The Lance Defenders were the core of Tymanther military forces, a highly trained army of dragonborn soldiers gathered from every clan, who were specialized in fighting with lances and other weapons, both on foot and in aerial combat, mounted on giant bats.[2][3][4] Their primary task was to defend Djerad Thymar from dragon attacks, and, because of that, the Lance Barracks, their headquarters, was located in the highest place of the City-Bastion along with the Lance Roost that served as the giant bat stables.[5][6]
Although few thymari dragonborn had a knack for spellcasting, the Lance Defenders maintained a number of spellcasters among their ranks.[7]
Most dragonborn served in the Lance Defenders for two years, but only a small percentage remained after that period and became permanent soldiers. If a Lance Defender was able to get enough promotions, there was the possibility that he or she was deemed fit to be elected as a Vanquisher.[2]
Their giant bats were highly prized by the dragonborn, and only members of the Lance Defenders or important guests were permitted to use them, though they were exclusively for use of the Lance Defenders in wartime.[4] Even though the giant bats were nocturnal creatures, they were also able to operate in daytime.[8]
A minority of Lance Defenders were selected to become Lance Scouts. As elite members of the military, the Lance Scouts were trained to work as part of small groups or alone and were tasked to travel beyond Tymanther's borders and learn more about Faerûn. Lance Scouts were also expected to track movements of potentially dangerous dragons around the realms.[9]
History
Although the Lance Defenders were renowned for their expertise killing dragons, they were ill-prepared for fighting other threats Faerûn had to offer. For that reason, when ash giants began to invade Tymanther as part of the green dragon Skuthosiin's plans as a taaldarax of Brimstone's xorvintaal,[10] they suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the giants.[11]
To improve their chances of defeating the invading giants, Khouryn Skulldark of the Brotherhood of the Griffon was hired by Vanquisher Tarhun to train them in dwarven fighting techniques,[12] as dwarves were renonwed giant hunters.[13] The training proved to be effective, and in subsequent operations the Lance Defenders were able to defeat the giants attacking the farms near Djerad Thymar.[14]
After a few victories, the Vanquisher led all the dragonborn military forces—Lance Defenders, Platinum Cadre, private clan's war bands—in a final, desperate battle against the giants. The joined thymari forces were able to drive the giants of their lands.[15] After the wizard Biri uncovered Skuthosiin as the true mastermind of the giants,[16] Vanquisher Tarhun ordered another joint military operation, this time to laid siege to Ashhold and to kill Skuthosiin.[17]
Notable Members
- Daardendrien Balasar
- Daardendrien Medrash
- Fenkenkabradon Dokaan
- Kanjentellequor Biri
- Mehen
- Ophinshtalajiir Sepideh
- Prexijandilin Jhiri
- Tarhun
References
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 231. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 186. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 177. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Richard Lee Byers (May 2010). The Captive Flame. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 150. ISBN 0786953969.
- ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 187. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 33. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (May 2010). The Captive Flame. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 178. ISBN 0786953969.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 23. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 125. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 177. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (May 2010). The Captive Flame. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 177–185. ISBN 0786953969.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 19–24. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (May 2010). The Captive Flame. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 260. ISBN 0786953969.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 50–58. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 122–139. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 207. ISBN 0786955619.
- ↑ Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 216. ISBN 0786955619.