Page 1 of 1
[Traphole] Meeting Your Maker
Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2021 9:38 pm
by Miki
A new wave of people with the madness had come through. Refugees seeking respite from their corrupted home but weren't fast enough. Shots could be heard ringing through the barrel of Traphole all the way up because of people with the sickness and the Pyrerazers were likely shooting them down. Miki spat out chew in her mouth onto the ground and adjusted her glasses. Frost would be here soon. It didn't get much less hot but the nights bit even harder. She wasn't looking forward to being mauled by some corrupted lunatic. Up higher in Traphole it was easy to get a meal. Leaning on a railing looking down over the pit itself she snacked on a sausage wrapped in bread topped with pickled cabbage. It was some kind of indescribable animal but tasted similar to deer meat, dry and gamey.
Miki planned on heading to the bar and seeing about talking to someone on the topic of how to join the Pyrerazers. She was curious as scoping out her targets would be tantamount to finding where to dismantle them. Word on the street was they were disorganized. Taking anyone from a wig and tie affair like greater Daravin and folding them into anarchy was bound to make shit shake and rumble. But it was how they grew. She thought perhaps she would recognise someone from her work in the foundry but when she entered the bar it was just a bunch of tough, weathered and tired looking people. Clearly a caravan had just got in, likely merchants. There were a few locals though and Miki opted to sit by them at the bar. She was seated by an older woman who was missing an eye. The older woman, after some time, turned to her and said.
"I have met your kind before, when we were both girls. The one I met was very gentle and her skin was a radiant purple. I could never forget that."
Miki winced and looked uncomfortably at the woman.
She felt sick to her stomach. There were only about six thousand of them and her past was one of her worst regrets in life. She tried not to think about how she was different because her people were refugees, she focused on the present.
"Thank you."
Was all she could muster as the woman clearly wanted to pay her a compliment. Downing the last of her beer she quickly left after that and headed back to her bunk in the drifter section. A simple bedroll on the ground meant she would sleep well for the night. Izul came back late and drunk, flopping into the hammock set up for her use.
Re: [Traphole] Meeting Your Maker
Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2021 10:03 pm
by Miki
High in the sky was a brilliant, glowing orb. The amount of menace she felt couldn't be described. Brighter than any sun the people were running in terror, sobbing on their knees and crying. Total mayhem was around the stalwart Miki. She woke up in a cold sweat.
She couldn't imagine her life away from the Badlands, taking a long drag from her cigarette she tossed it to the ground and stomped it with the toe of her boot. Today she had headed to a known Pyrerazer hangout to get some information on pay for killing or rounding up a few of the Raving. In truth she would rather round them up and chuck them far outside. Eventually in their sickness they would gravitate towards the poisoned part of the Wastes. They said the Mad Ones became immortal. She'd seen for herself the effects of the Madness and wasn't keen on giving it a go. Walking in was like stepping into a rough and tumble saloon. All heads swiveled to see who came in through the door but turned away when it wasn't someone they knew. Looking for her mark she found it quickly, a rough looking bunch of newbies sat at the bar. She could tell because they were young and fresh, they looked like they had come from a lifestyle of eating well. Their clothes weren't yet stained, she noted by the bright colors on the leather jackets, and part of her felt like they were trying too hard.
'Probably stoned.'
She thought sardonically.
Walking up to them the spurs on her boots clicked until she was finally standing right beside the group. None of them paid her any mind, they seemed to be invested in a game of jacks.
"Hey lads and ladies. I'm lookin' for the Pyrerazers, you know em?"
Came her voice over their chatter. They stopped what they were doing and turned to her. A young man with a mohawk looked down on her and spoke for the group.
"Who's askin'?"
"Miki, I'm looking for some freelance work. Trying to round up some of the Raving. Those rabid fucks make me feel like shit. You know where I can get some pay?"
The young man puffed out his chest.
"Just so happens I've been recently promoted. I can bring you some coin if you can bring me any guns, bullets, or valuables. Proof that you got the job done, ya know. I am here often. Come find me when you're done. If anyone asks Skin gave you the okay to shoot in the Hole."
At that Miki took her leave. Grabbing her rifle she headed to the Drifter Den. The Mad Ones wouldn't be hard to spot, dirty and scared freaks they were. If diplomacy didn't work she would use muscle to gain their "favor".
After suiting up in her garb; a white open chest long sleeve, a pair of leather pants, her leather jacket, and leather boots, she headed out with her pack and rifle in tow to find some of the refugees. Winding upwards to the top of Traphole took some time as she peeled back is rung in layers looking for any sign or recent gun fights or blood. Finally not far from the top she found a family of five. Their eyes were baggy and gaunt while the youngest of them wouldn't stop twitching and biting. The fear in the air was mingled with dust and body odor as she approached them with a gun.
"Look we don't want any trouble, we're just passing through."
Said the father of the group. He looked mortified beneath his ragged clothes.
"Then allow me to escort you outside."
Came Miki's reply, lashing out like a viper spitting its tongue. Her words were dripping with venom. It wasn't a question, it was a command.
"Please, we are starving. We just need some supplies before we move on."
Pleaded the mother. Miki shook her head no.
"I can give you some rations for three days. You need to move along before you or your family hurts someone."
The child gnashed their teeth and vomited on the ground, their siblings holding them back and crying.
"You should be happy."
Said Miki as she lead the family farther up the hole.
"They say people like you get life eternal. I can't say how long Jorain has been in power but it has been for as long as I've been here. They say he hasn't aged..."
"Shut up!"
Spat the teenager of the group, the one tasked with stringing along the rabid child on a chain.
"Hey suit yourself. I was just trying to make things a little more hopeful for you."
Miki spoke little after that. The dusty halls of Traphole had people watching as Miki followed the proccession with a gun pointed to the mother's back. Part of her felt for them, she really did. But knowing just like she made the right decision to leave her homeworld she knew now this was right for them. While it would make them dangerous and aggressive they could have a second lease on life should they stay away from the corruption for extended periods of time.
It was hard seeing one so young so over come by the Madness. The sight both terrified and revolted Miki. Foaming at the mouth and speaking in nonsense she wondered why that child in particular was so sick. Could it be the effects on a smaller body? Or just the person in general being more susceptible? It was hard to say but she kept a wide berth from the little one so as not to get mauled. Finally they were at the exit and the family stopped outside the door. Miki used the muzzle of her gun to nudge the father his first few steps. They held each other and cried for awhile with Miki standing guard. Then she gave out the rations and demanded a valuable from them.
"I need to get paid. I am truly sorry this is happening but you understand your place in the world now. Prove you're stronger than your disease and come back, or perish. I don't care but I need some bullets and a valuable to get compensation for ridding Traphole of you."
At that point it was too much. The mother's eyes buldged and she snarled, scratching Miki on her face. Miki quickly whipped the butt of her rifle upwards and knocked the woman in the chin. Blood and teeth came out of her mouth. Just as she was about to jump on top of Miki her husband grabbed her by the waist and drug her away.
"Just take it and go!!"
The poor man yelled as he threw a medallion and a pistol at her. They left into the Wastes and that was the last Miki saw them.
The gun wasn't loaded but fetched a worthy price back with Skin. The money in her pocket she returned home to witness herself in the reflection of the Chariot. She was confident and strong, none would harm her or dare question her. These were the qualities of a leader. The scratches on her face bothered her not, she was used to injuries and by now. The wound took little time to clean and she was headed to bed. Nightmares about dust storms and crying babies filled her mind that night.
Re: [Traphole] Meeting Your Maker
Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2021 11:46 pm
by Alexander Cross
XP: 5
Magical XP: N/A
Pieces of Knowledge:
- Gunslinging: Using the butt of the gun as a weapon
- Negotiation: Forcing others to give you valuables
- Business: Doing business with a gang
- Intimidation: Generic Lore 1
- Intimidation: Generic Lore 2
- Intimidation: Generic Lore 3
Loot: N/A
Injuries/Ailments: Facial scratches
Comments:
That’s the Badlands for you. Nice thread! Looking forward to Miki’s journey and the interesting freelance jobs. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, let me know. Enjoy your rewards!