Iron is a metal and one of the most ancient and important protections against ghosts. It is used by everyone for a multitude of purposes, as ordinary people secure their homes with iron decorations or carry it on their person as wards[1], and agents use iron rapiers and chains for both attack and defense[2].
Uses[]
Ghost-Huntung[]
- Main article: Ghost-hunting
Iron is a must-have tool for ghost-hunting. It is used for flares[2], most rapiers[3], iron chains and iron filings. It's anti-ghost and anti-ectoplasm properties make it invaluable, as a good rapier can easily dissolve ectoplasm[4] and strong iron chains will keep even powerful type two ghosts at bay[5].
Defensive[]
- Main article: Defences against ghosts
While iron chains are great for in-the-moment protection during a hunt, most homes are secured using more permanent iron protections. While some homes use iron plates in the ground, iron gnomes in gardens[6], iron knockers on doors[7], iron charms[8] or other household items specifically made from iron[7], other, specialized tools, are often more effective. This includes iron bars securing windows, iron lines in the ground[9] or iron doors or doorframes.
Sealing[]
Iron is also used in large quantities for sealing specifically haunted places. It is plastered over haunted places, limiting any psychic interference and often securing places for good[10].
Manufacturing[]
Fairfax Iron Company[]
- Main article: Fairfax Iron Company
The Fairfax Iron Company is the leading supplier of iron in the UK. They supplied hunting supplies, like seals, filings and chains, but also ghost-lamps to the government and personal and home protection to ordinary citizens. With this broad range of products, the company had a secure place in britains economy and was frequently visited by government representatives[11].
References[]
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, III: The Necklace, Ch. 16: "naff Protecto(TM) necklaces"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Screaming Staircase, Glossary
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, chapter needed specified, from a scene in SS of Lockwood coming back with new Rapiers
- ↑ The Hollow Boy, I: Lavender Lodge, Ch. 3: "He'd picked up his sword [...] shearing through the nearest tentacles. They burst like bubbles, scattering iridescent pearls of plasm"
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, I: The Ghost, Ch. 3: "Those iron chains are standard kit for every agent, Lockwood. They're essential for protection when we're up against a strong Type Two."
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, III: The Necklace, Ch. 16: "Those iron gnomes that people dotted around their gardens?"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Hollow Boy, I: Lavender Lodge, Ch. 1
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, II: Before, Ch. 5
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, II: Before, Ch. 6
- ↑ [citation needed], it is likely mentioned during the Bickerstaff case
- ↑ The Screaming Staircase, III: The Necklace, Ch. 16