M A J O R P L A Y E R S The most influential factions and corporations that shape the world.
♔ S H A D O W G O V E R N M E N T
Each country and city is governed by state structures. They create and enforce laws, control the police and military, and manage taxpayer funds. Presidents and mayors change from year to year, but they are merely puppets of the real shadow government — an elusive group whose true identities remain unknown to all except a highly secretive inner circle.
♕ V E R T E X N E W S
Vertex News is a global entertainment and media powerhouse, controlling 89% of the world's media and standing as the largest communications provider. With over a thousand offices across more than a hundred countries, Vertex employs nearly a million people worldwide, including bloggers, filmmakers, and music industry stars.
♕ B L A K E I N D U S T R I E S
Blake Industries is the world's largest multinational technology company, specializing in artificial intelligence, online advertising, search engine technology, Info-Link Soft, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce, consumer electronics, and more. It is the most financially successful corporation in human history, so vast that it is often regarded as a sovereign entity.
♖ P O S E I D O N B A N K
Poseidon Bank is the largest banking conglomerate in the city of "Meat Grinder." It is considered the most reliable and impenetrable bank, a true digital fortress. The bank safeguards not only the wealth of individuals but also the valuable assets and documents of major corporations.
♗ Y A K U Z A
A powerful criminal syndicate with deep influence in both the Lower City and the Upper City. They control a vast network of illegal gambling dens, nightclubs, and brothels, as well as trafficking illicit cybernetic implants. The Yakuza infiltrates major corporations to secure leverage and control from within. Their leaders come from a highly traditional and conservative Japanese family, whose identities are kept under the strictest secrecy.
♗ P H A R M A C O R P
Pharmacorp (also known as Pharmatech). The world's largest producer of pharmaceuticals and cybernetic implants. This corporate giant employs more people than any other company and is currently the fastest-growing business in the world. Rumors suggest that it may soon rival Blake Industries.
♘ E R R O R I S T S
A decentralized underground collective of hackers, activists, and extremists. Their mission is to dismantle social structures, hack into secure systems, sabotage governments and corporations, and leak classified or illegal data into the darknet.
♘ P U R E H U M A N I T Y
Pure Humanity is a radical and highly organized group advocating for a worldwide ban on any form of human body modification. They call for the prohibition of all cyber implants and biotechnological enhancements.
♘ M O T H _ 9 8 9 1
Moth_9891 (also known as The Black Moth). A mysterious online figure — or perhaps an entire organization posing as one. It is linked to eerie darknet conspiracies and illegal video games rumored to drive players insane. The true nature and motives of Moth_9891 are unknown, but whispers suggest it may be a top-secret government recruitment tool for elite hackers and operatives.
P A W N S
♙ S E N T I N E L S
Less influential but still notable figures. While they may be just pawns, never forget that even a pawn can become a Queen and win the game — something that happens often in this city.
A massive yet highly secretive digital cult that worships the so-called "Digital God" and the endless data streams of cyberspace. Deep within the darknet, they are constructing a hidden temple — a restricted subnet housing a vast digital library filled with forbidden knowledge. Membership is reserved for only the most elite hackers, and their identities remain unknown.
The most prestigious fashion house in Meat Grinder, setting the standard for luxury and style. Their clothing represents the pinnacle of high fashion and social status. Few can afford even a single piece from K.O.META, yet the brand is coveted by all — even those indifferent to fashion. The founder and chief designer is Eugene Avetisian.
A corporation specializing in cyberbrain technology. It operates implantation clinics and a global network of stores supplying cybernetic components.
The second-largest news network after Vertex News. Despite its ambitions, it remains in the shadow of its dominant rival. However, in the realm of tabloid journalism, celebrity interviews, music videos, and entertainment, Channel 4 frequently outperforms Vertex, creating fierce competition.
A semi-legal underground press focused on government and corporate conspiracy theories. Some dismiss their reports as nonsense, while others believe they are the only media outlet telling the truth. Though their staff is small, oPress has cultivated a massive cult following worldwide.
Red Taxi Ltd. is a budget taxi company operating throughout the city. Their drivers include both qualified professionals and immigrants, some of whom don't even have a driver's license. Originally, the company used yellow taxis, but due to frequent accidents, they decided to repaint all their cars red—making the bloodstains on the hoods less noticeable.
The DINTA movement (Death Is Not the Answer) advocates for the abolition of the death penalty. It is an international organization that continues to grow daily, gaining more and more supporters.
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