Old Dunling

Biodata

Background / History

Old Dunling grew around steam power after humanity's first steam engine was developed there. The Mechanical Institute later hollowed out the underground, diverted the Thames River into an immense furnace, and built what is described as the largest steam engine in history to power the city's factories. 1 2

The city expanded rapidly during the steam age until its built-up area occupied the central part of Inverwig Island. Its scale and industrial importance attracted people seeking wealth, knowledge, and power, while also worsening public security. 2 7

During the Glorious War, Old Dunling endured internal unrest and the threat of the Gaulonalo advance through Raindona Port. A fortress in what would later become the Lower District served as a final defensive checkpoint against the invasion. 10 13

Cityscape

Old Dunling is perpetually gray, damp, and largely deprived of sunlight. Steam exhaust from its underground system rises through streets and manholes in immense quantities, condenses into mist and drizzle, and blankets the city year-round. 1

• Towering Steam Towers and factories dominate the industrial landscape. 9 12
• Zeppelins patrol overhead, using searchlights to observe the streets; Sky Cavalry can deploy from them during emergencies. 1 7
• The city’s air is polluted by exhaust fumes, while its industrial furnaces have consumed surrounding forests for fuel. 17
• The Thames is integrated into the steam system and used to dispose of waste; bodies thrown into the river may be filtered and incinerated with refuse. 1 2

Districts

Lower District

The Lower District began as a slum and grew with the influx of outsiders and stowaways. Its inhabitants are not treated as full citizens under Inverwig’s laws, and residents are barred from entering the Outer District. 2 9

It serves as Old Dunling’s primary black market, criminal refuge, and repository for activities the rest of the city refuses to acknowledge. Shrike describes it as a “trash can” required by the city’s prosperity. 2 9

• Major black-market transactions and illicit information exchanges take place there. 2
• Gangs routinely fight over its industries, with deaths treated as ordinary occurrences. 2
• The district uses Butcher Coins, minted with the Shrike Bird’s emblem, as a widely accepted black-market currency. 16
• Beneath its ruined streets are lavish casinos, fortifications, underground trade venues, and the Feast of Bliss’s Underground Palace. 2 13 21

Infrastructure

Steam Hub

The Mechanical Institute’s underground Steam Hub is the foundation of Old Dunling’s industry. It burns continuously, using diverted Thames water and extensive underground channels to power mechanical factories. Its exhaust system releases thousands of tons of purified vapor into the city every day. 1

Midgard Serpent

Midgard Serpent is Old Dunling’s integrated transport network, created to connect the sprawling city and later expanded across Inverwig. 7

• Subways run through underground tunnels across the city. 7
• Iron Snakes are steam trams operating on street-level rails. 7
• Some civilian Steam Trams retain concealed military-grade capacity from their original design, including power sufficient to carry soldiers and armor. 7
• Zeppelins are being incorporated into the wider transportation network while also serving as aerial security assets. 7
• Wealthy individuals can rent or own private rail carriages; the Phoenix Family possesses an exclusive armored express train connecting its territory to the city. 12 15

Society and Security

Old Dunling’s prosperity is sharply divided by class. The Inner District’s wealth, electricity, and patrol protection contrast with the Lower District’s mud roads, gang violence, and lack of legal recognition. 2 14

The city is protected by several armed forces:

• Suaran Hall — Old Dunling’s highest security force, including mounted police. 4
• Royal Guard — A heavily armed military force equipped with weapons such as the Dragon Roar rifle. 21
• Sky Cavalry — Red-cloaked aerial troops stationed aboard patrolling zeppelins. 7
• Purification Agency — A secretive organization deployed against Fiends and demonic contamination within the city. 27 30

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Wall investigation — The shooting of sailor Wall and his abnormal corpse reveal signs of Fiend mutation within the city. 2 28
• Silver Fish pursuit — Lorenzo investigates the mysterious fishing vessel and chases its suspects through Old Dunling before they can reach the Lower District. 3 7 8
• Sabo’s ball — Lorenzo and Eve enter the Lower District’s hidden criminal world to investigate Sabo and the Sacred Coffin. 16 19 23
• Underground Palace incident — The city is placed under curfew as the Royal Guard and Purification Agency contain Fiends beneath the Lower District. 21 27 30
• Return of demons — The discovery that demon-related contamination has resurfaced in Old Dunling draws Lorenzo back into the work of a Demon Hunter. 42 44

Trivia

• Old Dunling is often called the City of Hope and the City of Steam by those drawn to its promise of wealth and new lives. 23
• Its lack of sunlight is so severe that a brighter-than-usual day is considered remarkable. 44
• The city’s rail and steam infrastructure is powerful enough to support both civilian life and rapid military operations. 7 27