Frost Griffin
Frost griffins are a medium-sized dragon species native to the eastern forested lands of Sanoris. They share a lot of characeristics with their wetland griffin relatives, whom they sometimes mingle with in the southern reaches of their range.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The frost griffin is a quadrupedal vertebrate with a short and stocky build. Its body is covered in thick fur that is thinner around the face and lower half of the front legs. It has a long tail that ends with a plume of fur. It has a short mane around the base of its neck.
Its feet end in sharp talons. It has three fingers and a semi-opposable thumb on its forelegs and three toes on its hind legs. Its forelimbs are thin and dexterous, while its hind legs are sturdy and muscular.
Its face is narrow and ends in a keratin beak. Its mouth is lined with both sharp teeth and crushing molars. It has large forward-facing eyes with round pupils. It has stubby triangular ears that can rotate independently of each other.
Draconic Flight
As a dragon, the frost griffin can use Glow to generate wings made of floatglass. Its wings have a rectangular silhouette with slotted ends, allowing the griffin to take advantage of air currents and glide for long periods of time with minimal effort. Frost griffins spend a lot of time in the sky, searching the ground below for food.
Ecology and Habitats
The frost griffin is found in the forested foothills of The Brink. While they occassionally venture to higher altitudes, they are not considered a mountain-dwelling species. Unlike wetland griffins, frost griffins are not typically found in urban environments.
During Dusk years, much of their habitat is blanketed in snow or ice. Their thick, water-repellant fur allows them to tolerate the cold, wet winter. They sometimes journey further south to escape the worst of the weather, leading them to compete with the local wetland griffins. In the summer, they shed their fluffy undercoat to keep cool.
Hybridization
Interbreeding between frost and wetland griffins is theoretically possible. No confirmed individuals have been identified, but sightings of suspected "wetfrost" griffins have occurred where their territories overlap.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Frost griffins are scavengers and feed almost exlusively on carrion. They prefer raw bone instead of meat. Their powerful beaks and potent stomach acid allow them to break and digest shards of raw bone, which they swallow whole.
If the griffin encounters a bone that it cannot crack, it will carry it into the air and drop it, shattering it on the rocks below. They have also been observed using small Glowbolts to break bones.
Frost griffins hunt live prey on occasion. They mainly prey on small mammals and birds native to their region. While they are happy to feed on the corpse of a larger animal, they know better than to start a fight with a live one.
Behaviour
Frost griffins are either solitary or paired with a mate. They mate for life, and breed at the start of the Dawn year. Their young are independent well before winter arrives.
They are avoidant of people and generally uninterested in their activities. They may become aggressive if they are approached while feeding. They are fairly intelligent and can remember individuals, as well as hold grudges against those that have slighted them in the past.
Spitting Acid
In a pinch, a frost griffin can induce itself to vomit, spraying stomach acid onto its assailant. While not lethal, this attack can cause skin irritation, minor burns, or even blindness if it hits the eyes. The pungent smell alone is often enough to stun the attacker and enable the griffin to escape.
Bearded vultures are my fav birds ever. So lovely seeing the inspiration! Can't wait for the art.
They're just so cool. And thank you!