The Blackiron Brotherhood

The Blackiron Brotherhood was established by Kenzil Wellen, a former high-ranking officer of the Ashenvale City Watch, who left under mysterious circumstances. Disillusioned by the corruption he saw within the city's administration and law enforcement, Kenzil formed the Brotherhood as a mercenary guild that would operate under its own code. Officially, they offer protection and military expertise to those who can afford their steep fees, but rumors persist about their involvement in less savory activities, including intimidation, smuggling, and assassination contracts. Operating primarily in the darker corners of Harrowfrost and surrounding regions, the Brotherhood's reputation for effectiveness and discretion makes them a favored choice among those in power who need delicate problems handled quietly.

Structure

The Blackiron Brotherhood operates under a strict and hierarchical structure designed to maintain discipline and ensure the smooth execution of their operations. At the top is Kenzil Wellen, the Ironmaster, whose strategic decisions and leadership shape the guild's direction. He oversees all contracts, client relations, and major decisions, ensuring that the Brotherhood stays true to its founding principles.
Directly beneath the Ironmaster is The Steel Command, a group of senior members who have demonstrated exceptional loyalty and effectiveness. These trusted lieutenants handle the day-to-day operations, including mission planning, training new recruits, and enforcing internal discipline. Their role is crucial in maintaining the Brotherhood's high standards and secrecy.
The Hammer Guard comprises elite mercenaries who are tasked with the most challenging and high-stakes contracts. These members are handpicked for their skills and loyalty, often serving as personal enforcers and bodyguards to the Ironmaster and the Steel Command.
The majority of the guild's operatives fall into The Iron Ranks, a group of battle-hardened mercenaries trained to follow orders without question. They handle a variety of tasks, from protection details to covert operations, embodying the guild's ruthless efficiency.
At the entry level are The Anvil Recruits, new members who undergo rigorous training and trials to prove their worth. They are taught the Brotherhood's code and skills necessary for their work, including combat, stealth, and subterfuge. Recruits must demonstrate unwavering loyalty and competence to ascend the ranks.
Membership in the Blackiron Brotherhood is a commitment to a life of secrecy, strength, and ruthlessness. Members are bound by oaths and rituals, such as the Forging Ceremony and the Blood Oath, which symbolize their dedication to the guild's cause. Betrayal is met with swift and brutal retribution, ensuring that loyalty within the Brotherhood is absolute.

Hierarchy

• Ironmaster
• The Steel Command
• The Hammer Guard
• The Iron Ranks
• The Anvil Recruits

Culture

The Blackiron Brotherhood is built on a culture of secrecy, loyalty, and ruthlessness. Members are indoctrinated into a strict code where loyalty to the Brotherhood is paramount, and betrayals are met with death. The guild values strength and discretion, training its members to leave no trace of their actions and never reveal details about their missions or employers. Rituals such as the Forging Ceremony and the Blood Oath cement the members' commitment to the guild, fostering a sense of unity and unwavering dedication. This culture creates a tightly-knit, disciplined group that prioritizes profit above all, willing to take on any job regardless of its moral implications.

Public Agenda

Publicly, the Blackiron Brotherhood presents itself as a legitimate mercenary guild offering protection and military expertise. They emphasize their readiness to provide high-quality services to those who can afford their fees, ensuring security and efficiency in their operations. The Brotherhood maintains a façade of legitimacy, highlighting their role in maintaining order and offering solutions to security issues. Behind this public image, however, lies a network of illicit activities, including intimidation, smuggling, and assassination, which they conduct with utmost secrecy to protect their reputation and operations.

Assets

The Blackiron Brotherhood possesses a range of assets, including their primary headquarters hidden within the shadows of Harrowfrost. This base is well-fortified and equipped with training facilities, armories, and planning rooms. Financially, the guild is supported by the steep fees they charge for their services, as well as earnings from their clandestine activities. The Brotherhood also maintains a network of safe houses and contacts throughout the region, ensuring they can operate efficiently and discreetly. Their emblem, a crossed hammer and sword over a black anvil, symbolizes their martial prowess and unyielding nature.

History

Founded in 4745 EoS by Kenzil Wellen, the Blackiron Brotherhood emerged from Kenzil's disillusionment with the corruption within Ashenvale's administration. Seeking to create a group that operated under its own strict code, Kenzil attracted like-minded individuals who valued loyalty, strength, and discretion. Over the years, the Brotherhood has grown in size and influence, taking on increasingly complex and high-stakes contracts. Despite persistent rumors about their involvement in criminal activities, the Brotherhood has maintained a façade of legitimacy, allowing them to operate openly while engaging in illicit deeds under the radar. Kenzil's leadership has kept the guild tightly controlled, ensuring their reputation for effectiveness and secrecy remains intact.

Forged in Shadows, Bound by Iron

Founding Date

4745 EoS

Type

Military, Mercenary Group

Demonym

Blackirons

Leader

Kenzil Wellen

Leader Title

Ironmaster

Founders

• Kenzil Wellen