With the beta period of Ashen Empires scheduled to end at 3pm EST today, the Customer Support Team has graciously posted an update on what to expect in the coming months.  The March release of Ashen Empires, scheduled for the last week of the month, will see some sweeping changes.  Here's a sample:

For the March Release, scheduled for the last week in March, we've upgraded the underlying engine that runs the game to include a revamped world landscape, roofs on housing, and a particularly cool layered terrain technique that makes the game look five times better than ever. We have also improved the interface by introducing new hot slots that allow for easy item swaps and spell casting, a new character generation screen, improved feedback text, and expanded paperdolling. Also, we have built an improved keyboard/mouse interface with predefined interface modes. And, we have new chat channels including group chat and server chat that enables a player to talk to anyone on your server at any time. To enhance the overall game, we have invested in an improved NPC AI feature set, including pathfinding and awareness fixes, we have built new sound effects, and have new animation sets for all player characters. One of the biggest changes is to the game balance, where you will find improved weapon mechanics, expanded weapon classes, stamina fixes, and arrow harvesting for archers You will see a lot of new content as well. There are over 30 new items, many new creatures, including 'Boss' monsters, and a variety of new quests. Further enhancements include Valekar's Fortress, which has a level 25-100 dungeon, and new group-based quests and encounters. Scalo's Lair has a level 15+ Pirate's Den, Krythan Crypt has been revamped to a level 15+ Undead Lair, the Crypt of Reyohkah has been updated to a level 15+ Undead Lair and now supports group-based quests, the Varg Cemetery is now a level 10+ undead area, and the Tserith Maze is now a level 20+ Minotaur Lair.

The update (which may be accessed by clicking here) also gives a peek into April, discussing a new particle engine and other enhancements.  For more information, visit the Ashen Empires website here.