The Iron Guard
The Iron Guard arose from the ashes of the Sanctum-Imperial war, its founding members composed of veterans disillusioned by the treaty and disgusted by Thorne's perceived weakness. They saw the concessions to the Sanctum Alliance and the easing of restrictions as signs of surrender and corruption, a betrayal of the Empire's true purpose.
When their pleas for a return to traditional values were ignored, they broke away from the Imperial military, taking with them a small fleet of warships, supplies, and loyal followers. They disappeared into the uncharted territories of the west, seeking refuge and a base of operations from which to rebuild their vision of a "true" Empire.
Beliefs
Restoration
The Iron Guard's primary goal is the restoration of the old Empire, a return to the rigid order and control that defined its early years. They view Emperor Thorne as a puppet of external forces, a weakling who has abandoned the true path. Many of the men leading this group fought in the battle of Stonegard, and believe that the ceasefire was a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those that had fallen up to this point. To them, the ideal choice would've been a suicidal charge at Sanctum itself, where the Imperial Navy would glass the entire city-state or die in the attempt.Purity
They hold fast to the old belief that humans are the superior race, seeing Chimera and other non-human races as threats to Imperial purity and stability. They oppose any concessions to other factions, believing in the Empire's divine right to rule Yrdde. Thorne's loosening of the purity laws is treason to them, a decision made by a coward or puppet ruler.Strength
They place absolute faith in the power of the military, adhering to a strict code of discipline and combat prowess. They employ classic Imperial tactics and strategies, prioritizing decisive strikes and unwavering obedience to their chain of command. Laws of battle do not apply to them, prisoners are not taken, and no target is off limits. Their destruction of several neutral villages have led to their exile from Free State territories, the only time in the group's history such a serious decision has been made.Resources
Renegade Fleet
The Iron Guard fleet is made up of one capital class vessel, as well as a half-dozen combat vessels and countless stolen civilian craft. With no permanent base of operations or secure supply lines, the combat vessels are held together with scrap and far weaker than they would normally be.Abandoned Mines
Dotted across the western frontiers are countless small Yrddestone mines. Whether abandoned due to reduced yield, encroaching radiation storms, or other dangers, a few small deposits tend to remain behind. The Iron Guard exploits these mines for whatever is left, often using slaves captured from civilian convoys as labor.The Blood-Sworn
According to the secretive Instructors of the Imperial Academy, Imperial Corsairs are programmed to be utterly loyal to the Emperor. None of them would be willing to admit that an unknown number of them were missing in action after the battle of Stonegard and have allegedly been seen in the ranks of the Iron Guard. The Blood-Sworn are the most terrifying agents of the Guard, willing to kill without question and hesitation. To them, anyone not sworn to the Guard will die by their hands, sooner or later, even if they have to carve through entire cities.
Type
Illicit, Terrorist group
Notable Members
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