Chapter 1

"War, war never changes. When atomic fire consumed the earth, those who survived did so in great underground vaults. When they opened, their inhabitants set out across the wasteland, scouring the ruins of the old world, building new societies out of the old. In the Great Thunder Basin of the American West, four city-states have risen up from the ashes to form the Thunder Basin Confederation. This confederation has secured a safe haven free from the monstraities and horrors of the wasteland. During the western expedition of 2257, led by the Rustic Rangers, the Confederation came across something they did not expect. As the expedition travelled along the old I-90, they uncovered much of the broader wasteland. But upon reaching an old world town by the name of Big TImber, they encountered a new civilization. This new civilization was not just one, but many settlements known as New Montana. Tradelines and communications between the two nations were quickly set up. But that was nearly half a century ago, and the connection has been severed. The year is now 2302. The Confederation is the middle a slave war with the Bighorn Slaving Company, who has erupted in the past years. Now, in the mob-controlled town of Chamberlain, something is stirring....."

Players start in the Mob Den at a slave auction. Multiple choices are available for their reasonings for being there:

1. A slave on auction
2. A revolutionist
3. A passerby

"This dimly lit, single story dinner is very lively. Patrons are seated at circular tables scattered across the floor, with the west wall reserved for the bar, which was bustling with activity. The main entrance sits to the south, with two armed guards on watch. To the north is the stage, where slaves are currently being brought out for auction. On either side of the stage, are doors that lead to the backroom where the slaves are being brought out of. The smell of smoke and liquor fills the air, along with the clamor of the attendees. The lighting is dim, with most of it coming from the candles on the cloth covered tables and the stage lights, although there are some light from the setting sun streaming through a number of cracks in the ceiling and walls. The slaves wore only simple cloth, and were forced to kneel with their hands bound together in the front. In the front row near the middle of the stage, sat a fat, older man in a pinstripe suit and fedora. Next to him was a young woman with long, brown hair in a blue sequin dress. Also seated at this table was a guard, who cradled a tommy-gun in his lap."

\*Pause for Player Actions\*

"As the auction goes on, the East wall suddenly explodes inwards. \*Players make Agility DC 10 to avoid debris\* Smoke is thrown into the den, then figures rush in, firing guns. The guards scramble forward to protect Viggo, who has grabbed the woman next to him and is shielding her with their overturned table. Gunfire roars as a few of the attackers start to free the slaves. Attendees get fired upon by both sides, but more so by the guards themselves unless they manage to get on the backside of the guard line"

Players will be forced to exit The Den with the rebels and freed slaves.

"A rough looking man approaches the group of slaves and survivors. *Alright. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Victor Rusk, and I lead the Badger Rebels. Now, if you choose, you can join us as we head out west. Or you can take your chances on your own. "*

From there, they have a few options

* Party goes off on their own
* Party follows the Badgers

"*Good. Now, some tasks we need to get accomplished before we can get out of here. I have my men scouting the bridge and preparing the caravan. What I ask of you is this. I need you to find survival gear, rations, and equipment. You can find each at the American Creek Campground, The Smoking Mule, and Brule County Lumber."*