ACoNR (Abyssal Station Zero)
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| ACoNR is written on its top face, just below a white symbol most resembling a diagonally placed egg whose upper half is enclosed by a semicircle with a bent stalk at the very top. It appears to be a container of some kind, one that seems to open horizontally in the middle; you are, however, unable to find the means by which to do so - there are no handles, no locks, no buttons, touchscreens or visible sensors. Additionally, the robust casing easily discourages brute force, at least by more conventional means. Whatever is inside, it is likely invaluable. | |||
| Weight: 4.00 | |||
| Cannot be sold. | |||
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ACoNR is a plot item in Underrail: Expedition. It is located in Research and Development dome of Abyssal Station Zero.
Purpose
It is a spherical supercomputer, a living AI controlling billions of nanobots created before the Descent to fulfill a grand design predetermined in the original blueprint for each Acorn, of which there are several in existence across the world. It is a highly adaptive program that is capable of achieving the design almost independently of conditions it finds itself in. Ezra states that although NFT manufactured the devices for themselves and other major supercorporations of the Old World, the technology itself was so advanced that even at the moment of discussion the device seems to have come from future far and distant. The Acorn is protected by quantum near-field locks, and is impossible to brute force open, as the device is geared for self-destruction in such an event.
Recipients
Upon escaping with the ACoNR the player is given the choice of who to give it to, if they desire. Its known recipients include:
Professor Oldfield
If the player chooses to hand the Acorn to Professor Oldfield, after reporting their findings at Abyssal Station Zero, the expedition will officially be declared completed. Though he didn't expect the Acorn to be as it is, he will be delighted beyond words. With the success of the expedition, he states that the Acorn and all important items will be brought to the University of Dis for study. It is implied that the camp will be left to the sea.
Aran
If the player decides to leave the Black Sea with the Acorn, they will receive a message from Jon the Beautiful at the Core City docks. He directs you to a bar in the residential district, where you meet a man with a distinct red cloak and sword. He states that he's a representative of the United Stations and knows that you have the device in your possession. If asked, he will explain that the device cannot be opened without a certain quantum frequency, and that it is therefore useless in the South. Primarily however, he bargains for it. With enough mercantile his deal can extend up to 20,000 charons. Alternatively you may ask for his sword, Red Dragon, or give the Acorn away for free.
In the event that the player refuses, however, Aran swears that he won't leave South Underrail without it. He allows you to leave the bar, though you will encounter him later at the Core City slums as a hostile opponent.
Azif
If the player goes to the Oculites they can give discuss and give the Acorn to Azif. No exceptional rewards are given for this action, but in exchange he can illuminate the player as to the device's purpose, contents and origin.
Eidein
Though he hasn't heard of it before, if the player describes the device's use to Eidein he states that he'll gladly take it to present to Tchort on his next trip to Nucleus. Upon seeing it, he will recognize the symbol and proceed to teach the player about trees. He may or may not believe that there are actual acorns inside the box, and thanks the player for their contribution.
Hadrian Tanner
If the player brings up the Acorn with Tanner, who happens to be knowledgeable about the device, he'll accept it for the good of South Gate Station. He may also inform you about the device if asked.
As a reward, the player will receive a large sum of credits, as well as a discount for all purchases at South Gate Station.
Ezra
If Tanner departed the SGS, Ezra will accept the device and thoroughly explain its' purpose.
Others
- If the player attempts to give the Acorn to Gunnar Edstrom, he will tell the player to keep it out of the city, as it has the same air as the Faceless' cube device.
- Dude will recognize the device, somewhat explain its purpose, but will refuse to keep it.
