Gloria feels more than a little awkward talking with the Rapid Town folks. They weren't exactly unfriendly to her, especially when she was selling scrap, but she wasn't welcomed with open arms either. Comes with looking like a dried-up corpse for 200 years.
"Mrs. Smith, I know you all had an awful hard time lately- but did Fixit or his men say anything about where they were taking everyone or what they were planning to do next? I have the sense, given the scale of things, that this won't be the end."
I hear ya about no rules. We're out here for less than a week and we get kidnapped and near sold into slavery. This place is less than hospitable...I'm sure the Council won't take this news well.
The other three Sheltered ignore Vulture's ranting.
Eagle Eye thanks Brand with a nod and she moves to watch out a window.
Best to secure those doors yeah? Brace em with something, and block the windows. We can hole up here for a while...
"Get on then." Roland says, finally, and turns his back on Crayon.
"As for the rest of us, what's the plan moving forward? Y'all gonna just go back to your hidey holes and wherever the hell you tribals live?"
The four groups (Iron Sheltered, Rapid Towners, Wright Towners, Axe Tribe) are fractured and disparate groups. In fact, the only thing connecting them right now are the heroes who banded together to rescue them all. Each group has ideas about what should happen next.
John Malina and Kim Olsen think this ordeal is proof that they should retreat to their shelter, while Chelsea Vang and Abdi Johnson think it shows how much the surfacers need their help. Chelsea presses a map into Jack's hands.
Jamiah Smith is grieving the loss of her husband and sons, and is reluctant to talk, but when she does (encouraged by other farmers), she says that if they give up now, all her husband’s work will be for nothing. Though she’d like to resettle Rapid Town, she can be talked into moving somewhere else.
Jessica Shaw thinks Wright Town is the best hope for survival, and they should all move there. Crayon Levy is less excited about that plan. She sees the heroes as her best hope for survival, and suggests they found a new community with the heroes to help lead it.
Elder Freya Erdrich recognizes her band is at its weakest and needs to join another community. She initially thinks about other bands in the Axe Tribe, but can be easily convinced to join another group. Eagle Eye heard talk of somebody named Bella who seemed to be Mr. Fix-It’s superior, and she wants to bring this Bella to justice.
Will the heroes bring these groups together? Or will they allow these broken communities to drift apart?
• Clubs—Tragedy: Describe a tale of tragedy
or misfortune from your hero’s past, featuring
one of his Hindrances if possible. If the teller
has a dark secret of some kind, hint strongly
at it, drop clues, or otherwise give the rest of
the group a glimpse into your hero’s dark side
during your narrative.
• Spades—Victory: Tell the group about a great
victory or personal triumph in your adventurer’s
past. How did it affect him afterward? Was
there a reward?
• Hearts—Love: Speak fondly of the character’s
greatest love—lost, found, or waiting on him
back home. What is her name? Where does
she live? Why is the traveler not with her now?
• Diamonds—Desire: Tell a tale about
something your hero wants (or already has).
It might be a material possession, recognition,
a political goal, or even a trip he wishes to take
to some amazing destination.
Interlude Card Draw
Roland Diamonds
Vulture Clubs
Brand Hearts
Jack Spades
The Party has a night in the schoolhouse to discuss the future.
Once the heroes come up with a plan, they should
attempt to promote it to each of the other groups. To do
so they make an Interaction test(Persuasion, Intimidation etc) with each of the other groups of prisoners: the Axe Tribe, the Farmers, the Iron Shelter, and Wright Town. If any characters making the
argument come from that group, they gain a +2 to that test.
Roland seems to feel as though a combined settlement would be best, providing a solid base of settlers for the future. And, of course, they would have a very profitable relationship with Wright Town, who could provide trade and protection from any of the other nasty things that might want to kill everyone stone dead out here.
Or not...if they prefer that.
At some point, when trying to gather information, Ian asks about Vulture's tattoo, particularly on his left pectoral, a picture of a two headed bird of prey, which prompts them to ask why that name.
"It's from my childhood. Axe Tribers call people who pick ruins Vultures. It ain't a compliment. We also, well, pretty much value strength. Now look at me. I'm not tiny compared to an outster, but look at my brother, look at the rest of us. When only the biggest men get women for a couple hundred years, guys like me breed out, yeah, so...to them, I'm a shrimp. I never was great at fighting, but I made up for it with attitude, yeah, and when you talk the talk most folks leave you alone. So one day, I meet with this Wright trader, yeah? I'm just a little s~!! and he asks me where to find game, and hell, I can scou even if I'm not amazing, I'm better than an outster, so he says he'll pay me good. I spent all night busting my ass tracking and he takes home a huge deer, and when I ask him for my pay he gives me this s~@%ty BB gun. Now I know as an adult he ripped me off, but when I say I shot more birds than I ever got with a bow, I'm not kidding..."
"...so of course most of the tribe and the folks my age hated me. They're still kind to me...kinder than an outster, at least, but I still am not...fully in. Look, I have family, I still love them, but I doubt anyone but Brand would care if I died. You...you don't get it. Wrights and Vaults and Rapids...you're all kinda a group, but not a family. If you're alone it's no big deal, but...well, look, sometimes I'm an ass, but mainly its cause if you don't open up it hurts less to be alone, 'cause it feels like a choice, yeah? So I wanna be with them, but I wanna be alone. Brand says I got two heads about it."
Gloria gets Hearts.
"The way I see it boys, if you want my opinion, is that we all have to stand together. For the most part, that's how it was before the bombs dropped. When my skin was smooth as yours, we all stuck together under one flag even if we all disagreed with each other. And I think that's about the only way anybody- Tribals, Wrights, Vaulties and we - well, "those"- Rapid Town folks can hope to keep these slavers at bay. So I think we oughtta give a combined settlement here in Rapid Town a try- there's already farmland and all that hard work that went into it won't go to waste."
After the meeting, Gloria's mind turns to a fonder time- though it was trying in its own way. And she can't help that maybe she and Vulture could have some common ground. He'd probably laugh at her for talking about it, but still- at least she's talking to somebody.
When Vulture's on his own she approaches him.
"Mind if I take a seat, hon?", she says. Assuming Vulture doesn't chase her away, she sits down.
Interlude- The Love of Her Life:
"See, I worked at Gimble's in Cedar Rapids- it was in Iowa, a ways away. Uh, Gimble's was like a trader, like the Wrights now but less violent. We were all less violent then, at least locally. But I was there while I was finishing school, until I could start teaching young kids and land myself a husband like I was expected to. That didn't end up happening and it wasn't because of the bombs."
"I had a manager- basically she was my boss, but she had other bosses- her name was Katherine. Katherine had such a way about her, a sense of style and confidence that I never had before. Her eyes just caught you up and you got lost in them. I thought I just admired her, but the butterflies in my stomach said different. I hadn't felt that way with a boy before, but here was this woman that sent me blushing with just a glance. And that was a problem, see- I was supposed to find a boy. Have kids. And if you were a woman and you didn't do those things... it didn't go well for you. But anyways..."
"We're doing inventory, we're counting up everything that we were selling, Katherine and I staying late after the store closed... and I just couldn't hide my feelings any more. Fortunately for me, neither could she... We wound up 'seeing each other', secretly at first. After work, under the guise of getting a drink as co-workers and single ladies. I thought we would just have to live that way, hiding what we were to each other. But Katherine couldn't take it. She wanted to open it all up to everybody, two women in love and to hell with what everyone wanted. I was scared, nervous about what everyone would say..."
"... but I agreed with her. After being with her, how could I settle for something I didn't really want? So we dated each other openly. And we payed for it. People called us nasty names, threw things through our windows, all kinds of things. But we also found out who our real friends were, you know? I wouldn't have been able to do it without Katherine and I learned something, you know? Going with the flow is nice sometimes, but it's not always going to make you as happy as you could be. So it's worth going your own way, provided you know who you can rely on, hon. That's all I mean to say, I guess, rambling at you like this."
Gloria clears her throat, quietly leaving Vulture to his own council.
Roland is in an introspective mood, and he thinks out loud tonight.
"You know, I've never wanted much. Ever since I was boy, when Cal took me in, I've been a fan of the simpler things. Food in my belly, roof over my head, and some workable gear. Comes from not having much before, ell, my parents died."
"I just wish at some point Cal and the rest had started treating me like real family. I love 'em all the same, but they see me as a good friend of the family at best, and jut another of the hired help at worst."
"S'pose it's too much to ask for, given what they've already done for me. But it would've been nice."
After baring his soul, Roland goes about the business of scaring the piss out of the rescued people.
Roland has mixed degrees of success impressing the importance of teamwork on the gathered locals, but manages quite well on the larger groups of captured individuals.
"The way I see it boys, if you want my opinion, is that we all have to stand together. For the most part, that's how it was before the bombs dropped. When my skin was smooth as yours, we all stuck together under one flag even if we all disagreed with each other. And I think that's about the only way anybody- Tribals, Wrights, Vaulties and we - well, "those"- Rapid Town folks can hope to keep these slavers at bay. So I think we oughtta give a combined settlement here in Rapid Town a try- there's already farmland and all that hard work that went into it won't go to waste."
After the meeting, Gloria's mind turns to a fonder time- though it was trying in its own way. And she can't help that maybe she and Vulture could have some common ground. He'd probably laugh at her for talking about it, but still- at least she's talking to somebody.
When Vulture's on his own she approaches him.
"Mind if I take a seat, hon?", she says. Assuming Vulture doesn't chase her away, she sits down.
Interlude- The Love of Her Life:
"See, I worked at Gimble's in Cedar Rapids- it was in Iowa, a ways away. Uh, Gimble's was like a trader, like the Wrights now but less violent. We were all less violent then, at least locally. But I was there while I was finishing school, until I could start teaching young kids and land myself a husband like I was expected to. That didn't end up happening and it wasn't because of the bombs."
"I had a manager- basically she was my boss, but she had other bosses- her name was Katherine. Katherine had such a way about her, a sense of style and confidence that I never had before. Her eyes just caught you up and you got lost in them. I thought I just admired her, but the butterflies in my stomach said different. I hadn't felt that way with a boy before, but here was this woman that sent me blushing with just a glance. And that was a problem, see- I was supposed to find a boy. Have kids. And if you were a woman and you didn't do those things... it didn't go well for you. But anyways..."
"We're doing inventory, we're counting up everything that we were selling, Katherine and I staying late after the store closed... and I just couldn't hide my feelings any more. Fortunately for me, neither could she... We wound up 'seeing each other', secretly at first. After work, under the guise of getting a drink as co-workers and single ladies. I thought we would just have to live that way, hiding what we were to each other. But Katherine couldn't take it. She wanted to open it all up to everybody, two women in love and to hell with what everyone wanted. I was scared, nervous about what everyone would say..."
"... but I agreed with her. After being with her, how could I settle for something I didn't really want? So we dated each other openly. And we payed for it. People called us nasty names, threw things through our windows, all kinds of things. But we also found out who our real friends were, you know? I wouldn't have been able to do it without Katherine and I learned something, you know? Going with the flow is nice sometimes, but it's not always going to make you as happy as you could be. So it's worth going your own way, provided you know who you can rely on, hon. That's all I mean to say, I guess, rambling at you like this."
Gloria clears her throat, quietly leaving Vulture to his own council.
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I didn't have a clear shot, and I was more likely to hit Ian than the raider! What could I do? I was about to see my good friend die not a full day out of the shelter!
So, I did the only thing I could do. Now, I've been studying the old books, how if you know thyself and know thy enemy, then you'll always be victorious, and I could tell that this guy had some MAJOR parantal issues. So I stood up, cupped my hands to my mouth, like this, and I jsut started shouting, making fun of his mama!
Oooooo, he did NOT like that, I tell you what. In mid swing about cut Ian in two he just, sorta...stops. Y'know? He just stops and looks at me, his eyes as big as saucers and red as cherries. He starts all huffin' an' blowin' and he looks like's he's about to stomp right over and knock ME flat! If looks could kill I'd be ground into a fine powder!
So he turns a little and takes one step towards me--"
"And that's when I put my ax through his chest," finished Ian, his face split in a great smile.
"Yes you did, my lad! Yes you did."
The two shook hands, grinning.
Jack likes the idea of a combined community, but he has a new spin on it.
He says (ignoring the protests of John, even to the point where Ian will seperate him, if needed) that the best place for a town in a world where constant slavers and raider exist, is in front of a vault.
Everyone could build a new town in front of the vault using the facilities and knowledge of the vault directly, and, if an enemy came by that they couldn't handle, they could just retreat into the vault until it passed.
Thusly, not only could they use the Shelter as a cornerstone to build upon, but it would also serve as advanced machining facilities AND a mott-and-bailey.
"What's that?"
It's like a castle.
"Oh."
Furthermore, they could establish constant trade relations with Wright Town, with both of them profiting off of the other--Wright town would be supplied with advanced tools and knowledge, in return for advice on the current layout, and both of them could work to make the current trade routes even better than ever!
Clearly Wright Town needs better tools: Their wagons are crap and prone to breakdown. They also need better weapons--Jack brandishes his Plasma Defender as proof.
But together they could forge a bright future!
Jack suggests that the tribals and the Rapid Towners come to the Shelter and start setting up a new town there, with Wright-people serving as liaisons between the two towns initially.
It makes sense, especially considering that Jessie and a bunch of tribals are already pretty close to there anyway.
Jack believes that in time they may be able to rebuild RapidTown, but, for now, it's already proven that it's broken, and VERY vulnerable to attack--at this point it would be easier to build a new one than fix the old one.
Jack wants to use the Shelter as a potential starting place for a new community.
Iron Sheltered(4) Abdi and Chelsea are convinced, John stubbornly admits it MIGHT be a good idea but it would only work with Council approval. Kim agrees with John
Wright Towners (2) Crayon is on board with that plan. Jessica is excited by the prospect of new trade for Wright Town. (They are convinced its a good idea)
Rapid Towners (28) Jamiah doesn't want to leave her beloved Rapid Town. But she sees the benefits of moving near the Vault. She does mention that a new community would be starting from scratch, and Rapid Town has alot of scrap and things that would go towards building a community.
Axe Tribals (31) The largest group present would relish a chance to build a community in the woods. However Elder Freya warns that winters can be dangerous without walls to protect.
Roland just frightens them into thinking they cannot survive without each other. This further drives home Jack's point about binding together.
"Here's my thoughts. The vault is underground, totally sealed, totally self sufficient - but it it's also only got one way in and out, right? So we need to have a surface city built around it, to prevent these raiders from just bombing the entrance and collapsing the place around us. Plus, this lets our people provide you guys with fresh food and water. Maybe we divert a river to the area with a few dams...if there's one thing we Axers can do it's chop logs, so a damn should be cake."
"Plus, I don't think all the Wrights, Rapids, and Axers will all be comfortable underground, and maybe a few Vaulties will probably wanna see the stars, no? Elder is right, though, we need a wall, and not just wood. Wrights maybe can get one built of scrap steel or concrete, no? So, we make...like a layered city, like a bullseye. The Vault is the center, where doctors, elders, children, and important people stay. Then, the middle layer is your commoners - farmers, fishermen, traders, etc...and here's the catcher - Warriors have homes built INTO the wall, so no matter what goes down, inside or outside the city, they can come from all directions."
"Warrior packs should always blended. Two Axers with a Wright and a Vaultie, so when the gunners are reloading we are there with an axe to cut a head off, and we're cross-trained, because, hey, sometimes guns get dropped in the battlefield, or sometimes men with guns wanna know how to sneak through the woods, too! We encourage blended marriages - maybe offer a tax bonus to blended families, to encourage harmony. It's more important than anything we work together, nay?"
"I don't think we need to rely on the Wrights for the walls, hon. We find enough cars and trucks abandoned, we an just take them apart and build with the scrap there. Which reminds me, we can take the arc welder those crazies were using- and fix up that motorcycle. Somebody could scout with that- or sell it in Wright Town for some caps."
"I just figured they would have tons of material already. If there's two things Wrights know, it's scavenging and money. With Axes farming, Wrights trading, and Vaulties identifying all the stuff dug up, we should be alright! I'm excited - and not just because some of those Wright girls are right proper well fed."
Vulture looks at all the blank stares.
"What? I ain't gonna propose something I ain't willing to participate in!"
"I'm sure they do, but starting a new town will go a lot smoother if we aren't in debt to the Wrights from the get-go. Just let me and the Rapid Town folks see what we can turn up, k?"
"Nothin' wrong with being in debt to the Wrights." Roland says, but gives a cheeky smile as well.
"Vulture's got a damn good plan though. I like it."
Chelsea Vang reports that if you are interested in dams, there are several hydroelectric dams in the area. Or rather, there WERE several, she doesn't know if they still exist after the bombs fell. She mentions two in specific that are right near Rapid Town, she was very interested in checking them out when originally setting out from the Iron Shelter.
During the night, Ian comes to one of you (whoever posts first) and says
Hey, this radio down here is squawking strange. We were trying to hail the Shelter and we came across something weird. It's like a repeater message or something.
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Jack nods, his mind already a blur with possibilities. He starts writing things down, talking as he does so.
"Okay, yeah, let's do this.
Vulture, no, we don't need two walls, one will be enough. And instead of ripping apart cars, we just need to stand them up. We can put them ten feet apart, and fill the space between them with dirt. Then we have a ten foot high wall basically for free.
Okay, guys, first we loot this place, then gather what you can from the town. We'll come back, but we should get a base-camp established first."
Jack will help Gloria repair the motorcycle.
Ian converses with Jamiah to see if there is anything in the immediate area that need to be scavenged. Or, if not, anything that can serve as a cart to carry what they do have.
He'll also talk to the tribals, asking just exactly where that village was where they left Jessie. Things were kind of a blur back then, and if they can get oriented, all the better.
Besides, one fine lookin' medic and the dozen-odd tribals she saved would be another good addition to their growing town.
Ian calls back and the repeated message pauses. It replies in the same voice...
This is Phoenix Station MU, Proceed to 93˚ 50’ W and 48˚ 16’ N, and await further instructions.
Repairing the motorcycle:
Ace:
Ace 2:
"I've never really ridden one of these before, back when they were all over and everyone wanted to be James Dean. But I found an old owner's manual from back before the War, kept my mind occupied before I had to use it to start a fire... see if I remember..."
Gloria tries the ignition after fiddling with the parts.
"... There ya go!"
Gloria gets the little motorcycle running. It runs on what the locals call Thenol (Ethenol) which is a locally produced fuel that is relatively inexpensive. There's enough Thenol to run the motorcycle for about 200 miles.
"How does it work?"
"Of course we'll need a name for a blended town like that...a town of people from all backgrounds working together as a unit to defend the weak from bad guys. Actually, that reminds me of a comic I found in an old ruin a while back. It was in this dead prewar language, but it had all kinds of heroes working as a team. There was a big green monster, a tecked out guy like the vaulties, a big muscular guy like Brand who used a hammer instead of an axe, a tribal who used a bow, and even a woman with guns, all lead by a dude with a shield. In the spirit of that, I suggest we name the town after them: Los Vengadores! Not sure what that dead prewar language meant, but it sounds cool!"
Elder Freya councils the young Tribal warrior
Vulture, you are hasty. How do you know the Vault Dwellers will allow us to live near them? How do you know the other Clans and Bands will share the land? We are few, and we have few warriors. I also feel we have made a powerful enemy. But, enough of that, tell me of your Vision Walk. What did the Sight show you?
Crayon Levy speaks with Roland
Look. I know you ain't keen on me anymore, but you gotta know I ain't told none of those f#+$ers anything important. It doesn't matter now, what matters now is what happens next. When you go back to Wright Town, can you check on my sister for me? You've met her, she went to that Yule party with Cal Wright. Her name is Rose. Can you tell her I miss her, and I want her to come meet me if she can. Please.
Chelsea talks to Jack
Listen. Whatever the Council's decision...I want you to know that Abdi and I have made our own decision. We are staying up here on the Surface. Please don't tell John or Kim, they wouldn't understand.
Roland sits, enjoying a cigarette when Crayon interrupts him.
"Yeah, I ain't keen on you." he takes a contemplative puff. [b]"But I ain't got nothin' against your sister. She deserves to know what happened to ya at least."[b]
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Jack nods at Chelsea. "That...that's good to know. More than either of us might ken. Indeed, I feel some Moment of Weight is upon us. Can you even conceive of a universe where a council of -any- Iron Shelter would turn away so many in need? They don't even need to house them! Simply grant permission that, yes, now that the world continues to turn, we will allow you to make us the center of the Human Revolution. In what house would minds of Meaning rather close their doors and turn their backs on...on Reality! From the Outside we went In! And now we can return! To what end is it to stay behind shut doors? We must needs see the egress at SOME time. Why not now? What profit it?
Anyway, yes, you shall stay out, I shall, Ian, wool-head that he is, shall stay. And, God willing, Jess will. Assuming she's still alive. Heh."
In time he gathers the leaders of the factions. "Alright, if we're gonna do this, do this right. What we've got is gear that don't belong to no one no---um, anymore. What we need is for you to be kitted out to not die more and to make others die a lot. Take what you feel is comfortable...then take a bit more.
For, when it comes to gear, 'Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again. '. Stephen Grellet. "
To the mention of a title for the town, Jack shakes his head. "Nay, nay, good sir Vulture. 'Tis too long, and too rough on the tongue. Let us now have dead languages, but rather speak closer to our heart!
For tis the land of Eire, where the elven folk flock and flourish, where all races gather to hold commune, there is where we should take our inspiration! Let us lay out shingle an all may calle themselves welcome in the land of
'An Bailiu'
or just Bailiu, for short. It means 'The Gathering.' Appropriate, yes?"
"Ugh. What the heck is an eleven folk? There's like seventy five of us, not eleven. That doesn't make any sense. I like Vengadores."
"What's the point of naming our town out of some language nobody speaks? Speak English like everyone else, dammit."
"Do you suggest we name this town, also arrogantly after the patriarch of the group? Because I think Jack is the oldest male, and Powerton sounds..."
He pauses.
"...actually pretty cool, damnit..."
He shakes his head and makes a sour face.
"...no, no, no. That's...not fair, damnit. I took like eight bullets, was mauled by dogs, and nearly eaten by roaches. I'm not letting the town be named after the guy who can't count past eleven."
He pauses. Blinks. Pauses. Thinks....
"How about Sanctuary? Isn't the point to keep everyone safe?"
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Jack smiles. "I concede to your greater wisdom. Powerton it is! Or...or were you saying something about the abode of celibate monks that might maintain a holy sanctuary? Is, is that your thing? Look, your own vow of celibacy is your thing, and I'll make sure that everyone knows about it, but don't bring the rest of us in to it. You had an awesome first idea. Run with it."
Vulture blinks. "What? I just meant...Sanctuary...like...safe place. A haven." He shakes his head. "Celibacy? What are you talking about?"
"How does it work?"
Gloria straightens her wig.
"Well, uh... I think this is the brake here, for when you want to slow down or stop... and then, if you turn the handle it'll start moving?""I've never driven one, hon, just seen them in the movies and on the street. We can push it outside to get some practice, maybe."
The next morning, after ignoring the Radio's distress call and response the heroes tell everyone to pack up and its time to head out.
As they venture outside, someone has exciting news. There are two Wagons stored in a nearby shed!
1 wagon
2 horses
1 Geiger counter
100-foot rope
60 lbs cornflower and 5 gallons soy oil (1 Food in community rules)
50 Trade worth of miscellaneous goods (1Trade=1Cap)
1 wagon
2 horses
100 doses of pain killers (Enough to give the Medicine Stockpile Edge to the Community)
50 doses of antibiotics (Enough to give the Medicine Stockpile Edge to the Community)
10 bottles of vodka
4 bicycles
200lbs of Corn Flour (10 Food in Community Rules)
1000 Trade worth of household goods (1 Build in community rules)
Roland recognizes the second wagon as a Wright Town wagon, Jessica Shaw points that out as well.
The stuff in Wagon 2 would be a great starting point for your new community, but technically it belongs to Wright Town. Decisions, decisions...
The party loads up everything and heads East down old 169. It'll take a couple days to get to the turnoff where the road heads South to Wright Town and the Shelter lies to the North.
As the party moves through Rapid Town with a troupe of nearly 40 woman, children and assorted civilians they spot a few dozen Rapid Town scrappers. A persuasive Hero can convince them to abandon the place and join them...it'll give the Community some Scrappers but mean more mouths to feed come Winter.
I'll wait a little while before pushing us more forward. There'll be no random encounters with this many people moving.
"Damnit, that's some good stuff, but...we really don't want to start s*** with Wright Town. That's not a group of enemies I want to have. They aren't nice, but they mostly leave us alone, and we could really use them as a trade partner when getting started. Normally I'd be like 'f*** it, they wouldn't have this whether we found it or not' but, again, it's probably best not to start off a new town with two groups of outsiders pissed at us."
}Yer damn right." Roland says, already having made note of the wagon and everything in it in case something goes missing.
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This is Phoenix Station MU, Proceed to 93˚ 50’ W and 48˚ 16’ N, and await further instructions. Labeled on the map as A1
On seeing the wagons, Jack offers up a different point of view. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. I understand that at one point these goods may have originated with a certain party, but that state of ownership had ended. These goods have been liberated by us from the slavers.
Of course, I'm not wholly deaf to the considerations of a priori but I see but ONE representative of the Wright town who took part in the goods' safe return. Why should they get ALL the spoils when they put in a minority of effort? What assurance have we that their goodwill is equivalent to a wagon of goods?
Or, perhaps, we can let altruism carry the day. Let us ask, for sake of argument, that we gave all the goods back to Wrighttown. Exactly what would be our reward for their safe return?
Can we say it is reasonable for a 50% enumeration? They have lost it, a combined force has found it, and so the goods should be spilt. That seems reasonable.
Any other arrangement makes us their slave, and I shall have a hard enough time convincing the Council as it is. Perhaps Wrighttown can also be aware of the goodwill to be gained by showing generosity?"
The 'cycle can ride in the wagons since we don't need speed right now, but we should always have 4 out-riders on the bicycles.
Crayon speaks up Jed Wright drives an exceptionally hard bargain, especially against Tribals and anyone not his own family. There's no guarantee that he'd give anything as a reward especially if you give the entire Wagon back first. she shrugs But he ain't all bastard, He might see reason if someone talked to him face to face.
Jessica looks almost apoplectic that Crayon is taking sides against Jed Wright.
Crayon moves away from Jessica and Roland, expecting them to try and harm her, she watches the other heroes warily.
"Well, Roland is his family, right? I mean, adopted, but still...he probably trusts him. Maybe you can convince him that, in the long run, we would be good trading partners, and a potential outlet for an expanded market...not to mention ally when the raiders eventually show up again."
"Not returning stolen property to its rightful owners is as good as theft. You've seen how kindly I take to thieves, Jack." Roland warns.
"I can put in a good word with Jeb and the rest if you give it all back, but I can't promise there won't be consequences if you hijack these supplies."
"Let's meet halfway. Return the stolen property - but do like you traders do - send him an invoice for services rendered rescuing people and goods!"
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"And if there is no payment? What recompense do we have if his reputation proves accurate and we are left with no wagons for the cold winter? IF he had reputation as a fair client, then that is a wise and solid course, Vulture. But even those that know him best speak of 'no guarantee.' Men like that are treated with caution until they build up credit at the merchant house.
Roland, you seem to be taking a rather hard hand considering you have exactly ZERO wagons if not for the combined help of tribals, sheltered and ghoul. Let us keep one wagon, as collateral. If he makes good with other goods or services for services rendered, then fine, all will be made whole, and good services will get good wages. If not, then he is a skinflint! who deserves no such consideration and I will NOT go begging to the council to make good relations for a man who assumes the role of master!
No, Roland, that is not the same. Do you really seek to prove that the Wrights are tyrants who treat all as but chattle? Let us settle this now so that the Sheltered can close their doors free, rather than submit to the will of a man who sees the services of others as but his rightful due."
"The Wrights don't want trading partners or competition, they have a monopoly and I doubt 'charity' is a word in their vocabulary as far as we're concerned. We gotta give back the wagon, much as it makes things tough now. I doubt the Wrights will leave us alone forever, especially if we wind up with something they want, but there's no reason to start a fight while we're just getting settled."