The council's given me custody over you for as long as I see fit. So you can make yourself comfortable. I can be sure that you'll have plenty of time to talk.
The people of Vale needed someone to protect them, someone who would act. When they look to the sky and see my fleet, they feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength.
For the past few years, Atlas has been studying Aura from a more scientific standpoint- how it works, what it's made of, how it can be used. We've made... significant strides. And we believe we've found a way to capture it.
Someone's done the impossible and gained control of my machines. And that enormous Grimm seems to be fixated on the school. Glynda, form up the local Huntsmen and establish a safe zone here in Vale. We need to evacuate Beacon. Qrow, I'm leaving that to you and my men. I still need to get to my ship.
That's exactly what I'm doing. Our people need protection. By this time next week, the Kingdom of Atlas will be officially closing its borders. No one in, no one out.... without the council's permission.
Many have described these as uncertain times. And while that may be the case for the rest of the world, I can tell you what is certain: the Kingdom of Atlas will remain strong... and it will remain safe. That is my promise.
”
—General Ironwood, reaffirming his promise to the people of Atlas over the Atlas Broadcast System
Until now, I believed it was impossible to truly turn the tide against Salem. Oz has pushed her back, has kept victory out of her claws, but she will keep returning stronger and stronger… unless we destroy her.
”
—General Ironwood, to everyone
“
I needed to ensure Salem couldn't infiltrate Atlas. And I wanted my military here, protecting my people.
”
—General Ironwood, about his reason to everyone
“
Ozpin believed the best way to fight Salem was to do so in secret. Whether that was the right choice or not isn't for me to say. But we find ourselves in a position of needing, well, a new approach.
Citizens of Mantle - Following the most recent Grimm attack, a temporary prohibition of assembly is in place. There are to be no public gatherings of any kind. Please conduct your business and return to your homes before curfew. This is for your own safety.
”
—Ironwood to the citizens of Mantle.
“
This is the worst case scenario. More people are dead, Penny's been framed, and somehow, Jacques Schnee is sitting on the council.
It seems Robyn has emboldened our suppliers in Mantle. They're refusing to sell us provisions until the city is adequately repaired. With Robyn redistributing the goods her team has stolen, the Amity Project is completely stalled.
”
—Ironwood on Amity Communications Tower's production
“
What's more important? Establishing communications, unite the world? Or appeasing a few city blocks?
”
—Ironwood, after Winter mentions about declaring martial law
“
We can't! If we talk about Amity now, we risk Salem's forces, who we know are here, working to sabotage it. If we tell them about Salem now, we risk falling to the Grimm before we can reunite Remnant.We have to finish the tower. I want Robyn Hill in custody. We can offer her a deal if she gets Mantle to cooperate. Anyone not assisting with Robyn needs to focus on Tyrian. I want to know who he's working with, where he's hiding, what he's planning, and how exactly that video of Penny got all over my kingdom. Do I make myself clear?
”
—Ironwood, to Nora
“
I hoped bringing you down here might jog some memories. After all, it was your idea to use the Staff to lift Atlas off the ground.
”
—Ironwood, to Oscar on the Relic of Creation
“
To tell you the truth, that served as the inspiration for the Amity Project. Get a communication tower up in the sky, higher than the Grimm can survive, so we never lose contact with each other again.
”
—Ironwood, to Oscar
“
We... didn't always see eye to eye, but... I wish I could ask Ozpin what he thought of all of this.
I think that's pretty obvious, Miss Hill. I'm trying to prevent Atlas from becoming another Beacon, another Haven. I'm not hiding anything.
”
—Ironwood, to Robyn
“
I knew you'd stoop low to get what you wanted, Jacques. But this? No, it's quite simple really -- now that I know Arthur Watts is alive. Working with a madman like Tyrian Callows, it would be easy for someone like him to coordinate an unthinkably heinous act like the one in that warehouse. Watts designed Mantle's entire security network. He used that access to hack the surveillance system and frame someone else for the job. All while stealing an election. And once you became a Councilman, your newly granted clearance gave him a backdoor into Atlas' secure network. But you probably hadn't even considered that, had you? With enough time… whatever he wants.
”
—Ironwood, to Jacques after learning the real mastermind behind the incidents in Mantle.
“
He's using Jacques' credentials. We can follow that activity on the network. If he's found his way into the Amity system… …No, the secret is safe. For now. But if he learns about Amity, she learns about Amity. It's too late. He's already starting to lock us out. He's going to be mobile. We need his access point. We need to get him out in the open.
”
—Ironwood, about the current situation regarding Watts.
“
This... this is what I was afraid would happen. If I move the fleet, then Atlas is vulnerable. I… I tried to keep the kingdom safe. And now we're losing everything. I wanted Ozpin's advice. It's time to give up on that plan.
”
— Ironwood, about the hopelessness of the situation.
An ancient and terrible evil lies outside of our Kingdom. It was responsible for the destruction of Beacon, the attack on Haven, and for the recent attacks on Mantle. This powerful force goes by the name of Salem. Salem seeks only to divide us. To turn us against each other. If she can incite hatred in us, then we will lure in the Grimm and destroy ourselves. Arthur Watts and Tyrian Callows. These men are the ones responsible for the recent murders in Mantle and for sabotaging the heating grid. But we cannot let ourselves give in to fear and panic. That is what she wants! Instead, we must unite, and fight back, together. Every single one of us! Amity Tower is now completed and ready to launch. It will re-establish all global communications-- Because the safety of every citizen is imperative, the council and I have decided to evacuate everyone in Mantle to Atlas. I am withdrawing all defenses from Amity in order to assist with repelling the Grimm in Mantle.
”
—Ironwood revealing the existence of Salem to Mantle
“
Arthur Watts… Welcome. You always were a pain in the ass.
I gave you everything you could have wanted! You're smart, but you're not the only one who can count.
”
—Ironwood, to Watts
“
I will sacrifice... whatever it takes... to stop her.
”
—Ironwood, declaring his conviction to Watts
“
We have made a critical error. The Black Queen was the symbol Salem showed us before we lost everything. Her way of telling us she was inside. That it was too late. We stopped Watts. We stopped Callows, but someone was here. They put this in my office to tell me that-- What if Mantle was just a distraction? What if it was just to draw us away from the academy to, to--
”
—Ironwood, about the Black Queen
“
How do we know that wasn't part of their plan? How do we know they didn't want us to bring people into Atlas by the thousands?
”
—Ironwood, about the evacuation
“
Salem has been one step ahead of us this entire time!
”
—Ironwood, about Salem's plans
“
If Cinder's here, then, for all we know, Hazel's here, too!
”
—Ironwood, about Cinder
“
Are you with me? How did Robyn know about the Global Communications Project?
”
—Ironwood, to Blake demanding answers about Robyn
“
We didn't know that for sure.
”
—Ironwood, about Robyn
“
Loyalty always matters!
”
—Ironwood, to Weiss
“
For what?
”
—Ironwood, to Salem's mirage
“
That's… not going to happen.
”
—Ironwood, to Salem's mirage
“
Or they've already been destroyed.
”
—Ironwood, about the long-range proximity alarms around Atlas
“
I sent your sister to claim the power of the Winter Maiden. When I realized we'd been compromised, I knew we couldn't wait any longer. The Staff and the Lamp have to be locked away.
”
—Ironwood, to Ruby's Group
“
Well, that was before you lied to me about the Lamp. Before you lied to us about Robyn, before Salem was right on our doorstep. Before Mantle was nearly destroyed, and myself and my army were left exhausted.
”
—Ironwood, to Team RWBY about them lying
“
The timeline has changed. And so we must change accordingly. We are going to take our plan for Amity Tower and apply it to the city of Atlas. It was Oz's plan in a former life. But he didn't take it far enough. If we harness the power of the Staff, and raise ourselves high into the atmosphere, the city's artificial climate will keep citizens and food supplies unharmed. Always out of reach of whatever Salem may try to send our way. We can't allow Salem to capture the Relics. This is our best chance at getting the Staff, the Lamp, and the Maiden as far away from her as possible.
”
—Ironwood, on his plan to escape from Salem
“
Sometimes, doing the right thing means making tough decisions.
”
—Ironwood, to Team RWBY
“
Nothing. Once I declare Martial Law.
”
—Ironwood, deciding to declare martial law
“
We are saving who we can. And you're standing in our way.
”
—Ironwood, to Team RWBY
“
I'm sorry it's come to this, but until Atlas and the Relics are safe, you're all under arrest.
Winter, thank you. I know that must have been difficult. I... I'm so sorry.
”
—Ironwood, to Winter
“
And... whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with? It was smart of you not to bring the Lamp down here. I wouldn't trust me either right now.
”
—Ironwood, to Oscar
“
Do you intend to fight me?
”
—Ironwood, questioning Oscar if he will fight him
“
You still think I'm afraid?
”
—Ironwood, to Oscar
“
That's easy for you to say! You can label me whatever you'd like, but the fact of the matter is I was right! The minute I softened, let my guard down, that's when Salem had her opening. All excellent philosophical points that won't matter if Salem wins.
”
—Ironwood, exposing Oscar's lies
“
No, you listen! I am done letting others' inability to see the big picture get in the way of doing what's right. Robyn, the council, this Kingdom... even you.
”
—Ironwood, to Oscar
“
James is what my friends call me. To you… it's General.
Hello, Penny. I'm worried for your safety. Tell me where you are and I'll have you picked up right away. Atlas needs you, Penny. Salem is here.
”
—Ironwood, to Penny via Scroll
“
Mantle… You're still worried about Mantle?! Remnant is doomed, Ruby. Unless we leave, Salem will destroy Atlas and with it, any hope humanity has left. We need to think about the future. If she makes it through our defenses, everything that follows will be on your hands.
”
—Ironwood, to Ruby
“
I'm going to do everything I can to defend this kingdom. No matter the cost.
Apologies for the delay, today has been… busy. Have you made any progress? I'd hate for us to have to try motivating you. Again.
”
—Ironwood, to Watts
“
A security threat has been detected in the compound, status alert level 3: Red. Lockdown initiated. Authorization granted to handle ANY threats with lethal force.
”
—Ironwood, issuing a security warning after learning of the presence of Ruby's Group
We aren't making any progress attacking the thing from the outside. But from the inside, it could be vulnerable. Science team is putting together a bomb. When it's ready, we'll drop it off as close to the target as possible. Then, your team will deliver it on foot. Sending your rendezvous coordinates now.
Search everywhere for them. Do not return to this office until you have Qrow Branwen in custody.
”
—Ironwood, to a pair of soldiers after learning of Qrow and Robyn's escape
“
Penny still hasn't come to the Vault, meaning Watts was either incompetent or he betrayed us. At this point, we'll never know. Cinder Fall has attacked command and escaped with him. And that's not all we've lost. […] Qrow and Robyn have also escaped. Salem's creature was destroyed, but that doesn't mean we've stopped her. She will return and she will throw everything she has at us until there is nothing left. And we are perilously close to that already. I need the Winter Maiden, now. It's the only way Atlas can survive.
”
—Ironwood, briefing Winter
“
They were our last chance. Now… now I have NOTHING!
”
—Ironwood, after learning Winter let Yang's Group go
“
I have always promised to defend this Kingdom. Its technology, its future, from those who would see it destroyed. Our enemy is crippled, but one individual still denies Atlas its salvation: The Protector of Mantle. Penny, wherever you and your friends are, I need you all to listen. I know how much Mantle means to you, so I'm going to give you a choice. You can bring yourself to Atlas Academy and do your duty, help me save as much of Atlas as I can, and Mantle will be left to fend for itself. Or… you can all watch as I destroy it. I have one bomb. That's all it will take. If there is no Mantle then there is no reason for you not to work with me. Neither of us want it to come to that, but one of us is willing to do it. If anyone tries anything other than what I've ordered, Mantle… is gone. You have one hour to respond. I hope you live up to the title I gave you.
—Ironwood, responding to Jacques asking him to open his cell, before vaporizing him
“
I've chased a lot of shadows over the years, always expecting betrayal. But never once did I think it would ever come from you. I know what's best for Atlas, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to get that Staff. So, consider this my last order: step aside.
You know full well what sort of place Mountain Glenn is. Those lands ...were brought to ruin by Grimm. Atlas' unmanned droids could scope the place out just fine. So putting those girls in harm's way seems entirely unnecessary.
”
—Ironwood, to Ozpin about Mountain Glenn
About Ironwood[]
“
You're a good person, James. You've always done what you think is best for the people, even against strong protest. It's admirable. But it's high time you stopped talking about trust and started showing it.
”
—Glynda, to Ironwood in "Mountain Glenn"
“
His heart is in the right place. He's just... misguided.
—Yang and Ruby, about Ironwood's appearance on the Atlas Broadcast System
“
James... what have you been doing?
”
—Qrow Branwen, questioning Ironwood's activities and motives following the Fall of Beacon
“
"James was no different. I couldn't tell you exactly what it was he saw there, but it changed him. He's…"
"He's scared."
"Paranoid would be the more appropriate term."
General Ironwood. The hero of our time and Atlas' greatest protector. Under the general, we have advanced to incredible heights, discovered new technologies, and created the world's first artificial intelligence. Though horrifyingly revealed at Amity Arena, Penny is our proud foray into sentient AI, and Ada is the culmination of the machine learning we have long developed in our labs. As reviled as he was for his misguided attempt to protect Vale, how can the world fault our General when the culprits are out there? How can the victims be blamed for the sins of the perpetrators? Is incompetence somehow a greater sin than premeditated evil? Our General may have failed to protect Beacon, but he's not the one that hacked our weapons into hurting the innocent. Yet... he wears that burden on his shoulders like he is alone in the world... Ozpin, missing. Lionheart, dead. Theodore, uncertain. We say Atlas is the greatest, the mightiest... the city in the clouds, but what is first place when there is no competition? Yet, our kingdom and our General... we're the best chance that humanity's got... which scares us to death. Menagerie? ...what about it?
