Nighthawks

Mordeth's Shadow-Cloaked Protectors

Mordeth's elite special forces, the Nighthawks, are the very essence of secrecy. These warriors and mages are not for show; they are the fangs and claws of the kingdom, a silent fist striking from the shadows. Whispers and rumors swirl around them, but one thing remains certain – they are Mordeth's last line of defense against the horrors lurking beyond the Obsidian Gate.

Ghosts of the Obsidian Gate:

Haunting Familiarity: Recruited from the ranks of Mordeth's most decorated veterans, many Nighthawks bear the physical and emotional scars of facing demonic hordes. Their faces, hidden beneath dark helms or mirrored visors, are etched with grim determination and a haunting echo of the horrors they've witnessed.

Silent Infiltration: Nighthawks are masters of stealth. Trained in the ways of assassins and shadow magic, they can infiltrate the most heavily guarded outposts of the Maeg Anri, gathering intel and disrupting their dark rituals before they can come to fruition. The whispers of their presence are often the only warning cultists receive before their world plunges into darkness.

Mages of Arcane Might

Not all Nighthawks are warriors. A select few are gifted mages, trained to wield a potent blend of arcane arts and shadow magic. These mystics delve into forbidden lore, seeking knowledge to counter the Maeg Anri's dark rituals and forge defenses against demonic incursions. Their magic is a double-edged sword, however, for the deeper they delve into the shadows, the greater the risk of succumbing to the very darkness they fight.

Mordeth's Unseen Guardians

The Price of Secrecy: The Nighthawks operate under a shroud of absolute secrecy. Their missions are classified, their identities unknown even to most within the military. This anonymity allows them to operate freely, but it also breeds fear and speculation. Some whisper of dark pacts made with otherworldly forces to grant them their otherworldly prowess.

A Shadow in the Night: For the citizens of Mordeth, the Nighthawks are a symbol of hope – a silent guardian against the encroaching darkness. Their victories are never celebrated, their sacrifices never acknowledged. Yet, they stand firm, a bulwark against the tide of evil, a constant reminder that even in the deepest night, a flicker of light can pierce through the shadows.

Nighthawks: Military Ranks and Titles

The Nighthawks prioritize stealth and compartmentalization, with a clear distinction between warriors and mages. Here's a breakdown of their ranks and titles.

Command

• Shadowmaster: The overall leader of the Nighthawks, directly appointed by Mordeth. Often a legendary warrior or a mage who has mastered the balance of shadow and arcane power.

Warden (Warrior Ranks)

• Talon (Tier 1): Recent recruits, honing their combat and infiltration skills under the tutelage of experienced veterans.
• Spectre (Tier 2): Proven operatives, capable of leading small infiltration teams and eliminating high-value targets.
• Wraith (Tier 3): Elite warriors, renowned for their mastery of stealth and combat. They spearhead critical missions and serve as mentors to younger Talons.
• Shade (Tier 4): Living legends, revered for their unmatched skill and experience. They lead daring raids and advise the Shadowmaster on critical operations.

Shadowmage (Mage Ranks)

• Ember (Tier 1): Promising mages with a natural affinity for shadow magic. They begin their training under the watchful eyes of elder Shadowmages.
• Flicker (Tier 2): Capable of wielding offensive and defensive shadow magic, they are deployed alongside Wardens on infiltration and disruption missions.
• Voidwalker (Tier 3): Masters of manipulating shadows, capable of creating illusions and disrupting enemy magic. They act as advisors and battlefield support for Warden teams.
• Ebonweaver (Tier 4): Legendary figures who have pushed the boundaries of shadow magic. They possess immense power but walk a dangerous tightrope, at risk of being consumed by the very darkness they wield.

General Titles

• Nightveil: A general term for any Nighthawk operative, regardless of rank or specialization.
• Observer: Nighthawks who specialize in gathering intelligence through magical means or long-range scouting.
• Shadowmeld: Nighthawks with exceptional stealth abilities, often tasked with solo infiltration or assassination missions.

Covert Operations

Missions are designated by codenames reflecting the level of secrecy and risk involved. Examples:

• Raven's Call: High-priority mission requiring a full Warden team and Shadowmage support.
• Whispered Warning: Infiltration and intel-gathering mission for a single Shadowmeld operative.
• Blackout: Elimination of a high-value Maeg Anri target by a Spectre or Wraith.

They whisper the Nighthawks make deals with things that lurk beyond the Obsidian Gate. Borrow power from the darkness to fight the darkness. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. But then again, who else is gonna take on those demon-worshipping cultists? Maybe a little darkness is necessary to keep the real darkness at bay.