Steelhearts

Steelhearts is a term used in speculative fiction to denote a range of organizations, factions, and characters united by themes of resilience and duty. There is no single canonical Steelhearts entity; the name appears across different works, often as a knightly order, a mercenary company, or a group of artificers who blend craftsmanship with martial prowess.

In many portrayals, Steelhearts operate as guardians—protectors of civilians, recoverers of relics, or enforcers of a code of honor. Their emblem commonly features a heart forged from metal or an emblem that combines a heart with a blade or shield, symbolizing steadfast loyalty and strength. Membership typically emphasizes discipline, oath-bound service, and training in both combat and crafts such as smithing, engineering, or runic arts.

Across media, Steelhearts can be found in fantasy novels, role-playing games, and video games. Depictions vary from chivalric orders defending kingdoms to modernized squads serving clandestine governments. The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe characters whose resolve and protective instincts characterize the group rather than shared ancestry or origin.

Notes: As a generic name, Steelhearts lacks a single origin or narrative; different authors reuse the term with distinct backstories. When encountering a Steelhearts faction, context within the work is essential to understand their goals, hierarchies, and relationships with other factions.