BangoSkank

Warhammer Fantasy NRP - OOC UP

I'd be interested in RPing as the Skaven. Seems like a rather unique experience.

Through the Portal

Could make for a pretty cool character arc though and it's a pretty logical situation.

My Thoughts

Young cat lady fresh out of Guardian school eager to make her bones, full of what she learned in the academy but inexperienced in the field.

Slightly older elf trained in swordsmanship and blacksmithing, not happy to be being issued orders by someone younger than her.

Significantly older human, experienced as the leader of a guerilla army and a war hero, also not happy to be being issued orders by someone much younger than him.

What can Esalia learn from Rintor? What can she teach him? Is the 5 years between Cinnia and Esalia enough to keep them from being friends? What's for dinner?

Anyway only two characters seemed to have any issue and both ended up repeating points she'd made. They need to find a place to set up, but not here because it's susceptible to flooding, and they should make some quick introductions.

Through the Portal

Glad you pointed that out, I did the same thing except instead of adding content I just fixed grammar issues and bits that annoyed me.

Through the Portal

Preparing for the journey ahead Shel had begun to reflect on the many steps behind. He'd adventured about with other parties before, he thought as he carefully packed foodstuffs about his pot, but when he thought back he always ended up focusing on his youth. It seemed so long ago now; he missed them sometimes, his family, but there was nothing like the unknown to get your blood a-pumping.

He'd set out to join the party and no sooner had he arrived then they were departing with a few jolly words, "All set! We wish you the best of luck, travelers! May naught but good fortune await you."

Following behind his new, much larger, companions he got only a rather brief look at the portal as it pulsed, or swirled, or something along those lines and then they were all through and the portal was closing. Verdant plains, a bright orange sunset except the sun wasn't setting, clouds racing across the sky yet no discernible breeze. A new world.

The changeling, having taken an aspect Shel found rather charming, was speaking softly nearby having noticed the same things. This place was familiar at first but quite different upon further examination. Shel pulled out his book and a sheet of cheap paper, scribbling a small circular gate in it's center. Absorbed in his work he hardly heard the half-elf say something about settling down for the night though he certainly heard the befreckled redhead (for the moment) responding.

"She's right you know," he replied, "the sky is orange like our sunset but the Sun, well this Sun, it's still way up there....hmmmmm," he'd have to think about that more later, perhaps over a nice baked potato. Right now a lot was happening all at once.

The Mithra of the group, Esalia as he would soon learn, was setting things in motion; getting them organized starting with introductions. She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders so he happily bounced to the center of the group beside her and pulled out his pot and pan.

"Hey everyone, I'm Shel, Shel Applewood, Adventurer, though I guess we're all that. I'm a damn good cook," he said pulling on his belt and rocking forward on his feet, "and a map maker. Pretty good at avoiding notice when I want to. That's about it. That's me."

His introduction complete he smiled, nodded, and sat down cross legged to begin rearranging his bag, looking up to the sky intermittently. Wherever the sun went down, he supposed, that would be West at least for now.

Through the Portal

Shel Applewood

Name: Shel "Surefoot" Applewood

Age: 34

Race: Halfling

Appearance:

Shel has very light green eyes and a mop of curly brown hair. He cannot grow much of a beard, virtually no beard at all in fact. He is slightly skinny for a halfling, which leads some to question his cooking ability but they quickly learn the error of their ways. He stands at 3'4, right about average for a Halfling.



He wears a deep green tunic with a brown leather vest over it. The vest has some padding in the shoulder to help him carry his bag. His pants are beige and held up by a custom made Halfling sized buckled belt with attached (empty) sheathe.

Role: Chef, Scout, Diversion

Bio:

Shel Applewood led the happy safe life that it typical of his people. Halfling's don't take up much space, enjoying homes that are small and cozy (even for them) rather than vast and expansive, and that coupled with their famous hospitality allows them to get along rather well. As a young man Shel wanted to follow in the footsteps of his parents who ran a famous bed and breakfast, he wanted to become a famous Chef. At the age of 24 he came to realize that he had gone as far as he would as a Chef. For every step forward he would have had to sacrifice increasing amounts of time and freedom. Already he was well liked by his village, but if he wished to become truly famous as a Chef he would have to dedicate his life to recreating recipes created years ago by some other Halfling. He didn't want to follow in another's footsteps; he wanted to blaze a trail of his own.

Always a rather curious Halfling, Shel seized the opportunity when a large mercenary company was passing through his town. He prepared a particularly sumptuous meal for the company and presented it to them himself, explaining what he had made and how he had prepared it. He had hoped the leader, a stern faced man well past his youth, would hem and haw and heap praises upon him, but instead they simply ate their meals quickly and headed to their rooms. He had given up hope when the mercenary groups second in command came into the kitchen and invited him into the company. Their cook had never made them sick, but that was about the best they could say of the man.

They were not what you would call a friendly group, but alongside them Shel was able to explore the world and devise recipes of his own. He found that he had another skill as well. As a Halfling he was rather dexterous and among a crew of humans, particularly among a crew of often drunken humans, he learned how to stay out of the way and (remembering again that they were drunk lonely men) how to stay hidden. On his trips out from camp to gather flora and hunt he learned to scout out the road ahead, and in order to better scout he learned to draw maps. With the tiny hands he was given at birth and the attention to detail he had learned as a cook a regular piece of paper was a canvas, he found to his delight that he was able to make maps that were uniquely intricate.

Since then he has always traveled, though his maps and meals brought him enough fame that he was able to move from indiscriminate mercenary camps to proper armies. On his last journey he heard rumor of an expedition into lands unseen by man and knew that that would be where he could make his fame and fortune. He would journey where no one had been, he would map out the lands, and he would keep his fellow travelers happy and full. It was all a curious Halfling could ask for.

Skills:

Foraging, cooking, stealth, hiding, wishing the baddies would go away, climbing, basic (informative) reading and writing, and map making. He can also sing passably, and knows a number of songs learned during his travels

Magic:

Shel has no real connection to magic. He has found that as a Halfling animals do not tend to see him as a threat, so long as they are not starving. His abilities however derive purely from his curious good-hearted nature and small stature.

Equipment:

A leather backpack with one strap from right shoulder to left hip, normal size and so quite large on him; inside of which is:
- A Butcher's Knife which he hopes never to use outside of cooking
- A Several pencils and drawing accessories
- A sling and 4 shaped and smoothed decorated stones
- A pot filled with vegetables, fruit, a loaf of bread, nuts, berries, herbs and the like
- A pan tightly fastened over the pot to keep everything together
- A light blue cloak made by his mother for when it gets cold, or windy, or he misses home

Tucked between his tunic and his vest he carries a normal sized ledger of fine paper with many sheets of cheaper paper stuff inside.

War Never Changes

Leland Chapman, Oldest and Longest Serving Texas Ranger
The Ultra-Luxe, New Vegas

It didn't really come as a surprise to Leland, nor likely to anyone else gathered here, that another War was not far off. He hadn't expected it to start today however. He'd disembarked from the ship and quickly come fully awake. New Vegas was a wonder for a man who had spent most of his life in El Paso. It was beautiful but garish. Hopeful but also reproaching. Now, sitting to the left of Angela, he realized that was likely to be a recurring theme.

He'd been careful where he sat. Though few would notice it, as she kept it hidden, her left ear had been damaged...removed in fact so it only made sense to sit on that side. She'd still be able to hear his whispers though not much else and she'd likely not need them. She'd grown into quite a woman, surpassing his expectations and her own, and now here they were meeting with the heads of the powers of North America.

Precisely the predicament they found themselves in was quickly made clear. The NCR had sent not their President but a body double, as was made clear when a man near exactly matching the man that stood before them appeared on the television and said as much. He promised a swift and brutal campaign against the Legion and justified it with claims of inevitability. Perhaps Kimball was right, perhaps it was inevitable but it was he that threw the first stone in the new war and the wastelands would remember that.

Leland looked slowly around the table. The King, of New Vegas, a Legionnaire, a body double of Kimball, Renault of the Angels of War, Hemingway and Suttbray of the Serene Key Republic, Joshua Graham, the Van Graffs, representatives of both the Western and Mid-Western Brotherhoods, and the Enclave were all easily recognizable, but there were new faces as well. Many pieces in play.

He leaned over toward Angela and whispered to her, nothing particularly shocking, but he was curious what was going on in her mind,

"Kimball will want us to serve as the hard place against his rock no doubt, to trap the Legion."

A moment later a mercenary looking sort passed behind them and approached the Mid-Western Brotherhood of Steel delegation, which gave him pause. Shortly afterward more foreign looking strangers arrived and received a welcoming from the unsettling young woman from the Pitt, Marie. He turned to the Ranger to his left, the young man who had been so full of questions on the flight over.

"Anders," he said getting the man's attention, "Step outside for a moment and radio to Fort Bliss. I want to know if anything is happening on the Frontier. Tell them to broadcast to me directly if they sight any forces, Legion or otherwise, approaching the Fort."

As Anders slowly rose and pushed his chair in Leland placed his hand on the man's arm and added,

"This is history being made son, pay attention."

Texas hadn't seen much violence from the Legion lately, but the NCR would likely call on them and expect them to answer. It would not be his decision to make, and for that he was grateful. Whatever was decided, whoever he may fight against, he would fight for Texas, he was a Ranger.

Edit

*edit to acknowledge Calypso's arrival and el_gappas post*
"Shortly afterward more foreign looking strangers arrived and received a welcoming from the unsettling young woman from the Pitt, Marie."

Through the Portal

Shel "Surefoot" Applewood

Name: Shel "Surefoot" Applewood

Age: 34

Race: Halfling

Appearance:

Shel has very light green eyes and a mop of curly brown hair. He cannot grow much of a beard, virtually no beard at all in fact. He is slightly skinny for a halfling, which leads some to question his cooking ability but they quickly learn the error of their ways. He stands at 3'4, right about average for a Halfling.



He wears a deep green tunic with a brown leather vest over it. The vest has some padding in the shoulder to help him carry his bag. His pants are beige and held up by a custom made Halfling sized buckled belt with attached (empty) sheathe.

Role: Chef, Scout, Diversion

Bio:

Shel Applewood led the happy safe life that it typical of his people. Halfling's don't take up much space, enjoying homes that are small and cozy (even for them) rather than vast and expansive, and that coupled with their famous hospitality allows them to get along rather well. As a young man Shel wanted to follow in the footsteps of his parents who ran a famous bed and breakfast, he wanted to become a famous Chef. At the age of 24 he came to realize that he had gone as far as he would as a Chef. For every step forward he would have had to sacrifice increasing amounts of time and freedom. Already he was well liked by his village, but if he wished to become truly famous as a Chef he would have to dedicate his life to recreating recipes created years ago by some other Halfling. He didn't want to follow in another's footsteps; he wanted to blaze a trail of his own.

Always a rather curious Halfling, Shel seized the opportunity when a large mercenary company was passing through his town. He prepared a particularly sumptuous meal for the company and presented it to them himself, explaining what he had made and how he had prepared it. He had hoped the leader, a stern faced man well past his youth, would hem and haw and heap praises upon him, but instead they simply ate their meals quickly and headed to their rooms. He had given up hope when the mercenary groups second in command came into the kitchen and invited him into the company. Their cook had never made them sick, but that was about the best they could say of the man.

They were not what you would call a friendly group, but alongside them Shel was able to explore the world and devise recipes of his own. He found that he had another skill as well. As a Halfling he was rather dexterous and among a crew of humans, particularly among a crew of often drunken humans, he learned how to stay out of the way and (remembering again that they were drunk lonely men) how to stay hidden. On his trips out from camp to gather flora and hunt he learned to scout out the road ahead, and in order to better scout he learned to draw maps. With the tiny hands he was given at birth and the attention to detail he had learned as a cook a regular piece of paper was a canvas, he found to his delight that he was able to make maps that were uniquely intricate.

Since then he has always traveled, though his maps and meals brought him enough fame that he was able to move from indiscriminate mercenary camps to proper armies. On his last journey he heard rumor of an expedition into lands unseen by man and knew that that would be where he could make his fame and fortune. He would journey where no one had been, he would map out the lands, and he would keep his fellow travelers happy and full. It was all a curious Halfling could ask for.

Skills:

Foraging, cooking, stealth, hiding, wishing the baddies would go away, climbing, basic (informative) reading and writing, and map making. He can also sing passably, and knows a number of songs learned during his travels

Magic:

Shel has no real connection to magic. He has found that as a Halfling animals do not tend to see him as a threat, so long as they are not starving. His abilities however derive purely from his curious good-hearted nature and small stature.

Equipment:

A leather backpack with one strap from right shoulder to left hip, normal size and so quite large on him; inside of which is:
Butcher's Knife which he hopes never to use outside of cooking
Several pencils and drawing accessories
A sling and 4 shaped and smoothed decorated stones
A pot filled with vegetables, fruit, a loaf of bread, nuts, berries, herbs and the like
A pan tightly fastened over the pot to keep everything together
A light blue cloak made by his mother for when it gets cold, or windy, or he misses home

Tucked between his tunic and his vest he carries a normal sized ledger of fine paper with many sheets of cheaper paper stuff inside.

Through the Portal

I'd like to join as a Halfing Cook and Scout.

Interested in finding out what is and what isn't edible, making tasty dishes, and in making maps of the new land. Carries a backpack that is normal size for everyone else, quite large for him, full of some basic cooking tools.

I'll do a full character sheet but I wanted to see if this sounds agreeable first.

Non-combat character, gatherer and cook, sneaky, armed with Butchers Knife he doesn't want to use and a simple sling primarily used to distract while he bounces away on his little legs.

Maybe a dancer or singer or story teller or something along those lines. He's basically around to keep morale up and map things out for future expeditions.

War Never Changes

Rangers of the Texan Frontier

Rangers of the Texan Frontier

Territory and Geography:

Western Frontier of Texas

History:

The Rangers of Fort Bliss have long been a small but important part of the Conederation of Free Texas States, in a way even before it's foundation. When the brass, that is to say the higher ups, of what was then the American Military fled to the safety and security of Vault 99 the rank and file were left to fend for themselves. Some remained in Fort Bliss while others headed South into Mexico in hopes of avoiding the multitude of atomic fire no doubt sent to purge the United States. In the years that followed those lucky enough to survive made their way back to Fort Bliss and formed a small but capable society.

Possessing a plethora of weaponry in those early days they made a choice that would prove crucial to their survival, they would resist the urge to expand and conquer. They would fortify, they would both reap and sow, protected by the harsh and impossibly vast landscape of a post-apocalyptic Texas they would become masters of their environment. The final pre-war generation would spend their lives teaching the first post-war generation how best to use the assets of Fort Bliss. There was no GECK to be found here, but years spent scrabbling in the dirt in time would ensure their survival for generations to come.

The most physically hardy amid the population of Fort Bliss, having poured through the history of Texas via still functioning computer terminals, would volunteer themselves to be Rangers and concern themselves with scouting out the treacherous surrounding area. Governed by the more technically inclined they would struggle when the desire to venture further and further out clashed with the necessity of rationing what energy cells and oil remained. It took many years for them to research ways to stretch the charges in those energy cells and in time restore those that had been depleted, the Rangers of Fort Bliss began to utilize what few horses could be found and caught. It is likely that had the Rangers not caught these beasts, and had the more intellectually inclined among them not carefully bred and raised them, the Rangers would never have made contact with The Confederation of Free Texas States.

Having made contact with the Confederation, the Rangers of Fort Bliss found themselves in an enviable position. They knew much of the expanses of desert that surrounded them, they had something of use to the Confederation and the Confederation had something of use to them. Impressed with the Confederation and happy to find more remnants of the great state of Texas they readily shared what they knew and explained their location. They pledged their service to the Confederation of Free Texas States with little delay and have not yet come to regret doing so.

Population:

5,000

Government/Domestic Politics:

Fort Bliss is beholden to The Confederation of Free Texas States. While the Base Commander of Fort Bliss has control of the day to day functioning, he is expected to follow any commands from the capital. The population of the base is expected to respect military order. Locally Fort Bliss has ties to the small communities (such as restored Spanish Missions) that have sprung up nearby, many of which rely on Fort Bliss for clean water and protection. Arguments rarely escalate to the point of requiring intervention, but when they do the Rangers of Fort Bliss tend to act quickly and decisively. Small offenses are likely to result in loss of privilege and time in the brig. Serious offenses are likely to result in banishment or execution.

Notable People:

Jensen Banks: Base Commander of Fort Bliss. Commander Banks is a well read man and a capable orator, but he is no warrior. Sent to Fort Bliss form the Confederation of Free Texas States it was no small feat for him to ingratiate himself among the Rangers and earn their respect and willing obedience. It wasn't immediate, and it's still not really total, but whether happily or begrudgingly most in Fort Bliss have to admit he's a damn fine leader of men.

Robert "Bad Bob" Hays: Current highest ranking Ranger in Fort Bliss. Known for being particularly laconic when he does speak people tend to listen. Despite his "Bad Bob" moniker he has done much to secure peace in the Texan Frontier by enforcing strict but never cruel law. It takes a lot of gravitas to keep squads of men calm and obedient while patrolling the hot Texan desert and scrublands.

Leland Chapman: Longest serving Ranger in Fort Bliss. While Hays may be the man to secure peace, Chapman is the man to maintain it. Well into the twilight of his life Chapman has been just about everywhere in the West Texas Frontier at one point or another and after decades of interaction has gained the trust of the settlers. He is loathe to return to the capital, happier to walk familiar hills and visit with old friends under the ever present Texas sun.

Abigail Dresden: While not as well known as the others Abigail Dresden has likely as important a role to play in Fort Bliss as anyone else. She is expected to keep it all running. Working directly under Commander Banks it falls upon her to ensure that the farms operate as needed, that the water supply is kept clean and available, that the Rangers outside of the Fort are accounted for, and a thousand other small cogs turn as they ought to. The stress is getting to her.

Military:

Fort Bliss is well protected, it never would have survived this long if it weren't and it wouldn't serve much purpose if it didn't continue as such. Having served as a training station for both Heavy Infantry and Rangers in the time before the Great War it provided the survivors of that Great War much firepower when they returned. Those who lived in the time before the Great War sought to ingrain in their descendants the command structure that had been such a large part of their lives. It worked rather well.

To live in Fort Bliss one must train at regular intervals. It's position, fortification, and reputation have thus far largely protected it from invasion, but yesterday is no promise for tomorrow. Military discipline is enforced by regular structured marching within the base and about it's borders. Fitness is maintained by regular group exercise and sparring. A tactical mind is developed by engaging in scenario based simulations. While everyone is expected to maintain a firearm and know how to use it the reality that ammunition and the components needed for recycling that ammunition are ultimately finite require the citizens of Fort Bliss to be prepared to defend themselves with or without a handgun or rifle.

The Rangers themselves are a small percentage of the population, approximately 10%, or 500, are somewhere in the Ranger hierarchy, with roughly half that rather low in the hierarchy. These men and women are essentially in a nonstop boot camp until they either prove themselves worthy or circumstances dictate they must be advanced. Of the remaining 250 full fledged Rangers roughly 20%, or 50, are in positions of leadership over the remaining 200.

In regard to equipment they possess a large cache of traditional ballistic weaponry of various calibers and serving various purposes. They also possess an excess of traditional land based vehicles, but a dearth of aerial craft. Most such air craft having been used just prior to the outbreak of the Great War to shuttle the VIPs to Vault 99.

Economy:

Fort Bliss is largely self sustaining. By harnessing the information held in the computer terminals of a major pre-war military base they have been able to provide for themselves a modest but reliable living. Their current standard of living is bolstered by their relationship with the Confederation of Free Texas States and with the small communities nearby. They supply clean drinking water and protection, and when necessary can temporarily tighten rationing and help support the local community with the meat of their livestock and the fruits of their agricultural labor.

Culture and Technology:

Fort Bliss culture is military culture. Regimentation and rationing. Marching, drilling, fighting, more marching. Everyone is expected to participate, without exception. For some this proves to be too much and they leave, headed to nearby nations that they hope offer more freedom like the Tex Legio or perhaps the Angels of War. Some simply head to the capital cities of the Confederation. Most however stay, endurance is bred in to them and in time the community grows closer for the hardship.

On the subject of slavery and mutants the Rangers adopt a policy of neutrality, when and where the policies of the Confederation as a whole are not clear. Freedom is important, they sacrifice some measure of their own freedom as individuals to ensure that collectively they, and Texas as a whole, remain free. This being the case they are not particularly fond of slavers, but it is a harsh wasteland and one cannot go to war every time there is a difference of opinion. Run away slaves may or may not find safety in Fort Bliss depending on the current state of affairs, when possible Fort Bliss will buy their freedom. When they cannot be admitted often they might be advised of nearby settlements where they could disappear. Their approach to mutants is quite similar. Acceptance, compassion, aide when possible.

Technologically the inhabitants of Fort Bliss are pushing to return the Fort to it's former glory. The base was largely built to be self contained, and it largely is, but work to bring the remainder of the terminals up is slow going. They have relatively low standards so that most of Fort Bliss resembles something somewhere between a Pre-War Fully Operational Military Base and a Pulp Western starring John Wayne or perhaps Clint Eastwood. Maybe even Kurt Russel.

Religion:

There is no established religion in Fort Bliss. The Chapel is available for prayer or reflection of whatever denomination. The vast majority of the base existing somewhere between Atheism and Agnosticism. The spectrum ranging from "There is no God" to "There's probably something out there somewhere" to "I'm going to find this God guy and plant him flat on the ground"

War Never Changes

Rangers of the Texan Frontier

My Hider

Name:

Rangers of the Texan Frontier (Under The Confederation of Free Texas States)

Flag:

The Flag of the Confederation of Free Texas States, below which flies the Gadsden Flag (Don't Tread on Me)

usaflagsupply.com/media/catalog/produ…

Territory and Geography:

Western Frontier of Texas

History:

The Rangers of Fort Bliss have long been a small but important part of the Confederation of Free Texas States, in a way even before it's foundation. When the brass, that is to say the higher ups, of what was then the American Military fled to the safety and security of Vault 99 the rank and file were left to fend for themselves. Some remained in Fort Bliss while others headed South into Mexico in hopes of avoiding the multitude of atomic fire no doubt sent to purge the United States. In the years that followed those lucky enough to survive made their way back to Fort Bliss and formed a small but capable society.

Possessing a plethora of weaponry in those early days they made a choice that would prove crucial to their survival, they would resist the urge to expand and conquer. They would fortify, they would both reap and sow, protected by the harsh and impossibly vast landscape of a post-apocalyptic Texas they would become masters of their environment. The final pre-war generation would spend their lives teaching the first post-war generation how best to use the assets of Fort Bliss. There was no GECK to be found here, but years spent scrabbling in the dirt in time would ensure their survival for generations to come.

The most physically hardy amid the population of Fort Bliss, having poured through the history of Texas via still functioning computer terminals, would volunteer themselves to be Rangers and concern themselves with scouting out the treacherous surrounding area. Governed by the more technically inclined they would struggle when the desire to venture further and further out clashed with the necessity of rationing what energy cells and oil remained. It took many years for them to research ways to stretch the charges in those energy cells and in time restore those that had been depleted, the Rangers of Fort Bliss began to utilize what few horses could be found and caught. It is likely that had the Rangers not caught these beasts, and had the more intellectually inclined among them not carefully bred and raised them, the Rangers would never have made contact with The Confederation of Free Texas States.

Having made contact with the Federation, the Rangers of Fort Bliss found themselves in an enviable position. They knew much of the expanses of desert that surrounded them, they had something of use to the Federation and the Federation had something of use to them. Impressed with the Confederation and happy to find more remnants of the great state of Texas they readily shared what they knew and explained their location. They pledged their service to the Confederation of Free Texas States with little delay and have not yet come to regret doing so.

Population:

5,000

Government/Domestic Politics:

Fort Bliss is beholden to The Confederation of Free Texas States. While the Base Commander of Fort Bliss has control of the day to day functioning, he is expected to follow any commands from the capital. The population of the base is expected to respect military order. Locally Fort Bliss has ties to the small communities (such as restored Spanish Missions) that have sprung up nearby, many of which rely on Fort Bliss for clean water and protection. Arguments rarely escalate to the point of requiring intervention, but when they do the Rangers of Fort Bliss tend to act quickly and decisively. Small offenses are likely to result in loss of privilege and time in the brig. Serious offenses are likely to result in banishment or execution.

Notable People:

Jensen Banks: Base Commander of Fort Bliss. Commander Banks is a well read man and a capable orator, but he is no warrior. Sent to Fort Bliss form the Confederation of Free Texas States it was no small feat for him to ingratiate himself among the Rangers and earn their respect and willing obedience. It wasn't immediate, and it's still not really total, but whether happily or begrudgingly most in Fort Bliss have to admit he's a damn fine leader of men.

Robert "Bad Bob" Hays: Current highest ranking Ranger in Fort Bliss. Known for being particularly laconic when he does speak people tend to listen. Despite his "Bad Bob" moniker he has done much to secure peace in the Texan Frontier by enforcing strict but never cruel law. It takes a lot of gravitas to keep squads of men calm and obedient while patrolling the hot Texan desert and scrublands.

Leland Chapman: Longest serving Ranger in Fort Bliss. While Hays may be the man to secure peace, Chapman is the man to maintain it. Well into the twilight of his life Chapman has been just about everywhere in the West Texas Frontier at one point or another and after decades of interaction has gained the trust of the settlers. He is loathe to return to the capital, happier to walk familiar hills and visit with old friends under the ever present Texas sun.

Abigail Dresden: While not as well known as the others Abigail Dresden has likely as important a role to play in Fort Bliss as anyone else. She is expected to keep it all running. Working directly under Commander Banks it falls upon her to ensure that the farms operate as needed, that the water supply is kept clean and available, that the Rangers outside of the Fort are accounted for, and a thousand other small cogs turn as they ought to. The stress is getting to her.

Military:

Fort Bliss is well protected, it never would have survived this long if it weren't and it wouldn't serve much purpose if it didn't continue as such. Having served as a training station for both Heavy Infantry and Rangers in the time before the Great War it provided the survivors of that Great War much firepower when they returned. Those who lived in the time before the Great War sought to ingrain in their descendants the command structure that had been such a large part of their lives. It worked rather well.

To live in Fort Bliss one must train at regular intervals. It's position, fortification, and reputation have thus far largely protected it from invasion, but yesterday is no promise for tomorrow. Military discipline is enforced by regular structured marching within the base and about it's borders. Fitness is maintained by regular group exercise and sparring. A tactical mind is developed by engaging in scenario based simulations. While everyone is expected to maintain a firearm and know how to use it the reality that ammunition and the components needed for recycling that ammunition are ultimately finite require the citizens of Fort Bliss to be prepared to defend themselves with or without a handgun or rifle.

The Rangers themselves are a small percentage of the population, approximately 10%, or 500, are somewhere in the Ranger hierarchy, with roughly half that rather low in the hierarchy. These men and women are essentially in a nonstop boot camp until they either prove themselves worthy or circumstances dictate they must be advanced. Of the remaining 250 full fledged Rangers roughly 20%, or 50, are in positions of leadership over the remaining 200.

In regard to equipment they possess a large cache of traditional ballistic weaponry of various calibers and serving various purposes. They also possess an excess of traditional land based vehicles, but a dearth of aerial craft. Most such air craft having been used just prior to the outbreak of the Great War to shuttle the VIPs to Vault 99.

Economy:

Fort Bliss is largely self sustaining. By harnessing the information held in the computer terminals of a major pre-war military base they have been able to provide for themselves a modest but reliable living. Their current standard of living is bolstered by their relationship with the Federation of Free Texas States and with the small communities nearby. They supply clean drinking water and protection, and when necessary can temporarily tighten rationing and help support the local community with the meat of their livestock and the fruits of their agricultural labor.

Culture and Technology:

Fort Bliss culture is military culture. Regimentation and rationing. Marching, drilling, fighting, more marching. Everyone is expected to participate, without exception. For some this proves to be too much and they leave, headed to nearby nations that they hope offer more freedom like the Tex Legio or perhaps the Angels of War. Some simply head to the capital cities of the Confederation. Most however stay, endurance is bred in to them and in time the community grows closer for the hardship.

On the subject of slavery and mutants the Rangers adopt a policy of neutrality, when and where the policies of the Confederation as a whole are not clear. Freedom is important, they sacrifice some measure of their own freedom as individuals to ensure that collectively they, and Texas as a whole, remain free. This being the case they are not particularly fond of slavers, but it is a harsh wasteland and one cannot go to war every time there is a difference of opinion. Run away slaves may or may not find safety in Fort Bliss depending on the current state of affairs, when possible Fort Bliss will buy their freedom. When they cannot be admitted often they might be advised of nearby settlements where they could disappear. Their approach to mutants is quite similar. Acceptance, compassion, aide when possible.

Technologically the inhabitants of Fort Bliss are pushing to return the Fort to it's former glory. The base was largely built to be self contained, and it largely is, but work to bring the remainder of the terminals up is slow going. They have relatively low standards so that most of Fort Bliss resembles something somewhere between a Pre-War Fully Operational Military Base and a Pulp Western starring John Wayne or perhaps Clint Eastwood. Maybe even Kurt Russel.

Religion:

There is no established religion in Fort Bliss. The Chapel is available for prayer or reflection of whatever denomination. The vast majority of the base existing somewhere between Atheism and Agnosticism. The spectrum ranging from "There is no God" to "There's probably something out there somewhere" to "I'm going to find this God guy and plant him flat on the ground"