The Ashen Hawks

The Ashen Hawks are a smaller mercenary guild known for their rigid code of honor, loyalty to their clients, and preference for defensive or protective contracts. They’re often viewed as an “honorable alternative” to the Black Company, as they only accept missions aligned with their moral standards. This code keeps them from the large-scale battles and high-paying contracts of more ruthless guilds, but it has earned them a steadfast, loyal clientele and a reputation for integrity.

Leadership and Key Figures

• Sir Elric Ashblade: The Ashen Hawks are led by Sir Elric Ashblade, a retired knight and former paladin who holds to a strict personal code of honor. He believes in protecting the weak and upholding justice wherever possible. A strong and disciplined leader, Sir Elric’s own reputation has helped build the Ashen Hawks’ credibility.
• Magda “Iron Will” Graves: Sir Elric’s second-in-command, Magda is a human warrior known for her skill in defensive tactics and shield combat. She’s fiercely loyal to Sir Elric and known for her unbreakable resolve in battle, particularly when standing guard over civilians or weaker allies.
• Gideon “The Sage” Rowen: A human cleric who advises Sir Elric on spiritual and moral matters, Gideon also acts as the Hawks’ healer and is responsible for maintaining the well-being of the company. He is trusted for his wisdom and often organizes aid efforts during missions.

Specialties and Tactics

• Defensive and Protective Missions: The Ashen Hawks are specialists in defensive strategies, commonly hired to guard settlements, escort caravans, and defend against raiders or bandits. They tend to avoid offensives, focusing instead on fortifying positions and repelling attacks.
• Precision and Order in Combat: In battle, the Ashen Hawks work with precise, coordinated movements, often arranging shield walls and carefully planned countermeasures. This discipline allows them to hold lines even against larger forces, making them the go-to guild for defensive tactics.
• Non-Lethal Force: If a mission calls for it, the Ashen Hawks have protocols to minimize casualties, preferring to use non-lethal takedowns whenever possible. They’re not opposed to lethal force when necessary, but they strive to avoid excessive bloodshed.

Reputation and Clientele

• Trusted Defenders of the Vulnerable: The Ashen Hawks are especially popular with villages, merchants, and minor nobles who seek protection without the moral compromises of other guilds. While they don’t turn away high-paying clients, they’re known to take on missions for those in need, sometimes even accepting reduced rates.
• Frequent Clients: Small towns, local nobility, and families seeking bodyguards frequently hire them. Their refusal to abandon their clients, even in the face of overwhelming odds, has earned them a reputation for dedication and honor. The guild has even been known to provide aid to towns ravaged by war, earning the respect of those they protect.

Internal Culture and Morale

• Discipline and Camaraderie: The Ashen Hawks emphasize loyalty, honor, and unity within their ranks. Every member is expected to uphold the guild’s values, and training includes lessons in both combat and ethics. Their close-knit culture has fostered a strong sense of trust, and members are known to look out for one another on and off the battlefield.
• Code of Conduct: Members are bound by a code that forbids theft, wanton destruction, and unnecessary cruelty. They strive to uphold their oaths to their clients and to each other, and failure to follow the code can lead to demotion or expulsion.

Armaments and Appearance

• Uniformed Armor and Shields: The Ashen Hawks favor simple, steel-gray armor emblazoned with their emblem: a soaring hawk with ashen feathers. Their shields are usually emblazoned with the same symbol, forming a line of hawks in defensive positions when they create a shield wall.
• Standard-Issue Armaments: They wield spears, shields, and maces primarily, focusing on sturdy weapons for defensive tactics. Archers and crossbowmen support from behind, and they carry non-lethal options for missions requiring restraint, such as weighted nets or blunt maces.

Base of Operations and Outposts

• The Roost: Their main base, called The Roost, is a fortified stone keep nestled in a quiet mountain pass. The location is strategic, with natural defenses that suit their philosophy of defensive warfare. The Roost also acts as a haven for travelers, offering a secure resting spot along a commonly traversed trade route.
• Regional Outposts: They have a few smaller outposts scattered across the realms, often in towns needing reliable protection. These outposts serve as both barracks and training grounds, where Hawks-in-training hone their skills in defensive tactics.

The Ashen Hawks may lack the versatility and willingness to compromise that some clients expect from mercenaries, but for those seeking honor-bound defenders, they’re the first choice. Though smaller in size and fame than other guilds, the Ashen Hawks’ commitment to their code and to those they protect makes them an indispensable force in the realms.