# Break Escape: Universe Bible

**Version**: 2.0
**Last Updated**: 2025-11-17
**Purpose**: Comprehensive world-building documentation for the Break Escape universe

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## Overview

This universe bible provides a complete reference for the Break Escape world—a contemporary setting where cyber security is the new battlefield, and two secret organisations wage a shadow war. This documentation ensures consistency across all scenarios and allows for continuous discovery as players progress through different stories.

**Key Principles**:
- **Grounded Reality**: Cyber security is realistic and educational
- **Layered Discovery**: Each scenario reveals more about the world
- **Consistent Characters**: Recurring figures build continuity
- **Flexible Framework**: Guidelines support creative scenario design

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## Document Structure

### 01. Universe Overview
Core setting, premise, and atmosphere that defines the Break Escape world.

- **[Setting](01_universe_overview/setting.md)** - The contemporary world of Break Escape
- **[Core Premise](01_universe_overview/core_premise.md)** - Who you are and what you do
- **[Tone & Atmosphere](01_universe_overview/tone_and_atmosphere.md)** - Balance of serious and comedic elements

### 02. Organisations
The two primary factions in the shadow war.

#### SAFETYNET
- **[Overview](02_organisations/safetynet/overview.md)** - Mission and structure
- **[Agent Classification](02_organisations/safetynet/agent_classification.md)** - How agents are organized
- **[Cover Operations](02_organisations/safetynet/cover_operations.md)** - How agents operate undercover
- **[Rules of Engagement](02_organisations/safetynet/rules_of_engagement.md)** - The infamous Field Operations Handbook
- **[Technology & Resources](02_organisations/safetynet/technology_resources.md)** - Tools available to agents

#### ENTROPY
- **[Overview](02_organisations/entropy/overview.md)** - Structure and objectives
- **[Philosophy](02_organisations/entropy/philosophy.md)** - Why they do what they do
- **[Operational Models](02_organisations/entropy/operational_models.md)** - Controlled corporations vs. infiltration
- **[Common Schemes](02_organisations/entropy/common_schemes.md)** - Types of operations
- **[Tactics](02_organisations/entropy/tactics.md)** - How they execute operations

### 03. ENTROPY Cells
Detailed profiles of each semi-autonomous ENTROPY cell.

- **[Cell Overview & Usage](03_entropy_cells/README.md)** - How to use cells in scenarios
- **[Digital Vanguard](03_entropy_cells/digital_vanguard.md)** - Corporate espionage
- **[Critical Mass](03_entropy_cells/critical_mass.md)** - Infrastructure attacks
- **[Quantum Cabal](03_entropy_cells/quantum_cabal.md)** - Advanced tech & eldritch operations
- **[Zero Day Syndicate](03_entropy_cells/zero_day_syndicate.md)** - Vulnerability trading
- **[Social Fabric](03_entropy_cells/social_fabric.md)** - Disinformation operations
- **[Ghost Protocol](03_entropy_cells/ghost_protocol.md)** - Privacy destruction
- **[Ransomware Incorporated](03_entropy_cells/ransomware_incorporated.md)** - Crypto-extortion
- **[Supply Chain Saboteurs](03_entropy_cells/supply_chain_saboteurs.md)** - Supply chain attacks
- **[Insider Threat Initiative](03_entropy_cells/insider_threat_initiative.md)** - Recruitment & infiltration
- **[AI Singularity](03_entropy_cells/ai_singularity.md)** - Weaponized AI
- **[Crypto Anarchists](03_entropy_cells/crypto_anarchists.md)** - Cryptocurrency manipulation

### 04. Characters
Recurring characters that provide continuity across scenarios.

#### SAFETYNET Operatives
- **[Agent 0x00](04_characters/safetynet/agent_0x00.md)** - The player character
- **[Agent 0x99 "Haxolottle"](04_characters/safetynet/agent_0x99_haxolottle.md)** - Your handler
- **[Director Magnus Netherton](04_characters/safetynet/director_netherton.md)** - SAFETYNET director
- **[Dr. Lyra "Loop" Chen](04_characters/safetynet/dr_chen.md)** - Technical support
- **[Agent 0x42](04_characters/safetynet/agent_0x42.md)** - The mysterious veteran
- **[Additional Agents](04_characters/safetynet/additional_agents.md)** - Supporting cast

#### ENTROPY Operatives
- **[The Masterminds](04_characters/entropy/masterminds/README.md)** - Top-level leaders
  - [The Architect](04_characters/entropy/masterminds/the_architect.md)
  - [Null Cipher](04_characters/entropy/masterminds/null_cipher.md)
  - [Mx. Entropy](04_characters/entropy/masterminds/mx_entropy.md)
- **[Cell Leaders](04_characters/entropy/cell_leaders/README.md)** - Recurring antagonists
  - Individual profiles for each cell leader

### 05. World Building
Deep lore about how the world works.

- **[Rules & Tone](05_world_building/rules_and_tone.md)** - What's possible in this world
- **[Technology](05_world_building/technology.md)** - Tech levels and capabilities
- **[Society & Culture](05_world_building/society.md)** - How society functions
- **[Timeline](05_world_building/timeline.md)** - Key events in universe history
- **[The Shadow War](05_world_building/shadow_war.md)** - How SAFETYNET and ENTROPY conflict
- **[Cyber Security in Society](05_world_building/cybersecurity_society.md)** - Public awareness and impact

### 06. Locations
Environment types and specific locations.

- **[Location Overview](06_locations/overview.md)** - Types of environments
- **[Corporate Environments](06_locations/corporate_environments.md)** - Office buildings and business settings
- **[Research Facilities](06_locations/research_facilities.md)** - Labs and R&D centers
- **[Infrastructure Sites](06_locations/infrastructure_sites.md)** - Power plants, utilities, etc.
- **[Underground Spaces](06_locations/underground_spaces.md)** - Server rooms, bunkers, secret bases
- **[SAFETYNET Locations](06_locations/safetynet_locations.md)** - Headquarters and safe houses
- **[Notable Locations](06_locations/notable_locations.md)** - Specific recurring locations

### 07. Narrative Structures
How stories are told in this universe.

- **[Mission Types](07_narrative_structures/mission_types.md)** - Different kinds of scenarios
- **[Story Arcs](07_narrative_structures/story_arcs.md)** - Single missions vs. campaigns
- **[Escalation Patterns](07_narrative_structures/escalation_patterns.md)** - How threats grow
- **[Recurring Elements](07_narrative_structures/recurring_elements.md)** - Running gags and themes
- **[Player Agency](07_narrative_structures/player_agency.md)** - How choices matter
- **[Failure States](07_narrative_structures/failure_states.md)** - What happens when missions fail

### 08. LORE System
How players discover world information.

- **[How It Works](08_lore_system/how_it_works.md)** - Mechanics of LORE discovery
- **[Collectible Types](08_lore_system/collectible_types.md)** - Documents, emails, recordings, etc.
- **[Discovery Progression](08_lore_system/discovery_progression.md)** - Revealing information over time
- **[LORE Categories](08_lore_system/lore_categories.md)** - Organization of discovered information
- **[Writing LORE](08_lore_system/writing_lore.md)** - Guidelines for creating collectibles

### 09. Scenario Design
Practical guidance for creating new scenarios.

- **[Design Framework](09_scenario_design/framework.md)** - Core design principles
- **[Templates](09_scenario_design/templates/)** - Ready-to-use scenario templates
  - [Corporate Infiltration Template](09_scenario_design/templates/corporate_infiltration.md)
  - [Infrastructure Defense Template](09_scenario_design/templates/infrastructure_defense.md)
  - [Research Facility Template](09_scenario_design/templates/research_facility.md)
  - [Multi-Part Campaign Template](09_scenario_design/templates/campaign.md)
- **[Examples](09_scenario_design/examples/)** - Complete scenario examples
  - [Example: Shadow Broker](09_scenario_design/examples/shadow_broker.md)
  - [Example: Grid Down](09_scenario_design/examples/grid_down.md)
  - [Example: Ghost in the Machine](09_scenario_design/examples/ghost_machine.md)

### 10. Reference
Quick reference materials and guidelines.

- **[Quick Reference](10_reference/quick_reference.md)** - One-page cheat sheet
- **[Checklists](10_reference/checklists.md)** - Scenario design checklists
- **[Glossary](10_reference/glossary.md)** - Terms and abbreviations
- **[Writing Style Guide](10_reference/style_guide.md)** - Tone and voice guidelines
- **[Educational Objectives](10_reference/educational_objectives.md)** - CyBOK knowledge areas

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## How to Use This Bible

### For Scenario Designers

1. **Start with Educational Objectives**: What cyber security concepts are you teaching?
2. **Choose an ENTROPY Cell**: Match the cell's specialization to your objectives
3. **Select Mission Type**: Infiltration, investigation, defense, etc.
4. **Use Templates**: Adapt a scenario template to your needs
5. **Add Recurring Characters**: Build continuity with established figures
6. **Layer LORE**: Include collectibles that reveal more about the world
7. **Check Consistency**: Reference character profiles and world rules

### For Writers

1. **Read Universe Overview**: Understand the core setting and tone
2. **Study Character Profiles**: Learn established voices and personalities
3. **Review World Rules**: Stay within established boundaries
4. **Follow Style Guide**: Maintain consistent voice
5. **Add to Lore**: Every scenario can reveal something new

### For Players (If Used as Reference)

This document contains extensive spoilers for Break Escape scenarios. If you're a player, you may want to avoid reading beyond the Universe Overview section to preserve the joy of discovery!

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## Contributing

When adding new content to the universe:

1. **Maintain Consistency**: Check existing lore before adding new elements
2. **Document Additions**: Update relevant files and this index
3. **Expand, Don't Contradict**: Build on established lore rather than changing it
4. **Leave Mysteries**: Not everything needs to be explained
5. **Think Long-Term**: Consider how additions affect future scenarios

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## Version History

- **v2.0** (2025-11-17): Reorganized into modular structure with expanded lore
- **v1.0** (Previous): Original universe bible document

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## Quick Navigation by Task

**Creating a new scenario?** → Start with [Scenario Design Framework](09_scenario_design/framework.md)

**Need a villain?** → Browse [ENTROPY Cells](03_entropy_cells/README.md) or [Cell Leaders](04_characters/entropy/cell_leaders/README.md)

**Writing character dialogue?** → See [Character Profiles](04_characters/)

**Checking if something fits the world?** → Review [World Rules & Tone](05_world_building/rules_and_tone.md)

**Need location inspiration?** → Browse [Locations](06_locations/)

**Creating LORE collectibles?** → See [Writing LORE](08_lore_system/writing_lore.md)

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*"In a world of encryption and espionage, knowledge is the ultimate weapon."*
— Director Magnus Netherton, SAFETYNET Field Operations Handbook (probably)
