The largest formations within the Nihil marauder forces were known as Tempests. Three such Tempests were in operation, each under the command of a Tempest Runner. At the time of the Great Disaster, these commanders were Pan Eyta, Lourna Dee, and Kassav Milliko. Following the deaths of Milliko and most of his Tempest at the Battle of Kur, Zeetar assumed leadership of the third Tempest. After Pan deserted the Nihil during the Battle of Cyclor and was believed deceased by the other Nihil, Kara Xoo took his place.
Throughout the Nihil's history, several Tempests were active, including Pan Eyta's Tempest, Lourna Dee's Tempest, Kassav's Tempest, Zeetar's Tempest, Kara Xoo's Tempest, and Xanaven's Tempest. When Marchion Ro transformed the Nihil into an organized governing body, he created the Ministry of Advancement, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Protection, viewing them as three newly formed Tempest organizations.