Stopping part way thru her sandwich as she heard Bedlam mention going to the badders, stunned with the idea of having anything to do with those people. The memories came flooding back into her mind of how close she came to one of their slaves and she knew she would have most likely died while being held by them.

 "No Badders!, i dont want to see them again unless i am driving a tank, loaded for bear." She blinked her eyes to clear the moisture off of them and to think of something else for awhile.

In reply to Bedlam Jones (msg # 24):

Arcus stormed out of the meet clearly determined to take action.... he started heading for the Mayor's Office again... but as he walked through the streets it was clear the direction he was heading was similar at least for the most part as the rest of the party...

He also saw the reaction his enraged mood made upon the peaceful citizens walking by... hair afire, his footsteps leaving sooty ashes in his wake and his mutant 'banner' effect straining to manifest~ fear and distress folks scurrying out of his way quickly trying not to meet his glowing eyes...

It was not the kind of reaction he wanted to inspire in people he wanted to help, inspire, teach, and protect.  It was NOT what a Ranger should do~ bring fear and dread.

Arcus forced himself to calm down... as he walked... pondering what he Wanted to do compared to what was the wisest thing he Should do!

Looking over at his companions they were clearly heading to the Last Chance Inn... away from his goal... but what he was planning to do would affect them.. and without their having a say.  That did not sit right with him.. this was a matter he would need their help to resolve... 'going off half-"cooked"...', like his father always told him when his temper got the best of him was not fair to them when their lives would be effected with his actions.

So.. reluctantly.. Arcus swallowed his anger and followed the rest of his team in to the main room of the Last Chance.

He sat and brooded... trying to think of how best to 'sell'... his rather provocative idea...

He sits mulling it over in his thoughts when Bedlam speaks up and his grimaces slightly at his question... not in anger.. just a little consternation as it derailed his train of thought somewhat...

Arcus sighs, "Aye...er want ta ...apologize fur loose mah temper back there.  Not very professional... its not the Ranger way!  It was a bit disrespectful o' your leadership o' the group Mistah Bedlam sah, A'hm sorry.  Ah've always had something o' a short-fuse... an tha' traitorous, backstabbing, piece of junk got me riled... cause, 'Gettin' in his way...', is jus' what I aims ta do!  If'n he's planning to disturb tha' peace around here or hurt Gren folks cause he's got no manners as ta' ask fur wha' he might want out o' them... like any civilized folks!  AN~ If'n there's gonna be an Ending.. it will be HIS slagged 'can' on the scrap pile! I don' like bullies nor murderous types who think they can threaten folks ta' git their ways~ its EVERYTHING I formed the Rangers ta STOP!"

The heat in the room begins to climbs a bit... and he sighs.. forcefully calming himself back down again.

"Ah spoke with tha' mayor .. she is as sure as the holy glow ..tha' mos' lovely woman I've evah laid eyes on.. Ah swear!  But she seemed real nice and interested in my ideas ta train other's as got what it takes in their hearts ta be RANGERS.  She even liked tha' idea o' Thunderbird's library.. though they don' have many books here in Compton.  I expanded somewhat on tha' idea to start a really big school here in Compton ta teach folks how to read and educate tha' youth ' Compton so tha' they have tha' tools to rebuild civilization.. and hopefully learn from tha' mistake o' tha' Ancients.. and not repeat them!  She said I don' think small..heh.. but she seemed right pleased with tha' ideas, but mentioned it will take lots o' salvage to fund such a project."

"But.. Mistah Bedlam sah... you made some good points... things in wha you said about things we could do."

"Wilbur may not represent the direct actions of the Restorationists.. he may be acting on his ownself!  We need ta Know tha' truth o' tha' before we decide ta' do anything!"

"Also.. way ah see it, we should find out what the Mayor's relationship with the Gren Village and her Community here in Compton is?  We might want to suggest or even lead a delegation to open a more formal peaceful relation with the Gren... and warn tha' mayor tha' Wilbur may be plotting to stir some crap up if he is looking for mercs ta attack their village!  Could cause reprisals on Compton even though they got nothing ta' do with it!"

He pauses and smiles, "An, thank ya kindly fur tha' complement Mistah Bedlam sah!  I'm nothing special.. jus a common man too!  Got nothing to my name than the clothes on mah back and some weapons in mah hands ah managed ta salvage.  Everyone in tha' world who knew Ah evah existed is dead and buried by these two hands... back in the ruins of what was once mah home; other than you fine folks! Ah got nothin'... only a desire ta help.. and try ta make a betah world fur other folks ta live in an enjoy.  But it sure is nice ta' know someone notices!"

Arcus looks over at Rose and his gaze softens, "..Ah know wha' ya mean miss Rose... tha idea o' being enslaved is terrifying to any free sentient being... but tha' Badders are a part o' the Wastedlands tha' Ancients left us all!  They got as much right ta' live as anyone else... eventually all sentient folks have GOT ta put past hurts in tha' past and come ta an agreement ta work for a betah tomorrow... one hopefully in peace!  Eventually, tha'  is gonna involve tha' Badders.  Ah'm sure not all Badders are slavers... an they want jus' tha' same things you do ma'am~ to live, grow and prosper in peace!  Sometimes... it takes a bit more than jus' courage to extend the hand of peace when you've been bit before... sometimes it take a little faith too!"

[OOC: Sorry it took so long to get this posted..real busy...!]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Sat 19 Dec 2015.

 She blinks in surprise and truthfully confusion at the long diatribe at Bedlam. Her mind while tuned to things mechanical, really has to work out long speeches from those around her.

 "Ummm, ok".

Bedlam chuckles. "Ah, little sis, I like the way you think, even if I probably couldn't fit in a tank. But the Porkers were the only ones strong enough to keep the Badders in check. Now that we've taken them out, the Badders will start expanding their reach -- as will Wilbur. Their market is supposed to be neutral territory. It's probably the best place for us to go in order to find out more about them - expose their weak points - discover their motives. While I would be personally satisfied to pound any Badder slaver into the mud, I can't say I want to go raiding their dens and killing their pups. Like Arcus said, eventually we'll need to convince them to stop slaving. That'll take more than a tank."

"Though... a tank would be nice if we visit their market. Word of our disagreement with their Soup Kitchen staff has probably spread around by now. And I don't think this new growth," the giant strokes his newly sprouted beard with an equally furry hand. "Will be much of a disguise."

Bedlam then addresses some of Arcus' ideas.


"I believe Wilbur is still the leader of the Restorationists; as such, many of them will follow his directions without question - especially if it is something as simple as burying a troublesome, or meddlesome, salvage crew. More importantly, it means he still has access to some screaming hot tech. He probably won't consult any committees if he decides to take us out himself. And if there are repercussions after we're gone, well... we won't get to enjoy them."


"Well, I had always heard the Gren were a bunch of cannibals - you know, they live in the woods! And much as I love my baby sister," he indicates Flora with a nod and a smile. "The thought of being surrounded by a bunch of trees and bushes just gives my the willies."

"That said, we need to be careful about who we approach. Compton is more likely to ally with the Restorationists than the Gren - they're closer and the Mayor likes tech."

The giant shakes his shaggy head. "Orbits we're walking a tricky line trying to keep two groups of potential allies from becoming enemies."

"It might make more sense... since Greenleaf Park is close to the Sleeth Bridge... to follow up with the Red Guard, then use the opportunity to wander close to the Gren territory. Maybe we'll get real lucky and bust up a Badder raid on the park."

In reply to Bedlam Jones (msg # 28):

Arcus looks at Bedlam... with an expression of deep respect then smiles, "...this is why Ah decided to hold mah peace during the negotiations... an follow yur lead on tha' matter, Mistah Bedlam Sah!  You have a sane, level-headed, practical approach to matters tha' can sometimes be betah than all tha' 'righteous fire & brimstone' of mah high-ideals an ethics!  'One can be perfectly in tha' "right" and yet end up DEAD wrong!'... I trust yur judgment on tha' mattah!"

He nods satisfied, his hair slowly extinguishing back to its normal bright-red tousled lockes of hair as his emotions and anger dissipate as well.

"Ah can get behind tha' goin' to the Sleeth Bridge ta' find out 'bout tha' Hoops - Red Army.. and use tha' as an excuse ta look up the Gren ...with caution, o' course!"

You head out into the Suburbs making for the South River Bridge, a six hour journey. Soon you are in unfamiliar territory trusting entirely to the map. You are midway through the ruins of some sort of municipal facility, when something occurs...

I am assuming like last time that Bedlam and Crinkles are pushing carts and everyone else is looking out for Trouble. Thunderbird, I will assume you are not flying more than a few feet off the ground. I was a little generous last time, but high flying scouts can easily get attacked by nasty flying monsters. Up to you, but bear it in mind!

So everyone who isn't pushing a cart roll Perception please :)

 Keeping the area under watch she marches along with her eye roaming for trouble.

07:22, Today: Rose rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  perception chk

Arcus is watching warily at the shadows... always moving from cover to cover... pausing occasionally to peer about with his Binoculars into the distance ahead... and behind their route of travel.

15:32, Today: Arcus rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18.  Arcus Perception roll.
With Binoculars Roll 30!

"I would not have a problem teaching you or anyone of the group how to read." Thunderbird said "Lets keep our eyes open for any books that we find and a small chalk board or something so I can write the letters and some words to start with. Maybe your ability to transmit your thoughts might help the others quickly learn. As you read things, you can send it to the others. Just no telling what the word is if I ask them." he said with a grin.

With the group assembled to head to check out the Red Guards. Thunderbird scouted ahead, using the buildings as he flew low to the ground.

01:20, Today: Thunderbird rolled 15 using 1d20+11.  Perception.

While Thunderbird was the eye in the sky Ophelia raced out into the rubble to be the eye on the ground


OOC:08:32, Today: Ophelia rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  perception roll

With the aid of his ancient tech Arcus is able to spot the badder lookout atop a battered steel tower in the centre of the facility. It is clear that the badder has spotted the party, but Arcus can tell he doesn't realise he has been spotted himself...

You are still far enough away to make a detour and avoid the encounter if you want.

Arcus moves forward to Bedlam's side to whisper...

'We gots a Badder in a watch-tower ahead.. right at about 2 o'clock... maybe 220 yards or so.  Square in the middle o' tha compound.  He's spotted us.. but don' know we seen him... yet... ah think.'

Then Arcus slips back to his position on the cart but unslings his megashotgun.. awaiting Bedlam's telepathic commands...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Tue 05 Jan 2016.

Ophelia hugs the shadows of a ruined building and watched the Badder from her location and waited for Bedlam to contact her with instructions

Bedlam squints up at the sun.

"Good spot for a break!" he calls to the crew and signals Thunderbird to come in.

The giant lowers the cart handles to the ground and takes a small sip of water from a jug as he surveys the area.

His thoughts go out to the crew. ~Ophelia, stay hidden. Arcus spotted a badder ahead in that tower. Don't look at it - we don't think he knows we've eyed him.~

Bedlam walks back to where Crinkles has parked his cart.

"Not a bad day, weather-wise," he says, scanning back along their path.

He takes out the map, to make some notes.

~We could skirt this area, or go see what he's guarding. Preferences?~

OOC: Can we get a more detailed description of the "municipal facility"?
One large building?
Several buildings which used to form a compound?
An open yard where they used to park lorries?

Are there other watch towers / observation posts?

 Though she had been told not to look she glanced around the area to have a idea of what was around them at this moment and to see if something was moving or watching them when her eyes swept past them.

 "I would most likely ask who is the tribe holding that the guard is with first?, before we stir up more trouble with the other tribes around here..still it would be nice to have another engine or the parts to start building another engine.

 Ummm, what would be really nice would be to find a refinery and be able to make our own fuel, then we could build motorcycles or cars and move fast."

 The more she began talking about building engines the more excited she was becoming and it was showing with her hands gesturing about in pantomime with her words.

Ophelia listened to Bedlam's mental message and hugged the shadows even more, her crossbow loaded in at the ready

Arcus sat down with his megashotgun in a location that 'conveniently' provided him cover from the Badder in the guard tower smokestack... but not far enough away that he could not let Bedlam hear his thoughts.

{Ah like Rose's point.. we really don' know who tha Badder works fur. Ta assume all are in tha' same slaver tribe is prejudging him.  Perhaps tha best action might be ta' have Thunderbird... jus' directly confront him and ask what his allegiances are?}

Speaking up, "Securing a reliable fuel source fur tha' town o' Compton.. would be a worthy cause an a step in tha' right direction fur civilization...!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Thu 14 Jan 2016.

Bedlam makes a few notes on the map, then holds it at arm's length and turns, as if comparing it to the surroundings.

~Badders can't change their stripes,~ the giant's animosity carries clearly with his thoughts.

Aloud, he asks, "Anybody see any territorial markings? Indications this a claim has been filed for this turf?"

~Thunderbird won't have to go ask. They've seen us, so they are already preparing for our arrival. It's just a question of whether they will announce their presence or attempt to remain hidden. And I think the sentry would have taken cover if their intent was the latter.~

"So it seems the consensus is to meet them. Let's advance a little, find a spot that won't put us at a complete disadvantage, and flag down the sentry. We wait until their delegation comes out to meet us."

~Meanwhile, Ophelia quietly scouts for tunnel entrances, and Thunderbird finds a perch to watch our back. I don't want them sneaking up behind us.~

"Thoughts?" he asks, carefully folding up the map and stowing it beneath his dented VW breastplate.

"Got a white flag for Arcus to take with him?" Thunderbird asked the others before heading off to watch the rear as instructed.

 Blinking her eyes at the question of markers for this claim?. She went ahead and took a unmoving look around the area for signs saying this is our claim, "I did not see anything around where i am, though i am staying behind this broken piece of concrete, so may not have seen everything....Ummm, what does a claim look like?."

In reply to Bedlam Jones (msg # 42):

Arcus nods, "Ah'm good with tha!"

Arcus reaches into his travel pack and pulls out a length of bandaging cloth he uses for binding wounds in the field. Shifting his grip on his Megashotgun to take the barrel in hind he ties the length of white cloth to the butt of the firearm...

Holding the weapon by the barrel away from the trigger and grip to hold it like a make-shift flag, shrugging "...think this 'll work?"

Bedlam gives Arcus' parley flag a curt nod. "Seems clear enough to me," he says, picking up the cart handles.

"How about the wall of that outlying building?" he points to a spot up ahead. "It's not too close and it'll give us cover on one side while the route forward or back is still open."

You proceed as planned, taking a defensive position around a half-gutted pump house, signalling the sentry and awaiting developments. After five tense minutes you are approached by a lone badder slavemaster. He stops a few metres away.

"You are the crew that attacked the Soup Kitchen dig. What do you want?"

~Why do they always ask the hard questions?~

Bedlam gives the badder a dismissive shrug. "You thought we might make good slaves; we thought otherwise. An unfortunate misunderstanding."

"Let's say we don't repeat it, huh?"

The giant indicates the crew with a nod. "We are a salvage crew exploring the Sprawl for baubles and trade goods. Doing our best to acknowledge when others make reasonable claims on certain areas. Wouldn't do to weasel in on someone else's dig."

"Looks like you've got an operation going here," his lamppost swings slowly from the direction of the tower to the fence line. "We might be open to some trade when we pass through the area. Save you the hassle of hauling your goods all the way to market."

The badder looks unimpressed."Unless you're selling slaves you have nothing we want. We heard what you did to the Troika dig at the Kitchen.... I should be gutting you, not talking. Then again, we heard it was you that did for the Cook". The badder gives a toothy grin. "Plus the Troika are bastards. So here's what we'll do, you take the long way round next time and we'll call it even"