City of Union

[bravenewmods]

The city of Union is the final bastion of humanity in an untamed world. It stores the sum of human knowledge and technological advancement. While the ways of old have fallen by the wayside, the rise of the Enlightened has opened new avenues of research. Built behind great walls meant to defend humanity, it could not expand outward, but has instead expanded upward. With enormous spires stretching to the sky, wide sweeping boulevards and interconnected walkways, Union is as much a thriving metropolis as it is a fortress.

Underneath the modern city of Union underground lies the ruins of the Old City. It is accessible through several routes and entrances across Union, although access is restricted and the full extent of the ruins have never been explored due to the dangers it poses.


THE COUNCIL HALL
The Council Hall is the center tower of Union. A wide cavernous building. From here, the laws and statutes of the city of Union are carried out. The Council Hall is open to all citizens of Union to observe and even take part in the process. Union is governed by the Elders, older and often retired citizens who have provided great contributions to the well-being of the city. All councilors are democratically elected by the citizens of Union, and they craft and debate legislation for the city.

As the seat of power within the city, the Council Hall is austere in design, sheathed in marble and affecting a certain cool formality.

THE AGRICULTURAL TOWER
The Agricultural Tower is unique in that it is one of two towers where the entire structure is committed toward a single purpose. In this case, the tower is comprised primarily of dirt and mulch interlocked with more traditional stone and brick construction material. The entire tower is built into extensive farmlands, with livestock contained within the various tiers. The Agricultural Tower is not built in the traditional static floor format: each tier blends into the other with ramps and valleys, with massive holes all over the building to allow for the percolation of sunlight. The entire tower is a near constant green, and is tended by a horde of people and Pokémon.

THE POKÉMON HABITAT
The Pokémon Habitat is a specially designed area for Pokémon to dwell comfortably within the city. The other tower to have a singular purpose, the Pokémon habitat is a bit more structured, with each of the 18 floors devoted to housing a different type of Pokémon. All trainers in Union utilize the Habitat for their Pokémon allies, although Pokémon are generally given the freedom to wander the streets as they see fit. As it is not uncommon for many people in Union to live and work with Pokémon, many do not dwell in the Habitat, but as trainers tend to gather many allies the Habitat, it is vital to providing the Pokémon enough space to live.

THE SIGNAL TOWER
The Signal Tower is the tallest tower in Union. Mounted atop its broad roof is an intricate iron scaffolding that is wired into the Warp Transmitter. The Signal Tower is the core of the city, it stands adjacent to the Council Hall and houses some of the most important and influential businesses in Union. Additionally, it is under heavy guard, as the core communication network throughout the city powerful Enlightened and Trainers are constantly stationed there to defend it from attack or infiltration. Much of the tower is heavily restricted, and the high security makes it almost impossible to enter.

LABORATORIES
While the origin of the Enlightened is confined to myth and legend, human ingenuity is unwilling to accept that as an explanation. The Laboratories devote a lot of their time and research to the mysterious powers of the Enlightened, as well as the abilities of Pokémon that can be integrated into their technology. Unlike the research of old, the council sets rigid restrictions on the kind of research that can be carried out. The researchers are constrained by a strict code of ethics, but that has not stopped them from making major advancements, including a means to augment conventional items with the elemental power of Pokémon and the Enlightened and development of major advancements in miniaturization, communication and warp technology. More information on the Laboratories and on Research Projects can be found in the Laboratory information page.

THE UNIVERSITY OF UNION
Sharing a tower with the laboratories, the University of Union is where all students are taught. It is said in ages past that children came of age at 10, but in the current state of affairs, formalized education lasts until at the very least the age of 18, and some can go as far as 22 or even 26. All students receive primary education, and based on their performance in classes and tests, can be sent to any number of different colleges for higher education. Typically, education received after 18 is geared toward the person's personal attributes, so someone with an aptitude for sciences will often be placed in a biological field or someone with a knack for working with their hands will be placed in a trade school. Students may apply for different schools, but ultimately where they land is dependent on their test scores and the qualities they have shown.

• Roar of Time Libary: The local library has a wide selection that caters to readers of any age, including everything from comics, children's books, reference materials for the average student, history books and old tomes for scholars of any field. It's also a quiet place for people to study up for exams or to finish up their work in peace.


• The Seekers Headquarters: Write up a blurb about the Seekers HQ here.

INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
The Industrial District is a collection of towers that takes up a significant amount of Union surface area. Due to the limited space within the city, the Industrial District utilizes some of the most carefully planned architecture. The towers make use of networks of piping to control the exhaust from the machines, allowing Union to function with minimal contamination of the city's air. Due to the limited space and resources, Union is incapable of producing complex machinery, but it does have some mass production capabilities and extensive forges in order to keep the city moving with relative comfort.

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
The Residential District is a collection of towers designed for human habitation. While the towers are uniform, the residences themselves are highly varied. Some are spacious and extend over several floors while others are single rooms with limited facilities. What is true of all housing units, however, is that they share floors and (usually) walls with other homes. The Residential district tends to be more expensive the closer it draws to the center of Union, with less expensive housing located closer to the Industrial district.

• Ninetales Vale: A community of spiritualists tracing their lineage back to the time of the Savior, Ninetales Vale is a neighborhood in Union consisting primarily of Ghost, Dark, and Psychic type Enlightened and Pokemon. The community is located in the northwest corner of Union near the outer wall of the city, closest to the Forest Shrine. The Fey family acts as the spiritual center of the community, with the Tenma branch family handling political issues. The community itself is home to some strange traditions including spirit channeling, fortune telling, creating magic charms, and other occult related miscellany. Notable locations in the neighborhood include the Hikawa Shrine, run by Rei Hino and her grandfather and notable for fire-based fortune-telling rituals as well as exorcism, and the Fey family compound where Maya Fey offers training and classes to Ghost type Enlightened and Pokemon looking to master their powers.
  


• Hikawa Shrine: Hikawa Shrine is a small temple nestled on a hilltop in Ninetales Vale that's dedicated to traditional spiritual practices, particularly those venerating fire. Its primary function is as a place for people to come seeking guidance and advice, and Rei Hino and her grandfather offer fortune telling, handcrafted charms, and rooms to travelers in need. Additionally, the Hinos offer services as exorcists to drive away unwanted or harmful ghostly attention. Maintained by Rei Hino.
  


• Brentwood Academy: A boarding school for teenagers that tends to cater to a more elite clientele. Although its purpose isn't explicitly stated as such, it's often the first choice for rich families dealing with wayward children who need to be sent away somewhere. The dormitories are equipped with spacious one-room doubles, a dining hall serving three meals a day, and single housing options available for any live-in staff sent along with the child (such as a valet or a butler). Brentwood Academy enforces strict evening curfews, and the grounds are patrolled by Dean Nederlander's pudgy Granbull, Cardigan.


• Redwall Sanctuary and Charity: A sanctuary created for the purpose of housing refugees and displaced residents of other cities, as well as the underprivileged of Union. Financed by the Tycoon family and inspired by Martin, the Sanctuary sits in a quiet corner of the Residential District and occupies some two and a half acres of land. More information is here. Maintained by Martin.

BUSINESS DISTRICT
The Business District occupies a proportionally smaller area of Union, and although the occasional department store towers several stories high, the majority of the stores are small and uniform in order to occupy a lesser amount of space - at least, from the outside. Businessmen find ways to make their merchandise more attractive, though, and each store offers unique items to make the lives of the citizens of Union more comfortable.

• Medical Center: The Medical Center serves both Pokémon and humans. Those injured in the wilds and recovered are taken to the Medical Center for recovery, and the doors are always open with staff on hand to provide emergency services. The Medical Center is supported by resources from all citizens of Union, and the services it offers are considered vital to the continuation of the city and the human race. With premier triage and trauma capabilities and cutting edge augmentation technology and Pokémon support, the Medical Center has been known to perform feats nothing short of miraculous.
  


• Happy-Me Pharmacy: The largest and only legitimate pharmacy in the city, it works closely with the Medical Center to provide for Union's needs. The building is divided into two floors - the first floor sells medicines for humans and the second sells medicines for Pokémon. It offers everything from simple Potions to promote general health to treatments for more unique ailments, such as the suffering induced by the Curse of a Ghost, or the paralysis and suffering caused by a Vileplume's toxins. Many of the latter, of course, are largely experimental. The aesthetic is purposefully cute and soothing for the sake of humans and Pokémon alike, and the Happiny mascot can be seen printed on the majority of the items sold here.
  


• Herbalists' Guild: For those who prefer to use a more natural form of healing, a group of apothecaries in the Business District run a thriving business recommending such remedies as dried Cherubi leaf or Foongus tea. Every herbalist seems to recommend a different type of medicine, but the majority of them tend to incite displeasure in the Pokemon on which they are used. Nonetheless, they are extremely effective. Herbalists will also be willing to pay for rare raw materials taken off of Pokémon - Slowpoke tail is especially in vogue at the moment.
  


• Pokéco: One of the largest buildings in the Business District, the services of Pokéco are essential for proper maintenance of Pokémon kept in the home. Pokéco sells food and supplies suitable for almost every species of Pokémon known to Union and is constantly expanding its inventory. Though it tends to cater to more commonly domesticized Pokémon, objects like heated beds for Magby can be requested as well. More recently constructed, the second floor offers solely cosmetic services - Pokémon grooming and styling, Pokémon bathing, and even Pokémon massages.
  


• The Outpost: Largely serving Rangers, researchers, and trainers, the Outpost is a government-run business that provides those who venture out of Union with essential goods for their travels - for a price. While this may seem mercantile, those who lack the funds to purchase items here are encouraged to develop their skills within the city before they embark on any missions. The Outpost also serves as a general gathering point for Rangers and a place to disseminate useful and valuable information.
  


• Salvage Shop: While raw materials found in the Old City and in the wilds were once immediately taken for analysis by the Engineers, a niche has opened for the trading of these objects with the passage of time. Scrap metal and half-broken pottery isn't much good to anyone, but may be provided to the salvage shops to appraise and resell. On rare occasions, something valuable or interesting may be found.
  


• Iron Head Repair: A repair shop that specialises in repairing bicycles, carts, and other Pokémon-drawn or single-man powered vehicles. Rumour has it that the shop's mechanic has also carved out a niche in moving prosthetics and supports for Pokémon. Originally maintained by his father, the shop is now completely under management of Kazuichi Souda, who boasts that despite the shop's specialty he can fix anything-- not just vehicles. Maintained by Kazuichi Souda.
  


• Yashio Dojo: Yashio Dojo is a small school dedicated to teaching martial arts both for self-defense and as a hobby run by one Yuzuki Yashio. Yuuna studied there in her off time during her teenage years, and she began to practice there even more heavily after making the decision to become a trainer. She sometimes acts as an extra teacher there, working with Master Yashio's students as a demonstrator and working with beginners. Maintained by Yuuna Sagasawa.


• The Prodigal Explorer: A small store based around stocking gear needed for adventures and evolutionary Pokemon items, the Prodigal Explorer is run by engineers who can custom-make items to suit your purposes. The store can be accessed here. Maintained by Ezreal.


• Tatsumi Gallery: A small gallery that highlights and sells traditional styles of art from Union and other contacted civilisations, run by Kanji's mother. The attached store sells general art and craft supplies and unusual textiles to the general public, including Kanji's own Enhanced pieces. Maintained by Kanji Tatsumi.


• Kabigon: A restaurant owned by the Hoshizora family that's a "middle class" quality of dining. Popular for various noodle, rice, and vegetable dishes, it's always like a dine-at-home experience where everyone is welcome into its doors regardless of wealth and social class. It also serves take-out for working men and women and delivery through the Warp Band. For breakfast and lunch, servers dress up as maids/butlers to give everyone a little bit of a noble-like service. Maintained by Rin Hoshizora.


• Iron Fist Training and Fitness Dojo: A reasonably spacious training dojo owned and maintained by Fei Fong Wong that offers Move Tutoring at reasonable prices. It also offers a number of other classes for both human and Pokemon fitness, with new classes and services offered based on interest. Located near the Residential District. Maintained by Fei Fong Wong.


• Junes: Its headquarters originally located in Citadel, this business is a fast growing department store that sells almost everything under the sun. From clothing to kitchen needs to its own grocery section, Junes has anything and everything someone would need. It also specializes in meats from Citadel, making meat more widely available for a reasonable price to Union. Maintained by Yosuke Hanamura.

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
While the citizens of Union are all quite dedicated to their livelihoods, they can always find time and opportunity to relax. The Entertainment District is also smaller in comparison to the Industrial and Residential Districts, but boasts a variety of venues to ease the stress of those who must live in such an unstable world.

• A.C.E. Studios: Officially standing for Altarian Communications and Entertainment, the studios are one of the only sources of mass entertainment within Union. During the day, radio hosts provide a steady stream of music for those hard at work within the city; at night, they turn to more experimental efforts through the form of nightly serials. The most popular serial at the moment details the life of the fictional Ranger, the Night Avenger, and his team of Dark-type Pokémon. A.C.E. Studios works with Council Hall to provide emergency broadcasts when needed as well.
  


• Pocket Stadium: Its name came about due to its size: compact. The development of sports in Union conformed to the generally cramped nature of the city; though there are a number of small arenas throughout, it is Pocket Stadium that hosts the majority of sporting events. The most popular game in Union is an inexplicable sport called Bullet Ball, played largely with Grass-type Pokémon. Other favorites include Psy Strike and Lacrosse Chop. More recognizable sports played entirely by humans exist as well.
  


• Teeter's: A popular gathering point in Union, Teeter's is part bar, part dancing hall, and part live music venue. All manner of folk congregate here, Guards and Rangers and researchers alike, though the patrons tend to naturally segregate themselves into groups. The upper class also tend to steer clear of what they perceive as a less than sophisticated atmosphere. The establishment is maintained in part by the quintessential silent barkeep, who asks few questions and listens sympathetically to any and all problems.
  


• Kricketune Theaters: The Kricketune Theaters consist of three theaters total and offer a variety of shows and performances on weekends and holidays, ranging from orchestral arrangements to classic theatrical works. Pokémon are welcome to perform here as well, though these performances occasionally have soporific effects on the audience. The theaters are currently struggling to make ends meet and have therefore begun renting out the space during the week to anyone in need of a large venue for any miscellaneous purpose.
  


• Versus: To hone their skills in battle, Enlightened and normal trainers alike head for the official Union-sanctioned dueling arena, where sparring is closely regulated and fights finely honed to an art form. Self-proclaimed 'type masters' may be found here who may or may not have particular expertise with certain types of Pokémon and who may offer guidance and training for a nominal fee. For those fighting for fame and riches, Versus is not the venue to seek, but rumors abound of illicit tournaments held in the shallower regions of the Old City or even outside of Union altogether...
  


• The Lucky Punch: An unassuming stairway in the Entertainment District leads down into the depths of the earth and into a sprawling, three-level, underground casino. Betting games, slots, and an annoyingly popular game called Voltage Flip are the laws of the land here, and patrons may be found at all hours gambling away their life's savings. Those with their faces obscured by veils or dark-glasses may be assumed to be of a class that has no business being in such an establishment at all. Nonetheless, the gambling business continues to thrive. The Lucky Punch itself is government-approved, but there are certainly other, even shadier establishments to be found if one searches.
  


• Agnostos Temple: The first temple to the gods built in Union after the war, and probably the most enduringly popular. Though many of the names and aspects of the gods have been lost to the passage of time, old statues, carvings, and representations of majestic creatures can still be found in this hollowed place. Whether or not they are accurate is another question altogether. No formal services are held here, but temple caretakers keep the building clean and secure for worshipers to come and spend some time in reverence as they please.
  


• The High Roost: Located at the top floor of one of Union's taller towers, the High Roost is an exclusive, upscale restaurant with bar and lounge amenities. Typically only the upper and upper-middle classes have memberships here, which must be renewed annually, though guests are permitted so long as they are invited by a card-holding member family. The restaurant serves fine cuisine, while the bar serves a variety of drinks, including some of the finest liquor available in Union. However, the main attraction of the club is the panoramic view, accentuated by the large glass windows, which provides an excellent view of the city.
  


• Burgh Museum: Burgh Museum is an art museum dedicated to preserving and restoring lost pieces of art from before the War of the Savior, but also willing to display art from modern-day artists. Named after a particularly prolific artist whose works were preserved.
  


• Petal Dance Café: A café with a mixed theme flaunting adorable Fairy types and classic French-style interiors where people go for their daily caffeine and sweet fix. This café caters to anything from morning coffee runs, people passing the time with a good book and a slice of cake, to snooty high class ladies coming in for high tea at noon.
  


• The Trick Room: A bar with a little more class than Teeter's. This one boasts pretentiously named drinks handcrafted and served with flair by the bartender as well as bar food that could be served in a fine dining establishment. There's a modern looking bar and a very well-designed outdoor area; relaxing soft jazz or classical music plays in the background all night. The only thing it lacks is live music and a dance area, but it compensates by being a great go-to spot for people who just want to unwind after a long day and not have to deal with drunks and loud music.
  


• The Amagi Spa: The Amagi Spa is a sort of health club that's been a part of Union for generations. The Amagi family has run it for at least a hundred years, perhaps more if you ask them. They offer aromatherapy, mud baths, artificial hot springs, massages, and various other treatments. Yukiko is currently the heir apparent, but it's run by her parents and staff for now. Maintained by Yukiko Amagi.
  


• Marukyu Tofu & Fine Soy Products: One of Union's oldest and most popular eating establishments, dating back to the days when Agricultural Tower soybeans were all the protein most of the city got. In addition to the bustling main café-style restaurant, Marukyu operates small carryout kiosks in various parts of the city that are popular with workers taking a lunch break. All food guaranteed 100% free of Pokémon and Pokémon byproducts.


• Sindria Trading Company: A Mercantile House/Warehouse recently opened in the Business District with the goal of spreading goods and goodwill. Currently they deal with specialty orders and trades, but plans on expanding into bulk shipment in the near-future

THE OLD CITY
Beneath Union lie the ruins of the old city, and a glimpse of humanity at the height of its power. The Old City is infested with powerful Pokémon that will occasionally come to the surface and attack. However, it is still of great interest to Union. A wealth of salvage can be found within the Old City: valuable metal scraps, old artifacts and technology, and other items that help keep Union moving. Old City salvage is vitally important to the resource-starved Union, and there is high demand for skilled fighters to brave the depths and collect salvage.

THE PORT
Operated by Banzu and located southwest of Union within sight of the western bank of the westernmost branch of the river, the port currently consists of a wooden palisade surrounding a large wooden main building with a short tower protruding from the roof, a small shed containing a small power generation system, and a stone pier, with an open yard leaving room for some future expansion. Banzu's ship, the Pathfinder, docks here and can be chartered by characters for whatever they want. For more details on the port, see here. Built the week of July 13th, 2014.

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Aside from the primary industries, there are many other businesses and amenities within the city. Players are encouraged to create their own by posting using the form below.

<b>Facility Name:</b> <b>Facility Description:</b> <b>Intended District:</b>

NAVIGATION >>

Comments

[birdstalker]

Facility Name: Brentwood Academy
Facility Description: A private academy and boarding school
Reason for Facility: A boarding school for teenagers that tends to cater to a more elite clientele. Although its purpose isn't explicitly stated as such, it's often the first choice for rich families dealing with wayward children who need to be sent away somewhere. The dormitories are equipped with spacious one-room doubles, a dining hall serving three meals a day, and single housing options available for any live-in staff sent along with the child (such as a valet or a butler). Brentwood Academy enforces strict evening curfews, and the grounds are patrolled by Dean Nederlander's pudgy Granbull, Cardigan.

[bravenewmods]

Added under the Residential District!