The Below

The Below: Black Market of Fortis Prime

Overview

The Below is the infamous black market of Fortis Prime, a sprawling megacity known for its advanced technology and stringent governance. Located in the city's lower levels, this underground market serves as a hub for all forms of illicit activities, evading the strict regulations enforced on the surface.

Location and Characteristics

The Below operates within the forgotten and less monitored areas of Fortis Prime, including abandoned subway systems and the dilapidated lower levels beneath the industrial sectors. These locations provide ample cover for the market's activities, characterized by a labyrinth of corridors and dimly lit spaces that facilitate secretive transactions.

Key Activities

Weapons Trading

• Advanced military-grade weapons
• Experimental weaponry not available on the legal market

Cybernetics and Augmentations

• Illegal cybernetic enhancements
• Unapproved experimental augmentations

Information and Data Trade

• Stolen corporate secrets
• Illegal surveillance technology and data brokering

Substance Trafficking

• Narcotics and chemical substances banned in Fortis Prime
• Trade in rare, controlled medical supplies

Artifact Smuggling

• Illegal trade of stolen artifacts
• Sale of ancient relics and art

Participants

Various groups and individuals populate The Below, contributing to its notorious reputation:

• Outcasts and Rebels: Individuals living outside the law of Fortis Prime.
• Criminal Syndicates: Organized groups controlling various facets of the market.
• Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters: Specialists offering their services for hire.
• Hackers and Tech Savants: Technology experts dealing in illicit data and hardware.

Governance and Conflict

The Below lacks formal governance, with power frequently shifting among various gangs and criminal organizations. Conflicts are common and are usually settled through force or temporary alliances. Attempts by Fortis Prime's authorities to crack down on The Below have been largely ineffective due to corruption and the resilience of the underground networks.

Cultural Impact

The Below not only reflects the dark underbelly of Fortis Prime but also highlights the challenges faced by a society driven by control and technology. It serves as a counterpoint to the city's polished surface, revealing the complexities of human behavior in response to high-tech governance.