Backlund

Biodata

Districts and Landmarks

Noted Districts

• East District — Associated with textile-worker unrest, industrial inequality, criminal activity, and evil-god influence. 180
• Backlund Bridge area — Site of criminal activity and a district named in Cyril's warning of the coming disaster. 34 308
• Dock District and Factory District — Industrial districts included in the projected spread of the Great Smog crisis. 308
• Saint George District — Heavy-industry district and location of Saint Hillan Cathedral. 39 146
• Cherwood Borough — Location of 15 Minsk Street and a storm-related incident with no reported casualties. 78 118
• Queen District — Affluent district containing large estates and mansions. 24
• Hillston Borough — District visited for the Roselle Memorial Exhibition and associated with high-end dining. 150 203
• South Bridge District — Home to the Harvest Cathedral and Owen's residence. 249 309

Institutions and Supernatural Activity

Official Beyonder Presence

• The Church of the God of Steam and Machinery maintains a major presence through Saint Hillan Cathedral and the Heart of Mechanics, whose personnel are exceptionally well-equipped compared with ordinary police. 3 43
• The Church of the Evernight Goddess, Church of Storms, and Church of Steam all operate in the city and investigate major supernatural incidents. 117 321
• The Church of Mother Earth operates the Harvest Cathedral, where Father Utravsky serves as a Dawn Knight. 46 141

Beyonder Networks

• Eye of Wisdom convenes a masked, robe-clad Beyonder gathering in Backlund; private trades there may involve dangerous artifacts, potion ingredients, and Beyonder characteristics. 15 85
• Multiple secret organizations maintain activity or interests in the city, including the Aurora Order, Rose School of Thought, Psychology Alchemists, and Demoness Sect. 84 119 349
• Backlund held three known Meteorite Crystals: one each connected to the Aurora Order, the Church of Steam, and the Sanguine. 58

Hidden Threats

• A Fourth Epoch ruin beneath William Street housed an ancient evil spirit until it obtained an item that enabled it to leave the ruin. 232
• During a Blood Moon, more than one terrifying gaze lingered over Backlund while the Seven Deities appeared unable to respond to prayers. 139
• Amon's presence in the city provoked divine punishment from the Lord of Storms, destroying most of Amon's local avatars. 186 210
• The city has repeatedly served as the site of conflicts involving Saints, demigods, angels, Sealed Artifacts, and the Mirror World. 117 211 328

Major Incidents

Backlund University Incident

Cyril Gray awakens bloodied in his Backlund home after transmigrating into the city. The ensuing university incident is investigated by the Heart of Mechanics; later accounts confirm that several students died and that an Angel briefly remained at the university. 1 31 46

Serial Murders

A serial murder case escalates to at least eleven victims and brings pressure from Loen's upper-class nobility upon the three major Churches. Authorities expect the previously suppressed case to reach major newspapers. 107 109

The Great Smog

Cyril warns that danger will spread from the Dock and Factory Districts through the East District and Backlund Bridge area, with deeper corrupt forces gathering in secret. 308

The disaster erupts sooner than expected: a white-robed figure causes the city smog to thicken rapidly, leaving residents coughing and collapsing. 311 321

• Newspaper statistics later report more than 15,000 direct deaths and more than 30,000 additional plague deaths. 320
• Cyril, Klein, and Audrey contribute to warning the Churches and responding to the crisis. 321
• Afterward, outsiders begin flowing into the East District as it gradually returns to its former state. 331

Trivia

• Cyril initially regards Backlund as “disaster-prone,” reflecting the city’s frequent supernatural crises. 1
• A public explanation attributed citywide divine lightning to non-compliant building materials and a massive static-electricity outbreak. 210
• Despite its dangers, Backlund remains a crucial place to acquire low- and mid-sequence Beyonder materials, information, and contacts. 58 265