In the world of Runes of Magic, called Taborea, different factions accumulating vast political, military and economical powers have developed over a period of many generations. Many of those factions are rivaling each other and are fighting for supremacy openly or behind the scenes.

The players in Runes of Magic have the possibility during the course of the game to join those factions and to affect the game's power structures.

The Eye of Wisdom

The Eye of Wisdom is a group dedicated to gathering wisdom about magic and artifacts from the Old Times.

On the old continent “Kolydia” they were on good terms with the emperor’s domicile and other political factions, which brought them significant influence.

When the Time of Discoveries about 100 years ago began, the Grandmaster decided to move the whole organization to the continent of Candara and focus their exploration on the relics of ancient times.
This time is also referred to as “Withdrawal of the Eye of Wisdom” since they broke most of their contacts with Kolydia back then. They gathered many magical artifacts, which helped them to develop powerful spells since the creation of Varanas. The meaning of “Withdrawal” may refer less to the withdrawal from political involvement but rather the establishment of an independent power. In the beginning everything seemed to progress nicely, until 20 years ago when the Grandmaster Ancalon and his elite of their organization disappeared without a trace. For a couple of years the Eye of Wisdom was nearly rendered incapable of acting. Only with the assumption of the post as Grandmaster by Yarandor, the leader of Rune Magic, they returned to activity.

But the influence within the city of Varanas had already been cut radically by the Council and their power and influence in the world was no longer as strong as previously.

The Eye of Wisdom has now overcome the alienation of the world and is anxious to help the people of Varanas. In addition they resurrected multiple research projects and recruit mages from all over the world to push their academic position back to the top.

The Order of the dark Glory

The predecessor of the Order of the dark Glory was a steel association which had followed the Eye of Wisdom to Candara and cooperated closely with them. Back then the continent of Candara was completely inhabited by wild monsters and ruled by barbarian clans.

They began to hire mercenaries after the foundation of Varanas to establish and ensure profit and security for the association. The initial rather chaotic appearance of this group changed when Lajos Halka joined the association together with his mercenaries. As the son of the chairman in the association, Lajos had proved his abilities with skills and the use of deadly weapons through early adventures as a mercenary. When the old chairman died, young Halka inherited his position. He then rebuilt the armed protection troop of their society to become the main army of Varanas (the later known Guard of Varanas), which strengthened his influence within the city.

After some involvement with the power struggles for Varanas, the wish to leave this place matured. He took the association’s main share of finances and the elite of his followers and pushed forward into the inner part of Candara to explore. After countless adventures and about 40 years they succeeded in creating a base in the Dustdevil Canyon which they called the Obsidian Fortress. The Order of the dark Glory has now become the world’s most powerful military group without their own state.

Their members’ only means of surviving is mining and being mercenaries, as well as managing the world’s largest mercenary education center. Raised to be true fighters, the aspirants are well known for their loyalty and discipline, a reason why many countries send their leaders here for their training. In addition, the Order of the dark Glory finds itself in constant disputes with the neighbors due to many different reasons, which cause a lot of pressure to their law enforcement forces.

Lajos Halka is known to often groan: “It’s hard to believe: Once you pick up a sword, you cannot dodge any fight until the end of all time.”

Adventuring Guild: Silvershadow

After the creation of Varanas there were no laws for the pioneers who had come from Kolydia to Candara, which allowed more and more to start bullying others. The mages of the Eye of Wisdom punished those with their magic, but it also had the side effect that it made them more vulnerable to monsters and the harsh climate of Candara.

The adventurers’ guild “Silvershadow” was created in order to attract more powerful people. They not only enacted rules for adventurers but also took over the education of people to make them good fighters. That way the pioneers of Varanas were able to defend themselves and penetrate deeper into the land. They train everyone who comes to Candara in the arts of combat in order to be prepared for all sorts of challenges.

The Guard of Varanas

The origin of the Guard of Varanas is the association of steel protection group, which had been built out by Lajos Halka to become the first Guard. After Lajos left Varans together with his elite troops, the adventurers guild “Silvershadow” took over the lead of those that remained, which evolved later into what is known today as “Guard of Varanas”. Their main tasks are to protect the citizens and to uphold the order. Some time later they were under the control of the Eye of Wisdom and the Council of Varanas, which gave the leadership to the aristocratic sons and daughters of the council.

Many called the guards during these times “Hellhounds of the Council”. But due to the relentless effort of the adventurers’ guild Silvershadow, they were able to slowly regain their independence. Since the guild gave away their control step by step, the Guard now enjoys total independence.

The Council of Varanas

During the beginning, after the creation of Varanas, all issues were dealt with by the cities administration. The most important people came from inherited nobles which had followed the Eye of Wisdom to Candara.

But back then the power of the Eye of Wisdom had been quite strong and so the nobles were nothing more than puppets. Some of the rumors on the street sounded like “the duties of the council are to do the dirty work for the Eye of Wisdom” etc. The Eye thought it wise to hand the administration to the council but then some opposition evolved between the two sides. 30 years ago the leading position at the Eye of Wisdom toppled and the Council used this chance to take hold of the scepter in Varanas.

The proportions of power were only put right after Yarandor took over the lead of the Eye of Wisdom, who denied direct orders of the council. But the position of the council had been fortified already and only through the relentless work of Yarandor was he able to gain a seat and the right to have a say in external issues.

But due to the strengthened position of the council, corruption erupted. Open and secret feuds erupted between the nobles with honor in their hearts and those that were open for more power and profit through any means necessary. During that time the chairman was the noble “Berol”. He stands for an independent position of the Guard of Varanas and a working city administration. The lasting question though remains: when will the inner conflicts explode?

Ailics Fellowship

Ailic once was a magician of the Eye of Wisdom who specialized in the field of studying “the Magic’s space”. He established the foundation for modern teleportation and is openly referred to as the father of teleportation.

The Eye of Wisdom actually wanted to offer him a leading position but when the messenger arrived at his room, he was already gone. The reason for this unannounced farewell is still unknown. One year after this incident, a group known as “Ailics Fellowship” came to exist, gathering people from most of the different heritages and races. According to them, they used to be only a gathering of defied and weak individuals without prospect of advancement. But suddenly a mage appeared who changed their destiny. He gave them knowledge and friendship as a gift and would later on lead them to an unknown place of bliss. This disciple of magic called himself Ailic and therefore this gathering of people was named “Ailics Fellowship”, whose goal it is to research any knowledge through their own power.

In the beginning people mistrusted them, but since they openly shared their spoils of work they slowly gained acceptance and the first aspirants began to join them. Today Ailics fellowship is one of the best research organizations of this world thanks to their vigilance and extraordinary teleportation magic. The members of Ailics Fellowship are usually the first to appear and start their research at mysterious places. There are many members of despised races among them, which holds a hope to a future that many do not understand.

The Vahtos Academy

The mage Vahtos serves the emperors’ domicile of Haidon and holds the title Archmage. According to the chronicles of the Eye of Wisdom, he was already a Grandmaster of this association 200 years ago. Some people say that he learned the art of stopping age and death. Others tell a story that Vahtos is an only a name which has been passed on through the centuries again and again.

Other rumors again speak of one Vahtos being a different one as the other Vahtos. But whichever of these rumors is true, the fact that Vahtos is the most powerful mage of all Kolydia does not change.
The Vahtos Academy is a group dedicated to magical research. The most prominent difference to the Eye of Wisdom lies in the fact that their magical research is being done for the emperor’s domicile. The biggest part of their work is being held secret. And their members are often used as arguments by the emperor during negotiations with other organizations. Often such communications are handled just like the Eye of Wisdom, who also research magic.

A little while ago, Prince Kendan of Haidon came to Candara and brought some novices from the Vahtos Academy with him to let them deal with certain assignments.

It is said that Prince Kendan may be chosen to be the next in line for the domicile if he gets some support.

The holy Circle

In accordance to the Kolydia central Belief, sacrifices are being made for the God of Light and Justice, because HE is seen as the one who brought humans Law and Order.

Therefore the Holy Ward postulates the absolute adherence of this rule for the whole world wherever Justice and Compassion exists. But the Holy Wards rules of faith are incredibly tough.

Aside from the emperor’s domicile, many humans interpret the belief as they see fit and seem to rather honor the god Narfas with their deeds.

Phirius Workshops

Phirius is a group of craftsmen on the continent of Kolydia, well known for their construction and crafting skills. Since the age of discovery it has grown very rapidly, and its people are often hired to work on projects for the many well known organizations. They were, for example, very much involved in the construction of Varanas and the Obsidian Stronghold.

The many famous personalities among Phirus’s ranks have contributed to its success, but of course none of this would have ever been possible without the great architectural and business skills of master Phirius. The master of Phirius has been interestingly named Phirius for over a hundred years, even the outstanding skills of the master have not changed. The organization explained it with the following: “The master of Phirius must have exceedingly great skills, and be prepared to bare this name.”

The mystery surrounding the master ensures that the name Phirius will continue to be talked about throughout the land.

What impresses ordinary people even more then the architecture, is their ability in diverse fields such as blacksmithing, carpentry, arms manufacturing, sewing, cooking, goldsmithing etc. This organization frequently ventures into dangerous places in order to collect rare materials. Therefore, all those in need of high quality weapons, armor or rare materials will be wise to visit Phirius, as anything that exists can be found here. How can Phirius supply so many diverse services? The official answer has been: “The organization is financially solid and has excellent techniques; therefore we are able to apply our skills to every conceivable trade. But construction will continue to be our most important business segment.”

Perhaps this is the case, as members in Candara have indicated that they are seeking the assistance of freelance adventurers to help them produce these products and rare specialties.

Zurhidon

“Zurhidon” means “book of the true names” in the ancient language. However, Zurhidon is also a secret organization dedicated to a relic known as “The Zurhidon Stone Tablet”, on which the names of the demons are arranged in a magical circle. In the round center of this relic the names of the thirteen demon kings are displayed, thus is called “Zurhidon Ring”.

Zurhidon has an inner circle of 13 leaders, which is also called “Zurhidon Ring”. There are rumors that a mysterious rune called “Enigma” exists, which nobody can decipher. The leaders of the organization say that all of their actions follow the signs of “Enigma”. Whether the name “Enigma” applies to a rune or an actual person is not entirely clear.

This group has long attracted the elite from other organizations, who seek knowledge and power. They have created alliances with evil races and have wiped out entire tribes in order to gain that which they desired. It is well understood that they will use any means necessary to get what they want.

Recently the Zurhidon have turned away from their discreet methods. There have been reports from all over about strange gatherings of masked men, of which some people observed and overheard their plans to infiltrate and destroy all other groups. Other rumors suggest that a few century old Zurhidon plan has reached its final stage and the world is on the verge of a catastrophe, the likes of which have never been seen.

With an extensive range of features Runes of Magic prepares to redefine the standard of free-to-play MMO games. Right from the launch Runes of Magic will convey its absorbing story in over 600 quests embedded in an atmospheric world. Players can choose from six main classes. Combined with a secondary class they dispose of 36 individual character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts in the later stages of game play. A particularly attractive feature for guilds and players is the possibility to arrange their own virtual homes with individual furnishing. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, thrilling PVP as well as demanding dungeons and boss-monsters, no wishes remain unsatisfied. The Taiwanese developer Runewaker has developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards within a time frame of three years. The studio will provide new challenges for players every three to four months with free add-ons and updates.

Features:

• Free2play, no monthly fees, free download
• Dual class system with switchable primary and secondary classes
• Enthralling background story
• Already over 600 quests and level comprehensive quest series on launch
• Instanced and persistent dungeons
• Individually developed skills and spells
• Armor sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system: Upgrades with hundreds of runes
• Activatable PvP system (Player vs. Player duels)
• Epic crafting system with the possibility to improve existing items
• Individual coloring of clothes and armor
• Housing: personalization with individual furniture for players and guilds
• Special zones for guild houses
• Reputation system
• Scalable user interface based on the users flavor (development of own add-ons possible)
• In-game map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
• Auction house: auction and purchase items
• Teleporting possibilities per runes
• Different and unique mounts
• Controlling with mouse (point & click) and keyboard (WASD or arrow keys) possible

MMO fans can find a registration form for the newsletter on the official teaser site.

The German version will come to light even before Christmas 2008, shortly there after an English version will be released.

Frogster Interactive Pictures AG strives to release both the European-English version and the American version at the same time. Concerning the US version Frogster currently looking for a qualified US-Publisher.

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