Golden Griffon
The Lozarian Golden Griffon is the majestic melding of the regal lion and the majestic eagle. Since the days of the Pax Lozaria, Tridenser Knights have ridden these ferocious mounts into battle. The Golden Griffons are notoriously fierce and intelligent. They partner with one rider for life and refuse to obey anyone else. A griffon that has lost its rider is released with honor to live its life in the wild.
As an orcling the most common threat we got was, "If you don't listen, you'll get eaten by a griffon." Me ancestors hated the Gold Knights on their Griffons. They were just as ruthless as orcs, and we respected that. Nowadays, I'm glad to have them fighting by our side!
Sgt. Kill Flayer
The Golden Griffons native to the Peninsula of Lozar are known for the distinct golden coloring that covers their entire body. This breed is reknowned for their fierceness and independent spirit. They only bond to one rider and refuse to obey anyone else.
A magical hybrid of lions and eagles, griffons have existed since the Age of Monsters when they were created by the giants. The giants hoped to use them to mitigate the air superiorty of their draconic rivals, but griffons never grew large enough to threaten the dragons. The giants released their experiments into the wild and they have thrived ever since.
Since then, griffons have spread throughout the world. They favor high mountains, cliffs, and megaflora where their nests can stay unmolested. The Lozarian breed are known to nest in the Silver Range Mountains, the Mist Mountains, and along the coastal cliffs of New Kirinal.
Golden griffons mate for life, with the mated pair maintaining distinct hunting ranges. They come together every two years to mate, make a nest, and raise their brood. The female produces a clutch of 2 to 3 eggs that the pair works together to hatch and raise. The cubs are weaned at six to seven months and their parents return to their own domains. The cubs remain with either parent until they are two years old, at which time they leave to seek their own range.
Griffon Mounts
To become a Golden Tridenser Knight, a young squire has to climb the sea cliffs near New Kirinal. They present themselves to a nesting pair of griffons with cubs. If the squire is deemed worthy, the parents will allow the squire to bond with one of their cubs. If they are deemed unworthy, the squire must dive off the cliff into the sea and hope that they aren't followed.
I was really struck by the detail about how they mate for life, but maintain distinct hunting ranges. Oh, and I loved the image of the squire diving off the cliff and hoping they aren't followed. Nice work!
Getting a Golden Griffion is something rich people do, so I'm doubly amused at some dumb frat boy getting hazed by griffon for his initiation.
Take a look at my Institutions of Learning challenge article.
Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!