Ironhold, The Weeping City

A walled city with a tall gate, built in the centre of crater. Sunbeams stream through the sky, illuminating the bridges over the water around the settlement and walkways leading into the city. Toward the centre back is a tall building, bigger than the rest, with a domed roof.

written by Dee, the Weaver in Green

illustrated by Sin, the Weaver in Blue

This is a variant version of the living city of Ironhold. You can include both versions of the city in your game; give them different names, or give them the same name and let the coincidence be a part of your setting.

For those of us who grew up in the warmth of Ironhold’s belly, they are not just a collection of buildings and districts, but a living parent to everyone who takes up residence in the crooked crevices of their stone body.

Ironhold is the largest living Sun Child, walking with careful, deliberate steps on a series of metal legs that are older than the Defeated Empire. They are not perfect. Sometimes they stumble and we have to clean our rooms again (even though we just did yesterday); sometimes they need our help cleaning wisps out of their ears. But for those of us who live in their care… Ironhold isn’t just home. They’re family.

If you tell a story that includes Ironhold, consider the following:

  • Why does the city weep?
  • Where is the city going when they move? How will you know when they get there?
  • If you live in the city, how do you help them stay healthy and safe?
  • What secrets does the city keep about other places in the world? What do they trust you to know?

Story Arc: Their Broken Heart

Living in Ironhold means a commitment to maintaining the city’s delicate infrastructure. In this story, we introduce ourselves to the people who live there and the challenges they face in keeping their city alive.

First Gathering

You find yourselves here, in the Weeping City, on a day of celebration. At some point, you find out that the city has a problem that needs attention—everyone’s attention, including yours.

Into the Grey

Every day in Ironhold’s embrace presents new challenges. Use the skills you bring with you to meet the needs of the city and of the people who reside there with you.

Deck Burner

Somebody is causing irreparable harm to Ironhold, and has holed themselves up in the city’s heart. You know them, from encounters you’ve had with them in the past. Find your Adversary, and get them to leave the city alone. If you don’t, the city themself might not survive the night.

Laid to Rest

The time has come to leave Ironhold, for better or worse. Use this time to remember the friends you made, and those you left behind. How do you say goodbye to a place like this?