Square Enix has revealed first details regarding the upcoming second expansion to its popular PlayStation 2 and PC MMORPG Final Fantasy XI, Chains of Promathia. A non-playable character named Prishe will play an important role in the storyline of this new expansion. The Elvaan girl whom is generally referred to as an abominable kid, is raised by the Cardinal of San D'Oria and studies theology. For a kid of her age, she also has quite a high-handed tone. Apparently she also has some connection to Aldo. The second non-playable character with relevance to the game's story is a mysterious white-haired boy, who appears in front of players all of a sudden but never speaks a word.

With Attohwa Chasm, Pso'Xja and Emptiness, the new locations were also revealed. To reach the rift valley that is Attohwa Chasm, players so far had to cross a steep cliff, but since a certain mountain climber has recently discovered a comparatively safe underground route, adventurers will be able to use this new path. He had been looking for the legendary Hill of Paladam, but recently the flow of information stopped. The huge underground ruins of Pso'Xja have long been controlled by the Tenshodou, which prevented everybody except few selected researchers from entering the massive structure with its wide passages and large private rooms. According to archeologists, it used to be a city of an ancient civilization. However, due to the large amount of traps, there are other theories as well. Now that the Tenshodou has suddenly opened the mysterious place to adventurers, it is up to them to solve the riddles of the ruins. The most mysterious of all three locations however is Emptiness. Recently this phenomenon has secretly begun to threaten the world of Vana'diel. This calamity, believed to come from a distant, surreal land is calling adventurers to explore its origins.

Another new feature is the appearance of the air ship fleet. While the vessels that make up the fleet are basically the same models as the ships which depart from Jeuno, they do not seem to be for civilian purposes, since they are armed.

Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia will be available in the US and Japan sometime this fall.

• GameWatch