EverQuestII players have spent much time speculating the actual condition and location of New Halas once it reappears in Norrath. The old city of Halas, home to the barbarians, came into ruin during the Age of Cataclysms but a new one will soon rise in an iceberg in the Frostfang Sea.
A new lore post from Game Designer Nathan “Kaitheel” McCall reveals that Mithaniel, the God of Valor, chose the dwarf-inhabited iceberg as a fitting location for New Halas. Valiant dwarves defended the iceberg against invading orcs from the surrounding islands, which Mithaniel thought an inspiration that all of Norrath should aspire to. The God made contact with the Dwarves and informed them of his plans in turning their small iceberg town into the shining city of New Halas.
Describing the in-game look of New Halas, Zone Artist Stacey Norman said:
“[New Halas] is nestled in the center of an enormous iceberg… I think the players will be impressed with the many different ups and downs that I was able to incorporate into the new Halas.”
Game play-wise, New Halas is slated to become a “Good” city, so only residents of Qeynos or Kelethin can make it their permanent residence through guild housing. Despite this restriction, game followers believe New Halas is open to all characters regardless of affiliation.
News reports have suggested a late May release for New Halas to the live servers, so it’s only a matter of time before it opens its frozen doors to test server toons.