Gryphon Rider (Warcraft III)

The daring dwarves of the Wildhammer clan have responded once again to the call and brought the mighty gryphons of the Aerie Peaks to aid the Alliance in its time of need. Armed with their trusty, lightning-powered Stormhammers, the fearless wilddwarves seek to keep the skies of Lordaeron free from enemy forces. The proud gryphons share their riders' implacable resolve and stand as noble symbols of the Alliance's fortitude.

Information
Gryphon Riders are typically used as supporting units with an army or players create a bunch of them to surprise the enemy as they did in Warcraft II.

The Gryphon Riders deal magic damage towards their enemies, and similar to Wind Riders in the fact that they are somewhat slow attacking, but punishing aerial units. Gryphon Riders possess even more damage and health than Wind Riders, and as magic damage is effective against heavy and light, it makes them effective in taking down units of these armor types. They can deal splash damage against nearby enemies, which is further bolstered with Storm Hammers.

Gryphon Riders should be accompanied by Flying Machines or Dragonhawk Riders, depending on what you are facing. Both units have their advantages and disadvantages. Flying Machines rely on sheer numbers for reliability, whereas Dragonhawk Riders are bulkier and can remove some threats to the Gryphon Riders. Regardless, it's important to protect the Gryphon Riders from any easy-to-mass anti-air fliers such as Flying Machines, Gargoyles and Hippogryphs, who can easily overwhelm Gryphon Riders with sheer numbers.

Like most late-access human units, Gryphon Riders have "hybrid" research; rather than relying on melee or ranged upgrades completely, they use both; melee weapons and ranged armor research. As they require full access to the tech tree in order to be unlocked, coupled with their high cost, it's important to tech quickly and get an expansion or two running to offset their costs.

Storm ammers (Passive)

 * Causes Gryphon Riders' hammers to strike through their target at the next opponent, dealing damage to both. Storm Hammers do not work on air units.

Battle.net description
The wild dwarves of the Aerie Peaks have once again responded to the call and brought their mighty gryphons to aid the besieged Alliance in its time of need. Armed with their trusty, lightning-powered Stormhammers, the hearty dwarves seek to keep the skies of Lordaeron free from enemy forces. The proud gryphons share their riders’ implacable resolve and stand as noble symbols of the Alliance's fortitude.

World Editor description

 * Powerful flying creature, mounted by a Dwarven hammer-thrower. Can learn Animal War Training, and the Storm Hammers ability.

Quotes

 * See Warcraft III Gryphon Rider quotes