Lot Sonox - Cyberpunk RED Homebrew World
June 2021 - Present

//HELLO_WORLD

Lot Sonox is a hectic world filled to the brim with money (though many are still looking for their own share) and riddled with corruption and crime from top-to-bottom- from hired Solo hitmen to background trading from corrupt executives. Not everything sucks, though! We all get food codes sent to our Agents daily, there's always new VRs being developed by a company, hacker, or another, and the music chromes** heavy.

** Chrome: Lot Sonox's one and only overarching music "genre." In The Aftermath, all prior records of music had been destroyed and new waves of music had emerged from residential communes- widely shared and spread throughout The NET. The sound that had risen from its ashes was loud, grimy, violent, unrefined, and heavily modified by techware.
While "chrome" is foremost a noun, it is also sometimes used as an adjective to describe music/something as "cool."

//HISTORY_OF_LOT

The Boom: The governing powers of Lot Sonox, The Rule, are caught and exposed manipulating NET-based stock markets by an anonymous source. When the news spreads to the general public, a worldwide economic meltdown results from those looking to cut their losses short and distrust in the system. Weakened by their current financial situation, growing unemployment, and rising homelessness, many city governments collapse. Amidst the chaos arising, a doomsday cult known as Nomi Devo carries out smaller terrorist attacks around Lot Sonox seeking to undermine the power of The Rule.

Agros War: Growing concerns with The Rule pushes Sonoxians to establish self and community sustaining systems of survival. Business surrounding agriculture and food sourcing develops and spreads particularly fast until a mutated plant virus (known as OPO-Green: Omitted Polyprotein Oxidation-Green) wipes out nearly all crops from leading providers. Communities speculate the virus' origins and accuse contesting food suppliers of biological warfare. Unidentified cyberterrorists perform NET attacks on various supplier database hubs. As croplife dwindles, food research and development gradually shifts towards genetically engineered and crafted food products.

Aftermath: An incursion team led by Ekin Saori and Vanya Chtghenkova attempt to steal and destroy the agricultural database from The Tomo Research Facility. During the raid a nuclear device is detonated destroying the lower supports of the main building, collapsing the skyscrapers and destroying much of the surrounding city lines. Over half a million people are killed in the destruction. Survivors displaced from the wreckage now set out to claim vacant areas nearby. Nomadic groups, such as 4KU (Four Kettle Unit), support migration efforts by establishing trade routes between cities. Local businesses sprout as people settle into the new cities and are able to grow into larger corporations as selling and trading expands.

Rise of Agencies: As corporations grew in strength and popularity, dependence on The Rule weakened. While still present and effective, the influence of The Rule is similar to or less than some of the most prestigious corporations- called "Agencies." These are broad scope super corps aiming to provide patrons with multilevel cross-market innovation: from fine dining experiences, to musical performance, and residential site fabrication. Starlite Dynamix begins construction on the first Teratowers- "all in one" arcologies designed to create safe, habitable zones rapidly for an expanding population.

Time of the Red: Particles from the nuclear fallout in Kettle-On-Cowl, conventional explosives, and the burning and annihilation of cities casts a deep crimson shroud over the night skies. For nearly 3 years, the skies of Kettle-On-Cowl and its surrounding areas have been tinted red which fades to a sickly terra cotta as the sun rises. Time of the Red refers to this period after The Agros War- a time where good money (unless it's under the table) is hard to come by.

The Rite: In order to expedite the rebuilding process of areas affected by The Agros War, the Rule mandates participation in rebuilding services for adults ages 20-29. Service runs for a minimum of 1 year and includes projects such as restorative architectural planning, urban debris clean up, and electrical maintenance. Failure to serve generally results in restriction of government assistance programs and, if left long enough, a visit from law enforcement officials. However, some have managed to bypass Rule harassment from the government by partnering with local organizations or Agencies.

//ZONES_N_SECTORS

Lot Sonox: The given name for the world at large.

Kettle-on-Cowl (Zone I) is the largest and most densely populated Zone in Lot Sonox. It is divided into two sub-sections: The Inner Kettle and The Outer Kettle. The Inner Kettle is the governing home of The Rule, and the site of the abandoned grounds of The Tomo Research Facility. The Outer Kettle became the new home for many affected by The Agros War in large part to the development of Four Kettle Unit's (4KU) post-war trade expansion plans. Kettle-on-Cowl is known for its red night skies, strong Agency support, and compressed city layouts. Elites and commoners alike are modestly techno-literate, hyperconnected via The NET, and are accustomed to fast paced living. Travel to S'Ankor, Dwyntwyrhllde, and Ozuri is publicly accessible here.

S'Ankor (Zone II) is a port island which sits at the center amongst Lot Sonox's other Zones. Due to its location, ports and landing zones are common around and throughout the Zone. S'Ankor is an economic hub distinguished by its unparalleled trading system and public facing marketplaces. Residents of this region construct and live in floating structures which exist above the land due to high foot and street traffic from external wayfarers. Travel to Kettle-on-Cowl, Dwyntwyrhllde, and Garo Geno is publicly accessible here.

Dwyntwyrhllde (Zone III), pronounced "Winter Hold", is the southernmost Zone in Lot Sonox. Characterized by its frigid climate and its expanse of snow-clad plains. Dwyntwyrhllde is home to Starlite Dynamix- whose founder, Daz Houston, is responsible for the planning and construction of Lot Sonox's first Tera Towers. The development of which became imperative to the sustainability and growth of the Zone in respect of its harsh weather conditions. Travel to Kettle-on-Cowl, S'Ankor, and Ozuri is publicly accessible here.

Ozuri (Zone IV) is the smallest and northwesternmost Zone of Lot Sonox. It is a tropical region popular for its lush greenery and leisured lifestyle, in comparison to other Zones, with people who prefer a more humble approach to technology. Use of cyberware must be proven safe and socially acceptable before being adopted by the most strict neo-luddites of Ozuri. However, technology is still present and common within the Zone, but is often outmodded, out-of-fashion, or seen in lesser quantities. Travel to Kettle-on-Cowl, and Dwyntwyrhllde is publicly accessible here.

Garo Geno (Zone V) is the easternmost Zone of Lot Sonox and, predominantly, an artificial island landmass. Once a private external base of 4KU's leadership, after 9 years of expansion the region has established itself as a household name. Though it is not officially recognized as a Zone of Lot Sonox, people often refer to it as "Zone V" because of its reputation. Garo Geno is notorious for its interweaving waterways and underwater architecture. The people of Garo Geno, like its parent-Zone Kettle-on-Cowl, are highly adept at using cyberware. Travel to Kettle-on-Cowl, S'Ankor, and Ozuri is publicly accessible here.

//THE_BIG_THREE

4KU (Four Kettle Unit): Founded in Kettle-on-Cowl by four young mechanics. The Four Kettle Unit began as a small traveling business for automotive repair on vehicles working in the Outer Kettle. Since expanding, 4KU has primarily dealt with the vehicular manufacturing and operation of public transportation, but has been developing new social networking and communication technologies.

SDX (Starlite Dynamix): Founded in Dwyntwyrhllde by former Chromestar Daz Houston. After gaining worldwide traction from a successful music career, Houston redirected his renown to found a talent agency for training amateur entertainment artists. Starlite is known widely for their influence on residential site construction (vis-a-vis Project: Teratower) and the prominence of their music artists.

OVM (Ozuri Value Medical): Founded by two sisters (known colloquially as O2, The Ozuri Two, or The Ozuri Sisters) born and raised in Ozuri. Begun as a research facility for genetically engineered food, OVM has grown into the largest food vendor and processor in Lot Sonox, becoming synonymous with high quality goods at any price. Recently, OVM has looked to extend their line of work into the medical field- using natural resources to supplement their medicine and treatments.

//MISSION_BRIEFING

Hijinks In Your Area: International Chromestar girl band AMITY has stopped in town as part of their 25 citywide P3ACEMAK3R World Tour. You have been personally recommended for hire as their protection and assistance during their stay in Filling, The Outer Kettle. Unfortunately, their touring manager who would normally be in charge of their scheduled duties is stuck in misconnecting flights halfway around The Lot. For the time being, you and the other hires are in charge of their safety and travel to and from their promotional activities and wherever else they choose to sightsee.

Fauxswagen Dealership: Local vehicle repair shop Solidstate has put out a call for help to mend their plummeting finances. They've seen a huge rise in their online NET sales the past two weeks but for all the wrong reasons. It seems someone has been mining into the company website and undercutting prices on all their products. Owner, Si, can't afford to sell all the product at that much of a loss- nor can she find enough product to fulfill half of the orders. Solidstate would like your assistance in tracking down the hacker entity who is responsible.

Mush Ado About Nothing: Quite popular on the streets, the amateur (yet quickly rising in popularity) chef Yves Kiani has an idea for a new growth variety of mushroom- something he calls Olpurre. His masterplan, should it work out, seems to be some sort of multi-use mushroom that tastes different depending on its preparation. However, the most important ingredient, a bacterial microbe dubbed SE14, is developed in-house at a Tanaka Agency archive and used for culturing argan milk.