TEXT:     
  Presents:
  Presents:
  Presents:
  Presents:    
  LOST ANGELES 
  A complete guide to the inundated ruins of Los Angeles    
  Written by Deric Bernier  (droc@mc2k.com) 
   
      
      
  THE Q
  THE Q
  THE Q
  THE QUAKE PAGE 2
  UAKE PAGE 2
  UAKE PAGE 2
  UAKE PAGE 2    
  LOST ANGELES TODAY PAGE 3
  LOST ANGELES TODAY PAGE 3
  LOST ANGELES TODAY PAGE 3
  LOST ANGELES TODAY PAGE 3  
  LIFE IN LA PAGE 4
  LIFE IN LA PAGE 4
  LIFE IN LA PAGE 4
  LIFE IN LA PAGE 4  
      
  INHABITANTS PAGE 5
  INHABITANTS PAGE 5
  INHABITANTS PAGE 5
  INHABITANTS PAGE 5  
  THE CLANS PAGE 7
  THE CLANS PAGE 7
  THE CLANS PAGE 7
  THE CLANS PAGE 7  
   
  SALVAGE AND TRADE PAGE 9
  SALVAGE AND TRADE PAGE 9
  SALVAGE AND TRADE PAGE 9
  SALVAGE AND TRADE PAGE 9  
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS PAGE 10
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS PAGE 10
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS PAGE 10
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS PAGE 10  
  NAVIGATION PAGE 13
  NAVIGATION PAGE 13
  NAVIGATION PAGE 13
  NAVIGATION PAGE 13
      
   
  This is just one of many articles for the Cyberpunk 2020 Roleplaying Game you can find on Datafortress 2020, 
  the largest, most Comprehensive Cyberpunk 2020 site in the world. 
  Visit it at: 
  http://datafortress2020.110mb.com/
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  LOST ANGELES
  LOST ANGELES
  LOST ANGELES
  LOST ANGELES  
   
         April 20, 1998. 5:13 PM  
  A Los Angeles coming home from work was devastated when an 
  earthquake measuring 10.5 on the Richter scale hit like the hand 
  of an angry god punishing his children.  Tsunami's generated by the 
  quake consisting of 200 foot waves engulfed the city.  The one place 
  in America that had been expecting.... almost anticipating this event 
  was completely unprepared for the magnitude of destruction which 
  was wrecked upon it.  
  Hitting in the middle of rush hour traffic, which like always in LA, 
  meant a complete standstill, the quake caught the city at the worst possible time.  Overpasses and bridges 
  that were packed to the brim collapsed, buildings toppled into each other and at the epicenter and the 15 
  miles surrounding it, the land itself actually dropped 20 feet as the fault line violently broke.  The first 
  aftershock hit 5 minutes after, exploding gas lines, rupturing water mains, and exposing underground 
  electric lines, and of course destroying even more property.  Their were 
  five more massive aftershocks in 30 minutes and by the time they were 
  finished LA was unrecognizable.  Roads were completely blocked off, communication was all but 
  dead, fires were breaking out all over, and the survivors were panicking.  Nothing could be 
  mobilized, no relief or rescue was possible, not that there was time for that anyway.  Within minutes 
  satellites were registering waves cresting at 200 feet bearing straight for the city.  No warning could 
  be given and 20 minutes after the quake, just as the survivors were getting their wits about them....... 
  the waves hit and the "City of Angels" was swallowed by the sea.  A week and a half after the quake 
  the smell of the dead was noticeable for 15 miles, the smoke from fires still raging could be seen for 
  twice that.  
  By the time it was all over, 35% of Los Angeles was a watery graveyard.  An estimated 65,000 lives 
  snuffed out in an instant.  To LA's credit, advances made in quake resistant construction paid off.   
  And the majority of skyscrapers and large office buildings remained standing, albeit barely.  For the 
  next week, every available aircraft in California and the three states surrounding converged on Los 
  Angeles for the largest rescue/evacuation in history.   Access by land was next to impossible, even in 
  the areas that were still dry, due to toppled buildings, fires, and wreckage.  Submerged, but exposed 
  power lines made rescue by boat almost as impossible.  Firefighters set to putting out the flames engulfing the area of Los Angeles that 
  was still above sea level, but when it was all said and done, LA was broken beyond repair and was completely written off.  
  The water never receded, and after everyone that could had been evacuated the area was sealed off completely, leaving over three 
  million Angelino's homeless and starving. The economic loss was estimated at 250 billion dollars, although it was most likely far 
  greater, as the federal reserve and a vast number of banks were unsalvageable.  The President officially declared it a "No Man's 
  Land" 2 months after the incident in a worldwide press conference.  
  Not that salvage operations weren't attempted, but the current of the water, combined with the many 
  unknown dangers both above and beneath the water made it impossible.  And due to the nature of the ruins, 
  the only thing that even had a chance of safely navigating the waters were small boats.  All salvage attempts 
  were cancelled and civilians restricted from the area.  
  The ruins became known as Lost Angeles.  A 50 foot wall was erected over the next two years codoning off the ruins, as the surviving 
  area of LA was rebuilt into what is now known as the LA Metroplex.  A small memorial center was built at the base of an overpass that 
  collapsed.  The remaining portion of the overpass extends over the walls and a half mile above the destroyed city.  It provides the best 
  view of the ruins, and is open to the public as a staunch reminder of mother natures wrath.  
  
   OLD LA TODAY
  OLD LA TODAY
  OLD LA TODAY
  OLD LA TODAY  
   
  Today, Lost Angeles is the home of scores of refugee's, nomads, immigrants and 
  criminals.  Life here is hard, most areas are completely without food, clean water, or 
  electricity.  Travel is treacherous, and warring clans mean extreme care must be 
  placed in where you find yourself.  Food is the easiest solved problem as long as you 
  like fish, although some of the clans have resorted to cannibalism.  Windmills, and 
  waterwheels have been erected to generate electricity in some parts of the ruins, while 
  in others they make due with gas powered generators.  The only real export of the area 
  is salvage, and trade with the aquatic nomads is a large part of the continued survival 
  of the Angelinos.  The wall built to cordon off the city still stands, now with armed 
  border patrol guards to keep anyone from Lost Angeles from entering the city.  In 
  response, patrols are set up along the outskirts of Lost Angeles by the clans, consisting of 
  ski boats and whatever other fast water craft they can muster to keep outsiders away.  
  They will usually make contact before attacking to find out the purpose of the visitors, 
  but some clans, specifically the Southern clan have been known to attack first, especially 
  if the  visitors appear threatening.  
  Lost Angeles is the perfect spot to hide, as it is a no man's land no county, state, or 
  government has  jurisdiction there.  This also makes it the ideal place to smuggle things 
  in and out of the country.  Of course this also means the government or anyone else can 
  attack it, whenever, and 
  with whatever, they like.  
  The foolish can often be seen entering the ruins in search of treasure, 
  never to be seen again.  The ruins still hold the federal reserve, several 
  large banks and other such institutions.  And the promise of their riches is 
  a great call indeed.  Anything above the water has been thoroughly 
  looted.  Some outsiders use LA as a hiding place for goods, or to smuggle 
  goods in and out of the country.  These people usually have relationships 
  with one or more of the clans, to act as guides and/or protection.  
  Several languages are spoken here, with the most common being a 
  variation on streetslang, with spanish and chinese being the primary 
  contributors.  
  
  LIFE IN LOST ANGELES  
   
  Its not what it used to be.  
  Life in LA is harsh.  The warring clans, travel, wildlife and crumbling buildings are only part of the 
  problem.  Injury and disease are the two most dangerous aspects of living here.  If you have an 
  accident and are severely injured or sick, there is no way possible for you to receive professional 
  medical care.  There are clan doctors and shamans, but for the most part they are ripperdocs on the 
  run.  Sterilized facilities are all but non existent, and medicine is a hard thing to come by indeed.  
  Anesthetics usually mean a bottle of the moon shine popular with the inhabitants.  A vile concoction 
  that tastes more like turpentine than alcohol.  Drugs themselves are a valuable commodity, especially penicillin and antibiotics.  
  Tetanus is another large hazard of living in LA, and medicine to prevent it is very valuable here.  
  Viral infection spreads rampant here if not contained immediately.  A simple flu here is deadly to the 
  entire population, pneumonia is almost a death sentence.  Most of the denizens of LA are sick in one way 
  or another, and diarrhea is a common symptom, but the citizens have learned to identify which illnesses 
  can be life threatening and contagious. Other illnesses such as STD's and any contagious sickness can 
  become out of control very easily.  To protect against this, those who display signs of these illnesses are 
  usually dealt with carefully, either by being locked away (quarantined), banished, or in some cases even 
  killed.  Don't cough in LA.  
  The one thing LA doesn't have to worry about is space, there is no shortage of shelter here.  Some of the buildings are even 
  comfortable and nice, with only the first and possibly second floors flooded.  These areas are 
  usually taken by clan leaders or the lucky few who are able to keep them either protected or 
  hidden, but sometimes you get lucky and stumble on something.  Windmills are abundantly 
  seen on rooftops, and waterwheels in the streets, these are fairly easily erected and provide a 
  modicum of electricity.  In some cases only enough to power a radio, in others enough to 
  provide enough energy to equal that of a modern home.  But usually the generators are used 
  for light, and lights have been strung all over clan areas and dwellings.  Any thing from normal 
  light bulbs, christmas lights, and torches are used for illumination.  Of course less traveled routes are usually completely unlit.  
  Fishing is the major source of food here, and fresh water is slowly achieved by makeshift distillers and the gathering of rain water.  
  Clothing, and most other essentials are in abundance, as well as weapons, both real and constructed.  
  Going to LA is sort of a surreal experience, it looks like a city in ruins, and it is, but is also alive.  The 
  inhabitants live like animals desperately trying to be civilized.  While floating down the streets you 
  are in awe of the destruction, but in some buildings things look so normal, even elegant, that you 
  forget that outside everything is in ruins.  In some places the toilets even work.  Of course in 
  most areas buildings are missing most if not all walls, the floors are crumbling, and life generally 
  sucks.  
  Moisture is another very big problem in Lost Angeles.  You are constantly surrounded by the sea, and the moisture and salt air have 
  adverse affects on everything from guns to cybernetics.  While the firearms are easily found, and fairly easy to maintain, cybernetics 
  are not.  Salt water on unshielded limbs can wreck havoc, especially if the limb is partially damaged.  Replacement parts are very hard 
  to come by and installation of cybernetics here is almost sure to be dangerous..... i.e.: botched jobs, infection and other problems.  It is 
  for these reasons cybernetics are a rarity here.  
  The water itself also presents a problem.  Pollution and wildlife can easily be your downfall. The weather although usually calm in 
  California can and does get rough....... very dangerous here indeed.  
  All in all life in Lost Angeles is cruel and inhospitable, but also survivable, and sometimes, for a person on the run, that's all they need.  
  
  THE PEOPLE OF LA
  THE PEOPLE OF LA
  THE PEOPLE OF LA
  THE PEOPLE OF LA  
   
   
  For the unfortunate masses living in LA, much of life is 
  centered on survival.  With that being said, much of a 
  natives personal belongings will be functional.  Since the 
  entire society depends on salvage as a means of sustaining 
  life, their accouterments almost always are items that have 
  been scavenged, traded for, or made by hand.  The average 
  Angelino will be between the ages of 14 to 40, as those who 
  are to old to fend for themselves usually don't last long.  
  There are children that roam these streets, and quite a few of them, but it has been 
  estimated that 35 percent of the children born in Lost Angeles are traded for goods or 
  sold.  The Angelino's wardrobe is usually scavenged, handmade from fabric found in the 
  ruins, or made from the skin of sharks, rays  or dolphins.  As 
  individuals the inhabitants of Lost Angeles are a hard bitten 
  people, trying to survive as best they can.  Fish obviously is the main diet of LA natives, and with birds 
  coming in a close second.  The majority or Angelino's are proficient at fishing, swimming and piloting of 
  boats.  They also have high awareness for the dangers living in the ruins of LA, such as loose or rotten floors, 
  the level of decay of a building, the signs that danger might be under the water, and being able to tell when 
  they are being watched or followed, by other Angelino's out to jump claim, and especially when it comes to 
  outsiders.  Life in LA forces one to be completely aware of their surroundings.  (For game purposes this 
  makes for a new special ability,  LA sense........ Every inhabitant of LA who has lived there for at least six 
  months has gains this skill regardless of what role they are....... it is divided by half and applies directly to 
  both combat sense and awareness notice, and is useable only while in the ruins of LA.... also, it drops a point 
  for every 2 months an Angelino is away from LA )  
  While housing is abundant, Storage of goods is a hard thing to 
  do, as theft runs rampant.  Their are very few laws, and even 
  fewer to enforce them, even in the Northern Clan.  So almost ever Angelino has a secret 
  stash (usually inside a building on a submerged floor) where they store their booty to avoid 
  having it stolen.  Tech levels vary in Lost Angeles, but almost every item that you will find 
  someone using has a well used and very home built appearance since for the most part, 
  anything an Angelino can't use they will try and trade.  
  The most valuable thing you can offer most Angelino's is a way 
  out the hell they make their home.  For the promise of life in 
  America, most Angelino's will do absolutely anything.  Although 
  strangely enough many people have chosen to make LA their home, these individuals are usually criminals on 
  the run from the police, or people on the run from corporations.  
  As tech levels vary, so will the personal outfit of the Angelino's, but the basic everyday accouterment will 
  usually consist of:  
   
   
  
   
  Knives (most Angelino's carry at least one diving knife, a fillet 
  knife and a swiss army style knife with as many tools as 
  possible contained)  
  A combination walking stick/spear..... this often doubles as a 
  fishing pole, and will sometimes have a reel attached to it with 
  hoops affixed to the length of the pole.  
  Fishing tackle  
  A spy glass or binoculars  
  A water bottle or flask  
  Eating utensils  
  Sodium Tablets (these are a semi precious resource in LA, 
  these are some of the most popular items Angelino's will want 
  if trading with you)  
  A small assortment of tools  
  A small first aid kit  
  some type of hat  
  Suntan lotion (another semi precious resource, treated the 
  same way as sodium tablets by the Angelino's)  
  A large bag or satchel to carry small salvaged goods in  
  A small firearm, or sometimes a rifle, (most Angelino's carry 
  some type of cheap handgun, but  firearms and ammunition 
  are sparse and a valuable trade commodity to the Angelino's,  
  the better weapons and most of the ammunition are reserved 
  for clan and tribal leaders and their warriors, while the 
  average Angelino carries the equivalent of a polymer one shot, 
  usually with less than a full load of ammunition) possibly a 
  bow/ crossbow or a harpoon gun, with homemade 
  arrows/quarrels, slings are also popular for hunting birds  
  Matches or a cigarette lighter  
  Flashlight  
  Emergency road flares and or a flare gun and signal flares  
  Cyalume glowsticks (one of the companies that made these was 
  based in LA, so supplies of this item are high)  
  A days ration of dried fish  
  at least 20 feet of rope or line usually with some type of 
  grappling hook attached (often old extension cords are used)  
  Some type of marker, usually either a can of spray paint or 
  cloth ribbons to mark an important find, so it can be later 
  explored and excavated  
  A handheld water purifier and testing kit........ (see Neo-tribes 
  for more details)  
  A snorkel set (although often this consists of just a pair of 
  cheap swimming goggles and a tube tied to the persons head)  
  A bag of home made shark repellent (a secret recipe known 
  only to the LA natives)  
  And a few personal items  
  Life in LA is survivable, but not exactly comfortable, and the 
  inhabitants tend to try and make the best of their 
  surroundings, always working to make life a little better for 
  themselves. 
   
     
   
     
   
  
  THE CLANS
  THE CLANS
  THE CLANS
  THE CLANS  
   
  The Clans of LA are an integral part of the communities survival.  
  Clans generally don't have a strict code, or set of guidelines, and usually 
  only serve to purposes.  That of a governing body, and protection.  
  Within each clan their are small families, very similar to the nomadic 
  tribal system, this is due to the large amounts of disenfranchised 
  nomads that make up a large portion of the Lost Angelino population.  
  It is the clans main job to settle disputes within a clan, and to try and 
  keep disputes between clans (such as territory, salvage and trade right, 
  etc..) to a minimum.  Depending on the clan, leadership is usually 
  gained by one of two ways......... chosen leaders, or trial by combat.   Not 
  everyone in Lost Angeles belongs to a clan, and those who don't are 
  generally loner's, and treated with contempt by those who are.  These 
  individuals receive no benefits of a clan, they get no protection, and 
  their salvage rights are not considered valid.  These people often make 
  the best guides, especially if you want to get around in LA without clan 
  knowledge.  Unfortunately many of these individuals are insane, and 
  finding one trustworthy enough to get you where you want to go can be 
  more hassle than just dealing with the clans.  For those belonging to a clan, life is a bit simpler, but they have to abide by the laws of 
  the clan, and turn over a percent of profit to the clan itself, which is usually goods acquired from the trade of salvage.  Most clans 
  practice communal childbirth, then the child is separated from its parents and raised by the entire clan.... often to be traded as slaves 
  to pirates, nomads, individuals, and even corporations.  At least once a year there will be a clan gathering, where all the clans get 
  together for three days of celebration, trade, and the settling of disputes.  This gathering is vital, as it keeps smaller disputes from 
  erupting onto war between the clans.  
   
  THE NORTHERN CLAN:  
  The Northern Clan is the largest, and controls the largest part 
  of Lost Angeles.  They have a large amount of resources and 
  generally have good ties with all other clans except perhaps the 
  Cannibal Nation.   The majority of the clan are salvagers, and 
  sweep the ruins in their territory constantly.  They also have 
  most of the technical know how, and much of the Northern 
  clan's territory has at least tentative electricity and running 
  water.  The majority of the clan is made up of immigrants and 
  former nomads, although the clan leader (David Cockney) is a 
  former engineer, and LA native.  The leaders of this clan are 
  chosen, and that leader will stay in place until it deemed he is 
  no longer fit to lead.  David has been the leader of the clan 
  since it was formed.  The rules of the clan are simple, in 
  David's words "don't start nothin, there won't be nothin".  
  The clan demands a ten percent take and deals with most 
  serious offenses by banishing the guilty party.  
  THE WISHERS:  
  This clan inhabits the eastern section, along the rim of the 
  ruins, made up of mostly immigrants trying to find there way 
  into America, and those banished from society trying to figure 
  out how to get back.  Referred to by the other clans as the 
  Wishers due to their apparent "wishing" they were somewhere 
  else, these men, women and children will scream and beg  to 
  tourists from rooftops, gathering under the memorial section 
  of bridge that extends into Lost Angeles.  This clan isn't really 
  respected, as they are viewed by the other clans as lazy, really 
  doing nothing to further their own, or anyone else's cause.  
  Many members of this clan are mentally unstable and 
  eventually leave to become loner's, other's join up with other 
  clans.  For new arrivals to Lost Angeles, this is probably what 
  will be their first home, as most are so shocked upon arrival to 
  do anything but look back upon the world, visible from the 
  rooftops.  There is no real leader to this clan, as most of the 
  time it is to unorganized and the membership changes too 
  often.  
  THE SOUTHERN CLAN:  
  Controlling the south side of LA, this clan is made up of mostly 
  criminals on the run.  They rely on theft, and small raids for 
  most of their resources, they scavenge a bit, but for the most 
  part live off what they can steal from other clans and those 
  foolish enough to trespass on their territory.    For this reason 
  
  the area below sea level controlled by them is mostly 
  untouched.  This clan is the source of the most conflicts with 
  the outside world, as well as with the other clans of LA.  The 
  leader of this clan is a woman named Maria Sanjen, a former 
  Mexican pirate, she won the role of clan leader in trial by 
  combat.  Many wanted criminals of the US, Canada, and 
  Mexico make LA their home, safe from police and all but the 
  most resourceful bounty hunters.  
  THE CANNIBAL NATION:  
  The Cannibal Nation dwells in the center of Lost Angeles, and 
  is mostly made up of native Los Angelino's left over from the 
  quake.  These people are insane, and their name is literal.  It is 
  said that after the quake, small pockets of survivors, cut off, 
  forgotten by  society, and starving turned to cannibalism in 
  order to stay alive.  For most this was the final straw in a series 
  of horror that finally drew them over the edge.  To travel 
  through the center of Lost Angeles in any party smaller than 
  10 is suicide, even still the have been known to attack parties of 
  50 moving through their territory, as well as make "food" 
  raids on other clan's territories.  This is where all the crazies 
  go, and the sight of them is scary enough, many have filed their 
  teeth, and all eat human flesh.  They usually attack in small 
  groups of ten or less, but if you really make them angry (such 
  as when Militech sent in a squad of solo's to retrieve data from 
  their old office) they can attack full force, swarming from 
  everywhere in droves.  They generally don't have the supplies, 
  or know how to operate machinery, so their territory is 
  without water and electricity.  The only boats they use are rafts 
  and canoe's, and even if they manage to take a power boat, 
  they will still just paddle it around usually.  They scavenge 
  what they can use, and trade with no one.  These are the most 
  dangerous people you could possibly encounter in Lost 
  Angeles.  
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
  
  SALVAGE AND TRADE
  SALVAGE AND TRADE
  SALVAGE AND TRADE
  SALVAGE AND TRADE  
   
  Salvage, the single greatest component of life and trade in Lost Angeles.  Lost Angeles is 
  salvage paradise, an entire city ripe for plundering.  Anything and everything has a use here.  
  The most useful personal items to be salvaged here are clothing, canned food, weapons, and 
  shelter.  Almost anything else is used for trade.  The locals don't have much use for the 
  furnishings that can be found in abundance and trade with the aquatic nomads is vital to 
  survival of the inhabitants.  
  Virtually anything can be gotten, sometimes the condition 
  of the item is less than perfect, but it can still fetch a 
  price.  Everything from clothes to human beings (yes I 
  said human beings, certain clans in LA act as slave 
  breeders) can be traded here.  The price is almost always 
  the same....... food, medicine, vehicles, drugs, and alcohol.  
  Of course other trinkets might also be taken in exchange 
  for salvage, but those are the basic necessities here.  
  Guides, protection, and company are also sought after, 
  and the people of LA trade their services willingly to any who have gained their trust.  Those 
  who haven't or who trespass are dealt with severely.  A guide is essential to outsiders wanting to travel in LA.  
  Many of the homemade items that are so vital to survival in LA are also very 
  important to the aquatic nomads it trades with.  The homemade water distillers for 
  example are invaluable to the nomads.  Objects like these, and the safe haven Lost 
  Angeles offers to the aquatic nomads ensure good relations between the two.  
  Whenever a pirate fleet comes to call, a huge event is 
  made, as the locals treat their welcome guests to a 
  celebration then the bartering begins.  Angelino's 
  will trade individually with the nomads, as well as 
  the clan making larger trades with the pirates as a whole.  The major trading is done on a platform, 
  where selected items are auctioned for goods by both the nomads and the clan, while the individual 
  trading between the two parties is handled in a more private fashion, usually with a lot of haggling.  
   If you want something cheap, chances are it can be found in LA.  
   
   
   
   
  
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS
  WILDLIFE AND HAZARDS  
   
  The warm Pacific coastal waters have always provided for a vast marine ecology, and now the ruins of LA are the home to many types 
  of aquatic life.   Many are safe, and fishing provides a staple food supplement to the inhabitants of LA, many others however are not.  
  After the quake, when the waters calmed down, the carnage attracted sharks by the score.  For about a week after the quake the blood 
  in the water from the dead had every predatory, and scavenger fish for a hundred miles swarming in the streets.  While eventually the 
  high numbers went away, there are still many left that hunts the submerged streets of Lost Angeles.  The submerged levels of buildings 
  are a perfect hiding place for many creatures, such as eels, octopi, and  crabs.  While Sharks roam through the streets, acting as both 
  predator and prey (the local Shark Fin soup is said to be fantastic).  The odd current system moving through the streets has created a 
  strange effect with Jellyfish, as they are pushed into dead end alleys where there is no current and gather in vast amounts (as many as 
  200 in a 30 cubic foot area can be found in some of these dead water alleys).  The clans often use these Jellyfish nests as means of 
  execution for prisoners, simply throwing them into the middle of these swarms..... a very excruciating death indeed.  
  The most dangerous form of life under the waves is perhaps also the smallest, bacteria.  
  On days of strong current the water is relatively safe, but on other days there is high risk of being infected by the deadly bacteria of the 
  city.  To make matters worse, corporations and individuals often try do dump everything from garbage to toxic, and medical waste on 
  the outskirts of LA.  The Angelino's are aware of this and deal very harshly with any attempt they discover, thankfully keeping the 
  dumping to a  minimum.  
  While initially the bacteria killed much of the marine life in LA, it has since adapted and is thriving (somewhat precariously) again.  
  There are several different kinds of sharks living in these waters, among the more dangerous are:  
  The Shortfin Mako:     The shortfin mako (bonito) shark is one of the larger sharks to inhabit California waters. By all accounts, it is as 
  dangerous as any shark, and it probably swims faster than most.       Watch out, when you catch one, because this is a dangerous fish 
  that will not hesitate to attack you or your boat.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  The Blue Shark:  The blue shark is not considered a man-eater, but is probably responsible for many attacks upon injured swimmers, 
  after boating, airplane, and other accidents at sea. It should be considered dangerous because of its numerical abundance and 
  attraction for blood, if for no other reasons. The fish may be eaten, but it is           necessary to bleed it while it is still alive. After it is 
  dead it should be cleaned, skinned and soaked as soon as possible to avoid the taste of urea in the meat.   After the Quake these animals 
  have become numerous and permanent residents of the ruins of LA.  
   
  Tiger:  The Tiger shark is extremely flexible in tolerating a broad range of different habitats and has even been located in rivers and 
  small lagoons. So sightings of this dangerous animal in the ruins of LA come as no surprise.  It will eat almost anything and is 
  considered to be the most scavengous of all the sharks.  The Tiger shark is well known as a man-eater, caution around these fish is 
  strongly advised.  The tiger shark is responsible for more fatal attacks on man than any other shark.  To the Angelino's, fishing these 
  animals is just as important for profit as for food, as their skin is most sought after.  
   
  Great White:  The most feared of fish, the Great White can reach lengths of up to 25 feet and weigh up to an average of 1500 pounds. 
  It is found in almost all the world's oceans but appear more often off the coast of California in the U.S., South Africa, and Australia.  It 
  ranks highest in the number of attacks on humans. However, it must be said that very few of these attacks are fatal.   Sightings of these 
  fish in the streets of Lost Angeles are not common but do happen.  
   
  There are many other species of shark that dwell under the waters of Lost Angeles, but they should for the most part be considered 
  harmless, although they are a favored diet of many Angelino's, and all sharks are considered to be a valuable commodity as their skin, 
  cartilage, teeth, and organs are invaluable trade pieces to outsiders.   
   
   
   
  
  Rays, can also be found here, specifically Bat and Sting ray's.... and should be dealt with carefully as their tails can be dangerous.  The 
  venom from a ray causes your heart to stop beating or to beat irregularly. It also affects your breathing and central nervous system.  
  In some cases this can be quite fatal.  
   
  Another hazardous animal exists in these waters, and thrives as the ruins perfectly suit it, the Moray eel.  I hides in the cracks and 
  crevices of the wreckage of cars, inside buildings etc....   While not normally known to attack humans, these animals adapt so perfectly 
  that encounters are common, and sometimes fatal, as once the eel has bitten into a target it will hold on till dead or disinterested.  
  Other forms of eel exist in these waters, but none are as dangerous as the Moray.  
   
  Jellyfish:  These beautiful creatures are not usually fatal to humans, especially the kind found in the waters of Lost Angeles, but in 
  great numbers encounters can be fatal.  Also some people are very allergic to their sting, much like bee sting allergies.  As stated 
  earlier, the odd currents created by the ruins often end in areas of dead water, and large number of Jellyfish get swept into these areas 
  forming large unmoving swarms.  Many clans will throw a prisoner into these pools as a means of execution.  
   
  There are many other fish that live in these waters, hundred of species, as well as equal amounts of crustacean.  Some dolphins move 
  through these waters as well, but are a more rare site as the water, although cleaner than it was a few years ago, still disagrees with 
  them.  The animals included here are thought of as the most common dangerous animals found in these waters.  
  (Writers note:  I in no way claim to be any kind of expert whatsoever on aquatic life, and the long hours spent searching for the small 
  and possibly incorrect information are testament to that, but since this is just meant to be part of a sourcebook, and meant to be fun I 
  am not really worried.  The information here should be correct enough for most of you, and should provide you with some idea as to 
  the dangers of living in Lost Angeles.     For more information about the marine wildlife of California you can view these links:  
  http://www.cyberkids.com/Issue4/SeaCreatures/Underwater.html  
  http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Mrd/index.html  
  http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/kopec/tr9/html/home.html  
     
  Or you could try your local library.)  
  
  TRAVEL
  TRAVEL
  TRAVEL
  TRAVEL  
   
  Due to the changing currents, heavy debris and unstable wreckage, travel routes of Lost 
  Angeles change daily, safe navigation is impossible to outsiders.  This is the main reason the 
  area has never been reclaimed.  What one day will be a safe clear passage, the next could 
  have cars pipes, wiring, chemicals, and innumerable other dangers lurking just below the 
  surface.  
  Also certain clans stake out there territories with traps, or attack strangers outright.   Due to 
  the nature of the ruins, the current will suffer severe changes not only day to day, but also 
  street to street.  In some areas the water is only 4 0r 5 feet deep, in others is can go down as 
  far as 100, and in some the land is higher than the water.  Countless sewer and storm drains 
  make for treacherous undertows, getting caught is 
  almost certain death.  In some areas like alleys and 
  other no outlet areas, the water is stagnant and dead, 
  caught in a standstill.  various flotsam collects in these 
  dark corners, and they act as a breeding ground for 
  insects, especially mosquito's.  In the areas where the water does move there are other 
  hazards........ wreckage and everthing else not bolted to the ground gets pushed along by the 
  currents, in some places the current is strong enough to move cars.  Fences, street signs, fire 
  hydrants, and things of that nature are particularly dangerous....... especially if you get your boat lodged in one.  Stopping anywhere to 
  long is a sure way to find yourself surrounded by unfriendly company.  
  Obviously boats, especially rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and some small powered water craft are the most 
  common forms of transportation.  Homemade rafts can also be seen, as well as the occasional pontoon and 
  ski boat.  Clan warriors and scouts favor jet skis, waverunners, and other fast personal craft.  Only those 
  who have lived there can navigate their way through the waters..... and anticipating its 
  entirely unique hazards.  Maps are helpful as far as knowing where you are going, but 
  next to useless when trying to get there.  Another  problem with traveling on the water, 
  is that water craft are the third most sought after commodity...... after food and fresh water.  
  The other way of traveling is through the wreckage.  Buildings that have toppled into each 
  other, walkways that have been erected between the buildings, and in some cases even 
  simple rope swings, are all utilized to get from one place to another.  This however can be 
  just as dangerous, as many of the buildings are crumbling.  It is not uncommon to see large 
  chunks of buildings suddenly just break off and fall.  Also booby traps are common, and 
  rival clans will plant these along the borders of 
  their territories, and sometimes even in well 
  traveled free routes  
  No matter where you travel in Lost Angeles, 
  extreme caution is advised, especially for non 
  natives of the area, although even the inhabitants 
  must be extremely careful.  Getting lost here is 
  extremely easy, and just as dangerous.  
   
  
  Lost Angeles was written by Deric Bernier, based on an Idea presented in Cyberpunk 2020, and was written for use  
  with the game Cyberpunk 2020 by R. Talsorian.  Images from the film Akira, Waterworld, unknown photographers, unknown anime artist, 
  and Deric Bernier. 
   
  For more of the best Cyberpunk 2020 goodness available, go to 
   
   
  http://datafortress2020.110mb.com/ 
  To e-mail the author: 
  droc@mc2k.com 
   
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Cyberpunk/Unofficial/Datafortress 2020 Archives/Cyberpunk 2020 - Datafortress 2020 - Lost Angeles.pdf