The Surface

## Description

The Surface, the upper echelon of Kagayaku City, stretches out like a majestic tapestry of futuristic grandeur. Bathed in the ethereal glow of cascading lights, the streets teem with elegance and sophistication. Towering skyscrapers of sleek architecture rise proudly into the heavens, their pristine facades reflecting the opulence that permeates this elevated realm.

As one navigates the meticulously manicured boulevards, they are greeted by the enchanting melodies of street musicians and the laughter of the affluent elite. Lavish boutiques showcase the latest fashion trends, their display windows adorned with exquisite garments that whisper tales of luxury. Fine dining establishments offer culinary delights crafted with artistic precision, tantalizing the taste buds of those fortunate enough to indulge.

But behind the veneer of glamour lies an undercurrent of hidden secrets and clandestine affairs. The Surface harbors the intrigues of the powerful, the manipulations of corporate titans, and the delicate dance of influence and control. It is a world of high-stakes deals, where power is brokered and alliances are forged in the pursuit of dominance.

Yet, even amidst the shining facade, whispers of discontent linger. The Surface may glitter with material abundance, but it is also a gilded cage, a realm where conformity and superficiality reign. Behind closed doors, individuals yearn for something more profound, seeking liberation from the suffocating grip of societal expectations.

In the gleaming world of The Surface, appearances are everything, and the pursuit of perfection is ceaseless. But beneath the gloss, the true essence of Kagayaku City pulses, waiting for those brave enough to venture deeper, where the heartbeat of rebellion resonates in the depths of The Underground.

## Subcultures, Groups and Factions

These are the groups and subcultures in The Surface, the higher levels of the walled city of Kagayaku. These subcultures and groups are not portrayed in the book Synthbeat Rebellion.

### The Congress.

The Congress is a powerful group of influential individuals who hold significant sway over Kagayaku City's political landscape. They operate above the governor, wielding their influence and making key decisions behind closed doors. These are more than public workers, they're influential families, and seasoned politicians, the Congress navigates the intricate web of power and ensures that their interests align with the city's overall agenda. The Congress, although powerful, is often tied by the will of corporations.

### Colosseum Syndicate.

The Colosseum Syndicate is a clandestine organization that orchestrates underground fighting events for the entertainment of the elite. They recruit skilled combatants from the underground, including renowned shadow runners and street fighters, pitting them against each other in carefully staged spectacles of skill and prowess. These brutal and high-stakes battles are a dark and thrilling form of entertainment for the privileged few.

### Prismatics.

The Prismatics are the trendsetters of the city, known for their avant-garde fashion choices and daring experimentation with augmented reality fashion. They push the boundaries of style, incorporating holographic elements, interactive fabrics, and luminescent accessories into their extravagant outfits.

### Technocrats.

The Technocrats are a group of influential individuals who are deeply invested in the advancement of technology and its integration into everyday life. They are the pioneers of cutting-edge gadgets and high-tech innovations, often organizing exclusive tech exhibitions and conferences to showcase their latest creations.

### The Illuminated.

The Illuminated is a secretive group that delves into the esoteric arts, ancient wisdom, and metaphysical exploration. They hold private meditation retreats, study ancient philosophies, and engage in practices such as crystal healing and energy manipulation. Their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and inner harmony sets them apart from the rest of high society. This group is not intersted in gaining material wealth, mostly because its members already have immense fortunes.

## Locations

### Yorokobi

Often referred to as "The Carnival of Temptations," Yorokobi sprawls across levels 60 to 70, embracing the upper echelons of the city's tallest structures. Within this dazzling expanse, a multitude of pleasures beckons, ranging from extravagant clubs, sumptuous restaurants, and opulent casinos to vibrant bars, seductive brothels, and myriad other indulgent establishments. Yorokobi draws denizens of The Surface like moths to a flame, offering a dizzying array of entertainment, gambling, and illicit temptations that keep the neon lights burning bright through the night.

### Elysium Groove

A renowned gem nestled within the heart of Yorokobi, Elysium Groove is an establishment that epitomizes the city's hedonistic spirit. This multifaceted venue encompasses a ritzy restaurant, an alluring bar, and a pulsating nightclub where the city's elite and pleasure-seekers converge. Elysium Groove also boasts a lavish casino and discreet private chambers for adult entertainment. It is a vibrant stage where the city's nocturnal rhythms are accentuated by the electrifying sounds of DJ Luna Spark, a performer whose presence electrifies the night.

### The Market

As you ascend to levels 71 through 90, the city transforms into an industrial labyrinth known as The Market. This bustling complex is an industrial powerhouse, dominated by a myriad of workshops, compact factories, and expansive warehouses, all under the command of Kagayaku's corporate giants. Eighty-two interconnected edifices reach for the sky, forming the heart of manufacturing and production in the city, where the relentless hum of industry reverberates through the air.

### The Colosseum

Perched between levels 91 to 100, The Colosseum represents both the might and the divide of Kagayaku City. Thirty towering structures house various institutions, including a formidable police academy, advanced training facilities, a pulsating fighting arena, and shadowed dungeons serving as both a holding ground for combatants and a prison for dissenters, political adversaries, and society's other miscreants. The heavily fortified Colosseum stands as a formidable boundary, marking the final separation between the city's privileged elite and the rest of its inhabitants.

### The Villa

At the zenith of Kagayaku City's hierarchy, The Villa comprises an exclusive realm of opulence and prestige. Twelve magnificent buildings, spanning levels 120 to 130, harbor the city's most affluent and powerful residents, including the Congress and their influential families, as well as the headquarters of the city's corporate behemoths. These architectural marvels bear illustrious names such as Amethyst Tower, Zircon Tower, Topaz Tower, Spinel Tower, Ruby Tower, City Hall, Pentagram Tower (Tengoku's headquarters), Vista Point (The View Bar), Opal Tower (Apollo Valerius' residence), Emerald Tower, Diamond Tower, and Amber Tower.

### Apollo Valerius' Home

Nestled within the entirety of Opal Tower, Apollo Valerius' residence is an authentic villa that exudes the grandeur of Greco-Roman opulence. Lavish frescoes and intricate mosaics adorn its luxurious interiors, while towering ivory walls frame expansive windows offering panoramic vistas of Kagayaku City and beyond. In this sumptuous abode, the city's elite revel in the embrace of extravagance and sophistication, creating a realm where excess knows no boundaries.

### Nebula Lodge

Nebula Lodge stands as a ubiquitous and budget-friendly chain of capsule motels sprawled throughout Kagayaku City. Renowned for their practicality and affordability, Nebula Lodge capsules provide a humble yet convenient abode for those navigating the city's frenetic urban sprawl. For a mere 100 credits, patrons secure not only a snug, futuristic capsule but also a savory noodle cup, a simple yet satisfying meal. These compact chambers efficiently blend comfort and function, offering a respite from Kagayaku's hustle and bustle while remaining easy on the wallet. Whether for a short reprieve or an overnight stay, Nebula Lodge caters to travelers seeking practicality without compromise. It has become a staple for budget-conscious wanderers weaving through Kagayaku's labyrinthine streets, offering a modest sanctuary amidst the city's grandeur.