Linette Lightfeather - @OnceAGryphon

 

Age: 30

Race: Gryphon (Shifter)

Occupation: Healer's Apprentice

Alignment: Good

Personality: Strong-willed, optimistic, stubborn

Home Region: The Zephyr

Powers/Abilities/Skills: Human shifter

Other Associated Regions: Valara

Face Claim: Natalie Portman

 

All gryphons originate from the Zephyr, the Vortex's ever-moving sky realm, and Linette is no exception. The gryphons' intellect matches, and in some ways excels, the intellect of humans. They are spiritual creatures with ties to many of the gods, mainly to Artemis, guardian of the wilderness and the moon. They are sensitive, often quiet beings with a strong sense of morality, carrying themselves with grace and nobility (though, they aren't immune to fun or practical jokes, and some are known to be quite wily.) They can speak in squawks and chirps, though when communicating with other species (and also among themselves) they can also communicate telepathically in any language of their choosing so long as they've been taught it.

 

They are also known to an extent for their healing properties- a gryphon's feather can cure blindness and other illnesses for example, and many are naturally gifted caregivers, though more often they are guardians and warriors, fighting to protect the defenseless from evil forces (this is one of the reasons the Zephyr is such a peaceful region, the gryphons keep it well protected.)

While some gryphons live out their entire lives in the Zephyr, others choose to travel down to the ground below, often for humanitarian pursuits or to protect treasure from those who might misuse it. Linette's family did just that, along with other members of her family's pack.

The Shadow Walker had attacked Valara, causing mass destruction and when they heard of this, they wanted to aid in the fight against him, battling against his minions to protect the defenseless, and caring for the wounded left behind.

Linette was young at the time, so she didn't see much battle, but she did help fly the injured to safety where they could be cared for by humans and gryphons alike. As she grew older, she began to have more responsibilities in battle, however not all of their time on earth was spent at war. Though the initial war lasted nearly a year, most of the time following it was peaceful. During these peaceful times, the group of thirty or so gryphons would spend their time lounging and playing in the forests of Valara, where they interacted frequently with the humans, elves and woodland creatures.

After years of servicing the region, the gods and goddesses bestowed upon this special groups of gryphons a unique gift- the ability to transform into humans. This gift would allow them to interact with humans on a much more personal level, and it was bestowed with great honor.

Some gryphons remained in the flock while others eventually left, seeking other opportunities. Her sister Emma is one of those gryphons. Linette, now twenty-six, is still trying to figure out her place. She is learning the art of healing as an apprentice in the village of Aimhirghin, but can also be found back at home in The Zephyr, flying easily between both regions. She is unsure where exactly her life will take her, and is just waiting for a sign...

She is roughly the size of a quarter horse as a gryphon. Her feathers are a light red-brown, her fur a creamy white. The tip of her tail and the feathers that tip her ears have a blue tint to them and her eyes are a deep purple. She can carry as many as four people on her back. She is happy to have riders, just don't call her a horse- that will never end well when dealing with a gryphon!