One could only wonder why Narim’s military boasted of its ability to form expeditiously and strike just as viciously as a lethal snake. The Officers of the Honor House in Narim were trained rigorously, their superiors knowing what makes a good man, what to look for in the background of a Hero. And there, dead center in all things concerning pride, honor, valor, heroism, was The Griffon House. The Griffon House housed the Legion’s Airborne, an elite body of Gryphon riders that functioned not only as scouts and messengers for the Honor House, but also as an unique, formidable archery regiment that struck fear into the hearts of Infantry. That was, of course, as long as the Gryphon Riders were on the other side of the battlefield. The Gryphon Riders see themselves as the most elite amongst the military men of Narim, viewing themselves higher even than that of the Thane’s Guard. Supervised and encouraged by their Marshall, the Gryphon Riders are composed of arrogant mavericks that put the honor of their regiment above all, save the Emperor.
But what was to keep such a prestigious class safe? In truth, the Gryphon riders needed no such thing as barricades, walls, gates. They were trained far beyond what was expected of them, placing themselves in fulfillment of all their haughtiness and arrogance, for they had reason to be. Nevertheless, a stone wall had been built around the expansive and vast complex, protecting against intruders and those who dwelled in the illegal arts. The design of the wall was simple, and it had fulfilled its every need and function. Though the stones had been stacked simply upon one another and agglutinated with mortar, they had also been cut very precise, leaving no sags or crevices to serve as handholds. To ensure this, the Military had hired stone masons to sand down the stone on each side of the wall, hence smoothing it out as sleek as possible. To further assure their defense and protection, all convolvulus plants were trimmed off and disposed of. Although the lush vines and weeds were disposed of every cycle by the fresh blood (term for the new Privates), green moss had grown over a period of patterns across the wall, at some places stretching more than half its height and length!
Though scaling the wall and climbing over proved done with utmost difficulty, a small iron gate portcullis manned by two guards and patrolled by two others served as the more appeasable entrance for most visitors. Kept in well upkeep by the guards that were stationed to it, it served as the only entrance and exit to the Griffon House, save for the open air of course. It was here the stone gray wall curved upwards in that of an archway, decorated with a picture of a Gryphon’s head staring down at the opposed audience. Built behind the archway but still upon the thick wall was a wooden platform and staircase, conveniently placed for archers and other members of the guard to stand upon and scan the horizon. It was here as well that the portcullis lever was manned, raising the iron bars and lowering them at will. Beneath the archway on either side of the stone opening, safely placed behind the iron portcullis were two brackets equipped with torches, and it was these that gave light to the guardsmen at duty when dusk fell and the tapestry of stars blanketed the sky.
Four men total were stationed to a watch at any given interval of time, two placed behind the portcullis inquiring visitors and greeting Officers, and two placed above...one serving as an archer and the other manning the lever. Each guard wore a steel breastplate with the emblem of the Griffon House engraved upon its center, as well as leather cap and brown trousers. The commanding officer of each watch wore a blue band tied across his right bicep, symbolizing his authority and seniority over the group. Aside from that, every guard looked exactly the same, save for their race and individual characteristics. Every man held a wooden spear constructed from ironwood, with its steel tip alloyed with bronze to give it a more decorative look. Pretty, but deadly. Latched to their belts was their sabres, enclosed within their black leather sheathes and resting placidly upon their hips.
It was these men that greeted every visitor, civilian or foreigner alike. Albeit the city’s gates inquired about an individual’s Visa and were most prone to scan it over, the guards that were stationed to duty at the Griffon House took their job with utmost seriousness, and were obliged to check over Visas as well. Through the open spaces between the iron bars the Senior Guardsman spoke to each visitor, and it was through the bars that the Visa was passed through and checked over, before returned. Most usually it was the Head Guard of all the watches, Captain Platain. A hansom ruddy youth with curly brown locks and crystalline blue eyes, he spoke in a deep baritone voice and always wore a pleasing smile. However, his job lacked interest, and he found himself speaking the same words over and over again. Every visitor was no different, lest it be an Officer of notable standard less than his own.
”Serale,” he would always begin, putting on a false sense of appreciation for the guest.
”And welcome to the Griffon House. I’ll need to check your Visa prior to entering.” And then, as usual, he would be handed over the Imperial document and those azure tinted eyes would scan it over, following the loopy letters before he casually handed it back to the individual. Then, stomping the butt of his spear into the ground twice, the guards on duty above would turn the lever of the portcullis, and therefore the gates would open. Afterwards, the visitor was encouraged to visit the Officer Complex first, and learn what areas were off limits and which were not. New Privates however, were told it mandatory to visit the Head Marshall’s Office and speak with “the boss” about their duties and functions within the Griffon House. After all, this was Narim’s Airborne, wasn’t it?
Main Complex
Inside the Griffon House was a variety of buildings. More notable though, was the strange amount of trees and the lush nature that seemed to grow in spurts across the span of the base. Trees, plants, and other things found within the wilderness were grown to make the men more comfortable, but more importantly the Gryphons themselves. By maintaining a beautiful scenery of Nature at its best, it allowed the Gryphons to feel more at home. Within the base was a variety of diverse natural objects. A forest thicket occupied the Northern and Eastern section of the base, to the south was a cliff precipice, and hundreds of boulders and rocks beneath it. Southwest was a small lake that served as a natural water source for the Gryphons, and to the West was where the majority of the buildings were. The center of the base was dedicated as a training grounds for venerable and inexperienced riders alike. But it was the Western portion of the base that concerned the Gryphon Riders the most, for it was there that they still found inhabitable by modern means.
The Main Complex consisted of all of the Officer’s quarters, the Information Board, and most importantly of all, the Head Marshall’s Office. It was he who controlled the Griffon House itself and mandated what they should and should not do. His was the hand of power, and it was he who doctrined what happened within his House. Any form of conflict was reported immediately to him, and any form of punishment went by only through him. If anything needed doing, it was he who ordered it to be done. Yet as well known as he was for being strict and stern, he maintained a cheerful reputation that made him respected and friendly with his colleagues and inferiors. He was commonly referred to as “the boss”, and was well known for his jovial reputation amongst his men. He too had been a Gryphon Rider at one interval within his life, particularly when he was a brash young man. It was through joining the Griffon House that he matured into a daring individual, and when he reached his prime, he became the man he was today. Stern, venerable, and in charge, he had learned how to discern the truth and reason what a man was feeling. Some said he had eyes that pierced through the very soul, others said his emotions were all a mask of display, and that he carefully guarded his own with an empty expressionless mask. It was unsure which was true, but Marshall Timbers had not served his position so long without picking up a few tricks along the way. All fresh blood was to report to him immediately, and following after a quick interview with each and every man, he would assign them to their officer, their barracks, and give them the date in which they began their griffon handling. Each young man was expected to maintain a bond with his own griffon, and it was through the initiative of training that the two would be better introduced to one another. Marshall Timbers knew that in the end, it was that bond of friendship and compassion that determined whether the two could survive hardships together or not.
The Barracks of the Griffon Riders was not so much different as that of any faction of the Honor House. Constructed of wood and nearly blending in with its lush environment, the structure stood at two stories tall and bore a slated auburn roof. Trees surrounded the building, giving it shade and shelter from the radiant hot rays of the sun, as well as giving it a natural appeal. Small glass windows were stationed at intervals every few feet across the second story, and large glass pane windows occupied the lower floor. A patio constructed of elm spanned the first few meters of the barracks building, carrying with it benches, small tables, and chairs to accompany. It was here that most of the Honor House’s finest card-playing was dealt, and many a night could be recalled when parties of some sorts were thrown amongst officers and enlisted men alike, what with Marshal Timbers permission of course. An oak wooden door with an unusual silver handle bade entrance into the first floor; the Mess Hall.
The Mess Hall was well known for its horrid cooking and poisonous contraptions. It was ill-looked upon that the Griffon House had to hire a Halfling Cook by the name of Thomba, while the Gryphons themselves were supplied with a variety of game. Some of the Gryphon Riders found it more preferable to hunt with their own Gryphons than rather eat Thomba’s various “delicacies”. However, every man who decided to hunt the wild game had to tell Marshall Timbers each and every time he made a kill, so that the Marshall could keep track of the amount of animals the Gryphons were allowed to feed upon. It did neither party any good if they became too gluttonous for food, and likewise it did neither any good if they were half-starved as well! Inside the Mess Hall were five long rows of tables, each one exactly identical to the other. Every table was made of a thick oak wood, and was rectangular in shape and bulky in stature. On either side of the table was a matching wooden bench of the same quality. It was here that every person ate Pracenda, with enlisted men sitting upon the right, closest to the doorway, and high-ranking Officers attending the left side of the room. In between were the middle ranks, such as Colonels and whatnot, who were seated in order from least to greatest. In the far left-hand corner from the door was the large wooden stairway that led up to the quarters themselves. A sleek mahogany handrail coupled with elm steps went vertically upwards one way, turned sharply to the right, then continued their ascent, opening directly into the low-ranking barracks.
The people of low-rank were situated in one large room that spanned the vast majority of the second floor. It was here that they slept, two men per bunk bed, with each allowed to have one wooden chest that was bolted to the floor. Inside here they could store whatever pleased them, but so long as it
only stayed within there. It was severely looked down upon to have clutter thrown about across one’s bed or underneath it, and most men found that out the hard way. As Marshall Timbers had put it himself, “A successful Private is an organized Private”. And it was true! As the Privates progressed up the militant ranks, the quality of their sleeping quarters improved. Starting with the rank of Corporal and 2nd Lieutenant, Officers were housed together in nicer accommodations. It was not until one reached the rank of Sergeant 1st Class and Lieutenant Colonel that individuals were housed within their own private rooms, which were very small and often called “cells”. Still, they were areas of privacy, and they were valued highly by all men alike. After all, sixteen eras of service was a long time just to receive your own room.
The last and perhaps a more important part of the Main Complex for visitors and personnel alike was the Information Board. The Information Board was a large wooden sign that contained information about the Griffon House, as well as a map of the facility. At the very top of it in bold letters was the name of the House the facility served, and underneath was a brief history of the service the Griffon House had performed. Stationed on the right side of the sign was a detailed map, and on the left were words of caution if one was to approach a Gryphon without its rider. It was well noted that announcements for Military personnel and visitors alike were posted upon the board, and were usually changed every cycle.
Stables
Although the Griffon House’s facility was situated for a comfortable habitat of Nature for the Gryphons, most were kept in the stables, especially the ones belonging to the new and hardly experienced Riders. Although Gryphons were allowed to be taken out of the stables and roam the wild habitat, this was only done so as long as the experienced Rider accompanied the Gryphon. Too many times had previous Marshals allowed inexperienced Riders let loose their Gryphons, only to find themselves flat on their back and watching their own Gryphon soar high into the sky, flying away...perhaps never to be found again. Although it was possible for the Gryphon Riders to set out and retrieve one of their own, it was tedious to do so, and much more easier to simply expel the Rider in charge and simply reinstate a new one.
The stables were found on the Western side of the base, like all the other buildings. However, the Stables were situated farther south, away from the Gates, and closer to the Barracks. This was because if the Griffon House was ever to find themselves under attack unexpectedly, it was easier for the Stables to be placed directly next to the Barracks, and more convenient for them to be farther away from the gates. The Stables were composed within a long wooden building, stretching almost half the length of the entire base, before turning upwards and resembling the shape of an “L”. It was here that all the Gryphons were kept, in small stalls no more than five by eight feet in area. Though quite larger than a horse’s stall, the size was still quite mediocre for a Gryphon, which was why the animals were often let out to roam the facility accompanied by their Rider. It was required that at the very least, four times every cycle a Gryphon was allowed to exercise in the base’s wilderness for at least one candlemark. This of course was set aside from the rigorous training a Gryphon Rider and his Gryphon were set to do every brightening.
Though the stalls were small, each one was placed directly next to each other, separated by thick wooden panels and filled with hay, and in the winter time, blankets. A small section of the stall itself was dedicated to the equipment used when handling a Gryphon, particularly its saddle and harness, as well as the bridle and other such things. A wooden gate made it easy to maneuver the animal into and out of the stall, and each gate was locked at all times by a small iron lock with which only the owner had the key to. The locks were enchanted with a Sorcery spell, and could only be done with the correct key. A low overhang from the roof prevented anyone from climbing over the gate, and hence also prevented any of the Gryphons from escaping without notice.
Usually the Griffon House facilities were found to be quite serene, and were generally open to the public save for special holidays, and times of war. The
Gryphons were found to be quite amiable creatures, lest one should invade their privacy, and were almost always in the company of their Riders. This was though the pride of Narim’s military, the Griffon House. The strong. The elite. The few.
Credit = the PC Lae Pell. Adapted from the workds of GM Dragon. Kudos to both for an outstanding description! =)
Linear Mode
