The Centori

History
* Foundation
* The Forge
The Centori are almost as equals as any other fighting force, but what really separates them and their Westeros cousins are the armor and weapons crafted meticulously by the Gryphon Claw forge. Each Centori is equipped with a orange and black highlighted Gryphon breastplate adorned with a griffin claw on each of the shoulders pinning their black cloak in place, and molded rippling muscled torso. Sitting upon their heads is the Gryphon Helm, a stylized great helm with flip up visor that acts as the 'beak', a flowing mane of horse hair trails to the top colored orange. At the hip, is the golden Gryphon Claw longsword with a 'claw' acting as the pommel holding the blade in place. Also carried is the fighting spear, a bladed 11" tip makes this a formidable thrusting and slashing weapon used in the skilled hands of the Centori. All of this is possible from the dedicated works of the Gryphon Forge Masters.
Since the dawn of the Norvale, there has always been the Gryphon Forge. This secret forge is capable of producing the castle-forged longswords and rumors has it other weapons imbued with powerful traits, but that was in another time, long ago, and rarely documented. According to legends and stories of the Age of Man and other times of heroes, the Gryphon Forge made wonderous works. Now the Gryphon family line continues the tradition of superior quality steel longswords, but retains all the secrets and mysticism it always has. The three Gryphon brothers, steadfastly devoted to the protection of the forge and the Norvale family, have still been able to produce the longsword of fame that their forefathers crafted since the dawn of organized time in Westeros. Some records say that the Centori banner used to depict a blackened sword, but the first documented sigil identifies a gold sword, not black. After many years of trying to gain influence over the Norvale family, Tywin Lannister has largely given up his attempt to learn the secrets of the swordsmiths, settling instead for the meager amount of swords the Gryphon family are willing to offer outside their House. Twice per year House Norvale offers it's supply of surplus Gryphon Claw Swords equally to the Grand Houses and the Kings Court, to distribute as they deem appropriate. Worthy of mention that many an honored knight is sworn in with a Gryphon Claw sword, many of the existing are carried by House Lords, a few are interred with heroes of ages past, and a few Kingsguard have even carried them protecting the Royal Family.
* Greyjoy Rebellion
Currently
* Commanded by Maximai
* 100 strong Elite House Guard
* Armed with "Gryphon Claw" Long Sword (Castle-Forged quality) and Medium Steel Round Shield bearing the Centori Sigil