According to the official Runes of Magic Web site , open beta for the free game will begin on Dec. 9. Frogster has stated that more than 95,000 registered players have already signed up for the game, leading them to start the second phase of closed beta on Oct. 9. During this phase, 30,000 more players will be allowed into Taborea.

The official news post is below, or can be found here . Also, information on the nine largest factions of Taborea can be found here .

*Drum roll*
Hear Yee Hear Yee! The OPEN BETA is coming!

The success we have already had, with over 95,000 registered players paves the way to the open beta .
This is reason enough for us, to start the second phase of the closed beta, (CBII ) on October 9th, 2008 !
In the course of the following phases we will allow a further 30,000 players into the world of Taborea!

On Tuesday, Dec 9th, 2008 we're going to really get things going!
The magical seal to the gates of Runes of Magic will be broken, opening the path to the open beta !
Storm Taborea together with many of the other 100,000 registered players, and dive into the adventure!

Get ready for it!