Howdy Norrathians!

The team is chomping at the bit to get to SOE Live in Las Vegas in October! We have a pretty big EQII Dev group going who want to take a couple of days out of their busy, expansion-making lives to meet and spend quality time with players IRL. This is my first time as the producer of EQII at a fan event, but I have attended three fun-filled fan faires as an EQ designer (that I remember...) and one as a player way back in 2002. I've always had a great time and can't wait for you to join us!

There's certainly a lot of stuff going on this year! First, during the event, the EQII devs will be available in and around the event to chat with players. Bring your questions, suggestions, issues, baked goods, and happy-happy, joy-joy comments to any of us. We are going to do our best to be easily identified (scandalous/hilarious EQII t-shirt ideas welcome).

Ready, Set, Win!

On Friday, Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Aether Races are on! Race for the best time (as many times as you can) and if you make the top five race times you get into the finals to race against Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson and the other finalists. As if beating SmokeJumper isn't its own reward, there are cash prizes! First place gets $1,500!

Inside Chains of Eternity

We are preparing now for a panel that will give an inside, and behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming expansion: EverQuest II: Chains of Eternity. Not only will we feature a look at the overlands and dungeons, we will also take a closer look at the features and story. With new subclass and tradeskill prestige abilities, and a new adornment type, there is plenty to chat about. Also, I have to say, with the new additions, we have redone how the Alternate Abilities window functions. It's magical. And loverly.

Expansion & Dev Panels

Our dev panels will include a catch-all Q&A session, the art of EQII that shows off overlands and dungeons, as well as some pretty awesome monster art and animations. Lastly, our Mechanics panel will cover spells, abilities, balance, and PvP.

Player Panels! Ya, that's right!

New this year – Player Panels! As lively and committed as our community is, it's hard not to imagine the wealth and breadth of ideas for this new feature (which gets you an All Access pass to SOE Live!). Believe me – the dev team is more-than-interested in what panels will come up and where and when we can line up for front-row seats. Check out the submission details at: http://www.soe.com/soelive. Come one, come all!