Perfect World Entertainment has announced that the first expansion for Jade Dynasty will be released on Nov. 12. "Jade Dynasty Ascension" will introduce the Athan race, new zones, an achievement system, a transformation system that lets you turn your characters into creatures, and the ability to fight in the air with Skyblades. Two new factions, the Arden archers and the Balo warriors, will also be added to the game.

More information about "Jade Dynasty Ascension" can be found on the official expansion page or in the Q&A after the jump.

When is the expansion being released?

Thursday, November 12th 2009

What are the new features?

• - New Athan Race
• - New Factions
• - New Zones
• - Combat on Skyblades enabled
• - New Pet Capture System
• - New Transformation System
• - New Achievement System
• - New Available Quest Tab
• - Newly Skinned GUI
• - New In-Game Help System
• - Newly created characters now receive a free beginner box that offers key items for leveling (including popular cash shop items, and this box lasts until level 150)
• - And much more to be revealed shortly...

Will the new factions have new starting zones?

Yes, a new starting zone exists for the factions to level up in.  This offers players a new leveling experience.

Why did you add new factions and a new race?

Humans are nearing the ability to ascend and become immortal.  The Gods are angry that they are on the verge of obtaining such power.

What is the pet capturing system?

Pets offer a great advantage in Jade Dynasty.  We wanted to offer a more involved system for obtaining pets so we introduced a system where you can capture pets in the wild.  You have to search for these new pets however as they are rare.

What is the Transformation System?

The Transformation System allows you to purchase transformation items from NPC's and transform into various creatures to gain certain benefits.

What is Ascension?

Once your character reaches level 135, he/she can Ascend to become more powerful.

Once Ascended, you start back at level 15, but with a more powerful character.  You can select a new faction and your skill points are reset.

Ascension is enabled by a cooperative effort per server.  There are three requirements to becoming Ascended.  #1  300 Players must be level 135 or higher.  More details will be released shortly.

Do I have to download a new patch?

Yes, there will be a fairly large patch to update your current client.  Exact size TBD, but we do plan to offer the patch prior to the 12th so you can be ready to go come Nov. 12th!

There will also be a new client available on multiple mirrors, if you want to do a fresh install.