Hostile Scavengers

*"I love the smell of burnt flesh in the morning!"*

## Introduction

The Hostile Scavengers are an umbrella term for the countless small factions of raiders, highwaymen, and general folk that seek to make a killing (pun intended) off of the Demonic Incursion. Many are either ex-convicts, escaped slaves, or even dishonoured soldiers and bandits. As unhinged individuals, they will do whatever they want, whenever they want, to whoever they want. Some major raider factions, like the Skinners, the Shivs, the Cannibals and the Oil Barons, have fleets upon fleets of vehicles, salvaged gear, rusty metallic weapons, and some even have access to some incredibly rare technology, such as the ALARIC missile guidance system, which was luckily thwarted by SOG 115.

The Hostile Scavengers play a great role in many of SOG 115's encounters, from small patrols to all out car-chases and dangerous, high velocity fire fights. They are also the catalyst for many issues, such as the time Tanuki "Giri" Higurashi was nearly sold to a poacher, and the Traitor Guard's ambushing at the Covent. They also work with more unsavoury characters, such as the likes of the O'Driscolls Outfit, and the Hashimoto Crime Empire. They also supply many smugglers with contraband, guns, weapons, drugs, and some even more sinister things. However, we must all agree that, despite their inhumane and cruel ways of living, they are efficient at their job. Brutally so too, as Hostile Scavengers will do anything necessary to get paid a bigger buck.

Anything.

## Appearances

The Hostile Scavengers' first appearance in the season could be dated back to the start of the First Wave Incursion (Season 1). They are first seen by Angus and Maple, finishing off a wounded ICC soldier for his gear, and stealing his weapons. They were then seen yet again by Apollo after leaving the derailed supply train in Graia, looting the train's weapon stores and accidentally letting loose a Bloodthirster.

During SOG 115's initial escape from the First Wave, they, along the way, meet the dangerous and fuel-thirsty Oil Barons, which give chase to the small APC with a mix of bikes, cars, and even a few salvaged fighter jets. Eventually, they release a ferocious metal monster, known as the Big Boy, which was a giant, jury-rigged tank covered in spikes, chains and machine guns. Using an unconventional tactic of vines, ropes, and a giant bog swamp, Kremlinii successfully incapacitates and destroys the Big Boy, saving the gang from yet another untimely demise. This wouldn't be their last time seeing the Oil Barons, however, and would only be one of the many times they would clash.

During their escapades in the North, Al-Mashriq Ahrar would also successfully destroy smaller bands of Hostile Scavengers, stabilising the region significantly and rescuing many imprisoned workers. Maple, in the midst of all the efforts, was able to successfully infiltrate a Scavenger Mine, packed to the brim with slaves that were producing horrible mechanical abominations to fuel the war effort of the Traitor Soldiers. After escaping and giving the coordinates of the mine to the Alexandrian Defensive Federation, the mine was destroyed successfully, saving many.

But, despite all that they have done to stop their brutality, they return, like maggots feasting on the carcass of a dead, dying country.