The Iron Ring
"Knowledge is power"
Throughout the years, the King's of Arden have sought advisors, confidants and all manner of individuals to help them run the Kingdom. Wise sorcerers, military commanders and powerful merchants have all come and gone from the Royal Court, each with their own individual goals and aspirations. All have served the King and found great renown in doing so.
There is one organisation that has managed to keep itself relevant to all King's for the past 500 years. Known as The Iron Ring, this secretive organisation is made up of Nobility found within the Capitol City of Ardenholt. For centuries, this has remained a select few families in the upper echelons of Ardenholt, each passing down knowledge and responsibility to the next generation. Behind the scenes, they advise and assist the King in his rule, often for the betterment of the Kingdom, but also to enforce the Iron Ring's own power.
There is one organisation that has managed to keep itself relevant to all King's for the past 500 years. Known as The Iron Ring, this secretive organisation is made up of Nobility found within the Capitol City of Ardenholt. For centuries, this has remained a select few families in the upper echelons of Ardenholt, each passing down knowledge and responsibility to the next generation. Behind the scenes, they advise and assist the King in his rule, often for the betterment of the Kingdom, but also to enforce the Iron Ring's own power.
Structure
At the head of The Iron Ring is the Lord-Preceptor. It is his duty to appoint new members and oversee any dealing the organisation has. In times of disagreement, the Lord-Preceptor will have the final say. The rank has passed from various Nobles over the centuries, often when the previous has stepped down or died. However, it is also known for a Lord-Preceptor to give the Title willingly to another member, one better suited for the role due to current events. An example is in times of war, a Lord-Preceptor may be appointed that is more knowledgable in warfare, and more able to access and guide the situation.
Beneath the Lord-Preceptor is the Inner Circle. Made up of the highest ranking members of The Iron Ring, it is these individuals that will sit in the Royal Court and advise the King directly. Only the the most prized members of the organisation are selected for this duty, and it is often limited to the five major families that have been in The Iron Ring for generations.
Outside of the Royal Court, several members of other Noble Houses throughout Arden are also members of The Iron Ring. Joining with the thoughts of power and influence, it is rare that these individuals ever end up in the Inner Circle, often simply being puppets for the plots and plans of the Inner Circle. Occasionally, an Noble may prove their worth and be invited to join the Inner Circle, but this is often followed by them joining one of the five major Noble Houses directly.
No matter what station a member is in the Iron Ring, each wears a ring made of iron, symbolising their membership. This is often made specially for each member, with the rings varying in style and decoration.
Beneath the Lord-Preceptor is the Inner Circle. Made up of the highest ranking members of The Iron Ring, it is these individuals that will sit in the Royal Court and advise the King directly. Only the the most prized members of the organisation are selected for this duty, and it is often limited to the five major families that have been in The Iron Ring for generations.
Outside of the Royal Court, several members of other Noble Houses throughout Arden are also members of The Iron Ring. Joining with the thoughts of power and influence, it is rare that these individuals ever end up in the Inner Circle, often simply being puppets for the plots and plans of the Inner Circle. Occasionally, an Noble may prove their worth and be invited to join the Inner Circle, but this is often followed by them joining one of the five major Noble Houses directly.
No matter what station a member is in the Iron Ring, each wears a ring made of iron, symbolising their membership. This is often made specially for each member, with the rings varying in style and decoration.
Public Agenda
The Iron Ring is known about publicly, but only as advisors to the King. Little else is known of the shadowy organisation, and even the King isn't privy to some of the secrets. Despite this, the Nobles that make up its ranks try to keep a good reputation amongst the peasants, knowing full-well what an uprising would mean.
Assets
Alongside the great wealth each of the Noble Families brings, The Iron Ring has ties to most businesses and other organisations in Arden and beyond. Influence of the military and The Knights of Arden is clear, as well as Highwater Shipping Company and The Merchants Consortium. Several prominent members of The Iron Ring have direct investments or interests in such, with a vast network all coming back to the Inner Circle.
Other, more outlandish assets can be found in relations with Southdale Society of Magic, whom has hosted several members of The Iron Ring in their ranks.
Ties with The Church of the Holy Light are prominent in certain Noble families. A close connection is always present between the Church and The Iron Ring, although this is not strictly for the business of religion.
Perhaps the most unnerving of alliances is with that of The Onyx Hand. Unknown to all but a few, the assassins and spies are meant to answer to the King only. This is not the case though, as the Onyx Hand members often follow the orders of The Iron Ring directly; with or without the King's knowledge.
Other, more outlandish assets can be found in relations with Southdale Society of Magic, whom has hosted several members of The Iron Ring in their ranks.
Ties with The Church of the Holy Light are prominent in certain Noble families. A close connection is always present between the Church and The Iron Ring, although this is not strictly for the business of religion.
Perhaps the most unnerving of alliances is with that of The Onyx Hand. Unknown to all but a few, the assassins and spies are meant to answer to the King only. This is not the case though, as the Onyx Hand members often follow the orders of The Iron Ring directly; with or without the King's knowledge.
History
Founded in 488 AF by House Tremayne, The Iron Ring has been a secretive force pulling the strings of diplomacy and the Kingdom for generations. With Noble Houses of the Capitol sometimes being fluid, The Iron Ring grants a level of stability much needed at times. Such great feats of diplomacy such as The Elven Accord was orchestrated by The Iron Ring, as well as some of the shorter reigns of past King's.
In 668 AF, when the Mad Mage Aratiz took control of the Kingdom, many of the Nobles that made up The Iron Ring were slain. Despite this, the organisation endured and aided King Eldon in regaining the throne.
Over the years, other Noble Houses have gained influence and joined the ranks of the Iron Ring. After the formation of Southdale Society of Magic, it wasn't long before The Iron Ring found members of the Inner Circle having studied at the magical school. The Iron Ring was mostly responsible for the creation of The Onyx Hand, which greatly increased their capabilities to gather intel from all over Arden.
The Orcish War also benefited the organisation, as the Order watched and maneuvered its assets to best profit from the 100-year war. Indeed, after the death of King Averus and the start of what is known as The Dark Times, The Iron Ring took direct control of managing the Kingdom while a new heir was decided. This 32 year gap led to a great increase in power for The Iron Ring.
In 668 AF, when the Mad Mage Aratiz took control of the Kingdom, many of the Nobles that made up The Iron Ring were slain. Despite this, the organisation endured and aided King Eldon in regaining the throne.
Over the years, other Noble Houses have gained influence and joined the ranks of the Iron Ring. After the formation of Southdale Society of Magic, it wasn't long before The Iron Ring found members of the Inner Circle having studied at the magical school. The Iron Ring was mostly responsible for the creation of The Onyx Hand, which greatly increased their capabilities to gather intel from all over Arden.
The Orcish War also benefited the organisation, as the Order watched and maneuvered its assets to best profit from the 100-year war. Indeed, after the death of King Averus and the start of what is known as The Dark Times, The Iron Ring took direct control of managing the Kingdom while a new heir was decided. This 32 year gap led to a great increase in power for The Iron Ring.
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