Old Neil

Biodata

History

Service with the Nighthawks

Old Neil is the oldest and most experienced member of the Nighthawks present after Dunn Smith leaves Tingen. His experience gives his reassurances considerable weight among his colleagues. Dunn also considers him someone Daly could consult about an investigative case file 30 44 48.

He teaches Klein Moretti how to concoct potions. Klein later uses that instruction to prepare his Clown potion without assistance, despite Frye offering to call Old Neil for help 49.

Operation Against Madam Sharon

With Dunn and Daly away in Backlund, acting captain Frye recalls Old Neil and Leonard from their time off for an operation against Madam Sharon. The five-member squad brings Sealed Artifact 3-0217, the Spirit Medium's Mirror, to compensate for its reduced strength 43.

The operation instead brings the Nighthawks into conflict with the Circus squad. Old Neil covers the injured Kenley's advance with the mirror. When Magician arrives, he sends a sheet of paper toward Old Neil to divert the team's attention before attacking Kenley. The Circus squad escapes, and the confrontation ends without deaths 44 47.

Arrest and Resurrection Ritual

Two days later, the Mandated Punishers arrest Old Neil on his way to work after receiving an accusation that he is researching black magic. Frye initially suspects that his unusual ritual experiments have been misunderstood, but accompanies him home to inspect the evidence 49.

Investigators find rune-covered parchment, bottles of dark red liquid, and an urn connected to the ritual. When an investigator takes the urn, Old Neil seizes it back and breaks down. He admits that he wants to see his deceased fiancée again and insists that the blood used in his preparations is entirely his own 50.

The arriving Nighthawks shield him from the Mandated Punishers. Frye insists on handling the case internally, and the other team withdraws after having overstepped the usual procedure for investigating another Church's personnel 50.

In the company's underground cells, Old Neil explains that the Hidden Sage's murmurs taught him a resurrection ritual. His longing for his fiancée led him to set aside his Nighthawk duties and prepare it. He accepts responsibility and offers to undergo any punishment. Frye reports the incident to their superiors, emphasizing that the ritual had not been performed and that Old Neil had not completely lost control 50.

Personality

Old Neil is irreverent and comfortable teasing his colleagues. During speculation about Dunn and Daly's future child, he immediately proposes “Kevin Smith,” prompting Klein to remember his lack of solemnity. Leonard and Seeka also joke that he would find a plausible excuse to claim reimbursement for personal expenses 16 37.

He is attentive to his teammates' condition. He notices Klein's distraction, advises him to rest, and reassures the squad before the dangerous operation at Madam Sharon's house 40 44.

His grief for his late fiancée leaves him vulnerable to the Hidden Sage's influence. Once exposed, he alternates between desperate pleas to complete the ritual and shame over betraying his responsibilities. He repeatedly insists that he has harmed no one 50.

Abilities & Skills

Potion and Medicinal Preparation

Old Neil is identified as a Mystery Pryer whose skill at preparing potions and medicinal mixtures surpasses that of every other member of the Tingen team 49.

• Teaches Klein the preparation method used for his successful Clown advancement 49.
• Is offered as a potential assistant when Klein receives his potion ingredients 49.

Ritual Magic

He researches unusual rituals, including one previously used to repay his debts 49.

• Learns a resurrection ritual through the Hidden Sage's murmurs 50.
• Prepares rune-covered parchment, his own blood, and an urn associated with his deceased fiancée 50.
• Never completes the resurrection ritual in the documented events; its effectiveness is therefore unconfirmed 50.

Field Experience

His long service allows him to reassure less experienced Nighthawks during dangerous missions 44 48.

• Provides cover for Kenley during the confrontation with the Circus squad; the specific technique is not described 47.
• States that he has previously faced enemies more dangerous than those expected at Madam Sharon's residence 44.

Relationships

• Klein Moretti — Teammate and pupil in potion preparation. Old Neil shows concern for Klein's health; Klein later stays beside him during the confrontation with the Mandated Punishers 40 49 50.
• Frye — Acting captain who investigates the accusation, prevents Old Neil's handover, and promises an accurate report to their superiors 49 50.
• Dunn Smith — Captain whose mutual affection with Daly Old Neil noticed long before their relationship became official 37.
• Leonard Mitchell — Fellow Nighthawk who jokes about Old Neil's reimbursement habits and helps block the Mandated Punishers from taking him 16 50.
• Kenley — Teammate whom Old Neil covers during an attempted attack with the Spirit Medium's Mirror 47.
• Unnamed fiancée — Deceased loved one whose loss motivates his attempted resurrection ritual 50.
• Hidden Sage — Source of the murmurs that teach him the ritual; Frye attributes his actions to this entity's influence 50.

Notable Quotes

“Don't be nervous. Everything will be fine. I've faced enemies far more dangerous than this before.” 44

“I've always upheld the Mystery Pryers' maxim. I've never hurt anyone.” 50

“I'm willing to accept any punishment.” 50