Sony Online Entertainment released a free stand-alone version of the client for Legends of Norrath, the online trading card game based on its well-known and popular EverQuest MMO game franchises.

Official Press Release:

LEGENDS OF NORRATH NOW AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE
Free Client Allows Anyone to Play Online Strategy Game Based on Popular MMO Franchises

On the heels of a successful release to the EverQuest and EverQuest II player communities, Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online entertainment industry, has released a free stand-alone version of the client for Legends of Norrath, the online trading card game based on its well-known and popular EverQuest Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game franchises. 

Developed at SOE´s Denver, CO studio, Oathbound is the first release in the Legends of Norrath storyline. Oathbound features more than 375 digital cards and is available in both 55-card digital starter decks and 15-card digital booster packs. In this first release, players become part of a clandestine, secret war between the forces of Order and Chaos.  Once jailed on the Plane of Justice, a mysterious tribunal offers them a chance for freedom and redemption. In swearing allegiance to the side of Order, players become Oathbound, and fight against the forces of Chaos to prevent Norrath from being plunged into a bloody and eternal war.

"When we showed Legends of Norrath at GenCon last month, it was just as big a hit with hobby and strategy gamers as it has been with our EQ and EQII players," said Scott Martins, Director of Development for SOE-Denver. "We´ve had a great run so far with the exclusive access we´ve provided for our existing fans, and can´t wait to bring it to a much wider audience with today´s release.  New players will be able to enjoy the game in a single worldwide community with thousands of people that span its own client as well as both of our EverQuest MMOs." 

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In addition to player vs. player combat, Legends of Norrath is provides several modes of gameplay and a variety of activities, including a sophisticated, re-playable AI system for single-player campaigns, easy to use management tools and numerous Casual and Tournament game lobbies.  Victory can be achieved by completing quests or defeating your opponent´s avatar, enabling players to employ their own unique strategies for victory. The game also features a robust loot system; more than 30 loot items each for EQ and EQII are available, including player mounts, potions, clothing and spells. 

The digital starter decks (55 cards) are available for 9.99 (plus any applicable taxes), with digital booster packs (15 cards) selling for 2.99 (plus any applicable taxes). For more information on Legends of Norrath, visit the website at www.legendsofnorrath.com.