Gryphon

Half roc and half lion. The gryphon is a common predator of the skies well known for its vibrant coloured feathers and proud feline figure. Usually they can be found around rocky regions along both the coast and depths of the woodlands, though have adapted different breeds that can survive within most but the harshest of environments.
The creature itself is believed by zoologists to have evolved from the so-called Terrorbeasts which are believed to have died out long before humanity even existed. The old notion was that the creature was some odd mutation based on the roc but recent discoveries in the field point that due to it's tail, it's more likely that the roc, just like demi-gryphons and royalgryphons evoled from this creature. The evidence given shows that both Terrorbirds, Cockatrice and Basilisk families have far more in common with the gryphon than any other creature within the Griffinae family.
Furthermore, the gryphon is the undisputed ruler of the skies on most avian regions, with an exception for dragons around their brooding grounds and the cold winds of Scarnza. Their intelligence matches that of Terrorbirds and are in many cases greater than them, with an exception to the Stormraven.
Though they lack the magical abilities which make many other avian demi-beasts far more deadly, the Gryphon mature at the age of seven and can lay up to sixteen eggs a year, usually in spring. These eggs are protected by the pride, which consists of the the elder gryphons, being the mother and father. This along with their daughters and any potential mates of said daughters, as these animals want to form everlasting relationships. Only when the first brood of gryphons comes to an age of maturity themselves do the parents take their youth and move out to form a new pride, ensuring they are always well guarded and numerous enough to handle threats.
While it is rare to encounter gryphons in the wild, these creatures are often patient and docile. They do not see mortals as threats and on the few occasions where they have struck, an overwhelming majority of attacks have been caused by poaching. An act considered illegal in the Golden Dunes and much of the surrounding world, as the beasts are known as the blessed beast guardians of the Imperator. They have significant roles to play in the mythology surrounding the Inovian Pantheon of Ancients. As well as the stout companions recorded to have aided mankind in the forming of the Golden Empire.

Creature Type

Species: Gryphon
Family: Griffinae
Class: Demi-beast
Domain: Avian, Terrestrial

Biology

Size: 2,2 - 2,4m
Weight: 500 - 560kg
Wingspan: 8-10m
Diet: Omnivore
Intelligence: Cunning
Lifespan: 35-40 years

Habitat

Preferred biomes: Woodlands, Mountains, Plains and Savannah
Native regions: Diestria, Golden Dunes, Scarnza

Hunting knowledge

Strengths: Tough skin, razorsharp claws, avian, attack in groups
Weaknesses: Fire, intense and spicy smells, ranged projectiles
Special Abilities: Though incapable of magic, can use their massive wings to fling people aside with gusts of air