The Free City of Rooksterdale

The Free City of Rooksterdale. 1000-year old spires, incandescent with megalopolitan lights. Geographically, it’s a chokepoint of the global trade routes. Historically, it has been mostly independent. The few who have managed to conquer it have failed to maintain it, although, that has never stopped them from trying. Rooksterdale is a “free” city. It lacks any kind of formal government. Yet it’s denizens are anything but free. The gangs have divvied up the territory of the city, serving as a certain kind of government. They collect “taxes” and protect from random violence, bringing civilization, brutal as it may be. Though, much more dangerous than the gangs, are the corporations. As a tax-haven, the rich and greedy naturally flock towards the city of towers. Those who interfere with corporate activity can always be found in the same place: The graveyard. Rooksterdale does contain a “city guard”, made up of “volunteers” who compose nothing but a gang bigger than most. There are too the cults and aristocracies –ancient relics of Rooksterdale’s history, still vying for power and reach, they win over people with promises of purpose and a meaning in life. Of course, the promises are false. They are, again, gangs under another name.
Very few people are happy with their living arrangement in Rooksterdale. And yet, all those who attempt to bring systemic change fail. As such, if one wishes to improve their life, they must climb up the social ladder of their environment. This climb requires betrayal, ruthlessness, and a loss of ideals. If you wish to survive, you cannot put yourself at risk with things such as heroics. If you wish to truly live, however, then you cannot hope to show mercy or kindness to anyone. You must be ready to betray anyone, and you must be aware that they would do the same to you.
Rooksterdale also happens to be the centre of a great deal of innovation, no doubt due to the lack of regulations on tech and experimentation. It houses the Gaussford Wizard’s Academy, known as the shady black sheep of the Lichen League. Rooksterdale is particularly known for its domain over human enchantment implants, known more commonly as HEI. It is not common to see microglyphs tattooed in the arms of a criminal, granting them greater strength, or on their spine and nervous system, granting them greater reflexes. This kind of magic is a Rooksterdale signature, and part of why corporations tend to flock to it.