Hellriders
The Hellriders, also known as the Riders of Elturel or simply the Riders, are an elite cavalry that act as the primary armed force of Elturgard in the Western Heartlands. They are one of the most well-regarded military forces in all the Sword Coast, with a storied history that traced back to Elturel's founding.
Structure
The Hellriders as an organization were led by the High Rider, who historically also served as the leader of Elturel.
Hellrider units typically consisted of 30 soldiers, accompanied by a cleric of Helm or, more recently, Torm and were led by a Marshall.
The greatest and most noteworthy Hellriders were called High Knights, a title that was more ceremonial than functional. Under High Observer Thavius Kreeg, the role of High Knights was formalized to the point where nearly every member of Elturel's government was a High Knight.
Culture
The Hellriders embody the chivalry that Elturians believe defines them. Stories of Hellrider exploits are commong, particularly among children and usual involve tales of lone Riders leaving the city to face danger, minor crusades where a legion of Riders responds to a nearby call for aid, or romantic tales where a Rider proves his devotion to their love through some sort of tournament.
Members of the Hellriders are aware of their history and are deeply proud of it, a trait that often extends to children and grandchildren of a Hellrider.
History
Early History
The Hellriders have storied history, dating back to the founding of Elturel. Hundreds of years ago, the warrior Shiarra gathered a host of soldiers to attack and destroy and ogre lord that lived on the site that would become Elturel. Following her great victory, Shiarra's soldiers pledged their loyalty to her, proclaiming themselves to be Riders and Shiarra their High Rider.
The Charge of the Hellriders
Centuries later, sometime between the 9th and 10th centuries, High Rider Olanthius ruled Elturel. While away, taming the wild and dangerous frontier around his city, a disguised devil lord, Nothius, arrived in Elturel and enslaved the soul of Olanthius's love, the Lady Yael. Olanthius arrived home only to discover that his love had been stolen away from the city only hours prior. With a host of Riders, Olanthius pursued Nothius for some time in a frenzied chase. When the Riders caught up with Lord Nothius, the devil revealed his true form. A great battle then commenced, which ended when Nothius opened a gateway to Hell itself and carried Lady Yael through it. Without hesitation, the Riders of Elturel pursued the devil. The pursuit of Nothius now continued across the blasted plains of Avernus itself. At last, the Riders of Elturel met the armies of Hell. The Riders defeated one of the fabled blood legions and Yael was reunited with Olanthius, but as they rode back towards the portal home a second and even larger legion threatened to cut them off. Olanthius knew the only hope of escape was if this legion was delayed. He asked for volunteers to accompany him… and all the Riders did so. Therefore lots were drawn to determine the lucky few who would ride one last time at the side of their lord. Olanthius begged Lady Yael to fly to safety, but she, too, chose to ride into battle at his side. In the face of the Riders’ charge, the legion of Avernus trembled and buckled… but did not break. Olanthius and Yael perished on the Avernian plains. It is said that where they fell in a final, martial embrace, a spring of holy water sprung up that was poison to the devils of that land. Their sacrifice, however, bought the time the other Riders needed to escape from Hell. Overcome with grief at the loss of their glorious leader and his love, they returned to the city. Their valor was never forgotten, and from that day forward the Riders of Elturel were known as the Hellriders.Recent History
The Hellriders were instrumental in Elturel's efforts to place nearby settlement's under "Elturel's Guard". In 1447, High Rider Klav Ikaia was revealed to be a vampire. The following Reign of Vampires, significantly harmed the Hellriders, both in loss of life and in reputation. Following the conflict, High Observer Naja Bellandi authorized the creation of the Order of the Companion and placed them above the Hellriders as Elturel's preeminent military force. The Hellriders continued to serve Elturel, and starting in 1451 Elturgard, as the nation's military. Despite their lowered status, the Hellriders continued to dominate Elturian legends and tales. In the 1470's, the Hellriders were commanded by High Observer Cathasach Restat to swear to and follow the Creed Resolute to ensure that their loyalty was always to one another and their nation, no matter an individual's personal religious belief. Though this was a controversial decision at the time, by the 1490's the Creed was readily accepted among the Riders.
The Hellriders' crest
Type
Military Order
Alternative Names
The Riders; The Riders of Elturel
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Hellrider
Leader Title
Parent Organization
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Comments