- Messages
- 46
- Points
- 8
Combine City Codes
“Order is the foundation of civilization.”Introduction
The Combine enforces its rule over City 17 through a control system known as the City Code Status.This system reflects the current level of civil stability and determines how strictly the Combine and its enforcement divisions operate.
There are four City Codes, each representing a distinct stage of control and emergency.
The active code is shown on Combine terminals, the Overwatch HUD, and is broadcast by the Dispatch when it changes.
City Code Levels
CITY CODE: CIVIL
The city is stable. Citizens comply with regulations, and no significant resistance has been reported.
• Routine patrols are maintained.
• No curfews or special restrictions are active.
• Vendors and Combine terminals operate normally.
This is the standard peacetime condition of a Combine city.
CITY CODE: CIVIL UNREST
Unrest or low-level resistance has begun to appear. Civil Protection is authorized to escalate its response.
• Riot-control equipment becomes available to authorized units.
• Curfews may be imposed.
• The Dispatch broadcasts warning messages to citizens and orders heightened patrols.
This code signifies the first breakdown of public compliance.
CITY CODE: JUDGEMENT WAIVER
Martial law conditions are declared. The city is under full lockdown, and large-scale rebellion or combat activity is underway.
• Combine Overwatch forces may be deployed.
• City infrastructure may enter lockdown mode: alarms, barricades, or forcefields may activate.
• Civil Protection acts under combat authorization.
Citizens found outside containment zones are subject to immediate detainment or elimination.
CITY CODE: AUTONOMOUS JUDGEMENT
The Combine declares a total loss of control. The city is in a state of autonomous defense.
• Automated systems and Overwatch engage all non-Combine life forms on sight.
• The Dispatch issues a citywide extermination order.
• Only the highest-ranking Combine command personnel can revoke this status.
This is the most extreme stage of Combine enforcement.
Who Can Change the City Code
City Codes can only be changed through the Combine Command Terminal, located in secure Combine facilities.Each code level requires a specific level of authorization.
CIVIL – CIVIL UNREST – JUDGEMENT WAIVER (Codes 1–3)
Authorized ranks:
• City Administrator (Consul)
• Civil Protection Command Staff: DvL, DCO, CmD
• Server Administrators
AUTONOMOUS JUDGEMENT (Code 4)
Authorized ranks:
• Civil Protection Commander (CmD)
• Server Administrators
Note:
• The Consul may control the city’s overall status but cannot activate Autonomous Judgement without administrative clearance.
• OTA and standard Civil Protection officers (i1–i4) do not have permission to change any City Code.
• Citizens have no access to the terminal.
Roleplay Expectations
The City Code defines the environment for all factions:• Civil Protection must adapt their patrols, tone, and tactics according to the current code.
• Citizens must respect curfews and orders under penalty of detainment or worse.
• The Consul and Command staff coordinate code changes to reflect the city’s state and maintain balance.
Each escalation represents a step toward total Combine control — or the complete collapse of order.
When the City Code rises, the tone of the city shifts with it.
Conclusion
The City Code System is the heartbeat of Combine governance.It mirrors the stability of the city and grants authority to those responsible for maintaining it.
Whether you are a citizen trying to survive, a CP officer on patrol, or a Consul maintaining order — the City Code dictates how the city lives, breathes, and burns.
Last edited: