The Ancient Monk, Brynstan Cleric and Vanator Hunstman are but a few examples of the armada of new, compelling, and completely unique characters now available exclusively for players of The Continuum.

"With these new characters comes a multitude of new strategic options," says Tim Harris, CEO of Seven Lights. "Nothing guarantees victory in The Continuum, but one thing is guaranteed: When you head into battle, you want these characters on your side. Some of them will (mess) you up."

Each character offers a wide array of proprietary skills, ranging from shapeshifting to incineration to cheating death.

What makes this expansion of The Continuum even more compelling is the fact that the inspiration for one of the new characters came directly from a Continuum player. "The developers devote a large amount of time to sounding out the playerbase, and responding to those ideas," says Alyxe, who provided the inspiration for the Ancient Monk. "(The Continuum) has a wonderful element of story ... and enables such a broad mix of ideas."

Says The Continuum's co-creator Mike McCarthy, "When we throw down the gauntlet and say that there is simply no online game in the world that is more user-influenced than The Continuum, we know we have to back it up. So when we invite players to provide input, and then ensure that the input becomes part of the evolution and expansion of The Continuum ... that's exciting for both the players as well as the developers."

This latest expansion to The Continuum, titled Beginning's End, also coincides with the unfurling of a new player map, Mahryen Causeways, which comes with its own series of opportunities and challenges.