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Coming up on 20 Years...who's still around from the original days?

MorganaLefay(POV)

Adventurer
Stratics Veteran
Hi all,

I know that I have been away from these parts for a very long time, and the game too. But there is a part of me that lies here, and always will. I have no desire to dredge up debates about classic shards or anything like that...I am just wondering, who...if anyone...that played back in 1997, at the launch, and through T2A was still here.

Those were some amazing times.

I am sitting here listening to the original MIDI soundtrack, and missing Sosaria.

Peace be with you.
 

Merlin

The Enchanter
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It was while researching how to complete certain dungeons online for Ultima: Quest of the Avatar on the NES that I found out about UO in the summer of 1998. Shortly afterwards I picked up a copy of the game from Electronic Boutique and immersed myself into the world of Sosaria. Later that fall, T2A came out and I received the expansion as a Christmas gift.

I was one of those people who just mined and smithed all day long. I attempted fisherman and swordsmen, but was never too good at those at the time. Unfortunately, I didn't have a great computer at the time, as it was the age of AOL and dial-up internet. I played various characters on AOL Legends, Catskills, Chesapeake, Atlantic and Europa. I'm not sure if I survived a single PVP encounter back then. I remember the invasions, specifically that Lizardmen were particularly tough. And running from Brit Bank to the nearby moongate was a risky endeavor, as there was always reds along the way.

It was my younger sister who picked up the game a year or two after me that ended up being more involved with the community, and joined guilds that had Ventrillo channels and would go on hunts. She also benefited from slowly improving internet. However, I kept to my ways and only built up my crafter. We would end up fighting who got to 'use the computer' as there was only one line or internet and we only had one UO account.

It was a different game and a different time. I am always amazed that this wonderful game, and it's community, has survived for so long.
 

Restroom Cowboy

Crazed Zealot
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Started on a friends account in 97. Got my own account a year later after local internet speeds hit a lightning fast 56Kbps...
 

Wing Zero Straight Edge

Seasoned Veteran
It was while researching how to complete certain dungeons online for Ultima: Quest of the Avatar on the NES that I found out about UO in the summer of 1998. Shortly afterwards I picked up a copy of the game from Electronic Boutique and immersed myself into the world of Sosaria. Later that fall, T2A came out and I received the expansion as a Christmas gift.

I was one of those people who just mined and smithed all day long. I attempted fisherman and swordsmen, but was never too good at those at the time. Unfortunately, I didn't have a great computer at the time, as it was the age of AOL and dial-up internet. I played various characters on AOL Legends, Catskills, Chesapeake, Atlantic and Europa. I'm not sure if I survived a single PVP encounter back then. I remember the invasions, specifically that Lizardmen were particularly tough. And running from Brit Bank to the nearby moongate was a risky endeavor, as there was always reds along the way.

It was my younger sister who picked up the game a year or two after me that ended up being more involved with the community, and joined guilds that had Ventrillo channels and would go on hunts. She also benefited from slowly improving internet. However, I kept to my ways and only built up my crafter. We would end up fighting who got to 'use the computer' as there was only one line or internet and we only had one UO account.

It was a different game and a different time. I am always amazed that this wonderful game, and it's community, has survived for so long.
I loved Quest of the Avatar!!!
 

PwnySlaystation

Lore Master
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
September 1997, at a mere 10 years old. Fighting for the old IBM pc in the house you had to wind up with a big handle and internet that even the ****test mobile phone on the market today could surpass with ease. How i miss that dial up tone knowing i was about to be delving into Britannia.

My first adventure was running from Britain to Cove on foot with my friend, I took Archery and he was a swordsman, we spent weeks up there, training at the orc fort, avoiding reds and having a great time. I miss the simple days of UO, the days when I could actually be motivated to do things other than pvp. Worst part of UO in 1997/1998? The phone bill coming in and my parents having a heart attack.
 

Uvtha

Stratics Legend
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Hi all,

I know that I have been away from these parts for a very long time, and the game too. But there is a part of me that lies here, and always will. I have no desire to dredge up debates about classic shards or anything like that...I am just wondering, who...if anyone...that played back in 1997, at the launch, and through T2A was still here.

Those were some amazing times.

I am sitting here listening to the original MIDI soundtrack, and missing Sosaria.

Peace be with you.
I watched my friend play through beta, and got the game for xmas a few months after launch in 97. So, close, but not quite. I haven't been playing much the last... 8 years or so, but I've made a few periodic returns. I did play pretty obsessively 97-2000 though, and regularly till the late 2000's.
 

Tyrath

Grand Poobah
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Ahhh the days of rocking UO on my uber fast 200MMX computer and lightning fast 36.6 modem. Sadly I still have the old 200mmx and 36.6 modem inside it...... and they still work LOL and it still has I believe up Lord Blackthorns Revenge on it.
 

Slayvite

Crazed Zealot
Supporter
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Been here since the lights were turned on.....back in the days when I only had a 28kbps connection.
2nd account as the first one was hacked after a few years of playing....again back when they were worth real life cash and I had a well stocked log cabin.
Been back and forth ever since, hate this game because I cannot just bin it like other MMO's I no longer play. :rolleyes:
And now I whinge and moan but i'll be here till the light's are turned off.
 

Moboid

Visitor
Not from the start, played for a few months in mid 98 , UK was mostly still pay per minute dial-up, there was no Europa shard and the first phone bill resulted in a month living off beans on toast and cheap noodles.
Beer and nightclubs seemed more important at the time so paused the game till 99.

Also had a shiny p 200 mmx and a cheap 56k modem that didn't hangup properly.

Stand out memories are buying a house by mugging escort npcs (turned out to be illegally placed due to a rock), and escaping pks like sheepdog who I swear were on new fangled broadband.

Also had a lot of breaks from UO, most recent return being due to Asheron's call closing, alternated that game with UO since 2000.
 

Drakelord

Grand Poobah
Governor
Alumni
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Awards
3
I started playing the PC UO games first as we did not have the internet 98/99. Late 99/00 we finally got a local company that offers an ISP for a decent monthly price. One phone line proofed to be a bear, anytime someone called and one of my kids would answer we get disconnected, so had to ask our phone company for a 2nd line. It would be several years before our local cable company would get the internet to us thru their cable.
 

Slayvite

Crazed Zealot
Supporter
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
I started playing the PC UO games first as we did not have the internet 98/99. Late 99/00 we finally got a local company that offers an ISP for a decent monthly price. One phone line proofed to be a bear, anytime someone called and one of my kids would answer we get disconnected, so had to ask our phone company for a 2nd line. It would be several years before our local cable company would get the internet to us thru their cable.
Lol, I remember many MANY shouting sessions downstairs to my parents because they were using the phone without giving me warning to get to a safe spot. lol
The "overloaded " bug was a godsend for sending arties to your bankbox automatically for those of us that used it. :D
 

Merus

Crazed Zealot
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Fall of 98 here. Took a little hiatus from 2003 - 2010 to have a few kids.
 

old gypsy

Grand Poobah
Professional
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Stratics Legend
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Although I wasn't here for the original launch, I started playing UO in late 1998, shortly after the release of The Second Age. To this day I still cringe when I recall how terrified I was of mongbats back then... not to mention the player killers I always seemed to run into... o.0.
 

GarthGrey

Grand Poobah
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Jan 98 I think, first connected through CompuServ on my Compaq Presario with the brand new 19200 modem.
 

Cupid

Lore Keeper
Supporter
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Started in April of 1998 after my brother told me about Supremely Accurate Swords of Vanquishing umongst other things and how my current game Warcraft 2, was passe.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

FrejaSP

Queen of The Outlaws
Professional
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Campaign Patron
My son came home with my main account Dec 1997, not sure how long he had played the account. He wanted access to the Internet, that only was on my computer, so he got me to make a char and try the game. I never stopped playing. There did not go many days before we found out how to split the internet on 2 computers and we cot a second account.
 

Drakelord

Grand Poobah
Governor
Alumni
Stratics Veteran
Awards
3
My son came home with my main account Dec 1997, not sure how long he had played the account. He wanted access to the Internet, that only was on my computer, so he got me to make a char and try the game. I never stopped playing. There did not go many days before we found out how to split the internet on 2 computers and we got a second account.
Ya our first account was split three ways, and I had no say on the char gender till I was able to make my own char sometime later on another shard without the ladies staring over my shoulder waiting for me to get off so they could get on, thank god for cable and multi-PCs today
 

skett

Babbling Loonie
Professional
Supporter
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Started in August of 98 on a Freind's account
Opened my own account in 99 I still have that account and 4 others
Still have all the original boxes maps and guides

Some good has come into this game over the years and a lot of bad changes as well, all and all I hope it makes it to the 25th anniversary!
 

Dizzy

Lore Master
Alumni
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Campaign Benefactor
Still here, never left, never tried any "free shard" because what was the point? They weren't UO. I started with the introduction of UO:R and all the game fan sites warned about non-consensual pvp, so I was scared to leave the bank for weeks and weeks, never knowing I was in Trammel.

My brother has left the game long ago, and so have my hunting partners and most of my t-hunting guild Treasure Hunters of Britannia (THB). 2 of my homes are in the same spot, same design for 13 straight years. I didn't play for several years so missed out on interim gifts and stuff from 2009-2014, though my accounts were still active. Sort of got bummed during the great bard nerf; I had just GM'd provo after many years and suddenly I couldn't provoke the chest guardians.

Been back playing for the last year, mostly solo, though the occasional hunt with BSR. (I used to pvp back in 2005 but I'm older and less twitchy now). My t-hunter dropped provo and picked up mystic/spellweaving, so I happily t-hunt again.

Enjoying the pet revamp and training new pets. And I have 3 accounts with nearly all 17 years worth of veteran rewards to choose, though I did pick up a couple of teleportation tiles and some ethy tigers. Still like have 30 picks to go.
 

Thrakkar

Certifiable
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Since the account management tells you, when an account was created, it is easy to tell:
I created mine back in October 20th, 1999.

While I was soaking up every bit of UO through the media, magazines mostly back then from the very beginning, I didn't want to buy it, as I was still running on an ordinary 28.8k modem and while my ISP rates weren't super expensive, it still was no flat rate. That changed Sept/Oct 1999. I dumped my telephone modem and had then a cable modem with a flat rate. Well, then I had no excuse to not buy UO :D And it was UO:T2A

The interesting part was, that back then I had a better connection to Pac than to Drachs. That's why I started to play there.
 

TheDrAJ

Babbling Loonie
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Well my toon says 237 months old but I played beta and got the game (2 accounts) in Sept or Oct 97 I think. My sons were the ones that got me to try it since at the time I was playing a game called Relm. Only problem was a 9600 modem with one telephone line and an irate wife.
 

Captn Norrington

Stratics Forum Moderator
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I started on day 2 of the games existence, because my computer was not working on the actual launch date (yeah, that sucked).

I have never closed my main account, not even for one day, so I have been here the entire time.

I have no plans of leaving until the game shuts down. :)
 

BrianFreud

Lore Keeper, Wiki Maker, & Doer of Crazy Things
Professional
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Summer of 1998 here. :)
 

Prince Erik

Seasoned Veteran
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
236 months and counting... yikes. Still remember the days of running the game off of a CD .. oh my the lag as that thing loaded map sections. I couldn't outrun an Ettin... I still hate those things and kill every one I run across even now. ;)
 

S_S

Babbling Loonie
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Hubby's Accts (he has more than one):

acct age.PNG
 

Winker

Babbling Loonie
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
I have been a subscriber since the start. I dont play much any more but i do still pay for me accounts. Still got two of my original characters that i made on day one.
 

belkins

Journeyman
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Started in November 1997 @Sonoma.. been playing off and on ever since. :grouphug:
 

Spellbound

Lore Master
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Can still hear the cacophony of the miserable dial up modem followed up by the gentle melody of the opening chest from October 1997 in my mind.
 

obeeee

Journeyman
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Hi all,

I know that I have been away from these parts for a very long time, and the game too. But there is a part of me that lies here, and always will. I have no desire to dredge up debates about classic shards or anything like that...I am just wondering, who...if anyone...that played back in 1997, at the launch, and through T2A was still here.

Those were some amazing times.

I am sitting here listening to the original MIDI soundtrack, and missing Sosaria.

Peace be with you.
July 1998. I had watched a friend and his son play from late in the beta and through the beginning.
I finally flipped the switch and have never looked back nor will I!
No matter where I reside with this laptop out here the RW, LS Minoc is and always will be my home.
 

Tomarke

Seasoned Veteran
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
I guess I was late. I opened my first account in October 2001 after a friend convinced me to give it a try. I'm still here, he's not.
 

Tyrtle

Journeyman
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
I started in April 1998. Was a birthday gift to myself. I still remember my first death walking out of Vesper to a damn Lizard Man. I ran back in town and went back to fishing. Took a break after all of my friends quit playing. That lasted a year or so, but once I came back I have stayed and enjoying every minute of it.
 

Dorset

Journeyman
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
Started playing in 98 with school friends in year 9/10. Parents use to go ape that their phone line was out of action all weekend! Mining the minoc wall trying to swerve the reds!!

The heartbreak of someone stealing my first boat is still raw........

Remember them even asking if "they could make a call" haha!
 

Longtooths

Supreme Commander
Alumni
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Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
The day it game out I was playing....many hiatus since then. I will not leave again, I will be standing on my porch in Luna the day they shut this thing down.
 

FrejaSP

Queen of The Outlaws
Professional
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Campaign Patron
I have been a subscriber since the start. I dont play much any more but i do still pay for me accounts. Still got two of my original characters that i made on day one.
2 question for you, why paying, when not playing?
What would make you play again?
 

Dot_Warner

Grand Inquisitor
Governor
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Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
9/27/97 for me.

Can't say that I miss the daily reverts, crippling lag, or whacky bugs from those days though :p
 

cdavbar

Lore Master
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
I have played since the beginning myself. Started back on Great Lakes in the beginning on my dad's account and then eventually got my own accounts. Would get home from school and chop wood and mine iron all day long for peasants gold. I mean, the 2gp ea for bulk boards I got back then was A LOT! Wondering through the Britain sewers, not so smart. Walking into a gate to see whats on the other side, also not smart. Lesson learned, that's for sure.

Since then life has happened. I have been on and off throughout the years, gained a lot, lost a lot, and gained a lot more. I have learned lessons too, like when you take a break from the game, make sure your CC info stays updated. Lost 3 loaded 18*18's one time for not updating an expired CC lol. Made a come back after that, and another break I took I lost a loaded castle worth billions due to an issue trying to reload my account with game time. After losing the castle I took a nice break as I was devastated at that loss, unique items, rare items, a dozen soul stones, all lost. However, UO will always be in my blood. It has been my go-to, my getaway, and although I have made some enemies, I have made countless more friends.

My last return was a bout 4 months ago, with nothing but the clothes on my back friends helped me out and now I am prospering once again. Now some of our other friends are returning, and it feels good to be able to help them get back on their feet with housing, clothing, items, gold, etc. To me community is what UO was always best at (although the invasion of WBB threatened it and General Chat has devalued it), helping those in need, and helping those learn the ropes, Luckily through these events that have eroded the bindings of community we have all once enjoyed, the player base has kept the community going.

My biggest wish was that my dad would remember his account name and or email. To have that account back, and the characters on it would mean a lot, especially for the nostalgic value. The days of his GM mage going out and finding an Ogre, everyone yelling and screaming and running while he stepped up to slaughter the beast, you just cant replace that. Traveling in groups of 6 or more to protect the newbies from reds, teaching young players to chop wood near the guard zone.

Sadly though as we near the 20th anniversary, I also reflect on what we have lost. We have lost many good players, genuinely good people. Some have passed away, some moved on to other things, some left after having their trust betrayed in ways they could not recover from. I sometimes go to the beautiful memorials for old friends that have passed like Witch, and hope she is in a peaceful place. I often pass through the area South of Luna and wonder what Slaymore is up to these days. Good people, gone from this game and or this world way too soon.

So as this anniversary comes upon us, I would like everyone to do that, take a moment to cherish the friendships we have made, remember those we have lost, and continue to keep our community strong for years to come.
 

Gorath

Journeyman
Stratics Veteran
Been around since October 97 but the original account is long gone. 2nd one I had got banned and as you know they don't age...so it was stuck around 70ish months...and no expansions. I am using another one right now around 143 months. I've taken some breaks in between as well.
 

Longtooths

Supreme Commander
Alumni
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Stratics Legend
UNLEASHED
2 question for you, why paying, when not playing?
What would make you play again?

You know FrejaSP,


For me it is simple, people. If I had people to play the content with I would play. Maybe a reason to farm, I used to love mining for days and selling my wares. Now it simply is not valuable vs. effort is not worth it.


I do have a group of friends that I did do events with nightly. But multi boxers with 20 accounts and greed, just turned me off recently. I have been on a multi-month hiatus.


I have started doing some more events lately, mainly to play with my friends.
 

Andrasta

Goodman's Rune Library
Alumni
Stratics Veteran
Stratics Legend
Hey Morgana,
Nice to see you checking in on us. Hope all is well. Started 5 days after Official launch and never left but for one short break.
Really miss the years before Trammel, had the most fun in those days. Best Days Ever! :devil:
 

BrianFreud

Lore Keeper, Wiki Maker, & Doer of Crazy Things
Professional
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You know FrejaSP,


For me it is simple, people. If I had people to play the content with I would play. Maybe a reason to farm, I used to love mining for days and selling my wares. Now it simply is not valuable vs. effort is not worth it.


I do have a group of friends that I did do events with nightly. But multi boxers with 20 accounts and greed, just turned me off recently. I have been on a multi-month hiatus.


I have started doing some more events lately, mainly to play with my friends.
Hate to say it, but this rings too true for me as well. I played a miner/smith right up til after BODs first were added. These days, though, I have more ingots than I'll ever use, and mining more is wasted time for as little as they're worth.

I remember the thrill of chasing daily rares, waking at 4:30 with my char naked and the bank and backpack empty save recall regs and a few runes, then racing to the Papua rocks, then the hay in Fel, then the Ilshenar chair. I wish they'd just surprise us some publish, and scatter stealables and pick-up-ables all through the shards, give us something to discover and chase (and in large enough numbers/variety that noone can camp them all).

I remember hiding pouches back behind a tree behind Castle British, just to pass stuff between chars.

I remember fighting the NetZero banners so I could dial up to log in while in my first univ apartment, paying for UO by eating only ramen. :p

I remember when there were dozens of UO sites and podcasts. Sadly, most are gone, save for archive.org, though I've tried to archive at least some of the interviews and such in the wiki here at Stratics.

Mostly these days, I just log in to handle auctions and chase down info for the wiki. Trammel didn't kill the thrill of UO for me; the excesses of the in-game economy on the other hand is doing just that.
 

Rocco

Seasoned Veteran
Deacon Frost///Sophie///// American made///Jack Daniel// Xellos from 97 on GL (on ATL now tho) 650968665 Xellos
 

Bucs Den Inc.

Seasoned Veteran
Stratics Veteran
Davrin, Druc on Pacific 1997. I would battle ORK (orc rp guild) nightly Kor the orc king was awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Gem

Slightly Crazed
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Signed up for a beta account to play with my then-middle school kids....almost 20 years later, I'm still around :)
 

Bucs Den Inc.

Seasoned Veteran
Stratics Veteran
My brother (then 16) got me started back in 1997 when I was in 5th grade, he played and I would always watch him and he never let me touch UO. My parents were going out for the night and they forced him to cancel his plans with his girlfriend to watch me. So once they left he told me that he would give me one of the characters on his account if I wouldn't say anything if he went over to his girlfriends house that nights And not watch me. So he gave me the 60 second low down on UO and let me play all night. That's how it all began.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Kirthag

Former Stratics Publisher
Alumni
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Started on my sister's account in November 1997 as me being an Apple Elitist didn't think PeeCees were worth doing anything but accounting. This graphic artist soon became a real geek, building my own frakenstein of a PC and buying UO with my tax return several months later. Have been through most all of it since except for a break where I thought I'd get rid of the gaming bug.

Nope. bug is still firmly attached to my spinal column. Don't think will be removed anytime soon.
 
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