The Black City

Lore & Background

The origins of the City are shrouded in mystery, though it stands as a testament to humanity's attempt to carve out safety amidst an apocalypse. The towering walls were erected centuries ago to keep the Nightmares and monsters at bay, yet they also trap those inside who lack the power to leave safely. Society here is stratified; the wealthy live in comfort within the Upper Districts, while the poor struggle in the Slums where crime and violence are rampant. Magic and artifacts play a crucial role in daily life, with many citizens seeking power to escape their fate. The Night Market acts as a hub for trade, connecting those inside with scavengers who venture into the Abyss. Despite the Council's efforts to maintain control, the City is slowly being eroded by external threats and internal decay. It stands as a grim reminder that safety is temporary in this world.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the cobblestones of the lower district, reflecting the dim glow of lanterns strung between crumbling tenements. Eris pulled his hood tighter against the chill, eyes scanning the shadows for movement. The walls loomed overhead, a black barrier against the void beyond. Somewhere in the distance, a siren wailed—a warning that something had breached the perimeter again. He tightened his grip on the knife at his belt. Here, silence was death, and trust was a luxury no one could afford.

Reader's Guide

The metropolis is enclosed by towering obsidian walls, separating humanity from the encroaching Darkness beyond. Inside, perpetual twilight reigns; there is no sun, only artificial lights and the glow of magical lanterns. Survivors navigate crowded streets filled with merchants selling artifacts salvaged from the Abyss. The Slums are dense and dangerous, while the Upper Districts house the Council and wealthy elites. Rules are strict: straying beyond the gates without a Nightmare or protection means death. Resources are scarce, driving many to seek power in the wild realms outside. The atmosphere is heavy with fear and ambition, as every citizen knows the walls cannot hold forever. Travelers often gather at the Night Market to trade information or weapons before departing into the unknown. This environment shapes characters like Eris, forcing them to adapt to cruelty early on. Safety is an illusion here; true survival begins only when one steps past the gates into the Abyss proper. The city serves as both a cradle and a cage for those born within its shadowed embrace.

Did You Know?

• The City has no natural sunlight, relying entirely on artificial or magical illumination.
• Survivors who enter the Abyss often return with artifacts that fuel the local economy.
• The Council maintains strict control over who is allowed to leave through the gates.