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Runes of Magic - Thunderfoot Hills

This month players will be able to set foot on the previously forgotten continent of Zandorya and explore its first zone. Frogster is showing the first detailed glimpses into the ‘Thunderhoof Hills’ area and the kingdom of ‘Dalanis’. The integration of this high-level region gives players the first content from the main release of ‘Chapter III – The Elder Kingdoms’  which is due for release this May.

In the south of Zandorya lie the verdant Thunderhoof Hills which are surrounded by an imposing mountain range. The region is characterized by its green meadows, rushing waterfalls and wild rivers. Several settlements are nestled in this picturesque landscape as well as the Valley of Glory where mammoth effigies of ancient war heroes rise up to the sky as reminders of past glorious battles.

These were the battles in which the legendary King Kalume and his mounted allies once fought against demons and after whom the region was named. Kalume recruited elves, dwarves and other creatures alongside humans such as the rhinoceros-like Kalo people. In recognition of their support Kalume divided up the land amongst these peoples so that the land of Thunderhoof Hills is still diversely populated today.

Players above Level 55 can wander through the zone starting from April and can discover the Kingdom of Dalanis situated at the heart of the Thunderhoof Hills. Its origins stem from the glorious period of Kalume and it is now ruled over by the young King Callaway. The glory days seem to be over for the kingdom which is now plagued by intrigue and revolt since some of the rulers of the six principalities have their sights set firmly on Callaway’s throne and the powers it brings.

However, the King still recalls the region’s grand old days and wants to return Dalanis to its former glory and strength. He is being supported by one of the dynasty’s remaining loyal orders, the Lionheart Knights. This order is a thorn in the side of those who are scheming and plotting to overthrow the King and who will stop at nothing to get the faithful Callaway out of the picture.

This situation is at its clearest in the instance ‘Dungeon of Dalanis’. Players can delve into this dungeon after the main release of the third chapter in May. Another setting for these power struggles is the stately stronghold of ‘Aren’ in the hills – the seat of power of one of the six principalities fighting for more control.

The task for the player is to support King Callaway in the battle against the insurgents and their foreboding schemes in the Thunderhoof Hills.

Runes of Magic - Thunderhoof Hills

To see more screenshots and further information on the new region visit the Runes of Magic – Chapter 3 website.

Runes of Magic goes Metal!

In other Runes of Magic news, the German acappella metal band, Van Canto has published a new track to celebrate the one year anniversary of the MMORPG game.

The band including bassist Ross Thompson who is an avid player of Runes of Magic, has devoted the new track ‘Magic Taborea’ to the fantasy game world. The song forms part of their current album, Tribe of Force, which has been available in iTunes and retail stores since 26th February.

A special orchestral version of the song which was created in cooperation with the sound studio Dynamedion is included as a bonus on the band’s new album when purchased from iTunes. Van Canto had already released a modified version of the song ‘Quest for Roar’ with reference to Runes of Magic in 2009.

“Working together with Frogster has been a great opportunity for us to expand our style further. For the first time we had the chance to work with a complete orchestra on ‘Tribe of Force’ and ‘Magic Taborea’ and we’re ecstatic with the results”, explained the band’s vocalist Stefan Schmidt, “The fantastic world of Runes of Magic was such a huge inspiration for this orchestral number that it almost composed itself. We’re very excited for what the future might hold for this combination of acappella metal music and Runes of Magic.”