OK, I have to point this out alot since people keep thinking this is a d20 system. THIS IS NOT A DnD GAME. Iron Kingdoms is based on the tabletop wargames by Privateer Press called Warmachine and Hordes. This system uses a simple 2d6 roll that determine all of you checks. The game is set in a steampunk universe where elves, dwarves and humans have begun to reach the advent of alchemy and mechanika, combining both magic and mechanikal construction. One thing to note about this setting, is that this is not a human-centric world. Humans populate a portion of the world but much of it is untamed wilderness, containing who knows what. Even in the small patch of humanity is not without it's problems. 1200 years before the current timeline, a race called the Orgoth invaded the human territories. For 600 years humans lived under the yoke of their oppressors and some of the humanoids like trollkin and ogrun are felt the weight of their chains. Ironically this has advanced alchemy and the invention of mechanika, which led to the creation of the colossals, gigantic automatons controlled by specific mages that led the rebellion and pushed the Orgoth from their conquered lands. After the rebellion, new borders were drawn, and 4 nations were carved into the new age. Khador, a great nation forged in the harsh winters of the north, it's people numerous and hardy. Cygnar, a nation feared and respected for their technological advancement in arcane, alchemy and development of 'jacks, successor to the giant automatons that won their freedom. Llael, a nation that thrives in culture, academics and arts. Finally, Ord, a nation of seafarers and traders, relying on commerce and seafaring navies for their economy and military. It would seem that peace would finally settle on the human lands, but evil lies in every man's hard. Khador believes their right and their lands were taken from them during the signing of the treaties and has launched many campaigns to take back lands from Cygnar, Ord and Llael. They have been repelled time and time again by the alliances of Cygnar and Llael, sometimes even including Ord. A hundred years before the current time line, which is 607 AR, a Civil War erupted in Cygnar. A call has been sent out by the church of Menoth, to all Menites across the human kingdoms to gather in the capital of Cygnar. Their leader then revealed their purpose, to overthrow the king, and place a true man of faith on the throne. The coup failed and they were exiled into the desert wastes. This fate seemed to by met with divine providence as they were able to uncover much of the old faith, as well as incredible resources within the desert that fueled their growth. Soon they were able to create a sovereign nation of their own, and with substantial military prowess, posed a threat to any of the older nations. They christened their new nation the Protectorate of Menoth. A few years before the current timeline, Khador launched it's biggest campaign yet, and most successful so far. Llael's largest city fell in less than 6 months along with it's capital, Cygnar's alliance with Llael fell during the onslaught when Khador advanced part of it's army towards Cygnar's northern border.The Protectorate of Menoth took advantage of this situation to subvert and sabotage the warring nations. By the end of the year, Cygnar had to retreat in their own territories and suffered high casualty rates. Llael's fate was sealed when Cygnar abandoned the war front to protect their own borders. Llael is no longer a nation, more akin to a butchered piece of meat torn between Khador, the Protectorate that had a crusade into it's eastern border, welcomed by unsuspecting citizens, and The Resistance of Llael, remnants of Llalese citizens that fiercely protect the last of their homeland and try to fight off Khador's occupational forces. The year is 607 AR, Khador has called for a truce with Cygnar, cooling down the war effort on all nations but tensions are still high. Great wars are on the horizon and border skirmishes are common. These times are very profitable for those who thrive in war. It is up to you, the players to decide where you stand and how you affect this world.
