Ironstar
Ironstar is the capital of Miennach, the Miner's Aspect. Its great structures are made of stone, overlooked by Wellspring Keep, the home of the Carbonhill Clan. It was carved into the side of the mountain and the higher one climbs, the richer and more powerful the people get.
Ironstar is roughly divided into three districts: The Brimstone, the district at the foot of the mountain, where the raw materials are processed, smelted, etc. and then distributed; Glinting Market, the central district where most blacksmiths and jewellers have their shops; Wellspring, where all of the happenings are controlled and where Wellspring Keep is located.
At night, Ironstar is illuminated by large Glowstones, said to be the largest known specimens in the world and to have been harvested by an ancient people when they built the city. At dusk, one often encounters the Glowmen, hooded sorcerers that light the crystals using specialised enchantments and incantations. These natural and beautiful street lights are one of the main attractions for tourists, of which there are not many in the city. However, the few that do visit often find themselves lavishly spending money on Glowstone fragments and uniquely crafted jewellery.
People and Culture
The population of Ironstar is made up of crafters and makers of various talents, all drawn to the abundance of raw materials from the area, as well as miners, who will almost never be out of work. The people of Ironstar are mostly part of a lower-than-average wealth class, with exception of the members of the Carbonhill Clan, the collective owners of the local mines and thus exceptionally rich, as well as a number of other wealthy mine owners, tradespeople, and famous artisans. Interestingly, the fact that the houses are mostly underground make Ironstar a very popular place among dark elves. Ironstar's population is slightly older than the average, with there being not too much to attract younger individuals (for example, there is no larger college) leading them to often move away. Still, the large amount of open jobs attract more than enough workers to sustain the population.Industry and Trade
As the capital of the Miner’s Aspect, Ironstar is where raw materials gained in its many mines are collected, processed and sold. Within the city are many smiths and jewellers, crafting treasures and trinkets to be sold in the other Aspects. Most of the exports are transported out either by water (over Titan's Hand) or by road to Zheford's airship dock. Food is a vital import, as almost all soil in Miennach is infertile, making farming nearly impossible.Architecture
Ironstar was carved into the side of a mountain, originally by the Elphead and then later expanded during the Great Mending, the topmost point of the city being Wellspring Keep halfway up the mountain. All of the buildings have been made of stone, with ancient carvings, gargoyles, and sculptures adorning them. Additionally, almost every house has a symbol or insignia carved into the stone, marking the safety to keep one's home. The structures are all either directly carved into the mountain or otherwise built with the stone of it. Often, houses have an entrance room at the surface, the main part being subterranean. Otherwise, the structures are quite simple—a square style with flat rooftops.Guilds and Factions
The most important local faction is the Carbonhill Clan, the long-time rulers of Ironstar. In the Glinting Market, one can also find a small group of people calling themselves the Sapphire Sisters, all jewellers and artisans. It is also difficult to find any citizen of Ironstar who is not member of a guild or union of some sort, especially miners and traders. Additionally, deep in the heart of the mountain lies the Underbelly, a complex system of caves where a branch of the Silent Shepherds is located.Maps
-
Ironstar
Alternative Name(s)
Isbiaron (Old Syollan)
Type
City
Population
~600'000
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
"When people consider travelling to Miennach (which they already rarely do), they might think to see the famous Titan's Hand or go snowwalking in the Kesavan mountains. But in doing so, they will miss out on the capital, Ironstar, the Aspect's hidden gem. While there are no flashy resorts or towering statues, the city radiates an ancient energy. Never have I felt so connected to the past (nor had as good a Lavender Ale) as when I visited Ironstar.—Bellinda Thweston, Travelling Outside the Box: A Guide to Underappreciated Destinations (published 1400)
Comments