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Chapter 11: Setting
The Barrier Zone
The barrier zone, also known as the breach zone, the badlands, and a host of other names, is located in the Kingdom of Lundor, radiating from the location intended for the 18th Allterion Tower City. It is a place of extreme supernatural activity and is a major gateway for barrier creatures and spirits to enter Eldlandria.
The 1049 destruction of the 18th Tower City sent ripples of energy throughout the world, further weakening barriers already bent from the previous arrivals of Allterion Tower Cities. The area which immediately surrounds the massive destruction of the tower city fared far worse, permanently shattering the barrier between two worlds
Today, this area is home to bizarre creatures, scavengers (both human and not), fortune hunters and criminals. It is a place where many fugitives and people who do not want to be found go (they believe that the barrier zone is too dangerous for anyone to bother tracking them down there, and they are often right). Those not seeking refuge seek valuables that they believe they will find in the wreckage of the destroyed tower city, in one of the many star ships that crashed following the tower’s demise, or in one of the towns or cities that was lost to the zone area.
The barrier zone’s edges brush up against two major settlements (Calrwell and Port Halldry) that still exist, for the most part, as they did before the barrier crash. They are, of course, now forced to deal with much more supernatural activity than other areas. This is somewhat offset by their positions as main suppliers to many mercenaries and paranormal auditors passing through who are often eager to track down and deal with some shadowy beasts, terror spirits or lumbering dead. (Calrwell and Port Halldry are also known for their lax rules governing the acquirement of military grade weapons and equipment.)
At least two or more settlements still reside within the barrier zone, although they are lawless and chaotic towns. While the buildings may (for the most part) remain standing, it’s reportedly hard to relax in such a place - where everyone is hunting and everyone is being hunted.
There is limited visibility inside the barrier zone, usually no further than half a mile. Some expected the haze of the barrier zone to clear off soon after the disaster. But, after 25 years, that does not seem to be the case. The haze is typically grey or red depending on the area. The barrier zone covers a diverse area, including open plains, forests, marsh and lake areas. Some ground vehicles have fared all right in the barrier zone, but they are uncommon. Flightcraft, for reasons unknown, tend to fall to the ground, not unlike the star ships that descended years ago, never to rise again.
Tower Cities
Most Allterion Tower Cities are large metropolitan areas composed of thousands of buildings. Many of these buildings are immensely tall superstructure skyscrapers. Large outer perimeters surround each tower city and where originally placed to facilitate the sudden transportation from Allteria to Eldlandria.
The Allterion-run cities are busy and dense with people, including any Eldlandrians who can afford to live there. Vehicles cruise around on dozens of levels of roadways. Violent crime is an occurring theme. Secure areas offer amenities and services not found elsewhere on Eldlandria.
Supernatural activity is present all across Eldlandria, but is especially high around all of the tower cities. This is due to the weakening and warping of the barrier during the transportation of each tower city. Allterions often need outside help - Eldlandrians experienced with magic - to aid them with their supernatural menaces.
Nova Dirge Territory
The Nova Dirge began as a renegade faction on Allteria. Originally they were led by an off-world power known as the Krillzacore, who conquered worlds through deception and brutal might. After taking over most of the (dying) world of Allteria, they set their sights on Eldlandria.
When the Allterions arrived in Eldlandria, they settled mostly in the West. This was partially due to their ancient connection with the Lundor Royal Family. When the Nova Dirge eventually arrived, they struck alliances with the nations who had weak ties with the Allterions. It did not take long before the Nova Dirge asserted its power and completely took over those lands.
The Nova Dirge Territory is a totalitarian state. Questioning authority in any form is grounds for treason, punishable by death. All media is run by the state. Expressing a contrary opinion to any official belief, concept or idea is grounds for treason. All aspects of life are controlled by the Nova Dirge: including education, training, housing, diet, military service, labour, procreation, association and movement.
Technologically, the Nova Dirge Territories are less advanced than the rest of Eldlandria except in military application and some industrial sectors.
Up Next: Major Factions
