Post by Blaka on Apr 26, 2016 12:13:25 GMT -5
created by VioName
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Ironside TorDescription
-~-~-~-A winter island once home to an ancient people, it now houses the remnants of several stranded pirate crews who must contend with a bitter cold forest, humid caverns full of fierce reptiles, thunder storms, and even each other!
Society
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IronsidersIronside Tor has no real society as such, but rather has a very small population of those who have become stuck here due to various means. Most of these people are pirates, or former pirates at the very least. The lack of a larger population is due to the bitter climate, dangerous reptiles and the fact that it takes less than a day for the Log Pose to reset.
Size of Island
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Moderate
Average size for a Paradise island
Location
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Nightmare Route
ParadiseSucceeding Netherworld Island, Ironside Tor is the next island on the Nightmare Route. It is relatively close to its predecessor in the chain and, due to their clashing climates, the weather conditions between them are often very harsh and stormy.
Log Pose Times
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12 HoursIt takes half a day for a Log Pose to reset, meaning there is little need to stay here on the island for very long. It has one of the shortest Log Pose times in the Grand Line.
Climatic Type
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Winter
Climate, Seasons & Weather
-~-~-~-Ironside Tor has a very cold climate all year round; a stark contrast to the hot and summery conditions of Netherworld Island before it. Temperatures are roughly between -12ºC (10ºF) and -5ºC (23ºF) in the open areas, though this varies according to the time of year and can sometimes drop far lower. It never goes above freezing, even in the height of summer. In terms of weather conditions, this island is actually quite calm compared to the stormy seas that precede it, possessing chill but tranquil conditions with little in the way of wind. Precipitation here consists almost entirely of light snowfall, though at times it can become very thick and heavy.
The seasonal shifts of Ironside Tor are very rarely noticed, bringing with them almost nothing in the way of overall change to the island, save for small fluctuations in temperature. Autumn and spring see the heaviest snowfall levels, while summer and winter are typically a great deal drier. Perhaps the most bizarre meteorological feature of the island is its thunderstorms, which only pester the upper reaches of the plateau. These storms are dry, but last for prolonged periods of time, and it is thought to be the island's location that contributes to the large numbers of storms it receives. However, nobody has really been able to explain why only half of the island experiences such phenomenon.
Island Appearance
-~-~-~-Ironside Tor is a medium island which possesses a lengthy, roughly elliptical shape to its coastline. One half of the island is low and flat, but covered by forest, while the other half is extremely steep and mountainous to the point where it is nigh impossible to climb the cliffs.Map
-~-~-~-The Log Pose needle in the top left indicates the direction in which ships would be travelling down the Grand Line. Like a typical compass, map orientation is based on this.
★ - Blue Moon Pirates Encampment
★ - Golden Hammer Pirates Village
★ - Black Blade Pirates Settlement
★ - Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates Camp
Flora, Fauna, Etc.
-~-~-~-Ironside Tor possesses some peculiar flora and fauna, though the two kingdoms have very much segregated themselves from one another, dominating each half of the island. The lower half is almost entirely consumed by forest and its inhabiting plant life, the likes of which have specifically adapted to the cold climate and as such have become evergreens. The fauna consists almost entirely of reptiles, which dwell mostly in the caverns of the mountainous half where geothermal activity helps to keep them warm. It also possesses some more unique things, including a rare crystal with special properties.
Gum Gecko ~ A moderately sized gecko that resides in the cavernous innards of Ironside Tor, the Gum Gecko is best regarded for its unusually thick epidermal layer which possesses a rubbery quality. Being one of the smaller inhabitants of the island, the species often sees itself a target of predation, but its unique skin protects it from all but the largest creatures, or those equipped to slice its flesh. To help further avoid predators, Gum Geckos cling to cavern ceilings with their special toes, keeping them out of reach of heavier, less agile nemeses. They have a waxy, pale amber colouration.
Sawback Python ~ A serpent that rivals the size of a fully grown Anaconda with ease, the Sawback Python possesses a distinct rocky colouration to its scales; a mottled mix of dark grey and sandy brown patched with flecks of limestone white. The underbelly tends to be more of a pale, desert pink colour. The trademark feature of these beasts is their back which, from the back of their skull down to about three quarters of their body, is lined with raised and hardened plates that resemble sharks' teeth. These are an oddly effective defence mechanism, especially as these snakes often have several smaller protrusions flanking these growths to dissuade predators. They also implement them as a means of offence, however.
Stalagtoise ~ These shelled beasts can grow to quite an impressive size and are some of the heaviest animals to live in the caverns of Ironside Tor. Members of the Golden Hammer Pirates often mistook them for boulders due to their rocky hues and irregularly lumpy shells, but soon figured out otherwise when said boulders started to move of their own accord. Stalagtoises can grow to a good fifteen feet in length and almost as wide, but the most interesting feature is the fact that their shells grow limestone protrusions that greatly resemble stalagmites. They are slow, lethargic and very passive, but the strength of their shells protects them from harm. Only the young are really vulnerable, their soft shells resembling large black pebbles, as with age comes an incredible durability and natural defence against predators.
Oroshishi ~ Far greater in appearance to a carnivorous mammal than a reptile, the Oroshishi is a creature that vaguely resembles the lion, with similar size, physique and quadrupedal stance. Their heads are more reptilian, but possess barbels around their snout and chin that resemble fleshy whiskers. Each is armed with strong claws and fangs like those of a snake, capable of delivering doses of a potent, burning venom that is crimson in colour. Such a toxin quickly debilitates prey in fits of agony, wracking the bite area with a fiery pain and leaving all but the most durable individuals as easy prey. Serrated structures on the undersides of the Oroshishi's toes provide a strong grip, contributing to the beast's speed. The tail is reminiscent of a dinosaur's tail and serves to aid balance. The most lion-like feature of all is the mane of lengthy quills that decorates the Oroshishi's collar and shoulders, which are coloured a pale pink with dark bands, but flare red when the beast is enraged. Females have longer quills, but are focused around the nape of the neck.
Mole Worm ~ Not a worm at all, and not a snake, but an Amphisbaenid. The Mole Worm is a relatively small creature covered in loose, scaly skin that allows it to move in a similar manner to that of an earthworm. Its round head has only the faintest vestiges of eyes, rendering the animal blind to all but rapid changes in illumination, but an assortment of short barbels around the lips are exceptionally good at detecting vibrations - including the slightest sounds. Their bodies are lengthy, growing up to ten metres, and while they do possess limbs, they only have forelegs. Their hind limbs have long since devolved, but their arms are each tipped with dexterous clawed digits. These claws allow them to secure prey - smaller reptiles upon which they feed.
Rattler ~ The equivalent of rodents on Ironside Tor, the Rattler is a small lizard that shares a similar shape and size to that of a brown rat, but has scales in place of fur and a more rounded snout. It lacks outer ears. Though small, it is fast, and they can usually be seen in small packs that keep their distance between one another. They are common prey for most predatory reptiles that dwell within the mines but, thanks to being able to regulate their own body heat, are more than capable of venturing about the island where others cannot. They are named for their tails, which are long and lithe but made of shed skin segments, making a rattling hiss whenever they are threatened or to communicate with one another. They used their forked tongues to detect scents in the air, scavenging carrion and other food when possible.
Gargoyle ~ Unusual creatures that can grow as large as a man, the Gargoyles are the reptilian equivalent of a bat, with stony grey scales that resist attacks and a maw filled with sharp fangs. They are excellent climbers and, while they can no longer achieve flight due to their size and bulk, they are still fierce beasts who can parachute down onto their prey from high above. They are very similar to a creature of the same name found on the Pikt Archipelago, North Blue, and it is thought that the two creatures followed similar evolutionary paths. Their saliva includes an enzyme that prevents blood clotting, but their habit of licking their claws means that their scratching attacks can apply the enzyme as well. Prolonged fights tend to sway in the favour of the Gargoyle.
Piezolite ~ A form of crystalline compound unique to the island, Piezolite appears to have been used predominantly by the ancient inhabitants of Ironside Tor, though their exact usage of it can only be guessed at. Found in the mines, Piezolite crystals possess the unusual ability to radiate or discharge a particular form of energy when squeezed tightly, which varies depending on the stone. Only particular deposits seem to possess this power - all others are inert. When exposed to the correct solution, they grow at a more rapid rate, almost like plants, but still take several months to cultivate.
Colour Effect Gold The Piezolite will generate a soft amber light when squeezed, with greater pressure causing a more intense glow. Turns clear after use, resembling a white diamond or similar gem. Red This Piezolite radiates warmth when squeezed, including a dull red glow. Squeezing harder will increase the amount of heat it discharges, but does not affect the glow. Turns black as charcoal after use and becomes similarly brittle, crumbling easily. Blue Blue Piezolite will discharge static electricity when squeezed, and applying greater pressure will cause it to generate a more powerful electrical current. After use it turns an iron grey and becomes inert, but can still conduct electricity. White The White Piezolite is similar to its Red form, but the temperature it radiates is below freezing. Squeezing it harder will create colder temperatures. It does not change colour after use, but becomes brittle and crumbles easily. Purple This Piezolite is extremely volatile and, when squeezed hard enough, will arm itself, releasing a powerful concussive shock wave once pressure is lessened. It does not change colour after use as it will completely shatter into dust upon releasing its kinetic energy.
Inhabitants
-~-~-~-The population of Ironside Tor is a small one, consisting of a relatively small handful of stranded pirates trapped here due to navigational issues. These men and women are all human, former criminals, and generally quite territorial even towards each other. They have formed a small number of encampments, each led by a particular 'Captain', and station themselves in various areas of the island to stay segregated from their former comrades. There used to be another population of native humans, as can be seen by the remains of the ancient mines and temples, but what happened to them is a mystery.
Prominent Organizations,
Groups and Establishments
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Blue Moon PiratesOne of the five settling groups of pirates stranded on the island, numbering just over two dozen, the Blue Moon Pirates are a group settled closest to the shores of Ironside Tor. As such, they are likely to be the first group met by visitors to the island and are certainly not adverse to trying to steal a ship while its crew are off exploring. However, they've never had much success in this field and seem to be quite happy otherwise. They have a prime fishing location, as well as being savvy to the collection of flotsam that washes up on the shores from ships wrecked and ravaged by the storms preceding the island. They are a surprisingly welcoming bunch, perhaps the most jovial of all the factions, and tend to have little conflict between one another. Their symbol is that of a sapphire crescent moon upon a black flag.
Black Blade PiratesRenowned as one of the more aggressive groups of pirates stranded on Ironside Tor, the Black Blade Pirates are no strangers to attempting to raid and pillage the settlements of others. Though they themselves are settled far closer to the cliffs, they still remain relatively close to the shoreline, where fishing keeps them fed. Those who encounter them should beware, for these men and women are aggressive scoundrels who would sooner kill you and loot you than even show a shred of hospitality. They number at around twenty and send small groups of three or four out into the forest on a regular basis to hunt down stragglers from the other groups. Their symbol is an ivory flag upon which an ebony broadsword with a skull motif hilt is painted.
Golden Hammer PiratesNumbering at nearly thirty individuals, the Golden Hammer Pirates are the largest group of men and women stranded on the island of Ironside Tor. However, they seem to like it here despite the dangers it possesses, and do not seem at all fussed by the goings on of the other groups outside of the Black Blades. The group settles near the cliffs, at one of the mines near the ruined petropolis, and seem to be extremely proficient in their masonry and forging. Industrious as they are, they are also vegetarians by nature, having switched to such a dietary habit out of necessity. They are very defensive of their settlement and tend to shun outsiders. The logo of the Golden Hammer Pirates is, as one would expect, a golden hammer upon a black flag; the hammer itself is square headed and is designed to look very subtly like a square skull.
Scarlet Valkyrie PiratesWith a population of only thirteen, the Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates are the second smallest group on Ironside Tor, made up of entirely female pirates and being the remnants of an all women crew. Aggressive huntresses, they have settled themselves in a place that few can even get to, lurking in the remnants of the petropolis' highest points where they can venture into the caverns to hunt the dangerous reptiles that live within its depths. Technically, they have the best life style of all the stranded groups, but certainly do not welcome intruders to any noticeable degree. Though they are certainly not bloodthirsty raiders like the Black Blades, they can be very violent and protective - they treat outsiders much the same as they treat the reptiles. Their flag is a white flag with a skull emblazoned upon it, backed by a pair of halberds to replace the crossed bones. It's probably the most traditional of the flags used.
White Wolf PiratesConsisting of only four men, the White Wolf Pirates are the smallest group on Ironside Tor, said to have set up camp deep inside of the forest's densest areas. They are resourceful scavengers and hunters, though despite their lack of numbers they are surprisingly friendly towards others. This is because of their abilities, each of them having developed keen senses and numerous methods of communicating with one another in ways that normal humans would probably not understand. They are extremely skilled trackers and are considered to be very evasive, hard to find men. As such, the other groups leave them be, save for the Black Blade Pirates who continually try to hunt down their camp to no avail. The flag of the White Wolf Pirates is a black flag with a white wolf's head pattern upon it. Four white paw prints adorn the four corners of the flag, likely representing the four men who form the group.
Trends
-~-~-~-Due to its distinct lack of a real society, Ironside Tor's inhabitants each have differing fashions, laws, industries and foods depending on what group they belong to.
Fashion
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- The Blue Moon Pirates typically wear rather standard pirate garb, dressed in thick trousers and jerkins to protect themselves from the colder climate of the island, and usually wearing a distinct combination of blue and white.
- Members of the Black Blade Pirates usually wear similar attire to those of the Blue Moons, but instead don jet black clothes and hats and often use balaclavas or neckerchiefs to cover their faces.
- Those of the Golden Hammer Pirates dress themselves in animal skin garments, often adding such strange apparel as shawls and helmets to their gear.
- The women of the Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates dress, as you might expect, in red clothes. Due to their location, they can afford less protection from the cold, but typically wear snakeskin or other reptilian hides obtained from the creatures they slay.
- The men of the White Wolf Pirates wear white animal furs and other standard items of clothing, blending into their surroundings with startling ease thanks to their choice of garb.
Laws & Politics
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- The Blue Moon Pirates run something of a democracy between themselves, voting on the best approach to what they are doing and generally working together very well. Their sole law is to respect your fellow crewmen and, under the lead of their Captain, they do just that.
- The Black Blade Pirates follow a fearsome decree akin to the pirate's code; take what you can, give nothing back. This applies to pretty much everything they do, though other groups believe it to be a miracle that such a tribe remains in tact with such lack of law and twisted philosophy.
- For the Golden Hammer Pirates, the laws are simple. If you can't make yourself useful, then you're exiled from the group; they don't tolerate slackers or visitors, showing no hospitality or kindness unless you offer to help them.
- Among the Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates, laws are quite lax but certain. Work with your allies, as a team, and defend one another to the last. There is no room for cowards or scoundrels here, nor are they particularly fond of men.
- There is no real spoken law among the four men of the White Wolf Pirates, for they understand one another perfectly and - as far as they seem to care - that is all they'll ever need.
Industry
-~-Due to the nature of the island, there is no real industry. The people do what they can to get by, including hunting, fishing and such. Everyone has at least one practical skill that they put to good use, though it varies drastically between individuals and groups. There is no real commerce here on Ironside Tor.
Cuisine
-~-Depending on the tribe, cuisine differs, but the only group with a very particular dietary habit is the Golden Hammer Pirates, who are solely vegetarian. Everybody else eats fish, greens and the occasional cuts of reptile meat. Outside of this, food is pretty scarce, making it no time to be picky.
Non-Player Characters
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Marcaz BloonOriginally the first mate of the Blue Moon Pirates, Marcaz is the younger brother of the original Captain (Jovan), though the elder is sadly deceased. Marcaz took over in his brother's stead and worked to unite the once rambunctious crew he worked with, doing a good job of doing so and forming the small but substantial organisation of today.
The man himself is a beefy lad in his late twenties, possessed of a dark complexion and strong jawline. Deep blue eyes are wide and full of life, while his hair is a messy mop of deep chestnut, complete with a short and somewhat scraggly beard. His hair shows some signs of greying around the ears, but is otherwise still very rich in hue. Marcaz' typical dress consists of a baggy white shirt and navy blue britches, with knee-high woolen socks of white, brown boots and a matching but well-worn leather jacket. He can often be seen wearing a blue woolly hat when out and about, but this is not a staple of his garb. The symbol of the Blue Moon Pirates is embroidered onto a black patch worn on the left breast of his jacket.
Mister Bloon is, like most of his fellows, a jovial and rather composed individual. Though a pirate at heart, he's no bloodthirsty raider and has taken to being something of a peace keeper between allies. He has loose dreams of escaping Ironside Tor, but is certainly no longer in a rush to fulfill them, for he now sees the island as a home away from home. Should his associated be hurt, however, Marcaz is the first to desire vengeance; he fights fiercely to defend his people and what they have strived for, showing incredible skill with a number of spears. His personal fighting style resembles the fancy moves of a billiards player - using his spears as a means of projecting narrow but powerful 'Flying Slash' attacks that strike with the force of a Long-Arm's punch.
Jacques Vicious IIOnce the Captain of the Black Blade Pirates, Jacques still clings to his role to some degree, governing the actions of the crew's remnants with an iron fist. It seems as long as he remains, the vicious raider crew is unlikely to ever change their ways; but nothing says they won't become more violent and merciless in the wake of this man's inevitable demise.
Captain Vicious is something of an elderly man, sitting well into his eighties, yet possessing an imposing physique of a man a mere third of his age. Standing nine feet tall, his hair is a dark grey (once jet black) and cascades down his back to his waistline. His beard is similarly lengthy, covering his chest, and retains a darker hue. Jacques' eyes are dark and inky, narrow and piercing, and always seem backed by a cold, indomitable force further defined by the thick scar that runs from his left temple down to the right of his jaw. His lithe but muscled build is covered by a jet black sleeveless sweater, while black denim jeans cover his legs. Coincidentally, he also wears black leather hiking boots and gloves.
This Captain's personality is cold and fearless, imposing and sinister. He rarely speaks, even to his own men, but when he does you will most certainly know it is his voice. Deep and grainy and filled with power, his words convey the darkness of his soul and selfish, single-minded nature. He cares little for the lives of others and some of the other crews speculate that he only keeps his crew around for the benefits they bring him, rather than actual company. If you do something he doesn't like, or step out of line in his presence, the chances are you will be cut down without second thought. He promotes ruthlessness amongst men, believing mercy an act of the weak, but maintains control of his underlings through a combination of fear tactics and like-mindedness. Should one fight Jacques, they'll soon find death awaiting them on the edge of his serrated, black nodachi. His style is swift and ruthless; a single slash can fell several trees with ease, and he's even thought to have mastered the ability to cut steel.
Sven SteeleQuartermaster of the Golden Hammer Pirates, Sven took over leadership of the crew after their Captain - his own father - succumbed to the toxic bite of a venomous reptile dwelling in the caverns of the island. Under his command, the crew built something of a fortress and now work well as a society, despite shunning most outsiders.
Sven Steele is a man in his early thirties. He stands at seven feet tall and is almost as broad in the chest, possessing an extreme of a top heavy build, but he certainly never skipped leg day. Unfortunately, his legs are quite short and stumpy by nature, but that matters little when you can haul massive blocks of stone around on your shoulders with ease. His eyes are deep set and a light brown, while his rather square head is almost completely shaven, save for the impressive golden handlebar moustache he sports, which almost perfectly mirrors the style of his eyebrows. He wears a thick snakeskin jacket of brown and yellow colour, with brown leather lederhosen and leather boots, but otherwise leaves his torso exposed. A hammer design of the Golden Hammer's flag is tattooed in black onto his face, with the head of the hammer focused on his forehead.
Though he may look imposing, Sven's personality is quite a contrast to such things. A good and fair leader, he's actually quite a placid man who enjoys his work and struggles to find anything but working relaxing. As such, he's a bit of a fidget when forced to sit down and take a break. He's polite and, though he can seem unwelcoming at first, the moment you offer to lend a hand is the moment he'll open up and a crack a smile. He appreciates those with a taste for working hard, a trait which he imposed upon his crew to great success, but will not tolerate slouches. If he ever catches you doing nothing, chances are you'll be thrown out into the forest. He also appreciates health and safety in the workplace, so he never expects people to do more than they're capable of. He's also very protective of his people and, should the need arise, he will not hesitate to don his personal weapons; a pair of 'gloves' (which are literally just cubes of stone with slots carved for his hands to fit inside).
BenifudeThe woman who leads the Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates, little is known about who she was or what she has done, given that she no longer refers to herself by her original name. The name she uses now means 'Lipstick Brush' or 'Mountain Apricot', but only the women who follow her even use this name for her.
Benifude's appearance is that of a tall, slender woman standing approximately six feet and six inches tall, blessed with a rather ample buttocks to perhaps make up for her lack of anything up top. Her age is unknown, but she certainly looks young. Her complexion is fair, compared to her dark amber eyes, and her hair consists of lengthy mahogany locks cut short at the front and tied at the back with a length of red ribbon to form a French braid. Her lips are painted a vivid crimson, as too are both her finger and toenails. Due to where she lives, she can afford less protective clothing, donning a rather small reptile hide crop top with long sleeves, and a pair of hot pants sewn of a finer hide, both dyed a deep magenta. The scales provide decent protection from a lot of normal weapons, while maintaining the comfort and range of mobility that silk garments would provide. She always walks around barefoot.
This woman's temperament is a strange one, not least of which because she goes out of her way to completely ignore or otherwise disregard what strangers have to say, even if she asks them to speak. She is very protective of her 'sisters', as she calls them, and that respect and desire to defend is mutual. In a sense, she is not a true leader, especially given how the Scarlet Valkyries work as a team. To Benifude, however, it matters little who you are or what you're there for; if you're in the cave network of Ironside Tor, then you might as well be considered either prey, or rival predators. Either way, you'll likely end up dead or forced to flee. Benifude's fighting style is very unorthodox, perhaps most so of all the pirates on the island, for she combines acrobatic dance with the use of a polearm akin to an giant paintbrush whose firm and sharp bristles drip with crimson liquid. This substance is a cocktail of toxins extracted from some of the island's fiercest reptiles which slowly saturates the body's cells, but is otherwise inert on its own. The paint used in her lipstick and nail vanish, however, serves as the catalyst for the brush's toxins; the introduction of this second chemical causes the original toxin to react violently, filling the victim's body with an intense, debilitating agony as the envenomed cells are shredded.
AlfonzoOne of the four men who make up the White Wolf Pirates, Alfonzo is the de facto leader of the group, being the oldest and wisest of the four. In truth, such a position is entirely improper for them, given that the group is more than capable of working as a team and taking on the leadership role when appropriate, but it is Alfonzo who is often the first to interact with others.
Standing at just over seven feet, Alfonzo is a man in his early forties, possessing a strong but sleek build and surprisingly dark complexion given the climes of Ironside Tor. His long, strong face is decorated with a short and neat neck beard of silver blond hair, matching the lengthier curls upon his head, while his wide and powerful eyes are of a glorious golden hue. He does not have a moustache, though he has the faintest traces of dark hairs appearing on the sides of his upper lip, somewhat reminiscent of whiskers. Alfonzo's typical choice of outfit includes a white fur parka with shortened sleeves that end just beyond his elbows, with a dark brown jumper underneath and a pair of white trousers. White, fur-lined boots are worn on his feet, and he often wears black fingerless woolen gloves.
Alfonzo's personality is quite tame and reserved, indicative of his wisdom and understanding of the land and the people who surround him on a daily basis, and little seems to be able to faze him. His senses are sharp, much like the other White Wolves, and he tends to keep quiet and speak in a soft, quiet baritone. His speech is short, to the point, but still polite. Though one's chances of encountering him (or any of his crew for that matter) are extremely slim, he is not the kind to run or fight unless provoked; he'll probably sit back and watch, waiting for you to approach and confront him before speaking. When harm comes to his brothers in arms, Alfonzo takes on a radical change in behaviour; a mental transformation shared by his allies, the man turns to an aggressive and fearsome example of a warrior capable of driving some of the greatest fighters away with ease, but he still remains silent throughout such fights. His style is a form of martial arts, switching between numerous 'stances' which accentuate particular moves; flat and open palms for defensive strikes, clawed hands for fast and fearsome blows, or bunched knuckles with open palms for slow but powerful smashing attacks.
Settlements & Places of Interest
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Blue Moon Pirates EncampmentSettled near the shores of the wooded side of Ironside Tor, this encampment is the site of the remaining members of the Blue Moon Pirates. A band of 26 former pirates, under the leadership of original first mate Marcaz Bloon, the group itself settled in a clearing amidst the snowy woodland of the island's lower plains. Taking up around three quarters of this small clearing, the camp is formed of several large, sheltered tents crafted from the remains of the original ship the crew sailed upon. Timbers from the hull, as well as wood cut from trees around the edge of the clearing, serve as supports and frames for thick sheets of sail and canvas that were scavenged, while a few fully wooden shelters exist as storehouses. In the middle of the camp is a large camp fire ringed with stones which the group use for cooking large meals and generally gather around during the evenings. Usually there are two or three men on patrol around the area, keeping an eye out for raids by the Black Blade Pirates.
Black Blade Pirates SettlementThe Black Blade Pirates' settlement is located near the shores of Ironside Tor, partially concealed amidst the forests of the lower plains, in the shadows of the mountainous plateau. It is home to 19 individuals, Captained by Jacques Vicious II, and opens up to the shoreline. The camp's structure is not too dissimilar from that of the Blue Moon Encampment, consisting of recycled wreckage and canvas tents, but also incorporating logs and such from felled trees around the area. It is far more ramshackle in appearance when compared to the former's fortification, and adopts a far darker colour scheme thanks to being build from the Black Blades' old vessel. The central area of the camp includes a large camp fire, surrounded by log seating, and at the head of this area is a large chair upon which Captain Vicious often sits. The chair is the remains of his original seat in his quarters, but has been decorated with skulls, bones and such.
Golden Hammer Pirates VillageSettled in the lower plains of the island, the Golden Hammer Pirates build their village near the entrance to the Ironside Mines, near the island's middle, but at a distance from the Petropolis. With 29 people inhabiting this region of the island, governed by Sven Steele, it is by far the largest active settlement on the island. Not only is it large in terms of demographics, but it is also one of the most heavily fortified, the working individuals of the town having cleared out some of the forest's trees and quarried some of the stone in order to craft a more stable hamlet. The buildings here are more like mud huts than tents, using permafrost and timber and stone to make sturdy shelters. The town's perimeter is even protected by a three foot stone wall topped with an additional five feet of wooden fencing to keep intruders out. An open entrance is often guarded by two men, though the busy nature of the town means word spreads quickly. The mast of their ship has been secured in the middle of the town and, though its sails and rigging have long since been stripped down, the flag remains present.
The Ancient PetropolisAn ancient ruin located in the middle of the island, the Petropolis is one of the few remains of an ancient people that inhabited Ironside Tor centuries ago and - despite the lack of care it has received since - is still in relatively decent condition. Access to the ruin can only be achieved through the Ironside Mines, as the ruin is situated high above ground level and is build into the cliff's face. The place itself is eerie and quiet, consisting of several cavernous levels carved into the rock, connected by passages and stairways. There are approximately five levels to it, though their exact purposes have long since been forgotten. Some areas are sealed by strange stone doors, while others have caved in.
Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates CampSituated in the upper reaches of the Petropolis, the Scarlet Valkyrie Pirates have claimed this area for themselves. Though they number just 13 and are led by Benifude, their isolation and altitude makes this camp both one of the most well defended and one of the most prepared of all piratical encampments. The geothermal activities within the plateau provide them with the warmth they need to survive, but they do use reptile skins and other materials to construct necessities. The camp itself is located in one corner of the ruin, spanning a small number of chambers over two levels. The settlement itself has little in the way of identifiers.
Ironside MinesA vast, labyrinthine network of tunnels carved into the rock of Ironside Tor's great plateau, these passages were once used as mines by the ancient people of the island, but that is about all that is discernible about them. Now, the tunnels and caverns of this area are more or less home to a number of fierce reptiles who thrive in the geothermal heat. The deeper one goes, the warmer it becomes, though there are some pockets of cooler air trapped inside the tunnels. Timber supports prevent certain areas from collapsing, while open zones are supported by virtue of natural columnar stone. Ladders, steps and other wooden constructs still litter the place in certain areas. The mines, however, are perhaps best regarded for what they contain. The people did not mine metals much, from what can be seen, but instead gathered crystals. Though many areas have been leeched of their resources, some still contain crystalline deposits of mysterious stone.
Tor's TopThe upper reaches of Ironside Tor, best known and revered as Tor's Top, is a place where only the bravest or most foolish individuals would dare set foot. What lies up here is a mystery to most, for good reason; perilous thunder storms plague this region with supernatural regularity, and the sheer altitude means that one cannot discern its secrets from afar. Furthermore, the cliff faces are so steep that they prevent even the most experienced of climbers from scaling them. None of the current settlers of Ironside have visited this place - none of them seem to want to, due to a firm belief that nothing but death and desolation awaits them. Such a belief is certainly not far from the truth.Plot Hooks
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- Get involved in the conflict between the pirate factions of Ironside Tor!
- Find your way to Tor's Top!
- Explore the depths of Ironside Mine in search of hidden treasures!
Island History
-~-~-~-Little is known about the history of Ironside Tor, other than it has long been regarded as little more than a way point for travelers on the Grand Line for centuries. Rumours regard an ancient race that inhabited the island long ago, whose technology allowed them to forge a mighty kingdom within the rock of the plateau, but much of the truth has been lost to the ages. Though remains of the civilisation are certainly present on the isle, there is little to no sign of their race remaining, leaving archaeologists not even the slightest clue as to what happened.
What is known is that, about twenty years ago, several pirate crews sailing the Grand Line met in a mighty sea battle not too far from the island. The exact number of crews involved is unknown, as reports stated that there were many smaller crews caught up in the action as well, but it is known that several notorious crews of the time vanished entirely on that day. A fierce storm - not too uncommon in the stretch of sea between Netherworld Island and Ironside Tor - manifested and caused many of the ships to capsize. The resulting carnage killed many, leaving fragmented forces to desperately search for refuge. Some of the survivors made their way to the island and set up camp.
Over the next decade, several other piratical forces were caught in similar storms due to navigational issues, all ending up in similar circumstances regarding Ironside Tor. For the last eight years the island has remained in its current state, divided amongst the five current factions that inhabit it, and it shows no signs of changing any time soon.