As we reported, Perfect World Entertainment recently gave players a brief glimpse at its upcoming MMO, Battle of the Immortals. Well, a new blog entry outlines the story of the game, as well as shows off three pieces of concept art. It also confirms that the closed beta is right around the corner.

According to the blog entry, "the story of BoI is actually a very interesting blend of East meets West." The game is set in the world of Motenia, which is wrapped in chaos following a war between Norse Gods. You can read the whole story after the jump.

Another week goes by as we come closer and closer to the Closed Beta launch for Battle of the Immortals.  We here at PWE are very excited to be publishing BoI, and in the midst of our pre-launch fervor, have set aside some time to bring you guys up to speed.

Some of you guys have emailed in or commented about the game inquiring about the backstory of BoI, specifically as to whether or not it will be deeply rooted in Chinese mythology.  The story of BoI is actually a very interesting blend of East meets West.  I know this sounds like a corny marketing pitch but stay with me here.  ;)

The world in which BoI takes place is a world called "Motenia", the world of the mortals.  The Norse God Loki in his lust for power invaded the mortal realm of Motenia.  Several other Gods came to humanity's defense and plunged the mortal world into chaos.  This period of time is today known as "Ragnarok".  (For those unfamiliar with the term, Ragnarok is a term from Norse Mythology which refers to a series of major events, including a great battle that ultimately results in the death of a number of major figures as well as gods".)  This series of battles tore apart the world of Motenia, shattering not only the landscape and continents, but also sealing away various artifacts of power in the process.

More than 300 years after Ragnarok, the world of Motenia is still wrapped in chaos.  A Goddess of Fate peered into the future, attempting to guide the mortals of Motenia to peace and safety.  In her vision she saw an even greater era of destruction caused by a man called "The Dragon Emperor".

The Dragon Emperor was an infamous dictator known for his tyrannical and merciless reign.  For every man in power, there exists someone who wishes to take that power, and the Dragon Emperor was no exception to that rule.  Rebellions against his regime ran rampant across his empire.  One group of elves, known as the Witches of the Millennium were able to utilize an ancient magic, sealing the Dragon Emperor in stone, along with his army.

The Goddess of Fate believes that the Dragon Emperor will soon find a way to free himself and his army from the curse, soon thereafter laying waste to the world.  Only those who wield great artifacts of power will be able to stand a chance against the Dragon Emperor and his army.

We hope you all enjoyed this sneak peek at the story of Battle of the Immortals. Keep checking the PWE blog over the next few weeks for more updates on the game as well as the upcoming Closed Beta!