Shadowblade

The Shadowblade, sometimes called the Belathids is a paramilitary that is the principal security service of Quel'thalas with responsibilities including counter-intelligence, internal and border security, counter-terrorism, and surveillance. It also has it's own shock troop military contingents. As under the command of Grand Magistrix Belatha, the Shadowblade is independent from the direct command of the Ranger General and Grand Princess Ilithdora. Despite this, it is recognised as part of the Thalassian Military Service.

In 24th May 2066, for their part in the 2066 London Attacks, they were labelled by most Commonwealth of Nations as a terrorist organisation. After orders from the Grand Princess, they were structured into the regular Royal Thalassian Army and answer to the Grand Princess.

Grand Magistrix Melitenia Stargazer signed into law their disbandment, set for March 2067. The Azurecloaks, a successor organisation will fully replace their functions.

Overview
The Shadowblade is a paramilitary organisation founded by Belatha to directly, bypassing the Ranger General.

Since taking power, the Shadowblade was used by Belatha to consolidate her hold in Quel'thalas. They have quelled riots, and enacted mass surveillance on the populace. When she required a private armed escort, the Shadowblade would become her bodyguard.

New Amani War
The New Amani War was their first military deployment to remove the Amani threat once and for all. Armed with new technology designed by Master Engineer Daedacus, they waged an efficient war the severely depleted the Forest Trolls. The destruction of the Amani were instrumental in solidifying Belatha's public support.

Chinggid Conflict
The Shadowblade contributed to the war effort by providing combat battalions to the Royal Thalassian Army.

Organisation
The Shadowblade initially drew former Sunfury members as founders, for they did have ideological similarities to the Grand Magistrix. With experienced officers, they were able to train recruits into efficient Shadowblade soldiers.

Sunfury Shadowblade
The Sunfury Shadowblade is the armed wing of the organisation. It fought alongside the Royal Thalassian Army, Silvermoon Guards, and other security organisations during the Chinggid Conflict.

Crimson Hand Shadowblade
The Crimson Hand Shadowblade is the internal security wing under Lelora Dawnsword. They are guards and bodyguards to important Shadowblade leaders and properties. It was the Crimson Hand Shadowblade that accompanied Belatha to London, and later suffered losses in the ambush of Lady Tirana by an unknown party.

Research
Research within the Shadowblade are done by the Dawnseekers. The Dawnseekers are made up of engineers, mages, and scientists.

2066 London Attacks
The most infamous criticism brought by the group was their partial role in the London attacks. 33 civilians, largely dockworkers and 23 among the British authorities. The revelation of their involvement has led to sanctions imposed on the Golden Horde by the Commonwealth of Nations, and the government under acting-Grand Magistrix Kealandia Highwalker to distance them from the government.