Welcome to the first of what will hopefully be semi-weekly updates presented by myself, Tarzok. This first update will serve to not only point out important developments on the forums, but also to give a sort of "State of the Emulator" for the many new, curious users. Hopefully it will clear up some confusion without creating too much more.
PROGRESS
The EverQuest 2 Emulator is currently in a closed development stage. This means that, most likely, you will not be able to play it. This may seem like a bummer, but right now there's not much to play anyway!
Here is the what the EverQuest 2 Emulator currently has more or less functioning, in its closed alpha stage:

• Login/world server
• Character creation with correct appearances
• Logging into zones
• Moving around zones
• Moving between zones (/zone command implemented)
• some chat functionality

While this may not seem like a whole lot, this project has only been restarted for a couple weeks. Every day more and more progress is made on the emulator!
Here's what the developers are currently working on getting done:

• A functioning spell system.
• Allowing multiple players to log into one server correctly.

FORUMS
Here are the more notable posts concerning project development that have been made in the recent week(s), complete with a brief summary:

• LethalEncounter, in a post concerning server performance, provided an insight into how the EQ2EMu server program will work. Only a world.exe will be needed to run a server, as opposed to multiple zone.exe for each zone(such as in the EverQuest 1 Emulator). This will allow for increased performance with the use of instances. For more information and specifics, read the whole thread right here.
• In a model list thread, LethalEncounter points out that an item probably has 2 color sets, and a server operator will be able to color and tint their items as they please on the emulator. More information on this, as well as model numbers, locations, and comopression are available in this thread.
• EQ2Emulator is shaping up to be a highly customizable system. LethalEncounter recently revealed that even spells and skills can be customized. This means that Server Operators will be able to create new spells or skills on the server which will then be transmitted to the player's client with ease. He posted two screenshots of both an example skill and spell in this skills thread.
• LethalEncounter, again, mentioned that while a packet collector (a tool to collect information about the EverQuest 2 game) has been completed by the developers, it will likely not be released until around the release of the Kunark expansion. This means large-scale development of the database cannot begin until that time. LethalEncounter posted his reasoning for this decision.
• For the final piece of information, LethalEncounter yesterday posted a list of spell effects. He encourages readers to look through them and see if he's missing anything. Whatever you do, the full list can be found in his thread.

MEDIA
There hasn't been much media posted, but here's one important piece-
Cadimiom posted a small video of spell effects in use on the EQ2Emu:
http://eq2emulator.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=35
And for those who haven't had a chance to check out the screenshots, check some out at:
http://eq2emulator.net/screenshots.php
Interesting IRC comment of the week: <enoex> you think image looks good in drag?
Until next time!

Great first update Tarzok. Now we can see what is realy happening behind the scenes.
Thanks and keep up the hard work.

WARR1OR, you really dont want to know what is happening behind the scenes fully. It involves some pliers, two rolls of paper towels, and Tarzok with some hot glue. It's really bad I tell ya.... still having nightmares.

This is a Great News, We are near to get up our server. Thanks for your work. Greetings

Nicely done tarz..

If you need any help from a EQ2 player since the very beginning, owning all expansions and all adventure packs, don't doubt to ask. I have chars at pvp, rppvp and pve servers. Some kind of char like swashy, fury, paladin, assassin, conjuror, etc...

amazing news.. keep it up =]