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Summary
Gryfons are easily recognizable by their helmet-protected heads and ability to fly at great speeds. The lands of Lyth stretch far and wide, so being able to traverse it quickly via self-propelled flight is a great asset. As a result, they are often asked to carry messages, trading goods, and other important items when time is of the essence; by request, the larger individuals may also be willing to carry passengers. They are viewed as quite the regal creatures by most other Lythians, and many desire to have a good relationship with them. If any troublesome news or individuals arrive, word travels quickly through the Gryfon community, so it's advised not to get on their bad side.
✦ Body
Most Gryfons are larger than the average Lythian. On all fours, they can easily reach a height of seven feet, though smaller and larger varieties do occur — usually within two feet of difference. The lighter individuals tend to be faster flyers, while the heavier individuals have greater strength. Body shapes vary greatly, though they always have muscular, wide-set shoulders, as that's where their wings sprout from. Like most avian, Gryfons have hollow skeletal structures, though their bones are thicker in girth. Their bodies can be only furred, only feathered, or a combination of both.
✦ Ears
Their ears come in all variations, and their hearing is pretty standard, definitely not as acute as that of a Nitpicki or Kella Ser.
✦ Skull
All members of their kind are born with an inner and outer skull. The outer skull is commonly called their "helmet" and starts off as a soft material. Unlike their bones, however, their helmet does not remain hollow, but solidifies and hardens as they grow. This growth may result in intricate designs that stretch beyond their head or reveal parts of it, though at least half of their face always remains covered. When they fully mature, their helmets stop growing. Despite this, Gryfons who desire a different helmet design may seek out Chuikhas to superheat them and remold them. This process is possible due to the helmet being structurally different from bone and causes the Gryfon no pain.
✦ Mane
Furry or feathery manes are common but not a standard among these Lythians, though individuals who live in colder areas are more often seen with them.
✦ Wings
A Gryfon's wings are large (generally larger than pictured), powerful, and capable of flight. They come in all variations, though feathered, furred, and webbed are the most common. Their placements can also vary slightly, though they are always positioned symmetrically on the body. They can have a secondary pair of wings that is usually smaller than their dominant one.
✦ Limbs
Gryfons are quadrupedal with two possible combinations of limbs: front paws with back talons or front talons with back paws. Despite preferring to be on all fours, all of their paws and talons have an opposable thumb or claw that makes gripping items possible; in terms of dexterity, their talons tend to be more agile. As a result, Gryfons may be seen standing, sitting, or walking upright for brief moments, though it's cumbersome and inefficient for them in the long run due to their build.
✦ Tail
Tails come in all shapes and sizes.
Builds
✦ Leutyto
Often found in temperate forests, these Gryfons have evolved to be much more compact, having smaller and chunkier builds to accommodate life amongst the trees. Their faces have shrunk accordingly, appearing almost completely flat, and allowing them superior vision over their standard counterparts.
Core Features
- Their helmets cover at least half of their head and have different styles.
- Gryfons have at least one pair of wings that are larger than their body.
- Gryfons have front paws with back talons or front talons with back paws.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- furred or feathered body
- muscular, wide-set shoulders
- furry or feathery manes
- feathered, furred, or webbed wings
- smaller, secondary wings
✦ Leutyto
- Their faces are mostly flat with little to no outward curvature.
- Instead of helmets, Leutytos have masks, which can come in a wide variety of styles.
- Instead of the talon-paw pairing, Leutytos may have both front and back paws.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- sturdy, chunky builds
- very fluffy
- bobbed tails
Baby Information
Baby Gryfons are scrawny little things with soft helmets that seem too big for their body. Their early helmets cover most of their head and generally become more detailed as they age, revealing parts of their face and growing into the intricate designs they will sport as adults. In addition, because they are soft, the eyeholes can move to make expressions! Though they all start with them, their wings are disproportionate to their body and do not allow for flight, though most will still flap them constantly. Despite not being able to fly, as soon as a Gryfon is born, they can take off running; this is probably a defense mechanism in case their guardians aren't immediately with them.
✦ Baby Features
- Baby Gryfons still have fur and feathers, though some are not as covered as others.
- Their helmets start off soft, cover most of their face, and are usually simple in appearance.
- Their wings are small and do not allow for flight.
✧ Extra Suggestions
- skinny, spindly features
- disproportionate body parts
Origin Story & Quest
Mesbringr
In the past, when the skies were more turbulent and none dared venture through them, a single creature had a dire message to deliver. In spite of warnings against travel through the skies, the being placed a helmet upon their head and spread their broad wings in preparation.
Off into the storms they flew, undaunted by wind, rain, or lightning. They disappeared into the distance, only to reappear months later with their body strengthened, and the helmet fused to their head.
Though tired and worn, the creature reported their success before taking off for their next delivery.
Gryfons are exceptionally large Lythians who originate from the wind tunnel realm of Eckio. They are born with helmets covering their face, though these change in shape and coverage as they age. They are hailed as messengers and beings of sky travel, and young ones may feel the tug of wanderlust even before their wings have developed.
Is your Gryfon from a realm with winds and open skies where they travel freely? Or are they from somewhere else? Do they feel the urge to explore faraway lands, or perhaps not? Do they decorate their helmet as a child, or dream about what it might look like in their later years? Please portray your Gryfon using their baby design or an adolescent design that’s not quite their adult form yet.
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