london, 2115
Society

The end of the world didn't spare much. London was one of the first places to be destroyed -- hundreds of years of history wiped out in only a few short, horrifying moments. Millions of people died, and many more would be irreverisbly affected for years to come. With devastation came the rebirth of resilience in the people who called this once beautiful city home. Although the city remained largely abandoned for sometime, efforts to rebuild and restore steadily increased. Out of the ashes of death came a new face of freedom: The World Government.

A great wall of steel and stone was built, surrounding the entirety of the city. In time, the World Government, having managed to salvage more technology than anyone had ever done before, managed to establish a new system of government. But with the steady increase of repopulation came new problems. You'd think the end of the world would have made everyone equal, and yet still there was a distinct divide between the people. Eventually, classes began to form; the Citydwellers, who were lucky enough to find a home nearest the center; the Slummers, who frequently found themselves kept far away from the prestigious lifestyles the Citydwellers enjoyed; and the Wallclingers, the ones who were so poor and so overlooked that they had no choice but to venture out into the Wastes just to survive.

But for all its problems, there's no question that being behind the wall is far safer than being beyond it. With the ever-growing threat of Raiders trying to force their way into the city, you'd better be thankful for what you've got. After all, it could be much worse.

Districts


(Click to enlarge.)

THE WORLD GOVERNMENT

Technically, the only people who would truly "live" here are people who have dedicated their lives and services to the World Government. These people are scientists, doctors, and of course politicians. They live in complete oppulence, with an endless supply of food and medicine for themselves and their families (provided they meet the standards.) Getting into this area is no easy feat either -- special passes are required, ranging from specific pieces of paper to fingerprint scanning devices. If you're thinking about trying to smuggle yourself (or anything) into this area, do yourself a favor and don't. It can only end badly for you.

THE UPPER CLASS

Much like the World Government's own special area, the Upper Class citizens enjoy a charmed life. With all the accommodations befitting those deemed lucky enough by fate to have been born into privilege, the Upper Class is generally ignorant of anything beyond their own district. They enjoy a plethora of goods and services only they can obtain, such as fresh foods and coveted, carefully made wines and beers. Unlike the Working or Lower classes, those in the Upper find themselves with the option of working for actual money to be spent on anything they like. Theatre, fashion, food -- you name it, they can get it any time they want.

THE WORKING CLASS

There is no such thing as a true "middle class," not really. The Working Class is honestly the only reason that London remains operational, and the World Government isn't foolish enough to pretend otherwise. Although a step below the Upper Class citizens, it's only in the sense that they are expected and required to work as soon as they come of age -- which is 18, by the way. Working Class citizens are paid with money, of course, but unlike their more privileged counterparts they have to spend their money a bit more wisely. They get their own means of entertainment and other pleasantries, however they are paid a set amount per job. The most important work is typically limited to anything that requires manual labour and are often paid handsomely; others can be as simple as tending a bar or selling food on the streets.

THE LOWER CLASS, AKA THE WALLCLINGERS

You poor bastards. There is almost nothing worse than the Lower Class -- unless, of course, you remember the Wastes are terrible. Living in extreme poverty is no easy task, especially with regards to the end of the world. The people who have been relegated to this status are literally starving, and there's nothing they can do about it. There's no such thing as fresh food here, if you're even lucky enough to get your hands on food. Alcohol is cheap and available by the droves, though, so enjoy all that homemade beer. All the legal work that's available is scarce and as dangerous as it comes, because the World Government needs some 'expendables' to brave the Wastes and such you know. Payment comes in the form of ration cards, to be used for food, medicine, or other essentials -- and there's no way you can ever afford all of those things at one time, mind you. Meanwhile, all illegal work is twice as dangerous, but the payout is much more promising. The question is: would you risk the wrath of the World Government, or risk letting your loved ones starve to death?

UNSAFE & DEAD ZONES

Exactly what it says on the tin, really. These are areas that are highly dangerous, either from consistent attacks by Raiders or further fallout from volatile chemicals left lingering from the war. Typically speaking, only the Very Brave or Very Stupid (or Very Both) find themselves in need of venturing to these areas, where the possibility of finding things of value outweighs common sense. If you're a Wallclinger, chances are that you've heard rumors about people who've gone to these Unsafe or declared Dead Zones only to never return again.

businesses

Everyone has to work, right?

Government

  • The World Government Capitol Building - where all the world leaders gather together. Within this building are meeting rooms, the courthouse, embassy, and government. Civilians are not allowed inside unless on specific appointment.
  • The World Broadcast - All WG-approved radio and television stations broadcast out of here. The most popular are talk shows and news channels. However, there are a few music stations on the radio.
  • The Food Bank - The one within the Capitol has unlimited food for employees and upper class residents. It is housed deep within the Capitol building to avoid raiders late at night.

Upper Class

  • The Booktique - Certainly not the most happening place in town, but it fulfills many needs for the upper class. What could be saved from the old world was reprinted and can be bought here. New books written and published by citizens are also sold here, but are considerably less popular (and less expensive).
  • The Daily Grind - Coffee is heavily rationed by the World Government, however, one cup at the shop is allowed with a rations card.
  • Robo-Tech - This is where you will go to meet all of your electronic needs. Computers, radios, and televisions are available to purchase for private homes. Repair technicians are also on site to fix any problems that arise.
  • The Spinning Wheel - Your one-stop shop to satisfy all your clothing needs and meet celebrities all at once. Designers spend their days here, working with clients to meet all their clothing needs. Sure, there are cheaper clothes on the racks, but wouldn't you like a custom made dress every day of your life?
  • The Restaurant - Because there are unlimited rations for the upper class, if they don't want to cook they don't have to. The restaurant has every cuisine style imaginable and the chefs are excellent. Middle and lower class members aren't even allowed inside unless they are there to work.
  • The Theatre - There is no fancy name. This is where all the entertainment resides. Plays and live music are played here. It is the most happening place in the city and everybody who's anybody is here on a Saturday night. Alcohol is served here.

Working Class

  • The Food Bank - Where rations are handed out, this is the hot spot on any particular day. Rations for the middle class are fair based on family size. The middle class lives comfortably with the food they receive.
  • General Store - This has everything people might need. Furniture, basic electronic needs, clothing, essentials, and more. Nobody is left wanting when leaving the general store, unless they are wanting a life of luxury. The items are cheaply made and break and tear easily, but at least it's something.
  • Town Center - The middle class needs entertainment too. Without a theatre like the upper class, they make their own entertainment. People exchange goods and services (all legal) here and people perform their various talents here, be it music, juggling, or the like.
  • Restaurant - For those on rations day, they can choose to visit the restaurant instead. The food is decent and there is a wide variety of choices. However, it is considered more expensive than other rations.
  • Bar - The place is swarming with black suits, but sometimes it actually does some good. Those who choose to spend all their rations on booze can get a little rowdy. The black coats are there to help.
  • The Massage Parlor - Since the bar is teeming with black suits, that leaves the massage parlor to be the front for a brothel. The girls all know their lines in case a black suit does come calling, but there are some black suits who stay in there a little too long.

Lower Class/Wallclingers

  • The Food Bank - A rundown tent in the middle of town. There are never enough rations for anybody and the food is often bad or about to go bad. It is food, though, and those who get their rations on any particular day try to be the first in line to get the best food available.
  • General Store - Rations cards are used here as well. There is no tech to speak of, but essentials, furniture, and clothing is available. The store is small and often crowded, but the cashiers are efficient, but a little rude.
  • Town Square - An empty space for performers to gain a little bit of recognition in hopes that they will be invited to play at the theatre someday. It is the only place to hang out instead of the bar, so most people spend their days there.
  • The Black Market - Not necessarily one store, but the Black Market is prominent in the lower classes. Some of the upper class members know that upper class goods are a hot commodity in the lower classes, so they peddle their items there at double the cost they're worth. Others who sell at the Black Market have brought items from outside the city walls and are operating very carefully through word of mouth. Black suits tend to turn a blind eye for the upper class selling their goods, but less so for those bringing in outside merchandise.