Research
Research is the main mechanic in Sand: Raiders of Sophie players unlock new Trampler Chassis, Components, and Items that can be purchased within the Storage menu. Each research is unlocked with a certain amount of Crowns, and (other than the first column) amounts of Raw Materials/Carriable Objects.
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The research tree is grouped into three trees dictating the general theme of the research, however there are overlapping chains (such as the "hole" chassis variations)
Godlewiski's Expedition
Tadeusz Godlewiski is the dean of the Department of Technical Chemistry at the Imperial-Royal Polytechnic School in Lviv. When rumors emerged about the incredible phenomena and previously unseen occurrences, Godlewiski immediately organized an expedition to Sophie, funded by aurogen magnates, in an attempt to unravel the mysteries and formulate new theories. The main group is stationed at the research site, analysing the collected samples. There is also a ground team, but unwilling to risk his own people, Godlewski enlists scavengers to work in hazardous areas. In return, he provides them with the best technological devices that no one else can offer.
Godlewiski's Expedition is mainly focused on technology, including new types of chassis and aurogen Motor-Reactors, and the ability to purchase Energy Rods in the storage shop.
Kaiser's Friends
Any complex system has its flaws, and a system as intricate as the Austro-Hungarian bureaucracy is riddled with loopholes that sharp-minded individuals can turn into thriving businesses.
Dmytro Melnyk, a native Stanislau - alongside his men, he runs his operations with precision and stability. When sending people to the surface, he strives to both look after them and keep them in line, ensuring that a few reckless fools don't disrupt business.
Thanks to the constant demand for Sophie's exotic treasures in Vienna, everyone stays well-funded. And when asked how they managed to set up smuggling operations at the station, he simply winks and says, "We are friends of the Kaiser"
Kaiser's Friends is mainly focused on cargo, upgrades of the chassis unlocked in Godlewiski's Expedition by adding holes, and the ability to purchase Mounted Weapons in the storage shop.
K.K. Landwehr
Oberstieutnant Otto von Ebner.
He commands a battalion of the Austrian Army. Part of the contingent is stationed at the base, but most soldiers are scattered throughout the sector, primarily performing policing duties
The biggest share of smuggling flows through them and exists with their permission. In return, they demand order and often encourage gathers to hunt down those they deem to have crossed the line. Do them a favor, and you might gain access to weapons and armour that even the regular army could only dream of.
K.K. Landwehr is mainly focused on armour, and armoured/framed versions of other compartments. It also includes the ability to purchase many Player Weapons in the storage shop.