Gryphon's Pride - Revision history

Twiggy at 13:00, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T13:00:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:00, 3 March 2026
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	Knowing that the odds would be against them, they turned to their finest general, the relatively young Berena [[Dawn groups#House_Lionsgate\|de Lyongate]]. Having spent years fighting barbarian [[orc\|orcs]], she was well respected as the very example of a glorious Dawnish general - bold, clever, and possessed of a commanding presence. More importantly she was known to be utterly committed to the cause of conquering the Barrens. There is an apocryphal tale that some years earlier she had petitioned the [[Earl]] of [[Dawn groups#House_Vexille\|House Vexille]] for a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour\|Test of Ardour]], hoping to wed one of his bold knights. In response the earl had challenged the young general to conquer the Barrens for Dawn to prove she was worthy. Despite the apparent impossibility of the test, Berena had never wavered in her public commitment to achieve it and leapt at the opportunity to finally accomplish her dreams.		Knowing that the odds would be against them, they turned to their finest general, the relatively young Berena [[Dawn groups#House_Lionsgate\|de Lyongate]]. Having spent years fighting barbarian [[orc\|orcs]], she was well respected as the very example of a glorious Dawnish general - bold, clever, and possessed of a commanding presence. More importantly she was known to be utterly committed to the cause of conquering the Barrens. There is an apocryphal tale that some years earlier she had petitioned the [[Earl]] of [[Dawn groups#House_Vexille\|House Vexille]] for a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour\|Test of Ardour]], hoping to wed one of his bold knights. In response the earl had challenged the young general to conquer the Barrens for Dawn to prove she was worthy. Despite the apparent impossibility of the test, Berena had never wavered in her public commitment to achieve it and leapt at the opportunity to finally accomplish her dreams.

	Unfortunately, the [[Druj]] barbarians were waiting for the Imperial forces. The orcs gave no sign that they were aware of the Dawnish armies, allowing them to push east and south from the relative safety of Dawnguard before springing their trap. Overextended, and unprepared for the sheer size of the forces brought to bear against them, the Dawnish armies were cut off - surrounded by savage foes. The Gryphon's Pride voluntarily led a desperate rearguard action to allow the Hounds of Glory and the Golden Sun to withdraw, but this ensured the near-total destruction of the heroic army, as well as the death of General ~~Berenna~~ and many of the leading lights of her noble house. Some of those few of Berena's soldiers who managed to survive the battle - or their children - would later form the core of the new army of the Eastern Sky.		Unfortunately, the [[Druj]] barbarians were waiting for the Imperial forces. The orcs gave no sign that they were aware of the Dawnish armies, allowing them to push east and south from the relative safety of Dawnguard before springing their trap. Overextended, and unprepared for the sheer size of the forces brought to bear against them, the Dawnish armies were cut off - surrounded by savage foes. The Gryphon's Pride voluntarily led a desperate rearguard action to allow the Hounds of Glory and the Golden Sun to withdraw, but this ensured the near-total destruction of the heroic army, as well as the death of General Berena and many of the leading lights of her noble house. Some of those few of Berena's soldiers who managed to survive the battle - or their children - would later form the core of the new army of the Eastern Sky.

	Those senators and generals who had supported the Dawnish push into the Barrens were quick to distance themselves from the disaster. The Senate publicly accepted the fiction that Berena bore most of the blame both for the attack and the defeat, but both General Atticus [[Dawn groups#House_de_Gauvain\|de Gauvain]] of the Hounds of Glory and General Sibylla Aurelius of the Golden Sun resigned their titles in disgrace. Far from challenging Emperor James' defensive strategy, the misadventure strengthened his position and became a cautionary tale for the next forty years.		Those senators and generals who had supported the Dawnish push into the Barrens were quick to distance themselves from the disaster. The Senate publicly accepted the fiction that Berena bore most of the blame both for the attack and the defeat, but both General Atticus [[Dawn groups#House_de_Gauvain\|de Gauvain]] of the Hounds of Glory and General Sibylla Aurelius of the Golden Sun resigned their titles in disgrace. Far from challenging Emperor James' defensive strategy, the misadventure strengthened his position and became a cautionary tale for the next forty years.

Twiggy: /* Army Quality : Conquering */

2026-02-09T17:11:06Z

Army Quality : Conquering

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 9 February 2026
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	Anyone can choose to mark themselves as a Lion of Glory or a Winter Eagle, but most of those who do so are [[Dawn_magical_traditions#War_witches\|war witches]], martially inclined [[Earl#enchanter\|Enchanters]], or [[Questing_knight\|questing knights]]. Witches and enchanters have more reason than most, even most Dawnish, to court the Summer eternals. Questing knights by contrast often seem to draw the interest of the inhabitants of the Summer realm, regardless of their intentions. There exists something of a rivalry between the two groups with each competing to win boons and favours from their eternal and thus prove that their patron is the better ally of Dawn. Of course in Dawn competition of this kind is not confined to the Gryphon's Pride, and some famous Lions and Eagles have continued their devotion long after they leave the army. But Benedicks' wisdom has been proven many times over the years - and not just in regard to the Gryphon's Pride - as the existence of the two rival groups has allowed the army to enjoy the favour of the two most jealous of eternals, occasionally at the same time.		Anyone can choose to mark themselves as a Lion of Glory or a Winter Eagle, but most of those who do so are [[Dawn_magical_traditions#War_witches\|war witches]], martially inclined [[Earl#enchanter\|Enchanters]], or [[Questing_knight\|questing knights]]. Witches and enchanters have more reason than most, even most Dawnish, to court the Summer eternals. Questing knights by contrast often seem to draw the interest of the inhabitants of the Summer realm, regardless of their intentions. There exists something of a rivalry between the two groups with each competing to win boons and favours from their eternal and thus prove that their patron is the better ally of Dawn. Of course in Dawn competition of this kind is not confined to the Gryphon's Pride, and some famous Lions and Eagles have continued their devotion long after they leave the army. But Benedicks' wisdom has been proven many times over the years - and not just in regard to the Gryphon's Pride - as the existence of the two rival groups has allowed the army to enjoy the favour of the two most jealous of eternals, occasionally at the same time.

	==Army Quality : Conquering==		==Army Quality : [[Army_qualities#Conquering\|Conquering]]==
	The Gryphon's Pride focuses on [[Army qualities#Conquering\|capturing territory]], driving the defenders of the land before them. Where their earlier incarnation was more concerned with [[Army qualities#Glory\|matters of glory]], today the Gryphon's Pride much more closely represents Dawnish ambitions in the Barrens - perhaps even in the Mallum as a whole.		The Gryphon's Pride focuses on [[Army qualities#Conquering\|capturing territory]], driving the defenders of the land before them. Where their earlier incarnation was more concerned with [[Army qualities#Glory\|matters of glory]], today the Gryphon's Pride much more closely represents Dawnish ambitions in the Barrens - perhaps even in the Mallum as a whole.

GuiltyConscience at 09:33, 9 February 2026

2026-02-09T09:33:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 9 February 2026
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	Attempts were made to [[recognition\|recognise]] Berena as an [[Paragons and exemplars\|Exemplar]] of various virtues, but the Synod rejected each one. Cardinal Leonato de Sarvos of the Assembly of Courage put the final nail in her coffin with a [[statement of principle]] before the General Assembly in which the Synod of the time denounced acts of "foolish vainglory" as being unvirtuous.		Attempts were made to [[recognition\|recognise]] Berena as an [[Paragons and exemplars\|Exemplar]] of various virtues, but the Synod rejected each one. Cardinal Leonato de Sarvos of the Assembly of Courage put the final nail in her coffin with a [[statement of principle]] before the General Assembly in which the Synod of the time denounced acts of "foolish vainglory" as being unvirtuous.

	Since the destruction of the Pride, [[Questing knight\|questing knights]] have ~~spend~~ the better part of a century scouring the Barrens for relics of the army and its captains. Berena de Lyongate's golden armour, and the last war-standard of the Gryphon's Pride, were both recovered in 378YE following clues revealed in the past life vision of a Wintermark hero, Horsa Tyrshalt. The golden armour came into the possession of Vincent Vexille, then leading the Eastern Sky, creating some controversy as supporters of the Gryphon's Pride believed the relic should be surrendered to that army's general.<br><br>Several other relics of this particularly tragic episode in the history of Dawn remain unaccounted for.</box></div>		Since the destruction of the Pride, [[Questing knight\|questing knights]] have spent the better part of a century scouring the Barrens for relics of the army and its captains. Berena de Lyongate's golden armour, and the last war-standard of the Gryphon's Pride, were both recovered in 378YE following clues revealed in the past life vision of a Wintermark hero, Horsa Tyrshalt. The golden armour came into the possession of Vincent Vexille, then leading the Eastern Sky, creating some controversy as supporters of the Gryphon's Pride believed the relic should be surrendered to that army's general.<br><br>Several other relics of this particularly tragic episode in the history of Dawn remain unaccounted for.</box></div>
	===Fall of the Pride===		===Fall of the Pride===
	During her short reign [[Empress Brannan]] reputedly agreed to support the people of Dawn in finally achieving their long-held ambition to conquer [[the Barrens]]. While there are no records of Empress Brannan making such a promise in any formal capacity, it certainly seems plausible that she did so. Unfortunately, when [[Emperor James]] succeeded her he persuaded the Senate to fix the borders of the Empire, preventing any further "military adventurism". Many Dawnish saw this "reversal" as a betrayal and a deliberate snub by the Marcher [[the Throne\|Throne]]. Isolated in the [[Senate]] and the Military Council alike under the rule of a defensively-minded [[the Marches\|Marcher]] and his supporters, the generals and [[senator\|senators]] of Dawn nonetheless continued to agitate for expansion of the Empire's borders. They were not without supporters from other nations, who were likewise concerned about the decision to fix the borders, but only the people of Dawn were prepared to openly question James' policies.		During her short reign [[Empress Brannan]] reputedly agreed to support the people of Dawn in finally achieving their long-held ambition to conquer [[the Barrens]]. While there are no records of Empress Brannan making such a promise in any formal capacity, it certainly seems plausible that she did so. Unfortunately, when [[Emperor James]] succeeded her he persuaded the Senate to fix the borders of the Empire, preventing any further "military adventurism". Many Dawnish saw this "reversal" as a betrayal and a deliberate snub by the Marcher [[the Throne\|Throne]]. Isolated in the [[Senate]] and the Military Council alike under the rule of a defensively-minded [[the Marches\|Marcher]] and his supporters, the generals and [[senator\|senators]] of Dawn nonetheless continued to agitate for expansion of the Empire's borders. They were not without supporters from other nations, who were likewise concerned about the decision to fix the borders, but only the people of Dawn were prepared to openly question James' policies.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:43:55Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 16 January 2026
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=GryphonPride_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GryphonPride_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=300}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	In the history of the Empire, two [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[~~Imperial army~~\|armies]] have borne the name and banner of the Gryphon's Pride. The first was founded in 51YE, and tragically lost during a doomed attempt to capture [[the Barrens]] in 276YE. In 378YE, the Imperial Senate [[Raise_Dawnish_army_II\|commissioned]] the restoration of the army, a task that was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE.		In the history of the Empire, two [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[Army\|armies]] have borne the name and banner of the Gryphon's Pride. The first was founded in 51YE, and tragically lost during a doomed attempt to capture [[the Barrens]] in 276YE. In 378YE, the Imperial Senate [[Raise_Dawnish_army_II\|commissioned]] the restoration of the army, a task that was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE.

	Today, the third Dawnish [[general]] leads the Gryphon's Pride army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring Equinox each year.		Today, the third Dawnish [[general]] leads the Gryphon's Pride army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring Equinox each year.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:51:32Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:51, 15 January 2026
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	Since the destruction of the Pride, [[Questing knight\|questing knights]] have spend the better part of a century scouring the Barrens for relics of the army and its captains. Berena de Lyongate's golden armour, and the last war-standard of the Gryphon's Pride, were both recovered in 378YE following clues revealed in the past life vision of a Wintermark hero, Horsa Tyrshalt. The golden armour came into the possession of Vincent Vexille, then leading the Eastern Sky, creating some controversy as supporters of the Gryphon's Pride believed the relic should be surrendered to that army's general.<br><br>Several other relics of this particularly tragic episode in the history of Dawn remain unaccounted for.</box></div>		Since the destruction of the Pride, [[Questing knight\|questing knights]] have spend the better part of a century scouring the Barrens for relics of the army and its captains. Berena de Lyongate's golden armour, and the last war-standard of the Gryphon's Pride, were both recovered in 378YE following clues revealed in the past life vision of a Wintermark hero, Horsa Tyrshalt. The golden armour came into the possession of Vincent Vexille, then leading the Eastern Sky, creating some controversy as supporters of the Gryphon's Pride believed the relic should be surrendered to that army's general.<br><br>Several other relics of this particularly tragic episode in the history of Dawn remain unaccounted for.</box></div>
	===Fall of the Pride===		===Fall of the Pride===
	During her short reign [[Empress Brannan]] reputedly agreed to support the people of Dawn in finally achieving their long-held ambition to conquer [[the Barrens]]. While there are no records of Empress Brannan making such a promise in any formal capacity, it certainly seems plausible that she did so. Unfortunately, when [[Emperor James]] succeeded her he persuaded the Senate to fix the borders of the Empire, preventing any further "military adventurism". Many Dawnish saw this "reversal" as a betrayal and a deliberate snub by the Marcher [[the Throne\|Throne]]. Isolated in the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] and the Military Council alike under the rule of a defensively-minded [[the Marches\|Marcher]] and his supporters, the generals and [[senator\|senators]] of Dawn nonetheless continued to agitate for expansion of the Empire's borders. They were not without supporters from other nations, who were likewise concerned about the decision to fix the borders, but only the people of Dawn were prepared to openly question James' policies.		During her short reign [[Empress Brannan]] reputedly agreed to support the people of Dawn in finally achieving their long-held ambition to conquer [[the Barrens]]. While there are no records of Empress Brannan making such a promise in any formal capacity, it certainly seems plausible that she did so. Unfortunately, when [[Emperor James]] succeeded her he persuaded the Senate to fix the borders of the Empire, preventing any further "military adventurism". Many Dawnish saw this "reversal" as a betrayal and a deliberate snub by the Marcher [[the Throne\|Throne]]. Isolated in the [[Senate]] and the Military Council alike under the rule of a defensively-minded [[the Marches\|Marcher]] and his supporters, the generals and [[senator\|senators]] of Dawn nonetheless continued to agitate for expansion of the Empire's borders. They were not without supporters from other nations, who were likewise concerned about the decision to fix the borders, but only the people of Dawn were prepared to openly question James' policies.

	Eventually, in 276YE, Dawnish generals conceived a plan to invade the Barrens without the explicit authorisation of the Military Council. The idea was to present the attack as a ''fait accompli'' in the expectation that once war with the barbarians was joined, the need to ensure victory and prevent a catastrophic defeat would force the Council to back the invasion. Even if this didn't happen, the Dawnish believed that those Highborn and Varushkan generals and senators who had publicly opposed Emperor James would be sufficiently sympathetic to the cause to commit their own armies to the campaign to take the Barrens. As the senator for [[Astolat]], Margueritte [[Dawn groups#House_de_Rondell\|de Rondell]], is quoted as saying "''The chance for glory will call our allies to our side; fear of defeat will still the tongues of those who have no Courage."'''		Eventually, in 276YE, Dawnish generals conceived a plan to invade the Barrens without the explicit authorisation of the Military Council. The idea was to present the attack as a ''fait accompli'' in the expectation that once war with the barbarians was joined, the need to ensure victory and prevent a catastrophic defeat would force the Council to back the invasion. Even if this didn't happen, the Dawnish believed that those Highborn and Varushkan generals and senators who had publicly opposed Emperor James would be sufficiently sympathetic to the cause to commit their own armies to the campaign to take the Barrens. As the senator for [[Astolat]], Margueritte [[Dawn groups#House_de_Rondell\|de Rondell]], is quoted as saying "''The chance for glory will call our allies to our side; fear of defeat will still the tongues of those who have no Courage."'''

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:22:20Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
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	==History==		==History==
	The original Gryphon's Pride was raised to support the Golden Sun and the Hounds of Glory in the conquest of [[Semmerholm]]. Under the guidance of General Benedick de Padia, the army distinguished itself against the [[orc\|orcs]], and were instrumental in breaking the siege of [[Semmerholm#Ulvenholm\|Ulvenholm]]. Once Semmerholm was secure, General Benedick agitated in the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] for permission to continue into [[Holberg]] and [[the Barrens]]. Unfortunately, with Imperial forces committed to drawn-out campaigns in [[Urizen]], [[Highguard]], the [[the Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] and the [[the Marches\|Marches]], the Dawnish generals were unable to secure support for further expansion.		The original Gryphon's Pride was raised to support the Golden Sun and the Hounds of Glory in the conquest of [[Semmerholm]]. Under the guidance of General Benedick de Padia, the army distinguished itself against the [[orc\|orcs]], and were instrumental in breaking the siege of [[Semmerholm#Ulvenholm\|Ulvenholm]]. Once Semmerholm was secure, General Benedick agitated in the [[Military Council]] for permission to continue into [[Holberg]] and [[the Barrens]]. Unfortunately, with Imperial forces committed to drawn-out campaigns in [[Urizen]], [[Highguard]], the [[the Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] and the [[the Marches\|Marches]], the Dawnish generals were unable to secure support for further expansion.
	__TOC__		__TOC__
	Eight decades later, when the Empire underwent a period of expansion during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]], it was General Beatrice Coyne who led the glorious charge into [[Holberg]]. Following the controversial end to that campaign, general Beatrice vowed that the Gryphon's Pride would never fight alongside an army of [[the League\|League]] soldiers again - a vow that ultimately saw her [[revocation\|revoked]] from her position. She disappeared in [[the Mallum]] shortly afterwards along with several of her house, wearing the blue-and-gold surcote of the [[Questing_knight\|questing knight]]. While the senators of Dawn denied any lingering resentment, the Gryphon's Pride did not fight in a campaign alongside League armies for the next twenty years.		Eight decades later, when the Empire underwent a period of expansion during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]], it was General Beatrice Coyne who led the glorious charge into [[Holberg]]. Following the controversial end to that campaign, general Beatrice vowed that the Gryphon's Pride would never fight alongside an army of [[the League\|League]] soldiers again - a vow that ultimately saw her [[revocation\|revoked]] from her position. She disappeared in [[the Mallum]] shortly afterwards along with several of her house, wearing the blue-and-gold surcote of the [[Questing_knight\|questing knight]]. While the senators of Dawn denied any lingering resentment, the Gryphon's Pride did not fight in a campaign alongside League armies for the next twenty years.

Twiggy: /* History */

2025-07-12T14:37:00Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 12 July 2025
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	==History==		==History==
	The original Gryphon's Pride was raised to support the Golden Sun and the Hounds of Glory in the conquest of [[Semmerholm]]. Under the guidance of General Benedick de Padia, the army distinguished itself against the [[orc\|orcs]], and were instrumental in breaking the siege of [[Semmerholm#~~Ulvenholme~~\|~~Ulvenholme~~]]. Once Semmerholm was secure, General Benedick agitated in the [[Imperial Military Council]] for permission to continue into [[Holberg]] and [[the Barrens]]. Unfortunately, with Imperial forces committed to drawn-out campaigns in [[Urizen]], [[Highguard]], the [[the Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] and the [[the Marches\|Marches]], the Dawnish generals were unable to secure support for further expansion.		The original Gryphon's Pride was raised to support the Golden Sun and the Hounds of Glory in the conquest of [[Semmerholm]]. Under the guidance of General Benedick de Padia, the army distinguished itself against the [[orc\|orcs]], and were instrumental in breaking the siege of [[Semmerholm#Ulvenholm\|Ulvenholm]]. Once Semmerholm was secure, General Benedick agitated in the [[Imperial Military Council]] for permission to continue into [[Holberg]] and [[the Barrens]]. Unfortunately, with Imperial forces committed to drawn-out campaigns in [[Urizen]], [[Highguard]], the [[the Brass Coast\|Brass Coast]] and the [[the Marches\|Marches]], the Dawnish generals were unable to secure support for further expansion.
	__TOC__		__TOC__
	Eight decades later, when the Empire underwent a period of expansion during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]], it was General Beatrice Coyne who led the glorious charge into [[Holberg]]. Following the controversial end to that campaign, general Beatrice vowed that the Gryphon's Pride would never fight alongside an army of [[the League\|League]] soldiers again - a vow that ultimately saw her [[revocation\|revoked]] from her position. She disappeared in [[the Mallum]] shortly afterwards along with several of her house, wearing the blue-and-gold surcote of the [[Questing_knight\|questing knight]]. While the senators of Dawn denied any lingering resentment, the Gryphon's Pride did not fight in a campaign alongside League armies for the next twenty years.		Eight decades later, when the Empire underwent a period of expansion during the reign of [[Empress Varkula]], it was General Beatrice Coyne who led the glorious charge into [[Holberg]]. Following the controversial end to that campaign, general Beatrice vowed that the Gryphon's Pride would never fight alongside an army of [[the League\|League]] soldiers again - a vow that ultimately saw her [[revocation\|revoked]] from her position. She disappeared in [[the Mallum]] shortly afterwards along with several of her house, wearing the blue-and-gold surcote of the [[Questing_knight\|questing knight]]. While the senators of Dawn denied any lingering resentment, the Gryphon's Pride did not fight in a campaign alongside League armies for the next twenty years.

Twiggy at 13:05, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T13:05:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:05, 12 July 2025
Line 22:		Line 22:
	Since the destruction of the Pride, [[Questing knight\|questing knights]] have spend the better part of a century scouring the Barrens for relics of the army and its captains. Berena de Lyongate's golden armour, and the last war-standard of the Gryphon's Pride, were both recovered in 378YE following clues revealed in the past life vision of a Wintermark hero, Horsa Tyrshalt. The golden armour came into the possession of Vincent Vexille, then leading the Eastern Sky, creating some controversy as supporters of the Gryphon's Pride believed the relic should be surrendered to that army's general.<br><br>Several other relics of this particularly tragic episode in the history of Dawn remain unaccounted for.</box></div>		Since the destruction of the Pride, [[Questing knight\|questing knights]] have spend the better part of a century scouring the Barrens for relics of the army and its captains. Berena de Lyongate's golden armour, and the last war-standard of the Gryphon's Pride, were both recovered in 378YE following clues revealed in the past life vision of a Wintermark hero, Horsa Tyrshalt. The golden armour came into the possession of Vincent Vexille, then leading the Eastern Sky, creating some controversy as supporters of the Gryphon's Pride believed the relic should be surrendered to that army's general.<br><br>Several other relics of this particularly tragic episode in the history of Dawn remain unaccounted for.</box></div>
	===Fall of the Pride===		===Fall of the Pride===
	During her short reign [[Empress Brannan]] reputedly agreed to support the people of Dawn in finally achieving their long-held ambition to conquer [[the Barrens]]. While there are no records of Empress ~~Brennan~~ making such a promise in any formal capacity, it certainly seems plausible that she did so. Unfortunately, when [[Emperor James]] succeeded her he persuaded the Senate to fix the borders of the Empire, preventing any further "military adventurism". Many Dawnish saw this "reversal" as a betrayal and a deliberate snub by the Marcher [[the Throne\|Throne]]. Isolated in the [[Imperial Senate]] and the Military Council alike under the rule of a defensively-minded [[the Marches\|Marcher]] and his supporters, the generals and [[senator\|senators]] of Dawn nonetheless continued to agitate for expansion of the Empire's borders. They were not without supporters from other nations, who were likewise concerned about the decision to fix the borders, but only the people of Dawn were prepared to openly question James' policies.		During her short reign [[Empress Brannan]] reputedly agreed to support the people of Dawn in finally achieving their long-held ambition to conquer [[the Barrens]]. While there are no records of Empress Brannan making such a promise in any formal capacity, it certainly seems plausible that she did so. Unfortunately, when [[Emperor James]] succeeded her he persuaded the Senate to fix the borders of the Empire, preventing any further "military adventurism". Many Dawnish saw this "reversal" as a betrayal and a deliberate snub by the Marcher [[the Throne\|Throne]]. Isolated in the [[Imperial Senate]] and the Military Council alike under the rule of a defensively-minded [[the Marches\|Marcher]] and his supporters, the generals and [[senator\|senators]] of Dawn nonetheless continued to agitate for expansion of the Empire's borders. They were not without supporters from other nations, who were likewise concerned about the decision to fix the borders, but only the people of Dawn were prepared to openly question James' policies.

	Eventually, in 276YE, Dawnish generals conceived a plan to invade the Barrens without the explicit authorisation of the Military Council. The idea was to present the attack as a ''fait accompli'' in the expectation that once war with the barbarians was joined, the need to ensure victory and prevent a catastrophic defeat would force the Council to back the invasion. Even if this didn't happen, the Dawnish believed that those Highborn and Varushkan generals and senators who had publicly opposed Emperor James would be sufficiently sympathetic to the cause to commit their own armies to the campaign to take the Barrens. As the senator for [[Astolat]], Margueritte [[Dawn groups#House_de_Rondell\|de Rondell]], is quoted as saying "''The chance for glory will call our allies to our side; fear of defeat will still the tongues of those who have no Courage."'''		Eventually, in 276YE, Dawnish generals conceived a plan to invade the Barrens without the explicit authorisation of the Military Council. The idea was to present the attack as a ''fait accompli'' in the expectation that once war with the barbarians was joined, the need to ensure victory and prevent a catastrophic defeat would force the Council to back the invasion. Even if this didn't happen, the Dawnish believed that those Highborn and Varushkan generals and senators who had publicly opposed Emperor James would be sufficiently sympathetic to the cause to commit their own armies to the campaign to take the Barrens. As the senator for [[Astolat]], Margueritte [[Dawn groups#House_de_Rondell\|de Rondell]], is quoted as saying "''The chance for glory will call our allies to our side; fear of defeat will still the tongues of those who have no Courage."'''

Hailmur at 19:50, 7 May 2025

2025-05-07T19:50:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:50, 7 May 2025
Line 3:		Line 3:
	In the history of the Empire, two [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[Imperial army\|armies]] have borne the name and banner of the Gryphon's Pride. The first was founded in 51YE, and tragically lost during a doomed attempt to capture [[the Barrens]] in 276YE. In 378YE, the Imperial Senate [[Raise_Dawnish_army_II\|commissioned]] the restoration of the army, a task that was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE.		In the history of the Empire, two [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[Imperial army\|armies]] have borne the name and banner of the Gryphon's Pride. The first was founded in 51YE, and tragically lost during a doomed attempt to capture [[the Barrens]] in 276YE. In 378YE, the Imperial Senate [[Raise_Dawnish_army_II\|commissioned]] the restoration of the army, a task that was completed shortly before the Spring Equinox 380YE.

	Today, the ~~fourth~~ Dawnish [[general]] leads the Gryphon's Pride army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring ~~equinox~~ each year.		Today, the third Dawnish [[general]] leads the Gryphon's Pride army, and is appointed (or re-appointed) at the Spring Equinox each year.

	==History==		==History==
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	Following Benedick's decision, those in the army who sought to win boons from Eleonaris were referred to as the '''Lions of Glory'''. Those who sought glory in the name of Cathan Canae were called the '''Winter Eagles'''. With the return of the Gryphon's Pride, some modern supporters of the army are again wearing a symbol of their allegiance openly, in the hope of increasing their chances of catching the eternal's eye and thus winning their support for the Gryphon's Pride and for Dawn. The symbol might be discreet, a single motif embroidered on a surcoat, but it is often assumed that the more ostentatious the better - the eternals of Summer are many things but they are rarely subtle.		Following Benedick's decision, those in the army who sought to win boons from Eleonaris were referred to as the '''Lions of Glory'''. Those who sought glory in the name of Cathan Canae were called the '''Winter Eagles'''. With the return of the Gryphon's Pride, some modern supporters of the army are again wearing a symbol of their allegiance openly, in the hope of increasing their chances of catching the eternal's eye and thus winning their support for the Gryphon's Pride and for Dawn. The symbol might be discreet, a single motif embroidered on a surcoat, but it is often assumed that the more ostentatious the better - the eternals of Summer are many things but they are rarely subtle.
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dawn Line.jpg\|align=right\|width=400}}
	Anyone can choose to mark themselves as a Lion of Glory or a Winter Eagle, but most of those who do so are [[Dawn_magical_traditions#War_witches\|war witches]], martially inclined [[Earl#enchanter\|Enchanters]], or [[Questing_knight\|questing knights]]. Witches and enchanters have more reason than most, even most Dawnish, to court the Summer eternals. Questing knights by contrast often seem to draw the interest of the inhabitants of the Summer realm, regardless of their intentions. There exists something of a rivalry between the two groups with each competing to win boons and favours from their eternal and thus prove that their patron is the better ally of Dawn. Of course in Dawn competition of this kind is not confined to the Gryphon's Pride, and some famous Lions and Eagles have continued their devotion long after they leave the army. But Benedicks' wisdom has been proven many times over the years - and not just in regard to the Gryphon's Pride - as the existence of the two rival groups has allowed the army to enjoy the favour of the two most jealous of eternals, occasionally at the same time.		Anyone can choose to mark themselves as a Lion of Glory or a Winter Eagle, but most of those who do so are [[Dawn_magical_traditions#War_witches\|war witches]], martially inclined [[Earl#enchanter\|Enchanters]], or [[Questing_knight\|questing knights]]. Witches and enchanters have more reason than most, even most Dawnish, to court the Summer eternals. Questing knights by contrast often seem to draw the interest of the inhabitants of the Summer realm, regardless of their intentions. There exists something of a rivalry between the two groups with each competing to win boons and favours from their eternal and thus prove that their patron is the better ally of Dawn. Of course in Dawn competition of this kind is not confined to the Gryphon's Pride, and some famous Lions and Eagles have continued their devotion long after they leave the army. But Benedicks' wisdom has been proven many times over the years - and not just in regard to the Gryphon's Pride - as the existence of the two rival groups has allowed the army to enjoy the favour of the two most jealous of eternals, occasionally at the same time.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dawn Line.jpg\|align=right\|width=400}}~~

	==Army Quality : Conquering==		==Army Quality : Conquering==
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	With the appropriate [[Army_orders\|orders]], the general of the Gryphon's Pride can instruct their soldiers to dominate key strategic objectives, claiming territory from any opposing force. This significantly increases the rate at which they claim [[territory#regions\|regions]], allowing the Empire to claim the entire territory more quickly. On the other hand, their emphasis on strategic control of objectives means that they are more likely to drive opposing forces away than destroy them - reducing the number of enemy casualties during the campaign.		With the appropriate [[Army_orders\|orders]], the general of the Gryphon's Pride can instruct their soldiers to dominate key strategic objectives, claiming territory from any opposing force. This significantly increases the rate at which they claim [[territory#regions\|regions]], allowing the Empire to claim the entire territory more quickly. On the other hand, their emphasis on strategic control of objectives means that they are more likely to drive opposing forces away than destroy them - reducing the number of enemy casualties during the campaign.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~Archavion9408~~.~~jpg~~\|caption=~~Archavion Wolfborne~~ (centre), General of the Gryphon's Pride\|align=left\|width=~~400~~}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GeneralGryphonsPride.png\|caption='''Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose''' (centre), General of the Gryphon's Pride\|align=left\|width=500}}
	{{RecentElections\|General_of_the_Gryphons_Pride\|the title of [[General]] of the Gryphon's Pride}}		{{RecentElections\|General_of_the_Gryphons_Pride\|the title of [[General]] of the Gryphon's Pride}}
	[[Category:Imperial Army]][[Category:Dawn]][[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Imperial Army]][[Category:Dawn]][[Category:Military Council]]

Dre at 08:34, 14 April 2025

2025-04-14T08:34:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:34, 14 April 2025
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	As a new army, barely five years old, the Gryphon's Pride has few established traditions. Obviously the nobles from those houses who were once prominent supporters are keen to see old traditions return, but as yet they have failed to achieve universal support. There was some expectation that the generalship of the army might continue to be decided by a Grand Tourney (for all that the legal power rests with the Dawnish senators), this has proved not to be the case.		As a new army, barely five years old, the Gryphon's Pride has few established traditions. Obviously the nobles from those houses who were once prominent supporters are keen to see old traditions return, but as yet they have failed to achieve universal support. There was some expectation that the generalship of the army might continue to be decided by a Grand Tourney (for all that the legal power rests with the Dawnish senators), this has proved not to be the case.

	One tradition that House Lionsgate and the others are particularly keen to see resurrected is that surrounding the army's warbanner. The original standard of the Gryphon's Pride was created by a weaver cabal called the "Five Silver Needles". The standard was replaced each year; it became a point of pride for the weavers to create a beautiful and inspiring magic banner to be carried into battle by the soldiers of the courageous army. The banners were never reforged; once the magic was gone, the standard was gifted by the general of the Gryphon's Pride to ~~the~~ a chosen champion. Often, the bequest was made posthumously; the flag often served as a burial shroud. According to legend, every general of the Gryphon's Pride until Berena was buried wrapped in one of these standards. When a new army took up the legacy of the Gryphon's Pride, the Five Silver Needles agreed to once again provide new standards. So far only one standard has been provided - in 380YE. It is not clear why the banner was not replaced.		One tradition that House Lionsgate and the others are particularly keen to see resurrected is that surrounding the army's warbanner. The original standard of the Gryphon's Pride was created by a weaver cabal called the "Five Silver Needles". The standard was replaced each year; it became a point of pride for the weavers to create a beautiful and inspiring magic banner to be carried into battle by the soldiers of the courageous army. The banners were never reforged; once the magic was gone, the standard was gifted by the general of the Gryphon's Pride to a chosen champion. Often, the bequest was made posthumously; the flag often served as a burial shroud. According to legend, every general of the Gryphon's Pride until Berena was buried wrapped in one of these standards. When a new army took up the legacy of the Gryphon's Pride, the Five Silver Needles agreed to once again provide new standards. So far only one standard has been provided - in 380YE. It is not clear why the banner was not replaced.

	==Composition==		==Composition==