Avisian Royal Military Order

The Avisian Royal Military Order refers to the regiments of the Imperial Guard that originate on the Industrial World of Avisia. Founded by a King of Avisia, St. Grigorio, who is now regarded the patron saint of the Royal Military Order, the regiments are primarily infantry and are known for their skill in close combat. While they all use the standard weapons of the Imperial Guard, the Avisians still follow the tradition of swordsmanship established by St. Grigorio and also train in the use of blades. The Order is also heavily indoctrinated by the Imperial Cult and considers themselves to be holy warriors fighting a Crusade for the God-Emperor.

Individual members of the Royal Military Order are generically referred to as Knights.

Honors and Awards
In addition to standard Imperial Guard decorations and medals, the Order has some of its own awards:
 * Holy Order of St. Grigorio - The highest award conferred upon senior Knights of the Order for distinguished service to the Imperium during operations, named after the aforementioned King Saint Grigorio. Those members who awarded the Holy Order and are commoners are given the Avisian noble rank of Imperial Knight. Also eligible are Imperial Guard personnel of other regiments who take part in operations with the Order.
 * Sacred Knight's Cross - Awarded to any Order Knight for military merit, acts of extreme battlefield bravery or outstanding military leadership. Also eligible are Imperial Guard personnel of other regiments who take part in operations with the Order.

St. Grigorio
Very little of the actual information on his life has survived to the 41st millennium, and Grigorio XVII has become practically mythologized by the Avisian monarchy. What is known is that he was the King of Avisia reigning sometime in late M30, at the time that the planet was discovered by the Imperium of Man. He was the one who established the first Imperial Guard regiments and led them personally in battle during the Great Crusade, founding the Avisian Royal Military Order. The exact details have been lost to time and many different theories exist about what happened next. All that is known for sure is that he was killed in action during some campaign in difficult circumstances, and was later made a Saint by the Imperial Cult for his heroic actions. Since then, the King has been made the patron-saint of the Order.

Notable Regiments

 * 1st Royal Avisian Infantry Regiment

Trivia
The Order is based on the Knights of Malta and Vatican City.