Brilliant Gryphon
The most recent of the "Designer Hybrids", and the last before breeding for appearance became outlawed, the Brilliant Gryphon was an accident that occurred somewhere in India. The first small flock of Brilliant Gryphons were found in a farmer's hen coop. The farmer was unable to relay how the egg clutch got there, only that it hatched into two males and three females of a species that hadn't been seen before.

It is speculated that the Brilliant gryphon may be some sort of hybrid between an Elegant Gryphon, and a Great Sea Gryphon from northern Asia. This is not entirely certain, and has met quite a bit of debate.

Brilliant Gryphons are a favorite of many breeders, because of their wide variety of cries and their territorial nature. Breeders and Paragryphers will usually keep a breeding pair in their roost to prevent egg thieves from stealing eggs, or being killed trying. Unlike the larger raptor Gryphons, like the Sea Gryphon or the Greater Amazon Gryphon, Brilliant Gryphons won't attack trespassers, but will rather announce the presence loudly, then run them off with a series of intimidating displays. They bond closely with their trainers, making them less inclined to accept distracting treats from a trespasser.

This, of course, served a duel purpose. It prevented egg theft, and kept those who may steal eggs alive, which was crucial for keeping an attacking gryphon from being marked as a dangerous animal, marked for destruction.

Brilliant Gryphons soon became a favorite in retail stores, museums, estates, and other such establishments. Their tendency to bond with a trainer or owner, and protect fiercely against trespassing made them ideal for a guard dog position, without the mess that came with a raptor gryphon. Breeding of these beautiful, large gryphons has continued, but on a very lax schedule, as these gryphons are long lived, and those who own them tend to keep the one they have throughout its life. This, thankfully, keeps this breed out of sanctuaries or preserves. Abandonment of a Brilliant Gryphon has never been recorded.