Gryphus

Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 59 (7d10+ 21)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft., fly 80 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	15 (+2)	16 (+3)	5 (-3)	13 (+1)	8 (-1)

Skills Perception +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages –
Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Special Traits

• Arimaspos Hatred. The gryphus has advantage on attacks against arimaspos.
• Keen Sight. The gryphus has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
• Pounce. If the gryphus moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the gryphus can make one beak attack against it as a bonus action.
• Treasure Sense. The gryphus can pinpoint, by scent, the location of precious metals and stones, such as coins and gems, within 60 feet of it.

Actions

• Multiattack. The gryphus makes two attacks: one with its beak and one with its claws.
• Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
• Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

About

This strange beast has the foreparts of an eagle and the hindquarters of a lion. The feathers along its back are black, and those on its front are red, and the wings are white. Its neck is variegated with feathers of a dark blue; its eyes shine like fire.

Gryphus are powerful, majestic creatures with the characteristics of both lions and eagles. From nose to tail, an adult gryphus can measure as much as 8 feet. Neither males nor females are endowed with a mane. A pair of broad, golden wings emerge from the creature’s back and span 25 feet or more. A gryphus weighs about 500 pounds.

Gold Diggers. Gryphus dig up gold and line their nests with it, which causes them to inevitably come into conflict with men. Their beaks and claws are so strong that they can even dig for gold in the bare rock if they can sense it.

Gryphus are daytime hunters; those seeking gold are advised to approach their nests at night.