Snow Gryphon
Commonly found among the snowy peaks and forests of the Frostridge Mountains, the Snow Gryphons are a rare subspecies of the common Gryphon. Like their southern cousins, Snow Gryphons are proud, fearsome beasts, perhaps more so than common Gryphons due to their more remote habitat. While they are rarely seen in the civilised parts of northern Imera, those who are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of, or even domesticate, one of these beasts are in awe of their noble yet fearsome presence.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Snow Gryphons bear many similarities to common Gryphons, including a quadrupedal build, cat-like posture, long feathered tail, and mix of feline and avian traits. However, they are physically distinguished from common Gryphons by the fact that their feline traits resemble those of snow leopards, and their avian traits resemble those of eagle-owls.
Biological Traits
Snow Gryphons are larger than common Gryphons, have broad feline hind paws, and possess thicker fur and feathers in order to better protect them from the cold.
Genetics and Reproduction
Like common Gryphons, Snow Gryphons give birth to live young.
Ecology and Habitats
Snow Gryphons live in high, cold places, and always near forests and snowy plains.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Snow Gryphons are carnivorous.
Behaviour
Snow Gryphons are fiercely territorial creatures, perhaps even more so than typical Gryphons due to the scarcity of habitable territory and resources. Additionally, like their southern cousins, Snow Gryphons mate for life, and will refuse to take a new mate in the event of their previous mates death. While all Gryphons are difficult to tame due to their stubborn personality, Snow Gryphons are nearly impossible to domesticate, unless they are raised from an egg.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Like common Gryphons, Snow Gryphons live in small family units consisting of themselves, their mate, and their cubs, who leave to start their own pack once they reach maturity.
Domestication
While more difficult to tame than common Gryphons (who are already notoriously difficult to domesticate), it is possible to domesticate Snow Gryphons if they are raised from an egg alongside their handler. Like common Gryphons, domesticated Snow Gryphons are used as elite mounts, most commonly by the Frost Elf nobility.
Facial characteristics
Unlike common Gryphons, who have eagle-like heads, Snow Gryphons have owl-like heads with pointed, feathered ears.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Snow Gryphons are primarily found within the Frostridge Mountains of northern Imera, far from civilisation.
Average Intelligence
Snow Gryphons have intelligence equal to common Gryphons, being able to recognise people and places, and being able to understand the languages of the peoples who live near their territories.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Snow Gryphons have exceptional hearing and keen eyesight.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
85 years
Average Height
Male: 2m
Female: 2.6m
Average Weight
Male: 700kg
Female: 980kg
Average Physique
Snow Gryphons have a large, powerful build.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Snow Gryphons have grey feathers with some black mixed in, and whitish-grey fur with dark spots.
Geographic Distribution
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