Second round of closed beta testing starts December 17 for Rift: Planes of Telara

Trion Worlds has announced a second round of closed beta testing for its MMO, Rift: Planes of Telara.

Round two starts Friday, December 17 and will feature the first 20 levels of play along with the Guardians of the Vigil event. The beta will conclude on Monday, December 20.

Guardians of the Vigil has players reborn as Ascended souls of "the Vigil", which according to prophesy, they are destined to end the evil reign of the tyrant Aedraxis who plans to "sacrifice the world to Regulos". Heavy stuff, there.

Players must also save the forest of Silverwood from the war between the minions of chaos and the corrupted followers of the elven prince Hylas. You will also be able to "venture into the Realm of the Fae" to break the hold "Greenscale’s lieutenant Lord Twyl has over the ancient home of the elves".

The first round of closed beta testing ended yesterday, and if you've yet to sign up for your chance to participate, you can do so here.

Rift is slated for release next year, and Ubisoft will publish the game in select European regions.