Orsidian Heights

Obsidian Heights is a sprawling metropolis, Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture. The whole city is dark and depressing even the glitzy luxury parts. The city is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere.

The City and districts

Obsidian Heights was founded in the late 18th century by a wealthy businessman named Jeremiah Blackwell. He envisioned it as a modern, industrial hub fueled by new steam technology.

The city thrived for decades as manufacturing, shipping, and rail transit boomed. Obsidian Heights became a beacon of innovation and progress. Grand civic buildings, theaters, and mansions were constructed during this golden era.

By the early 1900s though, economic decline set in. As industry moved overseas, Obsidian Heights’ factories and ports became obsolete. The wealthy elite abandoned the city for more fashionable locales.

In this void, organized crime flourished. Corrupt officials turned a blind eye as mobsters, smugglers, and vice dens took over. Prohibition in the 1920s only exacerbated the lawlessness and decadence.

Fires, floods, disease outbreaks, and other calamities only added to the city’s downfall over the decades. The once proud buildings decayed into decrepit, gothic-style relics.

The city government became ineffective. Powerful figures like Alistair Ironside and Augustus Silvermane seized control of entire districts. This divided and bleak version of Obsidian Heights persists into the 1930s, the era where Scarlet Noir’s tales begin.

City Map:

Central Hub:

The Nexus District: Situated at the heart of the city, this bustling district would likely be the main transportation hub, featuring a central train station, bus terminals, and major roads radiating outwards. Grand Art Deco buildings and illuminated signs would create a vibrant atmosphere, contrasting with the surrounding districts.
The Gothic Quarter District: Bordering The Nexus District, this historic area would feature narrow, winding streets lined with Gothic architecture. Hidden courtyards, occult shops, and museums could add to its mystique.

Upper Districts:

The Heights District: Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this wealthy enclave would boast grand Art Nouveau mansions, expansive gardens, and exclusive clubs. Restricted access and security checkpoints would separate it from the rest of the city.
The Gloom District: This working-class district would sprawl outwards from the base of The Heights District, featuring densely packed tenements and a strong sense of community. Small parks and community centers could provide pockets of respite.

Lower Districts:

The Bleak District: This industrial wasteland would stretch outwards from The Nexus District, dominated by the sprawling complex of Blackwell Steel. Smoke stacks and conveyor belts would paint a picture of pollution and harsh working conditions.
The Maze District: This chaotic district would sprawl outwards from The Gloom District, characterized by narrow, winding alleys, hidden pathways, and abandoned buildings. Criminal activity and a sense of constant danger would permeate the area.

Outer Ring:

The Docks District: This gritty port area would fringe the city along the waterfront, featuring docks, warehouses, and shipping yards. A mix of legitimate businesses and smuggling operations would create a complex and potentially dangerous environment.
The Underground District: Hidden beneath the city, this vast network of tunnels and abandoned spaces would be accessible through hidden entrances and secret passages. Outcasts, refugees, and those seeking to escape the city’s harsh realities might find refuge here, but danger and darkness would also lurk.

Districts:

The Heights District: The wealthy district, home to the city’s elite and their opulent mansions.
The Nexus District: The bustling commercial heart of the city, filled with markets, casinos, and nightclubs.
The Maze District: A chaotic and confusing district known for its labyrinthine streets and criminal activity.
The Docks District: A gritty and industrial area, home to factories, warehouses, and smuggling operations.
The Bleak District: A vast industrial wasteland, dominated by Blackwell Steel and its polluting factories.
The Gloom District: A working-class district characterized by dilapidated tenements and a strong sense of community.
The Gothic Quarter District: The oldest part of the city, known for its Gothic architecture and occult connections.
The Underground District: A vast subterranean world beneath the city, home to outcasts and refugees, as well as dark secrets.

Key Figures:

Alistair Ironside: The epitome of privilege and old money, ruling the Heights through backroom deals.
Augustus Silvermane: The ruthless CEO of Blackwell Steel, controlling the Bleak and exploiting its workers.
Cain Blackwell: The leader of the Society of the Obsidian Eye, a secretive organization seeking powerful artifacts and rituals.
Dame Augusta: A mysterious and powerful figure in the Gothic Quarter, rumored to possess occult knowledge.
Detective Victor Sullivan: A seasoned police detective, often working with Mia Blackwell to solve crimes.
Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Locksley V2: A charming and cunning private investigator, often a rival but occasional ally of Mia Blackwell.
Mia Blackwell: The main protagonist, a private investigator known for her cold and calculating demeanor, as well as her expertise in solving supernatural cases.
Rex Holloway: The charismatic and manipulative ruler of the Nexus, controlling vice dens, nightclubs, and gambling operations.
Sean O’Malley: A prominent figure in the Docks, known for his connections to both legal and illegal activities.
Victor Cain: A mysterious and enigmatic individual with extensive knowledge of the occult, often assisting Mia with information on supernatural elements of her cases.