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Rift: Planes of Telara

Platform(s): PC
Genre: Online Multiplayer
Publisher: Ubisoft (EU), Trion Worlds (US)
Developer: Trion Worlds
Release Date: March 1, 2011 (US), March 4, 2011 (EU)

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'Rift: Planes of Telara' Shows Off Sanctum, Four New Classes - Screens & Trailer

by Rainier on Nov. 22, 2010 @ 2:07 p.m. PST

Rift: Planes of Telara is an online game set in a world being torn apart by dimensional "rifts" that tear into the land of Telara, releasing powerful forces that threaten the very existence of the entire universe.

Get the Rift: Planes of Telara Trailer off WP (15mb)

Rifts and other dynamic events can be triggered by players, scheduled by the development team, or even occur spontaneously. Dynamic events within the game can lead to a range of changes across the world, including everything from minor events to dramatic shifts in the game’s landscape and the opening of new areas. Players will connect with hundreds of thousands of other gamers to battle creatures overrunning the world, as well as each other.

Shaman

“I am the vengeance of the north. Mine is the fury of the storm, the bite of the icy peaks, and I will rain retribution on those who threaten our way of life.”

The Shaman binds the power of the icy north to his very being, wreathing himself in pure elemental force. This power augments a Shaman’s attacks, making him a powerful melee combatant, and provides shields and reactive healing. A Shaman strikes hard and fast like the fury of a winter storm. He can quickly close into melee and unleash powerful blows fueled by muscle and magic. Shamans lack other clerics’ abilities to bolster defenses and heal grievous wounds, so they fare poorly against foes with a strong defense of their own or who can keep the Shaman at bay.


Riftstalker

“I walk in the space between here and there, and slip through the seams in reality to deliver a most timely death upon my enemies.”

The Riftstalker is a defensive specialist who bends the planes to enhance his constitution and shift in and out of the physical dimension. These highly skilled and survivable combatants keep their opponents’ focus while easily evading incoming blows. A Riftstalker is an incredibly mobile fighter capable of shielding himself from harm and appearing in the ideal place and time in a fight. Harnessing planar energies places Riftstalkers under tremendous strain, so while formidable in short engagements, they quickly lose ground as they exhaust their bag of tricks.


Paragon

“Hone your mind, hone your blades, let nothing stand in your path to victory: this is the way of the Paragon.”

With a finely tuned mind and body, the Paragon wields two weapons to perfection, devastating his enemies. Paragons specialize in dealing consistent damage, and can also hit their enemies from range. Paragons suffer against healers who can outpace their steady damage output, and these methodical warriors tend to be weaker against opponents who specialize in burst damage.


Archon

“With me by your side, no force on Telara can stop us.”

Archons are support specialists who steal their opponents’ strength and convert that raw energy into beneficial magic. These mages bolster their allies and unleash potent kinetic blasts, quickly turning the tide of battle. Archons draw upon an enemy’s strength to empower their friends and unleash potent spells, helping their allies face down seemingly insurmountable odds. An Archon is weakest when caught between transfers. Having expended their own life force to gain access to their enemy’s, they must feed on the energy of others to regain strength. During this time a strategic assault can quickly overcome the Archon’s meager defenses.


Sanctum

A gift from the gods

Welcome, Guardian, to Sanctum. I am Cyril Kalmar. I see by your haste in reaching the Holy Seat that you are eager for new orders, another chance to strike at Telara’s enemies. But first, let me show you the city. Yes, personally. I am no king to sit a throne and detach myself from my fellow Guardians.

From this chamber, I command our efforts to retake Telara from the dragons, the rifts, and the Defiant. On my left stands Lady Shyla of the High Elves, Pentarch of the Vigil. At my right hand is Borrin Gammult, leader of the Dwarves and the master architect of Sanctum itself.

Shortly after the sundering of the Ward, when the first Guardians returned, Borrin received a vision of a divine city emerging from the sea. He came to the coast of Silverwood, and an island rose before his eyes, solid stone with high, sheer sides. As the Vigil gave us the site for a city, they have given us a chance to restore Telara. Always remember, the gods give the gift of opportunity; the triumph must be our own.


The Sanctum of the Vigil

The city takes its name from this domed basilica, the Sanctum of the Vigil. Dominating the Sanctum is the Covenant of the Guardians. So long as we keep to the will of the gods, this ward of graven sourcestone will protect Sanctum from the dragons.

If you yearn to strike at the Defiant, seek out the Order of the Temple on the ground floor, and they will happily send you into battle. Across from the Order, the Harmonious Crusade’s priests summon riftspawn—not to bargain like Defiant heretics, but to interrogate the monsters for the next spot the rifts will appear. You will grow in the Crusade’s esteem with every rift you close.

On the mezzanine above, trainers stand ready to help you commune with every soul you meet on your journeys. The Consecrators make their headquarters here, agents of the Guardians who track cultists to their hideouts and monsters to their lairs. They will send you where Telara’s enemies hide even from the gods. Slay these monsters in the darkness or cast them into the light, but at all costs end their vile existence.

On the day the Ward cracked, my companions and I faced horror I do not care to describe, and the struggle forged us into an unbreakable fellowship. So will the Council of Cardinals send you and your guild into terrible danger, and you will emerge unified and unstoppable, a force to make our enemies tremble.

Consecrated to their purpose

Come out into the open air and look upon the bridge connecting Sanctum to Silverwood. Pilgrims cross daily to worship at our shrines of the Vigil. Mighty Rhamm Dragonbane patrols the bridge, for this is his foretold destiny. He is fortunate; most Guardians will struggle to find just what fate they were resurrected to fulfill.

We’ve ringed the central dome with a broad boulevard, split into districts dedicated to each of the gods. Between the bridge and the Sanctum of the Vigil is Tavril’s Plaza, a garden of tranquility tended by druids, where bards sing and the dome looms majestic.

On our left is the market of Thontic’s Row, where you’ll do your banking and auction the spoils from your adventures, but I thought we would turn right. I have something to show you.
Breathe in the smoke from Bahralt Street. Master craftsmen please the God of Cities and Civilization, forging wonders. No doubt you will put their labors to good use, much to the woe of riftspawn everywhere.

Notice how the bards’ gazebo has a clear view of Thedeor’s Circle, where Guardians come to spar, and you’ll realize why so many of our songs are about epic duels. Here, you will hone yourself into a divine weapon. Ah, if only I had time for a brief sparring match. Maybe another time. And I promise not to insult you by holding back.

At last, what I wanted to show you: Mariel-Taun’s Village. In the name of the Goddess of the Heart, we have built this home for Sanctum’s mortal residents. Here, those faithful to the Vigil run shops and offer services you will find invaluable in your journeys.

This is the most important part of Sanctum, my friend. A living reminder that though we Guardians are chosen by the Vigil, this is what the gods brought us back to create: a place of peace and joy in the shadow of divine grandeur.


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