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Archival File #9870 code approval 25138R Historic Sites -- Iron Bastion

Iron Bastion was constructed before the emergence of the holonosphere. During the first Runic War, the citizens of Undertown suffered heavy losses. After suffering these losses, the citizenry demanded greater fortifications at the conclusion of the conflict. People wanted to know that in times of turmoil, they had a place they could be that would act as a sanctuary. Iron Bastion was conceived as part fort, part church. Metal ore was used in its construction, much of which was steel. A large portion of iron was also used, mostly for stylistic flourishes. Anti-corrosive additives were utilized in the metal amalgam. Large spires were erected so that the Bastion could act as a boost to the morale of the citizenry of Undertown, and also as a memorial to those who had sacrificed their lives so that such a building might result.

The internal blueprints of Iron Bastion are known mainly by the citizenry. Because it was constructed to be a Sanctuary, the citizens decided it was best to keep the details of the fortifications and defenses of the building to themselves. Rumor has it, however, that if one were to enter Iron Bastion, one would find slots in the walls that would at first appear to be idiosyncratic decorative touches. In fact, these slots house what are thought to be gargantuan saw blades--designed to emerge should Iron Bastion be invaded.

What is known is that the marauding factions of the second Runic War did make it inside Iron Bastion. Scant evidence exists from the invading Harlarks, especially so because they were defeated, but what is known is that the Harlarks that made it inside Iron Bastion emitted terrifying screams that were stifled gradually. Their deaths were not immediate, but apparently delayed and painful. Absent was any "buzzing sound" although a few eyewitnesses thought they saw some strange glow that seemed unnatural.

Whatever internal defense is inside the Bastion, one wonders how the citizens manage to use it while remaining free from harm. if it were the case saw blades or some other defense were present, it would seem as though it would have no means to differentiate between citizenry and enemies. This suggests that either the citizens are not present in the halls of the Bastion when the defenses are activated, or else they have some other means of keeping themselves safe.

Whatever the case, Iron Bastion has had unexpected consequences on the residents of Undertown in the many thousands of years it has existed. Because the citizenry feels as though it can weather any attack, the citizens of Undertown who were once very active in the external world behave more like turtles as they hole up in their town increasingly. This isolation has seen the residents of Undertown eschew the use of the holonosphere which has had the unintended effect of drawing those who wish to escape the holonosphere to Undertown.

The resulting population is segmented in a most unusual way as the original citizenry of Undertown does not welcome newcomers. Undertown does not consider the people who come to their community to escape the holonosphere as residents, and it is likely that if a conflict ever arose those who are seen as outsiders would not be permitted access to the Bastion.

Although the newcomers have established themselves within Undertown itself, there is no political upheaval in the town among those who are the original residents with respect to the newcomers. Most residents feel that the situation with newcomers will resolve itself should another conflict arise. Much like the general attitude of Undertown, politics are a matter of waiting long enough that the issues eventually dissipate.

Regardless, Iron Bastion has played a pivotal role in Undertown not only as a defensive structure but as a psychological symbol that has, over time, informed the culture of the citizenry around it.

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