Obmen

Obmen is a small and unremarkable stall, hidden away from the bustling main streets of Kowloon. Its shabby exterior is adorned with peeling paint and a worn sign in Russian (обмен), barely visible through the shadows of the alleyway. Those who manage to find it must knock on the door, and a gruff six-eyed alien will open it, sizing up the potential customer with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Once inside, visitors are greeted by a dimly lit, cramped space filled with shelves and cabinets bursting with all manner of objects. The air is thick with the smell of musty parchment and the faint hum of magical devices. The worker on shift moves silently among the clutter. But Obmen is more than just a hoarder's lair, it is an information broker with a reputation that extends far beyond Kowloon. If you are willing to pay the high price, Obmen can get you information on nearly anything — from the whereabouts of a long-lost relative to the inner workings of the most secretive organizations in Kenos. Many of Obmen's customers end up becoming employees, tasked with gathering new information to feed the insatiable appetite of the knowledge-hungry owner. Despite its influence, Obmen maintains a strict neutrality, refusing to get involved in any of the political or criminal affairs of the city above or below ground. The operator of Obmen exists as arguably the most powerful in Kowloon because they have dirt on everyone, but also are truly neutral and don’t care to get involved in any of the affairs above or below ground. Their actual identity is unknown.