| Category | Groups | ||||
| Type | School | ||||
| Location | Void Steps | ||||
| Size | |||||
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| Alignment | non-evil | ||||
| Symbol | giff paratrooper | ||||
| Established | 28 Hollow 1155 |
The Girderhead Institute of War is an esteemed academy that specializes in instructing students in air tactics, astrogation, parachuting, and paratrooper tactics. As the preeminent institute of warfare within the Giff League, it is highly coveted by foreign applicants, though their enrollment is limited to a maximum of 10% per year. The majority of the institute's students complete the comprehensive curriculum within a three to four-year timeframe.
The school was established by the Girderheads, a family renowned for their extensive background in maritime trade and naval combat. They constructed the institution within the lowermost of the floating spires that comprise the Void Steps. Initially, education took place within their estate, but as the school's reputation and resources grew, it expanded across each of the Void Steps.
The Third Suellk Invasion witnessed a brazen attack on the school, with the illithids seemingly underestimating the fighting prowess of the academy's students. The Battle of the Void Steps spanned three grueling days, culminating in a remarkable victory for the 400-strong garrison, mostly composed of students, against an illithid invasion force of 4,000. In numerous engagements, up to half of the attacking vessels were captured, while the remaining ships, crippled by battle damage, lost aerial control and plummeted over 6,000 feet to the shattered volcanic plains below.