Griffon Travel

As a minor holy symbol of the sun god Aslyn, the solar griffon has been the mount of choice for adventurers and those of higher ranking in Aslyntharan society since at least the time of scholar Verith. A popular choice given the complete avoiding of most geographical obstacles and the relative safety from monsters, raiders, and the like when compared to the more typical cart or horse travel, griffons have become rarer in recent years, and thus less accessible to those without a considerable amount of coin to spare.
Solar griffons, unlike their more aggressive counterparts, the common griffons, are relatively peaceful and are much easier to handle. While a bit larger than the common griffon, solar griffons are slightly slower and weaker, prompting some particularly courageous or naïve griffon tamers to attempt to tame and lend common griffons for their added speed and strength.
While now most commonly in use in Elgyngard, Asdera's griffons have migrated out of the country, while in Lacryn, restrictions and new legislature have regulated the use, taming, breeding, and selling of griffons to the extent that they are extremely rare to find as a mount, more commonly being seen in the wild.

Power Generation

Griffons, as carnivores, typically require at least 25 lbs of fresh meat every day. This can be substituted for 15 lbs of specialized feed, but such feed is reportedly less beneficial to the griffon's health than the natural meat. Capable hunters, griffons in the service of humans occasionally are let loose to search for their own food.

Propulsion

With a large wingspan and powerful build, griffons can fly to great effect and with considerable maneuverability. If on the ground, they can also gallop, similar to a horse.

Weapons & Armament

Griffons rely on their brute strength, sharp talons, and bludgeoning hooves for defense and hunting, sometimes incorporating their wings as well.

Armor and defense

Apart from natural armor, domesticated griffons sometimes are equipped with barding (around 50 lbs). However, the weight of the barding detracts from its overall carrying capacity.

Communication Tools & Systems

Most griffons have been trained to respond to a certain ringing generated from a unique pendant, typically engraved with solar or griffon iconography.

Sensors

They have remarkable vision (see stat block).

Nickname

Royal Griffons, Aslyn's Griffons

Price

500 gp (Lacryn), 200 gp (Elgyngard)

Rarity

About 1/50 mounts (Lacryn),

Beam

3 ft, 26 ft (wingspan)

Length

8 ft

Weight

600 lbs

Speed

70 ft per round, 190 mi per day

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Up to 2 passengers, 300 lbs

Solar Griffon Mount CR: 2

Large monstrosity, neutral

Armor Class: 12

Hit Points: 65 (7d10 + 27) 7d10+27

Speed: 35 ft , fly: 75 ft

STR

19 +4

DEX

15 +2

CON

16 +3

INT

4 -3

WIS

14 +2

CHA

8 -1

Skills: Perception +6

Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16

Challenge Rating: 2

Actions

Multiattack. The griffon makes two attacks: one with its beak and one with its claws.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit 1d8+4 , reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) 1d20+6 piercing damage.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit 1d20+6 , reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) 1d10+2 piercing damage.

A majestic creature of eagle and lion, the solar griffon differs from its cousins the common griffons only in that it is larger, slightly slower, and less violent. The hindquarters of a lion and the forelegs, head, and wings of giant eagles, the solar griffon displays a golden-white plumage and fur.