Crimson Lions

- A Crimson Lion soldier to a captive Grimolt soldier

The **Crimson Lions,** also known as the **89th Battalion**, are a heavily trained and brutal military force first founded during the rebellion of 346 AC by Gothaen Synthor, a renowned military commander who is the son of Garrius Synthor, a commander for the Thyllanorian forces during the Farmers' Revolution.

They are, for all intents and purposes, Thyllanor's 'special forces' battalion. As a battalion, they are part of a larger regiment, the 17th Regiment -- better known as the Crimson Knights. They are treated as something of a knightly order, and seeking entrance is difficult due to the rigorous physical and mental tests that are given to the men. It is the only regiment which does not participate in the random draft -- instead, joining is only by being selected from the ranks of others or applying outside of war time. Gothaen Synthor leads both organizations, and is also an auxiliary general (the highest normally attainable rank) in Thyllanor.

## History

### Founding

About a year's course into the 346 AC rebellion, the commander who was put in charge of the battalion of men that would become the Crimson Lions died in battle during the First Siege of Dragonspire on April 3rd of 347 AC. These men, now leaderless, looked toward the respected and well trained Gothaen Synthor for guidance, as the men's morale dropped severely after the death of their commanding officer. Knowing that he couldn't just let these men down, Gothaen decided to take up arms and step up to the lead role as the commander of the army of men, to which most if not all agreed. After the First Siege concluded in a stalemate, Gothaen took advantage of the wave of regiments returning to Thyllanor and reinforcing -- he instead took his battalion to a secluded castle in the Duchy of Delathane, where he himself had trained for most of his life in military matters, and began teaching his new followers some of what he'd learned. He was lucky enough to have missed the Destruction of Corcivaetas, being completely oblivious of it happening at the time but later lamenting in his ignorance.

- Gothaen Synthor on the Destruction of Corcivaetas, 348 AC

He had them cover their armor with dark, camouflaging substances so they'd be seen less at night, and use crimson red polish to honor the blood spilled by those fallen. Gothaen then later commissioned the wood workers to create shields with a red lion on the front, differing from that of normal Thyllanorian-supplied armor. Over time, Gothaen taught the men valuable strategies, such as Dalan II's method for instilling guerrilla tactics, along with many of his own techniques. He trained them harshly, but after the training was finished, those who remained were disciplined, incredibly strong, and stalwart even without the guidance of their commander. Gothaen had turned former foot-soldiers into a well-oiled, dependable machine of war.

During the latter half of the rebellion, they were some of the most prolific killers of Dragomyr loyalist soldiers wherever they went. Though other battalions employed the tactics of burning farms and torturing people to intimidate the populace and instill terror via threats, the Crimson Lions had no need for such crude practices. Instead, they became one of the most feared soldiers to meet in battle for their unwavering discipline and loyalty to not only Synthor, but to each other. and for good reason. During the final battle of the rebellion, the Second Siege of Dragonspire, they earned most of their reputation which sticks with them today -- during the Final Spark, which involved breaking down the walls of Dragonspire and marching into the city, Gothaen famously gave a speech that concluded right as the trebuchets finally bored a hole into the imposing wall. They fought viciously under the direction of Gothaen and the ruthless command of Adrian Karthmere, who is the knight's biggest sponsor.

### Later Years

- Adrian Karthmere

The organization's influence still stands today, but they do little but guard-work outside of wartime affairs. These days, they are employed as elite guards of House Karthmere, or hired by wealthy lords. Within the Duchy of Delathane, they are the primary form of defense there, mostly due to the fact this is where their headquarters are located. Many are stationed in Vicarshall as well, the royal homestead and the main place of relaxation for the Karthmeres. For instance, choice members of the Crimson Lions are employed as retainers within Drenn Keep, Adrian Karthmere's lordship. They may be recalled to join the other Crimson Knights when the War of Embers escalates, but as it is in armistice right now, they find the threat of bandits and petty criminals to be good practice in the meantime.