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Iron Claws

Criminal Organization • High Forge Rulers • Primary Antagonists

Overview​

The Iron Claws are a powerful criminal organization that seized control of High Forge following the dragon attack. Under the leadership of Helja Ungar, they maintain oppressive control through intimidation, high taxation, and strategic alliances with dragons and the Eldoran Empire.

Leadership​

Helja Ungar (Deceased - Session 36)​

  • Primary leader of the Iron Claws
  • Killed by Silas in Session 36 during the Great Hall battle
  • Responsible for killing Silas's crew in Greyport
  • Had enormous bounty on Silas specifically

Other Known Leaders​

  • Grimjaw - Escaped during Session 36 battle
  • Triple C - Escaped during Session 36 battle
  • Car - Used teleportation ring to flee Session 36
  • Athena - Used teleportation ring to flee Session 36
  • Marta - Combat leader, had teleportation ring stolen by Ohma in Session 36

Operations​

Control of High Forge​

  • Seized control after dragon attack (Session 24)
  • Oppressive governance through intimidation and taxation
  • Protection money collection and high taxes on citizens
  • Housing redistribution (assigned residents to Olivia's former apartment)

Criminal Activities​

  • Bounty System: $50,000 dead or alive on Taco Cat
  • Violessence Smuggling: Lucrative black market trade between High Forge and Eldoran
  • Tunnel Patrol: Guards monitoring underground passage systems
  • Alliance with Dragons: Working together with dragon forces

Facilities​

  • Control of churches and nightclubs in High Forge
  • Great Hall (site of Session 36 confrontation)
  • Multiple guard posts throughout the city

Known Members​

Defectors​

  • Lark - Former member who turned against organization (Session 25)
    • Inside knowledge of tunnel patrol patterns
    • Helped party infiltrate High Forge
    • Sought rescue of brother Tony's family

Guards and Operatives​

  • Captain Corwin - Lady Corwin's cousin, turned by Iron Claws (Session 30)
    • Wore ironclaw badge
    • Mentioned "just about ready to summon the dragon of everything"
    • Interested in draconic tablets

Strategic Alliances​

Dragon Cooperation​

  • Evidence of dragons and Iron Claws working together
  • Plans involving "summoning the dragon of everything"
  • Dragons destroyed parts of city but maintain relationship with Iron Claws

Eldoran Empire Connection​

  • Strategic alliance with Eldoran Empire
  • Suspected of coordinating with imperial forces
  • Part of larger political maneuvering

Conflict with Taco Cat​

The Bounty​

  • $50,000 dead or alive on entire Taco Cat party
  • Silas has particularly high price from Helja personally
  • Actively coordinating bounty hunter operations
  • Multiple encounter with bounty hunters (Session 25)

Major Confrontations​

  • Session 25: Bounty hunter ambush at Mr. X's shop
  • Session 36: Great Hall battle
    • Held hostages (George, Will, Roscoe, Belvolt, Finnwick, Lady Corwin)
    • Helja killed by Silas
    • Leadership scattered/escaped
    • Organization's power significantly weakened

Resistance Against Iron Claws​

Victor's Resistance​

  • Manufacturing explosives to target Iron Claws operations
  • Planning attacks on Iron Claws-controlled locations
  • Former Twilight Company operative

The Power Vacuum​

  • After Session 36 battle, Iron Claws leadership scattered
  • Party considering Naomi (Lotus Casino manager) to stabilize city
  • Former Tear leaders involved in civilian evacuation plans

Current Status​

Following the Session 36 confrontation:

  • Helja Ungar: Killed by Silas
  • Leadership: Scattered - some escaped, some eliminated
  • Control: Weakened but not eliminated
  • Future: Uncertain - power vacuum in High Forge

Key Sessions​

  • Session 24: Rise to power after dragon attack
  • Session 25: Bounty on Taco Cat revealed
  • Session 26: Party infiltrates High Forge
  • Session 30: Captain Corwin's betrayal
  • Session 36: Great Hall battle and Helja's death

"Taco Cat, the bounty is $50,000 dead or alive. My associates and I would prefer alive. It's less messy, but we're not picky." - Iron Claws operative, Session 25