While we wait for the full launch of Chapter II: The Elven Prophecy on Sept. 15, the Runes of Magic team has brought the namesake of the first chaper, Rise of the Demon Lord, into the game for the first time. Frogster announced today the current content update, Naga's Awakening, lets players fight the Demon Lord in a public encounter that takes place in a nightmare version of the city of Varanas.

You won't need to be in a party to enter this instance, but grouping is recommended for the difficult fight. According to the announcement, "up to 150 players can simultaneously combat the terrible dream and fight to stop the Demon Lord." This battle is currently the toughest obstacle to overcome in Runes of Magic, so you can expect some big rewards if you can take down the boss.

For more information on the fight itself, check out the full announcement below. You can also view some screenshots from the "Varanas Nightmare" encounter in our gallery.

Berlin, 01.09.2009: Frogster today announced that as part of the current content update ‘Naga’s Awakening’, players will get to meet the namesake of Runes of Magic’s first chapter, the Demon Lord. The Demon Lord haunts a nightmare version of the city of Varanas in a new open combat feature, ‘Varanas Nightmare’, in what the company calls a ‘Public Encounter’. Public encounters are instances where players do not need to be part of a party or guild to enter, however the content is difficult and grouping is recommended.

The high level scenario is made up of three phases in and around the ‘Varanas Nightmare’, which has afflicted the minds of the city’s inhabitants. Up to 150 players can simultaneously combat the terrible dream and fight to stop the Demon Lord. The first targets for player groups are dimensional portals which are spread around the burned out city. Twenty portals need to be closed before the task is completed and phase two begins. This is where players have to overcome three world bosses in succession. Should the adventurers achieve victory within three minutes, the third and final phase begins. If the players fail, then the scenario begins again from the first phase.

Well coordinated raids are required to defeat the third opponent since this character is actively supported by the Demon Lord. The Demon Lord doesn’t actually engage in combat himself, but he does heal his vassals making the challenge difficult and victory very satisfying. Killing his minions doesn’t only bestow reputation and honor on the hero for mastering the scenario, but as the toughest challenge in Runes of Magic to date, there is also an outstanding loot for the victors.