Chains

Chains is the settlement that is based around the central glass column of light (Light Column) that goes all the way up to the surface. Chains is a collection of large metal boxes and metal huts that all have their own wheels and suspension to deal with the uneven terrain of a settlement that is constantly moving downwards.
The settlement is know as 'Chains' because there are hundreds of large, industrial sized chains that are attached to the huts, boxes, mining equipment and the large pot plants around the Light Column. These chains are there to secure all of these things to the cave walls and floor so nothing topples over or is destroyed in a light quake. All of the settlers (Lowers as they refer to themselves) are equipped with harnesses and are required to be attached to the chains while they are out of their huts.
Around the Light Column in the centre of Chains are large ceramic pots. Inside these pots grow various different crops that are able to grow on what little light the column provides. There is also a chain fence set in a ring around the pots and Light Column so people can stand and look at the light from a safe distance.

Demographics

The population is split into the able bodied who work solely as miners. They spend their days constantly digging downwards, making sure they avoid cave-ins. They are not given much of an education, only the basic history of Undearth and then best mining practices. The miners live spread out across the whole of Chains. A large metal box could hold up to four miners and their families.
Then the non-able bodied, or people with physical impairments who are unable to mine become researchers and it is from this group the Leader of the colony is chosen. They in small huts or boxes very close to the Light Column.

Government

Those with physical impairments who are unable to mine are entrusted with running Chains. As they can not mine they are expected to devote themselves to reading and studying the books passed down from generation to generation. They elect a leader of the colony amongst themselves and that leader makes the final decision on any matters that need to be settled. For example, if someone is accused of stealing another's rations it is the Leader's role to investigate and make a judgement.
The Leader's responsibilities are:

Protecting the Light Source

Maintaining the crops

Distributing food evenly among the Lowers

Settling disputes within the colony

But there is another leadership role within Chains. These are the Fourman (play on the word Foreman). The Fourman are the four best miners as decided by a mining contest held every five years. Every miner must enter and the four people who win the competition are pronounced the Fourman for the next five years.
The Fourman's responsibilities are:

Securing and maintaining all chains

Navigating the Colony downwards

Organising the mining rotas

Dealing with general ad hoc mining difficulties

Defences

The Lowers fear what is above. That is why as they descend further downwards they reinforce the large metal ceiling above them. To keep whatever dangers exist on the surface above their heads.

Infrastructure

The Lowers have adapted to life underground over the last six centuries. Some of their most helpful inventions include:

Light Funnels: These smaller metallic tubes use curved glass within them to amplify light. These are used to give light to specific plants that need more light or plants that seem to not be growing correctly.

Ascension Gear: This special harness allows the wearer to grapple onto something above them and then automatically winch themselves up to that point.

Assets

There is nothing more valuable than the Light Column as it is the key to Chains' survival. They do however have a large crate that is located in the Leader's hut which contains all the books the human race brought down with them from the surface. Only those less abled are allowed access to the books in order to better their minds.

Alternative Name(s)

The Colony, Light Column

Type

Outpost / Base

Population

5,000

Inhabitant Demonym

Lowers