The Flight

Since the beginning of creation, there has always been a desire to relax under the knowledge that there is protection in the form of trusted men-at-arms. History changes, often with violent conduct, and when these changes occur, conflicts arise. The early councils of Eudaimonia were aware that times of peace and war were blurry and unpredictable, and when they would appear the entire city would have to deviate their operations. Deviations could lead to chaos and panic, and without an order to calm and protect the innocent from both external terror and internal pandemonium a city once thriving with life could destroy itself in its own confusion and devastation.

There was a need for security and protection, to uphold moral benevolence, to aid those who were unable to help themselves, both in tranquil and obstructive times. Thus the Flight was created.

“The first obligation of the Flight is to fight. The first obligation of fighting is to protect.”
- General Scion Deburgie, 1384 B.R (Before the Rising)

In this aspect, the Flight offers contribution to both war and peace, as a responsible declaration of arms should. To merely list a number of wars that the Flight has been involved with would not adequately define its role in Gryph history, though wars truly test the Flight’s efficiency. The Flight is an artistic combination of tactics, intellect, and science, weaving in with it politics, economics, and society’s current affairs.

To define the history of the Flight is difficult. It is an integral part of the Gryph culture, much like their annual festivities, food, and government. The Flight does not so much have its own history, as it is a part of Eudaimonia’s collective history. So in order to understand the history of the Flight, a brief outlook at Eudaimonia’s general history must be brought to light.

A City Built, A World to Behold

The creation of Kellashar was a fortunate event. As the exceeding majority of Gryph are highly religious, the acceptance of creationism goes without eschewing rivalry. Creationism is summarized as follows:

Flowing down from the heavens came a being of fantastic and mythical powers: Glycenia. A Goddess from the resolute heavens, she came to the world of Kellashar, which had previously been shrouded in an ill-fated darkness, and blessed it. The darkness seceded back into the depths of the underworld, and a new light, a new beginning, was brought unto Kellashar. Those who refused the light became monsters that ever-roam the surface of the world, threatening any who cross them.

Glycenia filled Kellashar with all the necessities her future descendents. She created four new Goddesses (more technically, minor Goddesses), her daughters, to watch over the world as it blossomed into life. Glycenia then returned to the heavens.

And so life ensued. The city of Eudaimonia was built to last and be known as the grandest of all, aptly brandished as the beloved City of Crystals, from which would flourish model and productive citizens, the Gryphs. Under the astute eyes of the four Goddesses, who kept the civility of Glycenia's mortals in proper alignment, the City itself did become a glorious paradise for five hundred years. Any foe, a monster that did not except the Glycenia’s blessing, that trespassed amidst the community, quickly collapsed under the mighty Goddesses.

As can be expected, and gently received, the Goddesses found themselves at the ends of prayer and worship. A Guild, known in today’s term as the “United Guild”, was constructed out of praise and bequeath from the Gryphs. The Gryphs asked for their blessings and skills, and the Goddesses agreed to take in disciples. These disciples would be the masters of the Guild, and teach the next descendents of Eudaimonia to be the following masters, and so on. Those who graduated highly from the United Guild were assigned to assist the Goddesses in keeping the population of the city civil. These “soldiers” were better known for their diplomacy and as a social force for peace rather than brandished fighters who submitted to physical means for law enforcement. During its era of development and under the eyes of the ever-present Goddesses, Eudaimonia required little supervision.

Time moved forward. Life came and went for the people, but with the aura of the Goddesses blooming over the city, the culture of the Gryph grew and spread into a formidable nation headed by powerful individuals.

The Era of Exploration and the Founding of the Flights

But as the populace reached its borders on the edge of the Melchoir Sea, the city could no longer house the curiosity that evolved among its people. The Era of Exploration (1700 B.R – 1000 B.R) was about to begin, and the need for more soldiers to accompany explorers and adventurers was quickly brought to attention. After all, monsters still ruled the outside land of Eudaimonia. The Goddesses and their students worked together and became actively involved with supplying their own says and skills into its formation, particularly later in history.

What became of their ensemble was the Flight, or rather, the Flights. The Flights were squadrons of anywhere from seven to thirty (depending on the job) high-class graduates from the United Guild and specialized in one of eleven classes: Swordsmanship (use and tactics of sword), Heavy Weaponry (use and tactics of axes and hammers), Archery (use and tactics of bows/arrows and crossbows), Pike (use and tactics of pikes/spears), Calvary (use and tactics of Wyllions and Spearaxes), Arcanists (use and tactics of the arcane arts for combat), Druid (use and tactics of nature magic for combat use), Empyrean (use and tactics of healing magic), Scout (infantry/martial arts, reconnaissance, and spy units), Mechanics (use and tactics of physics for large siege weapons such as ballista, catapults, and trebuchets) , and Emissary (the tactic of relaying messages during combat and methods of wilderness survival). These eleven divisions would forever be a part of Eudaimonia’s military history.

Flights were gathered by grouping different people from the eleven classes and setting them up “for hire” among explorers. This, however, was more of a business, a way of life, then a military sanction. The Flights did not contribute any effort into peace or mobility. Flights were mercenaries, having no obligation to work other than money. During this time, squadrons of “soldiers” still patrolled the streets.

The Age of Exploration extended for seven hundred years, but at around 1500 B.R, a terrible and unexpected conflict came from a neighboring plane.

The Monolith Campaign and Monceros Eridanus

During any Age of Exploration, curiosity often besets consequences, and whether it was on purpose or by accident, the seal on one of the nine gates was destroyed, allowing the dark creatures within to infest Kellashar with another drought of demise and desire to control. Their primary target of assault: Eudaimonia. Their leader: Vimyr King Fornax Lu-Xsi.

The surprise and aggressiveness of their attackers nearly crumbled Gryph society. The Goddesses quickly called the soldiers and the Flights to band together to protect the people and the culture. The unified army became known as The Flight and from then on became the basis of Eudaimonia’s armed foces.

As strong as their alliance was, the Flight was fighting uphill. The Goddesses fought by their side continuously and thrust their full powers of support, but the Vimyr were fueled by centuries of greed and blood lust and could only be put to rest if they were resting as rulers of the world. King Fornax crafted a blade from the ashes of his mightiest creatures, the BloodAsh Dragons, and named the weapon Kli-Neth. The cursed weapon held the power of a thousand warriors, and the army of Vimyr effortlessly swept through the Flight and the Goddesses. Though they survived, the battle itself crippled the city’s forces and depleted their morale to near exhaustion

It was this fierce battle that enticed the Goddesses to seek aid. A mysterious stranger named Nirah advised them to seek the help of the Tae from the realm of Derramira, and the Tae readily accepted the alliance as long as the Gryphs would help them overcome their latest struggle of a drought that threathened their entire race. The Goddesses agreed, and Using their powerful minds and magic, the Goddesses crafted and the Tae created the “twin” sword of Kli-Neth named Yrrill. In battle the Tae leader Monoceros Eridanus wielded the mighty sword.

The tides of triumph turned in favor of the Gryphs. After several victorious encounters, the final battle against the Vimyr to determine the fate of Kellashar took hold in the vast grasslands of Liebniz. It was the Sword of Dragonsbane against the Sword of Dragonlight. After many hours and many lives, King Fornax Lu-Xsi became the victim of Monoceros. At last, the Monolith Campaign was over and Kellashar became the home of Gryphs again. The Goddesses resealed the nine gates that lead to Vellanayle. Monocero returned to Derramira with Yrrill as well as supplies needed for the Tae. Kli-Neth was lost with Fornax Lu-Xsi.

From then on, the Flight remained united as one whole army to guard Eudaimonia against further invasions, organize the city’s civility, and uphold the law.

The Wings Division

The Rising - the act of lifting Eudaimonia into the sky - induced stress, depression, and disorder among the people. Crime and violence increased as many of the city’s previous resources (and, in some cases, families) were closed off permanently, without enough replacement resources implemented. Fear began to mist through the atmosphere of the newly raised Eudaimonia, and the Flight was caught between trying to find a continuous torrent of suspects and protecting the innocent. After death threats streamed from the civilians to authorities to the Royal Family, the Emperor decided a new means of defense was in order.

Eudaimonia was in need of an assembly of elite warriors, mages, and intelligence to protect the Royal Family from inside the city’s territory. The Emperor chose eleven families in the Flight, each possessing above-and-beyond skill in one of the Flight’s eleven classes. These families would forever serve as the Emperor’s personal service and be trained as highly elite fighters.

Family/Class
Sorghum - Archery
Roma - Swordsmanship
Cassava - Calvary
Dianthus - Empyrean
Merliso - Mage
Guelder – Heavy Arms
Henbane - Pike
Elm - Emissary
Buchu - Druids
Cedron - Scout
Salep – Mechanics

Each family was responsible for training their next generation the duties and skills of becoming the newest members of the Wings Division. These families were encouraged to have many children (more than five), so that the Division would grow. However, at times when one member of the family reached retirement age (thirty-six, after this time the family is expected to raise the next generation) and a descendant was not yet old enough to take charge of their inherited class, a member from the Flight would be inducted to teach until the descendent was ready to uphold the title of ‘First-Class Remige’. Although the modern Wings Division does allow anyone to join (when it was first founded, it could only have been from one of the families), those of the eleven families are trained and expected to uphold their family’s tradition.

Flight and Wings Hierarchy and Responsibilities

Here is a brief overlook at the Flight and Wings Hierarchy.

(More often than not a Remige is a member of the Wings Division, but when necessary an Axiliary will be given an exam to be a replacement Remige until a member of the decided family is entrusted with Remige responsibilities.)

each rank, a test is conducted upon those who wish to ascend. Those who pass move on. Those who do not are allowed one more try at the current level. If failed a second time, the soldier is demoted. If a Plume fails a second time, he or she must wait one year before entering again, in hopes of seeking outside training.

Plumes: New recruits of the force are between 12 and 13 years old and are considered Plumes for at least one year. Before becoming a Plume, a student must have passed general schooling with outstanding (top 10% of class) results and have no physical defaults or mental illnesses. Plumes are taught basic training in defense and offense with the sword and martial techniques. They have no responsibilities other than to pass.

Scalpulars: Scalpulars, or “scalps”, are around 13 and 14 years old and are considered Scalps for at least one year. Their skills with basic training are refined and they focus more on martial techniques and basic survival handiness. They begin working on teamwork and are introduced to tactics. They are also briefly introduced to each of the classes so that they may choose which one to begin specialization in. Their only responsibilities are to display excellent teamwork/leadership skills, to set examples for the Plumes, and to pass.

Coverts: Coverts are around 14 and 15 years old and are considered Coverts for at least three years. This is the year that they specify which class they will continue training in, a decision that was made towards the end of their Scalp years. After a class is chosen, coverts are taught basic handling, history, and simple techniques and mechanics of that specific class. In addition, they are taught battle tactics and logistics. A Covert may change his or her class during the years, but must restart the rank before proceeding. Coverts are also the first rank to be given an official responsibility: To ensure the health and safety of their peers, Scalpulars, and Plumes, both physically and psychologically.

At this time, Coverts are given an exam to proceed to the next ranking, the Alula. The exam is cumulative, dating back to basic offense/defense learned in Plumes to specific questions relating to their chosen class.

Alulas: Alulas are around 18 years old, and are trained as Alulas for at least seven years unless the student is destined to be a Wing, then the student is only an Alula for at least two years. These are the years when the brunt and hardships of the Flight begin to set in. Training revolves entirely around the specific class, is fierce and intense, and is paired with hard competition. Older Alulas proving the most organized are assigned a group of Coverts or younger Alulas to train and command. They are also responsible for the stock and care of equipment. Alulas are also often seen accompanying Axillaries on duties ranging from patrol to training to crime investigation to earthworks to construction. Older Alulas may also become part of a police force during times of peace.

Axillaries: Axillaries are around 25 and 26 years old (unless the student is a Wings, and then the age would be about 20) and are kept there until retirement age (36), one year for Wings, or until an Axillary is chosen by the Crest to become a Remige at age 29. Axillary is the second-highest rank in the Flight. They are considered to be completely responsible for a number of military and non-military related assignments. They are paired with Alulas or serve as teachers for training Plumes, Scalps, and Coverts. During times of war, Axillaries assume control and command of combat operations in groups up to 50 people.

The Wings Division is represented mainly by the members of one of the eleven families. However, anyone can join provided an individual passes the exam and is approved by a Remige and the Crest. However, an individual cannot represent his or her family as one of the original eleven selected families.

Tertiaries: When a member of one of the twelve families passes the Axillary exam between the ages of 21 and 23, the student is promoted to a Tertiary for three years before being considered to advance to a Secondary. Though officially a higher rank than an Axillary, Axillaries are not expected to obey any orders given from a Tertiary. Tertiaries spend most of their time being trained than training others of lower ranks. They share the same responsibilities as Axillaries (with the exception of teaching lower-ranks) and are also given individual and/or team assignments to display leadership and organizational abilities.

Secondaries: Secondaries are around 25 and 26, and remain Secondaries for at least two years before being considered promoted to Primary. They act as administrators and monitors those of lower ranks, and act as advisors for Axillaries who teach lower ranks. They are also responsible for carrying out cleanliness and welfare of lower ranks and discipline among those who misbehave. They are expected to encourage morale and conduct among soldiers, and to display self-discipline, initiative, intelligence, and other leadership skills. A Secondary may become second-in-command to a Primary during times of war. They are also responsible for resources that ensure the well-being of other troops. During times of peace, Secondaries, along with Alulas, make up the majority of the police force.

Primaries: Primaries must be at least 27 years old. Primaries are the highest rank in the Wings Division, and thus have the most responsibility. Not only do they share the responsibilities of Axillaries, Tertiaries, and Secondaries (mainly teaching, commanding, combat operations, leadership, organization, administrators, advisors, cleanliness, welfare, moral, discipline, and conduct), but they also assist Remiges in controlling personnel and administrative operations in times of war and/or peace. They can be given command over at most 75 soldiers during times of war and appoint their own team ranks during their command.

Remige: Remiges are the highest rank in the Eudaimonia Armed Forces. There are thirty-three that specifically head the training of soldiers, at three per military class. The first-class Remige is the official leader of the three, followed by the second-class and the third-class, who are both Remiges in their own right but must obey the commands of their one leader. Remiges are appointed by members of the Crest, and only when a current Remige turns 36 (retirement age, i.e., the age expected to start the next generation of family). They have many responsibilities, both in and out of the Armed Forces. They serve as role models, spokesmen, commanders, tacticians, financial officers, and operators. They are highly intelligent and have proven their leadership skills and confidence throughout their entire military history. Whenever possible, a Remige chosen will have been a Wings graduate, and more specifically from one of the eleven chosen families. However, at times it is necessary to choose a non-Wings to take the place of Remige until a Wings is ready.

Sword Class: Romaine Roma is the eldest daughter (of seven children) of the Roma Family, a family best known for their expertise in the art of sword-fighting. Her father, Romano, is currently serving as the Gate Guardian, the one who defends the dimension that separates Eudaimonia from the human world. Because she is expected to carry on the Roma family, it is unlikely she will take his place.

Calvary Class: Oni Gurumi is a replacement Remige for the Calvary class. The Gurumi family ranch is known for breeding strong and willful Wyllions that have been used in the military before. Oni himself is the first in his family to join the Flight, but has proven valuable teaching and handling skills with Wyllions. He looks forward to passing the title on to Aspen Cassava as soon as she is old enough.

Archery Class: Nafal Sorghum is the eldest son (of eight children) of the Sorghum Family. His family’s skill with the bow dates back hundreds of years to the Monolith Campaign. Being only 32, he still has a few more years as a Remige before giving the title to his younger brother, Dallis.

Pike Class: Ruj Henbane is the third eldest son (of eleven children) of the Henbane Family. He was promoted to Remige after his older brothers retired at 36. Currently 34, he expects to soon be replaced by his younger sister, Zhi Henbane (31), who has proven more than enough organizational skills needed to be a leader.

Heavy Arms Class: Weiss Eiche is a replacement Remige for the Heavy Arms class. She is confident that the heiress to the Heavy Arms class, a young Alula named Yate Guelder, will be a great Remige. Weisse has worked with Yate since she was a Plume and has personally overseen her training.

Empyrean Class: Banjine Dianthus is the youngest son (of nine children) of the Dianthus family. A newly-inducted Remige, Bajine is still getting used to the stress and responsibilities that involves being in-charge. Fortunately, he hails from a family known for their kindness and support.

Druid Class: Charkhi Buchu is the second youngest son (of six children) of the Buchu family. Unlike the other families of the Wings Division, his lives outside of the city, in the forested outskirts of the island on which Eudaimonia resides so to become closer to the skills of the wild. When it comes to nature, no one surpasses the Buchus.

Arcanist Class: Nalta Jute is a replacement Remige for the Mage class, though being 35 she will soon be replaced. However, with the oldest Merliso family member being only 25, she will be replaced with another temporary Remige. Nalta is soft-spoken and kind, but tactful when it comes to magic.

Mechanics Class: Acacia Roja is a replacement Remige for the Mechanics class until Mawi Salep, currently 24, takes her place. Acacia has proven extreme brainpower with weapons and physics and calmness in working under pressure, so when the Crest had to choose a temporary Remige, Acacia was an obvious choice.

Emissary Class: Qarz Elm is the eldest daughter (of ten children) of the Elm Family, whose reputation for intelligence and communication has preceded them. Qarz is the main spokesperson for the entire Flight/Wings, so the status of the military often rests on her words. She has yet to falter.

Scout Class: Suteresi Cedron is the fourth eldest son (of six children) and is perhaps the most valuable current Remige. His intelligence spreads across many military and non-military related advances, and has forever managed to stay one step ahead of everyone else, whether the situation is everyday or critical. He has an almost guaranteed spot on the Crest after he retires and his younger sister, Meadow, takes his place.

The Flight Crest
In general, the Flight Crest is a council of retirees who oversee military actions. Each sanction of the military is represented by four on the Crest, totaling 44 personnel. All warfare actions (including warfare simulation) must be run by them before any final decisions are made, and the Crest is given the responsibility of declaring war as long as it is in consent with the Emperor’s Personal Council and the Matriarch’s Circle of Unity. The Flight Crest also sets disciplinary action for those who break the military code of conduct, and also report these actions to the Personal Council and/or Circle of Unity. During such trials, the Flight Crest acts as both a jury and a judge. After a decision is made, there is no appealing or further discussion to the incident, with the exception of a personal pardon from the Emperor (which is in itself time-consuming and difficult to obtain).

Another important job of a Flight Crest member is to approve of recruits. There are many applicants for the Wings Division, and many more for the Flight. For many families it is considered an exaltation to be a solider of Eudaimonia’s military, so it is of no surprise that many desire to be among its ranks. However, with strict limitations on both education and age, the Flight Crest is often forced to reject the majority of queries (with the exception of there being a shortage of militants, of which there is no recorded situation of).

In addition to being the deposit of information, the Flight Crest members are also administrators of it. With the exception of the Remiges, the eleven branches of the military often keep to themselves. But since the birth of information is often in the words and writings of the Flight Crest, they are also responsible for delivering any news (new technology, trials, new laws, military actions, etc.) to the Remiges and the other ranks. As such, meetings eschew the majority of a Flight Crest member’s time.

When time does allow it, members of the Flight Crest will oversee the exact training a young militant endures. Often only one Flight Crest member from the branch is able to do so, but when it occurs (often unannounced), they will not hesitate to make suggestions to the training or to even execute disciplinary action. Though they are veterans of the military, the desire to see it flourish and grow remains their one dream.