Gryphon

The chosen mount of Orchalannon's knights. Equally capable of carrying mounted knights into battle or fighting on their own.They are slightly magical, unexpectedly intelligent, and able to fly. Gryphons traditionally symbolize the duality of the knight, embodying a perfect fusion of power and nobility. Gryphons are known to be loyal to a fault and quite unafraid of death. Their wingless cousins, the demigryphs are smaller, and non-magical. Demigryphs are thought to be less noble, yet more cunning.

Most knights ride to battle on the more affordable demigryph. A gryphon steed is not merely a question of means, but one of character as well. Part of the magic of these beasts is their judgment and pride. They will not bear any rider if they not be of high moral character. Wealthy men who were deemed unworthy have paid with their lives for attempting to press the matter.

There is no wild population to speak of, owing to the partly sorcerous nature of their breeding. The only hatchery is somewhere in Athoras Heights, where many knights make pilgrimage simply to take inspiration from the creatures. However, neglected or badly treated specimens have have been known to escape into the wild and go feral.

Body 7-8                        Coord 5-6                        Sense 4-5

Bite    3                          Dodge 0-2                        Hearing 3-4

Run 2-4                          Fly 0-3                              Sight 1+MD

                                     Claw 0-3

Take Flight: After spending a full turn Running (or leaping from a height), the gryph takes flight at a speed of 20' per round. 

Soaring Pounce: With a successful Run roll to reach a target, gain +1d on the next turn in attacking.