NCSoft has announced that "Lineage II Chronicle 5: Oath of Blood," a free download to subscribers, expanding the Lineage II world.

"Chronicle 5 offers players both playable content and refinements of existing systems that make gameplay at every level more exciting. The Chronicle 5 content includes new hunting grounds, castles, clan halls and monsters. The changes to existing features are a result of feedback from Lineage II players, which Studio E&G(tm) has used to revitalize multiple systems to appeal to new players and enrich the experience of veterans.

The sweeping systems changes mean that new and lower level players will progress faster. New items and other enhancements have been added to make the game more rewarding at those levels without sacrificing the challenge that Lineage II is known for. Additionally, the new Academy in the game's clan system helps clan members rapidly train up and become powerful members much more quickly than before.

Highlighting the challenges for mid- and upper-level players is the addition of Rune and Schuttgart castles, plus several contestable clan halls that are ripe for the taking. In addition, there are many powerful beasts, like the maniacal Prince Frintezza, who controls an insanely scary monster called Scarlet von Halisha by playing an ornate organ in his lair, and the formidable Benom, who lurks in the depths of Rune castle.

In addition, revitalized PvP systems and an increased level cap give players of all classes the ability to be successful and even more to aspire to."