Steel Hawk

Known far and wide as the Burning Eye Hold’s most elite fighting force, the Steel Hawks were founded centuries ago as a joint effort between the Steelfist and Bronzehawk clans as a means to protect the fledgling outpost against the dangers of the volcano and the plane. As the outpost grew, they developed a style of combat uniquely suited to navigate the Burning Eye Hold’s verticality and combat the aerial assaults from nearby creatures. The faction and their recognizable tower outposts have both become synonymous with vigilance and honor.

Basic Information

Alias(es)

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Base of operations

Burning Eye Hold

Founding Date

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Leader(s)

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Membership

Alignement

Neutral Good

Members

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Others

Under their vibrant red, yellow, and carefully woven steel-thread hawk insignia, the Steel Hawks watch over the city’s districts and slopes, traveling with ease up sheer cliffs that other warriors balk at.
With watchful eyes, the Steel Hawks leap across the skies with an unexpected grace, launching themselves with supernatural speed into the air to reach otherwise inaccessible heights and adversaries. In the defense of the Burning Eye Hold, no enemy—humanoid or monstrous—has yet withstood their collective might and valor.
Unparalleled in aerial combat despite their lack of true flight, the Steel Hawks’ unique combat style almost seems to be more of a performance than a threat—until their foes find their wings clipped. Indeed, many songs and stories are told far and wide of the enthralling ‘dance’ of a Steel Hawk. In stark contrast to their swift and smooth movement, Steel Hawks maintain a balance of overall strength and dexterity, capable of jumping just as high and far while unburdened as they can fully armored and equipped for battle.

Goals

The faction is united by their dedication to the protection of the Burning Eye Hold and its people. Unlike many similar factions, the Steel Hawks work hard to keep themselves free from foreign politics and complicated situations, making them a Neutral organization as a whole. They do not operate as a group beyond the city-state’s borders, though many adventurers depart from their ranks to pursue their individual quests and endeavors.

Admittance

Initiation into the faction requires rigorous training and testing of mind and body, but is notably simple in its one and only oath—to protect the Burning Eye Hold and its people. Though initially composed entirely of dwarven volunteers, today the faction has grown to include individuals from all walks of life, united solely by their dedication to the protection of the Burning Eye Hold and its people.

Perks

Support from the Steel Hawks can come in the following ways:

• Use of their numerous lookout posts and vantage points within the Burning Eye Hold, as well as the ability to use their network of outposts to swiftly relay messages across distances.

• General instruction and advice on the strengths and weaknesses of common and uncommon aerial threats like dragons, rocs, griffons, and the like.

• A one-time-use favor or one or two Hawks to aid in combat against a considerable flying threat outside the city.

• Various other assistance such as access to equipment, arms, or advice.

Hierarchy

The group operates in a simple hierarchy based out of their central Spire, a towering monument atop the mountain’s highest district that offers an unparalleled vantage point. Traditionally, a commanding general presides over any number of captains, who in turn manage up to three platoons of ten Steel Hawk soldiers each.

Notable members