Bastion/History

Summary

Bastion could not be compared to a vast human hive-like NQSC. However, the starting amount of people had a population of at least a dozen million, with another million or two living in the castle. The construction of the city was surprisingly quick due to the participation of thousands of Awakened with inhuman strength and powerful Aspects.^[1]

The city was neat, with two or three-story houses lined along the streets. Houses were built from white stone, covered by colorful red tiles, and had plenty of trees and greenery. Parks, gardens, and water features were placed harmoniously. Modern technology was used to prepare the city, and it looked pretty and picturesque. The city planners and architects used the vast knowledge of humanity and the processing power of the waking world to do all the preparatory work in advance.^[1]

Summary

Bastion is the most prominent human settlement in the Dream Realm and the first foothold humanity established in the world of the Nightmare Spell. It connected the isolated Citadels in its heartland to one another and to the Stormsea, and despite the rapid development of the basin of the River of Tears, it never lost its exalted status. After Godgrave, it became the seat of Immortal Flame's power. Sunny views it as the greatest stronghold of humanity and its beating heart.^[2]

The city contains several notable landmarks. The Ivory Tower drifts among the clouds above the Mirror Lake, while the Night Garden casts a shadow over the Castle's battlements. The Dream Gate towers above the streets and, on the day described, connects Bastion to Ravenheart, allowing free travel between the two Great Citadels and ostensibly turning them into one colossal city. The streets are filled with mundane people, Awakened, Echoes, and enthralled Nightmare Creatures, while the four Great Citadels seem to have become one, lending their immense weight to a feeling of strength and unity.^[2]

Effie states that Bastion is larger than NQSC in physical size. While NQSC has a larger population and is built vertically with countless floors above and below ground, Bastion is mostly horizontal and covers an immense amount of ground. Despite its tram system, bicycles, Echo rickshaws, and ferries, travel across the city remains time-consuming. Around half of those living in the south have never visited the northern reaches of Bastion, and many have not even seen every district in the south.^[2]

Despite a constant torrent of settlers leaving for other Citadel Cities, Bastion's population continues to grow. Effie explains that the city is already at capacity and well beyond it, creating significant challenges as billions of people still need to be settled somewhere in the Dream Realm.^[2]