Setting

SETTING

City of Tribes MUX (formerly Gloom MUX) is an original paranormal/horror game that pits player-created characters against supernatural entities from the realm that exists beneath our world, known as the Gloom by those who have been touched by its power. It takes place in present-day Galway, Ireland and revolves around the activities of the Watch: a clandestine organization devoted to guarding the secret of the Gloom and protecting humanity from the creatures that have crossed from one dimension into the next.

The Watch is joined in their mission by ordinary humans, humans with minor powers, - and, to a lesser extent, a special unit of the Irish government and elements of the church - to protect the city from supernatural forces. The one thing they have in common is the knowledge that the Gloom and supernatural creatures exist, and a desire to protect the world from creatures known as 'Others.'

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Galway

Galway (pronounced gaul-way) is a city of approximately 75,000 and is the capital of the province of Connacht on Ireland's rugged west coast. It stands near to the Burren - an unforgiving lunar landscape that has fed myths and legends for thousands of years. Galway is the closest city to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. It is also near Connemara, a greener but still rather rugged cousin to the Burren.

It is a vibrant, artistic city and is known as Ireland's cultural heart. Festivals and events happen almost constantly throughout the year. During the Galway Race Week (which begins the last Monday in July), the population swells to nearly double its year-round population.

Galway is also home to the National University of Ireland: Galway (NUIG) which gives the city a youthful energy. It is a major tourist centre, and its economy is fed by visitors as well as the manufacturing industry, retail and distribution, education, healthcare and services that include financial, construction, cultural, and professional.

Galway is a port city, which explains its roots as a merchant port. The River Corrib cuts through the city, as do a series of canals. It was originally a medieval walled city, and evidence of that ancient architecture can be seen everywhere.

Further information on Galway's history can be found here.

Facts about Galway

  • Galway is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the only city in the province of Connacht. According to the 2011 census the population of Galway is 75,414.
  • The park at the center of Galway City is called John F. Kennedy Park however it is still known by most Irish people as Eyre Square. It was renamed John F. Kennedy Park in the 1970s. The square is home to the old city gates and its defending cannon.
  • Galway is nicknamed "The City of Tribes" ("Cathair na dTreabh") after the fourteen merchant families who led the city during the Hiberno-Norman period
  • The city is known for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events including the summer’s Galway Arts Festival which is known for its famous Macnas, arts group’s, parade.
  • There are many symbols associated with Galway. These include the Claddagh Ring, Galway's own symbol of love and friendship, worn the world over, the Aran Sweater, an emblem, not only of the Aran Islands, but of Ireland itself and the Galway Hookers, ships that distinguish themselves as Galway’s signature upon the water.
  • There are 6,870 Irish speakers in Galway city, which is nearly ten percent of the population. Galway is often referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland” as it is most associated with the Irish language, music, song and dance traditions. Galway City is on the doorstep of Galway’s Gaeltacht (an area where Irish is spoken).
  • The Aran Island, probably Ireland’s most famous islands, are located just off the coast of Galway. The three islands, Inishmore , Inishmaan and Inisheer are steeped in history and contain ancient ruins. They are also Gaeltacht areas.
  • Residents of Galway are called "Galwegians."
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Culture

Galway is heavily Catholic and predominantly white, although with the Celtic Tiger boom and its place in the European Union, Ireland has seen a surge in immigration. An open flow of labour occurs with the United Kingdom (no work visa or special permission is required for a UK citizen to work in Ireland) and the rest of the EU. Non-white population numbers have been slowly creeping up over the years.

Young people are less likely to be religious than their parents, though most would have grown up attending Mass. It's important to note that Catholicism is as much about identity as is it is about faith to the Irish (see the history link below.) Much of Irish law reflects Catholic tenets - for example, abortion is illegal in Ireland (except where pregnancy endangers the life of the mother,) and access to birth control is restricted - but views on homosexuality and women's rights have shifted to more closely align with secular European attitudes in recent years.

The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. VAT (value added tax) is at 23% and is already included on all posted prices.

Ireland does not have a tipping culture. Tips are given for very good service but it is not expected. Many pubs have limited table service, which requires bellying up to the bar to retrieve drinks.

Galway is a Gaeltacht, an area with a high percentage of people fluent in the Irish language. All signs in the area are in Irish and English, and there are surrounding villages where Irish is spoken more frequently than English. There are theatre performances, publications and television programmes that are entirely in Irish.

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For more information on Irish culture, see:

Irish Language
Sport
Media
Food and Drink
Pub Culture
Education
Catholicism
History
Politics

Time Ratio

City of Tribes MUX operates on a 1:1 time ratio. If it's August 13th, you can assume it's August 13th in-game unless you or your scene partners need it to be a different day — in which case it is whatever day you mutually agree on. There is always some wiggle room.

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