Among the first ever MMORPGs on this fair planet was EverQuest from Sony Online Entertainment, getting its 13th expansion pack in February.

So what if World of Warcraft has eight million subscribers; EverQuest will soon have 13, count ’em, expansion packs and has been active for almost eight years. What EverQuest doesn’t know about how to look after your MMO isn’t worth knowing, etc.

Expansion pack 13 is called The Buried Sea, and will be available to download from 13 February. It’ll set you back the equivalent of $29.99 USD, delivering not just one but TWO new worlds and introduces maritime combat versus pirates and all-new seafaring missions.

Forever the pioneers, the EverQuest team is introducing Guild Banners to The Buried Sea. Guild Banners allow guild members to claim territory in the world of EverQuest, enabling them to teleport at will between locations. Another new feature will be power-giving “Energeian” items alongside special armour to benefit from mystical Energaian protection.

Journeys within The Buried Sea expansion pack can take place above or below the waves, if you’d rather avoid pirate battles there is the lost city of Katta Castrum lurking in the depths. Altogether there are 60 new missions based around defending merchant vessels against swarthy sea-dogs or plundering Katta Castrum for its riches.

Finally, for the 13th expansion, there will be Fellowships to enjoy – communities of friends that allow for easier communication via a common chat channel. There’s also a rather quaint addition of a campfire that serves as a meeting place, and tokens that allow for instant transportation to join other fellowship members.

So that’s 13 February for your EverQuest: The Buried Sea expansion.