The Foundry

Summary

The Foundry is the largest industrial structure in New Smoke, a metal-working facility dominated by multiple smokestacks that constantly belch black smoke. Following the violent coup three weeks prior, the Thunder Hogs (also called The Guards) seized control of the building and imprisoned the Mayor of New Smoke somewhere within the complex. Yassandra describes it as "too dangerous" for an inexperienced hero to infiltrate, and Greta expresses serious concern about the party's survival chances when they announce their intention to breach "this heavily fortified structure."

The Foundry serves as both a working industrial facility and the primary base of Thunder Hogs authority in New Smoke. In Session 9, the party conducted reconnaissance from Yassandra's Shed, with Cat identifying critical intelligence including a smokeless chimney that may provide covert entry, the timing of guard shift changes, and a mysterious Storage Shed near the facility. In Session 10, the building became the target of the party's active rescue operation to extract the captive mayor.

Description

The Foundry towers over New Smoke, located near the furthest wall that sits on the edge of the Wastes. Multiple smokestacks rise from the structure, continuously producing thick black smoke from the metal-smelting operations within. The facility requires good ventilation due to its metal-working processes, which Vasso notes when considering potential entry points.

From Cat's elevated vantage point on the roof of Yassandra's Shed, one smokestack stands out: unlike the others, it produces no smoke, suggesting either a non-functional chimney or a potential infiltration route. The building is heavily fortified and surrounded by guard patrols that operate on shifts.

Near the Foundry sits a storage shed set somewhat apart from the main structure. During Cat's surveillance, multiple guards enter this outbuilding, but none emerge—a troubling observation that raises questions about what occurs inside.

History

Session 9

The party first learns specific details about the Foundry when Shawn confirms that The Mayor of New Smoke has been imprisoned somewhere within its walls following the coup three weeks earlier. Cat stands up and declares the party must save their pig friend, pointing toward the Foundry.

When Cat attempts to recruit Yassandra to help free the mayor, Yassandra firmly refuses, explaining that the Foundry is "too dangerous" and that someone starting out as a hero needs to "start small" and "make a name for myself" before attempting such a mission. Even after Cat convinces Yassandra to embrace heroism, the aspiring champion declines to join the infiltration, telling the party to "go infiltrate this heavily fortified structure" and then potentially meet for practice afterward—if they survive.

Erin suggests the party conduct reconnaissance using their Dust Hats before attempting the full infiltration. Cat climbs to the roof of Yassandra's Shed to scout the Foundry, which is easily visible as the biggest structure in town. From this elevated position, Cat observes the guard patrol patterns and makes several critical discoveries.

The surveillance reveals that guard shifts change at approximately 2:00-2:30 AM, with a two-minute gap between shifts when no guards are visible on patrol. This window represents the party's best opportunity to approach unseen. Cat also identifies the smokeless chimney as a potential entry point and notes the suspicious Storage Shed where guards enter but never exit.

After gathering this intelligence, the party prepares to infiltrate the Foundry to rescue The Mayor.

Episode: "Session 10"

The Foundry became the site of the party's infiltration operation to rescue the Mayor of New Smoke from the Thunder Hogs. As the group approached the complex, they confirmed their target's location within the building and surveyed potential entry points. The party described their objective as extracting "one of our pigs from the foundry," using coded language to discuss the mayor's captivity.

Rather than attempting the previously discussed chimney entry through the smokeless stack, the party shifted their focus to the surrounding structures. After observing the layout of the foundry complex and its auxiliary buildings, they made the tactical decision to investigate one of the sheds first, using the outbuildings as a potential staging point for their approach to the main facility. The session marked the transition from reconnaissance to active infiltration of the Thunder Hogs' stronghold.

Notable Features

• Multiple Smokestacks: Most constantly belch black smoke from metal-smelting operations; one produces no smoke and may offer covert entry
• Heavy Guard Presence: Multiple Guards of New Smoke patrol on regular shifts with a two-minute gap during shift changes around 2:00-2:30 AM
• Mayor's Prison: Somewhere within the structure, The Mayor of New Smoke is being held captive
• Metal-Working Operations: Active foundry requiring good ventilation for smelting and metalwork
• Strategic Location: Positioned near the wall bordering the Wastes on the far side of New Smoke
• Storage Shed: Nearby outbuilding where guards enter but do not exit, suggesting hidden functions or exits
• Fortified Structure: Described as "heavily fortified" by multiple characters who consider it extremely dangerous to approach