Griffins

Most may recognize the griffin as the mascot of the Kingdom of Ala Mhigo. Chosen for its ferocity and beauty, this cloudkin easily represents the warrior nation, and its unquenchable spirit even after decades of occupation by Garlemald. (1)

Griffins, like the eagles that parts of them resemble, prefer small and meaty prey for their suppers, like goats and (in the Sea of Clouds) gaelicats. (2)

(1) Encyclopaedia Eorzea Vol. 1, p. 285
(2) FATE: You Eat What You Aren't

Known species/types of griffins:

- True griffin
- Vochstein
- Griffin
- Albus griffin
- Cloudlarker

- Opinicus
- Senmurv
- Kargas
- Akhekhu

true griffin

There is considerable controversy around what distinguishes the "true griffin" from its common cousins. Some say it is only a lack of pigmentation, but others hold that its practice of mating for life makes it "true", and a symbol of fidelity. (3)

The reverence Ala Mhigans hold for the cloudkin does not, however, keep it off the supper table, nor its feathers from becoming fletching for their arrows. (4)(5)

(3) Encyclopaedia Eorzea vol. 2, p. 258
(4) Quest: Family First
(5) FATE: Fletching Returns

Habitat: The Peaks, Specula Imperatoris

Combat Rating: 65 (FATE only), 68

Special Notes: True griffins strike with their beaks, with both Golden Talons, and with the wind-aspected attack called Alpine Draft, a blast of wind directed straight in front of them.

vochstein

Before the Garlean invasion of Ala Mhigo, the Vochstein family were the premier breeders of griffins in the land, and no stable could call itself worthy except it had a few specimens of their pedigree. However, with the coming of the invaders, the head of the family thought it better to set his most prized male free. (6)

The bright blue plumage of this specimen stands out splendidly against the rusty environs of the Peaks--but it remains yet to be seen whether the one sighted around the region is the original "Vochstein", or one of his probably extensive lineage.

(6) Hunter-scholar dialogue: Vochstein

Habitat: The Peaks, various
(Link goes to FFXIVHunt.com)

Combat Rating: 70, A-rank

Special notes:

Vochstein, being a supreme griffin, can utilize almost any attack that other griffins have been seen to use. From swipes with Golden Talons, to plunging attacks, to forward and general attacks with bursts of wind aether, Vochstein is a highly dangerous foe.