Name: Ghost Traders

Flag (picture or description):

Territory (picture or description) and Geography: Sierra Madre

History: The Ghost Traders got their beginning, with the aftermath of the Sierra Madre Raid. Where the Courier, God/Dog, Christine and Dean Domino were forced to aid Father Elijah in breaking into the Sierra Madre and capture the technology within. Thanks to the Courier' help - all three of them, were able to escape alive, leaving Father Elijah dead in the Vault beneath the Madre.

While Dean Domino decided to move to New Vegas and God/Dog wandered into the Wastes to recover himself after being reunited by the Courier. Christine however remained behind, so none of the deadly technology would fall into hostile hands. She eventually started a hobby, to keep her time occupied while being there. Namely trying to unravel the mystery of the Cloud and the Ghost People. It had been a long year, until she had found a breakthrough.

Christine herself had slowly become more amongst the Madre - having taken Father Elijah' robes as her own and fashioned her own gas-mask to be able to walk amongst the Sierra without harm. Eventually the Ghost People became to see her as their own - whether to her ability to survive the Madre or herself becoming a Ghost herself. Luckily, the fear of losing her mind was eventually gone - when Christine unlocked the secret of the Cloud.

Christine found out, how the Cloud in essence was a prototype Pre-War weapon - namely weaponized radiation. While clearing the Cloud would take forever, she managed to create - through trial and error, a special serum that cleared the radiation within the bodies of the Ghost people. When they slowly started showing signs of intelligence - Christine had her theory proven, that the Ghost people were a species of ghouls underneath their suits. As she slowly helped regain their memories - as much returned. Luckily most of their motor skills and physical skills remained - despite having a race of amnesiacs, they slowly regained their civilized nature.

The Legion had started to slowly visit the place - after they had assumed the Madre abandoned. While the Ghosts allowed the Legion' men to come and go as they wished - it was obvious, that they weren't here to simply scavenge but to likely take over. It was at that moment that Christine and her Ghost People revealed themselves and caught the young Legionnaires - it by luck, that it was conveyed that, this Legion was more open to negotiations - as thus the Caesar was called himself, to make peace. It was a meeting, that culminated in eight men going in and only two men coming out - one the leader of the Legion and the other, a Legend of the Wastes and of the Legion itself

Their second leader was graced, during their first scout trips into the Mojave. Where they uncovered the almost dead body of Joshua Graham. The New Cananite was slowly dying - having spent the months, since Zion had evacuated and left the pristine Valley to the White Legs. While David had come to terms with his choices - Joshua Graham was eventually consumed by his hate and tried to go and topple the Legion by himself. Unfortunately, his first encounter outside Zion ended badly - when he needed to take cover from an armada storm by dividing into irradiated waters. No matter his inhuman endurance, not even he could defeat the invisible enemy that was radiation.

Luckily for him, he was recovered - and taken to an Auto-Doc for healing. Unfortunately, due to his damage being so severe from radiation - the machine in question, only calculated a practical action of removing his organic limbs and replacing them with metal and machinery. The act changed Joshua Graham even more - awakening from the Auto-Doc with renewed zeal. His knowledge helped improve the Ghost people - being almost a surrogate Dead Horse tribe for him. Albeit, Joshua' militarism was a contrast to Christine' more peaceful and merchantile ideas. Peace exists...for now.

Population: 10,000+

Government/Domestic Politics: Tribalistic society. The Ghost Traders despite their mindless nature before to anybody who had entered Sierra Madre have changed themselves around - being more subversive and less openly hostile. Since the Legion is a common visitor in the Sierra Madre, they are considered 'trading partners' as the Legion makes use of the Ghost Traders unique skill, tech and home to their benefit.

Notable People:





Military (try to be somewhat realistic): All of the Ghost Traders know how to fight - entering an almost trance state, when they have a need to defend themselves. A byproduct time of their times as the watchers of the Sierra Madre - this has been augmented by the ideals, tactics and weapon training of Joshua Graham. Several of them have taken to armor themselves as well - despite their near unkillability - they do feel pain, something that is worsened by their 'regeneration' as their body forces itself back up.

Economy: They remember nothing of their Pre-War lives nor of their times as boogeymen of the Sierra Madre. Their recall their physical skills that they once possessed, in their previous lives almost two hundred years ago. They supplement, on basic trade - with those whom are willing to look beyond their strange nature. They are rather friendly, despite their menacing nature - requiring not much food or water to keep them going and much willing to treck through rad-blasted lands without trouble - to pettle their skills and pieces of pre-War tech.

Culture and Technology: The Ghost Traders, are surprisingly one of the most open and friendly factions in the Mojave...for the time being. Their amnesia has offered them the opportunity to start from scratch, building up their lives that are better suited to the social needs of Post-America. They have no stigma against mutants or ghouls - seeing them as simply 'people', same as with regular humans. They do however, have a deep distrust and cold hate for those whom have betrayed their trust - not understanding the reasons for. Tempered by Joshua Graham - this has caused the Ghost Traders to be easily approachable yet also easy to anger.

The Ghost Traders, are unique with their ability to the Ghost Traders have a knack for repairing and using Pre-War technology. Some of them have remembred old memories or rather 'visions' of how to make things, that no surviving terminal in their archives possess. They have a good number of plasma and laser rifles - having the keen ability of repairing such technology. In addition, they have several portable Auto-Docs with them and many Ghost Traders possess a Pip-Boy.

Religion: The Ways of the Mojave - a mix betwen Christine' Brotherhood belief in technology, efficency and sustainability. Dashed with Joshua Graham' Ways of New Canaan - on pragmatism, militarism and fervor.

Name:

Rangers of the Texan Frontier (Under The Confederation of Free Texas States)

Flag:

The Flag of the Confederation of Free Texas States, below which flies the Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread on Me)

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Territory and Geography:

Western Frontier of Texas

History:

The Rangers of Fort Bliss have long been a small but important part of the Confederation of Free Texas States, in a way even before it's foundation. When the brass, that is to say the higher ups, of what was then the American Military fled to the safety and security of Vault 99 the rank and file were left to fend for themselves. Some remained in Fort Bliss while others headed South into Mexico in hopes of avoiding the multitude of atomic fire no doubt sent to purge the United States. In the years that followed those lucky enough to survive made their way back to Fort Bliss and formed a small but capable society.

Possessing a plethora of weaponry in those early days they made a choice that would prove crucial to their survival, they would resist the urge to expand and conquer. They would fortify, they would both reap and sow, protected by the harsh and impossibly vast landscape of a post-apocalyptic Texas they would become masters of their environment. The final pre-war generation would spend their lives teaching the first post-war generation how best to use the assets of Fort Bliss. There was no GECK to be found here, but years spent scrabbling in the dirt in time would ensure their survival for generations to come.

The most physically hardy amid the population of Fort Bliss, having poured through the history of Texas via still functioning computer terminals, would volunteer themselves to be Rangers and concern themselves with scouting out the treacherous surrounding area. Governed by the more technically inclined they would struggle when the desire to venture further and further out clashed with the necessity of rationing what energy cells and oil remained. It took many years for them to research ways to stretch the charges in those energy cells and in time restore those that had been depleted, the Rangers of Fort Bliss began to utilize what few horses could be found and caught. It is likely that had the Rangers not caught these beasts, and had the more intellectually inclined among them not carefully bred and raised them, the Rangers would never have made contact with The Confederation of Free Texas States.

Having made contact with the Federation, the Rangers of Fort Bliss found themselves in an enviable position. They knew much of the expanses of desert that surrounded them, they had something of use to the Federation and the Federation had something of use to them. Impressed with the Confederation and happy to find more remnants of the great state of Texas they readily shared what they knew and explained their location. They pledged their service to the Confederation of Free Texas States with little delay and have not yet come to regret doing so.

Population:

5,000

Government/Domestic Politics:

Fort Bliss is beholden to The Confederation of Free Texas States. While the Base Commander of Fort Bliss has control of the day to day functioning, he is expected to follow any commands from the capital. The population of the base is expected to respect military order. Locally Fort Bliss has ties to the small communities (such as restored Spanish Missions) that have sprung up nearby, many of which rely on Fort Bliss for clean water and protection. Arguments rarely escalate to the point of requiring intervention, but when they do the Rangers of Fort Bliss tend to act quickly and decisively. Small offenses are likely to result in loss of privilege and time in the brig. Serious offenses are likely to result in banishment or execution.

Notable People:

Jensen Banks: Base Commander of Fort Bliss. Commander Banks is a well read man and a capable orator, but he is no warrior. Sent to Fort Bliss form the Confederation of Free Texas States it was no small feat for him to ingratiate himself among the Rangers and earn their respect and willing obedience. It wasn't immediate, and it's still not really total, but whether happily or begrudgingly most in Fort Bliss have to admit he's a damn fine leader of men.

Robert "Bad Bob" Hays: Current highest ranking Ranger in Fort Bliss. Known for being particularly laconic when he does speak people tend to listen. Despite his "Bad Bob" moniker he has done much to secure peace in the Texan Frontier by enforcing strict but never cruel law. It takes a lot of gravitas to keep squads of men calm and obedient while patrolling the hot Texan desert and scrublands.

Leland Chapman: Longest serving Ranger in Fort Bliss. While Hays may be the man to secure peace, Chapman is the man to maintain it. Well into the twilight of his life Chapman has been just about everywhere in the West Texas Frontier at one point or another and after decades of interaction has gained the trust of the settlers. He is loathe to return to the capital, happier to walk familiar hills and visit with old friends under the ever present Texas sun.

Abigail Dresden: While not as well known as the others Abigail Dresden has likely as important a role to play in Fort Bliss as anyone else. She is expected to keep it all running. Working directly under Commander Banks it falls upon her to ensure that the farms operate as needed, that the water supply is kept clean and available, that the Rangers outside of the Fort are accounted for, and a thousand other small cogs turn as they ought to. The stress is getting to her.

Military:

Fort Bliss is well protected, it never would have survived this long if it weren't and it wouldn't serve much purpose if it didn't continue as such. Having served as a training station for both Heavy Infantry and Rangers in the time before the Great War it provided the survivors of that Great War much firepower when they returned. Those who lived in the time before the Great War sought to ingrain in their descendants the command structure that had been such a large part of their lives. It worked rather well.

To live in Fort Bliss one must train at regular intervals. It's position, fortification, and reputation have thus far largely protected it from invasion, but yesterday is no promise for tomorrow. Military discipline is enforced by regular structured marching within the base and about it's borders. Fitness is maintained by regular group exercise and sparring. A tactical mind is developed by engaging in scenario based simulations. While everyone is expected to maintain a firearm and know how to use it the reality that ammunition and the components needed for recycling that ammunition are ultimately finite require the citizens of Fort Bliss to be prepared to defend themselves with or without a handgun or rifle.

The Rangers themselves are a small percentage of the population, approximately 10%, or 500, are somewhere in the Ranger hierarchy, with roughly half that rather low in the hierarchy. These men and women are essentially in a nonstop boot camp until they either prove themselves worthy or circumstances dictate they must be advanced. Of the remaining 250 full fledged Rangers roughly 20%, or 50, are in positions of leadership over the remaining 200.

In regard to equipment they possess a large cache of traditional ballistic weaponry of various calibers and serving various purposes. They also possess an excess of traditional land based vehicles, but a dearth of aerial craft. Most such air craft having been used just prior to the outbreak of the Great War to shuttle the VIPs to Vault 99.

Economy:

Fort Bliss is largely self sustaining. By harnessing the information held in the computer terminals of a major pre-war military base they have been able to provide for themselves a modest but reliable living. Their current standard of living is bolstered by their relationship with the Federation of Free Texas States and with the small communities nearby. They supply clean drinking water and protection, and when necessary can temporarily tighten rationing and help support the local community with the meat of their livestock and the fruits of their agricultural labor.

Culture and Technology:

Fort Bliss culture is military culture. Regimentation and rationing. Marching, drilling, fighting, more marching. Everyone is expected to participate, without exception. For some this proves to be too much and they leave, headed to nearby nations that they hope offer more freedom like the Tex Legio or perhaps the Angels of War. Some simply head to the capital cities of the Confederation. Most however stay, endurance is bred in to them and in time the community grows closer for the hardship.

On the subject of slavery and mutants the Rangers adopt a policy of neutrality, when and where the policies of the Confederation as a whole are not clear. Freedom is important, they sacrifice some measure of their own freedom as individuals to ensure that collectively they, and Texas as a whole, remain free. This being the case they are not particularly fond of slavers, but it is a harsh wasteland and one cannot go to war every time there is a difference of opinion. Run away slaves may or may not find safety in Fort Bliss depending on the current state of affairs, when possible Fort Bliss will buy their freedom. When they cannot be admitted often they might be advised of nearby settlements where they could disappear. Their approach to mutants is quite similar. Acceptance, compassion, aide when possible.

Technologically the inhabitants of Fort Bliss are pushing to return the Fort to it's former glory. The base was largely built to be self contained, and it largely is, but work to bring the remainder of the terminals up is slow going. They have relatively low standards so that most of Fort Bliss resembles something somewhere between a Pre-War Fully Operational Military Base and a Pulp Western starring John Wayne or perhaps Clint Eastwood. Maybe even Kurt Russel.

Religion:

There is no established religion in Fort Bliss. The Chapel is available for prayer or reflection of whatever denomination. The vast majority of the base existing somewhere between Atheism and Agnosticism. The spectrum ranging from "There is no God" to "There's probably something out there somewhere" to "I'm going to find this God guy and plant him flat on the ground"

Name: Alaskan Federation
Flag (picture or description): The ordinary Alaskan flag
Territory (picture or description) and Geography: The lower Alaskan territories

History (if using a pre-existing faction, recent history will due): Alaska has been a war zone for as long as anyone could remember, Chinese occupied the land and even the Canadians objected and rioted to their annexation by sabotaging the pipeline but this all came to a head on October 2077 soon everything changed but that’s widely known. In the aftermath of these events the survivors of a newly formed Alaskan Ranger Academy which replaced the State Troopers shortly after Anchorage’s liberation. Taking it upon themselves to shoulder the burden of law and order progress has been slow but sure.

Of course not all was well, as the population shrunk people began to worry that they would die out before any help could come not knowing the last of the American government was hidden away never to come to their rescue. Eventually they would come to realize this but in the new world prostitution became not just common but widely accepted this however gave way to slavery as more and more bodies were needed to bump the sustainable population above the extinction line men, and women were taken from their homes by Slavers and Raider Towns. Now this sparked quite the war with the now Arctic Rangers and more lawful towns gunfights, decapitations and towns burned as wars with unsavory criminals waged on, add onto that was the Bloodpack; raiders who cared not for anyone but themselves. Chem fiends who somehow gained powers from the drug cocktails they made. Bullets had a hard time bringing them down and melee weapons were ineffective at best unless a decapitation was made. It took quite a while before anyone realized some sort of gene altering virus was acting behind the scenes released by an Dr. Winfried Stroheim; scavengers unearthed parts of a hidden lab in downtown Anchorage beneath the rubble known as the Tombs, not much is known about him or his creation other than who he was and the name of this virus. E.E.V or Enhanced Evolutionary Virus. Something he was working after essentially being exiled by Big Mountain. Searches have lead to no leads on his whereabouts or even if he still lives, though his E.E.V still has an effect on the populous.

According to the lower 48s those with powers are considered Psykers and although widespread gene manipulation was worrying few have exhibited actual unexplained powers outside of the Bloodpack which stems from their constant inbreeding and chem abuse. Around a hundred years ago things started to change, groups of adventurers and cults began appearing, while religion has always had it’s roots in native culture respecting nature and worshipping various gods and goddesses these cults began to worship the destruction that fell upon the planet. Both these groups had quite the impact on Alaska as the Cults killed anyone in their way and Adventurers fought raiders and pirates though tales have been exaggerated, suffice to say they tilted the power balance and set things in motion that would favor the Rangers intentionally or not. Between all the various factions popping up some raiders chose to side with the Arctic Rangers, Clan Bearhorn was the first who fought the Bloodpacks daily as they were set up not far from their territory. Despite their eagerness in battle the Bloodpacks bred like rabbits and drew too many resources to fight alone. Sometime after that a small group led by a former female Ranger would liberate a brothel and begin operations out of it, eventually turning former prostitutes into spies and assassins. While sex was still a service they provided the workers were no longer slaves and honed their skills to help topple key raider strongholds serving as agents of the Bush Company. It was also around this time mutants called the Autleeir Tah appeared causing havoc and further increasing tensions. As a race of humanoid horned creatures humans feared and terrorized them and in turn they killed countless humans few are sure who fired the first shots and created a hundred year war between their kind and humans with a uneasy peace forged by the current leader of the Arctic Rangers North Ashland a humble honest man who has tried to front a peace treaty between him and hostile factions. While The Rangers always had the support of towns, Clan Bearhorn and the Bush Company were new and the whilst the latter was founded by a former Ranger their alliance was far from absolute and only on the grounds of cooperation.

Soon joining them was Stonewall the underground raider fortress located in Juneau that has warred with Chinese remnants for ages, known for their beers and ales, and together they finally routed the last raider stronghold in Anchorage, Port Stanton. Finally securing the dock Anchorage needed to support its fleet of ships.

Population (The NCR, being rather prosperous, is 1 million. This is the max population for now): 49350. Including about 1027 Tahs.
Government/Domestic Politics: With multiple governing ideals most politics are discussed for months, even years depending upon how heated ratifying a new law or policy becomes. Despite this the Council seem to always pull through putting Alaska’s needs first, usually.

Rangers uphold the law, and often are sticklers for it, though bad eggs slip between the cracks.

Clan Bearhorn care little for pedantics or pleasantries much like other raider gangs turned allies.

The Bush Company are devious political allies, delving deep into the realm of politics unearthing secrets and itineraries.

Notable People: North Ashland; current leader of the Arctic Rangers, and Father of Vivian Ashland.

Valmet of the Bush Company; seen as a mother figure to many men and women sometimes being their actual mother to children she’s birthed. Though there’s a difference to being a mother and being a mom,, she rarely keeps the children she’s had as many were by contract with the father and went to them for care and education.

Victoria Bearhorn. Barbarian, Ale chugger, Sentry Bot slayer! As the current head of Clan Bearhorn Victoria loves battle, worshipping the might of the Great Mountain Bear they dive headlong into combat preferring melee weapons but their long time enemies the Bloodpack require bullets and lasers. With a mechanical sentry bot right arm complete with a gatling laser and a sawnoff in the other combat is what they live for and care little for anything else.

Military (try to be somewhat realistic): with about 1,400 active members and another 800 in reserve to deal with emergencies. With the reserve forces living at home farming hunting or waiting until an active service member needs a vacation to deal with family or personal issues.

Power Armor is rare, more so those of higher qualities. The T-51bs are the most advanced sets available with 41 in service. While there are only 60 T-45s in service. However they do posses a lot of construction power armor with 200 in service and Deep Sea Diving Power Armor with 120 in service. The major drawback to these armors is the difference in protection compared to even basic T-45. While the T-45 series and up were considered mobile tanks the utility only saw use in the commercial sector and lacked protection against small arms fire a few 44 rounds were often enough to penetrate their armor. And as such these are often used in search and rescue operations or construction.




The Bush and Bearhorn have different beliefs when it comes to armor using more lightweight armors. With Bearhorn loving furred sets most of all. That’s not to say the Rangers have heavy armor those who are Elite among their ranks wear Arctic Ranger armor the armor's iconic to their namesake and or for those just below them in rank the assault marine armors are provided these are more easier to manufacture and develop and some Rangers even when they reach the highest rank may still wear them.

It is unfortunate energy weapons are too rare in the frontier, as they do not lend well to the cold harsh environment and often need constant repairs. Instead they chose ballistic weapons or melee, Rangers have a saying. “Peacemaker on my hip and Axe in hand make bushranging quite grand.” Suffice to say knives and axes are most prefered among bladed weapons for their utility if anything.

While they posses a navy and airforce they only have two ships you could call advanced pre-war ships one aircraft carrier and one destroyer everything else is made of scrap and duct tape in a manner of speaking. Most ships are made from reclaimed metal and wood and lack many of the delicate instruments that larger ships require armed with anything from pipe pistols and missile launchers these boats don’t have a standard for damage just mount the biggest gun you have and hope you brought ammo. Most reclaimed ships serve a dual purpose or triple even as some convert them into fishing boats, or whaling, and tug boats. There is also one Icebreaker which is non military save for it’s personal defence weapons. It is the only way save for planes to reach outlying villages entrapped by ice. Alongside that are four Vertibirds repaired using various repurposed metals and parts sometimes from other Vertibirds. Alongside them they have 20 Sea Kings, and 138 Cessna and other similar type single engine airplanes some of those like the Cobras even served in WW2 but were repurposed for civilian use. Alongside 2 B-24 Liberators AKA Bombers. While they are constructing a third raw materials are difficult to obtain and what steel mills they have just were never intended to anything more than commercial use in building support beams. In summary lots of small single engine airplanes.

Economy: Dealing primarily in lumber, fish and furs any other resource is heavily protected and used only to seal particularly difficult agreements. Oil and precious metals are drilled and mined though oil is difficult to obtain as the rigs that pump it break down constantly. The machines were never meant to go 200 years without replacement parts.

Culture and Technology (include views towards slavery and mutants): Slavery is hated among many Rangers and the Bush Company and Towns will kill slavers on sight. That’s not to say there isn’t those who champion it. They however are raiders and those rich enough not to care if they incur the scorn of others. In unpatrolled lands Rangers do what they can but slavers still make quite the living. While the Rangers don’t tend to hate mutants and even get along with them, it isn’t something everyone agrees with. Not that anyone will go out of their way to make a mutant’s life miserable as no one has time for that, often as long as their money exchanged and pleasantries there’s usually no problem. Though the Tahs are more feared among the populous and have difficulty speaking with most folk who often throw obscenities their way on good days. Super Mutants are or were non-existent though recently they have been coming up as well, seemingly to get away from the bigotry found in the states. Folks are unnerved but otherwise leave them alone.

Religion: Many people practice multiple religions praying to different gods of different spheres. Such as Tekkeitsertok God of Hunting depicted as a Moose or Caribou often shortened to Tekk. Sedna the Goddess of the Sea, prayed to for a successful catch. Or Qailertetang who is Sedna’s companion and controls the weather.

Agloolik: evil god of the sea who can hurt boats by biting them; spirit which lives under the ice and helps wanderers in hunting and fishing
Akna: mother goddess of fertility
Amaguq/Amarok: wolf god who takes those foolish to hunt alone at night
Anguta: gatherer of the dead; he carries them into the underworld, where they must sleep with him for a year.
Igaluk: the moon god and brother to the sun who chases her across the sky
Nanook: (Nanuq or Nanuk in the modern spelling) the master of polar bears
Pinga: the goddess of the hunt, fertility and medicine
Qailertetang: weather spirit, guardian of animals, and matron of fishers and hunters. Qailertetang is the companion of Sedna.
Sedna: the mistress of sea animals. Sedna (Sanna in modern Inuktitut spelling) is known under many names, including Nerrivik, Arnapkapfaaluk, Arnakuagsak, and Nuliajuk.
Sila: personification of the air
Tekkeitsertok: the master of caribou.

There are also man made religions some still worshipping the Christian God. Though Native Religion is the dominant power as they feel it was man’s god who tore the sky and allowed man to burn each other in hellfire.

Territory and Geography:
The Great Khan's territories make up the states of Wyoming and Idaho, with holdings in southern Montana and northern Utah and Colorado. These lands are home to both great mountainous expanses such as the Rocky Mountains, and vast open grasslands such as the Snake River Plains and Wyoming High Plains where the Great Khans thrive. Across these territories the climate is generally semi-arid and continental, drier and yet windier than many parts of what was once the United States, and subject to great temperature extremes made even more so since the Great War.

History:

California, New Vegas, Bitter Springs. The Great Khans history is one of hardship, betrayal, glory and honour. Following their withdrawal from California after suffering a number of defeats, the Khans dispersed into the wider world to begin anew. Those who would become the Great Khans settled in the Mojave where they carved out their own lands as one of the regions major players. From there they warred with their tribal neighbors and raided inquisitive settlers of the NCR. It would not be long however before Mr. House recovered his power in New Vegas and would move quickly to try resolve the conflicts by offering the tribes of Vegas their own Casino to operate under him, but the Great Khans already owning a large amount of land, refused to give up their heritage and submit to House's orders.

The only alternative was war. Those tribes which had submitted to the House were armed and equipped with large supplies of guns and ammunition with securitron assistance. These tribes, these slaves, drove the Khans out of the New Vegas area, bringing to an end their time of power. It wasn't long after these wars that the NCR arrived. They had come on a mission to annex New Vegas from whatever tribals were holding it, and to secure Hoover Dam as a power source, all under the initial guise of hunting down the Great Khans in retaliation for attacking their settlers. The Great Khans were now in no shape to fight, but the NCR killed them on sight out of revenge, leading to the first real spark of the resentment to the NCR held by the Great Khans. The Great Khans in retaliation resumed their raiding of NCR caravans, settlers and soldiers. Initially, the Great Khans believed House would attack as well, so they took a hard-line stance with the NCR in the belief that they would be pushed from the Mojave entirely. In a turn which meant certain death for the Khans however, House and the NCR entered negotiations leaving the Khans to face the full fury of the NCR.

In the months that followed, the Great Khans were obliterated as a faction of the Mojave, the majority of the tribe's people dead or forced into hiding at Bitter Springs where the culmination of this purge would result in the Bitter Springs Massacre. In an attack on a Great Khan settlement believed by the NCR to be the settlement of raiders, was in actuality filled with the sick, elderly, children, and others who were unable to fight, whilst the Khan's war parties were elsewhere. Due to this misinformation the NCR forces who were under orders to shoot on sight, slaughtered countless innocent people in a move that would shame the NCR for years to come.

Following the threat of a second extinction, the Great Khans took refuge in Red Rock Canyon where they would approached by the Followers of the Apocalypse whom offered medical assistance and knowledge to the defeated Khans. This knowledge however would be ultimately abused as the Great Khans became the Mojave's most prominent chem dealers. It would be during this desperate time that the courier would approach them. Whether on House's orders or of their own initiative, the Courier encouraged the Khans to settle elsewhere and this they would. When the guns bloomed into life over Hoover Dam, the Great Khans evacuated the canyon, abandoning their prospective alliance Caesar's Legion, and migrated north and east into the plains of Idaho and Wyoming.

In those wild, untamed lands in the north, the Khans would steadily regain their strength and once more begin to expand. After some time, the Great Khans under Papa Khan's guidance would reconnect with other migrant Khan factions from California and later the Followers of the Apocalypse. Reestablishing ties with the pacifist creed of progressives would go on to springboard the Great Khanate's expansion and advancement as an empire of the wastes. This is where we stand as of 2290.

Population:
449,000 souls call the Great Khanate home.

Government/Domestic Politics:
The Great Khanate is governed by the Khan of Khans and a meritocratic, parliamentary-style central assembly of prominent Great Khan chiefs and Followers of the Apocalypse. This gathering, known simply as the Assembly, assists the Khan of Khans with the governance of the realm, and is also set to convene whence the time comes for a new Khan of Khans to rise. As decreed upon it's foundation, the Khanate is an elective monarchy, wherein the title and mantle of Khan of Khans is to pass onto to whomever acquires the most votes and therefore confidence within the Assembly.

The Great Khans rule a tributary empire of tribes and settlements overseen by the various Great Khan chieftains working together with the Followers to restore civilization to the region. These subjects of the state are expected to provide tribute in the form of supplies and manpower to the Great Khanate in return for the protection provided by the Great Khans and the medical and technological assistance of the Followers of the Apocalypse. Indeed, for as long as these tributes are met these tributary states remain safe and relatively free, for the Khans rarely involve themselves in their affairs. Dissidence and rebellion however are met swiftly and with a most often violent end, for the Khanate will suffer not insurrection within it's lands.

Notable People:

• Papa Khan: The current Khan of Khans. Papa Khan has led his tribe through the worst times of it's history, through the destruction in California to the Bitter Springs Massacre, Papa Khan has remained a steadfast beacon for the Great Khans to rally to. Following the wise words of an outsider, Papa Khan led his people north during the Battle of Hoover Dam and here under his guidance they have established a vast Empire, a Great Khanate. A steadfast and traditional leader, the Khan is now an aged man past his prime and many a rumor swirls around whom will assume his mantle when he is gone.

Military:
WIP

Economy:
Bolstered by their union with the Followers of the Apocalypse, a developing economy has begun to grow within the Great Khanate backed by the tributes of its subjects of goods, commodities and supplies. Trade routes also provide a pivotal cog of the realm's economy in providing essentials from beyond the Khanate's borders. To this end, the Khans have become strong supporters of merchants and trade, often using them as informants and diplomats. Indeed it is not uncommon for merchants or ambassadors with proper documentation and authorization to receive the protection and sanctuary of the Khans as they travel through their realms. Currently caps and a barter economy remain dominant within the Great Khanate.

Culture and Technology:
A hodgepodge of differing cultures and ideology. The ferocity of the Khans and the mercy and goodwill of the Followers of the Apocalypse have together forged a nation from the ruins of the Northwest. Seemingly abandoning their dark past, slavery and acts of brutality are sparse amongst the Khanate for want of maintaining their important partnership with the Followers, indeed the Khans have likewise abandoned the chem trade, instead turning their combined knowledge towards the production of medicine and medical supplies such as stimpacks, and have since become a forerunner in the trade of such goods and in doing so, have earned the goodwill of many.

The lands of the Khanate are home to both the mobile cities of Ger tents of the Great Khans, the outposts and centers of learning of the Followers of the Apocalypse, and the varied settlements of tribes and settlers across the wastes where all these cultures mix. The Golden City, the capital of the fledgling state, should one ever set eyes upon it perhaps best represents this culmination of differing cultures.

This union of factions has not been entirely harmonious however for both factions cling to their own traditions. The Khans intent on maintaining their reputation and for a fear voiced by a few of 'becoming soft'. Maintain largely to their old ways of survival and martial prowess, whilst the Followers remain advocates for peace and progress. The two factions have however successfully subsisted thus far with one another, with the Khans assuming the role as the principle guardians of the more peaceful-minded Followers. This union is a key reason for the Khanate's hereto successful expansion across untamed America.

In their dealings with mutated creatures the Khanate has adopted a tolerant yet cautious attitude. Those that wish to live in peace under the new regime are welcomed, though hesitantly into the population where officially they will be held accountable to the same laws as everyone else.

Technologically, the Great Khans stand between the lines of their past tribal ways and modernization with promising outreaches into manufacturing efforts. Largely in part due to the Followers of Apocalypse, the Khanate enjoys a burgeoning knowledge of science and technology in particular, though are currently lacking the ability to reproduce it in significant quantities or improve upon that which they have. Likewise their knowledge and expertise in subjects such as agriculture and electrical engineering have spread across the Khanate and many settlements enjoy some semblance of electricity, self-sustainability and a quality of life higher than that which might be found beyond the borders due to the constant humanitarian efforts of the Followers.

Religion:
The Khanate has likewise adopted a tolerant view towards religion. For as long as these religions do not harm the nation, the Khanate's subjects are allowed to practice their various faiths without discrimination though atheism has become particularly dominant due to the efforts of various Followers of the Apocalypse.

Name: Calypso

Age: 35

Sex: female

Basic physical appearance and attributes: Caucasian, Five foot nine inches and well-toned. Fair complexion, long black corn-rowed hair. She has mixed eye color - one blue one green - and wears sunglasses most of the time to conceal them. She is pretty, but has burn marks on her neck and a scar that runs down from her left eye to her jaw line. Calypso also has a Chinese dragon tattoo sleeve that wraps around her left arm, and ends on her shoulder blade. She uses prostitution to lure people to fulfill her deeds, to enslave, or to set traps for people.

Skills: Extremely skilled in melee weaponry

Personality: She is arrogant, sadistic, selfish, and cruel. Is a superficial charmer as well, which ends up very badly for those who fall for her act. She is also a cannibal, who enjoys watching people suffer. Seeing people in pain and desperation only fuels her sick and twisted soul. At times, she gets too full of herself, and makes no attempt whatsoever to hide her intentions.
Backstory: Calypso's family was slaughtered and fed upon by a group of Chinese remnants. Her life was being spared because the remnants believed her to be a sacred warrior sent from King Yama, the ruler of the Ten Courts of Hell. Raised by an ex-Chinese soldier only known as Sensei Lee in the Canadian territory, Calypso was taught to live by any means necessary. Secluded from civilization, that meant hunt or be hunted, this included the occasional humans that would cross the territory. She was taught the arts of combat daily and religiously treasures her weapons of death.

As Sensei used to say:

"These are your tools; these weapons are to be an extension of your body, mind and soul. They are your means of survival, meant to deliver death to ALL, who oppose you child. These are your weapons of death; treat them as part of you."
At age ten, Calypso was tasked to prove her worth - to prove that she was indeed sent from King Yama as the remnants believed her to be. She was sent into the wilderness for seven days with a Samurai sword, and nothing more than rags for clothing, and returned. . . .

Name: Shelby Jackson

Age: 26

Sex: female

Basic physical appearance and attributes: Shelby has pale skin, she stands at five foot six inches tall, bright blue eyes, thin lips and a slender face. Shelby has a delicate frame, and is not nearly as strong as Calypso. Shelby also wears Calypso's trademark, corn rowed hair, hers being blonde with black undertones. She is missing her pinky finger on her left hand, scars on her back from being whipped.
Personality: Shelby hangs on Calypso's every word; she is obedient and extremely loyal to Calypso. She is very smart, and creative with constructing weapons, and various slaving tools. When Shelby is away from Calypso she can get quite wild.

Occupation: Calypso's protégé, she primarily makes weapons and slaving tools. Shelby also does a majority of Calypso's slave running.
Backstory: Shelby was a mischievous child, growing up in North Battleford, a small reestablished settlement, in the Canadian Providence of Saskatchewan; it was a relatively quiet place. After being taught to read and write, she would study anything she could get her hands on. Shelby held a fascination for melee combat, since she was too young for a gun, Shelby would create swords, staffs, and spears from the remainder of petrified trees. Shelby's parents constantly scolded her; the people of the settlement would voice their displeasures with her as well.

At the age of ten, Shelby made her first Nuka grenade, to test it out; she tossed it in the settlements Brahmin pen. Needless to say, this caused uproar with the community. Her parents, unable to corral her enthusiasm for chaos, were faced with a daunting decision. They were forced to decide between, having her stay with the town sheriff, a corrupt man Mr. Fusiler was, but he kept the piece in the settlement. Or, they must pack up their family, leave, and never come back. They had no caps, barely enough weapons to hunt with, let alone defend themselves in the wasteland. Her parents relinquished her to Mr. Fusiler.

As Shelby began maturing into a young woman, Mr. Fusiler would abuse her, in various ways. This caused her to fester a hatred for everyone in the settlement. The once friendly, outgoing youth, was becoming a wolf in sheep clothing. At fourteen years of age, she heard rumors of a crazed woman, who with her Chinese remnants, were en slaving and slaughtering towns on her way to the States. Shelby had hoped the Battleford would lie in her path.

Just after Shelby turned fifteen, her wishes came true. As the local hunters returned with horrific news, the crazed woman, Calypso, had stormed through Lloydminster, and was heading to Battleford. News of this sent everyone into a panic, Shelby relished every second, as she watched the towns people scurry to set up defenses. Mr. Fusiler locked Shelby in the backroom of his barn, as he did so many times before. Over the course of the last year, since Shelby first heard the rumors of Calypso, she had been preparing for this day to come. She would pick the lock to the barn door, and at night, would pilfer various things. Shelby made a staff like no other, using a pair of lawnmower blades, a conductor, braided fuel lines and flamer fuel.

Gunfire erupted, along with screams of the people Shelby had grown up with, it actually made her smile, as most of the town has shunned her. They were getting what they deserved, having never taken her accusations of Mr. Fusiler's disgusting acts. Shelby pulled up the wood plank in the floor, where her staff resided, looking it over as she picked it up. She picked the lock on the door, cautiously, she snuck outside. Shelby watched, as Calypso masterfully orchestrated her minions in the takeover of Battleford.

Catching some movement behind some brush, Shelby saw Mr. Fusiler take aim at Calypso's back. Igniting her staff, she sprung from her spot, Mr. Fusiler yelled for her to run. Instead, Shelby spun around, and with a loud swoosh and the crackle of flames, she sliced his stomach wide open. Mr. Fusiler's son sought to attack Shelby, she kneeled down, sweeping her staff upward, stabbed the young man in his throat. Shelby heard someone clapping, "Bravo darling, bravo" a dramatic voice called out. Turning to find, Calypso walking over to her, Shelby placed her staff on the ground.

"Take me with you" her blue eye sparkled, awaiting Calypso's answer. She saw two of Calypso remnants restraining her parents as they called to her. Calypso looked at them, then back to Shelby, picking up Shelby's staff.

"Prove you are indeed worthy of such a request" Calypso said, handing Shelby the staff.

Shelby walked over to her parents, without hesitation, they pleaded, apologizing profusely for anything they had ever done to the girl. None of it fazed her, she spun the staff, and executed them right there, no tears, no remorse. She looked at Calypso, she smiled back at Shelby, "very well done indeed, we shall hone your skills my dear, come now."

It has been eleven years since then; Shelby has grown into a woman, Calypso's protégé. Calypso shares a special bond with Shelby, a mother like bond. The only person, beside Sensei Lee, that she has ever cared for.

Waylon is 6 foot 2 inches tall and well built, his hair is shaved on the sides with the top combed back. Usually has scruffy facial hair, three day beard I guess you could say. He is not generally talktative, but issues commands with an authority only rivaled by Calypso. He typically wears a mixture of leather and combat armor in combat. When not in combat he can be found wearing jeans, workboots and a sleeveless shirt. He always has a matching pair of 1911 pistols at his sides and a combat knife strapped to his hip.

Waylon joined up with The Jaded Empire when Calypso and her merry band of craziness easily wiped out a rival Raider faction whom has been a nuisance to his group. The remaining raiders in his group followed suit, but Waylon excelled in Calypso's grace. He, along with Shelby, acompany Calypso whenever she leaves the territory.

Aponi was brought to The Capital wasteland by a western slave tycoon. She was taken as a gesture of 'good faith' by the tycoon. But that did not matter once the man did not adhere to the rules of The Elusive Rose, Calypso's profitable brothel in Grayditch. Upon his ignoring her no smoking rule; exhaling in Calypso's face, he promptly swallowed steel. Aponi is Native American and is now just 20 years old, very quiet, speaks softly and very timid. She has become Calypso's direct servant, carrying a small carry bag of different items. She has not been trained for combat.

Name: Regina (Reggie) Torrez

Age: 27

Race: Hispanic/Native American

Sex: female

Skills: Reggie always has an ace in the hole ready to play, making her a good cheat at small time poker games. She is handy with tools, but not great, but a Jerry-rigger rather. She is a proficient hunter and trapper and learned from her father how to handle a gun.

Physical appearance: 5'8" 130 pounds, Usually she wears her hair in a pony tail, or braided pig tails. Her eyes are golden brown, her skin is olive colored and tans easily. Reggie slender and fit with adequate curves. She has a scar that runs from the bridge of her nose to the center of her right cheek. It's an old wound, and is not much more than a slightly lighter colored line these days.

Personality: Reggie is confident, and blunt. She is not afraid to speak her mind, and is not afraid of confrontation. To those not close to her, she comes off as brash, rude and arrogant. But Reggie shows a mutual respect followed by general concern for those she befriends.

Reggie believes strongly in old world ways, specifically the late 1800's. She believes if there is a problem, you settle it, no need to wait for the local law dogs to arrive. She would take to an good old fashioned duel in the streets. Where, whether you are right or wrong, if you are the one left standing it doesn't matter anyway. Her feelings about the Great War leave nothing in question. To Reggie, the countries who engaged in the nuclear exchange are cowards. Instead of facing their differences head on, they chose to sit behind their terminals thousands of miles away and utilize satellite technology to do their dirty work. If the issue is brought up, she will carry on about the cowardice of the war. She lives one day at a time, when her time is up, someone, or something will put her down.

Weapons & armour/clothing: Prewar, blued, Remington Wingmaster 870 12 gage pump shotgun with orange fiber-optic sights. Carved into the stock is, El diablo, la hija de (The devil's daughter) Twin .357 Magnums with 6 inch barrels and polished Jade inserts on the handles. 10 inch Bowie knife, also with polished Jade inserts in the handle, as well as a spiked knuckle guard (spike knuckles attached)

Reggie, down on her luck, took to Calypso's offer to be in her militia after working a short time at The Elusive Rose. Reggie since has been in charge of The Passage.

Rip is Calypso's personal butcher in charge of the meat locker. He is short at 5 foot 3 inches but toned. He is well adapted in martial arts. When in combat he utilizes his small frame to sneak close to the enemies and use his throwing knives along with his Kukryie and Samuria blades.

Name: The Rough Riders

Flag:

Battle Flag and Motto:

Territory and Geography: The Rough Riders operate all across the southwestern United States and have been known to operate in the mid-west as well. Their main headquarters is the back country and rolling hills of the southwest, due to their reputation with the NCR they tend to keep themselves spread out and are highly mobile. Although it’s common knowledge that if they’re services are needed they can be found in any bar from California to Oklahoma.

History: Founded in 2271 immediately following the signing of the Ranger Unification Treaty between the NCR and the Desert Rangers, by a deserted NCR Veteran Ranger Captain Lori Holden. Lori had served her entire adult life in the NCR and was a well renowned soldier who commanded a lot of respect from the Rangers she served with, but she was also very critical of the NCR. She didn’t like how poorly the NCR policed their land, to her there were too many raider attacks inside lands that were supposed to be protected. So when the treaty was signed that led to the Desert Rangers being disbanded. Lori felt like there was no correcting the course the NCR was taking. So she left, and when she did leave she took a lot of Desert Rangers, and NCR soldiers with her, as well as a few stolen NCR supplies and horses.

From this point on they called themselves the Rough Riders their main focus was to police the NCR’s territory for them. Protecting settlements and caravans for a price, much to the disdain of the NCR government. Lori and her gang had wanted posters all around NCR territory for years. She was their most wanted criminal. She was wanted for theft, murder, desertion, forgery, nearly any crime they could pin on her they could and most of them stuck. It took years until the NCR could catch up to them in 2279, but when they did it was a bloodbath. A small group of Rough Riders led by Lori had just collected payment for a caravan protection job when they took fire from a group of NCR Rangers. Lori was instantly killed by multiple gunshot wounds but her comrades returned fire for 17 hours until the NCR Rangers called in reinforcements and finished of the Riders. Lori’s body was never recovered by her comrades as it was taken by the NCR as proof of her death, and as a blow to Rider morale.

In the days following Lori’s death her daughter Lara took command of the Rough Riders and changed their whole demeanor towards the NCR. It was war from this point on, any NCR patrols that proved to be easy targets where ambushed and slaughtered. Supply bases were regulary raided all across NCR territory, but as soon as the NCR tried to field a response the attackers were gone and it could be months until they struck again. Although Lara didn’t lose her mother’s original vision. She still protected settlements both inside and out of NCR territory and would routinely dispatch riders to help anyone that requested their assistance. So while they fought a guerrilla war with the NCR they were winning over the hearts and minds of the people all across the wasteland.

Population: Roughly 6,000 standing professional soldiers but between the towns that the Rough Rider’s control and the ones that support them they can field a standing militia between 8,000 to 10,000 men and women.

Government/Domestic Politics: The Rough Rider’s themselves are structured very much like the military they left behind. Rider’s follow a rather relaxed command structure. Each soldier is trained to make the best of a bad situation and operate with or without a direct command structure. Although there is one put in place, and loyalty is everything in the Rough Riders. Loyalty to the people they protect comes first. Loyalty to their comrades is second, and loyalty to themselves comes third. Lara believes that if a soldier is loyal to themselves, their comrades, and their people they’ll tear down the gates of hell in defense of them. So far that’s proved to be accurate.

Notable People:


Senior Rider Lara Holden is 26 years old and all though she’s young for her station can be quickly described by anyone who knows her as.

“One tenacious bitch!”

She’s led the Rough Riders since her mother’s death and before that she rode by her mother’s side as her most trusted officer and was often the one to relay the concerns of the soldiers to her mother. So she was a natural fit as leader after her mother was killed. During her years with the Riders she’s garnered a reputation as a hellish force on the battlefield and a fiercely loyal commander. It’s safe to say that the men and women she commands would gladly follow her into any battle no matter what the odds are.

Military: While not the largest or most advanced military presence in the wasteland the Rough Rider’s pride themselves on their ruthless training. Regardless of the background of the recruit, whether they be a civilian or a 30 year veteran of the NCR Rangers they all receive the same nightmarish training. Recruits are trained in 30 to 50 man groups, they’ll serve with this group for the entirety of their career with the Riders although they’ll be much smaller by the end of the training. On average 10 to 20 recruits either die or wash out of a training batch. As brutal as the training is it’s always succeeded in creating some of the heartiest fighters in the wasteland, and they’ve continued to be an illusive thorn in the side of the NCR for a long time because of this training.

As far as personal equipment is concerned most Riders wear stetson hats and spurs, a gift given along with their battle flag at the end of their training, besides that they’re equipment varies on their environment and task. Although bolt and lever action rifles are a preferred weapon of choice Riders are trained to operate any weapon system they can get their hands on as more often then not they’ll be operating far away from any support and will need to use what they can scavenge.

Rough Riders do not utilize tanks, or many motor vehicles for that fact. They’re primary means of transportation instead are their horses and their feet. Though the Riders do field a few vertibirds and the extremely rare plane that they use for long distance operations and V.I.P transport. Generally its safe to say that if it’s equipment that the NCR uses the Rider’s have access to it because they’ve stolen, or looted it.

Economy: The Rough Riders are soldiers of fortune at their core so their main sources of income come from mercenary contracts. Although they do receive payment and food from the towns under their protection. They also supplement their income from the sales of the equipment they loot from the battlefield, or steal from the NCR.

Culture and Technology: Rough Rider’s have a strong esprit de corps among themselves and their units as a whole which are made up of men and women from every walk of life. Life inside the Rough Riders is hard. Riders very rarely stop for too long and are constantly mobile, only stopping to rest. A unit can expect under normal circumstances to be the only Rough Riders they see for weeks on end and its this isolation as well as their group training that creates an unwavering sense of loyalty among the soldiers that make up the Riders.

While not the most technologically advanced the Rough Riders make use of what they have. Radio equipment is utilized to organize units and most riders have access to some sort of explosives that they can use to destroy entrenched positions or armored vehicles given enough grit and luck.

Religion: All religions are accepted in the Rough Riders but there is a strong focus on separation of religion and the unit. Individual soldiers are allowed to worship as they please as long as it doesn’t interfere with the mission.