Rustcrown

Rustcrown
Ruler	None
Government	Various insular factions
Demonym	Ruster
Adjective	Rustcrown
Population	~1,700
Demographics	Various ancestries

Rustcrown is a small city in the Depths under Koritan. Unusual for underground cities, Rustcrown is populated mostly by humans, orcs, tieflings, and other peoples of the surface. The city was founded in Y9670^* by Koritanite rebels fleeing repression in the infernal realm, and has continued to grow as new dissidents join.

Description

Rustcrown has long since outgrown the original cavern in which it was built, and now sprawls into three more large cavities connected to each other by narrow tunnels. The city has expanded in a haphazard manner. Most streets in Rustcrown are passages no more than six to eight feet wide that wander amongst stone houses. The largest cavern, the first to be settled, also contains a small river that passes through on its underground route. This is the primary water source for Rusters, and its protection and continued existence is one of the few matters in which the various factions in Rustcrown will work together.

Buildings themselves are densely placed. It is rare for any structure in the caverns to not share at least two walls with its neighbors, and most have also been extended vertically to make the most of the cramped space. The vast majority of buildings are constructed entirely of local stone and steel frames, with stone or metal panels used for doors and other openings.

The air in Rustcrown is very often thin and smoky due to poor ventilation, insufficient sources of air, and the ceaseless activity of the city's mining and metalworking industries. The cavern walls and most other outside surfaces are covered in a layer of dark soot and grime, and most residents are diligent to ensure their homes are free of the pollutants. Even aside from the perpetual haze, the minimal exterior lighting ensures the city is very dimly lit.

Culture

Koritan is aware of the existence of Rustcrown, and has repeatedly sent infiltrators to the underground city. Many Rusters are highly suspicious of new arrivals, out of a concern that anyone and everyone could possibly be an informant for the inquisitors. An undercurrent of paranoia pervades the city, and many residents are careful to conceal or obfuscate even the most innocuous movements and activities.

Some Ruster factions regularly patrol the routes leading to their city in order to intercept any Koritanite loyalists.

Government

Rustcrown has no official government, and is de facto led by a collection of highly insular factions. Each faction usually represents individuals of shared interests, whether that be a common religion, occupation, or location of residence. Many factions control specific aspects of life under the city, and Rustcrown politics heavily relies on trusted intermediaries to ensure basic requirements like food, water, and protection continue to be available.

Relations

Rustcrown and Talam Galta have close relations due to their shared opposition to the Malavischans. The city supported the breakaway republic by providing information about Koritanite politics and military movements prior to Talam Galta's declaration of independence. Travel between the two is quite difficult, as the only safe routes are through the Depths; Koritanite inquisitors have become experts in disrupting covert movement on the surface.

It is not lost on most Rusters that Koritan, if it wished, could easily destroy their underground city. As of yet, the infernal kingdom has made no attempt to do so, and is seemingly content to watch and occasionally send spies. Many Rusters do not believe the current situation will hold and actively prepare for a future conflict.