Elver and Limestone: Metro and Terminal

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Elver and Limestone represent, in the 57 Studios canonical framework, two faces of the post-collapse urban and industrial landscape. Elver is the underground city -- a collapsed metropolitan area whose survivors have retreated into the metro tunnels and built a new society in the darkness below. Limestone is the networked settlement -- a collection of industrial and rural locations connected by trade relationships and a shared survivor community.

Both maps are documented as locations where survivors adapted to the post-collapse environment by transforming pre-outbreak infrastructure into survival assets. The metro tunnels of Elver, designed for transportation, became a living space. The airport, sawmill, and farms of Limestone, each serving a different economic function before the outbreak, became nodes in a survivor trade network.

This article covers the Elver metro system, the cultist presence in the tunnels, the artifacts of the deep station, Limestone's unique vehicles -- Pooter and Lappy -- the ammunition research and attachment crafting industries, and the Pinehurst settlement network. It is drawn from the 57 Studios cohort's compiled lore for both maps.

Elver: The Metro

Elver is documented in the 57 Studios framework as a map defined by its underground infrastructure. The city above ground is a shell: most of the structures are damaged, looted, or occupied by the infected population. The real survivor geography is below, in the metro tunnels that run beneath the city streets.

The Metro System

The Elver metro system was a pre-outbreak public transportation network that served the city's population. The system consisted of 4 main lines, 22 stations, and approximately 40 kilometers of tunnel. Before the outbreak, the system carried approximately 500,000 passengers per day.

When the outbreak reached the city, the metro system became a refuge for survivors. The tunnels provided protection from the infected population on the surface, and the stations provided enclosed spaces that could be fortified and defended. Within weeks of the outbreak, the metro system was transformed from a transportation network into a survival habitat.

The Tunnel Network

The Elver metro tunnel network is documented in the 57 Studios framework as consisting of four levels of access:

Main Lines: The primary passenger routes, with electrified rails, platform stations, and ventilation shafts. The main lines are the most accessible tunnels and the ones most heavily used by survivors. The main lines are lit -- partially -- by emergency lighting that has remained operational since the outbreak. The lighting is dim and intermittent, and survivors navigate the main lines by memory and by improvised light sources.

Service Tunnels: Secondary tunnels used for maintenance access, equipment storage, and personnel movement. The service tunnels are narrower, less well-lit, and less frequently traveled than the main lines. They provide access to the spaces between and behind the stations: equipment rooms, ventilation shafts, and utility corridors. Knowledge of the service tunnel network is a valuable skill in the survivor community.

Utility Corridors: Tunnels containing power lines, water pipes, and communication cables. These corridors connect to the service tunnels in some locations and are documented as potential routes for survivors who know about them. The utility corridors are the most dangerous level of the tunnel network -- they are cramped, dark, and often blocked by debris. They are also the least traveled, making them attractive routes for survivors who need to move without being detected.

Abandoned Sections: Sections of the metro that were closed before the outbreak due to construction issues, budget constraints, or structural problems. These sections are documented as the most dangerous areas of the metro system. They are unstable and may contain hazards beyond the infected population: structural collapses, flooding, toxic gas accumulation, and -- according to some accounts -- things that are not infected but are equally dangerous.

Station Communities

Several metro stations are documented in the 57 Studios framework as survivor settlements:

Central Station: The largest and most defensible station in the system. Central Station was the system's main hub before the outbreak, connecting all 4 main lines. Its size -- multiple platforms, a large mezzanine level, and multiple entrances -- made it a natural gathering point for survivors. The station is documented as a fortified settlement housing multiple survivor groups who have established a cooperative governance structure.

Central Station's governance is organized through a council system. Each survivor group in the station appoints a representative to the council, which makes decisions about resource allocation, defense, and relations with other stations. The council system is not perfect -- disputes between groups are common -- but it has provided a stable governance framework for the station's population.

Market Station: A station located near a pre-outbreak commercial district. The station's above-ground connections made it a primary entrance point for survivors entering the metro system. Market Station is documented as a trade hub, where survivors from different parts of the tunnel network gather to exchange goods.

Market Station's economy is based on scavenging. Survivors who travel to the surface bring back supplies, which are traded at the station for other goods and services. The station's traders are known for their knowledge of the surface conditions and their ability to assess the value of scavenged items.

Power Station: A station located near the city's power infrastructure. Survivors at this station maintained a connection to the city's electrical grid for an extended period, allowing them to power lighting, communication equipment, and other electrical devices. Power Station is documented as the most technologically advanced of the station communities, with survivors who understand electrical systems and who maintain the connection to the grid.

Deep Station: A station on an abandoned line, accessible only through the service tunnels. Deep Station is documented as the location of unusual phenomena that are the subject of survivor speculation. The station was closed before the outbreak due to structural issues, and it was never fully connected to the main tunnel network. Survivors who have ventured to Deep Station report unusual sounds, lights, and temperature variations that they cannot explain.

The Cult

The Elver map is documented in the 57 Studios framework as having a significant cultist presence. The cult -- referred to in the framework as the "Deep Ones" or simply "the Cult" -- emerged in the metro system during the months after the outbreak.

Origins

The Cult's origins are not fully documented in the 57 Studios framework. The leading theory is that the Cult formed among survivors who spent too long in the deepest parts of the tunnel network, where isolation, darkness, and the stress of survival combined to produce a new religious movement.

The Cult's beliefs are documented as a syncretic combination of pre-outbreak religious traditions, survivor folklore, and interpretations of the outbreak. The Cult does not have a single founder or a centralized hierarchy. It is a distributed movement, with individual preachers and congregations operating independently across the tunnel network.

Beliefs

The Cult's documented beliefs include:

The outbreak was not an accident. The pathogen was released deliberately as a test or a purification. The outbreak was a message from a force that the Cult does not name but that they believe is present in the deepest parts of the tunnel network.

The metro is a sacred space. The underground environment is closer to whatever force caused the outbreak, and the tunnels are a place of revelation. The Cult believes that the tunnels were not built by human engineers but were revealed to them by the force that caused the outbreak.

The infected are not enemies. The infected are a stage of transformation, and resisting them is resisting the natural order. The Cult does not attack the infected unless attacked first. They believe that the infected are moving toward a form of transcendence that the uninfected cannot understand.

Survivors who enter the deepest parts of the metro will be rewarded. The deepest tunnels contain secrets that will explain the outbreak and the survivor's purpose. The Cult encourages its members to explore the abandoned sections of the tunnel network, seeking revelation in the darkness.

Practices

The Cult is documented as engaging in specific practices that distinguish them from other survivor groups:

Symbol carving: Cult members carve symbols into the walls of the tunnels near their territory. The symbols are based on metro system maps and schematics, but they have been modified and abstracted into a system of markings that the Cult uses for communication and navigation.

Ritual movement: Cult members travel through the tunnels on specific routes at specific times, following patterns that they believe correspond to the outbreak's spread. These movements are called "paths" by the Cult, and they are considered a form of worship.

Artifact collection: Cult members collect objects from the pre-outbreak world -- metro tokens, maps, signage, and equipment -- which they treat as sacred artifacts. The artifacts are displayed in the Cult's gathering spaces and are used in ritual activities.

THE CULT — DOCUMENTED BELIEF SYSTEM

Core Tenets:
  - The outbreak was intentional
  - The metro is a sacred space
  - The infected are not enemies
  - The deep tunnels hold answers

Practices:
  - Symbol carving on tunnel walls
  - Ritual movement along specific routes
  - Artifact collection and veneration
  - Exploration of abandoned sections

Relationship with Other Survivors:
  - Non-hostile unless threatened
  - Willing to trade for artifacts
  - Recruit through persuasion, not force
  - Protect Cult members from harm

Note: The Cult is not uniformly hostile.
Individual Cult members and congregations vary
in their attitudes toward non-Cult survivors.

Artifacts

The Elver map is documented as the location of several unusual artifacts -- objects that are of interest to survivors because of their pre-outbreak significance, their anomalous properties, or their association with the Cult.

The Master Key

The Master Key is a metro system master key that opens all maintenance access points in the tunnel network. The key is a physical key -- a large metal device designed to operate the locks on maintenance doors, equipment cabinets, and access panels throughout the system.

The Master Key is documented as a high-value item that allows a survivor to access areas of the metro that are normally sealed. The key was standard equipment for metro maintenance supervisors before the outbreak. After the outbreak, it became a sought-after item for survivors who wanted to access the service tunnels and utility corridors without having to force entry.

The Route Map

The Route Map is a pre-outbreak metro system map that was annotated by an unknown individual during the early days of the outbreak. The map is a standard system map -- a diagram of the metro lines and stations -- that has been marked with handwritten notations.

The notations include:

• Survivor movements: markings showing the routes that survivors used to navigate the tunnels.
• Infected concentrations: markings showing areas where the infected population was concentrated.
• Sealed sections: markings showing sections of the tunnel network that were sealed during the outbreak.
• Notes: written observations about the conditions in different parts of the tunnel network.

The Route Map is documented as a valuable navigation aid for survivors exploring the tunnel network. The identity of the person who annotated the map is not known.

The Signal

The Signal is a radio transmission that is audible in certain sections of the metro tunnel network. The signal is intermittent and variable in strength. It appears to be a repeating pattern of tones, but the pattern has not been decoded.

The Signal's source and purpose are unknown. Theories about the Signal include:

• A automated beacon from a pre-outbreak facility that is still operational.
• A communication from another survivor group that is using a encoded transmission protocol.
• A natural phenomenon caused by the interaction of the tunnel network's electrical systems with geological features.

The Cult treats the Signal as a communication from the force that caused the outbreak. Cult members who hear the Signal are considered blessed.

The Deep Station Sign

The Deep Station Sign is a station sign from the abandoned Deep Station that was removed and is now kept in the Central Station settlement. The sign is a standard metro station sign -- a rectangular panel with the station name in white text on a blue background.

The sign is treated by survivors as a warning object. Its presence in a settlement is believed to attract unwanted attention. The origin of this belief is not documented, but it is widely held among the tunnel network's inhabitants. Central Station's council has debated whether to remove the sign from the settlement, but no decision has been reached.

Limestone: The Terminal

The Limestone map is documented in the 57 Studios framework as a region that was transformed by the outbreak from an ordinary rural and industrial area into a complex survivor geography with a developed economy, specialized production, and a network of interconnected settlements.

The Pinehurst Settlement Network

Pinehurst is the primary survivor settlement on the Limestone map. The settlement is documented as a network of interconnected locations rather than a single fortified position. The network's structure reflects the economic geography of the region: each location serves a specific function, and the locations are connected by trade and communication routes.

The Airport

The airport served as the primary transportation hub for the Pinehurst network. The facility includes a runway, hangars, a control tower, and supporting infrastructure. Before the outbreak, the airport served regional commercial traffic and general aviation.

After the outbreak, the airport was converted into a fortified settlement. The runway was maintained for aircraft operations. The hangars were converted into workshops and storage facilities. The control tower was used as a lookout post and communication center.

The airport's location at the edge of the region made it the primary point of contact between the Pinehurst network and the outside world. Travelers and traders entering the region from outside passed through the airport before proceeding to other locations in the network.

The Sawmill

The sawmill provided the Pinehurst network with wood products for construction, fuel, and trade. The sawmill's machinery was maintained and operated by survivors who had worked in the timber industry before the outbreak.

The sawmill was the primary industrial facility in the network. Its products included:

• Lumber: Processed wood for construction and repair work. The sawmill produced dimensional lumber, planks, and beams that were used throughout the network.
• Fuel: Wood scraps and sawdust that were used as fuel for heating and cooking. The sawmill's waste products were an important source of fuel in a region where fossil fuels were scarce.
• Trade goods: Finished wood products, including furniture, tool handles, and structural components, that were traded with other survivor communities.

The Farms

The farmland in the Limestone region was used for agriculture. The farms were smaller than pre-outbreak operations, but they were sufficient to supplement the network's scavenged food supplies.

The farms produced:

• Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and other cold-hardy crops that could be grown in the region's climate.
• Grains: Wheat and oats, grown in smaller quantities for bread and animal feed.
• Livestock: Chickens, goats, and pigs, raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products.

The farms were labor-intensive and required knowledge that not all survivors possessed. The Pinehurst network valued farmers as highly as it valued mechanics and medical personnel.

The Court

The courthouse in a nearby town was converted into a meeting place and administrative center for the Pinehurst network. The building's solid construction and central location made it suitable for community gatherings.

The courthouse served as:

• The site of the network's weekly trade market, where survivors from across the network gathered to exchange goods.
• The meeting place for the network's leadership council, which made decisions about resource allocation, defense, and external relations.
• The storage location for the network's records and documentation.

The Resort

A pre-outbreak resort located in a scenic area of the Limestone map was converted into a residential settlement for survivors who preferred a quieter environment than the airport or Pinehurst proper. The resort's existing infrastructure -- hotel rooms, a kitchen, a dining hall, and recreational facilities -- provided comfortable accommodation for a small community.

The resort community is documented as the most isolated of the Pinehurst network's settlements. Its residents valued privacy and self-sufficiency, and they participated in the network's economy primarily through trade rather than through shared labor.

Pooter and Lappy

The Limestone map is documented as the location of two notable pieces of survivor-engineered equipment: the Pooter vehicle and the Lappy computer.

Pooter (JDM Model 4kV)

Pooter is the colloquial name for a customized JDM Model 4kV utility vehicle. The JDM Model 4kV was a light utility truck that was manufactured in Japan before the outbreak. It was imported into North America in limited numbers and was used primarily in industrial and agricultural applications.

The Pooter variant represents a post-outbreak upgrade that adapted the vehicle to survival conditions. The modifications included:

Modification	Material	Function
Armor plating	Scavenged metal sheets	Protection against infected contact and small arms fire
Cargo modification	Locking compartments, reinforced frame	Secure storage for transported goods
Engine modification	Tuned for fuel efficiency	Operation on lower-grade fuel
Off-road preparation	Raised suspension, all-terrain tires	Improved mobility on unpaved surfaces

Pooter is documented as a named vehicle because of its significance to the survivor community of the Limestone region. The vehicle served as a transport asset for trade runs between the Pinehurst network's settlements. It was known for its reliability and its distinctive appearance -- the armor plating was painted in a pattern that identified it as belonging to the Pinehurst network.

Lappy (BELL Despiron E1404)

Lappy is the colloquial name for a BELL Despiron E1404 laptop computer. The BELL Despiron E1404 was a business-class laptop manufactured before the outbreak. It was known for its durability, its long battery life, and its compatibility with a wide range of software.

The laptop was recovered from a pre-outbreak office or government building in the Limestone region. It was maintained by survivors who had the technical knowledge to keep it operational. The laptop's value lay not in its hardware -- which was obsolete by pre-outbreak standards -- but in the data it contained.

Lappy is documented as containing:

• Pre-outbreak data: Files, records, and databases that survived the collapse and provide information about the pre-outbreak world. The data includes municipal records, engineering documents, and scientific references.

• Engineering software: Design and modeling software that survivors used for reverse engineering and design work. The software was used to design ammunition types, weapon attachments, and mechanical parts.

• Communication software: Software that could be used to send and receive data transmissions if a functional network connection could be established. The software was used to communicate with other survivor communities that had maintained computer systems.

Lappy is documented as one of the few functioning computers in the 57 Studios framework. The laptop was kept operational through careful maintenance, parts scavenging, and the expertise of survivors who understood how to keep aging technology running.

Ammo Research

The Limestone map is documented as a center of ammunition research and production in the post-outbreak world. The region's combination of industrial infrastructure, skilled survivors, and the data contained in Lappy created the conditions for a localized ammunition industry.

Research Methodology

The ammunition research conducted by the Pinehurst network was based on:

• Reverse engineering: Pre-outbreak ammunition was disassembled and analyzed to determine its design and manufacturing specifications.

• Experimentation: New ammunition types were designed and tested, with performance evaluated against established standards.

• Documentation: Research findings were recorded in Lappy's database and in handwritten notebooks that were distributed among the network's gunsmiths.

Ammunition Types

The 57 Studios framework documents the following ammunition types that were produced or researched in the Limestone region:

Type	Description	Status
Standard reloads	Pre-outbreak cartridge cases reloaded with scavenged propellant and projectiles	In production
Reduced loads	Reduced propellant charges for civilian weapons not designed for full-power ammunition	In production
Subsonic loads	Reduced propellant charges for use with suppressors	In development
Experimental rounds	Non-standard projectiles and propellants for specialized applications	Experimental

Production Capacity

The Pinehurst network's ammunition production capacity was limited by the availability of raw materials. The network could produce ammunition in small quantities -- enough to meet its own needs and to support limited trade -- but not enough to supply a large military force.

The network's ammunition production was concentrated at the sawmill, where the workshop block's machinery was adapted for ammunition manufacturing. The production process involved:

• Case preparation: Cleaning, resizing, and inspecting pre-outbreak cartridge cases.
• Priming: Installing new primers in prepared cases.
• Propellant loading: Measuring and loading propellant charges.
• Bullet seating: Installing projectiles in loaded cases.
• Inspection: Checking finished ammunition for defects.

Attachment Crafting

The Limestone map is documented as a center of weapon attachment crafting. Using the workshop facilities at the sawmill and the airport, and guided by the data on Lappy, survivors in the Limestone region produced a range of weapon attachments for trade.

Product Line

The Pinehurst network's attachment crafting operation produced the following products:

Suppressors: Improvised suppressors built from scavenged materials, designed to reduce the sound signature of firearms. The suppressors were less effective than pre-outbreak manufactured suppressors, but they provided a meaningful reduction in sound signature.

Optics mounts: Brackets and rails that allowed the mounting of commercial or improvised optics onto weapons that did not have mounting surfaces. The mounts were designed to fit specific weapon platforms and were not interchangeable.

Foregrips: Improvised foregrips that improved weapon handling and control. The foregrips were made from wood, polymer, or metal, depending on available materials.

Flashlights: Weapon-mounted flashlight mounts that used scavenged commercial flashlights. The mounts were designed to fit specific weapon platforms and allowed the user to operate the flashlight without removing their hand from the weapon.

Quality Standards

The Pinehurst network's attachment crafting operation maintained quality standards that were documented in writing and enforced through inspection. Each attachment was tested before it was offered for trade:

• Fit testing: The attachment was installed on the intended weapon platform to verify fit and function.
• Function testing: The attachment was operated through its full range of motion to verify reliability.
• Stress testing: The attachment was subjected to forces exceeding normal operating conditions to verify durability.

Attachments that passed all three tests were marked with the Pinehurst network's identifying mark -- a stylized "P" stamped into the metal or burned into the wood. Attachments that failed any test were either reworked or scrapped.

Survivor Economy of Limestone

The Pinehurst network's economy is documented in the 57 Studios framework as one of the most developed survivor economies in the post-collapse world. The network's economic activity was organized around the principle of comparative advantage: each settlement in the network specialized in the production of goods and services that it could produce most efficiently, and goods were traded between settlements to meet the network's overall needs.

Economic Sectors

Sector	Location	Products
Agriculture	The Farms	Food crops, livestock products
Industry	The Sawmill	Lumber, fuel, wood products, ammunition components
Transportation	The Airport	Vehicle maintenance, travel services, trade logistics
Crafting	The Workshop Block	Weapon attachments, tools, mechanical parts
Administration	The Court	Trade regulation, dispute resolution, record keeping
Residential	The Resort, Pinehurst Proper	Housing, communal services, social activities

Trade Network

The Pinehurst network's trade relationships extended beyond the network itself. The network traded with external survivor communities for goods that it could not produce locally:

• Imports: Ammunition, medical supplies, fuel, and specialized equipment that the network could not produce in sufficient quantities.
• Exports: Lumber, wood products, weapon attachments, monster leather goods, and agricultural surplus.

The network's trade relationships were documented in Lappy's database, which maintained records of trade partners, transaction histories, and current inventory levels.

The Surface World of Elver

The surface is a damaged, looted shell, but also the tunnel communities' only source of food, water, medicine, and equipment they cannot produce underground. The surface is more dangerous -- higher infected density, hostile survivor groups, and exposure to the elements. The relationship between surface and tunnel is one of necessary dependence balanced against the risk of exposing tunnel entrance locations. Surface travelers also serve as messengers between tunnel communities that lack direct connections.

The Deep Station Mystery

Deep Station was built as part of a never-completed metro extension, canceled due to budget constraints and geological issues. It was sealed and abandoned, accessible only through the service tunnels. Survivors report unusual sounds (mechanical noises, human voices), lights from no known power source, temperature variations, and air movement suggesting active ventilation. Theories include equipment failure (moderate plausibility), geological activity (moderate), and Cult ritual activity (high plausibility, consistent with Cult beliefs).

The Limestone Transportation Network

The Pinehurst network's transportation links connected its settlements via main paved roads (Pinehurst proper, airport, courthouse), secondary gravel roads (farms, sawmill, resort), and unpaved tracks. The vehicle fleet -- centered on Pooter plus support and emergency vehicles -- was limited by fuel and spare parts availability. Travel was conducted in groups with identification tokens along designated routes with mandatory check-in points.

The Cult's Relationship with the Metro Communities

The Cult is a distributed movement, not a unified organization; individual congregations vary widely in their posture toward outsiders. Some maintain cooperative relationships (trading artifacts, sharing tunnel network knowledge, mutual defense). Others are hostile (territorial disputes, resource competition, ideological conflict over Cult beliefs about the infected). Most maintain neutral relationships of avoidance and tolerance -- both sides recognize that conflict is dangerous and cooperation unnecessary.

The Deep Station as a Cult Site

Deep Station holds particular significance for the Cult, who believe its isolation and unusual phenomena make it a place where the boundary between worlds is thin -- a site of revelation, power, and transformation. Evidence of Cult activity includes carved symbols at entrances, ritual artifacts and offerings, and signs of regular visitation. For scenario designers, Deep Station can serve as a Cult stronghold, an investigative mystery, or a source of danger.

The Elver Surface Economy

The surface economy is distinct from the tunnel economy. Surface resources -- food (stores, restaurants, kitchens), water (municipal supplies, bottled), medicine (pharmacies, clinics), and equipment (hardware stores, workshops) -- are essential to both surface and tunnel communities. The surface is more dangerous: higher infected concentration, contested territory between survivor groups, and environmental exposure. Surface trade routes are categorized as short (tunnel entrance to nearby surface locations), long (traversing the surface between distant points), and vertical (stairwells, elevators, ventilation shafts -- the lifelines connecting surface and tunnel). Common trade goods include food, water, medicine, tools, and information about the surface world.

The Metro Ecology

The Elver tunnels are permanently dark. Humans navigate by touch, sound, and memory with carried light sources. Rats, mice, and other small animals have enhanced senses adapted to the darkness; no plants grow underground -- the ecosystem depends on organic matter brought from the surface. The water system consists of groundwater seepage, surface water leaks, and condensation; all require treatment before consumption. Air is managed by ventilation shafts, mechanical fans, and natural temperature/pressure-driven airflow. The tunnel air is cold, damp, and stale, carrying the smell of mildew, waste, and decay.

The Elver Underground Water Supply

Water was managed through groundwater wells, surface water connections, and condensation collection. Quality varied: groundwater was generally clean, surface water was contaminated, and condensation was clean but limited. Water was distributed through pipes, carried by hand, or stored in tanks at stations. Access and control of water sources were political issues, giving leverage to communities that controlled them and making water a valuable trade good.

The Elver Ventilation System

The ventilation system brought fresh air through concrete-and-steel shafts at intervals along the network. Mechanical fans at shafts and stations moved air when powered. Natural ventilation driven by temperature and pressure differentials between tunnel and surface, plus surface wind effects, provided backup airflow.

The Limestone Industrial Base

The Limestone map's industrial base is the foundation of the Pinehurst network's economy. The network's industries produce goods that are essential for survival and for trade.

The Sawmill Operations

The sawmill is the Pinehurst network's primary industrial facility:

• Timber processing: The sawmill processes timber from the surrounding forests into lumber for construction.
• Wood products: The sawmill produces a range of wood products, including furniture, tool handles, and structural components.
• Fuel production: The sawmill produces wood fuel for heating and cooking.

The sawmill operates on a continuous basis, processing timber as it is harvested from the surrounding forests.

The Airport Workshops

The airport workshops are the Pinehurst network's mechanical and technical center:

• Vehicle maintenance: The workshops maintain the network's fleet of vehicles.
• Equipment repair: The workshops repair equipment used by the network's members.
• Manufacturing: The workshops manufacture parts and components that are not available through scavenging.

The airport workshops are staffed by survivors with mechanical and technical skills.

The Farm Operations

The farm operations are the Pinehurst network's agricultural center:

• Crop production: The farms produce a range of vegetables and grains.
• Livestock management: The farms raise chickens, goats, and pigs.
• Food processing: The farms process and preserve food for storage and trade.

The farm operations are staffed by survivors with agricultural skills.

Daily Life in Pinehurst

The Limestone map is documented in the 57 Studios framework as the location of a developed crafting economy. The Pinehurst network's craftspeople produced goods that were traded throughout the region.

The Sawmill Industry

The sawmill was the Pinehurst network's primary industrial facility:

• Raw materials: The sawmill processed timber from the surrounding forests.
• Products: The sawmill produced lumber, planks, and beams for construction; wood scraps for fuel; and finished wood products for trade.
• Workforce: The sawmill employed approximately 20 workers in full-time positions.

The Ammunition Industry

The ammunition production operation was the Pinehurst network's most technically demanding industry:

• Raw materials: The ammunition operation used pre-outbreak cartridge cases, scavenged propellant, and cast projectiles.
• Products: The operation produced reloaded ammunition in standard calibers, as well as experimental ammunition types.
• Workforce: The ammunition operation employed approximately 5 workers in full-time positions.

The Attachment Industry

The weapon attachment crafting operation was the Pinehurst network's most profitable industry:

• Raw materials: The attachment operation used scavenged metal, polymer, and wood.
• Products: The operation produced suppressors, optics mounts, foregrips, and flashlight mounts.
• Workforce: The attachment operation employed approximately 8 workers in full-time positions.

The Agricultural Industry

The farms of the Limestone region produced food for the Pinehurst network:

• Crops: The farms produced potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and other cold-hardy vegetables.
• Livestock: The farms raised chickens for eggs and meat, goats for milk and meat, and pigs for meat.
• Workforce: The farms employed approximately 15 workers in full-time positions.

The Pinehurst Trade Goods

The Pinehurst network produced a variety of trade goods that were exchanged with other communities. The trade goods were the products of the network's industries and the surplus from its agriculture.

The Export Goods

The goods that the Pinehurst network exported included:

• Lumber: The sawmill produced lumber that was traded with other communities for construction.

• Wood products: The wood products that were produced by the network included furniture, tool handles, and structural components.

• Weapon attachments: The attachments that were produced by the network were traded with other communities.

• Agricultural surplus: The surplus food that was produced by the network's farms was traded.

The Import Goods

The goods that the Pinehurst network imported included:

• Ammunition: The network imported ammunition for its defense.

• Medicine: The network imported medicines and medical supplies.

• Fuel: The network imported fuel for its vehicles and equipment.

• Specialized equipment: The network imported specialized equipment that it could not produce.

The Trade Relationships

The trade relationships that the Pinehurst network maintained included:

• Regular trade partners: The network had regular trade partners that it traded with on a scheduled basis.

• Occasional trade partners: The network had occasional trade partners that it traded with when opportunities arose.

• One-time trade: The network engaged in one-time trade with travelers and with communities that it did not normally trade with.

The Trade Challenges

The trade faced several challenges:

• Transportation: The transportation of goods between communities was difficult and dangerous.

• Trust: The trade relationships were based on trust, which was not always justified.

• Value: The value of goods was not always agreed upon by the trading parties.

The Limestone Crafting Materials

The crafting industry of the Limestone map depended on the availability of raw materials. The materials were scavenged from the pre-outbreak world or produced from local resources.

The Metal Materials

The metal materials that were used for crafting included:

• Steel: Steel was the most commonly used metal. It was scavenged from vehicles, buildings, and equipment.

• Aluminum: Aluminum was used for lightweight components. It was scavenged from aircraft, vehicles, and consumer products.

• Copper: Copper was used for electrical components. It was scavenged from wiring, motors, and electronic equipment.

• Brass: Brass was used for ammunition components. It was scavenged from cartridge cases and from plumbing fixtures.

The Wood Materials

The wood materials that were used for crafting included:

• Hardwood: Hardwood was used for tool handles, furniture, and structural components.

• Softwood: Softwood was used for construction, fuel, and temporary structures.

• Plywood: Plywood was used for construction and for paneling.

• Composite wood: Composite wood products were used for construction and for furniture.

The Polymer Materials

The polymer materials that were used for crafting included:

• Nylon: Nylon was used for ropes, straps, and other flexible components.

• Polyethylene: Polyethylene was used for containers, piping, and other molded components.

• Polypropylene: Polypropylene was used for ropes, nets, and other components.

• Rubber: Rubber was used for seals, gaskets, and other flexible components.

The Material Challenges

The material supply faced several challenges:

• Scarcity: Many materials were scarce and could not be replaced.

• Quality: The quality of scavenged materials was variable.

• Processing: Some materials required processing before they could be used.

The Elver Underground Navigation

Navigation in the Elver metro tunnels was a skill that every tunnel dweller had to learn. The tunnels were dark, confusing, and easy to get lost in.

The Navigation Methods

The methods used for navigation in the tunnels included:

• Memory: Experienced tunnel dwellers navigated by memory, knowing the layout of the tunnels and the landmarks.

• Markings: The tunnels were marked with signs, symbols, and other markings that helped navigation.

• Maps: Maps of the tunnel system were used by those who had them.

• Sound: Sound was used for navigation in the dark. The echoes of footsteps and voices could indicate the size and shape of the tunnels.

The Landmarks

The tunnels had landmarks that were used for navigation:

• Stations: The stations were the primary landmarks in the tunnel system.

• Ventilation shafts: The ventilation shafts were secondary landmarks.

• Utility rooms: The utility rooms and equipment rooms were landmarks.

• Artifacts: The Cult's artifacts and markings were used as landmarks by those who understood them.

The Hazards

Navigation in the tunnels was hazardous:

• Getting lost: The tunnels were easy to get lost in. A wrong turn could lead to a unfamiliar area.

• Darkness: The darkness was disorienting. Without a light source, navigation was impossible.

• Collapse: Some sections of the tunnels had collapsed, creating dead ends and hazards.

The Navigation Tools

The tools that were used for navigation included:

• Light sources: Flashlights, headlamps, and other light sources were essential for navigation.

• Maps: Paper maps of the tunnel system were valuable for navigation.

• Compasses: Compasses were used for orientation in the tunnels.

The Limestone Transportation Vehicles

The vehicles of the Limestone map were essential for the Pinehurst network's economy and for the community's daily life. The vehicles were maintained and operated by the network's mechanics and drivers.

The Vehicle Inventory

The vehicle inventory of the Pinehurst network included:

• Pooter: The modified JDM Model 4kV was the network's primary transport vehicle.
• Cargo trucks: Trucks that were used for transporting goods between the network's settlements.
• Passenger vehicles: Cars and vans that were used for transporting people.
• Utility vehicles: Tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles that were used for specific tasks.

The Vehicle Maintenance

The vehicles required regular maintenance:

• Engine maintenance: The engines required oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups.
• Body maintenance: The bodies required repair of rust, dents, and damage.
• Tire maintenance: The tires required replacement when they wore out.
• Fuel system maintenance: The fuel systems required cleaning and repair.

The Vehicle Operation

The vehicles were operated by trained drivers:

• Training: Drivers received training in vehicle operation and safety.
• Licensing: Drivers were licensed by the network to operate specific vehicles.
• Scheduling: Vehicle use was scheduled to ensure that vehicles were available when needed.

The Vehicle Challenges

The vehicle operation faced several challenges:

• Fuel scarcity: Fuel was scarce and was rationed.
• Parts scarcity: Replacement parts were scarce and were salvaged from other vehicles.
• Road conditions: The roads were in poor condition, causing wear and damage to the vehicles.

The Elver Station Defense

The defense of the Elver metro stations was a constant concern for the station communities. The stations were vulnerable to attack from the infected population, from hostile survivor groups, and from the Cult.

The Defense Forces

Each station community maintained a defense force:

• Personnel: The defense force was drawn from the station's population. Members served on a rotating basis.
• Equipment: The defense force was equipped with weapons, radios, and defensive equipment.
• Training: The defense force received training in weapons handling, tactics, and emergency procedures.

The Defense Positions

The stations were defended from:

• Station entrances: The entrances to the station from the surface were fortified and guarded.
• Tunnel entrances: The entrances to the tunnels that connected the station to the rest of the network were guarded.
• Ventilation shafts: The ventilation shafts were protected to prevent entry.

The Defense Tactics

The defense of the stations was based on:

• Perimeter defense: The first line of defense was the station's perimeter, which was fortified and guarded.
• Internal defense: The second line of defense was the station's interior, which was designed to be defensible.
• Fallback positions: The stations had fallback positions where the defenders could retreat if the perimeter was breached.

The Defense Challenges

The defense of the stations faced several challenges:

• Limited personnel: The stations had limited personnel for defense duties.
• Limited equipment: The stations had limited weapons and equipment for defense.
• Multiple threats: The stations faced threats from multiple directions and from multiple sources.

The Limestone Education System

The Pinehurst network maintained a education system that taught the skills that survivors needed to survive and to contribute to the community.

The Curriculum

The curriculum of the Pinehurst education system included:

• Basic skills: Reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Survival skills: Fire making, shelter construction, water purification, and first aid.
• Vocational skills: Farming, construction, mechanics, and crafting.
• Safety skills: Weapon handling, self-defense, and emergency procedures.

The Teachers

The teachers in the Pinehurst education system were:

• Pre-outbreak teachers: Survivors who had been teachers before the outbreak.
• Skilled practitioners: Survivors who had practical skills that they could teach to others.
• Apprenticeship: Older students learned by working alongside experienced practitioners.

The Students

The students in the Pinehurst education system were:

• Children: Children of all ages attended school.
• Adults: Adults who needed to learn new skills attended classes.
• New arrivals: New arrivals to the network attended orientation classes.

The Role of Education in the Community

Education played a vital role in the Pinehurst community:

• Skill development: Education developed the skills that the community needed to survive.
• Cultural transmission: Education transmitted the community's values and traditions to the next generation.
• Social integration: Education integrated new members into the community.

The Elver Station Communities

The station communities of the Elver metro system were the primary form of social organization in the tunnels. Each station community had its own government, its own economy, and its own culture.

Station Government

The station communities were governed by councils or by individual leaders:

• Council governance: Some stations were governed by councils of representatives from the station's population.
• Leader governance: Other stations were governed by individual leaders who had assumed authority.
• Mixed governance: Most stations had a mix of council and leader governance, with the council setting policy and the leader executing it.

Station Economy

The station economies were based on:

• Scavenging: Station members scavenged the surface world for supplies.
• Production: Station members produced goods that were needed by the community.
• Trade: Station members traded with other stations and with surface communities.

Station Culture

Each station community developed its own culture:

• Traditions: Each station had its own traditions, rituals, and celebrations.
• Values: Each station had its own values, priorities, and social norms.
• Identity: Each station had its own identity, which was shaped by its location, its history, and its population.

Station Relationships

The relationships between the station communities were complex:

• Cooperation: Stations cooperated on matters of mutual interest, including defense and trade.
• Competition: Stations competed for resources and for influence in the tunnel network.
• Conflict: Stations sometimes came into conflict over territory, resources, or ideological differences.

Daily Life in Pinehurst

The Pinehurst settlement network was not just an economic system. It was a community where people lived, worked, and raised families.

Housing

Residents of the Pinehurst network lived in housing that was allocated according to their role in the network:

• Pinehurst proper: The town's surviving houses were occupied by families and established residents.
• The airport: The airport's hangars and administrative buildings were converted into dormitory-style housing.
• The resort: The resort's hotel rooms provided private accommodation for residents who preferred it.

Food

Food in the Pinehurst network was prepared and distributed through a central kitchen system:

• Meals: Three meals per day were prepared in the central kitchen and distributed to the network's settlements.
• Rations: Food was rationed according to need and contribution. Workers in physically demanding jobs received larger rations.
• Quality: The quality of food varied by season. Fresh vegetables were available during the growing season. Preserved food was used during the winter.

Governance

The Pinehurst network was governed by a council of representatives from each settlement:

• Council members: Each settlement elected or appointed a representative to the council.
• Decisions: The council made decisions about resource allocation, defense, and external relations.
• Disputes: Disputes between residents or between settlements were resolved by the council.

Security

The Pinehurst network maintained a security force that protected the network's settlements and its transportation routes:

• Patrols: Security personnel patrolled the network's perimeter and its transportation routes.
• Checkpoints: Security personnel operated checkpoints at the entrances to the network's settlements.
• Response force: A response force was maintained to respond to threats to the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Cult dangerous to survivors who are not members?

The Cult is not uniformly hostile. Individual Cult members and congregations vary in their attitudes toward non-Cult survivors. Some Cult groups are willing to trade and cooperate with outsiders. Others are hostile and territorial. The Cult should be approached with caution in any scenario.

Q: Can Lappy's data be recovered or copied?

Lappy is a functioning computer, and its data is accessible to survivors who know how to operate it. The data has been partially copied to physical records -- handwritten notes and printed documents -- but the full database remains on the laptop.

Q: How is Pooter powered?

Pooter is powered by a modified internal combustion engine that has been tuned to operate on a range of fuel types, including gasoline, diesel, and -- in an emergency -- alcohol-based fuels.

Q: Are the Pinehurst network's ammunition designs compatible with weapons from other maps?

The Pinehurst network produces ammunition in standard calibers that are compatible with most pre-outbreak weapons. The network's experimental ammunition types are also produced in standard calibers.

Q: Can survivors from other maps reach Elver or Limestone?

The Elver and Limestone maps are geographically separate locations. Travel between them would require crossing significant distances and navigating through areas that are not documented in the 57 Studios framework.

Q: What is the practical takeaway for scenario designers working with these maps?

Elver offers a underground survival environment with unique challenges -- darkness, confined spaces, and a complex social landscape. Limestone offers a networked settlement economy with specialized production and trade relationships. Both provide rich foundations for scenario narratives.