Ironfire is a young city, but a vigorous and growing one. The center of the mercenary trade as well as Sundara’s production of dragon steel, fortunes are made and lost there every day. It is a place where sellswords seek new masters, where alchemical discoveries are made and where a thousand rumors are born with the sunrise, and spread wide by the time it sets.

From mysterious ships in the harbor, to black-clad vigilantes in Ghostborough, from imported aether weapons growing more popular in Stone Pole, and industrial exhibits on display from cities across Sundara, the rumor mill in Ironfire is quite busy. Which rumors have a glimmer of truth to them, and which are merely whispers in the wind, is up to you!

Here are some sample results:

Arming gauntlets (simple, leather gauntlets worn over the sword hand and forearm for extra protection) have become a fashion statement as much as a piece of practical gear in Stone Pole. However, while these accessories are often worn to mark one as a member of the iron trade, others whisper that it’s grown so popular because these gauntlets cover prominent identifying marks left on the hands and wrists. Everything from gang tattoos, to pirate brands, to conscript scars can be easily hidden with these gloves… and it’s also why it’s said that those wearing fresh gauntlets with no scars of use on them aren’t to be trifled with. After all, there’s no telling what they might be hiding beneath that leather.

Shoaldava have been seen in ever-increasing numbers throughout the Harbour district in recent months. The Shoaldava are a clan of Barradan orcs who once called the depths beyond the Bay of Swords
home. They claimed the runoff from the Dragon Forge was destroying their home, and while the alchemists attempted to make concessions, it eventually led to war. This was decades ago, and though the underwater coalition fought bravely, they were outmatched by the forces Ironfire brought to bear. They splintered afterward, and were scattered by the tides. So seeing this many of these orcs present all at once, even after so much time has passed, has many in the district on pins and screws while they wait for something to happen.

Many Middleshade buildings are adding additional stories, since there isn’t really room in the district to build outward. Many of these extra structures also include aerial vents, which is a common house-cooling technique used in Silkgift. However, while some say this is merely a sign of wealth and a strategy to increase the living space in the district, others whisper that the air near the ground is growing tainted, and that soon the residents of the district will all need to wrap their faces just like those in Ghostborough.

Released: 21st December 2024 Pages: 28

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