The Plane of Fear

A mask, not a face

SOE's 2002 atlas, EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist, says the plane takes on a body only when visitors arrive: "As mortals cross the astral barrier, the Plane of Fear manifests in physical form, assaulting all of the senses at once."

The atlas also says this form is not real: "The manifestation does not reveal the plane's true nature, but is a mask that conforms to the various preconceptions of The Faceless' mortal followers. The real appearance of the plane remains an eternal mystery."

It gives the believers' explanation too: "many scholars and devout of the Faceless claim that the realm of the Lord of Fear is far too intense for any mortal mind to absorb and comprehend, thus making concealment from mortal eyes a vital necessity."

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Plane of Fear, Background

What visitors see

The mask itself "is an enormous jungle and swampland of fire and death, marked by graveyards, dark gothic mansions and castles with terrifying dungeons and caverns."

The atlas describes the sky as well: "The sky lurking above the horrific jungle is a constant haze of crimson that will often rain the very blood of the unfortunates who have fallen victim to The Faceless and his minions – either through sacrifice upon the prime or death within his realm."

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Plane of Fear, Background

The denizens

"The plane is inhabited by grotesque, fearsome creatures of great variety. Each creature is loyal solely to their creator, The Faceless, and serves only his divine will and might." The atlas warns that "these frightful denizens of fear often attack in blood-thirsty hordes", and its field notes add that "the denizens of this astral, fiery swamp are hostile to any that enters their divine master's realm."

Sources: EverQuest Atlas: The Maps of Myrist (SOE, 2002), Plane of Fear, Background · Maps of Myrist, Plane of Fear, Field Notes

The Faceless at home

In the atlas's list of notable NPCs, "The Plane of Fear is the domain of the ruthless Cazic-Thule, The Faceless." Mortals who see him see "a gruesomely malformed creature bearing four arms and a twisted, near unrecognizable visage." The atlas adds that "Cazic-Thule is in constant telepathic communication with his planar villains that lurk in every corner of his astral lair."

The same entry records his place among the gods: "Cazic-Thule is allied with Rallos Zek and Innoruuk. He is enemies with Mithaniel Marr, and Erollisi Marr."

Sources: Maps of Myrist, p. 342 (Notable NPCs)

A warning to adventurers

The atlas's field notes call the plane "home to The Faceless" and "a place of extreme danger and terror to the mortal adventurer." They say visitors "are advised to come with a veritable army of powerful adventurers" to face "one of the most deadly powers in the whole of The Nameless' cosmos." They also note a reward: "The divine energies that forge this astral realm have engendered many powerful and rare arcane relics."

Prima's official EverQuest Player's Guide (2001) lists "Plane of Fear" among its "High-level zones".

Sources: Maps of Myrist, Plane of Fear, Field Notes · Prima, EverQuest Player's Guide (2001)

Echoes on the prime

A 2007 everquest.com article on Innothule Swamp ties the plane to the mortal world: "Ancient tales speak of an evil pact between the rulers of the planes of Fear and Hate that spawned this murky wetland."

Sources: everquest.com, "Innothule Swamp: Past and Present" (Jul 25, 2007)

A soul held in the plane

Irak Altil, an NPC inside the plane, speaks of "failing in my duties". He asks that a sword, shield and breastplate be "cleansed and returned to the temple for my soul to be freed", and ends: "Such is the will of Cazic-Thule!" This dialogue survives in only one mirrored copy.

Sources: Irak Altil NPC dialogue (mirror)