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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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|Specialities= Discipline, Drill
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The '''Mordian Iron Guard''' are [[Regiment]]s of the [[Imperial Guard]] hailing from the planet [[Mordian]]. They are famed across the Imperium for their discipline, infantry quality, and brightly colored uniforms.{{Fn|3a}}{{Fn|41}}
==Overview==
The '''Mordian Iron Guard''' are [[Imperial Guard]] [[regiment]]s, originally from the planet [[Mordian]]. A harsh and unforgiving planet given to extremes, it was ruled in the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor's]] name by a body known as the ''Tetrarchs''. The rule of the Tetrarchs was harsh, autocratic and above all absolute, a necessity due to planet's scarce and strictly-rationed resources. This environment bred a regimental system dedicated to the chain of command and an iron discipline at all levels. The Mordian Iron Guard are named and renowned for their iron resolve and their dour and unforgiving natures.{{Fn|41}}
==Recruitment & Training==
[[Image:Iron_Guard_Icon.jpg|thumb|right|Icon of the Mordian Iron Guard{{Fn|36}}]]
To be allowed to join the ranks of the Mordian Iron Guard, one must display great discipline.{{Fn|41}} Training for the Iron Guard is as rigorous as possible, instilling in each [[Guardsman]] fierce loyalty and determination to their cause: the destruction of the Emperor's enemies and the preservation of Mordian. {{Fn|3a}} Training consists of endless repetition, be it the pressing of uniforms, parade drills, bayonet practice, and live-fire exercises. This instills strict indoctrination within Mordians and builds a loyalty towards their officer class that borders on fanaticism.{{Fn|41}} It is only through their legendary discipline and ruthless pursuit of the enemy that the Iron Guard can prevent their world from descending into starvation and savagery.{{Fn|1a}} Among the most dependable troops in the entire Imperium, a Mordian Guardsman will follow orders to the letter and without a moment's hesitation, firing and reloading his [[lasgun]] in the heat of battle until he or his enemy has been destroyed.{{Fn|3a}} These die-hard soldiers are all accomplished sharpshooters and proficient in close order drills.{{Fn|2c}} Incidents of insubordination are incredibly rare within the Iron Guard.{{Fn|41}}
[[Image:Mordian Iron Guard.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A Mordian Iron Guard Trooper{{Fn|1a}}]]
==Doctrineand Tactics==
A Mordian Iron Guard regiment in battle is a solid wall of brightly-uniformed, perfectly-formed soldiers who cut through the enemy's ranks with precisely-timed volleys of fire behind a hedge of polished bayonets.{{Fn|3a}} Even in the face of the overwhelming [[daemon]]ic hordes of [[Chaos]], Iron Guard regiments will stand their ground, striking down their foe with disciplined fire; if forced to withdraw their lines will never break.{{Fn|1b}} They organize their support weapons into separate [[Heavy Weapons Platoon]]s and make use of both [[Ratling Snipers]] and [[Sanctioned Psykers]] on the battlefield.{{Fn|2c}}
In combat, the Iron Guard relies heavily upon their infantry. Few other Regiments can match the lasgun drill of Mordian soldiery in either rate of fire or accuracy. When combined with their precise and potent artillery, these skills render the Mordians particularly effective when on the defense.{{Fn|41}}
Mordians have a reputation for following orders to the letter without hesitation, and will methodically fire and reload if they are instructed to despite their battlefield situation. This respect for the chain of command makes the Iron Guard popular amongst Imperial commanders.{{Fn|41}}
==Equipment==
[[Image:MordiansFFG.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Mordian Iron Guards in battle{{Fn|9a}}]]
The Iron Guards prefer to go into combat wearing the same dress-style uniforms they do on the parade ground. The bright colors and elaborate decoration on Mordian uniforms often mislead their enemies into thinking they are facing ceremonial troops with little combat experience, though this misapprehension is usually corrected as soon as they attempt to advance in the face of the Iron Guards' precise volleys and unyielding resolve. Upon their formation each regiment is presented a lavish banner, created within the Tetrarchal Palace, during a ceremony at which every Guardsman swears to never let it fall or be captured.{{Fn|3a}} Their preferred squad special weapon is the [[Grenade Launcher]] while the [[Lascannon]] is the principle heavy weapon.{{Fn|2c}}
Besides their preference for infantry, the Mordians also are renowned for precise artillery.{{Fn|41}}
==Notable Engagements==
|align=center|[[Mordian 33rd|33rd]]
|The 33rd Mordian Iron Guard, alongside the 91st, made up the defense of a city-sized promethium refinery on the planet of [[Phrixis]] against a [[Tyranid]] splinter fleet. They held out for months, until the 91st were wiped out by a cataclysmic explosion caused by a dying Tyranid bio-titan. Those of the 33rd that survived the explosion were found along the perimeter, and holding the line against the Tyranid swarms until their ammunition ran dry and they were wiped out.{{Fn|14}} The unit also tooke part in the [[Fall of Medusa V]].{{Fn|39}}
|-
|align=center|48th
|Known as ''Maven's Fusiliers''. Fought alongside the [[Cadian]] 16th Armoured Division at [[Kasr|Kasr Sonnen]] on [[Cadia]] during the [[13th Black Crusade]], where they gained fame for fighting to only 5 men left against [[Chaos]] forces.{{Fn|41}}
|-
|align=center|50th
*{{Endn|39}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20070711163525/http://medusav.uk.games-workshop.com/campaign/factions/imperialguard/imperialguard8.htm Games Workshop - Medusa V - Week 8 Report] ''(saved archive page, dated 11 July 2007, last accessed 8 March 2025, original link: http://medusav.uk.games-workshop.com/campaign/factions/imperialguard/imperialguard8.htm)
*{{Endn|40}}: [[White Dwarf 507]], pgs. 58 — ''War Zone Chalnath - Insidious Threat''
*{{Endn|41}}: [[Codex: Astra Militarum (10th Edition)]], pg. 36
[[Category:Astra Militarum Regiments]]
[[Category:Mordian Iron Guard| ]]
