Welcome to Warhammer Online's April newsletter! Call to Arms, WAR's first 'live expansion,' is underway and the Beyond the Sands live event is here! We've completed the Bitter Rivals live event, and WAR's newest careers, the Orc Choppa and Dwarf Slayer, are now live. On top of all of that, we've still got another live event to go, leading up to the unveiling of the Land of the Dead, a massive new Tomb Kings dungeon zone!

Read on for details of these stories and more as the battle rages on in Issue 42 of the WAR newsletter!

In This Newsletter...

WAR Patch 1.2.1 is Here!

We are pleased and excited to introduce some great new systems that will make the battle between the realms more profitable than ever before!

The new keep upgrade system allows guilds to improve their claimed keeps and both protect them better, and get more out of them. We've improved the rewards for zone capture and control so that players will benefit more fully from the variety of activities that contribute to zone conquest. The new update also sees some major improvements to game's UI, including lots of bug fixes, improved functionality and a facelift for the guild window and group window. Ongoing improvements to the accuracy of spell casting times and UI feedback, as well as more fluid and polished animations and transitions will ensure that WAR's gameplay is smoother and more responsive than it's ever been.

These are just few of the great new features and enhancements that we're excited to bring you in update 1.2.1. For a full list of the highlights and patch notes, read on! Just don't wait too long - your realm-mates and enemies will no doubt be drawing up their plans and rushing out to the battlefield to take advantage of the great new rewards that are waiting for them! In update 1.2.1, fortune awaits the bold!

Highlights:

• Keep Upgrade System – Own a Keep? Want to keep it?  Want to get more out of it?  Then the new Keep Upgrade system is perfect for you!  Guilds that own a Keep can now purchase upgrades to bolster their hold's utility and defenses in a variety of ways.

• Combat Responsiveness Improvements – We are always working to improve the overall responsiveness of our game client and server. With version 1.2.1 players will see some significant improvements to casting times, spell cast UI accuracy, and animation and visual effect performance!

• UI Improvements – We are pleased to announce several improvements and enhancements to the game's User Interface! The Guild Window has received a major facelift and several functional improvements, and the User Settings window has been divided into tabs for convenience and clarity.

• RvR Quartermaster System – The RvR Quartermaster system is the next step in our ongoing improvements to RvR and City Siege itemization and rewards! This system introduces a more reliable way of earning RvR rewards by allowing players to earn special medallions and crests for participating in all types of RvR and City Siege activities.

• Upgrade Your Assault with Ordnance – We are pleased to introduce a new resource to RvR that players can trade in for deadly assault upgrades!  Scattered throughout the RvR lakes and acquired from killing players, Ordnance is collected and traded in for various items and weapons to use in open-field RvR!
  

• New Guild Recruitment Options – Guilds can now set up a "profile" for their guild using the “Recruitment” tab in the Guild Window. Settings for type of guild, careers, and ranks being recruited, as well as guild "recruiters" can be set in the Recruitment tab.

• Character Profiles – Introducing the new character profile system, which gives you complete control over the way you play your characters! Each character will now have its own Interface Profile. This will allow customization of addons and UI layout on an individual-character basis.
  

• The Battle for the Gates of Ekrund Expands! – The massive Gates of Ekrund are all that stand between the Dwarf-held mines at Ekrund and the greenskin-infested domain of Mount Bloodhorn. The battles fought for control of this ancient structure have been among the most bitter in the Age of Reckoning, and now both sides are calling for additional reinforcements.

Check the WAR Herald
for full patch notes on 1.2.1!

A slow trickle of questionable artifacts has begun to surface on the warfront as initial expeditions return from the southern sands. Uncertain as to why, the forces of Order are nevertheless determined to thwart the plans of their enemies by securing these powerful items for themselves.

But the forces of Destruction have done more than simply pilfer the silent barrows of a forgotten empire; they have awoken the servants of the undying kings, and now the indomitable will of the Tomb Kings are fixed beyond their borders once again.

Liche Priests have followed the artifact trail north through Dwarf and greenskin lands, determined to recover the stolen possessions of their masters at all costs

Unencumbered by the mundane need to eat or sleep, these tireless undead spell casters have found the battlefields of the Old World to be excellent "recruiting" grounds as they call forth skeletal armies to overwhelm both Order and Destruction forces.

Beyond the Sands is the second chapter in the Call to Arms! event story arc leading up to the release of the Land of the Dead dungeon later this year. Beyond the Sands will pit players against each other as both factions compete to secure artifacts of the Nehekharan Kings and subdue their Liche Priests.

Players who complete all of the event tasks will receive an exclusive title "Grave Robber" as well as Aviator Goggles, a helm item with special properties.

Read more about Beyond the Sands >>

Unable to prevent the initial desecration of the Land of the Dead, the forces of Order now take action to prevent Tchar'zanek's army from achieving their goals there. Both sides are now locked in a race to Nehekhara—a race that will be won by the first side to successfully realize a faster, more secure method of transport: air travel.

All eyes turn to the capital cities where airship construction is underway, for if the airships do not launch, the battle for the Land of the Dead will be over before it could begin. The awesome forces of both armies now scramble to secure badly needed resources, eliciting a bloodbath the likes of which neither side could ever imagine.

Rise of the Tomb Kings is the third and final chapter in the Call to Arms! event story arc leading up to the release of the Land of the Dead dungeon this June. Rise of the Tomb Kings will pit the forces of Order and Destruction against each other in a resource-race to gain access to the Land of the Dead. The successful faction on each server will receive premier access to the dungeon a full day earlier than anyone else on the same server.

Though the primary reward for participation in this event is the chance to gain early access to the Tomb Kings dungeon, players who complete all ten Tome challenges will receive an exclusive title: "Sky Captain" for Order, and "Master of the Air" for Destruction. Some brave adventurers may even receive the Ravening Cloak, an ultra rare-drop item reward.

Read more about Rise of the Tomb Kings >>

ACCESSING THE LAND OF THE DEAD

Both realms endeavor to have an active expedition to the Land of the Dead. The means of transport to the hostile desert wasteland are Airships. Airship expeditions are costly affairs which require resources. Only one realm will control the necessary supply lines to support the expedition, and so only one realm's flight masters will allow flight to the Land of the Dead at any one time.

Both realm's Expedition Resources are tracked on the in-game map and in the HUD. These meters grow with every Tier 4 zone control won, and every player killed in open RvR. Once a realm fills its Expedition Resource meter it will gain control of the Land of the Dead. Its Airship Flight Masters will become active, while the other realm's will become inactive. On transfer of control, the Expedition Resource gathering pauses for 30 minutes, giving the newly winning realm unfettered access for that duration. After that the winning realm will continue to have access but their resource meter will reset, while the losing realm's meter continues where they left off.

While only one realm can zone in and respawn in the Land of the Dead at any given time, this does not mean the opposing realm's players won't still be lurking about in Zandri. The only thing that will cast these enemy players out of the zone is respawning after dying.

"So that's how it started for me, killin' greenies and goin' through their grimy pockets lookin' for bits of this or that. It got so that I was bringin' in sacks of goods, and they got to know me by name. 'Florinson,' they'd say. 'Don't ya have a wife? A family? Take a break, why don't ya?' Ain't no time to take breaks, I'd tell 'em. Not while the greenies and the mutants and those dirty Dark Elves is breathin' down our necks.

Read more about the Necropolis of Zadri >>

In a special podcast this month, Gabe Amatangelo and Jeff Skalski continue to cover the Land of the Dead. This time, the Necropolis of Zandri. Watch at your own risk....

Watch the Podcast >>

Exclusive New Mounts - Recruit Friends and Earn the Ultimate Status Symbol!

The WAR Recruit-a-Friend program has rewards sweeter then ever. Recruit six subscribers and you earn this ultimate reward for your tireless efforts to bolster the ranks – the first new mounts to WAR.

Enslaved Manticore	Imperial Griffon

Recruit-A-Friend Details

The Realm War continues to rage and the armies of Order and Destruction are always on the lookout for new recruits. Do you know a brave warrior that could bolster the ranks? You could earn 30 days of game time and exclusive in-game rewards when you recruit family and friends to join the battle in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning!!

Here’s how it works:

1. Invite Friends and Family - Send an invite to the family and friends from the Account Center.
2. Earn Rewards - When your recruits becoming paying subscribers, you'll be rewarded with 30 days of game time, plus other exciting in-game rewards.

Log into the Account Center for more details and begin recruiting today!

Recruit-A-Friend Rewards

Free Game Time - For every recruit that becomes a paying subscriber, your account will be credited with 30 days of game time.

Loyal Pet - Recruit two subscribers, and your King will present you with a loyal pet from his own kennels to join you on your journeys.

Warlord’s Fell Hound	Imperial Hunting Hound

In-Game Item - Recruit four subscribers, and you will receive a rare magic item to aid in your training of new troops for the war effort.

	The Rod of Service This gift from Karl Franz himself grants a 5% bonus to group experience and renown. In addition, it grant the wielder the power of Apprenticeship, allowing him to temporarily raise a realm-mate’s level to within two of his own.
	The Collar of Servitude This gift from Tchar’zanek himself grants a 5% bonus to group experience and renown. In addition, it grant the wielder the power of Indenture, allowing him to temporarily raise a realm-mate’s level to within two of his own.

Exclusive New Mount - Recruit six subscribers and you earn this ultimate reward for your tireless efforts to bolster the ranks.

Enslaved Manticore	Imperial Griffon

*The Chaos Magus will receive a special disk from the Changer of Ways for his recruiting efforts.

For more program details, visit www.warhammeronline.com/recruit.

The Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning team will be attending the Baltimore Games Day on May 9, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Come experience new Tomb Kings content before anyone else, get exclusive in-game items, and possibly even score some great prizes!

We'll also be giving away this awesome new Empire Cherub shirt, exclusively available at WAR events, so make sure to stop by the booth. Supplies are limited to come early!

If you missed New York Comic Con, make sure to stop by games day to grab your exclusive Choppa and Slayer customization options, along with an exclusive White Dwarf beard and the Shroud of Imrathepis, only available at Games Day!

In Game Items at Games Day

	White Dwarf Beard - Exclusive White Dwarf Beard Customization option for Dwarfs - If ye ever see a Dwarf whose beard has gone as white as a snowy peak, then that's who ye better be fightin' next to. Any dwarf who's seen enough to whiten his beard is a Dwarf that can teach ye about stayin' alive.
	Shroud of Imrathepis - Linens taken from the burial shroud of Prince Imrathepis. Those who wrap the burial shroud about their body are protected from harm regenerating minor wounds and injuries.
	Chompin Teef - Exclusive Steel Jaw Customization option for Orc Choppas - Da best teef! CHOMP!
	Snorri's Spikes - Exclusive Spike Mohawk Customization option for Dwarf Slayers - Brightly orange painted gromril spikes, said to be the same spikes that were driven into the skull of the famous Slayer Snorri Nosebiter!

Read More about Games Day Baltimore >>

May 2nd is Free Comic Book Day at Comic Book Stores Across North America!

WARHAMMER ONLINE: PRELUDE TO WAR Get the first chapter of the WAR graphic novel – THE HILL OF THE DEAD – free on May 2nd, Free Comic Book Day, at a comic book store near you. Click for a preview of THE HILL OF THE DEAD!

The forces of Order and Destruction collide under the Chaos moon! The first of six chapters commissioned exclusively for the Warhammer Online Collector’s Edition, THE HILL OF THE DEAD was written by acclaimed Games Workshop writer Graham McNeill and richly illustrated by Rahsan Ekedal. Each of the graphic novel’s six chapters tells a unique story about the armies in the game, and together they detail the events leading up to the Age of Reckoning.

For more information about Free Comic Book Day and to find a participating comic book store near you, visit http://www.freecomicbookday.com/.

The full version of Warhammer Online: Prelude to WAR is also available at the Mythic Store in limited quantities!

NEW AT THE MYTHIC STORE: Massive Pairings Poster – Warrior Priest And Chosen

Measuring a massive 39”x56”, this over-sized poster featuring the Empire Warrior Priest and Chaos Chosen is a veritable wall of WAR! This special offering is available in very limited quantities, so order now and receive an in-game item code for a Skaven Skin Cloak while supplies last!!*

WAR IS HERE! ARE YOU PROPERLY DRESSED?

Now you can show the world that you are ready for WAR with exclusive merchandise available only at the Mythic Store.* Supplies are limited so order now and start your WAR collection today!

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER!
GRAPHIC NOVEL AND ART BOOK AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITIES!

THE ART OF WARHAMMER ONLINE art book and WARHAMMER ONLINE: PRELUDE TO WAR graphic novel, previously available only in the WAR Collector's Edition, are now available at the Mythic Store in extremely limited quantities. Get one while you still can! Visit the Mythic Store before they are gone.

Purchases of either the WAR artbook or graphic novel will include a card with an in-game item code for a Skaven Skin Cloak while supplies last!!*

Visit the Mythic Store!

* Offer valid for North American residents only

Scared of Commitment? Now You Can Give WAR a Try Before You Buy!

Tell your friends, a new WAR 10-Day FREE Trial is now available. The new WAR 10-Day Free Trial includes all six Tier 1 zones and Scenarios, as well as the massive Capital Cities. Trial players have access to all careers in the game and can participate in our upcoming Live Events. If you have been waiting to try WAR, there is no better time! Visit the WAR free trial page for offer details.

Join Creative Director, Paul Barnett, and his trusty video phone for a truly unique look at the ongoing development of WAR. This month, more fun with Paul in Korea.

View the Video Blog >>

Troll Slayer!	Where's My Squig?	Warrior Priestess	Blin and the Dominus Letum Legion
by Kleam	by W. Lim	by E. Clark	by S. Villa

Earn a Skaven Skin Cloak!

Feeling creative? We know we have some talented fans out there and now is the time for you to demonstrate your skills. Send us your WAR-inspired art and we’ll showcase the best submissions in upcoming newsletters. Plus, featured artists will receive a code for a Skaven Skin Cloak!

Visit the Fan Art Gallery >>

Submit your artwork >>

The Herald is the place to go for the most up-to-date news regarding your favorite game and ours – Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning! Our Community Team works hard to keep the community informed of the latest updates, patch notes, news, and more. Here’s some news from April that you may have missed:

Squig Herder Feature Article >>

Game First: Karl Franz Defeated! >>

Grab Bag No. 13 >>

Keep Upgrade System Preview >>

Grimnir's Paradox: Chapter 3 >>

The NPC Races of WAR - Ogres >>

Dev Diary - The Land of the Dead >>

Patch 1.2.1 Has Arrived! >>

This month, decorate your desktop with more images of WAR.

Account Center

Customer Support

Server Status

Realm War

Beyond the Sands
April 20 - April 27

Rise of the Tomb Kings
Late May

Baltimore Games Day
May 9

Toronto Games Day
Jun. 20

San Diego Comic Con
Jul. 22 - 26

Chicago Games Day
Jul. 25

Official Game Site

Games Workshop's
Warhammer.com

Black Library

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Each month we’ll be shining the spotlight on WAR fan sites that exemplify what we consider to be the best in WAR community spirit.

This month, we’d like to introduce you to two of the WAR community’s best-known blog sites, Book of Grudges and Tome of Knowledge.

On Book of Grudges, one of the longest-standing WAR fansites around, authors arbitrary, Hawley, and Spinks, three lovely MMO-playin’ ladies from WAR’s Burlok European RP server, talk about their many adventures in, and impressions of, WAR.

Also a true WAR fansite veteran, Greg Moran’s Tome of Knowledge is chock full of great information, candid discussion about WAR, and of course, his beloved Warhammer Online webcomic.

Both of these blogs are updated very regularly, so be sure to drop in, see what they’ve got to say today, and leave them a hearty WAAAGH!

Download the WAR Fan Site kit.

Now you can join hundreds of thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of WAR for 30 or 60 days of relentless RvR combat without the use of a credit card.

60-day Game Time cards are currently available at Gamestop and Amazon. Collect all eight in the limited-run set.

30-day Game Time cards are available at Wal-Mart.

For instructions to redeem a prepaid Game Time card
click here

Mythic Entertainment and The Black Library are excited to announce that DARK STORM GATHERING, the second book in the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning novel series, is now available

Dark Storm Gathering is available in all major bookstores and from the Black Library website. For more information, visit The Black Library at www.blacklibrary.com.