The Black Ravguar Griffons

The Black Ravguar Griffons, sometimes called Bravguar Griffons or Bravgriffs for short, are a rare color morph of the elusive Ravguar breed of griffon. At first glance these melanistic griffons appear to be completely black from head to tail. Although the raven head, chest, legs and wings are truly a solid black, upon closer inspection of the jaguar hind quarters, one can see the black rosette patterns hidden in the lighter black areas of the body. Their dark coloring, stealth, vision, and flight gives them a supreme advantage during their dusk to dawn hunting hours.
While these scarce color patterns of the Ravguar Griffon do occur in the wild, most notably in the Cuauhtla Forest, they are more likely to be encountered in the nearby free city of Merula. It was here that the transmuter wizard, Merula, collected the black variants and selectively bred them to create a large, stealthy and efficient fighting force.
This fighting force was so successful that Merula was able to drive the Pythos Empire and the Jade Dynasty from the forest and back over the plains. They were then able to turn their attention to hunting down the hated, insurgent dark elves and restrict them to their cavern stronghold. The fight against the dark elves continues to this day under the leadership of her great granddaughter Kaitse Merula.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

This species thrives in the subtropical and mountainous, dark jungles of the southwest.  After hunting in the forest all night, they return to their dens among the cliffs and caves overlooking the green valleys below.

Dietary Needs and Habits

While these griffons are able to catch and kill nearly any animal available, their preferred prey items are deer, sheep, goats, and livestock that wander into their territory.  However, their most favorite prey of all is the horse, of which they find irresistible.

Additional Information

Domestication

If raised from a fledgling, this species is very easily domesticated and can be trained for a variety of tasks common with its nature.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The only known domesticated Black Ravguar Griffons are found in the free city of Merula, where they serve as a highly trained fighting force, specializing in ambush and night time warfare.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This rare breed of griffon is native to the jungles of the Cuauhtla Forest of the southwest and can be found in the free city of Merula to the west.

Average Intelligence

These griffons are quite intelligent for an animal and can easily learn to solve simple problems and be trained to complete certain tasks as well as serve as excellent fighting companions.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

In addition to being able to fly and having great strength, speed, agility, and stamina, their senses of hearing, smell, and vision are extraordinary.  Not only do they have the vision of both raven and jaguar, but they also have low light vision and dark vision as well.

Scientific Name

Gryphon Pantheonca Corvus

Origin/Ancestry

Ravguar Griffons

Lifespan

Between 15 and 20 years.

Conservation Status

While natural Black Ravguar Griffons are a rare sight to behold, they are under no governmental protection.

Average Height

About 3 feet tall at the shoulder.

Average Weight

Approximately 250 pounds.

Average Length

About 7.3 feet long.

Average Physique

The griffons appear to be a hybrid or some form of blending, having a birds head, chest, forelegs, and wings and the body, hind legs, and tail of a big cat.  The most recognizable form is that of an eagle combined with a lion.  The Ravguar Griffons are a mixture of raven and jaguar.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Black Ravguar Griffons appear as a completely black mixture of raven and black jaguar.