Dying Light: Civilizations

After the sun died, the people that survived initially panicked. They started hoarding resources into their homes, not even bothering to share with those nearby. It wasn't until necessities had dwindled down to where hoarding would no longer be possible that people began to try and evenly distribute among themselves. The first colony to establish itself was called Beacon. It grew rapidly around one of the few power plants that still operated. Shoddy huts and tents made from tarps and blankets were hastily built next to the facility to allow people to waste as little electricity as possible during their fights for survival.

A few miles south of Beacon rose another colony called Woodlight. The people in this area took advantage of the lush forests, using the trees for shelters. Homes in Woodlight ranged from cottages to conical huts covered in woven leaves and branches. The shelters were circled around a central plaza made from stones. The center of the plaza contained a bonfire pit. The leaders of the colony had decided on a strict schedule for lighting fires in order to ensure the longevity of the remaining resources. 16 hours would be by firelight, used for cooking and other chores that would be carried out during the daytime before the sun's death. The other 8 hours would be for nighttime activity and sleeping. Many people have shifts guarding the village, some during the daytime, some during night. A bell was set up in order to provide some indication as to what time it was. It would ring every 4 hours during the daytime hours. The bell remained silent at night.

West of Beacon lay a few small colonies, collectively known as The Gaslands. The Gaslands were what remained of a large city, where gas stations were littered about. Different encampments settled at the gas stations. Each of them using the gas within as a means of trade with the other colonies. Gas sent to Beacon was used to generate extra electricity in exchange for batteries and other power sources. Woodlight used the gas for the bonfire in exchange for wood. The Gaslands used the wood to reinforce the buildings. The people in these areas had the most trouble letting go of their vices before the Calamity. Despite restrictions in place, the people in the Gaslands used generators to continue powering their technology, most of which would be considered obsolete in just a few months. Not because newer tech would be created to replace it, but because most of the infrastructure needed for those devices to work were no longer maintained.

There were a few smaller unnamed encampments that emerged near the larger colonies. It was very rare for any of them to grow large enough to gain names. They typically consisted of one or two nomadic families passing through the area. These families were passing through the area during their search for others, directing those other families to the bigger settlements. The nomads were people that were better equipped to survive in the wilderness on their own. Their arms had developed to be longer and bulkier to allow for feeling through the low bushes and trees in the forests. The length allowed them to harvest from higher up off the ground. It was rare to see nomadic people in the larger colonies without newcomer families with them.

It took quite some time for people to come around to the idea of needing to collaborate in order to survive. In the early days of the darkness, most families did their best to remain independent. Some understood the severity of the situation and were generous enough to allow others to trade and share resources. Those who strive to remain independent nowadays are cast aside by the established colonies and encampments. Despite the lack of efficient communication, word traveled quickly between settlements with assistance from the nomads. The outsider families were quickly banished from the colonies unless they were able to prove that they were willing to change their ways and work for the benefit of all rather than themselves.