Greifshund (ˈɡraɪ̯fs.hʊnt)
"The greifshund is more than just an animal to the people of Schuldig. It's a symbol of courage and strength and nobility. That's why it's on the arms of Greifsburg, and the crest of the Mutt Cynn. If you insult the greifshund, you are insulting their entire island, and they won't forgive you." - Miyagi Yumeko, in a letter to her son.
The Greifshund is a winged predator native to the island of Schuldig which lives on the cliffs overlooking the sea. It is beloved of the people of Schuldig, and the city of Greifsburg is named for it. The animal itself is named for another noble creature called the griffin which the early human inhabitants of Schuldig had heard of and translates roughly to griffin-hound.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A greifshund is six-limbed animal, with two wings and four legs. It has two eyes that face forward, giving it excellent depth perception. It is not a mammal or an avian, but has qualities of both, and natural scientists believe it is more like a dragon than either the wolf or raptor it resembles. Its body is covered in feathers, although they have a texture that can be mistaken for fur. Its head has a long hooked beak, and two pointed ears. All four of the greifshund's feet sport large talons, which they use to snatch fish out of the water. They rarely hunt other flying animals, as they are not very maneuverable in the air, preferring to glide rather than fly. They are excellent climbers however, and will frequently ascend their cliffs through a combination of climbing and short flights.
Genetics and Reproduction
Greifshunds are oviparous, and typically lay only a single egg every year. They keep these eggs in nests built high on cliffs, and both parents will tend the egg for the two to three months it takes to hatch. A greifshund will reach sexual maturity at around five years of age, and have been observed to live up to fifty years in the wild with a new pup born each year.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Greifshunds are obligate carnivores, and are very opportunistic. While the citizens of Schuldig make much of their ability to snatch fish out of the bay, they are more often scavengers, seeking whatever carrion they can find. They have been known to glide down into the city of Greifsburg in order to find food, and unattended carcasses are not ignored for very long.
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
I love them. Would they like pets?
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
Sadly, I think they do not want pets.