Hardcore characters are placed automatically into the Hardcore Guild. This was done so they could have an easier time finding other Hardcore players to group with should they desire to. Player's can always leave the Hardcore Guild if they want but death is death in this mode.
You must be level 1 to enable Hardcore, speak to Arias in Tutorialb.
!!!WARNING!!! !!!WARNING!!!!!!WARNING!!!
You're going to want to create a separate account from your main character as enabling Hardcore Mode changes the status of your entire account, restricting commands and automated features.
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So what does Hardcore Mode do?
Spells and Skills must be learnt and acquired in the traditional way. You must earn them.
#zone becomes unavailable. #peqzone remains active but is restricted to every 15 minutes.
Bots will not be available, you're on your own.
Once your character is killed in battle, that character will become unplayable. You'll be forced to delete them and begin anew.
World emotes happen when you reach certain levels or you die. So everyone can view your achievements or defeats.
You'll be placed in the Guild: Hardcore and given the title suffix: the_Hardcore.
That about sums it up. Good luck Hardcore's!