The Black Hawks

Overview

The Black Hawks were first known as Gorra-Soven, which, when translated out of creagan, means Blood-letters. The name was changed in 2738 to the Black Hawks when it became clear that the humans were going to be a much bigger deal than they originally thought. If the humans could relate to them (by having a human-related name) then the Hawks could use it as a fear tactic and establish themselves as a real threat.
Originally, the Hawks were simply a group of mercenaries who worked for the highest bidder, and that made them dangerous. They had no real leader as anyone who tried to be in charge usually ended up being killed by someone else who wanted the title. There was more infighting than there was actual mercenary work. That was until 2893 when a creagan by the name of Lorvelran Mex rose through the ranks and ruled the Hawks with an iron fist. He had an inner circle that was loyal to him and they protected him. If any of the other Hawks showed any signs of revolt against Mex, they would be quickly dealt with. This kept the Hawks in line and was the first time the Hawks truly became a threat within the Main Sector.
When the Butcher took up the mantle of leader in 3129, he made the group more structured and it has worked in their favor. The Hawks are credited with more deaths than all of the other mercenary groups in the quadrant combined. In fact, under the Butchers rule, many of the other mercenary groups have been either wiped out by the Hawks or disbanded in favor of joining the Hawks.
The Black Hawks refer to themselves as mercenaries and bounty hunters, but they fall more under the categories of assassins and terrorists. Their numbers are far too large for them to be considered space pirates.

Additional Information

The Baltazar

While its origins are unknown, the "flagship" of the Black Hawks, known as the Baltazar, is something of an enigma. It is rivaled in size only by carrier ships. Engineers and ship architects have had a hard time explaining how such a massive ship can reach FTL speeds. It is considered the main base of operations and is often referred to as "the station," though its engines officially classify it as a starship and, because of its weapons, a battlecruiser. Although it is not officially registered with the S&SR (Ship and Station Registry), the Omicron Navy has given it the designation WS-3366 Baltazar.
(Photo coming soon)

Branding

All Hawks bear the brand of the Black Hawks on their necks and shoulders. When someone is accepted into their ranks, the first order of business is to brand them. The brand itself is in the shape of a claw, a constant reminder of who they belong to and who they serve. While it is burned into the skin, there is also a layer of ink on the brand that is an irritant, making it to where the mark always burns or itches. While it is rare, those very few Hawks that escape can have the ink removed, but the claw-shaped scar is permanent.

Occupations within the Hawks

Hunter

These Hawks are trained to hunt rogue Hawks or those thinking about going rogue. They are taught to read the signs of those that are thinking about defecting. Hunters are physically fit and trained extensively to survive even in the harshest conditions. Hunters are the most respected group within the Hawks.

Stalker

These Hawks are responsible for Intel, but mostly they are the assassins. Only those trained to use snipers can become stalkers. It is the second tier of the Hawk food chain.

Chaser

These Hawks are the foot soldiers, so to speak. They do the dirty work and are sent in when discretion is unnecessary. They also are the ones given ships to do the Hawks bidding.

Trapper

This group is responsible for, as their name suggests, setting up traps. These can include anything from physical traps to issuing misleading information in order to herd or corner their targets. They typically do not engage in fighting, but they are not discouraged to do so.

Cut-Throat

These Hawks are sent in to finish messy jobs. Out of all the Hawks (even the chasers), this group sees the most blood. While chasers go after one or two targets at a time, the cut-throats specialize in mass murder. They are sent in in force to do as much damage as they can. The messier the better. These are the ones responsible for the decapitations the Hawks are so infamous for.

Scrounger

These Hawks are the lowest in the pecking order. They are sent in either to gather up the bodies (if the Butcher wants them) or to loot the bodies or ships they capture. Scroungers, for the most part, are those that didn't cut it for any of the other groups, but Hawks can also be demoted to this level either for a probationary period or permanently, depending on their transgression.

Work in progress!

Type

Illicit, Terrorist group

Founding Date

2267 (as the Gorra-Soven)
2738 (as the Black Hawks)

Leadership (In Order of Command)

The Butcher
Tavos Armen
Damon Slade