Iron Throne

Lore & Background

The Iron Throne is set in a land where humans have vied with other races for empire since their arrival from the ancestral continent. The ambition for someone new to take control of the Iron Throne causes strife among the humans with a civil war brewing, while the elves form an alliance with the humans against the evil forces despite their history of animosity. Jonathan Palmer, reviewing for Arcane magazine, described the novel as 'a veritable saga set in a beautifully believable land' and praised the author's understanding of history, geography, military campaigns, battlefield strategies, and fortifications. He noted that 'of particular interest to referees will be the impenetrable elven capital.' Palmer also commented that 'even the erotica is surprisingly well-written by the usual standards of the genre: marriages of political convenience and ill-conceived romantic liaisons of inconvenience abound.' He concluded that 'it has taken a writer who lives alone with his motorcycle on an Indian Reservation in Arizona to have the patience to create such a wonderfully alive fantasy world.'

In Their Own Story

The novel follows the struggle for control of the Iron Throne in a land where humans have warred with other races since arriving from another continent. The domination of the native elven population caused a bitter dispute, and war is inevitable as other races seek to take control from the humans. A civil war brews among humans as new ambitions arise for the throne, while the elves form an alliance with humans against evil forces despite their history of animosity. The reader feels 'as though he (or, indeed, she) is a silent servant to the court, observing all the machinations of the courtiers, but at the same time being powerless to intervene.' The novel features 'generally well-developed characters (even the non-human ones)' and 'a mythology and captivatingly intricate plot.' Palmer rated it a 9 out of 10 overall, calling it 'a truly splendid read with hardly a weak moment from start to unpredictable end.' The Iron Throne appeared on the 2024 Game Rant '31 Best Dungeons & Dragons Novels, Ranked' list at #13.

Reader's Guide

The Iron Throne is a novel, not a game supplement, so there are no rules or character options to detail. However, for Dungeon Masters running a Birthright campaign, the novel provides rich setting material. The author shows 'a good understanding of history and geography, of their effects on military campaigns and battlefield strategies, and of the fortifications and defences necessary to withstand attack and siege.' The elven capital is described as 'impenetrable,' offering inspiration for adventure locations. The political intrigue—'marriages of political convenience and ill-conceived romantic liaisons of inconvenience'—can seed plot hooks. The novel's world features humans who arrived from another continent and now dominate the native elven population, with other races seeking to take control. This conflict, along with the brewing human civil war over the Iron Throne and the uneasy elf-human alliance against evil forces, provides a backdrop for campaigns focused on empire-building, diplomacy, and war.

Did You Know?

• The Iron Throne was the first novel published for the Birthright setting, released in November 1995.
• Jonathan Palmer of Arcane magazine gave the novel a 9 out of 10 overall rating.
• The author, Simon Hawke, lives alone with his motorcycle on an Indian Reservation in Arizona.
• The novel appeared at #13 on Game Rant's 2024 list of '31 Best Dungeons & Dragons Novels, Ranked'.
• The elven capital in the novel is described as 'impenetrable' and of particular interest to referees.