Spire Glider Griffon
Spire Glider Griffons are specifically bred species of griffon found on White Peaks mountain range, originally cultivated by the high elves of Islenor. These silent flyiers are used as mounts and messengers near the mountain range.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Spire Gliders are specifically owl-like griffon species with hind legs and a tail similar to ones of a lynx. They are more short and stout than the other prominent domesticated griffon species in the area, the Peak Dancer. They have an average height of 132 cm, and from the peak to the tail, they can be around 2 m long. Females tend to be a bit larger than males.
Body of a Spire Glider is covered with rather fluffy feathers, with a grey, beige or white undertone, lighter underbellies and spot-like patterns that are usually darker than the base colour, that can appear on the back of the animal. The griffon's stubby bobtail might have few stripes around it. Their head is adorned with plumicorns, and they tend to have a monotone, almost heart-shaped facial disc like a barn owl with large, often darkly coloured eyes. Their wings make them very silent fliers.
Additional Information
Domestication
Spire Gliders were domesticated from the wild owl griffons of the Lands of the Spring Rise to be used as mounts. Spire Gliders tend to be easily distracted by sudden movements, though are otherwise evenly tempered. Too distracted griffons or ones that show too much aggression are seen unfit to be used as mounts. Also, some of the Spire Gliders might simply be too small to ride.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
For generations, islenorians have used Spire Gliders specifically as mounts for scouts, as well as messengers. They are also especially suited for looking for people that have gotten lost in forests or the mountains, making them valuable on any wilderness rescue missions. What they lack in speed, they make up in their size and with their keen senses, making them less popular but just as useful as the more popular Peak Dancer Griffon.
The species has also gained popularity in Kingdom of Freynia, where the Spire Gliders are often used as mounts during parades and other ceremonial situations, due to their impressive appearance.
Sometimes Spire Gliders are too small to be used as mounts, but they still show a good amount of intellect and have a good character. Those can be trained to find people, prey or casualties of accidents similarly to a dog, but where the dog uses their nose, Spire Gliders use their ears.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
As an owl-type griffon, Spire Gliders have both excellent hearing and vision, and they have a very impressive dark vision. Together with their silent wings, Spire Gliders are particularly adapted to surprising their prey.
I love that they can be used as both mounts and rescue griffons. They sound beautiful too.