The Right Hand of the Villiachian Empire: Shadow Praetor.

The Praetorian Shadows

The Praetorian Shadows operate as the right hand of the Villiachian Empire. It is one of the most elite organizations that the empire employs. The clandestine work that the Praetorian does is the stuff of legends.
One of the biggest reasons the Villiachian Empire is so feared is because of the Praetorian Shadows. Many nations have tried to gain their secrets or learn their methods of training and every one has failed.
The members of the Praetorian Shadows come in a variety of ranks but two are the most sought after. One of these ranks severs the whole Empire and the other is specifically tasked with watching over the children of the Emperor.
The rank being discussed in this article is called the Shadow Praetor.

Qualifications

Before being promoted to the highest rank, Shadow Praetor, members must have been part of the organization for ten or more years. They must have at least fifteen successful missions under their belt and most importantly, they must pass the test the empress passes onto them.

Requirements

Only humans are allowed to achieve this rank and that’s because of how open humans Arcane Channels tend to be. Both men and women are allowed to achieve this rank but they can’t be married or have children.

Appointment

When the time comes the appointment ceremony happens behind the closed doors of an ancient temple hidden within the grand castle of the empire. The person who is achieving the highest rank is surrounded by all of their comrades and the royal family. Rumors say that a god attends this ceremony.

Duties

Killing targets and gathering information are among the most important duties. However, some missions need a different approach so anyone holding this rank needs to be well versed in a variety of training.

Responsibilities

Members who have this rank are responsible for daily training and recon tasks. They also monitor the empire to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Lucky members get to work with a younger group that will not be detailed in this article.

Benefits

• 4 platinum pieces at the end of every week.
• Complete healthcare coverage.
• State-of-the-art training and first access to new arcana.
• Arcane-blocking implants that are not currently available to the public.
• Housing.

Accoutrements & Equipment

All members who hold this title are given a black and red uniform with a mask. Some members have masks that resemble various animals. Wolves are the most common while some pick dragons and even hydras.   They're also given grappling hooks, weaponry, unique rings, and more.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Failure to follow orders or fail a mission will get you removed or dismissed. Killing civilians, stealing from the empire, or breaking the code will get you executed.

History

The Shadow Praetor dates back to the Darkest Hour of the Empire. During a time that was not deeply recorded in any known history books.   It is known that this rank came about in response to the first sighting and murder of what people thought was a godly being. It is also known that the details of this rank are kept under wraps from members of the organization.
During the Darkest Hour, it was a Shadow Praetor that closed the various Arcane Portals in the empire. This person is known as Clarke PolarWing, the first holder of the title.

Prompt 

What is the rank given to those who work with the dead, or serve as killers for the leadership of your world?

Form of Address

Shadow or Shadess

Source of Authority

The emperor is the source of authority for the whole organization. He is the one who hands out achievements, honors, and more.

Length of Term

Once you join the Praetorian Shadows you are a member for life. Those who fail their duties are killed and left in unmarked graves around the empire. Those who die for the cause are given beautiful memorials.