Wyvern Riders
Tacticians of the Air
From the heavens fall shining masses, the landing shaking the ground as men and women step from the unique lances that were part of their descent. They pull other weapons from sheaths and their backs, quickly dispatching the threats before climbing back on the cross piece of their lances, whistling to the skies. A second later, a blinding mass of scales swoops low, grabbing the loop at the top of the lance in their claws. The whole process happened so quickly, one may question what truly fell from the sky.
Back in the skies, the riders move through a variety of maneuvers that put them back in the saddles, the large lances strapped in special holsters close at hand. A handful of straps hold their legs as they move through aerial configurations, but to fight in the air is not their strong suit. These riders will be dropped from heights over and over on their targets, creating massive craters where they fall with their specially made lances. Some may think these riders are crazy, but their tactics are effective and beyond memorable.
The Wyvern Riders are infamous across the world for their sheer bravery and audacity. Few aerial units leave what keeps them airborne to fall through the skies and land in the battle, but these chosen few continuously make the jump, serving House Sunder and the crown when needed. Those who choose to live in the Depths of the Great Plains take great risks against sieges, prehistoric monsters, and more that threaten them, so too must those who fight for them take enormous risks.
Composition
Manpower
The Wyvern Riders are a small unit centralized in Greenhaven that specializes in fighting from the backs of Wyverns. Their training requires a great deal of time and possibly some insanity, as these people must be willing to jump from their Wyverns to the ground depending on the conflict and what is needed. Because of this, almost all members of this unit have grown up in Greenhaven and have spent their lives surrounded by these creatures.
Training
Those who are part of the Wyvern Riders are expected to spend a number of years as part of the Military of the Human Empire, often in the Night Guard as town guards, before entering the elite force of the Wyvern Riders. The training to join this unit not only involves a large amount of time bonding with the creature they are to be riding, but also physical training so that they can keep their seats during aerial maneuvers and jump from their saddles. This training process can take up to five years, so most people have upwards of seven to ten years of military service before they can take up this mantle.
History
The Wyvern Riders have been tied to the history of Greenhaven and House Sunder since their first appearance. As the Humans expanded north of Stronghold in the Great Plains, their first encounters with Wyverns piqued their curiosity. While many were afraid, those of House Sunder chose to establish a settlement in the Depths of the Great Plains in order to study these creatures and possibly use them for their needs. It took many years, but House Sunder learned how the Giants trained and used the Wyverns, following suit and creating an elite group of fighters that are unrivaled in the air.
While part of the Military of the Human Empire, the Wyvern Riders are more truly in the service of House Sunder and the town of Greenhaven and the surrounding areas. Historically, very few Wyvern Riders have come from outside of the lands of House Sunder, as those who live in the Depths have grown up with the creatures. Today, this unit provides security against the prehistoric creatures of the Depths, but has been known to be called forth in the service of the Empress to other areas of the Great Plains.
Type
Airborne
Overall training Level
Elite
Assumed Veterancy
Experienced
Used by
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