The Explorer - Self Portrait

This was me - my character on the Green server of the Project 1999 emulated program. Through him, I visited familiar places, zones I'd only heard about through shouts or tells from others, and met some of the nicest people I've ever interacted with.

I chose the race that I played back in 2001 - something about a group of total outcasts really appealed to me then, and I'm sure there's some psychological reason that could be associated with that choice, freely or not. Regardless, the Monk made sense as the class that could fall great distances, pretend to be dead, avoid enemies, and even fight barehanded if necessary. Since death meant respawning without your gear, often hours away from where you had been moments before; then it was an attractive idea to be a character that was mobile, adaptable, and able to fight bare-handed when required.

Others would argue that a class like Druid or Enchanter would serve my purposes better, and they are probably right. But, the idea of being a wandering monk like Caine in Kung Fu or something equivalent was just really appealing.

In order to access specific areas, he needed to get stronger. So, there was a natural incentive to grind levels, gear, money, etc.. It felt like some training I do throughout the year in real life (IRL). Motivation is a key factor for me with just about anything, so having a mountain I want to climb, a weight amount I want to lift, or long distance I want to run encourages me to get up and run, or strength train, or work on mobility. This felt similar in many ways, and also allowed me to experience questlines related to epic items that I wouldn't have chased otherwise. More on that, in other works.

Through this character, I joined a guild that consisted of only other Iksar, met some extremely friendly people, avoided some odder ones in chat and groups, and got to know some interesting individuals with varied backgrounds from all over the country. What other modern game can boast that at such a level? The topic of "community" comes up in almost every discussion about what makes EverQuest great. And while some of the most toxic and childish displays of behavior seem to come with the end-game and top-tier politics of the major guilds of the game, I found that the random strangers you met while playing were oftentimes the kindest individuals you could meet.

When the in-game world is so unforgiving, and everyone knows that feeling of losing an item, level, or body, then there is a natural empathy for those around you. Beggers would often get advice, while those working hard would get a hand up, a hand out, or a corpse rezzed for no cost.

Chris Rock has a quote that I feel really encompasses this mindset, especially in EverQuest:

“I’d always end up broken down on the highway. When I stood there trying to flag someone down, nobody stopped. But when I pushed my own car, other drivers would get out and push with me. If you want help, help yourself – people like to see that.”