Griffon
Large Monstrosity · · CR 2
- Monstrosity
- Large
- Tier 1
Ranges across arctic, coastal, grassland, hill, mountain, and forest; Griffon lists at CR 2 as a large monstrosity (unaligned). Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 2
- Type
- Monstrosity
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Forest
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024), Flee, Mortals!
Ecology
Griffons inhabit cliffs, mountain peaks, and high coastal crags where they nest in inaccessible places. They hunt large mammals across grasslands and hill country, with a particular taste for horseflesh that has frustrated cavalry for centuries. A breeding pair claims a territory of dozens of square miles, defending it from rival griffons, wyverns, and dragons. Their nests reuse the same site for generations, building up bone middens that mark their lineage in the rocks below.
Behaviour
Griffons are intelligent in the way large raptors are intelligent: keenly aware, fiercely loyal to mates and chicks, and uncompromising about territory. They mate for life and grieve visibly when partners die. Domesticated griffons bond intensely with their handlers, often choosing a single rider for life. Wild griffons are not malicious but they are not safe; their hunger for horses brings them into regular conflict with mounted travelers and shepherds.
Origin
Some traditions claim griffons are sacred beasts created by sun-gods to guard mountains; others say they descended from primordial sky-spirits captured in flesh. Practically, griffons appear in folklore wherever lions and eagles share territory, and their physical structure suggests deep magical lineage rather than natural evolution. They have been associated with royalty and honor for so long that heraldry across many realms still bears their image, often emphasizing the proud, predatory bearing wild griffons truly possess.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Griffon
- What is the challenge rating of Griffon?
- Griffon has a challenge rating of 2. It suits an early or mid tier-1 group.
- What type of creature is Griffon?
- By creature type, Griffon is a monstrosity, large size.
- Where does Griffon live?
- In the bestiary, Griffon appears in Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Forest.