Time flowed forward. As is humanity’s nature, we explored and expanded. We discovered more pillars. They seemed to have the same properties as where we first settled. Yet, we still knew very little of their origin. They were a mystery to us. There did not seem to be patterns to their appearance. All we knew was they were extremely far apart. It usually took days, sometimes weeks of travel in any direction for another pillar to appear on the horizon. Each settlement was isolated; without aid should the need arise. Such isolation forced the Ironlanders within each pillar to support each other. They knew even if they were to somehow call for aid, it would be some time before it would arrive.  

Regardless of the safety had within the pillars, fear was still ever present.  Fear of the unknown. Fear of what could be. It’s no wonder religion became a foundational pillar for every Pillar; every community. Ironlanders needed to feel safe in an uncertain present. Natural charismatic figures immerged from within the fear. But they did not speak kindly of the old gods. Curses, reticule and blame were loudly declared and directed their way for the situation we found ourselves in. A new object of worship and praise for our rescue was encouraged. Iron. It was said it was the iron pillars that saved us and kept us safe. It was said the iron pillars were what drove the wildlife away and kept humanities future alive. It was said it was the iron that kept the darkness, fright, and panic from consuming the Ironlanders. 

The message conveyed by the Iron Priests calmed the hearts and minds of the people, allowing for a sense of peace and safety to take root. There were sceptics of this system of belief, by-and-large though it was accepted by each community, reinforcing safety and protection provided by the Pillars. Questions of their purpose or origin vanished from the collective mind, replaced by worship and reverence, led by the Iron Priests. 

Great power and influence were granted to the Iron Priests by the people. On their word communities would accept or reject governmental leadership. The hierarchy of the old world was gone. It served no purpose. In its place were leadership comprised of the same kinds of people that allowed us to survive, tradesmen. Those who had literally built our communities became leaders, respected for their accomplishments. As these accomplishments faded from the collective consciousness and the fear of the unknown returned, something greater than individual leadership was needed to quell the fear. This was the genesis of the Iron Priests and the Iron Faith.  

Power dynamics slowly shifted. We did not realize it then. When those with enough influence eventually did, it was too late affect meaningful change. Even now, unless one is observant and knowledgeable in political matters, the power dynamic is not noticeable. All seems to be as it should be. The veil of the separation of church and state is present. Reality is different from public awareness. The Iron Church holds all the power. In some communities the relationship between church and government is mutually beneficial, symbiotic. In others, it is adversarial. It all depends on the qualities of the Iron Priests leading their congregations.  Time erodes. Origins of the Iron Faith lost. It is how it always has been, at least that is what the majority of Ironlanders believe.