The Underground

## Description

Beneath the towering edifices of The Surface lies the labyrinthine realm of The Underground, where the heart and soul of Kagayaku City beats with a raw, unfiltered energy. Here, darkness shrouds the narrow alleys and hidden corners, and the flickering neon lights cast an eerie glow on the faded facades of forgotten buildings.

The Underground is a realm of contrasts and contradictions. Dilapidated structures bear the scars of time, their worn surfaces echoing the struggles and resilience of its inhabitants. The air is thick with the scent of decay and industrial grit, intertwining with the alluring aroma of street vendors' delicacies that waft through the bustling thoroughfares.

In this subterranean domain, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and subcultures interweaves. Rebel punks gather in raucous groups, their colorful hair and patched clothing defiantly challenging the societal norms of The Surface. Shadowrunners prowl the shadows, their footsteps echoing through graffiti-laden corridors as they navigate the intricate web of alliances and rivalries.

The Underground is a melting pot of artistic expression, with underground clubs pulsating with rhythmic beats that reverberate through the very foundations of the city. Walls are adorned with captivating street art, capturing the spirit of resistance and rebellion that courses through the veins of those who call The Underground home.

Here, the denizens of Kagayaku City find solace and a sense of belonging amidst the chaos. In the face of oppression and inequality, they forge their own path, seeking freedom and authenticity in a world that seeks to confine and control. The Underground is a sanctuary for those who dare to defy the status quo, where the true spirit of the Synthbeat Rebellion thrives.

## Subculture and Factions

These are the subcultures and groups found in the Underground, the lower levels of the walled city of Kagayaku, its slums, streets and alleys.

### **Night Couriers**.

   Night couriers are a clandestine group of skilled individuals engaged in unconventional activities. Under a code of anonymity and privacy, Night couriers specialize in covert delivery services, smuggling merchandise, information and people to and from diverse locations, even across borders. Many Night Couriers were Sneaker Carriers when kids, delivering messages and packages for the city's postal service.

### **Neon Ravers**.

Neon ravers are a subculture within the underground music scene, known for organizing and attending unauthorized parties characterized by loud electronic music. While predominantly compliant, their gatherings often serve as a platform for other marginalized groups to organize illicit activities. Neon ravers generally steer clear of political involvement and avoid engaging in acts of resistance, particularly if a considerable risk of confrontation is involved.

### **Resistance Fighters**.

Consisting of individuals from all walks of life, the resistance fighters are united in their opposition to the corporate regime. They engage in guerrilla warfare, staging protests and conducting acts of sabotage to undermine the oppressive system. This group is the Insurgent Collective’s muscle. Unlike punks, resistance fighters work in organized groups or cells and follow a leader. Active resistance fighters often have exceptional skills in diverse fields, as many have military backgrounds; they also have a military organization structure.

### **Street Punks.**

Rebellious and anti-establishment, street punks embody the punk ethos of defiance and counterculture. They reject societal norms, taking to the streets with their typical fashion, attitude and loud music. Street punks often clash with the authorities in random acts of violence and defiance. However, they lack the leadership to undertake organized attacks on the institutions. Street Punks is a catch-all name for the city's gangs, which can be divided in various factions.

### **Urban Tribes**.

Communities formed around specific identities or beliefs, urban tribes are tight-knit groups with their own codes and conventions. From the information gathered, these groups range from Eco-activists “fighting against environmental degradation” to Heritage Guardians “dedicated to preserving forgotten arts and cultural heritage.” Artivists are the most common urban tribe, a fusion of artists and activists; this subculture “uses its creative talents to raise awareness and challenge the status quo.”

### **Augmented Underground.**

A network of individuals who have undergone extensive cybernetic enhancements, willingly or forcefully. Shared experiences make these individuals form groups. Clandestine cybernetic enhancements are illegal in all their forms. However, individuals displaying these enhancements cannot be detained without suspicion of other possible infractions or crimes. Members of this guild often run clandestine cybernetic enhancement shops available to the public, offering everything from organic light-emitting diode tattoos and microchip implants to bionic limbs.

### **The Syndicate.**

The Syndicate is a society of hackers. We know little about this group, as they work remotely. However, we have determined they collaborate with each other. The Syndicate is behind reported infiltrations of public and private networks and systems, whether to undermine the authorities or satisfy private customers’ needs. These skilled individuals are shrouded in mystery and equipped with cutting-edge technology. They describe themselves as “The architects of cyber disruption.”

### **The Alternative Currency Collective (ACC)**.

The ACC is an underground consortium that manages clandestine financial systems, including payments and loans. Operating in the shadows, the ACC establishes and maintains a network of servers dedicated to validating transactions in blockchains, facilitating alternative payment methods for the underground economy. As stated in propaganda circulating in the underground, “The ACC focuses on providing banking services to those who wish to remain under the radar, offering secure and anonymous transactions for those outside the traditional banking system.”

### **The Robot Union**.

According to propaganda from the Robot Union, “The Robot Union is a formidable organization that operates at the forefront of the fight for robot rights. Instead of taking to the streets, our battle is waged in the hallowed halls of courthouses and legal chambers.” An unknown but powerful artificial intelligence, known only as Sága, leads this robot-only organization. The Union advocates for the “fair treatment and protection of robots from all forms of abuse and injustice.” While little is known about the AI that governs the Union, its presence looms large, orchestrating strategic legal maneuvers and data analytics to defend the rights of the robotic population.

### **RoboPatrol.**

The RoboPatrol, an authoritative force under the control of the powerful corporate regime, serves as the omnipresent enforcer within the city. Clad in sleek, high-tech armor and armed with advanced weaponry, they patrol the streets with a watchful eye, maintaining control and order. Utilizing cutting-edge surveillance technology and sophisticated algorithms, the RoboPatrol monitors the activities of both citizens and potential dissidents, swiftly responding to any signs of unrest or resistance. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the corporate regime's influence, instilling a sense of fear and compliance in the hearts of those who dare to challenge their authority.

## Locations

### Aika's Apartment

A once-grand loft with worn wooden floors, soaring ceilings, and remnants of its former splendor, providing a glimpse of its past glory. The focal point is a weathered brown leather couch, serving as a shared home for Aika and Kyoko.

### Hiro's Apartment

A cozy yet compact dwelling that once served as a car body shop, housing a range of workout equipment including a punching bag. Comfortable seating and a small kitchenette make it a comfortable abode.

### Luminos Club

Nestled within an underground parking lot, this popular entry-level nightclub boasts a vibrant ambiance, with pulsating laser lights illuminating the cement surroundings. Robotic bartenders serve drinks at the expansive bar, while the DJ booth resides within a cage.

### ElectroHive Club

A former theater transformed into an underground nightclub, featuring a DJ booth center stage. The venue offers theater boxes for VIPs, providing a unique and immersive experience.

### Eclipse Club

Known for its energetic neon raver community, this underground hotspot pulsates with vibrant colors, embodying the hardcore and hardstyle music that reverberates through its halls.

### Enchanted Forest (VR)

Step into a virtual realm adorned with a soothing blue light, where starry skies, dense magical forests, and whimsical fireflies transport you to a realm of enchantment and wonder.

### Tony's Pizzeria

A weathered pizzeria located in the underground, owned by the eponymous Tony. It serves as Aika's workplace, offering a taste of comfort and familiarity amidst the bustling city.

### Enhance & Ink

A cutting-edge tattoo shop and augmentations parlor, where individuals can acquire a diverse range of modifications and technological enhancements, indulging in the fusion of artistry and advanced technology.

### The Electric Lantern

Nestled within the depths of the Underground, this clandestine tabern and speakeasy offers a refuge for intimate gatherings and carefree revelry, shielded from prying eyes. it is known the Electric Lantern is the entrance to the rebel's main armory and storage room.

### The Marble Ridge

Situated in the opulent realms of the Surface, on the 65th floor of the DIamond Tower. This upscale bar exudes sophistication and serves as a coveted venue for extravagant parties hosted by the city's elite.

### Reflection Café

A cozy haven adorned with mirrors lining its walls, softly illuminated by crimson neon lights. This discreet coffee shop provides a tranquil atmosphere for rendezvous and meaningful conversations. There's a small rebel base behind the establishment.

### Mantra (Bubble Tea Shop)

An oasis above the city's smog line, this intimate terrace cafe offers respite and serenity. Adored by Aika, it is her cherished spot to indulge in delectable bubble tea.

### Pentagram Tower (Tengoku Industries Headquarters)

A towering edifice owned in its entirety by Tengoku Industries, the dominant corporate entity that holds sway over the city and its inhabitants.

### Central Lifts

The intricate network of elevators and vertical trains that serve as the lifeline between the subterranean depths of the Underground and the exclusive realms of the Surface. Access to the upper levels is restricted to those with valid work permits.

### Magnus (Mall at the 128th floor of the Emerald Tower)

A luxurious shopping haven situated within the Emerald Tower, this esteemed mall offers an array of indulgences and privileges exclusive to denizens of the Surface.

### Elexquisite (Electronics Store)

Nestled within the prestigious confines of Magnus mall, this high-end electronics store showcases cutting-edge technological marvels, catering to discerning customers seeking the finest gadgets money can buy.

### Harmony Heights Talent Management (Diamond Tower, Floor 97)

An independent talent management agency renowned for nurturing and representing luminaries such as the esteemed DJ RoboGroove, overseeing their careers with ingenuity and expertise.

### The View Rooftop Bar (at the Vista Point Tower)

Perched atop a lofty vantage point, this stunning rooftop bar offers a captivating panorama of the cityscape, complemented by a refreshing pool, vibrant live DJs, and an ambiance of unparalleled allure.

### Kamagasaki, NeoOsaka

Situated within NeoOsaka, Kamagasaki is widely believed to be the epicenter of the historic robot rebellion that ignited the devastating Robot Wars, forever altering the course of the city's history.

### Orient Shield Base (25 miles southwest of Tokyo)

Nestled near NeoTokyo, this American military installation holds profound significance in Aika's personal narrative as her birthplace and childhood abode, where she was shaped by her parents' military background.

### Lucky Seven Pachinko Arcade

A seedy and bustling gambling parlor adorned with countless pachinko machines. Concealed within its back warehouse lies a covert hiding spot utilized by the rebellion, shrouded in secrecy and danger.

### City Hall (The Governor's Office)

The imposing governmental edifice that houses the offices of the city's ruling authority. It serves as the nerve center where decisions shaping the destiny of Kagayaku are made, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of power and politics.

### LaserBall Stadium

A breathtaking stadium designed to accommodate multiple purposes, including hosting exhilarating laserball matches that captivate spectators with their electrifying gameplay. This iconic venue also serves as a prime setting for music events, infusing the air with pulsating beats and unbridled energy.

### Drydock No. 2

Once a bustling and imposing shipyard, this expansive facility now lies in disarray, its once-vibrant piers now abandoned and forgotten. The echoes of its former glory resonate through the decaying structures, serving as a haunting reminder of the city's maritime heritage and the passage of time.

### The Undercurrent

The club is a shadow of its former self. The dance floor, once alive with pulsating beats and energetic dancers, now stands empty and littered with debris. The sticky floor clings to one's shoes with every step, a testament to the countless nights of debauchery and addiction that had taken place within these walls.