Ironsides

The Ironsides are a mercenary band located within the Scottorum Sector of Segmentum Tempestus. They run various Protection Clans throughout major worlds and Governor Stations, acting more in recent years like a conglomerate of Clean Mafia Cartels.

History
The Ironsides were founded by Imperial Guard veterans stationed on the planet of Agreylara during the beginning stages of the 928.M41 Shaaliv Crusade. When the Imperium conquered the first planet of the System, most Guard regiments that suffered the brunt of the defending Shaaliv forces were given leave to regroup and rest on the planet's surface before being deployed on the Crusade's front lines when reserves were needed.

While the regiments consolidated Imperial power on the planet, the Feast of the Emperor's Ascension was celebrated and as a traditional custom, a regiment-wide lottery was held where the winning squad from each regiment would be allowed to all retire and they, along with their families, could be a part of the first Imperial settlers in the System.

After the lottery was held, 4 veteran squads of Guardsmen were allowed to take their leave. However, after their families arrived during the subsequent settling of Agreylara, the original squad members longed to use their skills again. So, they became the founding fathers of the Ironsides, named after the nickname one of them had gained during the initial invasion of the planet.

The Protection Services quickly spread over the rest of the sector, their employers mainly being involved in either mining or heavy industries, but some Clans reaching to the levels of bodyguards to influential figures of planets and Systems.

Lesser Clans
Ira Port Bhalaigh Carpo Station I Port Rubha Ghasinis Station III
 * Ice-Rangers Protection Clan
 * Shaaliv-Front Protection Clan
 * Miner's Guild Protection Clan
 * The MacGillivray Mercenaries
 * Core World Protection Clan
 * The Shaw Mercenaries