Aithtrikan Gryphon.

General Description: the oldest of the two species of gryphon existing on Camidra, the aithtrikan gryphon is also generally the most friendly towards the newcommer races like humans. While they certainly doesn't view the humanoid races as their equals, they also feel somewhat responsible for them-- much in like an adult towards a very young child. In the southern kingdom Aithrika, they have therefore formed an alliance with the resident humans and a humanoid race known as the fheaire. The land is ruled by a mated pair of gryphons chosen by their kind, their seconds in command being the kings and queens of the humans and the fheaire-- all from family lines judged worthy by the gryphons to rule. While Aithrika in teory have no true army, the country is protected by gryphons paired with worthy humans and fheaire-- these acting as police, border guards, agents of the state and aithrikan representatives in other countries.
The aithtrikan gryphons themselves are part eagle and part jaguar, their plumage and fur is bronzy-brown with speckles of gold at the head and along the back. Usually the eyes are a distinctive reddish-amber color, but other colors can and do occur.

Originally Created by: Something Evil.

Special Abilities: as well as being strong telepaths and empaths, aithtrikan gryphons are also capable of shapechanging. While they can shapechange into anything twice as/half as large as them, their prefered alternate form is often that of a horse-- particulary in the case of those working with a humanoid as it allows them to travel relatively unnoticed.

Oddities: while aithtrikan gryphons are independent beings and by no means dependent on a bond, they will still use a complex spell to bond themselves to their chosen humanoid companions/riders, and the companion/riders to them. This bond does not result in the death of both should one of them die, but it does provide instant and efficent communication between the partners. Still, side effects may be that if one is sick or injured, the other may feel it too-- at least until they learn to filter out unneccessary feedback from each others minds.

Specific Physical Statistics.
Size at birth: roughtly the size of a small lion.
Size at maturity: 10-15 meters long.
Time to maturity: 40 years.

Breeding.
How often can the creature get pregnant: at any time, females generally use spells to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
How long between pregnancies: depends on the female, at least 10 years.
How long is it pregnant: 2 years on average.
Are all females fertile (barring accidents): yes.
Are all males fertile (barring accidents): yes.
How many offspring can the creature have at once: 4-5.