Introduction to the Iron Kingdoms

More than a thousand years ago, the land that is now called the Iron Kingdoms was western Immoren, a mire of warring human city-states. Strong leaders would come and go, but in the chaotic realm then known as the “Thousand Cities” no one could carve out a kingdom for long. Then came the Orgoth, an evil imperial race from beyond the sea that would change the face of western Immoren forever. The way was cleared for the Iron Kingdoms to arise.

Timeline of the Iron Kingdoms

Prehistoric Era (Old Races Era)
c. 10,000 BR	All of the elven tribes unite as the Empire of Lyoss (far to the east beyond the Bloodstone Marches).
c. 8500 BR	Feud of Ages begins among the dwarves.
c. 8200 BR	Feud of Ages ends Stone Lords of the Thirteen Great Clans settle in Ghord.
c. 7500 BR	The Dwarven Moot composed of the Hundred Houses in Ghord is established; Dwarves are granted the lore of arcane magic by their gods with strict rules regarding its use.
c. 6500 BR	The Canon of the True Law is discovered at the ruins of Icthier by tribes of nomadic humans. Menoth worship begins.
c. 6000 BR	Many tribes of nomadic humans begin settling into agricultural communities around Ancient Icthier. Cinot is credited with teaching agriculture to early tribes.
c. 5500 BR	Menite priests Belcor and Geth lead Exodus northward from Ancient Icthier in search of more fertile lands.
c. 4800 BR	Humans begin settling around the Black River at the Valley of Morrdh.
c. 4250 BR	The elves begin to build the mystical Bridge of Worlds in order to span the gap between Caen and the Veld.
c. 4000 BR	The Bridge of Worlds is completed and the elven gods come to Caen, whereupon the bridge explodes and destroys Lyoss.
c. 3900 BR	Shyrr is founded along with other great cities in Ios.
c. 3700 BR	Molgur tribes dominate most all of western Immoren and vie for control.
c. 3500 BR	Lords of Morrdh unite settlements, creating the first civilized kingdom of humans. Morrdh begins claiming Molgur territory. Toruk creates his dragon brood.

Birth of the Iron Kingdoms

Just when things looked blackest, when it seemed as if the human civilization of the continent was doomed to an eternity of conflict, the first Orgoth longboat arrived on the beach near what is now the city of Caspia.

The Orgoth explorers were representatives of a tightly disciplined military society hailing from somewhere across the Gulf of Cygnar. They were a nation of humans, but they were savage, callous folk with many dark and unsavory customs. Seeing an opportunity for conquest, they immediately launched an invasion and a war of domination. The citizens of the Thousand Cities were taken by surprise, but they fought valiantly – and to no avail. The land eventually fell under Orgoth control, though there were two centuries of scattered bloody resistance before the Thousand Cities were totally subdued.

Nations of the Iron Kingdoms

Cygnar

Cygnar emerged from the Corvis Treaties as the strongest and wealthiest nation of western Immoren. It was able to unite the ancient lands of Caspia with the sprawling Midlunds as well as much of Thuria’s southern fertile coasts and the forested holds of the insular Morridanes, inheritors of the bloodlines of Morrdh. Together the diverse people of these regions have pooled their strengths and united as proud Cygnarans.

Races of the Iron Kingdoms

Humans

The Iron Kingdoms are the lands of humanity, first and foremost. They are by far the most numerous race in the region, and it is their struggles, wars, and history which have shaped this land. The humans of the Iron Kingdoms are a varied and hardy cross selection of cultures, all arising from ancient tribes of warlike peoples who have lived, loved, fought and died in the region since before recorded history. The bulk of their history is filled with endless strife and battle, and the relative calm of the last few centuries is unusual. However, even since the Corvis Treaties there have been many bloody conflicts, border disputes, repulsed barbarian invasions, and diplomacy by assassination. So far as many are concerned, the "peace" of the Corvis Treaties is an illusion, barely maintained as heads of state turn a blind eye to violations of agreements and hire mercenaries to cover their tracks.

Deities of the Iron Kingdoms

The Primary Gods of Men –

Morrow & Thamar

Symbol of MorrowHumans in the Iron Kingdoms have two main patron deities. The prophet Morrow is the lord of goodness and light, and is worshipped by most humans. His fraternal twin sister Thamar is the patron of the selfish and wicked. The two started out as ordinary humans, thousands of years ago, but they came to believe that any person could improve their lot in life almost without end. After a long, hard path, they ascended into divinity and enlightenment, sacrificing their physical bodies so that they could walk the earth in spirit, providing guidance to those who needed it. The twins' journey is recorded in the weighty Enkheiridion of Ascension, the primary religious text of the Iron Kingdoms.

Sadly, the siblings fought near the end of their journey, and their paths diverged. Morrow chose the path of selflessness, deciding to guide and protect Men in their journey through life, nudging them to the path of virtue and self-improvement that he discovered. Thamar chose to guide Men in a different way. She is the whisperer in shadows, always urging people to take the quick and easy path, to maximize their short-term earthly gains and pleasures regardless of the consequences.