Order of the Silver Gryphon
The Order of the Silver Gryphon is the first MHO recognized and pre-dated the system. The group was given a choice to join as an organization or continue outside of it. They are based in Wehnimer's Landing and have a Holding in the Lysierian Hills
Principles
The Oath of the Order
“To Defend Our Town and The People Who Live Within It.
To Protect Those Who Cannot Protect Themselves.
To Aid Those Who Are In Need, If Their Cause Is Just.
To Serve With Honor, By Example And By Deed. ”
History of the Order
The Order of the Silver Gryphon was founded in the winter of 5095 by a Jantalarian knight named Sir Maldon Wellesbourne.
Insignia
Enclosed within a ruby red circle is a majestic silver gryphon on a field of black.
Location
The Holding for the Order of the Silver Gryphon is located in the Lysierian hills above the trails from the Old Mine Road. It was originally an abandoned holding for a knight from Jantalar named Sir Trevar who was murdered at the location. It was reclaimed by Sir Maldon Wellsbourne and eventually rehabilitated by the members of the Order. It pre-dates MHO structures, but was absorbed into that system when it was implemented and follows similar rules presently.
Based on room limits the catacombs and test Forge were locked. GMs or special events occasionally will grant access and open them for tours. During the War with Jantalar when the Holding was overtaken and Raznel conducted experiments below.
Meetings
Regular meetings are held on alternate Sundays at 9:00 p.m. EST., at the Order Holding with occasional Fridays or Sunday afternoons to allow for schedule shifts. A schedule is regularly posted in 6-12 month increments in the official forums each January.
Leadership & Structure
The Order is lead democratically. Maldon along with Brinn and Deavon chaired meetings for the first three years before in 1998 an election component with a leader, followed by a first and a Council (comprised of 3 members and an alternate) formally led the group along with castellan, herald, scribe, and master of squires to manage affairs or specialized task groups.
Sir Brinn Mithrandir was the first formal leader of the Order although Sir Hyoko was initially elected to the post in 1998/99. Sir Kinshack was elected leader in 2004 during the 2nd Griffin Sword War and Sir Cryheart led the Order from 2005 to 2015. Sir Geijon served as leader from 2016 through 2021. Guarrin was elected leader in 2022.
Knights of the Order
ACTIVE:
Sir Balantine Farhorizon: Knight-Errant of the Empire
Sir Cryheart Thaxin: Knight-Errant of the Empire
Dame Deavon Laeren: Knight-Errant
Dame Evia Aramathia: Knight-Errant of the Empire
Sir Geijon Khyree: Knight-Errant of the Empire
Sir Goldstr Aimright: Knight-Errant of the Empire
Sir Shirkon Rockcleaver: Knight-Errant of the Empire
INACTIVE:
Sir Brinn Mithrandir: Knight-Banneret of the Empire
Sir Metadi Treyetha: Knight-Banneret of the Empire
Sir Morgiest Frostgiant: Knight-Banneret of the Empire
Dame Yviara Hjeldin: Knight-Banneret of the Empire
Sir Ruffelin Highstem: Knight-Errant
RETIRED:
Sir Waldo2 Ptolomy: Knight-Errant
Sir Welan Cadwalider: Knight-Errant
Sir Kinshack Starblade: Knight-Errant
Sir Tebon Hawggweiler: Knight-Errant
IN MEMORIUM:
Dame Wanton Destruction: Knight-Errant
Sir Yarx Teelf: Knight-Errant of the Empire
Lady Galadriel Light
Lord Drung
EMERITUS:
Sir Eahlstan Hjeldin: Knight-Banneret of the Empire
See Knights of the Realm for more.
Banners
Hanging from the railing of the second floor gallery that lines three sides of the Great Hall are banners bearing the coats-of-arms of knights in service to the barony.
a white banner - Welan Cadwalider
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears the charge of a wyvern, verdant, on a field of white.
a gold banner - Waldo2 Ptolomy
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears the charge of a rampant bear, black, on a field of gold.
a crimson banner - Wanton Destruction
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears the charge of a rising pegasus, white, on a field of crimson.
an ivory white banner - Cemb Chimera
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears the charge of a rampant dragon, on a field of white.
an argent banner - Hyoko Fujimoro
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears the charge of a greatsword proper between thirteen sanguine droplets, and crested with a fan surrounded by gules stars on a field of argent.
a purple banner - Dame Deavon Laeren, Knight-Errant
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears a charge of thistle crossed with a white rose creating a party per saltire upon a field of argent.
an emerald banner - Sir Ruffelin Highstem, Knight-Errant
The flowing banner is made of a triangular section of fine Vornavian silk, and bears the charge of a quartered shield with four symbols: a wolf, a crowned gauntlet, a raven, and a gryphon.
a black banner - Sir Brinn Mithrandir, Knight-Errant
The flowing banner is made of a triangular section of fine Vornavian silk, and bears a bisected triangle, tapering at the bottom, gold to the left and green to the right, with a smaller triangle of gold at the center protruding to the left, trimmed in silver on a field of black.
an azure banner - Sir Bristenn Mires, Knight of the Empire
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears a roaring white lion's head erased argent, on a field of light cerulean blue.
a sky blue banner - Dame Aiska Sunrider, Knight-Errant
The flowing banner is made of a triangular piece of fine Vornavian silk, and bears a white drake and red chimera gules locked combatant, on a field of deep sky blue.
Ode to the Gryphons
In the winter of 5122, Lady Regwen performed the following song for the Order at the Holding.
Regwen sings powerfully:
"Up in the hills above the mining road,
Lies the Knightly Order, Silver Gryphon's hold.
A fortress grand, where knights make their stand.
Knights brave and bold, who's tales are forever told."
Regwen forcefully crosses one arm over her brigandine armor and offers a formal bow.
Regwen plucks her instrument's lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.
Regwen sings powerfully:
"For their valor and courage they ask no fee.
Legendary battles fought with daring feats,
For the good of all. That's what is key.
Sacrifices they make for you and for me."
Regwen bridges her song into a new key, taking it to new heights of intensity.
Regwen sings confidently:
"They defend our town, both home and heath.
They provide aid to those with a just need.
They help all innocents,
And protect the defenseless.
They serve with honor,
And by exemplary deed."
With nimble fingers, Regwen adds a contrasting countermelody to her song, skillfully creating a dramatic effect.
Regwen sings powerfully:
"The Coats-of-arms are hung high in the gallery.
To honor the knights who serve the barony.
Flowing banners of silk, every color and ilk,
A tribute to their vows taken on bended knee."
Regwen glances up.
Regwen accentuates her song with emphatic strums, adding to the intensity.
Regwen sings powerfully:
"Preserving historical lore of the Landing town.
Crafting and forging help here can also be found.
To promote the chivalric ideals, wearing a bracer as a seal.
There is always friendship when they are around."
Katiesa flinches as the flames surrounding her white ora-inset boots flare out suddenly!
Regwen bridges her song into a new key, taking it to new heights of intensity.
Regwen sings confidently:
"They defend our town, both home and heath.
They provide aid to those with a just need.
They help all innocents,
And protect the defenseless.
They serve with honor,
And by exemplary deed."
With a final dramatic flourish, Regwen takes her fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.