Starting Islands Being Removed… for Lore Reasons?

Cronyn has jumped into the fray again with some further details about why the Isle of Refuge is being removed in GU56:

Heya folks.  I wanted to clear a couple of things up really fast, if I may.

As I said, we’re not abandoning Freeport and Qeynos themselves.  The existing content that is there will not be different with this change, and we are planning even more things for the cities going forward.  Players with citizenship currently in either city will retain it – we’re not removing housing, guild halls, the suburbs, or the quests that exist there.  They will continue to be hubs for live events, and we are still hoping to add even more reasons to have you visit the two major cities of our game.

For those who do not have citizenship in these cities, we’re making the path to changing citizenship much clearer.  If you want to change your citizenship from one of the starting cities to Freeport or Qeynos, you can speak with one of the <Change of Citizenship> NPC’s, who will offer information and get you started on your paperwork to switch over.  From there, you can use the new travel system to make your way to the city of your choice, then follow the steps to change your citizenship.  The newbie content within the cities themselves will remain, so you should still have access to that content, if you choose to use it.

Also, just to be clear, there is a lore reason for this as well.  The decision to turn off the islands is a functional one, to be sure, but it is also supported by storyline, which is something I am hoping to start giving out to you here soon.  There are NPC’s in place in both cities who should actually be handing out the first clues right now on Test, so if you’d like to start piecing together what is happening, you should be able to get started.

As far as removing content – yes, the Isle of Refuge are being disabled from character select.  However, we consistently add new content to the game, and will be continuing to do so – EverQuest 2 is a much larger game now than it has ever been, and we are looking forward to expanding and adding to the world even more.

A drunken sailor has stumbled into Qeynos Harbor who, when quizzed repeatedly, produces these responses:

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen any refugees from the Queen’s Colony. Have they all been rescued?

I’m beginning to miss those young adventurers running about town, solving everyone’s problems. Good work is hard to find!

Admiral Ravensthorpe left port on the Far Destiny a few days ago. The miserable blighter refused to tell me his ship’s destination!

I’ve heard the Far Seas Trading Company no longer honors the Pact of Tserrin.

I don’t know what to tell you, mate. If the Traders haven’t found your brother by now, I’m afraid he’s probably gone to the Hold of Prexus.

In East Freeport, another drunken sailor (is there any other kind) has similar things to say, including:

I’ve heard word of a massive flotilla of ships blocking access to some of the established trade routes! Who do they think they are?! Do the Far Seas Traders have the audacity to think they own the seas?

Captain Gullham and his men left port for the Outpost of the Overlord several moons ago. Neither he, nor his ship, the Callisto Prince, has been seen since!

Thanks to Kain of EQ2 ZAM for collecting these quotes.

‘And so let it be known that we, The independent folk of Qeynos and of Freeport, in order to preserve the harmony and peace of these troubled lands, and to lend our assistance to those in need in these fearsome times, do agree to jointly and concurrently maintain a separate region, neutral and mutually administered, where those who where displaced by the cruel whims of circumstance may find refuge and safety. We declare the lands to be called the isles of refuge, and  all who seek shelter are welcome there.  Each inhabitant of these isles shall henceforth be free to choose his or her city of residence, While each city retains the right to accept or reject citizens pursuant to its own laws and customs.  To this the cities of Qeynos and Freeport solemnly agree, as witnessed by the undersigned representatives.’

– The Pact of Tserrin

Thanks to Barx from Antonia Bayle for finding this quote from Vhalen.

I have to give a tip of the hat to foozlesprite too:

We’re being fed kind of contradictory messages here:

Oh no, the trade routes are blocked!

Here, you can have a travel revamp and go anywhere from anywhere!

It does seem awfully convenient that this Lore is being offered up as an explanation for the removal of the islands. Honestly, the big issue here is not the nostalgia for these islands, although they are still pretty good content. It’s that the other starting areas all have design flaws, not enough hand-holding, confusing geography, or just plain bland quests. And Gorowyn, despite several revamps, is just not an appealing city to many players.

Also, the new character experience seems to have de-emphasized teaching how housing and tradeskills work. Nobody is suggesting these concepts be forced on players, but it shouldn’t be just optional quest givers tucked away in a corner. A taste of every style of gameplay should be given to players to embrace or reject at their choice.