ネオンしま Neonshima

What brings you to Neonshima? Something illegal, I hope.

— Hoshi Yasashi

Neonshima is the southern megalopolis on the Saiba island of Western Arcasai.

Districts

There are several districts within this massive city, each with it's own flavour and purpose.

• Jutaku-chi

A near-endless wall of high-rise apartment buildings for the plentiful lower class. One might get vertigo staring at the soulless towering blocks, but those that live there don't bother looking up.

• Yatai-chi

Known as Neonshima's kitchen, Yatai-chi is a sprawling mass of markets and street food stalls, and one of the more open spaces in the city. Even so, it's packed with people at nearly all hours of the day and a major tourist trap. The air here is thick with smoke, steam and the smell of hot food.

• Ryuukou-chi

Every city has it's commercial center, and Ryuukou-chi is it. Blocks of shopping centers dozens of stories high, jam packed with everything from the latest holographic TV to the hottest fashion trends.

• Gakku-chi / Gakko-chi

The hub of development and education for Neonshima, and quite possibly all of Saiba island. Office buildings and high-tech labs populate this area, as well as other education facilities.

• Asobi-chi / Asobu-chi

The district of arcades; a geek's fever dream. Retro arcade machines next to fully-immersive VR experiences. The virtual world is your oyster.

• Kanrakugai

Warning! Red Light District!

What would a city be without its red light district? Bland. The plain, neon lit exteriors of the buildings in this district bely the comfortable interior where humans and androids alike service their customers. However, Alley Vipers lurk on the fringes, waiting for an unsuspecting target.

^Clickable

• Noborizaka-chi / Yami-chi

Officially, this district is Noborizaka-chi, the place for people to get bio-enhancements and implants. Unofficially, it is the place for shady deals and private matters. Heavily modded bodyguards protect wealthy businessmen behind closed doors. Watch your back, upgrades are expensive and some are desperate for the latest tech.

• Kemuri-chi

The source of the smog that hangs in the streets of Neonshima, Kemuri-chi is jam-packed with automated factories producing everything that needs to be produced. This area is the main reason why Saiba was split in two.

• Shinchuu-chi

Those who walk into this district often believe they've left Neonshima. This is the upper class district, walled off from the filthy commoners they share the city with. The current fashion is vintage: corsets, parasols and top hats. Far more stylish than leather.

History

Pre-War

Before the War Of Flames, Western Arcasai was much like Kaeoma, except for one thing. Kaeoma is within the radius of a fount of magic energy located on the Forested Isle. This gave the people of Kaeoma a distinct advantage, and the people of the West sought to claim it. With the help of Central Arcasai, Western Arcasai declared war on Kaeoma. Due to the larger forces of the two combined continents, Kaeoma was on the verge of defeat, until the Ascension of Renova Ignae, Patron of Fire forced Western Arcasai to surrender. Both sides suffered heavy losses, but Western Arcasai lost most of it within the span of a few weeks at the hand of Renova.

Post-War

After Western Arcasai surrendered, Central Arcasai unallied itself with the west, instead choosing to become neutral to both parties. The King of Western Arcasai at the time was overthrown by the people he had promised the world to, and the west became a democracy.
However, the magic of Kaeoma was still a target. So Western Arcasai began a personal arms race, seeking to overpower the magic of demigods with science. However, over time, the anger towards Kaeoma faded, leaving only an inherited grudge from generations past. Magic is still outlawed in Western Arcasai as a result, and Kaeomans are treated with biased aggression.
When technology really started taking off, with the production of computer chips and eventually micro-processors and holographic tech. Unfortunately, the sheer number of factories became an ecological hazard, as well as the urban sprawl. Saiba was split into two, the north half renaming itself [せたいしま and taking a more eco-friendly route. Many professionals claim Setaishima is the only reason why the people of Neonshima are still alive.

Other Information

Landscape

The city skyline disguises the hills that pepper the megalopolis' expansive area. Strangely, the hills often relocate, with some electing to remove them to build large skyscrapers and others favouring building personal villas on a higher elevation. Of course, in the grand scheme of things the number is declining.

Energy Production

Cities like Neonshima consume immense amounts of electricity, and production doesn't come easily. Solar panels are rare and only found on the tallest of buildings, and resources are quickly running out. It is rumoured that energy manufacturers are turning to magic, though many believe it to be incompatible with technology and therefore just rumours.
Hydroelectricity was attempted twice, once on either side of Neonshima. However, both attempts were destroyed by Sea Serpents. Therefore, Neonshima relies completely on non-renewable energy production.

Demographics

While predominantly human, Neonshima is home to the races from Kaeoma, such as dwarves, elves, orcs and dragonborn.
Unlike the small wealth gap of their northern neighbours, Neonshima's class disparity has caused most foreigners to consider it a massive capitalist slum. Some of the locals would agree.

Alternative Name(s)

Neon Island / Denkishima

Type

Megalopolis

Population

9.5 million