I smell warm steel and stifled fire...

In this parallel universe, the feeling of industrialization is pervasive and overwhelming. Iron is a ubiquitous material, used in everything from machinery to buildings to weapons. The sound of metalworking is a constant backdrop, the clanging and grinding of machines and tools echoing through the dimly lit factories and mines. The darkness is all-encompassing, and the skies are cloudy. The sun never shines in this world.

Mines are a crucial aspect of this universe, providing the raw materials necessary for industry to flourish. Yet it seems that this society never advances but only stagnates, and there is no growth. Candlelight and hearths provide the only source of warmth and light in the claustrophobic environments of factories and mines. Weathered buildings are the norm in this universe.

In the absence of widespread electricity, this parallel universe relies heavily on steam-powered machinery. Steam engines power most of the industrial equipment, transportation, and even some weapons. There are intricate networks of pipes and valves crisscrossing the cities, carrying steam to power various contraptions.

The totalitarian regime in this parallel universe strictly enforces equality among its citizens. There are no class distinctions or disparities in wealth, and all citizens are expected to conform to a uniform lifestyle and standard of living. Individuality and innovation are discouraged, with creativity and ambition stifled by the regime's regulations.

Despite pockets of specialized knowledge and esoteric research, innovation is limited in this parallel universe. The focus is on maintaining existing technologies rather than developing new ones, and progress is slow and incremental.

The machinery is simple, functional, and made of iron, sometimes steel. It has a raw, rugged feel to them, with visible moving parts and mechanical components. Some machines are loud and rhythmical, some others make less noise and are more constant. In some underground cities there are big steel boilers constantly heating water in warm dark rooms.

The population here is low in numbers, with only a few scattered settlements and outposts to be found across the grey, empty wasteland. Most of the world is an expanse of plains, rock, and marshes, with occasional canyons or mountains across this cramped world. Large swaths of land are unoccupied and barren, with few signs of human activity. Few find a reason to travel through these lands.

The climate in this parallel universe is stable, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. The weather is mild and survivable, with noticeable but slight seasonal changes. The temperature never gets too hot, with summer being just lukewarm. Likewise, it never gets cold enough to snow or freeze, remaining generally cold but usually just fresh. Storms are rare, and natural disasters almost don't happen. Light rains and soft winds are common, and the sky is usually uniformly gray.

The scarcity of resources, especially sunlight, has resulted in a constant struggle for survival. The lack of sunlight has led to a perpetual state of darkness, with the few sodium and halogen lamps providing the only source of artificial light. Common materials such as iron and gravel are highly valued as they are essential for the functioning of machinery and infrastructure.

This parallel universe is cramped and claustrophobic, and the constant darkness adds to the sense of confinement. The urban landscape is dominated by factories, mines, and dilapidated buildings, with little greenery or open spaces.

Due to the totalitarian regime's strict control over information and innovation, much of the world's knowledge and history has been lost or deliberately erased. Libraries and universities are tightly regulated, with access limited to a select few. The once-thriving arts and culture scene has withered, and creativity is suppressed, leading to a cultural and intellectual stagnation.

To escape the polluted and dark surface, some cities have been built underground, with a maze of tunnels and chambers serving as habitats for the population. These underground cities are lit by dim sodium lamps, with rusty machinery and dilapidated structures repurposed for living spaces. The underground cities are tightly controlled by the regime, with limited movement and strict surveillance.

The majority of the mining in this parallel universe occurs underground, in extensive subterranean mines. These mines are often claustrophobic and hazardous, with workers relying on the dim sodium lamps for light as they extract valuable minerals from the earth.

The world is enveloped in a mysterious darkness, shrouding everything in a veil. As you move through the world, you feel like an outsider, a spectator watching events unfold from the safety of the shadows. You may even feel invisible, able to slip past others unnoticed and observe their actions from a distance. This feeling of being an observer in the dark can be both thrilling and unsettling, heightening your senses and making you more aware of your surroundings.

The scattered towns and villages of this parallel universe are isolated from one another, with little interaction or communication between them. The roads connecting the towns are often rough and unpaved, and travel between them is slow and difficult.

Due to the scarcity of resources, transportation in this parallel universe relies heavily on steam-powered engines. Trains, boats, and even airships all rely on steam to function, with engineers carefully tending to the intricate machinery to keep it running smoothly.

The few industrial facilities and power plants in this parallel universe are often in a state of disrepair, with rusted and weathered machinery that is well past its prime. Engineers and mechanics must work tirelessly to maintain these aging systems, often using improvised parts and tools to keep them running.

Despite the scarcity of resources and limited technological innovation, some areas of specialized knowledge are highly prized in this parallel universe. Universities and research institutions, funded by the totalitarian regime, focus on esoteric and often secretive areas of research, such as alchemy or forbidden sciences.

In this parallel universe, communication is slow and primitive. The use of telegraphs and courier services are common, with little ability for widespread and instantaneous communication.

The environment of this parallel universe is often unforgiving, with extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. The harsh landscape, combined with the scarcity of resources, makes survival a constant struggle.

The totalitarian regime that governs this parallel universe places strict limitations on personal freedoms, including restrictions on movement, speech, and assembly. The government closely monitors its citizens, with secret police and informants ensuring compliance with its edicts.

Despite the best efforts of engineers and mechanics to maintain the aging machinery, industrial accidents are a frequent occurrence in this parallel universe. The harsh working conditions and lack of safety regulations make these accidents all the more devastating.

The limited resources and focus on industrial production mean that healthcare is often neglected in this parallel universe. Medical facilities are few and far between, with most citizens relying on home remedies and traditional medicine to treat their ailments.

The scarcity of resources in this parallel universe has led to a culture of resource hoarding, with individuals and communities fiercely guarding their meager stores of food, fuel, and other essential goods.

The pervasive gloom of this world leads to a lack of social interaction and connection. People are wary of one another, keeping to themselves and avoiding contact with strangers. Even within families and communities, there is a sense of distance and isolation, with little warmth or affection.

The aesthetic of this parallel universe is grim and utilitarian, with little attention paid to aesthetics or beauty. Buildings are functional and austere, with little ornamentation or decoration. The natural landscape is often barren and bleak, with little in the way of flora or fauna.

The totalitarian regime emphasizes conformity above all else, and any deviation from the norm is met with suspicion and scrutiny. Citizens are expected to conform to a set of strict societal rules and norms, and individualism is discouraged.

The harsh living conditions and limited opportunities for advancement in this parallel universe can lead to a sense of fatalism among its citizens. Many feel resigned to their lot in life, believing that their circumstances are beyond their control.

The pervasive gloom and utilitarian nature of this parallel universe can foster a sense of cynicism among its citizens. Many are distrustful of authority and suspicious of others, and may see the world as a harsh and unforgiving place.

Despite the challenges they face, the citizens of this parallel universe are often resilient and resourceful. They have learned to make do with what they have and to adapt to their harsh environment, and are able to find moments of joy and beauty amidst the gloom.

The totalitarian regime emphasizes loyalty to the state above all else, and many citizens feel a strong sense of patriotism. They believe that their country is the best in the world, despite its limitations and challenges, and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.

Citizens of this parallel universe are largely confined to their own regions and are not allowed to travel freely without permission from the regime. This means that most people have never seen other parts of the world and have limited knowledge of the outside world.

The regime has instilled a sense of collective consciousness among its citizens, with many believing that the needs of the state are more important than the needs of the individual. This has led to a lack of individualism and a strong emphasis on conforming to the norm.

In this world, the feeling of a small, warm room filled with people is one of sheltering and safety. The space is tight, but there is a sense of closeness that comes from being in close proximity to others. Typically there is only one weak orange light in sleeping rooms, around which people may huddle at night. This contributes to an eerie and introverted atmosphere. Outside of these rooms the emptiness is eerie and unsettling, leaving one feeling exposed and vulnerable.

In this world, the guaranteed minimum living standard provides a sense of stability amidst the industrial gloom. While the environment may be grim and gray, people are assured of basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This creates a sense of security and comfort, knowing that they won't go hungry or be left without a roof over their heads.

In this parallel universe, the sun never rises, and the sky is always dark. The few sources of artificial light are crucial for survival, but they also create a constant sense of gloom. Workers burrow underground like moles, and some have never seen the surface. The passage of time is marked not by the rising and setting of the sun, but by the steady rhythm of work. It's a world of perpetual dusk, where the shadows hold secrets untold.