Details Revealed About EverQuest II Company: Sony Online Entertainment Product: EverQuest II Sony Online Entertainment has released the first news and screenshots of the unlockable Froglok race, and ride able Griffins from the forthcoming MMO game EverQuest II. The world of Norrath is vast, and traveling through the Shattered Lands on foot can be a long and dangerous journey. Fortunately for the weary adventurer, there are several means to reach certain destinations quickly... and in some cases, more safely. The fearsome griffins have long roamed the plains of Norrath, swooping out of the sky to attack unwary adventurers. But it was discovered that young griffins could be tamed and taught to provide a very valuable service. These semi-domesticated beasts have been trained to carry travelers from one tower to another across some of the vast regions of the Shattered Lands. Three towers have been built in Antonica to allow travel between Qeynos and the Thundering Steppes, while three towers in the Commonlands provide passage from Freeport to Nektulos Forest. For the right price, adventurers receive an aerial tour that takes them swooping through narrow canyons or soaring high above the seas. No one is certain whether griffins evolved naturally or if they were brought forth by some mad conjurer in ages past. Whatever their origins, griffins are powerful predators that soar through the skies hunting for vulnerable prey. Though known to have a volatile nature, some griffins have been successfully trained to aid adventurers in their exploration of the Shattered Lands. The frogloks in EverQuest II will be playable after a specific quest is unlocked and completed on each server. This quest should bring great notoriety to the heroes who make frogloks playable on each server. The frogloks of Norrath were touched by the hand of the god of valor, Mithaniel Marr. They rapidly evolved from short, flimsy amphibians into a race that is both wise of spirit and formidable in battle. Visible muscles and tendons create an imposing upper body cinched to a narrow waist. Their most notable feature is a long, sticky tongue that can be extended up to three feet, perfect for snatching passing insects or pulling up a stein of ale. Frogloks are a short amphibious race native to the swamplands of Norrath. Fiercely devoted to Mithaniel Marr, the frogloks have a longstanding conflict with the trolls of Innothule Swamp. More than 400 years ago, their deity blessed some of them with a heightened intellect and enhanced physical features. Shortly thereafter, these frogloks drove the trolls out of the city of Grobb, renaming it Gukta, Outpost of Marr, in honor of their master. In terms of architecture and design, the frogloks remain true to their primitive roots. They care little for ornamentation, preferring instead to surround themselves with reminders of their swampy home. After the conclusion of the Rallosian War, a small number of frogloks settled within the walls of Qeynos. Rumors abound that the remaining frogloks are facing terrible danger, but so far expeditions into the Shattered Lands have returned with no clues as to the whereabouts of this missing people. EverQuest II is scheduled for release in November 2004. -Red Dawg, GameVortex Communications AKA Alex Redmann