Labyrinth

Labyrinth
Organization
Industry:	Cybernetics Consumer electronics Oneiric Research
Headquarters:	California, United States

Labyrinth Technologies Limited, usually shortened to Labyrinth, is a global megacorporation based in the United States, primarily known for its advances in cybertechnology. In recent years, it has also expanded into the oneiric research field.

Overview

Labyrinth is the world's leading suppliers of cybernetic enhancements and prosthetics. They are also known to provide electronics to both individual consumers and various militaries. Many of their products feature a sleek, two-color circuitboard design motif that is easily recognizable, distinguishing them from other cyberware manufacturers without the need for dedicated advertising.

Approximately nine years prior to the start of the story, Labyrinth began researching mares, particularly ways to manage natural mares through the use of cybernetics. A year after that, they opened a location in Semikawa and began exchanging information with Alcyon Corporation.

Relationship with Alcyon Corporation

Since Labyrinth ventured into oneiric research, it has become one of Alcyon Corporation's biggest competitors. On paper, the two organizations are allies working together to protect humanity from the dangers of oneirosea. However, their attempts to sabotage each other's ventures through corporate espionage and advertising campaigns are well-known to the public. Labyrinth often runs articles criticizing Alcyon's handling of the changeling invasion, while Alcyon criticizes Labyrinth's over-reliance on invasive surgery in turn.

In present day, the two companies are in an uneasy truce after signing a number of mutual non-interference agreements. Alcyon offense division agents are not allowed to talk to or get in the way of Labyrinth agents in oneirosea, with heavy penalties if they break this rule. It is implied that the opposite is true as well.

General Operation

Most of what is known about Labyrinth comes from its Semikawa location, which is focused on oneiric research. This location employs a large number of natural mare users from around the world, most of whom have received cybernetic enhancements to help manage their conditions. For the company, these agents serve as both a source of firepower and an easy way to market their products by attaching a personality to them.

The exact structure of the company is not known, but some Labyrinth agents are responsible for collecting data from oneirosea. Since Alcyon Corporation keeps the workings of moon pools as a closely-guarded secret, Labyrinth agents cannot physically visit oneirosea; instead, they use astral projection to remotely gather data.

Many Labyrinth agents specialize in mist-casting, since their mares are too powerful or unpredictable for regular combat. The company itself has developed a number of spells for their use.

Uniforms

Labyrinth agents in the oneiric research branch wear a sleeveless white overcoat which resembles a Howie-style lab coat. The inner lining of the coat is dark grey with a white circuitboard pattern. There seem to be no restrictions on what is worn under the coat, and many members wear custom tailored clothing in order to display their unique cybernetic enhancements.

Trivia

• According to the fanbook, the black and white circuitboard print associated with Labyrinth was designed to evoke the image of bleached brain coral.