Platagriff

Description
Platagriffs are mysterious animals that resemble a large Platypus with large birdlike wings. Adult Platagriffs are slightly larger than the common horse, but have much more bulk. Males have brightly colored furry mane, which is used to blend into different environments. All Platagriffs have a pair of large wings, which effortlessly carry them through the sky. Apart from their wings and mane, Platagriffs are nearly identical to the regular Platypus. Like their smaller cousins, Platagriffs have spurs on their hind legs which they can use to inflict an extremely dangerous venom onto their opponents.

Juvenile platagriffs often resemble a fully grown version of their smaller Platypus cousin, with the only difference being a set of fully grown birdlike wings. It is unusual for juvenile Platagriffs to walk on the floor when this young, rather preferring to hover around.

Platagriffs can extremely rarely be found on riverbanks and forests deep in the remote regions of Rathnir, with sightings of both fully grown Platagriffs and wandering young Platagriffs, orphaned by hunters or other creatures of the wild. Caged platagriffs can sometimes be found in the camps of necromancers and other evil beings, attempting to use the animal to their nefarious deeds.

Lifestyle
Adult Platagriffs are not hostile towards humans, seemingly ignoring their presence. Platagriffs, if attacked, will not hesitate to defend themselves, using their massive bulk, venomous spines, and tough hide to take down foes. This is in sharp contrast to Juvenile Platagriffs who show interest in humans, often curiously observing human activities from a distance.

Platagriffs are mostly solitary, however when they find a mate, they do tend to stay with that mate for life. When they lay eggs, the mother and father defend the eggs until they hatch, which is when the Juvenile Platagriffs will begin to travel and hunt with their parents until maturity, where they will leave to find their own hunting grounds.

History
In recent years, due to the rapid growth of civilization throughout Rathnir, the wild lands the Platagriff once called home have shrunk to tiny, remote regions of the land. Archaeological discoveries, as well as ancient records reveal that around 5000 years ago, Platagriffs were quite common, with the animal being both revered and hunted within many different cultures. In the past 5000 years, however, extreme hunting, expanding cities, and industrial development has made Platagriffs a rare-mythical sight. Many cultures have believed the Platagriff, if it even existed, had become extinct long ago, however recent discoveries in extremely remote regions of Rathnir have begun to show that the Platagriff is still alive and well in the modern day.

Hunting and Poaching
Platagriffs are often hunted for many different parts of their body. It is said that Platagriff hides are extremely tough, similar to plate armor, however it is unusually thin, light, and quiet. Platagriff-hide armor is extremely valuable, as it is one of the best options for rogues, hunters, and other jobs that require both stealth and combat. It is said that those that wear full sets of Platagriff armor are almost impossible to notice. Platagriffs, similar to their smaller Platypus relatives, have both venomous quills on their legs and poisonous meat. The venom and poison is extremely potent, used in many different poison recipes for its lethal nature. Platagriff eggs are also quite valuable, as they are a fine and rare delicacy in many cultures, enjoyed by the rich, and to prepare one is the dream of many chefs across Rathnir.

While not outright banned in most nations, the hunting of Platagriffs is usually extremely frowned upon, as slaying such a majestic beast for personal economic gain is not morally correct in most cultures. However, many groups ranging from bandit poachers to powerful necromancers and skeleton men have begun to hunt Platagriffs, further reducing the winged mammal’s numbers. Some of these groups, however, go through the effort to attempt to capture a Platagriff. In ancient times, stories were told of heroes and villains who went through difficult trials and tribulations to catch and train a Platagriff from when it was young into powerful steeds. Such an action is mostly unheard of in modern day Rathnir, and is mostly believed to be a myth. However, some groups go to the effort to catch young Platagriffs, in an attempt to break their will into becoming subservient mounts to evil masters.