Ironfang Keep

Ironfang Keep is an ancient keep in northern Faerûn.

Geography
The stronghold lies in the northernmost parts of the Earthspur Mountains at the cascades where the White River falls into the Moonsea.

History
The Keep is so old, that even the oldest elves remember their grandparents talk about it. There are legends among dragons which indicate that Ironfang Keep already existed around -25000 DR It got its name due to massive iron deposits near the Keep. But so far no one dared to mine them, because most fear the presence of the Keep and its inhabitants.

In the past, nobles and barons have sent adventurers to Ironfang Keep to investigate its secrets. Most of them returned as dead corpses stacked neatly on the doors of the patrons who sent them. In 1288 DR, the barons of Mulmaster sent an expedition to the Keep to break into it; this however resulted in an uprising of local gnolls. In 1338 DR, the last noble sent a party to the keep died and ended further investigations.

Inhabitants
It is known that mysterious mages live within the Ironfang Keep. But is unknown who they are and which objectives they have. They are so powerful that even the Red Wizards of Thay avoid disturbing them. If someone asks about the keep, the mighty mages, Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun and Elminster, only shake their heads and say nothing. From time to time caravans stop at the door of the Keep and bring cargo, but so far not one of the merchants has seen any of the inhabitants.

Some surviving visitors to the Keep have remarked that the mages seem to practice their magic during the night, however it is hard to tell what kind of magic they use or to even try to dispel it. Some think the inhabitants are a school of users of the Shadow Weave or shadow adepts, maybe even both.

Literature


Eisenzahnfeste