The thin and tenuous link between the great Arcologies and the Wild Lands, the ‘skirts, the ‘Burbs, or whatever name they claim provide the balance between them, the place where both communication and commerce takes place.
Welcome Wagon Community
Communities that are warm and accepting of new visitors. While some of these can be altruistic about their generous nature, a great deal of these have a hidden agenda that draws them toward magnanimity. Guarded conversations, circumspect curiosity about what goes on beyond their borders, and an almost insatiable desire to make the Cadre comfortable are all ways the Welcome Wagon kind of community can create alarm and foster a healthy distrust of the motives they portray.
Skim City
While arguably more dangerous, a suburban community or outskirts area that is open about its intent to profit from the CADRE can often be more trustworthy than the other types, as the motivation for communication is more clear and visible. Don’t portray the Skim City populace as needy or demanding; theirs is a position of power, as the gatekeepers to materials, resources, and information the CADRE most likely needs. It all just has a price.
Worn Down Town
Under the thumb of a nearby city, the denizens of a Worn Down Town have more to lose, and less to gain, for helping the CADRE. It doesn’t mean help is unavailable, just that such aid will most likely come with a price. Low costs, quick and lackluster haggling are signs of this kind of community and are usually backed up with evidence of city-based pressures, constant searches, and confiscations, as well as the occasional “disappearance” of Recurring or Story Characters.
Egyptville
A considerable population in subjective denial of the kind of world they occupy, those that reside in an Egyptville turn a blind eye to injustice, yet operate fairly effectively despite either overt oppression or subtle cultural abuse from the city or complex nearest them.
FreeJack Bazaar
The most liberated kinds of ‘Skirts are those driven most by open trade and a robust black and white marketplace. Cadre will often have to pay more dearly for information in a Bazaar, as nearly everyone is aware of how valuable information, resources, and tools can be in the right hands. Jacks of Trades have a better time in these communities, as they are most readily understood and respected.
Unionburg
Heavily influenced by the work ethic, and usually, in support and proximity of heavy work-load dependent economic centers, Unionburg communities are greatly respectful of Journeymen, those that dedicate themselves to their Greater Cause. Expect fair prices for them, but premium pricing for others, particularly for Renunciates and the despised Freejacks.
Collegetown
Communities that respect and honor Masters of their particular trades fall into this description. As centers of learning and expertise, the College communities tend to draw a greater price for their labors, and usually are adjacent to tech or specialty Acropolises.
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