"An icy wind blows westward, from the ocean, and carries with it the tang of salt and death. The patchy grass is flattened to the earth by the breeze and you canter your horse towards a promontory that overlooks the eastern ocean. You stand on the bluff and stare across the steel-grey waters, ten thousand miles from where your journey began, about to overthrow another tyrant."

Last week, Funcom gave IGN a look at the Chosain Province, which is a new zone that will appear in the upcoming Rise of the Godslayer expansion. As a follow-up, Funcom just provided the site with a sneak peek at the Northern Grasslands, which is the second area Age of Conan players will explore in the expansion after passing through the Great Wall. Here are some details from Lead Designer Joel Bylos:

"There is a mixture of serenity and war in the Northern Grasslands that, combined with the steppe-like environment, creates some unique experiences for the players. Faction gameplay is as important as ever in this region, the opposing groups will divide players as different quests become available."

Funcom has given IGN a look at the Chosain Province, which is a new zone that will appear in the upcoming Rise of the Godslayer expansion. Here's Lead Designer Joel Bylos' take on the area, which is inspired by ancient Eastern culture:

"The story of the expansion is the story of an empire crumbling into chaos. Chosain Province is a region full of war and humanity at its worst, but on the eastern edge of the playfield, the once proud imperial highway still leads east to the heart of the empire. The road is choked with vines and weeds and none dare travel that way anymore.