I've decided to dump various parts of my character and world lore as I post Düs' art. Won't be comprehensive but it should provide a nice window. Artist is vena_Tasuh , by the way.

Two centuries ago, gryphons were fighting a war with a colonial empire that sought to carelessly plow through their mountainous homeland as a trade route to the south. In doing so, they took with them so much of the land's limited game resources that the once solitary gryphons were forced by famine into tight flocks. United under the banner of necessity, these flocks first began to raid caravans, then steal technology like metal and fire until they could wage a proper fight for their homeland, a fight which was "won" when a larger gryphon dropped firebombs upon every noble's palace she could find.
The resulting power vacuum forced the empire to terms, but the gryphon responsible was left with one wing after a spread of chainshot severed her wing. Yet, despite the painful price, Düs struck a major blow to ensure the survival of her flock and people. That's what mattered to her.