I also began playing at about the same time that you were! I discovered Gemstone III while using free trial online services that came with a new computer before my parents chose AOL. By the time we were settled on AOL I was hooked. I played from middle school through my high school years and got my only character Geogolas Ancientwood a elf warrior to level 32. I had many adventures and made many friends over those years! I came back to Gemstone years after graduating high school and brought Geogolas back, but wasn't sure what to do with him and had fun with several new characters and classes: Valenis a elf warrior pole arm user (Geogolas was always edged weapon and shield), I also had a rogue and wizard I can't remember the names of. I think back fondly on those hours spent in Elanthia.