Royal Griffin

African Crowned Eagle / Barbary (African) Lion

Basic Information

Anatomy

Known for their spectacular head displays, the Royal Griffin is the epitome of all bird-cat hybrids. Standing just shorter than a man, with a wingspan to rival that of small dragons, the royals rule the skies with little contention.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The world's top predator, the Royal Griffin eats rarely, but takes large meals. Lone males have been observed hunting giraffes and hippos on their own, while prides of females hunt together to take down prey as large and dangerous as elephants, rhinos, and - in rare, unconfirmed cases - male griffins.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Group together in flights (often called prides), a group of 3-5 females. Males live and hunt alone.

Domestication

Domesticating a royal griffin is painful, difficult, and rarely attempted. "Domestication" is an extremely loose term here - it's quite unlike the bond we typically see with, say, dragons or hippogriffs.
To even begin the process of taming a royal, one must start with a young griffin - ideally an abandoned egg. For an egg to be abandoned, all members of its flight must be killed in quick succession, immediately before the egg is taken (an egg without an incubator will send out a distress pheromone that other female griffins will detect, and come to the aid of the egg). As such, one must find a group of hunters willing to take on several protective mother griffins, and be able to kill them in quick succession.
As such, you don't find domesticated royals very often. Those you do find are often taken as exotic pets by the wealthy. These poor creatures almost never live past a year before escaping or dying - often 'put down' by the friends and family of the recently mangled owner.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Their largest habitat is the Merridew Plains, but some royals have adapted to the harsher life in the Empasse. A small population has formed in the southern portion of the Sunrise Plains.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Griffin

Lifespan

15-20 years

Conservation Status

The most commonly seen griffin due to their chosen habitat of plains and tree-sparse areas. Since they share this habitat with cattle, they are also the most likely to interact with humans.

Average Height

Females: 30-40"; Males: 36-48" (at the shoulder)

Average Weight

Females: 250-350lbs; Males: 350-450lbs

Average Length

Females: 15-18'; Males: 17-20'