Fiction:Cosmos of Nahiarus/Iconoclasts

The Iconoclasts of Hunnaschia are a paramilitary organisation established in the territories of Hunnaschia. Officially labelled as a policing force within Hunnaschia, the Iconoclasts are strongly rumoured (and with probable evidence) to possess extreme xenophobic views.

History
Not much is known of the formation of the Iconoclasts; the establishment of it in 873 AC was officially recognised by imperial law. It was believed to be the brainchild of the Hunnaschian Empire's then Minister of Defence, originally entailing them to be an intelligence agency that would use methods of espionage to exert defensive power against its neighbouring countries.

The name 'Iconoclast' was later adopted by the organisation after a series of raids conducted by them drove out a large elvish demographic from the western periphery of Hunnaschia. Since then, the Iconoclasts have been associated with violent xenophobia, which has factored into more emigration from the non-human population. The imperial government of Hunnaschia has not officially claimed responsibility of the Iconoclasts, and some believe there is disagreement between ministers regarding official authority of the organisation.

Function
According to Hunnaschian law, the Iconoclasts' main goal is to stomp out the use of unsanctioned magic within Hunnaschia's territories, as well as protect the human population from 'dangerous foreign intervention'. Although this may have originally been set out with good intent, many regard the Iconoclasts as paramilitary organisation that spreads fear and human nationalism, and has been responsible for at least three hundred deaths of non-humans since its establishment.

Iconoclasts are easily identifiable for their paramilitary uniforms; a combination of bronze plated armour and their signature heavy waxed coats that hang to their shins. To maintain a sense of anonymity, most Iconoclast soldiers wear face-obscuring bronze helmets that vaguely resemble avian creatures. Iconoclast soldiers are typically well armed, usually with a shortsword and a Hunnaschian-made arquebus or musket.

Despite their extremely intolerant stance against the use of unsanctioned magic, the Iconoclasts employ the use of magic and alchemy, and is considered an extensive branch of their research. Some fear that the Iconoclasts are developing beyond any other military body in Hunnaschia, which adds to the paranoia among ministerial circles. Though the Iconoclasts are officially said to practice the state religion of Hunnaschia, the imagery and iconography surrounding the Iconoclast culture suggest origins further afield.