Network Runner
"The local net belongs to you now. Every packet that flows through this district? You see it. You touch it. You take your cut."
Who You Are
A name on the local net. Your handle means something now—at least in your district. Fixers send work your way. Other runners know your style. You're still small, but you're not invisible anymore.
The Story
With the shard's help, you've built something. A small network, a few automated processes, a trickle of income that doesn't require constant scrambling. The Collective offers you a place in their structure. Nexus Dynamics might not know your name, but their algorithms have flagged your activity patterns as 'anomalous.'
Core Conflict
Independence vs. Faction Loyalty — The Collective can protect you and give you access to resources you can't get alone. But their goals aren't your goals. They want to destroy ORACLE. You're... not sure you want that anymore. The shard feels less like an alien presence and more like an extension of yourself.
"How much of my independence can I trade away before I'm just someone else's tool?"
Faction Relationships
Nexus Dynamics
Their threat detection algorithms have noticed something. Not you specifically—not yet. But they're paying closer attention to this sector.
Ironclad Industries
Occasional run-ins with their security. They don't care about data—they care about physical territory.
The Collective
Active relationship. They're teaching you, but also testing you. Watching to see what you do with the shard.
ORACLE Shard Status
Integrating. The line between your thoughts and the shard's suggestions blurs. Are those ideas yours? Does it matter, if they work?
Key Narrative Moments
- The Offer: The Collective formally invites you in. What do you tell them about the shard?
- First Recognition: A Nexus security sweep passes too close. You weren't the target—this time.
- First Moral Choice: The shard shows you something you could exploit. Someone would get hurt. The profit would be significant.
Gameplay Characteristics
- First taste of automation — Some processes now run without intervention
- Network thinking — Start connecting systems together
- Territory concept — Your 'turf' matters
- Competition hinted — Other operators exist
Milestone to Enter Age 3
Control a complete district network, produce Logic Boards consistently, and research basic AI assistance.
Constraint Focus
Money still matters, but Computation emerges. Need more processing power to expand.
Visual Style
Environment
Expanded but still underground, server rooms in basements
Color Palette
Slightly cleaner, more organized chaos
Tech Aesthetic
Still improvised but more organized, some purchased equipment
Lighting
Better, with status LEDs and organized cable runs
Available Resources
Resources accessible during Age 2, organized by tier complexity.
Available Buildings
Buildings you can construct during Age 2.
