In Nomine: Detroit
Overview


History

The Arsenal of Democracy, Motor City, the 3-1-3... no matter what nickname its given, the name of Detroit conjures visions of progress, industry and, often, dilapidation. The eleventh most populous city in the US, it's both a majestic city with bustling commerce and tourism, and an empty city of decay and degradation. The only city in the United States that looks south to Canada, Detroit is a city unlike any other city in the United States.

Detroit was founded by the Frenchman Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701 and named Fort Ponchartrain du Détroit. Built to keep the British from moving west of New England and to monopolize the fur trade in North America, the area has been one of constant violence and renewal. Even as the young settlement was being fought over between the French, Native Americans and British soldiers, the Host and the Horde squabbled for control of the domain. Its position along the Detroit River made it an ideal settlement, and where there can be a dense population of people, there is great opportunity for celestial growth.

In 1760, in the midst of the French and Indian War, British troops gained control of the settlement and shortened its name to Detroit. The area became part of the United States in 1796, under the Treaty of London of 1794. In 1805, only a river warehouse and brick chimneys were the only structures to survive a fire which ravaged the settlement. Rebuilt, it became the capital of Michigan in 1805, but fell to the British during the War of 1812. It was recaptured by United States troops a year later, and returned to its city status in 1815.

By the late 1800's, Detroit had emerged as a transportation hub, built upon shipping, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. Industrial growth and commerce made it a home for the working man and millionaire alike. In 1896, Henry Ford built his first automobile and founded the Ford Motor Company eight short years later. Detroit became the world's automotive capital and its growth skyrocketed.

Once the fourth largest city in the United States, gangs, riots, racial tensions, and recession drove the affluent out of the city through the 60's and 70's. In the 1984, the city's rebirth was injured again as rioting in the wake of Detroit Tigers' World Series championship caused millions of dollars in property damage, leaving many wounded and three dead.

Since the 1990's the city has had a revival, especially the downtown area. The rise of casinos, new stadiums, a river walk, and upscale hotels and condos has made the city a beacon of tourism--though surrounded by abandoned neighborhoods and slums. It is Detroit, a city of hope and nightmares alike. It is Detroit, a city of angels and demons.

back to top

---

The War in Detroit

Some areas seem to lack the climate which forms Tethers easily, while others offer the possibility for Tethers to form constantly. Detroit falls into the latter category, with potential Tethers always on the horizon, though often weak and unstable. However, the availability and potential within these Tethers (however temporary they may be), make it a valuable prize for every Superior. At any given time, there may be as many as 50-70 celestials in the city. However, because most of these prizes are short term, there are few Word-bound inhabitants and only a handful of angels and demons actually make Detroit their "home base."

Even though Detroit is not considered as important as Chicago or New York, its geographical location--especially its proximity to Windsor--and rapid Tether development cycle keep it in the forefront of the War and makes it attractive real estate for most Archangels and Demon Princes, regardless of their goals.

This attraction of both pro-War and pro-Stalemate Superiors has made for an usual political climate. While skirmishes often occur--especially over potential tethers--there are just as many alliances shared between the Host and the Horde (especially between pro-Stalemate sides). Both Dominic and Asmodeus, having formed uneasy alliances many times themselves, take careful watch over the city and, as such, it can be unwise for any celestial to cause a major disturbance or provoke too much trouble for any side.

Because of the activity the city generates, it's not a quiet town. The daily lives of a city with such a dense celestial population means there are small, constant, Symphonic ripples. Detroit shares a similar level of background noise Disturbances that many active cities like New York, Boston or London have. While this allows celestials a certain amount of autonomy in their actions, as most small disturbances are ignored, one can never tell who is actually listening and the dense movement of Symphonically aware beings means trouble could always be lurking around the next corner.

While all Superiors maintain a presence in Detroit, very few Archangels or Princes visit it directly. Detroit is largely governed via trusted officers and seneschals of the dozen plus Tethers scattered throughout the city. Currently, both the Host and the Horde each boast five strong Tethers in the Metro Detroit area, as well as numerous burgeoning and dying Tethers.

back to top

---

Getting Around Detroit

Public transportation use and fuel prices have both seen rises over the past few years, but an automobile is still the primary method of transportation for most in the Detroit Metro area. Detroit does offer numerous accessible means of mass transit. Within the city proper, busses are run by the Detroit Department of Transportation to the edges of the city and, from there, passengers can access the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation's commuter bus system to the surrounding suburbs. Additionally, an automated guideway transit system known as the People Mover loops through the downtown area in a one-way circuit. However, it is rarely used and has been criticized for a deficiency in number of stations.



back to top