The Greene Way
The Greene Way is what the financial district of Paradigm has come to be called, referencing the primary roadway that is the artery of the entire district, running through the center from where it branches off with the hub of Millennium City all the way up to Lake Woodsworth. The district is split into four distinct zones encompassing the primary financial needs of the rest of the city, homes of the well to do, and high class entertainment. Greene Way has one of the lowest crime rates in Paradigm, primarily tot he efforts of the mysteries Broker, an enigmatic hero who uses a mercenary army to supplement the police forces. Despite this, though, there are still criminal elements in the district, especially closer to where it borders with other districts.
Sections:
Finance:
In most cases anyone saying Greene Way is talking about this region of the financial district, those who live there actually refer to it as Finance. This is the section of town closes to the bulk of the city, and contains all of the major company HQ's, banks, and financial institutions that keep the economy running smoothly, or at least somewhat stably, most of the time. This is also where you will find the poorer or lowest level employees of any given company living in small studio apartments. Greene Parkway is the major artery road that runs through the region, and here in Finance it is a lovely strip of green grass, trees, and flowers through the middle of the urban environment. The road is split in two by a median large enough to serve as a small park, benches included. Otherwise attractions are limited here, with minor street vendors selling food to the business men, and a few clothing stores and accessory places that have popped up and manage to live on the emergency needs of CEO's who spill coffee on themselves. The region has two very prominent locations other than the head local head quarters of a variety of companies, and those are the Paradigm Stock and Gold Exchange and the First Millennium National Bank and Treasury. These two locations are the key structures of the cities economy, and billions of dollars flow through both every day.
Artist Alley:
Often referred to in French to give it a classier sounding name, the Artist Alley is located off of the Greene Way further into the district and is the entertainment and artistic epicenter of the region. Small apartments sit over family owned restaurants and small shops, with bistros and underground jazz cafes very common. There is the occasional arcade and movie theater as well. The major attractions of the region though are the Woodsworth Theater and the Haffington Museum and Art Gallery. The theater is a fully modern building, built with influences from both the Elizabethan and Victorian eras of architecture, and plays host to any number of stage performances, operas, orchestras, and the like every year. The Museum is a privately owned and run venture where aspiring and famous artists may come to show off their ability and sell their wears to the highest bidders, it is also the showcase of the personal collection of art and artifacts of Mr. Anthony Haffington, one of the cities more prominent and well to-do members of society.
Emerald Lane:
The Emerald Lane is the primary residential area of the Financial District, even though it has a population lower than either Artist Alley or Finance. This is the home of the upper-middle class and higher, with broad, paved streets lined with trees and street lights and quaint homes of brick face and dark shingled roofs. Greene Parkway shrinks down some here, turning into a basic four lane as it passes through on it's way to Lake Woodsworth, branching off into smaller roads leading to subdivisions. Emerald Lane is also the location of the regional schools and more pedestrian shopping districts, such as Walmart and the Greene Mall, where disenfranchised and disinterested teenagers shop at such trendy places as Gap, Hot Topic, and Barnes and Noble. A smattering of Star Bucks compete against Mc Donald coffee, and the occasional Taco Bell rises up next to chain gas stations. The closer one gets to the lake the less of these convinces you see, and the deeper into the wealthier residences you become.
Lake Woodsworth:
Not truly a district but an important region all the same. Lake Woodsworth is an artificially created and stocked lake built by local philanthropist Sir Edward Woodsworth. The lake cuts the highest end region of Greene Way off from the surrounding district, and is only cross able by the Greene Way Bridge or the Millennium Ferry. Either requires a toll payment, or proof of residence across the water, effectively gating off the most wealthy in the city from the common people. The lake is otherwise dotted with small houses, fishing docks, speed boats and dinghies, and jetski rentals.
Highland Estates:
Highland Estates is the gated community of Paradigms wealthiest citizens. The region is comprised of large, personal estates; small private lakes; and the mansions of the incredibly wealthy. Manicured lawns and wide roads provide access around the region, though most are not allowed in. Both the ferry dock and the bridge in are guarded entrances that require proof of residency, proof of employment, or invitation to pass through. Or a high enough bribe, if one knows the right people. All in all, the most beautiful houses and lawns are here, for the pleasure of the snobby elite.
Woodsworth Manor:
Almost a region on it's own, Woodsworth Manor sits separated from even the other wealthy estates, situated on a hill top which is the highest point in Paradigm City short of the Crystal Tower. Built as far back as the founding of the city, the manor house is done in a style which is half Gothic Cathedral and half Baroque Fortress, giving it an over all imposing and breath taking air to it. The house has been updated many times, wings added on, and amenities updated, as only fits the home of the single wealthiest man in the city. The entirety of the estate is nearly half the size of the District itself, with the Manor being merely the front door to acres of rolling grassland, pristine forests, and small pastures of wild animals.
Important People:
Sir Edward Woodsworth
Edward Woodsworth is an English gentleman who comes form a long, aristocratic line, owning many different companies all over the world. His family had a hand in the financial founding of Paradigm city, but Edward himself had never been there until in his twenties he became infatuated with America. And since the family had this old manor house citing in one of the biggest cities, he decided to move in. Since then he has turned his considerable financial assets towards the betterment of the city, giving money to charities, schools, building up regions, and supporting the arts. He also built the lake which became named after him, originally he wanted to name it Millennium Lake. Woodsworth is a prominent figure in local government as well, though he holds no office in that government. His amount of money and clout as a Knight tends to be enough to help him sway some politics in his favor. Being THE richest person in a region tends to do that.
Mr. Anthony Haffington
Mr. Haffington lives in Highland Estates, which he takes great pride in. It was his initiative which fenced off the region from the riffraff after all, and put the restrictions on crossing over that keeps most of the common people out. Anthony was born in Paradigm city, his grandfather built up the estate he now lives in alone. The second wealthiest individual he is the constant rival of Edward Woodsworth, putting up competing businesses, though the other seems to not even notice. Haffington is also the head of the local District Council, and a preceding member of the city government. He is active in the arts as well, and is often found appearing to try and out do any other member of society at any time. He is well known for throwing large, and lavish balls and lesser parties at his estate. He is also known to be a member of the Masons, and it is rumored he has connections to other secret societies as well.
The Broker
The Broker is an enigmatic “hero” of the city, who never shows his face and talks either with voice masking, or indirectly through his lieutenants. When he calls on other heroes they are almost always brought to a location in Greene Way, which is one of the few clues to where he might actually be stationed. As mysterious and shady as he seems, Paragon himself vouches for the Broker's actions and backs him, which is usually enough for others. The Broker does not fight crime as other heroes do. Instead he funds super heroes He controls a small personal army which patrols Greene Way for criminal activity, and can be rented out to bolster the police forces of other districts within the city. He also funds, supplies, and often sets up entire super hero teams, providing bases and equipment, and access to his own personal market space. A market which side steps a lot of different laws regarding international trade and gun control policy in order to keep Heroes on the cutting edge. In emergency situations the Broker has often supplied heroes with advanced medical services, helicopter evacuations, and other such in the name of keeping the super villains at bay.
The Circle Trinity
The Circle Trinity is a secret society in the oldest fashion of secret societies. Membership is by invitation only, and only to the richest or most influential. It is rumored that the Circle Trinity even has fingers in other societies, such as the Masons and religious groups like the Knights of Columbus.
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