Game Boys

Summary

Game Boys (or Game Boy-like devices) are rare technological artifacts in the campaign world that represent valuable contraband. In Session 7, the party discovered that these recognizable real-world handheld gaming devices exist within the setting as scarce items that authorities actively seek to control and confiscate. The presence of such modern technology in what appears to be a post-apocalyptic or resource-scarce environment suggests these devices are remnants from an earlier time or civilization, now treated as precious and restricted artifacts.

Details

Game Boys represent one category of technology that the guards of New Smoke actively confiscate from travelers attempting to enter the town. During reconnaissance conducted in Session 7, the party observed guards at the main gate conducting brutal searches of people entering New Smoke, specifically targeting technological items including what appeared to be a Game Boy-like device. Those who failed to comply with the searches or attempted to keep such items were dragged to jail.

The strict control over these devices indicates that New Smoke's authorities maintain a policy of technological restriction, treating even entertainment devices as contraband worthy of confiscation and potential imprisonment. The fact that guards specifically search for and recognize Game Boys suggests these items have enough value or significance in the world to warrant systematic seizure. As one party member noted, "Guards love Game Boys," highlighting the particular interest authorities have in acquiring these devices.

History

Session 7

The party learned about Game Boys during their approach to New Smoke. Safia, while conducting aerial reconnaissance in pigeon form, witnessed guards at the main gate brutally searching people entering the town and confiscating technology. Among the items seized was what appeared to be a Game Boy-like device. The party observed that those who failed to comply with the searches were dragged to jail.

During a later discussion about what the party had learned during the session, Brad specifically mentioned "We learned about Game Boys" as one of the discoveries, and later joked "Guards love Game Boys" when debating whether this represented new information about the world. This observation provided the party with intelligence about what items to avoid carrying openly when entering New Smoke and revealed the extent of the town's technological restrictions.