Hollowgate Setting & Prison Lore

Category: Lore / World Foundations
Status: Draft
RFC ID: RFC-005
Related: Cell System, Suspicion System, Prison Economy, Riot System, Custody, Player Core Systems


1. Overview

  • Hollowgate is a repurposed 20th-century temple complex, renovated into a high-security prison by 2040.
  • Architecture is a blend of carved stone, reinforced steel, and modular partitions; heritage motifs remain visible.
  • Surveillance-first custody model: drones, towers, sensor grids, and embedded cameras augment guard patrols.

2. Timeline & Heritage

  • Original Era (early 1600s): temple constructed with monumental halls, courtyards, and subterranean chambers.
  • Militarization (late 20th century): fortified after conflicts; perimeter walls, watchtowers, and armored gates added.
  • Conversion (mid-2000s): utilities, secure doors, and basic detention retrofits; heritage preserved where possible.
  • Modernization (2030–2040): sensor mesh, drone docks, automated locks, biometric checkpoints, and smart lighting installed; server cores embedded in former sanctums.

3. Technology Layer (2040)

  • Drones: patrol, spotlight, crowd mark, and tag for guard response; return-to-dock auto-rotation.
  • Smart Locks: remote-operated, power-backed, segmented by zone; fail-safe modes prioritize containment.
  • Comms: secure guard channels; inmate area audio monitored; jammers activated during lockdowns.

4. Custody Identity & Atmosphere

  • Visual language: sacred stone patterns partially obscured by conduits, cameras, and riot shutters.
  • Soundscape: drones, HVAC, server hum, distant chants from archived audio remnants used as white noise.
  • Messaging: signage is “official record” tone; heritage plaques remain but are secondary to custody notices.
  • Climate: damp lower levels; dry, harshly lit upper yards; environmental discomfort reinforces custody pressure.

Tags

lore setting prison architecture technology custody rfc-005