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Here's a nice little press-release for you folks. :)




The wait is almost over for the year's biggest massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, Aion.

Today, NCsoft, the world's premier publisher and developer of MMOs, confirmed that Aion has been released to manufacturing. Aion is the highly anticipated game that has already taken Asia by storm and has quickly become one of the world's largest MMO franchises ahead of its release in North America on September 22nd.

In advance of the game's launch, Aion will be showcased at both GamesCom 2009 in Cologne, Germany, as well as the Penny Arcade Expo 2009 in Seattle, Washington. Both events will feature exclusive hands-on access to the 1.5 version of the game, which has yet to be unveiled to Western audiences. This version of the game introduces numerous enhancements, including continued improvements to Aion's innovative character customization that will now include a host of Western styles, as well as new zones, instances, skills, quests and continued game balancing and improvements.

Aion has already built major momentum among gamers across Europe and North America, with more than three million hours of gameplay logged in the game's closed best testing alone. Additionally, the Limited Collector's Edition version of the game is nearly sold out in retailers, and Aion is currently on the best-seller lists for PC games weeks ahead of the game's launch. Aion is available for pre-order from several participating online and brick-and-mortar retailers, including Aiononline.com, Amazon, Best Buy, EB Games Canada, Fry's Electronics, GameStop, Steam and Target.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape - it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customization systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

For more information about Aion go to http://www.aiononline.com.

About NCsoft
NCsoft, headquartered in Seoul, Korea, is the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games, including the critically acclaimed Lineage®, Guild Wars®, and City of Heroes® franchises. NCsoft West is a division of NCsoft that holds operating responsibilities for North America, Europe, South America, and Australia/New Zealand. More information can be found at http://us.ncsoft.com.

Have fun :eek:
Source

Its only a couple hours until CBT6 kicks off (depending on when you're reading this of course)!
Take a minute to refresh yourself on the CBT6 Updates.



The Closed beta experience of Aion is drawing to a close and the community team is working to make sure it goes out with a bang.

Story-Driven events are scheduled to take place over the course of this weekend and AionSource wants to see you participating in them! Take a minute before beta starts to ensure your fraps (or equivalent video capture program) is working and record the action! Once these events and beta come to a close, we will be featuring videos from you guys in a news post so that even those who couldn't participate in beta can get a grasp for what the game and community team has in store for us at launch.

If you aren't able to capture video, a few epic screenshots could be considered as well. Use your own descresion as to whether F12 (remove UI) is necessary for them or not. ;)

Being Story-Driven, there's a good chance you're going to come across the Balaur this weekend, so show those scalies who runs Atriea and document your proof. Screenshots or it didn't happen, amirite? ;)

I hope you all have a great time this weekend. Enjoy the last few moments with your CBT character, PvP it up, Participate in all the events, and overall enjoy yourself.






Also remember that AionArmory and our Guides Section are at your service this weekend for all your CBT6 needs. Check them out and contribute to them if you find something that may help others. :)

From Ayase's Realm

There is much work involved in preparing for an event, especially for one of gamescom's impressive magnitude (August 19th-23rd). Our highly secured laboratory facilities, located in nuclear weapon proof bunkers deep under the snowy cascades of Antarctica, are running on full speed with theorization, experiments and live simulations in order to ensure a smooth ride at next week's premiere of gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

One of the stages in our long line of intricate procedures is a simulation given the alias 'gamescom Live Emulation' where 1:48 scale models are produced of each and every item expected to make a presence at the real exhibition show floor. While most parts for obvious reasons are confidential, we have been granted clearance to show you an early realistic miniature model of our Aion booth.






A few things are still to be added, including real PC hardware, keyboards and mice for the 32 Aion game stations where visitors will be able to try the game out. We also decided to have the paper monitors replaced by real monitors, after discovering that it's difficult to feed a video signal to cardboard. The seven slightly suspicious plastic humans will be substituted by real humans (by an impressive factor), amounting to incredible numbers that would bring great shame even to a shugo banking empire.

The stage, which constitutes our booth's core, is sure to be a point of constant sizzling activity and swag giveaways. If you remember Games Convention in Leipzig 2008, you can probably imagine the dense crowds that form up. It's going to be loud, intense and incredibly cool. I will do my best to convey all this back to your monitors at home.

Going to gamescom are, among many others, Brian "Xaen" Knox (Producer), Lani "Liv" Blazier (Associate Producer), Martin "Amboss" Rabl (Community Manager) and I, Sebastian "Ayase" Streiffert (Community Manager). I am currently playing back German children's stories loudly from my cassette player during nighttime, to pick up the more sublime details of the language. I am also stocking up on succulent Currywurst during the days in order to adapt to the world renowned German cuisine.

We will remain vigilant and keep you posted on our progress with both the Aion booth and gamescom as we go, so stick around!








Lookin' good guys! Stop by and visit them if you're in Germany or just feel like taking a trip. ;)

Hey everyone-

After reading through the replies to this post, I decided to scour the web a bit and post a big lore re-cap for everyone since we're only a day away from the last closed beta. We've been told that there will be story-driven events during the last closed beta so why not brush up on the story we already know?

First of all, I found that TenTonHammer posted a great lore re-cap already, so rather than writing it all myself, I'm going to borrow that from them. In addition, I've added the 3 Origins videos, new opening cinematic, and the Elyos/Asmodian opening cutscenes, the Book of the Elyos, the Book of the Asmodians, and our trusty old translated guide to the 12 Empyrean Lords. *phew*

TL;DR users beware, this is a LONG post.



From www.TenTonHammer.com

Most gamers who have an interest in Aion know the basics--Aion is a game that pits angel-like beings against demon-like beings in a post-cataclysmic fantasy realm. But a deeper understanding of the game world you're about to inhabit can lead to a richer experience, especially in a game with lore as compelling as Aion's. We've prepared a summary that wraps everything you need to know about Aion into a tidy nutshell.

But before we go anywhere, let's clear up one simple issue that plagues many a gamer trying to talk about the game with friends face-to-face: how the heck do you say "Aion?" Our good friends at NCSoft tell us that it is pronounced EYE-ahn. We'll give you other pronunciation clues as we lead you through the story of Aion. Let's proceed.

You Are HERE: The Lore Behind Key Locations in Aion

Where in the world are you when you begin your journey in Aion, and what's the story behind the landscape? The first thing you should know is that the game's name does not refer to the virtual world you've entered--Aion is not a place; Aion is the deity who created the place. With that in mind, let's get to know some important locales.

Atreia (Uh-TRAY-uh) is a hollow world created by the god, Aion. Atreia's two halves were connected by The Tower of Eternity, a massive structure embued with Aether, Aion's life essence. During a great battle (more on this later), the Tower was destroyed, breaking the connection that held Atreia together, and causing the world to shatter. The event became known as The Great Cataclysm.

Atreia divided into two parts during the Cataclysm. The lower half of the world became known as Elysea (El-LIH-see-ya), a lush paradise touched by the sun's light. The area above, which became known as Asmodae (Az-moh-DAY), wasn't nearly as fortunate--the cruel landscape is without sun, and without mercy. The human inhabitants of Elysea became the angel-like Elyos (EL-ee-yohs). The survivors in Asmodae evolved differently, and became the demon-like Asmodians (Az-MOH-dee-anz). Neither race is innately good or evil, but they do have vastly different opinions and perspectives.

Between the two halves of the shattered planet of Atreia lies The Abyss, the hellish rift that separates Elysea and Asmodae. A harsh place, The Abyss is a contested area made up of the shattered pieces of the planet. The Abyss is available for exploration only after level 25. Not surprisingly, The Abyss is Aion's PvP realm.

What's Going On Here? - The Story of Atreia

When Aion created Atreia and the humans who would inhabit it, he also put in place fearsome and powerful guardians known as Drakan. As the Drakan grew in number, they became confident and defiant, as well as more organized and filled with a desire for power. Ancient lore suggests that the Drakan discovered a source of power from beyond Atreia, and five of them rose to positions of dominion over the others. These five, called the Dragon Lords, renamed themselves and their kind the Balaur (Bah-LURE). The Balaur, having grown so much in power and ability that they appeared as a new species, set about systematically extinguishing life on Atreia. Eventually, when he denied them the same powers he possessed, they turned on Aion and threatened to destroy the Tower of Eternity.

Seeing his creation threatened, and the humans fighting bravely yet still unable to adequately defend themselves against the Balaur onslaught, Aion gathered 12 of the most loyal humans and embued them with his life force, Aether, transforming them into beings known as the Empyrean Lords. Aion charged the Empyrean Lords with bringing down the Balaur and restoring peace to Atreia.

Aion placed an Aetheric Field around the Tower of Eternity. Since the Balaur drew power from a source beyond Atreia, the Aether was like their Kryptonite. Within the small Field, the humans were able to restore some semblance of normalcy to their lives. Everything beyond the Field burned and the Millennium War, so named because it continued for over 1000 years, raged. The Empyrean Lords continued to hold off the Balaur, who were strong enough to retain control.

During that time period, some humans realized an innate ability to harness the power of Aether. Those whounlocked special abilities and grew in power became known as Daevas (DAY-vuhz)--immortal demigods who proved important forces in the Millennium War. The transformation of a human to a Daeva is known as Ascension.Daevas are capable of flight on large, angelic wings. (If you haven't guessed it already, your character in Aion--whether Elyos or Asmodian--will recognize his power as a Daeva.)

Two of the 12 Empyrean Lords served as guardians of the Tower of Eternity--Lord Israphel and Lady Siel. Lord Israphel came to the conclusion that a peace negotiation with the Balaur was the only way to end the Millennium War. He believed that the mission of the Empyrean Lords was not to defeat the Balaur, but to protect Aion. Among the Empyrean Lords, Lord Azphel vehemently opposed the peace, while Lady Ariel firmly supported it. The proposition of a peace treaty caused division between not only the Empyrean Lords but the Daevas, who fell in line behind either Lord Azphel in opposition of the treaty, or Lord Israphel and Lady Ariel in support of it.

During a fateful meeting of the Empyrean Lords, Lady Siel finally sided with Lord Israphel in support of the peace treaty. As guardians of the Tower of Eternity, Israphel and Siel had authority over the other Empyrean Lords. The treaty with the Balaur was to commence.

Before long, the peace conference between the Empyrean Lords and the Balaur began. The Aetheric Field was lowered to permit the Dragon Lords into the Tower of Eternity. But, of course, things would not go smoothly (do they ever?). Those opposed to peace assassinated one of the Dragon Lords, and chaos erupted. Furious, the Balaur attacked, and in the confusion and carnage the guardians of the Tower, Israphel and Siel, failed to raise the Aetheric Field in defense. The Tower was splintered in the attack.

Lord Israphel directed Lord Azphel and his legions toward the northern base of the Tower, while Lady Siel and Lady Ariel took theirs to the south. Both sides worked to hold the Tower, but they were not successful and the tower was shattered. Lord Israphel and Lady Siel sacrificed their lives in the battle, draining their bodies of Aether long enough to shore up the Aetheric Field and get their people to safety. Even so, millions died in the event which became known as The Great Cataclysm. Atreia was divided into two halves--the half to the north (the upper half) was plunged into darkness, while the half to the south remained lit by a nearby star.

The five Empyrean Lords who had been sent to protect the north were renamed The Shedim Lords. The survivors regrouped, and their struggle to adapt to their new surroundings began. Over hundreds of years, they evolved to adjust to the darkness--their skin grew paler, and their bodies grew hardier and more cold resistant, while their feet turned to claws to withstand the harsh terrain, and their hands to talons to survive the hostile environment. Their land became Asmodae, and their people Asmodians.

Those in the southern half of Atreia were more fortunate. With a star to light their world, their land became abundant and their people vigorous and beautiful. The five Empyrean Lords who remained in the south were renamed Seraphim Lords. The land became Elysea, and its people Elyos. The Elyos believed that they were blessed as Aion's chosen.

Neither of the separated worlds knew of the other's existence until a mysterious phenomenon opened portals around Elysea, and a band of Elyos Daevas ventured into them to discover Asmodae and the Asmodians. The Asmodians demanded that the Elyos accept blame for the Cataclysm and renounce their foolish leaders. The proud Elyos refused, and violence erupted, with both sides suffering losses.

Both the Elyos and the Asmodians learned that their worlds were bleeding Aether into the void between the two shattered stumps of The Tower of Eternity--a forbidding world filled with floating rock platforms and, to both sides' horror, Balaur. The expanse between the Elysea and Asmodae became known as The Abyss. The divided races came to believe that The Abyss was absorbing Aether because of a resonance between the two remaining shards of the tower--Asmodae and Elysea. Each side determined that the only means to preserve their own world was to end this resonance by destroying the other world and its inhabitants, thus closing The Abyss forever.

Different Perceptions: The Asmodians and the Elyos

Although the Asmodians evolved to look much different and perhaps more sinister than their Elyos kin, they're not innately evil. Who's right and who's wrong is a matter of perception. Let's take a closer look:

Through the Eyes of the Asmodians

If you've rolled an Asmodian character, you've awakened in a cruel, cold, dark world illuminated by phosphorescent plants and inhabited by strange creatures that evolved to live in a hostile environment. You've evolved for the same purpose yourself. You have pale skin, and eyes that glow fiercely during combat, enabling you to see better. Your feet and hands have turned to claws. You have a mane.

Before the Cataclysm, you saw the Balaur systematically and ruthlessly destroying everything before them. Your people fought fiercely for their destruction for over 1000 years. You and your leaders were strongly opposed to the proposed peace treaty with the Balaur. How could anyone seek peace with beings who had destroyed lands and loved ones? You believe that those who sought peace lacked courage and resolve. Had they not engaged in a peace treaty, and invited the Dragon Lords into the Tower, the two worlds would never have shattered.

Hundreds of years after the Cataclysm, you view the Elyos as smug and arrogant. They are to blame for the destruction of The Tower of Eternity, and for the harsh reality of your own existence. Only their destruction, and the destruction of Elysea itself, will preserve your dying world.

Through the Eyes of the Elyos

If you've rolled an Elyos character, you've found yourself in a lush environment full of beauty. The sun shines on your world, and although it's not without its trials, your land is filled with abundance. You are one of a race of beautiful and robust people. Clearly, your people are the chosen of Aion, and this knowledge fills you with pride.

Before the Cataclysm, your leaders saw that the Millennium War looked to be a war without end. They came to believe, as you did along with them, that their goal was not to annihilate the Balaur, but to preserve and defend their god, Aion. You knew that victory against the Balaur might not be possible, and that even if it was, the cost of that victory was too high. The only solution you saw was to negotiate peace between your people and the Balaur. Had Lord Azphel and his cohorts not disrupted the peace negotiations and slain one of the Dragon Lords, the conflict between your people and the Balaur would have ended, the Tower would have held strong, and the two worlds would never have shattered.

Hundreds of years after the Cataclysm, you view the Asmodians as hateful, vainglorious warmongers. They are to blame for the destruction of the Tower of Eternity, and they are clearly a lesser people, deformed and twisted by their own rage. Only their destruction, and the destruction of Asmodae itself, will preserve your dying world.

A World Divided

Are the Elyos really arrogant elitists? Are the Asmodians really vicious warmongers? The answers aren't clear cut, and that's what's so intriguing about Aion's lore. At its heart, Aion is about a fundamental misunderstanding of the true nature of those people you once called brothers, and now view as others. It's a story of how righteousness, rage, indignation and disdain have torn a world, quite literally, in two. Which side will resonate with you? And, even if you're not a roleplayer, how will it enhance your gaming experience? Those are questions you'll have to answer as you discover Atreia for yourself.




Origins
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJB_lJcVzKc&fmt=18"]YouTube - Aion ENU - Origins (english)[/ame]


Asmodian Origins
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFecDXIkHJU&fmt=18"]YouTube - Aion KOR - Asmodian Origins (with ENG subs)[/ame]


Elyos Origins
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVWQTSD2SeE&fmt=18"]YouTube - Aion KOR - Elyos Origins (with ENG subs)[/ame]


Opening Cinematic
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwciMQ3xjbk&fmt=18"]YouTube - Aion Intro Cinematic HQ[/ame]


Asmodian Prologue Cutscene
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrAqPe3oPE8&fmt=18"]YouTube - Asmodian Prologue[/ame]


Elyos Prologue Cutscene
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3dx-0lZsEE&fmt=18"]YouTube - Elyos Prologue[/ame]




The Book of the Elyos

The Book of the Asmodians





The Empyrean Lords

*Some of these names and genders are slightly outdated due to localization
http://www.aionsourc...=1&d=1224210170



There you have it. Everything you ever wanted to know about Aion Lore (thus far). Now you can make your own decisions as to who is right and wrong in the conflict and choose your allegience appropriately.