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Ironwood Pass
Ironwood Pass
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region:
Hikari Province — Duskfall Ridge border
climate:
Subalpine
elevation:
2,300 m
faction:
None
hazards:
Wraith Jackals, avalanches, bandits
population:
Transient caravans
landmarks:
Lantern Trail, Shrine of the Slate Fox, Waystone Bridge
status:
Open seasonally
Ironwood Pass is a narrow mountain corridor linking Hikari Province and Duskfall Ridge. It serves as the main caravan route through the northern pines, marked by stone lanterns and weathered waystones. The pass is prone to snow squalls, rockfall, and prowling Wraith Jackals. Couriers and merchants hire escorts like the Ronin to cross safely.
Geography / Layout / Points of Interest
- Narrow cliff road: single-lane ledges with cut-backs and retaining walls.
- Lantern Trail: waist-high stone lamps placed at intervals; lit during peak trade.
- Waystone Bridge: short arch over a ravine, carved with mileage markers.
- Avalanche chutes: signed detours with rope lines and windbreak fences.
- Shrine of the Slate Fox: cliffside shrine with votive plaques and a bell rope.
- Old patrol redoubt: collapsed watch hut overlooking the switchbacks.
- Pine terraces: mixed ironwood and fir; frequent black ice in shade.
Inhabitants
- Ronin: wandering male swordmaster who often escorts caravans.
- Sable Monk: reclusive male ascetic seen at the cliff shrine.
- Wraith Jackals: spectral predators hunting at dusk and dawn.
- Bandit skulkers: small gangs targeting isolated wagons.
- Caravaneers and porters: seasonal traffic moving salt, timber, and tea.
Items / Resources Found
- Ironwood Resin: harvested from storm-damaged pines.
- Slate Fox Talisman: common charm sold by shrine keepers.
- Waystone Token: carved markers used by guides in whiteout.
- Lost satchels and travel gear after winter slides (variable quality).
- Lantern oil caches maintained at milestones during trade season.
History / Lore
- The pass predates provincial borders, following an old pilgrim track between valleys.
- A levy dispute at River Gate shifted trade north, increasing traffic here.
- During the Lantern Amnesty, Lady Kayo sanctioned escorts that broke a smuggler ring partnered with Wraith Jackals.
- Local tales claim the Slate Fox watches travelers who ring the shrine bell only once.
Events / Quests / Encounters
- Escort Contracts: protect wagons from bandits and night-stalking jackals.
- Lantern Relighting: restore extinguished markers after a storm for safe passage.
- Shrine Bell Oath: make an offering at the Slate Fox and receive a guide’s blessing.
- Ravine Recovery: retrieve a fallen chest near the Waystone Bridge under icy wind.
- Mediation on the Ledge: settle a right-of-way dispute; noted appearances by the Ronin.
Travel / Access
- Best crossed late spring to early autumn; winter requires ropes, crampons, and guides.
- Northern approach from Hikari Province follows graded farm roads to the first lantern.
- Southern descent into Duskfall Ridge is steeper with tight switchbacks.
- Caravans stage at roadside shelters; permits sometimes checked by hired wardens.
- Night travel discouraged due to fog banks and increased Wraith Jackals activity.
Image Gallery
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Lanterns along Ironwood Pass at first snow
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Ronin escorting a caravan through the narrows
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Shrine of the Slate Fox above the switchbacks
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Predators in the ridge shadows