Tweak says, "C'est la vie."
Off the clock, Ayman is very much a combination of cat and bird. He can be lazy or energetically playful. Curious and mischievous, with a love of puns and - alas - memes. He's a terrible dancer but it won't stop him from having a good time out there on the floor. He has a hunter's instinct, and will follow what gets his attention, for better of for worse. He tends to spend his energy in bursts, napping here and there over one long stretch of sleep. At work he's much steadier, with an inner stillness and calm seen rarely elsewhere. Patient with the little treasures he guards, Ayman can play with the kids if needed, though he prefers to stay on guard while on guard duty. Those big blue eyes are ever watchful, for the needs of his wards and for potential trouble, which he does not treat kindly. Threats are dealt with swiftly.
Egyptian Griffins existed as far back as 3000 BC, loyally guarding until death the very greatest of treasures, often for centuries. To that end they are built to withstand massive damage and put up the longest and strongest of fights. Between gouging talons, massive back paws and sharp beak, it is only those of tremendous, nigh-otherworldly powers that could take a Griffin down. Griffin loyalty can also be seen in their mating habits; they choose one mate for their entire life. If that mate dies, they spend the rest of their days alone. They prefer live prey, historically feeding on elephants or giraffes, though mortal enemies do in a pinch. Often times they will eat their opponent during or after the fight.
1479 BC: Ayman's parents are born and grow up during the rule of female Pharaoh Hatshepsut, during the time of Egypt's greatest prosperity - meaning the species was in high demand to guard the kingdom, its people and treasures. 1075 BC: The time of prosperity wanes, the New Kingdom weakening. Griffin begin to drift away, or enter a kind of status, hidden away in tombs or mountainous places. 600 BC: Ayman is born, the last of four children. 525 BC: Persians conquer Egypt, to rule for 100 years. Griffins are almost entirely deceased, migrated or in Horus-induced hibernation/stasis. A few would return when Egypt regained its lands but Griffins were rare to be seen again even then. Ayman and his family are among those to enter this hibernation. 2017 AD: Someone, perhaps The Orpheus itself, summons Ayman to the circus. He remembers a strange office full of flora, and a proposition. After recent issues with The Orpheus, a kind of childcare center was to be constructed within the Village. Ayman had been tapped to be the guard for the Orpheus' most precious treasures - its children. Assured that his family is still safely sleeping at Horus' side, Ayman agrees to serve again.
Human Form: A young man of barely average height for the modern man, with wide and deep blue eyes. His hair is a dark, muddy brown, his skin a golden brown. He dresses like he rolled through a room full of clothing and kept whatever stuck that day. True Form: Their heads come from the eagle; they are coated in glossy feathers, usually brown or golden, and have dangerous, curved beaks. Two tufts of feathers spring up from their heads, representing a lion’s ears. At their shoulders, a pair of powerful, feathered wings emerge. Behind the wings, the feathers fade into tawny fur, and the lion’s body takes over. These beasts are usually drawn with the front legs of an eagle and the back legs of a lion.
FLIGHT. In animal form only Ayman is capable of flight. This includes aerial combat. STRONK. Incredibly strong in either form, though he wouldn't look it as a humanoid. In griffin form, Ayman can shred, grapple or even trample most foes. SHAPESHIFT. Can switch between human and animal form at will. If injured or weakened, Ayman returns strictly to animal from until recovered. GOLD. They love shiny gold things, and tend to keep them around their nests/territory. Combined with a cat and bird personality and you're looking at some pilfered items. MAGICAL PROPERTIES. Griffin claws and feathers can be used in magic to restore sight to the blind. Consumption of a griffin egg was also said to prolong life. His species was occassionally hunted and killed for these properties. COLD. Acclimated to mountainous, warm climates, snow is entirely new to Ayman, as well as lasting cold. He is completely not prepared for it and doesn't handle it well.
MUNDANE SKILLS. Not many. He's great with kids, can speak and read Ancient Egyptian and is picking up English bit by bit. Athletic and nimble, Ayman can climb all sorts of surfaces. PLOT IDEAS. Other Egyptian myths! ;a; He's gonna be homesick. Someone to acquaint him with the modern world would be great, also. Shenanigan buddies!
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