The Iron Banner is a knightly order, a monastic order with a military purpose (A religious-military institution) created to protect the values, ideals and territory of a number of allied churches under the banner of the faith of Kovan, God of Warfare patron of Iyorith. While called a knightly order, most members consist of non-noble soldiers known as a man-at-arms and the Knights among their order are sworn to church and faith rather than lords or ladies. All members took religious vows in accordance to the monastic ideals of their local chapter, they swear oaths to serve for life or a certain period of time. Essentially they are warrior monks that train in the ways of warfare.
Most members reside and live within the confines of the Order's fortresses, known as commanderies when not out on assignments. The order is led by a Grand Marshall, who is in turn advised by a council of commanders. The order itself is divided into different chapters, each with their own ideals, commanders and commanderies. The Orders general Creed is considered more important than the chapter creed.
Basic Coat of Arms: Black field with a Red blade facing downwards.
Expanded Coat of Arms: Every chapter adds their own marking to the Coat of Arms. This is done by vertically dividing the shield into 3 parts, the Basic coat of arms sits in the center, flanked by the Chapter's individual Coat of Arms.
Their Creed:
The land belongs to men, we belong to our liege and he belongs to the Gods.
Strength is power, one has to be strong if one wishes to protect another.
I shall lay down my life to protect my church, her people and their land.
I shall stamp out the wilderness and stand firm against those that wish to take what is ours.
I shall never leave the field of battle as long as a brother or sisters holds aloft our banner.