Knights of the Griffon

The Order of the Griffon was founded in 1735 AS by Dale of Havan, a knight formerly of the Company of the Crescent Moon. Upon his retirement from the adventuring life, Havan accepted an offer from Queen Kaliya II of Keledon to serve as captain of her guard. It was Havan who prevented the assassination attempt upon the Queen’s life that ultimately led to the War of Two Moons with Akaryth . Havan distinguished himself in the war; when asked to choose his reward, Havan requested a charter empowering him to found an order of knighthood. Dedicated to the defense of the monarch and the heartlands of Keledon the Order restrained itself and grew slowly, choosing its members from among the knights of the land.
A day’s ride southwest of Hawksholme , along the Pilgrim’s Way, lies Griffon Keep. This puissant fortress was constructed on the ruins of a much older castle and sits atop a hill providing a long view of the road and surrounding lands. A large courtyard within its outer walls contains the various facilities required by a knightly order; these include farriers; blacksmithies; armourors; stables and others. The castle also contains a chapel dedicated to Alqawen .
Traditionally, the Order has always maintained a close tie with the Ashani faith of the the Swan Mother . In token of this ancient bond, one of the Order’s knights is seconded to Alqawen’s Temple in Yarathera, where he or she serves as the personal bodyguard of the Selviliya . In return, the priestesses of the Lady of Waters dispatch one of their number to minister to the spiritual needs of the knights. It is quite likely that this arrangement is rooted in the camraderie of Company of the Crescent Moon. Havan and Kyriana Alqaviliya (the current Sélviliya) were both comrades of the Company and close, lifelong friends. Both were instrumental in the unveiling of the ancient faith
Each fifth year, the Knights celebrate a festival in honour of their founder and the glorious history of their Order. It is tradition for Sélviliya to preside over the ceremonial aspect of the festival in token of the ancient friendship.

Structure

The Order of the Griffon is led by a single knight-lord, selected by the knights from among their number. The position is not only one of authority within the Order; with it comes noble title. By decree of Queen Kaylia II, the monarch under whom the Order was formed, the title Baron of Knightshome was created. The same decree exempted the title from the standard rules of primogeniture and heredity. The enoblement was designed to give the Order standing among the nobility, certain rights according to the Sotharan Code and a larger measure of independence. The lands associated with the title are not extensive however; being bounded by Knight’s Rest, Heart’s Rest and the hills east of Griffon Keep. While this land allows for the needs of the Order’s headquarters and its staff, it does not provide a high amount of income, relative to other baronies and such within the kingdom.
Upon ascension to the leadership of the Order, the new Baron of Knightshome appoints a Seneschal and Marshall. The Seneschal is responsible for the daily affairs of the lands and holdings of the Order, including the essential administration of Griffon Keep. The Marshall serves as head of the Order’s military arm and is responsible for both training of troops and the defenses of the castle. The priestess of Alquawen assigned to the keep administers to the spiritual needs of the Order and serves as an advisor to the Baron as well. Since final authority over all the affairs of the Order rests with the Baron, the Seneschal and Marshall are actually advisors, each specializing in their own portfolio. Some Barons have micromanaged the Order’s affairs while others have delegated different degrees of authority and independence to their Seneschals and Marshalls.
Beneath these four figures, the Order’s military is divided into a dozen units called bands, each of which is led by a knight of the Order. A band is generally made up of soldiers, knights and support staff such as clerics and grooms. Each of the knights who lead the dozen bands reports to the Marshall and thus the Baron. For each full knight of the Order there are a host of affiliated personnel. Besides the groom, squire, and other servants required by each knight there are administrators, cooks, servants, scribes, clerics, porters and so forth. The support personnel, other than those tending directly to the knight, his steed and equipment, fall under the purview of the Seneschal.
Knights are considered the only full members of the Order, and address each other as ‘brother’ or ‘sister’, followed only by the first name. The squire of each knight, his scribe (if needed), and specific members of the Order’s administration are considered partial members of the Order and are addressed as ‘Friend’, followed only but the first name.

Public Agenda

The Knights of the Griffon form an elite fighting force with a mandate to protect the monarch and the people of Keledon. Unique among the many military orders of the kingdom, they report to and are solely responsible to the king or queen, not to Queen Heulyn's High Council or even the Lord Warden of the Realm. 
The knights are beloved figures in the kingdom, among peasant and noble alike.

Assets

The Order is headquartered in Griffon Keep, a few days' ride south of Hawksholme. The Keep rests on a hill at the centre of lands granted to the order for their provision and sustenance; for this reason the Master of the order is titled the Baron of Knightsholme, giving him a position in the kingdom's peerage and rights to royal audiences.
The order is not tremendously wealthy, but does have funds enough to equip and provide for its knights and attendant staff, as well as maintaining Griffon Keep and its other, smaller fortifications.

Military

The Order is generally made up of at least fifteen knights. The Baron of Knightsholme, master of the Order, has overall command, and delegates other responsibilities to the Senechal and the Marshall. Beneath them are 12 bands, each lead by a Knight of the Griffon known as a Commander. These bands are made up of soliders, logistical and support staff, squires, and other knights of the Order.
Each knight is kitted out with plate armor, sword, shield, and lance, as well as a warhorse and barding. They are masters of martial combat and warfare. Non-knight soldiers in each band are equiped with spears, short swords, and other weapons according to their skill, and chainmail armor. 
The Knights are terrifying opponents; only the most formidable and skilled warriors are admitted into their ranks, and the pride of membership is so strong that no knight has ever broken the code of honour imposed upon him.

Religion

The Knights of the Griffon follow the traditional religion of Keledon, Druidism - Keledoni. However they also maintain ties with the priesthood of Alqawen, one of whom serves as a chaplain in Griffon Keep. However, as there are few real differences between the two belief systems, their essential compatability causes no issues.

By Sword and Faith We Defend

Founding Date

1735

Leader

Gwareth kesGladen

Founders

• Dale of Havan

Head of State

Queen Heulyn II

Head of Government

Queen Heulyn II

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state

Economic System

Palace economy

Gazetteer

• Griffon Keep
• Tor Dale
• Knightsholme
• Knights Rest

Parent Organization

Keledon

Location

Griffon Keep

Habit and Insignia: Members of the Order of the Griffon, despite their lack of collective pagentry, are entitled to specific pieces of regalia:

1. The Mantle--a deep blue cloak on which is embroidered a griffon, as per the crest of the order.
2. The Collar--a chain of gold made up of 12 links, from which depends the crest of the order, fashioned in gold, silver, and blue enamel
3. The Sash--a blue sash worn across the chest from right shoulder to left hip. The Knight Commander of the order wears a sash edged in gold; the Senechal and Marshall wear one edged in silver.