Griffon

Combat
Training A Griffon

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 Dex, +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:

Str 18, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 5, Wis 13, Cha 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)

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.

Combat

Griffons prefer to pounce on their prey, either diving to the attack or leaping from above.

Pounce (Ex): If a griffon dives upon or charges a foe, it can make a full attack, including two rake attacks.

Rake (Ex): Attack bonus +8 melee, damage 1d6+2.

Skills: Griffons have a +4 racial bonus on Jump and Spot checks.

Training A Griffon

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.