Laws and Customs in the City

Control Rating

On the GURPS scale (see GURPS 4th Edition Basic Set, p. 506), the City falls into the category of CR5, with the exception of the tax burden described. Additionally, street-level commerce functions more freely than described, though the economy is strictly controlled by the Computer (though the City governors are thought to play some role in the economic decision-making process).

Legality

Weapons. All weapons, even makeshift knives and clubs, are classed LC0 for ALL CITIZENS. Exceptions to this rule are provided for law enforcement (COPS and GOONS), personal protection (with ORANGE or higher clearance), and "special operations" as determined by the Computer. Heavy weapons such as explosives, armored vehicles and artillery are restricted to "military-class law enforcement," chiefly the GOONS.

Music. Vocal music, songs, chants, or other music with lyrics are forbidden within the City structures. Only instrumental music is allowed for entertainment purposes only. "Entertainment purposes" means the use of music is legally confined to those who use it as a form of entertainment or as accompaniment to some other entertainment. While it is not in and of itself a treasonous act, listening to music without purpose is highly suspect behavior. Vocal music is LC0, while instrumental music is LC3.

Literature. Reading printed literature for purposes not related to work has been identified by the Computer as a singularly suspicious activity. Whether an individual's reading habits amount to subversive activity depends entirely on the subject matter being read. For example, a cook reading a book about plants may be work-related, whereas a farmer from Delta Sector reading a book about cooking is clearly subversive. Printed literature is technically LC3, but is treated as if LC4, unless the subject matter is subversive, in which case it is LC0, unless the individual is permitted, by clearance or administrative rank, to possess such materials, in which case the materials in question are LC2.

Drugs. All drugs, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals capable of altering the physiology of the brain are LC2 for anyone below RED-clearance. Infrared citizens are required to take a daily dosage of medications designed to assist in the voluntary repression of subversive thoughts and behaviors. Additionally, an Infrared may be required to take additional drugs according to his or her occupation. For citizens who possess RED clearance or better, all pharmaceuticals are LC4. Additionally, RED or higher citizens may opt out of the daily medications.

Nanotechnology. If there were a category stronger than LC0 (say, LC-1), the Computer would classify nanotech in that category. While it is rumored that nanites and microbots perform maintenance tasks in the Computer's processing and memory core, such details are highly classified (Ultraviolet Only) and therefore restricted from discussion. It is probably not even a good idea to think about nanotechnology - not while you're in the City at any rate. Possession of nanotechnology or literature related to technology will result in immediate termination of you and your clone series.

Law Enforcement

There are two offices primarily responsible for the safety and security of the City. Primary law enforcement on an individual basis is performed by Civil Order and Patrol Service (COPS), who operate on foot and on hovercycles throughout the city. The highly-trained officers of the Grave Order and Offensive Nuisance Service (GOONS) combat gangs, control crowds, manage riots, and perform other functions of mass pacification. GOONS operate hover tanks and other heavy equipment in the pursuit of their quarry. Additionally, Civil Unified divisions such as Dept. 23, while they do not have arrest authority, are charged with routing subversives and other treasnous activities. As such, many of their duties fall into the category of "law enforcement," though they are not officially considered as part of the Civil Unified law enforcement hierarchy.

Economics

While there is no "free market," consumers have a great deal of variety and options in their chosen lifestyles, as long as those lifestyles are not in some way subversive or otherwise forbidden by law. The Computer understands that variety and choice are prime motivators for humans, but finds the historic free-market method inadequate to perform this task.

GM Note

I will update this page on occasion as things come up during gameplay.