Griffon Cavalry

The Griffon Cavalry was the air cavalry of the city of Waterdeep in the 13, 14 and 15 centuries DR. Part of the City Guard, it was 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 stabled over twenty griffons with another half-dozen housed at Castle Waterdeep.

Notable Griffon Riders and/or Trainers
Although not all of the following people were official members of the Griffon Cavalry, each was known to ride and/or train a griffon in Waterdeep's defense:


 * Ilithrew Belabranta: rode his mount during the Trollwars, 940 DR to 952 DR
 * Jhalathan Ilzood: (1368 DR): griffon-tamer of the Stablemasters' & Farriers Guild, who's steed, Firebeak, is also housed at Castle Waterdeep
 * Jynnia Gundwynd: (1368 DR) champion rider of many flying beasts
 * Kerryn Belabranta: (1368 DR) griffon-tamer
 * Malchor Harpell: (1368 DR) adventurer
 * Moedt Belabranta, Lord: (1372 DR) leader of the Griffon Cavalry
 * Palinor Belabranta, Lord: (1026 DR) died in battle on his griffon
 * Sildar Hallwinter: (before 1491 DR) retired knight and an agent of the Lords' Alliance
 * Thurl Merosska: (before 1491 DR) left the Griffin Cavalry to later become leader of the Feathergale Knights
 * Xale of the Starry Glen: (1372 DR) Aasimar Paladin and leader of the Knights of the Blue Moon on his griffon Arimaspea

Equipment
A griffon cavalryman's uniform was similar to other guardsman's - polished armor, and a black tabard with gold trim—but the tabard was also emblazoned with griffon.

Griffon riders were also given either a ring of feather falling or a griffon badge of Waterdeep, which performed essentially the same function.

In addition to their other armament, the Griffon Cavalry often carried lances of burning blackfire into battle, wielding them to great effect atop their griffon steeds.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
 * Novels
 * Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad • The Summoning