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driftfleet_ooc2019-04-21 11:22 pm
spaceshipit) wrote in driftfleet_ooc2019-04-21 11:22 pm
Entry tags:
April/May Star System
You know, it isn't always mole people - honestly, that was last system...
CALENDAR:
→ The fleet will be in this star system from 4/21 to 5/19.
Like a Diamond in the Rough
The Marsiva is scarred - functional and mostly repaired, and all shields restored and even upgraded, but the damage that everyone left can still be seen on the surface. It almost looks like whatever performs repairs on the ship ran out of matching materials and just used whatever it had on hand - the color is mismatched, the surface seems raised. And yet, no word from your elusive hosts, no attempts to strike back at all of you... nothing. It's eerie. But! You aren't going to worry about that, right~? Totally time to just move on and not think about that! Totally. Yes.
Welcome to the Bix Star System. This system has a sparse sprinkling of some huge planets - mostly gas giants, some larger rocky bodies with no atmosphere of their own. Most planets even have a rather large number of moons! None of them are inhabited, though - there appears to be no real expansion of civilization around these parts - at least, at first... What purpose could there possibly be to bring the fleet here?
Size matters.
The smallest planet in the system, at a moderate distance from the central star, does have livable conditions - and that's putting it mildly, it seems. The closer the Fleet gets to this little blue-green ball, the prettier it seems, like a shiny and lively marble hanging out around a bunch of oversized rocks. It's pretty to look at, even from a distance. And hey, this one has signs of life! Even more promising, the planet sends a hailing signal with a generic, cookie-cutter message welcoming visitors and travelers to come and stay a while! They call their planet Lyndia. Looks like this place is where the Marsiva was leading you after all.
Landing is difficult - not because of turbulent weather or anything so severe, but because there's hardly anywhere to land! It takes a long time to find a surface that isn't overgrown with massive plantlife - you might even have to land on the beach, or even in the water. But hey, at least the view is worth it, if you're the outdoorsy type. There's certainly nothing on the surface that looks even remotely developed. Just where did that hailing signal come from?
But worry not - with a little bit of exploring, it won't be long before you figure out exactly where everyone is.
SECRET TUNNEL SECRET TUNNEL
Enough exploring, and you'll finally stumble upon a man-made structure amidst the insane plant life. There's one of these every few hundred miles, and though they all have some stylistic differences, they're all still mostly the same: concrete, glass, and steel - a small box with a door that encloses a set of... ... ... stairs? And an elevator??
Sticks out like a sore thumb...
Those sensitive to electronics will note the familiar hum of electricity the closer they get, and anyone who tries the light switch will see that it turns on with absolutely no issues. Pressing the call button on the elevator proves that it's functional - and fast! With a pleasant ding! the doors will open and you'll be welcome to climb aboard, and see exactly where it takes you... Or you could use the stairs, but then you wouldn't get to enjoy the music on the way down. Your choice, though. Either way, once you get to the bottom, you may as well be somewhere completely different.
Talk about a dramatic shift!
The vast, vast majority of the population of this planet lives not on the surface, but below! And it looks like they've been here a very, very long time. Entry Access Points are the first thing you'll be subjected to before you're allowed inside, but even those are bustling and efficient - no useless waiting in a queue here, you'll be checked in and allowed inside in no time! And if you thought just the entryways were high-tech and shiny, you're in for a huge surprise. Everything down here is bright lights, interactable tech, shiny chrome, and well-placed glass. The citizens here have used their advancements to their advantage, and while it's still clear you're not actually outdoors, at least it doesn't feel like you're stuck in a damp cave with some sparse accoutrements - this place is lively and hopping! Even the people, while clearly very used to always being on the go, are friendly and welcoming. In fact, they'd love to slow down and chit-chat with you, just to hear all about your adventures! They'll even share a few of their own, if they have any stories to tell. So make some friends! Ask some questions! Maybe you'll get an interesting lead on something to do around here~
Always something, all hours, all days.
Just like any developed area, there are full-blown cities and towns down here, with varying population sizes and their own unique looks and touches. All architecture down here is geared toward stability and safety first and foremost - but from there, even scientists know how to have fun and make things beautiful, and it shows. No matter where you go, there is certainly no lack of color! Even the ceilings are painted and decorated - often a sort of mosaic-style - and then dotted with stained-glass skylights just to keep it interesting.
Getting from place to place requires taking an underground train. They're all very comfortable, and varying levels of incredibly fast. It doesn't matter if you want to go from one end of the planet to the next, they will get you there efficiently and as quickly as possible!
Zoom zoom zoom~
Everyone is clearly very happy down here, but why are they down here in the first place? What's keeping them from going to the surface and expanding up there the same ways they've managed down here? Don't worry, they'll tell you - even if it's a little bit embarrassing... You saw all of those plants up there, right? You saw how beautiful, and big, and oversized, and just plain larger than life they all are, yes? Well, as it turns out, they also may as well be poison to the people of this place, because something in their pollen, sap, and honestly probably just their very existence is enough to send even the strongest of them into fits of sneezing and horrible sinus symptoms - or worse, anaphylactic shock, even death in absolute worst case scenarios. So, that's why they're down here!
... Hey, at least it's not a more sinister reason, right?
Still, there are many useful things up on the surface - plants, animals, materials... A very small number of the population can survive up there pretty minimally, with the help of breathing masks andspace Zyrtec some high-powered antihistamines. An even smaller handful have somehow hit the genetic lottery and aren't affected at all! But it isn't an ideal situation. However, all of you dear Fleeters don't seem to be affected... Maybe you can lend a helping hand? People here will pay very well for any jobs that will send you to the surface, and they'll be incredibly grateful for your help - so much so that they might toss in a few perks or bonuses, if you're the negotiating kind! So, why not do some good ol' fashioned exploring on the planet's surface~?
NOTE: If you'd like for your character to get hit by crazy bad allergies and have to deal with feeling sick and sniffly, you're welcome to do so! The population here has antihistamines to go around, so you won't die - but it will be pretty miserable in the interim... Just how miserable will be up to you. Have... fun?
But, where there's truth, there's also exaggeration. Or misinformation. Or... outright conspiracy theories. There are a small number of people who think that allergies aren't the only problem. What if the government is hiding secrets up there? (They're not.) What if the government made up the allergies to keep everyone down here?! (They didn't.) What if it's not the plants at all, what if it's the light of the star that's deadly?!?!? (No???) In some areas you might hear a person or two ranting and raving about these things, especially in larger cities and in front of government buildings. ... And for those interested, the most notorious of these people happens to be a man named Fred. You'll find him, and possibly a tiny gathering of his followers, in the capital city of Gar Stelnn-Shir. He's terribly easy to spot, he'll be the one flailing his arms and wailing and screaming that the sun is going to kill us all. And that the government must destroy the sun first. And that the government needs to cover all the skylights. And that histamines aren't real it's all a lie manufactured by the sun worshippers. And then he'll fall down in the dirt to try and protect himself. ... ... He's a bit of an embarrassment, honestly. Please ignore Fred. Everyone else does and will suggest that you do so as well.
Rumble in the Jungle
Life uh... finds a way.
The surface is full of untamed wilds, but when has that ever stopped anyone? Everything here is gigantic. Trees tower like skyscrapers, the animals are tall to match, and it's easy to get lost when one feels so small. Occasional very small outposts exist on what passes as footpaths through the forest, but they're the size of sheds-- serving only as places to shelter out of the weather for a short time. They have the bare essentials and functioning stoves for heat and cooking, and that's it.
In order to traverse the forest effectively, it's recommended you go out prepared. This means a machete at least, a hunting knife, and supplies to last a night or two in case someone gets stranded. Luckily communicator signals seem to be consistent both above ground and below it, so you can still radio for help if mother nature stops being so mothering. But really, the best thing one can bring along is a friend.
There are very good reasons for people to live below ground here, and horrific space allergies is just one of them. The other? Well… Spend enough time outdoors and it will become obvious that you're not alone. Not only are the plants huge, but the wildlife is huge too. Deer the size of cars? Yep. And the creatures that eat them? Even bigger! This planet seems to be crawling with creatures similar to ancient Earth dinosaurs, and they're just as hungry and aggressive as you'd imagine. Everything from flying birdlike lizards to the larger carnivorous ones, and the plant-eaters in-between, can pose a danger when you're a fraction of their size. The carnivorous plants can't be ignored either, especially since they can and will gobble up unsuspecting reptiles and Passengers if they linger long enough in a trap!
Just about the only thing that won't kill Fleeters on sight are the giant cottonball-shaped sheep, generally referred to as "Flouds" by the locals. They wander in huge herds, covering fields and forests alike with their fluffy coats. They're also fairly docile, though spook a herd and it'll be marshmallow hell trying to escape. Aside from that, they're friendly and happy to hang out, and they respond well to musical calls. They also make great impromptu beds or mounts for the more adventurous types, though it may take some convincing to leave the general safety of the herd.
The good news is that all the animals, dinosaurs included, are totally edible. You can definitely replenish some of those food stores this way! The bad news is that the plants aren't all safe to eat, and the people underground don't always know what's what, so it might require some trial and error to find ruffage.
POINTS OF INTEREST.
Underground Gardens/Parks
Just because the people live below the surface doesn't mean they don't like the sun! (Except for Fred.) The locals have found many ways to have outdoor recreation and plentiful sunlight all the way down here, complete with plants that don't send all of them into helpless sneezing fits. Every settlement has its own particular specialty, based on what the people want most - theaters and amphitheaters, concert spaces, walking gardens, nature and/or exercise parks, public swimming pools... you name it, you can find it somewhere! And what's a park or garden without some actual sunlight? These areas often boast huge skylights with thick glass built to let the light come shining in while keeping all of the nasty pollen (and other more immediate dangers) from the surface out. Even if you're not much of a park person, you can at least appreciate what marvellous feats of engineering and architecture these are!
Kenn-Tellnic, The High-End City
If you want to see the absolute pinnacle of this world's technological advancements, running the gamut from functional to fun, then you'll want to visit Kenn-Tellnic. This city is the largest, the most populated, and boasts the highest critically acclaimed engineering and technological advancements in the entirety of the underground. Everything about this city was planned from the very beginning, and it's easily the most efficient development you could come across. Bet you never thought much about the most effective distance between the grocery store and the pharmacy, or the overall impact of saving energy by positioning this lamppost closer to that park, but these people sure have - and it shows. It's a wonder to behold, but it's so fast-paced and intense, it's very easy to get entirely overwhelmed... Proceed with caution!
Looking for the best shopping? Look no further! Nightlife? Check. VR Entertainment? Available in spades. Want to pick up a job in the underground? Someone down here will surely hire you for, honestly, just about anything under the sun-- er... planet. There is always something that needs doing, and they will always need to find someone to do it - and quick! Go, go, go!
It's a tourist destination for those that want to spend their time absolutely booked solid with things to do and to see, and it's impossible to see everything no matter how long you stay! So on the other hand, if you're looking for rest and relaxation or a quiet place to chill in the park, then.. Maybe this city isn't for you long-term. Still, it's something worth checking out at least once! Probably.
Sun's Rest, the Glowing Forest
Though it's dangerous to go alone (!) some of the sights on the surface are worth it. One place that is spoken of by romantics and dumb kids alike is known as Sun's Rest, a gorgeous copse beside a crystalline lake that lights up when the sun goes down. The tall trees are covered with fungi, plants, and insects that all glow of their own accord; and the trees themselves have glowing leaves and sap. The (uncomfortably large) fish and algae in the lake glow too, which seems to be the obvious explanation for why this place is so dang luminescent! It's a rite of passage for people to leave the underground and see it at least once in their lives.
During the day, Sun's Rest is just as colorful, though it glows much less!
The Weeping Maiden
It isn't all woods out there, though. Another well-known natural landmark consists of an oddly-shaped rock formation that also happens to be sitting on top of a natural spring. The rocks have two gaping holes sort of like eyes, giving the impression of a "crying" face when water bubbles out of the cave.
The water is hot, though. Hot enough that you can cook fish just by leaving it in the water long enough. Sous vide, anyone?
Jobs
Job opportunities here are plentiful. If you want a normal, steady sort of job during your stay here, you'll easily find something in sales, marketing, security, handywork, construction/repairs, research, tech, demolitions - you name it, it's there! If you want something a little... less than legal... there is plenty of room for that, too. The literal underground has a metaphorical underground too, after all.
If you prefer the less conventional route, or you're used to leading an adventurer's kind of life where people ask you to do random things for them, then you're in luck! The locals are more than happy to have visitors from off-planet that aren't allergic to literally everything on the surface, and they'll quickly put you to work for them if you're willing to help! Don't want to go to the surface? That's okay - they also need help maintaining things in the city, or clearing out old and abandoned mine shafts or outgrown city sectors.
Some example job requests include, but are not limited to:
Clear the thick growing over the skylights above town. Bring your own machete.
A large reptilian beast has been eating our flouds! Please take care of it.
Speaking of flouds: we need help corralling some at the ranch near the Access Point.
Bring back a large quantity of hunted game - payment will be by weight.
Assist the restoration crew with gutting the old wooden structures in the abandoned sectors. In addition to regular payment, you may keep anything you find interesting.
Clear an abandoned sector of dangerous cave spiders. Bring your own diamond sword machete.
Deliver sensitive/valuable/precious cargo from one town to another.
Fetch lava from the source in the mines. Iron bucket will be provided. You shouldn't need a machete but we won't stop you.
Requesting a trade: will pay 3 green gems for 10 pieces of paper.
Requesting a trade: will pay 7 fish for... 3 green gems...?
.... It's a living.
Recreation
If you were to guess that such a technology-savvy culture would have some of the best electronic entertainment imaginable, you would be guessing correctly! Virtual reality - VR for short - is huge here, and quite advanced. Put on a monitor-helmet, slip on some controller-gloves, and you'll be connected easily. Whether you want to play a game with your friends, go on a date with your significant other to a virtual café where everything is perfect, attend a high-energy musical concert up close and personal, or go solo and have a moment of peace in a beautiful virtual landscape, they've got you covered. VR shops and "Plug-In Locations" are everywhere - and some have their own unique offerings: sports simulations, building/crafting simulations, fantasy adventures in a choose-your-own-adventure style... one game in particular that's really popular with the kids involves working together in small groups (or going it alone) to be the last group standing in a free-for-all battle! There's something for everyone, so check out as many as you can!
If you'd rather stick to the real world, there are still plenty of things to see and do! There are many different parks and attractions underground, tons of opportunities for art, music, theatre, and other fine cultural offerings. Whatever your idea of fun may be, you'll probably find it somewhere in this vast network of a world.
But if you're looking for a thrill that doesn't involve braving what feels like Jurassic Park, well, why not a water park? The outskirts city of Varr-e boasts the largest underground water park... well, probably ever, but most certainly in this corner of the universe! They've got everything from huge wave pools and lazy rivers, to dozens (nearing a hundred!) of water slides, and children's playsets with tons of built-in fountains and water features! It's fun for all ages! Even if you just want to chill by the poolside with a drink (maybe even alcoholic~?) and a magazine, you're going to have a great time here.
Shopping
What don't they sell down here, honestly~? In all seriousness, any basic shopping needs will be easily - and efficiently - covered no matter where in the planet you venture. Even some more specialized goods and/or services are bound to exist somewhere, you just may need to ask around! And, in some cases, you may need to be the one to go to the surface and get materials! How bad do you want that custom piece of furniture? Is it worth dodging mini-pterodactyls? Up to you...
Speaking of dodging dinos, yes, weapons are available here - especially in larger cities with direct Access Points to the surface. Sturdy blades are the weapons of choice around here, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and lengths. They're incredibly functional, and sometimes multi-functional, as they're intended to help someone survive up on the surface! Short swords with built-in flashlights, broadswords with reflective surfaces for light-signals, shields that can function as floatation devices, arrows that double as distress flares for use with bows that can be folded into other useful survival or repair tools... they've thought of a lot of different (outlandish) scenarios to cover~
Baseline quality of goods is on the better end of the spectrum, though both cheaper and fancy brand-name variations of things exist here too. If you want to pay your right arm for a top-line, high-fashion skirt, you'll find a fancy boutique that's happy to relieve you of your credits! But it's certainly not necessary.
Still, even average price around here is more expensive, compared to other systems. It's not that there's a shortage of supply, or that demand isn't being met! It's just that to obtain the supply, someone at some point in the ~works~ has to venture topside and risk respiratory misery and/or Godzilla. So, consider the increased baseline price of all things here a sort of danger tax, if you will.
============
Looking for anything in particular - be it shopping or information? Don't be afraid to reach out and ask us below! We'll see what we can do to get you what you want.
This post may also be used for plotting purposes in the comments. Go forth and get your adventuring on, Dear Fleet!
CALENDAR:
→ The fleet will be in this star system from 4/21 to 5/19.
Like a Diamond in the Rough
The Marsiva is scarred - functional and mostly repaired, and all shields restored and even upgraded, but the damage that everyone left can still be seen on the surface. It almost looks like whatever performs repairs on the ship ran out of matching materials and just used whatever it had on hand - the color is mismatched, the surface seems raised. And yet, no word from your elusive hosts, no attempts to strike back at all of you... nothing. It's eerie. But! You aren't going to worry about that, right~? Totally time to just move on and not think about that! Totally. Yes.
Welcome to the Bix Star System. This system has a sparse sprinkling of some huge planets - mostly gas giants, some larger rocky bodies with no atmosphere of their own. Most planets even have a rather large number of moons! None of them are inhabited, though - there appears to be no real expansion of civilization around these parts - at least, at first... What purpose could there possibly be to bring the fleet here?
Size matters.
The smallest planet in the system, at a moderate distance from the central star, does have livable conditions - and that's putting it mildly, it seems. The closer the Fleet gets to this little blue-green ball, the prettier it seems, like a shiny and lively marble hanging out around a bunch of oversized rocks. It's pretty to look at, even from a distance. And hey, this one has signs of life! Even more promising, the planet sends a hailing signal with a generic, cookie-cutter message welcoming visitors and travelers to come and stay a while! They call their planet Lyndia. Looks like this place is where the Marsiva was leading you after all.
Landing is difficult - not because of turbulent weather or anything so severe, but because there's hardly anywhere to land! It takes a long time to find a surface that isn't overgrown with massive plantlife - you might even have to land on the beach, or even in the water. But hey, at least the view is worth it, if you're the outdoorsy type. There's certainly nothing on the surface that looks even remotely developed. Just where did that hailing signal come from?
But worry not - with a little bit of exploring, it won't be long before you figure out exactly where everyone is.
SECRET TUNNEL SECRET TUNNEL
Enough exploring, and you'll finally stumble upon a man-made structure amidst the insane plant life. There's one of these every few hundred miles, and though they all have some stylistic differences, they're all still mostly the same: concrete, glass, and steel - a small box with a door that encloses a set of... ... ... stairs? And an elevator??
Sticks out like a sore thumb...
Those sensitive to electronics will note the familiar hum of electricity the closer they get, and anyone who tries the light switch will see that it turns on with absolutely no issues. Pressing the call button on the elevator proves that it's functional - and fast! With a pleasant ding! the doors will open and you'll be welcome to climb aboard, and see exactly where it takes you... Or you could use the stairs, but then you wouldn't get to enjoy the music on the way down. Your choice, though. Either way, once you get to the bottom, you may as well be somewhere completely different.
Talk about a dramatic shift!
The vast, vast majority of the population of this planet lives not on the surface, but below! And it looks like they've been here a very, very long time. Entry Access Points are the first thing you'll be subjected to before you're allowed inside, but even those are bustling and efficient - no useless waiting in a queue here, you'll be checked in and allowed inside in no time! And if you thought just the entryways were high-tech and shiny, you're in for a huge surprise. Everything down here is bright lights, interactable tech, shiny chrome, and well-placed glass. The citizens here have used their advancements to their advantage, and while it's still clear you're not actually outdoors, at least it doesn't feel like you're stuck in a damp cave with some sparse accoutrements - this place is lively and hopping! Even the people, while clearly very used to always being on the go, are friendly and welcoming. In fact, they'd love to slow down and chit-chat with you, just to hear all about your adventures! They'll even share a few of their own, if they have any stories to tell. So make some friends! Ask some questions! Maybe you'll get an interesting lead on something to do around here~
Always something, all hours, all days.
Just like any developed area, there are full-blown cities and towns down here, with varying population sizes and their own unique looks and touches. All architecture down here is geared toward stability and safety first and foremost - but from there, even scientists know how to have fun and make things beautiful, and it shows. No matter where you go, there is certainly no lack of color! Even the ceilings are painted and decorated - often a sort of mosaic-style - and then dotted with stained-glass skylights just to keep it interesting.
Getting from place to place requires taking an underground train. They're all very comfortable, and varying levels of incredibly fast. It doesn't matter if you want to go from one end of the planet to the next, they will get you there efficiently and as quickly as possible!
Zoom zoom zoom~
Everyone is clearly very happy down here, but why are they down here in the first place? What's keeping them from going to the surface and expanding up there the same ways they've managed down here? Don't worry, they'll tell you - even if it's a little bit embarrassing... You saw all of those plants up there, right? You saw how beautiful, and big, and oversized, and just plain larger than life they all are, yes? Well, as it turns out, they also may as well be poison to the people of this place, because something in their pollen, sap, and honestly probably just their very existence is enough to send even the strongest of them into fits of sneezing and horrible sinus symptoms - or worse, anaphylactic shock, even death in absolute worst case scenarios. So, that's why they're down here!
... Hey, at least it's not a more sinister reason, right?
Still, there are many useful things up on the surface - plants, animals, materials... A very small number of the population can survive up there pretty minimally, with the help of breathing masks and
NOTE: If you'd like for your character to get hit by crazy bad allergies and have to deal with feeling sick and sniffly, you're welcome to do so! The population here has antihistamines to go around, so you won't die - but it will be pretty miserable in the interim... Just how miserable will be up to you. Have... fun?
But, where there's truth, there's also exaggeration. Or misinformation. Or... outright conspiracy theories. There are a small number of people who think that allergies aren't the only problem. What if the government is hiding secrets up there? (They're not.) What if the government made up the allergies to keep everyone down here?! (They didn't.) What if it's not the plants at all, what if it's the light of the star that's deadly?!?!? (No???) In some areas you might hear a person or two ranting and raving about these things, especially in larger cities and in front of government buildings. ... And for those interested, the most notorious of these people happens to be a man named Fred. You'll find him, and possibly a tiny gathering of his followers, in the capital city of Gar Stelnn-Shir. He's terribly easy to spot, he'll be the one flailing his arms and wailing and screaming that the sun is going to kill us all. And that the government must destroy the sun first. And that the government needs to cover all the skylights. And that histamines aren't real it's all a lie manufactured by the sun worshippers. And then he'll fall down in the dirt to try and protect himself. ... ... He's a bit of an embarrassment, honestly. Please ignore Fred. Everyone else does and will suggest that you do so as well.
Rumble in the Jungle
Life uh... finds a way.
The surface is full of untamed wilds, but when has that ever stopped anyone? Everything here is gigantic. Trees tower like skyscrapers, the animals are tall to match, and it's easy to get lost when one feels so small. Occasional very small outposts exist on what passes as footpaths through the forest, but they're the size of sheds-- serving only as places to shelter out of the weather for a short time. They have the bare essentials and functioning stoves for heat and cooking, and that's it.
In order to traverse the forest effectively, it's recommended you go out prepared. This means a machete at least, a hunting knife, and supplies to last a night or two in case someone gets stranded. Luckily communicator signals seem to be consistent both above ground and below it, so you can still radio for help if mother nature stops being so mothering. But really, the best thing one can bring along is a friend.
There are very good reasons for people to live below ground here, and horrific space allergies is just one of them. The other? Well… Spend enough time outdoors and it will become obvious that you're not alone. Not only are the plants huge, but the wildlife is huge too. Deer the size of cars? Yep. And the creatures that eat them? Even bigger! This planet seems to be crawling with creatures similar to ancient Earth dinosaurs, and they're just as hungry and aggressive as you'd imagine. Everything from flying birdlike lizards to the larger carnivorous ones, and the plant-eaters in-between, can pose a danger when you're a fraction of their size. The carnivorous plants can't be ignored either, especially since they can and will gobble up unsuspecting reptiles and Passengers if they linger long enough in a trap!
Just about the only thing that won't kill Fleeters on sight are the giant cottonball-shaped sheep, generally referred to as "Flouds" by the locals. They wander in huge herds, covering fields and forests alike with their fluffy coats. They're also fairly docile, though spook a herd and it'll be marshmallow hell trying to escape. Aside from that, they're friendly and happy to hang out, and they respond well to musical calls. They also make great impromptu beds or mounts for the more adventurous types, though it may take some convincing to leave the general safety of the herd.
The good news is that all the animals, dinosaurs included, are totally edible. You can definitely replenish some of those food stores this way! The bad news is that the plants aren't all safe to eat, and the people underground don't always know what's what, so it might require some trial and error to find ruffage.
POINTS OF INTEREST.
Underground Gardens/Parks
Just because the people live below the surface doesn't mean they don't like the sun! (Except for Fred.) The locals have found many ways to have outdoor recreation and plentiful sunlight all the way down here, complete with plants that don't send all of them into helpless sneezing fits. Every settlement has its own particular specialty, based on what the people want most - theaters and amphitheaters, concert spaces, walking gardens, nature and/or exercise parks, public swimming pools... you name it, you can find it somewhere! And what's a park or garden without some actual sunlight? These areas often boast huge skylights with thick glass built to let the light come shining in while keeping all of the nasty pollen (and other more immediate dangers) from the surface out. Even if you're not much of a park person, you can at least appreciate what marvellous feats of engineering and architecture these are!
Kenn-Tellnic, The High-End City
If you want to see the absolute pinnacle of this world's technological advancements, running the gamut from functional to fun, then you'll want to visit Kenn-Tellnic. This city is the largest, the most populated, and boasts the highest critically acclaimed engineering and technological advancements in the entirety of the underground. Everything about this city was planned from the very beginning, and it's easily the most efficient development you could come across. Bet you never thought much about the most effective distance between the grocery store and the pharmacy, or the overall impact of saving energy by positioning this lamppost closer to that park, but these people sure have - and it shows. It's a wonder to behold, but it's so fast-paced and intense, it's very easy to get entirely overwhelmed... Proceed with caution!
Looking for the best shopping? Look no further! Nightlife? Check. VR Entertainment? Available in spades. Want to pick up a job in the underground? Someone down here will surely hire you for, honestly, just about anything under the sun-- er... planet. There is always something that needs doing, and they will always need to find someone to do it - and quick! Go, go, go!
It's a tourist destination for those that want to spend their time absolutely booked solid with things to do and to see, and it's impossible to see everything no matter how long you stay! So on the other hand, if you're looking for rest and relaxation or a quiet place to chill in the park, then.. Maybe this city isn't for you long-term. Still, it's something worth checking out at least once! Probably.
Sun's Rest, the Glowing Forest
Though it's dangerous to go alone (!) some of the sights on the surface are worth it. One place that is spoken of by romantics and dumb kids alike is known as Sun's Rest, a gorgeous copse beside a crystalline lake that lights up when the sun goes down. The tall trees are covered with fungi, plants, and insects that all glow of their own accord; and the trees themselves have glowing leaves and sap. The (uncomfortably large) fish and algae in the lake glow too, which seems to be the obvious explanation for why this place is so dang luminescent! It's a rite of passage for people to leave the underground and see it at least once in their lives.
During the day, Sun's Rest is just as colorful, though it glows much less!
The Weeping Maiden
It isn't all woods out there, though. Another well-known natural landmark consists of an oddly-shaped rock formation that also happens to be sitting on top of a natural spring. The rocks have two gaping holes sort of like eyes, giving the impression of a "crying" face when water bubbles out of the cave.
The water is hot, though. Hot enough that you can cook fish just by leaving it in the water long enough. Sous vide, anyone?
Jobs
Job opportunities here are plentiful. If you want a normal, steady sort of job during your stay here, you'll easily find something in sales, marketing, security, handywork, construction/repairs, research, tech, demolitions - you name it, it's there! If you want something a little... less than legal... there is plenty of room for that, too. The literal underground has a metaphorical underground too, after all.
If you prefer the less conventional route, or you're used to leading an adventurer's kind of life where people ask you to do random things for them, then you're in luck! The locals are more than happy to have visitors from off-planet that aren't allergic to literally everything on the surface, and they'll quickly put you to work for them if you're willing to help! Don't want to go to the surface? That's okay - they also need help maintaining things in the city, or clearing out old and abandoned mine shafts or outgrown city sectors.
Some example job requests include, but are not limited to:
.... It's a living.
Recreation
If you were to guess that such a technology-savvy culture would have some of the best electronic entertainment imaginable, you would be guessing correctly! Virtual reality - VR for short - is huge here, and quite advanced. Put on a monitor-helmet, slip on some controller-gloves, and you'll be connected easily. Whether you want to play a game with your friends, go on a date with your significant other to a virtual café where everything is perfect, attend a high-energy musical concert up close and personal, or go solo and have a moment of peace in a beautiful virtual landscape, they've got you covered. VR shops and "Plug-In Locations" are everywhere - and some have their own unique offerings: sports simulations, building/crafting simulations, fantasy adventures in a choose-your-own-adventure style... one game in particular that's really popular with the kids involves working together in small groups (or going it alone) to be the last group standing in a free-for-all battle! There's something for everyone, so check out as many as you can!
If you'd rather stick to the real world, there are still plenty of things to see and do! There are many different parks and attractions underground, tons of opportunities for art, music, theatre, and other fine cultural offerings. Whatever your idea of fun may be, you'll probably find it somewhere in this vast network of a world.
But if you're looking for a thrill that doesn't involve braving what feels like Jurassic Park, well, why not a water park? The outskirts city of Varr-e boasts the largest underground water park... well, probably ever, but most certainly in this corner of the universe! They've got everything from huge wave pools and lazy rivers, to dozens (nearing a hundred!) of water slides, and children's playsets with tons of built-in fountains and water features! It's fun for all ages! Even if you just want to chill by the poolside with a drink (maybe even alcoholic~?) and a magazine, you're going to have a great time here.
Shopping
What don't they sell down here, honestly~? In all seriousness, any basic shopping needs will be easily - and efficiently - covered no matter where in the planet you venture. Even some more specialized goods and/or services are bound to exist somewhere, you just may need to ask around! And, in some cases, you may need to be the one to go to the surface and get materials! How bad do you want that custom piece of furniture? Is it worth dodging mini-pterodactyls? Up to you...
Speaking of dodging dinos, yes, weapons are available here - especially in larger cities with direct Access Points to the surface. Sturdy blades are the weapons of choice around here, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and lengths. They're incredibly functional, and sometimes multi-functional, as they're intended to help someone survive up on the surface! Short swords with built-in flashlights, broadswords with reflective surfaces for light-signals, shields that can function as floatation devices, arrows that double as distress flares for use with bows that can be folded into other useful survival or repair tools... they've thought of a lot of different (outlandish) scenarios to cover~
Baseline quality of goods is on the better end of the spectrum, though both cheaper and fancy brand-name variations of things exist here too. If you want to pay your right arm for a top-line, high-fashion skirt, you'll find a fancy boutique that's happy to relieve you of your credits! But it's certainly not necessary.
Still, even average price around here is more expensive, compared to other systems. It's not that there's a shortage of supply, or that demand isn't being met! It's just that to obtain the supply, someone at some point in the ~works~ has to venture topside and risk respiratory misery and/or Godzilla. So, consider the increased baseline price of all things here a sort of danger tax, if you will.
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Looking for anything in particular - be it shopping or information? Don't be afraid to reach out and ask us below! We'll see what we can do to get you what you want.
This post may also be used for plotting purposes in the comments. Go forth and get your adventuring on, Dear Fleet!
QUESTIONS?
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Diamond tools are real, and you can absolutely get a diamond hoe if you choose! Very useful! But the best way to not get totally ripped off obtaining diamond tools is to make them yourself... Diamonds can be mined in the old/abandoned mine sectors far beneath the surface, but only below a certain depth. Once you've got a few, along with some sticks, just borrow a crafting table from one of the locals and you'll be set.
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There is a lot of paperwork involved, maybe a brief waiting period as well. If you want to get a projectile weapon quickly and without headache, getting a bow or crossbow is the better bet.