NSL’s outermost ring. Where the city’s carefully maintained neutrality dissolves into the hostile realities surrounding it. The Margin is a controlled transition zone — and the most dangerous district for anyone without the right credentials.
The Feel
External powers maintain trade missions and intelligence operations here. NSL authorities process the constant flow of people, goods, and information crossing the city’s boundaries. Checkpoints control access to the inner districts. Beyond the checkpoints, faction territories begin — CRB patrols, corporate surveillance zones, and stretches of contested ground where NSL’s rules don’t apply.
Key Venues
The House of Good Spirits
A Margin establishment that serves as the primary interface between NSL and external faction representatives. Diplomatic cover for intelligence operations. Good drinks, better information, and the understanding that everyone in the room is working for someone.
The Four Approaches
NSL has four entry corridors, each controlled differently and carrying different risks. The northern approach connects to Iron Belt trade routes. The southern approach runs toward the Forgotten States. The eastern approach follows remnant highway infrastructure. The western river approach connects to Mississippi commerce. Each approach has its own checkpoint protocols, smuggling routes, and danger profile.
Session Hooks
→ A CRB operative is trying to enter NSL through the northern approach with cargo that won’t pass checkpoint inspection
→ A Margin trade mission is a front. The crew is hired to find out for whom
→ Someone is killing couriers on the eastern approach. Three in two weeks. The cargo is never taken — just the couriers