Griffon, Griffin
“Griffon: Majestic Beasts of Mythical Might or Terrifying Avian Predators?”
Appearance: Griffons are awe-inspiring creatures, blending the features of a mighty lion with the majestic wings of an eagle. Their powerful bodies are covered in a golden, sleek fur that glistens in the sunlight. The eagle’s head boasts sharp, intelligent eyes, and the lion’s body is adorned with powerful claws.
Behavior: These creatures exhibit a proud and regal demeanor, often seen soaring through the skies with undeniable grace. Griffons are known for their loyalty and are often depicted as noble guardians, forming unbreakable bonds with those they consider allies.
Habitat: Griffons make their homes in a variety of environments, from lofty mountain peaks to expansive grasslands. They are particularly drawn to places where they can survey their territory and keep a watchful eye on the world below.
Modus Operandi: Griffons are versatile hunters, employing a mix of aerial agility and ground strength. They spot their prey from above, utilizing their keen eyesight, and then swoop down with incredible speed to snatch it with their powerful talons.
Motivation: These majestic beings are often motivated by a sense of duty to protect their territories or the individuals they have formed bonds with. Some legends speak of griffons guarding sacred sites, while others portray them as valiant mounts for heroes seeking to accomplish great quests.
Griffon 5e
Griffon 3.5
Griffon
Large monstrosity, neutral
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 84 (8d10 + 40)
Speed 30 ft., fly 80 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
18 (+4) | 15 (+2) | 20 (+5) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 8 (-1) |
Skills Perception +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Keen Sight. The griffon has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Multiattack. The griffon makes three attacks: one with its beak and two with its claws.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Dive Attack. If the griffon is flying and dives at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a beak attack, the attack deals an extra 9 (2d8) damage to the target.
Actions
Multiattack. The griffon makes three attacks: one with its beak and two with its claws.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Dive Attack. If the griffon is flying and dives at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a beak attack, the attack deals an extra 9 (2d8) damage to the target.
Legendary Actions
The griffon can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The griffon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Wing Attack. The griffon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the griffon must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
- Talon Strike (Costs 2 Actions). The griffon makes a talon attack.
Majestic and powerful, the griffin/griffon is one of the most highly sought-after aerial mounts. Its penchant for horseflesh, however, can land the griffon’s owner in some unanticipated trouble.
The Griffin/Griffon a beast like a lion but with the beak and wings of an eagle. Griffons are powerful, majestic creatures with the characteristics of both lions and eagles. From nose to tail, an adult griffon can measure as much as 8 feet. Neither males nor females are endowed with a mane.
A pair of broad, golden wings emerge from the creature’s back and span 25 feet or more. A griffon weighs about 500 pounds.
A griffon cannot speak, but understands Common.
Griffin/Griffon | |
Large magical beast | |
Hit Dice | 7d10+21 (59 hp) |
Initiative | +2 |
Speed | 30 ft. (6 squares), Fly 80 ft. (average) |
Armor Class | 17 (-1 size, +2 Dexterity, +6 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 15 |
Base Attack/Grapple | +7/+15 |
Attack | Bite +11 melee (2d6+4) |
Full Attack | Bite +11 melee (2d6+4) and 2 claws +8 melee (1d4+2) |
Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. |
Special Attacks | Pounce, rake 1d6+2 |
Special Qualities | Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision, Scent |
Saves | Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +5 |
Abilities | Strength 18, Dexterity 15, Constitution 16, Intelligence 5, Wisdom 13, Charisma 8 |
Skills | Jump +8, Listen +6, Spot +10 |
Feats | Iron Will, Multiattack, Weapon Focus (bite) |
Environment | Temperate hills |
Organization | Solitary, pair, or pride (6-10) |
Challenge Rating | 4 |
Treasure | None |
Alignment | Always neutral |
Advancement | 8-10 HD (Large); 11-21 HD (Huge) |
Level Adjustment | +3 (cohort) |
Combat
Griffons prefer to pounce on their prey, either diving to the attack or leaping from above.
Training a Griffon
Ultimate Equipment Guide II
Author Greg Lynch, J. C. Alvarez
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2005
Although intelligent, a griffon requires training before it can bear a rider in combat. To be trained, a griffon must have a friendly attitude toward the trainer (this can be achieved through a successful Diplomacy check). Training a friendly griffon requires six weeks of work and a DC 25 Handle
Animal check. Riding a griffon requires an exotic saddle. A griffon can fight while carrying a rider, but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds on a Ride check.
Griffon eggs are worth 3,500 gp apiece on the open market, while young are worth 7,000 gp each. Professional trainers charge 1,500 gp to rear or train a griffon.
Carrying Capacity A light load for a griffon is up to 300 pounds; a medium load, 301-600 pounds; and a heavy load, 601-900 pounds.