Soot

Soot is a powerful and secretive substance.
Little is known of the crystal's origins, but its multiple uses make it the most expensive commodity in the country. A commodity on which New Chimera was built.
New Chimera is a steampunk metropolis separated by wealth into two ringed districts, with the only consistent links between them being the secrets and corruption that flow like water, fuelled by its dictatorial ruling family, the Flintlocks.
The only people able to travel freely (although illegally) through the districts are the varied street gangs who battle for truth, liberty and survival on a daily basis.
Red is the newest resident of New Chimera, after spending his formative years in one of the city's many orbiting orphanages, where the unexplained death of his brother alienated him entirely.
After falling in debt to a gang of underground freedom fighters, Red must fight, steal and possibly kill his way to not only uncover the answer to his brother's death but also the true origins of New Chimera's wealth and the terrifying link between the two.