| Iron Dominion | |
|---|---|
| |
| (Organization) | |
| Type | Militaristic Coalition |
| Leader | Kordun Stoneforge |
| Alignment | Lawful Neutral |
| Headquarters | Irtmix (Guakos ) & Ifinbax (Kil'gal ) |
| Goals | Become a dominant force to gather resources for technological progress to be made |
| Structure | Hierarchic |
| Members | Iron Clans , Tinker Clans |
| Motivation | Reclaiming their lost glory and stabilizing their fragmented territories |
| Age | 1804 - 1980 |
| Size | Very large |
| Stability | Stable |
| Enemies | Ramaloce , Irnar , Sharali |
| Allies | Theira , Turalis |
| Resources | Abundant |
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Following The Shattering , regions once united under common causes were now fragmented, each vying for power and survival. Amidst this chaos, the Iron Dominion , a formidable coalition of dwarven and gnomish factions, began to rise to prominence in central Thrakdrak. From 1804 to 1980, the Iron Dominion leveraged its technological prowess and strategic alliances to become a dominant force, reshaping the political landscape of the continent. Alas, due to internal strive, the Iron Dominion eventually segmented into various factions which are bound together in a complex political map. These factions can be aggregated into the Iron Clans (Dwarves) and the Tinker Clans (Gnomes).
Notable members
- High Engineer Grumbar Stoneforge - Leader, disappeared ( ? - 1808 TC )
- Kordun Stoneforge - Leader, disappeared (? - 19TC
- Garrick Stonehand - Leader - Irtmix - 1926 - ? - Disappeared
- Thandor Ironhelm - Leader Ifinbax - Assasinated
- Varek Stonefist - Aggressor of Shattered Fortress - Dead
- Throg Blackhammer - Victor of the Shattered Fortress
- Brynna Deepforge - Defender of the Shattered Fortress - Dead
Notable factions
The dwarven Clans
- Stoneforge clan - Almost Decimated
- Stonefist Clan - Almost Decimated
- Ironhelm Clan - Almost Decimated
- Blackhammer clan - Current leader
The Tinker Clans
- Axlerumble Clan
- Brassneedle Clan
- Cogglefizz Clan
- Dynafuse Clan
- Electrospark Clan
- Flywheel Clan
- Glimmergear Clan
- Hexkey Clan
- Joltcoil Clan
- Klinkwhirl Clan
Others
- Deepforge Loyalists - Disappeared
- Steelclad Rebellion - Disillusioned soldiers
The rise of the Iron Dominion
The Iron Dominion was officially founded in 1804, as the result of a historic gathering of dwarven and gnomish leaders from across central Thrakdrak during The Shattering of Turalis . This coalition was driven by a shared vision of reclaiming their lost glory and stabilizing their fragmented territories. High Engineer Grumbar Stoneforge of the Stoneforge Clan inspired the unification and became the leader of the Iron Dominion .
Key dwarven and gnomish strongholds, including the cities of Irtmix in Guakos , Ifinbax in Kil'Gal , became the centers of this burgeoning coalition. These cities, rich in resources and technological innovation, provided the foundation for the Iron Dominion 's rapid rise.
The Iron Dominion ’s ascent was fueled by significant technological advancements. The dwarves and gnomes pooled their expertise to develop new forms of machinery and weaponry. Innovations in mining and metallurgy allowed them to extract and refine resources more efficiently, bolstering their economic power. The development of advanced war machines and fortifications made the Iron Dominion a formidable military force.
In 1809, High Engineer Grumbar Stoneforge , the leader of the dwarven and gnomish technomancers, disappeared along with several key members of his council. Their loss caused significant disruptions in their efforts to harness the altered landscape and led to internal factionalism. His son, Kordun Stoneforge , emerged as a charismatic leader who could rally the diverse factions.
Strategic alliances played a crucial role in the Iron Dominion ’s expansion. By forging treaties with neighboring regions such as Theira and Turalis , the Iron Dominion secured vital trade routes and mutual defense pacts. These alliances were often sealed through marriages between prominent families, ensuring long-term cooperation and stability.
Between 1820 and 1865, the Iron Dominion focused on internal consolidation and expanding its military capabilities. Kordun Stoneforge led a series of military campaigns to secure key resource sites and fortify strategic locations. These campaigns were characterized by their precision and efficiency, showcasing the Dominion’s technological superiority.
By 1855, the Iron Dominion had established control over several key land trade routes that spanned Thrakdrak . These routes facilitated the movement of goods, resources, and technological innovations across the western side of the continent. The Iron Dominion 's dominance over these trade routes allowed it to exert significant influence over the economic and political affairs of neighboring regions.
The Great Central Road , a vital artery connecting the east and west of Thrakdrak , fell under the control of the Iron Dominion . This road, heavily fortified and patrolled, became a symbol of the Dominion's power. Control of this route ensured the flow of resources and reinforced the Dominion's strategic position.
The rise of the Iron Dominion did not go unnoticed by its neighbors. Regions such as Sharali , Irnar and Edaris , wary of the Dominion's growing power, began to form coalitions of their own to counter its influence. The control over the rade routes led to economic dependencies that created resentment and suspicion among these regions.
In Ramaloce , elven leaders saw the Iron Dominion ’s expansion as a threat to their autonomy. Lord Thalor Windwalker rallied his forces to defend elven territories from what they perceived as encroachment. Skirmishes along the borders became increasingly common, heightening tensions between the elves and the Iron Dominion .
The capture of Mount Karrak , a mineral-rich mountain range in the west of Kil'Gal , provided the Iron Dominion with abundant resources to fuel its expansion. The establishment of Fort Ironclad at the base of the mountain served as both a defensive stronghold and a symbol of the Dominion’s enduring strength.
By 1940, the Iron Dominion had firmly established itself as a dominant force in central Thrakdrak . Its technological advancements, strategic alliances, and control over trade routes had shifted the balance of power on the continent. The rise of the Iron Dominion contributed to the fragmentation of Thrakdrak , as neighboring regions either aligned with or opposed the Dominion's influence.
The Fall of the Iron Dominion
By the mid-20th century, Kil'Gal , a pivotal stronghold of the the Iron Dominion , was a symbol of dwarven might and technological prowess. However, internal divisions and the ever-present threat of external forces placed immense strain on its unity. The Shattered Fortress , a critical bastion within Kil'Gal , became the epicenter of conflict from 1970 to 1980, as rival factions sought to exploit these fractures and seize control.
The seeds of the siege were sown in the years leading up to 1975. Discontent brewed within Kil'Gal as competing factions within the Iron Dominion vied for power. The Iron Dominion 's centralized authority weakened, and rival factions began to see the Shattered Fortress , a strategic and symbolic asset, as the key to dominance. The fortress, known for its impressive defenses and technological innovations, was both a prize and a target.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Kordun Stoneforge disappeared and Lord Thandor Ironhelm , a prominent leader within the Iron Dominion , was assassinated under mysterious circumstances. His death left a power vacuum, sparking a fierce struggle among various factions, each eager to claim the Shattered Fortress and assert their control over Kil'Gal .
In early 1975, the siege began as the first wave of attackers, led by General Varek Stonefist , laid siege to the Shattered Fortress. Varek 's faction, known for its aggressive tactics and relentless pursuit of power, saw the fortress as the linchpin of their strategy. They believed that controlling the Shattered Fortress would cement their dominance over Kil'Gal and the wider Iron Dominion .
Defending the fortress was Commander Brynna Deepforge , a seasoned warrior with unwavering loyalty to the central authority of the Iron Dominion . Brynna and her forces were determined to withstand the siege, but they faced an uphill battle against the well-equipped and highly motivated attackers.
The siege stretched over several grueling years, from 1975 to 1980, marked by intermittent skirmishes, prolonged standoffs, and devastating assaults. The attackers employed a combination of traditional siege tactics and innovative technological warfare, utilizing advanced machinery and explosive devices to breach the fortress's defenses.
Inside the fortress, conditions deteriorated rapidly. Supplies dwindled, and the defenders faced the constant threat of collapse. The once-mighty walls of the Shattered Fortress bore the scars of relentless bombardment, and morale among the defenders waned as hope of relief seemed increasingly distant.
As the siege dragged on, internal divisions within the Iron Dominion deepened. Factions that initially supported the siege began to fracture, their leaders pursuing personal ambitions and settling old scores. This fragmentation weakened the overall effort to capture the fortress, creating a chaotic and unpredictable battlefield.
Amid the turmoil, smaller factions and opportunistic groups emerged, seeking to exploit the chaos for their gain. The Steelclad Rebellion , a breakaway faction of disillusioned soldiers, launched sporadic attacks on both the besiegers and the defenders, further complicating the already dire situation.
In late 1980, after five years of relentless conflict, the Shattered Fortress finally fell. The prolonged siege had taken a heavy toll on both sides, but the attackers, now led by the ambitious Warlord Throg Blackhammer , managed to breach the inner defenses and overwhelm the exhausted defenders.
The fall of the Shattered Fortress was a pyrrhic victory for the attackers. The fortress, once a symbol of strength, lay in ruins, and the cost of victory was staggering. General Varek Stonefist and many of his top commanders were killed in the final assault, leaving a leadership void within the victorious faction.
The siege's end marked the beginning of a new era of fragmentation and internal conflict in Kil'Gal and Guakos . The power vacuum left by the fall of the Shattered Fortress and the death of key leaders led to the rise of smaller factions, each vying for control over the shattered remnants of the Iron Dominion .
Legacy
The rise of the Iron Dominion from 1801 to 1980 left an indelible mark on Thrakdrak. The continent, already divided and fragmented, saw new power dynamics emerge as the Dominion's influence spread. While the technological advancements brought progress and prosperity to some, the accompanying conflicts and rivalries ensured that peace remained elusive. The story of the Iron Dominion is a testament to the complex interplay of power, innovation, and ambition that defined the Age of Enstrangement.
The legacy of the Iron Dominion 's rise is marked by both innovation and conflict. The technological advancements pioneered by the dwarves and gnomes transformed the continent, but the Dominion’s expansion also led to increased tensions and rivalries. The Age of Enstrangement continued, characterized by the delicate dance of power and the ever-present threat of conflict.
The siege's end marked the beginning of a new era of fragmentation and internal conflict in Kil'Gal. The power vacuum left by the fall of the Shattered Fortress and the death of key leaders led to the rise of smaller factions, each vying for control over the shattered remnants of the Iron Dominion . The splintered factions came to be known as the Iron Clans and Tinker Clans . Each of these clans has their own goals, allies, enemies which results in a chaotic political web of intrigue.
Commander Brynna Deepforge , though defeated at the Shatteret Fortress , became a symbol of resistance and unity. Her followers, known as the Deepforge Loyalists , continued to fight for the ideals of the original Iron Dominion , opposing the fracturing factions that now dominate Kil'Gal & Guakos .
The siege and its aftermath further divided the region, intensifying internal conflicts and destabilizing the political landscape. Neighboring regions, sensing Kil'Gal & Guakos's weakened state, began to encroach upon its borders, exacerbating the turmoil.