Ironcliff Kingdom
Ironcliff, once a sacred city perched proudly within its iron-rich cliffs, fell to ruin, claimed by an unknown entity. Its dark stone walls, crafted in reverence to Tyruund, god of life and death, now lie fractured and silent. Legends tell of a night when an eerie stillness overtook Ironcliff, followed by shadows creeping over the cliffs, consuming everything in their path. Neither the strength of Ironcliff’s people nor their faith in Tyruund could save them; the unknown force struck swiftly, leaving no trace of its origin or motive.
Now, Ironcliff stands abandoned, a haunted place where whispers of the past linger in the wind. The cliffs that once symbolized the cycles of life and death now hold only death’s silence. Mystics and scholars speculate on the entity’s nature, yet none have unraveled the mystery. To this day, travelers speak in hushed tones of Ironcliff’s eerie remnants, where the spirit of Tyruund seems almost absent, as though even the god of life and death could not face the force that brought Ironcliff to its knees.
Key Places in Ironcliff
The Cathedral of the Eternal Cycle: This massive cathedral is the heart of Ironcliff’s spiritual life, dedicated to Tyruund’s dominion over life and death. Carved deep into the cliffs, the cathedral is an architectural marvel, with towering iron spires and intricate carvings depicting the cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. The central chamber contains a vast altar, where rituals are held to honor both life’s blessings and the inevitability of death. The Veil of Passage, a large iron gate within the cathedral, symbolizes the threshold between life and death, and is where the city's most sacred ceremonies are performed. The Crypt of the Undying Flame: Hidden deep beneath the city, this ancient crypt serves as the resting place of Ironcliff’s most revered dead. It is believed that Tyruund’s presence guards these souls, guiding them to their next life or final rest. The crypt is illuminated by ever-burning flames, symbolizing the eternal nature of life and death. Pilgrims descend into its depths to meditate on the mysteries of mortality and to offer prayers for their departed loved ones. The Gardens of Life’s Bloom: In stark contrast to Ironcliff’s harsh exterior, these lush, vibrant gardens are tended with great care as a symbol of Tyruund’s gift of life. Filled with rare plants and flowers that bloom despite the city’s rugged environment, the gardens represent renewal and hope. The people of Ironcliff gather here for celebrations of life—births, weddings, and festivals honoring Tyruund’s life-giving aspect. Statues of Tyruund stand amidst the greenery, reminding all who visit that life is both precious and fleeting. The Bridge of Souls: A narrow, winding bridge that spans a deep chasm between two cliff faces, the Bridge of Souls is a place of reflection and pilgrimage. It is said that walking the bridge symbolizes the journey of the soul from life to death, with the abyss below representing the unknown. Pilgrims walk the bridge in silence, leaving offerings at either end to honor the lives they’ve lived and the deaths they will face. The Hall of Final Rites: A sacred hall where the people of Ironcliff bring their dead to be prepared for burial or cremation. The hall is a place of solemn ritual, where the Deathwardens—priests of Tyruund—perform the final rites, ensuring that each soul passes peacefully into the afterlife. The walls of the hall are adorned with carvings depicting the balance between life and death, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and burning iron, signifying Tyruund’s ever-watchful presence. The Forge of Transcendence: Unlike ordinary forges, this sacred forge is used to craft ritual items related to life and death—urns, burial weapons, and ceremonial armor. The iron produced here is believed to carry Tyruund’s blessing, connecting the living with the dead. The Forgepriests who work here are seen as spiritual guides, crafting not only physical objects but also aiding in the passage of souls through their divine craftsmanship. The Iron Gates of Rebirth: The city’s main gates, intricately decorated with scenes of life’s creation and death’s inevitable approach, symbolize both the beginning and end of life’s journey. As travelers and citizens pass through the gates, they offer prayers to Tyruund, asking for safe passage in this life and the next. The gates are also the focal point of the annual Feast of the Eternal, where the entire city honors both the living and the dead, celebrating the eternal cycle Tyruund governs. In Ironcliff, life and death are not viewed as opposing forces but as parts of a sacred cycle overseen by Tyruund. Every street, every temple, and every forge is imbued with the reverence for this balance, making Ironcliff a city of profound spirituality, where the people live their lives in harmony with the inevitability of death and the gift of life.
Type
Citadel
Characters in Location