Guild: Blackhawk Company
Alignment: Any. However, lawful alignments will tend to be better suited to military discipline, and non-good alignments are better suited to solving problems through military violence.
Base of operations: The Nation of M'Chek.
How to contact us: Contact any of the senior staff (see below).
What we do: We conduct missions of importance to the Nation of M'Chek.
What to expect: Aside from kicking ass for M'Chek, expect a lot of military discipline, regular guild meetings and outings, and working to defend M'Chek and its citizens. We are not law enforcement, though we do aid the M'Chekian Guards when necessary.
Miscellany: The Blackhawks are a component of the M'Chek Army. M'Chekian citizenship is a must, as is a clean criminal record (you can't be wanted for crimes in other nations). Your character will be expected to spend a majority of their time in M'Chek. That's not to say they can't travel, but characters who only come to M'Chek to take part in DM-run army events aren't what the guild is about.
A Brief History of the Blackhawks
The Blackhawks were formed by order of the Joint Houses to clear select areas of the Underdark for colonization and farming. Dala Wennen, former Commander of Alpha Corps, was asked to lead this new unit, which she did until her apparent death in a raid on a shaahesk temple. Morran Unuldur, then a lieutenant, was promoted to captain and granted command. He led the company for the rest of the campaign. When the Blackhawks reached their goal and were no longer needed, they were offered the choice of either joining the Guards or disbanding. Only one member chose to join the Guards; the others retired to civilian life. Later that year, however, M'Chek once again had need of her devoted defenders, as a flight of pyrite dragons, led by the monstrous Tharul'Zhannadar threated to destroy all life in the nation. The Blackhawks were once again called back into service, and with the aid of several other groups held turn the tide of the battle, then took the fight to the dragons' island and there helped slay the mighty dragon himself, ending the threat once and for all. After that, the nobles saw that they might need the Blackhawks again, so they were placed on standby with the understanding that they could be recalled at any time to deal with threats that were beyond the Guards' abilities. Major Swift was given command and a number of veterans returned, including: Captain Wennen (Formerly believed dead), Major Fyne, LT O'Callaghan, and many others.
Reorganization Order
Blackhawk Company,
I have been ordered by War Minister Chasworth to oversee the reconstruction of this company into a battalion-strength force with full and diverse functionality. Your numbers will soon be tenfold, and the intelligence, stealth, and destructive capabilities of the Blackhawk Battalion will be increased fifty-fold. To prevent further public misunderstandings on who has what rights in this division, I will be taking full command of this Battalion as of now until further notice.
Major Swift is hereby appointment my first officer, and is a member of my advisory staff and official commander of the Blackhawk Command Company. Her word is law unless directly overrulled by me, so you will continue to follow her as you have. It is her duty to recommend individuals for permission, as described below. Also, I have detailed the new robust structure of the Battalion. Make room in the Barracks, we have a great deal many more veterans joining our ranks.
It is my duty to reshape this battle group into a far more efficient and powerful fighting machine. It is also my duty to ensure that the way of M'Chek is upheld in all things we do, and it is instilled in all those we overcome. You are all to follow my orders, for my word is the word of M'Chek, and by doing as I command you will see the greatest fruits fall ripe upon our nation.
For M'Chek!
Colonel-Commisar Whelm Brittain Political Officer and Blackhawk Battalion Commander
Command Staff, M'Chek Army
War Commissioner
- Lord Tobias Chasworth ((NPC))
Commanding Officer, Special Operations Division
- General Cassius ((NPC))
Commanding Officer, Blackhawk Battalion
- Colonel-Commissar Whelm Brittain ((NPC))
Executive Officer, Blackhawk Battalion
- Awaiting appointment
Command Staff, Blackhawk Command Company
Commanding Officer
- Awaiting appointment
Executive Officer
- 1st Lieutenant Richance Weller (Acting Exec)
- Copper Eagle Medal
Senior Officers
- Major Caitlin Swift
- Copper Boot Medal, Copper Eagle Medal, M'Chek Victory Medal - Pyrite Dragon Clasp, Gold Lion Medal
- 2nd Lieutenant Thaylis Beign
Other Members
- Sergeant Major Kathea Nyht
- Sergeant Bedlam Dender
- Sergeant Baker ((NPC))
- Corporal Silver Fox
- Corporal Ulu Elexin
- Corporal Sesshokoshi
- Soldier Darias Nepiritas
- Soldier Cromodon Draker
- Soldier Cale Bross
- Soldier Quin
- Soldier Straccio
- Soldier Flenken Jolliemausch
- Recruit Randal Williams
- Recruit Vana
- Recruit Kela Joorin
- Recruit Malinko Fallon
Regular Army-Attached
- Sergeant Rickus va'Alor
- Copper Eagle Medal
- Corporal William Bastion
- Copper Eagle Medal
- Recruit Liam Dald
- Recruit Lestek Rakov
- Recruit Yuri Bross
- Recruit Kedar
- Recruit Kate Benneset
- Recruit Horeck
- Recruit Kassha Firehart
Inactive or Missing Members
- Captain Dala Wennen
- Captain Nikki Tanner
- Copper Eagle Medal, M'Chek Victory Medal - Pyrite Dragon Clasp
- Lieutenant Dillion O'Callaghan (Head of Recruitment)
- Copper Boot Medal, Copper Eagle Medal, Silver Unicorn Medal
Retired and Killed in Action
- Major Rolan Fyne, KIA
- Copper Boot Medal, Copper Eagle Medal, Silver Unicorn Medal, M'Chek Victory Medal - Pyrite Dragon Clasp, Gold Lion Medal
DM Sponsors
- Micah
- DanishPastry
- Rhissaerk
Ranks and Promotions
Soldier Recruit (Private). They are considered army members, but are not permitted access to the Blackhawk files until they have attained veteran status.
Soldier (Veteran). The general makeup of most squads is this. They have access to files, but not command authority.
Corporal (Veteran). This is the soldier rank for logistics, Intel, and artillery. Intel specialists are granted access to intel files.
Sergeant. This is squad leader command. PC’s with this rank command 1 squad of NPCs in their platoon. Rank can be field promoted by any lieutenant or above based on need. No approval necessary.
Sergeant Major. A sergeant who has distinguished themselves in both loyalty and skill, but is otherwise unfit for broad tactical command. Can be placed in charge of a platoon or elite squad. Brevet rank is given by a company commander (typically 1st lieutenant or captain), and ultimately approved by Blackhawk commander.
Command Sergeant. Exceptionally distinguished sergeant (one in the entire Blackhawks) who is given authority to procure and manage personnel and supply lines. Also serves on the command staff to the Blackhawks commander. Still does not have broad tactical command, but may lead a platoon or elite squad. Rank is given by Blackhawk commander.
Lieutenant, 2nd. Platoon commanders. PCs who have this rank have a platoon of NPCs and/or PCs under their command. They can deploy as directed by the leadership, but are in charge of and responsible for the field operation of their troops. Brevet Rank can be given based on need by Captain and above, but final approval must be made by Blackhawk leader or higher rank.
Lieutenant, 1st. As 2nd Lieutenant, but distinguished and authorized to have company level authority. Brevent Rank can be given by Blackhawk commander or higher rank, and ultimate approval and promotion is given by Blackhawk commander or higher.
Captain. Further distinguished from 1st Lieutenant. Authorized to have company level authority and command staff. Brevent Rank can be granted by Major and above when needed, but ultimate approval must be made by General or War Commissioner.
Major. Top leadership of the Blackhawks. Can command the entire battalion, elite platoons and companies, and serve on the command squad. Generally no more than 2 at any time. Can only be granted by a general or the war commissioner.
Lt. Colonel. The Second Highest Rank granted, and is in charge of the Blackhawks (can only be one at a time), and is for those majors who distinguish themselves in large operations. Can only be granted by the War Commissioner after recommendation by a general.
Colonel. The Highest Rank granted that is solely in charge of the Blackhawks. Rarely awarded, and only given to the most respected Lt. Colonels by the War Commissioner.
Army Structure
The Blackhawks Company (Increased to Battalion Strength)
Leader: Colonel, Lt. Colonel, or Major Command Staff: 2 Majors or Captains (can be higher in certain circumstances), 1 Cmd Sgt.
Structure
BC Command Company Led by: Major or Captain (battalion commander or command staff) Platoons:
2 Heavy Infantry Platoons (2 squads of 10 per platoon, 1 is Elite, 1 mage per squad) 1 Ultra Heavy Infantry Platoon (4 squads of 5, one is High Elite) 1 Scout Platoon (2 squads of 10, 1 is Elite, 1 mage per quad) 1 Spellsword Infantry Platoon (4 squads of 5, one is High Elite)
Total Count: 40 Heavy Infantry, 20 Ultra-heavy Infantry, 20 Scouts, 20 Spellswords (100 total)
Recon Companies (BC 1st and 2nd Recon Co.s)
Command: Lt. or Cpt. Platoons (each led by Lt. or Sgt. Major):
2 Scout Platoon (5 squads of 8 each., 1 squad per platoon is Elite, 2 mage per platoon)
Total Count: 35 Scouts, 5 Elite Scouts per platoon (80 per Company for 160 total)
Veteran Infantry Companies (BC 1st and 2nd Infantry Co.s)
Command: Lt. or Cpt. Platoons:
4 Heavy Infantry Platoons (4 squads of 10 men per platoon, one squad is Elite, 1 mage per platoon)
Total Count:120 Heavy Infantry, 40 Elite Heavy Infantry per Company (320 total)
Veteran Calvary Companies (BC 1st and 2nd Calvary Co.s)
Command: Lt. or Cpt. Platoons:
1 Light Calvary (5 squads of 5, includes 1 elite squad and 1 mage) 1 Heavy Calvary (5 squads of 5, includes 1 elite squad and 1 mage)
Total Count: 25 light and 25 heavy calvary per company. (100 total)
Artillery and Demolitions (BC A&D)
Command: Lt. or Cpt. Platoons (each led by a Lt. or Sgt. Major)
1 Sapper Platoon (4 squads of 5, incl. 3 mages) 1 Traps and Mines Platoon (4 squads of 5, incl. 3 mages) 2 Field Artillery Platoons (4 squads of 5 each. Incl. 3 mages per platoon.)
Total Count: 20 Sappers, 20 Traps/Mines, 40 Field Artillery (80 total)
Spying, Infiltration, and Intel (BC Intel)
Command: Cpt. Or Major
5 Intel Platoons (4 squads of 5, 2 mages per platoon, 1 elite squad per platoon)
Logistics (BC Support and Supply) – NPC Only
Command: Lt. or Cpt. Platoons:
2 Light Infantry (2 squads of 20, 1 mage) 2 Light Artillery (4 squads of 10, 1 mage) 1 Scout Platoon (4 squads of 5, one elite, 1 mage)
Total Count: 40 Light Infantry, 40 Light Artillery, 20 Scouts (100)
X Company (“Does not exist”)
Command: Blackhawks leader 40 specialists (includes high level mages, clerics, and PrCs), often blended into other companies as needed, or sent out in small squads or as individuals. Includes internal affairs.
Total Count: 40
Absolute Count: ~900 heads