A History of the Wheel

The wheel has been one of the premier units of the Gryphons for many years, always the first into battle and always the last to leave. Our victories and accomplishments speak for themselves. We may not have the fanciest fighters or the most clever tacticians. But if we are given a job we get it done.

1095

The Wheel established our presence in The Gryphon Faction in the year 1095. A cadre of religious warriors formed when the temple of Arianrhod in Moonhaven was reclaimed from the darkness. Under the leadership of the legendary Luaine Argentos, The Wheel quickly garnered a reputation as loyal and fierce warriors, not only against the foul unnatural abominations that are known as Unliving, but on the Field of Battle as well. The Wheel embarked on many missions, from guarding Gryphon notaries, to a "covert" mission to retrieve Lord Holbon's head. The Gryphons lost the Honour Battle that year but the Wheel managed to retain honour by marching off the field in good order (through a unit of Vipers).

1096

1096 was a dark year for the Gryphons. Fielding under a hundred strong at the gathering the Gryphons were seriously outnumbered by their enemies. The good news for the faction was that they still held the proud Wheel and the steadfast Order of Obsidian. Together with the rest of the Gryphons they helped fight the evils of the world. Of special note for The Wheel was the arrival of the Avatar of Arianrhod, a great and powerful ancestral servant. Battle was waged and the Gryphons were not found wanting as we earned a hard-won victory. The Wheel eliminated an entire platoon of goblins and with the help of the Order of Obsidian annihilated a much larger force of Bears. It was a proud time to be in the Wheel.

1097

1097 saw much more work done in the temple of Arianrhod at Moonhaven. Two important discoveries during this work were the diary of a past High Lady and some strange stones. The diary told of the cathedral's demise at the hands of a huge undead horde. It also told of the three Defenders of Moonhaven. The Avatar was the first. The second was a group of gargoyles. The third was something that was not named but was to be feared.

So 1097 was a very special year then. Also because it saw the Gathering being held in Moonhaven's most pleasant surrounds. Through the forces of Ritual Magic the Avatar was strengthened and the Gargoyles were summoned to our aid.

All that year there was a major problem with a Daemon known on this plane as Fusca . At the moots she unleashed a horde of her "Blue Meanies" and tried to massacre the Gryphons, in an attempt to secure lands she claimed were owed to her. She returned at the Gathering with yet more of the Blue creatures. Eventually she was defeated with the aid of her own child, the Master Blue Mage Rowan de Richlieu ( who died in the process ) and the Spirit of Winter. Of course the Wheel took a very active role in the destruction of her forces. Blue Meanie blood still adorns our steel.

Also that year the "First Gryphon Lord General" Karneyna tried to re-assume control of the Gryphons. Using beguiling magic he took over all of the Gryphons that were in the camp (around half of the entire faction). Fortunately The Lord Gryphon Timothy de Wilfsbane was visiting the Unicorns at the time. He had with him a heavy escort (including the majority of The Wheel). This group of warriors found every member of the Gryphons that was free of the spell and took on Karneyna. Gryphon battle-group was victorious and took back the camp. Karneyna was destroyed by Luaine Argentos (founder of The Wheel) just as he was originally Destroyed by Luaine's Ancestor. It transpired that Karneyna was not the first Lord Gryphon, and through use of powerful dark magick had caused Gryphon history to be changed in our minds until he was ready to usurp us.

Compared to all this the Battle was rather timid, and easily won. The Tarantulas were routed by Luaine and the Gryphon "Peacemakers", all beings of great enchantment and fearful weaponry.

1098-1100 ( to be added )

1101

Without a doubt, this has been the darkest year for The Wheel since the Gatherings began.

The thence Gryphon Chancellor, Admiral Hrothgar Magnusson, was revealed to be the tyrannical traitor The White Rose. With the aid of the necromancer Pape, he installed himself in Nuevo Roma, kidnapping the High Incantor of the Gryphons, Lady Barra, intending to make her his bride. The Lady Barra was soon returned to us by a small rescue team who infiltrated the city.

A loyal Gryphon legion laid siege to the city, whilst preparations were made for it's liberation by the military held in our camp at the Gathering. In time, our forces pummelled the enemy into defeat, and captured Hrothgar, with the intent of bringing him to speedy trial.

However, the trial did not go well. As sentence of Death for Treason was about to be carried out, he called for Sanctuary in the name of one who only he and The Arbitrator knew, but alas, the Hand of Arianrhod's justice had struck at that moment, and an Ancient Oath was broken. She whose name must ne'er be spoken was released to cause suffering to her blessed Sister's faithful followers once more.

An alleged theft led to the interference of the Bears in an Honour Battle between the Gryphons and the Tarantulas. The Gryphons stood alone, no others having the fortitude to assist us, yet even when faced with insurmountable odds, the Wheel fought bravely alongside their fellow Gryphons against overwhelming numbers. The Tide of Battle soon washed over the Gryphon lines, and the Arbitrator was taken, to our knowledge by the insidious Clan MacBeth, and is believed to be destroyed at their murdering demonic hands.

.....more to follow soon......