Shadow Assassin's Ensenada. Discover the mystery.

[Shadow Assassin 336]

WELCOME TO ENSENADA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME I: BRACKENFELL

Update 1: The Beginning [replies]

Update 2: Views of West Brackenfell [replies]

Update 3: Something's Going On

Update 4: Under Brackenfell [replies]

Update 5: What Really Lies Underneath [replies]

Update 6: Brackenfell

Update 7: Mysteries of Omega [replies]

Update 8: The Wastelander [replies]

INTERLUDES:

Update 9: The People of Avarinheim

Update 10: Passendof

VOLUME II: GREATER MIDLANDS

Update 11: Life After Omega [replies]

*disclaimer* - table of contents has not been updated since late April

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INFORMATION ABOUT ENSENADA

Ensenada, a thriving, modern, cosmopolitan city, currently has 2.5 million (this number may be inaccurate) inhabitants in the metropolitan area, is located on the east coast of Savannah, at the opposite end of the famous Savannah Way. There are numerous ruins scattered through the hilltops of Ensenada, remnants of Ensenada’s past history. Ensenada’s history is a rich and vibrant tapestry of various despotic rulers, noble kings, and the private lives of the lords and ladies, which is best not printed due to their sordid nature. That aside, Ensenada is after all, one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Savannah, if not for the historical factor, then for the fun factor… and if not for that, then what the hell are you doing in Ensenada?

Located on a plain ranging from 20m to 70m above sea level, Ensenada is a sprawling city, divided into five regions, which form the basis for Ensenada’s system of government.

Brackenfell: Located on a low island, not unlike that of Notre Dame, on the Brackenfell River, Brackenfell is a modest city with almost 400,000 inhabitants, and is the only city that still has an original government building, dated approximately 1400 AE. Brackenfell is officially known as the Gateway to Ensenada.

Greater Midlands: A sprawling city, with a large agricultural base, the city of Greater Midlands covers the largest area, almost a quarter of the region, stretching from Brackenfell in the north, down to the Ensenada Range in the south, a series of precipitous mountains up to 2000m high. The region of Greater Midlands encompasses two cities, Greater Midlands and Mara. The majority of the land is arable, and provides much of the food for Ensenada. It is often referred to as the “Edible Centre of Ensenada”.

Hazaria: Much of Hazaria is mountainous, being located on the south-east peninsula. It is approximately 20km from Ensenada, and is by far the smallest of the five cities. It has a large base of shipbuilding and industry, appropriate for its name, which literally means ‘next port’ [Ha (next) – Zaria (port)]. The sister city of Zaria is approximately 50km south, further along the coast.

Mordicar-Ensenada: Technically, Mordicar-Ensenada is two separate cities, but due to the urban sprawl, Mordicar-Ensenada enjoys a relationship not dissimilar to that of the two cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The combined urban area is the largest of the five in total area and population. The lakes east of Mordicar are extremely popular with young families and couples seeking a quiet place only fifteen minutes from the Ensenada CBD.

The Ensenada region is widely considered to have the most superior freeway system in eastern Savannah, however, the lack of a freeway connection through the central business district in Ensenada has resulted in heavy traffic congestion, giving rise to a ‘Central Distributor’ project, which is currently in its approval stage. Currently, the four freeways at the edge of the CBD dump their traffic directly on surface streets.

The governing of Ensenada is quite unique – it is the only province in Savannah that has a government for its capital city. The core of Ensenada’s government revolves around the Council of Five, which has five representatives from the five cities of Ensenada (Brackenfell, Greater Midlands, Hazaria, Mordicar, and Ensenada). This harks back to the days when these five were originally small isolated city-states all squabbling for a handhold in the once massive Greater Savannah Region. As mentioned earlier, Brackenfell is the only city that has a government building dating back to these days.

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EDITOR'S NOTES

Well, this is my third city journal, after Dynasty and The Savannah Way. The underlying history behind Ensenada connects with the history behind Savannah City. For those readers of the Savannah Way, the storyline behind this is written differently, with five volumes representing each of the five cities of Ensenada, and while it still has that humour, it is different from how Savannah Way was written - and the storyline will tie in more with the updates - so, if you were expecting a similar style to TSW, think again.

Anyways, sit back and enjoy the ride.

[RushHourFreak 1]

Cant wait for more, it sound very interesting, nice shot

[Shadow Assassin 336]

“A delivery had to be done. I was the courier. The messenger delivering the results of what had happened approximately seventy miles due west of where I was headed. As always, the victors decide what is written in history. This event was no different. There was much hoping that they did not decide to impale me with an arrow: the literal case of shooting the messenger.” – Book I: Brackenfell, p. 5.

1 October, 3021 AE, Brackenfell

The train came to a gentle stop. After many hours of travelling in somewhat plush and comfortable surrounds, watching the scenery drift by endlessly, I had finally arrived in Brackenfell. When I finally exited the station, it was just coming up to lunch time. My stomach rumbled at the thought, so I decided to walk over some distance to Pufnstuf’s All You Can Eat Buffet.

* * *

The ham sandwich waited patiently. It waited for someone to pluck it out of the sneeze-guard-protected buffet bar. Then it could put its plan into action - to besiege the unsuspecting diner with flavoursome goodness. It was willing to be sacrificed, so long as it contributed some little flavour to the world.

The universe held its breath as the unsuspecting diner – by some freak roll of the dice, who happened to be our main protagonist in this story – reached out and picked up the sandwich.

Then he ate it.

* * *

Much satisfied, I paid my bill and left the buffet. The next stop was my new apartment. Located on the side of Brackenfell Central Park, I literally had views to die for of the park. I normally wouldn’t afford a place like this, but my new employer had provided it for me free of charge. So I took it.

I walked across the park, taking out my keys, and opened the door. It was semi-dark inside, and looked as if it hadn’t been lived in for a few months. All there was to do was to wait for my luggage to be delivered to my door by the rail company – such were the perks of first class service.

Ten minutes later, the truck containing my bags and items arrived. I unpacked everything, made my new home comfortable – I would be living here for a few months, doing work in Brackenfell and surrounds.

Tomorrow, I had things to do at City Hall. But first, I wanted to get to know the city better.

* * *

Even though it wasn't dark yet, the halls of Brackenfell City Hall echoed with an eerie sound. There were no signs of life apart from the occasional footstep and creak of the floorboards. Oblivious to the creaking floorboards outside his room, the Councillor of Brackenfell continued with his work. For some reason, everybody had left earlier that afternoon.

Then there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

The figure came inside, semi-cloaked by the long shadows of the fading day, carrying a package wrapped in plain brown paper.

"Sir, I have a package for you."

Waving off the messenger, the Councillor said, "Leave it there."

He then placed the package on the desk opposite the Councillor and left the room. The Councillor looked up from his paperwork as the footsteps receded in the distance.

He stood up and walked over to the package. He then searched the surface of the package, checking for anything out of the ordinary, like a bomb. Satisfied that there was nothing odd about the package, he opened it.

It was a briefcase. He opened the briefcase, and revealed several million Unio worth of unmarked notes. Just as the good doctor had ordered.

* * *

I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the movie at the Regal Movie Theater, Brackenfell. Right next door was the Ensenada Herald building, where they churned out papers on a regular basis - as a matter of fact, the presses were rolling. It was now almost 9.30, and the city was just beginning to awaken. Since I had a meeting early tomorrow morning, I headed home and went to bed. The first day in Brackenfell was uneventful for me... who knew what tomorrow held?

And unbeknownst to our protagonist, sinister things were afoot at City Hall…

--edit: *sigh* This formatting better be right.

[SpecialEddie 3]

Wooo first comment!

EDIT: Now that I've secured my spot as the first comment (besides RushHourFreaks--which I think ruined the effect of the table of contents and update), I can now say what I think about Ensenada! 

My likes: The train station in the first pic. The busy commercial centers that retain a historical feel. Image 1.04 of Brackenfell: I am truly enjoying seeing that building with the dusty courtyard! Stunning work...what else do I like? I'm also loving the night shots and the story! Hmm...is this a corrupt politician we see? 

"sinister things were afoot at City Hall..."

Dislikes: --------------------------------

[ExiL3 10]

Nice start, the images look "warm", and they are not too sharp. Good job.

take care

[RushHourFreak 1]

This is great, amazing pics,

[SC4Noobie 5]

wow, cool story so far! I never really liked story CJs, but you do it right! All the areas are looking good! Can't wait for more!

[szarkoz 8]

So, there it is. Ensenada.

Great start, I love all the graphics, and the story seems intriguing to me. The city looks very nice too. Overally - I'm looking forward to more!

[Darmok 34]

As always Daniel your story telling is enticing, we always want to know more!!

I like the pics, good mix of Maxis originals and custom content.

If I had to criticize..... hummmm....

well.....

HA!

I got it...!

too few pics... that's it!

I'll certainly follow!

Take care, and I hope that you'll get good results for your exams!

See you

John

[rusty_777 0]

I have to say I've been waiting for this for a long time! And now that it's here it's been worth all the wait.  I can already tell this will top the Savannah Way and show everyone on ST how great of a CJer' you really are.  I can't wait for more and to see some of your custom highway.  By the way I love the storyline... this deserves  2 thumbs up. 

 Great work Shadow Assassin! Looking forward to more!!!

[ElBarto92 7]

Whoa, kickass start. I never read Savannah Way, but if it's this good, I think I might just go back and start. Good luck!

[salut221 10]

Wow . . . Very nice pics ! Keep up the awesome work

[jacqulina 162]

excellent start very nice work and pics

[Simfan34 11]

Looks very nice. Wonderful! But how is this a "gastronomic delight"?

[mightygoose 92]

love the new style, its wow.... cant wait for more

[Yoman3 5]

You started this when I was gone!!! I'm hurt! Well now that I'm back I got to say that I love those nightshots. The story is also great too. Nice use of PS or whatever also!

[BadSim 63]

I'm glad that you're back with a new & promising CJ .

I'm not fanatic of PSP effects , but those on the first picture & night pic are awesome ...

Long life to Enseneda !

[Lyhoko Leaci 770]

Looks good, can't wait for more!

[dedgren 830]

Yawn- more brilliant work from Shadow_Assassin.

...so what else is new???

Clearly worth the wait, S_A.  You and jeronij, both back within the same week.  It's a great time to be looking at CJs.

[owenluby 1]

Yes! Great start SA! I really like your style of presenting - no wait - i love your style of presenting your work!

Really nice images and great story!

Keep it up!

[Fox 1,444]

Wow.. another CJ ... I didn't realise you had started a new one, I hope that Savanah is still going strong too though.

Love the History and the intercontivity of it with Savanah ... and great pictures too. Any regional picture yet? Will you still have awesome transport layouts as well .. my favourite part of your other CJ... 

Looking forward to seeing where you go with this CJ.

[sc4portugal 10]

NICE

[connor_v 3]

Wow, this is pretty great! Intriguing (That's right, isn't it?) storyline, beautiful pictures. I will definetly be looking forward to your next update.

[Goin2Chicago 4]

awesome start. you have a great story and the pictures are really cool. i love the greenness of the day shots and to me the night shot has this seedy underworld feel to it. i can't wait to see were this goes.

[defcon pilot 0]

Man, that's awesome. Nice storyline as well... I didn't expect that.

[RHMgerards 7]

I love this already!!! the pictures look very beatiful, and everything looks so realistic. will be waiting for the next update.

[crazychickensc12 84]

Amazing first update!! and the story line is going great!!, keep up the good work!

[Odd from Sweden 129]

Nice start, thanks for using my buildings in Your city!

[Zelgadis 638]

It's amazingly perfect.  Did you have to plop very many buildings to get that effect?

ISF

[teddyrised 1]

Great choice and use of wall to wall buildings! They make the ctiy look so much european and nice! And the green areas and BSC trail parks... I have to say that you've mastered the way you use them to achieve green-belt effects! And they make your city look more environmentally-friendly too The nightshots are also very nice... all the lights and the buildings.

You have great photoshopping skills! I bet you've invested loads of effort in making the downtown pictures look nice and the nighttime shots look realistic... nice one! Keep it up!