Sigil Games' Vanguard: Saga of Heroes features the fantasy world of Telon, where there are three continents namely: Kojan, Qalia, and Thestra. And since we're featuring just one creature, we'll be checking out one of the creatures of the Kojan continent- the corrupted Ulvari.

The Ulvari came to Telon as they were pursuing the Raki, foxmen of Caal Briel. The Raki's world was destroyed by the Ulvari, who seeped magic away from the land and its people. Now that they've in Kojan, they're threatening to do the same thing. The Ulvari can be found throughout Kojan but is heavily concentrated on the Blighted Islands. They've started to invade Kojan by corrupting the high government official and have reportedly laid Tanku under siege. The only reason why the city hasn't fallen is because of the protection of a powerful artifact.

There are those who fight against them, the dream-warriors of the Aurora family and Lao'Jin. Among the Ulvari's followers are the worshipers of Ra'Jin and according to rumors, even the emperor himself. How will the heroes and villains of Kojan settle the fight? We'll find out in the long run.

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes' Ulvari are both proficient in the use of magic and battle, with different Ulvari showing themselves across the mid-to-high levels. Take note of their armor, however, as those will also help you get the upper hand. The ones wearing the sakkat (coolie hat or conical bamboo hat) are magic wielders and the ones wearing heavy armor are surely melee. Check them out on Kojan, and do your part in stemming the Ulvari invasion.

  

The game Vanguard: Saga of Heroes by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) and Sigil Games Online was released towards the end of January 2007. For those who haven't heard of the game, it is standard MMO fare with lots of areas to explore and enemies to vanquish. Each character can pick from three spheres of advancement: adventuring, crafting and diplomacy. In addition, there will be player-crafted boats, flying mounts, and customizable player housing. However, as most MMO vets believe, the game is in the combat, and that's what you will see in the video.

The combat video shows mid-level characters in various battles against creatures such as treants, kobolds, and even corrupted high elves. It also shows the world of Thestra in all its glory, although I doubt you will be paying attention to the backgrounds the first time you watch the video.

The game is available now (MSRP of US$ 49.99). Download the video, it's worth the time if you're shopping for a new MMO.

Download: Vanguard: Saga of Heroes mid-level combat video

Nothing says adventure like a chance to travel freely through a world of your choosing. That's what makes the job of game developers seem so enviable sometimes: they have an intimate view of the world they've created that cannot be simply replicated. It's a good thing there are some nice guys over at Sony Online Entertainment who are willing to share their thoughts and give us a taste of their experiences.

Our adventure today is two-pronged, and offers different ways of knowing more about the lands of Qalia and Thestra. First, we offer you a new trailer for Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. This new trailer once again lets us fly through the game world, but instead of viewing the lands of Qalia, we will get the opportunity to see the land of Thestra. Second, there is a new feature up on mmorpg.com, called Young v. Old. This will basically serve as a way for people who are interested in the game to see different views on it. In this case, between Derek McDevitt, a rookie member of the Sony team, and Ryan Elam, a veteran.

The views, of course, will not only be from "young" and "old" but from different aspects of the game-making process. McDevitt works on the Vanguard team as a game designer, so his viewpoint comes from more of a gameplay and immersion aspect. Elam is a technical director, so he would probably be more concerned with talking about the aspects of coding everything in, as well as programming limitations. Of course, one could just be cranky and the other liberal, but you never know. Enjoy the video, and watch out for the odd couple's first debate soon!

It is no question that Sigil Studios' Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is bound to amaze gamers when it hits store shelves, which is now said to be in the first quarter of 2007. Well, we don't mind the long wait as long as the end product is really gonna be awesome, but for some, we know that waiting could sometimes be a pain in the behind. So here are some of the MMO's environment images which aims to not only accompany you while waiting, but also wants gamers to be more intimate with Thestra.

In case you didn't read our article on Thestra and you don't know what it is, well, let's take a trip down memory lane shall we? Thestra is one of the continents of Telon-- a fantasy world which is also the setting of the game. The continent is compared to European terrains as it is  peppered with mountains, wetlands, and forests.  Among its residents are the Thestrans, High Elves, Dwarves, Lesser Giants, Varanjar, Halflings, and Vulmane.

Now that we've refreshed your memories, you are now ready to gaze at more Thestra pictures. You be the judge if the place look like most European lands or not.

More screenshots await after the jump!

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is set in Telon, a fantastic world where magic, intrigue and adventure are interwined with destiny. Once you enter Telon you must face the challenges of a rebuilding a civilization ripped apart by the merciless claws of war. A fragile alliance among the various races has been formed against invading forces.

Thestra, in the north is assaulted by an unstoppable undead menace. Down south, Qalia is relentlessy besieged by an elemental threat spawned from the sphincter of earth. And to the east, the jungles of Kojan rattle with the fierce battle between its inhabitants and the encroaching otherworldy fiends.

Wow! Is that a great set up for the game teaser or what?

One of the most eagerly-awaited new MMORPG's of 2006 is Sigil Game's Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Currently in beta testing and scheduled for release this fall. VSoH is a medieval/fantasy themed game set in the war torn world of Telon, where the various peoples (nineteen of 'em) struggle to rebuild a civilization. The green, hilly land of Thestra faces an invasion by hostile armies of the Living Dead, while the deserts of Qalia is besieged by elementals from the bowels of the planet; meanwhile, fiends from the Otherworld threaten the jungle peoples of Kojan.

In the face of these invasions, the races of Telon have entered into a fragile alliance. By the gods, this world needs HEROES, NOW!

Unfortunately, unless you're a beta tester, the Telonians will have to wait a few more months for you to come to their aid. In the meantime, whet your appetite on this sample of the latest screenshots. If these aren't enough for you, there's more at the VSoH Website.