Griffin

Griffins have existed since ancient times in heraldry and culture, serving as a heroic symbol and common coat of arms. Particularly in Elten and Alenthylian realms, where heraldry is important, griffins have been an important and ever-present symbol. Yet, for most of Aevonhold's history, griffins were extremely rare. Often thought to be mythical, only a few were ever seen in remote mountains and forests. Those few that were seen were elusive and avoided capture and taming.

This all changed with the advent of the Thinning of the Veil. As Rifts opened and deposited creatures of all sorts from many different planes, griffins became more and more common. In addition to the classic eagle-headed lion-bodied griffin common in folklore, a wide variety of different breeds were spotted and recorded across Aevonhold.

Griffins are deadly predators and highly territorial. However, they rarely engage in combat with foes, instead opting to hunt by surprising and ambushing their prey and carrying them away. As a result, people rarely have antagonistic encounters with griffins. Instead, a griffin is more likely to flee when faced with opposition. However, when forced to fight, a griffin can easily dispatch an unawares individual.

Their primary habitats are mountains, preferring high, secluded peaks to make their lairs. These lairs are caves that are otherwise inaccessible without the ability to fly, and are marked by the bones of prey often found scattered about. Griffin nests are kept deep within these lairs, as protected as possible. Griffins are solitary by nature, but form lifelong bonds with mates. They will fly vast distances to encounter another griffin, and once the two have come to trust one another, will remain partners for life. Despite a griffin's preference to make its home in mountains, they can be found many miles away from the nearest mountain, as they fly far and wide both to hunt and simply for pleasure.

## Variants

Although eagle-headed and lion-bodied griffins are by far the most commonly seen, there are a wide range of griffin variants that can be spotted across Aevonhold. Often occupying diverse regions and landscapes, the variants possess different traits than the norm. It is exceptionally rare for any griffin variant to be successfully tamed, as they tend to be more aggressive, solitary, and skittish when faced with humans.

A raven-headed griffin, one of the more common and skittish variants.An owl-headed griffin. The rarest, most elusive, and most deadly of the variants.A griffin with the head of a seabird, found in coastal areas. Commonly aggressive and wild.A rare, brightly colored griffin variant found only in remote mountains.
## In Culture

The griffin long having been associated with royalty, a high amount of awe and respected is offered to griffins. Over the years, those lucky enough to encounter griffins in the wild have found that they can make some sort of connection with the beasts. Those particularly skilled with animals are able to carefully approach and even befriend griffins. Once trust has been established, griffins will allow a human to use them as a mount, becoming a staunch ally for the human and griffin's natural lives. Owning a bonded griffin mount is seen as highly prestigious, and these mounts are highly sought after the world over.