Gryphon
by Kay
Singluar - Gryphon
Plural - Gryphons Group - Order of Gryphons Communication - Mindspeech Size Ranges – measured at shoulder Honor - 7ft Shield - 7ft Blade - 6.5ft Rose - 6ft Squire - 6ft Colorations – By Rank Naming Convention -- Any language but must sound noble |
Description
Powerful creatures with the front half - head, neck, front limbs, and wings - of a large avian and the back half - hindquarters, legs, and tail - of a medium to large feline, Gryphons are by their own history amongst the oldest of the creatures to have existed on Teragaia, only eclipsed by the dragons themselves. From their mountain eyries they watched the humans rise to their current state, remaining mostly out of sight save for lucky glimpses. For centuries untold, they served the people of Teragaia without their knowledge, decreasing the threats of orcish attacks, thwarting dragon plans for terror and ruin, and bargained with more mild threats for leniency when civilization conflicted with the wild. Though at first only the 'traditional' eagle/lion variant of Gryphon was seen, more unique ones, taking the appearance of any bird with medium to large-size felines for back halves (so no housecats) have made themselves known. When the Dragonriders arrived, however, the leaders of the Gryphon Orders decided that now the time had come to join directly with the people, standing at their side instead of flying unknown above. Gryphons are natural knights, seeking to protect those around them and fighting for rightous causes. It comes as no surprise that they often work well with unicorns, who embody the virtures they extol, and legends speak of past times where a gryphon would take up protecting a unicorn, either as a bodyguard or, for those more martially adept, fighting alongside as brothers-in-arms. Gryphons both mindspeak, and speak their own language that, while verbal, has never been successfully translated by others. Some Bondeds might pick up a word or two here and there, but never the whole language. Mating Gryphon mating rituals are very structured in nature, and while there are slight variations, for the most part they follow specific orders. First, the leader of the chase, either male or female, will find a suitable place to 'hold court' and will call in their own tongue for suitors to gather. Once this is done (a minimum of two suitors, or the whole thing is called off), each will approach and introduce themselves, as well as list any specific deeds they have done in their lifetimes. During these recitations, the caller will be scrutinizing their every word, for lying to bolster themselves is considered very shameful, though some try it. Often those who lie are ousted from that very point. After introductions, the caller of the chase will beckon two at random to 'joust.' This is basically a battle between them, with the intent being for one to submit to the other. While some bloodshed is allowed, badly injuring, crippling, or outright killing an opponent is not allowed, and one who does so maliciously can expect all those gathered to fall upon them in retribution. This continues until only one champion stands, the strongest of the strong. Now, typically this champion is the chosen mate, but there have been times where an act of particular chivalry or honor will weigh greater than the actual highest victory, and in the end the final decision belongs to the one who brought the suitors together. Bonding Gryphon females bear live young after several months of carrying, during which they do not fly for risk of harm befalling their young. She will generally keep them with her for a few days, during which their eyes will open and they will start to show signs of personality, growing to the size of a small dog in a very short time, then they are ready to bond. The invitations that are sent out vary from gryphon to gryphon, typically verbal from wild gryphons but going up to engraved notices that they will have their Bonded send out. Once the invited have gathered, they may mingle with the young gryphons, who will ask question and request minor tasks of them to discern their demeanor. Some will bond only to those who match their own idea of honor and chivalry, others will find someone whom they think needs their guidance the most, though such a Bonded should expect plenty of lectures about behaving in a respectable way. Once they have made their choice, a Gryphon will only accept a name that rings with noblity, no matter the language, and will only refer to their Bonded as 'My lord/lady,' or with the honorific 'Lord/Lady' before their name. Ranks Gryphon ranks are unique in that, while they are often referred to by a single word, formally their ranks are always 'Order of (the)..." then the rank 'name.' So, Honor Gryphons are of the Order of Honor, while Rose Gryphons are Order of the Rose. All Gryphon ranks may be male or female as natural talent and prestige amongst them knows no gender. Honor 8* The technical 'Queens' of the Gryphons, Honor Gryphons are the unquestioned leaders of the Gryphon ranks. They always carry themselves with pride and distinction, and though they may not speak much, when they do it is wise to listen. The greatest place they shine, however, is when it comes to anything tactical. Whether it is commanding a battlefield, maneuvering through court intrigue, or competing in a game of chess, these avian-felines are masters of reading their opponents, and reacting accordingly. It is a rare thing indeed when they are challenged. The other trademark thing about them, as their name suggests, is their honor. An Honor gryphon will never do anything intentionally to smudge either their honor or the honor of their Bonded, and if by some accidental means they do cause a dishonor they are quick to make amends. But should insult come to either (or to someone that they consider under their protection, such as a weaker member of their family), they will quickly lunge to their defense, often by demanding a duel. Honor Gryphone are the tallest of their kind, standing some seven feet on average at the head. They can come in any coloration, but tend more towards less-flashy colors and patterns, appearing more regal and dignified and always taking great care of their appearances. Metallic colors like gold and silver, and purples, tend to show up. Female Honors hatch between 5 and 7 young. Shield 7* Order of the Shield Gryphons stand on par with their Honor seniors despite being technical Junior Queens, though to see the two side by side oftentimes it is the Shields who appear larger, both because of their general broader statures and indeed by their sheer presence. Shields are the protectors, those who stand on the front lines of battle and take the blows meant for others. To this end they are both tougher than other Gryphons, able to endure many more blows, as well as have an aura about them that makes them simply seem more there, more a threat and draws the eye. They can oftentimes seem a little stoic, and perhaps even cold, but that is because their main focus is to protect those around them, even those that they do not know. Their Bonded and family however will always be highest priority. Many are a tough stubborn as well, their immovable, inflexible nature showing in their tendency to not want to back down when what they think is the best for another's well being in challenged. While any color can show up in their appearance, steely-blues and metallic colors like silver and platinum appear the most frequent, and the most common patterns are bands on the wings and across the chest, and other 'larger' markings, like patches and the like, the next most common. Female Shields hatch between 5 and 6 young. Blade 6* As Shields are the defenders of the Gryphon ranks, the Order of the Blade is devoted to finding the sources of trouble, or wickedness in the world, and destroying it. This does not mean that these technical 'Lords' (gender notwithstanding) are reckless killers; in fact actually killing is something they try to avoid unless there really is no other way. A redeemed villain is much more useful to the world than a dead one, after all. They are the agents sent out by Honors when trouble is discovered, with the freedom to handle the situation in whatever manner is most efficient, even if they must change plans on the fly. As such, given that they oftentimes have to improvise after seeing what is happening, they are not only skilled warriors, but very clever as well. Even when it seems like things are hopeless, like there is no way out, a Blade Gryphon will find a way, and punch straight through all resistance in his path! Marginally shorter than Shields, Blades are generally sleek in appearance, with smaller manes and both feathers and fur preened tight to their bodies to aid the sharpness of their flight maneuverability. They are the fastest, most skilled fliers of all Gryphon kind. They tend to have very simple coloration, with a base solid color and straightforward markings in a various shade of the same color. So a Blade with a blue bade might have light blue stripes or deeper blue wings. Any shots or splotches they show are typically subtle. Female Blades hatch 3 to 4 young. Rose 5* By far the most graceful and elegant of the Gryphons, those of the Order of the Rose are diplomats, first and foremost. These Uncommon Gryphons maneuver with words with a skill that can leave even an Honor impressed. It is not that they flatter, though they are adept at offering sincere compliments. Nothing they say is designed to falsely impress another. They are honest, but sincere, and even when they must give criticism they do so in a way that never offends. Some of the other Orders also think of the Roses as being somewhat vain, as they are fond of wearing attractive adornments like scarves, jewelry, and even cloaks, and preen much more than the others do. They are also the least likely to engage in battle, though when they must they show they are truly Gryphons, with just as deadly claws and honed battle skills as other Orders. Though some deride their particular brand of attack as being rather dance-like, closer to formalized fencing than warfare. Rose Gryphons physically are more finely-formed than their counterparts, more slender of frame and appearing without much muscle to them. Softer colors tend to suit them more, with occasional accents of brighter hues., though any shade or hue of the rainbow may show up, and any markings may appear as well. Female Roses hatch no more than 3 eggs, but more oftentimes 2. Squire 4* The Order of Honor leads, the Order of the Shield protects, the order of the Blade strikes, the order of the Rose maintains peace. And the Order of Squires serves them all. For every great knight in history, there was a squire who often went unsung, a hero in his own right who served his master faithfully, seeing to the small tasks so the knight could focus on the large picture. That is the role for these Gryphons, the most common kind seen. Some might say that there is no honor or dignity in servitude. Squires just smile at those naysayers, for they know the truth: to serve others is to serve oneself, and serve the world. As might be expected, Squire Gryphons are generous sorts, quite willing to perform tasks that are asked of them as long as they are not dishonorable deeds. If they find that they are not quite up to a particular request, they have no problem in seeking out others to assist. And even if they are never thanked for their work, that is alright. Seeing others succeed is thanks enough for them. In accordance with their non-flashy natures, those of the Order of the Squire are rather subdued in their appearance. They tend to have natural hues for coloration, with subtle markings. Rarely, one will have a single mark of a brighter color, entirely contained on one part of their bodies. Female Squires, when they take time off of the service to do so, only ever bear one hatchling. |