The Steel Garrison

"'The rattling of armor now permeated the air as the birdmen moved forward to grab the Lord and Lady, holding them tightly with grips of iron that would not yield, no matter how much Amyliana fought and kicked.' - The Plight of Steel, Chapter 37"The men of the Steel Garrison, or Birdmen, as they are commonly called, are the protectors of Velerin. The Garrison was instated by an unknown ruler sometime during the Second Age, and are therefore considered a part of the city itself, as if they've always been there.

Biography
The birdmen are featured heavily in The Plight of Steel, acting as obstacles for some characters, and assets for others. They are believed by the people of Velerin to be golems, as they are forbidden from lifting their beak-shaped visors to reveal their faces. They are considered part of the city, bound to no ruler or monarch who might sit the throne, but rather to the throne itself. During the reign of Dymon the Black, they seemed to be under his control; how this was managed is unknown, though most assume they were bought.

The Commander of the Steel Garrison, a recurring character in the novels and throughout the timeline of the story, is the figurehead of the Garrison. His armor is more ornamented, and he wears a cape - unlike his underlings, who wear only their sapphire-colored plating. Whether he is the same man or multiple different men in the same role is unknown, though due to his apparent ability to transcend time without slowing or dying, it is assumed that numerous men, and perhaps women, have worn the Commander's armor.

Avian imagery is prevalent in the appearance of the Birdmen, meant as a metaphor. Birds can often be found watching, perched on a wall or a line somewhere, always present, and always observing. This bolsters the idea of the Garrison being a part of the city itself, or nature, rather than the mortal, human plane.

Appearance
The Birdmen, consistent with their name, wear winged helmets with beaked visors. Their armor is radiant blue, light and agile, and they are commonly described carrying a long spear or blade. The retinue that accompanies Castian Valinor to meet Bush Guy during the Plight of Steel, all carry swords, and draw them once threatened.