EverQuest's Ancient Heroes game update brings a "classic EQ" experience

There are a lot of players and former players of EverQuest that would love to see a server that is locked down to just the first few expansions, or maybe none at all. While the latest game update, Ancient Heroes (which goes live today) doesn't bring a new server, there will be a new "classic EQ" experience introduced to the game. An NPC in the Plane of Knowledge will transform your character into a level 50 (the level cap once upon a time) decked out in launch-era equipment, and send you off to fight the Kobolds in Nagafen's Lair or the Frogloks of Guk -- or even to raid the old dragons, Lady Vox (pictured above) and Lord Nagafen. There will be new rewards waiting for those that choose to take up arms in old-school fashion.

This character morphing is the primary focus of the Ancient Heroes update, but in fact, there is more character morphing to be had with some new Marketplace items. A Potion of Amnesia will allow you to change your character's name, and a Potion of Disgenderment will flip their gender -- both changes are permanent, though you should just be able to buy another potion if need be. The Witness Protection Pack combines the two new potions, for those situations where you've really driven your reputation into the ground and need to start afresh.

There is also a mention of some events that can be completed by players ahead of the next EverQuest expansion Underfoot, in order to be among the first to experience it when it comes out. As an aside, it doesn't seem likely that the expansion will be released in November anymore, judging from the cut-off dates of these events. Community relations manager Zatozia later said to expect news tomorrow regarding the release date. Check out the rest of the patch notes at the official forums for the full details.