species [Lore] Hippogriffs

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Hippogriffs - A Symbol of Amity Between Disparate Kinds

 

 

Part pony and part griffon, the hippogriff is a unique species that has been found in Equestria for well over a millennium. As the early pony tribes migrated southward to flee the wrath of the windigos and settle what would come to be known as Equestria they invariably would come to encounter the Aquellian griffons inhabiting the western edge of the continent. Initial encounters between the two were often precarious--the gentle and peace loving ponies finding themselves at odds with the proud and fierce griffon hunters. Yet, the two races, both intelligent and neither malevolent, would other times find a way to put aside their differences and act for their mutual accord. On rare occasion, this rapport between the two would lead to further mingling between these differing species. The first hippogriffs came about as an inevitable result.

A hippogriff has similarities in appearance to a griffon, possessing powerful beaks, talon-like claws on their forelegs and strong wings to support flight. Unlike griffons, however, the back half of a hippogriff is indistinguishable from that of a pony, bearing hooves on the hind legs and a pony's distinctive tail. With their pony halves, hippogriffs are generally faster runners than griffons, with far greater land stamina. Generally larger, heavier and less aerodynamic than griffons, however, they typically are somewhat slower at flight.

Hippogriffs are also generally more docile, congenial creatures than griffons, finding it much easier to live in pony dominated cities. While omnivorous just as griffons are, hippogriffs are exceedingly more likely to subsist on a diet with no or little meat. It is common for them to go along with the common eating habits of wherever they call home. Any species of pony may breed with a griffon to produce a hippogriff, with no notable differences being discerned in the resulting offspring.

While hippogriffs may breed with each other, the hippogriff is still mostly thought of as a crossbred species. They are generally accepted by both pony and griffon kind, and as such are able to live full and happy lives within both Equestria and Aquellia's borders. There are no known major, predominantly hippogriff settlements, but large populations of hippogriffs can naturally be found in cities and towns where pony and griffon contact is at its greatest. Beakbreak city, Rockwington and Stalliongrad specifically are thought to have the greatest hippogriff populations, but as populations continue to move and expand, hippogriffs have come to inhabit major population centers all across the continent.

~Encyclopedia Equestria