Ass-Fault Lake

Written by Michael_Berger

Ass-Fault Lake used to be a vaguely suburban, vaguely rural area of Fenfield filled with homes and a bunch of old geezers. That's not how it is now; Ass-Fault Lake has become an death trap. The titular lake acts as a home for these large crocodile and alligator creatures. They've got rock-hard skin, are the size of a car, and will eat anything that's not dirt or a plant. They're vicious fuckers and will target their prey to the ends of the Earth. What's more, they also like to dig under and hide beneath the thick soil of the neighboring fields, lying in wait until something tasty comes along. Obviously you don't want to be in Fenfield, but if you do end up in that district you especially don't want to be here. Only brave morons trying to push their luck visit this place.

Geography

There are two distinct parts of Ass-Fault Lake: The lake itself and the surrounding fields.

The Lake

The lake is this great big pit of rock. There's a big drop-off from the normal dirt ground that's a good two or three stories tall. The drop-off is so steep that the average waster can't scramble their way out of it. It acts as a perfect trap for the prey of those alligator-things. The few people that have gotten a peak into this pit say there's a half-dozen of those creatures laying about, soaking in the sun or letting the acid rain seep into their skin. Considering the alligators have only ever been seen in this pit and the surrounding fields, it's fair to say that there's something unique about this location. Whether it's the Maelstrom's fault or just where those beasts put down their roots is up for debate.
Some of the few sane old geezers that used to live in this area say the pit was there even before everything went to shit. That might be well and good, but that don't mean squat now and it changes nothing.

The Fields

The fields surrounding the lake are a distinct mixture of dead trees and open spaces devoid of trees. Old geezers who lived near Ass-Fault Lake before the bombs dropped say that the open spaces were used to, "Golf," or whatever, but now they're just spaces for the alligators to dig under and wait for prey to come by. The soil in and around these fields is surprisingly soft, but that's partly because of how many times the alligators have launched themselves through it and because of the rain. You might find some small scraps of the old world lying around, but all the big things (houses, buildings, telephone polls, etc.) have been eaten by our gator friends.

Fauna & Flora

Ass-Fault Lake is filled with these alligator and crocodile-looking fuckers. They're just a hair bigger than old world cars and their teeth are each a foot long. They'll chow down on anything that's not naturally green or dirt. Concrete, brick, and metal machines are fair game. They're also quite fond of living things, including human flesh. Many a traveler has been eviscerated, the survivors only getting away because their friends were busy being ripped apart. Fighting these beasts isn't an option; they've got rock-like skin that bullets can't pierce. What's worse, they like to bury themselves in the surrounding fields, waiting for uninformed creatures to pounce along. Once they feel something, the beast rises up (flinging dirt in every direction) and bites its victim before dragging them into a death roll. Seeing these alligator-things flip a whole car three times is as terrifying sight as it is fucking loud. When they're on the offensive, they don't give a shit about where they are or how much of a commotion they're making. Subtly is the one things these creatures don't have and don't need.
Aside from those monsters, the surrounding forests and fields are typical for the apocalypse. Dead trees, overgrown roads, and scorched grass. The complete lack of interest from the alligators in any natural plants has left the ground to become surprisingly fertile. A small creature might be able to survive in the surrounding fields of the lake on plants and seeds alone. Of course, that'a assuming they don't make much of a commotion and get devoured.

Natural Resources

The soil is fairly rich. The crazy fools brave enough to even come close to the region say that they've seen various small plants sprout from the ground and produce strange fruits and seeds. No one knows how any of it tastes, but they definitely look edible. There's a few riches to plunder, but they come at the risk of being snapped and caught in an alligator death roll.

Type

Lake, Dry

Location under

Fenfield