[Backdrop/Glossary]

[Kaj]

In the year 2052, things have changed dramatically from what we know today. Slowly, as technology reigned supreme, our skies became murky and polluted, a great amount of the plantlife found in our daily environments withering away into extinction. Various and plentiful animal species have also perished in this inhospitable jungle of concrete and guns, which can be attributed to the eventual dissolution of governments across most of the planet and the seize of power by the megacorporations, and their eventual creation of a singular police force, known as Jade-Star.

However, in the year 2026, there came the second of the great and unexpected changes. Nobody really knows how, why, or can pinpoint when, but during this year, the magic returned. The ability to tap into the weave, a dimension of infinite energy which can be drawn on into our own world as a series of spells which twist nature and physics to their whim, was regained. As magic entered the realm, so did the changelings.

Nobody knows whether the changeling races were a direct result of the magical influences or whether they were some sort of mutation, but during puberty, human children occasionally began to change. Suddenly, there were the Orcs, the Elves, Trolls, and the Draug. All manners of beasts developed in the wilds as well, such as Wendigo and Bears that were over 15 feet tall, and were said to be able to disgorge flame.

Yes, the world is much different from the one you knew, and everything now hangs in a sort of uneasy balance, all types of animals in a concrete jungle, trying to survive under the watchful eye of the megacorportations, and the Police.

[Kaj]

[Glossary of Terms]

[Chummer] - Friend, compatriot, amiable sort of person
[Credstick] - A digital device used for storing Nuyen, which allows transfer between itself and other credsticks.
[Soykaf] - A type of high-protein synthesized coffee.
[Arcology] - Usually the residences of the rich, an entire multi-level city which is contained inside of a massive skyscraper.
[Penumbra District] - A high-violence type of slum which is overrun almost constantly by gang-wars. Usually avoided by those who want to avoid being shot.
[Nuyen] - The currency of Terra in 2052. For worth comparison, a cup of coffee would run you about 15 Nuyen, if it was the same price as nowadays. Sadly, the average folk usually have to drink Soykaf.
[Augmentations] - Invasive technology placed inside the body to replace or enhance existing systems and their functions.
[Cyberdeck] - A piece of technology, that when attached to an I/O port and a datajack, allows the user to traverse the matrix on a neural interface. A Cyberdeck is a little wider than a keyboard, but as long and usually as thin or thinner.
[Datajack] - A neural interface module linked into the sensory centers of the brain, surfacing at the temple in an I/O port, allowing stimuli to be directly implanted into the brain.
[Razorboy/Razorgirl] - A Street Samurai who is the subject of ability-enhancing augmentations.
[Plastic] - Adjective implying that the subject has undergone many augmentations. Derogatory.
[Dex (Dexatrophin)] - A hallucinogen and downer which induces a mild comatose state. Prolonged usage may cause brain damage, heart complications, and cirrhosis of the liver. Highly addictive.
[Dex-head] - A Dexatrophin addict.
[Shadowrunner] - Those who carve out a living by performing any number of illegal activites, which range from delivering illegal packages to hacking into mainframes and stealing data. The applications of Shadowrunners are endless, and most everyone who needs to make a living on the street dabbles in it, at least a little.
[Mr. Johnson] - A term used to refer to people who employ Shadowrunners as a medium for their illegal activities.
[Halloweeners] - A low-end gang whose primary interest is vandalism and keeping Jade-Star on it's toes. Nothing to be feared, so long as one is careful of whose toes they step on.
[Grick] - A negative slang term used to refer to street-peddlers of illegal weapons; usually grenades. Often distrusted, since these can be Jade-Star officers going undercover sometimes.
["Drek!"] - Feces. Used as an explicative term or statement.
["Would be just wiz right about now..."] - Implying that something would be greatly appreciated or desired at this point in time.
["Slot off!"] - Go away. A rude comment, used to tell someone to leave you alone.
["Frag-face!"] - A stabbing term used to strike at a person's looks. A very common phrase.
["Green!] - Everything's clear, good, awesome. Highly enjoyable.
["So ka."] - I get it. I understand.
[Coffin.] - A common term for low-cost appartments.