Talons on the Sea

The Talons of the Sea, or simply Talons, make their home in a sky north of the Stormy Sky and east of Krithia. This sky is called the Sky of Silver Clouds. The people here are much like the Storm Pirates, but they would never agree or admit it. Their origins are essentially the same as the Storm Pirates. The people of the Talons of the Sea wished to leave their homeland behind and join the Talons. They are, at their core, a mercenary company. Quite a large one in fact. So large that the talons could potentially invade and conquer a sky of their choosing, aside from the major powers. But, they instead offer their sword to help out any organization which can afford it.
Of course, not every member of the Talons are soldiers. There are farmers, craftsmen, and tradesmen who live in the Silver Clouds. They supply the Talons with supplies and food, though the Talon economy mostly relies on its mercenary trade.

Military

The Talons Military is very strong. In fact, the military life is ingrained in every aspect of Talon life. Children are raised in boarding schools where they are taught discipline, though Talon schools and colleges are only a few years old. Most adults work as mercenaries, but not all fight. Some spend their days delivering goods or doing odd jobs throughout the Skies. If a job needs an Airship, you can hire a Talon to do it. Some Talon captains are willing to perform illegal tasks, but most have a sense of honor.
Each soldier is assigned to a ship, which is then assigned to a fleet. Each fleet is commanded by a general, which in turn answers to the commander. Standard soldiers can be upgraded to ship captain when a ship is available, the soldier can gather a crew, and they have the permission of a general. Generals also have the power to promote anyone to ship captain, but they cannot demote a ship captain.
Life as a Talon soldier is grueling. You live in the ship and are required at minimum 6 months of service a year. However, the advantages are many. First, you are allowed to carry a firearm. Secondly, you and your family are paid enough to live, and upon retiring you are given land that is under Talon ownership. There have not been many that have retired, but the few that have had become wealthy. Furthermore, if you suffer work-ending wounds you are offered the opportunity for a clockwork prosthetic or a simple prosthetic.

Bound by Gold

The members of the Talon are as varied as they can be, but they all share a common love. Gold. Most who join the Talons do so out of a need to become wealthy. This means many of the Talons have a loyalty to money first, and comradery second. There are some who consider the Talons to be worse than the Pirates. Their argument is simple, the Talons will turn on their allies if the enemy can offer. Several instances of this have given the Talons a bad reputation for loyalty, but there are ship captains who are loyal and honorable.

Apearance and personality

Most Talons dress clean and orderly, with their clothing well ironed and their hair cleanly cut. Though, individually the Talons take on the styles of their homelands. Most Talons are stern and have a sense of adventure. It takes a certain type of person to become a mercenary, and those are the sorts that become Talons.

Governmentent

The Talons government is entirely controlled by its military. The hierarchy is simple, where everyone answers to the Chief Commander. Beneath the chief are 7 commanders who reside over several generals. power in the government is earned by merit. Whoever has the most experience, and political support, becomes the new Chief Commander if the previous one retires or dies.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Talon names are identical to krithian names, though those from other nations have appropriate names.