Post by SGYUMI on Jan 13, 2018 16:15:33 GMT -8
FARADAY CITY
[Old Information]
Introduction & History Located near the center of the region, Faraday rests in a shallow valley in a mid-low part of the Paradise Line, and has a heavy emphasis on industry and business. A sharp divide exists between some of the older, more suburban parts of the city and the newer, more high-tech aesthetics of the corporate-heavy parts. Faraday was first founded as a mining town, and increased in size by using geothermal energy resources to power itself. As the city expanded, it developed a strong rivalry with Liggs in terms of exports and technological advancement. However, roughly 60 years ago, geothermal events and strong magnetism triggered a chain of events that raised large portions of Faraday’s city up into the air, and the city was forced to rethink its nature. Using economic incentives to bring in large companies from around the world, it became a keynote location for such companies working together especially in research and development. It has since boomed in popularity as a traveler’s destination as well, with the still-floating islands, now largely reclaimed by nature but still housing many old ruins, having become something of a tourist attraction. |
Population & Culture Faraday's general population could be described as busy and pragmatic. Although a certain amount of leisure and entertainment can be found in the city, there is more of a focus on work over play, and productivity and efficiency are highly valued. In part as a result of this, Faraday's university is the most prestigious in Veria, although others may boast rivaling or better courses for selective fields. Economically, Faraday houses many corporations. Technology driven by corporate alliances leads to inventions more marketable than individual or even small group projects. A large pharmaceutical company is especially prominent here. Light, renewable energy sources are used to keep the environment clean and refreshing. The population is somewhat high density due to people trying to maximize use of space before expanding, with an effort to preserve what stretches of open land are left before they are pushed into the edges of the mountains. This means that while there are some nice parks and fields to stretch one's legs especially at the edges of town, the actual inhabited space can feel a bit cramped. Inflections of the population during tourist seasons makes this even more apparent, with spikes having become common over the past few decades ever since the floating islands were created. Thrill seekers can come to look for treasures through the rocks and mines. The islands are stable enough to be traversed, but the city doesn’t provide an immediate way to get up there. When flying, be mindful of sudden shifts in gravity caused by the magnetic fluctuations. Sinkholes are also a danger on the surface near the islands, and the magnetism can cause high heat. Clothing that is protective but not too heavy is ideal. Explorers are also advised to exercise caution toward other travelers when exploring. While they might simply be other tourists, there is a notable slum population camping out in various parts of the surface ruins. Sometimes these are genuine criminals in hiding, while other times they may simply be folks hard on their luck who couldn't cut it in Faraday's productivity-centric environment yet couldn't bring themselves to leave. Whether out of malice or desperation, though, highway robbery rates are embarrassingly high for a city with an otherwise very low crime rate due to Interpol's presence, and the magnetic fluctuation can make it difficult for the average phone to get a signal to call for help. |
City Structure Much of Faraday's architecture consists of modern high-rise style buildings, often interworked into one another. High bridges and walkways across low streets and roadways are a frequent sight. Everything is up to date and well maintained with the city working heavily to make sure its infrastructure is accommodating to the sheer number of corporations that reside there. Further away from the interior, there are plenty of residential areas that stretch out with local buses, trolleys, and railways going to and from the interior of town. Some of these residential areas are much more upscale than others, but even the less expensive places are all right to stay. As one nears the islands, however, buildings get more dilapidated, and those remaining become less and less populated. In general, it is considered unwise to live or work too close just in case the effect spreads in time, but in spite of this pervading fear one can sometimes find those either desperate enough for a place to stay or confident enough there is nothing to worry about to make their homes there, creating a few small slum areas along parts of the borders. The islands vary in size and structure. While some are little more than hunks of rock, others house ruins, primarily of old businesses and marketplaces, with varying degrees of nature growing up over and around them. On a small number of islands, the buildings are even still mostly intact, and while rare one may occasionally find someone making their home on one. The smaller islands may wobble a bit as you move about, but make no mistake, they aren't going to overturn just from rummaging; the large ones are remarkably stable against all but the fiercest blows. They are in some places close enough to jump from one to another with a bit of effort, although doing so is highly discouraged and dangerous. Others definitely require flight to travel between. Widespread magnetism still interrupts some forms of technology in parts of Faraday, requiring specialized technology to be used in specific areas to maintain communications and the like. |
Points of Interest The Faraday City Electric Gym is found in downtown Faraday where it is maintained by Rikiya Oshiro. Interpol’s local HQ is in Faraday, making it one of the most secure cities. |
[Old Information]