As the planet Verokha succumbed to ecological collapse, its once-thriving communities were forced to adapt or flee. The Lowlands, a rural community nestled on the continent's surface, was among those hardest hit. Once a beacon of hope and prosperity, it became a haven for those without means or power seeking refuge and survival.
As the climate continued its downward spiral, The Lowlands began to rebuild. Struggling farmers worked tirelessly to restore their land, while innovators crafted new methods to eke out a living in the harsh environment. Amidst this struggle for existence, the Technocratic Directorate saw an opportunity to assert control over the area.
The Directorate swiftly dispatched agents to patrol The Lowlands' periphery, enforcing their grip on the region. They outlawed any technology they deemed could be used in a rebellion, relentlessly hunting down those who dared defy their rule. This heavy-handed approach instilled fear and conformity, as families learned to live within the strictures imposed upon them.
Over time, The Lowlands' culture evolved around the restrictions placed by the Directorate. A deep-seated taboo formed around the 4th son's departure from his family, an act seen as a betrayal and source of shame. As families struggled to survive without reliance on technology, they developed traditional farming and mining practices that barely scraped by.
Despite their isolation, The Lowlands' people remained proud of their ability to thrive sans technology. Trading with outsiders was tolerated, as long as it didn't compromise their way of life. Regency-era Jane Austen-esque shame followed any family deemed unworthy or unwise in their dealings. The Lowlanders continued to toil in the shadows, their culture shaped by the weight of the Directorate's rule.
Throughout this tumultuous period, The Lowlands' inhabitants remained steadfast in their determination to survive and even thrive amidst the chaos. Though shackled by their isolation, they forged a unique identity that would shape their future and define their place in the world.
