Ahead of the reveal for Destiny: Rise of Iron, find out the lore behind the Iron Lords and what it could mean for the next chapter of Destiny's story.

Destiny fans are awaiting Bungie's Twitch reveal of Destiny's next expansion, now confirmed through a number of leaks to be called Rise of Iron.

It appears that Lord Saladin, the Iron Banner, and the Iron Lords will be taking center stage in the expansion:

Join Lord Saladin. Journey into the Plaguelands. Learn the fate of the Iron Lords and stop the growing threat before it is too late.

While fans may find out more details about the story during Bungie's official reveal stream, here is some background on Lord Saladin and the Iron Lords that comes from Destiny's lore, called the Grimoire. It might contain hints at where the next narrative thread in Destiny could lead.

The Iron Lords & The Iron Wolves

Those who play Destiny have probably heard the names of the Iron Lords, even if they didn't realize it—the weapons and armor of the Iron Banner bear their names:

  • Efrideet - A Hunter who was a talented sniper. Of her it is said, "Every time she pulled the trigger, an enemy of the City died" and that her "keen eye never missed her mark."
  • Felwinter - A Voidwalker Warlock, described as "he who stared into the Void."
  • Gheleon - A Hunter, and he was called a true Guardian of the people.
  • Jolder - A Titan "whose mighty hammer taught the Darkness fear."
  • Perun - A Hunter. "She who hunted the Darkness where it dwelt."
  • Radegast - A Titan, and the leader of the Iron Lords — "He who was first among the peers of the Iron Banner."
  • Similar - A Titan, called "he who was the Last City's first wall."
  • Skorri - A Warlock. "She who sang out the Iron Song" in honor of her lost companions.
  • Timur - A Warlock, recognized as "he whom the City's enemies dreaded most."

The Iron Lords are "ancient warriors from the City's founding" who played a key role in the Battle of Six Fronts and the building of the Last City's walls.

There is another group related to the Iron Lords called the Iron Wolves. Not much is known about these Guardians besides their names and the vague lore that "In our darkest hour, nine Iron Wolves emerged from the ruins" and "And beneath its branches, the Iron Wolves forged an unbreakable oath." Here are their names, which should also be familiar:

  • Ashraven
  • Bretomart
  • Colovance
  • Deidris
  • Finnala
  • Haakon
  • Nirwen
  • Tormod
  • Weyloran

The Battle of Six Fronts

The Battle of Six Fronts was "when the City first faced coordinated, overwhelming attack, and repelled it decisively." The Fallen marched on the Last City and led by four orders of Titans, the City's defenses held back the enemy on six different fronts—"and not one front broke."

Also present at the battle was Osiris, a Warlock who rose to the ranks of Vanguard Commander until it is said he went mad with obsession trying to discover the truth of the Vex and the Darkness. It is he who is behind the Trials of Osiris, and he could make an appearance in Rise of Iron. After all, reports say before Destiny's original story was scrapped Osiris played a major narrative role in the game.

Saladin

Lord Saladin Forge runs the Iron Banner tournament, a way to test Guardians and find the strongest among them. "The Iron Banner seeks great champions to lead the fight against the Darkness. It was born to honor the Iron Lords and their efforts in the earliest days of the City."

Lord Saladin gained his fame at the Battle of the Twilight Gap, where he led the City's defense against an army of Fallen. He's not just an advisor in the Tower, but a battle-tested Guardian. And it appears that players may be able to fight alongside of him in Rise of Iron.

Saladin used to be the mentor of Shaxx, the Crucible Handler and the Titan Vanguard, Zavala. Saladin remains close to Zavala, but his relationship has been strained with Shaxx since Twilight Gap. This relationship between these three characters could come into play in Rise of Iron.

Bungie will officially unveil Rise of Iron June 9 on Twitch at 10 AM Pacific.

Destiny: Rise of Iron is slated to release September 20.