Dysmal

Setting Primer

The setting primer for Dysmal. It is a cyberpunk, sci-fi noir setting heavily inspired by Cyberpunk 2077, Shadowrun, Neuromancer, and various other media such as Star Wars (especially EU Coruscant). The tone is - as the setting's name suggests - very dismal, bleak, and dystopian with a hint of glimmering hope in the darkness. Dysmal borrows from my other setting Tales of Alfador, established as a sort of spinoff. It is also related to Suprosa as something of an 'alternate past'.

The New Ascardian Megalopolis

Also known as: The Dysmal City

Neo Ascardia is an enormous super-metropolis spanning hundreds of miles. It dominates much of the former national borders of the nation of New Ascardia. It consists of hundreds of districts and microcities. The city has also expanded upwards, building layers upon layers upward - with as many as 4 layers of surface in some areas.

The Ascardian Superarcology (Neo Ascardia)

The largest and most centralized sector of the megalopolis. It towers into the sky, with four layers of surface and and a towering fifth layer of skyscrapers and other towering buildings - many not accessible from the ground at all.

The Undercity (Underground)

Consisting of the cities sewers, containing parts of its industry and infrastructure, and housing the absolute poorest - the Undercity is a largely inhospitable subterrenean hellhole that fuels, waters, powers, and sanitizes the upper levels. Heavily patrolled by corporate security interests, military forces, and automated drone defenses - it is eerily safer than the ground level despite the extremely hazardous environment due to radiation, heat, and poor air quality.

Ground Level (Level 1)

Housing the majority of the city's population. The Ground Level is an extremely dangerous region controlled almost entirely by gangs - save for the odd corporate section. Most areas of the Ground Level cannot see sunlight, especially towards the center. Artificial lights, recirculated air, and a near constant drizzle of rain from the air-conditioned higher levels create a bleak and depressing environment.

The Barrens

Places outside of Neo Ascardia

The Wasteland - The term used for the majority of land outside the few remaining civilizations. The Wasteland consists of the ruins and wilderness between the remaining cities, much of which is irradiated and destroyed by warfare. It is largely controlled by nomadic gangs but there are smaller, fortified settlements in some of the bombed out ruins of old cities.

Romalia - Formerly part of the same Empire as New Ascardia, but now its own independent nation. Romalia is not as technologically advanced as Neo Ascardia but is a significantly more cohesive society. It is ruled by a mysterious psionic who has been rumored to live since the middle ages. Romalia and Neo Ascardia are formally considered allies, but very little communication, trade, or cooperation is possible due to the Wasteland.

Allendar - The former capital of Alfador. It is a nuclear wasteland and ruined city that has been reclaimed by anarchist tribes and nomadic gangs. The lawless ruined city is a major hug for lawless individuals to congregate, trade, and mingle. It is relatively close to Neo Ascardia, and is the primary source of border friction that keeps the city from growing.

Ald Nordia

Samora

Esparta -

Some terms:

AURA - Advanced User Recognition Algorithm

Block - Refers to a Megabuilding, usually specifically only the accessible level of said building.

The War - Refers to a global nuclear war that occured in the 1980s which saw the destruction of most of the world's powers.