The noble griffin, the sign and sigil of many a kingly house, has been a favored animal on heraldry for centuries. However, as near as can be ascertained, they have been extinct in the Emperor-King’s realm since the days of the Eternal Empire, and have indeed been extirpated from the continent entirely. They survive elsewhere, however, albeit in far-diminished numbers given their—perhaps unfair—reputation as man-eaters.

Still, griffins are highly prized for menageries and zoological gardens. The Emperor-King’s menagerie currently holds one, as does the Collegium’s, though both specimens—nicknamed “Earl” and “Duke” after their donors—are elderly and sickly, having been fed a steady stream of refuse by paying visitors and being unable to fly due to clipped wings. Indeed, thanks to declawing that was done while they were both fledge-cubs, neither Earl nor Duke is even capable of seeing to their own meals and must instead be fed pre-cut meat. Indeed, it has been observed that both have grown spoilt and rather fat on this diet, but as the Collegium records no information on the proper diet of a griffin—save legends of them eating only infants exposed and left to die—it is currently unknown if, or how, this can be remedied.

  • Like what you see? Purchase a print or ebook version!