EA and Black Library Publishing Announce DARK STORM GATHERING, an Original Novel Based on Hit MMORPG Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning

Second Novel in Series Offers a Gripping Account of Four Heroes Embroiled in the Realm vs. Realm Conflict of WAR

Mythic Entertainment, an Electronic Arts Inc studio, and The Black Library, a division of Games Workshop, today announced DARK STORM GATHERING, an original novel based on the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™ (WAR). The second in a series of novels based on the hit massively multiplayer online role-playing game, DARK STORM GATHERING will be available in all major bookstores and on the Black Library website in Spring 2009.

DARK STORM GATHERING, by noted Black Library author Chris Wraight, provides a colorful and gripping account of the Realm vs. Realm™ battles that rage throughout WAR. In the novel, human and Elf adventurers are forced to form an uneasy alliance with the armies of the Empire to repel the forces of Chaos. Across the lands, the grim march of Tchar’zanek, dread Champion of the fell powers of Chaos, is underway. Throughout the Empire of Man, the toll from plague and mutation continues to grow, and hope begins to fade. Only the intervention of the High Elves offers respite, but they are beset by foes of their own, the murderous Dark Elves. When the prospect of treachery behind Imperial lines looms, four heroes based on careers in the game – Archmage, White Lion, Witch Hunter and Knight of the Blazing Sun – must work together to uncover the corruption before all is lost.

“The first novel based on our game, EMPIRE IN CHAOS, was a tremendous success, and we’re thrilled about next year’s release of DARK STORM GATHERING,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager of Mythic Entertainment. “Black Library has a track record of producing compelling creative works based on the Warhammer world, and they really made the Age of Reckoning shine with the first WAR novel. We can’t wait for players to read what Chris Wraight has in store for them in the second installment in the series.”

“Warhammer is one of the richest fantasy universes ever envisaged, and the Age of Reckoning is like a dream come true for a writer,” said Chris Wraight, the author of DARK STORM GATHERING. “There are so many iconic characters and locales to draw upon, and the team at Mythic has really captured the spirit of Warhammer so well. Writing this novel has been a joy, and I hope the final product is as immersive and engaging for readers as WAR is for gamers.”

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ conflict that will provide an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

For further information about the novel, DARK STORM GATHERING, visit www.blacklibrary.com.

About the Author

Chris Wraight is a freelance writer and teacher currently living and working in Oxford. A long time fan of Games Workshop background art and fiction, Chris is also into the novels of Patrick O'Brian, Philip Pullman and William Golding. He helps look after two cats, and can occasionally be spotted running through the muddier bits of Oxfordshire in training for some race or other.

About Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning

Experience the glory of Realm vs. Realm! Declare your allegiance and join thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the new MMORPG from Mythic Entertainment, the creators of Dark Age of Camelot™. Enter a grim world of perpetual conflict to fight for the Realms of Order (Dwarfs, High Elves, and Empire) or Destruction (Greenskins, Dark Elves, and Chaos). Invade enemy lands, besiege imposing fortresses, and sack sprawling capital cities for the glory of your Realm. Wield devastating magic and deadly weapons, battle monstrous creatures, and join your brothers-in-arms in epic Public Quests™. Climb the Bastion Stair, carry your Guild Banner into battle, and unlock the infinite secrets of the Tome of Knowledge as you travel the world. So sharpen your blade and unleash your inner mutation. The Age of Reckoning has begun and WAR IS EVERYWHERE! For more information about Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, visit www.warhammeronline.com.