LOCATIONS

[umbralant]

LOCATIONS

Maps

Large versions: City Map, Town Square

Week One

Wawel Castle Despite the various architectural styles visible in the buildings of Wawel Castle, the stone and brick walls create a modest yet elegant exterior when combined with the adornments of the inner cathedral and the main building. Once occupied only by those of royal blood, the luxurious premises have now been forcibly taken over by the Lady and her assistant. Tall, imposing defensive walls run all along the hill that makes up the castle’s foundation, making it impossible to infiltrate the grounds. However, at the right angle, sharp-eyed survivors may be able to see the occasional glimpse of the Lady or Rembrandt through one of the main building’s upper floor windows.

Clergy Housing A neat collection of bedrooms, set with bunks, a small desk and a tiny closet full of priest's clothing. Call it bare, minimalist, or the virtues of an ascetic lifestyle⁠—either way, while it’s clean and cozy, it’s ultimately pedestrian compared to the castle the masterminds use as their home; sadly, the pecking order is very clear. Still, there’s shared bathrooms, a small lounge, a storage room, a dining room and a tiny kitchen with a gas stove, but with the clergy being long gone, there’s nobody to tend to them but the current residents. At least it seems like the food in the pantry and icebox is being restocked every Friday, but don’t expect too much—there’s only enough there for everyone alive to get three meals per day, and there’s nothing really fresh included, so enjoy your dried meats, stale bread and canned vegetables. At least you probably won’t die of scurvy.

Room assignments for their stay can be found here.

Opera House ~Opera Krakowska~⚡ By the blessings of your kind “hosts”, power has been restored to the opera building, allowing visitors to explore it in its full splendor.

Sleek and modern with panes of polished glass extending from top to bottom, its bright crimson facade stands out amongst the more historic buildings on the nearby streets. Visitors who pass through the entrance hall will find themselves greeted by a wide circular foyer with bright red walls and seating to match, while mounted signs advertise the various operas performed here. Everyone's portraits are also a lot clearer in the light, too.

One flight of stairs up leads towards the doors to the main theater, which will remain stubbornly locked no matter how one might tug at them. With the restored electricity, the rest of the upper floors appear far more welcoming than before, with well-kept lounges and comfortable seating areas showing off their warm red color scheme. The restaurant’s classy furnishings also reveal themselves under the lights.

Thanks to the efforts of someone who will likely never find use for such amenities, the restaurant kitchen is now unlocked for all your cooking needs! As one might expect, it’s well equipped with a gas stove, oven, freezer room and all the utensils you’ll ever need. There are also a multitude of other appliances such as a toaster and waffle iron if that’s your thing. Those who snoop around in the refrigerator will find a small collection of gourmet ingredients, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t expect any consistent restocking here though. The second smaller auditorium remains open to any aspiring actors, and the audience’s seats are even visible now.

Thanks to everyone's efforts, the minor auditorium’s backstage area is now open! There are a couple of tiny dressing room like stalls along the side, but the real draw here is probably the neatly aligned racks of clothing ranging from extravagantly decorated suits to exotic-looking dresses. None of them are particularly suited for daily wear, but it’s not like anyone’s really stopping you from wrecking the things, so have at it. Beyond that, there are also some smaller props and set pieces around, so if you ever wanted to have a plastic swordfight, this is the time! Main Market Square Welcome to one of the main landmarks of the city. With its picturesque cobblestone streets and historic buildings, the square exudes a dignified charm to pair with some of its more modern amenities… if it were out in the daylight, anyways. The stray graffiti and doodles that limit the square might bring you some form of nostalgia of an old man since passed, but art is forever, until someone cleans it up that is. At least there are some new lamp posts surrounding the square—although these are gaslit. As it is though, there are still a variety of shops and restaurants are available for perusing, although the darkened interiors, locked doors and lack of human presence mean that you’ll need to serve yourselves if you’re wanting to pick up a souvenir or a simple meal. Thankfully, all of the buildings are also helpfully labelled with signs in both Polish and English for the stray tourist or Survivor. At the edge of the square, rows of benches line the streets, welcoming anyone who wants to sit down if they don't mind splinters, given their slashed and chipped state.

Clock Tower ~Town Hall Tower~ Guarded by a pair of stone lions, this brick and stone clock tower stands above most of the other buildings in the vicinity, providing a great view of the main square for those willing to climb its hundred-odd steps. For those who want to take the time to explore its various floors, key features to visit include the restaurant on the first floor, the viewing room on the third floor and the clockwork mechanisms on the fourth floor. The depths of the basement also contain a café and a stage, but the combination of steep steps and lack of lighting can prove fatal if you’re not careful. Pamphlets in a display on the ground floor are also available for those who want to learn more about the tower’s features and its illustrious history.

In addition, the tower chimes at every hour in addition to displaying the current time on its four clock faces. Might still need a bit of help telling if it’s the morning or evening, though...

Post Office Nestled in the corner of the main square is a small post office, marked by the bright red mailbox stationed right by the entrance’s stairs. Inside, there are a few seats and a row of reception counters, with all of them shuttered except one. While there is a sore lack of attendants, a small display by the self-service window contains a brochure and tray with slots that fit those strange fragments that litter the night. If you mark your selection and pay the proper fee, you’ll find your deliveries located in a cart near the mail chute on Wednesday mornings.

Candle Shop⚡ Bring a little warmth back into your life with some candles from this shop! Ordinarily a rather cozy space with its wood decor, most of the shelves and displays still catch enough light from the windows to make it apparent that this store has more than enough in candle variety to satisfy even the pickiest of customers. From novelty candles to scented ones, there’s no shortage in stock, so feel free to pick up a package or ten. There are even some kits for making your own scented candles. Candles from this shop will produce a nice, strong flame, but remember to be careful: burns from hot wax can be nasty!

Milk Bar⚡ While this bar has a distinct lack of spirits, it does offer a place to sit down and chat with your neighbors. Styled like a cafeteria with a spacious counter and ample room to eat in large groups, the menu displayed on the walls prominently features dairy, soups, pierogies and not a drop of booze. A sign on the wall instructs you to queue up, place your order, and hold onto your receipt. In the back is a fully stocked industrial kitchen with a gas burning stove and other traditional appliances, including an icebox.

Bookstore A quaint bookstore located at the fringes of the main square, and perfect for anyone who likes to read. Most of the books appear geared towards the locals but thankfully, it seems that regardless of your fluency in Polish, you’ll still have a very good idea of what the text says. Enjoy reading despite that trippy experience! Behind the register, there’s also a large coffee press and a modest selection of snacks for those who like to enjoy something extra during their visits. Those who wander in the back will also find a small office with a frosted glass door, nestled between the science fiction and romance sections.

Office Where the Lady resides throughout all hours of the day (and sometimes night). Outfitted with an overly plush chair on a rather elaborate rug, the desk is overflowing with countless books stacked everywhere, with everything serving as a makeshift bookshelf including an errant fax machine. The Lady seems to have tried her best to make the amenities up to her standards: there’s a tray with a teapot, notes everywhere written with confusing ciphers, and what seems to be an attempt to make a generator, but wasn’t completed. Where the Lady sits it’s far more orderly, facing the door and giving her the high ground against anyone who enters. On the far wall hangs a large portrait of the Lady, adding character and additional charm. Truly, this is the office of someone who wants you to feel small before her presence.

Tram Stations⚡ Around the city are various stops for the trams scattered around the city. Just try not to get too carried away and get derailed from the main picture here. Mysteriously, some of the tram lines have regained power and are ready to go. Of course, with no one else around to operate the cars, it’ll be up to one of the survivors to take the driver’s seat... but that’s what instruction manuals are for, right?

Currently, the tram only connects to the: Castle, Main Square, Hotel, Science Museum, Autoshop

Subway Station Bustling and crowded under ordinary circumstances, the lack of electricity creates an oppressive darkness that morphs the subway station into a grim, dreary and almost completely alien place. Exploring the underground without any source of light is basically impossible, but don’t expect to find much even if you do; while there is a small convenience store a little ways past the turnstiles, any doors leading to maintenance tunnels or the like are heavily locked down.

Church ~St. Mary's Basilica~⚡ Overlooking the main square, this Gothic church is impressive both inside and out. Statues of Saints and stained glass windows frame the interior, converging upon the intricately carved wooden altar which depicts several Christianity scenes in triptych. Like in olden times, illumination and refuge is provided to all who enter by way of the ever burning candles nestled in sconces and chandeliers, along with votive candles for those who wish to offer a prayer. The previously dim modern lights now give additional light too, allowing everyone to enjoy the true splendor of the Basilica. Located to the side of the altar is a rather ornate confession booth, open for you to enter should you feel the need to confess your sins.

Week Two

Gym⚡ Everything you need to achieve your fitness dreams, with an extra modicum of privacy given the low lighting from the moonlight. Fitness junkies have their pick from barbells, treadmills, stairmasters, bicycles, and other equipment, up to and including a rowing machine. Now that power is restored, you can use all the machines including the luxury stairmaster! For those who prefer their work out free form, there are plenty of jump ropes, exercise balls, and even a single trampoline to utilize or play around with.

Science Museum ~Muzeum Przyrodnicze~⚡ This cross between a museum and aquarium is full of knowledge, and now it's even fully lit up too! Inside you'll find a rather sizable laboratory, outfitted for all your educational and experimental needs including cabinets chock full of chemicals. A whiteboard with projector occupies the north wall, while the south contains a couple of fume hoods along with several microscopes and specimen trays placed along the countertops. There are a few weird congealed bricks with what seem to be the remains of biological specimens inside. A few fossils are piled on a desk for study, along with reference books.

The museum portion of the building is divided into a number of exhibits based on different families of animals such as molluscs, lizards and mammals, as well as a geology section. There’s even a rather sizable collection of bones and displays for animals that were alive during the Ice Age… although it seems like most of them are covered by white sheets. Much of the other paleontology-related exhibits are in the same state, with the exception of a large animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Those who decide to venture into the aquarium side will be greeted with a change in scenery as rugged, rock-like walls and plastic fish frame tanks full of marine life. Both freshwater and saltwater species alike can be found, and there are even some rather poisonous jellyfish and molluscs in a couple of the tanks. Either way, the creatures seem happy enough in their enclosures and the place doesn’t seem to be lacking when it comes to caretaking.

McDonald's⚡ A piece of America but with a Polish twist. While the building’s outer facade shows its Gothic origins, the inside of the shop has all the amenities a normal McDonald’s would have, including a ball pit for younger McDonald’s aficionados. In addition to the grill, the McFlurry machine, and the soda dispensers, there is even a small drive-through outfitted with bike lanes. Now that there’s electricity in here again, you can make your own McDonald’s food! There even are some instructions for you, previously unaccessible inside an electronic safe. Enjoy your junk food and trade secrets!

Art Studio A well-lived in studio, cluttered with various art supplies without an eye to organization, and fresh canvasses lining the wall like new age wallpaper. Mostly new notebooks can be found stuffed into every drawer of the numerous storage cabinets, along with paints, pencils and inks in various colors and grades.The lone art desk in the middle of the room sits facing a large kiln that is still functional despite the artifacts of past creations still present on the floor.

Week Three

Laundromat⚡ The go-to place if you want to keep your clothes nice and clean, considering the lack of appropriate facilities anywhere else, stocked with tide pods galore. Thanks to some mysterious intervention, the laundromat now has electricity. The washing machines are completely functional, and they work maybe a little too well. Make sure not to get locked inside any of them!

Jazz Bar⚡ A grand piano sits center stage in this cozy venue, with lounge style seating wrapped around for the full acoustic experience. An assortment of other instruments commonly used in jazz ensembles are hung on the walls, the lone set of drums nearly obscured by an overzealous creeping fig . With the electricity restored, the jukebox is yours to use and features a large collection of jazz music, both from local and foreign artists. Maybe don’t harass the other patrons by putting on 21 plays of something, though. Fortunately there is plenty of liquid courage to indulge in should you desire, courtesy of a fully stocked bar with an extensive vodka selection.

Hotel ~Puro Krakow Kazimierz~⚡ A modern luxury hotel, full of all sorts of amenities...if you can gain access. The open spacious lobby is sleek and monochromatic, with the occasional pop of color and more than a few ferns. Signs direct you to the guest rooms by way of the elevator bar or stairs, and additional ones point you towards an indoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant. The lounge—equipped with a fireplace and several gameboards, can at least provide some amusement with chess, mancala, or Monopoly and other boardgames available. Or if physical play is more your style, take a dip in the now unlocked pool courtesy of Dazai. Unfortunately the spa remains locked and inaccessible.

Pool⚡ With a depth ranging from 3 ft to 12ft, this pool is perfect for beginners and seasoned swimmers alike. A veritable rainbow of pool noodles are lined up against racks, and assorted pool toys are nestled in a large chest. Outlining the perimeter are pool chairs, but take care if you choose to sit near the diving board for the splash zone!

Spa⚡ This is just the place to relax and get away from it all, if you don’t mind doing it in darkness. The sauna is available for use with billowing steam a likely welcome reprieve from the cold weather outdoors. On the other side, the meditation room is for those who truly appreciate quiet tranquility, or want a space for yoga. Regardless of your relaxation journey, you’ll find everything you need to reach zen: fluffy robes, Egyptian cotton towels, and yoga mats to name a few of the available amenities.

Botanic Garden of the Jagiellonian University Tucked amidst the city’s brick and stone lies a lush tribute to Mother Nature. Featuring a large variety of both native and foreign flora, the well-kept gravel paths section the garden off based on taxonomy, so you won’t be finding your rose bushes mixed in with your lilies—not that those are in bloom anyways. But while the cool breeze signals the impending onslaught of winter, visitors may still find some autumn-blooming species that retain their petals. Beyond that, the red, orange and yellow of the leaves on the trees still hold their charm even in the dark. Either way, it’s sure to be an ethereal experience walking around with nothing but the lamp posts illuminating the paths.

However, if the lack of flowers is that bothersome, this botanical garden also features two greenhouses that contain some of the more tropical species, from succulents to orchids and even giant lily pads in an artificial pond. One other greenhouse seems to be conspicuously locked, although a peek inside shows it features some rarer species and maybe even some poisonous ones.

Week Four

Arcade ~VRCadium~⚡ A somewhat dreary place given the current circumstances. Well-cared for arcade cabinets line the walls, all in pristine condition including the retro games such as Burger Time and Paperboy. Rows of flat screen TVs hang on the back walls, with consoles plugged into them and comfortable bean bags to sprawl out in below. Neon signs decorate the arcade, now in their full splendor with the electricity restored. If you'd rather go old school, there's still entertainment to be had in few basketball hoop machines, air hockey table and other carnival style games.

Boutique With spacious dressing rooms, signs that advertise on-site tailoring and sky-high prices, it’s apparent what level of income this store is trying to appeal to. Most of the garments are elegant yet practical, appropriate for the fall weather with some new winter arrivals, but there are some spring patterns and materials for those adept at sewing to utilize. Either way, there’s sure to be something for everyone in this shop, and without anyone at the till, it may very well be all free.

Tarot Shop Dark and dreary with subdued colours painting the walls, it’s hard to say if the atmosphere is due to the lack of lighting or a natural result of the shop owner’s sense of aesthetics. Not that it’s possible to ask, considering the empty space behind the front counter, but at least that way it’s much easier to get a hold of any tarot cards and other trinkets needed to divine your future. Despite the cramped space and slight mustiness to the air, all of the merchandise on display is in good condition and neatly organized, which is immediately apparent from the tables set by the front: skulls and fangs of many different species and sizes are aligned in perfect rows while a modest collection of occult books sit in alphabetized stacks.

In one corner is a shelf filled with a wide variety of tarot cards which includes your classic Rider-Waite decks to your quirky novelty ones. In another corner is a row of tables furnished with a selection of semi-precious stones and crystals, quartz and chakra stones, with some carved out neatly into spheres or pyramids. Tubes of incense and fortune telling mats with designs ranging from elegant to tacky round off the rest of the goods—however useful you may find them, including one crystal ball.

Footbridge The famous Lovers’ Bridge. This modern-looking footbridge crosses the Vistula River, connecting the Northern and Southern parts of Krakow. There are a number of unusual sculptures posed on the suspension cables, with each and every one of them appearing to watch you intensely as you walk past. Is it your imagination or something more? Who knows, but maybe focusing your attention on the many padlocks that adorn the railings will help shake it off. No matter how you may search though, the keys are nowhere to be seen.

Week Five

Art Museum ~MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art~ The jagged outline of its rooftop lends a distinctive and contemporary appearance to this art museum. Matching its modern exterior, the museum features all sorts of exhibits focusing on avant-garde and postmodern styles of art, ranging from paintings to sculptures and other mixed medium pieces, all painstakingly displayed with care—including one display which makes use of an entire computer. If you find that you like some of the pieces, there’s even a shop on the ground floor with various souvenirs for sale, including handmade pieces by contributing artists and art-related publications.

Those who venture beyond the visitor’s areas will find a cordoned off hallway labeled EMPLOYEES ONLY, leading to a restoration studio and storage area. A scrawling wall canvas depicts a war scene frozen in the process of restoration, much like the surplus of museum snowglobes that sit in storage. Occasionally while you wander the halls, you may come across a certain someone.

Autoshop⚡ A large mostly empty autoshop with a rather plain exterior, aside from the gaudy cartoonish sign naming this business. The distinct odor of motor oil and grease permeates the entire building, pungent and distinct. Those who want to explore (and are okay with ruining their shoes on oil stains) can find everything you need to flex your engineering muscle, and with the electricity restored you're not even poking around in the dark anymore! In one corner of the room, cork boards hold a large array of tools from hammers to screwdrivers and even power tools. On the floor sit several toolboxes overflowing with screws and other miscellaneous items, including a pair of walkie talkies. While the workbenches are mostly clean, there is the occasional scrap metal that lays abandoned. In the attached garage sit several vehicles in varying states of repair and renovation, a lone Thunderbird the only completed project.

Football Field⚡ A field with artificial grass just like Mother Nature intended. Two nets on the end of the field signal that this turf is currently set up for football (or soccer, for those who prefer that term), but there’s an array of other sports equipment to the side should you be in the mood to play a different sort of game. Careful not to blind yourself staring at the ultra bright stadium lights! Bleachers line the sides, as do some neatly folded mascot costumes, mostly of the draconic variety.

Week Six

Have you looked at the moon lately?

Location changes should be reported here.

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