Codenames & callsigns are frequent elements in worlds. They can be found as top secret project or mission names, as monikers for squad members, as secret agent aliases, and more. While anything can be a codename or callsign, certain types of things are frequently used, such as colors, animals, and game pieces. Below are a few examples of these that can be utilized either solely (Rook Squadron) or in conjunction (Operation Weeping Tailor).

COLORS

• Red
• Green
• Gold
• Silver
• Black
• White

ANIMALS

• Wolverine
• Bear
• Wolf
• Raven
• Crow
• Boar
• Marlin
• Dolphin
• Otter
• Fox
• Eagle
• Mouse
• Hedgehog
• Armadillo
• Hawk
• Osprey
• Mole
• Viper
• Roadrunner
• Rabbit

SEASONS

• Winter
• Autumn
• Spring
• Summer

CELESTIAL

• Dawn
• Night
• Star
• Moon
• Morning
• Evening

ADJECTIVES

• Sleeping
• Weeping
• Quiet
• Roaring
• Still
• Able

GAME PIECES

• Queen
• King
• Rook
• Castle
• Pawn
• Bishop
• Joker
• of Hearts
• of Diamonds

POSITION & NUMBERS

• One
• Two
• Three
• First
• Second
• Prime
• Leader
• Alpha
• Beta
• Echo
• Omega

MYTHOLOGICAL

• Cyclops
• Minotaur
• Ghost
• Dragon
• Phantom
• Valkyrie
• Demon
• Imp
• Titan
• Icarus
• Angel
• Giant

TITLES & PROFESSIONS

• Knight
• Warrior
• Mother
• Father
• Orphan
• Widow
• Cobbler
• Tailor

“Raven One, this is Raven Two – are you seeing this?”

Remember, if a character has assigned themselves a codename or callsign, it should reflect what they would choose. Would they want the ‘coolest’ alias they can think of, would they want something practical, or would they want something more personal to them?

If this is a codename for a secret project or mission, does it somehow reflect the purpose or is it truly random?