longer. The Deathfist orcs have largely deforested it and built a massive fortress for their emperor, while the forest's remaining denizens have become twisted and hostile. Help the invasion force to reclaim the land, or conquer it for your own profit.
The Feerrott
35-45 A remote dense jungle, the Feerrott contains the arisen lizardman cult and the ruins of the Rallosian empire. In this hostile land, the brave or foolish adventurer may discover many secrets and unexpected dangers.
Everfrost
40-50 Help the barbarians to rediscover and rebuild their traditional home in the arctic. The ice goblins and ice giants of Permafrost Keep are only some of the dangers that oppose you. Dangerous wildlife abounds in these bays and valleys. Learn the fate of the mythical dragon, Lady Vox, and the mad scientist Miragul.

[edit] Eastern Shattered Lands (D'Lere)

Zone Levels Description
Darklight Wood
1-20 This is the enclave of the Dark Elves and their dark queen's newest creation, the Arasai. In this compact zone, unscrupulous players can profit greatly by working for the shady characters that call this home. Exploit the shrouded forest, or become its ruthless warden.
The Commonlands
10-20 A greenbelt gone arid, the Commonlands are the homeland of the Freeport humans and its many evil refugees. Life here is a dismal struggle against orcs and corruption. Strong and ruthless characters may find glory within the long shadow of Freeport's overlord, Lucan D'Lere.
Nektulos Forest
20-30 Agents of Freeport and Neriak are in a tense race to reclaim this wild and shrouded forest. Remains of the old Dark Elf empire are found everywhere. Pirates, fairies, twisted treants, and undead are just a few of the dangers lurking within. Vampires lurk in the darkest corners of the region.
The Enchanted Lands
30-40 Learn how the halflings of Rivervale lost their dual war against the Runnyeye goblins and the creatures of the Void. Aid the survivors in their efforts to reclaim the misty thicket. Take the battle to the enemies and into fallen Rivervale itself.
Lavastorm
45-55 The volcanic island ruled by Lord Nagafen, the red dragon, is a dangerous place populated by creatures of fire and lava. Win the confidence of the Sootfoot goblins and the forces opposing the Void invasion. Plunder the depths of Solusek's Eye and Najena's dungeon. Don't fall in the lava!

[edit] Faydwer

Zone Levels Description
Greater Faydark
1-20 The idyllic home of the Fae and other sylvan races, this great forest is a natural hub for the continent of Faydwer. Aid the residents of Kelethin in their struggle against the orcs of Clan Crushbone.
Butcherblock Mountains
20-35 The traditional home of the Kaladim dwarves has fallen to kobolds and bugbears. With the resumption of boat travel and the arrival of the sarnaks, adventurers are returning to help turn the tide of the battle and find fame and treasure.
Steamfont Mountains
35-50 Once the homeland of the gnomes, now overrun by the gnomes' creations (the clockworks) and their enemies (the kobolds). Find the hidden Gnomeland Security outpost, and help the gnomes discover the fate of their lost city, Klak'Anon.
The Lesser Faydark
50-60 The wilder side of the Faydark is home to hostile brownies, fairies, centaurs, but the forest has also been invaded by Thexian dark elves and shadowmen from the Void. Within these confusing valleys you may find many besieged camps that are desperate for assistance.
Loping Plains
60-70 Castle Mistmoore overlooks and dominates this landscape. The influence of the vampires and their kin is seen throughout, and a pall hangs over the meager Village of Somborn. Crypts and catacombs honeycomb the solid ground.

[edit] The Rediscovered Lands

Zone Levels Description
The Sinking Sands
45-54 The Desert of Ro contains great secrets. Uncover the buried ruins of the ancient elven empire. Find profit and fame in the towering city of the Dervish people. Plunder the Rujarkian orcs and the Samiel pirates.
The Pillars of Flame
50-60 Among the winding valleys and desert mesas, you will find the refuge of the Ashen Order monks, who may accept you if you prove your worth. Lairs of the sand giants and cyclops beckon. A hidden portal leads to the Shimmering Citadel in the sky overhead.
The Mystic Lake
55-65 The Isle of Mara is another refuge of the Ashen Order. On this island, the villagers are in a constant battle against Gunthak pirates. The ruins of an ancient and terrible civilization lurk under the surface of the lake nearby.
Tenebrous Tangle
55-62 These remnants of the Plane of Sky float in a void of eternal dusk. The twisted jungle islands are dominated by the Droag, humanoid servants of the dragons, but many other Plane of Sky creatures live here as well.
The Barren Sky
60-68 The arid side of the Overrealm is baked in eternal sunshine. Aviaks rule here, divided into various allegiances and waging their own wars. Here you may uncover the palaces of past and present inhabitants.
The Bonemire
64-70 These volcanic islands, shrouded in eternal twilight, have been infested by many nightmarish creatures. Strong bands of adventurers may discover the fates of the ancient dragons, Lord Vyemm and Tarinax.
Moors of Ykesha
75-80 The old Innothule Swamp has been thrust far above the ocean during the past cataclysm. Hidden in these valleys are the remains of Guk and Grobb, and the invasion points for the alien races from the Void.

[edit] Kunark

Zone Levels Description
Timorous Deep
1-20 Learn how the Sarnaks rose from being a slave race to liberation. Discover their volcano refuge and perhaps become a resident. The city of Gorowyn is accepting of all travellers, and there is great need for adventurers in the struggle against the indigenous aviaks.
Kylong Plains
66-72 From the outpost of Teren's Grasp, the effort is underway to regain a foothold on the wild continent. The Dreadlands and Stonewood are wilder and more dangerous than ever. The opposing forces of Chardok and Sebilis vie to conquer the region. Xalgoz, the mad sarnak, awaits within Karnor's Castle.
Fens of Nathsar
70-75 Choose your allies and become a mercenary for profit. The struggling sarnaks, the growing iksar town of Riliss, the pilgrims of Omen's Call, and other factions will vie for your loyalty as they seek advantage against their enemies. The mysterious Order of Rime has arrived an ice sheet in the ocean nearby.
Kunzar Jungle
72-77 In the heart of the Sebilisian empire, the native iksars are anything but united. Gain treasures and power both by plundering the iksar homeland, and by proving your worth to the competing factions that dwell here.
Jarsath Wastes
75-80 The iksar hold a beachhead here, but are beseiged on all sides by enemies, and are desperate for your aid. Dangers and treasures lurk in the crevices and crypts of the Overthere. Dragons and their kin rule the harsh Skyfire Mountains.


[edit] Overview of Dungeons

The following table is still under construction, and may have some errors or omissions.

Largest Dungeons of Norrath
  Dungeon Region Levels   Dungeon Region Levels
Wailing Caves The Commonlands 10-18 The Forsaken City The Mystic Lake 60-67
Blackburrow Antonica 12-20 Kaladim Butcherblock Mountains 60-70
Stormhold Antonica 16-25 i The Nest of the Great Egg The Barren Sky 62-67
Fallen Gate The Commonlands 18-25 i Den of the Devourer The Bonemire 64-70
Crushbone Keep Greater Faydark 20-30 Palace of the Awakened The Barren Sky 65-72
i Sundered Splitpaw The Thundering Steppes 20-50 Mistmoore Catacombs Loping Plains 65-72
Ruins of Varsoon The Thundering Steppes 25-34 The Halls of Fate The Bonemire 68-73
i Tombs of Night Nektulos Forest 30-40 i Blackscale Sepulcher The Bonemire 68-73
Runnyeye The Enchanted Lands 30-40 Castle Mistmoore Loping Plains 70-75
i Nektropos Castle Nektulos Forest 32-38 i Shard of Fear Feerrott 70-76
i Deathfist Citadel Zek, the Orcish Wastes 36-44 i The Estate of Unrest Butcherblock Mountains 70-76
Obelisk of Lost Souls Feerrott 38-50 i Nizara, City of the Nayad The Mystic Lake 70-76
Temple of Cazic-Thule Feerrott 40-49 i Nektropos Castle: Tribulation Nektulos Forest 70-76
i Tower of the Drafling Rivervale 40-46 Karnor's Castle Kylong Plains 72-78
Permafrost Everfrost 45-52 Chardok Kylong Plains 76-80
Solusek's Eye Lavastorm 45-52 Sebilis Kunzar Jungle 76-80
Klak'Anon Steamfont Mountains 45-55 i Charasis Jarsath Wastes 80
Clefts of Rujark The Sinking Sands 50-56 i Chelsith Jarsath Wastes 80
i Nektropos Castle: The Return Nektulos Forest 50-56 i Befallen The Commonlands 50-80
The Living Tombs The Sinking Sands 50-56 i Miragul Everfrost 50-80
The Shimmering Citadel Pillars of Flame 52-57 i Najena Lavastorm 50-80
The Silent City The Sinking Sands 55-60 i Mistmyr Loping Plains 70-80
New Tunaria Greater Faydark 55-65 i Guk Moors of Ykesha 80
i The Poets Palace Pillars of Flame 58-65 i Nu'roga Fens of Nathsar 80
Sanctum of the Scaleborn Tenebrous Tangle 58-67 i Veksar Fens of Nathsar 80
See Also: Dungeon Timeline



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