Iron Legion

## Overview

The Iron Legion was once one of the greatest Legions in Ashfeld, while originating from the Great Empire. They are actually composed of several legions that have all united under one banner. One of the most revered warriors among the Iron Legion is the warden, and statues with their likeness are mounted in reverence. After years of peace, the Iron Legion grew complacent and disorganized with many members deserting without consequence. So when the Viking hordes returned, the Iron Legion was overrun.

The new Iron Legion was reformed by The Warden to fight against the Blackstone Legion.

## History

### The Old Legion

There are many legions in Ashfeld. The Iron Legion is considered the greatest among them. The details of their rise is unknown but they would absorb many lesser legions into their ranks including, at one point in time, the Regal Legion. Anyone can see what territory they used to hold simply by looking for a shield with the familiar sword emblem.

### Fall From Grace

When the war against the Vikings and Samurai died down, the Iron Legion entered a state of stagnation. They became increasingly disorganized with members deserting in droves without consequence. When the Vikings returned to raid, despite being significantly weaker than before the Iron Legion were forced to retreat and abandon the people they swore to protect. This continued until the Blackstone Legion looked to unite Ashfeld under one rule. The Iron Legion held Harrowgate under the command of Stone for as long as they could from Viking attacks. When all seemed lost, The Warden was sent to end the conflict, and succeeded in repelling the Vikings. This led to Stone and many others joining the Blackstone Legion.

The Iron Legion also held the outpost at Ashfeld Moor, until a Viking attack, when they abandoned it. The Warden and Stone, who was now a member of the Blackstone Legion, liberated the outpost, but came under attack by the Iron Legion Deserters who abandoned their posts. After tracking the Knights to their base amongst nearby ruins, the two Blackstones tried to find out why the Iron Legion soldiers had abandoned their posts, only to be met with hostility. The remaining Knights made it clear that they opposed Apollyon and the Blackstone Legion, but never said why.

The Iron Legion deserters seemed to have the upper hand, until Apollyon herself appeared with the Blackstone Legion. The surviving opposition was either executed or inducted into the Blackstone Legion for their courage in battle.

### The New Legion

Over the course of several years, the shambled remains of the Iron Legion was absorbed into the Blackstone Legion. However, several rebellions arose from within the Blackstones, dissatisfied with their rule. Among the dissenters were Stone, Mercy, and Holden Cross. They sought the first dissenter, The Warden, and together they chose to reform the Iron Legion. As more time passed, more Blackstones defected to the New Iron Legion to oppose their former masters.

The New Iron Legion allied with the Dawn Empire and laid siege to the Blackstone Fortress. After the Blackstone collapse, the Iron Legion sent Holden Cross to meet the leaders of the Warborn and the Dawn Empire to discuss how to end The Great War.

At some point in time, the Lord Warden went missing. Now because of his history with the Blackstone Legion, many suspected Holden Cross to be responsible causing him to leave the Iron Legion. Holden Cross then traveled the world learning new skills and making new allies and he would also later be known as Gryphon and after his return to Heathmoor he would help lead the Chimera Alliance which was an alliance that fought for peace against the Order of Horkos which was an order that tried to follow the ideals of Apollyon who was the leader of the Blackstone Legion during The Great War.

## Notable Members

* The Warden - The most recent named leader of the Iron Legion, known as "Lord Warden". They are currently missing.
* Stone - a Conqueror who held Harrowgate before joining the Blackstone Legion. Later rejoined the Iron Legion.
* Holden Cross - former second of the Blackstone Legion, now a commander of the Iron Legion and later a leader in the Chimera Alliance.
* Mercy - a Peacekeeper who was a former member of the Blackstone Legion.

## Quotes

"There are many Legions. The Iron Legion is the greatest among them." - The Warden