It has been rumoured that several corporate security teams have started using enhanced ammunition, notably depleted uranium rounds. It is suggested that this escalation is a result of a steep increase in losses amongst private security personnel. As yet, no-one has confirmed the use of depleted uranium but some corporate definitely seem to pack a greater punch than usual.

Several instances of an anomaly that causes mutations in animals have now been recorded across the Zone. It is suggested that this anomaly is the one responsible for the issues with the tainted lamb trade. Rumours are spreading of a small group of Zone residents experimenting with this anomaly and unwilling human subjects, hoping to upgrade themselves with stable mutations.

There has been a marked increase in the amount of jury-rigged explosive devices found on mission sites across the Zone. It is unknown whether or not this is part of the general escalation in armaments from corporate security, but the amateur nature of some of the devices suggests not. Many freelancers believe someone is now openly trading in bombs, but no-one can report having made a purchase.

The bounty on the Archbishop now stands at 150,000c. It is believed he is the only Churchgoer remaining.

The bounty on Gremlin now stands at 50,000c. Some people believe Gremlin was killed attempting to make his own way out of the Zone, others insist he is still alive and in hiding. There is a brisk trade in information regarding his whereabouts.

A bounty of 30,000c has been posted for Dr. Eli Fitzpatrick, a bioengineer for the Howgen Matlock Corporation. It is believed he has fled his employer and the bounty was posted by them.

There has been a sharp increase in the amount of courier work available, with significantly larger sums than normal being offered to transport goods and data across the riskier parts of the Zone.

The various trades in fresh meat are starting to collapse as the side effects are becoming better known. Threats have been made towards those selling the lamb but as yet no-one has carried out any acts of violence. Several factions are debating whether or not to post a bounty, and the High Rollers have ejected the lamb sellers from the faction, removing any serious protection they had.

A man called Gregor has been trying to sell a package of data at at least five different bars. His asking price is exorbitant, but he is very hazy on the details of what he has. As a result no-one has been willing to gamble on the data.

A freelancer called Markov has offered a significant bounty for what can only be described as rubbish. He is offering 2000c each for the following list of items.

• An intact Pepsi can (any variant of Pepsi)
• An intact Chicken McNuggets box
• An intact Irn Bru can (again, any variant)
• An intact KFC bucket