In the midst of a vast sprawling desert wasteland rested a grandiose colosseum somewhat buried in the sand. Its once lavish exterior had been wasted away from the ravages of time. The sun unimpeded by a lack of clouds unrelentingly gleaned on the dilapidated structure. Sitting in the middle of this arena was a lone figure. Looking to be a humanoid beast of sorts, its body and head was fully leonine in nature. The well muscled from was a golden brown color while a lush mane of goldenrod pelage covered his cranium. Protruding from his backside however was a triple set of vibrant wings with scarlet coverts, orange centers and golden bottoms. At the end of his lengthy tail were a series of rectrices of the same hue, only reversed.

With this amalgamation of avian and feline attributes one could make the distinction this was some sort of Griffin. However, this was no ordinary combination of creatures. With the nigh impenetrable hide of a Nemean Lion uniting the fire mastery and ash resurrection of a Phoenix, this being known as Archontikos was a primordial warrior who lived many lifetimes over numerous millennia. Becoming jaded from a seemingly limitless existence, the heraldic hybrid would often seek out anything remotely entertaining to fill the void of nothingness. For decades he remained at this location awaiting a worthy opponent. So far only weaklings that were hardly worth his energy had been encountered, but the ancient combatant remained steadfast. Something of substance was bound to break through the barricade of monotony eventually.