Gryphon (Variant)

Gryphon (Variant) by Stone Gargoyle

I am making this a variant type in case people want to use the one in the book and this one in addition to that.

Gryphons are intelligent creatures of magic that appear to be a combination of eagle and lion. Their origin is unknown, but it is suspected that they were created by a great wizard or god to fight in a war in ancient times. They can be found in the cliffs of remote mountain ranges, particularly those in the north.
Gryphons prefer to live isolated from other races, which they consider a threat to their nests and eggs. In spite of having a lion body, the Gryphon will lay eggs rather than bear live young. Even though they live so isolated, adult males will often travel to hire themselves on as mercenaries, and when doing so will let humanoids ride on their backs.

Alignment: Any, but are typically of Good alignment

Attributes: I.Q. 3d6, M.E. 2d6, M.A. 2d6, P.S. 4d6, P.P. 4d6, P.E.5d6, P.B. 4d6, Spd 4d6 running, 1d6X10+48 flying

Hit Points: P.E. +1d6 per level of experience

S.D.C.: 4d6+20 plus any gained by O.C.C. or physical skills

Natural A.R.: 9

Horror Factor: 13

P.P.E.: 1d6X10

O.C.C.s available to Gryphons: Mercenary warrior, or any practitioner of magic

Natural Abilities: Fly, nightvision 120 feet, exceptional hawk-like vision (can see a rabbit two miles away), 180 degree arc for peripheral vision, prowl 66%, track by sight 54%. Have talons rather than paws for feet which can be manipulated as hands, allowing them to write and use weapons and tools.

Attacks Per Melee: Three hand to hand or two by magic (if known)

Damage: Restrained talon/claw attack does 1d6 damage, full strength talon/claw attack does 3d6 damage, bite does 1d6 damage, or by weapon.

Bonuses: +4 on initiative, +4 to strike, +3 to parry, +4 to dodge, +4 to save vs. Horror Factor

Magic: By O.C.C. only

Psionics: None

Average Life Span: 200 years

Value: Slave/trained adult: 30,000+ gold

Habitat: Mountains worldwide, particularly those in the north

Languages: Three of choice (+15%)

Enemies: Vampires and other undead

Allies: Humans and elves

Physical Appearance: They have the head of an eagle, the body of a lion, feet which resemble talons, and great feathered wings. Their bodies are also covered by downy feathers rather than fur.

Size: Six feet tall, ten feet long, plus tail

Weight: 180-280 pounds

Notes:Gryphons are extremely loyal and honest in their dealings. They often gather in small loose knit communities of 4d4. A mated pair (they mate for life) can produce 1d6 eggs once every eight years. Young leave the parents at the age of ten or eleven and reach maturity by age fifteen. Gryphons typically feed on sheep, goats, deer and large foul.

Variant Notes: GMs may wish to use this race of Gryphons in addition to the race listed in the Monsters & Animals book. If so, just call these Gryphons something else and use both!