EA Mythic is now accepting applications for the closed beta of Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss, the eighth expansion for the long-lived MMORPG. You'll get a chance to sample the new content, including the new gargoyle race, before anyone else.

The beta will begin in late May. The application is here but in order to be accepted, you have to be a current Ultima Online subscriber. The limited number of spots will be doled out based on a player's system specs, testing experience, and community involvement (among other things).

Stygian Abyss will go live later this summer. The expansion allows players to travel to the homeland of the new gargoyle race and explore a new dungeon.