Sunspire

The Sunspire

 In 889 AB, 50 years after the formation of Kuloran, Vrakmorn’s young son, Tehrmahtiyan, found a young litter of griffon cubs in the hills northeast of Kuloran while he and his knights were on patrol. He knew he couldn’t move the griffons from this land, they would never thrive in the city at such a young age. So, he sent his men home, and began to care for the griffons. He didn’t know it yet, but he would go on to be the first High Commander of the Skybound Cavaliers. And four years later, in 893, he began construction on what would later become the Sunspire, the elite training academy for griffon riders.
 The Sunspire is, in fact, not one building. It is a complex of six castle keeps, set in a vague wing shape on the northern edge of Kulor’s Reach, reaching to a northeastern peninsula on Golindray. Each of the six buildings houses a different age of griffon rider, from the youngest of conscripted cubs to the most seasoned veterans.
 The Sunspire is not only a training academy. It is a functional military base, acting as a lookout over the eastern shore. It is often Kuloran’s first line of defense against invading ships, sending it’s riders to the city to alert the Spireguard Bastion, and the rest of the city, of incoming danger. They will also launch defensive runs against the incoming ships, delaying their progress.
 The Sunspire is not the original name for the place. It was originally named Keep Of The Wing, but the beautiful marble and stone used to build the soaring spires of the six keeps coined it the Sunspire, for it’s radiant glow in the rising sun. It is for this reason too that the men stationed here are part of the Dawnwing bastion, and their brilliant red and gold sunburst cloaks can often be seen at great distances.
 The six keeps are built to staggering heights, with the lowest standing over ten stories in height. The griffons stay in nests built to co-exist with their riders, and pairs are often seen coming and going from here. There are walkways of stone built between the levels, so those without griffons can climb them, though it’s time, and energy, consuming.
 These six keeps each have a statue of one of the six cubs that Tehrmahtiyan found outside of them, and each tower is named for them.

Tovo: The smallest of the cubs, Tovo Keep is where the youngest members, newest conscripts, and lost cubs are cared for. Tovo was young, but hearty, and never let his size stop him. Tihrasi: Tihrasi was only slightly larger than her brother, but faster and more wily. Tihrasi Keep is where the academic lessons are held, and many of the faculty live in this particular keep. It stands about half again as tall as Tovo Keep. Rashqet: Rashqet Was of middling size, but of stout heart. In his play fights with his siblings, he never let himself be struck down for long, and always got back up. He might not always have won, but he always stood his ground. Rashqet Keep is where the humans are trained in blade and spear, either on foot or on the backs of griffons. Second to fourth year students stay here, and the top of this particular spire is a popular gathering spot for socialization. Trebohr: Trebohr was a strong and smart fighter, always fighting tactically and soundly. Trebohr Keep further enhances the bond between griffon and rider, and primarily fifth year students are found here. Rhimatiah: Rhimatiah was one of the largest, but one of the kindest and most gentle, though invoke her wrath and she became among the most dangerous of her litter. She fell defending her litter from an uprising of island tribesmen, and she was swiftly avenged by her siblings. Rhimatiah Keep is where griffon riders are taught piety, mercy, and compassion on the battlefield. They are taught to defend at all costs. There is a chapel to Vyaka here, and the sixth, and final, year of students live in it’s upper reaches. Raegovtrien: Raegovtrien was the largest of his litter, and always the most noble. He always stood as the first line of defense whenever he could, and always put the needs of his siblings first. Raegovtrien Keep is the tallest spire by far, standing of equal height with the spire of Kuloran. This is where the inducted members of the military reside, with various war rooms and training yards on it’s lower levels, though numerous courtyards are built higher up it’s length. The Raegovian Battle Gardens are famous, with some training just to be able to stand in them one day. The officers and generals live at the very top.