Blackburrow Cleared

Blackburrow, by many, is considered one of the best lowbie areas in the entire game. There are scaled enemies all the way through level 20, and even two item turn-ins that reward experience upon completion. It is also, for an unfortunate handful, the place where they realize that this game might not be for them.

Point and case, the drop pictured in the center of this zone. Should you fall from the ledge, go the wrong way on the bridge, or jump off thinking that the water below would save you from some pursuing enemies, you will quickly find that death is at every turn. If the man-eating fish at the bottom don't get you, the "train" of enemies that have accumulated to attack you will.

And good luck finding your way out without a map (or even with one, for that matter) on your first attempt. It is an incredibly designed labyrinth that with a full party can feel like the cave scene from The 13th Warrior. Every turn and new room that you clear feels exciting, but also dangerous. You know that enemies will reappear, and the deeper you go the more powerful the mobs become.

Despite all of that, Blackburrow is a cozy, homey place for experienced players. It was that aforementioned first "welcome" to the game that not only showed them the difficulty of the game, but also the intricacy. Those that survived and leveled out were truly initiated, and found a permanent place to raise their future "alts."

This picture is meant to represent that cozy spot. An adventurer, clearly twinked or over-leveled with gear, relaxing on a stump after clearing the upper floor. Nothing there can harm them, nor would they want to. Admittedly, this "return to home" is featured over and over in this project. As I said in another piece, nostalgia is not the only great thing about this game, but it is certainly a powerful one for those with the history.