World: Socal (Ruined Southern California)
Feb 27, 2017 6:21:04 GMT
Axel, kanonite, and 2 more like this
Post by Maximor on Feb 27, 2017 6:21:04 GMT
Socal
-----------------------------
Area: Southern California
Name: Came from recurring local slang term "SoCal" on things associated with the area. Pretty much shortened "Southern California", but nobody uses the original name.
History: Socal is the modern version of Southern California. The state itself was really torn apart when "The Big One", an anticipated massive earthquake, finally hit. The entire land mass suffered tons of damage, some parts falling into the sea, and the state was changed drastically. The land mass sunk closer to sea level, and portions broke off. The divided parts became clusters of islands, with the sea and divided earth in between them. The eastern part of Socal survived the most, and overlooks the sunken part like a huge ridge. Surprisingly, much of the roads survived, despite damages, and can still be used today, although they are torn up and "high roads" are missing portions. For a time, the roads were being repaired, but the project was abandoned, and leaving construction zones and dangerous unstable areas. Being closer to sea level, some areas are affected by the new deadly high tide, including the spaces between the divided land, leaving people running for higher ground. When the tide is low, some areas are accessible, such as "The Faults", which is the official name of the spaces between the islands. The Faults, and places like it are very dangerous, subject to tremors, high tide, flooding, sinkholes, and other dangers, even raiders and hostile people avoid it. The north and west sections are more populated having small colonies in the ruined cities, the east section is more rural and like the way it used to be, and the south section is treated as badlands with uneven earth and it has the old border to Mexico.
Climate: Hot and typically dry from spring until fall, where it gets pretty cold throughout winter. In the morning Socal is typically covered by overcast due to its proximity to the sea. In the fall and winter it rains heavily, causing lots of flooding in the land. Snowfall can typically only be found in the mountains during this time, although in rare occasions it may reach as far as inland and even the edges of the deserts.
Culture: Socal has a reputation for its independent lifestyle due to the lack of establishments and powerful institutions, which is something that attracts some outsiders. Diverse like it used to be, with many different kinds of people from different backgrounds. The population seems to be evenly varied with canines, felines, avians, and others, although humans are the least common. The establishments throughout Socal are relatively new and rebuilding culture and society in their own unique ways. There is some slang that has lived on and is used a lot in the region, such as "dude", "nail (verb)", "drag", and "radical", although some terms such as "hella" which is believed to have come down from the north are looked down upon. Entertainment is a big deal Socal, old movies from bygone eras are looked at as treasures by some people, and sometimes entire communities may get together to watch a movie, and get inspired to change their style based on a film. Music is highly desired since it raises spirits; old music is sought after in order to expand the available music on radio stations. Live entertainment is also highly appreciated, whether it be the rare musical performance, or a yearly sporting event. Being a coastal land, the ocean is a big part of the cultural activities, road boarding has taken the place of skateboarding given the rough terrain, fishing provides food and recreation, and surfing is now crazier than ever; when large waves aren't enough, some crazy surfers will come out while the high tide is coming inland or receding into the ocean, and surf through the large "canyons" created by the fault lines. And when it comes to food, traditional Mexican dishes as well as various American foods are very popular; avocados are one of the most common fruits around and loved by many, they are quite valuable outside of Socal in places where there are no avocados. And even after the big change, Socal is still home to various famous figures and celebrity icons who serve as a big source of entertainment and hold a higher status over the common people.
Economy: Depends on the location, but the overall status is pretty good. With the trade system established by the colonies, the majority of settlements thrive, although the interception of supply lines can range from a setback to a crisis. Additionally, things are more expensive in Socal than most other locations, but people make more money to keep up with the expenses. The underworld economy is also doing very well here, with lots of job opportunities for people willing to get their hands dirty.
Buildings: Some structures have survived, including some roads, freeways, highways, and even buildings. In the lower area, smaller buildings have received the most damage due to the high tide completely engulfing them, so taller buildings above the tide are ideal, even if some are unstable and have seen much better days. Big cities feature lots of rubble, unstable structures about to collapse, and rubble covering the ground. Rural areas obviously don't have a lot of buildings, but the ones that are there are most likely in better condition, especially on the eastern part of Socal. Buildings closer to the sea that are shorter are usually flooded, leaving behind some sea life. Some more recent structures made by settlers also exist, but there are not so many since the old architecture is still superior to what can be built with resource on hand right now. Old interstates still stand along with construction zones from attempts to fix them a while back, but are usually heavily damaged and missing road, so travel on them is discouraged.
Government: Very laid back local government, no local law enforcement. Law is mostly determined depending on the society one is in, enforced by the people who live in it, sort of like the wild west. However, the government beyond has a nasty reputation for messing with the smaller societies and slowly taking over Socal, starting from the north. The state government is very authoritarian, and has its own powerful institutions and military force.
Technology: Since the introduction of Aether harnessing tech to the area, a good portion of Socal runs on this energy source, although to an extent. While Aether batteries are relatively easy to come by, filters aren't so common, especially privately owned ones. Because of the shortage of filters to go with the batteries, public services have been established within densely populated areas where people visit these stations known as Aether Wells and get their batteries recharged for a small fee. Aside from Aether Wells, some citizens possess their own filters for recharging batteries; one example of this includes people using the filters from their Aether powered vehicles to power up sections of their homes and personal devices. Despite the versatility, Aether technology is limited in Socal, so people still use older forms of power when they can't use Aether. Traditional batteries are common alongside Aether ones, having yet to be replaced just like older devices that use them. In some wide open flat areas, solar thermal power plants have been established to power nearby settlements. In rural areas, it's not uncommon to see a windmill or a few supplying power to the surrounding area. Aside from power sources, the level of technology remains mostly with the kind found in the era of smart phones, virtual reality, and conventional weaponry. Socal is a bit behind compared to other locations in terms of technology, unable to produce things like railguns and power armor. High tech equipment does exist in Socal, although it's pretty uncommon and almost always brought in from the outside world.
Military: No official Socal military, but basic militias have been set up in some societies, and there is a minute man force established within the United Socal Colonies. The only actual military belongs to the state government, and it enforces the will of the state without a second thought.
Flora: Usually desert plants like sage and cacti, palm trees, oak trees, and manzanita. The sea has huge mutated kelp forests that attract sea life, and stand upright like trees, even in places where the tide goes down. In The Faults, one known plant is a strange edible fungi that glows in the dark, which is very common there.
Fauna: Stray dogs roam all over the land, packs of them can be a menace to communities, while some can actually interact well with people. Various birds can be seen and heard throughout the entire area, especially where there is food. Rattlesnakes are common threats and claim many lives due to the lack of available treatment, found in the deserts and countryside. The Socal panther is one of the most feared creatures, they are typically in rural areas, and have notoriety for killing people silently. There is also life underground that has emerged after the earth opened up, nobody knows what kind for sure, but one includes rumors of humanoid reptile creatures that live in colonies below the surface.
Aggressors: The state military force from the north is a big threat, and shoots for any reason, the only thing holding them back from taking over Socal is the wait for an order to do so. State patrols may harass people unlucky enough to run into them, and may even kill those who are "unlawful". On the interstates, sometimes robbers will wait for an unlucky victim and mug them or do worse. Usually, the aggressors don't have many resources and work alone or in small groups, but there is one prominent group of scum that is known by almost everyone. In the southernmost part of Socal, remnants of an old cartel have set up a base of operations, they control the border and are feared for their atrocious crimes.
----------------------------------------
Socal Detailed Bestiary
----------------------------------------
Hostile People
High Road Thugs: Bands of hostile people who have taken up residence on the old freeways, waiting for an unfortunate victim to come by. Various different small gangs, not one big single gang. Has various races, with some groups including a great diversity to some groups made up of just one race. They are not technologically advanced, but they have notoriety for the traps they leave around. They are typically armed with improvised melee weapons and homemade guns (usually single shot) such as rifles and small pistols.
Poachers: An all-human worldwide organization infamous for their activities and crimes against just about every other race. They have established a presence in Socal recently, seeing it to be a good central area with lots of hunting grounds. They are typically armed with weapons such as magnums and hunting rifles and have a ready supply of vehicles to help them get around or chase down targets. More on them can be found here projectcyden.boards.net/thread/172/faction-suggestion-poachers
State Agents: The henchmen of the Golden State. They are loathed for their constant meddling in the affairs of many Socal communities and killing people for no reason. Their invasion of Socal is imminent, they are just waiting for the green light to do so. They are well equipped, armed with military grade conventional weapons like assault rifles and SMGs, heavy weaponry like miniguns and missile pods (They rarely bring out heavy weaponry), and some advanced guns that have yet to be revealed. And the Golden State has plenty of vehicles to give them an advantage, including helicopters, jeeps, motor bikes, speed boats, and classified prototype vehicles. The really are a force to be reckoned.
Organized Gangs: Even now Socal is home to various gangs spread throughout the area, with the largest concentration being found in the ruins of Los Angeles. They usually have their own territory where they will attack outsiders on the spot, but gang members can be seen inside some of the communities. They typically have their own distinctive styles with things like fashion and vehicles. More successful gangs also may have access to higher end equipment such as exotic weaponry or even exo suits.
---------------
Robots
Androids: Although uncommon, there have been reports of hostile malfunctioning androids in various regions. They are typically in the state of disrepair with their internal workings visible and sometimes a limb or two missing. While not usually armed with a weapon, these androids still represent a great threat at close range since they are significantly stronger than most people and can easily deliver deadly blows. They are also resistant to conventional weapons, sometimes requiring many shots to neutralize, although they have a weakness against electronic weaponry like EMP grenades and Arc Rifles.
E-3958 Police Drone: Glitched aerial robots from a bygone era that are still functioning today, typically found in city ruins or high-security areas. These drones guard the areas they once did a long time ago, and don't take kindly to trespassers. Because of a glitch in their system, they are now exceptionally hostile and will always use lethal force to bring down anyone within their range. They also communicate with each other and can team up, making up swarms of Police Drones. They come in two forms, the "Officer" and the "SWAT". The officer model is armed with a semi-automatic .45 ACP gun and a Taser that will shock targets until they burst into flames. The SWAT model is equipped with armor plating and armed with one of the following: a 9mm machine gun, a 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun, or an armor piercing 5.56 machine gun.
---------------
Known Wildlife
Socal Panther: A large quadrupedal feline predator. Average length: 9.7 feet long from tail end to nose. Average weight: 370 pounds. The Socal Panther is one of the most feared and loathed local predators. While it is unknown exactly how they came to be, they are for sure descendants of the mountain lion and jaguar. They usually come out early in the morning or after dusk, and prefer to use stealth. Socal Panthers are infamous for sneaking up on prey and killing victims by tearing out the larynx or severing the spinal cord, sometimes they can do this undetected in a crowded area. While they prefer stealth, they can also directly confront victims and use their strength to overpower them. Socal Panthers are pretty tough as well, in one story a Panther survived as much as 3 .45-70 shots to the torso and was able to keep fighting until it was shot in the head with the same caliber. Typically they are found in rural areas, but they have been spotted in ruined cities and in The Faults.
Devil Wasp: Large black flying insect. Average length: 2 - 3 feet long. The Devil Wasp is an uncommon large flying insect that usually lives in colonies. They usually take up residence in buildings and in the walls of The Faults. Devil Wasps are carnivorous and typically aggressive, so attacks on people are common. A lone Wasp is usually not a big threat, but swarms of them are very dangerous. Their sting is very painful, not usually lethal unless one has allergies to the sting, but the poison can immobilize a person. Some variants of the Wasps can even shoot out their stinger as a short range projectile. Once they are on top of a target, they will use their mandibles to a rip a victim apart. They are also hard to hit because they fly around quickly, but they are not very tough so they can be killed with most weapons.
Tomato Spider: A mutated and evolved arachnid that descended from the common orb spider. Average length: 0.45 - 1.5 feet long (excluding legs). This fat spider is a common bug throughout Socal, but is mostly found in the Eastern countryside. They are usually not aggressive, as long as nobody invades their web. While scary for some, the Tomato Spider has been appreciated for its use in pest control. The origin of its name either comes from the shape of its body, or how they have been kept in gardens to deal with pests.
Vibrating Spider: A mutated daddy long legs spider. Average length: 0.1 - 0.3 feet long (excluding long legs). This arachnid is very common and well known throughout Socal. While they pose no threat to people, they are the scourge to smaller insects. They get their name from the way how they shake in their webs, looking like they are vibrating; they do this to disorient threats and tangle prey. Their webs are also very strong, and their silk has been farmed and refined as a modern material that is strong and lightweight. In some households, they are kept as a pet given how helpful they are at dealing with pests.
Globsters: Being a coastal area, sometimes strange things wash ashore. Globsters are unidentifiable organic masses, typically large in size. While much of them are just large dead hunks of flesh, some of them are alive and will move around or even attack nearby organisms. They have many variations, from a big blob with a large shark-like mouth to a mass of tentacles with no defined body. Globsters can be found on beaches, in The Faults, and any area that gets covered by the high tide.
Vibro-Eel: A large eel-like creature said to be as long as 5 yards, and has been found under ocean piers in most encounters. According to rumors, this monster has been able to maim victims without even touching them so it can then eat them. It is said to first stand up straight like a snake, stare at the victim, extending fins and opening up pores on its body, and start vibrating. At this point, the victim will start to feel disoriented, and this will quickly progress to excruciating pain in the head as if it were going to explode. It is hypothesized that this beast uses precision sound waves to attack targets from a range.
Sea Rhino: Large, dark, semi-aquatic bipedal beast with a horn on its head. Average height: 9.5 - 12 feet tall. Average weight: 1000 - 2000 pounds. Also known as Faults Demon, and Dagoth (based on its appearance). The Sea Rhino is a large hulking beast with astonishing strength and endurance. It lives a solitary life, usually in The Faults or by the coast. They will sleep under the water during the high tide, and become active when the water isn't covering them completely. It is not known if the can swim, but they can move around on land. While it is omnivorous and mostly survives off of plants, this beast is highly aggressive and will attack on sight. While it is slow on the charge, the Sea Rhino is nearly impossible to outrun once it reaches its top speed. They prefer to attack the target directly using their powerful body, they will swing their extremely strong arms to strike victims, these strikes are so powerful that they result in broken bones, the victim being sent flying or knocked down, but typically instant death. On a charge, it will either throw its weight onto the victim and crush them, or it will stab them with its horn. Sea Rhinos also have thick skin and reinforced anatomy that makes them very durable, their head has the toughest part since it can stop even armor piercing .50 BMG rounds, the body though is soft enough for most rifle rounds to damage, even if minimally. They can survive explosions, extended periods of volley fire, and even shrug off a good amount of energy based weaponry. While originally thought to be a myth, the Sea Rhino is a very real threat and probably the most feared beast in Socal.
Faults Octopus: An odd cephalopod exclusive to The Faults of Socal. Average length: 3.7 - 4.5 feet long, excluding tentacles. The Faults Octopus lives in the moist parts of The Faults that are in the reach of the high tide. They hide in caves and hunt for small prey, and are typically not a threat to people. Thanks to their natural camouflage, they are very hard to spot. The Faults Octopus is also considered a delicacy in some areas of Socal, and people will risk traveling through The Faults to hunt them.
Dune Jackrabbit: A large mutated rodent. Average height: 4.75 - 5.5 feet tall, excluding ears. Average weight: 170 - 250 pounds. Much larger than its ancestors, the Dune Jackrabbit is one of the most common animals in the deserts of Socal. They represent no threat to people, being herbivores, and are targeted by Socal Panthers. Wild Jackrabbits can be quite a sight to see when they run through the desert at night. Additionally, some have been domesticated by societies and function in a way like horses did for people long ago, carrying supplies and being used for transportation, although riding a Dune Jackrabbit is not for the faint of heart.
Splorker: An odd scavenger with traits of other animals. Average length: 3.28 - 6.56 feet long. A unique creature local to not just Socal but other places within the southwest region of the US. Splorkers are nocturnal, omnivorous, egg laying mammals that typically live in familial groups, scavenging the ravaged wasteland. These peculiar creatures have armor like that of an armadillo, and can also roll up into a ball like one. That's not their only defense mechanism though, additionally splorkers have sets of quills similar to a porcupine's on their head and back, and unlike the common myth of the associated animal, they can actually shoot out their quills, though up to a very limited range. These creatures are not fighters and will typically run at the sight of danger unless cornered. They can also prove to be a nuisance among communities, chewing wires and damaging property. Splorkers can be hunted and turned into a meal, though it's been said to never consume their raw eggs whole; according to stories said eggs (provided they are fertalized) are able to survive in the stomach long enough for the newborn to hatch, only to violently evacuate though the midsection. (All credit for this entry goes to chezmarine, the creator of this unique animal. projectcyden.boards.net/user/33)
---------------
Cryptids(Legendary creatures)
Proctor Minotaur: A rural cryptid that resembles the classic beast it's named after. Sightings are very rare, but all of them have occurred at night. It is said to be at least 7.5 feet tall, and of a heavy muscular build. Whether it is hostile or docile remains unknown.
Chupacabra: A mythical creature that lives on even after the world changed. The beast has been described in many ways, from a humanoid reptile alien thing with glowing red eyes, to a deformed furless coyote-like creature. One detail that is the same among stories is that the creature drains blood from its victims, emits a terrible odor, and causes dread. Most sightings occur in the southern part of Socal.
Reptoids: These creatures are said to come from underground, most sightings happening at major fault lines. They are said to be at least as big as the average human and weigh just as much. Very little is known about Reptoids, and they are usually dismissed as a myth.
Singing Mountain Entity: The Singing Mountain Creature is a legend associated with strange noises heard when in the mountain ranges of Socal. The sounds have often been dismissed as being confused with wind or even auditory hallucinations, but there are enough incidents that say otherwise. The sound has been described as feint and high pitched, sounding like a nail scraping glass in some reports. Groups of people have heard it at the same time, although some of the people in the vicinity have claimed to hear nothing. The sound is described as ominous and distant, and gives listeners a sense of isolation. No source of the sound has ever been found by witnesses.
Faults Kraken: A mythical giant cephalopod that is said to lurk in The Faults. Sightings of giant tentacles sticking out are most commonly associated with sightings of the monster. The entire size of the creature is unknown, but its appendages have been able to reach the opposite side from where the creature is, and more.
---------------
Misc.
Biormorphs: A relatively new terror to Socal since the discovery of Biotech sludge. Extremely rare, but a very real threat. Biomorphs are typically feared given the nature of their mutation, with people trying to stay as far away as possible. Feral biomorphs have contributed to this mostly, with some infamous massacres and disappearances revolving around them. The Golden State seems to be interested in them, but nobody knows why....
Please refer to this awesome thread by Noctus for more information on Biotech stuff. projectcyden.boards.net/thread/53/organic-tech-concept-extraterrestrial-samples
----------------------------------------
Socal Locations
----------------------------------------
Angel City: The Western hub of Socal, the ruins of the former city Los Angeles. The Big One (massive earthquake) had done a lot of damage to the whole area, with a large portion of the land mass sinking into the ocean. Tremors still plague the area, along with tsunamis and the High Tide. Some parts of the landmass that fell into the sea have resurfaced and formed islands. The area is mostly inhabited by various gangs who are trying to fight each other for control of the area, one reason for this being the valuable salvage that this location has been known to have in its ruins.
The Parks and Museums District: An area that used to be known as Balboa Park, and the only place in Socal officially controlled by the Golden State. Locked down with tight security, not much information is known about it currently, but there have been stories of valuable tech and pre-Cyden artifacts being held inside the museums and exhibits.
Socal Islands: Off the coast in various areas there are islands that have formed from the sunken parts of the continent. Nobody has explored them yet, so there is no information on them.
Flooded Downtown SD: The ruins of Downtown San Diego. A portion of the land sunk into the ocean after the Big One, leaving the land mass with several missing parts, streets that are flooded and require a boat to travel through, and buildings sticking out of the water. The only way to get in or out of this area is through the old overpasses that are not underwater. At high tide, the flooded city becomes way too dangerous to travel through, so people run for shelter in taller buildings and wait it out. This area is the hot spot of the Socal Waveriders.
Downtown Ridge: While a large amount of Downtown sunk to ocean level, a decent portion miraculously survived the Big One and remains standing, overlooking the flooded section. The Downtown Ridge is a significant area in Socal, not just because it is home to local weapon dealers and powerful figures, but because it also has the hottest club in Socal, Shock on the Wire. The entire district is heavily protected, not even bandits or Golden State agents will bother with it, despite the proximity to The Parks and Museums District.
Borrego Desert: Formerly known as Anza-Boreggo. This is one of the hottest and dryer parts of Socal, with a scorching heat that has claimed the lives of many unprepared travelers. The heat is not the only thing to worry about, there is also dangerous wildlife that has adapted to the brutal environment always on the search for a meal. And to add on to this, the desert holds an area that used to be a former military testing facility for combat robots and bombs, leaving that part with still functioning hostile androids and undetonated munitions. This place is where the Socal Sandmen can be found.
Deerhorn Mountain: A rural area with lots of roads in good condition. Some of the mountains overlook the sunken landmasses and the ocean. This is one of the most quiet areas in Socal due to its nice community and low population.
Apple Town: An old mining town that has a reputation for its produce of apples and various products made with them. Although the population is small, the area gets a lot of traffic from visitors after their famous goods, especially their famous pies.
Northern Territory Border: The area that separates Socal from the Golden State. Trespassers are killed on the spot by State guards. Beyond it to the North lies the Golden State's territory.
Southern Badlands: The ground zero zone of an Aether bomb explosion. While the environment has no harmful radiation due to the nature of Aether, it has a large concentration of energy that spreads throughout Socal. The area is almost barren with few plants which are already dead, and a small amount of wildlife. The Cartel Remnants have claimed this area and patrol it frequently.
The Old Border: Long ago on the border of California and Mexico a great wall was in the progress of being constructed but the project never got very far, this structure is now a large fortress controlled by the Cartel Remnants. Nobody dares to venture there, so little is known about it.
San Pacheco: A small community just on the other side of the original state boundaries, lying in the Mexican desert landscape. It looks like the stereotypical setting fro a western movie, with it's old fashioned wooden buildings, corals, and pueblo architecture. The people of this town are mostly made up of ranchers, traders, and old gunfighters; the community is relatively conservative and prefers to keep to itself, but it isn't closed to outsiders and can be very welcoming, so long as visitors don't cause any trouble. This is the hometown of Rio the coyote cowgirl, has resided here for many generations.
----------------------------------------
Notable Factions
----------------------------------------
Socal Waveriders: A laid back peaceful group of fishing and extreme surfing enthusiasts. Lives near the coast in buildings not totally submerged by the high tide. Has good relations with all factions, except the State and the cartel. Mostly made up of humans, canines, and marine species. They can be easily identified by the wetsuits they usually wear.
Socal Sandmen: A large group spread throughout the deserts in Eastern Socal. They are recognized for their generosity, helping lost travelers get out of the deserts alive. They also are known for their ferocity, battling the state military non-stop in the blistering heat. Has good relations with most factions. Mostly made up of desert-suited species such as coyotes, rabbits, hawks, snakes, and even cougars.
Deerhorn Mountain Community: Small rural community mostly made up of farmers and ranchers in the South-Eastern part of Socal. They are strongly conservative in terms of values, but welcome any new faces. Has good relations with most factions. One of the societies in Socal with the most humans, it is also is made up of various other species.
Apple Town: A small mountain community that is very much like a western town. Although usually peaceful, this town has a unique local authority consisting of sheriffs and deputies. The town got its name from the various orchards and apple products produced in it long ago, and is very popular for this reason. One notable product that Apple Town's community is famous for is their pies, something that many people have traveled a long way for just to enjoy, along with their other famous baked goods. (If you are a Southern Californian in real life, you may now this place under a different name). Races consist of humans, canines, felines, equines, bovines and avians. Allied with every community except for the Golden State and Cartel remnants.
United Socal Colonies: Formed from a pact between most of the communities in Socal, established a trade system and looks out for communities in trouble. Various races given how the population is made up of many communities. A general militia is also formed from the collaboration of the local ones and has a limited number of minutemen readily available. Allies include the Sandmen, Waveriders and Deerhorn Mountain; enemies on the other hand include the Cartel Remnants and the Golden State.
The Golden State: A powerful society from the North that is looking to claim Socal. It is mostly made up of humans, but there have been other species reported in this faction. It is both resourceful and influential, people typically live well, in exchange for their individuality by blindly supporting the government. The law enforcement is very militant, and extremely brutal when it comes to handling the unlawful. The State also sends out patrols to scout out Socal and strike fear into opposing forces. Most Socal factions loathe The Golden State.
Cartel Remnants: One of the most chaotic and dangerous factions, feared by most people. Formed from the foundation of the original cartel in Southern Socal, this new generation is even more ruthless than the previous ones were. Members are typically humans, canines, felines, and reptiles. While not technologically advanced, this faction is well armed, and with seemingly endless numbers. In addition to dealing narcotics and extortion, they have a nasty reputation for kidnappings and ransoms, since they typically kill the victim anyway. The Cartel Remnants are spread throughout Southern Socal, but their base of operations is at the old border. All other factions of Socal despise them.
----------------------------------------
For those who want to join Socal, please keep the following in mind:
-If you want to make a character from Socal, it would be best to make them from a species found in California and without much tech enhancements. If you want to use a different kind of species or even some fantasy-level things, it would make more sense for them to be an outsider. California local species include dogs, coyotes, wolves (rare), bobcats, house cats, mountain lions, foxes, rabbits, mice, various avians such as hawks, and so much more.
-This location will change over time, it may seem like a fine place to be right now, but the Golden State is slowly getting ready to invade it.
-The majority of tech in this area can be compared to modern tech, so if you want to introduce any new Socal tech, keep this in mind.
-Overpowered characters will be dealt with accordingly, Socal is a tough land and no cake walk to get around, so I will add things that can counter anyone who I suspect to be overpowered.
-Got a location in mind that I haven't made up? Talk to me about it, would love to see this grow more.
-Factions are strong, so they can't easily be broken or changed. Also, if you want to make up a character who will be a big icon in a certain faction, talk to me first.
-Have fun.
----------------------------------------
Well, this is my first world for Project Cyden, and it's now officially part of the universe! Yay!
NOTE: Currently I am revising Socal to make it better fit into the Cyden universe and be a much more unforgiving and respectable location.
-----------------------------
Area: Southern California
Name: Came from recurring local slang term "SoCal" on things associated with the area. Pretty much shortened "Southern California", but nobody uses the original name.
History: Socal is the modern version of Southern California. The state itself was really torn apart when "The Big One", an anticipated massive earthquake, finally hit. The entire land mass suffered tons of damage, some parts falling into the sea, and the state was changed drastically. The land mass sunk closer to sea level, and portions broke off. The divided parts became clusters of islands, with the sea and divided earth in between them. The eastern part of Socal survived the most, and overlooks the sunken part like a huge ridge. Surprisingly, much of the roads survived, despite damages, and can still be used today, although they are torn up and "high roads" are missing portions. For a time, the roads were being repaired, but the project was abandoned, and leaving construction zones and dangerous unstable areas. Being closer to sea level, some areas are affected by the new deadly high tide, including the spaces between the divided land, leaving people running for higher ground. When the tide is low, some areas are accessible, such as "The Faults", which is the official name of the spaces between the islands. The Faults, and places like it are very dangerous, subject to tremors, high tide, flooding, sinkholes, and other dangers, even raiders and hostile people avoid it. The north and west sections are more populated having small colonies in the ruined cities, the east section is more rural and like the way it used to be, and the south section is treated as badlands with uneven earth and it has the old border to Mexico.
Climate: Hot and typically dry from spring until fall, where it gets pretty cold throughout winter. In the morning Socal is typically covered by overcast due to its proximity to the sea. In the fall and winter it rains heavily, causing lots of flooding in the land. Snowfall can typically only be found in the mountains during this time, although in rare occasions it may reach as far as inland and even the edges of the deserts.
Culture: Socal has a reputation for its independent lifestyle due to the lack of establishments and powerful institutions, which is something that attracts some outsiders. Diverse like it used to be, with many different kinds of people from different backgrounds. The population seems to be evenly varied with canines, felines, avians, and others, although humans are the least common. The establishments throughout Socal are relatively new and rebuilding culture and society in their own unique ways. There is some slang that has lived on and is used a lot in the region, such as "dude", "nail (verb)", "drag", and "radical", although some terms such as "hella" which is believed to have come down from the north are looked down upon. Entertainment is a big deal Socal, old movies from bygone eras are looked at as treasures by some people, and sometimes entire communities may get together to watch a movie, and get inspired to change their style based on a film. Music is highly desired since it raises spirits; old music is sought after in order to expand the available music on radio stations. Live entertainment is also highly appreciated, whether it be the rare musical performance, or a yearly sporting event. Being a coastal land, the ocean is a big part of the cultural activities, road boarding has taken the place of skateboarding given the rough terrain, fishing provides food and recreation, and surfing is now crazier than ever; when large waves aren't enough, some crazy surfers will come out while the high tide is coming inland or receding into the ocean, and surf through the large "canyons" created by the fault lines. And when it comes to food, traditional Mexican dishes as well as various American foods are very popular; avocados are one of the most common fruits around and loved by many, they are quite valuable outside of Socal in places where there are no avocados. And even after the big change, Socal is still home to various famous figures and celebrity icons who serve as a big source of entertainment and hold a higher status over the common people.
Economy: Depends on the location, but the overall status is pretty good. With the trade system established by the colonies, the majority of settlements thrive, although the interception of supply lines can range from a setback to a crisis. Additionally, things are more expensive in Socal than most other locations, but people make more money to keep up with the expenses. The underworld economy is also doing very well here, with lots of job opportunities for people willing to get their hands dirty.
Buildings: Some structures have survived, including some roads, freeways, highways, and even buildings. In the lower area, smaller buildings have received the most damage due to the high tide completely engulfing them, so taller buildings above the tide are ideal, even if some are unstable and have seen much better days. Big cities feature lots of rubble, unstable structures about to collapse, and rubble covering the ground. Rural areas obviously don't have a lot of buildings, but the ones that are there are most likely in better condition, especially on the eastern part of Socal. Buildings closer to the sea that are shorter are usually flooded, leaving behind some sea life. Some more recent structures made by settlers also exist, but there are not so many since the old architecture is still superior to what can be built with resource on hand right now. Old interstates still stand along with construction zones from attempts to fix them a while back, but are usually heavily damaged and missing road, so travel on them is discouraged.
Government: Very laid back local government, no local law enforcement. Law is mostly determined depending on the society one is in, enforced by the people who live in it, sort of like the wild west. However, the government beyond has a nasty reputation for messing with the smaller societies and slowly taking over Socal, starting from the north. The state government is very authoritarian, and has its own powerful institutions and military force.
Technology: Since the introduction of Aether harnessing tech to the area, a good portion of Socal runs on this energy source, although to an extent. While Aether batteries are relatively easy to come by, filters aren't so common, especially privately owned ones. Because of the shortage of filters to go with the batteries, public services have been established within densely populated areas where people visit these stations known as Aether Wells and get their batteries recharged for a small fee. Aside from Aether Wells, some citizens possess their own filters for recharging batteries; one example of this includes people using the filters from their Aether powered vehicles to power up sections of their homes and personal devices. Despite the versatility, Aether technology is limited in Socal, so people still use older forms of power when they can't use Aether. Traditional batteries are common alongside Aether ones, having yet to be replaced just like older devices that use them. In some wide open flat areas, solar thermal power plants have been established to power nearby settlements. In rural areas, it's not uncommon to see a windmill or a few supplying power to the surrounding area. Aside from power sources, the level of technology remains mostly with the kind found in the era of smart phones, virtual reality, and conventional weaponry. Socal is a bit behind compared to other locations in terms of technology, unable to produce things like railguns and power armor. High tech equipment does exist in Socal, although it's pretty uncommon and almost always brought in from the outside world.
Military: No official Socal military, but basic militias have been set up in some societies, and there is a minute man force established within the United Socal Colonies. The only actual military belongs to the state government, and it enforces the will of the state without a second thought.
Flora: Usually desert plants like sage and cacti, palm trees, oak trees, and manzanita. The sea has huge mutated kelp forests that attract sea life, and stand upright like trees, even in places where the tide goes down. In The Faults, one known plant is a strange edible fungi that glows in the dark, which is very common there.
Fauna: Stray dogs roam all over the land, packs of them can be a menace to communities, while some can actually interact well with people. Various birds can be seen and heard throughout the entire area, especially where there is food. Rattlesnakes are common threats and claim many lives due to the lack of available treatment, found in the deserts and countryside. The Socal panther is one of the most feared creatures, they are typically in rural areas, and have notoriety for killing people silently. There is also life underground that has emerged after the earth opened up, nobody knows what kind for sure, but one includes rumors of humanoid reptile creatures that live in colonies below the surface.
Aggressors: The state military force from the north is a big threat, and shoots for any reason, the only thing holding them back from taking over Socal is the wait for an order to do so. State patrols may harass people unlucky enough to run into them, and may even kill those who are "unlawful". On the interstates, sometimes robbers will wait for an unlucky victim and mug them or do worse. Usually, the aggressors don't have many resources and work alone or in small groups, but there is one prominent group of scum that is known by almost everyone. In the southernmost part of Socal, remnants of an old cartel have set up a base of operations, they control the border and are feared for their atrocious crimes.
----------------------------------------
Socal Detailed Bestiary
----------------------------------------
Hostile People
High Road Thugs: Bands of hostile people who have taken up residence on the old freeways, waiting for an unfortunate victim to come by. Various different small gangs, not one big single gang. Has various races, with some groups including a great diversity to some groups made up of just one race. They are not technologically advanced, but they have notoriety for the traps they leave around. They are typically armed with improvised melee weapons and homemade guns (usually single shot) such as rifles and small pistols.
Poachers: An all-human worldwide organization infamous for their activities and crimes against just about every other race. They have established a presence in Socal recently, seeing it to be a good central area with lots of hunting grounds. They are typically armed with weapons such as magnums and hunting rifles and have a ready supply of vehicles to help them get around or chase down targets. More on them can be found here projectcyden.boards.net/thread/172/faction-suggestion-poachers
State Agents: The henchmen of the Golden State. They are loathed for their constant meddling in the affairs of many Socal communities and killing people for no reason. Their invasion of Socal is imminent, they are just waiting for the green light to do so. They are well equipped, armed with military grade conventional weapons like assault rifles and SMGs, heavy weaponry like miniguns and missile pods (They rarely bring out heavy weaponry), and some advanced guns that have yet to be revealed. And the Golden State has plenty of vehicles to give them an advantage, including helicopters, jeeps, motor bikes, speed boats, and classified prototype vehicles. The really are a force to be reckoned.
Organized Gangs: Even now Socal is home to various gangs spread throughout the area, with the largest concentration being found in the ruins of Los Angeles. They usually have their own territory where they will attack outsiders on the spot, but gang members can be seen inside some of the communities. They typically have their own distinctive styles with things like fashion and vehicles. More successful gangs also may have access to higher end equipment such as exotic weaponry or even exo suits.
---------------
Robots
Androids: Although uncommon, there have been reports of hostile malfunctioning androids in various regions. They are typically in the state of disrepair with their internal workings visible and sometimes a limb or two missing. While not usually armed with a weapon, these androids still represent a great threat at close range since they are significantly stronger than most people and can easily deliver deadly blows. They are also resistant to conventional weapons, sometimes requiring many shots to neutralize, although they have a weakness against electronic weaponry like EMP grenades and Arc Rifles.
E-3958 Police Drone: Glitched aerial robots from a bygone era that are still functioning today, typically found in city ruins or high-security areas. These drones guard the areas they once did a long time ago, and don't take kindly to trespassers. Because of a glitch in their system, they are now exceptionally hostile and will always use lethal force to bring down anyone within their range. They also communicate with each other and can team up, making up swarms of Police Drones. They come in two forms, the "Officer" and the "SWAT". The officer model is armed with a semi-automatic .45 ACP gun and a Taser that will shock targets until they burst into flames. The SWAT model is equipped with armor plating and armed with one of the following: a 9mm machine gun, a 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun, or an armor piercing 5.56 machine gun.
---------------
Known Wildlife
Socal Panther: A large quadrupedal feline predator. Average length: 9.7 feet long from tail end to nose. Average weight: 370 pounds. The Socal Panther is one of the most feared and loathed local predators. While it is unknown exactly how they came to be, they are for sure descendants of the mountain lion and jaguar. They usually come out early in the morning or after dusk, and prefer to use stealth. Socal Panthers are infamous for sneaking up on prey and killing victims by tearing out the larynx or severing the spinal cord, sometimes they can do this undetected in a crowded area. While they prefer stealth, they can also directly confront victims and use their strength to overpower them. Socal Panthers are pretty tough as well, in one story a Panther survived as much as 3 .45-70 shots to the torso and was able to keep fighting until it was shot in the head with the same caliber. Typically they are found in rural areas, but they have been spotted in ruined cities and in The Faults.
Devil Wasp: Large black flying insect. Average length: 2 - 3 feet long. The Devil Wasp is an uncommon large flying insect that usually lives in colonies. They usually take up residence in buildings and in the walls of The Faults. Devil Wasps are carnivorous and typically aggressive, so attacks on people are common. A lone Wasp is usually not a big threat, but swarms of them are very dangerous. Their sting is very painful, not usually lethal unless one has allergies to the sting, but the poison can immobilize a person. Some variants of the Wasps can even shoot out their stinger as a short range projectile. Once they are on top of a target, they will use their mandibles to a rip a victim apart. They are also hard to hit because they fly around quickly, but they are not very tough so they can be killed with most weapons.
Tomato Spider: A mutated and evolved arachnid that descended from the common orb spider. Average length: 0.45 - 1.5 feet long (excluding legs). This fat spider is a common bug throughout Socal, but is mostly found in the Eastern countryside. They are usually not aggressive, as long as nobody invades their web. While scary for some, the Tomato Spider has been appreciated for its use in pest control. The origin of its name either comes from the shape of its body, or how they have been kept in gardens to deal with pests.
Vibrating Spider: A mutated daddy long legs spider. Average length: 0.1 - 0.3 feet long (excluding long legs). This arachnid is very common and well known throughout Socal. While they pose no threat to people, they are the scourge to smaller insects. They get their name from the way how they shake in their webs, looking like they are vibrating; they do this to disorient threats and tangle prey. Their webs are also very strong, and their silk has been farmed and refined as a modern material that is strong and lightweight. In some households, they are kept as a pet given how helpful they are at dealing with pests.
Globsters: Being a coastal area, sometimes strange things wash ashore. Globsters are unidentifiable organic masses, typically large in size. While much of them are just large dead hunks of flesh, some of them are alive and will move around or even attack nearby organisms. They have many variations, from a big blob with a large shark-like mouth to a mass of tentacles with no defined body. Globsters can be found on beaches, in The Faults, and any area that gets covered by the high tide.
Vibro-Eel: A large eel-like creature said to be as long as 5 yards, and has been found under ocean piers in most encounters. According to rumors, this monster has been able to maim victims without even touching them so it can then eat them. It is said to first stand up straight like a snake, stare at the victim, extending fins and opening up pores on its body, and start vibrating. At this point, the victim will start to feel disoriented, and this will quickly progress to excruciating pain in the head as if it were going to explode. It is hypothesized that this beast uses precision sound waves to attack targets from a range.
Sea Rhino: Large, dark, semi-aquatic bipedal beast with a horn on its head. Average height: 9.5 - 12 feet tall. Average weight: 1000 - 2000 pounds. Also known as Faults Demon, and Dagoth (based on its appearance). The Sea Rhino is a large hulking beast with astonishing strength and endurance. It lives a solitary life, usually in The Faults or by the coast. They will sleep under the water during the high tide, and become active when the water isn't covering them completely. It is not known if the can swim, but they can move around on land. While it is omnivorous and mostly survives off of plants, this beast is highly aggressive and will attack on sight. While it is slow on the charge, the Sea Rhino is nearly impossible to outrun once it reaches its top speed. They prefer to attack the target directly using their powerful body, they will swing their extremely strong arms to strike victims, these strikes are so powerful that they result in broken bones, the victim being sent flying or knocked down, but typically instant death. On a charge, it will either throw its weight onto the victim and crush them, or it will stab them with its horn. Sea Rhinos also have thick skin and reinforced anatomy that makes them very durable, their head has the toughest part since it can stop even armor piercing .50 BMG rounds, the body though is soft enough for most rifle rounds to damage, even if minimally. They can survive explosions, extended periods of volley fire, and even shrug off a good amount of energy based weaponry. While originally thought to be a myth, the Sea Rhino is a very real threat and probably the most feared beast in Socal.
Faults Octopus: An odd cephalopod exclusive to The Faults of Socal. Average length: 3.7 - 4.5 feet long, excluding tentacles. The Faults Octopus lives in the moist parts of The Faults that are in the reach of the high tide. They hide in caves and hunt for small prey, and are typically not a threat to people. Thanks to their natural camouflage, they are very hard to spot. The Faults Octopus is also considered a delicacy in some areas of Socal, and people will risk traveling through The Faults to hunt them.
Dune Jackrabbit: A large mutated rodent. Average height: 4.75 - 5.5 feet tall, excluding ears. Average weight: 170 - 250 pounds. Much larger than its ancestors, the Dune Jackrabbit is one of the most common animals in the deserts of Socal. They represent no threat to people, being herbivores, and are targeted by Socal Panthers. Wild Jackrabbits can be quite a sight to see when they run through the desert at night. Additionally, some have been domesticated by societies and function in a way like horses did for people long ago, carrying supplies and being used for transportation, although riding a Dune Jackrabbit is not for the faint of heart.
Splorker: An odd scavenger with traits of other animals. Average length: 3.28 - 6.56 feet long. A unique creature local to not just Socal but other places within the southwest region of the US. Splorkers are nocturnal, omnivorous, egg laying mammals that typically live in familial groups, scavenging the ravaged wasteland. These peculiar creatures have armor like that of an armadillo, and can also roll up into a ball like one. That's not their only defense mechanism though, additionally splorkers have sets of quills similar to a porcupine's on their head and back, and unlike the common myth of the associated animal, they can actually shoot out their quills, though up to a very limited range. These creatures are not fighters and will typically run at the sight of danger unless cornered. They can also prove to be a nuisance among communities, chewing wires and damaging property. Splorkers can be hunted and turned into a meal, though it's been said to never consume their raw eggs whole; according to stories said eggs (provided they are fertalized) are able to survive in the stomach long enough for the newborn to hatch, only to violently evacuate though the midsection. (All credit for this entry goes to chezmarine, the creator of this unique animal. projectcyden.boards.net/user/33)
---------------
Cryptids(Legendary creatures)
Proctor Minotaur: A rural cryptid that resembles the classic beast it's named after. Sightings are very rare, but all of them have occurred at night. It is said to be at least 7.5 feet tall, and of a heavy muscular build. Whether it is hostile or docile remains unknown.
Chupacabra: A mythical creature that lives on even after the world changed. The beast has been described in many ways, from a humanoid reptile alien thing with glowing red eyes, to a deformed furless coyote-like creature. One detail that is the same among stories is that the creature drains blood from its victims, emits a terrible odor, and causes dread. Most sightings occur in the southern part of Socal.
Reptoids: These creatures are said to come from underground, most sightings happening at major fault lines. They are said to be at least as big as the average human and weigh just as much. Very little is known about Reptoids, and they are usually dismissed as a myth.
Singing Mountain Entity: The Singing Mountain Creature is a legend associated with strange noises heard when in the mountain ranges of Socal. The sounds have often been dismissed as being confused with wind or even auditory hallucinations, but there are enough incidents that say otherwise. The sound has been described as feint and high pitched, sounding like a nail scraping glass in some reports. Groups of people have heard it at the same time, although some of the people in the vicinity have claimed to hear nothing. The sound is described as ominous and distant, and gives listeners a sense of isolation. No source of the sound has ever been found by witnesses.
Faults Kraken: A mythical giant cephalopod that is said to lurk in The Faults. Sightings of giant tentacles sticking out are most commonly associated with sightings of the monster. The entire size of the creature is unknown, but its appendages have been able to reach the opposite side from where the creature is, and more.
---------------
Misc.
Biormorphs: A relatively new terror to Socal since the discovery of Biotech sludge. Extremely rare, but a very real threat. Biomorphs are typically feared given the nature of their mutation, with people trying to stay as far away as possible. Feral biomorphs have contributed to this mostly, with some infamous massacres and disappearances revolving around them. The Golden State seems to be interested in them, but nobody knows why....
Please refer to this awesome thread by Noctus for more information on Biotech stuff. projectcyden.boards.net/thread/53/organic-tech-concept-extraterrestrial-samples
----------------------------------------
Socal Locations
----------------------------------------
Angel City: The Western hub of Socal, the ruins of the former city Los Angeles. The Big One (massive earthquake) had done a lot of damage to the whole area, with a large portion of the land mass sinking into the ocean. Tremors still plague the area, along with tsunamis and the High Tide. Some parts of the landmass that fell into the sea have resurfaced and formed islands. The area is mostly inhabited by various gangs who are trying to fight each other for control of the area, one reason for this being the valuable salvage that this location has been known to have in its ruins.
The Parks and Museums District: An area that used to be known as Balboa Park, and the only place in Socal officially controlled by the Golden State. Locked down with tight security, not much information is known about it currently, but there have been stories of valuable tech and pre-Cyden artifacts being held inside the museums and exhibits.
Socal Islands: Off the coast in various areas there are islands that have formed from the sunken parts of the continent. Nobody has explored them yet, so there is no information on them.
Flooded Downtown SD: The ruins of Downtown San Diego. A portion of the land sunk into the ocean after the Big One, leaving the land mass with several missing parts, streets that are flooded and require a boat to travel through, and buildings sticking out of the water. The only way to get in or out of this area is through the old overpasses that are not underwater. At high tide, the flooded city becomes way too dangerous to travel through, so people run for shelter in taller buildings and wait it out. This area is the hot spot of the Socal Waveriders.
Downtown Ridge: While a large amount of Downtown sunk to ocean level, a decent portion miraculously survived the Big One and remains standing, overlooking the flooded section. The Downtown Ridge is a significant area in Socal, not just because it is home to local weapon dealers and powerful figures, but because it also has the hottest club in Socal, Shock on the Wire. The entire district is heavily protected, not even bandits or Golden State agents will bother with it, despite the proximity to The Parks and Museums District.
Borrego Desert: Formerly known as Anza-Boreggo. This is one of the hottest and dryer parts of Socal, with a scorching heat that has claimed the lives of many unprepared travelers. The heat is not the only thing to worry about, there is also dangerous wildlife that has adapted to the brutal environment always on the search for a meal. And to add on to this, the desert holds an area that used to be a former military testing facility for combat robots and bombs, leaving that part with still functioning hostile androids and undetonated munitions. This place is where the Socal Sandmen can be found.
Deerhorn Mountain: A rural area with lots of roads in good condition. Some of the mountains overlook the sunken landmasses and the ocean. This is one of the most quiet areas in Socal due to its nice community and low population.
Apple Town: An old mining town that has a reputation for its produce of apples and various products made with them. Although the population is small, the area gets a lot of traffic from visitors after their famous goods, especially their famous pies.
Northern Territory Border: The area that separates Socal from the Golden State. Trespassers are killed on the spot by State guards. Beyond it to the North lies the Golden State's territory.
Southern Badlands: The ground zero zone of an Aether bomb explosion. While the environment has no harmful radiation due to the nature of Aether, it has a large concentration of energy that spreads throughout Socal. The area is almost barren with few plants which are already dead, and a small amount of wildlife. The Cartel Remnants have claimed this area and patrol it frequently.
The Old Border: Long ago on the border of California and Mexico a great wall was in the progress of being constructed but the project never got very far, this structure is now a large fortress controlled by the Cartel Remnants. Nobody dares to venture there, so little is known about it.
San Pacheco: A small community just on the other side of the original state boundaries, lying in the Mexican desert landscape. It looks like the stereotypical setting fro a western movie, with it's old fashioned wooden buildings, corals, and pueblo architecture. The people of this town are mostly made up of ranchers, traders, and old gunfighters; the community is relatively conservative and prefers to keep to itself, but it isn't closed to outsiders and can be very welcoming, so long as visitors don't cause any trouble. This is the hometown of Rio the coyote cowgirl, has resided here for many generations.
----------------------------------------
Notable Factions
----------------------------------------
Socal Waveriders: A laid back peaceful group of fishing and extreme surfing enthusiasts. Lives near the coast in buildings not totally submerged by the high tide. Has good relations with all factions, except the State and the cartel. Mostly made up of humans, canines, and marine species. They can be easily identified by the wetsuits they usually wear.
Socal Sandmen: A large group spread throughout the deserts in Eastern Socal. They are recognized for their generosity, helping lost travelers get out of the deserts alive. They also are known for their ferocity, battling the state military non-stop in the blistering heat. Has good relations with most factions. Mostly made up of desert-suited species such as coyotes, rabbits, hawks, snakes, and even cougars.
Deerhorn Mountain Community: Small rural community mostly made up of farmers and ranchers in the South-Eastern part of Socal. They are strongly conservative in terms of values, but welcome any new faces. Has good relations with most factions. One of the societies in Socal with the most humans, it is also is made up of various other species.
Apple Town: A small mountain community that is very much like a western town. Although usually peaceful, this town has a unique local authority consisting of sheriffs and deputies. The town got its name from the various orchards and apple products produced in it long ago, and is very popular for this reason. One notable product that Apple Town's community is famous for is their pies, something that many people have traveled a long way for just to enjoy, along with their other famous baked goods. (If you are a Southern Californian in real life, you may now this place under a different name). Races consist of humans, canines, felines, equines, bovines and avians. Allied with every community except for the Golden State and Cartel remnants.
United Socal Colonies: Formed from a pact between most of the communities in Socal, established a trade system and looks out for communities in trouble. Various races given how the population is made up of many communities. A general militia is also formed from the collaboration of the local ones and has a limited number of minutemen readily available. Allies include the Sandmen, Waveriders and Deerhorn Mountain; enemies on the other hand include the Cartel Remnants and the Golden State.
The Golden State: A powerful society from the North that is looking to claim Socal. It is mostly made up of humans, but there have been other species reported in this faction. It is both resourceful and influential, people typically live well, in exchange for their individuality by blindly supporting the government. The law enforcement is very militant, and extremely brutal when it comes to handling the unlawful. The State also sends out patrols to scout out Socal and strike fear into opposing forces. Most Socal factions loathe The Golden State.
Cartel Remnants: One of the most chaotic and dangerous factions, feared by most people. Formed from the foundation of the original cartel in Southern Socal, this new generation is even more ruthless than the previous ones were. Members are typically humans, canines, felines, and reptiles. While not technologically advanced, this faction is well armed, and with seemingly endless numbers. In addition to dealing narcotics and extortion, they have a nasty reputation for kidnappings and ransoms, since they typically kill the victim anyway. The Cartel Remnants are spread throughout Southern Socal, but their base of operations is at the old border. All other factions of Socal despise them.
----------------------------------------
For those who want to join Socal, please keep the following in mind:
-If you want to make a character from Socal, it would be best to make them from a species found in California and without much tech enhancements. If you want to use a different kind of species or even some fantasy-level things, it would make more sense for them to be an outsider. California local species include dogs, coyotes, wolves (rare), bobcats, house cats, mountain lions, foxes, rabbits, mice, various avians such as hawks, and so much more.
-This location will change over time, it may seem like a fine place to be right now, but the Golden State is slowly getting ready to invade it.
-The majority of tech in this area can be compared to modern tech, so if you want to introduce any new Socal tech, keep this in mind.
-Overpowered characters will be dealt with accordingly, Socal is a tough land and no cake walk to get around, so I will add things that can counter anyone who I suspect to be overpowered.
-Got a location in mind that I haven't made up? Talk to me about it, would love to see this grow more.
-Factions are strong, so they can't easily be broken or changed. Also, if you want to make up a character who will be a big icon in a certain faction, talk to me first.
-Have fun.
----------------------------------------
Well, this is my first world for Project Cyden, and it's now officially part of the universe! Yay!
NOTE: Currently I am revising Socal to make it better fit into the Cyden universe and be a much more unforgiving and respectable location.
