There is a group that dwells within the bellow of the mountains. Dangerous and hearty, they live by fire and earth. The Iron Forged believe that respect is given through strength and camaraderie. Since it's birth the group has been strongly made up of bears and large wild cats, they have kept to themselves and treat any outsiders and even those seeking to join their stone halls with great distrust and suspicion. Though they have come to realize that times are changing, that perhaps they need to come to the light and see the world on the outside of the mountain but they still retain their brazen views. Most animals will be welcomed but can they bare the challenges of the land and the dragons that claim the skies and earth. Fire and earth elementals are very plentiful here within the group.

THE TERRITORY

ORE MOUNTAINS
A vast structure of wild and untamed mountain range that stretches from one sea to the other. It is vastly dangerous as the lands it heralds from are constantly being shaped and reshaped by three rather active volcanoes. Most dare not tread here as lava is certainly dangerous to be around.  The craggy peaks offer little in the way of viable prey and even green foliage. Sometimes one might find vultures, stray goats and other scavengers searching the desolate black rocks and molten magma for prey. To those that live here it is easy to see that something lives here, just beneath the surface.
    - THE IRON GATE
      At the base of the largest mountain, the one that stands proudly in the middle, is a large and imposing iron gate. For the most part these iron gates are almost indistinguishable from the mountain itself. Only when one is up close to it can they see the intricate design of twin dragons coiled around one another. One manipulating fire and the other shaking the earth with jagged cracks at his feet. These gates normally remain shut for the protection of those that can not protect themselves. But anyone is allowed to come and go from the main entrance as they please.
    - HALL OF KINGS
      The entrance into the mountain is a glorious sight to behold as well as imposing. There are massive stone pillars that seemed to stretch up to hold the very ceiling. The chamber echoes with many pawsteps as those who are new and old enter their abode. Lining the walls as if watching each generation that comes and goes are statues of previous Dragon King's and when one leaves their visage will be carved from stone and added to the procession. This tells of their might, of how strong and sturdy the group is as they honor those that have come before them and show their respect for their ancestors no matter if they were great or terrible leaders. The past must never be forgotten.
    - SANCTUARY
      After the Hall of Kings comes what gives the impression of a sprawling city. Carved and shaped from the rock and stone itself the Sanctuary has three different floors, each with their own particular functions. The area is normally lit up with hanging lanterns that are attached to thick metal chains. These lanterns are refueled each day and dimmed at night to keep the cycle of day and night ever present when inside of the mountain. There are outside viewing windows but most Ironfolk tend to have a good sense of the day cycle. Each floor can be reached by large stone spiral stairs, equipped with thick railings so individuals do not fall off. The first floor is where much of the Ironclad live, their homes carved from the walls like how homes would be built on the outside. Most decorate them with furs they get from kills or even their kills of their enemies. Most are equipped with fireplaces in order to keep individuals warm. The second floor is where much of the high ranking members live, their homes fashioned to be a bit more elaborate and grand. And the third floor belongs to the Dragon King where he and his family live and often take audiences as well as where meetings are held between the high positions before news is given to the public.
    - WYRM PIT
      Resting on the first floor of the Sanctuary, in the middle, is a pit that goes deeper into the ground. This pit is often where disputes between the Ironfolk are figured out but it is also where blood sports can occur. Sometimes enemies are captured and thrown into the bloodstained Wyrm Pit for entertainment either against another captured individual or a dragon is released into the pit to devour them. They must put on a show so sometimes rickety equipment is often thrown down to them to give them some semblance of hope that they may survive.
    - THE FORGE
      Located on the second floor of the Sanctuary the Forge is an imposing room that has been positioned at the back of the mountain. The platform shows it's majesty as spiraling stairs lead down into the bowels of the forgery. The Forge is powered by the very lava that spews forth from the caverns, a large lake of lava. It is here that much of their weapons are created and sharpened with the intent of being used for battles and for practice. Much of the Ironfolk are master craftsmen and know how to make their own weapons, often getting lessons from their parents about how to work the lava and the ore that they find.
    - THE ARMORY
      It is here that they house their weapons, located also on the first floor in the eastern zone the large room had been shaped with intricate carvings of fercious dragons on the walls. The room is decorated with hanging weapons that anyone could think of. Warhammers, axes, maces, swords, daggers, greatswords, arrows, morning stars, sledgehammers etc. All using iron, steel, obsidian, bronze, silver and other materials stored and ready for use should anyone be so foolish as to siege them.
    - STORAGE
      The storage is a hollowed out cave of a less than spectacular look. But it is more for use than to look pretty. Here is where much of their food is stored along with herbal provision and can be located on the first floor near the western size and through the throng of the Ironfolk. Although normally the Alchemist will keep herbs and other medicinal and poisonous thing in their place of residence it is here that back up is normally kept in case things can not be gotten so easily because of the weather and other such deterrents.
LAVA FIELDS
This is a place of desolation but also life as lava continues to spew forth from the ground in bubbling pools. It stretches from the base of the mountain till it hits the Thorn Jungle, it's opposite. The rough ground has started to grow what appears to be grass. Some birds venture here, to peck among the seeds that are helping life to grow here. But make no mistake that one wrong step could send one to a very painful burning death. Some lava pools appears as though they are solid ground until the surface is broken to reveal the burning bright molten rock. It is also here that a river of lava flows between the land from the main mountain, curving through the constantly being created land. Often times visitors need to be guided to the mountain sanctuary by one of the Ironfolk.
    - ERUPTION FALLS
    Following the river of lava along it's path across the plains one will come to an steep drop off near the coastline. The river of lava drains into the ocean causing a rather volatile reaction when it meets the water. The molten rock bursts and steams heartily as it cools rapidly against the beating waves of the ocean, spaying up small bits of stone and rock constantly giving it it's names for the falls.
    - OBSIDIAN CAVERNS
      These caverns are rather easy access and the entrance can be located just outside of the Iron Gate. It is often here where an apprentice and their teachers go to collect the materials and taught to make their first swords or daggers. Though obsidian is a brittle stone it does well for weaponary and can be molded accordingly. These caverns are black as midnight and filled with the material from lava that had long since rapidly cooled.
THORN JUNGLE
Stretching and reach towards the sky, towering over even the largest trees in existence, the Thorn Jungle is comprised of trees such as birches, oaks, and maples, a temperate forest. It is the first thing that most see when approaching the Iron Forged border. Sometimes the lush jungle can give quite the wrong impression when it comes to the group as a whole. But what makes it astounding is the size and growth of these trees as well as the massive thorn wielding branches and vines that accompany them. It is a place of great fauna and herbal foliage if one is careful enough. Such large thorns are not that much of a danger to smaller creatures who can very easily weave in and out of them. It is also here that many dragons have made their home under the watchful gaze of the Wyvern Obelisk. Rivers run together here, crisscrossing over the land before draining into the nearby oceans.
    - WYVERN OBELISK
      In the middle of the thorn jungle is an oasis type area, seemingly untouched by the harshness of the land itself. Lush trees and vegetation seem to thrive here all year long and in the middle of this is a pool of water. It is dyed a bronze coloration, light reflecting off of it and giving it an almost metallic look. It is here that a large stone structure seems to be rising from the waters, wings outstretched and ink black in color. It resembles the visage of a wyvern but crudely carved with broken and jagged ends. The structure seems to possess a calming effect on the mind for both sentient and feral beast alike, allowing bonds to be formed and created.
    - SACRED NESTING GROUNDS
      Located on the western size of the Thorn Jungle where it meets the sea, the nesting grounds is a place that most Ironfolk know to tread with care. This place is a massive cove where fishing is a great resource of food for the dragons that come here to nest during the spring and fall seasons. It is a sight to see the gathering of dragons here as they bring in their new fledglings even some with their companions at their side. Some dragons nest on the sandy beaches while others tend to enjoy nesting in the craggy walls or leaning trees.
GEYSER SPRINGS
In the eastern half of the Thorn Jungle because of the constant churning of lava underneath the surface of the crust there is a place where the pressure if often released. It is here that hot springs can be found, a really nice place for the Ironfolk to go and take bathes or soak their troubles away. Most like to gather here for fun and games, to talk and greet one another after the day of work is over. But beware as well as there are several geyser that are also located here and that is where the pressure is released. Large pillars of heated water shooting many feet into the air and the resulting mist can create rainbows within the sky. When the geysers are docile the water is shockingly clear and has a strange rainbow effect at the bottom of the water.

THE TRADITIONS

WAR DRUMS
The war drums are two very massive drums on each side of the Sanctuary. They were crafted from elephant hide stretched across these hollow instruments. Because of their massive size their sound can travel for miles. These drums are only used when it is a time for war, when a raid is about to be launched to boast the excitement and morale of the army. When one hears these deep baritone sounds at the edged of the Iron Forged territory they better run.

CEREMONIAL SWORDS
These swords are crafted and only given to those promoted. Each rank has a specialized mineral or gem that is used to create a fine blade by way of the Forge. The ceremony is not elaborate but the meaning behind it goes beyond words. These swords are just as sharp any sword that is crafted and can be used as powerful weapons. But some may also hang them up for decoration or continue to carry them down the line as family heirlooms.

DRAGON TAMER
Dragons are abundant within the territory of the Iron Forged. They are a protected species and seen as sacred and powerful beings. It is a crime to kill these beasts unless they are from an enemy group and threatens the Iron Forged. The Dragon Tamer Rite can be done at any time. An ironclad can choose to attempt to befriend and seek a mutual companionship with a wyvern, wyrm, drake, western, or eastern dragon. It is a trial by fire as none really know how these dragons pick and choose their companions. Some are massive in size while others are smaller than a paw. The lustrous creatures accompany their companions into battle as well as mounts to carry mineral loads. The chose place is to meditate near the Wyvern Obelisk.

THE HUNT
The hunt is begun with the call of the Dragonhorn, a sacred large twisted but hollowed out instrument made from the First Dragon. It signifies the time to begin their ruthless conquering. Every other month a Hunt is called and for up to three weeks a group is pinpointed and is the focal point of their pillaging, thievery, ransacking, and destructing.

THE LONGEST NIGHT
On the day of the longest year is when the longest night is held. Called so because it is always held on the longest night of the year. This is the night where both old and young are gathered together in the Sanctuary and a large fire from the lava pits is created. Here they think about everything that they have gone through during the year, good and bad. All those that they have lost and those they have gained. It is a time for celebration to bring in the new year and to continue their strides forward with music and song and feasting. Normally held on the Winter Solstice.

THE RULES

Even though the Ironfolk are a warbound group by nature it is not a lawless land. There are rules that need to be followed. Guidelines so to speak to keep the group from falling into chaos.

-- The Dragon King's word is absolute and there is no room for error. Any violation if the law will be met with strict punishment from the Dragon or his Stonebreaker.
-- Any type of murder or torture is allowed. The group does not morally care about the feelings of others. They live as they see fit and so shall the Ironfolk.
-- The Ironfolk do not often seek out beneficial relationships but that does not mean it can not happen. They seek a showing of strength in assurance of an alliance.
-- Dragons, even the smallest, are never to be killed by an Ironfolk unless the beast is traitorous and from an outside source not residing in their territory.
-- Any fights or disputes will be settled within the Wyrm Pit and the Dragon King will decide a victor.

THE RELATIONS

The Iron Forged is a strong and ruthlessly warbound group. They pride themselves on their savagery upon the battlefield and thus they also measure other's by their strength. If they don't see that a group measures up to their own or if a group has the audacity to think themselves higher or better than they are then the Ironfolk will deem them nothing but the maggots that they are. They have no issues with greeting and meeting other's in a sort of peace but they will not halt attacks until some treaty comes about.

Allies Coalition of the Condemned, The Frostblown
Neutrals Currently none
Enemies The Typhoon, everyone not listed

THE RANKS

DRAGON KING - The one and true ruler in the Mountains. The Dragon King is as ruthless to his enemies as he is kind and generous to his own people. The King stands above all and is the sole one who leads. They are often responsible for the well being of the group, providing meetings and promotions/demotions as well as helping to form raiding parties and special ceremonies that may occur when needed. Through their hard work they have achieved the respect that is necessary to lead and their prowess in combat is unrivaled. The Dragon's rule is law.
BRYMSTONE roleplayed by rhosmari

STONEBREAKER - Considered the deputy in all certain terms they are and will always be the Dragon's right hand. With the means to do what the Dragon does should they not be present. They are the pillar that holds up the united front of the Ironfolk, able to call forth meetings with the Steelclaws, lead raids as well as suggest promotions and demotions and hold events. They keep things flowing within their molten home and will step up to be the next Dragon King when the time arises.

STEELCLAWS - Equivalent to what is considered the assistant deputies. They are law enforcement and they look to make sure that peace is kept within the mountains. They also are allowed to hand out jobs and to make sure that the borders are patrolled and hunting parties are sent out. Food storages must be kept up as they have a harder time with keeping these supplies because of the nature of their territory. Those given this rank have proved that they are capable and adaptive members of the Ironfolk.

ALCHEMIST - Ever crafty and with a keen mind for things that others can not seem to understand. The alchemist dances with life and death. Considered the wielder of both they have intensive knowledge of both life saving herbs and concoctions as well as those that can steal it away just as quickly. They tend to the wounded and are even sometimes dispatched to deal an underhanded blow through poisonous assassination.

FIRESPOUT - Those that are training to become Alchemists. Showing that their mind is fit to hold all the knowledge that is to come with training under one that is as crafty as them. They are willing and can be young or old, deemed rather respected as well for their new endeavors which maybe a dangerous journey all on it's own.

IRON GUARD - A stepping stone rank that allows one of the clad to move forth into the guard. They are seen as more competent, having a grasp on their fighting skills to specialize it. They are often seen as promising for their skill as well as those that have been noticed by the King for their constant work and dedication. Often these animals are used as guards for visitations to other places as well as to help their younger individuals train for when they become part of the clad.
VALE roleplayed by axiom

IRONCLAD - Those that make up the general populous of the Iron Forged. They are hardworking individuals who know their way around the lands that they live in. Focusing on their kinship with one another as well as their fighting and craftmanship of weapons from a variety of substances that they often mine within the underground mines. They are a fearsome folk who shouldn't be trifled with.

THE HISTORY

TBA

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