"Because of the Vanguard's unique bond with the Vhersis blade, decapitation was often employed against the current Vanguard as means of defeat. Dismemberment had become the name of the game when fighting the Beast of One-Thousand Arrows. In response, an Iron-Clad exoskeleton was designed to accentuate the sheer ferocity of the Vanguard's inherent power. Voice activated programs and weaponry were extensively used, a common feature in Ferraux technology small thrust nozzles were added for limited, but rapid mobility due to increasing firearm usage. Both arms contain high strength artificial muscle structures that allow the Vanguard's blade to easily cleave through most materials. The arms are designed to reduce the possibility of decapitation during combat, at the cost of some mobility. that All in all, the Series II Iron-Clad, Iron Body was a huge success, reducing kill ratio to near zero. Most Vanguards who have had the opportunity to use the Series II Iron Body have lived out the extent of their possibly natural, if arduous and agonizing lives."

It's up-armored form, known as Black Iron Fortress is a full regalia Iron Clad capable of sustained powered flight, and is more often seen and used during bureaucratic events in which the Vanguard is involved. It's true purpose is to be used for "Gatekeeping", or in Imperial terms for those who do not know Ferraux lore, a stand-your-ground defense position, hence the name Black Iron Fortress. It has only seen combat twice since it's inception, as it's bulky and more often than not a last ditch effort to preserve the Vanguard."

-Iron Clad Engineer