Dust Wall
The Dust Wall is a massive defensive barrier on Necromunda designed to contain the threat posed by Hive Secundus, which fell to a Genestealer Cult uprising.[1]
History
Following the protracted war that left Hive Secundus in ruins, Lord Kael Helmawr commissioned the Dust Wall to prevent the spread of contamination, both physical and ideological, from the fallen hive.
The massive fortification was devised by Necromunda's finest military minds with input from the Munitorum, Adeptus Terra, and Imperial Fists. Once the wall neared completion, the hive was isolated, and its defenders were abandoned as the area was obliterated with orbital nuclear strikes. Despite the destruction of the hive and its spire, the alien cult and its horrors survived amidst the radioactive ruins.[1]
It now stands as a grim fortification, isolating Hive Secundus and its secrets from the rest of Necromunda.[1]
Life on the Wall
Because of Secundus' continued threat to Necromunda, the Dust Wall has remained to ensure its inhabitants do not escape from it - or that anyone attempts to enter the Hive. Those who man its walls, tolerate Necromundans sneaking into the no man's land between the wall and Hive Secundus's ruins in order to plunder the wreckage and bodies there.[1]
This, of course, is provided that looters offer a bribe to do so, and do not venture too deeply into the area or bring anything back alive. This is a lucrative trade and a number of settlements that have sprung up near the Dust Wall survive off of this, along with the money made from the Dust Wall's soldiers and Necromundans who visit the area to view Secundus's remains. However, despite their leniency, the Dust Wall's soldiers have reserved the right to shoot anyone within the no man's land - even if it's just for their own amusement.[1]
Loot near the Dust Wall is scarce due to years of scavenging, pushing treasure seekers to navigate old mag-lev tunnels beneath the wall. These perilous routes, haunted by radioactive creatures, cannibal tribes, and xenos horrors, lead to the ruins of Hive Secundus, where untold riches—and dangers—await the boldest adventurers.[1]
Settlements
In the century since Hive Secundus' fall, the Dust Wall has transformed. While the planetary militia still guard its trenches, numerous settlements have arisen in the surrounding wastes, driven by scavengers exploiting the ruins. These range from small outposts like Bane Town, built from Baneblade tank hulls, to larger communities like the Crater, home to nearly 3,000 residents.[1]
The largest settlement, Ashgrad, once a militia tank repair complex, has become a hub dominated by House Orlock, the Guild of Coin, and other factions vying for control.[1]
Sources
- 1 : Necromunda: Apocrypha, pgs. 30-31
- 2 : Necromunda: Hive Secundus Rulebook, pgs. 16-17
