PapaOso

Fallout: Independence

@StormLord I apologize for not getting back sooner, I was mostly MIA for the weekend. I'll go ahead and send you a link to the Discord :).

Fallout: Independence

Go ahead and throw up a character write up and we'll go from there my friend. Let me know if you have any questions regarding lore or anything :D.

Fallout: Independence

War...War Never Changes.

[Location: Independence, just outside the Tower.]

When atomic fire consumed the earth, those who survived did so in great, underground vaults. When they opened, their inhabitants set out across ruins of the old world to build new societies, establish new villages, forming tribes.

As decades passed, what had been the American south united beneath the flag of the gun toting group known as the NRA. Once an organization called the National Rifle Association, this new version of the group (breaking away from the legendary Regulators) changed its moniker to the New Regulator Alliance and officially formed the New Republic of Texas in their own image. Dedicated to the wild west values of old, the NRA showed these Red Wastes that he or she who has the most guns will lead the charge to reclamation of law and order. As the Republic grew, so did its needs. Other factions rose from the dust and joined the Republic...or fell to their might.

Together, these groups found a way to thrive and restore some semblance of society and order to this harsh wasteland. It wasn’t perfect...far from it, but it was far better than the alternative.

Decades passed and many things changed, but the New Republic galloped along all the same. One group, however, had decided to find their way without the protection of the Republic in exchange for true freedom. This town became known as Independence. The founding of Independence happened five years ago to this very day, and the growing community has been preparing to celebrate it’s quinquennial anniversary. It’s the first time the town has been in a good enough place to stop and smell the roses of what they’ve accomplished. Maintaining their sovereignty, establishing their own trade routes, and protecting those that came along for the journey has proven to be an incredible weight to bear...but those in charge of Independence have done just that. This place has earned a little festivity.

Much of the town has gathered outside of the Tower’s open air lobby that acts as a marketplace and entrance to the structure that houses many of the founding members and well-off residents of the Tower. Populace from both Shantytown and the Tower proper have assembled outside of the dilapidated hotel with their eyes set towards the large balcony four floors up above, waiting for the coming address from their mostly beloved mayor and founder of Independence, Fleece White. Members of Independence’s Administration have taken position up on the balcony as Constance Ambrose goes through her overly optimistic and excited welcoming spiel. Food and merriment are all around, but most people are at least half-paying attention to the advisor’s words.

“And of course, none of this would be possible without the woman that...ummm...made it possible...So, let me hereby introduce someone that you all know and love…”.

As Constance goes about calling out Mayor White her husband, Cal, appears on the balcony, coming from within the Tower. He walks up to Constance and turns her away from the ramshackle microphone to halt her speech. A brief conversation is had, and all of a sudden Constance runs back into the building with purpose. Obvious confusion begins to arise from those around you as Cal steps up to the microphone and struggles to speak.

“I...uhh”. He pauses for a long time, running a hand over his mouth and beard. Even from this distance you can see the gears turning in his mind as he tries to form his next words. “I am sorry everyone. Mayor White has fallen very ill. She...uh...can’t come out here for the celebration.” He forces a terribly transparent smile before continuing. “Go ahead and enjoy yourselves and get ya some grub. She’d want us all to celebrate this day nonetheless. Uhh...thanks.” Worried whispers and confusion continue to grow as he fiddles with the microphone in an attempt to turn it off before giving up and turning away awkwardly...hurrying to leave. The other key players on the balcony that haven’t already run into the Tower quickly join him. Except for Haskell, who calmly approaches the microphone himself. With a deep...smooth voice he begins to speak.

“You heard Mr. Ambrose. Now get on with the festivities. Don’t you worry about our mayor. She’s the toughest broad I’ve ever met...and that’s counting the female Direboar that took three of my toes. Get a bite to eat, enjoy the music, drink yourselves into peace, and have a good time.” Haskell unplugs the microphone and takes a long look at the crowd gathered below before slowly making his way inside as well.

What do you do?

Fallout: Independence

NPCs

Independence

Mayor White

Mayor Fleece White is a force of nature. She is kind despite the world’s malice, and has dedicated her life in the Red Wastes to helping others thrive. For decades she was an advisor to many of the political figures of the New Republic of Texas...until she wasn’t. As political tensions grew between the various factions around her it was clear that her message of peace and cooperation had long been forgotten by her peers. She long sensed a brewing conflict and removed herself from her position within the Republic under the guise of retirement. What she did next shocked many of the major players in the Red Wastes.

She began a campaign towards creating a new community that would stand on its own feet without a seat at the New Republic’s table. She spent a truckload of caps (to which she had earned many throughout her years of political service) to pay a team of elite mercenaries to clear out a gang of infamous raiders to the Northeast of Dafwo called “The Scarred” that had been operating out of the fortress-like remains of an old hotel known as the Tower. For years these raiders had gone unchecked...but just like that Fleece White saw them eradicated. She claimed the land as her own and kept the elite mercenary team on as her security force. Over the next few months Fleece began broadcasting a message calling those that were tired of the growing corruption and elitism of the New Republic to leave its walls and find a new life in the town of Independence. Dozens of weary wastelanders answered her call. Now, five years later, she still serves as the town’s mayor, and has helped the community finally begin to come into its own.

Mr. Ambrose

A man in his mid to late 30's, Cal Ambrose is the man in charge of Independence's trade and economy. He is also the husband of Constance Ambrose (one of Mayor White’s Advisors). He has a knack for numbers and a deep understanding of business. Having no affinity, nor interest for the political game, Cal sticks to what he knows and let's his wife do the same. Nothing comes in or out of Independence (especially the Tower) without Cal knowing about it.

Constance Ambrose

Mrs. Ambrose is the main advisor to Mayor White, inheriting many of her ideals and philosophies as her own. She is a bright woman, who deeply believes that Independence can continue to thrive under the ideals of Mayor White for years to come. Constance is well liked in the community, but she is not necessarily respected, nor has she been tested in a way worthy of earning the respect of her peers. She is proud of what Independence has become and has looked up to Fleece as a surrogate mother since her early teens. She is as good hearted as people come in the Red Wases, but is seen by some as a pushover.

Haskell

Haskell was one half of the leadership for the mercenary gang that initially cleared out The Tower for Fleece White. He respects Mayor White for her ambitions, but has questioned her reasoning along the way as being “too nice”. He has leant a contrasting voice to Mayor White and has become her other major advisor. Like Constance, elements of her philosophies have become ingrained in Haskell. Unlike his fellow advisor, though, it is the Mayor’s resilience, relentlessness, and willingness to do what needs to be down that he has pushed...and not her kindness.

Sheriff Dalton

Dalton, much like Haskell, led the mercenaries that took the Tower on behalf of Fleece White. Unlike his ex-business partner, he has stayed out of the political game and has instead become the acting Sheriff of Independence. He’s tough but fair in his position, and does the best that he can to walk the razor’s edge between the people of the Tower and Shanty Town. By all accounts he is a tough son of a bitch and is not afraid to get bloody when circumstances deem it necessary.

Mercury

Mercury is the epitome of the difference between the Tower Dwellers and the populace of Shanty Town. He owns an entire floor of the Tower and has converted it to a club that he calls “Memory”. His club has become an entertainment destination that could make some of the joints on The Strip of New Vegas jealous. He provides live music, dancing, theatre, fine alcohol, and an outlet for socialization that is unlike anywhere else in the area. Mercury clearly suffers from an addiction to Old World Culture, and often gives off a strange vibe to those that meet him for the first times. The cover charge into Memory is so high that really only Tower Dwellers can afford to attend his entertainment extravaganzas...leaving those in Shanty Town either envious or pissed off. As a private business owner he is allowed to run the place as he wishes, and despite Mayor Fleece disagreeing with the sentiment he has issued a No Ghoul policy in his club.

Mr. Shaw

The name Mr. Shaw is known to everyone with Independence, yet next to nothing is actually known about the guy. It is rumored that he is like the flipside of Mr. Ambrose in the sense that, while Mr. Ambrose runs the legal trade in the community, Mr. Shaw can get you anything on the not so legal side of things. He is an incredibly charismatic ghoul that holds sway over a small gang of ne'er-do-wells in Shanty Town that has grown to be a major thorn in the side of Mayor White and her Sheriff. He openly despises the Tower, inciting anger among the more aggressive residents of Shanty Town. Often he over exaggerates or spreads lies about the goings on within the Tower that paint them in a much darker light than most would claim them to be. However, he is a master of his craft, and even his lies hold some semblance of truth. No one really knows what his intentions are in Independence, but he is obviously a key player even if his role lies somewhere in the shadows.

Mouse

Mouse is Mr. Shaw’s right hand man. He’s openly the scum of the earth but is well protected by the reputation of the man he follows. He handles a lot of Shaw’s day to day business, and can often be found hitting the chems pretty damn hard.

Smoke

Smoke is the head of Cal Ambrose's merchant caravan. He scours the wasteland every few weeks and can seemingly find ANYTHING if you have enough money to pay for it. He doesn’t speak much but listens well, and despite his...quirks...he seems to have a wonderful working relationship with Mr. Ambrose.

NRA (San Alamo)

Gov. Goodnight

Governor Howard Goodnight is the man at the very top of the NRA. It’s pretty obvious to most that he is the most powerful man in the New Republic. He’s a charismatic leader that presents himself with a grandfatherly persona that many find endearing. He’s a ruthless politician that is steadfast in his beliefs and will go to any lengths to ensure that the Texas way is protected.

Anson

Anson is the red right hand of the NRA. He is the judge and executioner of its law. They call him the “General” and he puts the game to good use. His men are well trained and even more well armed. Half of the wasteland reveres him like some kind of horseback hero issuing swift justice to the vagrants of the Red Wastes. Others see him as a warlord.

(More to come in the coming days as the story begins to unfold.)

Fallout: Independence

I'll go ahead and send you the Discord link in a PM.

Fallout: Independence

Very basic cs

Name: Abigail Cynn Roberts
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Family Ties: Adoptive Father - Joseph Eli Roberts

Favored weapon/s:
Laser Pistol
Lead Pipe

Favored skills:
Ordered by skill level
Repair
Science
Energy weapons
Melee weapons

Example SPECIAL:
Using base of 40 points given in FNV character creator
S:6
P:5
E:5
C:4
I:8
A:5
L:7

Can provide more detail and background later but using Fallout style stats to display for now

@KiwiTime

Love it!

We can definitely flesh everything out and fill the CS in before we start. I'll PM you the Discord link so you can take a look at the Rules PDF and everything like that :).

Fallout: Independence

@KiwiTime I love that little concept. You can go in so many directions with it and the moment if / when they finally get their hands on some power armor could be a great payoff.

Regarding what I've done with the system using D&D, I have a full PDF write up that I'll share privately with everyone once we move forward. Yes it uses the foundation of D&D 5e (d20, advantage/disadvantage, leveling up, etc.) but honestly it stands on its own in more ways than it's similar. I've replaced the class system with a "build your own character by selecting perks" system that is more akin to using Feats in D&D and things like that. The guts are there because they are a solid foundation...but I've put a lot of effort into making it feel like Fallout and make sense. Once I stopped overthinking it things became so obvious and smooth and just fell into place.

The rules are lighter than 5e, easier to remember, and fit nicely in the background of the most important thing...which is the stories we tell :D.

Fallout: Independence

I definitely think that addresses some of the concern, so thank you. You obviously have put a lot of thought into this character and seem to really want to bring him to life. I will PM you with a deeper question that could potentially be seen as spoilery here.

Fallout: Independence

@Valornor I like Val quite a bit actually. He reminds me of the many characters and almost mythical NPCs that you run into during the course of the games. However, that's not really the feel that I'm going for in this game. He's a little bit too mythical and progressed for what I'm going for if that makes sense. This is going to be more of a ground level game of personal stories and harsh survival. He seems like the type of legend that the characters would talk about over a campfire, but not really the type of character that would fit as a PC. If I was putting this into D&D terms he seems like a level 10 instead of a level 1.

Really cool concept, but not accepted as of yet. Let me ruminate on it a bit.

Fallout: Independence

I haven't set a defined date yet, but not too far after the events of New Vegas. Close enough in time for those events to matter and still be talked about, but thankfully Texas is so big and it's far enough away from New Vegas that it hasn't had a huge effect on our own area.