Ravensguard

"Do you know why we take after the Raven, fledgling?"
"No, why?"

"There are two reasons, fledgling: First, they're cunning little bastards. Few other animals can solve a problem with such wit and ingenuity. But second- and this is the most important reason- they know how to hold a grudge. For years, they will remember the face of a man that fed them bad seeds and will even get other ravens in on their grudges. As guardians of the Royal Family, it is our sacred duty to ensure that should any harm fall upon them, we shall repay that pain a hundred-fold."
-A conversation between Fledgling Yarrow and Talon-Brother Harke.

For as long as the kingdom of Telesmata has existed, the Ravensguard has stood in the shadows as the Royal Family's most devoted servants. Through espionage, counterintelligence, and even assassination, the Ravensguard ensures the safety and prosperity of the royal family and do what must be done in secret.

Structure

At the lowest rung of the Ravensguard's hierarchy are the Fledglings. Technically not even full members of the organization, Fledglings are instead newly recruited youths who are taught in the arts of stealth and subterfuge by more experienced Ravensguard members.
Once a Fledgling is deemed ready by their mentor, they undergo an intitiation known as the Trial of Feathers. Should the Fledgling pass the trial, they are awarded the rank of Talon-Brother/Talon-Sister. Talons make up the bulk of the organization, carrying out the missions handed down to them by the Royal Family. 
Leading the Ravensguard are the Wingmasters, who are elected from the pool of Talons once a current Wingmaster dies or is no longer capable of fulfilling their duties. The Wingmasters act as administrators and directly interface with the Royal Family. At any given time, there are at least two Wingmasters.

Assets

The most important asset in the Ravensguard's possession is the Night Hall, a secret sanctum located deep beneath Castello Jaciano. The Night Hall is roughly the size and layout of a small fortress, complete with barracks, an armory, a full kitchen, and training facilities.
The Night Hall also contains the Ravensguard's forge, where the various devices they utilize are made. Most notably, this forge is where the Ravensguard make their go-to weapon of choice, the springblade. These short swords are easily concealable, with the blade retracting into the hollow cylindrical grip and the cross guard folding flush with it. Squeezing the grip in just the right way causes the internal mechanisms to release the blade and cross guard with great speed. More than once, fledglings have suffered grievous wounds while trying to wield a springblade without proper training. Conversely, experienced Ravensguard have learned to utilize the mechanisms of the springblade to give them an edge in fights, using the spring action of the extending blade to pierce through armor.

History

The Ravensguard was formed shortly after King Jaciano Vanchora the First established the kingdom of Telesmata.

"A thousand eyes watching, a thousand talons waiting."

Type

Government, Secret Service

Notable Members

• Yarrow Panestella