Ruby Ironclad
Leader Barazamrâl'Aban 'azm'ubdshumr
Physical Description
Identifying Characteristics
Blackened and chain marking wove around the arms of this dwarf and would glow a fire red when he fought in battle.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Historians have placed Ruby Ironclad's birth north of Knurl Sartos, likely from the mountains in what is today's Tribes' territory. Dwarves of the outside world found their way into his mountain dwellings with tales of their brethren down south. Riches and trade were offered, but more than ever the Southern dwarves were asking assistance in fighting a common enemy, the elves. Elves were not seen by these groups of dwarves, yet given their description they were horrible beings killing needlessly and being attempting to eradicate the stone people.
With a group of family and friends, Ruby was one of the scores of dwarves migrating south, encountering more half-orcs as he went. Having worked with half-orcs previously, Ruby convinced some smaller tribes to journey with them, as their years of working together faired well and this new venture could strengthen ties. Once the new dwarves reached the border, however, the half-orcs were denied entry and were turned away due to ongoing war, so officials said at the time. Separating from his new allies Ironclad integrated into the larger society and within several years was a trained soldier.
Moved to the front lines Ironclad not only lived with the restricted freedoms inside dwarven lands, but saw first hand the ferocious battlefield. Soldiers in his platoon were once given the task to counter strike a town that supposedly housed elven forces and spies. Upon entering the town, quickly slaying the guards, Ironclad and his team found almost no other combatants and the attack was halted. Orders continued down the line instructing the soldiers to pillage, burn, and kill all witnesses despite Ironclad's report of innocents.
After some discussion among his team, Ironclad realized this town was hit mainly for supplies as food and basic medicine were almost always thin along the frontlines. This fact contradicted Blackpit's claim that the country was strong and thriving while fighting this war. Dissatisfied soldiers refused to continue with the attack and withdrew, not before warning the remaining town to take any supplies they could and to run off. Ironclad's platoon feigned under the lie that they were laying a siege and were attempting to starve out the town, but eventually commanders realized the rouse. The platoon was captured and confined in jail, their trials to be determined later as traitors to the country. Sadly, half of the town did not escape Blackpit's forces and as punishment they were tortured in front of Ironclad's platoon. Following the unneeded execution of those prisoners, Ironclad resolved himself to escape and fight against the tyrannical Blackpit.
Legend says Ironclad tried to pray to Boritha Knurla fruitlessly as no answer returned. Frustrated and not knowing what else to do, Ironclad managed to file down the bone of a spoiled turkey leg to a point and with the makeshift weapon he thrust it into his heart. Witnesses would report Ironclad slumping over and waking up an hour later with renewed strength and magic, tearing at his cage and bonds. Freeing his fellow soldiers and escaping their prison would allow Ironclad to disappear into the wilderness to regroup.
Boldly the platoon would split up, moving up and down the frontlines recruiting soldiers who were unsatisfied with the government, tired of the needless killing. Such a plot took almost a year, but as time passed Ironclad's guerrilla forces fought back against Blackpit's government forces. The Civil War of the dwarves took place over 17 years until Blackpit was cornered in 3371. Ironclad was certain to see Blackpit go on trial and with the testimony of hundreds, it was easily determined Blackpit's war and power were out of control. Years later Ironclad found himself fighting Blackpit directly when Blackpit forces attacked his home in an effort to take Ironclad's family hostage.
The battle is said to have astonished every dwarf that the common foot soldiers of each side could not find it in themselves to fight each other because the clash between the leaders was spectacular. Unbeknownst to Blackpit, Ironclad found a way to call on otherworldly forces and with this power the two were evenly matched. Blow for blow, cut for cut, and blood for blood. Finally, one more move determined the outcome and Blackpit's head was separated from his body. Some of Blackpit's forces began to fight back, though most quickly surrendered after witnessing the fall of their great leader.
Hereafter Ironclad and his descendants took control of the budding the country, trying to repair the damage of Blackpit's reign. Doing so took much time, at least a century, yet the people praised the Ironclad family. The populace attempted to crown Ironclad king, though he turned down the title and his children would also not pick up the crown. To the surprise of all Ironclad lived until he was 370 years old, passing away in his sleep with a diary found upon his breast. This diary was analyzed and copied with stories of his exploits, especially his time in Blackpit's prison. As of today Ironclad and the Ironclad name are fondly celebrated, honored, and remembered.
With a group of family and friends, Ruby was one of the scores of dwarves migrating south, encountering more half-orcs as he went. Having worked with half-orcs previously, Ruby convinced some smaller tribes to journey with them, as their years of working together faired well and this new venture could strengthen ties. Once the new dwarves reached the border, however, the half-orcs were denied entry and were turned away due to ongoing war, so officials said at the time. Separating from his new allies Ironclad integrated into the larger society and within several years was a trained soldier.
Moved to the front lines Ironclad not only lived with the restricted freedoms inside dwarven lands, but saw first hand the ferocious battlefield. Soldiers in his platoon were once given the task to counter strike a town that supposedly housed elven forces and spies. Upon entering the town, quickly slaying the guards, Ironclad and his team found almost no other combatants and the attack was halted. Orders continued down the line instructing the soldiers to pillage, burn, and kill all witnesses despite Ironclad's report of innocents.
After some discussion among his team, Ironclad realized this town was hit mainly for supplies as food and basic medicine were almost always thin along the frontlines. This fact contradicted Blackpit's claim that the country was strong and thriving while fighting this war. Dissatisfied soldiers refused to continue with the attack and withdrew, not before warning the remaining town to take any supplies they could and to run off. Ironclad's platoon feigned under the lie that they were laying a siege and were attempting to starve out the town, but eventually commanders realized the rouse. The platoon was captured and confined in jail, their trials to be determined later as traitors to the country. Sadly, half of the town did not escape Blackpit's forces and as punishment they were tortured in front of Ironclad's platoon. Following the unneeded execution of those prisoners, Ironclad resolved himself to escape and fight against the tyrannical Blackpit.
Legend says Ironclad tried to pray to Boritha Knurla fruitlessly as no answer returned. Frustrated and not knowing what else to do, Ironclad managed to file down the bone of a spoiled turkey leg to a point and with the makeshift weapon he thrust it into his heart. Witnesses would report Ironclad slumping over and waking up an hour later with renewed strength and magic, tearing at his cage and bonds. Freeing his fellow soldiers and escaping their prison would allow Ironclad to disappear into the wilderness to regroup.
Boldly the platoon would split up, moving up and down the frontlines recruiting soldiers who were unsatisfied with the government, tired of the needless killing. Such a plot took almost a year, but as time passed Ironclad's guerrilla forces fought back against Blackpit's government forces. The Civil War of the dwarves took place over 17 years until Blackpit was cornered in 3371. Ironclad was certain to see Blackpit go on trial and with the testimony of hundreds, it was easily determined Blackpit's war and power were out of control. Years later Ironclad found himself fighting Blackpit directly when Blackpit forces attacked his home in an effort to take Ironclad's family hostage.
The battle is said to have astonished every dwarf that the common foot soldiers of each side could not find it in themselves to fight each other because the clash between the leaders was spectacular. Unbeknownst to Blackpit, Ironclad found a way to call on otherworldly forces and with this power the two were evenly matched. Blow for blow, cut for cut, and blood for blood. Finally, one more move determined the outcome and Blackpit's head was separated from his body. Some of Blackpit's forces began to fight back, though most quickly surrendered after witnessing the fall of their great leader.
Hereafter Ironclad and his descendants took control of the budding the country, trying to repair the damage of Blackpit's reign. Doing so took much time, at least a century, yet the people praised the Ironclad family. The populace attempted to crown Ironclad king, though he turned down the title and his children would also not pick up the crown. To the surprise of all Ironclad lived until he was 370 years old, passing away in his sleep with a diary found upon his breast. This diary was analyzed and copied with stories of his exploits, especially his time in Blackpit's prison. As of today Ironclad and the Ironclad name are fondly celebrated, honored, and remembered.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Passages of Ironclad's diary were copied and eventually sold publically. One main focus that has been studied for centuries is Ironclad's period when he was detained by Blackpit forces as a soldier. Ironclad wrote that finding himself in despair after witnessing such horrors, he realized he would rather die with some dignity and in his own time. Plunging his spiked bone into his breast, Ironclad found himself infront of the Sky Cottage and after knocking gained entry to confront Boritha Knurla. Surprised the god existed he was judged and ready to be sent either as an animal or possibly forwarded to the Allfather if he continued to speak well. Instead Ironclad was frustrated and demanded to know why Boritha Knurla did nothing to help his people, only to receive a shrug. According to Boritha Knurla, he had been napping and was not very aware of what was happening below.
Still infuriated Ironclad scolded him for how could he not realize what was going on if scores of soldiers, from Blackpit forces or Ironclad's, were knocking on his door after death. Another shrug, time passed differently here, so the visiting souls would not come all at once or quite near each other, and none whined as much as Ironclad. Since it appeared Ironclad needlessly wasted his life, ending it early without further giving Boritha Knurla payment, and due to his pestering, the god was ready to send the soul along as a slave.
With a strike of inspiration, Ironclad presented him a counter offer: send him back to Pamant and by ending the war the economy would flow again. If the economy repaired itself then the people would be able to give gold offerings again, and with increased war meant increased death. Increased death meant less gold. Interested with this business prospect, Boritha Knurla struck a bargain: send Ironclad's soul back to the living with assisted powers and assist with bringing the gold back. However, if Ironclad was unsuccessful he would return to become a slave for the Allfather. Even if Ironclad failed and lived out his days in disgrace, no matter what he would turn as a soul slave. With the bargain agreed the two wrote up a contract, signed it in blood, and the ink on the parchment wrapped around Ironclad's arms.
Returning to the land of the living, his comrades report that he arose with a fire in his eyes and his arms wrapped by something glowing. Later on his fellows would note that his arms were permanently branded with tattoos of chains, markings that glowed when Ironclad ran into battle.
Further analysis from clerics believe that the contract of the god and the mortal written in ink and blood was a permanent reminder for Ironclad. After successfully overthrowing Blackpit and returning the country to some stability, Ironclad bore these markings until the day he passed. Clerics preparing his body for burial noted that the arm markings suddenly burned, though nothing else on his person caught fire. Instead the fire burned for a few moments and disappeared, leaving behind clean arms. Seeing this miracle it was interpreted that Ironclad successfully completed his contract and moved onward to work for the Allfather.
Another important exploit involves Ironclad's first years in power when he was attempting keep the results of the civil war quiet. It did seem that the dwarves were up to some plan and for this elf forces were withdrawn for fear Blackpit was mounting a second major wave. Despite the withdraw the budding dwarf kingdom did lose territory to the elves, while other lands remained unclaimed by neither force. In this time, border security was vastly increased to stop and deter elf spies from discovering that peace had befallen the kingdom. Another story in Ironclad's diary notes that as a drastic measure, soldiers and citizen volunteers were called for one of the biggest deceptions in history. The plan: dress soldiers and citizens in gear of Ironclad and Blackpit forces and "fight" in a stronghold. Information of this battle was purposely leaked and it gave elf spies an opportunity to witness the "feeble" forces of Ironclad vs. Blackpit.
Weapons clanged, bodies fell, and fake blood was spurted everywhere. Having practiced in advance, the battle was choreographed so it would appear that Blackpit was victorious and his banner waved over the "burning" battlefield. As it was predicted, when it seemed the stronghold was kept by Blackpit forces, elven spies did not stay long enough to view the details of the aftermath. By reporting Blackpit's "victory" elf military leaders determined Blackpit was a fiendish, intelligent enemy who was preparing a second strike, and the best course of action would be to prepare the elven kingdoms for this new onslaught. On the elven side, resources would be amassed and wasted as a second major wave never came from the dwarf side.
Still infuriated Ironclad scolded him for how could he not realize what was going on if scores of soldiers, from Blackpit forces or Ironclad's, were knocking on his door after death. Another shrug, time passed differently here, so the visiting souls would not come all at once or quite near each other, and none whined as much as Ironclad. Since it appeared Ironclad needlessly wasted his life, ending it early without further giving Boritha Knurla payment, and due to his pestering, the god was ready to send the soul along as a slave.
With a strike of inspiration, Ironclad presented him a counter offer: send him back to Pamant and by ending the war the economy would flow again. If the economy repaired itself then the people would be able to give gold offerings again, and with increased war meant increased death. Increased death meant less gold. Interested with this business prospect, Boritha Knurla struck a bargain: send Ironclad's soul back to the living with assisted powers and assist with bringing the gold back. However, if Ironclad was unsuccessful he would return to become a slave for the Allfather. Even if Ironclad failed and lived out his days in disgrace, no matter what he would turn as a soul slave. With the bargain agreed the two wrote up a contract, signed it in blood, and the ink on the parchment wrapped around Ironclad's arms.
Returning to the land of the living, his comrades report that he arose with a fire in his eyes and his arms wrapped by something glowing. Later on his fellows would note that his arms were permanently branded with tattoos of chains, markings that glowed when Ironclad ran into battle.
Further analysis from clerics believe that the contract of the god and the mortal written in ink and blood was a permanent reminder for Ironclad. After successfully overthrowing Blackpit and returning the country to some stability, Ironclad bore these markings until the day he passed. Clerics preparing his body for burial noted that the arm markings suddenly burned, though nothing else on his person caught fire. Instead the fire burned for a few moments and disappeared, leaving behind clean arms. Seeing this miracle it was interpreted that Ironclad successfully completed his contract and moved onward to work for the Allfather.
Another important exploit involves Ironclad's first years in power when he was attempting keep the results of the civil war quiet. It did seem that the dwarves were up to some plan and for this elf forces were withdrawn for fear Blackpit was mounting a second major wave. Despite the withdraw the budding dwarf kingdom did lose territory to the elves, while other lands remained unclaimed by neither force. In this time, border security was vastly increased to stop and deter elf spies from discovering that peace had befallen the kingdom. Another story in Ironclad's diary notes that as a drastic measure, soldiers and citizen volunteers were called for one of the biggest deceptions in history. The plan: dress soldiers and citizens in gear of Ironclad and Blackpit forces and "fight" in a stronghold. Information of this battle was purposely leaked and it gave elf spies an opportunity to witness the "feeble" forces of Ironclad vs. Blackpit.
Weapons clanged, bodies fell, and fake blood was spurted everywhere. Having practiced in advance, the battle was choreographed so it would appear that Blackpit was victorious and his banner waved over the "burning" battlefield. As it was predicted, when it seemed the stronghold was kept by Blackpit forces, elven spies did not stay long enough to view the details of the aftermath. By reporting Blackpit's "victory" elf military leaders determined Blackpit was a fiendish, intelligent enemy who was preparing a second strike, and the best course of action would be to prepare the elven kingdoms for this new onslaught. On the elven side, resources would be amassed and wasted as a second major wave never came from the dwarf side.
Morality & Philosophy
Since Ironclad grew up outside of Blackpit's rule, he lived and worked with elements of freedom that were stripped away by common dwarves at this time. At first he agreed with the government policies as they seemed reasonable during wartime. Yet, his time as a soldier helped him see the truth of how Blackpit was ruling as a tyrannical leader with fear and power. His morale and mercy helped spare the lives of half a town during his time as a soldier when he and his platoon began to defect. Eventually other like minded individuals who desired peace pledged themselves under his banner. Knowing he had allies with half-orcs, Ironclad would return to the northern borders of the country seeking additional forces with half-orcs. At this point citizens were paranoid of other humanoids and Blackpit philosophy found only dwarves could trust dwarves.
Bridging the gap between these races and winning the civil war, half-orcs were praised and rewarded for their support despite some local opposition. Ironclad would on numerous occasions draft up and offer a peace treaty between elf forces and the dwarven territory, but his fellow new leaders would not yield. While they did not desire to continue fighting with the elves, they did not desire to surrender or find compromise for elven troops were seen as the first aggressors in the conflict. To create a working environment and to satisfy the public and emerging leaders, Ironclad offered to cease fighting with the elves, but to also not reveal that the Civil War was over. In this way, Ironclad wove a deception, making it appear that fighting in the dwarf territory was ongoing and/ or one of the forces was preparing to deal a massive strike, similar to how Blackpit quieted down for 5 years to amount power against the elf troops.
Bridging the gap between these races and winning the civil war, half-orcs were praised and rewarded for their support despite some local opposition. Ironclad would on numerous occasions draft up and offer a peace treaty between elf forces and the dwarven territory, but his fellow new leaders would not yield. While they did not desire to continue fighting with the elves, they did not desire to surrender or find compromise for elven troops were seen as the first aggressors in the conflict. To create a working environment and to satisfy the public and emerging leaders, Ironclad offered to cease fighting with the elves, but to also not reveal that the Civil War was over. In this way, Ironclad wove a deception, making it appear that fighting in the dwarf territory was ongoing and/ or one of the forces was preparing to deal a massive strike, similar to how Blackpit quieted down for 5 years to amount power against the elf troops.
Species
Life
3701
4071
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Red
Hair
Amber Blonde
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Vanilla
Height
4' 4"
Weight
204 lbs
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