Exodus

"Exodus. A curious city. In the short space of 67 years, they have become so convinced of their own superiority, they are blinded to the truth that there are far greater powers out there"- The Archivist

Exodus, the last city-scape of the old World State, is a key location in Tempest. It is the only nation to be fully Somnium secure, and almost everything in the city is powered by the chemical. This makes it a magnet for the so called 'barbarian nations' who want Exodus's power for themselves.

Demographics

Exodus is populated by many different ethnicities, from all over, whose ancestors came to the city in its early days, seeking a better life under the Great Squall, earning the city its name. These different cultures and lifestyles were intergrated centuries ago, and these different races get along without prejudice. However, in recent years, anti-abhuman feeling has been building among the people.
The very rich of the city tend to be the executives of the one buisness which has stayed consistant- the Somnium Refiners, purifiers and distributors. Organised crime bosses and other powerful underworld criminals, like successful smugglers, also do well. These buisnessmen and socialites reside in in the lower levels of the city, where the rain cannot reach, in well guarded neighbourhoods.
The poorer citizens are forced to live of the wet surface of the city, in polluted and dingy environments. These unfortunates might work in small buisnesses, which are prevented from ever growing too large by regular taxes from various Mafias and local criminal organisations, or work in factories producing everything from weapons, to vehicles, to clothes.

Government

Before the fall, the city was governed under the current Prime Steward of the World State, who would choose a Regent of Exodus from the most powerful people in the city to rule in his absence. This Regent would have complete control over Exodus, but at one word from the Prime Steward, could be replaced.
In modern times, the idea of a Regency has remained, but without a Prime Steward, open warfare between gangs and organisations has decided who should wear that title. However, in the last decade, Fabien Ashkiter, Chaplain of the Future Day, staged a religious coup and seized control of the city. With Fabien as leader, a council of representatives was formed, made up of the heads of crime, buisness and trade. Since then, all power struggles have stopped.
Many of the new laws implemented by Ashkiter have been positive, such as his construction of 5 new Stormvanes to make Somnium products accessable to everyone. However, a lot have discriminated against Abhumans, a term coined by Fabien himself. He has also equipped all his Paragon Corps with modern weaponry, and instated them as the nation's standing army, police and special forces, leading to concerns that Exodus is becoming a theocracy. So far, none of Ashkiter's rules have involved religion explicity, but he has managed to place himself in many positions of power, being Regent of Exodus, Chaplain and CEO of the Refineries.

Defences

Exodus is defended by huge reinforced tower walls, as well as the naturally forming swamp which surrounds it. These walls are mostly for show, being constructed before the militarisation of Somnium into powerful siege weapons such as the Pulse Cannon, perfectly designed for shattering thick walls like these.
However, these fortifications were carefully maintained through the era of the World State as relics and places of historical significance, if not defences. It is fortunate that they were maintained though, because after the World State collapsed and other nations lost their supplies of Somnium, most countries and cities reverted back to gunpowder or electric weaponry, which could not penetrate the once obsolete walls.
Barracks and outposts along the walls are equipped with anti-aircraft guns to shoot down any potential bombers or aerial creatures. The Paragon Corps, current standing military force of Exodus, are highly trained and well equipped with Shock Sticks, Pulse Handguns and Executioner Rifles. This formidable military force is probably the last thing holding enemy nations in check.

Industry & Trade

Exports
The majority of citizens work in heavily polluted factories, many located underground, making kevlar and manufacturing weaponry (it is relevant to note that none of their weapon exports have contained Somnium). In recent years, they have been branded as war proffiteers for their roles as suppliers to all sides. They also supply other nations with Somnium engines and vehicles, and exorbitant costs. Unofficially, Exodus is also the lead exporter of Veritas, an injectable hallucinagenic drug.
Imports
Exodus has a few primary imports, namely minerals such as iron and radium, two primary componants in Somnitech. To trade for these, Exodus has a large logging industry available to those who dare leave its walls. The radium and iron is then processed into engines, vehicles and weaponry in large factories. In the year 664 AU, a large trade blocade was set up by the New State which damaged Exodus's economy considerably.

Guilds and Factions

The guilds of Exodus are widely known for their wealth and power in the running of the city. While there are countless clubs, organisations and memberships in the city, only a few have secured the stature to earn a place on the unofficial League of Influencials.
Sons of the Future Day
The Sons of the Future day are a radical sect of Storm Worship which have gained prominence in Exodus. Over time, their members have joined the Somnium Refineries, until now most workers in that industry belong the this religion, giving it a monopoly over Somnium production. The current Regent, Fabien Ashkiter, is also Chaiplain of this religion, making him arguably the most powerful man in the modern world.
Pride Whitemane
Pride Whitemane represents a community of oppressed abhumans, most commonly the Anthro-Feline breed which Garrart Whitemane himself belongs to. An offshoot organisation is the People's Militia, a rebel movement with anti-government sentiments that is growing in popularity among poorer denizens of Exodus. Their tactics range from petty theft to suicide bombings.

Exodus Profile

History of Exodus

Founding Date

327 PS

Founders

• Karl Reid

Type

Capital

Population

3,975,884

Location under

Great Squall

Owner/Ruler

Favrien Ashkiter

Ruling/Owning Rank

Regent of Exodus

Owning Organization

World State

Characters in Location

• Favrien Ashkiter

The huge City-Scape is divided into several unofficial districts. In the centre of Exodus is the Old City, the original village that was founded by Karl Reid. It is now primarily used as a centre of trade and commerce.
On the South-West side of the city is the district its inhabitants have pleasantly named 'The Smokes', so called as the red smoke from the underground factories seeps up through the drains, forming a constant build-up on street level.

Whitemane's Great Bazaar

Whitemanes Great Bazaar, is a huge, partially underground bazaar and shopping centre located in the north to the city. Owned by infamous Garrart Whitemane this venue is full of a wide range of indepentant buisnesses who all pay tribute to Whitemane. It also acts as his moderately legal cover buisness. This destination attracts many strange and unusual customers, and most things there is to buy can be bought there, from food to favours.