Irongate, Free City of

Irongate, the City of Stairs, is a thriving trade hub and fortress of defiance, renowned for its impenetrable walls, rich culture, and deep-rooted independence. Led by the enigmatic Unthera Selvich, secretly a bronze dragon, the city stands as a cornerstone of the Iron League, ever vigilant against the tyranny of Aerdy.

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History

Known as the City of Stairs, Irongate began as a major trading port in Onnwal, developing a culture of tolerance and independence due to its diverse visitors. When Aerdy descended into tyranny, unease spread within the city. In 446 CY, the Lord Mayor led an envoy to the court of the Herzog of South Province to present their grievances. The delegation was imprisoned, subjected to a mock trial, and executed by ritual torture for the amusement of the Overking’s court.

This atrocity ignited a full-scale rebellion in 447 CY, leading to the fracturing of South Province and the founding of the Iron League, an alliance of rebellious states. Despite its newfound independence, Irongate faced immediate peril as the Great Kingdom laid siege to the city. In the legendary Battle of a Thousand Banners, the city’s forces, aided by human and gray elven allies, tricked the besieging army into believing they were outnumbered. Panic set in, and the fleeing enemy was ruthlessly cut down.

Politics and Society

Irongate retains its spirit of rebellion and tolerance, which fueled its uprising against the Great Kingdom. As a founding member of the Iron League, it maintains strong ties with Idee, Sunndi, and Onnwal. The city thrives as a cosmopolitan trade hub, known for its master artisans, scholars, and merchants.

The true ruler of Irongate is Unthera Selvich, a bronze dragon who has lived among dwarves for centuries, posing as a wise and seemingly ageless leader. Known for her strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication to the city, Unthera guides Irongate with wisdom and a deep commitment to justice, though few suspect her true nature.

Religion

It is said that Zilchus Himself blessed the city’s foundation, ensuring its commercial prosperity. Many come to Irongate to seek the favor of the God of Business, and the city remains a center for trade and financial enterprise. Temples to Moradin, Boccob, and Fortubo also flourish, serving the city's sizable dwarven and gnomish populations.

Military

Irongate is heavily fortified, with massive, impenetrable walls designed to withstand any siege. Its defenses include:

• A strong naval squadron, patrolling the Azure Sea and ensuring the city's trade routes remain open.
• A standing force of armored crossbowmen, deployed in defense of any League member threatened by Aerdy.
• A militia of 2,000 heavy infantry, well-trained and battle-ready within a day’s notice. These troops wield spetums and glaive-guisarmes and are renowned for their discipline and resilience.
• An island citadel, guarding the bay with a network of interlocking gates that control access to the city’s waters.

Notable Locales

The Deep Undercity

Beneath Irongate lies an extensive Undercity, said to stretch twice as deep as the towers and walls rise above. This subterranean realm is home to dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, as well as hidden wonders and ancient secrets.

At its heart lie the Deep Doors, a legendary gateway rumored to lead to the Underoerth, the domain of drow, illithids, and darker things. These doors are under constant guard by elite dwarven warriors and human spellcasters. Between the gates, a small trade village has emerged, where beings from both worlds meet to exchange goods, knowledge, and—sometimes—secrets best left undiscovered.

Helkam’s Pit

One of the most famous establishments in Irongate, Helkam’s Pit is a mystical tavern where adventurers, scholars, and outlandish beings gather. Legends whisper that its patrons include travelers from other planes, and that the inn itself exists partially outside of time, making it a place of both opportunity and peril.

Final Notes

Irongate remains a fortress of defiance and ingenuity, standing as a bulwark against the tyrants of Aerdy. Its people, led by the enigmatic and benevolent Unthera Selvich, will fight to the last to preserve their freedom, prosperity, and independence.

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Proper Name: Free City of Irongate

Ruler: Mayor Unthera Selvich (appears as a dwarf)

Government: Lord mayor elected by city council for a ten-year term; city council made up of old nobles, merchants, clerics, military heads

Major Settlements: Irongate

Resources: Gems (II, III), iron ore

Population: Human, Dwarf, Halfling

Law: LN

Allies: Iron Hills, Onnwal, Sunndi, Nyrond

Enemies: Scarlet Order, Ahlissa

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