Griffon Cavalry

The Griffon Cavalry

The Griffon Cavalry is the air cavalry of the city of Waterdeep in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries DR. Part of the City Guard, it is a militia organization made up of soldiers responsible for defending and patrolling the great city.

History

The history of the Griffon Cavalry can perhaps be traced as far back as the second Trollwars when Ilithrew Belabranta rode his griffon into battle. One of his later heirs, Lord Palinor Belabranta, did the same versus the orc hordes of the Black Claw tribe in 1026 DR. House Belabranta had since been a noble family associated with the breeding and training of griffons.
In 1235 DR Open Lord Ahghairon officially declared the Griffon Cavalry part of the City Guard during a huge orc siege on the city. The riders not only fought the orc hordes again, but were also used to shuttle in much needed supplies to the city.
The Griffon Cavalry later established a base of operations on the landward side of Mount Waterdeep called Peaktop Aerie, or Peaktop Eyrie. There they stable over twenty griffons with another half-dozen housed at Castle Waterdeep.

Equipment

A griffon cavalryman's uniform is similar to other guardsman's - polished armor, and a black tabard with gold trim—but the tabard is also emblazoned with a griffon. Griffon riders were also given either a ring of feather falling[3] or a griffon badge of Waterdeep[2], which performed essentially the same function. In addition to their other armament, the Griffon Cavalry often carries lances of burning blackfire into battle, wielding them to great effect atop their griffon steeds.

Type

Military, Air Force