Author's Note: Okay, so I just had this quick litttle idea and figured I would post it just because. A sort of non-humorous variant on the 'Diary of Glynda Goodwitch' concept, except that what we're going to have here, in essence, the personal manifestos of various characters, based upon the characterization that they have received up to the end of Volume 2 and possibly some speculation which I believe to be reasonable (primarily dealing with any backstory that may be necessary). Perhaps General Ironwood is an odd place to start, but he's the one I thought of first, so before this author's note gets longer than the content, I'll just let you read. As with all my other work, any feedback you care to leave is appreciated.

I, Ironwood

I, Ironwood, do hereby swear to maintain and uphold peace, justice, and order wherever such may be required. Thus I swear upon my honor, and in the name of Atlas, whose might is Remnant's single greatest shield against the howling dark beyond our walls. I refuse to stand idly by while there is action that may be taken, and I shall not falter in my vigil over those whom I have sworn to protect and serve.

The world we live in is a dangerous one, and I cannot abide the thought that it there is nothing to be done. The Grimm are many, and they are mighty, so we must be mightier still, and though the blackened jaws of night which lust eternally for our blood find strength in their limitless malice, human strength comes through discipline. If we are to survive, then there must be cohesion among us and unity of purpose behind which all may stand; Grimm will not tolerate humanity, so why then should we tolerate them? They, the senseless hordes which cry ever louder for our blood in the night, they, whose teeth and claws grow ever sharper as their innate hatred is honed upon the passing of years, they, who are without purpose but to rip and tear and kill… For this I cannot stand.

And yet there are those who, knowing all of this full well, would conspire against the kingdoms and people of Remnant; to disrupt order, conspire against the peace that our forefathers fought so hard for – or in error fought against. That there exist those who would even conceive of breaching a kingdom's walls makes it manifestly evident that I have already failed – and that the necessary lessons of history have clearly not yet been learned. The time for waiting is at an end; justice must be served, and I will stop at nothing to see that the guilty are punished, and the safety of Remnant's people once more fully restored.

Thus I Swear,

James Ironwood.