As a follow-up to her hands-on time with EverQuest II's new Rise of Kunark expansion, Community Manager Laura Genender took part in a recent guided tour of the expansion's new zone. Today, she shares her experience.


After viewing the world of EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark over Akil ¡°Lyndro¡± Hooper¡¯s shoulder at the SOE Step into Fall event, I was excited for this past Wednesday¡¯s beta tour. As the name suggests, this expansion is set on the continent of Kunark, previously explored as the first expansion of EverQuest I. And EQ veterans won¡¯t be disappointed ¨C Rise of Kunark is home to many familiar areas, dungeons, and even creatures.

There are differences from the original Kunark, though, and this was first exhibited to me in the character selection screen. This expansion allows EQII players access to yet another new player race, the Sarnak; these draconian beings are tall and lanky (and rather evil), with vibrant colors and various shapes of horn. As a male Sarnak I had many options, from scale color and pattern to horn type. I was also able to play with individual horns along my Sarnak¡¯s brow, cheek, chin and jaw ¨C very cool. The ladies (who are, might I add, taller) have fewer options. There are no facial horns, only the large ones on the back of the head.