Roussel Zone Weaponry

We're big fans of bits and bobs, and we like to pile on the detail. The weapons used by tunnel-goers have a good deal of lore attached to them, some of which isn't necessarily known to the characters. 

It all revolves around nimbus. It's difficult to pin down what nimbus is, exactly, but humans seem to have it, to varying degrees, and monsters and demons seem to be attracted to it. However, when conducted through a metal (or another conductor), it actively hurts the creatures of the Roussel Zone. 

Because of this, most weapons used by humans inside the cordon are designed to conduct the user's nimbus to their target. Have a sneak peak at Kiya's gear, which is no exception.

Copper wrapping around hilts, and conductive plates on gloves are both common methods of applying the nimbus effect to attackers. 

Though firepower will stop most monsters and demons in their tracks, modern weapons aren't quite as effective as they should be. There are many horror stories spread through the UN cordon of creatures stumbling after a magazine of high calibre rounds, then picking themselves up and carrying on. Some UN troops even carry non-standard Helsinki-forged weapons, which vary from daggers to sharpened spades. 

Not all nimbus conducting weapons require getting up close and personal. Traders sometimes sell crossbows designed to be used with wired, harpoon style bolts. The creativity and bodging ability of the local tradesmen is all but limitless. 

There are a great many antiques loitering around the Roussel Zone, from cavalry sabres to ancient diving suits. Some veterans of the tunnels swear by the effectiveness of older equipment, while others insist the cordon's antiques industry is a scam perpetuated by rumours planted by the traders themselves.

With very little scientific data to go on, it's difficult to say one way or another, but the trade of old conductive gear is a profitable one. Some traders even melt down old doorknobs to make bespoke equipment.