Once a dying mining town, barely keeping its population above 500 back then, Dust Tumbles is now a prosperous and adventurous desert city that’s located in the Old Farmland sector. It’s considered a desert jewel, the perfect place for people to move to in pursuit of career opportunities or settle down with loved ones after they’ve had a taste of adventure or for those who are in need of an adventure. The city is famous for its mines of regenerative decaydium and the fact it’s home to the original base of NODICE. (Also it also happens to be the proud, proud city to host the one and only Mr. Darrison's Malt Mill. A most illustrious honour indeed.)
Dust Tumbles has a dry and clear climate for most of the weather, with clear and sunny skies and cool breezes abundant on the more merciful days, though the seasons can be extreme: Summers are known to be painfully sweltering and the winters to be brutally cold. The city also is (in)famous for its dustbowl season when it comes rolling around…
One of the most interesting features is the fact this is truly one of the first intergalactic cities to exist: Humans and aliens and robots exist side by side in relative peace, working together and living together with a sense of friendly-enough politeness as everyone is just trying to get by in their own way. Humans still make up a big chunk of the city’s population but turn your head to the side while walking a busy street and you’re sure to catch a towering robotic mechanoid from the planet Galateon or the telltale steam-powered suit of the ectoplasmic race the Phantomlites.
The city, as a whole, has five distinct districts within it: Rooted Row, Mariah Sector, Aster District, Drop Village, and Hill Heights. Outside the city are the now flourishing farms owned by proud families of farmers, focusing on typical desert frops like bell peppers, radishes, soybeans, star squashes, and more. Below is a list of the most notable locations that each district has, along with notable locations outside of it found in the other two locations within NODICE’s territory: Lilith’s Trek and the Winding Wilde.
omething we should note now: Over time, whether it’s through the actions of the characters or by our own discretion, more places and area of interests will be revealed. Sometimes we’ll make an announcement after it’s been found. Sometimes we’ll quietly add it so your characters have more options and places to visit. Make sure to visit this page every now and then to see if any changes had been made!
A PLACE THAT STARTED IT ALL.
Though now called ‘Rooted Row’ these days to avoid confusion, this district is the original iteration of Dust Tumbles before its stagnating fortunes were drastically changed. As a result, the buildings located in this place look and feel a lot more 20th century than the 22nd century like rest of the city, reflecting its original intended design of being a mining town before the people back than thought the mines were useless thanks to the regenerating decyadium found in its veins — Not realising, centuries later, that decaydium would be an important material for many alien races in their efforts to rebuild their planets and lives with the Legacy War finally ending.
This part of the district still holds a lot of its original buildings thanks to conservation efforts by the founding families still living in the city. There’s a sense of earthiness to this part of the city that the other districts lack, a sense of history that permeates many of the buildings and locations that still run as they were originally intended to do all those centuries ago.
MR. DARRISON’S MALT MILL.
The one and only soda shop! One of the first buildings that was erected when Dust Tumbles was founded, it’s considered the most popular hangout spot in Rooted Row for its accommodating nature to all citizens and its extensive menu of treats and delights that’s sure to have something for someone. It’s still run by Mr. Darrison to this day, spry and witty as ever despite his advanced age. It’s a cosy and welcoming place for someone to hang out in so make sure to drop by if you need somewhere to relax and get a bite to eat.
THE CENTER BAZAAR.
An incredibly spacious venue located, this is where the famous Rooted Row’s Weekend Market can be found whenever farmers and crafters and artisans of all stripes decide to get together to sell their wares, ranging from produce to art pieces to some special little items. It’s where most bazaars and fairs will be found, since this is one of the few venues that can hold many individuals without concern. When not in use, it’s a good spot to train and practice in a group — Long as you get a permit ahead of time, of course.
DUST TUMBLES’ LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES.
If you’re in need of information that the Need to Know Information Center can’t provide, this is your best bet when it comes to finding lore and news. Despite the Siege nearly burning the large and cosy library to the ground, this building still stands tall and proud, ready to serve those in need of entertainment, researcher and more. The archives date back to all the way to Dust Tumbles’ founding and has many news clips, reels, and documents pertaining important events from both the then-town to outside of the Old Farmlands.
CHURCH OF THE VENERATED.
The Veneration of the Twelve is the leading religion in Dust Tumbles, celebrating the selfless acts of brotherhood and loyalty the twelve saints showcased during their lifetimes. There are many churches for the Veneration but this is the main house of worship for the faithful in the city, cared for by their Elder Waystone. Dark and quiet in atmosphere and design, peaceful thanks to the scent of incense and lit spices that linger in the cool air, this is where one can retreat to if they need a place to clear their heads or a place to hide.
THE WATERING HOLE.
The first bar to open since the city’s founding, the Watering Hole is now run by a many-tentacled alien whose quick appendages means they can handle the steady flow of loyal customers over the decades. It’s a happening place to be with a lot of action — Though, admittedly, there’s a little too much action happening there as brawls and fights occur when loose lips and fast fists make themselves known a lot. If you’re willing to brave the risk of brawls, you’ll find boisterous company and lots of gossip/whispers being traded.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME.
Named in honour of Saint Mariah the Faithful, Mariah Sector is a residential area where many of the families of Dust Tumbles can be found. It’s just far enough from bustling Hill Heights and noisy Drop Village to ensure the families get peace and quiet but it’s close enough to some of the popular hangout spots found in Aster District and Rooted Row that the kids won’t be dying of boredom. Residences vary in size and pricing but there’s usually the perfect place for someone to move into if they know where to look.
The most notable thing about Mariah Sector is the large park known as Bright Bloom, called so because of the fact it’ll be filled to the brim with gorgeous and colourful flowers during the spring time. The ample amount of space that park provides allows the denziens of Dust Tumbles to be able to picnic, exercise, and enjoy each other’s company without encroaching on the other’s space.
SPRING VALLEY.
Houses upon houses upon houses — This is the first thing someone will see when they’re entering this quiet and peaceful part of the district. A lot of families can be found living here, finding the sector convenient for their needs and wants (not to mention, reasonable enough price for the housing). Especially since Spring Valley is quite close to the popular Bright Bloom flower park. A local grocery store and drugstore pharmacy can also be found here, manned by the one of the few droid staff outside of Hill Heights.
BRIGHT BLOOM.
A sponsored flower park whose love and care is shown by its gorgeous selection of floral and plants that decorate the expansive and colourful landscape. It’s one of the few places in Dust Tumbles that one can easily admire Soldier’s Kisses — A rare breed of gorgeous bright blue flowers that seem to glow during the cool night. Bright Bloom is the perfect place for a romantic date between a couple, a picnic outing between a happy family, or if one needs a relaxing outing for someone who wants to be alone and clear their head.
A PLACE FOR THE ARTS.
The Aster District is the hotbed for creators of all types, a place that happily encourages the arts to flourish through theater, music, food, and much more. This is where majority of the citizens will congregate and mingle with each other and for good reason. It’s an exciting place to visit for those in search of inspiration and connections in the art scene or if they’re looking to kill time the best way possible. Admire the arts, sample the food, and have a good time in the Aster District by visiting the following places that are listed below.
This is where one wants to go if they’re in search of activity and excitement in the city. Aster District is also where most of the events and celebrations will be held, as its outfitted to address all species that live in the city. Unless otherwise stated in OOC posts, it’s safe to assume this is where a party or a big day will be thrown for the city.
THE ESTEEMED NAZARIAN ART GALLERY.
Run by the Nazarian family, the art gallery hosts a careful selection of the rising artists of the city along with some of the greatest masterpieces of the art world that the family has collected over the decades. From paintings to statues to tapestries and more, the Nazarian Art Gallery is where you’re likely to find creative souls and creative gossip. Typically, the admission into the gallery is for free but special events, like debuts and themed shows and auctions, require one to pay an invitation fee. Or be invited to it if lucky enough.
DUST TUMBLES’ VENERATED COMMUNITY CENTER.
The Venerated Community Center hosts a variety of meeting rooms and lecture halls that can be rented out by the public. Run by the Venerated coalition whose offices are stationed within the center for the sake of convenience, the community center often has something happening during the week. Make sure to keep an eye out for special events and occasions that may occur for only a few days or even a day. There could be a subject or topic of interest to the characters if something catches their eye.
ROSE RED PLAYHOUSE.
If you’re in search of culture and snooty conversations, look no further than the Rose Red Playhouse. The theater hall is where the most sophisticated acts can be found, such as ballet and theater plays and, if one is lucky enough, opera. The wealthy and the well-connected like to flock to here when an act is being held, eager to have something nice and refined, so this is the place your character to go if you’re searching for them. Or the place to avoid like the plague if your character doesn’t have a kind opinion of them.
THE CIRCUIT CENTER.
Another public park, the Circuit Center the largest venue in the city. This is where most of the events and celebrations will be held, as Circuit Center can accommodate almost all species that can be found in Dust Tumbles. In the middle of Circuit Center is the Crystalline Fountain, a commissioned fountain made of Runian melody crystals in celebration of the park being built. When events are held and people crowd into the area, this fountain will begin to ‘sing’ a song that reflects the current atmosphere of the day.
DOUBLESPOKE’S PICTURE SHOW.
The most popular movie theater in the city since its large — and we do mean large — size can accommodate even Galateions (which makes sense, given the proprietor of the business), this is the place you want to be if you’re itching to watch something with friends. You’re sure to find something to eat with its extensive snack range from sweet-salt popcorn to berrylium bytes. The Picture Show features a curated mixture of the latest big films and local films, with the weekends being dedicated to a theme of sorts.
HEARTH AND HOME.
The local beer hall and garden, it’s the latest enterprise to be opened in Dust Tumbles and, thus, gets a lot of traffic for the fact it’s so new and shiny. Whether you want to crack a cold one with the boys out in the garden or want to be in the indoors and enjoy both the drinks and air conditioning, Hearth and Home is for you. It’s much more modern and up-to-date compared to the long-standing Watering Hole, it’s also a lot more peaceful. There’s a sense of energy in the air, yes, but it (hopefully) won’t lead into a drunken brawl.
THE GOLDEN NOTE.
Though movie and television are now all the rage and the Red Rose Playhouse is considered more fancy, live performances and fun still hold a special place in the collective hearts of the Dust Tumble residents. Hence the popularity of musical halls still going on strong — Especially that of Golden Note, the place you should go if you want to have a good dinner and a fun show. Expect popular songs to be sung, comedy to be done, and speciality acts to be performed if you can squeeze your way in through the often packed building.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE.
The newest residential area to be built for Dust Tumbles. This one is much more accommodating to the varying alien species that reside in the city, in the wake of numerous official complains and unofficial grumblings they had over the lack of accommodations meant for them. This is where most characters will find themselves living if they decide to move out of NODICE’s barracks, as most houses have accommodations that should suit the out-of-towners while they stay in the city.
One of the things to note is that whenever a character moves to a residence here, they’ll have a NODICE agents from Department of Communication & Information and Department of Resources drop by. An intercom device that has the universal language translator uploaded in it will be installed in their residence so they have another way of contacting the organisation besides their tablet.
GARDEN ARRANGE APARTMENTS.
When characters decide to move out of NODICE and opt to stay in one of the apartment complexes found in Drop Village, Garden Arrange is the place they’ll most likely be recommended to go rent. It can accommodate most shapes and sizes — baring those over eighteen feet - and the amenities will be met. If the character requires something specific for themselves, they’re free to call up the landlord, Ms. Summerfields, and request for it. They may need to follow up a few times to ensure it goes through— Ms. Summerfields is pretty forgetful.
SWEET TOOTH.
A bakery shop that’s been slowly but surely becoming popular over the years due to Xy’lanvan’s dedication and strong work ethic, the Sweet Tooth is the place to go if you want warm bread, delicious cupcakes, and samples of other planets’ idea of baked goods. The Sweet Tooth boasts on and on about how they bake their products daily, promising guaranteed freshness and satisfaction when it comes to their goods. It’s rumoured some products can grant special abilities or effects on the consumer but it hasn’t been proven yet.
THE GRIND HOUSE.
A coffee shop that serves the purportedly intense Night Bombs: cups of Mydnite Black coffee that’s guaranteed to keep you up all night long. It’s whispered that strange dealings and arrangements happen all the time here thanks to the eclectic customer base that likes to come here like clockwork, and it’s possible to get yourself involved if you know a certain phrase or oder a certain drink. At least the regulars, no matter how strange and questionable they are, keeps the lights on for the surprisingly sweet storeowners.
NEED TO KNOW.
In the wake of the characters arriving in the city, there’s probably a lot of things they need to catch up on. This booth was set up in response to that: A 24/7 information center that they can either visit personally or message via their tablet if they want to ask questions about the city or the world. This is one possible explanation for your characters’ IC knowledge of the pages’ information, including information here in the setting page! The mechanoid running the booth, Chatterbox, lives up to their name.
ESPERANZA MEMORIAL PARK.
The park that can be found in Drop Village. Though smaller than Bright Bloom, Esperanza Memorial park has enough space to allow people to exercise and train and practice without getting in each other’s way. One of the most unique things about the park are the tucked away spots that were deliberately made to be hidden— Benches and chairs and little alcoves are carefully scattered around the area, allowing someone or someones a place to hide away for a while. This is the place you can go to if you need peace or a private place.
A PLACE TO SERVE THE CITIZENS.
The public services and specialised business sector where the likes of the police center, the medical center, detention center, and other stations are located. Though these were originally found in the founding town of Dust Tumbles (which is now known as Rooted Row, as described above), these public services have since been moved to Hill Heights so it was in a more accessible place for its workers and its people. Hill Heights’ buildings is often under a constant state of renovation to better suit the needs of the citizens, especially for the intergalactic ones.
Hill Heights also boasts hoasting the NODICE organisation’s base. This is one of the busiest hub of activity as visitors and agents, from both the group and from outside the group, come and go in a flurry of action and movement. This is one of the places the characters can live for free, usually starring in shared barracks or, if approved, single-only rooms. Good luck getting Ms. Munshi to approve that.
DUST TUMBLES’ RUBY RED MEDICAL CENTER.
The largest hospital found in the city. There always seems to be an emergency going down here when you visit it with how there’s a sea of people, staff and patients and visitors alike, there during the day. Like many spots around the city, the medical center has a slew of strange rumours surrounding it. It’s purportedly haunted by something or it’s holding some sort dark and scary secret in its morgue. Whether you’re there for some ghosts or in need of getting a quick checkup, the Ruby Red Medical Center is the place to visit.
NODICE.
The (very first) base of operations for the group and, perhaps, one of its busiest ones. It’s always bustling with activity and life 24/7, agents from both the organisation and the different agencies/groups always coming in and out of it. This is where most of the Major NPCs can be found if you need to find them for something, be it answers or items. Characters are also welcomed to stay here if they want a chance to help out with the teleportation project or are interested in joining missions and/or jobs the group is tasked to deal with.
DUST TUMBLES’ QUIET SPRINGS.
The city’s most well-known cemetery for the fact it’s the largest one found in the city and for the constant rumours of it being haunted by the spirits of the human miners who died during the failed attempts to extract decaydium from the mines (as this was before anyone realised contact could be potentially fatal to humans). This is a popular place for kids to visit when they want to do a test of courage and the groundskeeper and security guards, as a result, are very busy during the evenings. Make sure to be respectful when visiting.
DUST TUMBLES’ SANCTUM OF WORSHIP.
A section of the district that’s dedicated to being the home of the churches and houses of worship for the other religions and followings that are practiced in this sector. The dizzying smell of incense and smoke and oil and perfume can be overwhelming for the first time someone visits the sanctum so watch out, those who have sensitive senses. Feel free to drop by any of the services that are ongoing when you have the time. The schedule for the celebrations and services are always posted on the daily updated bulletin.
THE STEADFAST SOULS.
Once standing where Dust Tumbles’ infamous hanging tree use to be before it was burned down during the Siege, the Steadfast Souls is a large iron statue that is meant to represent the values of the city: Cooperation. Unity. Intergalactic peace. In the hands of the subjects — humans and aliens alike — is a glowing mechanical orb of some sort — This is the nullification core, used to keep powers in check, since the nullification core being stationed here is the most advantageous spot for its waves to pulse across the city.
A WAY THROUGH.
The official path that leads to and out of Dust Tumbles, marked by its famous welcome/goodbye sign that’s made of decaydium crystal that’s been treated to naturally glow in the dark. Once known to be a treacherous area due to the dustbowl season tearing through the once open field, it’s a lot safer to traverse through thanks to the erected outposts and overnight shelters travelers can take refuge in if they need a place to rest for a while. One of the best places to view the night sky and, thus, a popular spot for astronomers and stargazers.
Characters have been advised to not leave the city since they arrived, mostly due to the controversy of them being here in the first place and that they wouldn’t be welcomed in the other cities or towns nearby due to distrust of ‘out-of-Earthers’. NODICE promises to bring them back to their worlds soon as possible but, for now, it’s best to stay close to their base.
THE SIEGE MEMORIAL WALL.
A large black steel wall that stands out against the oranges and golds of its landscape, an eerie sense of stillness surrounding it. It looks pitch black when one approaches it but, upon closer inspection, the visitor will see there are names chiseled into surface. The wall lists the full names of men and women who had died during the Siege of Dust Tumbles, an apparently momentous event for the then small town. Once can see that fresh bouquet of flowers can be found at the base of the wall, seemingly laid at this memorial every other week.
A CALL TO ADVENTURE.
Over the decades, Dust Tumbles’ wild, wild landscape has changed thanks to outside forces and deliberate actions, mutating and adapting to the elements and circumstances that have altered its landscape. While most of the surrounding area outside of Dust Tumbles is safe — now capable of farm-yield after years of care — the southwest and northwest of the wilds have now been dubbed the Winding Wildes. This is thanks to the fact Wildes can change and transform, depending on the seasons or weather the sector has.
Both characters and civilians are advised to not enter the Wildes at all costs due to the inherited danger it possess with his alien landscape and every changing scenery. But with great risk comes greater rewards so maybe defying the constant warnings might prove worthwhile for those who are issuing to explore and to find something more outside of the city’s limits.
THE CHAMPOLLION MINES.
Considered useless when the original miners saw the mines did not contain the promised iron they were hoping to harvest, the Champollion Mines are now worth a fortune for hosting a regenerative supply of decaydium. Though some mines are still considered borrasca since past citizens used destructive means to clear away the ‘useless’ material, many of them are still plentiful and the city is now reaping the benefits. Most of the miners are of the non-human variety due to the fact physical contact with decaydium is deadly to most humans.
THE WEEPING CLIFFS.
Known for its famous vast patches of its Soldiers’ Kisses that all but drape and across litter its sides and its peaks, the Weeping Cliffs is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Dust Tumbles. During the summertime, as the winds begin to get stronger, the delicate flowers begin to fall away from the cliffs, making it appear like water is flowing down the cliffs if one is viewing the cliffs from a distance. It’s a popular spot for people to hike or visit with friends (usually for tests of courages, due to the stories of the cliffs being haunted).
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MR. DARRISON’S MALT MILL. The one and only soda shop! One of the first buildings that was erected when Dust Tumbles was founded, it’s considered the most popular hangout spot in Rooted Row for its accommodating nature to all citizens and its extensive menu of treats and delights that’s sure to have something for someone. It’s still run by Mr. Darrison to this day, spry and witty as ever despite his advanced age. It’s a cosy and welcoming place for someone to hang out in so make sure to drop by if you need somewhere to relax and get a bite to eat.
THE CENTER BAZAAR. An incredibly spacious venue located, this is where the famous Rooted Row’s Weekend Market can be found whenever farmers and crafters and artisans of all stripes decide to get together to sell their wares, ranging from produce to art pieces to some special little items. It’s where most bazaars and fairs will be found, since this is one of the few venues that can hold many individuals without concern. When not in use, it’s a good spot to train and practice in a group — Long as you get a permit ahead of time, of course.
DUST TUMBLES’ LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES. If you’re in need of information that the Need to Know Information Center can’t provide, this is your best bet when it comes to finding lore and news. Despite the Siege nearly burning the large and cosy library to the ground, this building still stands tall and proud, ready to serve those in need of entertainment, researcher and more. The archives date back to all the way to Dust Tumbles’ founding and has many news clips, reels, and documents pertaining important events from both the then-town to outside of the Old Farmlands.
CHURCH OF THE VENERATED. The Veneration of the Twelve is the leading religion in Dust Tumbles, celebrating the selfless acts of brotherhood and loyalty the twelve saints showcased during their lifetimes. There are many churches for the Veneration but this is the main house of worship for the faithful in the city, cared for by their Elder Waystone. Dark and quiet in atmosphere and design, peaceful thanks to the scent of incense and lit spices that linger in the cool air, this is where one can retreat to if they need a place to clear their heads or a place to hide.
THE WATERING HOLE. The first bar to open since the city’s founding, the Watering Hole is now run by a many-tentacled alien whose quick appendages means they can handle the steady flow of loyal customers over the decades. It’s a happening place to be with a lot of action — Though, admittedly, there’s a little too much action happening there as brawls and fights occur when loose lips and fast fists make themselves known a lot. If you’re willing to brave the risk of brawls, you’ll find boisterous company and lots of gossip/whispers being traded.
SPRING VALLEY. Houses upon houses upon houses — This is the first thing someone will see when they’re entering this quiet and peaceful part of the district. A lot of families can be found living here, finding the sector convenient for their needs and wants (not to mention, reasonable enough price for the housing). Especially since Spring Valley is quite close to the popular Bright Bloom flower park. A local grocery store and drugstore pharmacy can also be found here, manned by the one of the few droid staff outside of Hill Heights.
BRIGHT BLOOM. A sponsored flower park whose love and care is shown by its gorgeous selection of floral and plants that decorate the expansive and colourful landscape. It’s one of the few places in Dust Tumbles that one can easily admire Soldier’s Kisses — A rare breed of gorgeous bright blue flowers that seem to glow during the cool night. Bright Bloom is the perfect place for a romantic date between a couple, a picnic outing between a happy family, or if one needs a relaxing outing for someone who wants to be alone and clear their head.
THE ESTEEMED NAZARIAN ART GALLERY. Run by the Nazarian family, the art gallery hosts a careful selection of the rising artists of the city along with some of the greatest masterpieces of the art world that the family has collected over the decades. From paintings to statues to tapestries and more, the Nazarian Art Gallery is where you’re likely to find creative souls and creative gossip. Typically, the admission into the gallery is for free but special events, like debuts and themed shows and auctions, require one to pay an invitation fee. Or be invited to it if lucky enough.
DUST TUMBLES’ VENERATED COMMUNITY CENTER. The Venerated Community Center hosts a variety of meeting rooms and lecture halls that can be rented out by the public. Run by the Venerated coalition whose offices are stationed within the center for the sake of convenience, the community center often has something happening during the week. Make sure to keep an eye out for special events and occasions that may occur for only a few days or even a day. There could be a subject or topic of interest to the characters if something catches their eye.
ROSE RED PLAYHOUSE. If you’re in search of culture and snooty conversations, look no further than the Rose Red Playhouse. The theater hall is where the most sophisticated acts can be found, such as ballet and theater plays and, if one is lucky enough, opera. The wealthy and the well-connected like to flock to here when an act is being held, eager to have something nice and refined, so this is the place your character to go if you’re searching for them. Or the place to avoid like the plague if your character doesn’t have a kind opinion of them.
THE CIRCUIT CENTER. Another public park, the Circuit Center the largest venue in the city. This is where most of the events and celebrations will be held, as Circuit Center can accommodate almost all species that can be found in Dust Tumbles. In the middle of Circuit Center is the Crystalline Fountain, a commissioned fountain made of Runian melody crystals in celebration of the park being built. When events are held and people crowd into the area, this fountain will begin to ‘sing’ a song that reflects the current atmosphere of the day.
DOUBLESPOKE’S PICTURE SHOW. The most popular movie theater in the city since its large — and we do mean large — size can accommodate even Galateions (which makes sense, given the proprietor of the business), this is the place you want to be if you’re itching to watch something with friends. You’re sure to find something to eat with its extensive snack range from sweet-salt popcorn to berrylium bytes. The Picture Show features a curated mixture of the latest big films and local films, with the weekends being dedicated to a theme of sorts.
HEARTH AND HOME. The local beer hall and garden, it’s the latest enterprise to be opened in Dust Tumbles and, thus, gets a lot of traffic for the fact it’s so new and shiny. Whether you want to crack a cold one with the boys out in the garden or want to be in the indoors and enjoy both the drinks and air conditioning, Hearth and Home is for you. It’s much more modern and up-to-date compared to the long-standing Watering Hole, it’s also a lot more peaceful. There’s a sense of energy in the air, yes, but it (hopefully) won’t lead into a drunken brawl.
THE GOLDEN NOTE. Though movie and television are now all the rage and the Red Rose Playhouse is considered more fancy, live performances and fun still hold a special place in the collective hearts of the Dust Tumble residents. Hence the popularity of musical halls still going on strong — Especially that of Golden Note, the place you should go if you want to have a good dinner and a fun show. Expect popular songs to be sung, comedy to be done, and speciality acts to be performed if you can squeeze your way in through the often packed building.
GARDEN ARRANGE APARTMENTS. When characters decide to move out of NODICE and opt to stay in one of the apartment complexes found in Drop Village, Garden Arrange is the place they’ll most likely be recommended to go rent. It can accommodate most shapes and sizes — baring those over eighteen feet - and the amenities will be met. If the character requires something specific for themselves, they’re free to call up the landlord, Ms. Summerfields, and request for it. They may need to follow up a few times to ensure it goes through— Ms. Summerfields is pretty forgetful.
SWEET TOOTH. A bakery shop that’s been slowly but surely becoming popular over the years due to Xy’lanvan’s dedication and strong work ethic, the Sweet Tooth is the place to go if you want warm bread, delicious cupcakes, and samples of other planets’ idea of baked goods. The Sweet Tooth boasts on and on about how they bake their products daily, promising guaranteed freshness and satisfaction when it comes to their goods. It’s rumoured some products can grant special abilities or effects on the consumer but it hasn’t been proven yet.
THE GRIND HOUSE. A coffee shop that serves the purportedly intense Night Bombs: cups of Mydnite Black coffee that’s guaranteed to keep you up all night long. It’s whispered that strange dealings and arrangements happen all the time here thanks to the eclectic customer base that likes to come here like clockwork, and it’s possible to get yourself involved if you know a certain phrase or oder a certain drink. At least the regulars, no matter how strange and questionable they are, keeps the lights on for the surprisingly sweet storeowners.
NEED TO KNOW. In the wake of the characters arriving in the city, there’s probably a lot of things they need to catch up on. This booth was set up in response to that: A 24/7 information center that they can either visit personally or message via their tablet if they want to ask questions about the city or the world. This is one possible explanation for your characters’ IC knowledge of the pages’ information, including information here in the setting page! The mechanoid running the booth, Chatterbox, lives up to their name.
ESPERANZA MEMORIAL PARK. The park that can be found in Drop Village. Though smaller than Bright Bloom, Esperanza Memorial park has enough space to allow people to exercise and train and practice without getting in each other’s way. One of the most unique things about the park are the tucked away spots that were deliberately made to be hidden— Benches and chairs and little alcoves are carefully scattered around the area, allowing someone or someones a place to hide away for a while. This is the place you can go to if you need peace or a private place.
DUST TUMBLES’ RUBY RED MEDICAL CENTER. The largest hospital found in the city. There always seems to be an emergency going down here when you visit it with how there’s a sea of people, staff and patients and visitors alike, there during the day. Like many spots around the city, the medical center has a slew of strange rumours surrounding it. It’s purportedly haunted by something or it’s holding some sort dark and scary secret in its morgue. Whether you’re there for some ghosts or in need of getting a quick checkup, the Ruby Red Medical Center is the place to visit.
NODICE. The (very first) base of operations for the group and, perhaps, one of its busiest ones. It’s always bustling with activity and life 24/7, agents from both the organisation and the different agencies/groups always coming in and out of it. This is where most of the Major NPCs can be found if you need to find them for something, be it answers or items. Characters are also welcomed to stay here if they want a chance to help out with the teleportation project or are interested in joining missions and/or jobs the group is tasked to deal with.
DUST TUMBLES’ QUIET SPRINGS. The city’s most well-known cemetery for the fact it’s the largest one found in the city and for the constant rumours of it being haunted by the spirits of the human miners who died during the failed attempts to extract decaydium from the mines (as this was before anyone realised contact could be potentially fatal to humans). This is a popular place for kids to visit when they want to do a test of courage and the groundskeeper and security guards, as a result, are very busy during the evenings. Make sure to be respectful when visiting.
DUST TUMBLES’ SANCTUM OF WORSHIP. A section of the district that’s dedicated to being the home of the churches and houses of worship for the other religions and followings that are practiced in this sector. The dizzying smell of incense and smoke and oil and perfume can be overwhelming for the first time someone visits the sanctum so watch out, those who have sensitive senses. Feel free to drop by any of the services that are ongoing when you have the time. The schedule for the celebrations and services are always posted on the daily updated bulletin.
THE STEADFAST SOULS. Once standing where Dust Tumbles’ infamous hanging tree use to be before it was burned down during the Siege, the Steadfast Souls is a large iron statue that is meant to represent the values of the city: Cooperation. Unity. Intergalactic peace. In the hands of the subjects — humans and aliens alike — is a glowing mechanical orb of some sort — This is the nullification core, used to keep powers in check, since the nullification core being stationed here is the most advantageous spot for its waves to pulse across the city.
THE SIEGE MEMORIAL WALL. A large black steel wall that stands out against the oranges and golds of its landscape, an eerie sense of stillness surrounding it. It looks pitch black when one approaches it but, upon closer inspection, the visitor will see there are names chiseled into surface. The wall lists the full names of men and women who had died during the Siege of Dust Tumbles, an apparently momentous event for the then small town. Once can see that fresh bouquet of flowers can be found at the base of the wall, seemingly laid at this memorial every other week.
THE CHAMPOLLION MINES. Considered useless when the original miners saw the mines did not contain the promised iron they were hoping to harvest, the Champollion Mines are now worth a fortune for hosting a regenerative supply of decaydium. Though some mines are still considered borrasca since past citizens used destructive means to clear away the ‘useless’ material, many of them are still plentiful and the city is now reaping the benefits. Most of the miners are of the non-human variety due to the fact physical contact with decaydium is deadly to most humans.
THE WEEPING CLIFFS. Known for its famous vast patches of its Soldiers’ Kisses that all but drape and across litter its sides and its peaks, the Weeping Cliffs is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Dust Tumbles. During the summertime, as the winds begin to get stronger, the delicate flowers begin to fall away from the cliffs, making it appear like water is flowing down the cliffs if one is viewing the cliffs from a distance. It’s a popular spot for people to hike or visit with friends (usually for tests of courages, due to the stories of the cliffs being haunted).