Warhammer Online goes to beta testing

[Tryden]

Application to enter Beta Testing.

War is everywhere in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR), the new MMORPG from the creators of Dark Age of Camelot®. Based on Games Workshop's popular Warhammer® fantasy war game, WAR features next generation Realm vs. Realm™ (RvR) game play that will immerse players in a world of perpetual conflict.

Upon entering WAR, players must determine their allegiance and join an Army. Those inclined towards the side of good may fight for the Armies of Order as an obstinate Dwarf, noble High Elf, or loyal human soldier of the Empire. Those inclined towards darker deeds may side with the sinister Armies of Destruction as a savage Greenskin (Orc or Goblin), corrupt Dark Elf, or marauding human worshipper of Chaos.

RvR combat takes place on three fronts where ancient foes wage an unending war – Dwarfs vs. Greenskins, High Elf vs. Dark Elf, and Empire vs. Chaos. Players begin the game fighting their ancestral enemy, but are free to journey to other fronts to help their allies in their ongoing struggles.

The ultimate goal in RvR combat is the sacking of an enemy's capital city. To do this, an army must invade and take control of the opposition's homeland. Deciding battles take place on objective-based battlefields and in instanced scenarios - point-balanced battles that make use of NPC mercenaries known as Dogs of War.

For the first time, WAR's RvR system integrates both Player vs. Player (PvP) combat and Player vs. Environment (PvE) quests on the same map. Every aspect of the game, including PvE missions, is geared towards the greater war in some important way. However, players are not required to participate in PvP combat, and may aid in the RvR war effort and enjoy the game in its entirety via PvE content.

Drawing from a quarter century of highly detailed source material, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning will bring Games Workshop's fantasy world to life in a way that will allow players to create characters destined for great deeds and glory on the field of battle.

Key Features
<div style="width: 574px; margin-left: 20px;">[*]Based on Games Workshop's popular Warhammer fantasy world. Dominated by force of arms and
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;magic, this world provides a rich setting for hundreds of thousands of players to experience the epic
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;nature of war and the glory of battle.
[*]Join one of six Armies and fight for the Armies of Order (Dwarf, High Elf and Empire) or
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the Armies of Destruction (Greenskin, Dark Elf, or Chaos). Wage war across three unique battlefronts.
[*]Next generation Realm vs. Realm game system integrating both PvP combat and PvE quests on the
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;same map in support of the greater war.
[*]Engage in four levels of RvR combat:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Skirmishes: Incidental PvP combat
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Battlefields: Objective-based battles in the game world
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Scenarios: Instanced, point-based battles balanced with NPC Dogs of War
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Campaigns: The invasion of enemy lands culminating in the assault on their capital city

[*]Undertake a wide variety of PvE quest types related to an army's war efforts, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Public quests that benefit from the participation of the entire army
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Conflict quests that pit players against an enemy with opposing goals
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Branching quests that let you choose the outcome of the quest and your reward
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Xmas quests that reward exploration with high value loot

[*]A robust combat system introduces Player Tactics (earned powers you equip prior to battle) and
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Morale Skills (combat options that increase in power when the momentum of battle is in your favor).
[*]Player models that change to reflect the relative power of a character (i.e., Orcs grow in size and
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dwarfs' beards get longer). Customizable armor and a visual guild system allow a player to make their
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;character truly unique.
[*]Embark on an epic quest to complete the Tome of Knowledge and unlock Warhammer lore, detailed
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;monster information, and major story plotlines.
[*]Online play requires a subscription and Internet connection. </div>


This topic was moved from forum General Discussion to forum Game Corner on 8/6/2007 2:11 AM by Lord Tryden.

 

[Tryden]

When the first reports of the Chaos Plague begin to appear in thefringe settlements of the Empire, they are dismissed as fanciful talesconjured to frighten away unwanted visitors. When the plague appears inthe streets of Altdorf, however, the situation changes completely. Bythe time the Emperor issues his first quarantine order, the viledisease has already spread across most of his lands. The Empire'sdoctors work day and night to combat the sickness, but the plaguedefies all efforts at a cure.

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Map of the Empire © Games Workshop 2000-2006 </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Victims of the Chaos Plague first experience tiredness, aching, soreness and extreme thirst. Bouts of nausea follow, but it takes nearly a month to reach the final stages of the disease. It is only then that the horrific nature of the plague is made clear; those unfortunate souls who have experienced plague symptoms for three to four weeks begin to change, transforming into fiendish Chaos mutants that savagely attack any living creature that they see. Those lucky enough to avoid contracting the plague are often killed by the savage monsters spawned from it.

With each passing month, the death toll mounts. Quarantines and martiallaw fail to slow the spread of the disease, and paranoid fear gripsevery village and town within the Empire's borders. Militiamen inplague-wracked cities are forced to combat the hordes of Chaos mutantsroaming their streets, leaving their walls undefended against threatsfrom without. Emboldened gangs of brigands roam the countryside,looting, burning and killing at will. The scope of the tragedy isalmost unparalleled in the history of the Empire, but the Chaos Plagueis merely a precursor to a much greater evil yet to come.

 

[Tryden]

Meanwhile, in the Dark Elf kingdom of Naggaroth, the Seers of Ghrondcontinue their unceasing study of the distant Chaos Maelstrom.Suddenly, there is a marked shift in the nebulous swirls of color andshape. The Seers watch intently, studying the ominous new patterns.When they are confident of their readings, the Seers dispatch amessenger south to Naggarond aboard a swift Black Pegasus. Great eventsare about to unfold in the world, and the Witch King must be informed.

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Malekith, Lord of the Dark Elves
© Games Workshop 2000-2006 </td> </tr> </tbody></table>Days later, Malekith, Lord of the Dark Elves, reads the dispatch fromGhrond. The Chaos god Tzeentch has found himself a new Champion. Thefollowers of the Changer of Ways have assembled a great warhost for hisherald and are preparing to launch a massive incursion into the landsof men, the Empire his likely target.

Malekith ponders the message. He is well aware of theterrible plague sweeping through the Old World. If the forces of Chaoslaunch an attack while the Empire is weakened by the plague, theEmperor will have no choice but to call upon the nearby Dwarfs forreinforcement. With the aid of the Dwarfs, it is possible the Chaoshost might be turned back. If, however, the folk of the mountains areunable to come to the Empire's defense, Emperor Karl Franz will beforced to turn to the High Elves of Ulthuan. Malekith is doubtful thathis kinsmen will abandon the great nation of men in its hour of need,for doing so might deprive the High Elves of a valuable ally. No... theHigh Elves will respond, and will likely send several legions ofwarriors to repulse the Chaos attack, leaving Ulthuan vulnerable.

When the Chaos moon eclipses the light of the sun, thedispatch concludes, the forces of Chaos will begin their marchsouthward. Time is short, and there is much to do.

The Witch King commands that every forge and furnace inthe realm be brought to bear in the crafting of weapons, armor andsiege machines. The Beastmasters of Karond Kar are ordered to selectthe strongest and most ferocious creatures in their pens and ready themfor battle. The fierce Witch Elves of Khaine prepare for bloodysacrifice to the Lord of Murder. Morathi, the Hag Queen, summons forththe most powerful Sorceresses from the Convents and trains them to leadthe armies of the Dark Elves. As his people prepare for the coming war,Malekith draws up his plans against the Dwarfs.

A party of the finest hunters and warriors in Naggaroth are dispatchedto the lands of the greenskins with a single directive: bring back themost powerful Orc Warboss that can be found.

When the hunting party returns with both an Orc and aGoblin, Malekith is surprised. It seems the two are inseparable,jointly leading a powerful new tribe calling themselves the "Bloody SunBoyz". The goblin shaman, Gazbag, provides the brains while thetowering brute of an Orc, Grumlok, supplies the muscle. For each,Malekith forges a magical amulet that greatly amplifies the wearer'sabilities. In addition, the Witch King secretly includes a spell ofcommand that will compel the two leaders to gather their tribe andmarch east into the World's Edge Mountains. There, they will capturethe fortress at Eight Peaks and build a mighty Waaagh! to eradicate theDwarfs. This being done, he commands his warriors to return the captivegreenskins to their home.

His plan set in motion, Malekith waits for news from theWorld's Edge Mountains. With the Dwarfs occupied by the fight againstthe coming greenskin Waaagh!, they will be unable to answer theEmperor's call for help when the Chaos army reaches his borders. TheHigh Elves will sail east for the Old World, and Malekith will launchhis attack. At last, the Witch King will claim the birthright deniedhim for millennia by his weak-blooded kin. The Throne of Ulthuan willbe his.

 

[Tryden]

In the Badlands, Gazbag and Grumlok are reunited with the Bloody SunBoyz. Immediately, the two set out to fulfill Malekith'smagically-implanted command. Led by their newly-empowered Warboss andShaman, the Boyz begin their march to the World's Edge Mountains,assimilating any greenskin tribe they encounter and destroying thosewho will not join. Never before have the Orcs and Goblins seen suchstrength and power from two of their own kind, and the ranks of theBloody Sun Boyz swell as rumors of their deeds spread.

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</td> </tr> </tbody></table>As the greenskin horde approaches Karak Eight Peaks, the Dwarfs gatherwithin its walls, confident the impregnable fortress is in no realdanger. When Gazbag uses his amplified magic to blast a hole in theimpossibly thick wall surrounding the city, the Dwarfs are dumbstruck.Never before has an invading army broken through the perimeter of KarakEight Peaks. As a wave of snarling, bellowing greenskins pours throughthe breach, the dour but determined defenders of the doomed cityprepare to make a last stand.

The news spreads like a shockwave. How could one tribe ofgreenskins capture the seemingly impenetrable fortress? Though few willadmit it, many Dwarfs are badly shaken by this impossible defeat. InKaraz-a-Karak, High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer vows revenge, commandingevery Dwarf in the city to make preparations for a great war.

Privately, the High King is gravely concerned. Rumors thatthe greenskin forces are led by a Warboss with the strength of ten Orcsand a Shaman with magical abilities never before seen would notnormally concern him, as Dwarfs are prone to exaggerate. However, thefall of Karak Eight Peaks cannot be ignored, nor can its effect on themorale of his people. Secretly, the High King dispatches a rider to theEmpire to alert Karl Franz of the possible danger to his own landsshould the Dwarfs fail to halt the greenskin invasion. Though the HighKing is too proud to ask the Emperor for help, he hopes the urgency ofhis message will result in just that.

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</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Meanwhile, far to the south, Squig riders and Boar Boyz set out in alldirections from Karak Eight Peaks, spreading word of a great Waaagh!gathering at the fortress. Legions of Orcs and Goblins begin streaminginto the captured stronghold and the lands surrounding it. Each Orc andGoblin Boss pays homage to Grumlok and Gazbag, pledging his "ladz" tothe destruction of the Dwarfs.

On both sides, great armies are assembled. The Dwarfs aredetermined to retake Karak Eight Peaks and avenge its loss, while thegreenskins care for nothing but the elimination of as many Dwarfs aspossible.

 

[Tryden]

Two months after the fall of Karak Eight Peaks, the High King's armysets out to drive the invading greenskins from the World's EdgeMountains. As the Dwarfs march south along the slopes of the greatvolcano Karag Dron, the world suddenly grows dim. In the sky above, thesun begins to darken and the landscape is bathed in an eerie, unnaturallight the color of deep crimson.

From atop the tallest spire in Naggarond, Malekith watchesthe Chaos moon, Morrslieb, eclipse the sun. His spies in the Old Worldhave relayed messages confirming the success of the greenskin attack onthe Dwarfs. The Witch King's plans are unfolding precisely as arranged.

Far to the north, out of sight of the eyes of men, a greatblack warhost erupts from the tempestuous Chaos Wastes. Swarms ofgrotesque creatures march in ranks alongside regiments of warriors andmarauders, all led by a Chaos Lord bearing the banner of Tzeentch.

In the Empire, terror and panic erupt at the sight of thered eclipse. Riots and fires break out in every district of Altdorf.The city guard is hard-pressed to contain the situation, but theeclipse soon passes and by nightfall, order is restored. The event isnot forgotten, however, and many citizens of the Empire, shaken by whatthey believe to be an omen of terrible events to come, pack theirbelongings and depart their homes hoping to find shelter in themountains to the south and east. A growing sense of doom hangs over thepeople of the Empire, and hope for any respite from the plague issmothered by the fearful sight of the red eclipse.

For the Dwarf army marching to reclaim the fortress atKarak Eight Peaks, the eclipse seems to confirm a dread that has beengrowing within them. The black sun in the crimson sky is a stingingreminder of the loss of Karak Eight Peaks to the Bloody Sun Boyz, andseems to be a symbol of the inevitable victory of the greenskin hordenow gathering there. Have the last days of the Dwarfs finally come?Resigned to their doom, the grim-faced warriors trudge across theharsh, mountainous terrain.

In Altdorf, the Emperor receives the High King's messageand orders several regiments into the mountains to assist the Dwarfs.Though he sorely needs the troops to secure his borders and combat thespread of anarchy in his realm, Karl Franz is honor-bound to respectthe pledge made by Sigmar never to refuse aid to a Dwarf. Just then, anoutrider delivers a report from the north -- a great Chaos army is onthe march, and will reach the Empire's borders within a week.

Assessing his deployments in Nordland and Ostland, KarlFranz realizes that the picture is desperately bleak. The plague hasthinned the ranks of his armies, wreaked havoc with supply lines anddecimated the morale and industry of his people. The Empire is ripe forconquest, and will fall quickly without help. The Dwarfs cannotpossibly send warriors to protect the Empire. If they do not recapturethe fortress at Karak Eight Peaks quickly, they might never do soagain. Only the High Elves can save his people now.

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Prince Tyrion
© Games Workshop 2000-2006 </td> </tr> </tbody></table>Summoning his most trusted Griffon rider, the Emperor composes a letterbeseeching the ruler of the High Elves for assistance. When themessenger arrives in Lothern, Finubar, Phoenix King of Ulthuan, isalready well aware of the Empire's plight and has been makingpreparations to send troops. Finubar summons Prince Tyrion, a warriorand general without peer among his people, and charges him with thedefense of the High Elf lands. Confident that his realm will be secure, the Phoenix King sets sail at the head of a flotilla of Elvenwarships. From the Straits of Lothern the vessels pass into the GreatWestern Ocean carrying hundreds of the most skilled warriors among theHigh Elves. When word of the Phoenix King's departure reachesMalekith's ears, the Witch King gives the order to begin the invasionof Ulthuan.

In the dead of night, a great fleet of Black Arks sets outfrom Naggaroth. As the floating fortresses approach the shores ofUlthuan, the invasion force splits in two, with one half bearing downon the Blighted Isles while the other steers south for the Straits ofLothern. Soon, legions of Dark Elf warriors spill forth onto the shoresof their ancestral homeland.

In Karak Eight Peaks, a great greenskin Waaagh! isbuilding. In the northern reaches of the Empire, the servants ofTzeentch have already marched deep into Ostland and are laying waste toeverything in their path. Prince Tyrion's army has raced north toengage the marauding Dark Elves, only to learn that a second invasionforce has begun a siege of Lothern.

Recognizing that the only way to counter the threatsarrayed against them will be to combine their strengths, the leaders ofthe Empire and the nations of the Dwarfs and the High Elves convene agreat Council of Wisdom in the Imperial capital of Altdorf. At thissummit, the three rulers forge a pact that their peoples shall fight asone and strike back at the enemies who would conquer their homelands.

The Age of Reckoning has begun.

 

[ubber]

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SPARTAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; Jorge.

 

[Ivy-]

Wut

 

[Tryden]

Ivy- said:

Wut

Apply to Warhammer beta noob. I'm gonna register Vindictive as a premade guild if I get in, which will give all of us an oppurtunity to play Warhammer beta.

 

[mike00554]

Yes... There is a Warhammer beta... Yes, I am in it. That is all.

Lord Tryden said:

Apply to Warhammer beta noob. I'm gonna register Vindictive as a premade guild if I get in, which will give all of us an oppurtunity to play Warhammer beta.

 

[Tryden]

mike00554 said:

Yes... There is a Warhammer beta... Yes, I am in it. That is all.

Lord Tryden said:

Apply to Warhammer beta noob. I'm gonna register Vindictive as a premade guild if I get in, which will give all of us an oppurtunity to play Warhammer beta.

I guess you can't tell us more without violating the beta test agreement?

 

[mike00554]

Got it in one. I know a lot of us have been looking forward to it. So I'll keep an eye out to see if they let us release more info.

Lord Tryden said:

I guess you can't tell us more without violating the beta test agreement?

 

[Tryden]

Well I'm gonna add more Warhammer content to this thread to encourage more people to sign up:

The playable races:

<div style="width: 574px; margin-left: 0px;"> <map name="armiesofWAR"><area shape="polygon" coords="17,180,300,44,300,350" href="http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Dwarfs/Dwarfs.php"><area shape="polygon" coords="316,44,590,180,316,350" href="http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Greenskins/Greenskins.php"><area shape="polygon" coords="590,200,590,515,320,360" href="http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Chaos/Chaos.php"><area shape="polygon" coords="17,190,300,360,19,515" href="http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/Empire/Empire.php"><area shape="polygon" coords="293,390,104,493,166,566,297,605" href="http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/HighElves/HighElf.php"><area shape="polygon" coords="323,393,324,602,445,565,507,494" href="http://www.warhammeronline.com/english/gameInfo/armiesofWAR/DarkElves/DarkElf.php"> </map>

</div>
<table style="background: rgb(0, 0, 0) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; width: 100%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><tbody></tbody></table>

 

[Tryden]

Pre-Alpha footage (note this is somewhat old, and the game has progressed significantly since then):

 

[Ivy-]

Oh god Try I just wannu chop down trees in that game

Edit:
Lord Tryden said:

Ivy- said:

Wut

Apply toWarhammer beta noob. I'm gonna register Vindictive as a premade guildif I get in, which will give all of us an oppurtunity to play Warhammerbeta.

I did D:

 

[Coldchylde]

Signed up for beta today.

 

[Tryden]

Coldchylde said:

Signed up for beta today.

So looks like Crim is in beta already, and Ivy, Genma, Nos and myself have signed up. Hey, that's a start.

Anyone else interested?

 

[War Mimic]

im also in the beta for this but like mike said i cant really talk about it. y'all should sign up you wont be dissapointed&nbsp;

 

[ubber]

&nbsp; I played the table top version Warhammer Fantasy. The Undead of course and Warhammer 40k as The Blood Angels Space Marines with my brothers.&nbsp;So&nbsp;I have high expectations for the online version.&nbsp;Anyway I didn't see&nbsp;any Undead charecters&nbsp;as an option..&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jorge.

 

[Dakieto]

how long does it take for them to get back to you on invites. i signed up from labtop which has decent specs hopefully that doesnt deter them from inviting me?

 

[Tryden]

Dakieto said:

how long does it take for them to get back to you on invites. i signed up from labtop which has decent specs hopefully that doesnt deter them from inviting me?

When it comes to beta, a game developer will usually try and incorporate testers with a wide range of different computer specs to see how the game preforms on different systems. As long as you have at least the required settings to play the game, you have just as good a chance as someone running a monster rig.

Mind you, nearly half a million have signed up for the beta, so don't hold your breath you'll get in very quickly.