Iron Island
Iron Island was named in a Dutch captain's log in the late 16th c, a bleak and desolate outcrop of basalt, part of the Permiatic Sea Ridge that extends east from Lonely Point.
Home to little more than sea birds, a lighthouse was constructed there in the mid-19th c.
In the 1960's a growing number of meta-human prisoners highlighted a real problem -- it was nearly impossible to incarcerate meta-humans in existing facilities.
The construction of the Edgar G. Blackstone Federal Penitentiary began in 1968. It is a fairly modular structure comprised of three largely subterranean towers, one of which is generally closed for renovation, an expensive on-going process.
Prisoners are typed in five broad categories. Mistakes have been made, although the prison's record over the last few years shows a remarkable improvement.
Type I prisoners have never exhibited any meta-human abilities, although they may possess Olympic-level physiques. Since 1998 no prisoner with less than one year incarceration is classed as a Type I. Many of the prison's custodial roles are conducted by Type I's.
Type II prisoners are classic meta-humans with abnormal abilities that can be controlled through neural inhibitor drugs and Neutralizer systems. each Neutralizer has to be fairly specifically tailored to each prisoner, thus they are often heavily medicated until the authorities are sure they have the settings right.
Type III prisoners are a small class of metamorphs and shape-changers who can alter the chemical balances of their own system by chance or design. As medication has proven to be less than effective against them, they are kept in complete isolation.
Type IV prisoners are too powerful, fully or partially immune to Neutralizers and neural suppressants, or their very nature poses a clear and present threat to the safety and well-being of other prisoners. Much like Type IIIs they are kept isolated, and the controversial treatment of Hotsleep is used in some cases.
Type V prisoners are difficult to classify and control, often due to mystic abilities. Each Type V is a separate case, however even with access to Arcane Locks and Wards, Cosmic Shielding, and leading edge technology, isolation is a minimum, and Hotsleep (if possible) a likelihood.
