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Encyclopedia of the Last Lines.

Posted by GMFor group 0
GM
NPC, 1 post
Sat 31 Oct 2015
at 05:45
  • msg #1

Encyclopedia of the Last Lines

The year is 2026, sometime in early winter. It is 22 years after the end of the world.

The world ended on July 24th, 2004. It ended with fire. With blinding lights, and deafening noise. With disease, and destruction. It ended when the bombs fell from the heavens above.

For most, life ended when the world did. Billions snuffed out of existence in a matter of months, never given a chance at survival. The young, the old, the strong, and the weak. It made little difference. All would share the same fate.

It seems as if only by dumb luck did some managed to stagger into the next age. Battered, and bruised, they had somehow managed to survive. They had escaped their impending deaths, although in the process they doomed themselves to a much slower fate. A fate of almost constant struggle, a battle with extinction itself as the world continued to deteriorate into nothingness. A fate of sickness from the ever present pestilence that had engulfed their very souls. They had saved themselves from death, but in doing so, they doomed themselves to a fate of taint and soot.






This information may be edited, and more may be added at later dates. Check the last edited date to see when it was last changed.




Origins: Nobody knows who dropped the first bomb, or why they were even launched. It simply happened one day. The world was obliterated as dirty bombs fell from the sky, scorching the earth. Pollution, radiation, disease, and other ailments became common place. Large clouds covered the sun, and the world cooled considerably.

Bradshaw was a bustling, thriving city, a million strong, on the eastern coast of the United States. Its well-developed metro was one of the most advanced in the nation when the world ended. It was high-tech, well structured, efficient, and for those few that managed to make their way there, it would be a new home.



Economy: Most of the economy in the Bradshaw metro is trade, and manufacturing. Coal is the only form of energy that is still produced in the metro, and is produced mostly by the Unified Collective. Raw materials are much more rare, and only a few stations have the means of producing them. Although most factions and stations remain staunchly against the idea, some stations have begun taking, and allowing slaves.

Standards of Living: Although some places are certainly better for living in then others, almost nobody has it easy in the metro. The lines are filled with poisonous fumes, toxic gasses, and dangerous creatures. Many different jobs are incredibly dangerous, and most people do not reach old age. The average station-dweller can expect a small, one-room shack inside the station, with some sort of soupy stew for dinner each night. There is no heat in most stations, so many layers of blankets with a strong fire is required to stay warm.



Factions: There are many different factions vying for control of the remnants of the Bradshaw Metro. While some control major stations, others are simply nomadic groups, traveling from one station to another. Not every faction has aspirations of controlling the entire metro, some simply wish for stability. Here is a list of some of the more influential factions.

The Vestige Federation: The Vestige Federation are a faction that wishes to bring stability to the major stations throughout the Bradshaw Lines. The federation was formed when a charter of six stations joined together to combat growing banditry, and the increasing aggressiveness of the New Imperium. Since then, many more stations have requested to join the federation. The Vestige Federation is the largest producer of manufactured goods, as their stations are severely lacking in raw materials. The Vestige Federation is currently in conflict with the New Imperium.

The New Imperium: The origins of the New Imperium remain a mystery. Originating from Rome Station, the New Imperium spread rapidly to nearby stations, by force or threat of force. It has since continued to make large gains, becoming one of the strongest factions in the entire metro. The New Imperium is infamous for its slave labor, harsh living conditions, and unrelenting treatment of those it deems not true citizens of the Imperium. Its economy is mostly trade, and the production of raw materials through slave labor. The New Imperium is currently in a conflict with both the Remnant and the Vestige Federatoin.

The Remnant: The Remnant claims to be what remains of Bradshaw's true government. Supposedly, they were the few officials that managed to escape into the Bradshaw metro before the end of the world. The Remnant has been a constant agitator of all other factions, claiming they are the only ones with any legality to operate. This has caused many conflicts with other factions. The faction relies on manufacturing for its economy, mostly in luxury items. It finds itself currently in an armed conflict with the New Imperium.

The Merchantry League: The Merchantry league formed as a way to strengthen trade ties with all other factions. Declaring strict neutrality, the faction attempts to open, and facilitate trade, even between two warring factions. Merchantry League stations are the largest producers of tunnel-made weapons in the entire metro. Their willingness to trade with whoever is more profitable has lead to stations in the Merchantry League to be among the richest.

The Unified Collective: The Unified Collective is the largest producer of coal in the entire metro. The three stations united, declaring that they would refuse to sell coal to any station or faction that harmed their caravans. Today, the Unified Collective remains the largest producer of coal, and has grown quite wealthy. However, the citizens at the bottom have seen little of that wealth, and still live quite miserable existences as they are forced into harsh conditions mining coal daily. The Unified Collective has strong ties with Avis Station.

The A.T.S.: Almost nothing is known about the A.T.S., not even what their initials stand for. In fact, they are only known as the A.T.S. from a small insignia stitched on many of their uniforms. Originating from a station outsiders call A.F.C. (Against First Contact, due to its incredible fortifications, and isolationist nature), the organization goals, objectives, and missions remain a complete mystery. Operatives of the A.T.S. are sometimes seen throughout the metro tunnels, and are among the best trained, and supplied.

Avis Station: Although not really a faction, Avis Station deserves special mention because of its importance in the Metro. Avis Station is the only producer of fresh water throughout the metro, being the only station with operating wells. Many factions have attempted to get their own wells operational, as to limit their necessity on Avis Station, though none have done so successfully thus far. Avis Station is also the largest station, its population just under a thousand. It is often considered the best station in the Metro to live in, being one of the few that still produces fresh crops, and being one of the most fortified, safest stations in the entire Metro. It refuses to trade water with any faction that attacks, or moves against it. This has left Avis Station untouched by the many conflicts in the metro. Avis station is home to the Rangers of Bradshaw, a famous organization which attempts to ensure safety in the lines by hunting bandits and monsters. Avis Station maintains especially strong ties with The Unified Collective.

Other: There are many neutral, unaffiliated stations throughout the metro. Some of these are too small for them to have any influence, too distant to be able to control effectively, or too strong to be worth the effort of attacking. Many bandits also patrol the lines, constantly attacking caravans, and living outside the stations. Along with these groups, other smaller factions combat them. Factions like the Order of Wardens. These smaller factions do not control any stations, but they are often welcomed at many due to the nature of their missions.



Monsters: There are many different creatures that lurk in the lines, and more that lurk above in the old ruins of Bradshaw. These creatures are vicious, often mutated from other animals, or sometimes even humans. Far more animal then human now, they prey on mankind, devouring stragglers, people lost in the lines, and sometimes even attacking full caravans. Whether they are truly a greater threat than bandits, disease and famine, and the ever pervasive soot, remains to be seen, but with that said, they are undoubtedly some of the most terrifying things one could encounter in the lines.
  • Howlers- Small, but vicious, Howlers gained their name by the horrific screeching they produce. Most likely the offspring of mutated, feral dogs, howlers are one of the more common creatures found in the metro, and almost anyone who has done their share in the lines has run across them. They are attracted to the smell of blood, and will frequently arrive during, or immediately after battles.
  • Pullcats- Slender, weasel-like creatures that use their thick claws to burrow through dirt, and even cement, in order to establish surprisingly intricate tunnels and nests. Are generally skittish and non-confrontational, but are known to attack small groups of travelers who are unfortunate enough to trespass close to a nest.
  • Ferreters- A large, cat-like creature. They are mutated into some grotesque form with bones protruding from its shoulders and teeth too large to fit in their own mouths. Generally, they like to stalk their prey from the shadows, striking on unsuspecting victims. Mostly live on the surface, though some occasionally travel into the metro to hunt.
  • Hornbeaks- Large, fast, and dangerous, hornbeaks are perhaps the most dangerous creature to spawn in the new world. Thankfully, they only live on the surface. They are massive winged creatures, that hunt smaller creatures in the ruined skies above Bradshaw. They have protruding spines, and their name is taken from the large horn they have at the end of their beaks. They are very aggressive, and caution is advised when they are spotted.

Spirits: Nobody truly knows what these are. Perhaps they are remnants of the billions of souls that died when the world ended, or perhaps they are beings that simply always existed that nobody ever noticed cause the world was too loud. Whatever the case is, these dark shapes and shadows can frequently be seen wandering throughout the tunnels, though they rarely interact with people. Their nature remains unknown.

Demons: Recent whispers around the metro of creatures far more terrifying then any others seen before have begun spreading like wildfire. The prevailing rumor claims that these are those that died from the bombs, come back from the grave to drag those who survived the end of the earth down to hell. Most people have chalked these rumors up as hoaxes.

The members of Last Stop Station witnessed these demons first hand, as their family and friends were slowly devoured by the shadows in front of their very eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Fri 17 Mar 2017.
Muskox
GM, 38 posts
Fri 17 Mar 2017
at 03:27
  • msg #2

Encyclopedia of the Last Lines

GLOSSARY



For all terms and expressions unique to the Metro. If you create and reference a term in character that is new, bold it and we will add it to the glossary for the rest of the players to refer to.


The Metro: A common, shorthand term to refer to the Bradshaw Metro.

The lines/the sprawl: The rail tunnels outside of stations.

Cubby: Seasoned travelers often call the Metro's side passage and maintenance tunnels cubbies.

Caravan: Refers to a group of railcars travelling together, usually traders moving goods.

Tunnel trash/tunnel rat: A common term for vagrants that roam through the lines from station to station. It is derogatory, and is also used in the context to imply the subject is illiterate, destitute, ect.

Pennies: Slang for junk rounds made in the Metro. "Those bandits are hardly worth the pennies we fire into them."

Pit pony: A slang term commonly used among miners. Refers to the smaller workers who are able to squeeze through narrow, unwelcoming crevices, usually for exploratory purposes.

Puppy: Typically stalker slang. It's a tongue in cheek way of referring to an unidentified mutant. i.e. "I think I just saw a goddamn puppy over there."

Mutie: A mutant. Can refer to both people and animals.

MGA: Abbreviation of "military grade ammunition," the currency used in the Metro.

Bullets: Another term for military grade ammunition. Though there are junk bullets available, if a merchant says "bullets" she is more than likely referring to the military grade variety.

Stalkers: Scavengers who stalk the surface in search of valuable supplies. They are survivalists and capable of making extended expeditions to the surface.

Runners: Scavengers who make runs to the surface, but are typically much less lengthy than those that stalkers make. A runner hits targets close to metro entrances and is usually back within the day.

Topside/surface side: The surface.

Bought a ticket: An idiom meaning a person has died, referencing a phantom train that supposedly carts souls away. I.e. "Old Man Johnson bought a ticket last week."

Armilla: An uncommon belief spawned in the metro that all living organisms are connected and part of one another in some way. Followers of Armilla tend to be pacifists and regularly partake in hallucinogenics. They believe the connected nature of everything can give way to foretelling and psychic intuition.

The Dark: Slang for the where the tunnels between stations are not well-lit, or lit at all.

Steamers: The larger iterations of railcars. Despite their name, they still use coal for power.

Mark Plucking: The act of taking scavengers, refuges, and others victims within the lines, and forcing them into slavery. It is a common act of the Imperium.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Sun 11 Feb 2018.
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