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The second in our monthly character feature series, General Ironheart, soldier of the Solar Empire.
 
A high-ranking general in Celestias court, Ironheart is a pony of resolve and discipline, following a strict code of honor. He is often placed in charge of training Celestias troops, and is known to be a fierce and ruthless instructor. However, those who survive his rigorous training find him to be a close and stalwart friend, who will often lay his career or life on the line to aid his friends in honorable endeavors.
 
Though most tactical roles are often entrusted to unicorns, who have a natural tendency to excel in mental endeavors, Ironheart is one of the few earth ponies to attain such a rank. In a way, this has benefited him in the long run, as he has had to rely on basic, consistent strategy (or, good old fashioned earth pony warfare in his terms) rather than magically enhanced tactics. As such, his abilities naturally allow him to connect more deeply with his troops, rather than show off his own skills.
 
Despite his strategic prowess and old age, however, Ironheart is still a low ranking general after facing countless demotions and punishments for repeatedly disobeying orders he found dishonorable or callous. He has been friends with Eclipse since long before the war, and regardless of which side she decides to take, he will regard her with respect and dignity.