Black Tongues

The Black Tongues, otherwise known as The Silent Highguard are the sworn protectors of King's Brunt and those who inhabit it (Royal Family) without rest. They are not known to the public, and take a vow of silence to all except when spoken to by the Primonarch.

Due to the tiring and tedious nature of their job, often standing guard 20 hours a day per shift for most of their lives, Black Tongues are made up of sentries, augmented by scaentecs to survive on less nutrients less frequently, have heightened senses and stronger wills. Some would argue they're barely people anymore. Should any of them have families, they are sworn to disown them and separate themselves from society completely, making it a less than desirable career choice. Most of the time, however, the sentries who become Black Tongues had outlived their loved ones, couldn't reproduce and/or were mortally wounded before their augmentations.

Etymology
The term 'Black Tongue' referred to their vow of silence. One would never use their tongue, therefore it couldn't be seen. The term was coined by a sciontec circa 1276 BSE.

During the years of the Third Emergence, the Black Tongues hadn't seen or heard from anyone for decades, but when Devyntias Amberfern came to King's Brunt in 1776 ASE, they remained on duty and greeted him as if everything were as normal. In the Battle of King's Brunt, they fought and died to protect him (Their inexperience in battle was detrimental to their performance). After which, the age of the Black Tongues came to an end when the monarchy was abolished in 1796 ASE.