New Bravado
Nestled within the unforgiving expanse of the San Saba wastelands lies New Bravado, a settlement built atop a network of mysterious tunnels that stretch beneath the ground. Initially established with ambitions of wealth and discovery, the town endured significant hardship following the collapse of the influential San Saba Board. Despite the severe government's attempts to crush the town, they rebelled against the fascist leadership to create a community resilient enough to survive the harsh realities of their environment. Central to New Bravado's revival is The Ox, a crucial railway line connecting the town to neighboring settlements, ensuring the steady exchange of essential goods. Today, New Bravado symbolizes determination and hope, remaining a prominent fixture for travelers and traders navigating the wastelands.
Government
Following the chaos of the War of Antlers and the dissolution of centralized control, the residents of New Bravado established a structured self-governance system. The cornerstone of this system is a communal agreement known as The Charter, outlining the fundamental rights, laws, and societal obligations of every citizen. Prominent leaders of the various gangs of the town serve as a council, with the various leadership representing a form of democratic governance. Responsibility for upholding and interpreting these laws rests with the Law Dog Union, officials chosen from the townsfolk to ensure justice is served fairly and consistently. This grassroots approach to governance fosters unity among residents, emphasizing collective responsibility and mutual aid
Defences
Given the persistent threats from raiders and undead creatures, New Bravado employs a multi-layered defense system to safeguard its inhabitants. The settlement is fortified with barricades and reinforced structures but is situated on a peninsula of the nearby lake that restricts real access to the town except from the east. The town has no real structured security force but maintains internal order and actively repels external threats as a community. Supporting them is the Bravado Militia, a volunteer defense force originally organized during the War of Antlers, providing rapid response against hostile incursions from nearby watchtowers leading into the town. Together, these physical defenses and dedicated personnel ensure the continued safety and stability of New Bravado.
Industry & Trade
The economic vitality of New Bravado is rooted deeply in its strategic location and the wealth of resources extracted from beneath the town. The underground Facility provides rare metals, scrap materials, and salvaged technology essential for crafting and trade. The Ox railway significantly enhances the town's trade capabilities, transporting goods swiftly between New Bravado and neighboring settlements. Additionally, the Punkerport marina facilitates robust commerce with Drywater, allowing Junkerpunks to exchange agricultural products and manufactured goods for valuable salvage and technological finds. The largest rival settlement to Bravado is a fortress known as Bastion, home of the Mustang Loyalists, a militant force of the Fallow Hope. Perched atop a wreck of a massive airship and surrounded by a deadly radioactive Exclusion Zone, they have thrived thanks to a partnership with the Wells Society and the disciplined firepower of their soldiers.
Guilds and Factions
San Saba Republic:
Formerly known as the Tribes Disparate, the San Saba Republic is an ambitious attempt to unite a collection of previously independent tribes into a structured political entity, driven initially by the necessity of wartime survival. Currently, their attention is consumed by rebuilding the devastated city of Essex, known as the City of Light and Sound, after the destruction brought by the War of Antlers. Under the leadership of Queen Lucy “Boss” Debs, the Republic seeks to mend the deep divisions caused by civil conflict that pitted tribe against tribe. Although battered and diminished from its former strength, the Republic remains hopeful about its future, centered around restoring Essex and stabilizing the broader region.
The Railroad Conglomerate (RRC):
The Railroad Conglomerate (or RRC) was once the seat of technological and financial power in the San Saba. Today, they attempt to leverage the power they have left to forge a new future in the region after the devastation of the war. Although their leadership was mostly killed during the war, new competition and power struggles between powerful Elitariat families have brought fresh new attention to the faction.
The influence of the RRC will continue as long as the network of Oxlines are protected. As the “safest” travel option connecting the settlements near Bravado together, the RRC brings new resources and connections into the sleepy town of Bravado Station with the power of the mighty Ox, the last reminder of their former glory. With the resources found beneath the town of Bravado in the strange facility, the RRC hopes to rebuild their fleet of locomotives to expand their influence once.
The Grave Council:
The Grave Council is loose confederation of the various outcasts and unwanted in the wastes, primarily of the more monstrous lineages. The oldcestors once said that nothing is certain in life but death and taxes. The Council is a representation of both but also represents the memory and conscience of the Lonestar itself.
Through their tireless efforts the Grave Council has earned a place of respect and power, as the balance of life and death must be carefully monitored and protected. In the absence of a larger government, the charters of the Grave Council have focused instead on new advances in Necrology as well as ensuring that they are the foremost experts and auditors of the Mortis Amaranthine in the region.
Junkerpunks:
Whether they travel by foot, ship, or rubber, the Junkerpunks are the most pervasive merchant faction in the greater Lone Star area post-Stampede. The Junkerpunks used their influence to establish a new trading port called Drywater, across the lake from Bravado.
With the end of the War of Antlers, the Junkerpunks find themselves with no law, no government save for what you can take for yourself. Having exiled the Grave Council from Drywater, strange doings seep from below deck and are certain to become a nuisance for Bravado. Drywater is now awash with back alley deals and the kinds of goods clean hands never touch, and the criminal gangs like it that way.
The Law Dog Union:
The Law Dogs were once independent contractors, sent out to enforce the contracts of the Lone Star’s major factions; but this left many Law Dogs (who saw themselves as heirs of The Ranger’s legacy of selfless heroism) with a bad taste in their mouths. Frustrated with having to enforce predatory contracts designed by the powerful to entrap the desperate, the Law Dogs formed their own union under the leadership of Boss Wyatt. This new Law Dog Union protects and serves all people of the San Saba, regardless of wealth or privilege.
Throughout the San Saba, the marshals and agents of the Law Dog Union stand ready to enforce the various town charters and laws of the wasteland. Those caught in violation of these laws are brought before the Justices of Sin, roving representatives of the faction that assess their crimes and assign an appropriate punishment. These enforcers serve no single master other than the Union but hold distinct contracts with the major settlements of the San Saba, save for Drywater.
The Bravado Militia:
During the War of Antlers, the town of Bravado led a rebellion against the predatory San Saba Board and formed a volunteer military force to rival that of the Chairman. These brave soldiers defended settlements across the region in war and even fought against the undead nightmares that swarmed from Barogue and emerged victorious.
With the war over, the pressure of what to do next weighs heavily on the Militia. Bravado and the Oxkillers recruited countless soldiers, armed them, trained them, and whetted their appetites on war and violence. Without a cause to fight for, what happens to those soldiers and weapons of war? How does a soldier return to a life in their hometown? Is there still a need for an active military presence, and who should lead them? The Militia is faced with unexpected obstacles in the aftermath that will determine if they can continue as a powerful influence on the San Saba.
In addition to the formal and recognized bases of power within New Bravado, there are also persistent rumors of powerful criminal elements at work within the settlement...
Black MarketThe cell’s core mission is to maintain dominance and enforce order within the chaotic criminal landscape of Bravado. They achieve this through a combination of strategic alliances, calculated intimidation, and a comprehensive control of illicit operations. Murder Inc. specializes in assassination, intelligence, and sabotage, wielding their power to both protect their interests and neutralize threats.
In addition to their criminal enterprises, Murder Inc. plays a crucial role in the broader struggle between Bravado and Bastion. Their influence extends into political machinations and covert operations, positioning them as a key player in the ongoing conflict. The Volstead Gang's leadership ensures that Murder Inc.'s actions align with their broader goal of securing Bravado's dominance and safeguarding their territory from rival factions and external threats. As a central force in Bravado, the Murder Inc. chapter continuously navigates shifting alliances and power struggles, balancing their violent methods with a calculated approach to maintaining control. Their strategic maneuvers and capacity for brutal enforcement solidify their position as a dominant and feared entity in the city's criminal hierarchy.
