Aviron / Pyraptor / Griffoundry [Approved]

[Darkie Ramirez Werepyre]

Availability

Special Requirement- Avirons can be encountered at level 5 in any of the following locations:

- Rock Tunnel
- Granite Cave
- Mt. Moon
- Reflection Cave
- Mt. Coronet
- Wellspring Cave
- Union Cave
- Verdant Cavern
- Ten Carat Hill
- Mt. Chimney
- Mt. Mortar

(Aviron, Pyraptor, and Griffoundry sprites were crafted by the wonderful StarlightSchism! heart Thank you so much for all of this, Star!)




Pictured above: A male Aviron with normal coloration (top) and its shiny variant (bottom)

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Species :: Aviron
Name Origin :: Avian (Of relating to birds) ; Iron (A type of metal)
Classification :: Iron Helmet Pokemon
Type :: Steel/Fire
Egg Group :: Dragon/Flying
Gender Ratio :: 70% Male ; 30% Female
Sexual Dimorphism :: Males have two feathery crests extending from behind the ears to the base of the neck, females do not have these crests. Females also tend to have smaller tail tufts and shorter retrices (tail feathers) than males.
Method of Evolution :: Aviron evolves into Pyraptor by meeting the following criteria:
- Must be at least level 20
- Must know one Fire-type move with a base power of at least 80

Abilities ::
Ability #1: Rock Head- Protects the Pokémon from recoil damage.
Ability #2: Sheer Force- Attacks with a secondary effect deal x1.3 more damage, but lose their secondary effect.
Hidden Ability: Flash Fire- Increases damage of Fire-type moves by 1.5 when hit by a damaging Fire-type move, user is immune to damage from Fire-type moves and Fire-type Hidden Power. Will o’ Wisp activates this ability without having an effect.

Flavor Text :: As a result of their species subsisting on an iron-rich diet supplemented with building their nests by ore veins, Avirons are naturally born with thick metal helmets adorning their heads. However, newly hatched Avirons are very clumsy and will blunder into objects before they are able to adjust to the weight of the helmet on their skulls.

Physiology ::

Body Type ::
Build :: Quadruped
Height :: 2’3”
Length :: 3 feet
Wingspan :: 3 feet
Weight :: 98.5 lbs.


Avirons are quadrupedal Pokemon about the size of a small housecat when initially hatched, but grow to be roughly the size of a medium sized dog. They appear to be two radically different sorts of creatures combined into one, with a distinctly avian-like front half with more feline-like hindquarters. They are covered in a thick coat of feathers on the front half with a blend of fur towards the back legs, tail, and underside, which are a rich red color all over, transitioning into a darker hue along the outermost primary flight feathers of the wing. On rare occasions, a hatching Aviron may have fur and feathers in varying shades of blue, as well as sporting darker hues on their metal helmet.

The top of the Aviron’s skull is composed of thick, heavy iron that forms a helmet over the top of its muzzle, tapering into a beak-like formation that hangs several inches over the bottom jaw tipped with a coating of a much harder, more durable iron alloy to make it less susceptible to blunting or breakage when used to attack or break apart small pieces of ore to get at the iron inside. By repeatedly bashing and butting its head into objects and during play with siblings, this aids in tempering the metal and strengthening it to make any attacks involving use of their head to do more damage as well as make the metal less susceptible to breakage. The bones and muscles within the Aviron’s neck in particular are thick and reinforced so that it doesn’t simply snap under the weight of the heavy metal helmet upon hatching. However, this also makes it harder for the Pokemon to turn its head around to look behind it. As such, an Aviron primarily relies on its keen sense of hearing to gauge activity beyond its blind spots, including the approach of any potential predators. Sets of thick iron scales adorn each of the front legs to provide extra protection against foes that attempt to hinder the Aviron by attacking those particular areas. As Avirons start to age and develop further, more iron scales start developing along their forelegs, and a small horn-like nub starts to form atop their helmet to signify that they are almost ready to evolve.

A thick bundle of retrices are located at the base of the spine where the tail connects. Because an Aviron’s wings are not strong enough for them to fly on their own, their retrices are much stiffer than those of Pyraptor or Griffoundry to help them brace against rocks and other terrain and keep themselves balanced while they climb. Avirons are capable of gliding short distances using their wings, typically by climbing to higher places and jumping from there. The forelegs are covered in a layer of small but sturdy golden scales to protect from the roughness of the terrain they grow up in, and are tipped with reinforced talons to provide ease of climbing for traversing over rocks. Male Avirons have longer retrices than females, and as such are a bit more prone to losing them from regular daily activities. In addition, male Avirons are easily distinguishable from females from the twin crest of bright orange feathers extending from just behind the ears and ending at the base of the neck. At this stage, the crest feathers are notably very stiff, and serve to provide a means of defense as the neck is a very particular blind spot that predators will often go for. The bones and muscles in an Aviron’s neck are too thick for it to simply be snapped unless extreme force is used, though it can still suffer serious or fatal damage if vital blood vessels are damaged or severed. Because female Avirons lack this protective crest, they are often more likely targets for predators and require closer supervision by the parents, though casualties are not uncommon.

The internal temperature of an Aviron is maintained around a relatively constant temperature of 120 degrees Celsius, and alternates between lowering during the summer when there is a lot of excess heat and rising during the winter when heat is sparse. Especially in the winter time, Avirons will huddle close to their siblings and parents to share their combined heat together and stay warm, primarily during the harsh, bitter cold nights. Much like humans, an Aviron cannot withstand temperatures below a certain point, and a drop in temperature well below 95 degrees Celsius can be extremely fatal as their bodies function optimally at higher temperatures. This is especially a major risk during the winter, as an Aviron can quickly burn itself out by constantly maintaining a higher body temperature without a steady influx of nutrients to fuel it. In addition to adjusting their internal temperature, Avirons will also alternate between a thicker, heavier winter coat, which is then shed towards the start of spring to allow them to start growing their much thinner summer coat. An Aviron is also able to utilize its ability to control its internal temperature to heat liquids inside its stomach similar to how a kettle boils water and forcefully shoot it back out at an enemy in the form of a Scald attack.

Behavior :: A typical solitary Griffoundry family will bear up to 2 or 3 Avirons at a time on average during breeding season. Newborn Avirons and are naturally timid creatures, rarely straying far from their nests without the supervision of their parents. However, as they take their first steps and get to know their surroundings, they grow extremely curious and eager to explore the world outside of the roost. They learn primarily by sensory experiences, and are quick to absorb new knowledge that is presented to them, albeit with a cautious approach. In the case of trained Avirons, they can be very impressionable as they see their trainers both as parents and as their primarily life tutors. Plenty of positive reinforcement and discipline is advised when trainers are raising newborn Avirons.

Among their own kind, Avirons and their siblings tend to get on fairly well with one another, apart from occasional disputes over food or attention from their parents. They play together and display kinship by butting each other with their metal-clad heads, and also spar in a similar manner as they grow and develop. The act of bashing their helmets against one another also helps to temper the metal and strengthen it, a necessity that will become more apparent as they grow. In their early stages after hatching, Avirons can be rather awkward and clumsy as they are adjusting to carrying the added weight of the armor atop their heads, though their necks are thick and well-adapted so that they don’t snap under the helmet’s weight. Upon first hatching, young Avirons often bump and bash into various objects and creatures alike, but after much trial and error and several tries they will acclimate enough to be able to walk normally with relative ease and little hassle. Avirons are still developing and growing, and they are unable to hunt by themselves at first. As they grow stronger, however, Avirons will start setting out and learn the ropes of hunting once their parents deem them ready.

With trainers and people in general, newly hatched Avirons often imprint on them and view them as parental figures. Naturally timid creatures at first, they will always stay close to their trainers’ side to the point where they seem almost clingy. But as they adjust to their surroundings, Avirons display a boundless sense of curiosity and become much more playful and energetic. They will often seek out play with other teammates, especially newly hatched Avirons who will tend to imprint on other Pokemon as well and view them as littermates or possible parental figures as well. They tend to get on fairly well with other Pokemon when raised and socialized among them, though Steel-types tend to be much more wary of them because of their tendency to consume metals. Aron and its evolutions in particular may harbor a dislike of Avirons and their kin due to territorial rivalries that often occur between Griffoundry and Aggron as well as often being prey to them.

However, trainers need be careful, as an Aviron’s primary method of play involves butting its ironclad head against anything or anyone within close proximity. While young Avirons are generally not strong enough to cause any fatal injuries with their headbutts, the tough metal on their heads can inflict bruises and is capable of even fracturing bone if they play too roughly.

Communication :: Avirons are very sharp, attentive, and have an aptitude for learning even at a relatively young age. Trained Avirons can be taught to speak simple words and phrases in English or any native language at the trainer's discretion, and oftentimes will mimic words that they hear much like how a young human child will often parrot what their parents and peers say.

Eating Habits :: Young Avirons are typically unable to hunt for themselves, and depend on their parents to bring food to them. The general starting diet for newly hatched Avirons consist of small fish, berries, and chunks of meat that are pre-chewed and fed to them by their parents. As Avirons develop and grow stronger, they can be weaned onto whole pieces of meat and berries and are able to eat on their own without any aid. Avirons will also supplement their diets with small chunks of iron ore found by picking apart rocks with their sturdy beaks, which are typically swallowed whole or broken into more manageable chunks if they are too large.

Trainers who are taking care of young Avirons are advised to start them off with soft foods that are relatively easy to eat consisting primarily of ground meat or fish and milk, and gradually wean them onto solid meals as their teeth and jaws develop and strengthen. Avirons are considered borderline facultative carnivores/omnivores; they prefer meat and other protein/iron rich foods above anything else even if other choices are available. However, in the absence of meat they will accept most other foods as a temporary substitute, including vegetables (reluctantly) and berries.

However, such substitutions are not recommended for extended periods of time, as an iron-rich diet is critical for an Aviron to be able to survive. Anemia caused by iron deficiency is often fatal for young Avirons if not treated immediately.

Habitat :: Avirons are often nested in areas near where iron ore veins can be found, primarily on mountains, in caves, on cliffs, etc. Nests have even been found in mines that have long since been abandoned by humans.

Type Effectiveness ::
Weak to:
Water x2
Ground x4
Fighting x2

Resistant to:
Grass x0.25
Bug x0.25
Steel x0.25
Ice x0.25
Fairy x0.25
Dragon x0.5
Flying x0.5
Psychic x0.5
Normal x0.5

Immune to:
Poison x0

Affected normally by:
Rock x1
Dark x1
Ghost x1
Fire x1
Electric x1

Level Moves ::
Base: Ember
Base: Growl
Base: Tackle
Level 4: Headbutt
Level 8: Flame Charge
Level 10: Metal Claw
Level 13: Bite
Level 15: Flame Burst
Level 18: Iron Head
Level 21: Take Down
Level 25: Air Cutter
Level 29: Iron Defense
Level 34: Crunch
Level 39: Flamethrower
Level 45: Air Slash
Level 50: Metal Burst
Level 55: Flare Blitz
Level 60: Head Smash


TM/HM ::
TM01- Hone Claws/Work Up
TM06- Toxic
TM08- Bulk Up
TM10- Hidden Power
TM11- Sunny Day
TM12- Taunt
TM17- Protect
TM19- Roost
TM21- Frustration
TM27- Return
TM32- Double Team
TM35- Flamethrower
TM38- Fire Blast
TM40- Aerial Ace
TM42- Facade
TM43- Flame Charge
TM44- Rest
TM45- Attract
TM46- Thief
TM48- Round
TM50- Overheat
TM51- Steel Wing
TM55- Scald
TM59- Incinerate
TM61- Will O’ Wisp
TM75- Swords Dance
TM87- Swagger
TM88- Sleep Talk
TM89- U-Turn
TM90- Substitute
TM94- Secret Power
HM04- Strength
HM06- Rock Smash


Egg Moves ::
Double-Edge
Fire Fang
Thunder Fang
Thrash
Sky Attack
Close Combat
Dragon Dance
Drill Peck
Brave Bird
Endure
Head Smash
Double Hit
Hurricane


Move Tutor ::
Heat Wave
Snore
Tailwind
Defog
Dragon Pulse
Endeavor
Iron Head
Iron Tail
Iron Defense
Zen Headbutt
Hyper Voice
Knock Off  

[Darkie Ramirez Werepyre]

Pictured above: A male Pyraptor with normal coloration (top) and shiny variant (bottom)

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Species :: Pyraptor
Name Origin :: Pyrite (More specifically Iron pyrite, a mineral often mistaken for gold) ; Raptor (Term used to describe birds of prey)
Classification :: Iron Duelist Pokemon
Type :: Steel/Fire
Egg Group :: Dragon/Flying
Gender Ratio :: 70% Male ; 30% Female
Sexual Dimorphism :: Males have two feathery crests extending from behind the ears to the base of the neck, females do not have these crests. Females also tend to have smaller tail tufts and shorter retrices (tail feathers), and the horn on their helmets is significantly smaller in comparison to males.
Method of Evolution :: Pyraptor evolves into Griffoundry if the following critieria are met:
- Must be at least level 42
- Must defeat 15 foes of equal or greater level (equivalent to at least 15 tail rings)

Abilities ::
Ability #1: Rock Head- Protects the Pokémon from recoil damage.
Ability #2: Sheer Force- Attacks with a secondary effect deal x1.3 more damage, but lose their secondary effect.
Hidden Ability: Flash Fire- Increases damage of Fire-type moves by 1.5 when hit by a damaging Fire-type move, user is immune to damage from Fire-type moves and Fire-type Hidden Power. Will o’ Wisp activates this ability without having an effect.

Flavor Text :: Pyraptors have an innate sixth sense that allows them to pinpoint the location of metal veins, and they can bash rock apart with relative ease using the newly developed horn on their helmets to extract the ore inside.

Physiology ::

Body Type ::
Build :: Quadruped
Height :: 5’6”
Length :: 6'8"
Wingspan :: 6 feet
Weight :: 386.6 lbs.

Pyraptors are medium-sized quadrupedal Pokemon, now roughly about as tall as an average human and a fair bit more imposing than their tiny-sized predecessors. They now sport a large horn on top of their metal helmet, thick at the base and tapering to a sword-sharp tip coated with the same iron alloy as the tip of the upper ‘beak’ for better durability. The horn serves as a tool for both work and war, as a Pyraptor can use its horn to bash apart large rocks with ease to get at the precious ore hidden inside in addition to its primary weapon in close-quarters combat. The horn of a male Pyraptor is longer and larger than the female, though the smaller size of the female’s horn makes them no less effective. As Pyraptors approach closer to evolving, the horn will start to curve towards the back of the skull as it grows. Thick iron plates underneath serve to protect its vulnerable underbelly from attack, and thick metal formations similar to those of knight’s greaves cover its back legs. More iron scales have formed along its forelegs, which will begin to gradually fuse together in preparation for the final evolution as it approaches closer.

Numerous rings of iron adorn its tail, though newly evolved Pyraptors typically lack these due to just being introduced into the warrior’s hierarchy that Pyraptors abide by. The hierarchy revolves around a numbers system, more seasoned warriors will possess a larger number of tail rings as opposed to younger, fresh start greenhorns who will typically have very few to none. The number of tail rings a Pyraptor has dictates the number of foes of greater or equal strength it has defeated, which by extension determines its ranking in the hierarchy system. For male Pyraptors especially, the number of tail rings also plays a role in determining if he can successfully claim a mate when breeding season comes, as females will typically prioritize males with a greater number of rings.

Unlike those of Aviron, the retrices of Pyraptor become longer and more flexible, better suited for maintaining balance and generating lift for flight. Similar to their previous evolution, the retrices of a male Pyraptor are longer than the female, and are more prone to becoming damaged or lost from daily activity. The muscles of a Pyraptor’s wings are more greatly developed to carry them through the air even with the newly added weight of their armor, and allow them to fly tirelessly for days on end. Trained Pyraptors are capable of bearing up to two riders on their backs with relative ease. In the case that a Pyraptor is incapacitated in midair or otherwise becomes helpless during flight, the wings naturally unfurl and strong ligaments in their structure cause them to stiffen. This allows the Pyraptor to fall back to earth in a tight corkscrew, aiding in minimizing damage caused by the fall regardless of distance. The feather crests of male Pyraptors become much more flexible, they are usually flush against the neck when the Pokemon is relaxed and happy, but can spring up in a quick, wrist-flick motion when the male flashes them as a sign of challenge, intimidation, or when expressing rage and irritation.

Being capable of handling more extreme temperatures than their pre-evolutions, the internal temperature of a Pyraptor can reach as high as 1,520 degrees Celsius. Because excess heat tends to build up relatively quickly, the Pyraptor compensates by venting superheated air through its ears, nose, and mouth. Because of the extreme high temperatures of these emissions, trainers are advised to exercise caution as it can easily cause very severe and potentially fatal burns. Because they are able to constantly maintain such a high internal temperature, the need to grow a thicker coat during the winter to retain heat is not as much a necessity as it was for their pre-evolutions. As a result, they will maintain their thinner coats virtually year-round. Still, Pyraptors will shed their older feathers and fur at least once every four months to make room for a new, healthy coat.

Behavior :: Pyraptors are considerably more active and rambunctious than their pre-evolved kin, capable of hunting and caring for themselves without any aid from their parents. With their wings fully developed at this stage, Pyraptors will leave their nests and go off on their own in search of new challenges, a new home to establish themselves, and a mate. Pyraptors are renowned for being brave and sometimes reckless to a fault, and actively seek to hone their strengths using whatever means they can. They have an innate sixth sense that gives them the ability to seek out locations where metal veins can be found, and use the thick, sharp horn that has developed on their metallic helmets to break apart the rock and extract the ore inside. Their keen senses made them sought after by miners, and they were well-known for being a blacksmith’s best friend in the days of old. A Pyraptor’s first priority is building upon its strength and capabilities, seeking out opponents from anywhere in the world to challenge and attempt to best in combat.

When two Pyraptors meet each other, they perform a sort of ritualistic greeting consisting of roaring threateningly and flashing their brightly-colored feather crests at one another before proceeding to beat each other near senseless. Female Pyraptors, lacking a feather crest, will instead point their horns at their opponent in a similar manner as a duelist. This behavior is often mistaken as one individual attempting to drive another away from its supposed established territory, but thorough observations and studies have shown that this behavior is actually the species’ way of challenging and sparring with one another to test each other’s strength.

This kind of behavior exhibited by Pyraptors aren’t limited to just their own kind either, they will challenge and spar with other Pokemon outside of their own species as well. Despite their recklessness, Pyraptors are very selective when it comes to picking their opponents. They only challenge others who are of equal or greater strength than their own, they find no challenge in defeating foes who are weaker than them. Trained Pyraptors will often challenge particularly strong teammates to spar, and can form strong kinship or rivalries with a Pokemon that they may deem to be a worthy opponent. They may view a much stronger teammate as a mentor, and strive to push themselves and train harder so that they may become as strong as them and even capable of besting them in combat.

Being able to challenge and defeat foes who are equal to or stronger than they are is also an important test of strength required for evolution, a Pyraptor is considered capable of evolving if they can defeat opponents who are much stronger than them. Whenever a Pyraptor defeats such a foe in combat, they will create and add a ring onto their tails as a means of tallying up how many battles they have won. The tail ring is typically forged from freshly dug up iron ore that a Pyraptor will seek out when foraging, though such rings are crudely made at first due to the rapid nature of the forging process. However, Pyraptors will refine the make of these rings over time to make them smoother and stronger.

When Pyraptors fight one another, the winner is entitled to taking one of the loser’s tail rings to add to their own collection. The number of rings on a Pyraptor’s tail is used to discern younger greenhorns from more seasoned and stronger fighters, though younger novices may attempt to challenge veterans in hopes of taking one of their rings for themselves. In rare cases, a particularly foolhardy fighter may attempt to pick a fight with a Griffoundry to earn a tail ring, though such encounters tend to result in the challenge being ignored by the elder or the young upstart being beaten badly and sent off with its tail between its legs.

Trainers who are raising members of the Aviron’s evolutionary line may be surprised and unprepared for the dramatic shift in behavior following an Aviron’s evolution into Pyraptor. Though wild individuals and wanderers by nature, trained Pyraptors will tend to remain fairly close to their trainers. However, they are very independent and require some degree of freedom or else they can become restless and easily agitated. Pyraptors are very protective of their trainers, especially if they imprinted on them while they had been Avirons, and will not hesitate to leap to their aid when they sense that their owner is being threatened. They will even take on Pokemon much larger and stronger than themselves to protect their trainers, and many owners value Pyraptor for both its bravery and tenacity. While some trainers may find Pyraptor’s hot-blooded, wild nature to be an invigorating change, others find it rather tiring trying to keep up with its near constant ‘go go go’ behavior. Pyraptors often don’t settle down to rest until they’ve expended all of their energy, only stopping to battle or to eat on a daily basis.

Communication :: Being much more developed than their predecessors, trained Pyraptors are capable of speaking and understanding more complex words and phrases if taught by their trainers. A Pyraptor's manner of speech is often rather rough and brusque, and they tend to punctuate their words with growls, clicks, and other sounds common among their species. Pyraptors prefer to communicate more through action than with words, though they will voice their needs and opinions when they feel it's most important, even if the timing is far from the most appropriate.

Breeding & Families :: A Pyraptor’s strength and combat prowess are qualities that are evaluated when mating season comes around. Female Pyraptors are every bit as strong as their male counterparts, and their courting rituals are fairly similar to the species’ way of challenging foes. A female Pyraptor will approach a male, and will lower her head with her horn pointing directly at him as a signal to prepare himself. Once ready, the female will then charge at the male and engage him in a rigorous battle routine that involves both sides going all out against each other. If the male Pyraptor manages to overcome the female and best her fairly in combat, she takes him as a mate. If the male shows any sign of holding back against her or is defeated, the female Pyraptor deems him unworthy as a mate and flies off to challenge another male. Males with particularly brittle armor that fractures easily is indicative of poor health or lack of proper self-care, and thus they will also be passed up by female Pyraptors. More seasoned fighters with a veritable number of tail rings are much more likely to be chosen as a potential mate than a younger greenhorn with only a few, as the rings function as tangible proof of a male's strength and combat prowess, as well as their ability to ward off other potential male suitors to be more successful at earning a mate.

Though the female tends to be the primary driving force in a successful or unsuccessful mating, in some cases the opposite can prove to be true as well. Male Pyraptors will often drive away or otherwise refuse to mate with a female if she has significantly less tail rings than him. In such cases, the general rule of thumb is that if a female is interested in mating with a particular male, she may have no more than up to three tail rings less compared to the male's tally. Any more than that makes her undesirable as a mate to more seasoned males, as a result she will resort to finding a mate among the younger and less experienced candidates or even outside of their species if truly desperate measures are needed to be taken.

After performing a successful mating ritual, the male and female Pyraptor will venture off together, some even form battling pairs as they seek new challenges and grow stronger alongside each other. Pyraptors are considered too hot-blooded and vigorous to simply settle down and raise a family, though they are essentially capable of reproducing at this stage. Most Pyraptors will wait until evolution into their final stage before finding a suitable place to nest and raise their families.

Mating outside of their species is not entirely unheard of, but it is not a common practice among their kind. A particularly desperate male or female Pyraptor who was unable to successfully find a mate during reproduction season may choose to take a suitor of a different species, performing a similar ritual in which they test the strength of their chosen candidate to determine if they will make a worthwhile paramour by challenging them in a bout of one-on-one combat. Dragon-types in particular such as Salamence, Noivern, and Altaria are very popular candidates because they are supposedly inherently much stronger than most other Pokemon typically found in the wild, though Pyraptors may also favor a particularly strong Flying-type such as Charizard and Braviary as a potential mate as well.

Pyraptors are rarely found in large groups, the only exception being during mating season. Pyraptors are primarily solitary and travel alone, those who have successfully found a mate may travel in pairs.

Eating Habits :: Capable of hunting for themselves, Pyraptors utilize a few different techniques in order to take down and capture potential prey items. Their primary hunting method consists of the Pyraptor flying high up just above cloud cover, carefully surveying the grounds below as it circles around. When it spots potential prey, the Pyraptor will then fold in its wings and descend towards the ground at a long, low-angled glide, continuing to increase its speed as it pulls its wings closer to its body. As it approaches, the Pyraptor fans its hindfeathers and thrusts its front legs forward, whipping its wings against the wind just before it fells or weakens the prey with a swift sweep of its talons and a well-placed horn thrust. Pyraptors typically use this technique to target solitary individuals, and are notoriously persistent pursuit hunters capable of chasing prey for miles if the strike misses completely or the initial blow lands but fails to take them down or incapacitate them.

Another observed hunting method utilized by Pyraptors is used primarily against large groups of potential prey items. A Pyraptor flies over a group and causes all individuals within range to huddle close or flee, in some cases roaring loudly or utilizing an attack such as Dragon Pulse or Air Slash to force the herd to scatter. It will then single out one individual from within the group, engages pursuit in a speedy downward glide, and attempts to land on the prey’s back and establish a solid grip with its claws. Once it gets a firm hold, the Pyraptor will lash out with an incapacitating strike using its horn and then takes off with its prey in tow.

Pyraptors often take prey within a small to medium size range, though instances of individuals going after larger targets have been documented by researchers. However, this behavior appears to be more out of convenience than preference, Pyraptors are constantly on the move and will hunt anything within close proximity when hungry. Raticate, Deerling, Bibarel, and various fish Pokemon are only a few examples of the types of prey items that Pyraptors will target, and they have also been known to hunt slower Flying-types such as Pelipper, Trumbeak, and Pidgeotto. Smaller Steel-type Pokemon such as Aron, Bronzor, Durant, Pawniard, and Togedemaru are particularly favorite prey items for Pyraptors because of their metallic composition, and if they are present in an area where a Pyraptor hunts they are often prioritized over any other potential prey.

In certain cases where a Pyraptor may share close company with other Steel-types on its trainer’s team, they will exercise great restraint to not instinctively go after them as potential food and will typically fly off temporarily to hunt before they end up losing control and doing something they would surely regret. It, however, does not stop them from casting the occasional hungry glance at such teammates, possibly accompanied by a lick of the chops as if they are extremely tempted to do so.

Like their pre-evolution, Pyraptors are borderline facultative carnivores/omnivores, and prefer red meats and fish above anything else. However, they are capable of tolerating more long-term substitutions in grains, vegetables, and berries and are less vulnerable to potential fatality by anemia caused by iron deficiency to an extent. Pyraptors still require a relatively steady supply of iron in their diets, however, as prolonged deficiency can manifest in symptoms such as increased agitation and aggressive behavior, lethargy, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with moderate to severe anemia, as well as gradual development of brittleness and armor fracturing that is a primary sign of poor health.

Habitat :: Upon achieving independence and the ability to fly, Pyraptors are wanderers by nature and don’t settle in any one place until they achieve their final evolution. They tend to favor areas where iron can be found and harvested, such as mountains, caves, cliffs, and even abandoned mines.

Type Effectiveness ::
Weak to:
Water x2
Ground x4
Fighting x2

Resistant to:
Grass x0.25
Bug x0.25
Steel x0.25
Ice x0.25
Fairy x0.25
Dragon x0.5
Flying x0.5
Psychic x0.5
Normal x0.5

Immune to:
Poison x0

Affected normally by:
Rock x1
Dark x1
Ghost x1
Fire x1
Electric x1

Level Moves ::
Evolve: Fly
Base: Growl
Base: Tackle
Base: Ember
Base: Protect
Base: Smart Strike
Base: Flamethrower
Level 5: Headbutt
Level 10: Flame Charge
Level 16: Metal Claw
Level 20: Bite
Level 25: Flame Burst
Level 30: Iron Head
Level 32: Take Down
Level 37: Superheat Surge*
Level 43: Iron Defense
Level 48: Crunch
Level 53: Air Slash
Level 58: Flare Blitz
Level 63: Heavy Slam
Level 68: Head Smash


TM/HM ::
TM01- Hone Claws/Work Up
TM02- Dragon Claw
TM06- Toxic
TM08- Bulk Up
TM10- Hidden Power
TM11- Sunny Day
TM12- Taunt
TM17- Protect
TM19- Roost
TM21- Frustration
TM26- Earthquake
TM27- Return
TM32- Double Team
TM35- Flamethrower
TM38- Fire Blast
TM39- Rock Tomb
TM40- Aerial Ace
TM42- Facade
TM43- Flame Charge
TM44- Rest
TM45- Attract
TM46- Thief
TM48- Round
TM50- Overheat
TM51- Steel Wing
TM55- Scald
TM59- Incinerate
TM61- Will O’ Wisp
TM65- Shadow Claw
TM68- Giga Impact
TM71- Stone Edge
TM75- Swords Dance
TM78- Bulldoze
TM80- Rock Slide
TM82- Dragon Tail
TM87- Swagger
TM88- Sleep Talk
TM89- U-Turn
TM90- Substitute
TM94- Secret Power
HM02- Fly
HM04- Strength
HM06- Rock Smash

Egg Moves ::
Double-Edge
Fire Fang
Thunder Fang
Thrash
Close Combat
Dragon Dance
Sky Attack
Drill Peck
Brave Bird
Endure
Head Smash
Double Hit
Hurricane


Move Tutor ::
Heat Wave
Snore
Tailwind
Defog
Dragon Pulse
Drill Run
Endeavor
Superpower
Iron Head
Iron Tail
Iron Defense
Laser Focus
Outrage
Zen Headbutt
Hyper Voice
Knock Off  

[Darkie Ramirez Werepyre]

Pictured above: A male Griffoundry with normal coloration (top) and shiny variant (bottom)

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Species :: Griffoundry
Name Origin :: Griffin (Mythical hybrid of lion and eagle) ; Foundry (Factory that processes metals)
Classification :: Iron Forge Pokemon
Type :: Steel/Fire
Gender Ratio :: 70% Male ; 30% Female
Sexual Dimorphism :: Males have two feathery crests extending from behind the ears to the base of the neck, females do not have these crests. Females also tend to have smaller tail tufts and shorter retrices (tail feathers), and the prominent horns on their helmets are significantly smaller in comparison to males.

Abilities ::
Ability #1: Filter- Damage by super-effective moves is reduced by 25%.
Ability #2: Sheer Force- Attacks with a secondary effect deal x1.3 more damage, but lose their secondary effect.
Hidden Ability: Mold Breaker- The Pokemon’s moves are unaffected by the foe’s ability during battle.

Flavor Text :: Fables of olden times often depict warriors riding these majestic, armor-clad beasts into battle. It is said that metals tempered with a Griffoundry’s flame become significantly stronger and much more durable than normal, and were highly sought after for use in weapons and machinery.

Physiology ::

Body Type ::
Build :: Quadruped
Height :: 8’9”
Length :: 9'7"
Wingspan :: 9 feet
Weight :: 868.5 lbs.

Griffoundries are large, quadrupedal Pokemon that stand above the size of a large draft horse, and are impressive, imposing beasts that one would hardly want to encounter in a dark cave. Upon achieving their final evolution, the thick iron helmet on their heads transitions into a protective mask that covers the majority of their face. Two long, thick, sharp prominent horns jut out above its brow and curve towards the back of the skull, though Griffoundries can have a number of different horn styles from jutting outwards like that of a narwhal to curled around the ears like a ram’s. Much like their pre-evolutions, the horns of a Griffoundry serve a dual purpose as tools and as weapons, capable of hauling thousands of pounds worth of rocks, clearing a tunnel into a mountainside within minutes, and harvesting several tons of metal ore over the course of a day. A pair of smaller, secondary horns are set further back on the metal skull, but serve very little purpose outside of additional head protection during work and battle. The lower jaw, now reinforced by thick metal, is capable of exerting great biting force to crunch up even large boulders with ease and tear apart metal as if it were paper. The thick iron plates along its forelegs have fused together to form ‘greave-like’ protectors for its front legs, and additional armor formations adorn the top of the back legs and around the base of the tail to protect potential weak points and blind spots. A heavy iron brace adorns the neck, connecting to the newly formed plates on the chest as a form of ‘reverse barding’ to mainly protect the underside. However, the addition of the brace makes it virtually impossible for the Griffoundry to move its neck aside from being able to look up and down; therefore they must rely fully on their keen hearing and other senses to detect potential dangers behind them. Much like their predecessors, Griffoundries follow the warrior’s hierarchy based on the number of tail rings one possesses.

Over time, a Griffoundry’s armor changes color due to oxidation through the metal’s constant contact with air, and the armor of very old individuals are said to have a deep reddish hue similar to bronze or burnished copper but show no signs of flaking or breakage like typical rusted iron in a way that mimics weathering steel (specially manufactured steel that is very resistant to corrosion). The flames of a Griffoundry were found to have an unusual reaction when it comes into contact with metal, and when used for tempering it causes the metal to become stronger, more durable, and more resistant to corrosion than if it were manufactured through typical conventional means. They were highly sought after by blacksmiths for this very reason, especially for use in manufacturing weapons and machinery to create tough, long-lasting products. Researchers feel that the chemical properties of Griffoundry’s fire may be linked to why its armor takes much longer to develop rust than typical manufactured iron, or why the rust that forms on the armor of very old individuals does not compromise the armor’s structural integrity.

A Griffoundry’s flight muscles are exceptionally well-developed and toned, as it must be able to fly and sustain flight in spite of being weighed down by hundreds of pounds of heavy armor in addition to other material and any riders. With its sheer height, length, and strength, a Griffoundry can bear four or five riders with relative ease and can conceivably carry up to 10 tons worth of other materials without needing to stop and rest. By rapidly whipping its wings in succession, a Griffoundry can stir up winds with speeds like that of a strong storm, capable of uprooting trees and dealing structural damage to buildings. Much like with Pyraptor, if a Griffoundry is incapacitated or otherwise rendered helpless while in midair, the wings will naturally unfurl and stiffen via powerful ligaments to cause it to descend in a tight corkscrew to mitigate damage taken from falling regardless of the distance. While Pyraptors tend to be relatively high flyers, Griffoundries are more low-cruising, flying at heights well above most mountains but also staying below cloud cover to optimize covering long distances without expending too much energy to maintain flight due to the weight of their armor.

The internal temperature of a Griffoundry reaches far higher than its predecessor, up to a staggering 2,500 degrees Celsius. To rid itself of excess heat, the Griffoundry vents superheated air through its ears, mouth, and nose, though it is more tolerant of more extreme temperatures than its predecessors and does not have to release excess heat on a constant basis. However, trainers are still advised to exercise caution, as severe and possibly fatal burns can arise from coming into contact with these superheated emissions. The maximum internal temperature a Griffoundry can tolerate is up to 3,800 degrees Celsius, hot enough to easily melt a variety of common metallic substances such as copper, nickel, gold, and platinum. These Pokemon were particularly popular as blacksmith’s assistants back in the ancient ages, and even in modern times trained Griffoundries see much use in the mining and metal manufacturing industries, though they aren’t quite as numerous as they used to be. Much like with their previous evolution, the ability to constantly maintain a high internal temperature allows them to maintain a thinner coat year-round. Griffoundries will still periodically shed older feathers and fur to make way for new growth, though only need to do so roughly three times per year.

Behavior :: Griffoundries trade in the vigorous, boundless energy of their previous evolution for a much calmer and more composed demeanor, but still maintain certain behavioral aspects reminiscent of Pyraptor. The drive to seek out strong opponents to battle still remains, but rather than recklessly rush into the fray without a second thought, a Griffoundry will carefully watch chosen individuals of interest and gauge them from afar. If it believes a particular target would be a worthy opponent, the Griffoundry will approach and issue a challenge to combat through vocal cues or taking on a battle stance with horns pointed towards its potential foe. Tail rings are still utilized as a form of hierarchy among fighters and the conduct of the winner entitled to taking one of the loser’s rings is still intact, though Griffoundries do not spar with their own kin quite as often as their predecessors do.

On rare occasions, a particularly headstrong young Pyraptor may attempt to challenge a Griffoundry for a tail ring, and such encounters often end with the elder refusing to acknowledge the challenge or giving the young upstart a good beating to teach them a lesson. Much like Pyraptors, Griffoundries typically loathe fighting against foes that are weaker than them, but in some cases drastic measures must be taken. As they age, Griffoundries tend to be less concerned with seeking out challenges and focus their time and energy primarily on defending their territory and raising families.

Because of their tendency to nest in mountains, territory disputes between Griffoundry and Aggron are hardly uncommon. A Griffoundry will often attempt to drive a residing Aggron away to claim a mountain by challenging it to a bout of fair combat in which the winner will take the mountain as their home and the loser is forced to leave the territory. In some cases, however, Griffoundry and Aggron may be able to cohabit peacefully together in the same mountain. Griffoundry aids the Aggron in patrolling and protecting the mountain from unwanted intruders, as well as transporting soil, seeds, and water to areas damaged by wildfires and landslides to restore their territory. Because a Griffoundry has greater mobility due to flight, some Aggron may view them as valuable allies to help perform tasks quicker as well as bring in resources from far away places.

If a trainer succeeds in raising a member of the Aviron evolutionary line to its final stage, an inextricable bond of friendship and loyalty forms between the trainer and the newly evolved Griffoundry. A trainer who has managed to survive the boundless, wild energy of Pyraptor may find Griffoundry to be a far more pleasant presence. Griffoundries give off what could be described as a ‘knightly, yet wizened’ air, and are extremely loyal to their owners and teammates to a fault. These noble beasts will lay down their own lives to protect what they treasure and love most, even against foes that are far larger and stronger than they are. Females in particular may choose to adopt smaller teammates as their 'babies', acting as a matron, guardian, and maybe even a mentor towards them. Griffoundries still maintain the unshakable bravery and tenacity of Pyraptor, but are far more cautious and much wiser than their predecessors. However, they do value their own independence, though they will follow their trainers to the ends of the world and back.

Griffoundries make excellent companions, guardians, and lifelong friends, but they should also be treated with dignity and respect. They desire to be seen as individuals of their own, not as pets, mounts, or anything less than how they want to be treated. A Griffoundry who feels disrespected may refuse to follow its trainer’s commands, and in spite of their loyalty they can only tolerate so much abuse before they’re pushed over the breaking point. Incurring a Griffoundry’s anger is said to be the equivalent of signing your own epitaph, they are persistent pursuers and can hold a nasty hundred-year grudge. Abuse a Griffoundry’s trust and loyalty, and you’re almost certain to not live to tell the tale afterwards.

Communication :: If taught to speak by their trainers during their previous evolutions, a Griffoundry is capable of speaking and understanding most complex words and phrases and will continue to learn more throughout its lifetime. Unlike the blunt, gruff speech of Pyraptor, a Griffoundry's manner of speech is much smoother, richer, and far more eloquent like that of a knight addressing a noble. Though, like Pyraptor, they tend to prefer communicating through action rather than words, Griffoundries are more than capable of carrying conversations of their own volition and can be notoriously quick-witted and sharp in a debate.

Breeding & Families :: Much like with their pre-evolutions, strength, health, and combat prowess are favorable traits that female Griffoundries look for in males. The tail ring system utilized by Pyraptors also play a key role for Griffoundries as well, as females tend to single out more seasoned males with a larger collection of tail rings and prioritize them as potential mates first. Pyraptors who were unsuccessful with finding a mate are likely to have more luck after achieving evolution into a Griffoundry, having proven their strength and combat prowess to amass a larger collection of tail rings and reaching the final stage of evolution. Like with their previous evolution, the female Griffoundry will initiate the courting ritual when she sets her sights on a male of interest. Unlike Pyraptors, however, the female Griffoundry will first observe her choice male, flying a slow circle around the male of interest as she sharply examines and sizes him up, primarily looking for armor faults and other indicators of poor health or lack of proper self-care. All the while, the male will strike various poses as the female observes him, showing off his armor, muscles, wings, and his collection of tail rings as a means of displaying his strength, confidence, and good health to further entice her to choose him.

If the female Griffoundry decides to hover in closer towards the male after completing at least two or three circles around him, she’s interested in taking him as a potential mate. She will then assume the signature duelist’s pose and engages him in battle. If he can manage to overpower her in fair combat, she deems him worthy, and the pair will lock horns together and circle around a few times close to one another in a kind of aerial waltz to finish their courtship. The two then fly off to find and establish a suitable territory to settle down and raise their family. Pyraptors that formed battling pairs with their mates prior to evolution will seek out and settle in an area they wish to claim as their territorial space upon evolving in Griffoundry, the vigorous blood and drive to seek out challengers now much more subdued.

Like Pyraptor, Griffoundries will not commonly mate outside of their own species, though desperate males or females who were unable to find a mate among their own kind may turn to seeking a potential suitor among other Pokemon. Particularly strong Dragon-types and Flying-types are often sought out by a Griffoundry without a mate during reproduction season, who are evaluated to determine if they are worthwhile candidates or not with a challenge and a one-on-one fight.

Griffoundries will typically raise two to three Avirons on average during breeding season, the male and female will usually alternate with each other to hunt and provide food and tend to the eggs and newborn Avirons. The female Griffoundry in particular is very protective of her offspring, and will not hesitate to attack and drive away anything she perceives as a potential threat. As such, people who frequent climbing mountains, spelunking in caves, and other such activities are advised to exercise caution when these species’ reproduction cycle during the spring is at its peak, lest they accidentally disturb a Griffoundry nest and receive harsh and potentially fatal punishment from a vicious female protecting her young.

If an intruder comes within close range of a nest, Griffoundries will typically make a loud hissing noise similar to that of steam being released when a piece of molten hot metal is plunged into cold water as a warning. Alternatively, they will clack their metallic jaws together in a steady rhythm that gradually increases in tempo as the Griffoundry becomes more agitated and adopts an offensive stance in preparation to strike. If the unwanted guest persists or shows no signs of backing off, the Griffoundry will then lash out with a strong attack as a last resort. Numerous injuries and deaths among humans have been caused as a result of an unintentional intrusion too close to a Griffoundry nest at the height of reproduction season. A saying that traces back to olden times states “From deep in the caves you hear the angry clack. If you value your life, better turn back”. This phrase is used to caution hikers and people passing through caves and mountains to keep an ear out for the telltale sound of an agitated Griffoundry warning them to not get too close to its nest.

Eating Habits :: Where Pyraptors typically hunt within any close area out of convenience due to constantly being on the move, Griffoundries typically have established areas that they regularly frequent for hunts. The average individual will typically have roughly three to four different areas within its established territory or within close range to it that it will hunt on a regular basis, though very few will have more than four save in areas where prey tends to be sparser. A Griffoundry will circle several times around an established hunting range, watching and listening carefully for any disturbances on the ground below that indicates potential prey. Unlike Pyraptors, who typically hunt from heights around where there is cloud cover, Griffoundries are low-flying foragers, preferring to coast at much lower heights and dive in to take prey when they see the right opportunity, often targeting weaker or sick individuals.

Griffoundries are known as ‘harrying’ predators, typically chasing their prey persistently over miles to the point where they either succumb to exhaustion or run out of safe places to flee to. A Griffoundry will fly low at about 60 feet above the ground as it chases down its quarry, utilizing attacks such as Dragon Pulse to harry the prey and force it to go where the Griffoundry wants it to while it gradually descends and closes the distance between them. When it gets close enough, the Griffoundry will take hold of the prey, incapacitate it with a strike from its horns, and carry it off. This hunting method is used primarily in more open areas where there is very little above-ground tree cover like grasslands. In more heavily forested areas, Griffoundries will forage on the ground, typically plucking up anything edible it comes across.

A Griffoundry will tend to favor larger prey above all else, including Sawsbuck, Bouffalant, Gogoat, and aquatic Pokemon like Dewgong, Wailmer, and Sealeo. They will also target slower flying types, primarily Noctowl, Trumbeak, Toucannon, and even Skarmory, which are especially favorite prey items for Griffoundries due to their metallic composition. As a result, Skarmory nests are often prime targets for raids by hungry Griffoundries on the prowl. A single Griffoundry can easily handle a small flock of Skarmory when raiding a nest or a collection of nests. However, especially large mobs can overwhelm them, forcing them to cut their losses and flee. A Griffoundry prefers to avoid excessive fighting where it counts, and will often observe their target from afar for the right opportunity to swoop in, snatch up their quarry, and get out without drawing too much attention to themselves.

Griffoundries also favor Steel-type prey over any other types of prey items, including Lairon, Excadrill, Bronzong, and Bisharp, and like Skarmory will prioritize them over any other potential prey if they are present in an area that a Grffoundry has established as its hunting grounds. Should a Griffoundry find themselves sharing the company of Steel-type allies on their trainer’s team, they will exercise great restraint against going after them out of instinct and need of nourishment. However, they may still cast hungry glances in their general direction every so often...

As with the rest of their evolutionary line, Griffoundries are borderline facultative carnivores/omnivores, and will prioritize red meats and fish above any other kinds of food that are readily available. However, a Griffoundry can metabolize nutrients at a relatively slow rate, making them much more 'fuel efficient' as they don't constantly require large amounts of food to survive. Due to the high percentage of iron naturally within their bodies and their tendency to metabolize iron at a much slower rate, Griffoundries can tolerate at least a few years without a regular supply of iron in their diet, on an average of roughly 4 years. However, very long periods of time without at least some supplement of iron in their diets can lead to armor brittleness and eventual fracture. Anemic symptoms in severely iron-deprived Griffoundries often tend to be far more mild due to their higher tolerance compared to their previous evolutions, but can become worse over time if left untreated.

Habitat :: Unlike their more vigorous, wandering pre-evolution, Griffoundries will establish a more permanent area as their home territory. They tend to favor areas that are rich in iron ore, such as mountains, caves, cliffs, and even abandoned mines. Being relatively solitary beings, Griffoundries will rarely nest close to others of their kind. A particularly large mountain could house up to three Griffoundry families, which are capable of cohabiting peacefully with each other so long as their territories are kept a reasonable distance apart. Once they have established a territory, a Griffoundry will protect its home and family at any cost, and will drive off any unwelcome intruders that could be perceived as a threat. Female Griffoundries in particular can be highly aggressive against any perceived danger towards their offspring, trainers are advised to exercise extreme caution when faced with a mother Griffoundry protecting her young.

Type Effectiveness ::
Weak to:
Water x2
Ground x4
Fighting x2

Resistant to:
Grass x0.25
Bug x0.25
Steel x0.25
Ice x0.25
Fairy x0.25
Dragon x0.5
Flying x0.5
Psychic x0.5
Normal x0.5

Immune to:
Poison x0

Affected normally by:
Rock x1
Dark x1
Ghost x1
Fire x1
Electric x1

Level Moves ::
Base: Growl
Base: Tackle
Base: Ember
Base: Protect
Base: Smart Strike
Base: Flamethrower
Base: Thunder Fang
Base: Dragon Dance
Level 5: Headbutt
Level 13: Flame Charge
Level 17: Metal Claw
Level 23: Bite
Level 27: Take Down
Level 35: Iron Head
Level 39: Flame Burst
Level 43: Superheat Surge*
Level 48: Iron Defense
Level 53: Crunch
Level 57: Air Slash
Level 63: Flare Blitz
Level 68: Heavy Slam
Level 72: Head Smash


TM/HM ::
TM01- Hone Claws/Work Up
TM02- Dragon Claw
TM06- Toxic
TM08- Bulk Up
TM10- Hidden Power
TM11- Sunny Day
TM12- Taunt
TM17- Protect
TM19- Roost
TM21- Frustration
TM26- Earthquake
TM27- Return
TM32- Double Team
TM35- Flamethrower
TM38- Fire Blast
TM39- Rock Tomb
TM40- Aerial Ace
TM42- Facade
TM43- Flame Charge
TM44- Rest
TM45- Attract
TM46- Thief
TM48- Round
TM50- Overheat
TM51- Steel Wing
TM55- Scald
TM59- Incinerate
TM61- Will O’ Wisp
TM65- Shadow Claw
TM68- Giga Impact
TM71- Stone Edge
TM75- Swords Dance
TM78- Bulldoze
TM80- Rock Slide
TM82- Dragon Tail
TM87- Swagger
TM88- Sleep Talk
TM89- U-Turn
TM90- Substitute
TM94- Secret Power
HM02- Fly
HM04- Strength
HM06- Rock Smash

Egg Moves ::
Double-Edge
Fire Fang
Thunder Fang
Thrash
Close Combat
Dragon Dance
Sky Attack
Drill Peck
Brave Bird
Endure
Head Smash
Double Hit
Hurricane

Move Tutor ::
Heat Wave
Snore
Tailwind
Defog
Dragon Pulse
Drill Run
Endeavor
Superpower
Iron Head
Iron Tail
Iron Defense
Laser Focus
Outrage
Zen Headbutt
Hyper Voice
Knock Off

*Superheat Surge - The user heats the metal on its body to blistering temperatures and charges the opponent. This is a physical Steel-type move that deals 100 damage and has a 4/10 chance to inflict a burn. This move makes physical contact.