Order of the Griffin

Heroes of Distinction

It makes no difference where you came from, or who you know. All that matters is that you are fearless in the face of danger, and that you defend the weak. The Duke made it very clear, it is the deeds of the hero that speak to the Griffin, not their family name. So it was with the first great Knight of the Griffon, Tomas Seaborne. He faced down the rampaging orc army with a handful of companions. They defended the small village of Orlo for three days. The orcs were slain, and Tomas remained, blood soaked, but unbroken. On his shield was the Griffin, the symbol all future heroes would take. He wasn't Theosian, he was Dorian. Yet he fought for all of us in the Duchy. That is what it means to be part of the Order of the Griffin. Something to aspire to my boy, something to aspire to.

- Old Petra

Structure

The structure is as follows:

• Griffon Lord (1)
• Protector of the Realm (5)
• Protector of Baronies (15)
• Protector (30 at this time)
• Defender (30 at this time)

When a member reaches the title of Protector, they are addressed a such.

History

While there has been some debate about the truth of the Legend of the Griffin, it well known that during the early days of Duke Kadmos' ascension in Mystemere a band of adventurers refused the call to arms. Instead they journeyed to the small village of Orlo to defend it from an orc raiding band. The Duke was displeased by their dismissal of his summons, but impressed by their dedication to protecting the people of Orlo over all else.
The Duke embraced the idea of professional adventurers who could go where the Duke's armies could not. He created the Order of the Griffon to meet this need. It was comprised by the original members:

• Sir Tomas Seaborne
• Lady Keyleth "Elvenhair" Dalathan
• Lord Regulus the Old
• Sir Sardon Underbough
• Dame Eldeth Lutig

Ethics

While this is not a relgious order, they do hold themselves to an ethical code.

• Order above chaos.
• Help the weak and defenseless.
• Protect those who need it most.
• Avenge those who have fallen to chaos.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The group is dedicated to the Duchy, however their influence has spread to other lands. Dwarfs in the Anvil are pleased to see members of the Order arrive to help with the battle against the Horde. Halflings in the Five Shires welcome the Order in dealing with some of the monster incursions into their lands.
Within the Duchy the Black Eagle barony does not permit the Order to maintain a presence (they may pass through unmolested). The Black Eagle Barony has their own Order of the Dragon that protects their lands.

Fearless defenders

Type

Guild, Adventuring

Demonym

Knights of the Griffin, Heroes of the Griffin

Parent Organization

The Grand Duchy of Kadmos

Deities

• Ashtyr

Location

Mystemere