Non-canon sections of the Forgotten Realms universe, including the Shrouded Archipelago and Underdark
Length
Persistent World, 24/7
Number DMs
15+
IPs
efu.us.to Gamespy PW Story
Scope
Large
Hack & Slash
Medium
Classes
Prestige Classes Restricted
Tricks & Traps
Heavy
Level Range
2-12
Magic Level
Low
Schedule
24/7
DM Needed
No DM Required
Alignments
All alignments welcome.
Races
Many subraces available through application
PVP
Full PvP
ApplicationReqs
No application required for standard play. Applications required for faction admittance, subraces, unusual backgrounds or concepts.
Vault Type
Server
Death
Harsh.
Connection
100 Mbps
House rules
See forums and website for more information.
Content guide
Teen
Player Requirements
Polite and mature player-base.
RolePlay
Heavy
Description
Escaped from Undeath: Mistlocke
The EFU franchise has successfully moved on to chapter 3, "Escape from Undeath: Mistlocke."
Describing EFU:M is difficult to do, except to say that it is a labor of love designed for those interested in an action-packed, meaningful, cooperative story-telling environment.
If you've tried EFU (Escape from the Underdark) or EFU:A (Escaped from the UnderdarK: Archipelago) in the past, we encourage you come and try out EFU:M, as we have made a wide variety of improvements.
Our website has now been updated and contains relevant information on the Setting and the many features we offer, and we highly suggest that if you may be interested in a project of this kind, that you review it thoroughly.
Although our playerbase is large, we are extremely motivated and interested in welcoming new players to our world.
Please note - due to the IMMENSE changes this server has gone through, the associated review is not really valid anymore.
We highly recommend visiting Link for more info on this server. Below is an incomplete list of what we have to offer.
Scripted Quests
The primary means of XP gain in EfU is through cooperatively tackling any of our hundreds of unique scripted quests. Wandering through areas and mindlessly farming monsters is not an efficient way to advance or level.
Instead, characters can band together to cooperatively tackle challenges: anything from storming well defended fortresses and castles, delving into mysterious crypts, doing battle with hideous jungle beasts, defending a point from ravenous hordes of zombies, or rescuing hostages. Our quests are generally fully repeatable, setting-appropriate, artfully designed, and often "spiced" or adjusted by DMs on the fly.
Lore
Considerable effort has gone towards ensuring that the setting and history of EFU/EFUA is fully developed and compelling. There are in-game stores that sell dozens of extensive books discussing histories and various theories as to some of the mysteries of the EFU/EFUA/EFUM setting.
While taking advantage of the Forgotten Realms setting, we've developed non-canon regions and details that incorporate themes and characteristics from some of our favorite works of fiction, including: Lovecraft, George R. R. Martin, Robert Howard, Tolkien, Kafka, the Wachowski brothers, Mieville, and others -- as well as some from popular Black Isles Titles such Planescape: Torment, Fallout 1 and 2 and Baldur's Gate.
Metaplots
DMs are not just referees and builders, but also story-tellers. Metaplots are a major part of the EFUA experience. In the past, examples of major plots include: plagues, rebellion, invasion, the acquiring of important magical relics, political crisis, vampires, gang wars, and much more.
Character Conflicts
A major part of EFU has traditionally been that of the role-played conflict that occurs between characters. Examples of this might be: a thief running from the Watch, the consuming hatred between two rival wizards, a subtle war between merchants, bloody conflict between gangs, a Kelemvorite hunting down a necromancer, a paladin dueling a blackguard, a politician scheming against an opponent, or countless other examples.
In EfU, this conflict is resolved by characters through their RP. We do not encourage mindless PvP, but rather an environment that resembles the best of fantasy fiction and cinema. Just as with fiction, there is meaningful conflict between characters. Unlike fiction, there is no set-winner, and the victorious are separated by the defeated through what they do In-Character (sometimes this might be straight PvP, in other cases it will be who out-schemed, out-thought, out-planned, or out-tricked the other).
DM Quests
The DM team regularly runs DM quests and DM events. Sometimes these will be planned and advertised on our forums, sometimes they will be spur-of-the-moment or secret. DM quests could just be a simple event to kill some monsters and earn some special DM loot, or they could relate to a complicated faction rivalry or metaplot.
DM Team
The EFUA DM team tries to be highly responsive to the needs of players. We work hard to make ourselves available for NPC possessions and assist with a character's goals or needs, as well as being capable and fair administrators and referees. It is worth noting that we hold ourselves as a team to a very high standard of conduct in terms of not being biased, of not punishing characters for OOC reasons, of not cheating in any way, and of not having any kind of advantage when and if we play as a normal character.
Exploration
Exploration is a major part of EFUA. Characters will receive a one-time XP bonus for entering certain areas, and we've tried very hard to make a server that is fun, challenging, and rewarding to explore.
Module Updates
Tens of thousands of man-hours has gone into building EfU, and much of this has simply been updating the module to reflect the changes that have happened (often through the efforts of characters). Factions rise and fall, NPCs die, districts are invaded or built, buildings are burnt down, and the world is constantly evolving and changing - all of which is updated in a timely manner by the DM staff.
For three years, EFU existed as a popular and fully fleshed out Underdark server. Most of our Underdark content remains for those daring enough to delve into the depths.
An epic, story-driven duel might be the culmination of a long-term rivalry between two characters. EFU:A is a server where role-played conflict and responsible PvP is enjoyed by many of our players.
Joining DM-run and Player-run factions can be a fun part of EFU:A. Players can join the Colony Guard, Mercenary Company, Druidic Circles, an order of religious Knights, work at a tavern or become part of other, more subtle groups.
Stygian Cavalry and desperate adventurers battle the orcish hordes.
Our highly advanced server set up allows for epic battles with hundreds of NPCs and 30+ PCs all in a single area with minimal lag and extreme stability.
Who knows what mysteries await the intrepid adventurer?
Pit fights and arena battles can be a part of the EFU:A experience, whether as desperate participant or bloodthirsty spectator.
There's always something more to explore in EFU:A, whether it be dank crypt or peaceful tree top village.
A Map of the Isle of Ymph
The Archipelago is a place where everything can be dangerous - even the plants.
The ruins of the Sharboneth Colony are crawling with dangerous undead.
What matters in EFU:A is often the personal touch, whether it's the customized DM-quest for your character or the IC friendship he develops with other characters in the game world.
EFU:A includes full support for underwater swimming and exploration.
Posted by MiraFI at 2012-04-16 14:28:39 Voted 9.75 on 04/16/12
Why play anywhere else?
Posted by EFU:M Thomas at 2012-04-16 14:00:41 Voted 10.00 on 04/16/12
Fair people, join this server or be damned to the abyss for your refusal to join this quality server.
Posted by Howland at 2011-07-05 04:12:21 Voted 10.00
EFU has now moved on to chapter 3, "Escape from Undeath: Mistlocke." We are virtually an entirely new server, so much of the information posted here is somewhat out of date!
Posted by Diz-e at 2009-04-16 11:48:23 Voted 10.00 on 04/16/09
A seriously awesome server... highly addictive due to immersion and great roleplayers, the DM's are the bomb, and the campaign setting is phenomenal and constantly changing to reflect the actions of all involved... I haven't found another PW RP server this cool for NWN or NWN2... or anywhere else, for that matter.
Posted by IxTheSpeedy at 2009-04-16 10:34:33 Voted 10.00 on 04/16/09
I've been playing on this server for about a year and a half. This is the only gaming I do, I don't play on any other servers, no reason to. The level of intrigue and the quality of players and DM's on EFU:A is just amazing.
Posted by MangoBellini at 2009-04-16 09:06:25 Voted 9.75 on 04/16/09
Awesome.
Posted by Letsplayforfun at 2009-04-16 04:31:38 Voted 8.00 on 04/16/09
A very good PW, which evolves from week to week.
Enjoyable for the low lvl which allow new players to start on the same lvl as veterans, or veterans to start anew whenever they want. Extremely good atmosphere, too, and lots of quests (over 100) to satisfy anyone. Good DM attention if you play the way they enjoy it, and good factions, be it DM factions or player factions.
Very few cons, imo, except maybe an elitist feeling that sprouts out from time to time, and a speach to empesize RP, when in the end only combat really allows achievements. It's lacking players and DM during western european timezones too, but not if you come along!
Bottom line: great server.
Posted by Sternhund at 2009-02-18 14:19:04 Voted 10.00 on 02/18/09
Since it's founding, this server and staff have continued to push the limits of NWN and online roleplaying. Of all the NWN1 and NWN2 servers I have explored, this has significantly beat the rest. The world is dynamic, constantly changing to reflect the effects plots and players have on the gameworld. The DM staff is kind, honest, ambitious, and fair. Staff members have taken hours of their time to assist players with their concepts, and help them see the dream of their characters fulfilled and tied in with the greater storyline of the server. The entire gameworld is one massive story, showing that all factions and influential individuals are somehow tied. Settings are rich and mysterious, leaving much room for your characters to explore. The players are exceptional, and often have their ideas magnified on a greater scale by the DMs, allowing them to make some of the greatest and most interesting changes to the server.
Of all the servers I have explored with NWN1/NWN2, and other roleplaying games, this has significantly surpassed them all. In my experiences, EFU is quite possibly the best online roleplaying multiplayer game of all time.
A little over a year ago I pulled out NWN, having never tried out the multiplayer aspect of the game. I stumbled around through a few RP persistant worlds and didn't get too into any of them - until I found EfU. It has its flaws, but on NWN (1 or 2) I have found nothing that even come close to offering the great roleplaying possibilities that EfU:A offers.
Posted by MadCaddies at 2009-02-05 15:27:31 Voted 10.00 on 02/05/09
All that should be said of EFU:A has already been said.
In lieu of a commentary that I couldn't come up with that would do this server the merit it deserves, I'll just plead for any new or curious player to stop by and check it out. I promise you will be astounded.
10/10
Posted by erglion at 2009-02-03 16:59:55 Voted 10.00 on 02/03/09
The most fun gaming experience I've had. Immensely engaging RP, brilliant aesthetics, entertaining quests--all components of a living, breathing world. There is an amazing amount of dedication by both the DMs and players to making EfUA awesome. New players, give it a try, and then stick around long enough for your character to make his/her mark.
Posted by yalta at 2009-02-03 11:21:14 Voted 10.00 on 02/03/09
Engaging and entertaining to a high degree. Well built, well run, friendly atmosphere. Takes much of what is excellent about Forgotten Realms and leaves out what isn't. I've played PW servers for 2 years and its the best i have come across. Highly recommended.
Posted by Maxt0r at 2009-02-03 08:19:51 Voted 10.00 on 02/03/09
EFUA is the best persistant world from any perspective I can come to think of. Amazing players, dms and plots!
Posted by PlayaCharacter at 2009-02-03 04:14:20 Voted 9.50 on 02/03/09
If you combined improvisational theater with live action combat, the result would an experience that doesn't quite measure up to Escape from the Underdark: Archipelago. For me, this gameworld is the standard by which all others are measured.
Posted by Squyrl at 2009-02-02 16:29:38 Voted 9.00 on 02/02/09
Good stuff!
Posted by Meldread at 2009-02-02 16:17:29 Voted 10.00 on 02/02/09
Great server, great community, the best roleplaying experience to be had on NWN.
Posted by ASBay at 2009-02-02 15:30:23 Voted 10.00 on 02/02/09
This server is constantly evolving, breaking its own standards and pushing its own limits both in terms of mechanical and story content - and that's before we even get into what the players contribute.
Posted by Daemonic-Daz at 2009-02-02 15:29:04 Voted 10.00 on 02/02/09
EFU/EFU:A has that kind of magic that just keeps dragging you back for more. One day you'll creating the story of a thief, the next day you'll be fighting for power and glory as a solider on the battlefield.
The sheer amount of lore,history and plots to uncover (DM created and otherwise) is simply staggering. Roleplaying here is of a high standard here and I wouldn't consider changing to any other server.
10/10
Posted by Fong at 2009-02-02 15:25:52 Voted 10.00 on 02/02/09
Easily the best experience left for NWN 1 players. To those who have since gone on to NWN 2, I would recommend reinstalling if necessary just to try it out.
Sheer awesome.
Awesome.
Awesome _________________________ Wow...Escape from Underdark is awesome
Posted by Mort066 at 2009-02-02 13:36:55 Voted 10.00 on 02/02/09
EFU:A is an extremely ambitious and highly defined world with an often draconian (close to crazed for some of us) attention to every details. _________________________ -- Escaped from Underdark: Archipelago -- Link
Posted by Howland at 2009-02-02 10:36:46 Voted 10.00
Please note that EFU is now EFU:A, and practically an entirely new server. Although we've kept what has kept us strong, we've made significant changes as well. We are very interested in new players coming to check us out.
The finest server I have ever played. 10 outta 10! _________________________ Wow...Escape from Underdark is awesome
Posted by Zelknolf at 2007-12-22 14:12:13 Voted 4.00 on 12/22/07
The server seems to do a very good job of creating a non-canonical Faerun feel about it, and the player base is pretty well composed of good role players, however, the DM coverage is pretty poor and a few of the game systems are incredibly frustrating and implemented in ways that inhibit role playing.
There are many areas that a character can't enter after reaching a certain level, and the only accepted IC motivation to enter is accepting a level-restricted class; the PnP detect evil ability doesn't require any visible spellcasting (and thus isn't offensive as it would be to cast the spell in an FR setting); the IC explanations for the state of many things are either stretches or impose upon your character (telling the player how his/her character feels.)
All in all, it seems a nice diversion for a few days, but I don't give it any more credit than a single-player mod. It's not very nice for a long-term playing, and thus ranks low as a game /world/ on account of that.
Posted by _MadSkillsMike_ at 2007-12-06 07:56:50 Voted 10.00 on 12/06/07
This is server is pure awesomeness. Friendly playerbase and DM's, wonderful roleplayers, a really well and thought out world concept, there's always something to do! Definetly gets a 10.
Posted by wcsherry at 2007-11-27 04:26:31 Voted 10.00 on 11/27/07
This server amazes me, even after playing here for roughly two years now. The community of roleplayers is vibrant, dedicated, and amicable. Escape From The Underdark is a solid 10 that has provided hours upon hours of entertainment for me, and continues to deliver!
Posted by Viconia at 2007-01-08 19:49:30 Voted 9.00 on 01/08/07
Well thought out idea for a PW. Your player can take an active role in shaping the world.
Awsome. Never seen a server like it. I am Addicted. _________________________ Wow...Escape from Underdark is awesome
Posted by Joseph Silver at 2006-10-18 19:42:24 Voted 1.00 on 10/18/06
This is the best server that I have ever played on.
Unfortunately, it seems that the DMs don't really care about OOC feelings as long as everything is IC. I was wrong about this server. Very wrong.
It appears that it is okay to permanently kill a character without asking for the player's permission and without giving him a chance to fight back as long as it's done "in-character". Even if you spent months developing your level 15 (max level) character, even if you spent months roleplaying your level 15 character, if the DM chooses to kill you, then it's all over. You have to start all over again, at level 2.
How arrogant! How pretentious these people are!
I will not elaborate more, because it would reveal spoilers. However, I now feel that this server deserves a 1 out of 10, not 8 out of 10 as I originally thought.
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at 2012-04-16 14:28:39
at 2011-07-05 04:12:21
