NEMOPEDIA
Chaotic Lawful
GEOGRAPHY
LOCATION
Many of the rich tend to buy pieces of land to separate themselves from the rest of the world. Whether it is because they want their own autonomy, or wish to escape, there is always an ambitious soul or two that attempts to start their own utopia. Golden City is another such example and a successful one at that. Located somewhere in the European mountains the city’s location keeps itself secluded from the whims of the world. It enables the freedom that many scientists seek when they arrive. Many from far and wide travel to Golden City through the numerous means provided. Merchants on business, or scientists with a dream, or these who wish to escape the everyday world. There are many reasons to seek out Golden City.
Some travel by the mountain roads, letting their own feet, or carriages bring them to the city. Others take the zeppelin ride to the top, which is a pretty recent invention brought to the world. There is always a steady stream of newcomers that seeks Golden City, each with their own story to tell.
CLIMATE
Being so high up in the mountains affects the climate of Golden City. The first thing to be noticed is the temperature, which is usually cool and humid. The temperature in the city rarely exceeds 15C (59F), and can drop as low as -29C (-20,2F). As a result a jacket is almost always required when going outside. The temperatures are pretty constant throughout the year, but through human intervention, and the direction of the wind something alike to seasons can be experienced in the city.
Through the summer and spring, the air that blows is dryer and lighter, thus causing the smog rates to be thicker. The heat of the factories also tends to linger around in the city, raising the temperature just a little above average. This is usually the dry season of Golden City, though some off-season rainstorms may occur, depending on the direction of the wind.
In the fall and winter, the air becomes heavier and more humid, which makes precipitation more common. Smog rates become lower as well, as the dust particles grow heavier, and lands on the ground, which in turn makes the air cleaner. Temperatures can drop down to below freezing point in the city.
The changing of weather in Golden City can be quite radical. Especially so in the summers, when the arid air can suddenly grow heavy. Because of the mountains it happens that rain clouds are blocked in their way, gathering around, and descending down to the point where they become too heavy to hold. These cloud breaks can be quite disastrous, even if they don't last long, because of the huge volumes of water rush down the roads. However, the aftermath of these rainfalls is a breather for the city, as the smog clears up a little. In the winter, when the air is heavier and temperatures are lower, snow becomes more common. As with the rain, it is common for the snow to fall in piles. However, don't expect the snow to be white, for the pollution causes even the snow to discolour and turn black as it falls.
Generally the same temperatures can be experienced in The Sky, because of the Embryo protecting The Sky, condensation isn't as common in The Sky as it is on The Land. Except from the cloud-bursts that last for only a few minutes, the Embryo manages to hold out most of the precipitation.
FLORA & FAUNA
Both naturally, as well due to human cause, there is little green to be found in and surrounding the city. Due to the high density of people there is little space in The Land to plant anything, as every inch of ground is employed. Counting with it that Golden City has very little ground that is suitable for vegetation at all, it stands low on the list of priorities. The only place where greenery is a common sight is in The Sky; as the added oxygen in the air, as well as the availability of maintenance, makes it easier to grow flowers and bushes to decorate the streets.
Wild animal life in Golden City is mostly extinct since the city started to expand and industrialise. Due to the heavy smog on The Land, and the activity of humans, most of the fauna has fled to places away from the city. The only wild animals that can still be found are rodents, crawling everywhere from The Land, to The Underground. With the arrival of people in Golden City, domesticated animals have been introduced into the wildlife as well; this is, usually because of abandonment from the owners, or because they simply got lost in the maze of alleys that is Golden City. Lately, it has also been popular to take on mechanical pets, as they require less attention and grooming than an actual pet, but can still act like one. It has all the traits of a pet, minus the inconveniences, which raises the numbers of pets abandoned at an alarming rate.
SMOG ALERTS
Smog is a recurring problem in Golden City. The pollution caused by the factories, as well as the mountains surrounding the city, makes it difficult for the pollution to escape. In The Sky, the air is filtered to protect the people. However, on The Land there is no such filter, and the citizens usually have to live in the dirt and grime of the air. Some days are better than others; when it rains the dust particles in the air gets heavier, and hit the ground. However, on hot days the smog can turn quite dense, and rise to dangerous levels. As such, there are a few systems in place to protect the citizens of Golden City. It is always advisable to wear a mask in the city, but not everyone does it, as they believe it to be cumbersome and have accustomed themselves to the ever lingering smog.
The morning papers gives elaborate readings on what the expected smog rate is, advises the people on whether it is wise to wear a mask, or informs them that they may be better off staying home at certain hours. The papers also gives the citizens an insight on their vision within the city. These are important to know how thick the smog is, and how it can affect their sight. Next to that, there are smog alarms installed everywhere in the city, in case the levels of pollution becomes too high. Once the rate of pollution exceeds a certain danger level, these alarms will go off, signalling for the citizens of Golden City to hurry inside, wherever they can.
COMPASS
Navigate through the city.
