locations.

[falsitates]

IC COMM. Navigation OOC COMM.

Vitae is a relatively small city located in northeastern United States. Although busy, it's peaceful and crime rates are low. There is an expansive public transit system with buses and subways, and bike lanes are not sparse. It's the perfect destination for new families, university students, and career go-getters.

CITY CENTER

The city center is organized around a large crosswalk in the middle. It's a popular destination for socialization as the main mall is located within the area. It also hosts numerous shops and businesses, so it's rare for the streets to go quiet.

FAIRVIEW MALL

Fairview Mall sits in front of the crosswalk, and doors are perpetually open to invite people in. Although it only has three floors, it has a large variety of stores and its food court has every fast food chain imaginable. Its air conditioning is on 24/7 through spring and summer, and it's become one of the go-to hang-out spots for youngsters.

COFFEE SHOP

The coffee shop, Haneko's, is the busiest spot downtown for anyone wanting a homey atmosphere and good coffee. The staff prides itself on their cat-related latte art and comfortable chairs. Every Friday night, Haneko's hosts an open mic event, welcoming musicians, poets, comedians and performance artists.

MAID CAFE

Cute girls (and boys) in maid outfits often stand outside the cafe, handing out promotional flyers and enticing bypassers to come inside. Although their entrees are on the more expensive side, they are often accompanied by either a shoulder massage or an "eating buddy", which involves a maid sitting with the customer and engaging in a personal ten-minute conversation.

FLOWER SHOP

The flower shop is located downtown and owned by a pleasant elderly couple. It's quite small, but does very well, providing flowers for individuals as well as services like weddings and parties. The flowers are arranged in decorative vases, with some stock in coolers. Any given day, a variety of blooms and greenery are available and on display, and one of the owners is usually present or easily found out back. They have a delivery service and take small orders over the phone. They also provide centerpieces to Haneko's and the lobby of the ryokan for special occasions.

OCCULT SHOP

At the west end is a tiny shop that mainly sells books and items based on the occult. The owners of the store, an elderly couple, will also buy items if they think there is any merit to them. The occult shop has a continued rivalry with the antiques store, and are more discerning about the provenance of their wares.

CONVENIENCE STORE

Always brightly lit, the convenience store is open 24/7. The aisles are well stocked and one drink cooler is oddly dedicated to flavoured milks. There's a section at the back for 'fresh' coffee, questionable slushed ice drinks, and rotating hotdogs. Lottery tickets can be purchased at the counter.

NORTH DISTRICT

CITY HALL
The lobby seems almost sterile and devoid of warmth. Most city officials have their offices in this building and require prior appointments to discuss any citizen matters. The lobby is done in dark wood with a navy and black tile floor. Portraits of the city founders hang on the back wall, along with awards and framed newspaper articles. By the entrance is a small kiosk with tourist information, brochures, and real estate listings.
CLOCK TOWER
Behind the city hall is a standalone clock tower, standing tall and proud. Without fail, it rings at every hour from noon to six in the evening. It hasn't been open to the public for a very long time and most city folks can't remember the last time that it opened its doors.
POLICE STATION
The police station has an airy open lobby, a more welcoming atmosphere than might be expected. A large front desk is manned by two officers and one civilian receptionist. There's a bowl of varied candy assortments on the receptionist's side of the desk, and the entirety of the lobby always smells like someone left the coffee pot on too long. On one wall is a bulletin board; mostly covered with things like town event flyers, drawings from the officers' children, schedules, and posters like the "Hang in There" cat. It seems there isn't much crime to be immediately concerned with. The upper floors house cubicles, meeting rooms, and offices of the higher ranked and the chief.
JAIL
The jail is a one-story concrete building and very utilitarian. There is a small visiting area with plexiglass separators, and a front desk for bookings. There's only ever one officer out front, and the desk is usually cluttered with files and pens. The same "hang in There" cat poster from the police station is affixed to the wall under a clock that ticks loudly. The cells are small, have one tiny barred window above the bunks, and the doors are solid and a drab grey.
BUSINESS CENTER
Off to the left of the town hall on the west side is a large business center. Open only on weekdays, the hours have been a contentious point to traveling businessmen and those locals trying to squeeze in teleconferences without sacrificing their regular work schedules. Inside are conference rooms, a main sitting area with coffee and sandwich vending machines, and computer workstations consisting of outdated desktops and clunky monitors. The printers are often jammed and undoubtedly someone always forgets to take their lewd material out of the scanner bed.
BANK
On the east side, by the police station, sits the Vitae Bank. It's always cold yet the tellers don't seem to notice. Upon a citizen entering the building, the tellers not currently with customers will bow almost in unison and give polite closed-mouth smiles. They are meticulous in their work and will not stand for the excuses of the chronically overdrawn.
OBSERVATORY
The observatory is relatively small compared to others in the country, but it has free admissions so it's hard to complain. Volunteers are more than happy to tell the building's history and talk about astronomy. You may use the telescopes to stare at the moon and stars, but you will be ahem'ed if you hog it for too long.
FOREST
New Addition: As of June 15, a forest has appeared around the city. It is currently small, but it is slowly becoming bigger bit-by-bit as the barrier grows. Asides from its sudden appearance, there's nothing unusual about it.

EAST DISTRICT

FIRE STATION
On the edge of the city sets the fire station. It's not too large, and sometimes also houses a couple of ambulances. The dispatch offices for fire, police, and emergency services are located on the upper floor. Vitae's fire department is efficient and their work ethic is unmatched. Firemen are often seen cleaning the trucks even when nothing appears to be dirty. Each truck has a companion on the dashboard in the form of a plush Squirtle with a fireman's hat. The chief really loves Pokemon.
HOSPITAL
The hospital is located in the center of the east end of city. It faces the city center, and the parking lot and garage is to the left, separating the building from the nearby fire station. Vitae Hospital is six floors, and houses the usual hospital accoutrements and wings. On the ground floor is the lobby in the center, the ER on the left, and rehabilitation wing on the right.

The lobby is painted in warm cream and ocher with pale blue accents. The floor tiles are mahogany faux wood grain, and there's a waiting area with a thin beige carpet and overstuffed mustard yellow couches and chairs. There are two vending machines near the couches, and racks of magazines. The rehabilitation wing houses a small gym, exercise rooms, and a pool. Vitae residents can pay to use the pool and gym during certain hours.
ASSISTED LIVING + STUDIO APARTMENTS
The three-to-five story asymmetrical apartment complex is near the hospital, separated by a recreation area with walking paths. It consists of three attached towers of different heights and boasts scattered trees and benches out front.

The two leftmost towers have a separate ground entrance than the third, and have keycard security at the door. These are the assisted living apartments, set aside for those who need help with daily tasks or are recovering from long illnesses, but wish to have more independence in their lives. The majority of residents are elderly singles, your standard cat ladies and grumpy old men. The younger residents include those who have no family to help them, or whose families are not capable of caring for their needs. Rooms in the assisted living towers are generally open concept and minimalist, and individually suited for their residents, such as being outfitted with wheelchair ramps and modified appliances.

In tower three are the studio apartments. They are smaller than the apartments in the assisted living towers and were designed with efficiency primarily in mind. Despite their small size, the studios are not cheap and are mostly rented by hospital staff and single businessmen who appreciate the included maid service.
SCHOOLS
The consolidated school includes all lower grades and is a large and generically-designed building. There is no pool, but most other facilities are similar to those of the nearby high school. The sports field is smaller, and the remaining space allotted for a gated playground.

The high school is typical with a little emphasis on math and science over history, literature, and language. The school has a large gymnasium, a pool, and a sports field. Vitae High loves its school festivals and it goes all out every year. Students strive to achieve their best, but also allow room for fun.

The university is not far off. It has a main building in an older style along with more uniform and utilitarian additions. The dormitory building is also small and rooms are singles and cramped. Most residents of Vitae who attend the university choose to remain living at home or get apartments rather than claim a dorm room. Over half of the students are commuters and the most popular major is Economics. Students get reduced prices for use of the hospital's gym and pool facilities as the university has none of its own.

SOUTH DISTRICT

CITY PARK
There are a few benches, stone paths, several cherry trees and lumpy hedges and rose bushes. In spring, tiny white flowers dot the grass and tend to be visited by small congregations of butterflies. In the center of the park is a koi pond with large fish and a fountain.
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Most of the south side of the city is considered the residential area. Houses closer to the city center tend to be smaller or semi-detached. Houses on the southern side nearer to the outskirts are larger; having more yard and garden space. The east side is a mix of small and medium houses.
SUPERMARKET
The supermarket doesn't have a name and boasts no sign on the outside; everyone refers to it as the 'market'. There are no lights on the back side of the supermarket, which can get a little creepy for the closing employee as the dumpster is near the edge of the thick forest.
PUBLIC BATH
There are gender-segregated locker rooms and bathing areas. The lobby is always warm and a little humid. It boasts several items for sale arranged in baskets, including luxury towels, wooden sandals, embellished hair clips, and an assortment of soaps. For some reason, the best selling soaps are those shaped like pretzels. Off to the side of the lobby is an area with food offerings like tiny cakes and cat cookies.
TEAHOUSE
A Japanese-based teahouse that's been here nearly as long as the ryokan and has owned by the Sakaki family since its establishment. It is a popular celebration and get-together location, with the main room laid out with small tables, chairs, and a pathway to the counter. Another room, where people can reserve for a full tea ceremony, is accessed via a walkway by the traditional pond. They serve tea blends from the ryokan.
CHURCH
Its architecture is gothic and imposing, which gives off an unfriendly aura. Fortunately, its staff is very open and welcoming, and helps those in need. Every Sunday, they run a free breakfast and lunch buffet for the less fortunate, though anyone is free to join.
BEACH
New Addition: As of July 4, a section of the surrounding forest has vanished and has been replaced by a large beach. Vitae has always been a landlocked city, so its appearance is unusual. The waters stretch out as far as the eye can see.

WEST DISTRICT

ATHLETICS PARK
There are three fields where local leagues play a variety of sports, as well as an area for dog-walking, batting cages, a tennis court, and a concession stand. The athletics park doubles as a fairgrounds space for local seasonal festivals.
RYOKAN
The local ryokan, Kutanikan, manages to do very well, despite not having a large internet presence for advertising. It seems that word of the traditional Japanese-style inn spreads among tourist circles, and it's the choice for those passing through Vitae. The inn has been a feature of the city as far back as records show, passed down through generations. It boasts several rooms with tatami mats, a man-made onsen framed by the forest trees, and an attached tea shop. There is a modest collection of heirloom kutani porcelain ware on display in the shop, which the family takes great pride in. They sell their own special blends of teas, and will never reveal their ingredients.
WHITE RABBIT
An upper class bar and lounge, customers are expected to dress semi-formally. Faint jazz music plays in the background and it's a popular spot for the older community, who miss the calm elegance of having a drink. Tips are given very generously here.
SHRINE
An overgrown path leads away from the ryokan to a shrine tucked away near the edge of the city where it meets the forest. An offertory box sits at the back of the shrine with some stones, bright colors made dull from layers of dust, scattered on the bottom. Though the stone lanterns are lit with white-blue flames, the stair steps are uneven and crumbling in places, the water basin filled with algae, and the sign crooked and illegible with wear. A honden stands at the back of the shrine, flanked by statues of large birds.
LIBRARY
The library stands atop the highest hill in Vitae and resembles a narrow pagoda with four stories. There is one office on the first floor; the door has no nameplate and never seems to be open. In the center is an information desk; the bell must be rung to get any service, as it appears the library staff are often elsewhere. Floors two and three are filled with books, some sections neat and some chaotic. Books can be found alternatively organized in identical bookshelves, or stacked on top of each other in crevasses and on windowsills. The fourth floor's door is locked.
CITY ZOO
Near the edge of the city, a small zoo is open to the public nearly every day of the year. Some animals are displayed indoors in pavilions while others are left outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels. The zoo's mascot is a gorilla named Monke, who is played by an underpaid highschooler who runs around in an old ape costume.
RED-LIGHT DISTRICT
A sketchy part of the city that no one likes discussing. At first glance, it just appears to be a more run-down and poorer part of Vitae, but behind the scenes, it's a thriving sex business. As long as you aren't obviously a cop, someone can take you to a brothel or get you some drugs - after you "tip" them, of course. You do not want to walk here by yourself at night.

SETTING ADDITIONS

Players can suggest additional locations, be it their own character's business, a place they often go, or anything in general that fits with the game's atmosphere and set-up and doesn't conflict with the plot. Use the form below to add locations for other players to reference.

<b>Name:</b> What is the location? <b>Description:</b> Where is it in relation to somewhere else? <b>Notes:</b> Anything else you want to make known about your location?

Comments

[ape]

Name: City Zoo
Description: Probably closer the the edges of the city for space? idk
Notes: we need animals!!! we need monke

[falsitates]

The city zoo has been added! Monke is now the zoo's animal mascot.