Codex

The Codex

Locations

Locations are added to the codex when they are first entered.

Bridge to Faber Labs

The only ground-based method for reaching the old prison island, the bridge to Faber Labs was primarily used by employees and the occasional mysterious delivery. As the Conflict of Nations encroached on the city of Rugosa, the Acacian military erected barriers and blockades all along the bridge to ensure that Terragonian forces could not acquire the unknown capabilities that Selena Faber's technology and research could provide them. Not long before the arrival of the Rifters, an artillery strike rained down on the facility, destroying much of the historical site.

Faber Labs Exterior

Originally built as a fortification to protect the city of Rugosa from attacking forces during the First War of Independence, the island structure was eventually converted into a maximum-security prison facility that housed many of Acacia's most dangerous criminals. Over the years, it became too costly to maintain the prison. Many suspected this was due to the unnecessary additions that were made to the old fortress to accomodate the growing number of inmates. Eventually, the island prison was decommissioned and abandoned. It wasn't until about twenty years ago that a scientist named Dr. Selena Faber purchased the island and converted the facility into a research complex. Despite her company's goal of creating advancements in technology, she left the exterior of the structures untouched and in their original state.

Sewer Hideout

After the Rifters arrived, the survivors of the initial attack fled into the sewers to hide. This dark, damp underbelly of the city is where the Thorns were formed. Allies and enemies alike were forced to live underground and work together against a new common threat. So far, it has been the safest place for them to hide. Their theory that Rifters must be unable to survive below the surface seems the most likely explanation. Despite not being the most ideal of living conditions, the Thorns never thought they would refer to the sewers as "home".

Manholes

Before the Forever War began, the smell that emerged from manholes was enough to make your average civilian steer clear of them. Most people didn't want to know what was down there. "Out of sight, out of mind", they said. But when the Rifters came, the survivors of the intial attack had to swallow their pride and descend into the darkness. It wasn't long before they got used to the smell. Maybe it was because it followed them wherever they went. Now, when out on supply runs, instead of avoiding the city's access points to the sewers, the Thorns view them as gateways to refuge.

Grand Rugosa Hotel

Built in the aftermath of the First War of Independence, the Grand Rugosa Hotel was a symbol of renewed peace in Acacia. It welcomed visitors and dignitaries from all over, including those who were considered to be former enemies. Its solid construction allowed the structure to survive the Second War of Independence, but the hotel filed for bankruptcy in the years after. Since then it has been revitalized and refurbished by new owners. Its grand re- opening was a proud moment for the city. Now it sits in partial ruin due to the Conflict of Nations and the Forever War against the Rifters.

Thorn Stash

The Thorns came to realize that storing all of their gathered supplies in the sewers was not the best course of action. Although the Rifters have remained above ground, the Thorns could not take the chance that all of their hard work would be undone if that ever changed. A select few locations throughout the city were used as safehouses, where Thorns between missions could go to resupply and even rest for a bit. These locations were kept secret, marked only by the Thorn symbol painted near their entrances. There were very few keys to unlock the doors. Keys that were given only to Thorns who were setting out on supply runs. As more and more resistance fighters fell in combat against the Rifters, the whereabouts of those keys became unknown.

Riverside Market

Once a bustling city landmark, this park along the canal was a place for people of all ages to enjoy. On the first weekend of every month, the park hosted a market where local farmers and artisans could sell their products to the public. It serves as an attraction to visitors staying at the nearby Grand Rugosa Hotel. The food was always fresh and the sounds of laughter could be heard across the waterway. Now, anything of value that remained has been looted by the Thorns, leaving nothing but a memory of what used to be.

Hall of Records

When it was becoming increasingly clear that the Terragonian army was going to reach the Rugosa City Hall, officials made the call to relocate operations to a less enticing structural landmark. They used to their advantage the fact that many of the city's buildings share a similar look and feel. With artillery strikes raining down all over, they moved all documentation and records to an inconspicuous building under the cover of night.

Discoveries

Discoveries are added to the codex by finding and interacting with them on the map. They will appear as a question mark on the map after a thorn gets nearby for the first time.

Elixium Encrustations

Encrustations are masses of solidified Elixium that are impervious to bullets and explosions. Only the specific frequency emitted by a Rifter resonator device is capable of breaking them apart.

Cannon Monument

A relic cannon from Acacia's military history, on display for all to appreciate.

An inscription reads: "Ten-pointer cannon used in defense of Rugosa in the Second War of Independence".

Thorn Stash Key

Found off the bodies of Thorns who perished in the Forever War against the Rifters. These keys unlock the access doors to secret supply stashes spread around the city.