Sony Online Entertainment today released the first news and screenshots of the unlockable Froglok race, and ride able Griffins from the forthcoming MMO game EverQuest II.

Griffin
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.

Travel
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.

Griffins
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.


Frogloks
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. Over 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.