Each player takes on the role of a group of characters in Norrath seeking to either save it, destroy it, or leave it altogether. But first they must quest across the face of Norrath to gain the power to change the world as they see fit.

Players form a party of character cards starting in one of the major cities of Norrath. From there, characters move between the zones, facing perils played on them by the opponent. When they land in a zone, they can collect items and treasure to increase their power, or attempt to influence some of Norrath's natives to join their crusade.

During their quest, characters must face both the monsters of Norrath and the influence of tainted players (as well as their own taint) in an attempt to win by one of several methods. Players can elect to destroy Norrath by killing the Sleeper or calling down the wrath of Norrath's gods to cleanse their world of taint. Or they can decide to save Norrath by battling all its corruptive influences and returning the world to a purer state. The third option is to abandon Norrath altogether by opening a portal between the planes and seeking a new life somewhere else.

The game features serious, in-depth play sprinkled with enough humorous references to the original EverQuest game designed to make players say "Hey, I remember that!" Relive old memories of hunting Tae Ew's for a magician's shovel while battling KEI addiction. Venture into the depths of Lower Guk and groan as someone shouts "Train to zone!" Hunt across zones to slay Lady Vox... only to be interrupted by a Powergamer stealing your kill!