Iron Claw Clan

The Iron Claw Clan is a brutal and well-organized warband of bugbears, known for their guerrilla tactics and ruthless raids across the Welkwood Forest. Their growing influence has drawn the attention of Commander Feldrin, one of the leaders of the Temple of Elemental Evil, making them a key ally in his network of bandits, mercenaries, and raiders. The clan's power is centered in Varnifane, a former grugach (wild elf) settlement, now repurposed into a fortified base where humanoid warriors gather to plan new strikes against the region.

The Fall of Varnifane

Varnifane was once a treehouse village home to a small band of forty Grugach elves deep within the Welkwood. These reclusive elves might have defended their home successfully, but fate turned against them. A vicious attack by a horde of marauding kech (arboreal ambushers) weakened the elves. Before they could recover, the Iron Claw Clan and their humanoid allies launched a devastating night assault, catching them off guard and overwhelming them with sheer numbers.

The bugbear vanguard, an elite unit skilled in surprise attacks, led the charge and breached the elven defenses. Their initial victory cemented their status as the dominant force in the warband, earning them the lion’s share of the loot from the elven treasury. Their prize included five ancient, enchanted dwarven battle axes—legendary weapons of the dwarves, which the Grugach had hidden away for centuries.

Now, Varnifane has been transformed into a war camp, housing a brutal mix of 125 humanoid raiders, led by the bugbears who seized control. While the settlement’s original treehouses still stand, they are used as watchposts and spy nests, while the main force lives within the newly unearthed Dwarven Warren beneath Varnifane.

The Dwarven Warren

Long before the elves settled there, Varnifane stood atop the ruins of an ancient dwarven stronghold. The Grugach, against their better judgment, had once explored its dark tunnels, drawn by the residual magic of the place. Within its depths, they found the remains of a fallen dwarven clan, long dead, but leaving behind enchanted treasures. Among these were five battleaxes +3 (which are +5 in the hands of dwarves), weapons of immense power, hidden away out of reverence and fear of divine retribution from the dwarven gods.

The Iron Claw Clan, unburdened by such superstitions, now wields these relics openly, their war-leaders brandishing them as symbols of dominance. With these weapons in hand, the bugbears have forced the goblins, gnolls, orcs, and other humanoids in the warband to defer to their rule. The Dwarven Warren itself has become their stronghold, providing shelter, storage, and defensive advantages against would-be attackers. The humanoids have also stationed scouts in the treehouses, ensuring that no intruders approach undetected.

The Iron Claw Clan’s Leadership and Organization

The Warlord: Braggok Iron-Claw

Braggok, a hulking and cunning bugbear chieftain, leads the clan with an iron grip. He is the bearer of one of the stolen dwarven axes, using it as both a weapon and a badge of office. Unlike the average brute, Braggok is a strategist who respects organization and calculated aggression. He has forged a strong military alliance with Commander Feldrin, making his warband an extension of the Temple’s mercenary network.

The Spiritual Guide: Urglash the Shadow-Tongue

Urglash, a bugbear shaman and priest of Hruggek (the bugbear god of war and ambush), ensures that the warriors remain fierce and fearless in battle. He has blessed the dwarven axes with dark rites, ensuring their continued use against the enemies of the clan. Urglash also commands a small band of clerics of Iuz, sent by the Temple to provide additional magical support.

The Enforcer: Gorz Blacktooth

Braggok’s second-in-command, Gorz Blacktooth, is the tactical commander of the clan’s raids. A brutal and intimidating warrior, he personally leads many ambushes and night raids, ensuring that enemies are struck down before they can react. Gorz relishes in the chaos of war but understands the importance of discipline among his troops.

Varnifane as a Military Stronghold

Defenses and Strategy

Varnifane is a heavily fortified encampment, with multiple layers of defense:

1. Treehouse Lookouts – Bugbear scouts keep watch from above, ensuring that no one approaches undetected.
2. Hidden Pitfalls & Traps – The forest surrounding Varnifane is filled with camouflaged pits, snares, and tripwires to slow invaders.
3. Warren Entrances – The Dwarven Warren below the settlement provides a defensive fallback, allowing the humanoids to fortify their position underground if attacked.
4. Elite Warbands – Braggok deploys roving warbands to harass enemies, preventing large forces from gathering nearby.

The Role of the Temple of Elemental Evil

Commander Feldrin’s Influence

The Iron Claw Clan has become an instrument of destruction for Commander Feldrin , the Temple’s master of bandits and mercenaries. Braggok and his warbands raid villages, ambush caravans, and harass elven patrols, all in service to the Temple’s greater schemes. Feldrin supplies the bugbears with gold, weapons, and intelligence, ensuring their loyalty and continued service.

Adventure Hooks & Opportunities

1. Recover the Dwarven Axes – If the legendary dwarven weapons were reclaimed and returned to their rightful owners in Ulek, the rewards would be immense.
2. Sabotage the Iron Claw Clan – Adventurers could be hired to disrupt the bugbears' operations and weaken their hold on the Welkwood.
3. Rescue Captured Elves – A few surviving Grugach elves remain as prisoners in Varnifane. A daring raid could free them.
4. Strike Against the Temple’s Forces – Disrupting the bugbear-Temple alliance would set back the Temple of Elemental Evil’s plans in the region.

Conclusion

The Iron Claw Clan has carved out a fearsome stronghold in Varnifane, transforming it from an elven haven into a militarized war camp. With their dwarven relics, alliance with the Temple of Elemental Evil, and disciplined leadership, they are a growing threat to the Welkwood, Celene, and beyond. If left unchecked, their power will only grow, spelling disaster for the forces of civilization in the region.