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THE END
The Hazards came, and they changed So began the Age of Chaos.
the world. For seven days, natural disasters
on a scale never before seen ravaged the
earth, as though it were the toy of some FROZEN ANARCHY
capricious god. The cities of man were torn
to the ground by quakes, its arts and Though there were many fewer
knowledge washed away in the floods. The mouths that needed feeding, there was little
Hazards were deemed the harbingers of the land with which to grow food. What could be
End Times, and so did civilization end. scavenged from the wreckage of the old
world quickly dried up, and soon, the cold
The planet remained, though it did not scratching to get in was countered by
go unscarred. starvation gnawing to get out.
Half of humanity had been lost. The Fertile lands did exist, though few
other half found itself faced with an alien thought to look in such newly-equatorial
world of white. Of their cities, only rubble locations such as Antarctica, Siberia, and
remained as a memorial to what was. Much Greenland for those verdant fields. As the
of the green fields and fertile earth was now oceans had receded, many new locations
jealously gripped by ice, refusing to yield to existed to be explored, as well. In the end,
the meager, shoddily crafted tools however, cold and hunger gave birth to
attempting to pierce it to lay crops within. desperation, and despite having lost too
Even the flora and fauna of the Earth no many already, humans once again began
longer looked familiar, much of what had killing each other over land.
been having vanished, and new, more
deadly things replaced them. Famine laid across the land, sparking
War, and which naturally brought Death.
The world itself was now ice, robbed Why too, shouldn't Pestilence come? Plagues
of the memory of warmth. The continents crept across the icy wastes and sliced across
had shifted, the oceans had plummeted, and the throat of humanity, bleeding an entire
the very axis of the world had tilted just a fifth of what few people remained in the
little further from the sun. A new age of ice world. Even today, these highly infectious
was upon the survivors of Earth, and every diseases, these Microhazards, persist, with
edge, every advantage that humanity had rumors abounding as to whether they're
scraped together over Mother Nature, had man-made or not.
been cruelly taken away from it by the
Hazards.
With the four riders of calamity Those that joined—and many
present, humanity seemed poised to finish did—became the new labor workforce in the
the job that the Hazards had started. Years construction of the arcologies; massive
had passed before the first Microhazards had structures the size of cities. They were cities,
appeared, and it took years more for them to but enclosed, warding away the frozen
pass away. Each year brought with it more winds. Many were built along the Earth's
war and death, and famine never abated, equator, which was still relatively warmer to
even with the ever-dwindling need for food. the rest of the planet. Cybernetics, robotics,
and biotechnology went into the construction
Surely, humanity would not have efforts, and soon not only did people have a
survived, if angels had not descended to warm place to sleep at night, but food was
Earth. And those angels were Japanese. plentiful. At least, for members of the
arcology.
VILLENEUVE
RUSSIA
Villeneuve was once well poised to
give Russia advice on dealing with pesky With its desolate territory, though
southern neighbors, but after Kurultai Russia has particularly friendly relations with
successfully gained independence, the the Xia Empire, they cannot afford to make
relationship between the two has cooled. enemies. As its GOELROs are largely
controlled by Japanese corporations, they
As their weak industries have been have good relations with Japan.
steadily encroached upon, they have
attempted to reach out to other nations in
Asia to check the Japanese and American MITHRAS
influence. They have particularly good
relations with the Xia Empire. With almost all of its territory divided
up between Japanese corporations, Mithras'
SOUTH AMERICA government can also not afford to make
enemies, and seeks friendly relations with
South America is dominated by any nation that will humor them regardless
Japanese corporations and thus acts as a of their deeper feelings.
mirror of Japanese foreign policy. They have
poor relations with the anti-Japanese bloc.
TOKYO NOVA LIFE
CATHY'S MORNING shirt and skirt. Then she heads into the
kitchen, where breakfast is already waiting
Cathy awakens to the gentle sound of for her. She thanks her buddy, then sits
someone calling her name. It feels a bit like down. With but a thought, a sign frame
being woken up by her mother, except she appears within her field of vision.
knows that the voice has no form. It's her
buddy—the DAK built into her Yellow zone It doesn't exist in reality, but
home—and he's saying it's time for school. nevertheless, she can see it. She switches
the channel to a morning news talk show,
Reluctantly, while thinking it might be hoping to catch the latest info on her favorite
nice if she could simply attend school on the celebrities. As she eats her meal of "candy,"
Web for once, Cathy rises and walks into the she wonders what it's like to eat real food,
sonic shower. She doesn't even need to say like those celebrities must.
anything, as her buddy turns on the gentle
oscillation, cleansing her in mere moments. Candy is all artificially cultured, and
while it can be adjusted to taste like
Feeling a bit more awake after the anything, she still wonders what real "steak"
shower, Cathy tugs on overly simple clothes might feel like to eat.
that amount to little more than a dull-colored
She lets her buddy take care of the The answers come from one of her
dishes, then stands up to leave for school. friends who went so far as to hack their
But she stops short—she can't go out looking teacher's TRON! Cathy can barely repress a
like this! With but a thought, she pulls up her giggle, but she accepts the answers anyway,
school's uniform data, and layers it on top of and soon after the quiz is over. Cathy and
her dull gray outfit. She adds a bit of her her friends keep the chat open, gossiping the
customary flair—making her hair look entire time during class.
blonder than it is, her eyes more vividly blue,
and adding a totally cute, digital ribbon in THE CITY AFTER SCHOOL
her hair that only exists in AR, and then
admires herself using an AR sign frame that During their chat, Cathy and her
acts as a mirror. Perfect. friends agree to do some shopping together
after class. As soon as they're dismissed,
Once in class, she's once again glad Cathy changes her clothes, the digital
her parents do make her attend school in display of her school uniform superimposed
person. It's fun to see people in real life on top of her drab outfit changing in the
sometimes! As she sits down, a sign frame blink of an eye to a way cuter outfit. She
opens in front of each student—today's pop finds her friends, and they collectively
quiz. Bitting her lip, Cathy pulls up some decide to head to the Asakusa Sixth Ward--
information from the Web with a thought. better known as “Asakusa Rock.”
When she can't seem to find the answer, she
sends her friends a chat invite, and they For Neuro Kids like them, there is no
secretly begin conversing without a word. hotter place to be! Entertainment, shopping,
and if they're lucky, a cute guy or two.
They head for the Linear station, and THE BAD PART OF TOWN
barely notice the sign frame popping up in
their field of vision asking for their assent to Eventually, one of Cathy's friends
being charged the price of a Linear ticket. pipes up and suggests she wants to see a
They do, and the driverless train spirits them shop—not in Asakusa, but towards the
away to Asakusa in no time. Sumida River, in a Red Area. In other words,
one of the completely lawless slums of
Asakusa's reputation is well earned, as TOKYO N◎VA. Cathy is nervous, but
its chaotic atmosphere hits Cathy and her eventually caves to the others' assurances
friends like a ton of bricks. In the Neuro Age, that "this slum is different" and relatively
with everyone and everything cyberized, peaceful.
there's almost never a need to leave your
house, and it's fully possible to live an Having to walk there on foot, the
exciting life by never doing so. But it's group of Yellow Area girls pass through the
human to want to have physical interaction checkpoint with hardly a glance from the SSS
with other humans, and those that do leave officer on duty, and they're in. Cathy has just
their homes are there to live it up. There's no enough time to start to convince herself that
better place than Asakusa to see the truth of this slum does in fact seem relatively
that. peaceful... until she hears gunshots nearby!
Everyone knows that the Yakuza, American
Every building is layered with a Mafia, and Chinese Triads often engage in
maelstrom of color. Billboards that don't turf wars in Red zones, but what rotten
exist in reality cram into the visual space. timing to start a fight here of all places!
Music filters in from each store, and many of
the stores aren't even really stores, but The SSS officer they passed, even if
virtual sign frames that allow one to look at he hears the gunshots, won't come to save
any product desired in full detail, all in virtual them. SSS isn't paid to protect Red Areas, so
space, as though you were holding it they don't. It's unlikely that if the girls get
physically. The visual chaos is only furthered caught up in the fighting that the Black
by the wild range of hair colors, styles, and Hounds would even investigate the crime,
the loudness of digital clothing. Some people and no charges would be filed. The girls can
even have cyberware that add to their only take cover and hope things don't get
appearance. Cathy wonders if maybe she too out of hand.
shouldn't get a cute pair of cat ears...
But then one of her friends has an
Of course, none of this is visible to idea. "Ah! Someone call a Robotax!" A
those weird people who choose not to have driverless, droid-operated taxi probably
an IANUS installed. Cathy knows those sorts wouldn't balk at being forced to drive
exist, and she wonders what life is like for through a gunfight, and besides, any taxi
them. All they'd see is a gaggle of girls, all that would come here has to be bulletproof!
dressed in drab clothing, giggling over There's a chorus of "Neuro!" at the good
something that doesn't exist in front of a wall idea, and one of them immediately sends a
with nothing on it. Deciding it must be call to the company.
terribly dull, Cathy waves her hand in front
of the register of the accessory shop she's Ten minutes later, they see their hope
browsing, assenting to be charged for the approaching. The droid imperviously
cute bracelet she found. The money is maneuvers its boxy vehicle down the road,
deducted straight from her IANUS, and the and the girls watch as bullets pling off its
bracelet appears digitally on her wrist. That's reinforced sides. It nearly reaches their
all a Neuro Kid like her needs! location—
And then their hopes go up in flames. Quite Not long after, Cathy's parents arrive
literally, as someone blows up the Robotax home from their places of work in a Green
with a rocket launcher! How could the Area, and they get ready for dinner as their
yakuza be so indiscriminate?! That's just how buddy preps the dinner candy. Mom takes
TOKYO N◎VA is. drinks from the refrigerator and sets them on
the table, while Dad puts away the huge
Eventually the fighting dies down, and batch of food materials he carried home
the girls make a break for it just as the using his cyberarm. Cathy tells them about
hyenas come out of hiding in order to pick her day, though she decides to leave out the
over the corpses. They duck into the closest part involving bullets.
Linear station just as more bullets start
flying, this time from looters squabbling over After dinner, she feels dirty from her
the treasure they've found. But all that is left adventures in the Red zone. Another bath,
behind as the Linear takes them back to and she's ready to relax. But then a sign
safety. Cathy breathes a sigh of relief. frame pops up, informing her of a call. It's
him! Her boyfriend! She's never actually met
him in person, but his ID lists him as a
THE END OF THE DAY security officer for a Chihaya Group
corporate databank, so she knows he's an
After parting with her friends, Cathy upstanding guy. They can't fake those IDs,
has already opened another sign frame in after all!
order to keep connected with them. Walking
home, many of her friends are expressing After a romantic evening full of
their relief to be safe, while others have conversation, Cathy says good night to her
apparently forgotten the terror already and boyfriend, and logs out of her various chats.
are bragging about the experience. Her sigh She asks her buddy to set the interior of her
is all the voice recognition on the lock on her room to look like the night sky, and it
apartment door needs, and the DAK is there complies, dimming the lights so only the
to turn on the lights and open the door for pinpoints of the stars are visible. Snuggling
her, greeting her after a long day. under the covers and under the stars; so
ends Cathy's day in TOKYO N◎VA.
THE N◎VA UNDERGROUND
Meanwhile, the leader of the Triads in The Purifiers' activities have been
TOKYO N◎VA, referred to as the "Incense focused largely on other continents as of yet,
Master," and many of his subordinates were but as TOKYO N◎VA is the world's largest
gunned down by assassins and a young new population center, many fear that it's only a
Incense Master named Harvey Wang, matter of time before the Purifiers turn their
promises new beginnings. Though the eyes to it. The Japanese government shows
Kawato-rengou has seen many losses, it still no signs of concern, but that doesn't mean
remains uncertain how this state of affairs that none exists.
will develop.
Another kind of zealotry comes in the Mictlan. Soku-no-Kuni. Yomi. Hell. The
form of the struggle Hiruko (mutant) as well Netherworld. In the end, however, the event
as Machina rights. That is to say, neither of was called "the Fall," and the chasm was
the new species is currently accorded even named "Naraku." And from Naraku... came
basic human rights in TOKYO N◎VA. While the Ayakashi.
Machina are relatively newer, both Hiruko
and Machina are brutally suppressed through While the nature of Naraku is in
violent means, both just in discrimination at question, with some whispering that it is the
home, and when that proves not to be gateway to the Astral Plane, the Ayakashi are
enough, through the N◎VA Garrison undeniably real. They are inhuman, dark
stepping in to put down the unrest. things that crawled their way out of Naraku
and into KAMUI ST☆R, and there today they
There are many sides to the debate. still lurk in the shadows. Many questions still
Some claim that "homo sapiens hirukoid" surround the Ayakashi and their goals, but
and "homo sapiens machinoid" should be while people question, those creatures
recognized as new species, or even go so far spread across the land, ever advancing from
as to claim that they should be treated no the hole that they spawned from.
differently as humans are. Naturally, many
people disagree, and there are heated Naturally, while the majority of
exchanges over the matter. That said, humanity is unaware of the threat Ayakashi
neither Hiruko or Machina are precisely pose, the megacorps are very aware. Secret
overjoyed at their treatment, with many experiments, arcane research, and more
adopting the belief of "an eye for an eye" have gone into cultivating control over the
when it comes to obtaining justice for the eldritch, such that the corps can infuse their
injustice they suffer daily. own agents with supernatural powers while
negating the threat others bring.
The faithful and the faithless are
joined in unrest and discontent by those who In TOKYO N◎VA, the "Night Hounds"
chafe under the bootheel of Japanese organization exists as a secret branch of the
hegemony. Japan is an isolated country with Black Hounds, and in their employ are
closed borders, but even so, the nationalistic "Nightblades" from KAMUI ST☆R who have
motto is "might makes right." Despite the experience dealing with the arcane. Crimes
closed door policy, they stomp any attempt in the Red Areas with a mystical bent aren't
to question their global authority into the uncommon, and the Night Hounds exist to
dust, not caring a whit about whom they deal with those issues.
trample. This creates strong resentment, and
many people in TOKYO N◎VA and the world
abroad hate Japan. Fortunately for them, MAGIC IN THE NEURO AGE
there's no shortage of megacorps willing to
secretly fund such groups, hoping something Miracles, magic, telekinesis, and
might come of it... supernatural abilities. People at large in the
world are ignorant of the existence of these
abilities, and science dismisses them as
THE ASTRAL PLANES fable. Even if one were to conjure a ball of
fire and burn down a house, with the level of
Some decades ago, the megaplex technology in the world, people would simply
known as KAMUI ST☆R suffered a massive assume it was a new kind of cyberware. But
earthquake that opened a massive chasm in there are those who know the truth of it; that
its center. Since it opened, many names like it or not, magic has arisen in this world
have been applied to it. full of sufficiently advanced technology.
How it came to exist is unknown, and In contrast, the powers of Mayakashi
theories run wild. Some claim it was caused are spiritual in nature. They see and
by pollution, or side effects of cyberization or commune with spirits, who in turn bestow
some new kinds of drug. There are even them with power. That power turns to
whispers that when the Hazards shifted the prophecy and mental manipulation, which in
Earth away from the sun, it also shifted it turn makes them akin to oracles.
closer to the Astral Plane. Whatever the
case, the number of abilities that science All of these powers tie into the Astral
cannot explain is on the rise. Plane, which like it or not, does exist. The
philosopher Jung once described such a
Vasara derive their power from the realm as "the ocean of the collective
Origins, and the blood of those fabled unconscious," and in that ocean exist
creatures lies in their veins. Vasara channel islands, other worlds, that spirits, fae, and
the elements and their powers affect the other creatures of humanity's darkest
physical word. imaginings inhabit. But as to what this all
means for the world... who can say?
The Neuro Age has begun. What kind of story will you tell?
TOKYO N◎VA MAP GUIDE
"GEHAHAHAHA!
This city is mine!
I won't hand it over to Japan or anyone else!"
—The Administrator, Inagaki Kouhei
TOKYO NEW STAR CITY
Moved to the Equator by the Hazards, At its center towers the three kilo-
Japan is now a nation of eternal spring. meter tall Iwayato Building, which in turn is
Blessed with astounding good fortune, the ringed by several corporate arcologies. An
country avoided succumbing to the famine, area of lush greenery, it is here that
war, plagues, and death that filled the planet decisions that may affect the world are made
during the Age of Chaos. by the most powerful people in the world.
Having been put into a prime position But for all it represents the return and
to seize control of the world, they did just rise of humanity after the Hazards, TOKYO
that, while simultaneously closing their N◎VA is also a hotbed of lawlessness,
borders to all foreigners. Displaying an open savagery, and greed. South from the White
contempt for the rest of humanity, Japan zone that holds corporate power, towards
nevertheless refuses to give up one shred of the Kuroda River, lies the opposite end of
their political, military, or economic power. power.
As the modern-day Dejima of this The slums are filled with the
Japan, TOKYO N◎VA occupies a unique desperate and degenerate, the criminal and
position in the world, one that is as the inhuman. Vice and corruption are
dangerous as it is potentially world- wielded like clubs by the syndicates, a
changing—hence why it called the Hazard different face on the same predator who
City. The largest urban center in the world, knows only to prey on the weak.
the megaplex is built upon the dry bed that
was once Tokyo Bay. Light and darkness. Glory and shame.
Life and Death. In TOKYO N◎VA, everything
in the world can be found. What are you
looking for?
CHUO WARD, THE
OFFICE DISTRICT
1: THE N◎VA GARRISON
Officially named the "Japan Kantou
Area 12th Army Division 203rd
Regiment Tokyo New Star City Peace
Preservation Task Force Garrison,"
everyone else simply calls it the "N◎VA
Garrison." Not many ever have cause,
and certainly never want, to go near it.
2: LINEAR CORPORATE
The management office of TOKYO
N◎VA's public transport service,
typically known as the "Linear office."
3: FUJITA CYBERGUARD
CONSULTING
A company that provides Web-based
digital security. Although it has the
appearance of a normal office building,
it has the best cybersecurity in the city.
4: MARIONNET
The largest media network in TOKYO
N◎VA. The front of the building is
actually a huge panel that displays
their own channel 24 hours a day, even
for Wets.
6: BLACK HOUND HQ
The headquarters of the Black Hounds.
It's been destroyed multiple times by
terrorist attacks from a variety of
groups, but it just gets rebuilt in the
same place each time. The building 9: IWAYATO BUILDING 11: TERRAWARE CORPORATE
features a coffee shop and cafeteria Officially it is known as the "Japan ARCOLOGY
that serves even civilian patrons. Tokyo New Star City Government The North American megacorp
Building." At three kilometers tall, TerraWare calls this arcology
7: SSS HEAD OFFICE it is easily the largest structure in home. Inside, one may visit the
The head office of one of N◎VA's TOKYO N◎VA. Underneath it is a TerraWare Museum, which has
private security firms. Includes training passage to the Japanese mainland, exhibits that depict the history of
grounds and a sports field for the only legal means of entry into TRONs. It's highly rated amongst
recreation. Shinohara Security Systems Japan. The Administrator's office enthusiasts.
is currently contracted to perform and other government offices
much of the everyday checkpoint and occupy the rest of the building. 12: SHINOHARA JUDICIAL
patrol work in TOKYO N◎VA. SUPREME COURT
10: CFC ARCOLOGY The highest court of Shinohara
8: HEILONG ARCOLOGY The Candy Food Corporation Judicial, whom N◎VA contracts.
The corporate arcology of Heilong, a artificially cultivates the flavored Educational tours of the interior
Chinese megacorp that has been food known as "candy" that the are available and tend to be
rapidly growing in influence. The majority of N◎VA citizens eat. popular. Nearly everyone in N◎VA
people who live and work here tend to Their offices are found in this knows the building on sight, as
have a dangerous air about them, and arcology, and near its entrance are when a verdict makes the news,
many have notorious histories. outlet stores that sell a wide the picturesque front entrance is
variety of synthetic foods. always used as a backdrop.
13: CHIHAYA ARCOLOGY 17: YAOYOZORU GROUP HEAD
The arcology belonging to the Chihaya OFFICE
Group, the world's largest Japanese The head office for Yaoyorozu, the most
megacorp. When viewed from in AR, popular chain of convenience stores in
the walls of the building are covered TOKYO N◎VA. The building exists on
with promotions for Chihaya's newest the site of their original store, which is
products. The topmost floor of the still open for business.
building is a Japanese garden known as
the "Amaterasu Chamber." It is open to
18: MASAKI STORE
the public only once a year, on New
The main storefront for the TRON
Year's Day.
manufacturer, Masaki Information
Systems. Their "iPockeTRON" model is
14: IWASAKI ARCOLOGY extremely popular, and is nearly
Having relocated from Yokohama, the synonymous with the Masaki brand.
Iwasaki Group now occupies this
arcology. They provide free
19: TOKYO NEW STAR CITY
demonstrations and trials of their
ADMINISTRATOR'S
medical cyberware, making them one
COMMEMORATION HALL
of the more approachable arcologies
A building commemorating TOKYO
for the common citizen.
N◎VA's fifteen years of glorious history
under the wise governance of the
15: N.I.K. HEAD OFFICE Administrators. Despite its attempts to
The office of N◎VA's premier be a source of civic pride, it has few
organization of private investigators. visitors, most people snidely referring
Whenever a citizen makes a request to it as the "Inagaki Palace."
from one of the terminals on the first
floor of the building, the overseer there
connects the new client with a suitable
investigator.
IKARUGA
A middle-class residential district with
calm streets. It features many secluded
places and shops, making it a great
place to relax peacefully.
OLD CHINATOWN
A Red Area that is the Triads' power
base in TOKYO N◎VA. The Kawato-
rengou has been struggling
unsuccessfully to take this area back.
AMMONIA AVENUE
An entertainment street on the north
side of Asakusa. It's filled with bars and
nightclubs, brothels, game centers,
pachinko parlors, and other such
amusements, and drunk brawls erupt 3: BAR "CROWNEST" 6: OUKA DOJO
regularly. The overflowing garbage and A popular hangout for Neurokids A dojo which teaches the Ouka
spilled (or vomited) drinks give the near the end of Ammonia Avenue. One-Sword Style. Once a dojo
street a characteristic smell, which Though the exterior is tiny, it leads which produced some of N◎VA's
lead to it becoming known as to a spacious underground area most famous duelists, the bell
"Ammonia Avenue." containing an area suitable for has all but tolled for it, and it
boarding, skating and other struggles to regain its former
Security cameras have been installed extreme sports. It's also a popular glory with the few patrons that
throughout the street as an anti-crime place for smugglers to hawk their remain. Though sword fighting is
initiative, a move which has lead to illegal goods to the youth. the focus of the dojo's training,
widespread suspicion of the they also practice staff fighting,
government's true motives. 4: TOKYO TOWER unarmed techniques, and the fine
A replica of the building in Old arts. They occasionally hold
1: SHINJUKU IMPERIAL PARK Tokyo. This version of the tower is public dances in front of the dojo,
Though not quite large enough to be a not used for broadcasting, and cocky martial artists have
forest, this is a park filled with trees however. There have long been been known to challenge all its
and greenery. Located on the grounds plans to demolish it, and with the students to a duel one by one.
are the Chihaya Toshiyuki Memorial Art completion of the N◎VA Sky Tree
Gallery, a zoo, and various cultural those plans are finally proceeding. 7: SENSOU-JI
attractions. The zoo contains examples A shrine modeled after the
of the few animals that miraculously 5: DESSERT CAFE "AYATSUJI" Sensou-ji in Old Tokyo. Despite
survived the Hazards; the animal that A small, family-owned dessert cafe that, it contains not only a
is billed as a "panda" is particularly near the center of Asakusa. Their Buddhist shrine but also a church
beloved. The park is full of crowds on confections made without using and a mosque upon its grounds.
days off or whenever an event occurs. artificial ingredients are a treasure Its entrance avenue, between the
to all the sweet tooths in TOKYO Kaminarimon and the
2: FUJISAKI REAL ESTATE N◎VA. Houzoumon, is lined with shops
The old headquarters of the Fujisaki- selling yukata, hachimaki, dolls,
gumi, located on Ammonia Avenue, Some people, however, visit the wooden swords, and other such
The Kawato-rengou constructed a shop more due to the beauty of traditional goods. On festival
modern office building on the site as the family's daughter (Makino days, the number of shops
their base in TOKYO N◎VA. Despite Kaori, Female, 24, Tatara●, increases further and artists put
their intimidating nature, the Kawato- Mistress, Mannequin◎) than for on public performances in the
rengou are trusted by the locals to the sweets that she sells. street. It's a very popular tourist
keep other criminal elements out of the destination.
area.
8: AMEYA ALLEY 12: HERB HOUSE "MANDRAGORA"
An underground market in which This is not quite a pharmacist, but a
antiques, stolen goods and more are shop that sells blends of organic
sold. On New Years' Day, it's customary medicinal herbs from around the world
for everyone to have their goods at a to treat a variety of illnesses.
steep discount.
13: SAIBANE JINJA
9: FLOWER MANSION A shrine devoted to the worship of
An old amusement park that is a relic cyberware and TRONs. Since they are
of bygone days. In the Neuro Age, low- the things that make survival in the
tech places like these are once again Neuro Age possible, it's natural for
fashionable. them to be elevated to an object of
worship. Presently, it's under the
10: ASAKUSA ROCK / ASAKUSA stewardship of the young miko Ooba
SIXTH DISTRICT Sakuya (17, female, Tatara● /
Neurokids who are into rock gather Mayakashi◎ / Neuro).
here; it's known as "The Holy Land of
Rock," and the main throughway is 14: LIVE HOUSE "HOWLING"
known as "Rock Street." There's never A live house well known to Kabuki who
a time of day when there isn't a are into rock. It tends to feature bands
musician giving a public performance, that are too edgy to ever make a major
and the street is lined with cyberized debut. Their regular Battle of the
holoposters showing off the latest stars Bands have been known to end with a
and talents. Many record company and corpse or two, and occasionally
band offices are located here, so it celebrities are spotted in the audience.
really is no stretch to call it the Holy The proprietor is the mysterious
Land. "Voice" (Age ?, sex ?, Kabuki● /
Mistress◎), who has never been seen
11: N◎VA SKY TREE in the flesh, but has a knack for
A tall attraction (1268 m) that has discovering hot new talent.
finally been completed after many
years. Although it's far smaller than 15: DRUGSTORE "EISENDOU"
any arcology, it's a landmark and A drugstore with a wide selection that
symbol of hope for Asakusa. The always has whatever new drug is being
surrounding area, known as "Asakusa advertised on the news. Of course,
Sky Tree Turn," has experienced a they have plenty of older drugs as well.
revival; events cause it to explode in The owner, Nagamine Anri (24, female,
color and delight citizens. Tatara●◎, Chakra) is known for her
beauty and for always greeting
customers with a smile; however, she
refuses to discuss her past.
KISARA TATARA
TOWN
This is a black market district in which
various electronics and cyberware, as
well as less legal goods, can be had. As
of late, the number of amusements
such as bars and cosplay cafes has
been increasing, attracting more
common citizens to the district.
YUMENOSHIMA
On the south shore of Lake Kisarazu
lies a block of ruined and derelict
buildings. There have been plans to
turn it into a public park and recreation
greenery, but they have been stalled
for over 20 years. In the meantime, it
has been occupied by refugees and
illegal immigrants from various
countries. Junk sellers still comb over it
occasionally, hoping to find some
treasure that has gone undiscovered.
1: LAKE KISARAZU
A lake that remained in Tokyo Bay even
after much of it was left dry by the
Hazards. Specially bred shellfish and
seaweed have been introduced to it
and are the source of some of TOKYO
N◎VA's food. The south shore was
once clogged with boats and rafts upon
which people with no other home lived,
but they have been forcibly removed. 3: BOUSOU CIRCUIT 5: NOVA MOSQUE OF THE
A racing circuit upon which many TRUE TEACHINGS
2: VIVA HARAISO legends have been born. Although The Society of True Teachings'
An high-tech amusement park which it's been on the verge of shutting largest mosque in TOKYO N◎VA.
makes use of the latest AR tech and down many times, vehicle makers Every Sunday, worship is held.
cutting-edge mechanics. It is billed as are always willing to generously Those in need of special
the "Kingdom of Hope and Tomorrow." sponsor it to pay for the facelift it benedictions are allowed into the
It is a "Web Complex," with one of its needs. Recently, it's also started "Holy Mother's Hall," while there
selling points being that you can have being used as a test course for are 7 mosques in total for the
almost as much fun going there on the experimental vehicles. other faithful. The complex has
Web as you can in person. As it has steadily expanded thanks to
unique seasonal events, it attracts 4: NEVERLAND generous donations inspired by
many repeat visitors. Recently, a new A self-proclaimed country within the new Holy Mother.
water park named "VIVA Haraiso Lake" an abandoned mall in which only
has been constructed adjacent to it; its children are allowed. Adults who
many lake-themed attractions are very draw near are attacked by their
popular. self-defense force. Recently, they
have begun selling goods made by
their young artisans to the rest of
N◎VA. As a result, they now
interact with the world beyond.
6: IWASAKI ARENA 11: SUSHI BAR "GINSHARI"
A multipurpose stadium that often A small restaurant on the outskirts of
serves as an arena for martial arts Tatara Town. The owner is a man of few
competitions and demonstrations. The words, but of excellent sushi. As thugs
Iwasaki Group invested the majority of from the Carlyle Syndicate frequent the
funds in its construction, and thus it place, sometimes fights break out
bears their name. Recently, it has also inside, and occasionally a bigwig from
become well known for hosting rounds the Carlyle Syndicate is spotted there.
of the martial arts entertainment
performed in Walkers, "Colossus." 12: SAMURAI'S LOAN
A finance company associated with the
7: VASARA STREET Kawato-rengou, run by Sadamura
A street filled with maid cafes, cosplay Yukinojou (30, male, Exec●, Katana◎,
shops, and other businesses catering Legger) who is a trained finance
to "deep" interests. If you're looking to engineer but also fancies himself a
buy rare merchandise, or a chip that follower of bushido. It is rumored that
will make your personality more like those who fail to repay their debts are
that of an anime character, this is the forced to commit harakiri.
place to do it.
13: N◎VA INTERNATIONAL EXPO
8: JUNK SHOP "HYAKKI" CENTER
A shop that sells all manner of junk An exhibition hall in which various
gathered from throughout N◎VA. You companies display and promote their
can find everything here, from antiques latest products. In particular, the
gathered from who knows where to "N◎VA Motor Show" in which vehicles
parts (but only parts) of the latest from around the world are exhibited is
artificial bodies. famous.
HIRUKO TOWN
A district in which mutants, known as However, if this is your only 6: ANDVARI COMPANY
Hiruko, live. Their existence is not option, you'll have to find the A weapons dealer in the Slums. It
acknowledged by the authorities, and adequate among the utterly gets most of its guns from the
so they have claimed a place in the incompetent. Carlyle Syndicate, but lately it
slims to live. Right now, they are has managed to acquire some of
struggling to protect their unobtrusive 4: SOCIETY OF TRUE the latest Walkers and artificial
way of life. TEACHINGS, SLUMS body tech from the NOVA
The Society of True Teachings' Garrison.
1: SUMIDA RIVER base of operations in the slums.
A man-made river that runs from Every day, it teaches self-defense The proprietor is Vigor Seyfried
Moribayashi Park to near the for protection and advocates the (44, male, Tatara◎, Kuromaku,
warehouse district. Asakusa and the Society's creed of peace and non- Exec●) who will sell weapons at
slums are connected by bridges which violence. As the Carlyle Syndicate a discount to the downtrodden
the N◎VA Garrison guards; should a expands its influence over the desperately in need of them, out
Rank X person nonchalantly attempt slums, they have been making of a sense of chivalry rare in the
entry into Asakusa, they will shoot to things harder and harder for the slums.
kill without hesitation. Society.
7: FIREBALL GYM
2: FOREST OF THE LOST 5: NIGHTCLUB "DOOMSDAY" A martial arts training gym. Even
The former Hazard Memorial Park. After A high-class nightclub with decor in the slums, there are many
it was abandoned by the city modeled after the Parthenon. Neurokids who enter its doors
government due to the nearby gang Once, it was named "Athenapolis" wanting to learn to hold their own
warfare, Hiruko began living in it and and resisted control by any in a fight. The gym teaches
altered the ecosystem to their own organization, but when this part of boxing, kickboxing, cyber-
liking. It is currently known as the the slums was conquered by the ninjutsu, and more.
Forest of the Lost; it is said that any Carlyle Syndicate, they changed
ordinary human who loses their way in the name of every business within. The head trainer is "Fireball" Jack
it will never come out again. Despite being in a Red Area, it (37, male, Charisma◎, Katana,
maintains its reputation as a safe, Chakra●), who has a poor
high-class establishment and is reputation for being more
3: DOCTOR STREET
enduringly popular. interested in honing his own skills
A street on which doctors, as well as no
small amount of quacks, ply their than in teaching students.
trade. They all have their specialty, but
you'll never find medical care the equal
of the University Hospital here.
8: BULLET PIZZA 14: LONG YUN CHENG (LONGYUN
Delivery pizza that guarantees they'll WALLED CITY)
get your order to you within 20 A block of decrepit apartments and
minutes. Located on the north side of buildings, most of which have been
the slums, it's a chain under the illegally extended and made the roads
umbrella of the Carlyle Syndicate. In between into winding mazes. It's
their customized vehicles programmed inhabited mostly by recent immigrants
with the latest milspec software, their from Xia, who form a close-knit
drivers aren't fazed even if they have community. From a distance, it looks
to drive through a war zone. like a single huge building. The interior
is filled with suspicious shops and
CHINATOWN small gambling dens. You can find
To the east of Hiruko Town is things, and people, that you'd never
Chinatown. Though it's common find anywhere else in the Longyun
knowledge that Chinatown proper is Walled City.
controlled by the Triads, their influence
extends beyond it. Currently the east 15: LONG YUAN TANG (DRAGON
portion of Hiruko Town is firmly under ABYSS HALL)
Triad control, and the stores there tend A building in which "Kuromegane"
to have signboards written in Chinese. Jimmy Yang, recently returned from
Hong Kong HEAVEN, has set up his old
10: FRAGRANCE SALON "QING CI" fencing business. From old friends to
A Chinese club whose fortunes have newcomers who've heard of him
risen along with those of the Triads. In through the rumor mill, if Jimmy likes
its private rooms, customers are you, he'll get whatever it is that you
invited to enjoy not only exquisite want. Since he's selective about his
fragrances, but a Mannequin of their customers, he doesn't humor
choice. complaints about what he sells.
1: SHIN-TATEYAMA
HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION
The power station that provides power
for TOKYO N◎VA's residences and
Linear lines. It is managed by New
Tokyo Electric. In the past it has been
occupied and attacked by terrorists, so In these areas, the Black Hounds The airport has many stores and
it is kept under heavy security. have long been in a dead heat restaurants. In particular,
with biker gangs. Vicious clashes "Bousou Soba" has a reputation
2: JAPANESE ARMY, TATEYAMA are common, and it's not rare to on par with the best eateries in
BASE hear explosions when driving N◎VA proper. Corporations of
Properly known as the "Tokyo New Star along it. course use the airport frequently,
City Peace Preservation Task Force and the government uses it to
Tateyama Garrison." Of course, nobody 5: HYDROGEN PLANT deport captured criminals to
remembers that and just calls it the A plant that produces elemental other countries. There is a gate
Tateyama Base. Who is stationed there hydrogen using a turbine engine, especially for orbital shuttles, and
and their equipment is unknown, but it primarily for use as fuel. Located Highlanders can be seen there.
is thought that their equipment is basic to the north of the airport, it is
compared to the Garrison in TOKYO considered a vital location to 7: JAPANESE ARMY, BOUSOU
N◎VA proper as they are not expected TOKYO N◎VA and afforded a fitting BASE
to see much action. level of security by the N◎VA Properly known as the "Tokyo
Army. New Star City Peace Preservation
3: TATEYAMA SEAPORT Task Force Bousou Garrison."
A place in which materials brought 6: SOUTH BOUSOU Originally vacant land that the
from abroad are unloaded. Much of INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT airport was planned to expand
these materials go to the plants in the The airport that serves as the onto when necessary, the
airport area. Manufactured goods from main route by which people enter Japanese Army confiscated it and
TOKYO N◎VA are exported as well; and leave TOKYO N◎VA. Laid out built a base there.
since security is strict, contraband is with a novel plan at the time of
more or less impossible. When construction, it is one of the main t does not have Walkers or other
someone tries to stow away inside a reasons that TOKYO N◎VA has combat-specialized vehicles
shipping container, it's said they end grown to become a megaplex. stationed there, such things
up as fish food. An underwater tunnel Though many minor repairs and being thought unnecessary to
connects the port access road to the improvements have been made to protect the airport. As many
opposite shore. it over the years, it is essentially military vehicles take off and land
the same as when it was first built. on the civilian runways nearby,
4: BOUSOU EXPRESSWAY There are rumors that recently the however, military-obsessed
A road which connects TOKYO N◎VA to authorities planned to rebuild the maniacs gather here to to try and
the Duchy of Fassler and the airport. As airport, but when they invited snap shots of the N◎VA Army or
most of the ground it covers does not designers from around the world their vehicles.
contain critical infrastructure, the to work together on a superior
N◎VA Army does not patrol it regularly. plan, most declined the offer.
THE DUCHY OF FASSLER 9: MIDNIGHT ROAD
Formerly known as "Tokyo New Star A road that connects the Duchy of
City Yokohama Special Administrative Fassler to Kisara Tatara Town. It was
Area" to the government and originally a freeway, but was
"Yokohama LU$T" to everyone else. repurposed as a means of reaching the
Back then it was largely controlled by Duchy. The official name is the "New FA
the Iwasaki Group, who sold their Expressway," but of course nobody
interest in it to the Fassler family of calls it that. From morning to dusk it is
Highlanders (though officially they full of high-speed buses, but in the
deny that such a sale occurred, making dark of the night it is the dominion of
the truth of the matter uncertain.) an entirely different kind of drivers;
couriers to whom "safe speed" means
After having gone through the proper cranking the throttle higher to save a
procedures as accorded by few minutes off their delivery. Car
international law, it has been accorded chases aren't uncommon, either. From
the status of a sovereign nation. this comes the saying that "The road
only shows its true nature in the dark
8: DUCHY ENTRANCE of night," leading to its popular name,
The only way in or out of the duchy, at "Midnight Road." As a junction directly
which a formal inspection is required. connects the two, the Bousou
Customs is also one of their duties. The Expressway is often considered part of
design of the gateway resembles the the "Midnight Road" as well.
wall and gate of a castle from before
the Hazards, but it is built and 10: TEMPLE FLOAT
equipped with the most modern A megafloat built in the bay, with
technology from the orbitals; its facilities for both normal ships and
physical and digital security are submarines to dock. Its purpose is
unmatched. Aside from the official unknown, but it is rumored that the
entrance, there is also an entrance for Duchy of Fassler is secretly
freight, but its security is no more lax. constructing a fleet. Fassler's current
navy is no secret, however, and
consists of a few cruisers of Chinese
manufacture with no real military
value; thus this rumor is suspect.