The Iron Fist
Structure
The leadership of the Iron Hand comprises the head of the organization and an inner circle of three advisors. These officers are each responsible for a different aspect of the Iron Hand's operations and mostly acted independently from one another.
The Iron Hand: This individual arranges mercantile contracts, organizes the routes they use for trade, and handled their smuggling rings. Smooth-talking negotiators and those with a mind for business are often recruited to serve the Iron Hand.
The Iron Blade: This officer is responsible for protecting the organization's caravans and interfering with those belonging to other trading groups All manner of sell-swords and criminals are hired to fight under their direction.
The Iron Eye: A single spellcaster actes as a magical coordinator for the inner circle. They facilitates communication between members and gatheres information by means of divination. Their agents include other spellcasters or those individuals with a strong network of informants.
In addition to their other subordinates, these individuals are each served by three lesser officers, who are more involved with day-to-day operations. The full scope of their collective activities is known only by the Iron Fist's leader and their inner circle.
Culture
Slave Trade: Overland caravans in unfriendly lands have to be conducted in secret, adding increased difficulties to the process. Such caravans have to avoid main roads, and can't use the typical waystops, inns, and stables that normal merchants would. As a result, slave caravans will be forced to move across uninhabited wildernesses, using outsized escorts of guards and spellcasters to protect themselves from monsters, bandits, and other threats. Somewhat counterproductively, this heavy escort also serves to indicate that a seemingly-innocuous caravan is worth more than it seemed, and helps slaver-hunters identify their targets. When normal trade routes are used despite the dangers, it is called a "silent run." This involves hiding the caravan in some way, such as only traveling at night, using extensive illusions to disguise the cargo or literally silencing its passage. Ship-based slave trading is much easier and more efficient than caravans, as they have a far greater capacity for cargo, and the slaves are well-hidden in the hold. Shipborne slaves are usually given less food and water and are subjected to worse treatment, and any dead or dying slaves will be dumped overboard. Although port inspections on arrival and departure can lead to discovery, slavers are able to work out deals with corrupt elements that allow them access despite their highly illegal activities.
Public Agenda
On the surface, the Iron Fist is invested in the trade in weapons in various areas Nomardia. While they seemingly seek to form a monopoly of arms dealing, they in fact seek to parlay this martial strength into greater power and rule over the entirety of the south.
They are known to cut out competition via unhanded tactics like banditry and murder. It is believed that they even steal and deal in illegal stuff such as poisons, slave trading, and prohibited drugs.
In order to maintain their public image, the Iron Fist's more malevolent activities are orchestrated in such a way that they can not be traced to the organization's leadership.
Any member caught performing crimes or other wrongdoings are promptly disavowed by the Iron Blade. Anyone who slanderes the group is met with public repudiation, they has their reputation brought into question, or are outright killed.
Assets
Members of the Iron Fist wear no common livery or overt identifying marks. High ranking officers carry a simple badge made of iron, that bears their organization's symbol.
Money is everything
Founding Date
12th of Onirodrago 1206
Type
Illicit, Syndicate
Alternative Names
The Slave Handlers, The Iron Blade, The Shadow Hand
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Leader
Location
Notable Members
Related Species
Comments