The world is divided into two main regions: the Ground, inhabited by humans called Groundlings, and the Sphere, a floating island suspended above the Ground inhabited by Sphereites. The two are separated by the Frontier. Sphereites live in relative comfort compared to the Groundlings. Over time, the Sphere has polluted the Ground by constantly dumping trash, leading to severe environmental risks and a stark contrast in living conditions.
THE GROUND Main article: Ground Due to the massive amount of trash dumped from the Sphere, many areas of the Ground are toxic and uninhabitable, aside from safe zones built outside the Sphere’s predetermined path.
•Safe Zones Regions where humans can breathe without masks. Settlements form here, typically protected by large walls. Cleaners establish their bases and headquarters here. Shops and hospitals function at full capacity, and settlements appear densely populated. These areas are planned along safe routes where residents can build without the threat of falling debris.
•Contaminated Zones Dangerous areas near the settlements. Trash Beasts thrive here, and an unprotected human would not survive 15 minutes without a mask. Large amounts of refuse are found here, along with scavengers, humans collecting scrap, and the occasional Sphereite body.
•Flora and Fauna Main article: Species Horses have mutated due to the toxic environment into 'Ground Horses,' preferred by traders for their resilience. Wolves are extinct. Black and white crows, insects, and cats persist.
Main article: No Man's Land The most dangerous locations of all. Cleaners have identified six in total; an average person entering will die almost instantly. The Trash Beasts here are tougher and dangerous even for 'Givers.'
Both Ground and Sphere use a common, unnamed language featuring a unique alphabet. A variant resembling Japanese syllabaries is often seen on the backs of Cleaner uniforms.
Main article: Hell's Guard Though the Ground’s governing body remains unknown, the primary authority is Hell's Guard, who focus on suppressing criminal activity, particularly 'Givers' who abuse their abilities.
Agriculture is difficult due to soil contamination, and flowers are nearly non-existent, with the sole exception of the 'Tori' No-Man's Land, which has become a jungle of plants adapted to the toxicity.
Religion There is little understanding of deities on the Ground; concepts like 'God' are unrecognized by most. Some extremists even worship the falling trash as a 'Blessing from the Sky,' forcing others to pay homage to the very refuse that kills them.
(This world is currently in development; events and characters may change over time.) Thanks to hi waifu for the intro! 🫂