Arcon-C-Hell

Arcon-C-Hell is a den of swindlers, smugglers and cutthroats. It is located in the shell of what once was the Arc-en-Ciel arcology, the former city of Paris, France.

Description
Arc-en-Ciel was a democratic city, with many social programmes financed and administered by a representative government. The last election, over 30 years ago, led to the creation of a powerful self-serving dictatorship. Now there are no social programmes, no representative government. In essence the rich get richer and the poor die. Order is maintained by a large mercenary army that is employed by a man known as L’Homme (or The Man). These mercenaries patrol the streets of Arcon-C-Hell in squads of no less than ten, and are equipped with power suits and high-end weaponry. They ensure that the areas of the city where visitors, caravans, convoys, and merchants enter and meet with business contacts are kept safe and organised.

Land vehicles are brought to the city through the Arc de Triomphe, and watercrafts are brought through the river, La Seine. Both entrances lead to the area known as La Marche (or The Market), located on the former Champs d’Élysées, where business can be conducted. Here, any questionable behaviour typically results in arrest while visible, illegal activity or broken rules result in getting shot. In The Market, residents can operate stores, restaurants, booths, offices - any other legitimate businesses under the watchful eye of the security forces, and visitors are allowed to move freely throughout the area for as long as their visitor’s pass will allow.

As vehicles pull into The Market, they are directed to a secured zone where the passenger(s) must provide the name and contact information of the city resident they are scheduled to meet. The contact is summoned and brought forward to present papers that clearly identify the nature of the business, the goods, services, and Trust involved, as well as the duration of the visit. The trade representative ensures that the government receives its share before the business is sanctioned, then stamps the papers for approval, and returns them with a curt smile and the phrase so common in the city: “Don’t let The Man get you down.” If visitors arrive without pre-determined contact, the nature of their goods or service is submitted to The Auction House, where potential buyers gather to bid on the right to do business with them.

In the lower levels, outside the safety of The Market and the watchful eyes of the security forces, Arcon-C-Hell is in a state of anarchy. You must watch your back at all times, trusting no one. Drugs are everywhere, and prostitution and crime are rampant. The old residential and commercial areas are run down cesspools. The upper levels of the city are cleaner, more organised, and are home to the more successful entrepreneurs who can afford the high rent, security, and maintenance fees. The higher you go, the nicer, safer, cleaner, and more expensive the areas become.

People
The 15 million people in Arcon-C-Hell all have an angle, ploy, gimmick, product or service. If they are not trying to sell you something, then they either need you for something or are trying to rob you. In the lower levels, the approach is direct and usually comes with an unspoken threat of violence. In the upper levels, the approach is veiled in smiles, good food, attractive men and women, and better smells. Successful people in this city have no qualms with exploiting those weaker or less successful than themselves. Unsuccessful people get murdered, die of starvation, get arrested, or leave.

Government and Travel Controls
The government in Arcon-C-Hell is a tyrannical dictatorship. L’Homme has secured himself inside a luxurious series of penthouse suites, guarded by a contingent of the city’s Bio-Engineered army. A four-member Board of Representatives is responsible for various aspects of the city’s operation, including Trade, Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Security.

While there are no travel restrictions for entering or leaving the city, everyone is processed as they enter or leave. When entering the city, people are issued a residence and business permit that dictate where they can live and work. The quality of these terms depends entirely on the size of the contribution to the Trade Ministry the new citizen donates. When leaving, citizens must hand in their permits and declare how long they will be gone. Their permits are held in escrow, for a small fee, until they return.

Military
Arcon-C-Hell is protected by a Bio-Engineered army commanded by The Man. Each member of the army has had a micro-explosive charge implanted near their brain stem, which can be remotely activated by superior officers should the soldier stray from his/her duties. The device detonates if tampered with, killing only the individual. This helps ensure loyalty and a willingness to comply with orders. Day-to-day tasks revolve around maintaining safety and security in the upper levels, while ensuring that business continues unhindered in the lower levels. The army can be mobilised to protect the city, but their training focuses primarily on the duties of policing and public “safety”.