DemiGryph

Demigryphs
Demigryphs are strange but noble beasts, they have the back legs of a lion, the front talons of an eagle, and the head of an eagle. Though, unlike Griffons the Demigryph lacks any wings, instead they are completely land based creatures. Due to this they have become a rare but favored mount of several noble families, one such family being the Rosenthals.

Demigryphs are typically found within open fields, hunting down the deer that ruin and wreck havoc upon the crops planted by the more sentient races. In exchange for this Demigryphs are typically left alone, unless captured for breeding purposes. The beast typically are reserved creatures, only hunting for what they need and never harming those that stay out of their way. However, when prey or a foe is caught it is common for very little to be left behind. As a demigryph's talons can pierce steel and its beak will easily shatter bone.

For those raised in captivity they tend to become loyal to a fault with whoever raises them, protecting their surrogate parent until death. Such is the reason royal families will spend small fortunes for their children to have such mounts.