[Riotgirl]

How much time are you willing to commit? If "end-game" to you means raids & gear, you are only going to get what you are willing to put in. Think if it this way: EQ was designed to be competitive around contested spawns, with spawn times that can be measured in hours to days, with variable drop rates (ridiculously low on certain mobs).

If you need a drop from Inny, good luck. Velious will help matters to an extent, but the situation remains the same: you need to demonstrate a degree of commitment to be in with a shout. Or spend an inordinate amount of time playing TunnelQuest.

What are your priorities in the game? In what timescales do you wish to achieve your priorities? How much time and effort are you willing to commit?

The ceiling will be mob spawn rates, contested content, and drop rates. If you're shooting for a Mage epic for example, think about (a) what drops you require, (b) which mobs drops what you require, (c) spawn rate, and (d) number of other players ahead of you in the queue.

Stretch out your timescales quite significantly and you may get there. However, do not be under any illusion about the commitment required and the road-blocks ahead. Also, if you are serious about raid content, you're going to need to join a Guild that has access to the content you require.

Or get to know a few players, attend a few weddings. Bingo!