Final Layout. Sections are separated into stream levels for loading optimization

Initial design sheet. Key focus was on building a layout that synergises with a morality system, such as in Fable or Mass Effect

I used premade landscape assets to find interesting geographical features. I settled in this strange depression in a desert biome, and started brainstorming how a civilization would grow in this terrain.

(Reference Only) Photobashed concept of the city. The idea was of a city centered around extracting resources from underground, and a central monolith that acted as a refinement plant for said resources.

While modelling the monolith, it was important to maintain a clear shape that could be identified from any angle and at long distances. It also inspired the sharp class divide between the workers who live below and a luxurious population on the top

The monolith's shape also synergised with the sharp lighting of the desert. The population near the top would be bathed in sunlight, while the population in the lower rings would be cast in shadow

The main split between chaotic and lawful paths is at the start. The way into the Upper Ring gated by the main elevator, this is used to gate out poor citizens and refugees. If your character has built a lawful reputation he may be allowed inside.

Refugees and lower-class citizens queue for a chance to enter the Upper Ring. Some people are so desperate that they are even willing to offer rewards for people who help smuggle them.

Near the entrance is where temporary travelers and roaming merchants gather. Here you will have access to universal goods, such as potions, ingredients, armor, and weapons.

The way to the Lower Ring is a precarious place where even the floor itself is falling apart. The design is inspired by the Brazilian favelas, with small and cheap houses build right next to each other and very narrow alleyways

The way to the Lower Ring is full of thieves ready to attack unsuspecting travelers. At one point the player may stumble into one of these ambushes. Having a high chaotic reputation will make thieves think twice before engaging, however.

Attentive players may notice a longer route that circumvents the encounter altogether.

The Lower Ring proper, despite being more spacious, is still a precarious region. Houses are built around the different pipes and furnaces needed to power the Great Furnace.

Stores in the Lower Ring offer goods for extremely low prices, but it also offers some local goods not found anywhere else

While there aren't many thieves in the Lower Ring, mobs force citizens to pay taxes in exchange for "protection". When first arriving in town you may stumble into one such encounter, where you will be given the choice to either pay up or fight.

There is another way of getting to the Upper Ring, but it is extremely dangerous. It involves going through the inside of the Great Furnace. Mercenaries near the entrance to the track may be hired to help out with the dangers ahead

Inside the pipes of the Great furnace are tons of deadly monsters, such as giant scorpions, blocking your way

Elevators carry the mined material through the pipes and into the higher levels. The player may climb on them to get to higher levels. Though he will have to do it while fighting the previously mentioned dangerous monsters.

Exiting through a small gap in the Great Furnace is a series of ascending pipes that go towards the Upper Ring. The purpose of this entrance was originally for maintenance, but after the monsters appeared this purpose was quickly forgotten

Upper Ring - Where the upper-class citizens bask in sunlight and energy that comes from the Great Refinery. Goods and services here are of the finest quality but they come at a King's price. Often workers from the lower ring sneak in here to protest

Upper Ring 2 - As a contrast to the small and disorganized buildings in the Lower Ring, the Upper Ring has tall and uniform structures.

When arriving at the Upper Ring, the player may notice a large protest near the entrance to the Royal part of the Ring. Should the player have enough lawful reputation, a guard may escort the player to the Royal Chamber

Near the connection point between the Upper Ring and the old maintenance chamber is a small tunnel that leads to the ventilation. Rumors say that it may be possible to access the royal chamber from there, though no one has ever attempted it.

The pipes are a narrow mazelike series of corridors that is filled with dangerous monsters such as giant bats.

Enemies patrol every corner and the narrow design makes it difficult to escape or avoid.

At the end is the fabled entrance to the Royal Chamber, where you may try to either steal the relic or take it by force.

Alternatively, if the lawful path was chosen, the player may try to bargain with the king. While he won't hand over the relic for nothing, he is willing to give to the the player in exchange for completing one of his errands