Iron Lantern Clan
The Iron Lantern Clan is a revolutionary faction based in the port city of Chóngtóu, nestled within Shang’s southern Jiǔhé Delta. Composed predominantly of Zhūrú mountain dwarves, the clan is as much a symbol of resistance against foreign exploitation as it is a harbinger of discord. Emerging from a collection of dwarven guilds revering Shang’s ancient traditions of craftsmanship and communal harmony, the Iron Lantern Clan now stands as a defiant opponent of the East Caspian Company (ECC) and other forces that threaten Shangese sovereignty. Though viewed as freedom fighters by some, they are condemned by the Li Dynasty as a criminal syndicate whose tactics—sabotage, counterfeiting, and propaganda—plunge the city into turmoil.
The clan's legacy is intertwined with Chóngtóu’s history. Once master artisans who helped shape the city’s foundations, the city's dwarven guilds turned to rebellion after the ECC began encroaching on Shang’s autonomy. Fearing that foreign trade would disrupt their artisanal traditions and undermine their way of life, they have taken it upon themselves to defend their heritage by any means necessary. Beneath their revolutionary zeal lies a deep-seated pride in dwarven heritage and a belief in Shang’s self-determination, though their harsh methods and insular tendencies draw accusations of racism and xenophobia.
Goals
The Iron Lantern Clan seeks to expel all foreign powers from Shangese soil, driven by a deep distrust and animosity toward all outsiders. Their ultimate goal is to restore autonomy and dignity to the nation, safeguarding its traditions from the encroachment of foreign influence and rejecting any external interference in their artisanal way of life. They view their revolutionary efforts as the only means of preserving Shang’s culture and sovereignty in the face of growing exploitation and corruption. Their short-term objectives include sabotaging East Caspian Company infrastructure, disrupting trade routes, intimidating foreign merchants, and rallying public support through propaganda campaigns that cry the dangers of foreigners. Their sabotage and calculated destruction can be brutal, and many of their operations are funded by illegal activities such as smuggling, counterfeiting, and the sale of stolen goods. Their long-term aspirations are far more ambitious, aiming to establish a new governance model rooted in Zhūrú traditions, one that emphasizes decentralized, clan-based hierarchy and self-determination for Shangese citizens. While their mission carries echoes of justice and honor, the Iron Lantern Clan's approach verges on destructive, endangering safety and order in Chóngtóu. As they continue to undermine the ECC’s operations and sow dissent against the imperial government, the clan balances precariously between the ideals of liberation and the realities of rebellion.Relationships
The Iron Lantern Clan maintains a vehement opposition to the East Caspian Company, whose presence they view as a direct threat to Shang’s sovereignty. The ECC’s aggressive tactics and exploitation of Shangese resources and people make them the clan’s sworn enemy. This animosity has led to constant skirmishes, as the clan targets ECC warehouses, smuggling routes, and hired mercenaries in Chóngtóu. In turn, the ECC uses its ally, the Red Blade Syndicate, to suppress the clan’s influence and protect its operations. The imperial government, under the direction of the Order of the Passive Voice, designates the Iron Lantern Clan as a terrorist organization. Public crackdowns on their safehouses and operatives are common, though rumors persist that some magistrates sympathize with the clan’s cause, secretly aiding them in their efforts. Among the common folk of Chóngtóu, the clan holds a polarizing reputation. To many, they are heroes fighting against foreign greed and imperial neglect, while others see them as reckless agitators whose actions endanger innocent lives. The Red Blade Syndicate, aligned with the ECC, is one of the clan’s fiercest rivals. The two groups clash over control of Chóngtóu’s underworld, particularly along the smuggling routes that crisscross the Shēnyǐn Docks. Meanwhile, the clan struggles to gain traction among the city’s other triads and criminal factions, many of whom see the Iron Lanterns as either a threat to their interests or an idealistic cause destined for failure.Figures of Interest
Lady Meiying Wu, the Iron Matron
Female mountain dwarf Lady Meiying Wu, the current leader of the Iron Lantern Clan, inherited her position from her father, the clan’s founder, who envisioned a defensive alliance to protect dwarven artisanship from foreign influence. While her father championed negotiation and unity, Meiying has embraced more militant and uncompromising methods, reflecting the escalating threat of the East Caspian Company. Her leadership has transformed the clan into a formidable insurgent force, prioritizing decisive action over diplomacy. Her belief in defending Zhūrú traditions at any cost has both solidified her followers' loyalty and intensified the perception of the clan as dangerously radical.Grandmaster Liang Chen
Male mountain dwarf Grandmaster Liang Chen serves as the clan’s chief artificer and is the architect of many of their most ingenious and devastating creations. A master craftsman and engineer, he has designed traps, explosives, and firearms that have crippled ECC operations across the region. Reserved and thoughtful, Liang approaches his work with the precision of an artisan and the moral conflict of a reluctant revolutionary, seeing his inventions as tools for survival in a desperate struggle.Lanternbearer Fen Zhu
Male mountain dwarf Lanternbearer Fen Zhu is a controversial and audacious figure within the Iron Lantern Clan. Known for his daring exploits, Fen has become infamous for a chaotic raid on an ECC convoy anchored at the Shēnyǐn Docks, which not only earned him his title but also the ire of the Red Blade Syndicate, whose grunts were caught in the crossfire. Fen is now designated as the Syndicate's public enemy number one, carrying a sizable bounty on his head. His brash demeanor and unorthodox methods make him a divisive figure within the clan, but his charisma and results have earned him a loyal following among younger recruits. Fen’s actions continually escalate tensions, solidifying his reputation as both a revolutionary hero and a dangerous agitator.
Founding Date
1022 PD
Type
Illicit, Rebel
Alternative Names
铁灯帮, Tiě Dēng Bāng
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