A semi-formal organization composed of independent armsmen committed to a common goal, namely the defense of the common populace from the perils of the Beneath and the Children of Madragat (Tleyzu). Their code of honor isn’t as stringent as other martial organizations, and focuses on personal bravery in the face of overwhelming odds to protect the defenseless rather than on less pragmatic aristocratic high ideals.

Composed primarily of lesser landless sons, the scions of poorer gentry and lesser nobility, and children of merchants wealthy enough to buy a coat of arms and press their claim as gentlemen and hoping for glory and eventual elevation in station, and so forth. Most Bastions ply the outskirts of Fiore seeking out border skirmishes and unfortified settlements that need protection, while others seek service with a greater lord and defend their liege’s fief. A small few even take their personal battle against evil to other Tears.

The Order is not as prestigious as many others, and some arrogant members of more elite organizations refer to the Bastions disparagingly, calling them epithets such as Shield Maids, Ground-bounders, and Flat Heels. Fortunately, the Order is generally well liked by the common folk, and a Bastion is typically well received by less lofty folks.

The Order is not Crown-sworn, not being one of the founding five Orders, and also isn't Crown-sponsored and thus doesn't rate the "Honorable" descriptor in the official name. More significantly, the Ordermaster of the Iron Bastions does not have a seat on the Ordo Cavil.

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Joining the Bastions

Would-be Bastions may seek out entry at any of several Orderhausen of the Bastions around Fiore presenting themselves to be judged worthy or not worthy. The Order considers membership a great honor and are somewhat selective, but part of their appeal is an accessibility to the less monetarily favored armsmen of the land. Each applicant and member is expected to maintain their own kit in a respectable manner, to include a large metal shield bearing a registered personal coat of arms. Entry into the organization is somewhat stringent, requiring that the would-be Bastion have a personal coat of arms, either inherited, awarded, or purchased.

Possession of a personal coat of arms registered with the Royal Office of Heraldry and Honors is the first and minimum criteria for being counted among the minor gentry of Fiore, a cut above the common folk. Those who have such a Coat of Arms are properly addressed as "Sir", but this honor is rarely observed or claimed by Iron Bastions as they consider themselves to be "of the people". Beyond this requirement, the would-be Bastion must have basic martial skills and be particularly adept at using a shield in battle; furthermore, the would-be Bastion must be hardy, stout of arm, and demonstrate a strong will and sound moral depth.

Knight of the Iron Bastion

Once a member is accepted, he or she agrees to pay a annual membership fee equal to 10% of their total yearly earnings (which generally amounts to little coin); in return they gain access to the Orderhausen of the Bastions, where they may seek shelter and supplication when in need, and are given an iron amulet imprinted with an image of a Bastion Tower, which they are expected to wear as a badge of honor. Additionally, the new Bastion is taught the basics of the Orders distinctive shield-oriented fighting style, and may return for further training as experience is gained.

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Uniform of the Iron Bastions

Other than the Iron Bastion amulet and bearing of a medium or large shield, Bastions have no uniform or shared form of dress. Practical needs dictate that they tend to be dressed as befits ground-based warriors, with sturdy boots and sufficient armor to guard life and limb. Bastions tend to be poorer than members of more wealthy Orders, and their appearance matches this reality.

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Weapons of the Iron Bastions

Iron Bastions all bear a shield, typically a medium or large one. Other than that, each Knight bears whatever weapons they are comfortable with.

Unusually for an Order of Knights, some successful Knights of the Iron Bastion will employ Boom-dust weapons if they can afford or acquire them.

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Knight of the Iron Bastions Package

Fiorean Order of the Iron Bastion (Base Package) (6e)
NOTE: This Package is appropriate to starting characters incorporating Fiore into their background, or as something an experienced character could acquire over time after play starts.
3	Perk: Coat of Arms: In Fiore, a would-be Bastion must be awarded or purchase a personal coat of arms from the Royal Office of Heraldry and Honors for a lordly sum, typically hundreds of golden Bas (1gc each) depending on the current strength of the economy and era. Such a coat of arms can also be awarded by the King or a Sovereign noble (Grand Dukes, a few Counts, a couple of Barons) for demonstrated personal bravery, skill at arms, and acts of heroism; coats of arms awarded by the King may include a special device called the Marke Regius, which is essentially an Iron Cross.
	A person bearing a coat of arms is considered to be a minor noble and warrants the title of "Sir", and is expected to adhere to traditional protocols of behavior. A personal coat of arms may bear any elements of classical heraldry and additional elements with special permission, save certain elements reserved for the various established noble and royal Houses and pendent upon the allowance of the Office of Heraldry and Honors. A personal coat of arms may be abated (marked with a dishonorable sign) or stricken by any King of Fiore, or in the case of one awarded by a Sovereign noble that same personage, for conduct unbecoming a bearer of noble honors.
2	Stout of Arm: +2 STR
2	Hardy: +2 CON
2	Strong-willed: +2 EGO
9	Aegis of Iron: Resistant Protection (6 PD), Hardened (+1/4), Impenetrable (+1/4) (13 Active Points); OIF (Sheild of Opportunity; -1/2)
7	Stand Firm: +3 with DCV; Only vs. "Target Falls" Maneuvers (-1)
10	Arrowbane: Deflection, Reduced Endurance (1/2 END; +1/4) (25 Active Points); Only vs. Arrows, Spears, Slingstones, and Similar SFX (-1), OIF (Sheild of Opportunity; -1/2)
8	Sheild Bash: Hand-To-Hand Attack +2d6, Area Of Effect Accurate (1m Radius; +1/2) (15 Active Points); OIF (Sheild of Opportunity; -1/2), Hand-To-Hand Attack (-1/4)
5	Interposing Shield: Choose one: +4 with Block (8 Active Points); OIF (Shield of Opportunity; -1/2) +4 with Arrowbane / Deflection (8 Active Points); OIF (Shield of Opportunity; -1/2)
2	Reputation: Defenders of the People (Fiore) 14-, +2/+2d6
2	WF: Common Melee Weapons
2	Armor Familiarity: Choose one: Heavy Armor Medium Armor
1	Armor Familiarity: Shields
55	Total Cost
Related Abilities
3	Stouter of Arm: +3 STR
3	Hardier: +3 CON
3	Stronger-willed:: +3 EGO
5	Durable: +5 BODY
5	Rough and Tumble: +10 STUN
2	Stalwart: Knockback Resistance -5m (5 Active Points); Requires A Roll (Characteristic roll; Must be made each Phase/use; STR; -1)
2	AK: Fiore (GEN)
2	CuK: Fiore ((GEN)
var	Contacts: Fiorean Citizens
var	Favors: Fiorean Citizens
var	Followers: a Paige
var	More Training: improve an existing Iron Bastion special ability

Fiore