Journey into the Dark and Twisted City of New Gaslight

Art by Joseph Pennell

In the heart of a desolate and ruined Earth, scarred by the relentless onslaught of the centuries-long war and the haunting memory of the Martian invasion that ravaged the planet a century ago, lies New Gaslight—a sprawling dystopia that stands as a testament to mankind's hubris and insatiable drive for survival. This city is a place where hope flickers like a dying ember, struggling to ignite against the cold winds of despair that sweep through its broken streets. Born from the exploitation and colonization of the once-vibrant Land of Oz, New Gaslight rises like a defiant monument—a final bastion of humanity amidst the ruins. Here, within this vast sprawl, surrounded at all corners by Morrigan's malefic maelstom fog, stark contrasts intertwine with grim elegance, as the downtrodden slums, where destitution gnashes its teeth, entwine with opulent mansions that stand as beacons of decadence. The cityscape, a dark tapestry woven with strands of misery and opulence, beckons the lost and the desperate, promising salvation or damnation in equal measure.

As one traverses the streets of New Gaslight, a shroud of smog blankets the skies, suffocating the last vestiges of sunlight. The air, thick with pollutants, assaults the senses, a constant reminder of the decaying world that surrounds the city. Amongst the grime and filth, discarded blood bags litter the streets, remnants of a society that has succumbed to the darkness within. Disease, an ever-present specter, runs rampant through the veins of the city. Its inhabitants, weary and weakened, endure the ravages of illness as they struggle to survive. But amidst this bleakness, there is an unexpected burst of color and vibrancy.

Disease, an ever-present specter, runs rampant through the veins of the city. Its inhabitants, weary and weakened, endure the ravages of illness as they struggle to survive. But amidst this bleakness, there is an unexpected burst of color and vibrancy.

The citizens of New Gaslight, in defiance of their grim circumstances, adorn themselves with ornate costumes and masks, paying homage to the vast pantheon of gods and goddesses that populate their mythology. Festivals, pulsating with life and energy, fill the streets with a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.

One deity, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of the citizens - Hoo-Ahkoo, the jester god of theater, festival, and costume. Born from Dionysus' cup during the euphoric "carnal pleasure parties" that followed the triumphant victory over the Martians, Hoo-Ahkoo embodies the spirit of revelry and celebration. In the streets of New Gaslight, Hoo-Ahkoo's influence is felt as the citizens revel in a medley of colors, textures, and vibrant performances. From the masquerade veils to black and white face paint, the streets of New Gaslight run rife with costume. The festivals serve as a temporary respite from the darkness, an opportunity for the people to lose themselves in the euphoria of music, dance, and theatrical displays.

The Opere, a tragic race doomed to isolation, carry an affliction inherited from their mothers. What seems a mild cold to their mother, to them becomes a cruel sentence, forever separating them from human connection.

Within the sprawling expanse of New Gaslight, where the light of Hathor's star pierces the smoggy skies, a stark divide emerges between the opulent and the destitute. Here, the wealthy elite, draped in decadence, flaunt their affluence with ostentatious displays of extravagant jewels, priceless artworks, and haute couture that the average citizen could not fathom possessing in even ten thousand lifetimes. They revel in their boundless greed, basking in the glow of their ill-gotten power and unassailable status. Coal Queen Dedlok, an embodiment of unyielding ambition, commands the city's coal supply with an iron fist, amassing immeasurable wealth and wielding it as a weapon to tighten her grip on the trembling masses. Blood Baron Scrooge, a sadistic overlord, revels in the suffering of the impoverished souls who languish beneath him, his coffers overflowing with the crimson lifeblood extracted from those deemed disposable. And amidst the swirling darkness that engulfs this dystopian landscape, Dracula, the ancient master of vampiric allure, defies the conventions of shadowy seclusion, emerging as a formidable force within the city's vibrant and treacherous nightlife. He orchestrates the blood trade with ruthless efficiency, ensnaring the unwary in his immortal web of vice and corruption. In New Gaslight, the stage is set for a deadly dance of power, where the rich and ruthless thrive while the desperate masses struggle to survive in the shadows.

Blood Baron Scrooge accepted the curse of sanguine blood in exchange for immortality. Unfortunately, half-blood vampires continue to age, requiring constant blood transfusions to maintain their grasp on this mortal coil.

Within this dystopia, the corrupted reality resonates with the diverse manifestations of magick. Akasha, a weakened power derived from the remnants of Oz, bears witness to the shattered beauty of a once-vibrant world. Marrowmancy, steeped in forbidden knowledge, whispers its secrets from the macabre depths of the occult. Sommeliers wield Blood Magick, delving into the intricacies of blood types and ritual sacrifice. Clockwork artisans blend the realms of magick and technology, creating mesmerizing mechanical creatures. And Soothsayers, masters of divination, fortune-telling, and spirit communication, navigate the threads of fate with tarot cards and crystal balls. In New Gaslight's twisted streets, these magickal arts intertwine, shaping the city's destiny with both horror and esoteric ruin.

In this unforgiving world, where humanity's survival teeters on the precipice of oblivion, New Gaslight stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and the cost of wielding forbidden powers. Will you navigate this treacherous landscape, where darkness lurks at every turn? Can you uncover the truths that lie buried beneath the layers of corruption and decay? Welcome to New Gaslight, where the boundaries of humanity and horror blur, and the choices made in the pursuit of power have dire consequences.