Gryphon

Gryphons are rare and powerful creatures, found scattered thinly in small prides across the Sundered Lands. Few creatures are capable of preying upon gyphons, and extraordinarily few humans are capable of taming one sufficiently to ride it. They can only be sufficiently trained if the process starts from hatching, and gryphon prides defend their eggs fiercely. As a result of this and the fact only strong and wealthy individuals can ride a gyphon mount, gryphons have become associated with nobility, strength and power.
With the body of a huge lion and the wings, head and forelegs of an eagle, a gryphon's plumage covers shades of tan, brown and golden-yellow. They are extremely intelligent for animals, and are well able to reason out plans and tactics for attacks, as well as anticipate its rider. The claws on a gryphon's forelimbs, backed by its immense grip strength, are capable of puncturing a mounted knight's armour.
Hunting gryphons take off from their clifftop aeries and fly high overhead in small prides until they spot suitable prey on the ground far below. They wheel and dive at great speed from out of the sun, smashing into their target and like as not breaking its back with the first blow from stiffened claws. Afterward, they will sink their talons into the prey animal and take off again, smoothly bearing its weight. If the animal is not dead, the gryphon will drop it from height, smashing it against the ground below before diving to pick it up and carry it aloft once again back to the nest.
Gryphons are aggressive and territorial, willing and eager to dive into brutal aerial combat to protect their aeries, and especially, any young within. Flying opponents have their wings shredded, while climbers approaching the nest are plucked from the cliff face and thrown to the ground. Once their opponent is disabled, there is a high chance that the pride will consider it their next meal.