Allakhazam has done a preview (including a cool video) of the Dire Bears, or so they thought.

Actually they reviewed heretofore unknown uber Void Shard Bears:

• 65% Run Speed (if level 80 or higher)
• EITHER: Increase Melee Weapon Range of caster by 1
• OR: Increase Reuse Speed of Caster by 3
• Increase Max Health of caster by 250

Not to be confused with The Shadow Odyssey Dire Bear (retail box):

• 1-19: Summoned pet (not a mount)
• 20-39: 20% run speed
• 40-59: 30% run speed and armored appearance
• 60-79: 45% run speed and increased armor appearance
• 80: 52% run speed and increased armor appearance

Here’s the thread that clears up the confusion.

This whole situation with the Dire Bears accentuates the fact that someone is EQ2 is being hamstrung by its marketing department.

A 65% runspeed Bear with better stats can be purchased with Void Shards.

That information right there means I will not bother with the Retail box and I am completely removing that frustration from my brain. Why this information could not have been made available when the firestorm started a month ago is beyond me. Sony gets these opportunities to solve problems and they just let them fly past. Why?