zeb pulls out the small electronic device, examining its sleek surface and the dim light emanating from its screen. It appears to be a portable data terminal of some kind, typically used to tap into the city's vast information networks. Although he can't decipher all of its contents in this dim light, the device looks ready to connect and browse through whatever data its previous owner had access to.

taken in corpo-sewer

Zeb strides confidently towards the southern exit, heading toward downtown. The busy streets filled with streams of people and blaring neon ads await him as he leaves the Corpo District behind.

taken in corpo-district

Zeb raises a hand in a casual toast, an attempt to lighten the moment after his act of violence. Ratz gives him a long, hard stare, the intensity in his squinty brown eyes betraying a mix of anger and caution, but he does not respond verbally. The German bartender's metallic teeth clench together, revealing his disapproval of the situation as he returns to his work with a sense of resignation, tending to the bar with his jerky mechanical arm. The atmosphere remains tense.

taken in chatsubo

Ratz looks up from polishing a glass with a grimy cloth, his mechanical arm whirring softly in the background. He sizes Hiro up with a squint and a barely perceptible tilt of his head. "Herr Hiro," Ratz rasps, his voice gravelly, the corners of his mouth lifting in what barely passes for a smile, revealing his webwork of decayed and metallic teeth. "Welcome to Chatsubo. What can I do for you?" His robotic arm comes to rest, and his gaze briefly flickers to zeb, acknowledging the introduction.

taken in chatsubo

Zeb approaches the payphone, noticing the glint of a quarter in the coin return. A cult of the dead cow sticker is plastered on the outside of the glass door, giving the dated technology a rebellious flair. Curiously, an out-of-place dataport sits where none should be, hinting at hidden functionalities not typical for such an old device.

taken in downtown

Zeb approaches the Object Forge, examining its sleek surface and the array of controls that dictate its function. The Forge is designed to accommodate requests for objects of any shape, size, or complexity. As Zeb observes the device, it idles quietly, awaiting the next command. It seems ready to create virtually anything Zeb or the other players may need for their journey.

taken in loading

The object forge hums to life at zeb's command, its gears and cogs whirling into action. Moments later, it emits a pleasant ping, and out comes a fearsome black steel mace. Its handle is wrapped in dark leather, and the spiked head promises to be a formidable weapon in combat. > pick up the black steel mace

taken in loading

Ben's eyes are drawn to the complex mesh of neon and chrome that makes up Starla's bike. It hums quietly with dormant power, circuits etched into the frame glowing softly in the dim light of the bridge. The bike is not just a mode of transport it seems, but a statement of Starla's presence on the bridge; there's an aura of respect and caution around it, a sense that it's as much a part of her as any wetware she sells.

taken in bridge

Zeb's gaze wandered to a bizarre and unexpected scene not far from the Object Forge. A group of unnaturally large, crusty rats were industriously polishing a collection of silverware atop a weathered wooden table. The strangeness of this sight was amplified by the surrounding illusion of a sinking, ghostly cruise ship, its spectral form listing to one side as if ready to plunge into the depths below the white expanse. The rats worked with frantic dedication, oblivious to the impending doom of their illusory vessel.

taken in loading

Ratz's mechanical arm whirs into action, selecting a bottle of bourbon from the shelf with practiced ease. He pours a measure into a glass, neat, and slides it towards wrewdison. "Here you go," he grunts, with a slight nod of acknowledgment. "Enjoy, Herr." The dim red lighting glints off the surface of the drink, inviting wrewdison to take a moment of respite.

taken in chatsubo