Hippogriff

A hippogriff is a legendary creature with the front half of an eagle and the hind of a horse. A hippogriff is considered very intelligent; although incapable of true speech. Hippogriffs mate for life. Should a mate die, the survivor will not seek out another mate but instead live solitary for the rest of their life. Mated pairs are very territorial, only allowing unmated females or young near their nesting grounds.

Unmated Hippogriff females live in small herds, typically numbering between four and seven (4 - 7) members. Unmated males live solitary lives near other unmated males. Unmated males will approach female herds in order to woo a female. Should a female become receptive the male will approach and travel with the herd for several days. The female will signal her intention to mate by leaving the herd, enticing the male to chase her. Unmated males who threaten the herd will often be attacked by other nearby males waiting their chance.

A hippogriff prefers to live in rocky hills and mountains. Sightings in the Abjurer Mountains and Anor Mountains are pretty common by travelers passing through the valley. Approaching a hippogriff in its territory is considered dangerous and fool-hardy.

During the harvest nearby hippogriffs will descend into the valleys to run. It is during this time that female herds are most receptive to unmated males. Mated pairs of hippogriffs will join into smaller herds on the outskirts of the larger herd. This “protectiveness” is when hippogriffs are most dangerous as anyone approaching will be driven off violently.