Debalic wrote:
Howling Stones is nice, but may be hard to break into if you're not ready to handle 2 mobs, possible living and undead, at the ZI. The ZI platform and basement immediately below make a nice camp until you can start working on the North hall.
Howling Stones is a great choice for soloing since a) you don't need to buy your 50s spells in the Overthere anymore (hello Abysmal) and b) the break in is way easier now that your pet zones with you.
I did most of my late 50s in PoV Golems with groups.. I don't think you can safely get those snared solo. But, if you can dou with a slightly older necro.. I could drag people through a late 50s level in a few hours up on the plain with the golems and crawlers (and the damn unsnarable spiders I would rune/tap tank to show off).
For the macho, there are some reasonible camps of "Disturbed Elysian Remains" on The Umbral Plains. Once one of the most dreaded zones in EQ for chewing up parties, now you can solo there for fun! (less macho is The Maiden's Eye).
Crypt of Nadox also has soloable areas.. 55 to 60 and beyond. It will be slower XP than the Planes, but everyone needs options. You want to start aggro kiting the Trolls around the camp fire you can see from the "safe spot" (so labeled on most maps). And branch out from there.
Natimbi is likely rocking good.. I was already in the 60s when Gates came out.
Late 50s are a hard time. The spells you get are few and not all that exciting.. you feel like you are fighting harder mobs each level without new tools. The 60s are completely the opposite.. each level builds your power. Hang in there.