Porte du Couer
Gateway to the West, Heart of Rebellion
Welcome to the fictional megacity of Porte du Coeur, affectionately (or not so) known as PDC. The city sprawls outward from the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers through the meeting point of the Missouri and Mississippi, straddling both like a massive urban spider.
What was once St. Louis has disappeared into PDC's urban sprawl over the decades. Its historic neighborhoods are now just districts within the larger metropolis. The old city's boundaries dissolved as PDC grew exponentially throughout the late 20th century, transforming the region into a powerhouse that rivals Los Angeles and New York. Today, PDC residents refer to the area formerly known as "Old Town." The iconic Gateway Arch, once at the city's edge, now stands at the heart of PDC as its most recognizable and beloved landmark.
The French presence in PDC evolved through several distinct waves of immigration, each leaving its mark on the city's cultural and linguistic landscape. The first French settlers arrived in the 18th century, establishing the Missouri French (Paw-Paw) dialect that would become the language of river trade and early commerce. This original French presence persisted primarily along the riverways and in working-class neighborhoods, mixing with Native American languages and English to create a distinct local patois.
A second wave arrived in the mid-19th century, primarily composed of working-class families fleeing economic hardship in Quebec. They brought with them Québécois French, with its distinctive vocabulary and expressions, settling primarily in what would become The Docks and parts of the Fourth Cat. Their influence can still be heard in the casual French spoken throughout PDC's entertainment districts and working-class neighborhoods.
However, the Great Migration of the mid-20th century transformed PDC's social and linguistic hierarchy. When devastating famines swept through France and Belgium, it wasn't just the working class who fled - this time, aristocratic families and industrialists also sought refuge across the Atlantic. While many immigrants of this period went to Quebec, a significant population of the French elite chose PDC, attracted by its existing French-speaking communities and its strategic position for trade.
These wealthy immigrants brought with them their Parisian French, refined customs, and their revolutionary spirit. The same fierce independence that had fueled the French Revolution and continues to drive Parisians to the streets at the slightest provocation. Their militant dedication to workers' rights and social justice might have seemed at odds with their privileged status, but it fundamentally reshaped the city's identity. They established themselves primarily in what would become the First Cat and Nouveau Quartier, founding companies and establishing French as the language of power and commerce.
This influx transformed the relatively conservative Midwestern city into something entirely new. The French immigrants' militant dedication to workers' rights, social justice, and the right to civil disobedience gradually reshaped the city's very identity. By the time St. Louis officially transformed into PDC, this spirit of rebellion had become inseparable from the city's character.
Over decades, these three French dialects evolved into what locals call "PDC French" - a fluid spectrum where speakers shift between dialects. In boardrooms, you'll hear crisp Parisian French. At The Docks, workers switch seamlessly between Paw-Paw French and English. In the Fourth Cat's entertainment districts, Québécois slang mingles with all three dialects, creating a vibrant linguistic fusion that reflects the city's complex heritage.
As PDC grew, these cultural and linguistic divisions naturally shaped the city's development. Where different waves of immigrants settled, where they worked, and how they lived gradually carved out distinct neighborhoods. The rivers that first drew French settlers to the region became natural boundaries for these evolving communities. What began as informal districts eventually solidified into PDC's most distinctive feature: the Cat Banks system.
Map Coming Soon
The rivers carve the city into four distinct regions—the Cat Banks, a reference to the French "quatre"—each with its unique personality, visible in its architecture, people, and businesses.
The First Cat is located south of the Missouri River, in the heart of historic St. Louis. This area has undergone considerable transformation and is now a vibrant hub for tourists and local businesses. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and culture by exploring various landmarks.
One of the most notable attractions is the iconic Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion and offers breathtaking city views from its observation deck. Tourists can also enjoy a day at the world-renowned St. Louis Zoo, the Shaw Botanical Garden, or the stunning Old Town Aquarium.
The Second Cat, what locals call the "Nouveau Quartier," or NQ, is located north of the Missouri River. Over the years, this area has transformed remarkably, evolving from a collection of modest suburbs into a shining example of luxurious living.
In the NQ, towering glass-and-steel skyscrapers dominate the skyline, serving as luxurious homes for some of the city's wealthiest residents. These high-rise buildings provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape and feature state-of-the-art amenities and design elements that reflect modern trends.
The streets below have tree-lined avenues that create a picturesque atmosphere. Michelin-starred restaurants offer an exquisite dining experience, showcasing culinary creations from renowned chefs. Residents can take advantage of elite private schools with a rigorous curriculum and extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education for their children.
The Third Cat, situated between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, is known as "The Docks." This bustling industrial hub functions as PDC’s primary shipping and export center, handling a substantial volume of goods transported via water. The area is characterized by an extensive network of ports, warehouses, and logistical operations supporting local businesses and international trade.
Beneath the surface of this thriving economic center are growing concerns that the real influence in The Docks stems from various long-standing, questionably legal "business organizations." These entities have established themselves along the waterfront over generations, often operating behind the scenes to influence regional trade policies and economic strategies. Their deep-rooted connections and expertise in navigating local regulations and market demands have solidified their roles as influential players in this industrial landscape.
The Fourth Cat, transformed from the bones of East St. Louis, has developed into PDC's premiere entertainment district. At its heart stands the Moulin Coeur, an opulent establishment inspired by Paris's Moulin Rouge but has grown into something uniquely PDC. Its signature rotating heart-shaped windmill, illuminated in brilliant crimson, serves as a landmark and a symbol of the district's dedication to pleasure and spectacle.
The streets surrounding the Moulin Coeur have blossomed into an entertainment paradise rivaling the Las Vegas Strip. Towering casino resorts line the boulevards, their facades a riot of lights and architectural fantasy. World-class theaters host everything from Broadway productions to avant-garde performances, while the district's famous Opium Lounges offer carefully regulated substances in luxurious, supervised settings. The side streets reveal a more intimate scene, where jazz clubs and cabarets maintain the district's French cultural heritage, and licensed brothels operate openly under PDC's progressive laws and worker protections.