After all, it has been essentially responsible for arguably the most notable and certainly in my opinion the most handsome factor in many of my works.

This fellow.

Once upon a time, I was glancing through a Gamer Edition of the Guinness World Records, and noticed a section pertaining to Second Life. It sounded rather intriguing, and later that day I glanced again, this time through their website. Whereupon on page 2 of the avatars, this magnificent creature hit me smack-bang between the eyes and quite literally converted me on the spot.

I'd never thought much about gryphons before. They were nice, sure, but nothing particularly special. But with just one look, this thing showed me how, portrayed right, the feathery hybrids can be an epitome of power, predatory dominance, and soft silkiness all at once. It was a defining day.

The picture also inspired Damian's pelt, incidentally, which up until the draft I typed up was as golden as his eyes. it was quite a whimsical change which turned out to be a major function of him. Also... that pose? The picture where he's just sitting, talons outstretched like some living sphinx? ...mmph. That's Damian in all but beak and build.

Overall... thank you, oh "Gryphon Avatar". Thank you very much indeed. You've done a lot for me.

Unfortunately, as big as you are you are still quite a bit smaller than Goldeneye, so I'm afraid your real reward awaits in a rather tighter, hotter, more acidic place...

(Note that I don't actually play Second Life and have never actually bought the avatar. :P)