Soulguard

In 4397, The Holy Order of Helm petition the Grand Marshall of Dezaria of that time for the formation of a religious military arm, to further Helm's domain of protection. The request is ultimately allowed and the Soulguard is formed from a group of devout knights. The Grand Marshall utilises the clergy and its Soulguard to further unify the Dezarians under a single belief. Remnants of old faiths and gods is mostly washed away, by propaganda, religious fervour and in some cases, by force.
Today, the Soulguard continues to be the military arm of the Holy Order of Helm, sanctioned by the Republic of Dezaria. Elite palladins and knights fill their ranks. They are based in the holy city of Ozerksy but can be found across the Republic, enforcing religious conformity. Due their nature, they are restrcted to the nation of Dezaria, however are known to accompany clerics of the Order to other nations on the condition they have permission beforehand.
Most members of the Soulguard are extremely religious, for better or worse. For as much as some may help citizens in need, some may cause issues amongst the populace.
The Soulguard sometimes work alongside Witch Hunters in case their goals align, as use of magic and heretical beliefs will often be intertwined. Many Witch Hunters are zealous in regards to their hunt of witches, warlocks and the so called tainted, however they are not all potentially as religious, thus the Soulguard will generally find the Witch Hunters as lacking.

Inquisitors

As the religions spread, the Patriarch and the Holy Synod recognised that they needed total control of the narrative, as it was found that the teachings and traditions of Helm changed with both distance and time. During the formation of the Soulguard, clerics deemed worthy were given the rank of Inquisitor and charged to travel across Dezaria and some even cross into othe rnations discreetly. They were to ensure that all clergy conformed to the instructions from Ozerksy.
This role evolved to also find and disciple people other than clergy that brought with them ideas of other gods or strange traditions. Much like Witch Hunters, they would earn a fearsome reputation, especially during the Heresy of Ankith in 5110, which saw hundreds of people disappear in the clitches of teh Inquisition and the Soulguard.

The Schism

In 5249AC, the Soulguard, along with the main Holy Order of Helm, was split apart - one group revering Ihra the Flame Mistress as the Avatar of Helm, and the others who refused her. Those who refused her wrath, known collectively as the Iconoclasts, fled to Voystok and joined teh fight against the Steel Caller's Legions.

Founded
4397

Operational Limits
Republic of Dezaria

Type

Militia