I remember hearing about it when I was still playing live - early 2002 - but, I don't think they had any 'active' servers at that time.

It was a lot different back then. There were two DB available. Mobs didn't move in any of them - which was fine since the server code didn't work. It was one of my early fixes, before I even became a developer. :) It broke again when Sony changed it client side and I fixed it again.

I did a lot of code fixes on our server, then when they were tested I passed them on to EQEmu. On the plus side, our players got the fixes/new stuff first. On the minus side, how do you say guinea pigs nicely?

Historical note: there was someone named tcsmyworld who started a third DB. He wanted to have moving NPCs and that became the unique offering initially in his DB. It's still around, they call it PEQ now.

And the rest is history.

History isn't what it used to be. Back in my day....

I'm quite fascinated with the history of how all this got started. I didn't know
about the project back then, let alone servers becoming active. All the hard
work you people put in to progressing this project to where it's got, I don't
think anyone can argue the recognition you all deserve.
It's not so much the option of people being able to make a server "their own
way", but being able to have their own EQ right at home.
And now, with the diversity of public servers, like this one and others, players
can pick their own preference for original, classic, custom, pvp, etc.
I have no idea what drives all of you to put the work in that you have and do,
but I'm inclined to think of it all as "Everquest, without borders" (chuckle)

I logged on to your server just to poke around, it was quite interesting in Rivervale.
The "invader" bunnies cruising around instead of the infamous rats were nice touch,
but they conned red and hit 2K plus ? (chuckle)

Flying rabbits. They also drop red bull.

Don't underestimate the rabbits... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnOdAT6H94s

ROFL now that's funny. Pretty much what happened to my little halfling. One hit.
"invader has hit you for 2348 damage."
loading .......
(chuckle)