which programs can be used
 

I was wondering if i could use A 3d editor like light wave to make worlds and zones and also if I could use this same program to edit or create new creatures and if so what programs would I need to change the format into something the game\server would use.

3rd party tools has windcatcher's brand new tools to do exactly what you ask. Openzone 1.9 or something like that.

Yep, Open Zone 1.9 is a blast to use once you get the hang of it. I've created one zone which you can get here:

ftp://ftp.eqemupvp.com/textures/zone.../arena_s3d.zip

Just make sure you backup your copy of arena.s3d before putting this one in.

I'm also working on more zones and textures to go along with it. Windcatcher has a zone as well.