Magical Creature Notes

Gryphon/Griffin/Griffon (Observations of April)

       Through our extensive time together I have witnessed enough to determine that Gryphons are creatures of respect. They are somewhat similar to Hippogriffs in nature, but their reactions to their environment vary. As an obvious example, Hippogriffs are prideful and require one bows before it before it will interact with you. For a Gryphon, bowing might help relations in some instances but overall will not guarantee that interactions will be friendly or even safe. And that is because of respect. To respect means to empathize and adhere to the other party's preferences and wishes, to put it simply. And so bowing to a Gryphon that does not wish to be patronized is a good way to get swiped at. I learned that hard way when we were in our teens and was unintentionally slashed for shocking her out of comfort as a prank.

       Now just to note, April being an animagus means that the animal behaviors she has exhibited in her animal form still have some human bias. But being in animal form for over a decade has caused her mind to be that of a Gryphon at all times so while the human nuance is there, it isn't really prominent. This goes for food preferences as well. She loves fish and will even eat it raw.

       Anyways, back to respect. Gryphons are usually used to guard property and are fierce protectors. I ran a recent experiment with April where I asked her to hold onto something mundane (a candle) and was going to ask for it back by the end of the day. She was not in the mood to do discoveries initially, but then changed her mind when I offered to buy her fudge and catfish. She spent the day holding the candle. Never letting go or letting it out of her sight. Half of its existence was spent near her chest, in fact. This confirms behaviors noted in other texts about the protective qualities of Gryphons, specifically holding things near the chest. I then asked her what she experienced. Her commentary on the matter was that keeping the candle safe helped keep her mind occupied, which helped her stay awake in History class. She also reported being hyperaware of her surroundings, trying to anticipate anyone going for the candle. Luckily no altercations happened. She even went so far as to keep it cool so that it would not melt.

       As for her feelings on the matter, she stated she had a strong preference to keep it pristine simply because I told her I would ask for it back. She felt that returning something damaged "shows one is rude, uncaring and undisciplined" even when I told her beforehand to not worry if it got damaged or went missing since the candle costed a meager few knuts. But I digress, we deliberated a bit and realized that this wasn't just mere obsession but the general demeanor of a Gryphon. She does act like she's from a noble house most of the time, sans a superiority complex, which falls in line with the demeanor of both Gryphons and Hippogriffs.

       Onto other things, Gryphon feathers are fairly versatile. Wing feathers can be used as quills or dusters. Down feathers are used in potions and fashion. The tiny, coarse feathers that cover half their body can make for good brushes. And I think head feathers have been used as wand cores. Good money to be had selling them, though we can only sell the ones she sheds.