{District} SootCity

BlackLung's Reign

BlackLung was the first District Leader of SootCity. He was an old toon with an even older mindset. He began constructing factories and coal mines across the district to generate income for the still developing district. This attracted toons from all over Gaia to Retropolis to work and send money back to their families.

At first, this was successfully helping the district. But with time, BlackLung grew greedy, ramping up the number of factories and pocketing the money for himself. These factories started to get larger than was possible to maintain, leading to dangerous working conditions and increased work-related injuries. The workers' wages began to lessen until they couldn't afford to go back home and had to make makeshift slums in the district.

With terrible working conditions, unbreathable air, and less than livable wages, the residents of SootCity were miserable. However, the only source of comfort they could find was with each other, and many congregated together based on a shared culture or similar interests. They supported each other to the best of their ability with the little they had, and no one thought things would get better for the longest time. That was until something miraculous happened.

BlackLung died of Black Lung.

Absolutely no one could have anticipated that this would happen. Some theorized that this was a setup by someone else looking to take over SootCity. Whatever the reason, the citizens feared what could become of them without a District Leader.

That was when Carter made his debut.

Carter's Appearance

Carter frequented the district a couple of months before BlackLung's untimely demise. The man was known for visiting the few Speakeasies to listen to the bands, buy drinks, and fill out documents. This wasn't anything extraordinary except that Carter could tip up to a thousand dollars before he left.

Word spread around quickly of this big spender, and thus many citizens began to turn their homes into speakeasies with the hope of attracting him. When BlackLung died, many were fearful that Carter would no longer frequent the district. However, Carter never ceased his visits. The townspeople begged him to take the position, but Carter refused, saying he would never represent such an impoverished district.

The people thought this would end until Carter personally funded the entire district, spreading wealth amongst the citizens to build their homes and support their businesses. It was through his generosity that the Vapors were created.

How to be a citizen

To be a citizen of SootCity, you either had to live there during BlackLung's reign or be related to someone who was. This will grant you a guaranteed place in the community. However, to immigrate is much more challenging as the Vapors are so unwelcoming. One would have to be an extremely hardworking fellow, get a job under a Vapor, and show their competency. After a few months of labor and adapting to social norms, surrounding Vapors might remember your name.

The next way to become a citizen would be to come into the district as an entrepreneur, already with riches. The Vapors cannot stand pompous folk, so you must show that you got to where you are from your hard work. Vapors flock to innovation and confidence, and if you can survive in the cutthroat business world, then you have a home in SootCity.

Style

The Vapors are very luxurious. They dress in exclusively dark-colored clothing with reflective embellishments. Gas masks are also essential for everyday living, and Vapors will have their masks diamond encrusted. In addition, children will have their masks outfitted with famous cartoon characters of the time.

Social

It is obscene to curse in public as you're expected to present yourself as civilized. Smoking is very socially acceptable at any time of the hour, and it's alright to drink in the presence of company. Acting prude is seen as more unfavorable than any of these behaviors. It all depends on whether you look classy instead of a belligerent fool. Because of their long history of being poor, the last thing a Vapor wants is to look unattractive. If you look high-class, you can get away with many things in Vapor society.