Population
~2,000+
Ruler
Lord Cormac Ironheart II
Location
Northern hills, Stonetalon Range
Economy
Iron mining, metalwork
Garrison
The Ironsworn enforcers
Threat Level
High — convict labor, rebellion
Overview
Nestled high in the jagged northern hills, Ironholt is a bustling mining town encased by sheer granite cliffs and fortified walls. The air is thick with the acrid tang of molten metal and the rhythmic pounding of hammers, underscoring the town's essence as a forge for Fort Valiance's military and industrial needs.
Ironholt is under the control of House Ironheart, a minor noble family known for ambition and ruthlessness. The current patriarch, Lord Cormac Ironheart II, is unafraid to delve into morally dubious alliances with hobgoblins and orcs. His pragmatic governance ensures productivity at great cost to its labor force — many miners are convicts sentenced to labor by the High Courts of Fort Valiance.
Key Features
The Iron Mines
Deep mountain tunnels rumored to reach veins of magically-touched metals. Collapses and monstrous incursions are common.
The Forge District
Alive with fire and industry — blacksmiths craft weapons, armor, and tools renowned throughout the region.
The Gilded Spire
Lord Cormac's residence and administrative hub. Defensive practicality meets austere opulence.
The Iron Hollow
Subterranean tavern and market for miners and adventurers. Also a hub for illicit dealings overseen by House Ironheart.
Gateway to the Frostfall Clans
Ironholt stands as the last bastion of safety before the treacherous Far Mountains and Frostfall Clan territory. It serves as strategic outpost, supply center, and hub of conflict — tensions between House Ironheart and Frostfall raiders flare often.
The journey north involves frozen valleys, frost spirits, winter wolves, frost trolls, and the mysterious Whispering Stones sacred to the clans.
Tensions & Adventure Hooks
The Sons of Iron — an underground movement seeks to overthrow House Ironheart's brutal rule
Deep mine tunnels have broken into something ancient, and miners are disappearing
A Frostfall raiding party approaches, and Lord Cormac seeks to broker a secret deal
Convict miners beg for help escaping — but the Ironsworn enforcers are watching
Cormac's alliances with monstrous races create diplomatic rifts with Fort Valiance