Legends of Aria, formerly known as Shards Online, is breaking away from the modern MMO conventions of levels, classes and quest grinds. Instead, it is returning to living virtual worlds where stories emerge naturally as players explore the worlds laid out before them. The game will launch with a complete game containing several official rule-sets. The current plans include one with a well-balanced set of gameplay, a hardcore PvP battle-royale, and even one featuring permanent character death: the ultimate game of risk versus reward.