I like how such a short passage can explain so much about a place. The notes, however, did help to explain it.

I tried to write the stories so those unfamiliar with the Ironclaw/Jadeclaw RPGs and their supplements (as well as those who are but don't have photographic memories) don't need to know the source material in order to enjoy the story. However, I wrote up the Author's Notes, just in case. I also like the opportunity to share some of my thoughts.

I also will compliment your usage of the first person. I find that a hard perspective to write from since I like to reveal the emotions of characters at certain points to show a reaction to something or someone that outwardly appears one way but inwardly appears another. Is there any advice you can give for someone trying to write something in first person?

Also, what are the Ironclaw/Jadeclaw RPGs, and are Winterfur/Isen's Bane based off them, as well?

It's very much that Furcadian role play standard: Your character reacts only to what he can directly experience. I just visualize being the character doing his stuff and looking at the world through his eyes. If there's anything hidden from him, it doesn't get mentioned.


Sanguine Productions is the publisher for the Ironclaw and Jadeclaw table top role playing games. They're set in a world of anthropomorphic animals somewhat analogous to early-Renaissance Europe and pre-Mongol China.

Baksrit's world originally started as a fan concept of Vicky Wyman's Xanadu comics way back in the mid-90s (thereby predating the original version of the Ironclaw core book by half a decade), but rapidly evolved from that original concept as more and more influences were thrown in. Baksrit first appeared as a minor character two or three years later. When I discovered Ironclaw, I incorporated some of its elements into Baksrit's world, particularly the magic systems (although these were modified under the influence of real life mysticism). There are other influences, of course, from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to Uncle Scrooge.

Same as the last story you posted ill get to reading this when I have time
Havnt been in the mood to sit down for a read latly

No worries. They aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

And another great read!
Love the setting, although I wish there had been more pirate kinda guys there.
And im curious if blackpowder weapons (guns) had been developed during this period? A bit of sugar, rust and saltpeter (all naturally available) can make quite a boom.

The Bisclavret supplement has a section devoted to guns and cannons although they're still very primitive. They're not always reliable and often as dangerous (sometimes more so) to the wielder as to whoever's being aimed at. As Zhongguo of Jadeclaw is roughly analogous to pre-Mongol China but with a technology level roughly equivalent to late 14th-century China, they most likely have some better quality guns although still nothing close to the sophistication we have nowadays.

Of course, being expensive to make items; guns, cannons, and explosives aren't very common, nor are those who use them. Heck, in real life, lances and swords were common weapons in World War I, so there's still going to be a strong preference to traditional weapons in both Ironclaw and Jadeclaw's late/Medieval/early Renaissance timeframe.


Pirates are a common problem off the coast of Calabria, especially around Bisclavret lands. One of the reasons Port Spar isn't succeeding too well as a replacement for the major port city of Triskellion is that the "reforms" designed to make it more competitive attracted a lot of unsavory types, especially pirates. The Bisclavret are trying to fix their mistake, but with only limited success.

World War 1 was a very strange war. Some armies even stuck to using flintlock and crossbow during the first stages. Pikeman were often seen on horse back charging through no-mans land during this time too, but as we know were taught a terrible lesson in modern practices of making death. That nostalgia of what was thought to be the "honorable" way to fight was quickly suppressed by the Germans.
1300's is generally the year firearms were born into the West. (I think)

Heh, pirates have always been a nuisance. Although an interesting culture (if you can call it that), still a pirate is just a pirate.

Fortunately, I need not worry about the WWI for Calabria. If there was a timeskip forward, it would be more likely to land us right in the Victorian steampunk era – Steamclaw, if you will.

The late 14th century (last part of the 1300s) would be about right for Calabria's development of gun technology, I think. I'm pretty sure the basic idea at least was imported from China.

Don't worry. If I ever deal with pirates, I doubt I'd romanticize them as Hollywood has done. A murdering thief is a murdering thief, be he on land or water.

Fortunately, I need not worry about the WWI for Calabria. If there was a timeskip forward, it would be more likely to land us right in the Victorian steampunk era – Steamclaw, if you will.

The late 14th century (last part of the 1300s) would be about right for Calabria's development of gun technology, I think. I'm pretty sure the basic idea at least was imported from China.

Don't worry. If I ever deal with pirates, I doubt I'd romanticize them as Hollywood has done. A murdering thief is a murdering thief, be he on land or water.

We really need some way to delete misposts.

Yeah I really wish they could give us an edit/delete option with our comments.
Double posts are annoying.