Zhaporian Gryphon

"No creature looms larger in Zhaporian folklore than the Zhaporian Gryphon, not even the great Dragons. Shirdal, they call it. In their lore it is the greatest hunter. No Zhaporian sets out to hunt Shirdal, though they will defend themselves if attacked, and this is no rare occurance, for the Zhaporian Gryphon often preys on the herds kept by the folk of the plain. But even when they have lost livestock or kin to the monster, you will never hear a Zhaporian curse its name. To lose livestock to Shirdal is but the tithe demanded by the mightiest hunter, just as the greatest wolves of the pack eat first. To be wounded buy Shirdal and survive marks a Zhaporian as a great warrior - one who Shirdal respects. To be slain by Shirdal is a good death." 
~ Imperial Surveyor's report on Zhaporian customs, compiled for Emperor Artax IV

For the people of Zhaporia, Shirdal is the greatest totem beast, and an avatar of the Archon of the Hunt (represented by a great wolf in Imperial lands). It is one of the most popular images in the ceremonial tattoos the Zhaporians wear. A mane of feathers is often worn by Zhaporian mystics when performing ancient rituals. Above all, the rare blue gryphon is seen as the Hunter come down to earth, and is an auspicious sign for good or ill. Many Zhaporians bond to an animal in their youth, but those rare individuals who are able to bond with a Zhaporian gryphon are considered particularly blessed and destined for greatness. Many foolhardy Zhaporian youths have been killed trying to prove themselves worthy of forming a bond with Shirdal.  It is for this reason the Empire sought to eradicate the Zhaporian gryphon during it's long effort to subjugate the plains. Indeed, at one time it was thought the Zhaporian Gryphon had been driven to extinction, for during the Fourth Zhaporian War, the Imperial armies were led by a dragon, and its kin hunted the gryphons, descending on their lairs with fire. However in the years following the war it was seen that a population had survived near the mountains, and in the generations since the Empire fell, the gryphons have spread across Zhaporia once more.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Zhaporian gryphon resembles a lion of great size whose mane is formed of feathers rather than fur, and wide feathers growing from its tail as well. Unlike the Imperial Gryphon (Paskuc), the Zhaporian species has no wings. It's claws are longer than those of a lion, and do not retract, resembling the talons of a raptor more than the claws of a cat.
The feathers provide warmth against the cold of the Zhaporian winters and will puff up when angered in a show of intimidation. As winter comes the gryphon's feathers will grow lighter in color until almost white, and then molt in the spring as new darker feathers come in.

Genetics and Reproduction

While the Imperial Gryphon is born from an egg, the Zhaporian Gryphon gives birth to live cubs. This distinction lead the Imperial scholars to discount any relation between the two species, though the Zhaporians insist that the two are akin, and the shared physical traits make the colloquial terminology persist.

Ecology and Habitats

The Zhaporian Gryphon usually lairs in elevated rocky ground with a good view of the surrounding country, and usually with easy access to water. It descends onto the plain for hunting.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

As it's name suggests, the Zhaporian Gryphon primarily dwells on the plains of Zhaporia, with the largest populations in the uplands approaching the mountains.

by MidJourney

Lifespan

20 - 30 years

Average Height

4 - 5 feet at the shoulder

Average Weight

500-600 lbs.

Average Length

10 - 11 feet, not including tail

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Zhaporian gryphon is usually golden brown in color, though darker, almost black specimen have been reported. Some gryphons display blue-grey markings on their fur and feathers or have blue eyes rather than the usual black. Such individuals are considered auspicious by the Zhaporians, who believe these individuals to be of greater intelligence and to possess mystical powers.