In honor of the 10th anniversary, I suggest some of the original (10 year) people relate some stories from the old days. This is not (intended) to be a snob-fest, just a retrospect. How did you get started and why?

My story:

I was a big Everquest player and our guild (they called kinships: guilds) was considering starting up a crew for the new game. I got in at open beta but some had been doing closed beta. Started a Lore-master in beta (who is still around today, level 95-ish). I got a lifetime account when it was offered ($199, a bargain!). Should have bought two! Lore-master did most of what is now Erud Luin, got lost in The Shire! Could not find Michel Delving at first...mired in the swamp...this place sux...where is the freakin town???

I still have the original box and also a Moria box (with RING!) Cool pics in that other thread.

Our kinship flourished both PvE and PvP, but eventually (around year 6) interest waned. Kin disbanded, but I continued on with some family members. Took about a year or so off but I have been back for the past two years, fairly regular. I think our kinship highlight was running the level 50 (when 50 was the cap) instances. We also did well in Moria. Loved getting a first age weapon from the Turtle raids, plus ALL the instances. I remember when they filled out the epic books (9-15) for Volume I and those instances were HARD and you needed full groups. Also much complaining about the Volume II Moria instances. Very HARD. You actually FAILED 4 or 5 times before you completed them.