Introducing Ulstra’s Magical Creatures, starting with the proud and noble griffins.
When I created the world of Ulstra, it was important for me to envision a place where animal labor isn’t exploited the way it is in our world. Griffins were one of the first iterations of this in my world building. I didn’t want traditional steeds like horses or oxen, even if these animals have made some iconic appearances in the fantasy genre. Instead, I wanted creatures who performed these intensive tasks in exchange for gold.
Ulstra’s griffins are proud, majestic beasts who live in Ulstra’s forests and collect gold and treasures in their dens. To keep their coffers flowing, they are more than willing to pull carriages, and in some cases, even carry trained riders astride their backs in flight.
Griffins have the lower half of a lion and the upper body and wings of a great eagle. Their coloring is mostly neutral brown and gold, though its underwings shimmer in the sunlight in stunning, radiant displays of iridescent blue, green, and yellow hues.
(Artwork by Frejj)
- Learn more about my upcoming novel, Crystals of Ulstra.
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