Order of the Griffon

Overview

Created by lord Markus "Wyrmbane" Utharic as the primary way of dealing with the threat of flying dragons. These prestigious and elite knights go through rigorous training in and are loyal only to the crown. When one completes their training they are given the prestigious right to befriend and ride a griffon, claiming the title of Griffonlord. Many of them served as knights in other orders before even being allowed entry into this prestigious organisation. They operate from the principality of Griffonsford which is ruled by the Crown prince until it is time for them to take the throne, ensuring loyalty between crown and order. In peacetime they patrol the borders and protect the realm from those beyond the mountains. Their most renowned fighters are granted the position of , functioning as the Royal bodyguard and enforcers.
As a knightly order they are a monastic order with a military purpose (A religious-military institution) whose purpose has shifted from hunting and slaying dragons to protecting the people and enforcing the will of the crown. While Alric, God of Justice is their patron diety some swear their vows to Zelya, Goddess of Love or Kovan, God of Glory.
Even though it is called a Knightly order, most members consist of non-noble soldiers known as a man-at-arms, squires, servants and stablehands that assist the Griffonriders. All members took religious vows swearing oaths to serve for life or a certain period of time. Essentially they are warrior monks.
Coat of Arms: Red field with a Golden Rearing Griffon, paladins of Alric add a sun above the Griffon, royal griffonlords add a crown below the griffon.

Their Creed

Justice is strength and strength lies in unity and co-operation.
The land belongs to men, we belong to our liege and he belongs to the Gods.
I shall lay down my life to protect my liege, their people, their land and my brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of station or rank.
I shall be honorable, virtues and righteous. Never striking unprovoked, unjustly or sullying our banner with improper behavior.
Riding across the skies is an honor and privilage, I shan't mistreat the creatures that carry us close towards our God.

Griffonlords in the Thronewar

The Death of the royal family marked a great shame upon the Order, who lost their greatest fighters in the royal massacre. While some aid the Greater Duchy as a whole in the war effort, the bulk of their forces have taken control of Griffonsford and their Grand marshall has taken up the role of regent, acting as a neutral party in the war. A number of their Griffonlords have become wandering Knight-Errants for the other duchies in order to garner fame, glory and wealth and are marked with blue fields instead of red.

Type

Military, Knightly Order

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Deities

• Alric, God of Justice