The Gilded City [Gaslight Fantasy|Closed]

[Arana]

"Aroe City... capital o' the so-called Angelic Republic o' Aroel. Rich folks call it the Golden City... and why wouldn't they? Most o' em never leave the nicer parts o' town... the ones full o' big houses n' parks n' libraries. 'Course, those parts o' town don't let in people like us... just the angels, n' some o' the humans. Ones who can buy their ways in. The rest o' the city ain't as nice... there's a few sort o' nice places, around the rich areas, where humans live, and a few fae... but outside o' that, there's just miles and miles o' slums n' factories. Here... we got a different name for Aroe... the Gilded City. Nice n' pretty n' shiny on the outside, but once ye look under the surface... well, it ain't quite so pretty anymore.

"'Course, if ye live here, ye knew all that already. If yer just movin' in... well, let's hope ye get to live in the nice parts o' town. Welcome to Aroe City... try not to get yerself killed."

- A Street Urchin

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Welcome! This is the worldbuilding thread for a new RP I'm working on: The Gilded City. Essentially, it takes place in a fantasy Victorian era world, where magic and technology coexist. The main setting of the story is Aroe City, the capital of the Republic of Aroel, an angel-ruled nation not unlike the Gilded Age United States or Victorian England. You will be a citizen of this world, and watch - and perhaps assist - as a maelstrom of forces both internal and external change life in the city forever. Although I have an idea of what this RP will be like, I still need help developing it... and that's why I need you! What I have so far is located below, and below that, what I still need. Thank you, and enjoy!

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WHAT WE HAVE

Angels

Angels are by far the dominant race in Aroel. They control the majority of government positions, they dominate industry, and they lead the nation's religious organizations. Angels are one of the few races permitted by the government of Aroel to hold elected office, to vote, to receive a formal education, and to partake in certain aspects of social life. They are the only race permitted to serve as officers in the military or the police department. Despite making up only a sixth of Aroel's population, and only a tenth of the population of Aroe City, they control the vast majority of the nation's wealth and power. Angels are considered to be the highest on the social ladder, above any other race.

Humans

Humans are the most common race in Aroel. Although they tend to be much more spread out in terms of social status, they tend to occupy higher positions than other races, and are generally middle class or higher. Humans are one of the few races permitted by the government of Aroel to hold elected office, to vote, to receive a formal education, and to partake in certain aspects of social life. They are also the only race that is permitted to marry angels; they are also permitted to marry across racial lines with fae and lycans. Humans make up roughly half of Aroel's population, and roughly two fifths of the population of Aroe City. Humans fall just below angels on the social ladder.

Fae

Fae are the fourth most common race in Aroel, generally falling within the lower and lower middle classes. It is widely believed that the fae race was born from the offspring of angels and demons, over time becoming diluted in turn with human blood to become what it is now. Fae are permitted to hold lower elected offices, and can vote depending on social status, but cannot receive a formal education. They are permitted to marry lycans and humans, although there have been many occurrences of marriages between fae and demons; while technically illegal, this rule is not very often enforced. Fae make up roughly one sixth of the population of Aroel, and fifteen percent of the population of Aroe City. Fae fall below humans on the social ladder, and above lycans, although the lines can be blurred; wealthy fae are often above poorer humans, and the poorest fae fall just below the richest lycans.

Lycans

The least common race in Aroel, lycans fall almost exclusively in the lower classes. There is much debate over where the lycan race comes from, with theories ranging from them being a creation of demonic magic to being descended from the offspring of demon and fae. Like fae, lycans can vote depending on social status (almost none are able to), but cannot hold office or receive formal education. They are permitted only to marry humans and fae. Due to their physical strength, ferocity, and willingness to follow a designated "alpha," lycans are often used as muscle, especially by crime organizations. However, they are often used as foot soldiers by the military and police as well. Lycans make up one twelfth of the national population, and one tenth of the population of Aroe City. They are the second lowest on the social ladder, just below fae, but far above demons.

Demons

Demons in Aroel fall, interestingly enough, both into the very lowest and very highest social classes. The demonic race is known to have a common ancestor with the angelic one, although when the two diverged is unknown. Demons living in Aroel have almost no rights, prohibited from voting, holding office, or receiving even secondary education. They are forbidden entirely from marrying across racial lines, although as previously stated, illegal marriages with fae often occur regardless of this fact. Despite the fact that the majority of demons live in abject poverty, a small minority do live in the higher classes, even above some angels; generally, these tend to be the leaders of the demonic crime families, or nobility from the neighboring Kingdom of Sullust. Although demons make up only one twelfth of the national population, they make up a whopping fourth of the population of Aroe City. They are the lowest by far on the social ladder, with the previously mentioned exceptions.

The Republic of Aroel

The Republic of Aroel, specifically its capital, Aroe City, is the setting of this story. The largest of the world's nations, Aroel is a patrician republic, essentially a democracy under the rule of a number of wealthy angelic families. Although nominally democratic, many of Aroel's citizens (roughly one third) are prevented from voting by law, and only angels can hold national office. Aroel is a very aggressive nation, frequently starting fights with its neighbors over relatively trivial issues; this is especially true with the Kingdom of Sullust, its largest neighbor, with which it constantly engages in border clashes and occasional bombardments of villages. Aroel is very socially conservative, even for its time; alcohol, drugs, homosexuality, adultery, and so on are all illegal. The Republic unofficially supports and assists the Knights of the Holy Dawn in their activities, using them as a weapon to keep the other races in line.

The Kingdom of Sullust

Separated from its neighbor by a long border fence, the Kingdom of Sullust stands as the complete opposite to the Republic of Aroel. A monarchy, Sullust is ruled by its king, as well as by its numerous noble families. Unlike Aroel, there is little racial discrimination; although this largely is because of the nation having relatively little racial diversity, the few other races that do reside there are treated much more fairly. Sullust is equally as aggressive as Aroel, often provoking conflicts between smaller nations in order to appear as a mediator or protector when they inevitably intervene. Sullust is much more socially liberal than Aroel; very little is illegal. The Kingdom has ties to many of the demonic crime families operating throughout the surrounding nations, especially in Aroe City. This faction is only playable with explicit permission from the OP.

The Knights of the Holy Dawn

The Knights of the Holy Dawn, also known as the Knights of the Divine Races or simply the HDK, are a reactionary and religious movement that has grown into a position of power in The Republic of Aroel. It has strong support in rural Aroel among human farmers, as well as having sympathizers among elected angelic or human officials, corporate figures, and military officers. The movement quickly grew from a small agricultural community, gaining even more support by opposing interracial marriages and working to curtail the illegal trade between the demonic crime families of Aroel and Sullust. After many years of poor harvests and the development of fae middle class in Aroe City, the movement's support has peaked. The organization bases itself on a chivalric hierarchy very different from the democratic system in the Republic. The grandmaster is the supreme leader, followed by a master council, chancellor, marshals, deakons, paladins, knights and initiates. Angels applying for membership automatically become knights, whilst humans do not. Higher titles are generally not reserved for angels though, and are quite equal regarding the demographics of the organization. About 80% of the members are human, with the rest of them being angels according to official papers.

Some Form of Revolutionaries

Some form of revolutionaries. More information needed.

Demon Crime Families

Demonic crime families. More information needed.

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WHAT WE NEED

• More information about races!
• More information about AND more factions!
• District information!
• A city map, and a world map!
• Application forms!

[Shyluz]

Reporting.

[Arana]

Reporting.

Good to see you. Anything in particular you're interested in working on?

[Shyluz]

Reporting.

Good to see you. Anything in particular you're interested in working on?

I love writing revolutions. Some of my best work (not on NS) was about revolutions. I'll take the revolutionary faction, if that's okay. How many paras do you want for them?

[Arana]

Good to see you. Anything in particular you're interested in working on?

I love writing revolutions. Some of my best work (not on NS) was about revolutions. I'll take the revolutionary faction, if that's okay. How many paras do you want for them?

Just a few would be fine, but however much you want to write. Try not to go overboard though, save that for the IC

[Shyluz]

I love writing revolutions. Some of my best work (not on NS) was about revolutions. I'll take the revolutionary faction, if that's okay. How many paras do you want for them?

Just a few would be fine, but however much you want to write. Try not to go overboard though, save that for the IC

Fiiiiiiiiiine Moooom.

[Parous]

Tagging this. I could shamelessly admit my attraction to this fantasy KKK faction (Holy Dawn knights)

[Arana]

Just a few would be fine, but however much you want to write. Try not to go overboard though, save that for the IC

Fiiiiiiiiiine Moooom.

Is that sass? I won't allow sass here.

[Shyluz]

What kind of tech am I dealing with here? Steampunk? Or just Victorian/Edwardian shenanigans with magic?

[Arana]

What kind of tech am I dealing with here? Steampunk? Or just Victorian/Edwardian shenanigans with magic?

Victorian with magic. So essentially, if it existed at some point between 1890 and 1920, or involves magic, it's acceptable.

[Shyluz]

What kind of tech am I dealing with here? Steampunk? Or just Victorian/Edwardian shenanigans with magic?

Victorian with magic. So essentially, if it existed at some point between 1890 and 1920, or involves magic, it's acceptable.

Alrighty.

[Cuprum]

Looks nice, tag.

[Jolet]

Did somebody say worldbuilding?

*extends tag guns*

FIRE AT WILL!

*plasters thread with tags*

[Saleon]

It's not like I tagged you or anything!!!!! ~BAAAAAAAKAAAA!

[Arana]

(Image)
It's not like I tagged you or anything!!!!! ~BAAAAAAAKAAAA!

Do you use that for all your tags? This is like the second or third time I've seen it...

[Arana]

Great to see all the support... anybody need a job?

[Cuprum]

I propose this map for Aroe City:

The Green Line of Aroe: A big wall that protects a large labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, towers, temples, cloisters, bridges, and cellars from the misery of the north districts.

Districts II to III:
Aroe's Trade Quarter is teeming with life. It is inhabited by the capital's human social elite — nobles, wealthy merchants, townspeople, even sorcerers. The cobbled streets are kept clean. The brick houses with flowers in the windows are huddled side by side on the narrow streets, testifying to the wealth of the inhabitants. After all, not everyone can afford a home in the best district, situated near the Palace himself! At the very center of the Trade Quarter lies a large marketplace, where merchants exhibit luxury goods from all over the world. Nearby stands an impressive town hall in the first district.

Districts V to VII: Old Aroe conjures the spirit of yesteryear, when even the capitals of powerful nations looked like the makeshift collection of thatched wooden huts, and their streets were filled with hens and dirty children. Relocating his seat from the old manor to the new Palace, Long time ago, the ruler began the long process of converting Aroe from a wooden village into a brick town. At its end, the area became something of a ghetto for non-humans who were forced to settle where even the poor did not want to live. Currently Old Aroe is an area of skirmishes between sellswords and drunkards.

Districts XII to XV: The Temple Quarter of Aroe is strangely reminiscent of a quarrelsome, dirty prostitute, who — despite her disagreeable appearance and personality — remains somehow alluring. This may be because of the uncomplicated, illicit entertainment it offers — always a temptation. Beggars, shady characters, scowling poor folk, frustrated nonhumans and, of course, "ladies" occupy every corner.

Districts XX to XXIII: is home to the city's Angels wealthiest citizens.

- Aroe University is one of the city's oldest and most prestigious universities, giving rise to many of the nation's brilliant minds and thinkers. Founded centuries ago by a group of philosophers, the university became a highlight in academic education, resulting in it possessing its own bank and a museum with a priceless art collection.

- Humboldt Botanical Gardens is a reservation garden in the district.

Districts XV to XVIII: is an underdeveloped part of Aroe laden with poverty, crime, prostitution, and the circulation of illegal drugs and weapons.

- Crime Alley is a small side street located in District XVI. Formerly known as "Park Row", Crime Alley is a dangerous, crime-infested area.

- Park Row Theater is a once-fashionable run-down movie theater in Crime Alley that, over the years, lost business and ran into bankruptcy, joining the rest of the district in corruption and decay.

- The Bowery is described as Aroe's worst neighborhood. Bordered by Crime Alley to the East, the neighborhood is home to Crown Point, a smaller demon's ghetto ridden with crime, homelessness, and prostitution.

[Parous]

Great to see all the support... anybody need a job?

I could write something up on the Knights of the Holy Dawn if you'd need it.

[Elderowa]

Great to see all the support... anybody need a job?

I can do some Race lore stuff.

[Arana]

I propose this map for Aroe City:

(Image)

The Green Line of Aroe protect a large labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, towers, temples, cloisters, bridges, and cellars from the misery of the northwest districts.

Districts XX to XXIII: is home to the city's wealthiest citizens.

- Aroe University is one of the city's oldest and most prestigious universities, giving rise to many of the nation's brilliant minds and thinkers. Founded centuries ago by a group of philosophers, the university became a highlight in academic education, resulting in it possessing its own bank and a museum with a priceless art collection.

- Humboldt Botanical Gardens is a reservation garden in the district.

Districts XV to XVIII: is an underdeveloped part of Aroe laden with poverty, crime, prostitution, and the circulation of illegal drugs and weapons.

- Crime Alley is a small side street located in District XVI. Formerly known as "Park Row", Crime Alley is a dangerous, crime-infested area.

- Park Row Theater is a once-fashionable run-down movie theater in Crime Alley that, over the years, lost business and ran into bankruptcy, joining the rest of the district in corruption and decay.

- The Bowery is described as Aroe's worst neighborhood. Bordered by Crime Alley to the East, the neighborhood is home to Crown Point, a smaller demon's ghetto ridden with crime, homelessness, and prostitution.

Fantastic! Although I plan on changing the names, both to make it more fantasy sounding and to make it seem less like Gotham City (Park Row, Crime Alley, etc.)

What about Districts I to XIX though?

Great to see all the support... anybody need a job?

I could write something up on the Knights of the Holy Dawn if you'd need it.

Yes

Great to see all the support... anybody need a job?

I can do some Race lore stuff.

Absolutely

[Cuprum]

I propose this map for Aroe City:

(Image)

The Green Line of Aroe protect a large labyrinth of palaces, courtyards, towers, temples, cloisters, bridges, and cellars from the misery of the northwest districts.

Districts XX to XXIII: is home to the city's wealthiest citizens.

- Aroe University is one of the city's oldest and most prestigious universities, giving rise to many of the nation's brilliant minds and thinkers. Founded centuries ago by a group of philosophers, the university became a highlight in academic education, resulting in it possessing its own bank and a museum with a priceless art collection.

- Humboldt Botanical Gardens is a reservation garden in the district.

Districts XV to XVIII: is an underdeveloped part of Aroe laden with poverty, crime, prostitution, and the circulation of illegal drugs and weapons.

- Crime Alley is a small side street located in District XVI. Formerly known as "Park Row", Crime Alley is a dangerous, crime-infested area.

- Park Row Theater is a once-fashionable run-down movie theater in Crime Alley that, over the years, lost business and ran into bankruptcy, joining the rest of the district in corruption and decay.

- The Bowery is described as Aroe's worst neighborhood. Bordered by Crime Alley to the East, the neighborhood is home to Crown Point, a smaller demon's ghetto ridden with crime, homelessness, and prostitution.

Fantastic! Although I plan on changing the names, both to make it more fantasy sounding and to make it seem less like Gotham City (Park Row, Crime Alley, etc.)

What about Districts I to XIX though?

The other districts are free, there can be temples, ghettos, big families enterprises or whatever depending on the players decisions.

[Arana]

Fantastic! Although I plan on changing the names, both to make it more fantasy sounding and to make it seem less like Gotham City (Park Row, Crime Alley, etc.)

What about Districts I to XIX though?

The other districts are free, there can be temples, ghettos, big families enterprises or whatever depending on the players decisions.

Gotcha. So what, exactly, is the Green Line? A street? A wall? A park?

[Saleon]

(Image)
It's not like I tagged you or anything!!!!! ~BAAAAAAAKAAAA!

Do you use that for all your tags? This is like the second or third time I've seen it...

Yes, Yes I do. It is like my call sign. It used to be a drive-by tagging, but then I decided to retire it.

[Elderowa]

I can do some Race lore stuff.

Absolutely

Great! If you have any ideas that you want me to incorporate, PM me. I should have some general ideas myself sometime tomorrow.

[Arana]

Absolutely

Great! If you have any ideas that you want me to incorporate, PM me. I should have some general ideas myself sometime tomorrow.

Well, I was thinking that in a way, certain races would reflect real world cultures that are similar to those races. The Fae, for example, being sort of Irish.

Can't really pin one down easy for the rest though.