Hi, I’ve been debating trashing a great deal of IRON lore for a while now. Since the work simply doesn’t have the space for it. I’ve decided to at least try to pursue other options to see how I feel about it. What follows is some additional micro-fiction, completely optional and related to the world as a whole rather than the story at hand.

As always you can support me and IRON at https://ko-fi.com/infinitydoom



Pruned

  The civilized world takes its shape from the powerful whims of Noble desire. It is no surprise that certain cruel social mores exist to remove consequence itself, from many Nobles favourite pastime. Because to something as high as Nobility, that is all a bastard is. A messy consequence that one might twist until it becomes productive.

  The practice of Pruning, (named such because it keeps hereditary trees proper.) Started like most civilized things; with the Iron King. Someone who sired his own share of illegitimate children. The practice was used to “Protect the sanctity of true Noble lines.” All illegitimate Noble children were to be castrated to prevent them from making their own dynasties and challenging the line. They would be given the lowest rank in society (Citizen status) and be sent into the world.

  After the slave trade was ended, however, Nobles began keeping their bastards closer to the family. A Guild run committee prevents even the most powerful Nobles from owning slaves. So the Nobility found a workaround. Many Pruned now spend their lives as servants to their Noble families. A perfectly legal practice. After all, no committee exists to prevent cruelty to one’s own kin...