Night Command

Night Command is a recognised but largely unseen part of Favont’s military. Their work is known to exist, but the specifics of their missions remain classified. Their role is seen as a necessary extension of the government’s military operations, deployed for high-risk or sensitive situations that require precision and discretion.

History

Terys II Reclaims the Monarchy by Olander DeMorgan, 631 (DALL-E)

Founding and Early Years

Night Command was commissioned by King Terys II in 587, following The Chamberlain Uprising. Recognising the need for an elite special forces unit to handle high-risk and sensitive situations, he established Night Command as a highly trained force composed exclusively of Nightwalkers. Their early missions focused on suppressing dissenters after the uprising, eliminating remaining threats, and restoring order.

Original Night Command Uniform by DALL-E

The Nightwalker Civil War and Division

Shortly after its founding, Night Command was drawn into the Nightwalker Civil War, a conflict over the treatment of Ananans. Arlene Dawes, an elitist, argued that Ananans should be treated as a resource, while Aeryn DeSteffen, a liberal, advocated for their equal treatment. The war caused deep divisions within Night Command, as members found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict, sometimes against their own friends and colleagues.

The war ended in 596 with Arlene Dawes' defeat and exile from The Stiriphese, along with her followers. This division also led to the splintering of Night Command, with a portion of its members leaving to form Night Guard, a unit that became personally favoured by the royal family for protective duties. Meanwhile, Night Command remained focused on battle, counter-terrorism, and other high-stakes military operations.

Expansion and Global Operations

In 683, the founding of the Strategic Defence Agency (SDA) saw Night Command being increasingly utilised in espionage operations requiring highly trained military support. The SDA and Night Command conducted joint missions across the world, securing Favont’s interests through covert operations.

During the world wars, Night Command played a significant role in classified missions. Many details of their activities remain undisclosed, but they were instrumental in covert operations that shaped the course of the conflicts.

The Reconstruction and Exclusion of Ananans

In 941, Night Command was implicated in the events of The Reconstruction, particularly in the enslavement of Ananans in Ibaleban. However, it was Night Guard, not Night Command, that arrested the Ananan citizens. Despite this, Night Command saw a permanent shift in its composition following the event—Ananans were no longer included in its ranks. This marked the end of their previously integrated force and reshaped Night Command’s role moving forward.

Cultural Impact

Public Perception

Among the General Population

• Most citizens rarely, if ever, see Night Command operatives in their daily lives. Their presence is understood, but they operate outside of public engagement.
• When their involvement is acknowledged, it is considered a sign that a situation is serious and requires highly trained specialists.
• Their work is viewed as a professional necessity rather than a subject of widespread discussion.

Among the Military and Government

• Within the Favontille Army, Night Command is respected as a specialist unit with expertise in high-risk operations.
• They are deployed when a mission requires a level of skill beyond conventional forces, and their work is treated as a standard part of military strategy.
• Their activities are overseen by military high command, ensuring they remain an integrated part of Favont’s structured defence forces.

Where Do People See Them?

• They are not publicly visible in military parades, ceremonies, or state displays.
• Occasionally, retired members transition into private security, consultancy, or government roles, but their past service is rarely discussed.

What They Mean for Society

• Night Command represents Favont’s ability to handle extreme threats efficiently and without disruption.
• Their role in counterterrorism, high-risk interventions, and covert operations ensures national security remains stable.
• Their presence reinforces confidence in the government’s control over military affairs.

Structure

Night Command is made up of four squadrons: A, B, C, and D squadrons. Each squadron is divided into troops of 16 men, which are further divided into patrols of 4 men.

Within the ranks below, there are also:

• Intelligence Officers
• Combat Medics
• Technical & Communications Specialists
• Quartermasters

Training

Selection

• Only the most elite soldiers are considered for Night Command. Selection is by invitation only, with candidates drawn from the Favontille Army or the SDA.
• Nightwalkers, Humans, and historically Ananans, all undergo the same gruelling tests, with only slight variations to accommodate their abilities.
• Candidates must demonstrate expertise in combat, endurance, problem-solving, and psychological stability under extreme stress.

Night Command Training by DALL-E

Selection Course – 6 Months

This phase eliminates over 90% of candidates. It is designed to break them physically and mentally, ensuring only the most determined and capable individuals remain. It includes:

• Extreme Endurance Training – 40km+ marches with full kit, sleep deprivation, starvation tactics.
• Navigation & Survival – Long-range solo navigation across The Stiriphese Mountain range, evading capture.
• Mental Fortitude – Simulated interrogations, psychological torture resistance, and extreme pressure scenarios.
• Hand-to-Hand Combat – Mastery of Rosa (for Humans and Human Nightwalkers) and Arcane Rosa (for Magi Nightwalkers and Ananans).

Advanced Training – 12 Months

Once selected, recruits undergo a full year of training, specialising in high-risk operations, advanced combat techniques, and covert warfare.

Combat & Tactical Training

• Close-Quarters Battle (CQB) – Training in tight-space combat, breaching techniques, and hostage rescue.
• Advanced Firearms Training – Mastery of all weapon types, including ranged, melee, and Aether firearms.
• Explosives & Demolitions – Expertise in bomb disposal, sabotage, and precision demolitions.
• Long-Range Marksmanship – Sniper and recon training, including adjusting for wind, visibility, and target movement.
• Magi Nightwalker and Ananan Specialised Combat – Training in using the Aptitude, and advanced Arcane Rosa, and training for humans in how to defend themselves against magic attacks.

Survival, Espionage & Infiltration

• Stealth & Evasion – Training in urban and wilderness evasion, disguise, and false identities.
• Interrogation Resistance – Psychological and physical training to withstand extreme torture and interrogation.
• Undercover & Counter-Intelligence – Techniques for infiltrating hostile groups, assuming identities, and intelligence gathering.

Final Phase: Live Operations (3 Months)

Before becoming fully operational, recruits must complete real-world missions under supervision, including:

• High-risk hostage extractions
• Targeted assassinations
• Covert sabotage missions
• Urban counter-insurgency

Failure in this phase results in immediate removal from Night Command.

Equipment

Night Command in Modern Combat by DALL-E

Standard Loadout

All Night Command operatives wear identical combat gear to ensure uniformity and prevent distinction between Nightwalkers and non-Nightwalkers. Their attire and equipment are designed for efficiency, protection, and adaptability in the field.

Combat Uniform

• Black Tactical Gear – Full-body black combat attire designed for stealth and manoeuvrability.
• Stab Vest – Worn over the uniform for added protection.
• Nightwalker Mask – White with black skull-like lines and red streaks from the eyes, resembling blood. Functions as both a helmet and protective face covering.
• Hood and Leather Gauntlets – The gauntlets contain concealed, in-fitted knives for close-quarters combat.

Standard Weapons & Gear

Aethostone Caster by DALL-E

• Aethostone Caster – Aether-powered handgun carried by all operatives for use in close quarters.
• Throwing Knives – Compact and lethal for silent ranged attacks.
• Stiriphesian Sword – A straight-edged, single-sided blade with a two-hand grip, serving as a close-combat weapon.
• A5 Submachine – An automatic aether-powered submachine gun.

Additional Equipment

• Basic Medical Equipment – First aid supplies for battlefield treatment.
• Communication Devices – Encrypted radio and tactical communication systems.
• Rations & Survival Gear – Water, food, spare ammunition, an anorak, and a lightweight sleeping bag for long missions.

Dress Uniform

A Night Commando in Dress Uniform by DALL-E

When not in combat, Night Command wears a formal dress uniform that retains their masked identity while maintaining a military presence.

• Blue Wool Suit – Standard formal attire.
• Brown Leather Gauntlets, Vest, and Boots – Designed for both style and practicality.
• Red Silk Cape with Hood – Distinctive formal garment that signifies their elite status.
• Nightwalker Mask – Worn even in formal settings to maintain anonymity.
• Stiriphesian Sword – The only weapon carried during formal occasions.

Specialist Equipment

Certain operatives within Night Command carry additional equipment suited to their specialised roles.

• Aethostone Sniper Rifle – Long-range, high-powered aether-based firearm.
• Dynamite – Used for controlled demolitions and sabotage.
• Excavation & Construction Tools – Essential for breaching, fortification, and engineering tasks.

Transport & Deployment

• Motorbikes – High-speed, manoeuvrable transport for rapid response.
• Tanks – Heavy-armoured ground vehicles for direct combat support.
• Armoured Vehicles – Used for troop deployment and high-risk missions.
• Boats & Submarines – Essential for water-based infiltration and operations.