Part 12

Welcome to Part 12 of our Mirror's Edge walkthrough! We'll guide you through the City of Glass, a key location in Mirror's Edge Catalyst, detailing its districts and social structure.

Hey there! So, you've made it to Part 12 of our Mirror's Edge journey. This time, we're diving into the City of Glass. It's a pretty important place, serving as the backdrop for both [Mirror's Edge: Exordium](https://mirrorsedge.fandom.com/wiki/Mirror%27s_Edge:_Exordium "Mirror's Edge: Exordium") and [Mirror's Edge Catalyst](https://mirrorsedge.fandom.com/wiki/Mirror%27s_Edge_Catalyst "Mirror's Edge Catalyst"). Think of the City of Glass as the Conglomerate's shining example of what they can do. It's the complete opposite of that bland OmniStat style you might have seen elsewhere. This city is where Silvine Systems really flexes its muscles. You'll find the hiCaste population is almost as large as the midCaste here. And at the very top, there's Sky City, a testament to the Conglomerate's architectural prowess and a reminder of what you can achieve if you're willing to make some 'sacrifices'. Even though it's way down south in Cascadia, don't mistake Glass for some sleepy little beach town. It's actually one of the main hubs for Silvine Systems, pushing forward with the digital revolution. It's also the third-largest city in Cascadia, so there's plenty going on with entertainment and shopping. The Ocean View Regatta is a huge event that draws tons of people every year. Many visitors end up wanting to move here after enjoying the beaches and the great weather. And if you're one of the lucky few to visit Sky City, well, there's no turning back. But it's not just the Regatta that makes Glass special. It's got this unique vibe, a mix of SSSC influences, a laid-back beach attitude, and a really smart, discerning population. This makes Glass an attractive spot all year round. The nightlife is buzzing, the restaurants serve up amazing seafood, and the shopping is top-notch, easily rivaling Cascadia Prime. And let's not forget the reconstruction efforts launched back in FY36. CC Corp played a massive role in turning the entire city into the beautiful, reflective place it is today. They say that when Chairman Horton Bryson unveiled the plans to make Glass 'The Gem of the South', the Board gave him a standing ovation. You'll see why when you witness a sunrise over the Crystal Gardens District or see the amazing buildings in 'The Anchor' glittering like jewels. It really changes you. The City of Glass has a really strict social structure because the Conglomerate pretty much controls everything. Most people are divided into three main classes: * hiCaste * midCaste * loCaste These are different from the eXecs, who have some say within their corporations, and the Corporate Houses, the powerful families running the Conglomerate and its services. Anyone outside this system is called outCaste (if they used to work for a corporation but lost their contract) or offGrid (if they have no corporate ties but still live in the city). ### History Glass has a long history, starting centuries ago as a small fishing village. When the tech revolution kicked off, small software companies started moving in, attracted by the lower living costs and great location away from the crowded big cities. The village grew into a town, then a small city. However, the old government system had a lot of problems, leading to rampant crime. Things got even worse during the Years of Unrest and the Agglomerate Wars. The period under OmniStat rule was pretty bleak; the city was just known as SE-31, and all development stopped. It wasn't until after the Kruger Uprising that things started looking up again, with the promise of free enterprise drawing in ambitious people. When the Nation of Cascadia was formed in FY00, Glass was renamed to celebrate the bright future. The real transformation happened after the major event in FY34. The Conglomerate Board was determined to heal the city from the trauma of those chaotic weeks. They gave CC Corp full authority to rebuild and renovate the city, aiming to make it a true model for the nation. Horton Bryson, the Chairman at the time, declared that Glass would become 'The Gem of the South', and legend has it, the Board gave his ambitious plans a standing ovation. Today, Bryson's prediction has come true. Ask any resident of Glass, and they'll proudly tell you there's no city as beautiful in Cascadia, or even the world. ### Propaganda Remember what I said about Glass being the opposite of a sleepy fishing town? It's true. As one of the two main development centers for Silvine Systems, Glass is at the cutting edge of the digital revolution. Being the third-largest city in Cascadia, it offers great entertainment and shopping. The annual Ocean View Regatta brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors, and many end up applying for relocation after enjoying the beaches and the coastal climate. And for the select few who get to experience Sky City, it's an unforgettable experience. But the Regatta isn't the only draw. Glass has a unique blend of SSSC influences, a relaxed beach vibe, and a highly educated population, making it appealing year-round. The nightlife is lively, the restaurants are known for exotic seafood, and the shopping is on par with Cascadia Prime. So, that's a look at the City of Glass. It's a place of contrasts, beauty, and strict control. Keep these details in mind as we continue our journey!