Razorgryff

Written by CrazyJack

The Razorgryff is one of the largest mammal species in Mirkireth, and is uncommon in the wild. They are however trained as mounts by the Paédor, despite their aggressive nature. While being rather aggressive towards any other species unless trained, the Razorgryff seems to tolerate the company of its own species, and will mostly ignore other Razorgryffs (Most of the time).

Anatomy and Morphology

The Razorgryff when fully grown is around as tall as a horse, its head is bony, spiked and grey, somewhat resembling the texture of rock, with razor sharp teeth and bright, piercing orange or yellow eyes. The long neck of the animal is covered in a thick light brown, or auburn mane. The body of the Razorgryff is horse-like, but is still covered in bony, spiked hide. The legs however are more cat-like with heavily muscled limbs ending in clawed paws. The morphology of the Razorgryff make it exceptional at navigating the rough jungles and swamps of its environment, but its strength and aggression make it dangerous.

Diet

The Razorgryff is a carnivore, and in the wild eats anything it can catch, including Paédor and any individuals of the other sentient races that are unlucky enough to come across it. When domesticated, the Razorgryff are usually fed Radag Beast meat, or anything else the Paédor can spare.

Training

The Paédor Elf Clans Varak Rivash and Krelka Alasz, are particularly invested in training the Razorgryffs. Only the bravest warriors volunteer, and it takes years of trust building before a Razorgryff even allows someone to mount it. Further years are spent honing the connection between beast and rider, and fully trained Razorgryffs will have a deep trust and bond with their rider, who will probably be the only individual who ever rides that Razorgryff. When not fully trained the Razorgryff is aggressive and will lash out at those who overstep their bounds, often resulting in serious injury or even death. When fully trained the Razorgryff is a killing machine, with powerful jaws, teeth that can punch through armour with ease, and razor sharp claws, all on a 400kg animal crashing through the jungle at 30 miles per hour to maul whoever its rider tells it to. The reflex, balance and steering of the rider is practiced until the Razorgryff and rider become one, they move as one, and they kill as one. The most accomplished riders don't even need commands, for the Razorgryff will respond to even the tiniest movements of its owner with lighting fast efficiency. In battle, a full band of Razorgryff riders is enough to make even the most disciplined warriors flee.

Reproduction and growth

The Razorgryff has a normal mammalian reproductive system, but almost no sexual dimorphism between males and females. The gestation period is around 12 months, and the Razorgryff pup will stay by its mother's side for milk for only 3 months before being abandoned to fend for itself. The animal grows fast, reaching full size in around 2 years, and sexual maturity by its 4th year. A Razorgryff pair mate for life.

Lifespan

60 - 80 years

Average Height

1.6 - 2 metres

Average Weight

380 - 450 kg

Average Length

2.5 metres