Cyran forces special note-

Cyre was, of course, noted for fielding fiercely independent, uniquely manned, free companies (detached) and squads. These seemed to work well in that the Cyrans were (and are, of course) independent, creative, technologically, and artistically advanced. The reader may find it strange to hear those adjectives used to positively describe military units, but consider: When warfare becomes art, when weapons are crafted rather than forged, when creativity paints itself in bold, unexpected colors across a battlefield canvas and the commander becomes the artist, victory cannot help but follow his banner.

One such commander was Captain Tiriel Alden of the famed Steel Ravens. Alden formed his company from the melting pot that was created by the open accepting nature of Cyrian culture. The Gem of Galifar drew settlers from far and near and made Cyre a repository of Eberron's culture, not just Khorvaire's. In the streets of Metrol, one could encounter any race of creature known the world over, and not just view them with the arrogant 'tolerance' of Brelish culture, but with an eye that beholds wonder and art in every living thing.

Alden recruited his company himself and trained them for guerilla strikes and recon missions. They were so successful at sabotage and quick strike that Alden was awarded a Cyran title and a gift. We can only speculate where the gift came from but it seems to have been a warforged raven. The company's men dubbed it Quickbeak because of its' propensity towards sarcasm and it's fiery temper. They adopted the moniker for themselves and Quickbeak became the model for their standard.

Two incidents towards the end of the war drove the Ravens from the pages of current events. One was the Massacre at Khreelic-tor and the other was the Valeran incident. Khreelic-tor, of course, was the complete annihilation of a goblinoid township in Darguun. Women, children, cattle, nothing was left alive. It was here that Alden lost his will to live. Some of his men say he was so disgusted with the loss of life, apparently caused by a mind affecting artifact within the township, that during their embattled retreat from Darguun he purposely left his guard down to be killed by an aged Hobgoblin . Said Goblin was then poleaxed by a Goliath soldier in the company. Quickbeak flew away upon the death of his master and one Baltazar "Candyman" Sandesh assumed command of the Ravens, leading them into the Valenaran incident which I have discussed in a separate volume.

Excerpted from A History of Cyre in Seventeen Volumes by Jelary Glenharrow, Korranberg