Wingspan

Wingspan is a griffin Chimera who serves as the Alter Ego of Sigismar Synd through the Musubi ceremony. The griffin is bonded to the Ordis Exalt and serves as his proud mount in the Aegis forces.

Origin and Birth

Wingspan was born during a Tumult wave that crashed against the Rampart. A pregnant griffin Chimera was defeated in battle and plummeted from the heights, crashing to the ground near Sigismar. The mother griffin had a swollen and lacerated abdomen. Sigismar used his sword to open the creature’s belly and extracted a scrawny but still living griffin newborn.

The creature opened its eyes and fixed on Sigismar, curling up in his arms. The newborn was too weak to take more than a few steps at first.

Early Development

Admiral Temera Singh came to congratulate Sigismar for his daring and inquired about the state of the newborn Chimera. Sigismar asked to join the exploration forces with the creature, and Singh granted his request.

Sigismar took care of his new companion every day, naming him Wingspan as soon as he was able to spread his wings. Playful as a lion cub and as frisky as a puppy, the Chimera followed Sigismar everywhere, whether during training or during his leaves. Over the months, Wingspan grew in size and strength without posing a threat to anyone.

Becoming the Regiment’s Darling

Gradually, Wingspan became the darling of their regiment. The griffin’s playful and friendly nature, combined with his impressive growth and power, made him beloved among the soldiers. The attention paid to Sigismar was no less, as it became obvious through this encounter that both he and Wingspan had the potential to become an Exalt.

Musubi Bond

Wingspan and Sigismar underwent the Musubi ceremony, binding their souls together and becoming Alter Egos. This indissoluble union made them two sides of the same entity in two physical forms. Wingspan became Sigismar’s proud mount, carrying him into battle and allowing the paladin to command from an elevated position.

Combat Role

From the back of Wingspan, Sigismar commands the admiration of his peers and his regiment. The griffin serves as both mount and combat partner, giving Sigismar aerial mobility and a commanding presence in battle. Wingspan can perform aerial maneuvers, dive attacks, and provide swift transportation across the battlefield.

During the battle against the Kraken, Wingspan carried Sigismar from the Ouroboros to the shore. Despite the rain- and wind-lashed conditions of the storm, Wingspan beat his wings frantically to fight the swirling gusts and leaped from the platform. The griffin spread his wings to gain lift, then ascended into the stormy skies before diving toward the cove at tremendous speed.

Personality

Wingspan maintains a playful and energetic personality reminiscent of his youth. He is described as being as playful as a lion cub and as frisky as a puppy. The griffin shows loyalty to Sigismar and responds to his mental commands through their Musubi bond.

During bureaucratic discussions aboard the Ouroboros, Wingspan would hiss in agreement with Sigismar’s frustration, showing he shares his partner’s emotions and perspectives.

Physical Characteristics

As a griffin, Wingspan has features combining those of an eagle and a lion. He has wings capable of flight, a feathered mane, feathers that can become soaked in rain, and fur on his body. The griffin grew from a scrawny newborn to a size capable of carrying a fully armored human soldier into battle.

Card Lore Timeline

390 AC - Visiting Kurung Cadets

Wingspan landed in Kurung courtyard folding wings as Sigismar slid out of saddle along blue plumage. Sigismar patted Wingspan’s neck, ruffled feathers, stroked beak. All cadets stared instead of completing maneuvers. Sigismar approached with Wingspan so cadets could meet him. Cadets abandoned training to meet and pet Chimera. Wingspan let himself be fussed over, taking care not to make sudden movements. Wingspan always very careful around young humans, playing while ensuring he doesn’t hurt them.

392 AC - Battle Against Tumult Creatures

Wingspan shrieked at assailant as Sigismar’s sword struck Chimera attacking from flank. Wingspan grabbed creature with beak and flicked it further away. Beasts swarmed hissing. Wingspan spread wings and took off, heavy wings generating powerful gusts. Creatures jumped back.

392 AC - Flying Over Kraken Battle

Sigismar flew on Wingspan over troops moving toward Leviathan. Wingspan’s reins held in one hand while Sigismar waved Aegis banner. Through Wingspan’s eyes, Sigismar saw droplets of saltwater on armor, expressions mixing fear and fury.

Role in the Aegis

Wingspan serves alongside Sigismar in the Aegis forces as part of the Expeditionary Corps. The griffin provides aerial reconnaissance capabilities, rapid deployment, and a mobile command platform for the paladin. Wingspan and Sigismar work together to lead and motivate troops in the face of adversity.

392 AC - Kraken Hunt Reconnaissance Failure

During the Kraken hunt at Caer Oorun, Wingspan conducted aerial reconnaissance over the entire Province. The griffin ventured into areas where the Tumult remained strong, flying over vast territories in search of the Leviathan. Despite extensive flights from end to end of the Province, Wingspan did not cross paths with the abomination.

At the strategy meeting aboard the Ouroboros, Sigismar reported Wingspan’s failed reconnaissance to Admiral Temera Singh and the assembled generals. This prompted General Vong to sigh: “If our best scouts return empty-handed, we won’t have much better luck finding it ourselves. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack…”

The failure of Wingspan’s aerial reconnaissance demonstrated the difficulty of locating the Kraken, which could camouflage according to General Nimeda’s assessment. Wingspan’s inability to spot the massive Leviathan from the air contributed to the strategic decision to use a convoy as bait rather than continuing search patterns.

Relationships

• Sigismar Synd: Bonded Alter Ego through Musubi ceremony
• Anuncia ruun-Aysun: Sigismar’s younger sister who Wingspan has adored since her childhood, came into Sigismar’s life when she was 12-13 years old, affectionately strokes his neck
• Temera Singh: Admiral who granted Sigismar’s request to join exploration forces with newborn Wingspan, received reconnaissance report (392 AC)
• Vong: General who commented on Wingspan’s failed reconnaissance (392 AC)
• Nimeda: General who assessed Kraken could camouflage after Wingspan’s reconnaissance failure (392 AC)
• Sunisa: Sigismar’s aide-de-camp observed during Tumult creature battle (392 AC)
• Maibritt: Eidolon summoned during battle (392 AC)