In a vast expanse of dark arid land, a hooded figure atop a mutant horse creature with red eyes rode forward, dragging a wagon toward the side of a caved-in mountain.
On the slope of the mountain, covered in darkness and twinkling lights from old lanterns, a small settlement sat trailing into the mountainside. Its borders were covered with natural and artificial barriers, every inch solidly guarded with walls and guards.
This was Astoria, otherwise known as the city of thieves.
"Gate fee." In front of the gate, a pair of guards suddenly opened a door and appeared before the gate, stopping the hooded figure, an artificial clock dangling before them.
The clock hung on an iron chain, its sides boxed with four corners and a ticking hand evident, with a digital clock in the middle reading.
This was a Time Capsule Clock.
It was a tool used by organizations with clear hierarchies to collect payment, taxes, or store time without a human benefitting from it or it actually ticking.
