Griffin

A griffin combines the powerful body of a beast with the wings and head of a bird of prey. In Elaria, it nests on cliffs, in mountain regions, and above open country from which it can watch for prey. It needs space to take flight and a safe place for its young. Large feathers, claw marks, and remains of prey in places ordinary ground predators cannot easily reach reveal its presence.

It behaves as an alert hunter and a protector of its nesting place. It may live alone, in a pair, or with young still unable to feed themselves. A human commander does not naturally direct it. If it was raised in cooperation with people, that relationship and trust need a real foundation in the story. A wild griffin seeks food and safety; it may regard strangers near its nest as a direct threat.

Once per battle, Dive Attack strengthens a strike but then temporarily reduces the griffin's physical defense. Airspace, cover, and the positions of the other party members significantly affect the encounter. An interesting expedition might involve finding a stolen egg, rescuing an injured griffin, or passing safely beneath its nest. Offering food alone does not guarantee obedience. A griffin deserves treatment appropriate to a powerful wild creature whose decisions cannot be bought with a single gesture.