Deep below the Barbarian Outpost a new menace twitches and pulsates with anger, preparing wave after wave of shrieking, monstrous pummeling at the barbarians' expense... or is it some kind of strange training regime? Can these creatures have been put here on purpose? What are these strange mutants and why have they been caged beneath the earth?

Behold the Penance! The barbarians believe these vile creatures were spawned by the mighty gods to allow the people of RuneScape to show their allegiance through combat. A gargantuan arena has been built below the Barbarian Outpost for you to prove your worth, so head to the area and talk to Captain Cain.

Take up the challenge in this long-awaited minigame. As part of a team, choose which role you want to play against the deadly threat. You could be an attacker and hack your way through waves of slimy flesh, or become a defender, setting up traps and luring the monsters to a grisly death. Those of you who enjoy a fast pace of life could be a collector, sorting out the ammunition for the fierce launchers and unleashing havoc on the Penance below. The last role is that of the trusty healer - using poisonous substances against the Penance and ensuring your own team stays alive!

This is a team-based game, so the greatest rewards are for those willing to work together. Use barbarian horns to shout to your team and climb up to the mighty 'Horn of Glory' to let everyone hear your orders. You can choose to play with your friends and wander into one of the team rooms, or if you go to the quickstart room we will find a group of adventurers for you.

Working through the waves of monsters, you can level up your ability in the roles and improve your value as a fighter against the Penance. Other great rewards are available, including many items to be won - both new and old. These include a new armour set with multiple uses, gloves of lightness and many of your favourite rewards from other areas of the game, including dragon equipment.

Before starting you will be treated to a training tutorial, so you'll be ready to put your best tactics into play. This is also a safe minigame, with lots of expendable equipment (such as runes and arrows) provided for free.

So how about it? Anyone can show their penance, but it takes a real hero to help a barbarian assault!