Gryphons

Half eagle, half lion, these magical beasts are fierce fighters, loyal companions, and true protectors of the land, well.. what little land they have left now.  Since they are not nearly as held sacred in magical rites, Gryphons are far more common than dragons or unicorns.  Yet they keep together, remaining and protecting the Gryphon Lands at the foot of the High Mountains. 

Most gryphons are brown in color, these feathers replaced by a winter white coat in colder weather if they are found there at all.  A black gryphon, however, is as rare a thing as a white unicorn, and yet somehow - stories say - that the Dark Elf King found one and set it protect Waterfall City. 

Sleepy Gryphon, take me home.