March 16, 1999

Norrath 1999

Somewhere there is still a campfire in the Commonlands, a corpse at the bottom of Lower Guk, and a friend who logged off at 4 a.m. saying “one more pull.”

This is for everyone who ever heard a modem screech, typed /ooc, and walked into Norrath for the first time.

Remember when… → Begin at the beginning

Main Chat

Welcome to EverQuest!
You have entered East Commonlands.
[a player] says out of character, '19 druid LFG!!! I CAN HEAL =)!!!!!!'
[a player] says out of character, 'Try EC.'
[a player] shouts, 'Train to Zone, Watch out'
You have been slain by an azarack!
LOADING, PLEASE WAIT...
You have entered Lavastorm Mountains.
You gain party experience!!
You have gained a level! Welcome to level 54!
You have become better at Swimming! (193)

Lines quoted from a real 2001 player log; player names removed.

You were there

No quest markers. No map dots. You learned the zone lines by heart, bound yourself at a druid ring, and memorized which corner of the tunnel sold what.

Every name on this site — Nagafen, Fear, the EC tunnel, “train to zone” — is a small door back. Step through any of them.

Twelve moments every veteran remembers →

From the site’s founder

My first character was Jnais, a Vah Shir shaman on the Fennin Ro server. I was in high school, and Norrath was my escape. I played EverQuest for about 20 years. This site is my way of going back.

— Ryan Johnston
Jnais · Vah Shir Shaman · Fennin Ro

Read the founder’s story →