<strong>The Tunnels</strong><br/><br/>The hastily-dug abode for mutants was created in the early days. A mutant by the name of Mol had arrived at Burlington in search of help for her mutations, but was attacked by government agents as soon as she approached the hospital. Mol managed to escape by using her new powers to sink into the ground, and rescuing another mutant by the name of Tiresias. Once it was clear that all medical practices, if not the entire city, were being watched. Angered at the government's betrayal, Mol and Tiresias underwent a campaign to rescue others threatened by the Black Ops.<br/><br/>The patchwork of tunnels deep in the earth is what is left of the early rescue effort. Most of the tunnels to the surface were collapsed when the government caught onto where the mutants were hiding and started drilling. The community still has a few eyes on the surface on the lookout for more mutants, but most of the population of the Tunnels have turned inward to deal with their many fold problems.<br/><br/>The Tunnels are a hard, cold place to live. There is plenty of space (more can easily be created if needed) but few of the amenities of the surface world. The ground is packed earth or rock, and there is no form of central heating. Only common areas and the rooms of mutants who work for the communal government are wired for electricity, leaving most of the population with candles for light. There are three public bathrooms/showers, one for male, female, and those unfortunates who are stuck in between genders. Even then, the water is unheated.<br/><br/>Upon arrival, a new mutant is given a spacious room with a mattress and a couple of blankets; that is all. There are no sinks, electricity or even a door. Mutants who provide a service to the communal government can get an electric outlet and maybe a door, but they're not much better off.<br/><br/>There are several common rooms, large areas where food is distributed, prepared, and eaten. They are also a place where mutants gather for recreational activities, or to simply talk and gossip. There is not a lot to do in the bowels of the earth, after all.<br/><br/>The de facto leader is currently Tiresias. He organises the day to day affairs of the Tunnels, and few are in a position to challenge his position. He is mostly concerned with keeping everyone alive and well, rather than vengeance, which has earned him some enemies.<br/><br/>A large dissident is Mol, who has been gathering a group of mutants who want to strike out to discover the source of their mutations. Her group has been called 'diggers' due to their association with Mol, but it is an insult most of them have taken to heart.