“After the thing went off, after it was a sure thing that America could wipe out a city with just one bomb, a scientist turned to Father and said, 'Science has now known sin.' And do you know what Father said? He said, 'What is sin?”
-Kurt Vonnegut
RECENT HISTORY
Welcome to hell. The southeast was largely spared from the nuclear holocaust that obliterated many of America’s once great cities. While the South was largely untouched by the bombs, radiation tainted the Mississippi and much of the land surrounding it, including most of Louisiana. After a time vault dwellers began to exit their vaults and repopulate the much changed south. The rich and fertile land that their ancestors once knew was destroyed, and replaced by something else, something alien. New Orleans was turned into a veritable swamp, with nearly two thirds of the city submerged in at least several feet of irradiated sludge that had once qualified as water. Much of the flora and fauna that blanketed the land was changed into mutated versions of those in the past. Alligators that were commonly fifteen feet in length grew into massively bloated monsters, easily reaching over twenty-five feet in length. All life seemed hostile and well suited to the new environment. But, not only were there new creatures for the vault dwellers to fend off, it seemed that many pre-war peoples had fled into the swamps and devolved into something far less than human.
The vault dwellers fled their vaults and started new homes amongst the long abandoned cities of old. Large communities sprang up all over the state. Trade began to flow with the Mississippi, and everything seemed to be going so well. But all good things must come to an end. Four major factions threaten the peace and stability of the region. While they are all concentrated in the southern half of the state, the conflict will soon spread. The four major players are as follows: Caesar’s Legion, The Hub, Providence, and the Royaume.
With all the traffic flowing seamlessly up and down the Mississippi, bandits, brigands, and murderers have come to bring chaos and despair to many travelers hoping to get a stake of the rumored treasures of the Bayou State. The criminals have set up a lawless settlement in the north, in the ruined pre-war city of Shreveport. The rival bandit gangs own different parts of the city, and oftentimes fight street to street over control of one block or another. The tribals, deformed by generations of inbreeding have come out of their holes to brutally defend their territory from the invading foreigners. It seems little has changed in America. War has touched the East, War has touched the West, and soon, war will come to the South. Because war, war never changes.
LOUISIANA AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD
To the west, Hoover Dam is held by the NCR, but only just barely. Caesar and his legion are nearly ready for another assault on the Dam, and should they win, the Mojave will fall with the Dam. But for now, none of that is of any import to the lands of the Mississippi. The Legion has, however sent a full Centuria to investigate the rumors of treasures, and seed the area with the beginnings of a new campaign.
The new frontier in Louisiana was wild; there was no doubt about that. But, pockets of civilization pocket the land. Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, and a commune in the ruins of New Orleans are bastions of safety and normalcy compared to the nightmare just beyond the safety of their walls.
Tribals lurk in the swamps, wetlands, and forests of the wastelands. They prey upon anyone foolish enough to come to close to their territory. Though, they are often too caught up in their own petty feuds they rarely get involved in any conflicts beyond their own borders. Just as the Bayous sport an exotic and wide ranging variety of fauna, so too do they have a great many tribes of different values, resources, and beliefs. There are tribes of humans so deformed by inbreeding; they are hardly human at all. Some are quite plain, seeking only to hold on to what little resources they have left. And, it’s rumored amongst the locals that a tribe of Amazons roam the wilds in search of men to prey upon. And far to the north lays a lawless town of ingrates and brigands. Shreveport is full of vile men and women, but the bloody history of the town is even worse
Somewhere in this calamity is you. Be you an adventurer, well-to-do merchant, or something far more sinister. Everyone has their own reason to come to the Child of the Mississippi, and not many are willing to share it. But, whatever your reason is, you had best choose your enemies carefully, and choose your friends with even more caution. For if you choose wrong, you will surely end up in the belly of a beast.
FAQ
Q: What year is it?
A: 2280.
Q: What technology and equipment are our factions permitted?
A: The major factions (i.e. the ones outlined in the OOC) will have access to a limited amount of standard military infantry equipment and partial access to post-apocalyptic built vehicles. Minor and player-created factions will not have access to this equipment unless given explicit permission by the OP.
Q: Can we leave Louisiana?
A: You may stray beyond the borders of Louisiana, but not very far. Unless I give you express permission, it's generally best to stay within Louisiana.
Q: Is there a story?
A: Yes, but they are primarily tailored towards solo characters, but if you want something to do for your factions besides involving yourself in the southern conflict send me a telegram.
Q: Horses?
A: We’re going to be defying canon here and saying there are horses for ease of transportation.
Q: Can I apply as a member of one of the major or minor factions?
A: Yes, just not the leader.
