The Keythong for 5e

Picture by Scatha the Worm on Deviantart.

The Keythong is a heraldic beast like the Griffin. It differs from the Griffin in that it has spikes instead of wings, and in some myths, it is supposedly the male of the species with only the females having wings. For my purposes, I'm treating them as separate species.

Keythong

Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 12

Hit Points 59 (7d10+21)

Speed 50 ft.

Str                    Dex                  Con                  Int                    Wis                  Cha

18 (+4)             15 (+2)             16 (+3)             2 (-4)               13 (+1)             8 (-1)

Skills Perception +5

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages –

Challenge 2

Spiky Hide. At the start of each of its turns, the keythong deals 4 (1d8) piercing damage to any creature grappling it.

Keen Sight. The keythong has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Multiattack. The keythong makes two attacks: one with its beak, one with its claws.

Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing damage.

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) slashing damage.

Keythongs are wingless cousins to the griffin, with the body of a lion and the head and forelegs of an eagle. A pair of slightly curved horns grows from their heads and spike-like spines sprout from their backs, particularly dense in the shoulders where a griffin’s wings are located. They live in mated pairs, and coordinate their attacks with their mate when they hunt. They do not seem to possess the same fondness for horse flesh as the griffin, though they certainly wouldn’t hesitate to take one if the opportunity presented itself.

Fierce and Loyal Mates

Keythongs mate for life and will not take another if their partner dies. They are also fierce combatants, and will not hesitate to defend their mate or young. They never surrender, fighting to the death if need be.

Guardian Beasts

A keythong can be raised from an egg to serve as a companion and guard beast. Due to their spikes, training them to be mounts isn’t practical. Training a keythong can be a dangerous and resource intensive process, and typically requires a trainer well-versed in their ferocious nature.

Once trained, they are completely loyal to their master, defending him or her as readily as they would their mate or young. They will also guard their master’s property with that same feriocity.