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mechanic
Key Non-Transfer Rule
No Voluntary Key Transfer
Squads cannot drop or directly give away stairwell keys, even when holding extras.
Story so far
The final-phase announcement states that a key remains bound to its squad until used or won. A holder may not voluntarily drop it or transfer it to another squad under any circumstances.
To relinquish a key, the holder must initiate a card battle and use Flee, which randomly transfers one held key to the opponent. This forces every act of cooperation into a formal combat structure and introduces risk when multiple keys or opponents are involved.
Appearance
A golden stairwell key locked to a squad emblem with drop and handoff symbols crossed out.
Role
The restriction prevents peaceful redistribution and ensures keys can change hands only through spectacle framed as battle.
Relationships
Final Flee Rule — Flee is the only stated method for surrendering a key.
Final Key Phase — The rule structures all late-floor key competition.
Carl — He designs a staged battle to work around it.
Cascadia — She announces and celebrates the restriction.
Sources — 1 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 55
- Squads cannot drop or directly give away stairwell keys, even when holding extras.