Undertow

Undertow is a dichotomy, the trappings and wear of benign everyday life cladding the cities macabre background. Orgianally Undertow was a duel research and operating base for the Overni that held the continent under its short-lived rule. The citie's foundations and levee especially hold the insectoid race's organically bulbous architecture as most of it is too advanced to recreate and be replaced. Over the base though, is an outstanding example of subterranean menervin architecture. Buildings are crammed together with few exceptions as there isn't much use of a personal yard when the city itself receives no direct sunlight; this even goes for richer estates.

History

Undertow holds a unique past being one of the only Overni outposts to not be completely razed but repurposed. During the The Year of blood and ash the coastline shifted, with new sandbars and rock outcroppings appearing as old ones were destroyed. This, along with the Overni's inability to adapt to a sudden drop in air quality and fungal infection, allowed a successful assault on the base.

After the battle it was debated what should be done with the location, but the decision was ultimately delayed until the war was over. The base was manned enough to hold out for reinforcements if attacked, but the location and climate prevented an attempt at repossession.
During the second phase of its life the base got the nickname "Undertow" for how it lays in a cavern below sea-level protected by a dike and the treacherous waters around it. Undertow stuck as the official name once it was repurposed as a trade post and then a small settlement, till it became the bustling city it is at present.

Layout and Infrastructure

Undertow is split into several layers.

The Grate

The first layer visitors see when arriving at Undertow's sizable port. The Grate holds the upper stop for the citiy's massive main lift. This layer is mostly unpopulated due to its proximity to the the Rack above. It serves as a good place to temporarily store cargo that is being transferred to another ship as well as having several areas for public access to sunlight. The only other reason people visit The Grate is to research the remaining Overni Technology.

The Rack

A bizarre mesh of structural architecture hangs above the city, it is unknown if all of the gnarled web is necessary to hold the stone sky up, but no one is eager to experiment. This area is understandably restricted to a few select people, markedly engineers that routinely inspect key areas for erosion and other forms of decay. Repair hasn't been needed yet, but every month the city holds its breath for the next report. Of course, something being restricted doesn't deter the various crime guilds that put up shop in the dark and precarious crannies even the most dedicated officials avoid.

The Mains

The body of Undertow is simply referred to as the Mains, as it is the main area where people live and conduct business. Oftentimes this area is even just called "Undertow" itself.

The 'Neath/UnderUndertow

The Mains aren't truly the lowest area of Undertow, aside from the waste management access. That goes to the 'Neath, also humorously called UnderUndertow. The 'Neath is a series of tunnels running beneath the city's raised wooden paths and through the foundations of many buildings. Everyone knows the 'Neath exists, but few understand the extent of it.
The tunnels work as a great way to get anywhere in the city quickly as the low traffic is combined with a significant amount of shortcuts. In fact, several legal businesses take advantage of this, mainly couriers and civil maintenance workers. But the workers must remain alert, for the 'Neath is the Guilds' highway.

Waste management access

At the very bottom, baked into the foundations of Undertow, is the waste management access. The tunnels are convoluted and incomplete. Most true access actually lays in the 'Neath, but it certainly takes a workmen where they need to go; Usually. Entering waste management access is not recommended without an experienced guide as many of the tunnels seamlessly melt into the gaping expanse of the StoneWays.

Notable Locations

Alternative Name(s)

City of tides

Related Ethnicities

• Tideriders, the people of Undertow

Inhabitant Demonym

Tiderider

Owning Organization

Menerv