Gorffin

A **Gorffin** is any of the species of usually small to medium-sized feline beasts that resemble their distant relative, the griffin. With a variety of species and subspecies, the gorffin is a widespread creature across Evarencia, and their intellect makes them great companion creatures for the likes of rangers and wizards. As creatures related to the majestic griffin, gorffins exhibit a large set of feathered wings allowing them the ability to fly. Some gorffins exhibit innate magical traits, especially linked to storms.

## Gorffin

A sketch of a Arcadia, Constance's pet gorffin, by @MrPuddins

## General Information

### Perception

* Darkvision
* Good hearing

### Subspecies

* Blue Gorffin
* Dwarf Griffin
* Masked Gorffin
* Red Gorffin
* Striped Gorffin
* Tiger Gorffin

### Favored Terrain

* Hills
* Forests

## Description

Gorffins usually are the size of a house cat or maybe slightly larger, but rarely exceed the size of a dog. They greatly resemble their griffin relatives in many aspects, especially in the way their front claws are a set of talons and the set of feathery wings that adorn their backs. They have feline faces and most gorffin species lack the beak present on griffins. They are often fluffy from down and fur providing them with warmth as they sail the chilly skies above. The pattern and colors of their fur is usually dependent on the gorffin species.

### Striped Gorffin

Also referred to as 'the common gorffin,' the striped gorffin is aptly named for the striped patterns most of the gorffins in this category sport. The stripes and patterns themselves may vary as may the colors. Their wings often sport some banding.

### Masked Gorffin

The masked gorffin is generally a dark color with large white to cream circles around the cat-like eyes of its feline face. Their wings sport a large, eye-like pattern for scaring larger predators away.

### Red Gorffin

Native to Dragonsand, the red gorffin sports a reddish to orange coat and is not as fluffy as other gorffins as they do not need the fur or down for surviving in the warmer climate.

### Blue Gorffin

Native to the lands of Shivar and Toratag, the Blue Gorffin sports a dark blueish coat that can range from light blue to a dark blue that almost is black. Blue gorffins are also the smallest of the gorffin species.

### Tiger Gorffin

The tiger gorffin is believed to be a natural hybridization of red gorffin and striped gorffin populations that resemble their namesake. Tiger gorffins are the largest of gorffin species, often being mistaken by amateur naturalists as young griffins.

### Beaked Gorffin

Considered the evolutionary link between the griffin and the gorffins, the beaked gorffin resembles the common gorffin in many aspects, but is slightly larger and it posses the beak of its avian ancestors. Due to their appearance, beaked gorffins are often referred to as 'dwarf griffins,' though scholars state they are in fact gorffins.

## Abilities

Gorffins are agile creatures that use their wings to fly through the sky. Their claws aid them in hunting and defending themselves. Gorffins are also intelligent and are quite cunning when survival is in question.

Some gorffins exhibit innate magical abilities and are able to interact with the arcane flux of magic, giving credence to the theory that griffins developed out of arcane means. These are often minor magical abilities, though if nurtured and trained properly, a gorffin can exhibit some arcane potential.

Gorffins shine as companion beasts. Their intelligence makes them easily trainable and allows their owners to form strong bonds with them. Gorffins are often utilized by rangers as beast companions and their arcane potential often has wizards and other mages utilizing them as familiars. They make affectionate pets and with the proper training, can be utilized as service animals as well. Gorffins can also be trained to deliver health potions to allies, making them useful for moving small items around a battlefield.