Setting
『SETTING』
The following is a semi-comprehensive list of the game's various settings. If your character has chosen to make a sacrifice and wishes to expand one of the four adjacent cities, or taken up residence in one of the apartments, or maintains a business, etc., please leave a comment describing the change to any of the map areas be noted, and it will be added to the setting description where appropriate. If you would like to see a public location added, feel free to make a request.
· The Bay
· Genessia City
· Nova City
· Attleton
· Everglade
· Fayren
THE BAY
Starting Point
Characters new to the city awaken within The Bay, with a vague sense of having slept for too long and the grogginess that typically accompanies such a thing, lying in a slightly-tilted cocoon of silver metal lined with silk and soft padding. The entire Bay is covered in about two inches of clear water, with multiple white lights throughout that dimly illuminate the enormous domed cavern of dark gray stone. There are twelve archways that all lead to the city outside. A simple white box lies on the character's chest, containing the essentials: a jeweled necklace of gold and opalescent stones (with one particular color more prominent than the others to identify which city the character may expand if they so choose), what appears to be a walkie-talkie with a video screen, and a pamphlet. The pamphlet states simply: 'Welcome to Genessia'. All of these things are crafted to be the appropriate size for the new character. The Bay is located at the very heart of the city.
The pamphlet first explains the device, calling it a videophone, with easy instructions about how to communicate via text, audio, and/or video, and how to transmit privately, and also encourages the character to give it a try once he or she leaves the Bay as it will not function within. The necklace, it goes on further to explain, is required in order to pass from Genessia City to one of the other four cities, and should be worn at all times not only to allow this ease of transportation, but to identify the owner to others as 'real'. The last page has a thick manila folder, where several red bills are stacked and bound by a white ribbon. The pamphlet informs that this is the main currency for Genessia City, in order to purchase room, board, and other necessities. It encourages the character to apply for a job in order to earn more if they so desire. Once the character leaves the Bay, they cannot return.
GENESSIA CITY
City Layout
Genessia City's technology is fairly reminiscent of a modern big city, with two trains that run in a square (one clockwise, one counter-clockwise) around the city proper. Most buildings are fairly small, however, and despite being called a 'city', it lacks the cramped feeling that most cities tend to have. Businesses and residences are spaced apart, and seemingly scattered in no real order, save for The Bay located directly in the city center. The streets are paved and free of potholes, and there's plenty of greenery to be seen in the grass, the neatly-pruned trees that line the streets, and the occasional flower basket hanging from the street lights. The streets themselves are labeled numerically from west to east (with 1st Street being the westernmost street, and 30th Street being the easternmost); and from north to south the avenues are named after trees and flowers (with Aspen Street being northernmost, and Yew Avenue being southernmost).
The East-West avenues are: Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Dogwood, Elder, Fir, Gooseberry, Hawthorn, Iris, Juniper, Kennedia, Laurel, Maple, Nettle, Oak, Pine, Quince, Rose, Sycamore, Thistle, Ulmus, Vibernum, Willow, and Yew. They run alphabetically.
All cities, including Genessia City, are populated, but those who populate these cities are extremely generic for the most part. There are both good (small families, employees, common workers) and bad (thieves, thugs, gangs), and those who lack necklaces are usually considered to be inconsequential. If they're killed or otherwise severely impacted by a character's actions, they simply return to their roles within a day or two with no memory of what transpired.
Though it seems like the city continues to stretch outward into rural obscurity, there is a near-invisible and indestructible barrier around the perimeter. It extends infinitely underground, and boxes off the top of the city about 300 yards high.
Archways
Spaced squarely in each cardinal direction are the Archways - large granite portals inscribed with unfamiliar runes that allow passage to the other four cities. A character must be wearing their necklace in order to pass into or out of one of these archways. To the north is the Archway to Nova City, where places usually seen in sci-fi settings are common. Characters possessing a necklace where the dominant color of the stones is purple are able to expand in this area. To the east is the Archway to Attleton, filled with places that may or may not have historical significance, but nothing out of the ordinary as far as curses, monsters, supernatural beings, etc. are concerned. A character with predominantly yellow-colored stones can influence this area. To the west is the Archway to Everglade, which appears to be similar to Attleton, but possesses all the oddities and strangeness that the other city lacks. Characters holding a necklace where blue is the dominant stone color can expand in this region. Last, to the south, one can find the Archway to Fayren, a realm of high fantasy. If the dominant color of the stones is green, a character can add portions of their world in this area.
Apartment Buildings
Each apartment building is fairly similar in overall design. There are three stories to each, with six two-bedroom units on each floor. Characters may choose to inhabit any of these rooms (101-106, 201-206, and 301-306), which come furnished with beds, dishes, and linens. There are ten apartment buildings total, though more may appear if the population grows large enough.
The Matisse - Fir Ave. and 17th St. - The building itself isn't wholly remarkable, painted in light peach with white trim. The apartments can be entered from the outside, with white iron railings running around each apartment level. The interior is carpeted, and the living areas are bright and well-lit. The bedroom is perhaps a little unusual, in that it is separated from the rest of the apartment by a four-foot-high wall rather than being a complete room. A laundry room with three washers and three dryers is located on the first floor.
Current Residents - None
Holly Ridge - Rose Ave. and 24th St. - Holly Ridge is one of the nicer places to call home, with entrances to each apartment located inside the building. It is equipped with an elevator, and there's a laundry room on each floor as well as a soda and snack vending machine. The apartments are furnished with hardwood floors, and windows in the living room that stretch from floor to ceiling, allowing plenty of light and a great view of the city. On the rooftop, tables and chairs have been set up, allowing residents and their guests to mingle while enjoying the sunshine.
Current Residents
Room 101 - Liz and Patty Thompson
Room 102 - Lucas Kovach
Room 103 - Tsubaki Nakatsukasa
Room 202 - Death the Kid, Salem Saberhagen
Riverplace Square - Vibernum Ave. and 3rd St. - An elegant brick building, with entrances to the apartments located inside on floors two, three, and four. A grand lobby welcomes visitors with plush couches and exotic potted plants. Also located on the first floor is a fitness room with multiple machines to accommodate the healthy lifestyles of its residents. Each apartment has a small balcony that looks out over the city, and the interior is comfortably furnished with modern trappings. A breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the dining room area, and there is a washer and dryer in each unit.
Current Residents
Room 202 - Captain Hammer
Regency Apartments - Pine Ave. and 9th St. - A beautifully crafted building, but also one of the most expensive. The first floor contains a laundry room, fitness room, a clubhouse for entertaining several guests, and an enormous area dedicated to an indoor swimming pool and adjacent hot tub. Residents live on the second to fourth floors in luxurious apartments with two bedrooms each, with a warm and well-lit interior. The entrances to each apartment are on the inside of the building, which has an elevator for convenience. Each living room possesses a gas fireplace, there are walk-in closets in the bedrooms, and air conditioning is provided for its residents. There are also private garages available for an additional fee.
Current Residents - None
Sunset Summit - Birch Ave. and 11th St. - A tall building with white wood paneling on the exterior, and boxed-in balconies for each apartment. The entrances are on the inside, with a separate clubhouse and laundry room on the first floor. The apartments are comfortable and very spacious, with thick slate-blue carpet laid out. The apartments are well-furnished, and very cozy.
Current Residents
Room 206 - Chun-Li
Stone Ridge - Dogwood Ave. and 16th St. - A squat brick building, a little older than the others judging by the shag carpet and weathered exterior. They're a little more economical as a result, but they have the basic amenities as well as a laundry room and a small fitness room (that rarely sees any use, as the machines are fairly outdated). The entrances are on the inside, and the staircase leads up to the roof for those who want to look out at the city.
Current Residents
Room 305 - Raye Hino
Garden Park Apartments - Iris Ave. and 4th St. - Situated across the street from the Garden Park, this apartment building offers a great view. Decks and patios are available to first floor residents, with balconies for those dwelling on the second and third floors. Each unit is furnished with hardwood floors and comfortable furniture, and the interior is brightly lit and welcoming. Entranceways are in the interior hallway, and an elevator travels between floors. The building is outfitted with a laundry room, playground, and small storage units that can be rented at an additional cost.
Current Residents
Room 104 - Orihime Inoue
Clermont Apartments - Birch Ave. and 7th St. - Family-friendly modern apartments, with two to three bedroom units available. There's a terraced rooftop for relaxing when the weather is good, with grilling stations, tables and chairs, and even a fireplace with a few hardy outdoor couches situated around it. The apartments, which can be reached from the interior hallways, are stylish and modern, with the back wall painted either brick red, a muted green, or a soft robin's egg blue. All eighteen units are on the ground floor, arranged in such a manner that each one has a small patio and fenced backyard.
Current Residents
Room 17 - Rukia Kuchiki
Binford Garden Apartments - Elder Ave. and 19th St. - Nicknamed 'Garbage Bin Apartments' by some, these dingy apartments run cheaper than most others, and for good reason. These apartments have been thoroughly lived in, and there's been no sign of a maintenance man for ages. The paint is cracked and peeling, and most of the shutters are either crooked or missing. The 'gardens' are a mass of weeds and choked overgrown shrubs. It's not unusual for electricity and hot water to fail, and frequently so, which lead to hot summers and very cold winters. Unlike the other apartment buildings, rooms 101-106 are 'sublevel' apartments, meaning that they're in the basement.
Current Residents
Room 104 - Harry Dresden
Room 106 - Six
Tupelo Alley - Oak Ave. and 8th St. - A classy and elegant building, with a clubhouse attached that seems more like an expensive house -- it features a covered dining area on the second floor that overlooks the outdoor swimming pool, with the laundry room, fitness room, and visiting area on the first. Apartments have gas fireplaces and air conditioning, and the furnishings seem to be brand new.
Current Residents - None
Library
Located on Iris Street, just next to Garden Park Apartments. The library is an enormous warehouse-like building with four levels, containing multiple books of a variety of subjects. Literature spans from hundreds of different worlds. However, none of these books contain any members of the city as prominent fictional characters. For example, if Superman were to appear in the game, all Superman comics would automatically vanish, as if they never existed, as would all knowledge previously read by other characters, if any. (This is to prevent fourth-walling and mental complexes, as well as protecting secret identities where applicable.) A coffee shop is nestled into the corner of the first floor, where readers can relax with a hot beverage and the book of their choice. A book can be checked out for two weeks. After that point, if the book has not been returned by the character, it simply reappears on the shelf from where it was first taken.
Dream Dock
Located on Quince Avenue and 14th Street. This particular building seems to be a little more technologically advanced in design than the others, where characters may go to 'check up' on how their homeworld is progressing. Numerous chairs are arranged, similar to the hair dryers found in beauty shops, where a character can choose to Dream about their home world and see how events are progressing, assuming the character is still considered 'alive' in their realm (or at least continuing to exist in some fashion). Characters who are dead are unable to initiate any Dreams. Those who Dream pass an IC week in doing so, though the amount of time they view in the Dream varies significantly. OOCly, the Dream Dock serves as a way to 'canon update' one's character, or as an excuse to remain quiet while the player is on hiatus. After the Dream is complete, the character retains all knowledge their other self experienced, but will not suffer any injuries or other harm. After all, it's just a dream.
Hospital
Located at Elder Avenue and 19th Street, close to Binford Garden Apartments. A modest two-story structure where people go to recover from illnesses and injuries. There's also an underground level featuring several laboratories, which can be rented or bought by those who dabble in such practices.
Pan's Grocery
Located at Thistle Avenue and 12th Street. An enormous grocery store that spans nearly an entire square block, where all kinds of mundane groceries can be purchased for a fraction of normal cost. Those seeking more exotic fare (such as energy crystals or other odd consumable items) will have to look in one of the other cities, depending on the item in question.
Hamete Strip Mall
Located at Willow Avenue and 9th Street. A three-level structure, with the first being a sunken level, featuring numerous clothing stores, restaurants, a salon, and other such places for specialty goods. Many of the stores are vacant, and can be claimed by a character who wishes to operate their own business.
Garden Park
This large park area takes up one city block, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Iris and Hawthorne Avenues. Stone paths meander between tall trees, lined with wood and wrought iron benches perfect for an afternoon lunch break. An arched bridge stretches over a well-maintained pond, where ducks and goldfish are common sights. There's a playground area for the children, and the occasional crepe cart, hot dog stand, or snowcone hut can be found for an inexpensive treat.
Genessia Tribune Office
Located on Yew Avenue and 23rd Street. There's nothing particularly outstanding about this little building, but this is where the newspapers are produced. A cramped office is provided for the writers and employees, and a printing press is housed next door. Early every Saturday morning, The Paperboy gathers up all of the papers and dutifully delivers them to all of the residents of the city...whether they like it or not.
Genessia Public School
A large building on 12th and Laurel, accommodating for education from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The classes are fairly small, as there aren't many children in the city, but there's a playground, track and field, cafeteria, gymnasium, baseball diamond, and football field. Classes are held year-round, with a three-month summer break, and a two-week holiday ranging from the last week of the year to the first week of the following year.
Employment Building
Located at Thistle Avenue and 22nd Street. Here, a character may apply for a job, or fill out an application to open up their own business. In the case of the latter, the building will appear after 24 hours in the location that was requested if said location has not already been claimed by another citizen (for example, you couldn't put an auto garage at the same address as the library). The rate of pay for posted jobs is indicated by stars, with one star being a very low-paying job, and five stars indicating a very high-paying job. The more stars there are, the more likely the job will require advanced skills, or indicate a high degree of risk, or simply be a position in high demand.
Firing Range
Located on Ulmus and 30th near the outskirts of town is an indoor firing range. Firearms can be rented or purchased here, as can rounds of ammunition, with a small flat fee for admission. There are two sections available for use: the first is a typical shared room with individual booths and paper targets; the second is a large area with moving cardboard targets to test reflexes and split-second decision making. The second area is available to only one person at a time, and costs a bit more to use.
Geraldi's Pizzeria
Located at Nettle and 12th, this casual and homey restaurant offers the best pizza in the city. Pizza and calzones are the most popular items on the menu, but the pizzeria also serves breadsticks, pasta, and miniature fruit pies for dessert. Delivery is available.
Thud's Gym
Despite the meathead-sounding name, the fitness facilities are very nice and up-to-date. Treadmills, bicycles, and ellipsis machines are arranged on the second floor with a two-way mirror allowing exercisers to look out at the city, but able to enjoy their sweaty privacy from pedestrians. The second floor also has an indoor track, racquetball courts, and an open gym usually reserved for basketball. The first floor has numerous weight lifting machines; an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna; private classrooms for aerobics, pilates, and yoga; and locker rooms outfitted with private shower stalls. Personal trainers are available for hire, and membership is available on a daily, monthly, or annual basis.
Jack's Bar and Karaoke Club
A fairly nice nightspot, though the karaoke club is open all day. The bar is located in the middle of the room that serves all manner of drinks, and there's a kitchen that serves appetizers and sandwiches. The servers are cheerful and friendly. At night, the place is lit with glowing columns and black lights, with dance music pumped through the speakers should the karaoke stage be lacking a current singer. Private karaoke rooms are also available to rent for a small fee, allowing for groups of friends and small parties to sing badly all to themselves.
***** - Doctors, teachers, city guardians (the equivalent of law enforcers, with one in charge of each city)
**** - Nurses, city guardian assistants, city guides/welcoming committee
*** - Chefs, repairmen, custodians/groundskeepers
** - Servers, librarians, blood donors
* - Entertainers, sports players
Variable - Self-employed, beggars, seasonal work
NOVA CITY
Description
Truly this is the future! Buildings are slender and shiny, and almost everything is fully automated, including the sidewalks. Most businesses are run by machines and robots, and it's not unusual to see vehicles that fly...and people that fly too, on rare occasion. Oddly enough, space travel is not permissible here, but one may rent a flying car to quickly zip about the city. The sidewalks move as well, for those who prefer to travel on foot. Local inhabitants range from ordinary humans to bizarre (but intelligent) aliens, all who seem to accept one another's company and move about as if they're accustomed to seeing all kinds of species.
Planetarium
This large building is rich with exhibits, and an hourly show that speaks about the solar system and the constellations overhead. Admission to the planetarium is free, and tickets to the hourly show are available at a small cost. Souvenirs include vials of moon dust, small chunks of moonstone and otherworldly rocks, space-related toys and desk decorations, etc., which may be purchased in the Galaxy Shop.
Holoplaza
One of the most popular attractions of Nova City, the Holoplaza has numerous large rooms which can be rented for a fee. Each room has the capability of producing a realistic simulation of the visitor's choice, ranging from an indulgence in a steamy romance, to the most kickass laser tag games the world has ever seen. Some rent the larger rooms for social events, and catering is available if reservations are made in advance.
Current Archways Activated
Avengers Tower - Activated by Jennifer Walters
Jennifer has created an archway in Nova City to get the Avengers Tower, complete with Jarvis. It's 93 stories tall, takes up half a city block. It also has an underground parking garage with seven of Tony's cars in it.
She is now living in the penthouse of the tower.
New York City, New York - Activated by Gary Bell
(Description forthcoming!)
ATTLETON
Description
A peaceful little town, with a few franchise-style restaurants and fast food joints, numerous shops and small businesses, and a cozy sort of feel to it. Inhabitants of Attleton are warm and welcoming for the most part, but you do have to be on the lookout for social miscreants after dark who aren't afraid to mug or bully an easy target.
Downtown Market
Away from the suburbs is the retail district, similar to just about anything you'd find in a medium-sized American town. There are all kinds of shops, stores, and businesses, ranging from pet shops to tax consultants. There's also a large covered market open year round from six a.m. to five p.m., where one can buy homemade baked goods, produce, fresh fish and meats, or handmade crafts.
Battle Colosseum
There's a special bus stop where people can board and be transported to a place resembling ancient Roman times, where an enormous Battle Colosseum is filled with cheering fans. This is the only place in all of Genessia where death is not permanent. Grudge matches can be held here, and any and all fights are generally met with an uproar of applause and cheers. Characters who are killed in battle here are regenerated in the medical area of the Colosseum; they do not have to sacrifice anything to return to life.
Current Archways Activated
Paris, France - Activated by Judge Claude Frollo
(Description forthcoming!)
EVERGLADE
Description
While this place might look similar to its sister city Attleton, it definitely doesn't feel similar. People are more guarded and wary, and only a fool would wander around at night on their own. The streets seem to always be foggy at night, the mist pierced only by iron street lamps that sometimes flicker when danger is near. There are occasional street benches, and the trees that were probably meant to look inviting have grown tall, old, and gnarled. Most people you meet on the streets are ordinary people, but looks can be deceiving. Ghosts, vampires, werewolves...all these things and more lurk in Everglade, and it's best to tread with caution. The town itself is mostly safe, but crossing the covered bridge that stretches over the murky and muddy river leads to what must have been Everglade's sister city once upon a time, before it was abandoned to the haunts who now claim it for their own. Houses on this side range from rickety shacks threatening to collapse, and dusty elegant mansions choked with ivy.
Mystic's Alley
A bright and gaudy avenue with too many neon lights, where the fortune tellers and self-proclaimed diviners have set up shop. There's palm reading, crystal ball fortune telling, tarot specialists, and dream interpreters all promising their services to help people glimpse into the future. Make no mistake, though, they're all charlatans. ...Or are they?
The Rabbit's Foot
If someone really plans on living here or exploring the area, then this creepy little shop is an essential stop. All kinds of spirit-warding items are for sale, such as salt, iron shavings, crystals, charms, pretty stones, etc. The shop is run by a grizzled man who's never heard of the word 'barber shop', one eye gone milky white. Nonetheless, he seems to know his folklore, and can sell the proper weapon or charm to combat any supernatural terror for a price.
Current Archways Activated
Death City - Activated by Death the Kid
(Description forthcoming!)
Tsubaki's Native Village - Activated by Tsubaki Nakatsukasa
(Description forthcoming!)
International Office of Paranormal and Supernatural Affairs - Activated by Lucas Kovach
This local office of IOPSA is located in a modest three story building. It takes up less than a quarter of a city block and houses enough space for cubical and meeting rooms. Underneath the building is a heavily reinforced cement basement that is only accessible through a large vault-like door.
Lawrence, Kansas - Activated by Dean Winchester
He created Lawrence, Kansas (and got the impala as a bonus because he gave away something so important) by giving up his memory of christmas 1991. This means he doesn't remember getting the Samulet (Which he doesn't have on him anyway) or how Sam discovered about hunting.
Soul Society, 13th Division - Activated by Rukia Kuchiki
Stepping through the archway converts the reishi of all people so that they can see the shinigami who dwell within. The buildings and streets are reminiscent of the Japanese Edo period, and most every resident wears the traditional black robes of the shinigami. The boundaries only extend as far as the 13th Division borders, however, so one can't access the rest of Soul Society from this Archway. Presiding over the district is an Archway version of Captain Juushirou Ukitake, a kind man with long white hair and poor health.
Thailand - Activated by M. Bison
(Description forthcoming!)
FAYREN
Description
A beautiful and rustic town with cobbled streets and buildings constructed primarily out of wood. There are several inns and taverns, a blacksmith's shop, and a few churches erected to various deities. Various races frequent this village, such as elves and dwarves, with the occasional rare being such as a minotaur or a gillman. Surrounding the town are a number of small farms, and beyond that lie enchanted forests, vast mountain ranges, and all kinds of mystical creatures, even dragons.
Royal Castle and Ivory Tower
The king, queen, prince, and princess all dwell at the beautiful, alabaster castle, which is settled high on the hill to overlook the village of Fayren. Banners of red and gold fly from the towers, matching the tunics of the royal guards who patrol the stone halls. The tallest spire is that of the Ivory Tower, where magicians and spellcasters of all kinds gather to study and learn their art. The two teachers are Trynn and Rameus, a young wedded couple. Trynn teaches white magic and healing spells, while her husband Rameus teaches offensive spells and combat capabilities.
The Drunken Monkey
A wild and rowdy tavern if ever there was one. The barmaids are plentiful and pretty, protected by the burly bouncers who are only too eager to pounce on a troublemaker and beat him senseless before tossing him in the dirty alley out back. The food is good and hot, and a roaring fireplace welcomes guests from the cold. Rooms are available on the second floor for those who are reluctant to go home for the night. Close to the bar is a raised stage for performers who happen to be traveling through looking to earn some coins, and there's a trio of musicians who are always on hand to provide lively music for those yearning for a jig.
Current Archways Activated
None.
The following is a semi-comprehensive list of the game's various settings. If your character has chosen to make a sacrifice and wishes to expand one of the four adjacent cities, or taken up residence in one of the apartments, or maintains a business, etc., please leave a comment describing the change to any of the map areas be noted, and it will be added to the setting description where appropriate. If you would like to see a public location added, feel free to make a request.
· The Bay
· Genessia City
· Nova City
· Attleton
· Everglade
· Fayren
THE BAY
Starting Point
Characters new to the city awaken within The Bay, with a vague sense of having slept for too long and the grogginess that typically accompanies such a thing, lying in a slightly-tilted cocoon of silver metal lined with silk and soft padding. The entire Bay is covered in about two inches of clear water, with multiple white lights throughout that dimly illuminate the enormous domed cavern of dark gray stone. There are twelve archways that all lead to the city outside. A simple white box lies on the character's chest, containing the essentials: a jeweled necklace of gold and opalescent stones (with one particular color more prominent than the others to identify which city the character may expand if they so choose), what appears to be a walkie-talkie with a video screen, and a pamphlet. The pamphlet states simply: 'Welcome to Genessia'. All of these things are crafted to be the appropriate size for the new character. The Bay is located at the very heart of the city.
The pamphlet first explains the device, calling it a videophone, with easy instructions about how to communicate via text, audio, and/or video, and how to transmit privately, and also encourages the character to give it a try once he or she leaves the Bay as it will not function within. The necklace, it goes on further to explain, is required in order to pass from Genessia City to one of the other four cities, and should be worn at all times not only to allow this ease of transportation, but to identify the owner to others as 'real'. The last page has a thick manila folder, where several red bills are stacked and bound by a white ribbon. The pamphlet informs that this is the main currency for Genessia City, in order to purchase room, board, and other necessities. It encourages the character to apply for a job in order to earn more if they so desire. Once the character leaves the Bay, they cannot return.
GENESSIA CITY
City Layout
Genessia City's technology is fairly reminiscent of a modern big city, with two trains that run in a square (one clockwise, one counter-clockwise) around the city proper. Most buildings are fairly small, however, and despite being called a 'city', it lacks the cramped feeling that most cities tend to have. Businesses and residences are spaced apart, and seemingly scattered in no real order, save for The Bay located directly in the city center. The streets are paved and free of potholes, and there's plenty of greenery to be seen in the grass, the neatly-pruned trees that line the streets, and the occasional flower basket hanging from the street lights. The streets themselves are labeled numerically from west to east (with 1st Street being the westernmost street, and 30th Street being the easternmost); and from north to south the avenues are named after trees and flowers (with Aspen Street being northernmost, and Yew Avenue being southernmost).
The East-West avenues are: Aspen, Birch, Cedar, Dogwood, Elder, Fir, Gooseberry, Hawthorn, Iris, Juniper, Kennedia, Laurel, Maple, Nettle, Oak, Pine, Quince, Rose, Sycamore, Thistle, Ulmus, Vibernum, Willow, and Yew. They run alphabetically.
All cities, including Genessia City, are populated, but those who populate these cities are extremely generic for the most part. There are both good (small families, employees, common workers) and bad (thieves, thugs, gangs), and those who lack necklaces are usually considered to be inconsequential. If they're killed or otherwise severely impacted by a character's actions, they simply return to their roles within a day or two with no memory of what transpired.
Though it seems like the city continues to stretch outward into rural obscurity, there is a near-invisible and indestructible barrier around the perimeter. It extends infinitely underground, and boxes off the top of the city about 300 yards high.
Archways
Spaced squarely in each cardinal direction are the Archways - large granite portals inscribed with unfamiliar runes that allow passage to the other four cities. A character must be wearing their necklace in order to pass into or out of one of these archways. To the north is the Archway to Nova City, where places usually seen in sci-fi settings are common. Characters possessing a necklace where the dominant color of the stones is purple are able to expand in this area. To the east is the Archway to Attleton, filled with places that may or may not have historical significance, but nothing out of the ordinary as far as curses, monsters, supernatural beings, etc. are concerned. A character with predominantly yellow-colored stones can influence this area. To the west is the Archway to Everglade, which appears to be similar to Attleton, but possesses all the oddities and strangeness that the other city lacks. Characters holding a necklace where blue is the dominant stone color can expand in this region. Last, to the south, one can find the Archway to Fayren, a realm of high fantasy. If the dominant color of the stones is green, a character can add portions of their world in this area.
Apartment Buildings
Each apartment building is fairly similar in overall design. There are three stories to each, with six two-bedroom units on each floor. Characters may choose to inhabit any of these rooms (101-106, 201-206, and 301-306), which come furnished with beds, dishes, and linens. There are ten apartment buildings total, though more may appear if the population grows large enough.
The Matisse - Fir Ave. and 17th St. - The building itself isn't wholly remarkable, painted in light peach with white trim. The apartments can be entered from the outside, with white iron railings running around each apartment level. The interior is carpeted, and the living areas are bright and well-lit. The bedroom is perhaps a little unusual, in that it is separated from the rest of the apartment by a four-foot-high wall rather than being a complete room. A laundry room with three washers and three dryers is located on the first floor.
Current Residents - None
Holly Ridge - Rose Ave. and 24th St. - Holly Ridge is one of the nicer places to call home, with entrances to each apartment located inside the building. It is equipped with an elevator, and there's a laundry room on each floor as well as a soda and snack vending machine. The apartments are furnished with hardwood floors, and windows in the living room that stretch from floor to ceiling, allowing plenty of light and a great view of the city. On the rooftop, tables and chairs have been set up, allowing residents and their guests to mingle while enjoying the sunshine.
Current Residents
Room 101 - Liz and Patty Thompson
Room 102 - Lucas Kovach
Room 103 - Tsubaki Nakatsukasa
Room 202 - Death the Kid, Salem Saberhagen
Riverplace Square - Vibernum Ave. and 3rd St. - An elegant brick building, with entrances to the apartments located inside on floors two, three, and four. A grand lobby welcomes visitors with plush couches and exotic potted plants. Also located on the first floor is a fitness room with multiple machines to accommodate the healthy lifestyles of its residents. Each apartment has a small balcony that looks out over the city, and the interior is comfortably furnished with modern trappings. A breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the dining room area, and there is a washer and dryer in each unit.
Current Residents
Room 202 - Captain Hammer
Regency Apartments - Pine Ave. and 9th St. - A beautifully crafted building, but also one of the most expensive. The first floor contains a laundry room, fitness room, a clubhouse for entertaining several guests, and an enormous area dedicated to an indoor swimming pool and adjacent hot tub. Residents live on the second to fourth floors in luxurious apartments with two bedrooms each, with a warm and well-lit interior. The entrances to each apartment are on the inside of the building, which has an elevator for convenience. Each living room possesses a gas fireplace, there are walk-in closets in the bedrooms, and air conditioning is provided for its residents. There are also private garages available for an additional fee.
Current Residents - None
Sunset Summit - Birch Ave. and 11th St. - A tall building with white wood paneling on the exterior, and boxed-in balconies for each apartment. The entrances are on the inside, with a separate clubhouse and laundry room on the first floor. The apartments are comfortable and very spacious, with thick slate-blue carpet laid out. The apartments are well-furnished, and very cozy.
Current Residents
Room 206 - Chun-Li
Stone Ridge - Dogwood Ave. and 16th St. - A squat brick building, a little older than the others judging by the shag carpet and weathered exterior. They're a little more economical as a result, but they have the basic amenities as well as a laundry room and a small fitness room (that rarely sees any use, as the machines are fairly outdated). The entrances are on the inside, and the staircase leads up to the roof for those who want to look out at the city.
Current Residents
Room 305 - Raye Hino
Garden Park Apartments - Iris Ave. and 4th St. - Situated across the street from the Garden Park, this apartment building offers a great view. Decks and patios are available to first floor residents, with balconies for those dwelling on the second and third floors. Each unit is furnished with hardwood floors and comfortable furniture, and the interior is brightly lit and welcoming. Entranceways are in the interior hallway, and an elevator travels between floors. The building is outfitted with a laundry room, playground, and small storage units that can be rented at an additional cost.
Current Residents
Room 104 - Orihime Inoue
Clermont Apartments - Birch Ave. and 7th St. - Family-friendly modern apartments, with two to three bedroom units available. There's a terraced rooftop for relaxing when the weather is good, with grilling stations, tables and chairs, and even a fireplace with a few hardy outdoor couches situated around it. The apartments, which can be reached from the interior hallways, are stylish and modern, with the back wall painted either brick red, a muted green, or a soft robin's egg blue. All eighteen units are on the ground floor, arranged in such a manner that each one has a small patio and fenced backyard.
Current Residents
Room 17 - Rukia Kuchiki
Binford Garden Apartments - Elder Ave. and 19th St. - Nicknamed 'Garbage Bin Apartments' by some, these dingy apartments run cheaper than most others, and for good reason. These apartments have been thoroughly lived in, and there's been no sign of a maintenance man for ages. The paint is cracked and peeling, and most of the shutters are either crooked or missing. The 'gardens' are a mass of weeds and choked overgrown shrubs. It's not unusual for electricity and hot water to fail, and frequently so, which lead to hot summers and very cold winters. Unlike the other apartment buildings, rooms 101-106 are 'sublevel' apartments, meaning that they're in the basement.
Current Residents
Room 104 - Harry Dresden
Room 106 - Six
Tupelo Alley - Oak Ave. and 8th St. - A classy and elegant building, with a clubhouse attached that seems more like an expensive house -- it features a covered dining area on the second floor that overlooks the outdoor swimming pool, with the laundry room, fitness room, and visiting area on the first. Apartments have gas fireplaces and air conditioning, and the furnishings seem to be brand new.
Current Residents - None
Library
Located on Iris Street, just next to Garden Park Apartments. The library is an enormous warehouse-like building with four levels, containing multiple books of a variety of subjects. Literature spans from hundreds of different worlds. However, none of these books contain any members of the city as prominent fictional characters. For example, if Superman were to appear in the game, all Superman comics would automatically vanish, as if they never existed, as would all knowledge previously read by other characters, if any. (This is to prevent fourth-walling and mental complexes, as well as protecting secret identities where applicable.) A coffee shop is nestled into the corner of the first floor, where readers can relax with a hot beverage and the book of their choice. A book can be checked out for two weeks. After that point, if the book has not been returned by the character, it simply reappears on the shelf from where it was first taken.
Dream Dock
Located on Quince Avenue and 14th Street. This particular building seems to be a little more technologically advanced in design than the others, where characters may go to 'check up' on how their homeworld is progressing. Numerous chairs are arranged, similar to the hair dryers found in beauty shops, where a character can choose to Dream about their home world and see how events are progressing, assuming the character is still considered 'alive' in their realm (or at least continuing to exist in some fashion). Characters who are dead are unable to initiate any Dreams. Those who Dream pass an IC week in doing so, though the amount of time they view in the Dream varies significantly. OOCly, the Dream Dock serves as a way to 'canon update' one's character, or as an excuse to remain quiet while the player is on hiatus. After the Dream is complete, the character retains all knowledge their other self experienced, but will not suffer any injuries or other harm. After all, it's just a dream.
Hospital
Located at Elder Avenue and 19th Street, close to Binford Garden Apartments. A modest two-story structure where people go to recover from illnesses and injuries. There's also an underground level featuring several laboratories, which can be rented or bought by those who dabble in such practices.
Pan's Grocery
Located at Thistle Avenue and 12th Street. An enormous grocery store that spans nearly an entire square block, where all kinds of mundane groceries can be purchased for a fraction of normal cost. Those seeking more exotic fare (such as energy crystals or other odd consumable items) will have to look in one of the other cities, depending on the item in question.
Hamete Strip Mall
Located at Willow Avenue and 9th Street. A three-level structure, with the first being a sunken level, featuring numerous clothing stores, restaurants, a salon, and other such places for specialty goods. Many of the stores are vacant, and can be claimed by a character who wishes to operate their own business.
Garden Park
This large park area takes up one city block, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Iris and Hawthorne Avenues. Stone paths meander between tall trees, lined with wood and wrought iron benches perfect for an afternoon lunch break. An arched bridge stretches over a well-maintained pond, where ducks and goldfish are common sights. There's a playground area for the children, and the occasional crepe cart, hot dog stand, or snowcone hut can be found for an inexpensive treat.
Genessia Tribune Office
Located on Yew Avenue and 23rd Street. There's nothing particularly outstanding about this little building, but this is where the newspapers are produced. A cramped office is provided for the writers and employees, and a printing press is housed next door. Early every Saturday morning, The Paperboy gathers up all of the papers and dutifully delivers them to all of the residents of the city...whether they like it or not.
Genessia Public School
A large building on 12th and Laurel, accommodating for education from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The classes are fairly small, as there aren't many children in the city, but there's a playground, track and field, cafeteria, gymnasium, baseball diamond, and football field. Classes are held year-round, with a three-month summer break, and a two-week holiday ranging from the last week of the year to the first week of the following year.
Employment Building
Located at Thistle Avenue and 22nd Street. Here, a character may apply for a job, or fill out an application to open up their own business. In the case of the latter, the building will appear after 24 hours in the location that was requested if said location has not already been claimed by another citizen (for example, you couldn't put an auto garage at the same address as the library). The rate of pay for posted jobs is indicated by stars, with one star being a very low-paying job, and five stars indicating a very high-paying job. The more stars there are, the more likely the job will require advanced skills, or indicate a high degree of risk, or simply be a position in high demand.
Firing Range
Located on Ulmus and 30th near the outskirts of town is an indoor firing range. Firearms can be rented or purchased here, as can rounds of ammunition, with a small flat fee for admission. There are two sections available for use: the first is a typical shared room with individual booths and paper targets; the second is a large area with moving cardboard targets to test reflexes and split-second decision making. The second area is available to only one person at a time, and costs a bit more to use.
Geraldi's Pizzeria
Located at Nettle and 12th, this casual and homey restaurant offers the best pizza in the city. Pizza and calzones are the most popular items on the menu, but the pizzeria also serves breadsticks, pasta, and miniature fruit pies for dessert. Delivery is available.
Thud's Gym
Despite the meathead-sounding name, the fitness facilities are very nice and up-to-date. Treadmills, bicycles, and ellipsis machines are arranged on the second floor with a two-way mirror allowing exercisers to look out at the city, but able to enjoy their sweaty privacy from pedestrians. The second floor also has an indoor track, racquetball courts, and an open gym usually reserved for basketball. The first floor has numerous weight lifting machines; an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna; private classrooms for aerobics, pilates, and yoga; and locker rooms outfitted with private shower stalls. Personal trainers are available for hire, and membership is available on a daily, monthly, or annual basis.
Jack's Bar and Karaoke Club
A fairly nice nightspot, though the karaoke club is open all day. The bar is located in the middle of the room that serves all manner of drinks, and there's a kitchen that serves appetizers and sandwiches. The servers are cheerful and friendly. At night, the place is lit with glowing columns and black lights, with dance music pumped through the speakers should the karaoke stage be lacking a current singer. Private karaoke rooms are also available to rent for a small fee, allowing for groups of friends and small parties to sing badly all to themselves.
***** - Doctors, teachers, city guardians (the equivalent of law enforcers, with one in charge of each city)
**** - Nurses, city guardian assistants, city guides/welcoming committee
*** - Chefs, repairmen, custodians/groundskeepers
** - Servers, librarians, blood donors
* - Entertainers, sports players
Variable - Self-employed, beggars, seasonal work
NOVA CITY
Description
Truly this is the future! Buildings are slender and shiny, and almost everything is fully automated, including the sidewalks. Most businesses are run by machines and robots, and it's not unusual to see vehicles that fly...and people that fly too, on rare occasion. Oddly enough, space travel is not permissible here, but one may rent a flying car to quickly zip about the city. The sidewalks move as well, for those who prefer to travel on foot. Local inhabitants range from ordinary humans to bizarre (but intelligent) aliens, all who seem to accept one another's company and move about as if they're accustomed to seeing all kinds of species.
Planetarium
This large building is rich with exhibits, and an hourly show that speaks about the solar system and the constellations overhead. Admission to the planetarium is free, and tickets to the hourly show are available at a small cost. Souvenirs include vials of moon dust, small chunks of moonstone and otherworldly rocks, space-related toys and desk decorations, etc., which may be purchased in the Galaxy Shop.
Holoplaza
One of the most popular attractions of Nova City, the Holoplaza has numerous large rooms which can be rented for a fee. Each room has the capability of producing a realistic simulation of the visitor's choice, ranging from an indulgence in a steamy romance, to the most kickass laser tag games the world has ever seen. Some rent the larger rooms for social events, and catering is available if reservations are made in advance.
Current Archways Activated
Avengers Tower - Activated by Jennifer Walters
Jennifer has created an archway in Nova City to get the Avengers Tower, complete with Jarvis. It's 93 stories tall, takes up half a city block. It also has an underground parking garage with seven of Tony's cars in it.
She is now living in the penthouse of the tower.
New York City, New York - Activated by Gary Bell
(Description forthcoming!)
ATTLETON
Description
A peaceful little town, with a few franchise-style restaurants and fast food joints, numerous shops and small businesses, and a cozy sort of feel to it. Inhabitants of Attleton are warm and welcoming for the most part, but you do have to be on the lookout for social miscreants after dark who aren't afraid to mug or bully an easy target.
Downtown Market
Away from the suburbs is the retail district, similar to just about anything you'd find in a medium-sized American town. There are all kinds of shops, stores, and businesses, ranging from pet shops to tax consultants. There's also a large covered market open year round from six a.m. to five p.m., where one can buy homemade baked goods, produce, fresh fish and meats, or handmade crafts.
Battle Colosseum
There's a special bus stop where people can board and be transported to a place resembling ancient Roman times, where an enormous Battle Colosseum is filled with cheering fans. This is the only place in all of Genessia where death is not permanent. Grudge matches can be held here, and any and all fights are generally met with an uproar of applause and cheers. Characters who are killed in battle here are regenerated in the medical area of the Colosseum; they do not have to sacrifice anything to return to life.
Current Archways Activated
Paris, France - Activated by Judge Claude Frollo
(Description forthcoming!)
EVERGLADE
Description
While this place might look similar to its sister city Attleton, it definitely doesn't feel similar. People are more guarded and wary, and only a fool would wander around at night on their own. The streets seem to always be foggy at night, the mist pierced only by iron street lamps that sometimes flicker when danger is near. There are occasional street benches, and the trees that were probably meant to look inviting have grown tall, old, and gnarled. Most people you meet on the streets are ordinary people, but looks can be deceiving. Ghosts, vampires, werewolves...all these things and more lurk in Everglade, and it's best to tread with caution. The town itself is mostly safe, but crossing the covered bridge that stretches over the murky and muddy river leads to what must have been Everglade's sister city once upon a time, before it was abandoned to the haunts who now claim it for their own. Houses on this side range from rickety shacks threatening to collapse, and dusty elegant mansions choked with ivy.
Mystic's Alley
A bright and gaudy avenue with too many neon lights, where the fortune tellers and self-proclaimed diviners have set up shop. There's palm reading, crystal ball fortune telling, tarot specialists, and dream interpreters all promising their services to help people glimpse into the future. Make no mistake, though, they're all charlatans. ...Or are they?
The Rabbit's Foot
If someone really plans on living here or exploring the area, then this creepy little shop is an essential stop. All kinds of spirit-warding items are for sale, such as salt, iron shavings, crystals, charms, pretty stones, etc. The shop is run by a grizzled man who's never heard of the word 'barber shop', one eye gone milky white. Nonetheless, he seems to know his folklore, and can sell the proper weapon or charm to combat any supernatural terror for a price.
Current Archways Activated
Death City - Activated by Death the Kid
(Description forthcoming!)
Tsubaki's Native Village - Activated by Tsubaki Nakatsukasa
(Description forthcoming!)
International Office of Paranormal and Supernatural Affairs - Activated by Lucas Kovach
This local office of IOPSA is located in a modest three story building. It takes up less than a quarter of a city block and houses enough space for cubical and meeting rooms. Underneath the building is a heavily reinforced cement basement that is only accessible through a large vault-like door.
Lawrence, Kansas - Activated by Dean Winchester
He created Lawrence, Kansas (and got the impala as a bonus because he gave away something so important) by giving up his memory of christmas 1991. This means he doesn't remember getting the Samulet (Which he doesn't have on him anyway) or how Sam discovered about hunting.
Soul Society, 13th Division - Activated by Rukia Kuchiki
Stepping through the archway converts the reishi of all people so that they can see the shinigami who dwell within. The buildings and streets are reminiscent of the Japanese Edo period, and most every resident wears the traditional black robes of the shinigami. The boundaries only extend as far as the 13th Division borders, however, so one can't access the rest of Soul Society from this Archway. Presiding over the district is an Archway version of Captain Juushirou Ukitake, a kind man with long white hair and poor health.
Thailand - Activated by M. Bison
(Description forthcoming!)
FAYREN
Description
A beautiful and rustic town with cobbled streets and buildings constructed primarily out of wood. There are several inns and taverns, a blacksmith's shop, and a few churches erected to various deities. Various races frequent this village, such as elves and dwarves, with the occasional rare being such as a minotaur or a gillman. Surrounding the town are a number of small farms, and beyond that lie enchanted forests, vast mountain ranges, and all kinds of mystical creatures, even dragons.
Royal Castle and Ivory Tower
The king, queen, prince, and princess all dwell at the beautiful, alabaster castle, which is settled high on the hill to overlook the village of Fayren. Banners of red and gold fly from the towers, matching the tunics of the royal guards who patrol the stone halls. The tallest spire is that of the Ivory Tower, where magicians and spellcasters of all kinds gather to study and learn their art. The two teachers are Trynn and Rameus, a young wedded couple. Trynn teaches white magic and healing spells, while her husband Rameus teaches offensive spells and combat capabilities.
The Drunken Monkey
A wild and rowdy tavern if ever there was one. The barmaids are plentiful and pretty, protected by the burly bouncers who are only too eager to pounce on a troublemaker and beat him senseless before tossing him in the dirty alley out back. The food is good and hot, and a roaring fireplace welcomes guests from the cold. Rooms are available on the second floor for those who are reluctant to go home for the night. Close to the bar is a raised stage for performers who happen to be traveling through looking to earn some coins, and there's a trio of musicians who are always on hand to provide lively music for those yearning for a jig.
Current Archways Activated
None.