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There are millions of people in the Swamplands, a vibrant megalopolis nestled in the massive cypress dome at the far end of the vast Evermarsh. Living in a land of gargantuan cypresses and extensive waterways demands reliable forms of transportation and sturdy housing. Not to mention, protection from the massive bugs.
Every denizen of the Swamplands made a silent pact once with the beasts of the wilds when they decided to live in a land teeming with innumerable, hulking, chittering monsters. For some, that pact was signed by others before their conception. For others, the chance to live in such a thriving society was enough to draw them to the flame of this remarkable city. So long as they came to terms with the threat of swarms, horrible night lurkers, and every imaginable terror these chitinous creatures introduced into their lives.
Eventually, though, this threat diminished bit by bit. With more technology came greater promises of safety, opportunity, and a chance at normalcy in what used to be a beautiful, terrifying mire. And so the city grew, more came to see the wonders and taste the fruits, and all was well in the land of mud and bugs. Towers teemed with humans carving out their dreams, and as the land proved hard enough to tame even with their tech, the obvious growth of the city was inwards. Then, of course, upwards. The four towering cypress trees at the center of the city became known as the Diamond Spires, and they each focused on a different aspect of life in the Swamplands.
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The Plant,
Tower of Industry
They all assemble. Every man, woman, and child working in the Tower of Industry assemble the machines, structures, and other odds and ends used and sold throughout the Swamplands. Millions of souls wake, work, eat, and sleep there in the sawdust caked hallways of the mildewy spire. Each night they lay their heads on their sunken pillows, silently thanking their maker for this safety.
Then, these tired and overworked pray to the gods that they too will ascend to the upper echelons of society. Perhaps one day they will ingratiate themselves with the Fold and join the clergy of the Hive. Maybe they’ll finally earn that promotion and get an office a few stories higher up the Plant, or become a star of stage and screen in the Kaleidoscope. They could even strike out as a merchant or run for office in the Capital.
But most won’t. Most will lay awake at night, staring at the grain of the gnarled ceiling of their studio apartment hoping they can make it through the week. Perhaps they’ll miss a bill, fail to make rent, and get booted out into the streets. Maybe they’ll get in a workplace accident and some contract’s fine print will absolve their employer of all blame. They could even anger the wrong supervisor whose ties to the Fold are deep and get themselves locked up in the Cells. Some say they waste away beneath the Hive, never to be heard from again.
Even still, they all assemble. For what? A chance at normalcy, prosperity. It’s enough, as life is long and hard and full of terrors. At least the routine of the worker comes with it some consistency. Even if, at times, the view can be limited.
– Channels
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The Kaleidoscope,
Tower of Entertainment
More coming soon to
this corner of the Swamplands!
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The Capital,
Tower of Commerce
More coming soon to
this corner of the Swamplands!
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The Hive,
Tower of Piety
More coming soon to
this corner of the Swamplands!
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