Griffon

Griffons were intelligent beasts with the body of a lion and the wings, forelegs, and head of an eagle.

Description
A griffon had the body of a lion with the head and wings of an eagle. The forelimbs of the griffon were often like those of an eagle, ending in sharp talons, but this was not always the case. Just as lions and eagles had varying physical characteristics based on where in the world they are found, so too did griffons. An adult griffon was about long, with a wingspan of. The average griffon weighed about. Expectedly, griffons, and their lairs exuded a mix of two smells: a musky odor of great cats and the scent of falconer's mews.

Behavior
Griffons were known to be somewhat intelligent creatures, though had a penchant for aggression. Young griffons were generally not combative.

Society
Young griffons were known as fledglings.

Diet
Griffons were carnivorous creatures. Their favorite animal to prey upon was horses. They would often attack them when within sight or smelling distance.

Homelands
Griffons typically made their nests in homes in high rocky places like cliffs, as well as open caverns set in hills and mountain regions. They did this so that their young could be safe from those who would seek to steal them and use them as mounts.

When acquainted with humans, they were usually stabled in airy, doorless stone halls, vaguely resembling their lairs.

In the Unapproachable East, they nested at the highest reaches of the Tannath mountains and Umbergoth. They could also be found around the coastal regions and interior uplands of Aglarond.

Relationships
When tamed and raised at a young age they could become very loyal and fierce mounts. Because of this they were highly sought after, with eggs fetching prices of around 2,000 gp and fledglings for around 5,000 gp. However, due to the fact that these beasts were intelligent their use as mounts was seen as a form of slavery in some locations.

Mounts
Griffons were commonly found as mounts throughout the Realms. Some notable examples:
 * The griffon riders of Tith Tilendrothael of ancient Netheril are thought to be the first such riders.
 * The Griffon Cavalry of Waterdeep
 * The Griffon Legion of Thay
 * The Brotherhood of the Griffon mercenary company

Notable griffons

 * Brightwing, the griffon of Aoth Fezim

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Curse of the Azure Bonds • Polyhedron #50, "Counterfeit Dreams" • Storm King's Thunder
 * Novels
 * The Ring of Winter • The Crimson Gold
 * Short Stories
 * Shamur's Wager
 * Video Games
 * Gateway to the Savage Frontier • Treasures of the Savage Frontier
 * Gamebooks
 * To Catch a Thief
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards