The Fist of the Damned

Also known as The Damned, The Fist, the FOD, and countless other names. The Fist of the Damned was formed in the early days of the Western Kingdoms of Medehra circa 300 BD. The Damned’s original commander, identity unknown, is believed to have been a former infantry sergeant who defected to escape punishment for various atrocities. The disgraced warrior recruited other soldiers facing similar fates. “The Damned,” as they referred to themselves, disappeared from the provinces that sought their heads and were not seen again for many years.

The first recorded sighting of the Fist of the Damned came years later during a territory dispute between two minor houses on the west coast of Medehra; Norious and Tupalius. The undermanned House Norious was approached by an emissary of the Damned who guaranteed victory over Tupalius in return for large amounts of gold. House Norious retained the newly-formed Fist of the Damned.

The Damned carved through the Tupalius forces with little effort. Their custom-designed armor was durable enough to deflect arrows yet light enough to flank their enemies with ease. The FOD used advanced tactics to disrupt the Tupalius front lines and eventually enveloped the inferior fighting force, leaving no survivors. This calculated brutality bolstered the FOD’s early reputation.

Anonymity is the Fist of the Damned’s core tenet. They rarely travel during daytime. When they do, they use back roads and wear regular clothes. Each of the Damned goes through a week of torture to ensure they will not disclose sensitive information. They are also taught several methods of escape, survival, and even suicide techniques to use as last resorts.

The FOD trains constantly in secluded areas such as abandoned towns or deep woods. Each member is adept at scouting, concealment, close-quarters combat, marksmanship, anti-cavalry tactics, and general sabotage.

The Fist of the Damned have been hired by various parties over several centuries. Their reputation changes depending on who one asks, but one thing remains clear, the Fist of the Damned always completes its contracts… or dies trying.