Many of the Monsters I mention in my journals are just that: Monsters. But some of these beasts do hold an important place in the world. Knowing when to spare an opponent is just as important as knowing when to kill one. The griffin is one of these creatures. Not exactly benevolent but neither malevolent they are as useful as they are dangerous. Therefore, think carefully before slaying one of their kind.
Anatomy:
Griffins are Hybrids which consist generally of two animals: Birds of prey and large cats. They range between 1.9 and 3.2m in length and between 1.4 and 2m in height putting them a bit larger than horses. Sizes may vary however between species and sexes. From the front to middle sections of the body they have the characteristics of a bird of prey and from then on, the feathers transition into the body of a large mammal usually that of a cat. The creatures hunt in different manners depending on the environment and prey. Usually however they will prefer one of these three methods:
1. Dropping prey from large heights in order to immobilized it.
2. Circling from the air and pouncing on the prey usually breaking the cranium just through their weight alone.
3. Stalking on the ground and attacking the neck not unlike tigers do.
Griffins mate for life and will stay solitary after the partner has died. Always expect there to at least one other nearby when hunting them. If threatened they will fight to the death to protect each other.
Subspecies
Greek griffins: The “normal” griffin we think of when the term comes to mind. Can be usually found in mountain ranges of surrounding the Mediterranean. Named after its place of origin the Greek-griffin is a cross between golden eagles and lions. It is believed that the lions are European lions which died out hundreds of years ago, thus making the Greek griffin the last representative of this long extinct species.
Royal griffins: This subspecies of the griffin lives in the central regions of Africa. Named after the noticeable red beak these griffins are usually a bit smaller in size as their European counterparts. These Hybrids are a cross between the Bateleur eagle and the African lion and tend to breed in communes. As a result of this, it makes hunting them after mating season extremely dangerous since there is a potential for multiple creatures. The largest commune I have seen was 7 animals consisting of: 6 adult (all of them where mated) and one adolescent which had recently hatched. I barley escaped with my life back then and strongly encouraged waiting until the months of September and October when hunting them minimizes the risk of the animals living in a commune.
Hippogriffs: Differentiating itself quit obviously from the others of its kind this type of griffin is a cross between bald eagles and horses. The specific breed of horse varies wildly between animals and is even not consistent for parents and young. For instance, while both parents may be part Shire the adolescent might be born an Arabian. It is however noted that even though the breed of horse might be different the eagle part will always be a bald eagle. Furthermore, the size of the hippogriff will stay the same and is not impacted of what kind of horse breed makes up its hindlegs. How this subspecies fits in with its brethren is beyond me. Although some theories are that thaumatologists were involved with their origin nothing has yet been confirmed on how these creatures came into being.
Archgriffins: Found in and around the Himalayas the are by far the most dangerous of griffins I have encountered. A mix between gold eagles and snow leopards the largest of them are even powerful enough rival Wyverns. They are highly intelligent and although they don’t posses the ability to speak either verbally or telepathically, they do understand human languages endemic to the region. This was proven during experiments conducted by jailors. The information relating to this was given to me by a reliable source and although I have yet to see it for myself it might come in use for those of you who seek out these beasts.
A place in nature
I don’t usually refrain from killing creatures, but the griffin can actually be often times more useful alive then dead. They tend to keep to themselves in isolated and remote areas of the world, hunting only what is necessary for their survival. Attacks from griffins on humans are rare and often the fault of the latter. The main reason however for my distain of killing griffins is that they keep other creature more dangerous (to humans that is) in check. Griffins don’t like other magical predators on their territory and either drive them oft or kill them. It is not uncommon for griffins to hunt trolls, tatzelwürmer and basilisks who enter their hunting grounds making them a important natural regulator for magical pests.
Yet sometimes griffins do start to attack humans. For a multitude of reasons, it might be hunger, sickness, or revenge for a dead mate. When this happens, one needs to know how to dispatch of them.
Killing griffins
The best way to kill griffins is to lay a trap. Selected a prey local to the region. This may be any larger mammal. Deer, goats, and antelope will do fine but if not available sheep or cows can also be used. Search for a suitable place for the ambush. An open field for the griffin to land with some higher ground surrounding and a tree line for cover is perfect. Once a suitable spot is found ty the affirmation prey to a wooden stake which should be plunged deep into the ground for the animal will try to bolt once the griffin approaches.
Now that everything is ready scatter an odorless poison on the bait as an insurance that the griffin might die if it should escape the trap. Lastly break the animals legs. The screams and smell of the bait should lure the griffin to it. If the griffin does not appear in 2 hours kill the animal and wait another 8 hours after that if it has still not come change locations and repeat until the animals takes the bait.
Once the griffin flies into feed, wait for it gorge itself a bit. Then launch nets onto the griffin. This should entangle its wings preventing escape. Next open fire and do not approach it until it stops moving. Griffins are extremely proficient in close quarters and will kill you if given the chance. Next take a spear, pike, or similar long weapon to prod the animal with. If it is still alive open fire again.
Lastly burn the body. Although the griffin might be a monster, sometimes honouring the enemy is the right thing to do.