Backstreets

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The Backstreets (뒷골목, dwitgolmok) are the areas of a Wing's District that are not included in the Nests, outside of their protection.

They take the form of slums, as dangerous, poverty-ridden areas of the City that no one particularly enjoys living in.

Overview

The Backstreets are the considerably less desirable half of each District, characterized as slums outside of the Wings' protection and the antithesis to the Nests. The Backstreets are dangerous, hectic, and generally unkempt, and its citizens live precarious lives under the constant threat of death. While there are some who may benefit from the cruel, somewhat barbarous nature of the Backstreets, it would be nigh-impossible to find a resident who actively enjoys the lifestyle.

The Backstreets of District 21.

Districts aren't split evenly into Nest and Backstreets, rather, the Backstreets are said to stretch all over the City in a vein-like distribution.[1] Like the Nests, the Backstreets of each District vary in culture and architecture. The culture of the Backstreets (which is not necessarily the same as their respective District's Nest) may differ dramatically from place to place, such as District 23's Backstreets' penchant for cannibalism. Overall, the Backstreets are said to function under their own set of rules and ideas.[2]

Given that the Backstreets are defined only by their existence outside of the Wings' care, they are not always literal streets between buildings befitting of their name.[3] Instead, they may take other forms akin to the murky wetlands of District 21. Backstreets' roads are generally known to be dangerous and roundabout,[4] but carry the advantage of shortcuts and lack of vehicular traffic.[5]

Despite the harshities of the Backstreets, its residents continue to live on as best they can even with their circumstances. Depending on factors such as strength, wealth, or the District, some may have an easier day-to-day life than others. Additionally, the Backstreets still supply access to the various amenities that anyone would need, including through restaurants, clothing stores, dry cleaners, and groceries.[6] Technology is also available, while greatly varied depending on what one can afford. The quality and advancement of Backstreets technology is inconsistent and scattered throughout, ranging from rudimentary to high-tech.[7]

Relationship with the Nests

The Backstreets ultimately serve a grander purpose in the City: as a source of motivation. Citizens of the Backstreets are driven to work hard for the chance to live in the Nests, while citizens of the Nests are driven to continue working hard so that they aren't kicked out into the Backstreets.[8] It is extremely difficult to make it into the Nests as a Backstreets-born, meaning that Backstreets denizens may be willing to resort to extreme measures for the necessary migration permit. Generally, Nest citizens are well aware of their advantageous lifestyle compared to their neighbors of the Backstreets. However, this frequently comes in the form of belittlement, as opposed to sympathy or generosity. In fact, comfortably observing the troubled lives of Backstreets dwellers as a form of entertainment is said to be somewhat of a trend amongst Nest denizens.[9]

The divide between the Backstreets and Nest of District 21.

Under the protection of the Wings, the Nests are considerably nicer places to live. They tend to be cleaner, wealthier, and safer than the Backstreets, although still prone to tragedy. One of the Nests' greatest advantages is their care for the lives of their citizens. A grand calamity in the Backstreets may attract attention, but is unlikely to spur any grander call-to-action. A public disaster within the shelter of a Nest, however, is bound to spur on immediate action from its Wing. In Canto VII: The Dream Ending, for example, Cesara mentions that squadrons of elites would have tackled the case of La Manchaland immediately if only it had occurred within the Nest; yet due to its appearance in the Backstreets, it was two months before anyone at P Corp. could even approach the matter.

While varied in stature and quality, every District has their own manner of dividing the Backstreets from the Nests.[9] These boundaries may take the form of simple barriers like chain fences, or even invisible plasma walls. Nonetheless, even the weakest-looking border will deter Backstreets citizens from attempting to cross.[9]

While the Backstreets of the City function on their own terms, their respective District's Wing still has some influence on the culture. Each Wing has its own set of conducts and policies which ultimately seep into the lives of Backstreets dwellers.[10] It is said that some Wings will take "a relatively cooperative approach to their Backstreets, while others thoroughly exploit them".[10] It is because of factors like Wing interference that the Backstreets of certain Districts, while all less desirable homes than the Nests, may be better places to live than others.

Additionally, Nest residents simply have access to greater opportunities for acquiring wealth, such as working for the Wings as a feather. Given that first class WARP Train tickets are said to be around two months' worth of a Nest citizen's income and an entire year's worth for a Backstreets citizen's,[11] it can be estimated that the people of the Nest tend to make around six times the Ahn than that of someone from the Backstreets.

The Night in the Backstreets

The Backstreets are known for having a special, lawless time period known as the "Night in the Backstreets" (뒷골목의 밤, Dwitgolmogui bam). The Night in the Backstreets is a regular event which takes place every night from 3:13 A.M. to 4:34 A.M., without fail.

A Sweeper. Its form is a red liquid, maintained inside a metal body.

During this 81 minute period, anything goes, and no one is held responsible for the crimes committed within this time span.[12] Recording anything during the Night in the Backstreets is strictly forbidden, meaning that eyewitness testimony is the only permissible account of events. Yet, it is said that anyone who who tries to report on illegal activity taking place during this period will be targeted and silenced by the Claw.[13] The Night in the Backstreets can be considered an easy way for citizens to fulfill the grudges they hold against one another, and a routine perpetrator of the violence and danger the Backstreets are characterized by. It is known to be brutal, appalling, and barbaric, even for the City.[12]

Sweepers are a consistent commodity of the Night in the Backstreets. These humans-turned-creature appear in three waves and relentlessly march from one end of a District's Backstreets to the other, sweeping up anything and everything, alive or dead, within their reach. This makes them popular assistants in crime, given that disposing of corpses or weapons is as easy as leaving them outside during the early hours of the morning. The only way to confidently avoid the Sweepers' advance is to stay indoors until the final wave has passed.

In general, it is a poor idea for citizens of the Backstreets to find themselves out and about during nighttime.

Factions of the Backstreets

The people of the Backstreets and the City at large are always striving to be a member of a group or to move up in the ranks. It is considered foolish to not belong to some kind of Office, Syndicate, or other, given that the weak must band together in order to survive, and individuals are often easy targets for those with bad intentions.[14]

The lowest of the low in the City are known as Rats. Rats are the "lowly gangsters" of the Backstreets who possess no real power or ability and survive on a day-by-day basis.[1] They are respected by no one, and despite traveling in groups, can hardly be considered a Syndicate.[1]

Fixers, Offices, and Syndicates

Various Fixers of the City.

One of the most explored occupations of the City is that of a Fixer. Fixers are contract workers with a variety of different specialties and strengths, who can be hired for just about anything given the right pay. To become a Fixer, one must obtain a Fixer license issued by the Hana Association, which is dependent on physical fitness and requires the individual be at least 20 years of age.[15][16] Fixers are then expected to join an Office due to the difficulty of finding jobs as a no-name.[15] Offices are simply groups of Fixers banded together under a name and place to report to, usually with a relatively small member count, or even just a single member running a one-man Office.[17] Many Fixer Offices work for one of the Associations (such as the Streetlight Office to the Zwei Association), where they are strongly bound to their orders.[18] Workshops are one specific kind of Fixer Office who deal with the crafting and selling of various tools, weapons, and armor for Fixers, though they may occasionally take on combat contracts like traditional Offices.[19] Fixers and Offices are common throughout the City, however, and are not exclusive to the Backstreets. Despite this, it is more likely that a Backstreets citizen would need to possess the fighting prowess and survival skills that often lead one down the path of Fixer.

What are more exclusive to the Backstreets, however, are Syndicates. "Syndicate" is a very general term for the groups people form in the City, and like Fixer Offices, will attend to all kinds of different endeavors and assignments. Yet, Syndicates have a considerably worse reputation, and are commonly known to consist of thugs and engage in extensive criminal activity. Syndicates also do not abide by any formal procedures, making them generally untrustworthy.[20] While not necessarily the safest or most well-regarded type of faction to belong to, many low on the ladder rungs of the City dream of belonging to a big-name Syndicate, as they tend to offer protection in their own way. Syndicates may achieve fame and power by raiding Fixer Offices, which involves "storm[ing] into an Office and wreak[ing] havoc on it".[21] Beyond this, Syndicates will often strive for power through the occupation of land. After Lobotomy Corporation collapsed, for example, its former Nest became a popular location for violent Syndicate turf wars.

Nonetheless, not all Syndicates are necessarily bad-intentioned. Some Syndicates may solve problems or hunt other Syndicates, with members that simply can't be bothered to engage in the formal process of becoming a Fixer.[22] And while Syndicates often operate on their own terms, they too are for-hire, and may end up in a partnership with or sponsored by Fixer Offices, Associations, or even Wings depending on the occasion.[23] Syndicates may also be subsidiaries of larger Syndicates, such as the Kurokumo Clan to the Thumb.

The exact range of movement the average Syndicate has throughout the City is unclear, as there have been examples of Syndicates operating in the Nests, including the Yurodivy seen in Timekilling Time. This may be an example of a Syndicate originating in the Backstreets, but having its values spread and adopted separately in the Nest, therefore expanding the group.

The Five Fingers

The largest of Syndicates wield a considerable amount of power, and may have a firm grip on the Backstreets they occupy, taking on a role similar to the Wings with their Nests. The Syndicates with the greatest influence in the Backstreets are termed the Five Fingers or the "Hand of the Backstreets", which aptly includes the Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring, and Pinky. These five are considered significant threats and said to possess power which rivals the Wings.[24] Each of the Five Fingers operate under their own set of rules: the Thumb, for example, highly valuing respect for one's superiors, while the Middle values cordialness and common courtesy. The Five Fingers also each offer various protective services to members or Backstreets citizens who meet the Syndicate's conditions. For instance, anyone can receive protection from the Index, so long as they follow the Prescripts they are given by its Messengers.

Known Backstreets

Location Description
The Backstreets of District 4.
District 4 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 4 are scarcely seen, but shown to contain various wooden, relatively colorless homes, and dirty, garbage-ridden streets. Lobotomy Corporation Branch D-02 lies within these Backstreets.
The Backstreets of District 8.
District 8 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 8 exist within one overwhelming large structure, leaving the streets somewhat shrouded in darkness. The Backstreets are lit through artificial means and host numerous billboards, alongside buildings which appear as if they were stacked on top of each other. District 8 buildings have a tendency to shift at set intervals, at different angles and velocities.[25]

Backstreets residents of this District often develop techniques and technologies using the Boluses created by H Corp.,[26] which are ball-shaped pills used as treatment for physical injuries. One may end up a "regular" by engaging in these Bolus treatment services too frequently, the side effects of which tend to cause bodily mutation.[27] Regulars appear to be a common sight in the District 8 Backstreets.

Not yet seen in-game. District 9 Backstreets
 It was within the District 9 Backstreets that the Pianist incident occurred, immediately before the events of Library of Ruina. The Distortion killed a total of 300,000 people in the residential area of the Backstreets, or 80% of the District's population.[28]

Following this event, the District 9 Backstreets became known as the "streets of music", and was occupied by a select few musicians hoping to capture the height of the Pianist's performance.[29]

The Backstreets of District 10.
District 10 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 10 contain a busy sea of structures, in the midst of which lies a particularly grand casino. Lobotomy Corporation Branch J-03 lies underneath the casino, within a set of caves.

J Corp. itself is known as the "Nest of Gambling", and the District's Backstreets possess a similarly gamble-heavy culture. Within this District, their wishpower technology is considered a tradable currency even more valuable than money, and used extensively by its residents. It is said to be heavily relied on by those of District 10, but not widely known enough outside of it to qualify as a proper Singularity, at least by Faust's standards.[30]

The Backstreets of District 20.
District 20 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 20 are characterized by their complete lack of color, as is the rest of the District. However, they take on a grayscale tone as opposed to the sepia hue of its Nest, due to the source of the color draining technology's location within the center of T Corp.[31] Additionally, the architecture makes use of brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Both the Nest and Backstreets are depicted with a considerable amount of smoke in the air.

A number of relevant Syndicates are known to be active within District 20's Backstreets, including the Blade Lineage, Kurokumo Clan, and a portion of the Yurodiviye. It was also the base of operations for the Dead Rabbits for some time, although the Syndicate is known to have been eradicated long before November of 984.[32]

T Corp. appears to have a considerable hold over its District's Backstreets, with procedures strictly enforced against those who fail to pay their Time Tax or dabble in unauthorized inventions, regardless of if whether they live in the Nest.[33]

The District 20 Backstreets are also Heathcliff's birthplace, however, he was ultimately raised within the Nest.

The more architectural portion of the Backstreets of District 21.
District 21 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 21 are characterized by their overwhelmingly green hue, consisting of murky and trash crab-heavy wetlands. Other parts of it, nearer to the Nest, may be made up of stacks of shipping containers.[34] The Backstreets are divided from U Corp.'s Nest with an invisible field of plasma which destroys everything that comes into contact with it.

It is said that U Corp.'s resonance tuning forks are often made use of in cases of crime within the District 21 Backstreets.[35]

Not yet seen in-game. District 22 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 22 are where the events of Leviathan take place, and where the orphanage Vergilius occupied himself with used to run prior to its destruction.

These Backstreets are under heavy influence of the Ring.

The Distortion of the Crying Children appeared here, causing over 80,000 casualties.[36]

Not yet seen in-game.District 23 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 23 are sometimes called the "Streets of Flavor". Its residents are known for having a great penchant for cannibalism in pursuit of the "ultimate flavor". There are a variety of restaurants where human meat is openly served.

It is considered a "rough mess even for the Backstreets", and has a considerably harsh reputation.[37]

The Backstreets of District 25.
District 25 Backstreets
The Backstreets of District 25 are exceptionally cold, and are known to be a rather impoverished area.

Some time ago, a portion of its residents were purged by the Middle following the murder of a tax collector with a relative in the Middle.

Rodion and Sonya hail from this portion of the City, which also makes it the founding place of the Yurodiviye Syndicate.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Library of Ruina Rats pre-Reception
  2. ↑ Canto 2-3 - Saude: "We have no choice, the Backstreets have their own rules and order. We aren’t the ones to disturb that complex web of their society."
  3. ↑ Intervallo 4.5-2 - Faust: "The definition of Backstreets isn't limited to literal streets between buildings. It refers to all territories within districts not embraced by the Nests."
  4. ↑ Back to the Bus. Mini Episode - Outis: "The Backstreets roads are rife with danger and winding, roundabout paths. This carries an unnecessary risk, does it not?"
  5. ↑ Intervallo 4.5-1
  6. ↑ Library of Ruina MuMu's Page
  7. ↑ Library of Ruina Yesod, Episode III
  8. ↑ Library of Ruina Hod, Episode V - Hod: "People in the Backstreets try to join the Wings for a better and happier life, but when I look at the books of people from the Nest (...) They live in constant fear that they might fail to produce enough results and get kicked out of the Nest. It’s the same kind of insecurity that comes from not belonging to a Wing in the first place."
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Library of Ruina A Hook Office Fixer, Page 2
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Library of Ruina Dalloc's Page
  11. ↑ Library of Ruina The Puppeteer pre-Reception - Jae-heon: "It takes twice the monthly wage of an average person in the Nest to afford a seat in this carriage, I hear? That means someone in the Backstreets would have to work hard for at least a year for it."
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Library of Ruina Yang's Page
  13. ↑ Library of Ruina Wang's Page
  14. ↑ Library of Ruina Pete's Page
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Library of Ruina A Grade 8 Fixer Page 3
  16. ↑ Leviathan Book 2, Garnet and Lapis
  17. ↑ Library of Ruina Brotherhood of Iron pre-Reception - Angela: "It seems Fixers must report to their Office before they can even begin working."
    Roland: "Well, that’s formally the case. I could bypass that since I ran a one-man Office, though."
  18. ↑ Limbus Company official website: "Most Fixers working at the Associations are obedient little dogs who can't refuse their missions!"
  19. ↑ Dante's Notes (Workshops, Record #1)
  20. ↑ Library of Ruina A Zwei Fixer's Page
  21. ↑ Library of Ruina Arnold's Page
  22. ↑ Library of Ruina An Axe Gang Member, Page 2
  23. ↑ Library of Ruina Hod, Episode V - Roland: "Quite a few [Fixers and Syndicates] are sponsored by the Wings, actually. It’s something to aim for. Although they still have to do whatever their Wing orders ‘em to do."
  24. ↑ Library of Ruina The Carnival pre-Reception - Roland: "Anyway, the Five Fingers have enough power and influence to rival the Wings, so nothing good will come out of opposing them."
  25. ↑ In Nocturnal Sweeping, the building the Sinners are standing on hardly shifts, while the building the Middle are located at is described as jutting violently from the ground in a diagonal burst.
  26. ↑ Intervallo 7.5-16 - Faust: "It is no rare sight to find unique techniques and technology developed independently by the inhabitants of the Backstreets of District 8 using the manufactured Boluses."
  27. ↑ Intervallo 7.5-16 - Hong Lu: "Ah… they must be the 'regulars'. (...) People who've grown too accustomed to visiting the clinics in search of their mystical treatments. The regulars might appear more intimidating than most people at first glance, but apparently all the side effects they've been stacking changes them in strange ways. "
  28. ↑ Library of Ruina Zwei II pre-Reception
  29. ↑ Library of Ruina The Musicians of Bremen Reception Pre-Battle
  30. ↑ Canto 2-3
  31. ↑ Intervallo 5.5-13 - Faust (explaining the nature of the color disparity): "This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the technology used to drain our saturation is situated at the center of T Corp. It has been reported that such variations in hue may occur in areas further away from its sphere of influence."
  32. ↑ Canto 6-19 - Discreet Butler (speaking in 984-11): "They have been inactive for a long, long time—in other words, they have already been vanquished. Other gangs have not seen the Dead Rabbits in the Backstreets in a while, either."
  33. ↑ T Corp. Class 2 Collection Staff Rodion/Identity Story
  34. ↑ The story never mentions the Sinners' trip from the District 21 Nest to its Backstreets, nor is the location stated to be within the Backstreets; however this section of District 21 contains the Twinhook Pirate's Hideout, which is a Syndicate and unlikely to be stationed within the Nest.
  35. ↑ Canto 5-3 - Ishmael: "Ships that use resonance tuning forks like those are as common as crimes are in the backstreets. Or, I guess, as common as the Whales are in the Great Lake."
  36. ↑ Library of Ruina Liu Association Section 2 Pre-Battle
  37. ↑ Library of Ruina Gebura, Episode III - Roland: "Sheesh, that’s a rough mess even for the Backstreets… District 23 really did live up to its rep, huh. (...) Compared to District 23… Even The Carnival or those Smiling Faces look like child’s play."

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Terminology
Locations The City (Districts (Nests • Backstreets)) - Outskirts - The Great Lake - Ruins
Lore Abnormalities - E.G.O - Distortions - White Nights and Dark Days - Smoke War - Singularities - Golden Boughs
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