It is said the founders traveled for an extended period. The exact time is unknown. It is believed we lost count because of the constant danger.  When stress is high, the unimportant aspects are lost while the important events remain. It is known our numbers continued to dwindle as we progressed. At some point it was seen, a massive pillar in the shape of an octagon. It was higher than the treetops by an order of magnitude. We cautiously traveled toward the unknown object. It was completely different from the environment we had been moving through. We hoped against hope the object would provide safety. We could not sustain the rate of loss for much longer.  

The vegetation began to thin as we moved closer to the object. We were left in awe. The tree line receded. It was a sight to behold. It was unlike anything we had seen whether from the old world or until this point in this one. Unnatural and natural at the same time. Color of iron. Around the pillar was an area perfect for settlement. Few vegetation or forest complications. It seemed like it could have been an area once settled. This was an area previously tamed.  

We cautiously entered the domain of this object, this pillar. To our surprise, the wildlife stopped hunting us. We collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Safety was within our grasp. After all the losses that haunted us, we needed this reprieve. We did not know why wildlife avoided this structure or the surrounding landscape. It did not matter. We were safe. The pillar had saved us, saved humanity. We would forever be grateful.  

Even with questions about the pillar’s origin, influence, and power, we did not see any option but to settle within its domain. With our limited resources, we could not protect ourselves and rebuild civilization. We needed external protection. We needed the pillar regardless of cost. To our surprise, no cost was demanded. We were able to build our settlement and restart civilization under a new name. Ironlanders. 

The pillar became central to our settlement. Each specialty occupation claimed a side of the octagon as its own. Similar occupations grouped together, building districts outward from their side of the pillar. Slowly, order replaced the chaos of the Arrival. Civilization restarted, danger ever present if we ventured too far. 

As we rebuilt our lives within the safety of the pillar, we discovered strange objects of various sizes and shapes. Our initial inclination seemed to be correct. We were not the first to settle this land. Most of these objects were determined to be utilitarian in nature, able to hold liquid, food, or other substances. We were grateful for what was left behind for our artisans would not need to create additional bowls, plates, and other such objects.  While these objects were few, their finding posed questions. Where are these people? What happened to them? Questions the founders never found answers to. Questions that are still in the minds of the most inquisitive.  

Series
Author's Note
This is a continuation of the world building exercise for Ironsworn. The two truths included in this writing are those of “Iron” and “Legacies”. The core truths for these topics are as follows:

Iron: Inscrutable metal pillars are found throughout the land. They are iron gray and smooth as river stone. No one knows their purpose. Some say they are as old as the world. Some, such as the Iron Priests, worship them and swear vows upon them. Most make the warding sign and hurry along their way when they happen across one. The pillars do not tarnish, and even the sharpest blade cannot mark them.

Legacies: Before the Ironlanders, before even the firstborn, another people lived here. Their ancient ruins are found throughout the Ironlands.