Town of Yelsen

Yelsen is a sprawling, gritty semi-urban town nestled in a rugged valley surrounded by jagged mountains. Its skyline is dominated by the looming silhouette of the state penitentiary, a fortress-like structure that’s been there for over a century. The town is a paradox – law and order are maintained on paper, but beneath the surface, chaos, corruption, and vice thrive.

Yelsen was established in the late 1800s as a rugged frontier settlement, primarily built around the construction of a large prison – Fort Ironclad – designed to house the most dangerous offenders of the state. The prison was meant to be a symbol of strength and law, but it inadvertently attracted a rough crowd. The town grew around the prison, initially as a support hub for guards and prison staff, with saloons, general stores, and makeshift housing.

Over the decades, Yelsen’s proximity to the prison meant that inmates, some of whom had connections outside, often escaped or maintained influence from within. Corruption seeped into the town’s institutions – law enforcement, local government, and business owners. Bribery and intimidation became commonplace.

In the 20th century, drug trafficking and illicit activities exploded. The prison’s reputation as a tough, unyielding institution attracted inmates involved in organized crime. Some guards and officials turned a blind eye or actively participated in smuggling drugs, weapons, and contraband. The town became a hub for illegal narcotics, with gangs controlling the streets. The drug trade intertwined with the local economy, making it difficult for honest citizens to thrive.

Today, Yelsen is a town where crime is woven into daily life. Vigilante justice sometimes erupts, and alliances between law enforcement and gangs are common. The town’s reputation is notorious, attracting outsiders seeking illegal dealings or refuge from the law.

Yelsen’s biggest challenge is balancing the illusion of law and order with the brutal reality of entrenched crime, corruption, and social decay. Efforts at reform are hindered by systemic rot, making the town a perpetual battleground where survival often depends on navigating a treacherous web of alliances and betrayals.