Square Enix is kicking off of the Final Fantasy XIV Beta Test.

Beginning December 16th at at 2:00 p.m. (PDT, visitors to the game’s official website may apply to participate in one of the planned Beta phases. By taking part, applicants will be one step closer to obtaining a sneak peek at one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2010, and the unknown realm of Eorzea.

1. FINAL FANTASY XIV, offering would-be adventurers a glimpse of Limsa Lominsa, a key city-state within the realm of Eorzea. Visitors to the website will learn more about this thalassocratic city-state and its key landmarks, such as Fisherman’s Bottom, where gather those who harvest the sea’s bounty; the Bismarck, culinary capitol of Limsa Lominsa if not all Eorzea; and the Coral Tower, where the Knights of the Barracuda keep their shooting sharp.
2. Also located within the city’s walls are the Fishermen’s Guild – as befitting of a maritime nation – the Blacksmiths’ Guild, the Armorers’ Guild, the Marauders’ Guild and other vocational affiliations responsible for the ceaseless activity of an industrious society.
3. Additionally, a map of Eorzea was revealed for the first time, hinting at updates to come. Visitors to the site can view the map detailing the lands and borders of this vast realm. Created at great peril, initially by a single intrepid cartographer, this guide will prove indispensable to adventurers on their forthcoming travels throughout Eorzea.

Visit the official FF XIV website for more details on the Beta recruitment program.