When SOE announced that the Freeblood vampires are now available at the Marketplace, the initial reaction of everyone in EverQuest II was split into either “What the heck?” and “How much?”

Players are split on how to take news so far. Many are incensed that the free race, previously promised for the seventh expansion in February 2010 as part of the Velious Winter Rewards, is being “nickel-and-dimed” through early sales via the cash shop. Others are shrugging off the profit aspect because SOE isn’t really forcing anyone to purchase it.

No matter which side you’re on, it’s undeniable that the Freeblood vampires as a race are causing a lot of ruckus because of their unique features. Freeblood characters can customize the look of their Inner Self Illusion, a hidden demon that comes out on command to drain health from enemies.

They also get access to three special items: The Freeblood Contract that grants access to an estate, the Cloud of Bats mount form, and the Ferocity of the Freeblood effects that spices up your unarmed combat animations as a vampire.

SOE also released a short trailer on Facebook that shows the Freeblood vampire in action. This could tip the scales if you’re on the fence on whether to pony up for early access or be patient for the next two months, comforted by your still-intact Christmas bonus cash.

EQ2X is the free-to-play option for the EverQuest II game and is a great way for those curious about adventuring in Norrath to give it a go. As advertised, you won’t have to pay a full month’s subscription but expect the content and features to be quite limited. Still, there’s five years’ worth of dungeons and quests to keep those who give it a try occupied.

The free Staff of the Rising Phoenix is an appearance-only item that can be claimed until October 3. It’s available at the in-game Marketplace on the Freeport server and should provide additional natural lighting when taking screen shots in dark places.

It’s got a lively bright flame, that one.

The Tinkerfest holiday returns to Norrath for a second round of gnomish tomfoolery from July 23 to August 2.

New doodads are up for sale at the merchants and EverQuest II adventurers are urged to hop on the Unstable Tinkered Portals to join the main festivities at the Gnomeland Security Headquarters in Steamfront Mountains. There are also concurrent celebrations in other gnomish conclaves like Temple Street in Freeport and Baubleshire in Qeynos.

While Gnomish speakers hold a special advantage in conversing with the racial hosts, Tinkerfest promises doodads for adventurers from all languages and alignments. A couple of new quests have been added as well as blueprints, gears and gizmos. Some of these will be available via merchants but rarer rewards such as the Cloak of Clockwork Dreams and the Left-Handed Sonic Wrench will require more patience than plat.

For more extensive instruction on the Tinkerfest holiday, just chat with any Celebrations Coordinator NPC who can set you in the right monkey wrenching path.

SOE has come out with another preview for its upcoming Halas Reborn content update, bringing us additional info on the city of New Halas. Most EverQuest II players are familiar with the fascinating story of how the God of Valor Mithaniel Marr founded New Halas in tribute of his sister and her pious followers, so the details below discuss actual in-game details surrounding the city.

Griffin Travel and Separate Starting Area

Those seeking to enter the frozen walls of New Halas can do so via a griffin ride from Butcherblock Docks. Meanwhile, young adventurers will have to begin from Pilgrim’s Landing, a camp sitting atop an ice floe. This small settlement will be a training ground; with enough experience, a novice adventurer can then board a raft to the main island. Swimming is also an option but beware of hypothermia and frostbite.

More than 80 Quests for Level 1-20

Be sure to explore all that the starting area has to offer since its quests are designed up to level 20. There are over 80 quests to complete similar to the Darklight Woods area around Neriak.

More Shinies!

The reflective ice floor of New Halas won’t stop the shiny collectors from getting their loot and experience. “All the usual 1-20 shiny collections can be found hiding in snow drifts and sparkling on the ice,” said SOE, so better put on those glare shades!

Alignment Requirements for Citizenship and Visitation

Only good and neutral aligned race/class combos can earn citizenship in New Halas, but any race/class combo can visit the northern city to see its sights and discover its hidden secrets..

New Halas is shaping up to be a popular destination in the world of Norrath, despite (or maybe because of) its frigid atmosphere. For added loregasm, head to the  EverQuest official website to read about the barbarian stronghold of Halas, which was the inspiration for New Halas but was destroyed by a succession of enemy invasions and global calamities.

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.

If you’ve gotten the new expansion Sentinel’s Fate, you’ve most likely come across the sneak peak trailers released prior to its launch. Gamers in test realms were itching to release their own expansion trailers, compiled from their playtest adventures. This nice fan trailer does the job just as nicely in showcasing the new island continent of Odus. Soundtrack and effort are A+ as far as we’re concerned. You could even use it to recruit friends into the game this expansion, especially when the new features have been quite impressive.