Gryphon

== Biology ==
Gryphons are powerful, majestic creatures with the characteristics of both big cats and birds of prey. From nose to rump, an adult gryphon can measure as much as 8 feet. Neither males nor females are endowed with a mane. A pair of broad feathered wings emerge from the creature’s back and span 25 feet or more. An adult gryphon weighs about 500 pounds with females being slightly larger than males.
A gryphon cannot speak, but understands common languages and can communicate with gestures. The sounds produced by a gryphon include birdlike screeches and chirps as well as growls and purring, depending on mood.
Gryphons are very rare animals but different types can be found in different environments. For example, in the distant north, gryphons are typically white with black markings to help them blend into the glacial mountains. Forest gryphons are more likely to be tawny and gold. Just about any large cat colouration mixed with that of a bird of prey is possible.
Similar to birds of prey, gryphons prefer to nest in high places that give them a broad view of the surrounding lands. Several generations of the same family may return to a particular eyrie (large nest) year after year, but will be fiercely territorial to outsiders. A gryphon female will usually only lay 1-3 eggs at a time and the young will stay with their parents until they are nearly full grown (approx. 1 year).
== Combat ==
Gryphons prefer to pounce on their prey, either diving to the attack or leaping from above. They can be ridden at their own discretion, though this requires a customized saddle. During flight, a rider can not attack without sufficient Riding skill.
Skills
Gryphons have a +30 racial bonus on Aerobatics, Scouting, or Weapons Melee (claws and talons).
== Tags ==
Creature