Saint Louis is a city that'd been influenced by the Parisians who flocked to the city
long before the blackout. Based in the mountainous greenlands, the outskirts of Saint Louis is
modest, hiding the true gem of the city inside. The only entrance to the city is over a bridge, the outskirts otherwise surrounded by a swampy marshland around the bridge. Many factories reside in the outskirts as well as
flats closely built together to house the lowest societal class whom of which often work in said factories. As one travels into the heart of the city, they will first pass a series of streets with
shop after
shop after
shop. From general stores to cafes to barber shops to bakeries, these streets are often very humble and only sell mere basics. Above these shops are often apartments where the lower class often reside, bartering on the streets and working hard to make ends meet.
Creeping further into the heart of Saint Louis, the city begins to grow more
regal in appearance, often well-kept and beautifully decorated. Architecture is
elegant, the roads are paved with grey bricks and colorful floral arrangements are planted in hanging pots outside
buildings, weaving up glorious black lampposts and planted in risen plant beds. There are many
stagecoaches which act as the 'taxis' of Saint Louis, transporting people and goods across the large
bustling city. Expensive restaurants and bars, salons, fancy boutiques and hat shops, liquor and cigar stores and floral stores are often found along these streets. Buskers are often stood along the side of the
street, sometimes playing a cheerful tune on the trumpet or a small group singing as a barbershop quartet. A
church with stained glass windows can be seen along the street.
There is a
museum of aviation located magnificently on display at the end of one street. Glider planes and hot air balloons are on show as well as a history of flight pre-blackout. Turning left down the street will find you heading towards the
city hall with a
garden extending out towards the
mayor's house. Onsite there is a smaller cottage where his staff live, as well as a
private stables for his racehorses. Nearby is a
public livery where the elite can stable their thoroughbreds for located here is a large
racecourse where races are often held. One of four major
bars in the city is settled on this racecourse, often a hub where many gather on race days to get their bets in with a drink. In this area there are many residential areas dispersed around here. Houses for the middle class citizens overlook pretty grey brick streets with decently sized rooms and garden.
Turning left down another street leads you to the part of the city which makes Saint Louis notable for its culture. Though monotonous compared to the rest of the higher end of the city,
Dimont Avenue it the hub for artists, actors and musicians hoping to get their shot at being a local celebrity. There are many small shops which take place as privately owned
art galleries and also there is a
theater which performs shows every day of the week apart from Sundays. Tuesday through to Friday is reserved for the show company whilst on Saturdays and Mondays the theater is often flooded with people who wish to listen to live music or comedy.
Nearby,
Rue Sandrine is a street notable for its Sunday marketplaces. Often lower to middle class citizens who wish to earn a couple of Chreqeuds (Saint Louis' currency) will be found here manning stalls, selling items such as flower arrangements, soaps, cheeses, fresh produce, breads, chocolates, small keepsakes and jewelry. Further along this street you are met with the
trading hub where horse and wagons are stockpiled with produce and other valuables to be transported to surrounding areas. A dirt track serpentines out of the busy gridlock city into a more scenic area. A
green belt surrounds a single paved track which leads you out of the main city and into the most sought after residential area:
Square du Vaugirard.
This is where all of the elite live, trying to live a life of luxury. Although everybody in the city is free to make use of the amenities in this area, its often more easily accessible to the residents of this area. A
bridge which crosses a river will find you headed into Vaugirard. Firstly, before heading into the more built up area, there is a beautiful
park which is passed. Here, there is a pond which is often seen with little toy boats bobbing around in the water. Walking further into this park, there is a large
lepidopterarium. Here, butterflies are bred and are free to flutter about in a beautiful biome, open to the general public. Further along there is a more
high-end area of the city, all built up with fancy restaurants, boutiques, bars and tailors.
The Boulevard is where many of the richest residents live. Beautiful houses lined up in a row boasts spacious rooms, beautifully decorated architecture and large gardens. Travelling down the street, you are eventually met with a
promenade which overlooks the river. Many amenities are found here such as cafes, boat rides, pharmacies and so on. Live music is often played in this area, making it a beautiful place to spend the afternoon.
Hot air balloons are huge in the culture of Saint Louis. Often seen floating through the sky, its a form of entertainment here in the city. It is thought of so fondly that there is a day dedicated to these balloons - the first of May. In the evening, a ceremony called the
Dance of the Glow Balloons takes place, hot air balloons lighting up the skies.
Saint Louis still adopts a monetary currency to use in business and trade called the Chreqeud. This can be used to pay for valuables and supplies in shops, pay for the use of amenities such as the theater or in restaurants or it can be used to place bets on racehorses on racing days. Chrequeds can be earned through jobs and careers in the city, through selling goods and services, busking, bounty hunting and through other means such as betting or gambling.
Races are held on the 21st of every month. All groups are welcome to attend a race, placing bets on horses and having some drinks and a meal at the racecourse's bar and restaurant.
