Griffon

Large monstrosity

Armor Class: 3
Hit Dice: 7 (average 24 hp)
Movement: 120 ft / 300 ft flying
Attacks: 2 talons (1d4 each) + 1 bite (2d8)
Morale: 10
Alignment: Neutral
XP: 700

Description

The Griffon has the body of a great lion and the head, wings, and forelegs of an eagle. It is widely considered the most prized mount in the known world — a symbol of power, wealth, and martial excellence. Wild Griffons are ferociously territorial and intensely fond of horse flesh.

Special Abilities

Horse Scent: Griffons can smell horses from a great distance and will attack on sight. They cannot be kept within 360 ft of horses without supernatural restraint.

Powerful Bite: The Griffon's eagle beak deals 2d8 damage per strike.

Trainable: Young Griffons taken from the nest can be trained as mounts. They are rarely sold and worth enormous fortunes. A trained Griffon requires special housing to keep away from horses.

Tactics / Encounter / Notes

Wild Griffons attack with little provocation near their lair. They dive from above, raking with talons and tearing with their beak. They defend nest sites to the death.

10% chance the encounter is at their lair (rocky mountain eyrie).

Treasure

Griffon lairs contain Type E treasure.