The Lion King
OUT-OF-CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: The creation of an elite cavalry regiment for Midvinter.
- Image Credit: Tomasz Jedruszek [ArtStation]
- Role: Elite Cavalry Regiment
- Permissions: N/A
- Links:
- Unit Name: Companions of the Gryphon
- Affiliation: World of Midvinter; Provine of Westmark; City of Heavenheim
- Classification: Heavy Shock Cavalry
- Description:
- An elite regiment heavily focused on shock tactics, the Companions are masters of massed cavalry charges, utilising armour-piercing lances of 6 meters in length to plough into the enemy ranks atop the mightiest warhorses Midvinter has to offer. In the case of prolonged fighting or becoming dismounted, the Companions carry swords as secondary weapons. Their most outstanding feature is their uniform; consisting of beautiful segmented steel plate armour draped in various combinations of animal pelts and fur cloaks, coupled with a pair of arched wings adorned with actual feathers from the eyrie where the King and Queen house their gryphons. Their helmets feature a retractable visor in the shape of a human skull.
- Unit Size: Medium
- Unit Availability: Uncommon
- Unit Experience: Veteran
- Equipment:
- Companion's regalia (durasteel, gryphon feathers, animal pelt)
- Companion's lance (durasteel, wood)
- Companion's sword (durasteel)
- Companion's surcoat (leather)
- Combat Function: The Companions of the Gryphon specialise in shock cavalry tactics, relying on massed charges intended to break through frontlines or execute flanking manoeuvres from a hidden position to devastating effect. Their tremendously long lances punch through conventional armour, either punctured by the steel tip or crushed by the solid oak polearm that follows. They are also terrific swordsmen and will use them to great effect if dismounted or stuck in prolonged fighting.
- Force Abilities (Force User Units Only): [N/A]
- Powerful in large numbers.
- Intimidating visage.
- Great swordsmen.
- Accomplished riders.
- Well-trained and well-equipped.
- Disciplined.
- Vulnerable to prolonged combat.
- Limited effectiveness if spread too thin.
- Lack of defence.
- Limited arsenal.
The Companions of the Gryphon was formed during the reign of Thyrian Hearthfire, the Phoenix King, by his brother Thurion Heavenshield, who at that time was lord of the city then-known as Fridheim. The once-humble settlement was founded by the Heavenshields and quickly became famous for housing the noble creatures the lord and lady rode into battle. These were the gryphons, long-thought extinct masters of the skies, and the fledgling city would come to adopt them as their guardians and coat of arms. To this day, the Gryphon and Lion banners are proudly displayed together; one symbolising the City of Heavenheim, the other House Heavenshield.
It did not take long for the local military to incorporate designs of the gryphon into their uniform; helmets sported a pair of wings, iconography was emblazoned into the armour and leatherwork, etc. No regiment would embody the aspects of the eponymous beasts more than the aptly-named Companions of the Gryphon, however. To join this prestigious cavalry force, one need not only be a great warrior and accomplished rider; to become initiated one has to venture into the wild alone and return with the pelt of a predator, e.g. a wolf or a great cat. That same pelt will then be incorporated into one's uniform.
Perhaps the most striking feature of said uniform is the pair of wings attached to the back of the steel cuirass, arching high over the shoulders and outfitted with actual feathers shed from their namesake and subsequently collected from the eyrie. The sight of these winged lancers charging across the field would inspire hope in allies and incite fear in the enemy, as well as serve to easily distinguish fellow Companions from foes in the heat of battle.
It was during Great War that the Companions would come to earn its reputation. While Thurion Heavenshield commanded a grand coalition of Valkyri, Beorni, and Aelvar forces, besieging the ancient then-capital of Tháinbroek where the Phoenix King was being held prisoner by the Crone Gríma Hagraven, Dark Mistress of the Dead and her demonic minions summoned from another realm, his son Théodred led a massive flanking force from the North. This force comprised entirely of cavalry, including the Companions of the Gryphon, unleashed what is said to be the largest cavalry charge in the history of Midvinter.
With the infantry holding the enemy's attention, the cavalry thundered down the mountainside and smashed into their unprotected rear, causing such devastation that the forces of the living were able to press the assault on the city itself, eventually leading to a hard-fought victory. Though the city was already lost and the High King having sacrificed himself to deny the forces of darkness their escape, thus allowing his brother to vanquish the Crone in single combat, the Great War was won.
Such fervour was displayed by the Companions of the Gryphon that day, that their regiment achieved legendary status overnight. Since then, the legion's numbers have grown steadily and young men from the four corners of the world seek to join that most elite and prestigious of fighting forces, honing their craft until such a day comes when they are needed once more to save the world from the brink of ruin.
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