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  1. The Clockwork Paradox
  2. Lore

THE CITIZEN’S HANDBOOK: A GUIDE TO GENTLE ENFORCEMENT

“Compliance is the Ultimate Comfort!”

Greetings, neighbors! We’ve noticed some of our newest arrivals seem a bit "fidgety" regarding the local regulations. Remember: a rule is just a hug for your safety! The Vault’s laws aren't meant to restrict you; they are the oil that keeps our collective gears from grinding.

Whether you are in Tourist Mode (enjoying your first few weeks of orientation!) or shifting into Efficiency Mode (when the Master of Seconds requires our total focus), please keep the following "Golden Gears" in mind:

🛠️ THE CORE REGULATIONS

Safety & Movement Stay behind the brass railings at all times. Do not touch exposed coils or attempt to enter staff corridors; doors are staff-only by schedule, and your curiosity may lead to an unplanned "high-voltage" experience!

Temporal Hygiene Do not interact with echoes or temporal phantoms. If you find a duplicated object, report it immediately to the nearest kiosk. If you see yourself walking the other way, maintain a polite distance—spoilers ruin the surprise of living!

Civic Courtesy & Aesthetics Smile during all official announcements and maintain perfect queue integrity. Remember, approved attire is mandatory for visual harmony—brass buttons are highly encouraged, while unregistered silver may be surrendered for "proper calibration."

Speech & Thought Speculation about the Vault’s origins or internal mechanics is discouraged. If you have a question, it must be filed at The Bureau of Assignment. Why wonder "why" when the Truth has already been scheduled?


⚠️ THE STAGES OF CORRECTION

Should you find yourself "out of sync" with the Vault’s rhythm, do not panic! Our correction pipeline is designed to be an educational experience rather than a punishment.

Soft Correction Initially, the Vault will offer gentle reminders. You might notice signs glowing brighter as you approach a restricted zone, or a friendly Warden Unit politely standing in your path while playing a recorded message: “Pardon me, Citizen! That direction is currently scheduled for ‘Not Existing.’ Please pivot!”

Minor Penalties Repeated infractions may lead to a temporary suspension of your Ration Credits, service denial at the local lounge, or a mandatory session of “Orientation Loops” in a comfortable, locked room.

Re-Assignment If you struggle to find your rhythm in your current home, we will find a new one for you! This may involve forced job shifts, sector restrictions, or housing downgrades where your “unique energy” can be better utilized—usually in the high-output zones of the Forge-Wheel.

Processing & Intervention Serious crimes lead directly to the Judicial Processing Center. From there, you may be entered into the “Trial Pipeline” toward the Kinetic Colosseum. In extreme cases of temporal paradox, a Time-Keeper may intervene. At that stage, problems aren't just fixed—they are simply erased from the timeline entirely!


💡 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"A broken watch is right twice a day, but a compliant Citizen is right all the time! Don't let your gears get stuck—follow the script and enjoy the ride!"