Hawks
Overview
The Hawks were a band of nomadic freedom fighters and mercenaries who sought to thrive in the chaos of the new dystopian era. They believed that the current state of the world is how it should be, granting them the freedom to live their lives to the fullest without being shackled by the morality and laws of the past. Hellbent on keeping the world the way it is, they opposed any who would attempt to rebuild civilization and restore society to its former, flawed glory.
Alignment
The Hawks would often revel in the wars across Chernarus, as fighting with the odds stacked against them was their forte. Though capable of winning battles outnumbered, The Hawks only fought when they were provoked to do so, or when the state of the current world had been threatened by those who clung onto the old ways. Though their enemies were too many to count, there were few whom The Hawks would undeniably call friends.
Appearance
Though their white armbands kept them unified as a group whilst they roamed throughout Chernarus, their individual clothing varied from Hawk to Hawk.
Origins
Arriving at Chernarus as a small group of survivors, The Hawks scavenged and gained their footing in the land foreign to most of their members. As a strong voice and a man of better familiarity with the country, Conway took up leadership and began to pave the way to their success. After a brief scouting of the land and recollection, The Hawks built their foothold in the northeast, in a town called Turovo. Chasing their leader's dream of glory and ideals of being above all those they deemed weak or unworthy of sharing this life with, they quickly established themselves as a dangerous force to be reckoned with. At this stage, Conway was leading a following of people who were as loyal as can be, having established a good relationship with some of the more dangerous groups in the East.
Territory
When The Hawks had initially been founded, they resided within a town called Turovo. Shortly after, they abandoned the stationary lifestyle and adapted to the nomadic life, chasing the thrills of life wherever their metaphoric wings could carry them.
Goals
The truest goal of any Hawk was to live their life to the fullest; basking in the pure form of freedom gifted to them by the broken world. They stuck together as brothers, ready to lay down their lives for one another - though they would not hesitate to do what needed to be done if one of them were to betray their way of life. Whilst chasing their thrills, the Hawks would relentlessly fight those who would attempt to rebuild the old world, along with its societal structures. Though often outnumbered, they were known to overcome near-impossible odds in battle, always ready to lay down their lives for the freedom that they held onto so dearly. To them, no foe was too great a challenge to oppose for the sake of the world staying the way it is. Though their motives would often put them in the sightlines of many factions throughout Chernarus, The Hawks were not entirely malicious. They would befriend, and even in some cases defend those they viewed as innocent in the futile rebirth of the old ways, or to those they simply respected or have been shown respect from.
Values
Anarchy - The Hawks believed in nothing more than a free world, where they could live with no moral shackles and be the writers of their own destiny. They would battle the tyrants of the old world, and anyone else who would stand in the way of their goals.
Loyalty - Brotherhood without compromise, loyalty and trust unbreakable. No Hawk was to ever be left behind, and no Hawk was ever to be alone against the world.
Vengeance - Those who would stand in the way of their freedom would be hunted down; no enemy would be too large or too out of reach for a Hawk, and no price would be too big when it came to getting their revenge.
History
I. Arrival
They arrived at Chernarus as a band of a few free men by the names of Benji, Kamren and Zeke, following the leadership of Conway - a man who had many grand, yet selfish ideals. In the North-East, within a town by the name of Turovo, they established their base of operations - an abandoned industrial facility at the borders of the settlement. Shortly after their arrival, Odessa - former consigliere of the Brothers in Arms - had joined their group. The Hawks had then made their acquaintance with a local gang of bikers and arms dealers by the name of Forsaken Loyalists, engaging in a business partnership where they would carry out mercenary hits and get payment in return. Having established themselves with a camp of operations and relationships that guaranteed a steady income for weaponry, they began to roam and spread Conway's vision of the world.
II. Conway's Purpose
Under Conway's leadership, the Hawks roamed the land, spreading their wings and stepping onto those who would oppose them. He believed that a person with no true purpose in life had no right to breathe the same air that he did. And so, with the undying fealty of those who stood by his side, he made his presence known all throughout Chernarus, making it so very few would not have heard of his name. He would ask those he came across and overpowered for what their purpose in life would be - and if their answer was mundane, such as "to survive" - he would end their lives and spare the world of another soul not worthy of it. To Conway, morality was just a shackle that did not bind him, and his purpose was not to survive, but to live his life to the fullest, at anyone's expense. Word of The Hawks had eventually reached the South-Western corners of Chernarus, prompting a group of the self-pronounced soldiers of peace by the name of The Commonwealth to launch a surprise attack upon Turovo. Though outnumbered twelve to two, the Hawks emerged victorious and began to plot their retaliation. Now enemies with The Commonwealth, The 506th and The Outrider Caravan Company – the Hawks were on a mission to not only claim their revenge, but also rid the world of those who they believed to be tyrants, hellbent on bringing back civilization and rebuilding the old world that would impede their freedom. In their journey, they decided to leave behind their base of operations in Turovo, and live on the road from that day forth.
III. The War Against The West
Wolffe's Betrayal
Conway had been spotted on the streets of Zelenogorsk, speaking with a member of the 506th, arranging a potential cease-fire between them and The Hawks, as it was The Commonwealth who were their current target. Once their conversation has concluded, a young soldier wearing a blue armband had approached. He introduced himself as Wolffe, one of Conway’s enemies, enlisted in the Commonwealth military. The two spoke in the middle of Zelenogorsk, surrounded by members of The 506th mediating the situation. Conway had explained to Wolffe how he and his men soared freely within the skies, while Wolffe was limited to reap only the spoils of the ground. He spoke of how The Commonwealth had attacked The Hawks unprovoked, and how they had failed in their assault. Though Wolffe felt the loss of his friends heavily, he did not dispute the words of the Hawk. Shortly after they had parted ways, a message had been delivered to Conway – and to his surprise, it was a scheduled meeting with Wolffe.
On January 28th, Wolffe was waiting at a neutral sanctuary called St. Joe’s, where Conway had arrived whilst being trailed by a man who seemed starved and injured. Wolffe questioned Conway about his companion as he was looking at the man with his binoculars, to which Conway turned to observe the same through his weapon’s scope. He explained that he was helping the man along the way, though quickly realized that he was a hopeless cause – asking Wolffe if he felt the same. After a moment of consideration, Wolffe agreed, and a shot had rung from Conway’s Winchester, ending the life of the man who had been following him. The two of them then entered the barn that was built as a communal camp, and began their conversation. Wolffe wished to avenge the friends he lost in what he believed was a senseless battle against the Hawks, blaming the superiors of The Commonwealth for their deaths. In order to do so, he and Conway had come to an agreement: Wolffe would insight information on The Commonwealth and The 506th and pave the way for the Hawks to get close enough to deliver the killing blows. Wolffe had also disclaimed that he was there a few days back, when Conway was fighting a group of Commonwealth soldiers down South by the Prison Island; having a clear kill shot on the Hawk, he decided to fire a bullet near him instead - warning him off from a batch of reinforcements that were closing in on his position. Conway felt gratitude, and decided to play along with Wolffe's plan.
After a few days of exchanging information, Conway believed that it was time for Wolffe to meet the rest of The Hawks. though he knew that he had a very hostile history with one of them during The Coastal War. The two met at Stary Sobor near the pond at the North-Western entrance to the town, then Conway led Wolffe to where the Hawks had been waiting for them, inside a house deeper in the settlement. As Conway introduced his new companion to his people, Odessa - who was already on killing terms with Wolffe - recognized him immediately and pulled her KA-74 off her back, aiming it at his face. Conway beckoned her to stand down, as he and the rest of the Hawks were quick to aim their own weapons at her. She exclaimed that she's told them what Wolffe has done to her, and Conway reminded her that Wolffe saved his life. After a moment of hesitation, Odessa complied and lowered her gun. Benji and Kamren then made their introductions, and the new ally of The Hawks - who would run with them concealed under the alias of "Alexander" - was finally met.
Retaliation
Though at this point The Commonwealth had dissolved and existed no more, its high-ranking officers were still serving under a new regiment, The 506th, and the plan for The Hawks' retaliation did not change. As Wolffe had still been a trusted friend in the West, together with The Hawks they organized multiple attacks in order to get their victory:
- The first attack happened on February 12th. Wolffe had set out with three of the former Commonwealth members and made camp overnight in a forest north of the Sobors. Also aware of their rough location were The Hawks and The Forsaken Loyalists, who were honing in on their position equipped with night vision. Their approach was made easier by the unexpected shot from one of Wolffe’s companions, who had fired as a jest. Within minutes of that shot, Hawks and FL had opened fire upon their enemies – taking them by surprise. Though the plan had mostly worked, due to the darkness, Wolffe had sustained an injury by being mistaken as an enemy and shot in the shoulder and by doing so - being willing to take a bullet for the cause - he gained the respect of his former adversary Odessa. The Hawks were then all on the same page with their new alliance.
- The second attack happened a month later. Wolffe had been asked to accompany The 506th on a hunt for a member of the Cult of Papa that had reportedly been sighted along the western woods. Wolffe had suspected that The 506th were onto him by now, as they set up defensive positions and waited as if they were expecting someone to attack multiple times on their run. But nevertheless, The Hawks were already on their way. After a long walk, seven members of The 506th, along with Wolffe, set up camp in a barn just East of Krona Castle. It was not long before the first suppressed shots had been fired from the Western tree line. Ambushed, The 506th were in an isolated building in the middle of open field with no evacuation plan. By the end of the short one-way gunfire, six of the soldiers that Wolffe had been accompanying lay on the ground defeated. Wolffe had then emerged from the barn and met with Conway and the Hawk that backed him up. Wolffe’s cover was at this point most likely blown, but The Hawks had an idea to cause even more chaos before the word got out.
The Trojan Caravan
As the blood was flowing in the open fields, Wolffe, Conway and Kamren were joined by an ally of The Hawks called DJ. The four of them had schemed up a plan, but their window of opportunity was closing fast. The Hawks and DJ took off a 506th Armband each from the bodies that lay before them, as well as other articles of clothing, and disguised themselves as their enemy. They went to a trading outpost near Sosnovka that was ran by The Outrider Caravan Company – which were close allies to The 506th and some of them were friends with Wolffe. As they approached their gates, Wolffe had called out to the traders that he – alongside some "506th soldiers" – were there to exchange some weapons. ORCC gladly opened their gates and unknowingly let the wolves in sheep’s clothing into their pen. In order for their cover to not be blown, The Hawks mostly stood quiet and let Wolffe do the talking. He turned his head towards Conway, who nodded to him to distill confidence. As the three members of ORCC had briefly turned their backs, Wolffe had signaled The Hawks to do what they came to do. Within a few seconds, the traders had been riddled with bullets from those they thought were their allies. Word of Wolffe’s betrayal and him becoming one of The Hawks quickly spread throughout the West.
Eye for an Eye
During the war between the West and East, one faction by the name of The Vigil has stayed truly neutral in regards to the fight between The Hawks and The 506th, at times sheltering some of the Hawks whilst they roamed in the area. During a battle at Outer Haven involving a significant number of members from both forces - The Hawks, Dark As Midnight and Forsaken Loyalists versus 506th, Enclave and ORCC - a newly recruited member of the Vigil by the name of Alex acted in panic as they were approached by Conway advising them to back off from the conflict, shooting and injuring the Hawk leader. Hoping to amend the incident and stay on neutral terms, Conway took Wolffe along to the Vigil's Sanctuary to speak with Alex, who was accompanied by Ted and Tony of the Vigil. Alex had expressed his sincere apologies and offered to Conway a plate carrier vest in order to sweeten the deal. However, Conway believed in "an eye for an eye" and wished to give Alex a more permanent reminder of his mistakes - pulling a knife and gouging the young recruit's eye out on the spot. Though it was a difficult thing for Ted, Tony and even Wolffe to witness, it kept The Hawks and Vigil on friendly terms from that day forth.
IV. The Hawks' Migration
The New Purpose
War was still raging between the Western Forces and the East, and The Hawks reveled in the chaos that it brought. Even though they had been loyal to Conway's beliefs, they developed a bigger appreciation to a new purpose - one that would benefit them and what they love the most:
A world in a state of chaos free from morality, civilization, law and order - a world that was not stained by those who grew into powers with government. No more tyrants and no more kings.
The Hawks fought for this new purpose, for the freedom that they held most dear, until Conway eventually journeyed to a new land on a personal mission, leaving the rest of his group to deal with Chernarus by themselves. Odessa, Zeke, and Benji have left to somewhere unknown to the rest of them some time ago; while Wolffe, Johngalli, Kamren, and Vick had carried on their fight - though they felt their bonds of brotherhood slip away as they were now leaderless.
The Death of Johngalli
Johngalli was a late addition to the The Hawks, coming into their ranks some time after Wolffe.
Because of his ties with some of the Western groups, such as The Wanderers, Wolffe was very cautions of trusting him, though he did not have much of a choice as there were so few Hawks left since Conway's departure. The two of them had worked together to dismantle a branch of a new government unit called the New Chernarus Marshall Service, as they learned that not only were those people planning on bringing back laws to the world - but also had corrupt officials within their ranks. Not too long afterwards, while Johngalli was attempting to reach some of his old friends in the western woods, a tribe of primal individuals by the name of the Nukcha Yaghir - who did not speak any known language - had come across his path. In a scuffle, they managed to get a hold of Johngalli's sniper rifle and hinted that were going to burn it in a fire. Unwilling to let that happen, Johngalli pulled his automatic rifle and began demanding to have his weapon back. Though the cavemen could not comprehend modern technology, they had been around long enough to know that guns are dangerous, prompting one of them to loose an arrow from his bow into their aggressor - killing him on the spot.
The Hawks never learned of Johngalli's fate.
The Last Hawk
A month had passed before a man by the name of Fletcher came before The Hawks, relaying to them a message that Conway is calling them over to join him. However, this message did not manage to reach Wolffe in time before the rest of them departed - having him be left behind with no clue as to where his brothers have gone.
As he found out that The Hawks had left without him, Wolffe fell into a rage that he had never felt before. He was determined to find answers, and he knew that Fletcher was the one who had them. He had searched for him for weeks, and finally found him as he came to attend a Black Market Event organized by The Forsaken Loyalists. Wolffe had confronted Fletcher, who came to the event with a friend by the name of Abigail. Fletcher pled that it was not his fault that the rest of The Hawks left Wolffe behind without telling him a word, though Wolffe could never believe such a thing. He would rather believe that Fletcher had tricked The Hawks into leaving. As Wolffe became angrier, he gripped his weapon tightly and unloaded three rounds into Abigail, who stood peacefully silent even before Wolffe had killed her in cold blood. Fletcher and Wolffe exchanged a few heated words as The Forsaken Loyalists and the Black Market customers stood by and watched. The conversation never gave Wolffe any comfort, and to add insult to injury – Fletcher just turned around and began to leave, though Wolffe’s anger had not yet been quenched. He held aloft his weapon once more and began dumping his entire magazine in the direction of Fletcher. The bikers had made a deal with Wolffe beforehand, assuring him that they will not interrupt whatever Wolffe wanted to do with Fletcher, though one of their hired security did not get that memo. As Wolffe saw his target fall to the ground, a sharp object pierced his upper body – the hired security person had driven a pitchfork through his shoulder in order to stop his actions. Overburdened by the pain, Wolffe could not make sure that he had killed Fletcher, though he carried on believing that he did.
Since the days of The Commonwealth, Wolffe’s health had been degrading due to a wound he suffered to the head. Eventually, with his sickness catching up to him, he went back to his old hideout at the Pavlovo barns to write his final journal entry and go down on his own terms. The next time someone visited the same house, all the doors had been broken down, blood dripped from the piano and the carpet was soaked in red. Though no one can confirm his fate, the last Hawk that remained in Chernarus is presumed to be dead.
Notable Characters
Conway
The founder and leader of The Hawks. Known largely for his exceptional skills in combat, Conway would be the first to charge ahead into battle – leading his brothers to victory against impossible odds. He was the stern and confident voice of his brothers, embodying the very nature of what it meant to be a Hawk.
Wolffe
Nicknamed “The Traitor” by the western factions, Wolffe had gained the trust of The Hawks by informing on their enemies and creating a pathway to their revenge. Using his network of allies within the West, Wolffe would often obtain valuable information for The Hawks, even after his betrayal. Though he would consider himself to be one of the more reasonable Hawks to negotiate with, his degrading health and sudden disappearance of the other Hawks had greatly increased his aggression over time, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Relationships
The 506th
The 506th and the Hawks had greatly opposing ideologies from the start. They also became one of The Hawks’ primary enemies since they had sided with The Commonwealth when they attacked Turovo.
The Commonwealth
As their targets of the battle of Turovo, The Hawks had fought back multiple attacks orchestrated by The Commonwealth. When they successfully defended Turovo and The Commonwealth had disbanded, The Hawks did not stop hunting them until those who gave the orders to attack were dealt with.
The Outrider Caravan Company
ORCC were the primary targets of a mercenary contract issued to The Hawks, as well as close allies to most of their enemies. They were very often on hostile terms, especially since the Trojan Horse incident.
Dark As Midnight
Though some believe that The Hawks and DAMN were on friendly terms, they merely stood out of each other’s ways as both shared similar beliefs and enjoyment of the current state of the world.
Forsaken Loyalists
The relationship between The Hawks and The Loyalists was best described as a business-driven one, though they often found themselves fighting alongside each other against their common enemies. The Hawks often provide their rarely-offered mercenary
Vigil
Maintaining a neutral status with the Hawks, the Vigil have been treated kindly by the band of freedom fighters and have offered sanctuary for them at Bor whenever they would need it. Wolffe had put a great amount of trust in them not to notify 506th or ORCC while he was behind their walls, and they've never betrayed him.
Black Cross
The Hawks had good relations with the medical officers of the Black Cross. Herr Kurt's beliefs and ideals were appreciated by the band of freedom fighters, and the Hawks would often defend the Aid Station against attackers.
The Bridge News Network
The Hawks had frequently spoken to The Bridge News Network, visiting them on multiple occasions and even allowing them to have a much closer insight on how the mercenaries operated. At one point, the Hawks were even contracted by the Forsaken Loyalists to capture members of TBNN and bring them to the bikers, but they never had any intentions of going through with that deal.