Iron Word

The Iron Word was an influential mercenary company operating in the late First and early Second Ages. Founded in 694 1A in the Obsidian city of Korawar, the Iron Word began as a prize-legion but, as it grew larger and more powerful, its influence grew beyond the cities of Obsidios.
In the early Second Age, the Iron Word developed a rivalry with the Menagerie that was, at times, friendly and at others, fierce.

History

First Age

Founded in 694 1A in the city of Korawar, the Iron Word was one of the most enduring of Obsidios' prize-legions – a notoriously short-lived occupation. The company's founder – Jhisara of Korawar – was a duty-bound, honorable woman who wished to break the reputation the prize-legions were infamous for. For the thirty years she led the company, she kept the Iron Word to its implicit promise – it would never violate a contract.
When Jhisara died in battle in 725 1A, however, her successor – and her successor and his successor – did not hold to this solemn vow. Instead, they took bribes and fled from battle and allow the Iron Word's reputation to degrade, until the Iron Word's name was more bitter joke than deathly promise. Thus it was, when Thanatos invaded Auros in 899 2A and the cities of the Schism were seeking expendable prize-legions to throw at the problem, the Iron Word was among their first choices.

Night Wars

Hired to fight an unwinnable war, the Iron Legion slogged through the muck and massacre of the Night Wars for thirty long years. Under three different commanders, they suffered sickness and despair, allying with dwarven armies, orcish qorhvs and elven battalions when necessary. It was during this period that Yorgos of Nyre, future commander of the Iron Word, was born and raised among the itinerant company.
In 24 2A, Tchari Thrak and her ragtag qorhv helped rescue the company from a particularly dicey spot. The thrak demanded a favor from the Iron Word's commander, an unscrupulous character named Zemre of Hishar, who reluctantly agreed. When the war ended eight years later, the Iron Word was only too happy to leave the Spoils for good and seek work elsewhere.

Second Age

When Tchari Thrak called in her favor to help besiege the vampire city of Aos in 48 2A, she was not expecting the faithless Zemre to honor the agreement. When the Iron Word arrived nonetheless, she was surprised to discover Yorgos of Nyre its new commander, intending to honor their word.
For the next two years, the Iron Word – along with Tchari Thrak's other allies – besieged the city of Aos until the vampire occupation was finally broken. Rumors persisted that something blossomed between the thrak and Yorgos but nothing was ever verified.
This done, the Iron Word departed back into the world, their oath fulfilled. Under Yorgos' command, the company was repairing its reputation, beginning to earn the sterling name its ancient founder bestowed upon it.
The Iron Word would not cross paths with Chimera and her new-formed company again until 56 2A. In the wilds of Rubicos, both companies were hired to break the grip the bandit kingdom of Brigandia held over the trading routes of the territory. Their friendly relations were hindered, however, when a bad tip – covertly planted by Yorgos himself – led the Menagerie to attack the Iron Word in the middle of the night, infuriating their paymasters and leading to their termination.
Ever since, the two companies kept their distance – until 68 2A, when both were summoned to Khûm, to compete for the same contract.

Culture & Organization

The Iron Word was founded on the stainless banner of its reputation. In a culture of betrayal and backsliding, it was the founder's wish that one company stand above the rest. This was a legacy the company struggled with much of its history. Only under Yorgos of Nyre did it achieve this lofty ambition again – even if under questionable motives. As a symbol of this bond, Yorgos returned the ancient custom to his troops; wearing an iron shackle on the wrist, to remind them of their obligation.
In later years, the company grew so large it became cumbersome to move and feed. For this reason, Yorgos typically broke the company into three chapters of 1,000 soldiers each. Each chapter was captained by an officer with broad operational authority to navigate their individual contracts but all would report back to Yorgos, who could float between the three chapters, depending on his interest. This allowed the company to stay mobile but also call for reinforcements when necessary.

Campaigns

The Menagerie

• Khûm: Summoned by Dûnya Dragonbane to hunt the final two red dragons, the Iron Word competed with the Menagerie to see who would claim the lucrative contract (Chapter 3). While Dûnya initially told the Iron Word they'd received the contract, she instead gave them the slip and left them hanging (Chapter 4). It was only, a week later, when Dûnya, imprisoned by the Mystriarchy, implored Yorgos of Nyre for help escaping the Sanctum in Stone. The Commander's Tent connected the two via sending and left them to their own devices. A week later, Dûnya arrived at Snowperch with a small contingent of Iron Word mercenaries, while the remainder collected Tyrodax the Wyrmling's gold as payment for freeing the queen (Chapter 13). When Khosava Bracebow was petrified, the Commander's Tent sought aid from the Iron Word's cleric – Goatherd to cast greater restoration on her. Shortly thereafter, they snuck through the Iron Word camp, en route to the Firewood, and discovered they were sheltering the wounded Brother Sorav (Khûm – Chapter 15).

The Iron Word

Banner: Two hands in white, shackled together, on red
Current Commander: Yorgos of Nyre
Founded: 694 1A
Founder: Jhisara of Korawar
Size: Large (3,000 troops – 12 units)