In Dark age of Camelot, an evil uprising threatens the land and the mightiest heroes in the Realms are called into service. For the first time in DAOC Platinum, players will be able to earn the right to be called a Champion of the Realm. Players become Champions by exploring new zones and revisiting altered lands while investigating the mysterious uprising to discover its sinister underpinnings. By performing this service for their Realm, players achieve new levels of advancement and gain the ability to wield class-specific Champion Weapons. DAOC Platinum also introduces majestic player-controlled horses and other more fantastic steeds which can be ridden into conflict in the war between the Realms.
Champion of the Realm Details: 

Champion Weapons are available for all Champions of the Realms. Each class in the game has their own specific weapon, uniquely tailored to that profession.
Advanced mounts are available to Champions of level 45 and above. Mounts include Nightmare, Unicorn, Warhorse, and the * Undead Phantom steed, among others. Advanced mounts can be used in PvE and in Realm vs. Realm zones, given a unique name, and customized by adding saddlebags, armor, and barding.
Champion Levels allow players to gain new skills and learn abilities from other classes ("sub-classing") - for example, a fighter can learn mage spells by sub-classing.
The Darkness Rising expansion pack will be available in North America for $19.99 via digital download this October directly from Mythic Entertainment. Darkness Rising requires the original DAOC Platinum and Catacombs expansion pack to play.