The 7 Layers

No, this has nothing to do with layers of Hell although that’s what the idea is based upon. This is actually an idea that I have thought up lately that I want to jot down as soon as possible so I don’t forget it. This is a location visited very far into the game (In fact, it is part of an optional side quest). For easy reference, let’s make a map.

• Level 1 – This is the top level, where only the noblest and most important souls go. Souls encountered here include Arcanus (character info will be added later) and many other important and strong magi from ages long past.
• Level 2 – This area is mostly home to the souls of priests and other clergymen.
• Level 3 – When you enter, you start out on this layer. Souls here are simply ordinary people.
• Level 4 – This level is home to minor criminals and those who have committed crimes out of insanity.
• Level 5 - This is the lowest regular level. The souls here are those of evil men or enemies of the gods. The look/feel of this area resemble the slums of a city.
• Level 6 – This is the layer where new and “partial” souls go. For the most part, they just drift around aimlessly and mourn what they’ve lost, though they cannot quite remember what those things are.
• Level 7 – The Soul Graveyard. This idea is still under development, and what I’ve decided on so much is pretty much spoiler material and wouldn’t make sense out of context.

Now, for the specifics of how this place works. As the layer descriptions state, you enter at the third layer. The idea here is that higher layers are closer to the gods, and lower levels are closer to the earth (a.k.a. evil). As a certain character (spoiler!) describes, there are generally considered to be six layers, as the seventh layer is separated from the rest and entry is prohibited. Travel between layers is heavily monitored and restricted by guards and is done via something very closely related to a train. The train does not have a track and does not travel to the seventh layer.

As for those living in the 7 Layers, they have fallen into a pitiful state and have forgotten all of the things that were once important to them. They are listless and confused, and they wander around endlessly trying to find out what it was that they had and lost. These people are empty husks without dreams or ambitions, although they might exhibit old habits such as running from place to place as if in a hurry or mumbling to themselves about things they need to get done.

The environment of the 7 Layers is dark and desolate with no sun or sky to be seen. The layers seem to exist in a void. Layers 1-5 are set up like towns and contain run-down, hollow buildings. Pale streetlights line the streets and shine dimly in the darkness. The environment matches the people who live there – empty and in despair.

…God, I wish I could make this game just so I can make a zone like this. Reality checks hurt!